664 research outputs found
A spatial multi-criteria model for the evaluation of land redistribution plans
A planning support system for land consolidation has been developed that has, at its heart, an expert system called LandSpaCES (Land Spatial Consolidation Expert System) which contains a "design module" that generates alternative land redistributions under different scenarios and an "evaluation module" which integrates GIS with multi-criteria decision making for assessing these alternatives. This paper introduces the structural framework of the latter module which has been applied using a case study in Cyprus. Two new indices are introduced: the "parcel concentration coefficient" for measuring the dispersion of parcels; and the "landowner satisfaction rate" for predicting the acceptance of the land redistribution plan by the landowners in terms of the location of their new parcels. These two indices are used as criteria for the evaluation of the land redistribution alternatives and are transferable to any land consolidation project. Moreover, a modified version of the ratio estimation procedure, referred to as the "qualitative rating method" for assigning weights to the evaluation criteria, is presented, along with a set of non-linear value functions for standardizing the performance scores of the alternatives and incorporating expert knowledge for five evaluation criteria. The application of the module showed that it is a powerful new tool for the evaluation of alternative land redistribution plans that could be implemented in other countries after appropriate adjustments. A broader contribution has also been made to spatial planning processes, which might follow the methodology and innovations presented in this paper
LandParcelS: A module for automated land partitioning
Land fragmentation is a widespread problem and schemes for consolidating land are required to improve agricultural efficiency. This paper explains the development of a module called LandParcelS (Land Parcelling System) that is part of an integrated planning and decision support system called LAONISS which is being developed to assist land consolidation planning in Cyprus. LandParcelS is the component of the system that automates the land partitioning process by optimising land parcels in terms of shape, size and value. The methodology employs a genetic algorithm and results are presented when treating the partitioning task as either a single or multi-objective problem
Drawing bobbin lace graphs, or, Fundamental cycles for a subclass of periodic graphs
In this paper, we study a class of graph drawings that arise from bobbin lace
patterns. The drawings are periodic and require a combinatorial embedding with
specific properties which we outline and demonstrate can be verified in linear
time. In addition, a lace graph drawing has a topological requirement: it
contains a set of non-contractible directed cycles which must be homotopic to
, that is, when drawn on a torus, each cycle wraps once around the minor
meridian axis and zero times around the major longitude axis. We provide an
algorithm for finding the two fundamental cycles of a canonical rectangular
schema in a supergraph that enforces this topological constraint. The polygonal
schema is then used to produce a straight-line drawing of the lace graph inside
a rectangular frame. We argue that such a polygonal schema always exists for
combinatorial embeddings satisfying the conditions of bobbin lace patterns, and
that we can therefore create a pattern, given a graph with a fixed
combinatorial embedding of genus one.Comment: Appears in the Proceedings of the 25th International Symposium on
Graph Drawing and Network Visualization (GD 2017
What determines pupilsâ travel distance to school in China? A multilevel analysis of educational access in Beijing
While access to school is one crucial aspect of education equality, there is a lack of research on factors that influence the distance that pupils travel to school. Previous studies have failed to reveal the relationship between pupilsâ socio-spatial characteristics and travel distance. This paper uncovers the multilevel structure, ignored hitherto, that underpins the determinants of pupilsâ travel distance. Using detailed travel survey data for Beijing and an appropriate multilevel modelling approach, this research reveals that contextual variation remains, having taken account of compositional (individual-level) variables; and that contextual factors, that is, school density and neighbourhood context, are more influential when compared with individual-level factors except for education stage and housing type. The policy implications include improved planning for schools in comparatively deprived areas, increased provision of affordable housing and enhanced education opportunities for migrant children
Quantum oscillations and decoherence due to electron-electron interaction in metallic networks and hollow cylinders
We have studied the quantum oscillations of the conductance for arrays of
connected mesoscopic metallic rings, in the presence of an external magnetic
field. Several geometries have been considered: a linear array of rings
connected with short or long wires compared to the phase coherence length,
square networks and hollow cylinders. Compared to the well-known case of the
isolated ring, we show that for connected rings, the winding of the Brownian
trajectories around the rings is modified, leading to a different harmonics
content of the quantum oscillations. We relate this harmonics content to the
distribution of winding numbers. We consider the limits where coherence length
is small or large compared to the perimeter of each ring
constituting the network. In the latter case, the coherent diffusive
trajectories explore a region larger than , whence a network dependent
harmonics content. Our analysis is based on the calculation of the spectral
determinant of the diffusion equation for which we have a simple expression on
any network. It is also based on the hypothesis that the time dependence of the
dephasing between diffusive trajectories can be described by an exponential
decay with a single characteristic time (model A) .
At low temperature, decoherence is limited by electron-electron interaction,
and can be modelled in a one-electron picture by the fluctuating electric field
created by other electrons (model B). It is described by a functional of the
trajectories and thus the dependence on geometry is crucial. Expressions for
the magnetoconductance oscillations are derived within this model and compared
to the results of model A. It is shown that they involve several
temperature-dependent length scales.Comment: 35 pages, revtex4, 25 figures (34 pdf files
Measuring and Assessing Regional Education Inequalities in China under Changing Policy Regimes
Chinaâs uneven regional economic development and decentralisation of its education system have led to increasing regional education disparities. Here, we introduce a new multidimensional index, the Index of Regional Education Advantage (IREA), underpinned by Amartya Senâs capability approach, to evaluate the effectiveness of policies targeted at reducing regional/provincial educational inequalities in China since 2005. The analysis of the distribution of IREA scores and the decomposition of the index reveals that education in north-eastern China is better than in the south-west part of the country, a pattern which lacks conformity with the eastern, middle and western macro-divisions adopted by Central Government as the basis of policy implementation. In addition, the education of migrant children and the low transfer rate into high schools are identified as key issues requiring Government attention
Sensemaking through the storm: how postpartum depression shapes personal workâfamily narratives.
Many women experience psychological and emotional challenges during their transition to becoming a working mother. Postpartum depression (PPD) is one common, salient aspect of motherhood that can serve as a workâlife shock event and profoundly shape womenâs work and nonwork lives yet has evaded discussion in the organizational sciences. Taking a grounded theory approach, we interviewed 41 women who experienced PPD as well as key informants who provided additional insights about PPD (e.g., an obstetrician, women working for organizations that support postpartum health). Our analysis highlights how being diagnosed with PPD activates a complex sensemaking process in which women process an imposing identityâa concept we introduce to the identity and workâfamily literatures reflecting an unexpected, undesirable identity that imposes upon existing (e.g., work) and/or provisional identities that may or may not be fully elaborated (e.g., motherhood), ultimately shifting how women think about the intersection of work and family. We also delineate how supports and antisupports (i.e., overt acts dismissive of womenâs PPD) shape the aforementioned processes. Combined, our research aims to advance the discussion of PPD within organizational scholarship, rendering significant implications for both theory and practice
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