Democratization, environmental and income inequality

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Policardo
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Environmental Goods ◽  
Political Actors ◽  
Income Effects ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Decisive Voter ◽  
Different Levels

AbstractIf the demand for environmental goods is increasing with income, democratization shifts the decisive power from a rich autocrat to a poorer individual (decisive voter), so it should be associated with worse environmental conditions. In this paper, it is shown through a theoretical model that: (i) democratization may have mixed effects on the level of environmental quality, depending on the size of the price and income effects on the demand for environmental quality associated with a decrease in the decisive political actor's wealth; and (ii) assuming that society is composed of two classes of individuals with different levels of exposure to pollution, and assuming moreover that the decisive voter belongs to the most exposed class of individuals while the autocrat does not, democratization is beneficial for the environment, and the better the effect on the environment, the bigger the difference in wealth between the two decisive political actors.

scholarly journals IDENTIFICATION OF LAYERS PRESENT IN A CONTEMPORARY CERAMIC USING LASER-INDUCED PLASMA SPECTROSCOPY

2021 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67
Author(s):  
Celina Luízar Obregón ◽  
Daniel L’hermite
Keyword(s):  
Elemental Composition ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Plasma Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Induced Plasma ◽  
Improve Accuracy ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Different Depths ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels

In this work, laser-induced plasma spectroscopy was used to identify the elemental composition, at different depths, of a commercial Peruvian ceramic. The IVEA MobiLIBS system and IUMTEK TX1000 system were used, under environmental conditions and 5.6 mJ of energy, forming craters of approximately 60 μm in diameter. To improve accuracy, repetitions of the impact points were performed, accumulating the signals at the same depth. The blue and white pigments that covered it, as well as the matrix paste, were characterized, making different levels of penetration in the material, obtaining their respective elemental composition. This allowed finding the difference between stratigraphic layers, based mainly on the variation of the intensities of Copper, Titanium, Carbon and other characteristic elements of the clays that make up the matrix paste. Contemporary pottery was found to have sequential layers of decoration, engobe and matrix paste.

Information support for expert evaluation of the states of the external environment

2020 ◽  
pp. 71-76
Author(s):  
Rasol Murtadha Najah
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Fuzzy Inference ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Expert Assessment ◽  
Fuzzy Variables ◽  
Decision Making Models ◽  
The Difference ◽  
State Of The Environment

This article discusses the application of methods to enhance the knowledge of experts to build a decision-making model based on the processing of physical data on the real state of the environment. Environmental parameters determine its ecological state. To carry out research in the field of expert assessment of environmental conditions, the analysis of known works in this field is carried out. The results of the analysis made it possible to justify the relevance of the application of analytical, stochastic models and models based on methods of enhancing the knowledge of experts — experts. It is concluded that the results of using analytical and stochastic objects are inaccurate, due to the complexity and poor mathematical description of the objects. The relevance of developing information support for an expert assessment of environmental conditions is substantiated. The difference of this article is that based on the analysis of the application of expert methods for assessing the state of the environment, a fuzzy logic adoption model and information support for assessing the environmental state of the environment are proposed. The formalization of the parameters of decision-making models using linguistic and fuzzy variables is considered. The formalization of parameters of decision-making models using linguistic and fuzzy variables was considered. The model’s description of fuzzy inference is given. The use of information support for environment state assessment is shown on the example of experts assessing of the land desertification stage.

scholarly journals Mode Shape-Based Damage Detection Method (MSDI): Experimental Validation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 4589
Author(s):  
Ivan Duvnjak ◽  
Domagoj Damjanović ◽  
Marko Bartolac ◽  
Ana Skender
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Damage Detection ◽  
Mode Shape ◽  
Experimental Validation ◽  
Detection Method ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Main Principle ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Different Levels

The main principle of vibration-based damage detection in structures is to interpret the changes in dynamic properties of the structure as indicators of damage. In this study, the mode shape damage index (MSDI) method was used to identify discrete damages in plate-like structures. This damage index is based on the difference between modified modal displacements in the undamaged and damaged state of the structure. In order to assess the advantages and limitations of the proposed algorithm, we performed experimental modal analysis on a reinforced concrete (RC) plate under 10 different damage cases. The MSDI values were calculated through considering single and/or multiple damage locations, different levels of damage, and boundary conditions. The experimental results confirmed that the MSDI method can be used to detect the existence of damage, identify single and/or multiple damage locations, and estimate damage severity in the case of single discrete damage.

scholarly journals A Semi-Theoretical Model for Water Condensation: Dew Used in Conservation of Earthen Heritage Sites

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Xiang He ◽  
Sijia Wang ◽  
Bingjian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Mass Transfer Process ◽  
Formation Processes ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Dew Formation ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Two Parameter

Dew is a common but important phenomenon. Though water is previously considered to be a threat to earthen heritage sites, artificial dew is showing potential in relic preservation. A model of dew prediction on earthen sites will be essential for developing preventive protection methods, but studies of dew formation processes on relics are limited. In this study, a two parameter model is proposed. It makes approximations according to the features of earthen heritage sites, assuming that a thin and steady air layer exists close to the air–solid interface. This semi-theoretical model was based on calculations of the mass transfer process in the air layer, and was validated by simulations of laboratory experiments (R > 0.9) as well as field experiments. Additionally, a numerical simulation, performed by the commercial software COMSOL, confirmed that the difference between fitting parameter δ and the thickness of assumed mass transfer field was not significant. This model will be helpful in developing automatic environmental control systems for stabilizing water and soluble salts, thus enhancing preventive protection of earthen heritage sites.

Modulation instability in nonlinear chiral fiber

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Demissie Jobir Gelmecha ◽  
Ram Sewak Singh
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Pulse Propagation ◽  
Modulation Instability ◽  
Constitutive Relations ◽  
Gain Spectrum ◽  
Circularly Polarized ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
The Difference

AbstractIn this paper, the rigorous derivations of generalized coupled chiral nonlinear Schrödinger equations (CCNLSEs) and their modulation instability analysis have been explored theoretically and computationally. With the consideration of Maxwell’s equations and Post’s constitutive relations, a generalized CCNLSE has been derived, which describes the evolution of left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) and right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) components propagating through single-core nonlinear chiral fiber. The analysis of modulation instability in nonlinear chiral fiber has been investigated starting from CCNLSEs. Based on a theoretical model and numerical simulations, the difference on the modulation instability gain spectrum in LCP and RCP components through chiral fiber has been analyzed by considering loss and chirality into account. The obtained simulation results have shown that the loss distorts the sidebands of the modulation instability gain spectrum, while chirality modulates the gain for LCP and RCP components in a different manner. This suggests that adjusting chirality strength may control the loss, and nonlinearity simultaneously provides stable modulated pulse propagation.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Extratropical Cyclones That Cause Tornadoes in Italy: A Preliminary Study

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 180
Author(s):  
Eigo Tochimoto ◽  
Mario Marcello Miglietta ◽  
Leonardo Bagaglini ◽  
Roberto Ingrosso ◽  
Hiroshi Niino
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Extratropical Cyclones ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Southeastern Us ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Strong Evaporation

Characteristics of extratropical cyclones that cause tornadoes in Italy are investigated. Tornadoes between 2007 and 2016 are analyzed, and statistical analysis of the associated cyclone structures and environments is performed using the JRA-55 reanalysis. Tornadoes are distributed sporadically around the cyclone location within a window of 10° × 10°. The difference in the cyclone tracks partially explains the seasonal variability in the distribution of tornadoes. The highest number of tornadoes occur south of the cyclone centers, mainly in the warm sector, while a few are observed along the cold front. Composite mesoscale parameters are examined to identify the environmental conditions associated with tornadoes in different seasons. Potential instability is favorable to tornado development in autumn. The highest convective available potential energy (CAPE) in this season is associated with relatively high-temperature and humidity at low-levels, mainly due to the strong evaporation over the warm Mediterranean Sea. Upper-level potential vorticity (PV) anomalies and the associated cold air reduce the static stability above the cyclone center, mainly in spring and winter. On average, the values of CAPE are lower than for US tornadoes and comparable with those occurring in Japan, while storm relative helicity (SREH) is comparable with US tornadoes and higher than Japanese tornadoes, indicating that the environmental conditions for Italian tornadoes have peculiar characteristics. Overall, the conditions emerging in this study are close to the high-shear, low-CAPE environments typical of cool-season tornadoes in the Southeastern US.

scholarly journals Six ultraviolet minutes for cleaner operating theatres

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bosco ◽  
S Gambelli ◽  
V Urbano ◽  
G Cevenini ◽  
G Messina
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Operating Theatres ◽  
Cleaning Procedures ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Final Cleaning

Abstract Background Sanitizing the operating theatres (OT) is important to minimize risk of post-operative infections. Disinfection procedures between one operation and another is less aggressive than final cleaning procedures, at the end of the day. Aim was assessing the difference of contamination: i) between different levels of disinfection; ii) before and after the use of a UVC Device (UVC-D). Methods Between December 2019/February 2020 a cross sectional study was conducted in OT in a real clinical context. 94 Petri dishes (PD) were used in 3 OT. Three different sanitation levels (SL1-3) were compared pre- and post-use of UVC-D: i) No cleaning after surgery (SL1); ii) after in-between cleaning (SL2); iii) after terminal cleaning (SL3). UVC-D was employed for 6 minutes, 3 minutes per bed side. PD were incubated at 36 °C and colony forming unit (CFU) counted at 48h. Descriptive statistic, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to assess the contamination levels in total, pre/post use of UVC-D, and between different sanitation levels, respectively. Results In total we had a mean of 3.39 CFU/PD (C.I. 2.05 - 4.74) and a median of 1 CFU/PD (Min. 0 - Max. 39), after UVC-D use we had a mean of 2.20 CFU/PD (C.I. 0.69 - 5.09) and a median of 0 CFU/PD (Min. 0 - Max. 133). The UVC-D led to a significant reduction of CFU (p < 0.001). Without UVC-D we had a significant CFU drop (p < 0.05) between SL1 and SL3. Using UVC-D, we observed significant reductions of contamination (p < 0.05) between SL3 and SL1. Comparing SL1 (median 0) post UVC-D use vs SL2 pre UVC-D use (median 0.5), and SL2 post UVC-D use (median 0) vs SL3 pre UVC-D use (median 1) we had a significant reduction of contamination (p < 0.05). Conclusions UVC-D improved environmental contamination in any of the three sanitation levels. Furthermore, the use of UVC-D alone was better than in-between and terminal cleaning. Although these encouraging results, the cleaning procedures executed by dedicated staff has to be considered. Key messages UVC are efficient to decrease contamination in operating theatres regardless of sanitation levels. The additional use of UVC technology to standard cleaning procedures significantly improves sanitation levels.

Insertion of vowels in English syllabic consonantal clusters pronounced by L1 Polish speakers

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 331-341
Author(s):  
Urszula Chwesiuk
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
English Studies ◽  
Vowel Reduction ◽  
Potential Influence ◽  
English System ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Abstract The aim of this study was an attempt to verify whether Polish speakers of English insert a vowel in the word-final clusters containing a consonant and a syllabic /l/ or /n/ due to the L1–L2 transfer. L1 Polish speakers are mostly unaware of the existence of syllabic consonants; hence, they use the Polish phonotactics and articulate a vocalic sound before a final sonorant which is deprived of its syllabicity. This phenomenon was examined among L1 Polish speakers, 1-year students of English studies, and the recording sessions were repeated a year later. Since, over that time, they were instructed with regard to phonetics and phonology but also the overall practical language learning, the results demonstrated the occurrence of the phenomenon of vowel insertion on different levels of advanced command of English. If the vowels were inserted, their quality and length were monitored and analysed. With regard to the English system, pronouncing vowel /ə/ before a syllabic consonant is possible, yet not usual. That is why another aim of this study is to examine to what extent the vowels articulated by the subjects differ from the standard pronunciation of non-final /ə/. The quality differences between the vowels articulated in the words ending with /l/ and /n/ were examined as well as the potential influence from the difference between /l/ and /n/ on the occurrence of vowel reduction. Even though Polish phonotactics permit numerous consonantal combinations in all word positions, it proved to be challenging for L1 Polish speakers to pronounce word-final consonantal clusters containing both syllabic sonorants. This result carries practical implications for the teaching methodology of English phonetics.

Distinction between Dolus and Culpa with reference to Arson in Zakon Sudnyj LJudem, the Vinodol Law and the Statute of Senj

De Jure ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Haman ◽  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Law ◽  
The Other ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
The Third ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Criminal Offenses ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Better Than

The difference between intent (dolus) and negligence (culpa) was rarely emphasized in codified medieval laws and regulations. When compared to the legal statements related to intent, negligence was mentioned even more rarely. However, there are some laws that distinguished between the two concepts in terms of some specific crimes, such as arson. This paper draws attention to three medieval Slavic legal documents – the Zakon Sudnyj LJudem (ZSLJ), the Vinodol Law and the Statute of Senj. They are compared with reference to regulations regarding arson, with the focus being on arson as a crime committed intentionally or out of negligence. The ZSLJ as the oldest known Slavic law in the world shows some similarities with other medieval Slavic legal codes, especially in the field of criminal law, since most of the ZSLJ’s articles are related to criminal law. On the other hand, the Vinodol Law is the oldest preserved Croatian law and it is among the oldest Slavic codes in the world. It was written in 1288 in the Croatian Glagolitic script and in the Croatian Chakavian dialect. The third document – the Statute of Senj – regulated legal matters in the Croatian littoral town of Senj. It was written in 1388 – exactly a century after the Vinodol Law was proclaimed. When comparing the Vinodol Law and the Statute of Senj with the Zakon Sudnyj LJudem, there are clear differences and similarities, particularly in the field of criminal law. Within the framework of criminal offenses, the act of arson is important for making a distinction between intent and negligence. While the ZSLJ regulates different levels of guilt, the Vinodol Law makes no difference between dolus and culpa. On the other hand, the Statute of Senj strictly refers to negligence as a punishable crime. Even though the ZSLJ is almost half a millennium older than the Statute of Senj and around 400 years older than the Vinodol Law, this paper proves that the ZSLJ defines the guilt and the punishment for arson much better than the other two laws.

scholarly journals Microbiological monitoring in two areas with different levels of conservation in the mangroves of an Ecological Station, Vitoria, ES

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliano De Oliveira Barbirato ◽  
Juliana Melo Conceição ◽  
Dandara Silva Cabral ◽  
André Luiz Paier Barroso ◽  
Daniel Basílio Zandonadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Interstitial Water ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Environmental Characteristics ◽  
Microbiological Monitoring ◽  
Strong Indicator ◽  
Different Levels

Mangroves are classified as permanent preservation areas and regarded as natural nurseries. However, they have suffered several anthropogenic stresses, resulting in their decline. In the light of that, comes the importance of researching their environmental characteristics and revealing possible factors that have led to the degradation of this important ecosystem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental quality of different areas in the mangroves of Ilha do Lameirão Ecological Station through microbiological analyzes of sediment and interstitial water along ten (10) sites, distributed in two areas with different conservation levels (Canal dos Escravos (CE) and Maria Ortiz (MO)) between 2010 and 2012. The microbiological analyzes revealed that MO region, in all seasons of the year, achieved total coliform and thermo-tolerant coliform values above those permitted by the CONAMA Resolution 357/05, fitting the Class 2 conservation standard. The presence of high levels of total and thermo-tolerant coliforms in MO is a strong indicator of impacts originated from the human population and, consequently, the decline of the mangrove itself and the health of human communities surrounding that area. 

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document