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| 2. |
- Gyllin, Mats, et al.
(författare)
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Semantic assessments of experienced biodiversity from photographs and on-site observations - a comparison
- 2015
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Ingår i: Environment and Natural Resources Research. - : Canadian Center of Science and Education. - 1927-0488 .- 1927-0496. ; 5, s. 46-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Since the 1960’s, public assessments of landscapes have often been carried out using photographic representations. How reliable and valid are these assessments compared with on-site observations? In the present study, participants have been asked to judge different areas in terms of a limited feature: the biodiversity of the area. Digitalized photos from six different study areas were made available on the Internet, along with a questionnaire consisting of a semantic form with specific words/expressions to be rated in relation to the photos (four per area). Participants were recruited via mailing lists and informal contacts. These results were compared with a study in which students and ecologists had rated the same places using the same form, but this time on-site. The Internet participants were also asked to state their profession/education to make comparisons possible. The comparisons revealed differences between on-site and photo-based ratings, but the main difference was expressed by on-site biologists regarding areas with the highest experienced biodiversity values, possibly due to their higher degree of expertise and use of more senses than can be used when judging photographs. Concerning laymen in particular, it is concluded that the comparison between on-site and photo-based ratings is not conclusive enough to allow us to determine whether it is appropriate to use one method as a substitute for the other.
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| 3. |
- Jensen, Mikael, 1969
(författare)
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Learning about Environmental Issues with the Aid of Cognitive Tools
- 2011
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Ingår i: Environment and Natural Resources Research. - : Canadian Center of Science and Education. - 1927-0488 .- 1927-0496. ; 1:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- When looking at the issue of learning about environmental problems many difficulties stem from their inherent abstractness which causes difficulties because humans have a problem understanding information that is not directly perceivable. We primarily create our lives on perceivable information and by imitating other people. This paper will examine the limitations of the human mind and it will discuss environmental problems that we can't grasp, but on the other hand it will discuss our cognitive capacities and the kind of tools we can use, and how these might be handled by educators. The tools discussed are: models and miniatures, metaphors and analogies, tracking, key questions, and (participatory) stories. The cognitive science approach is just one way of looking at the issue but it can be useful when dealing with educational challenges.
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| 4. |
- Ramezani, Habib
(författare)
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A note on normalized definition of Shannon’s diversity index in landscape pattern analysis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Environment and Natural Resources Research. - : Canadian Center of Science and Education. - 1927-0488 .- 1927-0496. ; 2, s. 54-60
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A common approach for quantifying landscape pattern through landscape metrics is to use categorical maps of entire landscape. However, a new interest is to use sampling data where the data are collected for only a small fraction of the entire landscape. In sample based approaches some currently used landscape metrics may not be estimated since these metrics are defined based on mapped data. Shannon's diversity index is a frequently used metric in landscape pattern analysis. In this study, the performance of the normalized Shannon's diversity index is demonstrated when using sampled full-coverage maps and then point sampling on the maps. Artificial and real landscapes have been employed for this purpose. The results showed that calculation of the normalized Shannon's diversity index based on the number of land cover types in the entire classification system is more appropriate than based on the number of land cover types present within landscape. There was a strong and positive correlation between reference and estimated values but the estimator of Shannon's diversity index was slightly and negatively biased. In conclusion, it is needed to slightly redefine some currently used landscape metrics to accommodate sampling data.
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| 5. |
- Kifle, Dejene, et al.
(författare)
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A Simple Assessment of the Global Long Term Supply of the Rare Earth Elements by Using a System Dynamics Model
- 2013
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Ingår i: Environment and Natural Resources Research. - 1927-0496. ; 3:1, s. 77-91
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our simple dynamic-simulation model shows that the global supply of Rare Earth Elements is limited for meeting the future demands of new technologies. Unless improved recycling policies are adapted strategic elements may become scarce in the next half-century as a result of a “peak Rare Earths Elements” phenomenon. The model results also show that the market alone cannot solve the resource-inefficiency problem because the market’s instant and opportunistic nature impedes the long-term planning that is needed. Market mechanisms will only function if governments discourage wasteful practices by requiring recycling and long-term planning as conditions for the industry before the resource becomes too scarce. We conclude that technologies and industrial capacity for effectively recycling Rare Earth Elements will be in demand, and that effective recycling policy should be put in place soon to make the supply sustainable over the long-term
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