Analysis of the "European Charter on General Principles for Protection of the Environment and Sustainable Development" The Council of Europe Document CO-DBP (2003) 2

Analysis of the "European Charter on General Principles for Protection of the Environment and Sustainable Development" The Council of Europe Document CO-DBP (2003) 2

Modelling the Impact of Built Environment, Geographical Scales and Latent Constructs On Individual Travel Behaviour

La relaci��n entre la estructura urbana y la movilidad ha sido estudiada desde hace m��s de 70 a��os. El entorno urbano incluye m��ltiples dimensiones como por ejemplo: la estructura urbana, los usos de suelo, la distribuci��n de instalaciones diversas (comercios, escuelas y zonas de restauraci��n, parking, etc.). Al realizar una revisi��n de la literatura existente en este contexto, se encuentran distintos an��lisis, metodolog��as, escalas geogr��ficas y dimensiones, tanto de la movilidad como de la estructura urbana. En este sentido, se trata de una relaci��n muy estudiada pero muy compleja, sobre la que no existe hasta el momento un consenso sobre qu�� dimensi��n del entorno urbano influye sobre qu�� dimensi��n de la movilidad, y cu��l es la manera apropiada de representar esta relaci��n. Con el prop��sito de contestar estas preguntas investigaci��n, la presente tesis tiene los siguientes objetivos generales: (1) Contribuir al mejor entendimiento de la compleja relaci��n estructura urbana y movilidad. y (2) Entender el rol de los atributos latentes en la relaci��n entorno urbano y movilidad. El objetivo espec��fico de la tesis es analizar la influencia del entorno urbano sobre dos dimensiones de la movilidad: n��mero de viajes y tipo de tour. Vista la complejidad de la relaci��n entorno urbano y movilidad, se pretende contribuir al mejor entendimiento de la relaci��n a trav��s de la utilizaci��n de 3 escalas geogr��ficas de las variables y del an��lisis de la influencia de efectos inobservados en la movilidad. Para el an��lisis se utiliza una base de datos conformada por tres tipos de datos: (1) Una encuesta de movilidad realizada durante los a��os 2006 y 2007. Se obtuvo un total de 943 encuestas, en 3 barrios de Madrid: Chamber��, Pozuelo y Algete. (2) Informaci��n municipal del Instituto Nacional de Estad��stica: dicha informaci��n se encuentra enlazada con los or��genes y destinos de los viajes recogidos en la encuesta. Y (3) Informaci��n georeferenciada en Arc-GIS de los hogares participantes en la encuesta: la base de datos contiene informaci��n respecto a la estructura de las calles, localizaci��n de escuelas, parking, centros m��dicos y lugares de restauraci��n. Se analiz�� la correlaci��n entre e intra-grupos y se modelizaron 4 casos de atributos bajo la estructura ordinal logit. Posteriormente se eval��a la auto-selecci��n a trav��s de la estimaci��n conjunta de las elecciones de tipo de barrio y n��mero de viajes. La elecci��n del tipo de barrio consta de 3 alternativas: CBD, Urban y Suburban, seg��n la zona de residencia recogida en las encuestas. Mientras que la elecci��n del n��mero de viajes consta de 4 categor��as ordinales: 0 viajes, 1-2 viajes, 3-4 viajes y 5 o m��s viajes. A partir de la mejor especificaci��n del modelo ordinal logit. Se desarroll�� un modelo joint mixed-ordinal conjunto. Los resultados indican que las variables ex��genas requieren un an��lisis exhaustivo de correlaciones con el fin de evitar resultados sesgados. ha determinado que es importante medir los atributos del BE donde se realiza el viaje, pero tambi��n la informaci��n municipal es muy explicativa de la movilidad individual. Por tanto, la percepci��n de las zonas de destino a nivel municipal es considerada importante. En el contexto de la Auto-selecci��n (self-selection) es importante modelizar conjuntamente las decisiones. La Auto-selecci��n existe, puesto que los par��metros estimados conjuntamente son significativos. Sin embargo, s��lo ciertos atributos del entorno urbano son igualmente importantes sobre la elecci��n de la zona de residencia y frecuencia de viajes. Para analizar la Propensi��n al Viaje, se desarroll�� un modelo h��brido, formado por: una variable latente, un indicador y un modelo de elecci��n discreta. La variable latente se denomina ���Propensi��n al Viaje���, cuyo indicador en ecuaci��n de medida es el n��mero de viajes; la elecci��n discreta es el tipo de tour. El modelo de elecci��n consiste en 5 alternativas, seg��n la jerarqu��a de actividades establecida en la tesis: HOME, no realiza viajes durante el d��a de estudio, HWH tour cuya actividad principal es el trabajo o estudios, y no se realizan paradas intermedias; HWHs tour si el individuo reaiza paradas intermedias; HOH tour cuya actividad principal es distinta a trabajo y estudios, y no se realizan paradas intermedias; HOHs donde se realizan paradas intermedias. Para llegar a la mejor especificaci��n del modelo, se realiz�� un trabajo importante considerando diferentes estructuras de modelos y tres tipos de estimaciones. De tal manera, se obtuvieron par��metros consistentes y eficientes. Los resultados muestran que la modelizaci��n de los tours, representa una ventaja sobre la modelizaci��n de los viajes, puesto que supera las limitaciones de espacio y tiempo, enlazando los viajes realizados por la misma persona en el d��a de estudio. La propensi��n al viaje (PT) existe y es espec��fica para cada tipo de tour. Los par��metros estimados en el modelo h��brido resultaron significativos y distintos para cada alternativa de tipo de tour. Por ��ltimo, en la tesis se verifica que los modelos h��bridos representan una mejora sobre los modelos tradicionales de elecci��n discreta, dando como resultado par��metros consistentes y m��s robustos. En cuanto a pol��ticas de transporte, se ha demostrado que los atributos del entorno urbano son m��s importantes que los LOS (Level of Service) en la generaci��n de tours multi-etapas. la presente tesis representa el primer an��lisis emp��rico de la relaci��n entre los tipos de tours y la propensi��n al viaje. El concepto Propensity to Travel ha sido desarrollado exclusivamente para la tesis. Igualmente, el desarrollo de un modelo conjunto RC-Number of trips basado en tres escalas de medida representa innovaci��n en cuanto a la comparaci��n de las escalas geogr��ficas, que no hab��a sido hecha en la modelizaci��n de la self-selection. The relationship between built environment (BE) and travel behaviour (TB) has been studied in a number of cases, using several methods - aggregate and disaggregate approaches - and different focuses ��� trip frequency, automobile use, and vehicle miles travelled and so on. Definitely, travel is generated by the need to undertake activities and obtain services, and there is a general consensus that urban components affect TB. However researches are still needed to better understand which components of the travel behaviour are affected most and by which of the urban components. In order to fill the gap in the research, the present dissertation faced two main objectives: (1) To contribute to the better understanding of the relationship between travel demand and urban environment. And (2) To develop an econometric model for estimating travel demand with urban environment attributes. With this purpose, the present thesis faced an exhaustive research and computation of land-use variables in order to find the best representation of BE for modelling trip frequency. In particular two empirical analyses are carried out: 1. Estimation of three dimensions of travel demand using dimensions of urban environment. We compare different travel dimensions and geographical scales, and we measure self-selection contribution following the joint models. 2. Develop a hybrid model, integrated latent variable and discrete choice model. The implementation of hybrid models is new in the analysis of land-use and travel behaviour. BE and TB explicitly interact and allow richness information about a specific individual decision process For all empirical analysis is used a data-base from a survey conducted in 2006 and 2007 in Madrid. Spatial attributes describing neighbourhood environment are derived from different data sources: National Institute of Statistics-INE (Administrative: municipality and district) and GIS (circular units). INE provides raw data for such spatial units as: municipality and district. The construction of census units is trivial as the census bureau provides tables that readily define districts and municipalities. The construction of circular units requires us to determine the radius and associate the spatial information to our households. The first empirical part analyzes trip frequency by applying an ordered logit model. In this part is studied the effect of socio-economic, transport and land use characteristics on two travel dimensions: trip frequency and type of tour. In particular the land use is defined in terms of type of neighbourhoods and types of dwellers. Three neighbourhood representations are explored, and described three for constructing neighbourhood attributes. In particular administrative units are examined to represent neighbourhood and circular ��� unit representation. Ordered logit models are applied, while ordinal logit models are well-known, an intensive work for constructing a spatial attributes was carried out. On the other hand, the second empirical analysis consists of the development of an innovative econometric model that considers a latent variable called ���propensity to travel���, and choice model is the choice of type of tour. The first two specifications of ordinal models help to estimate this latent variable. The latent variable is unobserved but the manifestation is called ���indicators���, then the probability of choosing an alternative of tour is conditional to the probability of latent variable and type of tour. Since latent variable is unknown we fit the integral over its distribution. Four ���sets of best variables��� are specified, following the specification obtained from the correlation analysis. The results evidence that the relative importance of SE variables versus BE variables depends on how BE variables are measured. We found that each of these three spatial scales has its intangible qualities and drawbacks. Spatial scales play an important role on predicting travel demand due to the variability in measures at trip origin/destinations within the same administrative unit (municipality, district and so on). Larger units will produce less variation in data; but it does not affect certain variables, such as public transport supply, that are more significant at municipality level. By contrast, land-use measures are more efficient at district level. Self-selection in this context, is weak. Thus, the influence of BE attributes is true. The results of the hybrid model show that unobserved factors affect the choice of tour complexity. The latent variable used in this model is propensity to travel that is explained by socioeconomic aspects and neighbourhood attributes. The results show that neighbourhood attributes have indeed a significant impact on the choice of the type of tours either directly and through the propensity to travel. The propensity to travel has a different impact depending on the structure of each tour and increases the probability of choosing more complex tours, such as tours with many intermediate stops. The integration of choice and latent variable model shows that omitting important perception and attitudes leads to inconsistent estimates. The results also indicate that goodness of fit improves by adding the latent variable in both sequential and simultaneous estimation. There are significant differences in the sensitivity to the latent variable across alternatives. In general, as expected, the hybrid models show a major improvement into the goodness of fit of the model, compared to a classical discrete choice model that does not incorporate latent effects. The integrated model leads to a more detailed analysis of the behavioural process. Summarizing, the effect that built environment characteristics on trip frequency studied is deeply analyzed. In particular we tried to better understand how land use characteristics can be defined and measured and which of these measures do have really an impact on trip frequency. We also tried to test the superiority of HCM on this field. We can concluded that HCM shows a major improvement into the goodness of fit of the model, compared to classical discrete choice model that does not incorporate latent effects. And consequently, the application of HCM shows the importance of LV on the decision of tour complexity. People are more elastic to built environment attributes than level of services. Thus, policy implications must take place to develop more mixed areas, work-places in combination with commercial retails.

Perception of employers and employees regarding the attitude of businesses toward the environment: a qualitative analysis

Commitment and involvement from the different members of an organization are two key elements for an organization to achieve its environmental excellence. Firstly, businesses are aware of the close relationship between their activities and the environment, for they are not only polluting agents but also agents with the capacity to reduce adverse environmental impacts. Secondly, the fact that employees can play a relevant role in terms of the socially responsible measures to be taken by organizations has started to become an irrefutably important issue. This piece of research is intended to help gain knowledge concerning the attitude of the two main actors in productive activity toward the environmental, that is, employers and employees; as well, this research intends to identify factors determining behaviour towards the environmental. For this, we have gathered the ideas and assessments contained in the discourse of a group of small and medium-sized businesses, large company owners and officers, employees, and work related risk prevention representatives. Qualitative work consisted of in-depth interviews and the creation of discussion groups.

Plasmonic nanoparticles for the protection of the final optics in inertial confinement fusion facilities: capabilities and limitations

Final lenses in laser fusion plants. Challenges for the protection of the final lenses. Plasmonic nanoparticles. Radiation resistance

Survey on student motivation and approval of educational environment at Universidad Polit��cnica de Madrid within the European Higher Education area implementation

A recent study elaborated by Vicerrectorado de Ordenaci��n Acad��mica y Planificaci��n Estrat��gica of Technical University of Madrid (UPM) defines the satisfaction of the university student body as "the response that the University offers to the expectations and demands of service of the students, considered in a general way ". Besides an indicator of academic and institutional insertion of the student, the assessment of student engagement allows us to adapt the academic offer and the extension services of the University to the real needs of the students. The process of convergence towards the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) raises the need to form in competitions, that is to say, of developing in our students capacities and knowledge beyond the purely theoretical-practical thing. Therefore, the perception and experience of the educational process and environment by the students is an important issue to be addressed to accomplish their expectations and achieve a curriculum accordingly to EHEA expectations. The present study aims to explore the student motivation and approval of the educational environment at the UPM. To this end a total of 97 students enrolled in the undergraduate program of Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering and Agronomic Engineering at UPM were surveyed. The survey consisted of 40 questions divided in three blocks. The first one of 20 questions of personal character in that they were gathering, besides the sex and the age, the degree of fulfilment, implication and dedication with the institution and the academic tasks. In the second block we identify 10 questions related to the perception of the student on the teaching quality, and finally a block of 10 questions regarding the Bologna Process. The students personal motivation was moderately high, with a score of 3.6 (all scores are provided on a 5-point scale), being the most valuable items obtaining a university degree (4,3) and the friendship between students (4,2). Any significant difference was shown between sexes (P=0.23) since the averages for this block of questions were of 3.7��0.3 and 3.5��0.4 for women and men respectively. The students are moderately satisfied with their graduate studies with an average score of 3,2, being the questions that reflect a minor satisfaction the research profile of the teachers (2,8) and the organization of the Schools (2,9). The best valued questions are related to the usefulness and quality of the degrees, with 3,5 and 3,4 respectively, and to the interest of the courses within the degree (3,4). For sexes, the results of this block of questions are similar (3.1��0.3 and 3.2��0.3 for men and women respectively=0.79). Also, there were no differences (P=0.39) between the students who arrange work and studies or do not work (3.1��0.2 and 3.2��0.3 respectively). In conclusion, students at UPM present an acceptable degree of motivation and satisfaction with regard to the studies and services that offer their respective Schools. Both characteristics receive the same value both for men and for women and so much for students who arrange work and studies as for those who devote themselves only to studying. In a significant way, students who are more engaged and are in-class attendants present the major degree of satisfaction.Overall, there is a great lack of information regarding the Bologna Process. In fact to the majority, they would like to know more on what it is, what it means and what changes will involve its implementation.

The impact of institutional environment and cultural context in the four different approaches to social enterprise

This article analyzes the characteristics of four different social enterprise schools of though (social economy, earned-income school in developed countries, earned-income in emerging countries, and social innovation) and the influence of the contextual elements (cultural, political, economic and social) on their configuration. This article draws on the qualitative discussions of social enterprise in different regions of the world. This paper is intended to contribute to the field of social enterprise by broadening the understanding of the influence of environment and institutions on the emergence of social enterprise.

An approach to stakeholders involvement in the preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergency response & recovery in Spain

The elaboration of a generic decision-making strategy to address the evolution of an emergency situation, from the stages of response to recovery, and including a planning stage, can facilitate timely, effective and consistent decision making by the response organisations at every level within the emergency management structure and between countries, helping to ensure optimal protection of health, environment, and society. The degree of involvement of stakeholders in this process is a key strategic element for strengthening the local preparedness and response and can help a successful countermeasures strategy. A significant progress was made with the multi-national European project EURANOS (2004-2009) which brought together best practice, knowledge and technology to enhance the preparedness for Europe's response to any radiation emergency and long term contamination. The subsequent establishment of a European Technology Platform and the recent launch of the research project NERIS-TP ("Towards a self sustaining European Technology Platform (NERIS-TP) on Preparedness for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Response and Recovery") are aimed to continue with the remaining tasks for gaining appropriate levels of emergency preparedness at local level in most European countries. One of the objectives of the NERIS-TP project is: Strengthen the preparedness at the local/national level by setting up dedicated fora and developing new tools or adapting the tools developed within the EURANOS projects (such as the governance framework for preparedness, the handbooks on countermeasures, the RODOS system, and the MOIRA DSS for long term contamination in catchments) to meet the needs of local communities. CIEMAT and UPM in close interaction with the Nuclear Safety Council will explore, within this project, the use and application in Spain of such technical tools, including other national tools and information and communication strategies to foster cooperation between local, national and international stakeholders. The aim is identify and involve relevant stakeholders in emergency preparedness to improve the development and implementation of appropriate protection strategies as part of the consequence management and the transition to recovery. In this paper, an overview of the "state of the art" on this area in Spain and the methodology and work Plan proposed by the Spanish group within the project NERIS to grow the stakeholder involvement in the preparedness to emergency response and recovery is presented.

Antarctic climate change and the environment: an update

We present an update of the "key points" from the Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE) report that was published by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) in 2009. We summarise subsequent advances in knowledge concerning how the climates of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean have changed in the past, how they might change in the future, and examine the associated impacts on the marine and terrestrial biota. We also incorporate relevant material presented by SCAR to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, and make use of emerging results that will form part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report.