Qualitative Research Methods in Spatial Urban Development： A Methodological Investigation of Approaches into Urban Development Based on Centralities in the Context of a Medium-Sized European City

Dispersed and peripheral spaces in the urban core are influenced both by the trend towards constant growth as well as social ways of life which are constantly evolving. Following a connotation, these two factors therefore play a crucial role in defining the alternation of urban space--in particular, that of the centers. The main focus of this research article is on the methodology used in the survey and evaluation of ＂centralities＂ as well as their developments over the past four decades （1974-2014） in approaches to urban development that has been developed in Graz.~ The analysis has drawn on the four editions （＂evolution＂） of approaches to urban development as conceived by the city of Graz in order to examine their verbal characteristics in regard to centralities. At the same time, the analysis does not examine presentations of plans which exist in supplementary forms （e.g., explanatory reports and supplemented plans）--it restricts itself solely to the various plans set out in the STEKs.2 The highest degree of accuracy has been applied to the notion of ＂centralis＂ in approaches to urban development. The goal of the research project was to depict the modulation of the notion of ＂centrality＂ in the urban context as a space-forming dimension. Furthermore, it clearly shows the extent to which the notion of the ＂centre＂ （in the widest sense of the word） has become distanced from qualitative, spatial development and at the current time of urban development is experiencing a sort of Renaissance. In the field of ＂urban development＂, architectural references in the context of＂centrality＂ have scarcely been researched. This has led to the opening-up of a complex interdisciplinary research field. In order to make the complex architectural determinants of ＂centrality＂ more accessible to the participating disciplines, approaches to urban development have been explored in the form of a social and spatial analysis.

Is Using Mathematics and Game Theory in Analyzing Economic Phenomena Scientific？

In the article, the author presents some arguments concerning the ＂mathematical method issue＂ in modem economics. The author shows why some reasons, according to which we should use mathematics in （economic） theory, are not convincing （they are even tautological）, and what does mathematization have to do with arbitrariness of the orthodox economic theory. The author also shows why using game theory （a mathematical discipline） in modem microeconomics does not yield knowledge and correct explanation of economic situations and phenomena. At the end, the author presents fundamental questions that form the basis of economic science and its qualitative research methods, and shows what their practical relevance is. The purpose of this article is to argue, contrary to common opinion, that there can be an exact and objective science of economic phenomena that does not necessarily use modem mathematical theories or methods to explain these phenomena.

The Relevance of CARICOM＇s Existence to the Virgin Islands in the Context of Globalization

The purpose of this study was to consider the relevance of CARICOM＇s existence to the Virgin Islands （BVI）. Its relevance becomes more significant to the BVI and the Caribbean, by extension, when the globalization phenomenon is applied; a phenomenon that has been in existence for centuries. Overall, the study concluded that even though the BVI remains only an associate member of CARICOM and not of CSME, it still has an interest in the progress of the regional grouping and its trade initiatives. Over the years, CARICOM has been struggling with its identity as a unified grouping. Nonetheless, it was found that in an effort to combat the trade liberalization process, the grouping must find that inner connection to advance its agenda on the global stage. Accordingly, it has been suggested that CARICOM begin to focus on its strengths and opportunities in order for economic development across the region to occur. It has also been recommended that more serious considerations be taken towards the development of a comprehensive regional market for the trading of goods and services, that is, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy （CSME）. To substantiate its findings, the paper used the qualitative research approach, combined with a situation （SWOT） analysis.

Parametric sensitivity analysis of precipitation and temperature based on multi-uncertainty quantification methods in the Weather Research and Forecasting model

Sensitivity analysis(SA) has been widely used to screen out a small number of sensitive parameters for model outputs from all adjustable parameters in weather and climate models, helping to improve model predictions by tuning the parameters. However, most parametric SA studies have focused on a single SA method and a single model output evaluation function, which makes the screened sensitive parameters less comprehensive. In addition, qualitative SA methods are often used because simulations using complex weather and climate models are time-consuming. Unlike previous SA studies, this research has systematically evaluated the sensitivity of parameters that affect precipitation and temperature simulations in the Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) model using both qualitative and quantitative global SA methods. In the SA studies, multiple model output evaluation functions were used to conduct various SA experiments for precipitation and temperature. The results showed that five parameters(P3, P5, P7, P10, and P16) had the greatest effect on precipitation simulation results and that two parameters(P7 and P10) had the greatest effect for temperature. Using quantitative SA, the two-way interactive effect between P7 and P10 was also found to be important, especially for precipitation. The microphysics scheme had more sensitive parameters for precipitation, and P10(the multiplier for saturated soil water content) was the most sensitive parameter for both precipitation and temperature. From the ensemble simulations, preliminary results indicated that the precipitation and temperature simulation accuracies could be improved by tuning the respective sensitive parameter values, especially for simulations of moderate and heavy rain.