Strategic environment assessment (SEA) and ecosystem health are two new ideas on environmental management. On the basis of reviewing some relevant literature, this paper made discussions on the ecological sustainabili...Strategic environment assessment (SEA) and ecosystem health are two new ideas on environmental management. On the basis of reviewing some relevant literature, this paper made discussions on the ecological sustainability target of SEA, the content of ecosystem health as well as the interrelations between SEA and ecosystem health. For a good SEA, its ecological sustainability principles should be provided with distinct content and a general assessment system. A framework for ecosystem health assessment was established according to the content of ecosystem health, and combined into SEA as SEA抯 ecological sustainability target, we can effectively guide decision-makers to make suitable indigenous means and local solutions. , The basic principles and procedure of SEA for ecosystem health are also discussed in the paper.展开更多
The second member of the Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Sanhuiba area in Huaying Mountain is an important section of sedimentary delta facies in the Chongqing Tianfu Geological Survey and Training Base. In spite of...The second member of the Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Sanhuiba area in Huaying Mountain is an important section of sedimentary delta facies in the Chongqing Tianfu Geological Survey and Training Base. In spite of some initial efforts on its lithology and lithofacies, the existing research is yet to be completed and suffers from contradictory conclusions and inadequate evidence. Starting from the sedimentary microfaeies types and cyclic features, we analyzed the vertical sequence of a sedimentary delta model and discovered that this section is a constructional delta deposit. Eight incomplete and asymmetric regressive cycles are marked off, given that frequent erosion surfaces appeared in the section. Based on the analysis of structural characteristics of every monocycle, we summarized the system of cycles, tracts and sequence characteristics of the overall section. In view of this systematic series of cycles, we discussed the features of the syndepositional tectonic movements in the area and conclude that, due to frequent erosion, migration and diversion of a sub-channel branch was brought about by oscillating movements of the crust. In a comparison with neighboring sections, we explored the cause of erosion and the relations between erosion and cycles. This study greatly strengthens existing research and theories, makes an important and comprehensive contribution to geological surveys and training in the area and provides essential suggestions for coal exploration, oil and gas evaluation and in general to exploration and development in the target stratum.展开更多
To provide a test platform for Electronic Warfare (EW) system, it is needed to simulate the radar received Intermediate Frequency (IF) signals and radar system functions.This letter gives a description of a radar syst...To provide a test platform for Electronic Warfare (EW) system, it is needed to simulate the radar received Intermediate Frequency (IF) signals and radar system functions.This letter gives a description of a radar system simulation software developed for frequencyphase scanning three-dimensional (3-D) radar. Experimental results prove that the software could be used for system evaluation and for training purposes as an attractive alternative to real EW system.展开更多
The common topic the mankind faces in the 21^st century is to strengthen construction and support the ecological secure. It is also the needs of establlshing socialist harmonious society in China. It is an arduous sys...The common topic the mankind faces in the 21^st century is to strengthen construction and support the ecological secure. It is also the needs of establlshing socialist harmonious society in China. It is an arduous systematic project in ethnic group regions of China to realize economic and sodal sustainable development,promote the harmony between man and nature andrealize the coordination among the economic development population, natural resources and envinonment To develop ecosystem construction and the green indutry well is the basic path to realize the above goals. Huanren Manchu Autonomous County in Liaoning Province is abundant in forests, especially local products, medicinal materials, tourism resource, water resources and culotte resources. In order to develop its ecosystem, the strategies should be focused on enhancing protection consciousaess, brand consciousness, science and technology consciousoess and market consciousness. The ultimate purpose is to create the top-ranking ecosystem environment, industry system, policy systern and district civilization.展开更多
Research topic of study is to explore system approach in strategic HRM field. Assumption of study is that, strategic HRM may be applied in organizations by HR system set. In USA literature HPWS represents HR system th...Research topic of study is to explore system approach in strategic HRM field. Assumption of study is that, strategic HRM may be applied in organizations by HR system set. In USA literature HPWS represents HR system thinking. This study explores HR system thinking in human resource management. Second assumption of study is that, HR manager must have system approach in HRM. HRM practices are applied through individual in HRM; however, HRM practices are applied through interrelation in SHRM to have more impact on performance. HR system is bundle, according to MacDuffie's study (1995). In addition, Huselid (1997) suggests application of HPWS in HR system. Study adopts case study methodology. Methods are career management system and performance management system. Research question is how a firm sets an HR system and strategic HRM in its organizational structure. Main conclusion is that HR systems might be applied in organizations through interrelated HRM practices. To achieve this purpose, HR manager must have HR system thinking in application of HRM.展开更多
In Electronic Warfare, and more specifically in the domain of passive localization, accurate time synchronization between platforms is decisive, especially on systems relying on TDOA (time difference of arrival) and...In Electronic Warfare, and more specifically in the domain of passive localization, accurate time synchronization between platforms is decisive, especially on systems relying on TDOA (time difference of arrival) and FDOA (frequency difference of arrival). This paper investigates this issue by presenting an analysis in terms of final localization performance of an experimental passive localization system based on off-the-shelf components. This system is detailed, as well as the methodology used to carry out the acquisition of real data. This experiment has been realized with two different kinds of clock. The results are analyzed by calculating the Allan deviation and time deviation. The choice of these metrics is explained and their properties are discussed in the scope of an airborne bi-platform passive localization context. Conclusions are drawn regarding the overall localization performance of the system.展开更多
Long-term and continuous large-scale exploitation has increasingly exhausted shallow metal mineral resources,and deep mining has become inevitable.The current global status of deep mining of metal mineral resources wa...Long-term and continuous large-scale exploitation has increasingly exhausted shallow metal mineral resources,and deep mining has become inevitable.The current global status of deep mining of metal mineral resources was presented,a series of engineering challenges faced by deep mining were systematically analyzed,and some progress and future innovation focus in key engineering technologies,such as the prediction and prevention of rockburst,cooling techniques,rock support techniques,deep hoisting techniques,and several nontraditional deep mining techniques,were highlighted.Meanwhile,new insights into development strategies of deep mining technology were proposed.The integration of these forward-looking key innovative technologies will form the overall framework of an innovative technology system for the deep mining of metal minerals.This technology system will help to achieve safe,efficient,and green exploitation of deep underground metal mineral resources and ensure the sustainable development of the metal mining industry.展开更多
There are many studies on Italian and Jewish immigration in the United States, mainly based on socio-demographic statistics, the theme of exile, Fascist anti-Semitism or ethnic conflicts. Many of these researches focu...There are many studies on Italian and Jewish immigration in the United States, mainly based on socio-demographic statistics, the theme of exile, Fascist anti-Semitism or ethnic conflicts. Many of these researches focus primarily on Jewish or Italians, but rarely address at Italian Jews as a whole, and, in their relation with Italian American and Jews. One of the reasons of this paucity of studies, might be the little number of Italian Jews who immigrated to the United States, especially in New York in the 1930s and 1940s, that drove several scholars not to pay really attention to this tiny group in ignoring their presence. Thus, this article aims to investigate through some memoirs, interviews and autobiographies the life of Italian Jews who were living in New York and the Metropolitan area during and after War World II, with particular emphasis to those who were born there in these years and their formation of an American identity. This essay will also clarify an Italian Jewish identity--which made Italian the role of memory and "nostalgia" in an Italian identity--above all Jews a unique group and a minority within a minority.展开更多
This study was performed to compare storm surges/tide simulated by the regional and coastal storm surges/tide forecast system (RTSM (regional tide/storm surges model), CTSM (coastal tide/storm surges model)) usi...This study was performed to compare storm surges/tide simulated by the regional and coastal storm surges/tide forecast system (RTSM (regional tide/storm surges model), CTSM (coastal tide/storm surges model)) using two different inputs from weather models (RDAPS (Regional Data Assimilation and Prediction System) and KWRF (Korea Weather and Research Forecasting)) during two typhoons that occurred between 2007 and 2008. Both the RDAPS and KWRF are the operational weather forecasting system in KMA (Korea Meteorological Administration). The horizontal resolutions of RDAPS and KWRF are 30 and 10 km, respectively. The storm surges/tide was hind casted using sea wind and pressure fields of two Typhoons which was approaching Korean Peninsula. The CTSM using input from KWRF simulate very well the storm surges/tide pattern in the complex coastal areas. The result showed that the storm surges by the coastal storm surges/tide model with high resolution input was in well agreement with the observed sea level occurred by high tide and storm surges in the coastal areas.展开更多
The traditional Chinese martial arts are the pride of the Chinese national specialties, but with the development of the western modem combat, some traditional martial arts bias appeared, such as the argument of the re...The traditional Chinese martial arts are the pride of the Chinese national specialties, but with the development of the western modem combat, some traditional martial arts bias appeared, such as the argument of the real fight of the traditional martial arts. This paper starts from the traditional historical origin, and analyzes the actual combat possibility of traditional martial arts to study the feasibility of the actual combat application of the traditional martial arts techniques in modem combat challenge.展开更多
Private clouds and public clouds are turning mutually into the open integrated cloud computing environment,which can aggregate and utilize WAN and LAN networks computing,storage,information and other hardware and soft...Private clouds and public clouds are turning mutually into the open integrated cloud computing environment,which can aggregate and utilize WAN and LAN networks computing,storage,information and other hardware and software resources sufficiently,but also bring a series of security,reliability and credibility problems.To solve these problems,a novel secure-agent-based trustworthy virtual private cloud model named SATVPC was proposed for the integrated and open cloud computing environment.Through the introduction of secure-agent technology,SATVPC provides an independent,safe and trustworthy computing virtual private platform for multi-tenant systems.In order to meet the needs of the credibility of SATVPC and mandate the trust relationship between each task execution agent and task executor node suitable for their security policies,a new dynamic composite credibility evaluation mechanism was presented,including the credit index computing algorithm and the credibility differentiation strategy.The experimental system shows that SATVPC and the credibility evaluation mechanism can ensure the security of open computing environments with feasibility.Experimental results and performance analysis also show that the credit indexes computing algorithm can evaluate the credibilities of task execution agents and task executor nodes quantitatively,correctly and operationally.展开更多
Knowledge has become the most important strategic resource of firms, and the competition among firms is more based on knowledge than before. To deal with this challenge, some firms are trying to develop knowledge stra...Knowledge has become the most important strategic resource of firms, and the competition among firms is more based on knowledge than before. To deal with this challenge, some firms are trying to develop knowledge strategies to direct their knowledge management activities, but current strategic performance measurement systems can't evaluate the performance of knowledge strategies appropriately. This article develops a performance measurement system for knowledge strategies based on Balanced Scorecard, and simulates the system with an improved Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model.展开更多
The Trump administration's hostile trade actions against China since the beginning of this year violate World Trade Organization rules. To protect the free trade world economic system, China has stood up to fight ...The Trump administration's hostile trade actions against China since the beginning of this year violate World Trade Organization rules. To protect the free trade world economic system, China has stood up to fight this trade bullying. When the US administration continued with harsher actions, the escalation in trade friction increased the potential harm for both countries. China has been very clear that Trump's trade tariffs cannot improve the bilateral trade imbalance. Tit-for-tat ought to be a last resort but China is open to talking. Now the ball is in Trump's court. As two big,influential economies, China and the US should calm down and go back to negotiating table to avoid a trade war trap. Bullying is only one approach President Trump can choose, but arbitrary threats are no solution.展开更多
Utilizing primary documents available at the George Bush Presidential Library, this study evaluates the veto record of President Bush using a case study as well as quantitative methods. The case study reviews the back...Utilizing primary documents available at the George Bush Presidential Library, this study evaluates the veto record of President Bush using a case study as well as quantitative methods. The case study reviews the background and fate of the only veto overridden during his term in office. It finds that the Bush White House had tried on several previous occasions to scrap the legislation, only to have it be reintroduced in each succeeding Congress. By 1992, when George Bush was running for reelection and in trouble politically, his team was unable to stave off defeat. The article likewise assesses the success of the Bush administration in its employment of the veto and compares the veto record of President Bush to previous and subsequent chief executives.展开更多
This paper is concerned with the development of product data management (PDM) systems--WPDM systems based on web technologies. As a tool to integrate information, traditional PDM system has many benefits for the com...This paper is concerned with the development of product data management (PDM) systems--WPDM systems based on web technologies. As a tool to integrate information, traditional PDM system has many benefits for the companies in such aspects as improving design productivity, better control over projects and so on. With the maturing of web technologies, the advantages of WPDM system are obvious. We will show these advantages in detail in Part 3. WPDM system is built on three-tier application model to provide security and flexibility, they are back-end, middle layer and front-end. The basic designs in each layer will be briefly introduced in Part 4. In the future, WPDM will be extended to integrate with other applications to provide a complete web-based engineering environment.展开更多
Sustainable development is a crucial element for the future of the world and a keystone of the international agenda. The Index of Sustainable Development (ISD) calculates the degree to which sustainable development ...Sustainable development is a crucial element for the future of the world and a keystone of the international agenda. The Index of Sustainable Development (ISD) calculates the degree to which sustainable development has been achieved. ISD starts by (1) measuring the individual indicators of a sustainability strategy; (2) then measures the subordinate themes or pillars, which contain these indicators; (3) and finally measures the total system, consisting of the sum of the themes. The ISD provides quantified information for each of these levels for the public and political decision makers. The ISD is used to analyze as an example the sustainability of the German Energy sector, based on the targets the German Government set in its 2002 sustainability strategy.展开更多
文摘Strategic environment assessment (SEA) and ecosystem health are two new ideas on environmental management. On the basis of reviewing some relevant literature, this paper made discussions on the ecological sustainability target of SEA, the content of ecosystem health as well as the interrelations between SEA and ecosystem health. For a good SEA, its ecological sustainability principles should be provided with distinct content and a general assessment system. A framework for ecosystem health assessment was established according to the content of ecosystem health, and combined into SEA as SEA抯 ecological sustainability target, we can effectively guide decision-makers to make suitable indigenous means and local solutions. , The basic principles and procedure of SEA for ecosystem health are also discussed in the paper.
基金provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 50678182 and 40802001)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing City (No.2008 BA0015)the Research Fund for Teaching Reform in Institutes of Higher Learning, Chongqing, China (No.09-3-094)
文摘The second member of the Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Sanhuiba area in Huaying Mountain is an important section of sedimentary delta facies in the Chongqing Tianfu Geological Survey and Training Base. In spite of some initial efforts on its lithology and lithofacies, the existing research is yet to be completed and suffers from contradictory conclusions and inadequate evidence. Starting from the sedimentary microfaeies types and cyclic features, we analyzed the vertical sequence of a sedimentary delta model and discovered that this section is a constructional delta deposit. Eight incomplete and asymmetric regressive cycles are marked off, given that frequent erosion surfaces appeared in the section. Based on the analysis of structural characteristics of every monocycle, we summarized the system of cycles, tracts and sequence characteristics of the overall section. In view of this systematic series of cycles, we discussed the features of the syndepositional tectonic movements in the area and conclude that, due to frequent erosion, migration and diversion of a sub-channel branch was brought about by oscillating movements of the crust. In a comparison with neighboring sections, we explored the cause of erosion and the relations between erosion and cycles. This study greatly strengthens existing research and theories, makes an important and comprehensive contribution to geological surveys and training in the area and provides essential suggestions for coal exploration, oil and gas evaluation and in general to exploration and development in the target stratum.
文摘To provide a test platform for Electronic Warfare (EW) system, it is needed to simulate the radar received Intermediate Frequency (IF) signals and radar system functions.This letter gives a description of a radar system simulation software developed for frequencyphase scanning three-dimensional (3-D) radar. Experimental results prove that the software could be used for system evaluation and for training purposes as an attractive alternative to real EW system.
文摘The common topic the mankind faces in the 21^st century is to strengthen construction and support the ecological secure. It is also the needs of establlshing socialist harmonious society in China. It is an arduous systematic project in ethnic group regions of China to realize economic and sodal sustainable development,promote the harmony between man and nature andrealize the coordination among the economic development population, natural resources and envinonment To develop ecosystem construction and the green indutry well is the basic path to realize the above goals. Huanren Manchu Autonomous County in Liaoning Province is abundant in forests, especially local products, medicinal materials, tourism resource, water resources and culotte resources. In order to develop its ecosystem, the strategies should be focused on enhancing protection consciousaess, brand consciousness, science and technology consciousoess and market consciousness. The ultimate purpose is to create the top-ranking ecosystem environment, industry system, policy systern and district civilization.
文摘Research topic of study is to explore system approach in strategic HRM field. Assumption of study is that, strategic HRM may be applied in organizations by HR system set. In USA literature HPWS represents HR system thinking. This study explores HR system thinking in human resource management. Second assumption of study is that, HR manager must have system approach in HRM. HRM practices are applied through individual in HRM; however, HRM practices are applied through interrelation in SHRM to have more impact on performance. HR system is bundle, according to MacDuffie's study (1995). In addition, Huselid (1997) suggests application of HPWS in HR system. Study adopts case study methodology. Methods are career management system and performance management system. Research question is how a firm sets an HR system and strategic HRM in its organizational structure. Main conclusion is that HR systems might be applied in organizations through interrelated HRM practices. To achieve this purpose, HR manager must have HR system thinking in application of HRM.
文摘In Electronic Warfare, and more specifically in the domain of passive localization, accurate time synchronization between platforms is decisive, especially on systems relying on TDOA (time difference of arrival) and FDOA (frequency difference of arrival). This paper investigates this issue by presenting an analysis in terms of final localization performance of an experimental passive localization system based on off-the-shelf components. This system is detailed, as well as the methodology used to carry out the acquisition of real data. This experiment has been realized with two different kinds of clock. The results are analyzed by calculating the Allan deviation and time deviation. The choice of these metrics is explained and their properties are discussed in the scope of an airborne bi-platform passive localization context. Conclusions are drawn regarding the overall localization performance of the system.
基金financial supports from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China (No. FRFTP-20-041A1)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. U2034206, 52074020)。
文摘Long-term and continuous large-scale exploitation has increasingly exhausted shallow metal mineral resources,and deep mining has become inevitable.The current global status of deep mining of metal mineral resources was presented,a series of engineering challenges faced by deep mining were systematically analyzed,and some progress and future innovation focus in key engineering technologies,such as the prediction and prevention of rockburst,cooling techniques,rock support techniques,deep hoisting techniques,and several nontraditional deep mining techniques,were highlighted.Meanwhile,new insights into development strategies of deep mining technology were proposed.The integration of these forward-looking key innovative technologies will form the overall framework of an innovative technology system for the deep mining of metal minerals.This technology system will help to achieve safe,efficient,and green exploitation of deep underground metal mineral resources and ensure the sustainable development of the metal mining industry.
文摘There are many studies on Italian and Jewish immigration in the United States, mainly based on socio-demographic statistics, the theme of exile, Fascist anti-Semitism or ethnic conflicts. Many of these researches focus primarily on Jewish or Italians, but rarely address at Italian Jews as a whole, and, in their relation with Italian American and Jews. One of the reasons of this paucity of studies, might be the little number of Italian Jews who immigrated to the United States, especially in New York in the 1930s and 1940s, that drove several scholars not to pay really attention to this tiny group in ignoring their presence. Thus, this article aims to investigate through some memoirs, interviews and autobiographies the life of Italian Jews who were living in New York and the Metropolitan area during and after War World II, with particular emphasis to those who were born there in these years and their formation of an American identity. This essay will also clarify an Italian Jewish identity--which made Italian the role of memory and "nostalgia" in an Italian identity--above all Jews a unique group and a minority within a minority.
文摘This study was performed to compare storm surges/tide simulated by the regional and coastal storm surges/tide forecast system (RTSM (regional tide/storm surges model), CTSM (coastal tide/storm surges model)) using two different inputs from weather models (RDAPS (Regional Data Assimilation and Prediction System) and KWRF (Korea Weather and Research Forecasting)) during two typhoons that occurred between 2007 and 2008. Both the RDAPS and KWRF are the operational weather forecasting system in KMA (Korea Meteorological Administration). The horizontal resolutions of RDAPS and KWRF are 30 and 10 km, respectively. The storm surges/tide was hind casted using sea wind and pressure fields of two Typhoons which was approaching Korean Peninsula. The CTSM using input from KWRF simulate very well the storm surges/tide pattern in the complex coastal areas. The result showed that the storm surges by the coastal storm surges/tide model with high resolution input was in well agreement with the observed sea level occurred by high tide and storm surges in the coastal areas.
文摘The traditional Chinese martial arts are the pride of the Chinese national specialties, but with the development of the western modem combat, some traditional martial arts bias appeared, such as the argument of the real fight of the traditional martial arts. This paper starts from the traditional historical origin, and analyzes the actual combat possibility of traditional martial arts to study the feasibility of the actual combat application of the traditional martial arts techniques in modem combat challenge.
基金Projects(61202004,61272084)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProjects(2011M500095,2012T50514)supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation+2 种基金Projects(BK2011754,BK2009426)supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,ChinaProject(12KJB520007)supported by the Natural Science Fund of Higher Education of Jiangsu Province,ChinaProject(yx002001)supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China
文摘Private clouds and public clouds are turning mutually into the open integrated cloud computing environment,which can aggregate and utilize WAN and LAN networks computing,storage,information and other hardware and software resources sufficiently,but also bring a series of security,reliability and credibility problems.To solve these problems,a novel secure-agent-based trustworthy virtual private cloud model named SATVPC was proposed for the integrated and open cloud computing environment.Through the introduction of secure-agent technology,SATVPC provides an independent,safe and trustworthy computing virtual private platform for multi-tenant systems.In order to meet the needs of the credibility of SATVPC and mandate the trust relationship between each task execution agent and task executor node suitable for their security policies,a new dynamic composite credibility evaluation mechanism was presented,including the credit index computing algorithm and the credibility differentiation strategy.The experimental system shows that SATVPC and the credibility evaluation mechanism can ensure the security of open computing environments with feasibility.Experimental results and performance analysis also show that the credit indexes computing algorithm can evaluate the credibilities of task execution agents and task executor nodes quantitatively,correctly and operationally.
文摘Knowledge has become the most important strategic resource of firms, and the competition among firms is more based on knowledge than before. To deal with this challenge, some firms are trying to develop knowledge strategies to direct their knowledge management activities, but current strategic performance measurement systems can't evaluate the performance of knowledge strategies appropriately. This article develops a performance measurement system for knowledge strategies based on Balanced Scorecard, and simulates the system with an improved Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model.
文摘The Trump administration's hostile trade actions against China since the beginning of this year violate World Trade Organization rules. To protect the free trade world economic system, China has stood up to fight this trade bullying. When the US administration continued with harsher actions, the escalation in trade friction increased the potential harm for both countries. China has been very clear that Trump's trade tariffs cannot improve the bilateral trade imbalance. Tit-for-tat ought to be a last resort but China is open to talking. Now the ball is in Trump's court. As two big,influential economies, China and the US should calm down and go back to negotiating table to avoid a trade war trap. Bullying is only one approach President Trump can choose, but arbitrary threats are no solution.
文摘Utilizing primary documents available at the George Bush Presidential Library, this study evaluates the veto record of President Bush using a case study as well as quantitative methods. The case study reviews the background and fate of the only veto overridden during his term in office. It finds that the Bush White House had tried on several previous occasions to scrap the legislation, only to have it be reintroduced in each succeeding Congress. By 1992, when George Bush was running for reelection and in trouble politically, his team was unable to stave off defeat. The article likewise assesses the success of the Bush administration in its employment of the veto and compares the veto record of President Bush to previous and subsequent chief executives.
文摘This paper is concerned with the development of product data management (PDM) systems--WPDM systems based on web technologies. As a tool to integrate information, traditional PDM system has many benefits for the companies in such aspects as improving design productivity, better control over projects and so on. With the maturing of web technologies, the advantages of WPDM system are obvious. We will show these advantages in detail in Part 3. WPDM system is built on three-tier application model to provide security and flexibility, they are back-end, middle layer and front-end. The basic designs in each layer will be briefly introduced in Part 4. In the future, WPDM will be extended to integrate with other applications to provide a complete web-based engineering environment.
文摘Sustainable development is a crucial element for the future of the world and a keystone of the international agenda. The Index of Sustainable Development (ISD) calculates the degree to which sustainable development has been achieved. ISD starts by (1) measuring the individual indicators of a sustainability strategy; (2) then measures the subordinate themes or pillars, which contain these indicators; (3) and finally measures the total system, consisting of the sum of the themes. The ISD provides quantified information for each of these levels for the public and political decision makers. The ISD is used to analyze as an example the sustainability of the German Energy sector, based on the targets the German Government set in its 2002 sustainability strategy.