Numerical Approximation of Fractal Dimension of Gaussian Stochastic Processes

In this paper we propose a numerical method to estimate the fractal dimension of stationary Gaussian stochastic processes using the random Euler numerical scheme and based on an analytical formulation of the fractal dimension for filtered stochastic signals. The discretization of continuous time processes through this random scheme allows us to find, numerically, the expected value, variance and correlation functions at any point of time. This alternative method for estimating the fractal dimension is easy to implement and requires no sophisticated routines. We use simulated data sets for stationary processes of the type Random Ornstein Uhlenbeck to graphically illustrate the results and compare them with those obtained whit the box counting theorem.

A geomorphological model of susceptibility to the effect of human interventions for environmental licensing determination(SHIELD)

Almost every country requires some form of environmental licensing prior to the inception of development projects that may affect the integrity of the environment and its social context.We developed a new conceptual and methodological model to instruct the assessment of the potential impacts posed by proposed projects.Susceptibility to Human Interventions for Environmental Licensing Determination(SHIELD)includes a novel geomorphological interpretation of the Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA).It considers the impact of human interventions on geomorphological processes and landscape functioning in the context of the entire ecosystem,going further than the classical concept of vulnerability.Estimated susceptibility of the site informs the screening stage,allowing local conditions to help define the criteria used in the process.Similarly,the level of detail of the environmental baseline is scoped by considering the degree of disturbance of natural processes posed by human intervention.Testing this geomorphological susceptibility model on different kinds of environments would allow shifting the environmental licensing practices from the prevailing anthropocentric and static conception of the environment towards an Ecosystem Approach.SHIELD addresses the need to improve the screening and scoping stages that form the basis of the rest of any EIA.SHIELD introduces several innovations to EIA including the incorporation of fuzzy logic,a preassembled database of contributions form experts,and a shifting of emphasis from the type of proposed intervention to the type of environment and its relative susceptibility.