the main goal of the present study was to implement a hybrid pattern of cellular automata model and particle swarm optimization algorithm based on tm and etm+ imagery of landsat satellite from 1988 to 2010 for simulating the urban sprawling. in this study, an alternative model was implemented in two ways: the first method was based on two images (1988 and 2010) and the second one was based on t...

habitat recognition and knowledge of habitat requirements are extremely important to the wildlife conservation, particularly for endangered and vulnerable species. the purpose of the study was to determine which ecological and habitat factors contribute the distribution of black billed sandgrous (pterocles orientalis) in shirahmad wildlife refuge. sampling was performed in two season (spring an...

BACKGROUND Traffic noise is a highly relevant environmental impact in cities. Models to estimate traffic noise, in turn, can be useful tools to guide mitigation measures. In this paper, the applicability of models to estimate noise levels produced by a continuous flow of vehicles on urban roads is investigated. The aim is to identify which models are more appropriate to estimate traffic noise i...

We examined several characteristics of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies in Phillips County, Montana, including slope, aspect, soils, land tenure, and distance from roads using a geographic information system (GIs). Colonies exhibited significantly smaller slopes, but not significantly different aspects than did randomly located polygons. In addition, colonies were more p...

BACKGROUND Air pollution from road traffic has been associated to an increased risk of lung cancer. Herein, we investigated the association between lung cancer mortality and residence near Italian highways or national major roads. METHODS Information on deaths for lung cancer registered from 1990 to 2010 and stratified by age, gender, and urban or rural municipality of residence at death were...

BACKGROUND Traffic exposure is a major contributor to ambient air pollution for people living close to busy roads. The relationship between traffic exposure and lung function remains inconclusive in adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between traffic exposure and lung function in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a community...

The main goal of the present study was to implement a hybrid pattern of cellular automata model and particle swarm optimization algorithm based on TM and ETM+ imagery of landsat satellite from 1988 to 2010 for simulating the urban sprawling. In this study, an alternative model was implemented in two ways: the first method was based on two images (1988 and 2010) and the second one was based on t...

Urbanization and related anthropogenic modifications cause extent of habitat fragmentation and directly lead to decline of local biodiversity. Conservation biologists advocate corridor creation as one approach to rescue biodiversity. Here we examine the utility of roads as corridors in preserving plant diversity by investigating roadside vegetation in Yellow River Delta (YRD), China. We examine...