Emergency preparedness and response

In order to select routes that minimize risk, government officials need information about the material being transported and its sources and destinations, the risks involved, shipping patterns, and emergency response capabilities.     

A contribution to the assessment of scenic quality of landscapes based on preferences expressed by the public

The purpose of this paper is to validate a model for predicting the public's preference for a landscape using simple statistical techniques. The model assigns numerical values to 42 landscape variables grouped into physical, aesthetic and psychological attributes. The landscape value is obtained using an additive value function. The results of the model on certain landscapes are compared with the preference expressed by the public in a survey of 183 people.The homogeneity of the survey responses was checked in each photograph. It was determined that means and standard deviations of the scores represent the true preference.A strong positive association was observed between preference and certain landscape attributes such as expression, soil use or colour. A marked negative association was detected with respect to landscape alterations.A linear regression was carried out to analyse the predictive capacity of the model. The independent variable was the global score assigned by the model to each photograph and the dependant variable was the mean of the scores assigned by the survey respondents. The high level of correlation obtained indicates that the model is a good predictor of the public's preferences in relation to the set of photographs shown in the survey.To complete the analysis of the model as a preference predictor, a multiple linear regression was carried out between the mean score obtained in the survey and the model elements. Attributes and variables that have the greatest influence on pubic preference were detected.     

Options in income support for the aged: A critique of the two-tier approach

Support for the two-tier approach to income maintenance for the aged is becoming widespread. Two-tier formulas combine an income-conditioned bottom tier with an earnings-related top tier to achieve antipoverty and earnings replacement objectives. This paper first refutes the claim that the two-tier approach is generally more target-efficient in reaching the poor than is the earnings-related top tier with progressive replacement rates. Next, the paper compares the effectiveness of the two systems in terms of other goals. The paper concludes by showing that a top tier with a low tax on current income can virtually dominate a wide range of two-tier formulas.     

The impact of oil on the shetland economy

This paper uses input-output analysis to measure the impact of oil supply bases and oil construction on the economy of Shetland. The output, income and employment created in each local industry by oil activities is measured. Oil industry multipliers are derived. Possible negative effects of oil on the local economy are considered. Finally, a forecast is made of the impact of oil on the Shetland economy in 1985.