Title: A simple fuzzy logic approach to analyze integrated interdisciplinary 'four-component' conceptual resource management models

Authors: Michael A. Reiter

Addresses: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901-2277 USA

Abstract: Four-component conceptual models can link human activities to potential ecological, social, and economic impacts, but they can be difficult to utilize given the range of scales and units present. Fuzzy logic (a rule-based approach applicable to relative or linguistic variables), combined with Monte Carlo simulations, can allow for further analysis of four component models despite the variable units. An analysis of a four-component model for a watershed in central Delaware identified several habitat components as being more or less significant than suggested by the Level 1 (||High|| links only) model. The analysis was also used to reduce the number of links, a potentially useful way to create a connected model simplified enough for monitoring and management purposes.

Keywords: fuzzy logic; interdisciplinary resource management; conceptual modelling; Monte Carlo simulation; watershed modelling; USA; United States; environmental monitoring; social impact; ecological impact; economic impact; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2004.053912

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2004 Vol.6 No.2, pp.1 - 13

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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