Desktop Studies Research Articles

Pastoral Therapy on Euthanasia: Christian Humanism and Ubuntu Embracing Openness

The debate over practices of physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia and other end-of-life questions is still ongoing in many countries around the world. At least, as of 2024, only 15 countries had varyingly legalised it under very specific, regulated conditions, while many more still view it as an extremely complex issue that, amongst other things, conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs. Premised on their belief in the image of God as the source of human life, most monotheistic religions, but Christians in particular believe in the preservation of human life to its natural end. However, the unquestionable reality of this traditionally-held Christian belief does not preclude the rare reality where terminally ill Christians themselves, upon suffering excruciating pain, begin either to desire some form of a hastened death overtly or covertly. Under such conditions, however, pastoral therapists in particular lack the aptitude to openly initiate practical dialogues with patients, be it in the spirit of Ubuntu or to concretise the Christian position. That being said, the purpose of this article is to prepare Christian pastoral therapists in particular and the counselling profession in general to openly handle cases where agonising human suffering leads to suicidal thoughts or actions. In order to achieve this, the paper, through the use of literature reviews and desktop studies, draws on literature encompassing specific biblical instances in which not only physical suffering, but also mental suffering somehow led to suicidal events. The African concept of Ubuntu is then integrated into Christian humanism to promote pastoral therapeutic dialogue which may enrich Christian self-knowledge about the sacredness of human life, despite the urge of suicide or euthanasia. As per Christian humanism framework, Christian self-knowledge is inspired by the excruciating suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. All things considered, pastoral therapy is endowed with the ability to present the image of God in human suffering while rejecting the urge for euthanasia or suicide.

Assessing the integration between motorised and non-motorised transport systems: experiences of the Ekurhuleni Municipality, South Africa

ABSTRACT South Africa is considered an economically progressive country, meaning it is slowly exiting the third world and transitioning towards the developing world. With this comes many challenges, some rooted in transportation. Around 80% of South Africans solely rely on public transportation (PT) and are dependent on private minibus taxis. There is little knowledge and evidence on the fluidity and integration of motorised transport systems with non-motorised transport (NMT) in South Africa. Consequently, this work assessed the implementation of NMT and PT in Ekurhuleni. The study adopted a case study research design by analysing the Harambee BRT through a qualitative approach using desktop studies and semi-structured interviews with key informants involved in the project. The work identified five aspects of accessibility (application of the inclusive cities paradigm), safety (sufficient lighting, signage and frequent patrolling by law enforcement), infrastructure (Information and Communications Technology (ICT), walkways, pedestrian bridges, dedicated bus lanes, paving, and tact tiles, universal design principles and an Ekucard system), sustainability (promoting healthier lifestyles and the cost effectiveness of the transport system) and public involvement as the core elements which created a model that needs to be implemented in future projects in order to effectively integrate NMT and PT.

Forensic geoscience non-invasive detection and characterisation of underground clandestine complexes, bunkers, tunnels and firing ranges

Recent events in conflict zones have emphasized that the successful detection and characterisation of buried clandestine complexes, bunkers and tunnels is vitally important for forensic investigators globally, to reduce or solve criminal activities, address national security threats and avoid potential terrorist attacks. However, this can often prove very difficult, particularly in urban areas, with potentially both below-ground non target items and above-ground infrastructures present, that can interfere with detecting target(s).Here we provide selected successful case studies where forensic geoscience techniques were used to detect and characterise buried clandestine complexes, bunkers and tunnels using different geophysical techniques. Generally, desktop studies assessing pre-existing information, including local geology, soils, historical/modern remote sensing, maps and photographs inform appropriate geophysical survey technique(s) selection. Subsequent near-surface geophysical techniques are then employed to produce accurate plans of sub-surface targets, with numerical modelling and correction for the interfering effects of above ground infrastructure, enabling the calibration of geophysical datasets to provide confidence in their respective interpretations.All forensic investigations are, of course, unique to every site, and thus require an individual approach to their respective ground conditions. Investigations should be both phased and iterative, with techniques tailored to local conditions: the selection of geophysical method(s) is crucial to improve successful detection rates of such important buried targets.

Re-imagining the complexities faced by rural entrepreneurs in South Africa: Implications for local economic development in the post COVID-19 pandemic period

Rural entrepreneurs play a critical role in generating economic activities and general development of rural economy. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has left extensive upheaval in rural entrepreneurship which cannot be emphasised. As a result, there is growing interest in the potential of rural entrepreneurs to recover from and adapt to the challenges stemming from COVID-19 pandemic. The significant challenges caused by pandemic pose threat to success of rural entrepreneurship initiatives. While there are various desktop studies that uncover challenges encountered by rural entrepreneurs prior to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, surprisingly there is lull of comprehensive desktop study in respect of the complexities faced by rural entrepreneurs during and in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. As such, this offers a rich ground for this study to explore challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs in the post COVID-19 period in South Africa. The study utilised literature research approach in which the researcher gathers data from journal articles, conference papers, reports and manages all the relevant research material. The results indicated various constraints faced by rural entrepreneurs during and post COVID-19 pandemic era. Information about the challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic is useful for sound management, development of adaptation strategies for rural entrepreneurship and policy making by the government, thereby reducing costs and failure rates of the current and would-be rural entrepreneurs.

A Landscape-Led Multidisciplinary Residential Plan for the London Green Belt

Landscape architects have a responsibility to society, the environment, the client, and other professional organizations. Professionals that undertake landscape-led planning projects need to adopt a comprehensive approach in all the associated aspects. This article summarizes a unique experience in landscape-led planning practice in the UK where most projects are either town planning or architect-led: (1) the housing scarcity problem in towns and villages, land within the Green Belt in the UK is in strict governance by planning policies. In this article, a case study of exceptional infilling villages in East Hertfordshire is used to drive a landscape-led, multi-disciplinary planning process and to analyze all expertise assignments involved; (2) materials were sought from a variety of sources including council official online guidance, public open access materials, project team communication, and consultation results which covered local residents engagement and anonymous comments during the publicity period of the planning decision. Desktop studies, site visits, and the expertise of the multi-disciplinary team were applied throughout the case; (3) with a year of planning teamwork, the proposed development of the study site met the local sustainable growth that planning permission for high-quality residential dwellings was granted by the Local Planning Authority; (4) since known landscape-led planning examples are limited in the UK, the case study formed a good example for scholars and researchers who are interested in planning in the Green Belt.

Public policies and conservation plans of historic urban landscapes under the sustainable heritage tourism milieu: discussions on the equilibrium model on Kulangsu Island, UNESCO World Heritage site

PurposeThe tensions and threats in historic urban landscapes brought about by heritage tourism are still regional, global, general, and dynamic issues. For Kulangsu, there is an obvious problem in the connection between the current conservation plan and public policy. To a large extent, public policy cannot effectively, specifically, and flexibly respond to the dynamic problems in the implementation of the conservation plan, which seems insufficient concerning the effect of these conservation plans and public policies on promoting the adaptive reuse and sustainable tourism of the historic urban in Kulangsu heritage sites. Thus, giving more consideration to the combination of public policies and conservation plans of historic urban landscapes under the heritage tourism milieu, ensuring a balanced, sustainable, and integrated development pattern still calls for new discussions in achieving good performance of sustainable heritage tourism. This study conceptually discusses the equilibrium model of historic urban landscapes with a range of strategies under a sustainable heritage tourism background and responds to the synthetic contradiction of the imbalances among public policy, conservation plans, and development practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a range of prepared desktop studies (public policy studies, conservation plans), field surveys, participant observations, and randomised interviews to respond to the insufficiency of the current heritage practices.FindingsThis study discusses the equilibrium model of sustainable heritage tourism at heritage sites. It takes Kulangsu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Southeast China, as an example to discuss the equilibrium model, which encompasses a convergent parallel framework and three dimensions concerning heritage management and policymaking. The equilibrium model of historic urban landscapes is a dynamic framework that integrates social, economic, environmental, and cultural concerns into a holistic collaborative framework under a sustainable heritage tourism background.Originality/valueIn line with the requirements of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach and general principles in support of sustainable urban heritage management promoted by UNESCO and ICOMOS, the study points out the peculiarities and potential of the equilibrium mode in solving the current challenges of historic urban landscapes for sustainable heritage tourism. Finding ways of linking policymaking, conservation, development, heritage tourism, and different interest groups to a holistic framework can stimulate effective means and management mechanisms for the complicated and changeable issues of sustainable heritage tourism.

Socio-spatial relations and the governance of city-regional growth: A comparative analysis of two European high-tech regions

Oxford-Oxfordshire, UK, and the Verband Region Stuttgart or the Metro Region in Germany are two of Europe’s high-tech powerhouses, facing similar challenges concerning housing and infrastructure provision and accommodating regional as well as local economic growth. Based on desktop studies and semi-structured expert interviews, this paper examines the respective institutional, political and cultural contexts for strategic planning in the two distinct settings, aiming to identify the evolving balance of socio-spatial dimensions influencing each case. While the interplay of territory, place, scale and network is different across the two cases, both face ongoing dilemmas. In the Stuttgart region, an established and smoothly running economic and spatial growth-machine has stuttered as growth has reached capacity and localities have asserted their constitutional controls on urban expansion. In Oxford (and the wider county of Oxfordshire), there has been a contrasting dislocation between an emerging growth agenda and a fractured governance context that is historically less oriented towards growth. Additionally, Oxfordshire has operated since 2010 against the background of localism in English planning and an increasing reliance on city and housing/growth ‘deals’ negotiated with central government to access planning flexibilities and infrastructure funding. Conclusions are drawn with the aim of mutual learning from the different international experiences and of informing approaches to strategic and inter-municipal planning.

Mainstreaming Flora Conservation Strategies into the Mitigation Hierarchy to Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment

The application of the mitigation hierarchy (MH) to mining projects is challenging in situations of locational overlap between endemic flora and mineral deposits. We review flora surveys conducted in connection with the environmental impact assessment of several iron ore mining projects in an area of high degree of endemism in Eastern Amazon to discuss the practical implications of anticipating conservation strategies. Desktop studies and secondary data review were conducted to guide field searches to determine the distribution of endemic flora, resulting in 45 out of 46 endemic plant species having their known distribution extended to new areas. A framework for positioning flora conservation strategies in the MH is presented. Specific habitat requirements and scarce knowledge about endangered and endemic flora species are a conservation obstacle, since essential information to define species conservation strategies may be lacking. We show that anticipating conservation strategies can minimize time-lag uncertainties related to restoration success and biodiversity offsets. The more effort is placed in the preventative steps of the MH, the smaller the time-lag between impact (biodiversity losses) and conservation outcomes (biodiversity gains), decreasing uncertainties and reducing risks to biodiversity.

Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MVA) in Complimenting Building Condition Assessment as a Diagnosis Tool for Reinforced Concrete Structures Rated as Category 3, 4 and 5

In most structural repair works or building condition assessment, structural appraisal has been done through visual inspection for tell-tale signs which highlight the possible defect. This method is extended to the standard guideline by Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) in their BCA format in determining the physical condition rating. Consulting engineers or structural specialists are to participate when it is determined that the structure requires material testing in order to come up with diagnoses and prognosis. The use of descriptive statistics in both reconnaissance or desktop studies as well as in standard specifications have limitation in determining the actual structural issues. This study demonstrates the advantages of using Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MVA) in summating the right diagnosis and prognosis for structural repair works.

Epistemic uncertainty of probabilistic building exposure compositions in scenario-based earthquake loss models

In seismic risk assessment, the sources of uncertainty associated with building exposure modelling have not received as much attention as other components related to hazard and vulnerability. Conventional practices such as assuming absolute portfolio compositions (i.e., proportions per building class) from expert-based assumptions over aggregated data crudely disregard the contribution of uncertainty of the exposure upon earthquake loss models. In this work, we introduce the concept that the degree of knowledge of a building stock can be described within a Bayesian probabilistic approach that integrates both expert-based prior distributions and data collection on individual buildings. We investigate the impact of the epistemic uncertainty in the portfolio composition on scenario-based earthquake loss models through an exposure-oriented logic tree arrangement based on synthetic building portfolios. For illustrative purposes, we consider the residential building stock of Valparaíso (Chile) subjected to seismic ground-shaking from one subduction earthquake. We have found that building class reconnaissance, either from prior assumptions by desktop studies with aggregated data (top–down approach), or from building-by-building data collection (bottom–up approach), plays a fundamental role in the statistical modelling of exposure. To model the vulnerability of such a heterogeneous building stock, we require that their associated set of structural fragility functions handle multiple spectral periods. Thereby, we also discuss the relevance and specific uncertainty upon generating either uncorrelated or spatially cross-correlated ground motion fields within this framework. We successively show how various epistemic uncertainties embedded within these probabilistic exposure models are differently propagated throughout the computed direct financial losses. This work calls for further efforts to redesign desktop exposure studies, while also highlighting the importance of exposure data collection with standardized and iterative approaches.

Water Footprint of Table Grape Production Systems: A Review of South African and Global Studies

Being a water-scarce country, South Africa (SA) faces several water challenges, including drought and other effects of climate change. Therefore, there is a need to improve water-use efficiency (WUE) by accurately quantifying the water use and WUE of table grape vineyards. The objective of this review is to (i) provide an overview of water footprint (WF) studies conducted on table grape production systems in SA and globally; (ii) identify limitations in current WF assessments of table grape production systems; and (iii) establish a range of WF values for table grape production systems as an indicator of WUE and for use in decision-making regarding sustainable freshwater use. The review has demonstrated that only a limited number of detailed WF studies have been undertaken on table grapes in SA and globally. Region-specific lookup tables for quantifying blue, green and grey water use in table grape production systems are available for three table grape production regions of SA and could be used for future WF assessments. Most global studies conducted on grape WF and WUE were desktop studies and did not include actual field records from production units, nor did they distinguish between different grape types (table, raisin and wine grapes). WF values must be interpreted in context, specifically regarding the water used versus yield, quality and income, as well as the region, climatic conditions, soil characteristics, irrigation and cultivation practices. For future WF and WUE assessments, a more detailed breakdown of water use is recommended, both during the production process and postharvest.

Socio-spatial interactions of a cluster-house concept apartment in mehr als wohnen project in Zurich, Switzerland

This article explores the socio-spatial interactions of a micro-community in a cluster-house concept apartment. The apartment has been designed for retreat and co-living by mehr als wohnen housing cooperative in Zurich, Switzerland. The methodology of investigation is a qualitative case study, through which housing narratives of three residents as representatives of this communal household are analyzed. In addition, on-site visits and observations, document analyses, and desktop studies are conducted. The originality of the research is in its approach of examining a micro-society through the residential community's authentic stories, which are in the context of normal times and the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that the social bonds of the studied cluster cohousing community are significantly maintained through the intermediate zones of the cluster-house arrangement. This socio-spatial interaction has activated the potentials of social innovation and housing resilience in an urban context. The research also highlights points of conflicts and insights for future cluster-concept apartment developments.

An integrated approach to assessment of petroleum potential and geological characteristics of the West Siberian oil and gas basin’s eastern edge within the limits of Noyabrsk region

Background. Decline of oil and gas traditional reserves pushes companies to explore and involve in production complex reservoirs which results in exploration risks increase. That is why an exploration research has to be integrational and its’ main result has to be determination and decreasing uncertainties. Aim. The aim of this research is the planning of further exploration program within the studied territory, based on the main uncertainties and trends in geological development. Materials and methods. Several types of research methods were applied, including field observation, laboratory analysis and geological desktop studies. The results of petroleum systems modeling is the basis for source rocks maturity prediction, the main stages of hydrocarbons generation — migration and critical moment estimation. It also provided the analysis of migration distance (limits) and geological risks related to it, petroleum saturation prediction for the main plays. Great emphasis was also placed on the search and processing of additional archival data, which made it possible to significantly detail the structural-tectonic framework of the studied area. Results. Consistent progression in field observation, laboratory analysis and geological desktop studies allowed to narrow the range of uncertainties, clarify the chance of geological success (gCOS), plan the further exploration program, and highlight higher-priority license blocks. As a result, more than 60 additional prospects were identified, for each of them both the probabilistic estimation of oil and gas resources and chance of geological success evaluation were made. Moreover, the further exploration program was approved. Conclusions. Therefore, the study allowed to analyse main uncertainties and correct further exploration program on the basis of integrated analysis of geological development history and geological structure of the studied area.

Revisiting Ramla l-Ħamra Villa – New Discoveries and Observations on the Roman Villa Complex in Xagħra, Gozo

Abstract The discovery of a set of ashlar blocks uncovered at the waters’ edge at Ramla l-Ħamra Bay in Gozo has prompted a series of assessments to understand if the exposed archaeological remains were an already known part of a Roman villa complex investigated in 1911 or whether these were a new addition. The study presents the results of the research undertaken through a series of on-site surveys and desktop studies confirming a new addition to the already known villa complex. The new discoveries are discussed within the light of the published sources and provide additional interpretations of the site. This study also provides an opportunity to reconsider the new discoveries and makes a case for a renewed interest for archaeological investigations which could shed more light on the remains of the Roman bathhouse as well as its environmental setting.

DEFINING CLIMATE-SMART LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BAC KAN PROVINCE, VIETNAM

This research aims to develop locally appropriate climate-resilient livelihood strategies for smallholder farmers in a northern mountainous province of Vietnam. The study was conducted during October 2019 – April 2020 in Bac Kan province and Cho Don district using a mixed method via desktop studies; field surveys with relevant stakeholders from provincial to commune levels and 100 farmers in 2 climate-vulnerable communes; workshops and focus group discussions (FGD) among experience farmers and stakeholder representatives. As a result, 13 potential climate resilient production models and practices have been identified, and 3 intertwined strategies have been formulated in order to achieve the defined goal of improved climate resilience and household income for the studied location. Practical recommendations on implementation and future research directions are also discussed in this paper.

Trends in urban planning, climate adaptation and resilience in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Over recent decades, there has been substantial change in Zanzibar, due to, among others, global climate change impacts. The semi-autonomous polity faces challenges to foster resilient urban communities and planning for mitigation and adaptation to climate change, not least because of its island nature and rapid urbanization. This article addresses urban and environmental planning measures from 2010 to 2020 aimed at confronting the impacts of climate change and working toward resilience and adaptation in urban Zanzibar. The study was conducted between June and August 2020, and primarily involved a combination of desktop studies, online discussions, and virtual meetings with key actors in the land, climate, and disaster risk policy and governance aspects in Zanzibar. The review provides information on the current responses to policy, legal and institutional setup in terms of the key issues related to land use, climate and disaster risk reduction in Zanzibar. Thematic analysis was used to connect land-use planning, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction documentation of the situational assessment, determination and respective recommendations concerning land use and climate adaptation. It is argued that planning for climate change requires greater social will, financial investment, and the conversion of science to policy than currently exists in Zanzibar. Dynamic individual and governmental efforts and select community engagement are likely insufficient to produce resilience, as large-scale donor-funded climate adaptation interventions are largely top-down in orientation and often miss out on local community-oriented climate solutions. Smaller NGOs are more practical for understanding and addressing community-oriented priorities to support climate-resilient initiatives and enhance local livelihood priorities and participation against climate impacts, including natural disasters and everyday degradation. The article concludes with policy recommendations both specific to Zanzibar and relevant across the region.

Неупругое растяжение медного однопроволочного проводника при неограниченных местных деформациях и положительной температуре

Results of experimental and desktop studies of the single-wire copper conductor deformation under the overcurrent action are given in the article. The conductor was studied using the JSM-6390L reflection electron microscope. A mathematical model of the stress-strain state of the copper bar in tension and under a temperature below 700 °С has been developed on the basis of the classical nonlinear problem of the structural mechanics. The mechanical forces in a single-wire copper conductor, which cause neck formation during overcurrent flow, have been determined. The mathematical model has been simplified to simple analytical dependences providing their use in forensic fire and technical investigations.

REVIEW OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON RICE PRODUCTION IN THE MEKONG DELTA OF VIETNAM, RESPONSES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Climate change creates significant impacts on agricultural production in Vietnam, particularly rice production in the Mekong Delta, the largest rice production region of the country. This study aims to advance understanding of the impacts of climate change on rice production in the Mekong Delta through desktop studies of literature, followed by discussions of relevant response options and specific recommendations to climate change adaptation in the research area. This research has identified four major responses to climate change, namely, technological developments, farm production actions, farm financial strategies, and government support programs. The local context was analyzed to provide appropriate strategies towards climate-resilient farming communities in the Mekong Delta. The recommendations are also relevant to many disaster-prone production regions in the country.

FE Evaluation of Hillside Excavation for a Construction Contract Dispute

This paper presents a forensic evaluation of an earthwork grading dispute between a grading contractor (plaintiff) and property owner (defendant) associated with construction of an approach driveway and hill-side cut for a new residential property. The plaintiff’s allegations were that “changed conditions” had been encountered through the presence of a landslide and/or geologic fault. These conditions resulted in schedule delays and increased costs. Finally, the plaintiff alleged breach of contract after being terminated. The allega-tions were investigated through both on-site field reconnaissance and desktop studies. The forensic analyses found no basis for the changed conditions claims. The case was tried in Napa County California Superior Courts via bench trial. The judge’s decision mirrored the findings of the forensic analyses.

Surgery vs. chemotherapy for ovarian cancer recurrence: what is the best treatment option.

Nowadays, the best treatment option for ovarian cancer recurrence is often subjective, can vary in the different centers and depend on personal experience. Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaekologische Onkologie (AGO)-DESKTOP studies have identified a population of patients who could benefit from secondary surgery. The results of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG)-0213 study were recently published, which showed no advantage in terms of overall survival (OS) in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) compared to chemotherapy alone. Aim of this narrative review is to summarize the best aspects that can make ovarian cancer recurrence patients suitable for SCS. A narrative review analyzing all the literature of the past 30 years has been performed. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Ovid MEDLINE were used for research. All non-English-language articles have been excluded. The following keywords were searched: 'recurrent ovarian cancer', 'secondary surgery', 'secondary cytoreductive surgery', 'platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer', 'platinum-resistant ovarian cancer'. We divided eligible patients for secondary cytoreduction in relation to the following factors: platinum-sensitivity, AGO-score or Tian model, unresectable lesions, surgical generic contraindication, woman's personal choice. The selection of truly suitable patients for surgery seems an essential requirement for the patient's best therapeutic choice. In case of absent post-surgical residual tumor, good performance status, single recurrence, and platinum-sensitive ovarian recurrence, surgery could be performed.