Forthcoming Generations Research Articles

Quad-band Compact MIMO Antennas for 5G Mobile Communications

Three types of quad-band millimetric-wave two-port MIMO antenna systems are proposed for the forthcoming generations of mobile handsets. A novel printed antenna is introduced to be the single element of the proposed MIMO antennas. It is shown that the proposed MIMO antennas are capable of producing both spatial and polarization diversities that enhance the performance of mobile communications. Two configurations of co-polarized two-port MIMO antennas are proposed to provide spatial diversity, whereas a cross-polarized two-port MIMO antenna is proposed to produce polarization diversity. It is shown that all the proposed MIMO antennas can operate efficiently over the four frequency bands centered at 28, 43, 52, and 57 GHz. Prototypes are fabricated for the proposed MIMO antennas for the sake of experimental evaluation. The measurements agree with the simulation results showing high performance of the proposed types of MIMO antennas including the impedance matching, radiation patterns, envelop correlation coefficient, and diversity gain. Both the experimental and simulation results show that the achieved bandwidths, at the four operational frequency bands, are 0.6, 0.6, 1.8, and 1.5 GHz, respectively. Also, the radiation efficiencies calculated at the four operational frequencies are 86.5%, 87.5%, 89.2%, and 90.0%, respectively. The dimensions and the results concerning the performance of the proposed MIMO antennas are compared to other designs for MIMO antennas available in some recently published work.

Systematic Review of Education Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions

It is vital to enforce the distinguished assimilation of sustainability entities in higher education (HE) and establish an academia-wide collective curriculum on sustainability in an efficient manner, in order to disseminate and stimulate thoughts with forthcoming generations. The remit of this paper is to document the available literature and map the research landscape into a coherent taxonomy. This research adds to the available literature; moreover, it could also aid in the community comprehension of education in sustainable development (ESD) implementation and/or integration into higher education institutions (HEIs). We perform an attentive search in relation to education sustainable development (ESD) in three relevant electronic databases, namely, Web of Science (WoS), ScienceDirect and IEEE Xplore. The result of the review is a taxonomy that includes 148 articles published between early 2014 and mid-2019 that were then categorized into six classes, namely, the accomplishment of SD, awareness and commitment, evaluation and commentary, structural transformation, course coordination and university management. Additionally, we acknowledge varied involvement from different levels of communities supporting and promoting education to achieve sustainable development (SD).

OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS CONDITIONS FOR GERMINATING PIGMENTED RED KAVUNI RICE USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY (RSM)

Recent years, people have been seeking natural and wholesome food, predominantly functional food, which plays a vital role in disease prevention. Germinated brown rice is one of the feasible techniques to improve the nutritional quality to promote brown rice consumption. To optimize the process conditions of germination, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), a statistical computation technique based on two-factor and three-level Central Composite Design (CCD), was employed to optimize the conditions of germinated brown rice. The optimized state was 16 hours of soaking and 72 hours of germination had the highest overall acceptability, shorter cooking span, and potent antioxidant activity. The results showed a good fit with the proposed quadratic model for overall acceptability (R2=0.99), cooking time (R2=0.97) and anti-oxidant activity (R2=0.98). Germinated brown rice could be added and used as a nutritional ingredient shortly. It will be in high demand because of nutritional and nutraceutical properties for the forthcoming generations. Keywords: Red Kavuni, germinated brown rice, Response surface methodology

Environmental Solid Waste‐derived Carbon for Advanced Rechargeable Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries: A Review

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are lighter and cheaper than today's electrochemical energy storage devices for the forthcoming generations. Particularly the low price and abundance of sulfur as the cathode material, high energy density, and theoretical capacity are delightful characteristics. However, Li−S batteries have many hindrances to attain their commercial applications. Among the challenges are the polysulfide shuttle effect, the insulating property of sulfur, and large volume expansion during charging‐discharging processes. Researchers have carried out comprehensive research on the potential solutions to these challenges. Environmental waste‐derived carbon has an increasingly important role in the energy storage devices (Li−S batteries) due to their sustainable development, low cost, heteroatom doping, large specific surface area, adjustable pore size, easily available sources, and high electric conductivity, which had a significant effect to enhance electrochemical performance. This review highlighted the research progress on carbon derived from environmental solid wastes for the application of Li−S batteries. Furthermore, the preparation, morphology, and design protocols of carbon derived from solid wastes are elaborated for energy storage devices focused on Li−S batteries. These properties inspire researchers in the rational design of environmental waste‐derived carbon materials for sustainable and advanced electrochemical energy storage devices.

Veterinary drug residues in animal-derived foods: occurrence, veterinary legislation and perceived risk factors in Cameroon

The presence of veterinary drug residues in animal-derived foods (ADF) remains a public health concern in low-income countries such as Cameroon. This paper provides an overview of the current status of antimicrobial (AM) residues in ADF, veterinary legislation on the use of AM and perception of risk factors with emphasis on the need for sustainable management in Cameroon from a one health perspective. Results show that a wide range of antimicrobials is used in the country with little or no attention to good veterinary practices. Residues of commonly used AM agents including those banned for use in food animal production in high-income countries were reported. The current legislation on the use of veterinary drugs is weak and does not make provision for key concepts such as Maximum Residue Limit. Veterinarians argue that the lack of disease diagnostic facilities and excessive use of AM has led to the presence of residues in ADFs. The government and relevant agencies need to enforce regulations for the use of veterinary drugs. Further, awareness creation through educational campaigns for users and consumers as well as the implementation of measures to restrict prescription and dispensation of AM agents to recognised veterinarians are necessary. More studies on AM residues in ADFs are needed to support veterinary drug surveillance policies. This paper strongly suggests collaboration between food safety experts, animal and human health professionals as well as policymakers to help implement good surveillance of antimicrobial use and to safeguard potent AM suitable for disease control for forthcoming generations.

Effect of extract of Argemone mexicana L. seeds on the mortality, fecundity and emergence of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) for the protection of the stored grains

Cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculates (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchidae), is the most notorious store grain pest. Pulses constitute the major source of protein in most of the developing countries including India. The stored grain pests are difficult to control because of chemical insecticides if used causes health hazards to us. Adult C. maculates were exposed to 4, 8, 12 and 16ml concentration of extract/Kg grains of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus (Roxb) and were homogenized separately. After the treatment with acetone extract the mortality was recorded at 4ml concentration of extract per kg grains of mung bean, was observed i.e. 50%. The number of eggs laid were 115±5.00, grains infected were 109.33±3.21 and adult emerged were 98±3.00 respectively while at above 12 ml concentration of extract per kg grains of mung bean, the adult mortality was high i.e. 100%. There was no infestation and emergence of adults recorded. In chloroform and ethanol extracts of Argemone mexicana L seed the adult mortality was high 100%, there was no infestation and emergence of adult recorded at all concentrations per kg grain of mung bean. Methanol extract had very poor toxic effect and low inhibitory effect on the reproductive activity and hence, large number of the adults emerged out, they can damage the P. aureus grains severely in the forthcoming generations. As the concentration increases, significant reduction in adult emergence takes place. Seed extract of A. mexicana L. in acetone, chloroform and ethanol solvent shows highest mortality, no infestation and no adult emergence as compared with control while based on these findings, it can be used to control the infestation of stored grain pest C. maculatus F.

Exploring the Psychosocial Antecedents of Sustainable Behaviors through the Lens of the Positive Youth Development Approach: A Pioneer Study

The current study explored, in a sample of 219 young Italian adults (105 M; 114 F; mean age = 22.10 years; SD = 2.69; age range = 18–29), the contribution of the five psychosocial skills (Five Cs) identified by the Positive Youth Development approach (competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring) to sustainable behaviors, including pro-ecological, frugal, altruistic. and equitable actions. We performed four regression analyses, in which the Five Cs were the independent variables and pro-ecological, frugal, altruistic, and equitable behaviors were the dependent ones. Results reveal that character predicted pro-ecological and frugal behaviors, whereas competence was a significant antecedent of altruism. In addition, we found that caring predicted pro-ecological and altruistic actions while connection was a positive predictor of equity. These findings suggest that psychosocial resources could be crucial for sustainability, opening new possibilities for research and intervention in order to promote sustainable practices that could guarantee the well-being of the present and forthcoming generations. Limits and future research directions are also discussed.

HR-pypopstar: high-wavelength-resolution stellar populations evolutionary synthesis model

ABSTRACT We present the HR-pyPopStar model, which provides a complete set (in ages) of high-resolution (HR) spectral energy distributions of Single Stellar Populations. The model uses the most recent high-wavelength-resolution theoretical atmosphere libraries for main-sequence, post-AGB/planetary nebulae and Wolf–Rayet stars. The spectral energy distributions are given for more than a hundred ages ranging from 0.1 Myr to 13.8 Gyr, at four different values of the metallicity (Z = 0.004, 0.008, 0.019, and 0.05), considering four different IMFs. The wavelength range goes from 91 to $24\, 000$ Å in linear steps δλ = 0.1 Å, giving a theoretical resolving power $R_{{\rm th},5000} \sim 50\, 000$ at 5000 Å. This is the main novelty of these spectra, unique for their age and wavelength ranges. The models include the ionizing stellar populations that are relevant at both young (massive hot stars) and old (planetary nebulae) ages. We have tested the results with some examples of HR spectra recently observed with MEGARA at GTC. We highlight the importance of wavelength resolution in reproducing and interpreting the observational data from the last and forthcoming generations of astronomical instruments operating at 8–10 m class telescopes, with higher spectral resolution than their predecessors.

Allele and genotype frequencies of the SOD1 gene polymorphism associated with canine degenerative myelopathy in Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece.

Background and Aim:Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is an adult-onset fatal disorder associated with a point mutation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (SOD1:c.118G>A). This study aimed to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of this mutation in a group of Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece.Materials and Methods:Samples (n=72) of whole blood were collected from 72 purebred dogs of the Hellenic Armed Forces; these samples were processed for DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and digestion with the restriction endonuclease AcuI. Sample testing was conducted in compliance with ISO17025 accreditation requirements.Results:The observed relative genotype frequencies were 71% for the homozygous (GG), 25% for the heterozygous (AG), and 4% for the homozygous mutant (AA) alleles. These frequencies were close to those expected, indicating no significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE, p=0.395). The frequency of heterozygous animals indicates that a high risk of developing CDM in forthcoming generations exists in the tested population because mating among carriers would result in 25% AA progeny. The medical record of the group of study animals indicated selection against leishmaniosis, as applied throughout generations by owners and breeders. The potential association of this selection with the HWE status of the study population was discussed.Conclusion:The SOD1:c.118G>A mutation was common in the tested group of dogs; thus, they are suitable for a follow-up investigation on the development and progression of CDM. A case-control study on animals with evidence of sensitivity to infectious myelopathy could provide new insights into disease pathogenesis.

A HISTORICAL STUDY OF LADY MACLAGAN GIRLS HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, LODGE ROAD, LAHORE: AS A CONTRIBUTOR FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND GIRLS EDUCATION

Purpose of the study: The current study investigated and documented the historical evolution of Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lodge Road, Lahore by delving into archival records and relevant historical sources to provide a comprehensive overview of its founding, key milestones, and transformative events. The study looks at the school's founding, its changing curriculum, the important
 Methodology: The study uses a historical methodology and combines secondary sources with primary information from public archives, libraries, and enrollment registers to explore the potential inspirational effects of understanding the history of LMGHSS, Lahore on present and future generations of students to gather insights into the motivational aspects of the school's history and its role in shaping the aspirations of students.
 Main Findings: The study finds to enhance community cohesion, motivate forthcoming generations, and recognize the educational accomplishments made by the institution. The school's dedication to diversity is concluded in the article, which began with the admission of children from all communities and eventually expanded to include secondary and higher secondary levels.
 Application of the study: The present study seems to be one of its kind at the school level as most of the work has been done and is being compiled at the university level. It also has a long-lasting influence of the institution on the lives of its alumni, who include well-known authors, politicians, and artists.
 Novelty of the study: This study intends to preserve the legacy of Lady Maclagan Girls' Higher Secondary School and contribute to the larger conversation on the significance of women's education in social progress by recording the school's infrastructure, enrollment history, and academic accomplishments. The Lady Maclagan school from 1920 till today, as an educational institution has been instrumental in advancing women's education in a society from generation to generation.

Close-kin marriage – An injustice to forthcoming generations

Consanguineous marriage is the union between two individuals who are related as second cousins or closer and who have a common ancestor. There are various contributing factors to these marriages, namely, economic, cultural, social factors, and cultural isolation. Many societies nowadays do not allow marriages between close relatives, perhaps as a result of observations on the progeny of consanguineous marriages and the fear of unhealthy offsprings. This review article mainly intends to throw light on the genetic abnormalities caused by consanguineous marriages. It aspires to reveal the mystery behind the uncut diamonds sparkling as healthy children.

Central Bank Independence and Economic Growth of Ghana: What Inflation and GDP Per Capita Growth Rates Matter?

The study analyzed data from the World Bank's World Development Indicators, Worldwide Governance Indicators, and Heritage Foundation's Monetary freedom index from 1996 to 2017 to determine the GDP per capita growth and inflation rates require total independence of the central bank of Ghana with threshold regression method. Per the analysis, it was observed that the impact of central bank independence is positively related to economic growth when the inflation threshold is less than 26.1% at a significance level of 5% with an elasticity coefficient of 0.07. On the other hand, when the inflation threshold is greater than or equal to 26.1% with an elasticity coefficient of 0.142 at a significance level of 1%, central bank independence is positively related to economic growth. Nonetheless, the GDP per capita (PPP) growth rate witnessed a decline from 5.8% in 2017 to 4.1% in 2018 and 4.0 in 2019, respectively. Evidently, the regression threshold was pegged at 5.8% or above to significantly impact economic growth when central bank independence is relatively improved. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between inflation variability, economic growth variability, and central bank independence. The earnest responsibility of politicians is to persistently safeguard, protect and ensure the implementation of central bank independence over time; perhaps the able requirement of government and politicians is to understand and explain ultimate reasons regarding the entrustment of power and authority to an independent monetary body to see to the well-being of forthcoming generations and present ones as well

SPACE SYNTAX AS AN EVALUATIVE AND PREDICTIVE TOOL TO EXPLORE URBANITY LEVELS IN NEW DAMIETTA CITY

In New Damietta city, many residential neighborhoods have the appearance of empty, dull, and monotonous places. These neighborhoods have low levels of urbanity in terms of vital and flourishing street life. Some researchers attribute the low levels of urbanity in new cities to the urban planning approaches undertaken (the neighborhood unit). To conduct this research, we used space syntax analysis as a key method to study urbanity in New Damietta city. In addition to other methods such as direct field observations through which we observed land use patterns and activities occurred in the study area. Observed land use patterns and activities were mapped in Geographical Information System (GIS). This study finds out how space syntax is an effective tool that can evaluate the current situation of urbanity and how it can be used as a predictive tool in the planning processes in the forthcoming generations of new cities.

Application of Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access for machine type communication in sub-terahertz band

There is a compelling need to address the problem of accommodating the rapidly growing number of machine type devices engaging in communication within the scarce radio spectrum, in current and forthcoming generations of wireless networks. The coming decades will also witness various novel applications, demanding wireless communication at very high data rate and energy efficiency, which currently favored technologies and techniques are inadequate to support. Because of these reasons, it seems inevitable that wireless communication will have to be facilitated by the efficient utilization of larger bandwidth at higher frequencies. Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) and shifting to higher frequency ranges such as the lower terahertz band, have been considered as solutions to provide space to the increasing number of communicating devices while meeting performance requirements. In this paper a machine type communication system model, utilizing the promising technique NOMA and operating in the sub-terahertz band, is developed and analyzed for its performances of data rate, spectral efficiency and energy efficiency. Thereafter the energy efficiency of the proposed model is optimized by using unconstrained optimization and then constrained (by threshold of data rate) optimization, the latter solving a multi-objective problem by the ϵ-constraint method. The optimal transmission power is also derived for both optimization techniques. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the energy efficiency can be maximized by utilizing unconstrained optimization and the spectral efficiency can be maximized by utilizing constrained optimization for both machine-to-machine and base-to-machine communications.

(آبی مسائل کےحل میں اسلامی تعلیمات کا کردار(پاکستان کےتناظرمیں

This investigation aims at to present the Islamic view about the protection of water sources, its significance, comparison with modern study and to depict the distinctions and similitudes if any. Furthermore, this study will exhibit that Islamic learning could play a pivotal part in protection of water sources, conserving its usage and avoiding its wastage. But unfortunately, this aspect is neglected in our curricula that is why the people are unaware about its importance, consumption and scarcity. Water sources not only in the world but also in our country are getting to be depleted and contaminated very quickly. Today, around 60 percent of water sources are too polluted and exhausted for swimming and aquaculture. This situation demands some most appropriate and suitable simple measures from the human beings of the entire world otherwise the shortage of the water would not far away from us in some decades and the whole world would become a barren desert. By simply executing a few sustainability initiatives by promulgating and disseminating the Islamic learning, we can save water and avert contamination. In this way, we could save the precious life of our forthcoming generations and protect the aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants too. In this study, creativities and procedures to protect the water sources have been described in the light of Shariah and according to modern research tools of water research and technology.

(آبی مسائل کےحل میں اسلامی تعلیمات کا کردار(پاکستان کےتناظرمیں

English abstract: This investigation aims at to present the Islamic view about the protection of water sources, its significance, comparison with modern study and to depict the distinctions and similitudes if any. Furthermore, this study will exhibit that Islamic learning could play a pivotal part in protection of water sources, conserving its usage and avoiding its wastage. But unfortunately, this aspect is neglected in our curricula that is why the people are unaware about its importance, consumption and scarcity. Water sources not only in the world but also in our country are getting to be depleted and contaminated very quickly. Today, around 60 percent of water sources are too polluted and exhausted for swimming and aquaculture. This situation demands some most appropriate and suitable simple measures from the human beings of the entire world otherwise the shortage of the water would not far away from us in some decades and the whole world would become a barren desert. By simply executing a few sustainability initiatives by promulgating and disseminating the Islamic learning, we can save water and avert contamination. In this way, we could save the precious life of our forthcoming generations and protect the aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants too. In this study, creativities and procedures to protect the water sources have been described in the light of Shariah and according to modern research tools of water research and technology. Urdu abstract: ملک پاکستان عصر حاضر میں شدید آبی بحران سے گزر رہا ہے۔ وزارت آبی وسائل کے ذرائع کے مطابق ملک کی 60 فیصد آبادی زراعت کے شعبے سے وابستہ ہے جس کی وجہ سے پانی کی طلب میں اضافہ ہوتا جارہا ہے۔3 فیصد پینے کا صاف پانی ہے جس میں سے 70 فیصد پانی گلیشیئرز سے آتا ہے۔ 24 فیصد زیر زمین سے جبکہ ایک فیصد دریاؤں اور ندیوں سے آتاہے۔ پاکستان ان 15 ممالک میں شامل ہے جن کو پانی کی کمی کا خطرہ لاحق ہے۔ذرائع کےمطابق کل پانی کا 90فیصد آبپاشی کےلئے استعمال کیا جاتا ہے جبکہ اس میں 50 فیصد پانی فرسودہ کنوؤں کےنظام اورپانی چوری کی وجہ سےضائع ہورہاہےجس سےپانی کی قلت میں اضافہ ہوتاجارہا ہے۔پاکستان میں کل 155 ڈیم ہیں جن میں 30 دنوں کیلئے پانی ذخیرہ ہو سکتا ہے حالانکہ عالمی معیار کے مطابق کم ازکم 120 دن کا ذخیرہ ضرور ہونا چاہیے۔ ارسا کے مطابق پاکستان میں بارشوں سے ہر سال تقریبا 145 ملین ایکڑ فٹ پانی آتا ہے لیکن ذخیرہ کرنے کی سہولیات نہ ہونے کی وجہ سے صرف 13.7 ملین ایکڑ فٹ پانی بچایا جا سکتا ہے۔ پاکستان کا گلوبل فوڈ سکیورٹی انڈیکس میں 107 ممالک میں سے 76 واں نمبر ہے اور پاکستان میں اس وقت ایک شخص کے لئے گیارہ سو کیوبیک میٹرسے بھی کم پانی رہ گیا ہے۔ جب کہ 1951ء میں ہر شخص کے لئے پانچ ہزار کیوبک میٹر پانی موجود تھا۔2025ءمیں پاکستان کی آبادی ایک محتاط اندازے کے مطابق 227 ملین ہو جائے گی اور اگر فورا کچھ ضروری اقدامات نہ اٹھائے گئے پاکستان میں پانی کا بحران خطرناک حد تک بڑھ جائے گا۔اسلامی تعلیمات جامع ہیں اور ان میں زندگی کے ہر پہلو کےبارےمیں رہنمائی موجود ہے۔اسلام نے جہاں اخروی معاملات سے متعلق رہنمائی فراہم کی ہے وہیں دنیوی مسائل کے بارے میں بھی تمام پہلوؤں کو زیربحث لایا گیا ہے ۔آبی مسائل اور ان کے حل کے بارے میں بھی اسلام میں اصولی رہنمائی موجود ہے ۔ زیر بحث مقالہ میں پاکستان کےآبی ذرائع کے تحفظ کے بارے میں کلام کیا جائے گا اور بتایا جائے گا کہ اگر تعلیمات اسلامی کو عام کیا جائے اور پاکستانی عوام ان تعلیمات پر عمل پیرا ہو جائے توپاکستان کو درپیش آبی مسائل کے حل میں کا فی مدد میسر آ سکتی ہے۔ اس ضمن میں درج ذیل تعلیمات کو سمجھنے اور عام کرنے کی اشد ضرورت ہے۔

The Role of Saudi Literature in Cultural Development Taking Ghazi Al Qusaibi as an Example

The research aims at studying the literary efforts of Al Qusaibi within the cultural development which he earnestly sought as he believed in the necessity of building man in the society to be a productive doer، to present a successful experience for students and the forthcoming generations to help them face reality. The importance of the research is indicated by shedding light on the literature of a Saudi man of letters who created a perception of cultural development and its impact on social building and changing its paths to the best. Through his multi intellectual participations، he attempted to awaken man’s conscience and urge the society to interact with culture with its social concept. From this research، we might have concluded some theoretical researches which were far from reality and society as we want to present a development view coated with a literary garment. Through the basic question of research: How did the literature of Al Qaisibi whether in the development process in general and in the cultural development in particular? We shall try to answer through studying examples of his poetry and prose taking his novel "Al Asfouria" as a model.

AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON DATA MINING SYSTEM AND ITS TECHNIQUES .

Data mining is an extraction of knowledge discovery from huge amount of data which is previously unknown and potentially useful for analytical processing and decision making. The other acronyms of data mining are such as Data archeology, Data dredging, Information harvesting and Business Intelligence. The various data mining techniques are used to find the hidden interestingness or new patter to store the data. These techniques and approaches of data mining can efficiently build the new environment for analyzing and predictions. This paper highlights data mining process and its various techniques to find the interestingness. Finally, concluded with its limitations. The objective of the paper is opens new horizons for researchers of forthcoming generations.

The role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to drought by agropastoral smallholder farmers in Uganda

Majority of agro pastoral smallholder farmers in developing countries are characterised by low pay status, high illiteracy levels and are tied to cultural beliefs and spirits. These drawbacks have led them into using more indigenous knowledge as a way of adapting to droughts. This study explored the contribution of IK in enhancing farmer’s resilience to drought in crop and livestock production systems in semi-arid areas. The objectives were: (i) to examine the agro pastoral farmer’s perceptions of drought indicators and associated impacts and (ii) determinants for the adoption of indigenous knowledge drought adaptation responses. Socio-economic data was collected using oral interviews. The farmers (240) were selected using random sampling procedures and subjected to structured questionnaires and key informant guides. This study highlights that the droughts experienced were perceived to be more severe, recurrent and pervasive but also erratic. The IK drought signs were: flowering of wild plants, blowing of strong winds and appearance of flying and crawling insects. In crop-based systems, droughts reduced yields, caused plant stunted growth, increased incidences of diseases and invasive weed species. In livestock, droughts reduced surface water levels, lowered milk and beef yields, and increased diseases. The farmers reacted to droughts by practicing indigenous agro forestry, mulching, changing planting time, crop rotation and hoeing of trenches to control fires and pests/diseases. They also took their animals to wetlands for foraging and drew water for animals to drink. The uptake of IK drought adaptation practices was related to: household size, personal farming life experience, gender and age of the agro pastoral farmers. Therefore, employing IK drought adaptation responses is an important step towards increasing the resilience of agro pastoral smallholder farmers but also the conservation of IK for forthcoming generations.

The Effect of Population Ageing on Heating Energy Demand on National Level: A Case Study of Slovenia

Residential energy demands are expected to change significantly in the future with increasing electrification, energy efficiency, and improved comfort as well as climate change. While many studies have been performed into how the aforementioned influential factors could affect the energy needs of the forthcoming generations, far less are present for how population aging affects the future heating demand. The latter is particularly relevant for Europe and Slovenia as declining fertility rates and lengthening life spans give rise to the increasing ratio of the elderly. In this paper, the future residential space and water heating energy demands of the aging society in Slovenia, using a sample of geographically dispersed nursing homes as a proxy, are estimated. The results are compared against the latest EU reference scenario until 2050, whereby the adjusted estimates differ by up to 9.6 %. Thus, the study highlights the need for energy policy to be further refined and redefined to link the energy performance requirements of buildings to specific consumption characteristics of the elderly.