Gap Analysis Research Articles

A comprehensive review and experimental comparison of deep learning methods for automated hemorrhage detection

Hemorrhagic stroke poses a critical medical emergency that necessitates prompt and accurate diagnosis to prevent irreversible brain damage. The emergence of automated deep learning methods for identifying hemorrhagic stroke on medical imaging scans has garnered significant interest in recent years. These methods are specifically designed to assist radiologists in identifying and highlighting abnormalities in medical scans. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and comprehensive gap analysis of various deep learning methodologies for automated hemorrhagic stroke identification. Our experiments were conducted using various datasets, particularly a publicly available large dataset of non-contrast computed tomography scans of the brain, in a regulated setting. Through an evaluation strategy that encompasses unexplored domain aspects, we identified the key challenges and areas for improvement. This strategy involved the utilization of multisite datasets and the evaluation based on the complexity in the appearance of hemorrhage. The subsequent analysis of the evaluation results revealed gaps in the current state of the art, emphasizing the need to bridge these gaps to achieve higher accuracy and reliability. This study offers valuable insights into the current state of automated hemorrhage stroke identification, highlighting areas for future research and development. The findings have significant implications for improving patient outcomes and alleviating the burden on radiology professionals, leading to more sustainable healthcare practices. The study concludes with recommendations for researchers in this field to foster the future development of automated tools for diagnosing hemorrhagic stroke.

A high-content screen reveals new regulators of nuclear membrane stability

Nuclear membrane rupture is a physiological response to multiple in vivo processes, such as cell migration, that can cause extensive genome instability and upregulate invasive and inflammatory pathways. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of rupture are unclear and few regulators have been identified. In this study, we developed a reporter that is size excluded from re-compartmentalization following nuclear rupture events. This allows for robust detection of factors influencing nuclear integrity in fixed cells. We combined this with an automated image analysis pipeline in a high-content siRNA screen to identify new proteins that both increase and decrease nuclear rupture frequency in cancer cells. Pathway analysis identified an enrichment of nuclear membrane and ER factors in our hits and we demonstrate that one of these, the protein phosphatase CTDNEP1, is required for nuclear stability. Analysis of known rupture determinants, including an automated quantitative analysis of nuclear lamina gaps, are consistent with CTDNEP1 acting independently of actin and nuclear lamina organization. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of nuclear rupture and define a highly adaptable program for rupture analysis that removes a substantial barrier to new discoveries in the field.

Optimizing the White Light Emission of Pr3+ Activated SrCeO3 Perovskite by Controlling the Excitation Wavelength for High CRI wLED Applications.

The current research illustrates excitation energy-triggered photoluminescent characteristics of Pr3+ions in SrCeO3 providing a practical approach for developing high CRI wLED and its applications. SrCeO3: xPr3+ (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 wt) perovskites synthesized by fuel excess gel combustion method generate high CRI (~98) for wLED applications. Crystalline phosphors with orthorhombic structures having space group Pnma were confirmed by XRD. The unit cell volume expansion occurred with an increase in Pr3+ concentration was verified through the Rietveld refinement technique. Surface morphology, particle distribution, and size were observed via FE-SEM imaging, and detected a well-defined regular distorted spherical structure with average grain size 0.826μm for Pr3+ doped SrCeO3. Elemental mapping and EDS analysis identified the uniform distribution and elemental purity of SrCeO3: 0.01 Pr3+. Further, the molecular vibrations and modes were analyzed from the Raman spectrum. Moreover, the average particle size assessed via TEM analysis was found to be ~83.2nm, consistent with XRD analysis. UV-visible absorption spectra for optical energy-band gap analysis showed a decrease in band gap energy with an increase in Pr3+ concentration, realizing an effective energy transfer from Ce4+ to Pr3+. PL measurements showed a huge variety of emission transitions, corresponding to excitations 290nm, 321nm, 373nm, and 449nm. The critical dopant concentration instigated by concentration quenching was 1 wt% Pr3+, ascribed to dipole-dipole interaction. The fluorescence lifetime of the optimal sample was 4.835μs. Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) diagram exposes the white light emanation of SrCeO3: Pr3+. Among which white light with high CRI (~98) and comparably low CCT (~6311K) was obtained for SrCeO3: 0.01 Pr3+ at 373nm excitation. The obtained results recommend that SrCeO3: Pr3+ perovskite as an efficient white phosphor for fabricating high-performance wLEDs.

Applying a Three-Tier Approach to Address Gaps in Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake and Continuity in Uganda: A Mixed Methods Approach.

We describe a 3-tier approach involving a gap analysis, root cause analysis, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) collaborative to understand the gap and identify and address the main barriers to oral PrEP uptake and continuity in Uganda. We used a mixed methods design with retrospective, cross-sectional, and prospective components. The gap analysis involved descriptive analysis of PrEP uptake and continuity. The RCA identified the main barriers to initiation and continuity on PrEP among 1,334 clients who declined to start PrEP and 1,266 who missed their appointment but were at risk. The PrEP collaborative tested changes mapped onto specific barriers to optimize the PrEP clinical service delivery. A trend analysis of routinely collected data of the PrEP cascade determined significant shifts and trends in PrEP uptake and continuity. Only 60% of the high-risk population eligible for PrEP were enrolled, while fewer than 30% of the cumulative number of PrEP users were refilled each quarter. Uncertainty and fear of side effects, perceptions about the harmfulness of the medication, perceived inability to adhere to PrEP, and stigma were the main reasons why clients rejected PrEP. Lack of access to the facility, side effects, pill burden, stigma, perceived low-risk exposure to HIV, and preference of staying at work as opposed to picking up refills affected continuity on PrEP. The collaborative registered statistically significant shifts in PrEP enrollment from 64% to 89% and continuity from 51% to 78% between July 21 and November 22 following the collaborative intervention. We recommend using a 3-tier approach for other similar implementation contexts to strengthen PrEP programming, given the marked statistical shift in PrEP uptake and continuity. This begins with understanding the gap and barriers to use among clients, followed by mapping interventions to specific barriers through a quality improvement collaborative.

Gap analysis of diabetes-related foot disease management systems in Pacific Islands Countries and Territories

BackgroundPacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) are known to have high prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and high incidence of diabetes-related foot disease. Diabetes-related foot disease can lead to lower limb amputation and is associated with poor outcomes, with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of diabetes-related foot disease management in selected countries in PICTs and to identify potential barriers in management of diabetes-related foot disease management in the region.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was sent to eleven hospitals across six selected PICTs. The survey instrument was designed to provide an overview of diabetes-related foot disease (number of admissions, and number of lower limb amputations over 12 months) and to identify clinical services available within each institution. Two open-ended questions (free text responses) were included in the instrument to explore initiatives that have helped to improve management and treatment of diabetes-related foot diseases, as well as obstacles that clinicians have encountered in management of diabetes-related foot disease. The survey was conducted over 6 weeks.ResultsSeven hospitals across four countries provided responses. Number of admissions and amputations related to diabetes-related foot disease were only reported as an estimate by clinicians. Diabetes-related foot disease was managed primarily by general medicine physician, general surgeon and/or orthopaedic surgeon in the hospitals surveyed, as there were no subspecialty services in the region. Only one hospital had access to outpatient podiatry. Common themes identified around barriers faced in management of diabetes-related foot disease by clinicians were broadly centred around resource availability, awareness and education, and professional development.ConclusionDespite the high prevalence of diabetes-related foot disease within PICTs, there appears to be a lack of functional multi-disciplinary foot services (MDFs). To improve the outcomes for diabetes-related foot disease patients in the region, there is a need to establish functional MDFs and engage international stakeholders to provide ongoing supports in the form of education, mentoring, as well as physical resources.

Innovation Challenges in Infrastructure Cluster State-Owned Enterprises in Indonesia

Objective – In accordance with the direction of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (MSOE), the Indonesia Infrastructure Research & Innovation Institute (I2RI), which has 10 BUMN members, has collaborated in developing research in the infrastructure sector. With different strategies and industrial backgrounds, they have opportunities and challenges to develop research that is beneficial to the common interest. Knowledge of existing challenges is required, using the gap analysis method of business size, management commitment, research & funding schemes, and research and innovation progress and achievements. Methodology – Identification of gaps is carried out by collecting and comparing data on revenue, assets, management commitment documents, research schemes, and funding, research units, business processes, core competencies, joint research programs, as well as technology adoption that each I2RI member has carried out, and also data on infrastructure market potential. Findings—It was found that all I2RI member companies still have gaps in terms of business size (revenue and assets), management commitment, technology mastery, and research and innovation capabilities. Apart from gaps, opportunities were also found in the supply chain circle and national infrastructure market that they could exploit. Novelty – This gap can be closed by being led by members who have financial stability and mature research collaboration & funding experience. Increased commitment is also needed to share knowledge and technology to equalize the understanding and maturity of all members. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: O31, H79, P13 Keywords: Gap Analysis; Research; Innovation; Collaboration; Challenges; Infrastructure. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Wibawa, E.D; Sentosa, G.A; Saputra, R.A. (2024). Innovation Challenges in Infrastructure Cluster State-Owned Enterprises in Indonesia, J. Bus. Econ. Review, 8(4), 11–24. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2024.8.4(2)

Circular supply chains theoretical gaps and practical barriers: A model to support approaching firms in the era of industry 4.0

Unlike linear supply chains, Circular Supply Chains (CSCs) require return flows able to capture additional value and involving different stakeholders. The successful interaction of Circular Economy and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) towards a circular, efficient, and competitive transition of current supply chains is unveiled by both current state of theory and practice. Notwithstanding literature’s multiple attempts to flank supply chains in this complex shift, the several theoretical frameworks proposed by academics are still not fully capable of bridging linear supply chains to their transitions towards circularity due to a lack of systemic, company-specific, and practical approaches. In addition, practical impediments, risks and treats hindering CSCs development are still under-investigated and, therefore, further research is required in this domain. To address these gaps, this paper aims to develop and propose a model able to support companies in approaching the transition towards CSCs, also embedding guidelines and recommendations in the different steps of this path. The model has been conceptualized based on five I4.0-driven CSCs categories recently proposed through a systematization of the knowledge extant in literature (I4.0 enabling technologies, performance tools and indicators, challenges and barriers, business models and strategies, best practices) and on a gap analysis performed in literature to unveil theoretical gaps and practical barriers in the CSC domain. Finally, the model has been refined and validated by ten selected academic experts through an online asynchronous survey, leading to the detection of seven recurrent practical barriers (lack of tax policies and incentives, weak environmental laws and regulations, limited financial resources and support, high investments and implementation costs, lack of coordination and collaboration among the SC members, lack of technological resources and infrastructures, lack of compatibility and integration of technical platforms) as the most critical in the CSC transition. The model, structured in four main phases (conceptualization, design, implementation and measurement) and grounded on the five categories derived from the literature, addresses each of the steps of the CSC transition according to circular strategies and optimal digital technologies. Managerial implications emerge from the systematization and categorization of methods, approaches and warnings operated in the model proposed. The model turns to be capable of enhancing the realization of the entire CSC process in a digital context, acting against the CSC theoretical gaps and practical barriers detected in the gap analysis conducted in this research.

Systematic review with expert consensus on use of extracorporeal hemoadsorption in septic shock: An Indian perspective.

Septic shock is a severe form of sepsis characterised by deterioration in circulatory and cellular-metabolic parameters. Despite standard therapy, the outcomes are poor. Newer adjuvant therapy, such as CytoSorb® extracorporeal haemoadsorption device, has been investigated and shown promising outcome. However, there is a lack of some guidance to make clinical decisions on the use of CytoSorb® haemoadsorption as an adjuvant therapy in septic shock in Indian Setting. Therefore, this expert consensus was formulated. To formulate/establish specific consensus statements on the use of CytoSorb® haemoadsorption treatment based on the best available evidence and contextualised to the Indian scenario. We performed a comprehensive literature on CytoSorb® haemoadsorption in sepsis, septic shock in PubMed selecting papers published between January 2011 and March 2023 2021 in English language. The statements for a consensus document were developed based on the summarised literature analysis and identification of knowledge gaps. Using a modified Delphi approach combining evidence appraisal and expert opinion, the following topics related to CytoSorb® in septic shock were addressed: need for adjuvant therapy, initiation timeline, need for Interleukin -6 levels, duration of therapy, change of adsorbers, safety, prerequisite condition, efficacy endpoints and management flowchart. Eleven expert members from critical care, emergency medicine, and the intensive care participated and voted on nine statements and one open-ended question. Eleven expert members from critical care, emergency medicine, and the intensive care participated and voted on nine statements and one open-ended question. All 11 experts in the consensus group (100%) participated in the first, second and third round of voting. After three iterative voting rounds and adapting two statements, consensus was achieved on nine statements out of nine statements. The consensus expert panel also recognised the necessity to form an association or society that can keep a registry regarding the use of CytoSorb® for all indications in the open-ended question (Q10) focusing on "future recommendations for CytoSorb® therapy". This Indian perspective consensus statement supports and provides guidance on the use of CytoSorb® haemoadsorption as an adjuvant treatment in patients with septic shock to achieve optimal outcomes.

Enhancing conservation and management of mountain area through a biocultural diversity evaluation approach:A case study of Taishan Mountain Area, China

As hotspots of biocultural diversity (BCD), mountain areas contain the richest ecosystems with cultural characteristics. However, in the context of cultural homogenization and ecological decline, some high-value mountain areas are still not adequately protected, and some protected areas (PAs) even suffer from an imbalance between natural and cultural protection. To improve the coverage and conservation effectiveness of PAs in mountain areas, we propose a BCD evaluation approach to identify conservation gaps and prioritization, taking the Taishan Mountain Area (TMA) as a study case: first, we used four biodiversity factors (topographic diversity, geological diversity, ecosystem services, bird species distribution) and four cultural diversity factors (cultural landscape, intangible cultural heritage, traditional production modes, population and economy) to evaluate the BCD values; second, we generated a map of BCD hotspots and graded them into three levels; and finally, we compared the evaluation result with the PAs’ layout in the TMA and determined the conservation gap and prioritization. We find that 43.92% of the high BCD areas and 84.39% of the medium BCD areas within the mountain area are inadequately protected, and 10.79% of the low BCD areas may be overprotected, classifying the above conservation gaps as three priority levels of conservation. Our study indicates that the current PAs in mountain areas are insufficiently protected and urgently need to be expanded; (2) by analyzing the coupling relationship between biodiversity and cultural diversity, it is found that only 23.90% of the relationships between the two were coordinated or above in the TMA; (3) we propose the optimization strategies of four typical conservation gaps in the TMA; (4) we finally develop an integrated conservation model of biological and cultural values for different PA categories in mountain areas based on a gap analysis. Optimizing mountain conservation and management based on the BCD evaluation results is conducive to promoting the sustainable development of human beings and nature while guaranteeing the unbiased allocation of conservation resources in mountain areas.

Pathways to IEC Standards for Heliostat Design Qualification and Site Acceptance in Central Receiver CSP Applications

This paper surveys the existing landscape of standards relevant to heliostats, identifies their gaps, and proposes a path forward to a comprehensive set of heliostat guidelines, technical specifications, and standards under the framework of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC 117. Gaps in existing guidelines and standards are surveyed using a three-tiered taxonomy: component-level, heliostat-level, and field-level. At each level, the gap analysis is followed by a proposal for a coordinated path forward on the development of standards. At the component level, advances in the understanding of wind loading should inform a technical specification for drives and structures. Reflectors require consolidation of measurement guidelines into existing standards documents. Communications & controls require technical standards to inform their selection and secure implementation. At the heliostat level, IEC 62817 (solar trackers) adequately characterizes drive systems, structures, and electronics, but requires adaptation to heliostats’ use patterns, operating modes, and expected life cycles. IEC 62817 does not address heliostat beam quality and pointing accuracy, but the process for determining both is elaborated in the SolarPACES Guideline for Heliostat Performance Testing. This SolarPACES document requires two main modifications: adaptation to IEC language and inclusion of testing after heliostats which have undergone accelerated weathering and mechanical cycling (to understand performance degradation). At the field level, IEC 62862-4-2 addresses the function and control of heliostat fields but does not cover the statistically rigorous testing of heliostat groups, or field performance factors like security and soiling. The addition of documents under IEC-62862-4 is proposed to address this gap.

AUDIT TATA KELOLA TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI PADA SEKERTARIAT DAERAH OGAN ILIR MENGGUNAKAN FRAMEWORK COBIT 5 DOMAIN DSS(DELIVER,SERVICE, AND SUPPORT)

The Regional Secretariat is an institution or organization that assists the Regent in formulating policies and coordinating administration regarding the implementation of Regional Apparatus duties and administrative services. People not only pay attention to quantity, but also quality. The same is true for other agencies or organizations. One way that can be done is to carry out an Information Technology Audit using the COBIT 5 Framework. By following the stages and criteria set by COBIT. These stages will produce a parameter for the level of management of information technology called Capability Level. Where these parameters will later be used as a benchmark by comparing them with the targets to be achieved. The difference between the target to be achieved and the curent situation is called Gap Analysis

ANALISIS EFEKTIFITAS DIMENSI KEPEMIMPINAN (Studi Kasus pada RSUD Prof. dr. Soekandar Mojokerto)

Success in the management of District Hospital of Prof. dr. Soekandar Mojokerto closely related to leadership effectiveness at the managerial level. Measurement of the effectiveness of leadership that has been applied by a manager can be judged from the point of view of the perception of employees, so that it can be seen the gap between perception and expectation of the employees. This study aims to perceive and identify the expectations of leadership based on appraisals, as well as analyzing the things that become priorities for improving leadership effectiveness based on gap analysis.
 Measurement of leadership effectiveness used three dimensions such as; relationship of innate leadership, task structure, position power of the leader. Research is a descriptive survey using a method stratified random sampling. Numbers of samples were 126 employees who occupy positions in hospital management at District Hospital of Prof. dr. Soekandar Mojokerto.
 The results showed that the assessment of employees on the effectiveness of leadership in District Hospital of Prof. dr. Soekandar Mojokerto had been viewed that it did not in line with expectations at both the head of departement, head of section, coordinators and staff space. While the results of the gap analysis showed that there was a lack of appreciation of the employees,because of less rewarding high to performing employees, achieving promotion to employees and find it was fairless in giving punishment to the employees.
 To improve the effectiveness of leadership in District Hospital of Prof. dr. Soekandar Mojokerto need step of improvement priorities such as the development of a vision and mission hospitals, tariffs improvement, strengthen partnerships, develop human resources and public services.

Regulatory Gap Analysis and Challenges in the Development of a Novel Candidate Vaccine in India

Regulatory Gap Analysis and Challenges in the Development of a Novel Candidate Vaccine in India

Systematic study of the structure-property relationship of C24N24 nanoclusters for the detection and electrochemical sensing of chemical warfare agents: Molecular modelling at DFT level

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are highly poisonous and dangerous to all forms of life. Their rapid discovery and removal are crucial for the protection of people and the environment. Current technology still falls short of the 100 % efficiency threshold. Therefore, we make use of the efficient three-dimensional C24N24-nanostructured material for the rapid detection and electrochemical sensing of CWAs phosgene (COCl2) and thiophosgene (CSCl2) by employing benchmark DFT and TD-DFT investigations. Nine stable configurations of C24N24 nanocluster were quantum chemically designed facing through chlorine, oxygen, sulphur atoms of phosgene and thiophosgene and with their planar orientations on the large and small cavities of the nanocluster. Optimization of geometry, FMO, adsorption energies, NBO, QTAIM, and NCI, were the methods for evaluating the interaction between chemical warfare agents and the nanocluster. Fine-tuning of electronic properties; recovery time (∼3 × 10−14s−1), electrical conductivity (∼1.84 × 109), sensitivity (∼0.050), electrophilicity index (1.76–1.68 eV), hardness (3.52–3.37 eV), softness (∼0.15 eV), energy gap (2.85–2.55 eV), and interaction distance (4.274±1.245A0), values ascertain the elevated reactivity and an imperishable sensitivity of the C24N24 nanocluster towards the investigated CWAs. The energy gap, QTAIM, NCI, sensitivity, and recovery time analysis confirmed that the Pl*@C24N24-SC nanostructured material developed as the most suited surface for the effective finding of phosgene and Pl@C24N24-LC for thiophosgene. Adsorption energies of −8.490 and -8.507 kcal/mol for the Pl*@C24N24-SC and Pl@C24N24-LC complexes, respectively, were the deciding factors. The C24N24 nanocluster has the highest sensitivity and shortest recovery time for S@C24N24-LC and Pl@C24N24-LC complex with the value of 0.0509 and 3.23 × 10−14s−1 which shows the potential of C24N24 nanocluster as a promising influential sensing material to monitor CWAs phosgene and thiophosgene. This theoretical framework will assist experimentalists in detecting toxic CWAs by using C24N24 nanocluster-based sensor.

Interspecific niche overlap and climatic associations of native Quercus species in the Zagros forests of Iran

In the arid regions surrounding southwestern Asia, oak trees play an important role in the environment by conserving water and preserving soil and supporting wildlife. There are concerns for the health and continued productivity of these forests, and there is a widespread oak decline. In this study, ecological niche modeling (ENM) and multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the environmental variations among Quercus brantii, Q. infectoria, and Q. libani in the Zagros forests of western Iran. Based on the area under the curve (AUC > 0.9) and the true skill statistic (TSS > 0.8), three algorithms, including random forest (RF), maximum entropy (MaxEnt), and maximum picking neural net (MAXnet), were used in an ensemble approach to explore the most important environmental variables within the projected suitable habitat of each species. Environmental variables related to climate, including annual precipitation (bio12) and annual mean temperature (bio1), were among the most important drivers of habitat suitability for oak species. The results illustrated that suitable areas for Q. infectoria and Q. libani often occur in the northern parts of the Zagros, which are humid and cooler than the southern areas. The results suggested that Q. brantii has a higher tolerance for harsh conditions in Zagros and therefore inhabits almost all areas of Zagros, including the southern parts. The climatic overlap between pairs of species was found to be significant based on equivalency and similarity tests, suggesting that the environmental conditions of the two species compared are more similar than would be expected by chance. The gap analysis for the three oak species revealed that only a few protected areas currently exist within their suitable habitats, with most of the highly suitable habitats located on non-protected lands, particularly for Q. libani and Q. infectoria. In addition, deforestation is known to sometimes occur within the boundaries of protected areas. Improving the level of protection by upgrading the current protected areas to national parks can help with conservation.

Tax revenue lost due to illicit cigarettes in South Africa: 2002−2022

ObjectiveTo estimate lost excise and value-added tax (VAT) revenue as a result of illicit cigarette trade from 2002 to 2022.DesignUsing gap analysis, we estimated the number of illicit cigarettes by...

Filling the gap: the workforce of tomorrow for CGT manufacturing as the sector advances

Workforce education and development are key cornerstones in advancing and maturing the Cell & Gene Therapy sector. A skilled worker shortage can significantly impact and delay progress as well as the quality of output for any developer, thereby negatively impacting a patient's access to life-saving treatments. Several roundtable discussions were held at the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) 2023 Annual Meeting to dive deeper into the current state of workforce development and solutions to address this bottleneck. One roundtable discussion was co-hosted by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) and ISCT, which focused on the gap analysis provided for the United States Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) sector, highlighting the lack of skilled workers in manufacturing and quality control.In this manuscript, the roundtable participants continue this conversation, review the roles and staffing requirements in both academic and industry as well as small and large company settings. The adoption of increased manufacturing automation is one promising solution to propel the sector forward. However, automation alone won't replace on-site staff, but will lower the bar to entry for a larger pool of people and require different training. This paper also addresses the workforce development and training paradigm shift as advanced manufacturing techniques are implemented, which will differ considerably based on the type of manufacturing efforts, thus emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out strategy to up-skill and re-skill the technical workforce to adapt to these advancements. Organizations such as ISCT and ARM have a role to play in propelling the field forward, providing awareness and education to stakeholders at all levels, as well as acting as a convener and participating as a key stakeholder in discussions and partnerships between academia and industry towards solutions for training the best personnel for CGT manufacturing. This scope includes novel digital tools and technologies to simplify training to increase access to new talent pools interested in careers in a rapidly advancing sector.

A feasibility study for the application of climate change vulnerability assessments on species in the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

Abstract Climate change is disproportionately affecting Arctic ecosystems and their resident species, but knowledge gaps complicate conservation planning. A proof‐of‐concept application of existing trait‐based vulnerability assessment frameworks were applied to nine species from three different taxa (cetaceans, pinnipeds, marine fish) to determine their vulnerability under the RCP 8.5 emissions scenario. A literature review and data gap analysis were performed to quantify vulnerability and recommend future research priorities. Each assessed species was found to be highly vulnerable to climate change, with char, cod, and walrus being the most vulnerable. The largest data gaps include outdated or missing abundance measurements mortality rates in both marine mammals and fish, and reproductive behaviours for fish specifically. Future assessments should consider multiple emissions scenarios that match the ranges of migratory species not confined to the TINMCA. Providing a method to preliminarily evaluate climate change vulnerability may help mitigate issues brought by limited species experts, such as respondent fatigue. More refined scores will require the assistance of species experts, including biologists and Indigenous knowledge holders.

Protecting alpine biodiversity in the Middle East from climate change: Implications for high‐elevation birds

AbstractAimsThe Middle East, located in the arid belt of the Earth, is home to a diverse range of biodiversity, with its mountain ecosystems being the most important centres of species diversity and endemism. In this study, the impact of climate change on alpine bird species in the Middle East was assessed across five mountain systems: Alborz–Kopet‐Dagh, Caucasus–Pontic, Levant–Taurus, Sarawat–Hijaz and Zagros–Central Iran.LocationMiddle East.MethodsUsing species distribution models (SDMs), 38 native alpine bird species were analysed under different climate change scenarios. We also identified future multispecies in situ and ex situ climate refugia and assessed the efficiency of the current protected areas (PAs) system in protecting them.ResultsThe results indicated that, on average, habitat suitability for these species is projected to decline by 36.83% (2050, SSP2‐4.5) to 60.10% (2070, SSP5‐8.5) with an upward range shift. Based on stacking range change of the species, Levant–Taurus, Zagros–Central Iran and Alborz–Kopet–Dagh mountain ranges will experience the highest amount of habitat loss, respectively, with Caucasus–Pontic being least affected. The gap analysis showed that the existing PAs system covers only 13% and 10% of the in situ and ex situ climatic refugia, respectively.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the significance of mountainous regions in the Middle East for the persistence of alpine bird species and the urgent need to prioritize climate refugia in transboundary and participatory conservation plans. It is crucial to prevent habitat degradation and alteration resulting from human activities in these areas to ensure the persistence of alpine species and their habitats.

Tree seed supply system in Ethiopia: modeling source and dissemination of priority species

Providing quality planting materials is critical to sustainable forest restoration initiatives. This study aimed to analyze the tree seeding system and to evaluate and model the configuration of the tree seed supply system from the source to the growers. Primary and secondary data were collected in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. A total of 52 sample participants were selected using the snowball method and interviewed using open-ended questionnaires and Likert questionnaires. Data were analyzed using content and gap analysis methods using Atlas. ti version 8 software. The gap analysis revealed a lack of provenance trials, improved tree seeds, priority species in nurseries, and existing legislation. The model configuration was sequenced in tree seed source, procurement, and dissemination. Informal farmer suppliers covered 83 percent of the system. The decentralized-centralized-centralized and centralized-centralized-centralized were configured for the private enterprises and Amhara Forest Enterprise, respectively, as formal seed suppliers. In order to overcome the difficulties in tree seed production, those involved should work on the production of an improved tree.