Geographic Information System Software Research Articles

Technoeconomic Analysis of a Wind Power Generation System and Wind Resource Mapping Using GIS Tools: The Case of Twelve Locations in the Commune of Evodoula, Cameroon

This paper performs a technoeconomic analysis of the wind power potential and evaluates the cost of wind power generation in Evodoula, comparing two methods, the conventional method and the uncertainty method based on a comparative spatiotemporal approach using the geographic information system (GIS) software tool. This study is based on satellite wind data measured at 10 m above ground level (AGL) over a 40-year period (1980-2019), by the meteorological service NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The main objectives are to obtain an appropriate design for a proven optimal location and to assess the viability of wind power at Evodoula. For this type of study, there is little literature available. The optimization of an onshore wind farm and deployment in the wind energy development interest area (ZIDEE) is carried out to obtain a minimum and parsimonious discounted cost production unitary (CPU) of the electricity produced. The results showed that in Okok, a location with a large energy deficit, an onshore wind farm with an electricity generation capacity of 12.5 MW with 5 NORDEX N100-2.5MW wind turbines would have a total energy production (TEP) of about 64.0254825 TWh and a selling price of electricity that would be 0.0034 CAD$/kWh, which is very low compared to the utility price (about 98% cheaper). The total cost of the wind farm would be about $11 million, with a net present cost of about $218 million. The annual profit generated by the wind farm would be over $6 billion. The return on investment (ROI) of the project is estimated at 2880.882%. The constructed onshore wind farm would avoid CO2 emission at over 11 MtCO2,eq/year as the energy generated is from the atmosphere. The wind farm would realize an average annual cash flow estimated at nearly $30 million after 20 years of operation. These savings would allow the installation of CO2 capture systems in conventional power plants. In addition, the analysis of uncertainties and risks was identified and quantified to estimate the confidence levels of the project development results. The risks have been assessed, and we recommend that the total uncertainty of the project is around 15%. The energy values in P75 and P90 are 10.08% and 19.22%, respectively, lower than the energy value in P50 of 11.60 GWh/An. Finally, the main policy recommendations for an inclusive design process are highlighted. The contribution of this study is to assist policy makers in making appropriate decisions in the development and implementation of energy and environmental policy in Cameroon and in many continental areas.

Location-Based Management of Paleontological Collections using Open Source GIS Software

Management of Natural History collections, particularly paleontological collections, is usually structured around specimens. However, it might not be feasible when the collections are incorporated from sources where the whole cycle of specimen collection is unknown, making it hard to determine what fossils belong to a single specimen and if these specimens belong to a single fossil-assemblage, taxon or individual. The Sociedade de História Natural from Torres Vedras (Portugal) manages such collections using a management strategy approach based on the spatial location from where the fossils were found. To achieve this, we have implemented a methodology for field collection and developed a spatial database in PostgreSQL/PostGIS to manage the entire stages of paleontological collections management. On top of the database, a second layer of web services, Web GIS (Geographical Information System) applications, and desktop GIS, all based on QGIS, are also under development to facilitate access to data stored in the database to internal and external researchers and partners, as well public institutions. This effort is made in close collaboration with in-house actors and stakeholders and has yielded promising results. The development of this system provides four advantages: (i) it played an essential role in supporting the transfer of the collection to new storage facilities; (ii) it provides overviews of the distribution of the characteristics of the collections; (iii) it enhances institutional partnerships by providing consistent and reliable data and(iv) it supports the establishment and development of research lines.

A study of illegal dumping near coastal zones and waterways in Grenada: Advancing waste management solutions and reducing marine litter

The small island of Grenada, located in the south-eastern Caribbean, is grappling with the escalating issue of illegal dumping near its coastal zones and waterways. This study aims to investigate the causes of illegal dumping on the island, as well as potential solutions to mitigate its impact on the environment, public health, and the local economy. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, illegal dumpsites were mapped and the Lau, Whyte, and Law (2008) methodology for quantifying waste volume was applied to the study. Data were gathered manually via field work for over two months, including collecting information on illegal dumping sites’ waste type, quantity in terms of volume, and location, supplemented by photographs. Waste was classified into thirteen primary categories, such as construction and demolition (C&D), derelict vehicles and parts, electronic waste, glass, household/domestic waste, medical, healthcare, hygiene-related waste, metals, organic waste, paper and cardboard, plastics, textiles, used tires, white goods, and treated wood piles. The study estimated a total volume of approximately 35, 000 ft3 of waste from 29 unauthorized dumpsites. Out of these sites, C&D waste and plastics were the most dominant type of debris. The generated map offers valuable insights for Grenadian authorities to enhance their solid waste management system. It was revealed that rural and agricultural communities are more susceptible to illegal dumping and the underlying reasons for this issue was further investigated. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with key informants in waste management, marine pollution, and environmental and coastal affairs from other English-speaking Windward Islands. This approach facilitated the identification of shared patterns and the development of more effective, collaborative solutions across the country and region. The research findings can inform policy decisions and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing illegal dumping, fostering environmental responsibility, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and safeguarding the health and resilience of small island ecosystems.

Evolving from public health libraries as a place to focus on public health librarian expertise.

This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments-one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. Academic public health libraries' relationships with SPHs and health departments did not ensure their existence as standalone entities. Following a national trend for branch libraries, public health information services were centralized into larger health or science libraries. The scope and specialization of librarian expertise continues to be valued with several institutions having librarians dedicated to public health.

Modelling the Database Development for Waqf Land in District of Melaka Tengah Malaysia

The development of waqaf land database is an agenda that is increasingly given significant attention by the agency or institution around the world as that is the driving force to improving for management dan administation waqaf land. However, waqaf institutions have not yet been seen as institutions that can solve the management and administration problems of waqaf land. This is because there are problems in terms of registration and good procedures including in the State of Malacca. This study will comprehensively look at the waqaf system according to the latest technological developments such as the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The method of interviewing those who are directly involved with waqf institutions, namely Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM) officials, land administrators at land officers and local authority officials has been conducted. In addition, site visits are also carried out on waqaf land or buildings. The results of the study shows that many data and documents related to waqaf are incomplete and not updated as they should be. MAIM is facing difficulties in developing its waqaf land due to the problem. Finally, this study presents some suggestions that can help strengthen the management and administration of MAIM such as prioritizing the waqaf land database system like the use of Mapinfo software for recording purposes. It can only be achieved if the lack of integration, lack of coordination and waqaf procedures can be overcome, then waqaf land registration can be collected and consolidated.

A comparative study on the selection of the most suitable route for the collection and transportation of municipal solid waste

Worldwide, approximately US$410 billion is spent annually on the management of four billion tons of domestic solid waste (MSW). The transportation cost alone accounts for more than 50% of the total expenditure on solid waste management. This cost constitutes approximately 85% of the collection and transportation cost. 54.4% of environmental protection expenditures cover waste services. The population of the Barış neighborhood in the Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır, which is the subject of this study, is 23 581 according to the 2020 TUIK data. The average amount of waste produced per person in a month is 7.6 kg/person. In the results of these statistics, it has been seen that the investment costs in the transportation of wastes are increasing day by day. In this study, the performance of ant colony and genetic algorithms, which are among the artificial intelligence techniques, and route optimization using GIS (geographic information system) software were tried to be achieved to solve the GSP (traveling salesman problem), which is included in the route planning problems. The results of the study showed that savings were achieved with an improvement of 15.1576% in GIS, 29.8104% in GA (Genetic algorithm) and 40.5171% in ACS (Ant Colony System) compared to real life. As a result of the application, it has been observed that the ant colony algorithm is superior to the Genetic algorithm and GIS, as it draws a shorter route in terms of distance and obtains a better result in terms of improvement rate.

DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN CHOLISTAN DESERT, PAKISTAN: A PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL STUDY

Medicinal plants are economically beneficial to heal various diseases and have been significant source of many important drugs. The Cholistan desert has arid type climatic conditions with scattered xerophytic vegetation which have been adopted to intensely high temperatures, humidity fluctuations and wide variety of edaphic conditions. In summer season, the temperature is extremely high but in winter season, it is mostly mild with no frost conditions. The amount of rainfall annually is greatly changing both on temporal and spatial levels. The main objective of the present study was to identify the relationship between soil and atmospheric conditions (temperature, rainfall and humidity) on the growth of medicinal plants during winter and summer seasons. Secondary data of rainfall, humidity and temperature was collected from Agriculture extension department of Bahawalpur and Meteorological department, Islamabad. The analysis carried out using quadrate method and locations were marked with Global Positioning System (GPS). The Geographical information system (GIS) software ArcGIS 10.5 used to illustrate the maps of the study area and the quadrates. In the study area, four sites on the basis of soil structure i.e. Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 were selected. Phytogeographical parameters of plants i.e. number (frequency), density and cover were tapped during October, 2021, February, 2022 and May, 2022. The relative frequency, relative density, and relative cover were counted to ascertain the importance value index (IVI). Based on IVI, in each quadrat the communities of medicinal plant were delimited. The highest IVI bearing medicinal plants was conceived as dominant. Correlation results of Plants with different Soil Types and Rainfall is found positive. The strongest correlation with high R2 value was noted on Interdunal Sandy Soil Area (Q3) and low correlation was existed on Hard Clayey Soil Area (Q4).

State Policies Associated with Availability of Mobile Crisis Teams.

Mobile crisis teams are comprised of multidisciplinary mental health professionals that respond to mental health crisis calls in community settings. This study identified counties with mobile crisis teams and examined state policies associated with mobile crisis teams. Descriptive statistics and geographic information system software were used to quantify and map counties with mobile crisis teams in the United States. Relationships between state policies and mobile crisis teams were examined using an adjusted logistic regression model, controlling for county characteristics and accounting for clustering by state. Approximately 40% (n = 1,245) of all counties in the US have at least one mobile crisis team. Counties in states with legislation in place to fund the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline were more likely to have a mobile crisis team (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.0; Confidence Interval (CI): 1.23-3.26), whereas counties in states with 1115 waivers restricting Medicaid benefits were less likely to have a mobile crisis team (AOR: 0.43; CI: 0.21-0.86). Additionally, counties with the largest population were more likely to have a mobile crisis team (AOR: 2.20; CI:1.43-3.38) than counties with the smallest population. Having a mobile crisis teams was positively associated with legislation to fund 988. Legislation that encourages expansion of existing crisis care services, specifically funding aimed at mobile crisis teams, may help increase availability of services for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis in the community.

A spatial examination of alcohol availability and the level of disadvantage of schools in Ireland

BackgroundThe availability of alcohol is a major factor in underage drinking and according to the alcohol harm paradox, those living in more deprived communities are more susceptible to the negative consequences of alcohol use, despite drinking the same or less than those from more affluent areas. Alcohol availability within the vicinity of the home or school normalises alcohol for schoolchildren. For the first time in the Republic of Ireland, this study examines the number of premises licensed to sell alcohol within 300 m of all schools in Ireland and differences in this number between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged schools.MethodsUsing publicly available data from the Department of Education and Revenue, the addresses of all schools (n = 3,958) and all premises with at least one liquor licence (n = 14,840) were geocoded and analysed using the Geographic Information System software, Quantum GIS (QGIS). Schools were identified by their disadvantaged classification using the HP Pobal Deprivation Index and the number of liquor licences within 300 m of each school type was examined. To test for significant differences between schools’ level of disadvantage, a combination of Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Dunn-Bonferroni tests were used.ResultsThere was a mean of two licenced premises within 300 m of all schools in Ireland, but when disadvantaged schools were compared to non-disadvantaged schools, there was a significantly higher number of licenced premises around disadvantaged schools (p < .001). Primary schools are further classified according to their level of disadvantage and the results indicated that those schools classified as the most disadvantaged had a significantly greater number of liquor licences within 300 meters (p < .001). There was no significant difference in density of licenced premises when comparing disadvantaged secondary schools with non-disadvantaged secondary schools (p = .705).ConclusionIreland is considering increasing alcohol availability through the Sale of Alcohol Bill, 2022. However, this analysis indicates already problematic numbers of licenced premises within close proximity of schools in Ireland. It is essential that the harms associated with alcohol availability are considered, especially for those living and attending school in disadvantaged communities, where higher numbers of licenced premises were identified.

A Novel and Extensible Remote Sensing Collaboration Platform: Architecture Design and Prototype Implementation

Geospatial data, especially remote sensing (RS) data, are of significant importance for public services and production activities. Expertise is critical in processing raw data, generating geospatial information, and acquiring domain knowledge and other remote sensing applications. However, existing geospatial service platforms are more oriented towards the professional users in the implementation process and final application. Building appropriate geographic applications for non-professionals remains a challenge. In this study, a geospatial data service architecture is designed that links desktop geographic information system (GIS) software and cloud-based platforms to construct an efficient user collaboration platform. Based on the scalability of the platform, four web apps with different themes are developed. Data in the fields of ecology, oceanography, and geology are uploaded to the platform by the users. In this pilot phase, the gap between non-specialized users and experts is successfully bridged, demonstrating the platform’s powerful interactivity and visualization. The paper finally evaluates the capability of building spatial data infrastructures (SDI) based on GeoNode and discusses the current limitations. The support for three-dimensional data, the improvement of metadata creation and management, and the fostering of an open geo-community are the next steps.

Park proximity and older adults’ physical activity and sedentary behaviors in dense urban areas

Urbanization represents a significant population trend, and a longer life expectancy increases the number of older people living in cities. Aging can intensify urbanization and urban design challenges. Parks or public open spaces are settings within the neighborhood that can support older people to live an active lifestyle. This study examined associations between the number of and distance to parks and physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns among a sample of 276 older adults in Japan. Physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns were objectively measured using accelerometer devices. Park measures, including distance to the nearest and second nearest park and the count of parks within network-based buffers of 800 m and 1600 m from home, were calculated using a geographic information system (GIS) software. We found that the number of parks within a 1600 m buffer from participants’ homes was associated with more breaks in sedentary behavior. This finding suggests that proximity to parks may be important to increase breaks in sedentary behavior among older adults. We found no significant associations between the selected park characteristics and physical activity. Our research adds to the evidence from the less-explored Asian context among older adults, for whom strategies to support an active lifestyle are necessary to promote healthy aging.

Spatio Temporal Analysis of Water Quality at Tasek Bera

Bera Lake is Malaysia’s largest natural fresh water reservoir. It has critical environmental and ecological significance for both humans and wildlife. Nonetheless, the water quality of this lake has deteriorated during the previous few decades as a result of land development projects in the river basin area. This study aims to analyse the spatio temporal pattern of water quality in Tasek Bera and to identify and evaluate the degradation grade for water quality, as well as to identify the environmental crucial factor for Tasek Bera and its surrounding area. This study also implements remote sensing technology to determine the water quality parameters in Tasek Bera. The data for this study was obtained from Landsat 8 OLI and Landsat 5 MSS from 3 different years which are year 2000, 2010 and 2020. The landset image were processed and integrated into the Geographical Information System (GIS) software to undergo classification, principal component analysis and weighted overlay process. Based on the weighted overlay mapping and Malaysia’s water quality index, the result showed that in year 2000, the water quality in Tasek Bera is mostly being in the second class (fair water quality) but in 2010, it shows a prominent increasing performance when the lake is mostly being in the first class (excellent water quality). However, in the year 2020, we had observe a significant decreasing of water quality especially on the upper section and the middle section of Tasek Bera. Through this study, researchers will be able to further analyse Tasek Bera’s current environmental state, and eventually bring evidence in the environmental deterioration that Tasek Bera has endured. This is also to make people realise the ecological importance of wetlands in Malaysia.

Pembuatan Peta Administrasi Gampong Luthu Lamweu Kecamatan Sukamakmur, Kabupaten Aceh Besar

Maps are a tool for communicating between map makers and map users, so that maps are required to be able to present the functions and information of the objects depicted optimally. The aim of the service is to create an administrative map. The regulations used in making this map are regulations issued by the Head of the Geopatial Information Agency (PerKaBIG) Number 3 of 2016 concerning Technical Specifications for Presenting Village Maps. Making this map uses tools in the form of GIS (Geographic Information System) software. This data collection was carried out by mapping hamlet boundaries using Google Earth Pro software, then the results were extracted into the GIS application, then adjustments were made to the map data into map form and reproducing or printing the map in map form. The map that will be created is an administrative map of the division of hamlets into villages or also called Gampong in Acehnese. This map was made in Gampong Luthu Lamweu, Sukamakmur District, Aceh Besar Regency which has three hamlets, namely Amplam Batee Hamlet, Lamweu Hamlet and Lam Ara Hamlet. Administratively, Luthu Lamweu Gampong is bordered to the north by Reuhat Tuha Gampong, to the south by Gampong Aneuk Glee Mountain/Bukit Barisan, to the east by Gampong Baet Mesjid and to the west by Luthu Dayah Krueng Gampong.

Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage in Vâlcea County, South-West Oltenia Region: Motivations, Belief and Tourists’ Perceptions

Vâlcea County in the South-West Oltenia Region, Romania, has a great diversity of tourist destinations and boasts an impressive number of monasteries, churches and places of worship. This research aims to comprehensively investigate how tourists perceive the main reasons for visiting religious settlements and the frequency in Vâlcea County, situated in the South-West Oltenia Region, by employing a two-stage methodology to understand the interplay of demographic variables, travel behaviors and individual motivations, while utilizing GIS and SPSS for spatial and quantitative analysis. The two stages are: (1) the analysis of the specialized literature to identify the motivations, beliefs and tourists’ perceptions regarding religious tourism and pilgrimage and (2) statistical analyses and interviews with internal stakeholders (residents), which present their tourist and religious perspective on Vâlcea County. The research questions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between demographic variables, travel behaviors and individual motivations within this distinctive context. The research significantly contributes to furthering our understanding of the behavior of participants in religious tourism and pilgrimage in Vâlcea County, highlighting that certain variables, such as gender, education level and occupation, may or may not significantly impact their preferences and choices. Geographical Information System (GIS) software was used to map the study area and, at the same time, the main places of worship that were visited by tourists. The SPSS (version 15.0) program was used to investigate and analyze the quantitative research data. The results reveal that, in Vâlcea County’s religious tourism and pilgrimage, gender, age and education level do not significantly impact travel choices or visit durations. However, occupation emerges as a crucial factor influencing transportation preferences, while respondents’ place of origin shows no significant association with the presence of accompanying individuals during religious visits. The current research was limited by its focus on a single case study of Vâlcea County in the South-West Oltenia Region and the scarcity of previous studies on religious tourism and pilgrimage in Vâlcea County.

Quantitative risk estimation of CNG station by using fuzzy bayesian networks and consequence modeling

As one of the potential explosions and inflammation, compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in urban areas cause irreparable losses and casualties. Estimating risk assessment in gas stress based on coherent uses can reduce accidents in urban areas. The purpose of the present study was to estimate a small risk estimation at one of the CNG multipurpose stations, LPG, using combined models of the Fuzzy Bayesian Network, Bow-tie Diagram, and consequence modeling. This study was conducted based on the basic and 25 intermediate events. This study formed a seven-person safety team to identify the primary events and build the Bow-tie diagram. Then, because of the lack of a proper database, fuzzy theory was used to determine the probability of significant events. Bayesian networks were drawn based on the Bow-tie model using GeNLe software. Finally, the main events of the two Bow-tie, Bayesian network modeling, and risk estimation were performed with the help of PHAST/SAFETI (V8.22). The geographical information system software was used to zone the explosion effects. The Risk assessment result showed that the social risks and the Bayesian network model are more than Bow-tie, and the Bow-tie diagram is unacceptable. Therefore, using incompatible land uses in the vicinity of the CNG stations gives rise to the effects of accident scenarios in particular residential and administrative land uses, which decision-makers and city managers should consider. Based on the findings of this study, the obtained results can be utilized to implement effective control measures. These measures encompass devising a response plan tailored to address specific emergency conditions and conducting comprehensive training programs for the individuals and residents residing within the study area.

Geospatial Models for Predictive Agricultural Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Vulnerable Landscapes

This study addresses complex agricultural risk assessment under simplified conditions through a multi-pronged approach. The research problem focuses on the interactions among soil moisture, vegetation cover, and land use patterns influencing agricultural risks. Using mixed methods, we research soil internal analysis, mathematical modelling, and stakeholder insights. Stratified objective sampling ensures representative data sets and various geospatial tools, including Geographic Information System (GIS) software and remote sensing platforms, are subject to data analysis. Our study reveals a positive relationship between soil moisture and vegetation cover and establishes the role of highlighting the importance of water use in agricultural resilience -Use distribution analysis reveals spatial patterns, which identify targeted strategies for risk mitigation. Soil composition data enhance our understanding of soil health, providing usable insights for sustainable agriculture. These results contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge and emphasize the importance of understanding detailed agricultural systems under sensitive conditions. Future research should examine temporal dynamics, socioeconomic implications, and adaptive geospatial models to support decision-making. Our research provides valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and researchers and advances the understanding of agricultural risk in dynamic contexts.

A GIS-based Binary Logistic Regression Model for the Inundation Analysis; A Case Study on Elapatha DS Division, Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Flood susceptibility analysis (FSA) is a prerequisite for adopting flood mitigation and adaptation techniques. A number of technologies and models have emerged through time, and this study focuses on the Binary Logistic Regression Model (BLRM) to investigate flood vulnerability of Elapatha Divisional secretariat (DS), Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka where has high impact from inundation. Rainfall, land use and land cover (LULC), elevation, slope, slope aspect, distance to the river, topographic wetness index (TWI), and stream power index (SPI) were the factors used in the model construction. These components were investigated in terms of their contribution to flood susceptibility using all location data and field plotting of responsible parameters in the study area using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, and all extracted data points were 96489, of which 50% were used for BLRM development using SPSS statistical software and remaining 50% for model validation. The coefficient of rainfall parameters, log value of elevation in meters, the tan value of slope in degrees, radiant value of aspect in degrees, (distance from the river)0.1, the ratio between SPI and TWI (SPI/TWI) and LULC band values of built-up area, water bodies and vegetations were 0.023, -2.254, -1.018, -0.005, -0.164, -0.003, 2.707, -.067 and -0.004 respectively. The accuracy was validated using Mean standard error (MSE) and area under curve (AUC) analysis, with values of 0.031 and 0.724 respectively. The Built-up area, elevation, and slope had the most impact on the inundation Elapatha DS division, and model performance represents 72.4% accuracy. Therefore, mitigation of inundation problems can be achieved through proper landscaping in the area.&#x0D; Keywords: Binary logistic Regression, Flood susceptibility Analysis, GIS software, Spatial analysis&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

LONG SHORT TERM MEMORY APPROACH FOR SHORELINE CHANGE PREDICTION ON ERETAN BEACH

Eretan Beach is one of the beaches in Indramayu and has a reasonably severe abrasion rate from year to year. The Eretan coastline always experiences significant changes due to erosion every year. Therefore, it is necessary to study changes in the coastline at Eretan beach. This study obtained coastline data from the Google Earth engine using CoastSat, a python-based open-source toolkit, from 1992 – 2022. The open-source geographic information system software used to process the data is the Quantum Geographic Information System. This study aims to analyze the Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) algorithm in predicting shoreline changes at Eretan Beach. The eight optimizer functions in the LSTM are used with nine different scenarios to analyze the algorithm's performance. The results of this study show that RMSProp has the best performance compared to other optimizers. The RMSE and MAPE values on the RMSProp are 35.06258 and 2.2923 on the training data and 9.2457 and 1.06786 on the test data. In addition, from the predictions for the next ten years at transect point 251, it was found that there would be an increase in the coastline.

A pathway to 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emission by 2030 using GIS-Based multi-criteria decision making for renewables, date palm (phoenix dactylifera), and carbon credits: a case for Qatar

Qatar is making concerted efforts at the national level to decrease anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The country has set its National Determined Contribution (NDC) in line with the Paris Agreement to reduce its overall emissions by 25% by the year 2030. This study identifies several pathways, which Qatar can explore to achieve its set goals. It explores Qatar’s potential for renewable energy generation (solar and wind), carbon offset through planting trees, and the purchase of carbon offset credits. The study starts by investigating the available wind and solar energy potential in the country, by considering physical and legal restrictions, which limit the available land to be utilized for RE generation. Multi-criteria Decision is carried out utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for variable percentage estimation in ArcMap Geographic Information Systems software. Next, a review based on Qatar’s climate is performed to identify suitable tree species that would promote atmospheric CO2 sequestration in the country. Finally, the cost implication of offsetting emissions using verified carbon credits is considered and compared with other options. Results indicated that while a considerable area is available for both wind (37%) and solar (53%) energy generation, only 6.2% and 13.8% of Qatar are highly suitable for wind and solar energy installations, respectively. Also, while Qatar has the potential to meet 20% of its energy demand by 2030 from renewable sources by using solar PV and wind, this will only account for a 14.28% reduction in overall emissions. Additionally, planting date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera) would significantly benefit the nation in the area of carbon sequestration and revenue generation as compared to purchasing carbon offset credits.

Fire risk assessment of Kashan's commercial and shopping centers using fire risk assessment method for engineering (FRAME)

AbstractCommercial buildings are considered as high‐risk units in fire due to the existence of expensive equipment and large presence of people with different ages. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the fire risk of commercial and shopping centers in Kashan using the fire risk assessment method for engineering (FRAME). This cross‐sectional study was conducted using FRAME in 15 commercial and shopping centers in Kashan, Iran. The risk assessment data and FRAME checklist were collected by observation and interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Excel and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The results of 46 checklists showed that the mean score of fire risk R for property was equal to 3.12, for people 3.81 and for activities 1.86. Also, the lowest risk for the property, people and activities belongs to Golestan Center with a score of 1.40, Valiasr with a score of 1.25 and Ataee with a score of 1.15, and the highest risk for the property, people and activities belongs to Mir Seyfi Center with a score of 5.80, Shafagh with a score of 9.96 and Sabz was 2.62, respectively. The present study showed the lack of proper ventilation system, lack of emergency exits, and lack of automatic fire alarm and extinguishing system were the factors affecting fire risk. Therefore, in order to prevent disasters and uncontrollable critical conditions, it is necessary to review the equipment of these buildings and to design and implement fire detection and alarm equipment and different ways of fire control in these centers.