Global Scale Research Articles

Domesticating sustainability transitions: Spatial and temporal variation of industrial eco-efficiency in China

This study analyses regional industrial sustainability transitions from global and local perspectives. We measure industrial eco-efficiency (IEE) of 280 cities in China from 2010 to 2020 and analyze potential influencing factors using geographical and temporal weighted regression model. We find that foreign investment and international trade are positively associated with IEE with diminishing effects, and then local household consumption enhances IEE on the basis of local environmental governance. The effects of international environmental regulations and technology spillover on IEE are positive, as they align with China's drive for innovation. We further categorize cities into five distinct types based on the influences of both global and local factors—dominated by local environmental regulations, driven by international standards, propelled by foreign investment, shaped by local market dynamics, and affected by multiple factors. We conclude that regional industrial sustainability transitions in China are influenced by forces operating at various scales and exhibit distinct spatiotemporal variation. The drivers of these transitions have shifted from a global scale to a local scale, and both regional conditions and the stage of industrialization significantly affect the intensity of actions undertaken by different scale factors. Finally, we propose policy recommendations, considering regional heterogeneity and the stages of industrialization.

Suppressing Coda Events with a Bayesian Model of Global Scale Seismology

AbstractLarge seismic events often trigger a wave train of slow decaying energy known as the coda that can mislead signal detectors into forming coda detections that appear to look like regular phase detections. These coda detections can confuse event formation algorithms into building false events known as coda events. Naive solutions to this problem by dropping any detection that looks like a coda detection can have the negative consequence of missing real events. We propose to address this issue by extending an existing Bayesian approach, NET-VISA that has been designed to build event bulletins using a generative model of global-scale seismology. Our extensions significantly boost the existing work by reducing the total number of false events by nearly half and virtually eliminating coda events without changing the number of real events.

Modelling Nigerian residential dwellings: bottom-up approach and scenario analysis

Nigeria’s residential buildings consume a substantial amount of the country’s energy, so achieving a net-zero building sector with a rapidly growing population is a key challenge. To bridge the gap in research at a national level and support Nigeria’s commitment to an unconditional 20% reduction in emissions by 2030, this study develops bottom-up archetype models of different residential building typologies to estimate the energy and material use of Nigerian residential buildings. This creates an overview of the residential stock and how different archetypes perform. The study calculates a baseline energy and material use of Nigeria’s residential building stock using the BuildME tool and converts these data into CO2 emissions using a life-cycle assessment. Scenarios are modelled for 2020. Nigeria’s residential dwellings use approximately 0.3 kt of material per dwelling over a lifetime of 50 years and 2404 kWh/yr of energy per dwelling. Annualised, dwellings emit 2500 kgCO2-eq per dwelling due to material and energy use. Scenarios proposed for meeting Nigeria’s emissions targets will require improved energy efficiency, decarbonising the building envelope through a shift in construction materials and decarbonising grid electricity. Policy relevance This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the energy and material use of residential buildings in Nigeria, focusing on achieving the country’s commitment to a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030. It employs a bottom-up approach to model energy and material use, revealing the peculiarities of the dwelling stock across Nigeria’s four climatic zones. The study explores the implications of different policy scenarios on sustainable housing. The research suggests that meeting Nigeria’s emissions targets requires improved energy efficiency, a shift in construction materials and decarbonisation of grid electricity. It also highlights the potential benefits of a policy switch to materials such as timber, earthen blocks, adobe bricks and clay, which could significantly reduce construction-related emissions. These changes could improve the quality of life of households in Nigeria, combat climate change on a global scale and bring economic advantages to Nigeria.

A critical review to identify data gaps and improve risk assessment of bisphenol A alternatives for human health.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, has been associated with a variety of adverse effects in humans including metabolic, immunological, reproductive, and neurodevelopmental effects, raising concern about its health impact. In the EU, it has been classified as toxic to reproduction and as an endocrine disruptor and was thus included in the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). On this basis, its use has been banned or restricted in some products. As a consequence, industries turned to bisphenol alternatives, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), which are now found in various consumer products, as well as in human matrices at a global scale. However, due to their toxicity, these two bisphenols are in the process of being regulated. Other BPA alternatives, whose potential toxicity remains largely unknown due to a knowledge gap, have also started to be used in manufacturing processes. The gradual restriction of the use of BPA underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with its alternatives to avoid regrettable substitutions. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the potential hazards related to BPA alternatives prioritized by European Regulatory Agencies based on their regulatory relevance and selected to be studied under the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC): BPE, BPAP, BPP, BPZ, BPS-MAE, and TCBPA. The focus is on data related to toxicokinetic, endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, developmental neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity/carcinogenicity, which were considered the most relevant endpoints to assess the hazard related to those substances. The goal here is to identify the data gaps in BPA alternatives toxicology and hence formulate the future directions that will be taken in the frame of the PARC project, which seeks also to enhance chemical risk assessment methodologies using new approach methodologies (NAMs).

The Effect of Glacier Ablation on Vegetation Coverage

The effects of climate change on glaciers, in terms of their scope and conditions, have become increasingly apparent, with serious consequences for various ecosystems, affecting hydrological and terrestrial factors. This paper reviews the existing literature on the complex interaction between glacier retreat and vegetation distribution. In the short term, glacier retreat may promote vegetation expansion by increasing water supply, while in the long term, drought may occur due to glacier depletion, adversely affecting vegetation growth. In addition, glacial meltwater is usually cooler, so the melting of glaciers will also affect the temperature of water resources, thus affecting the growth of vegetation to a large extent. On the one hand, glacier ablation results in the transfer of glaciated rocks and moraines from the glacier surface to the pericardial zone. The former is rich in organic matter and minerals, while the latter can provide parent rock, promote soil development, increase soil nutrients, and expand vegetation colonization. On the other hand, melting glaciers can cause soil erosion and soil depletion, which is not conducive to the growth of vegetation. Melting glaciers will lead to more surface runoff, which will affect soil erosion and even the formation of new terrain, all of which are associated with vegetation growth. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has led to greening on a global scale, creating positive and negative feedback loops in different regions. Therefore, the glacier ablation and its pathways and sub-pathways are affected, so the glacier ablation seriously affects the vegetation distribution. Overall, the effects of glacial retreat on vegetation distribution are very complex. As glaciers continue to retreat globally, understanding these dynamics is critical to predicting future changes in vegetation distribution.

Strategies and Media Impact in Premier League

This paper delves into the media and commercial strategies of top UK sports events, particularly focusing on the Premier League. It will try to study how exactly new projects in the sale of media rights, brand building, digitalization, and entering the foreign market have turned them into the world brands. Media is pivotal in promoting visibility, building brand personas, creating audience engagement and access to faraway markets, this is what it underlines. It also discusses how the Premier League has implemented innovative technologies like big data and AI to offer personalized content and effective marketing to hold on to the status of one of the most powerful football leagues in the world. It is concluded that the sport industry is in need of constant innovation and adoption of digitization trends in order to maintain its competitiveness on a global scale.

Second-Generation Phage Lambda Platform Employing SARS-CoV-2 Fusion Proteins as a Vaccine Candidate

The recent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic exemplifies how newly emerging and reemerging viruses can quickly overwhelm and cripple global infrastructures. Coupled with synergistic factors such as increasing population densities, the constant and massive mobility of people across geographical areas and substantial changes to ecosystems worldwide, these pathogens pose serious health concerns on a global scale. Vaccines form an indispensable defense, serving to control and mitigate the impact of devastating outbreaks and pandemics. Towards these efforts, we developed a tunable vaccine platform that can be engineered to simultaneously display multiple viral antigens. Here, we describe a second-generation version wherein chimeric proteins derived from SARS-CoV-2 and bacteriophage lambda are engineered and used to decorate phage-like particles with defined surface densities and retention of antigenicity. This streamlines the engineering of particle decoration, thus improving the overall manufacturing potential of the system. In a prime-boost regimen, mice immunized with particles containing as little as 42 copies of the chimeric protein on their surface develop potent neutralizing antibody responses, and immunization protects mice against virulent SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The platform is highly versatile, making it a promising strategy to rapidly develop vaccines against a potentially broad range of infectious diseases.

Russian diplomacy and the struggle around transportation corridors through the Middle East: plans and realities

The article is devoted to the issues of Russia's participation in the struggle for the passage of transport corridors from Europe to Asia through the Middle East. Recently, as part of the geopolitical struggle to move away from a unipolar to a multipolar world, we are increasingly talking about rapidly growing competition for access to goods, raw materials, energy resources and transport logistics, which affect the current global rivalry for the redistribution of the world. It is already becoming increasingly clear that whoever controls international routes controls international security in many ways. Corridors are not only world trade, but also the movement of fl eets, the transfer of troops and military equipment, and communication between different regions of the world. Passages through straits such as Bab el-Mandeb, Hormuz, and Malacca are a matter of international security. Blocking them can lead to armed conflicts on a global scale. For the Middle East, these are primarily confl icts over the routes of oil and gas delivery to Europe from the Persian Gulf and the Caucasus and around the creation of short transport corridors from Europe to Asia bypassing the Suez Canal and Africa. If the issue of laying a gas pipeline from Qatar to the EU through the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East and from the Caucasus and Central Asia through Turkey to the EU was one of the reasons for the war in Syria, then the issue of creating a transport corridor from India to Europe through Arabia and Israel largely provoked the conflict in the Gaza Strip. And Russia is among the most active participants in this struggle for control of international transport corridors from Europe to Asia, trying to do so so as not to stay away from them.

Whole genome sequence analysis of multi-drug resistant and biofilm-forming Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolated from bovine milk

BackgroundMilk is an excellent growth medium for microorganisms due to its nutritive composition. Microorganisms have been implicated in bovine mastitis (BM) in dairy cows as well as causing infections in animals and humans. Despite extensive endeavours to manage BM, this condition continues to persist as the most prevalent and economically burdensome problem affecting dairy cattle on a global scale. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) species such as Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. epidermidis, and S. xylosus are currently the predominant microbiological agents identified as the main cause of subclinical udder infections and are also considered opportunistic pathogens in cases of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the genetic profile of these species. The primary objective of this study was to characterise three phenotypically determined multidrug-resistant NAS environmental strains (NWU MKU1, NWU MKU2, and NWU MKS3) obtained from dairy cows milk via whole-genome sequencing.ResultsThe results confirmed that the three isolates were S. haemolyticus with genome sizes of 2.44, 2.56, and 2.56 Mb and a G + C content of 32.8%. The genomes contained an array of antibiotic resistance genes that may potentially confer resistance to a range of antibiotic classes, such as macrolides, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, peptides, and phenicol. Furthermore, all the genomes carried virulence genes, which are responsible for several functions, such as adhesion, enzyme and toxin production. The genomes of these organisms contained signatures encoding mobile genetic elements such as prophages and insertion sequences.ConclusionThese findings indicate there is a need for diligent monitoring with improved management practices and quality control strategies on farms to safeguard milk production systems and human health.

Success and failure of the spreading law for large drops of dense granular suspensions

The spreading of large viscous drops of density-matched suspensions of non-Brownian spheres on a smooth solid surface is investigated experimentally at the global drop scale. The focus is on dense suspensions with a solid volume fraction equal to or greater than $40\,\%$ , and for drops larger than the capillary length, i.e. for which the spreading is governed by the balance of gravitational and viscous forces. Our findings indicate that all liquids exhibit a power-law behaviour typical of gravity-driven dynamics, albeit with an effective suspension viscosity that is smaller than the bulk value. When the height of the drop is of the order of the particle size, the power law breaks down as the particles freeze while the contact line continues to advance.

Prioritization of important plant areas for conservation of frailejones (Espeletiinae, Asteraceae) in the Northern Andes

AbstractThe tropical Andes region harbors areas that are highly significant for biodiversity at both global and local scales. However, despite the severe conservation threats that this region has to confront, conservation initiatives are limited, by funding and because of the need for more information to decide which areas are priorities for conservation. Identifying Important Plant Areas (IPAs) offers a valuable methodology for establishing conservation priorities, a particularly complex task in a mega-biodiverse region such as the northern Andean tropics. Due to its iconic recognition and conservation value, this study focused on the Espeletiinae subtribe (Asteraceae) as a model group; hence, the distribution data for 138 species was compiled from 5560 georeferenced records. Using the IPA methodology, we divided the study area, this is, the distribution area of the subtribe in the Andean tropics, into 220 Units of Analysis (UA) represented by 10 × 10 km plots. Refined species’ distribution areas, incorporating richness, threatened species, and ecosystem-based richness distributions, were analyzed using newly generated maps to evaluate the conservation value of each UA. Our analysis identified 176 UAs with some level of relevance using sub-criterion cA1 (with 59 species) and 51 UAs using sub-criterion cB (with 76 species). Integrating both criteria, we classified 11 UAs as high-priority, 62 as medium-priority, and 147 as low-priority, highlighting the IPAs that require focused conservation efforts. Two identified high-priority IPAs are located in Venezuela and nine in Colombia, predominantly associated with the Eastern Cordillera. These areas concentrate between 7 and 12 species. They are mainly linked to the páramo complexes of Colombia and the Sierra Nevada in Venezuela, primarily within Cool Temperate Moist Grassland ecosystems on mountains. Our results provide a spatial planning procedure and analytical tool for decision-makers to guide conservation management and actions across northern Andes.

Quantifying the sweetness intensity and impact of aroma in honey from four floral sources.

Unlike many commercial sweeteners for which sweetness dose-response curves have been constructed, honey's sweetness has yet to be quantified. Honey differs from most commercial sweeteners in that it has a robust aroma; this aroma may impact its perceived sweetness. This study quantified the sweetness intensity and the impact of aroma on the perceived sweetness of four different honey varieties (clover, wildflower, alfalfa, and orange) compared to sucrose. Each sweetener evaluated was diluted to six concentrations in water ranging from 12.5g/L to 125g/L. Panelists (n=55) rated the sweetness intensities with and without aroma, in replicate, on the Global Sensory Intensity Scale. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds in the honey samples were profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Honey and sugar were equivalently sweet at a given concentration (g/L), with aroma present (p=0.251). Additionally, honey and sugar were not equivalently sweet without aroma; aroma significantly increased sweetness intensities for all sweeteners (p=0.042) and especially honeys. In a 100g/L solution, the aromas in honey increased its sweetness by 23%-43%, depending on the floral source. Compounds with sweet aroma characteristics were identified at high concentrations in all honey samples using GC/MS analysis, including furfural, benzaldehyde, benzene acetaldehyde, and dimethyl sulfide. Additionally, (S)-limonene and toluene were present in high quantities in the orange and alfalfa samples. This study can inform appropriate honey usage levels and identify major volatiles that may enhance sweetness. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Honey sweetness has not been determined quantitatively, despite the widespread use of honey among consumers and product formulators. Sweetness enhancement by honey aroma volatiles may support a reduction in added sugars while maintaining sweetness intensity.

Genetic Variability in the CPA1 Gene and Its Impact on Acute Pancreatitis Risk: New Insights from a Large-Scale Study.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and potentially lethal disease. Over the last 10 years, AP has become one of the most important healthcare problems. On a global scale, the incidence has increased by 63% over the last 20 years. AP is usually caused by gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption and genetic factors play an important role in the development of inflammation. Recent studies involving the CPA1 mutations are ambiguous and dependent on the population studied. In this study, the variability of the CPA1 gene in patients with AP was analyzed. Genetic material was isolated from the blood of 301 patients with AP and 184 healthy individuals. Identification of the variants in exons 5, 6, 8, and 9 with introns was performed using molecular biology methods. Mutations were identified by comparison to the reference sequence (NM_001868.4). Statistical analysis included the identification of mutations correlating with the risk of AP, the etiology of inflammation, and family history. Several novel mutations in the CPA1 gene have been identified, along with a high degree of variability within the coding region of the carboxypeptidase gene. A correlation between mutations CPA1:c.1072 + 84del; c.987 + 57G>A and increased risk of developing AP was found. Two protective mutations, CPA1:c.625A>T, c.1072 + 94del, were identified. The CPA1 gene is characterized by high sequence variability and regions in which mutations lead to an increased risk of developing AP. Single or co-occurring mutations of the CPA1 gene can significantly affect the risk of developing AP.

The Impact of Technological Innovations on Bank Performance in Emerging Economies

On a global scale, technological innovations have achieved great success in the process of economic development of national economies, especially in the banking sector. Technological innovation is largely used by the banking sector to create competitive intelligence and competitive advantage, as it helps banks improve their services and cost efficiency, as fewer employees and fewer traditional branches are needed. However, this current study focused on examining the impact of technological innovation on bank performance in 40 emerging markets from 2000 to 2021. Findings from the correlation results show that there are strong positive correlations between technological innovation and bank performance in emerging markets. Similarly, we also find the existence of cointegration between technological innovation and bank performance and the existence of a long-run relationship between technological innovation and bank performance in emerging markets, as implied by the results of tied tests. Our study also found from ARDL and GMM results that there are long-term significant relationships between technological innovation and emerging market bank performance. After making these discoveries, we recommended policies such as improving the technology hub of emerging markets and extending banking services to emerging markets' underbanked populations living in remote areas using technology tools to improve bank performance in emerging markets.

A Comprehensive Review of Remote Sensing Technologies for Improved Geological Disaster Management

ABSTRACTOver the past two decades, the frequency of natural hazard incidents has steadily risen, leading to substantial human casualties, infrastructure destruction, societal and economic disruption. The occurrence of disasters, both of natural and human origin, has exhibited an upward trend in frequency over the past few decades on a global scale, posing a significant threat to diverse populations. Over time, remote sensing technologies have proven to be effective in analysing and monitoring diverse natural disasters, including but not limited to droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and cyclones. The significant extent of its coverage capacity and the ability to repeat observations make its application economically efficient. This paper aims to elucidate the fundamental contributions and role of remote sensing in disaster management applications. In a comprehensive analysis, this study explores recent practical applications in the context of disaster events. The utilisation of diverse methodologies and functions of remote sensing in disaster monitoring and control is further expanded to encompass the domain of disaster risk management, employing cutting‐edge sensors and satellites from emerging technological advancements. This paper also addresses challenges related to disaster monitoring, detection and management. Emergencies, particularly during typical catastrophe scenarios, often witness partial disruptions in communication networks. Consequently, the role of alternative networks becomes paramount in enabling effective disaster detection and management strategies. Emerging issues are highlighted, and potential directions for future research are outlined and also support sustainable development goal 13 (climate action).

Cost of Illness Studiesin clinical depression Using Discounting Methods: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract:This research delves into the intricate domain of Cost of Illness (COI) studies, also known as Burden of Disease (BOD), with a specific focus on depressive disorders. Employing a bottom-up approach, the study meticulously scrutinizes the economic implications of depression at various levels, emphasizing direct and indirect costs. The analysis integrates a detailed exploration of diverse discounting methods, including Net Present Value (NPV) and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), with a particular emphasis on the Indian context to comprehend unique socio-economic factors.Methodologically, the study systematically reviews scientific literature over the past decade, utilizing databases such as Web of Science and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria prioritize patient-based studies related to the cost of illness associated with depression. The research adopts a comprehensive approach, considering various methodologies and discounting techniques to enhance the understanding of economic implications.The comparative analysis of the total cost of illness across diverse countries unravels significant variations, highlighting the intricate nature of healthcare expenditures and economic structures. Specific breakdowns for each country consider factors suchas currency exchange rates, inflation, and Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjustments, shedding light on the complexities involved.The study across five countries highlights significant variations in depression-related costs. Direct medical costs have a mean of $42,668 (SD=16,940) with a high t-statistic of 27.83 (p-value 0.001), emphasizing substantial differences. Direct non-medicalcosts average $27,171 (SD=13,220) with a t-statistic of 14.07 (p-value 0.001), indicating a notable economic burden beyond medical expenses. Indirect costs related to depression stand at a mean of $63,816 (SD=25,230), with a t-statistic of 35.30 (p-value 0.001), highlighting significant impacts on productivity and societal costs. The total cost of illness, encompassing both direct and indirect costs, averages $113,590 (SD=43,990), with a t-statistic of 49.49 (p-value 0.001), reflecting the extensive economic implications of depression across these diverse nations.In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis contributes depth to our understanding of the economic impact of depressive disorders, providing valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. The research underscores the multifacetednature of the economic burden of depression, emphasizing variations across countries and advocating for comprehensive, context-specific approaches in assessing and addressing global implications. Acknowledging challenges with discounting methods, the paper identifies opportunities for refining methodologies and improving economic evaluations in the future, emphasizing the importance of nuanced insights for effective policymaking and healthcare strategies on a global scale.

Effects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders on the Clinical Presentations and Therapeutic Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with Severe Mood Disorders: A Multicenter Observational Study.

Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are more susceptible to developing severe or resistant mood disorders. However, they often face challenges in accessing specific treatments. To understand the barriers to treatment in this group, we conducted a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational study on 305 adolescents referred to specialized care (mean age 14.38 ± 0.13 years, 57% girls, 9% bipolar disorder, 91% depressive disorders). NDDs were categorized based on the number of co-occurring NDDs for each subject (none: 67%, one: 18%, two: 7%, three: 5%, four and more: 2%). We explored the predictive value of the number of NDDs on various clinical and therapeutic factors. The analysis revealed significant associations between the number of NDDs and the duration of mood symptoms, persistent irritability, associated disruptive behavioral disorders, lower scores on the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) at baseline, and polypharmacy. The number of NDDs did not correlate with the use of antidepressants, the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I) at discharge, or changes in the CGAS score during the stay. The challenges in distinguishing mood disorders from chronic emotional and behavioral difficulties may contribute to the difficulties in accessing specific care for mood disorders. These results suggest that treatments for mood disorders demonstrate comparable effectiveness when provided regardless of the associations with NDDs.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION APPLICATION WITH THE Z TECHNIQUE: CONTENT, QUALITY AND RELIABILITY ANALYSIS

YouTube videos about intramuscular injection with the Z technique were evaluated for content, quality and reliability. A search of YouTube was made on 13 November 2023 using the keywords of “Z technique” and “intramuscular injection”. 40 videos that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were assessed for usefulness using the Z Technique Intramuscular Injection Administration Checklist (ZIAC), reliability using the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health (DISCERN), and quality using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) scores. Most of the videos used in the study belonged to individual content producers. The videos were determined to be of medium quality, and reliability, but their usefulness was not at the desired level based on their ZIAC, DISCERN, and GQS scores (respectively; 16.92±2.72; 2.92±0.763; 3.03±0.77). Furthermore, the videos' usefulness (ZIAC), reliability (DISCERN), and quality (GQS) scores all showed a strong positive correlation. It was determined that the dorsogluteal region was preferred in 48.1% of the videos (n=13), and the region was determined correctly in 67.5% of the videos (n=27). To provide the most reliable information to healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, it is recommended that expert nurses and educators create qualified videos about the use of intramuscular injection with the Z technique and share them on YouTube.

Intensified greenhouse gas prediction: Configuring Gate with Fine-Tuning Shifts with Bi-LSTM and GRU System

IntroductionOn a global scale, climate change refers to persistent alterations in weather conditions and temperature patterns. These modifications have far-reaching implications across the world. GHGs (Greenhouse Gases) play a crucial role in driving climate change. Most of these emissions originate from human activities, particularly those contributing to releasing CO2 and CH4. In the conventional approach, identifying emissions involves recognizing and quantifying the sources and amounts of GHG released into the atmosphere. However, this manual identification method has limitations, including being time-consuming, relying on incomplete resources, prone to human error, and lacking scalability and coverage.MethodologyTo address these challenges, a technology-based system is necessary for effectively identifying GHG emissions. The proposed method utilized the configuration of a gating mechanism incorporating fine-tuning shifts in the Bi-LSTM-GRU algorithm to predict GHG emissions in top-emitting countries. The PRIMAP-host dataset is used in the respective method comprising subsector data such as CO2, CH4, and N2O to attain this. In the presented model, Bi-LSTM is used to capture significant features, handle vanishing gradient problems, etc., because of its process in both directions. Conversely, it is limited by overfitting and long-term dependencies.Results and discussionGRU is used with Bi-LSTM to address the issue for the advantages of memory efficiency, handling long-term dependencies, rapid training process and minimizes the overfitting by infusion of GRU in the input layer of BiLSTM with tuning process in the BiLSTM. Here, the configuration of gates with fine-tuning shifts to improve the prediction performance. Moreover, the efficiency of the proposed method is calculated with performance metrics. Where RMSE value is 0.0288, MAPE is 0.0007, and the R-Square value is 0.99. In addition, internal and external comparisons are carried out to reveal the greater performance of the respective research.

Strengthening of the hydrological cycle in the Lake Chad Basin under current climate change

Central Sahel is affected by a reinforcement of rainfall since the beginning of 1990s. This increase in rainfall is affected by high inter-annual variability and is characterized by extreme rain events causing floods of unprecedented magnitude. However, few studies have been carried out on these extreme events. Moreover, with current climate change expected to strengthen the hydrological cycle, we don’t know if these events could become more frequent. Here, we report the hydrological changes that currently occur in the Lake Chad basin. Based on ground observations and satellite data, we focused on the 2022 flood event, demonstrating that it was the most important event from the last 60 years, comparable to what occurred during the last wet period between the 1950s and the 1960s. We showed that under this precipitation regime and if warming is not regulated at a global scale, the return period of the 2022 major riverine flood is expected to be between 2 and 5 years. By using modelling experiments, our study also suggested that in the next decade, future flow rates of the main rivers draining the Lake Chad basin could reach the values observed in the 1950s. These results strongly suggest anticipating water management in a context of poor infrastructural development.