Lakes Region Research Articles

Enhancing long short-term memory (LSTM)-based streamflow prediction with a spatially distributed approach

Abstract. Deep learning (DL) algorithms have previously demonstrated their effectiveness in streamflow prediction. However, in hydrological time series modelling, the performance of existing DL methods is often bound by limited spatial information, as these data-driven models are typically trained with lumped (spatially aggregated) input data. In this study, we propose a hybrid approach, namely the Spatially Recursive (SR) model, that integrates a lumped long short-term memory (LSTM) network seamlessly with a physics-based hydrological routing simulation for enhanced streamflow prediction. The lumped LSTM was trained on the basin-averaged meteorological and hydrological variables derived from 141 gauged basins located in the Great Lakes region of North America. The SR model involves applying the trained LSTM at the subbasin scale for local streamflow predictions which are then translated to the basin outlet by the hydrological routing model. We evaluated the efficacy of the SR model with respect to predicting streamflow at 224 gauged stations across the Great Lakes region and compared its performance to that of the standalone lumped LSTM model. The results indicate that the SR model achieved performance levels on par with the lumped LSTM in basins used for training the LSTM. Additionally, the SR model was able to predict streamflow more accurately on large basins (e.g., drainage area greater than 2000 km2), underscoring the substantial information loss associated with basin-wise feature aggregation. Furthermore, the SR model outperformed the lumped LSTM when applied to basins that were not part of the LSTM training (i.e., pseudo-ungauged basins). The implication of this study is that the lumped LSTM predictions, especially in large basins and ungauged basins, can be reliably improved by considering spatial heterogeneity at finer resolution via the SR model.

Assessment of spongy moth infestation impacts on forest productivity and carbon loss using the Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing and eddy covariance flux data

BackgroundDeciduous forests in eastern North America experienced a widespread and intense spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) infestation in 2021. This study quantified the impact of this spongy moth infestation on carbon (C) cycle in forests across the Great Lakes region in Canada, utilizing high-resolution (10 × 10 m2) Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing images and eddy covariance (EC) flux data. Study results showed a significant reduction in leaf area index (LAI) and gross primary productivity (GPP) values in deciduous and mixed forests in the region in 2021.ResultsRemote sensing derived, growing season mean LAI values of deciduous (mixed) forests were 3.66 (3.18), 2.74 (2.64), and 3.53 (2.94) m2 m−2 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, indicating about 24 (14)% reduction in LAI, as compared to pre- and post-infestation years. Similarly, growing season GPP values in deciduous (mixed) forests were 1338 (1208), 868 (932), and 1367 (1175) g C m−2, respectively in 2020, 2021 and 2022, showing about 35 (22)% reduction in GPP in 2021 as compared to pre- and post-infestation years. This infestation induced reduction in GPP of deciduous and mixed forests, when upscaled to whole study area (178,000 km2), resulted in 21.1 (21.4) Mt of C loss as compared to 2020 (2022), respectively. It shows the large scale of C losses caused by this infestation in Canadian Great Lakes region.ConclusionsThe methods developed in this study offer valuable tools to assess and quantify natural disturbance impacts on the regional C balance of forest ecosystems by integrating field observations, high-resolution remote sensing data and models. Study results will also help in developing sustainable forest management practices to achieve net-zero C emission goals through nature-based climate change solutions.

Observing low-altitude features in ozone concentrations in a shoreline environment via uncrewed aerial systems

Abstract. Ozone is a pollutant formed in the atmosphere by photochemical processes involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when exposed to sunlight. Tropospheric boundary layer ozone is regularly measured at ground stations and sampled infrequently through balloon, lidar, and crewed aircraft platforms, which have demonstrated characteristic patterns with altitude. Here, to better resolve vertical profiles of ozone within the atmospheric boundary layer, we developed and evaluated an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) platform for measuring ozone and meteorological parameters of temperature, pressure, and humidity. To evaluate this approach, a UAS was flown with a portable ozone monitor and a meteorological temperature and humidity sensor to compare to tall tower measurements in northern Wisconsin. In June 2020, as a part of the WiscoDISCO20 campaign, a DJI M600 hexacopter UAS was flown with the same sensors to measure Lake Michigan shoreline ozone concentrations. This latter UAS experiment revealed a low-altitude structure in ozone concentrations in a shoreline environment showing the highest ozone at altitudes from 20–100 m a.g.l. These first such measurements of low-altitude ozone via a UAS in the Great Lakes region revealed a very shallow layer of ozone-rich air lying above the surface.

On–off-Grid Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for House Units in Iraq

This paper addresses the optimal sizing of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs), encompassing wind, solar, and battery systems, with the aim of delivering reliable performance at a reasonable cost. The focus is on mitigating unscheduled outages on the national grid in Iraq. The proposed On–off-grid HRES method is implemented using MATLAB and relies on an iterative technique to achieve multi-objectives, balancing reliability and economic constraints. The optimal HRES configuration is determined by evaluating various scenarios related to energy flow management, electricity prices, and land cover effects. Consumer requirements regarding cost and reliability are factored into a 2D optimization process. A battery model is developed to capture the dynamic exchange of energy among different renewable sources, battery storage, and energy demands. A detailed case study across fifteen locations in Iraq, including water, desert, and urban areas, revealed that local wind speed significantly affects the feasibility and efficiency of the HRES. Locations with higher wind speeds, such as the Haditha lake region (payback period: 7.8 years), benefit more than urban areas (Haditha city: payback period: 12.4 years). This study also found that not utilizing the battery, particularly during periods of high electricity prices (e.g., 2015), significantly impacts the HRES performance. In the Haditha water area, for instance, this technique reduced the payback period from 20.1 to 7.8 years by reducing the frequency of charging and discharging cycles and subsequently mitigating the need for battery replacement.

Palaeoclimatic shifts in the Central Ganga Basin during the Middle- to Late Holocene: Exploring the 4.2 ka arid event and its implications in northern India

The Central Ganga Basin is one of the most densely populated regions of India. It is agriculturally diverse and contributes much to the Indian economy. The region has housed numerous ancient and mediaeval empires. This study presents a continuous record of the paleomonsoon from the Chandrika Devi lake, Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh, India which is linked with paleo vegetational shifts over the last ~6000 years (5871–75 cal yr BP). The chronology of the lake core is based on three accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon and two Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dates. The multiproxy data (grain size, major and trace element ratio, total organic carbon (TOC wt%), carbon isotopes (δ13Corg‰) and pollen), suggest that the lake was initially a part of the Gomti river that began to transform into a lake at ~5000 cal yr BP with weakening of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) in the Central Ganga Basin. The lake formation was completed at ~4100 cal yr BP under the influence of the 4.2 ka arid event. This phase marks the beginning of human presence as well as agricultural activities in the lake region with the appearance of Cerealia pollen and other agricultural taxa. The agricultural activity surrounding the lake catchment peaked at ~3000 cal yr BP. The lake gradually shrank and became a marshy lowland at ~75 cal yr BP. Our study is significant because it is the first comprehensive multiproxy study from the Lucknow region in the Central Ganga Basin on paleomonsoonal variability and its relationship to human activity, agricultural practices during the Late-Holocene with a focus on the 4.2 Ka arid event. Also, pollen record suggests that the changes in agriculture and human activity began just after 4.2 ka arid event in the study area.

Environmental transport of excess nitrogen fertilizer in peach orchard: Evidence arising from 15N tracing trial

In pursuit of high fruit yield, overwhelming amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer was unreasonably applied in orchard, resulting in lower fertilizer N uptake and higher environmental loss. It is crucial to propose appropriate fertilization timing and optimal N management by clarifying fruit tree N uptake pattern in orchard systems. Here, a 15N isotope enrichment trial was conducted in peach orchard to assess the transport of applied synthesized fertilizer-N to the plant and environment in the Taihu Lake region. Ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4, 10.12 atom % 15N), as the N source, was applied with four split applications at 382.5 kg N ha−1 during one plant growth cycle. Results showed N deriving from fertilizer (NDFF) accounted for 24.5% in leaves and 38.4% in fruits, respectively. During the annual growth cycle, the applied fertilizer-N uptake and utilization was higher in reproductive growth stage than vegetative growth stage. After harvest, 28.8% of applied fertilizer-N was absorbed by peach tree, 9.5% was lost to the environment through surface runoff, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, 29.6% was retained in the 0–160 cm soil profile, the remaining 32.1% was unaccounted N including N leaching and N loss from the N removal progress. Generally, more applied fertilizer-N moved to the environment in high N input peach orchard. In order to promote optimal N management, the applied fertilizer-N rate should be reduced by 30% and emphasized on fertilization at the reproductive growth period according to tree N uptake pattern.

Integrated optimization modelling framework for low-carbon and green regional transitions through resource-based industrial symbiosis

The development and utilization of bulk resources provide the basic material needs for industrial systems. However, most current resource utilization patterns are unsustainable, with low efficiencies and high carbon emissions. Here, we report a quantitative tool for resource-based industries to facilitate sustainable and low-carbon transitions within the regional economy. To evaluate the effectiveness of this tool, the saline Qinghai Lake region was chosen as a case study. After optimizing the industrial structure, the benefits of economic output, resource efficiency, energy consumption, solid waste reduction, and carbon emission reduction can be obtained. The scenario analyses exhibit disparities in different transition paths, where the carbon mitigation, economic output, and resource efficiency that benefit from optimal development paths are significantly better than those of the traditional path, indicating the urgency of adopting cleaner technology and industrial symbiosis for regional industries.

Advanced risk assessment framework for land subsidence impacts on transmission towers in salt lake region

To ensure the continuous transmission of clean energy for electricity, transmission towers often traverse geologically challenging terrains. This is particularly evident in the Salt Lake region, where the convergence of unique geological attributes and environmental stressors leads to recurrent land subsidence incidents, jeopardizing the integrity of power lines. In light of the prohibitive costs associated with indiscriminate remedial actions, precision in risk assessment and management is imperative to streamline these interventions. The objective of this study is to propose an accurate and effective framework for assessing the risk of land subsidence for power transmission towers. To achieve this, by utilizing the Small Baseline Subset Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SBAS-InSAR) technology and cross-validation from field investigations, representative sample disaster datasets of surface deformation points of transmission towers are obtained in the first. Two optimization approaches for susceptibility modeling were employed to further enhance the susceptibility model for land subsidence and obtain high-precision susceptibility results along the transmission towers. Then, combined on-site damage investigation with SBAS-InSAR technology to conduct subsidence vulnerability analysis of transmission towers. Finally, the ultimate outcome of this process was the development of a risk assessment matrix based on spatial probability (susceptibility) and damage scales (vulnerability), aimed at more accurately assessing land subsidence risk. This framework could identify the spatial distribution of subsidence susceptibility in transmission towers exposed to potential damage, which could be followed by a more detailed transmission tower-based vulnerability and risk assessment. The method has been successfully applied in the Salt Lake area, and the susceptibility results based on the Grey Wolf Optimization-Random Forest (GW0-RF) model have shown the best modeling effect, and the area under of receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.95. The vulnerability results show that 105 towers have been most severely damaged by land subsidence The risk distribution map shows that the central part of the Salt Lake area is the core zone for future land subsidence risk management. A total of 101 towers are in the high and very high risk level. The insights garnered from this investigation furnish a comprehensive understanding of the risk landscape for transmission towers, underpinning future-focused design, planning, and management strategies.

Wave Loads On Hydraulic Structures

Hydraulic structures are essential for flood protection, water management and navigation in coastal, delta and lake regions. Their importance will continue to grow in the coming years and decades, because of two main factors. Firstly, because of the consequences of climate change and sea level rise. Secondly, because of the continuous development and urbanization of coastal, delta and lake regions, with an increase in the value of the assets and activities in those locations combined with more strict safety requirements. Those factors will lead to the construction of a series of new hydraulic structures and the renovation of several existing structures around the world. Wave loads acting on such hydraulic structures are crucial for their design and safety assessment. This study addresses two different types of wave loads acting on hydraulic structures: confined wave impact loads and bimodal wave loads. To this end, a series of laboratory experimental test campaigns were carried out in a wave flume.

Synoptic Conditions and Lake-to-Lake Connections for Days with Lake Effect on All of the Great Lakes

Abstract An investigation of lake effect (LE) and the associated synoptic environment is presented for days when all five lakes in the Great Lakes (GL) region had LE bands [five-lake days (5LDs)]. The study utilized an expanded database of observed LE clouds over the GL during 25 cold seasons (October–March) from 1997/98 to 2021/22. LE bands occurred on 2870 days (64% of all cold-season days). Nearly a third of all LE bands occurred during 5LDs, although 5LDs consisted of just 17.1% of LE days. A majority of 5LDs (56.5%) had lake-to-lake (L2L) bands, and these days comprised 43.5% of all L2L occurrences. 5LDs occurred with a mean of 26.1 (SD = 6.2) days per cold season until 2008/09 and then decreased to a mean of 13.8 (SD = 5.5) days during subsequent cold seasons. January and February had the largest number of consecutive LE days in the GL with a mean of 5.7 and 5.4 days, respectively. As the number of consecutive LE days increases, both the number of 5LDs and the occurrence of consecutive 5LD increase. This translates to an increased potential of heavy snowfall impacts in multiple, localized areas of the GL for extended time periods. The mean composite synoptic pattern of 5LDs exhibited characteristics consistent with lake-aggregate disturbances and showed similarity to synoptic patterns favorable for LE over one or two of the GL found by previous studies. The results demonstrate that several additional areas of the GL are often experiencing LE bands when a localized area has active LE bands occurring.

Population density and ranging behaviour of a generalist carnivore varies with human population.

Canid species are highly adaptable, including to urban and peri-urban areas, where they can come into close contact with people. Understanding the mechanisms of wild canid population persistence in these areas is key to managing any negative impacts. The resource dispersion hypothesis predicts that animal density increases and home range size decreases as resource concentration increases, and may help to explain how canids are distributed in environments with an urban-natural gradient. In Australia, dingoes have adapted to human presence, sometimes living in close proximity to towns. Using a targeted camera trap survey and spatial capture-recapture models, we estimated spatial variation in the population density and detection rates of dingoes on Worimi Country in the Great Lakes region of the NSW coast. We tested whether dingo home range and population densities varied across a gradient of human population density, in a mixed-use landscape including, urban, peri-urban, and National Park environs. We found human population density to be a strong driver of dingo density (ranging from 0.025 to 0.433 dingoes/km2 across the natural-urban gradient), and to have a negative effect on dingo home range size. The spatial scale parameter changed depending on survey period, being smaller in the peak tourism period, when human population increases in the area, than in adjacent survey periods, potentially indicating reduced home range size when additional resources are available. Our study highlights the potential value of managing anthropogenic resource availability to manage carnivore densities and potential risk of human-carnivore interactions.

Traversing the Great Lakes: Post‐glacial colonization by a widespread terrestrial salamander

AbstractAimsGlacial retreat at the end of the Pleistocene epoch opened vast expanses of emergent habitat in the northern hemisphere that were colonized by opportunistic taxa. However, species that undergo post‐glacial expansion may have originated from one or several glacial refugia. We inferred the post‐glacial expansion history of the Eastern Red‐backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus), a fully terrestrial species with a vast distribution despite severe dispersal limitations. Previous studies indicated populations south of the glacial boundary at the eastern and western limits of the distribution were closely related, suggesting either multiple refugia or an extraordinary post‐glacial expansion event.LocationEastern North America.Taxon Plethodon cinereus (Green, 1818), Caudata: Plethodontidae.MethodsWe collected ddRAD‐seq data from 106 individuals throughout the distribution of P. cinereus. We estimated phylogeographic structure, including finer‐scale structure among the post‐glacial populations. To test the origins and routes of colonization, we used ecological niche modelling, population trees and analyses of directional range expansion.ResultsAnalyses supported our hypothesis of a southeastern glacial refugium, with northward expansion along the Eastern Seaboard prior to westward invasion into the Great Lakes region, including southwestern expansion into unglaciated areas at the western end of the distribution. However, a distinct subgroup in the northwestern portion of the range raises the possibility of a second refugium near the ice‐free Driftless Area.Main ConclusionsBased on our results, we hypothesize a southeastern refugium from which most of today's northern populations undertook extensive post‐glacial colonization. Our results indicate a geographically non‐linear colonization history for P. cinereus.

Relationship Between Primary Care Physician Capacity and Usual Source of Care.

The NASEM Primary Care Report and Primary Care scorecard highlighted the importance of primary care physician (PCP) capacity and having a usual source of care (USC). However, research has found that PCP capacity and USC do not always correlate. This exploratory study compares geographic patterns and the characteristics of counties with similar rates of PCP capacity but varying rates of USC. Our county-level, cross-sectional approach includes estimates from the Robert Graham Center and data from the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings (CHR). We utilized conditional mapping methods to first identify US counties with the highest rates of social deprivation (SDI). Next, counties were stratified based on primary care physician (PCP) capacity and usual source of care (USC) terciles, allowing us to identify 4 types of counties: (1) High-Low (high PCP capacity, low USC); (2) High-High (high PCP capacity, high USC); (3) Low-High (low PCP capacity, high USC); and (4) Low-Low (low PCP capacity, low USC). We use t test to explore differences in the characteristics of counties with similar rates of primary care capacity. The results show clear geographic patterns: High-High counties are located primarily in the northern and northeastern US; High-Low counties are located primarily in the southwestern and southern US. Low-High counties are concentrated in the Appalachian and Great Lakes regions; Low-Low counties are concentrated in the southeastern US and Texas. Descriptive results reveal that rates of racial and ethnic minorities, the uninsured, and social deprivation are highest in counties with low rates of USC for both high PCP and low PCP areas. Recognizing PCP shortages and improving rates of USC are key strategies for increasing access to high-quality, primary care. Targeting strategies by geographic region will allow for tailored models to improve access to and continuity of primary care. For example, we found that many of the counties with the lowest rates of USC are found in non-Medicaid expansion states (Texas, Georgia, and Florida) with high rates of uninsured populations, suggesting that expanding Medicaid and improving access to health insurance are key strategies for increasing USC in these states.

Hybrid choice modeling offers an interdisciplinary perspective on angler preferences for the future

Angler decisions are shaped by an interplay between ‘internal’ psychological processes and ‘external’ institutional factors that are equally important yet often evaluated in isolation. We therefore developed a hybrid choice model whereby a structural equation model of behavioral antecedents was integrated with a discrete choice experiment to evaluate competing preferences for fisheries management scenarios across the Great Lakes region. We observed that preferences for native fish populations, invasive species impacts, wash station availability, habitat quality, and added cost per fishing trip were rooted in nature-based (i.e., biospheric) and self-driven (i.e., egoistic) values. Feelings of moral obligation and beliefs that an individual could make a difference were correlated with values, but not with preferences. Willingness to pay for a preferred future differed by fishing mode, in that boaters were more sensitive to cost than shoreline or mixed-mode users. Preferences also varied by age, in that younger anglers were more open to change. This study showcases an interdisciplinary methodological approach that builds more complete knowledge of the interrelationships between psychological and institutional factors that underpin angler decision-making.

Seasonal bee communities vary in their responses to resources at local and landscape scales: implication for land managers

ContextThere is great interest in land management practices for pollinators; however, a quantitative comparison of landscape and local effects on bee communities is necessary to determine if adding small habitat patches can increase bee abundance or species richness. The value of increasing floral abundance at a site is undoubtedly influenced by the phenology and magnitude of floral resources in the landscape, but due to the complexity of measuring landscape-scale resources, these factors have been understudied.ObjectivesTo address this knowledge gap, we quantified the relative importance of local versus landscape scale resources for bee communities, identified the most important metrics of local and landscape quality, and evaluated how these relationships vary with season.MethodsWe studied season-specific relationships between local and landscape quality and wild-bee communities at 33 sites in the Finger Lakes region of New York, USA. We paired site surveys of wild bees, plants, and soil characteristics with a multi-dimensional assessment of landscape composition, configuration, insecticide toxic load, and a spatio-temporal evaluation of floral resources at local and landscape scales.ResultsWe found that the most relevant spatial scale and landscape factor varied by season. Early-season bee communities responded primarily to landscape resources, including the presence of flowering trees and wetland habitats. In contrast, mid to late-season bee communities were more influenced by local conditions, though bee diversity was negatively impacted when sites were embedded in highly agricultural landscapes. Soil composition had complex impacts on bee communities, and likely reflects effects on plant community flowering.ConclusionsEarly-season bees can be supported by adding flowering trees and wetlands, while mid to late-season bees can be supported by local addition of summer and fall flowering plants. Sites embedded in landscapes with a greater proportion of natural areas will host a greater bee species diversity.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRISMA HYPERSPECTRAL AND SENTINEL-2 MULTISPECTRAL IMAGES FOR CHLOROPHYLL-A AND TURBIDITY MAPPING OF TAAL LAKE

Abstract. Freshwater bodies like Taal Lake play a pivotal role in providing essential resources like fresh drinking water and in supporting local livelihoods. This study aimed to examine the environmental conditions of Taal Lake by quantifying chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and turbidity levels with Water Colour Simulator (WASI) and water quality indices, specifically with Sentinel-2 and PRISMA imagery. The results from the satellite image-derived data revealed discernible variations in chlorophyll-a and turbidity concentrations across different regions of Taal Lake. Higher chlorophyll-a was consistently observed in the western regions (1.3–5.9 μg/L for Sentinel-2; 1.4–5.4 μg/L for PRISMA), while lower concentrations were found in the south (1.7–3.4 μg/L for Sentinel-2; 1.9–3.3 μg/L for PRISMA). Meanwhile, turbidity values were higher in the eastern and northeastern parts (0.15–0.59 mg/L for Sentinel-2; 0.13–0.51 mg/L for PRISMA). Water quality indices (NDTI & NDCI) also supported these findings. The findings of this comparative analysis between PRISMA hyperspectral and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery demonstrate the potential of both satellite systems in providing valuable insights into the spatial distribution of water quality parameters in Taal Lake. Nonetheless, discrepancies observed in the scatter plots and inversion failures in PRISMA underscore the need for further research and refinement in utilizing PRISMA data with the WASI model. This study highlights the significance of freshwater bodies and the importance of monitoring their health for the well-being of communities and the environment.

Simulation and synoptic investigation of a severe dust storm originated from the Urmia Lake in the Middle East

Dried lake beds are one of the largest sources of dust in the world, causing environmental problems in the surrounding areas. In this study, the desiccated Urmia Lake was the primary source of dust for all nearby synoptic stations during the April 24-25, 2017 dust episode. Synoptic analysis revealed that the heavy dust storm was triggered by a strong Black Sea cyclone and a low-pressure system over central Iraq in conjunction with a vast high-pressure system. HYSPLIT-based trajectory analysis showed that high PM10 recorded over the Urmia Lake region on April 23-26, 2017, influenced western Azerbaijan, the south of the Caspian Sea, southwestern Kazakhstan, northwestern Uzbekistan, and western Turkmenistan. The dustiest air masses (PM10 > 400 µg m–3) affected the south of the Caspian Sea and western Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the WRF-Chem model was run to evaluate the spatial distribution of dust particles in the study region. The vertical profile revealed that the simulated dust concentration ascended to 5 km from the lake. The WRF-Chem dust schemes accurately simulated dust propagation and the vertical dust profile over Urmia Lake; however, the AFWA and GOCART dust schemes showed that PM10 fluctuating changes were earlier than the measured surface PM10 at five stations around Urmia Lake on April 23-26, 2017. Furthermore, the maximum amount anticipated by the model simulation was 12 h earlier than the maximum surface mass concentration of measured PM10 at the stations throughout the period.

Traditional Territory in a Protected Area: Territorial Dynamics and Wildlife Management in the Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil

Implementing sustainable management strategies for common-use resources influences the territorialization processes of traditional peoples and communities. This article aims to provide historical context on the use of natural resources in the Amanã Lake region, Maraã-AM. It also seeks to describe the territorial boundaries and hunting areas of one riverine community, presenting a proposal for establishing the sustainable management of subsistence hunting. The data cover a fifty-year period and were obtained through semi-structured interviews, systematic mapping of hunting locations, and participatory mapping of resource use in the region. The proposed zoning for the management of wildlife was based on previously established models in the region and on discussions with the villagers. Over the period, two territorial logics were identified, and their combination has had significant impacts on the territoriality of the studied community. The hunting area used by community members shrinked as its designated use area but at a different pace, leading to overlaps and conflicts over resource use. The proposed spatial wildlife management (of 22.216,22 ha of area) was considered appropriate by the villagers, but there is still a need to develop this wildlife management strategy based on local territorialities.

Abstaining from Retaliation: A Story of Restoration Ministry-OEIL in Eastern Congo

Reports of violence flow from everywhere. They make humankind look powerless in front of conflicts and seem inclined to a retaliation culture. Many people prefer to justify retaliation by euphemistic concepts like self-defense, counterattack, letting justice prevail, counteroffensive, etc. This is a mere application of the natural human principle of the lex talionis. In tumultuous zones like the African Great Lakes Region in general and Eastern Congo in particular, one might expect escalation of conflicts if retaliation is the only option. However, the advent of Christianity in our societies has strengthened a new culture of reconciliation among opponent groups as a way out of violent conflicts. In a world immersed in retaliation culture, a message about raising a culture of reconciliation by abstaining from retaliation sounds like naïveté or treason. This paper sets out to respond to this question: How does reconciliation become an antidote to retaliation in the Eastern Congo context? Using Case Study method, the objective of this study is to present biblical, ethical, and practical ways of breaking the circle of violence and building a culture of peace. In Eastern Congo, Restoration Ministry-OEIL is one of the Christian organizations that strive to promote reconciliation among ethnic communities. It raises awareness of the root causes of Eastern Congo crisis from their local, national, regional, and international dimensions. Therefore, its story constitutes historical evidence of the possibility of abstaining from retaliation despite the horrors of violence endured. Its peacemaking method is a good example of a contextual theology of reconciliation from indigenous practices.

Elevated CO2 and ammonium nitrogen promoted the plasticity of two maple in great lakes region by adjusting photosynthetic adaptation.

Climate change-related CO2 increases and different forms of nitrogen deposition are thought to affect the performance of plants, but their interactions have been poorly studied. This study investigated the responses of photosynthesis and growth in two invasive maple species, amur maple (Acer ginnala Maxim.) and boxelder maple (Acer negundo L.), to elevated CO2 (400 µmol mol-1 (aCO2) vs. 800 µmol mol-1 (eCO2) and different forms of nitrogen fertilization (100% nitrate, 100% ammonium, and an equal mix of the two) with pot experiment under controlled conditions. The results showed that eCO2 significantly promoted photosynthesis, biomass, and stomatal conductance in both species. The biochemical limitation of photosynthesis was switched to RuBP regeneration (related to Jmax) under eCO2 from the Rubisco carboxylation limitation (related to Vcmax) under aCO2. Both species maximized carbon gain by lower specific leaf area and higher N concentration than control treatment, indicating robust morphological plasticity. Ammonium was not conducive to growth under aCO2, but it significantly promoted biomass and photosynthesis under eCO2. When nitrate was the sole nitrogen source, eCO2 significantly reduced N assimilation and growth. The total leaf N per tree was significantly higher in boxelder maple than in amur maple, while the carbon and nitrogen ratio was significantly lower in boxelder maple than in amur maple, suggesting that boxelder maple leaf litter may be more favorable for faster nutrient cycling. The results suggest that increases in ammonium under future elevated CO2 will enhance the plasticity and adaptation of the two maple species.