Resources Research Articles

GEOGRAPHY AND DIPLOMACY: THE INFLUENCE OF BORDERS ON POLITICS

This article explores the complementary and reinforcing relationship between geography and diplomacy. Geography, borders, natural resources, and strategic position shape states' diplomatic policies and international relations. Geopolitics, especially energy security between states, border disputes, and acquisition of natural resources play an important role in regional cooperation issues. Thus, new energy corridors, trade routes, and environmental issues have become important topics in contemporary diplomacy. Climate change and ecological diplomacy also create new areas of cooperation between states and influence international relations. Geopolitics is also a major factor in strategic decision-making between states, ensuring economic development, and protecting security. Such relations are also important for conflict resolution and regional stability. The role of geography in diplomacy remains an important factor that states should analyze to protect their interests and gain a strong position at the international level. As a result, the close relationship between geography and diplomacy will play an important role in the future development of global politics and diplomatic relations.

ILHAM ALIYEV'S GREEN ENERGY POLICY: SERVING THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF HUMANITY

The article talks about COP29, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is taking place in Baku. It is noted that our country is currently expanding its activities in the direction of improving the environment, restoring and increasing greenery, using water resources efficiently and using sustainable energy sources. The article reports that issues of extreme importance for our planet and our people are discussed at various events organized every day within the framework of COP29, and relevant decisions are announced. The decisions taken by COP29 are of historic importance for the future of humanity. The article provides detailed information based on factual material for the discussion of issues such as global warming, extreme weather events and depletion of non-renewable natural resources. Hosting one of the most prestigious UN events in Azerbaijan means that our country supports another global initiative and thereby further increases its authority among the countries of the world.

Singapore Role in Advancing Global Low-Carbon Economy: A Joint Effort for Sustainability and Climate Commitments

This study examines Singapore’s proactive role in advancing a low-carbon economy by analyzing its policies, innovations, and global partnerships in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. Despite being a small, densely populated island nation with limited natural resources, Singapore has emerged as a global leader in sustainable development. Its approach integrates forward-thinking policies, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic collaborations. This study employs a structured literature review with a qualitative approach, systematically analyzing key policy documents and case studies of successful initiatives. Initiatives such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the Carbon Pricing Mechanism drive energy efficiency, promote renewable energy adoption, and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, Singapore actively participates in global climate action, contributing to regional and international platforms. This study highlights Singapore’s efforts in fostering a low carbon economy, encouraging collaboration among policymakers, research institutions, and stakeholders to build a sustainable and resilient global future.

The Effects of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Natural Resource Management

Artificial intelligence methods have been increasingly used in natural resource management as an alternative to classical methods. Three computational challenges in natural resource management are data management and communication, data analysis, and optimization and control. Artificial intelligence methods can be a solution to these problems due to their ability to manage dynamic activities in natural resources. There are several artificial intelligence algorithms that have found various applications in various fields. In this article, some artificial intelligence methods, including artificial neural networks, fuzzy models, genetic algorithms, cellular automata, multi-agent systems, collective intelligence, and hybrid systems, are introduced, and some of their applications in natural resource management are listed.

Review And Importance of International Legal Dimensions of The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Space Technologies

With the remarkable developments in space technologies, artificial intelligence has gradually been used instead of humans in decision-making. Artificial intelligence has the ability to think logically, manage its own actions, and correct decisions in the event of changes in external conditions. New smart space technologies are being developed to perform various space activities such as processing space data and information, removing space debris, extracting natural space resources, and exploring without human intervention. However, the regulation of the activities of space actors, especially private actors, and the supervision of these activities by governments in the use of these types of technologies has become one of the new issues in the field of international space law. Since the obligations of States within the framework of international space law are explained on the basis of human behavior, in the face of monitoring the performance of intelligent space technologies and compensation for damage resulting from their performance, the question arises as to whether the existing international space regulations on the international responsibility of States for monitoring space activities and compensation for damage, which are based on human behavior, can also be applied to the use of these technologies, or should the regulations be A new space law should be drafted. With a broad interpretation of Articles 6 and 7 of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty regarding the responsibility of States for monitoring space activities and also the responsibility for compensation for damage, these provisions can still be considered applicable. Nevertheless, it seems that the development of new international space regulations could be an important step in better defining and recognizing the responsibility of states to monitor the use of intelligent space technologies by space actors and to compensate for damages resulting from it.

Optimization of the process of acetylation and carboxymethylation for a polysaccharide from Gastrodia elata and antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities test

A water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from Gastrodia elata was chemically modified to generate acetylated and carboxymethylated derivatives. Thourshe conditions for the two modification methods were optimized through single factor and response surface analyses. The optimized conditions for acetylation were 3.4 mL of acetic anhydride, a reaction temperature of 63.4 °C, and a reaction duration of 4 h. For carboxymethylation, the optimal modification parameters were 2.2 g of chloroacetic acid, a temperature of 62.3 °C and a NaOH concentration of 2.2 mol/L. The results of chemical analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that these modifications were successfully added, although the molecular weights of the derivatives decreased because of slight degradation during the reactions. The antioxidant and immunomodulatory potentials of the polysaccharide derivatives were assayed to delineate the structure-bioactivity correlations. The results revealed that both acetylation and carboxymethylation of GEP-1 augmented its scavenging efficacy against DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anions, surpassing the antioxidant capacity of the unmodified polysaccharide. Furthermore, the modified derivatives demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity against RAW264.7 macrophages and significantly potentiated the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by these cells, indicative of a pronounced immunostimulatory response. These findings suggest that chemical modifications can significantly improve the solubility, antioxidant capacity, and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides, thereby enhancing their potential for development and application in the utilization of natural polysaccharide resources.

Diagnosis of Low-Carbon Permeable Pavements: Bearing Capacity and Long-Term Clogging Behaviour

Abstract The need to encourage sustainable construction practices to conserve the rapidly diminishing natural resources increases. Moreover, increases in impermeable areas in urban regions increase flood risk and impose significant stresses on stakeholders. The research presented here was conducted on using recycled low-carbon materials in permeable pavement systems (PPS) to address this issue. Despite the worldwide usage of PPS, uncertainty and a knowledge gap remain regarding the impact of recycled materials on their structural and long-term clogging performance. To this end, the load-bearing capacity and long-term clogging behaviour of four 0.2 m2 permeable pavement rigs made up of varying natural and recycled sub-base materials were evaluated in the laboratory. The recycled materials selected were crushed concrete aggregates (CCA) and cement-bounded expanded polystyrene beads (C-EPS), and the natural materials were basalt and quartzite aggregates. Accelerated 10-year clogging simulation with yearly hydraulic conductivity measurements was used to evaluate the long-term clogging behaviour of the rigs, whilst portable falling weight deflectometer (PFWD) testing was used to evaluate the load-bearing capacity. The results of the clogging simulation found that the hydraulic conductivity of all rigs declined exponentially and were of a similar pattern. This confirmed that the sub-base materials had little influence on the clogging behaviour of permeable pavements. The PFWD test, however, demonstrated that the sub-base materials impacted the load-bearing capacity of the rigs, but both CCA and C-EPS were suitable to be used in permeable pavements under different loading restrictions.

Synthetic Biology Strategies for the Production of Natural Colorants and Their Non-Natural Derivatives.

Colorants are widely used in our daily lives to give colors to diverse chemicals and materials, including clothes, food, drugs, cosmetics, and paints. Although synthetic colorants derived from fossil fuels have been predominantly used due to their low cost, there is a growing need to replace them with natural alternatives. This shift is driven by increasing concerns over the climate crisis caused by excessive fossil fuel use, as well as health issues associated with the consumption of foods, beverages, and cosmetics containing petroleum-derived chemicals. In addition, many natural colorants show health-promoting properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Despite such advantages, natural colorants could not be readily commercialized and distributed in the market due to their low stability, limited color spectrum, and low yields from natural resources. To this end, synthetic biology approaches have been developed to efficiently produce natural colorants from renewable resources with high yields. Strategies to diversify natural colorants to produce non-natural derivatives with enhanced properties and an expanded color spectrum have been also developed. In this Review, we discuss the recent synthetic biology strategies developed for enhancing the production of natural colorants and their non-natural derivatives, together with accompanying examples. Challenges ahead and future perspectives are also discussed.

Land use land cover dynamics and its implications for ecosystem services and livelihoods of Budongo forest adjacent communities

Abstract A deeper understanding of land use land cover (LULC) dynamics is essential for the sustainable management of the environment and its natural resources, and importantly how the changes affect the provision of ecosystem services and community livelihoods. This study examined the spatio-temporal LULC dynamics around the Budongo Central Forest from 1995 to 2022 and the implications these changes have on the provision of ecosystem services and the livelihoods of local communities. Data were collected using a hybrid approach involving satellite image classification, post-classification change detection, interviews with 156 respondents and 17 key informants. Survey data were subjected to descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions. The study results reveal a decline in areas covered by wetlands, forests and grasslands due to the expansion of commercial sugarcane plantations, compounded by an increase in the population emanating from migrant workers. While the area under subsistence agriculture had a marginal expansion, local communities perceived that the changes in LULC resulted in a decline in households’ food availability, water availability and soil fertility. The study concludes that changes in LULC are associated with significant losses in natural assets and ecosystems. These loses in natural assets have significant effects on the livelihoods of community members. Therefore, there is a need for instituting a participatory land use planning approach in the affected communities to mitigate the effects of the LULC changes. This will also help in fostering sustainable natural resource management within the affected communities.

Optimized deep learning model for diagnosing tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy through X-rays

ObjectiveTo explore the application of a deep learning model based on lateral nasopharyngeal X-rays in diagnosing tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using DICOM images of lateral nasopharyngeal X-rays from pediatric outpatients aged 2-12 at our hospital from July 2014 to July 2024. The study included patients exhibiting varying degrees of respiratory obstruction symptoms (disease group). Initially, 1006 images were collected, but after excluding low-quality images and standardizing the imaging phase, 819 images remained. These images were divided into training and validation sets in an 8:2 ratio. The independent test set is consisted of 484 images. We delineated the target areas for tonsils and adenoids and used a YOLOv8n-based model for object detection and use various convolutional neural network models to classify the cropped images, assessing the severity of tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy. We compared the performance of these models on the training and validation sets using metrics such as ROC-AUC, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.ResultsThe combined model, incorporating YOLOv8 for object detection and secondary classification, demonstrated excellent performance in diagnosing tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency. The ResNet18 model, due to its lightweight nature and minimal computational resource requirements, performed exceptionally well in the YOLOv8-ResNet fusion model for detecting and classifying tonsils and adenoids, making it our preferred model.ConclusionThe deep learning model combining YOLOv8n and ResNet18 based on lateral nasopharyngeal X-rays demonstrates significant advantages in diagnosing pediatric tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy.

Ecotourism and Co-Management: Strengthening Socio-Ecological Resilience in Local Food Systems

The general aim of this paper is to analyse theoretical perspectives on ecotourism, co-production, and co-management, seeking to understand how these approaches interact and promote the sustainability of natural food resources and sustainable management practices. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach with exploratory and descriptive objectives, utilising a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify and examine the key studies related to the subject. The main findings indicate that ecotourism fosters biodiversity conservation, which sustains local food practices and provides significant economic benefits for local communities through co-production and co-management between stakeholders. The community emerges as a principal active resource in planning and management processes by creating opportunities for environmental education; integrating local knowledge and experiences to develop a unique, multidimensional adaptive capacity; and promoting system regulation. Moreover, the analysis of the examined works highlights the importance of environmental education programmes, flexible institutions open to dialogue with the community, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Lastly, a framework is presented that depicts the relationship among ecotourism, co-production, co-management, and socio-ecological resilience, based on five premises. This framework proposes a holistic approach to achieving socio-ecological resilience in food practices and the sustainable management of resources.

Multi-Source Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning for Detecting Geological Formations in Cameroon’s Western Highlands

Accurate identification of geological formations is essential for understanding tectonic structures, planning mining activities, and sustainably managing natural resources. It goes beyond the scientific framework to play a key role in economic development, environmental preservation, and population security. This article proposes a study using machine learning to analyze different parameters from various sources of satellite imagery: multispectral optics (Landsat-8), radar (ALOS PALSAR), and soil and morphometric parameters (soil, altitude, slope, curvature, and shady). The data were preprocessed to remove atmospheric biases and harmonize spatial resolutions. Techniques such as principal component analysis, band ratios, and image fusion have made it possible to enrich imagery by highlighting spectral and textural characteristics. Finally, classifiers such as Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and XGBoost (version 1.6.2) were used to evaluate the impact of each parameter on the classification. The results show that geographic parameters combined with PCA provide the best overall performance with Random Forest, achieving an accuracy of 55.29% and an MCC of 45.12% while ensuring a rapid training speed (3.6 s). The geographic parameters associated with the OLI spectrometric data show a good balance, with XGBoost achieving a slightly higher MCC (40.3%) with a moderate training time (7.9 s). On the other hand, the OLI spectrometric parameters coupled with PCA display significantly lower performance, with an accuracy of 45.05% and an MCC of 31.81% for Random Forest. These observations highlight the potential of geographic and geological parameters associated with suitable models to improve classification. The multi-source approach thus proves optimal for more robust and precise results.

Current Directions of Selected Plant-Origin Wastes’ Valorization in Biotechnology of Food Additives and Other Important Chemicals

Environmental pollution and the accumulation of industrial waste are increasingly serious issues that impose financial burdens on businesses and pose threats to ecosystems. As industrial production continues to grow, the volume of waste generated by humanity is rising, leading to a heightened need to search for effective waste management and recycling methods. One promising approach is the concept of a circular economy, where industrial waste, including agricultural and food processing waste, is transformed into new products. The goal is to maximize the utilization of natural resources, particularly in food production. This article presents various concepts for utilizing specific types of plant-based waste, particularly lignocellulosic, pectin, and starch wastes, in biotechnological processes aimed at producing value-added food ingredients with a technological function. The literature clearly shows that this waste can be effectively used in the cultivation of different microorganisms to produce enzymes, polyols, oligosaccharides, carboxylic acids, and biopolymers, among other products. However, further research is needed to explore more efficient and environmentally friendly methods, especially in the utilization of lignocellulose in biotechnology. This research shows knowledge gaps in existing discussed solutions.

Soil redistribution and seed availability after fire events in mixed Austrocedrus chilensis forests in Northern Patagonia (Argentina)

BackgroundSevere wildfires in forest ecosystems promote soil erosion and the loss of fertile soil as a scarce natural resource. Our objective was to quantify post-fire ecosystem response in terms of soil accumulation and seed availability through redistribution. Within our study area in Northern Patagonia, Argentina, we chose three study sites at which forest fire events occurred in different years, namely 1 year post-fire (2022), 2 years post-fire (2021), and 8 years post-fire (2015). At each of the sites, we recorded both burned and control slope transects. Along these transects, three accumulation zones were differentiated, at each zone the amount of accumulated soil material as well as the number of seeds in it were determined.ResultsWe observed significant amounts of accumulated soil material along the slopes with the highest annual rates in the first year after the forest fire. The mean accumulated soil material (± standard deviation) over all slope accumulation zones increased from 9.5 ± 2.6, 15.9 ± 4.6 to 42.9 ± 14.0 kg*m−2, at the 1 year-old, 2 years-old, and 8 years-old forest fires sites. Despite the generally high spatio-temporal variability of seed dispersal, the transects at the burned forest sites show significantly lower numbers of seeds than control transects. In the investigated burned forest sites, the total number of seeds of the four tree species found was 64, 250, and 252 seeds*m−2 in the 1 year-old, 2 years-old, and 8 years-old site, respectively. In general, the more recent fire events had lower number of seeds, which increased with accumulated soil material and time. We also observed a greater number of shrub seeds in the burned sites, but these did not show a pattern with time since the wildfire events.ConclusionAmong the 14 species recorded, the tree Austrocedrus chilensis and the shrub Aristotelia chilensis emerge as key players in post-fire recovery, with the highest number of seeds at all study locations. Forest restoration after disturbance is a global challenge, especially in the context of large-scale forest fires. Understanding the risk of soil redistribution and seed availability will assist restoration efforts and ecosystem management.

The Global Market of PET Production: from Origins to Recycling

Plastic handling and manufacturing have recently increased dramatically owing to technological advancements and rising living standards. Consequently, the amount of plastic waste has significantly escalated, seriously pressuring the whole ecosystem. The impacts of waste accumulation in the environment frequently have detrimental effects on living organisms. Sustainable development goals (SDGs) propose balanced and feasible development of entire humanity, protecting natural resources and bringing a clean environment. Poly (ethylene terephthalate) - PET is a common plastic that can seriously threaten the environment if it is not handled appropriately. This review paper tends to show recent trends in the production and recycling of PET polymer on a global scale. The basis of PET chemistry together with possible applications was presented. A target period, from 2020-2024, was used to examine the quantity and main industrial suppliers around the world. Therefore, some sources state that in 2024, nearly 28 Mt of PET was produced and China was the main producer with a global share of 31%. Adequate management of the mentioned polymer is necessary for building an eco-friendly climate for future generations.

Green Accounting Practice Model for Tourism Villages in Support of Sustainable Tourism in Bali

Tourism is currently in the spotlight because the massive use of natural resources is rumored to damage the order of life in the future. Various efforts are made for tourism business actors to maintain sustainability so that this nature remains sustainable. Information on sustainability activities is very important to be known by all parties to legitimize the implementation of sustainability. This research provides information on the implementation of sustainability practices in tourist villages with the main objective of designing a financial transaction model based on green accounting practices that have not been widely practiced in a tourist destination in the village. A qualitative approach was used to dig deeper into the data from five informants of tourist village managers who have implemented sustainability. The results of the study explain that transactions related to the environment are recorded, recognition of costs incurred, measurement, recording to accounts, then presented and detailed disclosure of environmental costs. In addition, it was found that environmental prevention costs, environmental detection costs and internal failure costs in strengthening sustainable tourism. The results of the study contribute to accounting science in revealing an environmental cost aimed at supporting sustainable tourism. This condition is a new way of maintaining sustainability oriented on financial transactions. This research can be developed quantitatively in strengthening the green accounting model associated with sustainable tourism.

Does ESG Performance Drive Long-Term Sustainable Economic Growth in Asia? Insights from a Novel ESG Index and Panel Cointegration Analysis

Background: Rapid population growth and the depletion of natural resources pose significant global challenges. These issues are further exacerbated by unethical corporate practices, such as accounting fraud and financial scandals, which contribute to economic downturns. This study investigates the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in fostering sustainable economic growth in Asia. Methods: This study adopts an explanatory research design, utilizing panel data collected from the World Bank for 46 Asian countries spanning the period from 1990 to 2022. The causality was determined using a robust panel regression model to examine the long-term and short-term effects of ESG performance on economic growth. Results: The findings reveal a strong positive long-term relationship between ESG performance and GDP per capita, suggesting that sustainable practices enhance productivity, attract investment, and contribute to human capital development. However, short-term effects are largely insignificant, except in specific Asian countries where targeted policies and rapid transitions yield immediate benefits. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of ESG performance in driving long-term sustainable economic growth in Asia. It highlights clear long-term benefits, including increased productivity, investment, and human capital development, despite limited short-term effects in certain regions. These findings emphasize the need for policymakers and stakeholders to integrate ESG criteria alongside financial metrics, enabling them to enhance economic resilience, drive innovation, improve financial performance, and address environmental and social challenges. Novelty: This research creates novelty by contributing in three ways. First, it develops a unique ESG index in the absence of a standardized ESG index for Asian countries. Second, while most existing studies focus on the impact of ESG adoption on firm-level performance, this study shifts the perspective to a macroeconomic scale, examining how ESG performance influences overall economic growth. Thirdly, it provides empirical evidence on the impact of ESG performance on economic growth in the region, offering valuable insights for sustainable development policies.

Eskalasi Hukum dan Politik dalam Revisi Undang-Undang Mineral dan Batu Bara

Natural resources are one of the crucial objects in the dynamics of the life of the nation and the state, the management of this abundant natural resource is a very large responsibility of the state, the limitation of the state's ability is inversely proportional to the needs and potentials possessed by these natural resources so that the state makes natural resources as its business commodity in the utilization and management of natural resources. Business actors engaged in the utilization and management of natural resources need to compete with each other in order to obtain permits from the government and ease of investment, so that they can maximize the potential profits they have. This situation creates conditions for political lobbies so that the governing law can be adjusted to provide convenience for investors, one of which is the Mineral and Coal Law. This research will focus on examining the dynamics that occur to all stakeholders in the revision of the Mineral and Coal Law, by using a normative juridical research method using a legal and regulatory approach, so this research tries to map political strategies, political actors, and influencing factors. This research navigates to the hypothesis that the Mineral and Coal Law is a law oriented to business interests, so that environmental management and protection as a result of exploitation of natural resources is not optimal and futuristic.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Natural Resources and Rural Livelihoods: Gendered Perspectives from Naryn, Kyrgyzstan

Climate change poses significant threats to rural communities in Kyrgyzstan, particularly for agriculture, which relies heavily on natural resources. In Naryn Province, rising temperatures and increasing natural hazards amplify vulnerabilities, especially in high mountain areas. Addressing these challenges requires understanding both environmental factors and the perceptions of affected communities, as these shape adaptive responses. This study enhances understanding of climate change impacts on communities in Naryn Province by combining environmental and social assessments through a gendered lens, with a particular focus on women. Environmental data, including air temperature, precipitation, river discharge, and satellite-derived vegetation indices, were analyzed to evaluate changes in vegetation and water resources. Social data were collected through interviews with 298 respondents (148 women and 150 men) across villages along the Naryn River, with chi-square analysis used to examine gender-specific perceptions and impacts on livelihoods. The results indicated a noticeable rise in temperatures and a slight decline in precipitation over recent decades, affecting vegetation and grazing areas near settlements. While respondents of both genders reported similar observations, differences emerged in how changes affect their roles and activities, with localized variations linked to household and agricultural responsibilities. The findings highlight the need for inclusive adaptation strategies that address diverse experiences and priorities, providing a foundation for equitable and effective climate resilience measures.

Pembentukan Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus (KEK) di Perbatasan Wini, Indonesia dengan Oecusse, Timor Leste Guna Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan, Ketahanan Pangan dan Keamanan di Perbatasan

The border area in Wini, Indonesia with Oecusse, Timor-Leste with its unique geographical and economic characteristics, requires better management in order to become a profitable economic and trade center zone while maintaining the stability of food availability and security. The establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on the border of Wini, Indonesia with Oecusse, Timor Leste has great potential to improve the welfare of the people around the border, support food security and improve border security. This study aims to analyze the potential of SEZ development in Wini in strengthening food security through increased food availability and distribution, as well as supporting border security through more systematic and sustainable management of border resources. The establishment of an SEZ will allow the Wini border region to optimize its natural resources and enhance economic cooperation with Timor-Leste, as well as provide a solution to the challenges in border management that have often been a sensitive issue.