Regional Framework Research Articles

Cryptic diversity of shallow and mesophotic Stephanocoenia intersepta corals across Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Population genetic analyses can provide useful data on species' regional connectivity and diversity which can inform conservation and restoration efforts. In this study, we quantified the genetic connectivity and diversity of Stephanocoenia intersepta corals from shallow (<30 m) to mesophotic (30-45 m) depths across Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. We generated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to identify genetic structuring of shallow and mesophotic S. intersepta corals. We uncovered four distinct, cryptic genetic lineages with varying levels of depth-specificity. Shallow-specific lineages exhibited lower heterozygosity and higher inbreeding relative to depth-generalist lineages found across both shallow and mesophotic reefs. Estimation of recent genetic migration rates demonstrated that mesophotic sites are more prolific sources than shallow sites, particularly in the Lower Keys and Upper Keys. Additionally, we compared endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae among sampled S. intersepta using the ITS2 region and SYMPORTAL analysis framework, identifying symbionts from the genera Symbiodinium, Breviolum, and Cladocopium. Symbiodiniaceae varied significantly across depth and location and exhibited significant, but weak correlation with host lineage and genotype. Together, these data demonstrate that despite population genetic structuring across depth, some mesophotic populations may provide refuge for shallow populations moving forward and remain important contributors to the overall genetic diversity of this species throughout the region. This study highlights the importance of including mesophotic as well as shallow corals in population genetic assessments and informs future science-based management, conservation, and restoration efforts within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The Institute of Jurors in Russia (the Second Half of the XIX – Early XX Century): Based on the Materials of the Yekaterinodar District Court of the Kuban Region

Introduction. The article examines the evolution of the institute of jurors in Russia from the moment of its formation in 1864 to the beginning of the XX century by using a wide list of normative acts, works of domestic and foreign jurists, the works of the Commission for the Revision of legal provisions on the judicial part of 1894 and materials of law enforcement practice. In addition to assessing the all-Russian legislation, a historical and legal analysis of the regional legal framework of the period under review on the jury trial is being conducted. In particular, the paper reflects the peculiarities of the functioning of this form of legal proceedings in the Kuban region, based on archival sources. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The study was conducted using a wide range of both general scientific (the principle of historicism, analysis, comparison, induction, deduction, systematic approach) and private scientific methods of cognition (formal legal, historical legal, comparative legal). Results. The legislative consolidation of the legal status of the jury court in the normative acts of the Russian Empire was characterized by significant dynamism. Starting from the last quarter of the XIX and up to the beginning of the XX centuries, this institution was repeatedly reformed, in particular, with regard to the order of formation; jurisdiction of criminal offenses. These changes were due to the results of law enforcement practice; their assessment by government agencies. Significant work in this regard was carried out by the Commission to review the legal provisions on the judicial part at the end of the XIX century. In Kuban, according to archival sources, this form of legal proceedings was introduced only in 1906, which is explained by the national and ethnic characteristics of the local population, its legal awareness and legal culture. At the same time, even after 1906, estate judicial institutions continued to operate in the region, in which jurors did not participate. Discussion and Conclusion. Thus, the jury trial in Russia in the second half of the XIX – early XX century, despite certain shortcomings, was firmly entrenched in the system of domestic judicial proceedings and was abolished only in the post-imperial period – in 1917 In Kuban, this institution continued to function until 1920 – the establishment of Soviet power in this territory.

PETROLEUM GEOLOGY OF THE CENOZOIC SUCCESSION IN THE ZAGROS OF SW IRAN: A SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH

The Cenozoic stratigraphy of the Zagros records the ongoing collision between the Arabian and Eurasian Plates and the closure of NeoTethys. A Paleogene NW‐SE trending foreland basin was inherited from a Late Cretaceous precursor. Widespread progradation into the foredeep was a feature of both margins which, allied to ongoing tectonism, had by the late Eocene led to the narrowing and subsequent division of the foredeep into the Lurestan – Khuzestan and Lengeh Troughs, separated by the northward continuation of the rejuvenated Qatar‐Fars Arch. This sub‐division strongly influenced subsequent deposition and the petroleum geology of the area. In addition, the diachronous nature of the Arabian – Eurasian collision led to strong diachroneity in lithostratigraphic units along the length of the Zagros. Hence its petroleum geology is best understood within a regional sequence stratigraphic framework. This study identifies three tectono‐megasequences (TMS 10, TMS 11a, TMS 11b) and multiple depositional sequences.The Cenozoic contains a world class hydrocarbon province with prolific oil reservoirs in the Oligo‐Miocene Asmari Formation sealed by the evaporite‐dominated Gachsaran Formation, mostly contained within giant NW‐SE trending “whaleback” anticlines concentrated in the Dezful Embayment. Reservoirs in the SW are dominantly siliciclastic or comprise mixed siliciclastics and carbonates, whereas those to the east and NE are dominated by fractured carbonates. There remains untested potential in stratigraphic traps, especially in deeperwater sandstone reservoirs deposited along the SW margin of the foredeep.Late Miocene to Pliocene charge to the Asmari reservoirs was mostly from Aptian – Albian Kazhdumi Formation source rocks. In some fields, an additional component was from organic‐rich late Eocene to earliest Oligocene Pabdeh Formation source rocks confined to the narrowing Lurestan – Khuzestan Trough. Where mature, the latter source rock is also a potential unconventional reservoir target, although the prospective area is limited due to recent uplift and erosion. Deeper Jurassic source rocks contributed to the Cheshmeh Khush field in Dezful North. Silurian source rocks charged gas‐bearing structures in the Bandar Abbas region.

Methodology for estimating regional production capacity loss rate in industrial sectors caused by disasters: A case study of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes

The estimation of regional Production Capacity Loss Rate (PCLR) in industrial sectors after disasters is critical for disaster mitigation, resource allocation and restoration. Recent studies to estimate the PCLR in industrial sectors were based on hypothetical disaster survey data for resistance analysis and the linear regression model for recovery analysis, which may cause non-negligible bias. Moreover, these models did not incorporate the impact of lifeline disruption and restoration, thus further amplifying the estimation bias. To fill this gap, this study proposes a comprehensive regional PCLR estimation framework that incorporates the impacts of lifeline disruptions into resistance analysis and lifeline restoration into recovery analysis to improve the PCLR estimation accuracy. Specifically, this study utilizes lifeline resilience factors (LRFs) to quantify the impact of lifeline disruption on the production capacity rate immediately after the earthquake, and apply a semi-Markov recovery function to model the recovery rates considering the initial damage and lifeline availability influences. Then, the proposed methodology is applied to a case study of 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes to verify its effectiveness and accuracy. In this case study. Results shows that the non-manufacturing sector is more resistant than the manufacturing sector, yet lower recovery ability, ultimately resulting in greater production losses. The Mean Square Errors between the estimated PCLR and the official statistical of Kumamoto prefecture's Index of Industrial Production in each industry are less than 0.05, proves the validity of the proposed model and indicates the improved accuracy of loss estimation compared to previous studies. In addition, comparison results indicate improved accuracy of loss estimation compared to previous studies.

Role of Forest Conservation in Climate Regulation in Thailand

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyzing the role of forest conservation in climate regulation in Thailand. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Forest conservation in Thailand plays a vital role in climate regulation through biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, and maintenance of ecological balance. It acts as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to regional climate stability by influencing local weather patterns. Conservation efforts also protect watersheds, ensuring sustainable freshwater resources. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Biogeochemical cycles theory, ecosystem services theory &amp; forest resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of forest conservation in climate regulation in Thailand. Implementing sustainable practices such as reduced-impact logging, reforestation, and agroforestry promotes forest health and resilience. Strengthening international agreements like the Paris Agreement and regional forest governance frameworks supports global forest conservation efforts.

Research on the Coupling Coordination and Driving Mechanisms of New-Type Urbanization and the Ecological Environment in China’s Yangtze River Delta

For high-quality growth to occur, new-type urbanization and environmental preservation must coexist and advance at the same time. The focus has shifted to maintain a balance between ecological quality and urbanization growth. This study focuses on the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China, utilizing panel data from 41 cities in the YRD spanning from 2009 to 2021 to construct evaluation index systems for new (type of) urbanization and ecological environment. To analyze spatial-temporal evolutionary aspects and determine the causes of the degree of coupling coordination between new-type urbanization and the ecological environment, methodologies such as the entropy weight method, coupled coordination degree model, and Tobit regression approach were used. The results show that (1) economic urbanization has experienced the most growth in the level of new-type urbanization in the YRD, which has been steadily increasing. Moreover, the ecological environment evaluation score increased from 0.581 in 2009 to 0.701 in 2021, revealing a cyclical pattern of increase and decrease in its evolutionary trajectory. (2) Within the scope of the study, the overall coupling coordination degree between new-type urbanization and ecological environment has increased, with the average value rising from 0.512 in 2009 to 0.540 in 2021. In comparison to Lishui, Huaibei, Huainan, Ningbo, Chuzhou, and Bozhou saw a greater increase in coupling and coordination degree, with pronounced variations and clustering patterns visible in their spatial distribution. (3) According to the Tobit regression analysis, the level of economic development, technological progress, industrial concentration, global openness, and educational investment had significant positive effects on the degree of coupled coordination between new-type urbanization and the ecological environment in the YRD, whereas the level of information technology did not reach the significance threshold. The findings of the study are crucial for establishing a regional framework for green and sustainable development, as well as for facilitating the coordinated growth of new-type urbanization and ecological environment. These findings hold great potential for driving positive change in both urban development and environmental conservation efforts.

Negative storm surges in the Río de la Plata Estuary: mechanisms, variability, trends and linkage with the Continental Shelf dynamics

Negative storm surge (NSS) events frequently affect the Río de la Plata Estuary (RdP), limiting the access to major ports and waterways and emptying the freshwater intakes of one of the most socially developed basins of the Southwestern Atlantic Continental Shelf (SWACS). It is important to re-examine this issue, as the available studies are outdated, there are some contradictions in the literature and a regional framework of the adjacent shelf dynamics is not yet available. In this work (i) nonlinear statistical analyses were applied to review and update the climatological description of NSS in the RdP; and, then, (ii) an ocean numerical model was employed to describe and understand the surge dynamics framed into the larger scale dynamics of the atmospherically forced SWACS. An analysis of 87 years of hourly residual sea level observations (RSL) reveals that the number of yearly NSS events time series presents (i) a statistically significant multidecadal non-linear trend or envelope and (ii) two significant pseudo-cycles centred at 3.5 and 11.5 years that explain a large fraction of the interannual variability embedded in the multidecadal modulation.Numerical simulations results show that the surges (both negative and positive) that are generated in the SWACS and reach the RdP result from the passage of atmospheric planetary waves over Patagonia which produce winds with a significant alongshore (N-S) component. These winds force an Ekman transport either offshore or onshore at the coast, generating a negative or positive sea level anomaly, which will be larger as the atmospheric system is slower and more persistent. When synoptic atmospheric systems migrate away from the coast on their northeastward propagation, the forced sea level anomalies propagate along the coast to the north as free Kelvin waves, eventually reaching the estuary; thus the forcing for surges at the RdP can be remote. In this sense, despite the large gulfs and bays, the response of the Patagonian coast is similar to that of a linear coastline oriented in a north–south direction. In addition to remotely forced surges, locally forced events occur in the RdP as a result of the estuarine geometry and its resonant response to winds with a component longitudinal to the estuary axis (NW-SE), which could be forced by other atmospheric configurations besides Rossby waves, such as cyclogenesis of the Argentine Littoral.

Paleozoic Equatorial Records of Melting Ice Ages (PERMIA): calibrating the pace of paleotropical environmental and ecological change during Earth's previous icehouse

Abstract. The upper Paleozoic Cutler Group of southern Utah, USA, is a key sedimentary archive for understanding the Earth-life effects of the planet's last pre-Quaternary icehouse–hothouse state change: the Carboniferous–Permian (C–P) transition, between 304 and 290 million years ago. Within the near-paleoequatorial Cutler Group, this transition corresponds to a large-scale aridification trend, loss of aquatic habitats, and ecological shifts toward more terrestrial biota as recorded by its fossil assemblages. However, fundamental questions persist. (1) Did continental drift or shorter-term changes in glacio-eustasy, potentially driven by orbital (Milankovitch) cycles, influence environmental change at near-equatorial latitudes during the C–P climatic transition? (2) What influence did the C–P climatic transition have on the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and on the diversity and trophic structures of terrestrial vertebrate communities? The Paleozoic Equatorial Records of Melting Ice Ages (PERMIA) project seeks to resolve these issues in part by studying the Elk Ridge no. 1 (ER-1) core, complemented by outcrop studies. This legacy core, collected in 1981 within what is now Bears Ears National Monument, recovered a significant portion of the Hermosa Group and the overlying lower Cutler Group, making it an ideal archive for studying paleoenvironmental change during the C–P transition. As part of this project, the uppermost ∼ 450 m of the core were temporarily transferred from the Austin Core Repository Center to the Continental Scientific Drilling Facility at the University of Minnesota for splitting, imaging, and scanning for geophysical properties and spectrophotometry. Here we (1) review the history of this legacy core, (2) introduce recently obtained geophysical and lithologic datasets based on newly split and imaged core segments to provide a sedimentological and stratigraphic overview of the Elk Ridge no. 1 core that aligns more accurately with the currently recognized regional lithostratigraphic framework, (3) establish the position of the boundary between the lower Cutler beds and the overlying Cedar Mesa Sandstone in the core, and (4) outline our ongoing research goals for the core. In-progress work on the core aims to refine biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic age constraints, retrieve the polarity stratigraphy, interrogate preserved cyclostratigraphy, analyze sedimentary structures and paleosol facies, investigate stable isotope geochemistry, and evaluate elemental abundance data from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning. Together with outcrop studies throughout Bears Ears National Monument and its vicinity, these cores will allow the rich paleontological and paleoenvironmental archives recorded in the continental Carboniferous–Permian transition of western North America to be confidently placed in a robust chronologic context that will help test hypotheses relating ecosystem evolution to the Carboniferous rainforest collapse, initial decline of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age, and long-wavelength astronomical cycles pacing global environmental change.

Pioneering a sustainable development goals monitoring framework for European regions

The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations General Assembly, encompassing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established a universal framework for addressing global challenges. Within the European Union (EU), the commitment to these goals has prompted the integration of the SDGs into a strategic framework for sustainable and inclusive growth. Recognizing the need for localized and detailed monitoring to capture the nuanced progress and challenges across Europe’s diverse regions, this paper proposes a comprehensive set of regional indicators specifically designed for the European context. Through a systematic review of existing SDG monitoring frameworks at different territorial levels and an extensive methodological process, the paper identifies 116 indicators that address 75 SDG targets. This tailored set is derived from a combination of national, regional, and supranational sources. The paper discusses the critical balance between standardization for comparability and customization to accommodate unique regional characteristics. The proposed indicator set is evaluated for its capacity to reflect the holistic vision of the SDGs while allowing for effective regional benchmarking. The research emphasizes the need for robust regional data infrastructure, the importance of aligning policies with broader sustainability objectives, and the dynamic nature of indicators that can adapt to societal changes such as demographic shifts. Finally, the paper highlights the significance of a pragmatic and adaptive regional approach to SDG monitoring. The proposed indicator set is a strategic tool for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners, guiding Europe’s regions towards a sustainable future and contributing to the global effort to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

Diffusion model-based probabilistic downscaling for 180-year East Asian climate reconstruction

As our planet is entering into the “global boiling” era, understanding regional climate change becomes imperative. Effective downscaling methods that provide localized insights are crucial for this target. Traditional approaches, including computationally-demanding regional dynamical models or statistical downscaling frameworks, are often susceptible to the influence of downscaling uncertainty. Here, we address these limitations by introducing a diffusion probabilistic downscaling model (DPDM) into the meteorological field. This model can efficiently transform data from 1° to 0.1° resolution. Compared with deterministic downscaling schemes, it not only has more accurate local details, but also can generate a large number of ensemble members based on probability distribution sampling to evaluate the uncertainty of downscaling. Additionally, we apply the model to generate a 180-year dataset of monthly surface variables in East Asia, offering a more detailed perspective for understanding local scale climate change over the past centuries.

Projected energy and hydrological budgets over the Indus River Basin under a CORDEX-SA regional climate model framework

The Indus River is one of the largest transboundary rivers in Asia originating from Tibet autonomous region of China. This supplies water to the great plains of Punjab, significantly influencing agricultural productivity and shaping the socioeconomic conditions of the region's inhabitants. The present study investigates the potential impact of climate change on the water resources of the Indus River Basin (IRB). The study utilized the output from a regional climate model, REMO, to examine the projected change in energy and hydrological budget at 1.5, 2 specific warming levels and at the end of the century over IRB under three different representative concentration pathways (RCPs). The projected rise in the temperature from the historical period to the end of the century (both summer and winter) can be attributed to the increase in net downward energy flux compared to net upward energy flux. In the mid-century, the downward longwave radiation flux (sensible and latent heat flux) plays a dominant role in determining the surface energy balance during winter (summer). While, the combined impact of the energy components becomes more dominant at the end of the century for both seasons. Rainfall is projected to increase in the mountains of the upper Indus basin and gradually decline on the plains of the lower Indus basin till the end of the century. The projected decline in water storage over the plains of IRB can be attributed to the combination of declining rainfall and increasing evaporation. This will exert significant pressure on agriculture, industry and more importantly on the potable water supply. The IRB is found to be highly susceptible to climate extremes such as floods and drought. Climate change information is crucial for policy planners, governance, decision-makers, management authorities, etc. as it enables the implementation of better management practices, Additionally, it provides both short-term and long-term goals for a mitigation-based approach to reduce the impact of climate change.

Information communication technology, globalization, and energy poverty: Prospects for sustainable development in the N‐11 countries

AbstractEnergy poverty is a significant barrier to sustainable development, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, technology offers innovative solutions that can bridge the energy gap and promote access to reliable and affordable energy services. In this study, we analyze the impact of ICT and globalization on energy poverty in N‐11 countries from 1990 to 2021, utilizing education, financial development, and economic growth as control variables. Results explain that the impact of ICT on energy poverty in lower quantiles appears to be relatively weak and positive, suggesting that it may be of limited effectiveness in reducing energy poverty in the most vulnerable populations. At higher quantiles, however, the impact becomes increasingly hostile, which suggests that higher ICT levels may exacerbate energy poverty among those who are already experiencing it. Energy poverty tends to decrease as globalization increases, as evidenced by the statistically significant negative coefficients across all quantiles. At the 10th percentile (Q0.1), an increase of one unit in globalization is associated with a reduction of 0.898 in energy poverty. Similarly, at the 90th percentile (Q0.9), an increase of one unit in globalization increases to 0.050 in energy poverty. It is possible to optimize resource utilization, reduce costs, and increase energy access through regional energy cooperation frameworks, such as cross‐border electricity grids or gas pipelines. In order to promote sustainable energy practices among citizens, the government should prioritize investing in clean energy projects, promoting energy conservation, and raising awareness of the importance of sustainable energy practices.

A stochastic framework for rainfall intensity–time scale–return period relationships. Part ΙΙ: point modelling and regionalization over Greece

ABSTRACT In this work, we formulate a regionalization framework for rainfall intensity–time scale–return period relationships which is applied over the Greek territory. The methodology for single-site estimation is based on a stochastic framework for multi-scale modelling of rainfall intensity which is outlined in the companion paper. Five parameters are first fitted independently for each site and the resulting parameter variability is assessed. Following a systematic investigation of uncertainty and variability patterns, two parameters, i.e. the tail-index and a time scale parameter, are identified as constant in space and estimated using data pooling techniques. The other three parameters are regionalized over Greece by means of spatial interpolation and smoothing techniques that are assessed through cross-validation in a multi-model framework. The regionalization scheme is implemented in a sequential order that allows exploiting rainfall information both from rainfall stations with sub-daily resolution and from the more reliable network of daily raingauges.

Achieving sustainable, environmentally viable, solarized vaccine cold chain system and vaccination program-an effort to move towards clean and green energy-driven primary healthcare in Lebanon.

Lebanon faces severe economic and energy crises, impacting its healthcare system, particularly vaccine storage. Traditional gas or kerosene-powered refrigerators often fail to maintain necessary temperatures for vaccine efficacy. This study explores transitioning to solar direct-drive (SDD) refrigerators to ensure reliable vaccine storage. A multi-phase methodology was employed, beginning with an inventory assessment of existing cold chain equipment. The implementation involved stepwise replacement of identified refrigerators across health facilities, including Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) and dispensaries. Feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact were evaluated. Findings indicate that solarization significantly reduces vaccine wastage, ensures stable temperatures, and cuts operational costs by decreasing dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Over 1,000 SDD units were installed across more than 800 health facilities. Additionally, PHCC solarization improved vaccine preservation and enhanced the resilience of health services overall. The solarization initiative demonstrates the critical role of renewable energy in strengthening healthcare infrastructure, especially in crisis-hit regions. Solar-powered systems provide a reliable and sustainable solution for vaccine storage, reduce carbon footprints, and build public trust in the immunization system. Challenges included geographical and structural limitations, which were addressed through comprehensive planning and collaboration with local stakeholders. Solarization of Lebanon's vaccine cold chain and PHCCs marks a significant step towards sustainable and resilient healthcare infrastructure. The model offers a robust framework for other regions facing similar economic and energy challenges, highlighting the importance of renewable energy solutions in healthcare.

Histotaphonomic analysis of bone bioerosion reveals a regional framework of diverse deathways in the Neolithic of Southeast Italy

Histotaphonomic analysis of bone bioerosion reveals a regional framework of diverse deathways in the Neolithic of Southeast Italy

Quantifying delayed climate mitigation benefits in electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle deployment for sustainable mobility

In the fight against climate change, transitioning to green transport is imperative. Our study evaluates the Greenhouse Gas Emission Breakeven Time (GBET) for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) in China, the largest auto market globally. Emissions vary significantly across Chinese provinces due to differences in grid carbon intensity, hydrogen production methods, and vehicle usage. EVs show more than a 50 % difference in Well-to-Wheel (WTW) emissions regionally, which is also true for HFCVs, although they exhibit less interprovincial variability, suggesting a steadier reduction trend. These findings stress the need for regional considerations in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and introduce the concept of “climate debt” to evaluate the delayed benefits of emission reductions. HFCVs, benefiting from cleaner hydrogen production advancements, can repay their climate debt about 60 % quicker than EVs, presenting a caveat: the risk of short-term emission spikes if the initial greenhouse gas surplus isn't efficiently compensated. We found that the average GBET for EV-Cars is about 3.39 years and for EV-SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle), 4.23 years. Comparatively, HFCV-Cars and HFCV-SUVs have shorter average GBETs of roughly 1.39 and 1.43 years, respectively, indicating faster environmental paybacks. Conclusively, our study endorses regional assessment frameworks and highlights HFCVs' role in China's path to a low-carbon future. It is essential for sustainable mobility stakeholders to adapt vehicle technology adoption and related policies to local energy contexts to meet climate goals. Our research provides crucial insights into how green vehicles can achieve emission targets, advocating for a localized approach in sustainable transportation strategies.

Boosting Financial Service Quality: The Power of Innovation Strategy in Algerian Context

Abstract Objective Innovation is decisive as it drives the efficiency, security and convenience of banking operations. Ultimately, this will reshape the manner in which financial institutions interact with their consumers. Marketing strategies, and innovation approaches, are critical in improving quality in a competitive environment. This investigation analyses the influence of innovations extended mix marketing elements on the quality of financial services in Algeria. Methodology This study focuses on innovative banking research. It aimed to identify measures of financial mix marketing innovation that affect the quality of service using structural equation modelling (SEM) with a Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 584 respondents to evaluate the properties of the measurement tool and validate the seven hypotheses that were formulated and tested. Findings The study findings reveal that the dimensions of “Mix Marketing Innovation” positively impact financial service quality, except for two specific aspects. The rejection of the two hypotheses indicates no direct relationship between “Price and Promotion Innovation” and “Service Quality” in the Algerian financial industry. Value Added The study provides a fairly stable model and a framework for other industries and regions to assess the impact of marketing mix innovations on the perception of financial service quality. Similarly, professionals can utilise the results to inspire the development of an innovative and coherent marketing mix that enhances service quality. Additionally, the methodology can be adapted for use in other research studies, covering all or some of the variables in different contexts. Recommendations Further research could examine the impact of external factors, such as regulatory changes and economic conditions, on the relationship between marketing mix innovations and service quality, as well as explore the effect of cultural and psychological factors, where studies could provide deeper insights and interpretations regarding customer perceptions and experiences.

Strengthening legal preparedness and response within the global health emergency framework: the role of the GHSA Legal Preparedness Action Package*

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed failings in preparedness and response across the world and a shortfall in global health security. The crisis also highlighted shortcomings in global and regional legal frameworks, including the International Health Regulations (2005) and relevant European Union law, as well as in national public health legislation and emergency plans. Lessons learned from the pandemic converge around strengthening preparedness and response capacities at all levels, with special attention to be paid to legal preparedness, a critical component of public health emergency preparedness. Improving legal capacities at country level is one of the strategic priorities set by the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which established a new Legal Preparedness Action Package (LP AP) in order to elevate attention to and the importance of legal preparedness worldwide. Since 2021 the LP AP has been front and centre in international efforts to bridge the legal preparedness gap at national level. In bringing together technical experts in global health law and government health policy officials from a broad range of countries and partners, the LP AP seeks to set a foundation for legal preparedness by developing technical and capacity-building tools, legal guidelines, policy briefs, information and training. This article aims to illustrate and contextualize the work of the GHSA LP AP and raise awareness about the importance of its contribution to enhanced global health security. It also intends to highlight how its work promotes and develops synergies with parallel initiatives, processes and tools, facilitates regime interaction and harmonization of technical assistance and ultimately ensures consistency of action, methodology and approaches.

A case study of surface ozone source contributions in the Seoul metropolitan area using the adjoint of CMAQ

ABSTRACT To quantitatively investigate the transboundary behaviors and source attributions of ozone (O3) and its precursor species over East Asia, we utilize the adjoint technique in the CMAQ modeling system (the CMAQ adjoint). Our focus is on the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) in South Korea, which is the receptor region of this study. We examine the contributions of both local and transported emissions to an O3 exceedance episode observed on June 3, 2019, estimating up to four days in advance. By using the CMAQ adjoint, we can determine the sensitivity of O3 remaining in the SMA to changes in O3 precursor emissions (emissions-based sensitivity) and concentrations (concentrations-based sensitivity) along the long-range transport pathways and emission source regions overseas. These include Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), Shandong, Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and Central China. CMAQ adjoint-derived source attributions suggest that overseas precursor emissions and O3 contributed significantly to the O3 exceedance event in SMA. The emissions-based sensitivities revealed that precursor emissions originating from Shandong, YRD, Central China, and BTH contributed 11.42 ppb, 4.28 ppb, 1.24 ppb, 0.9 ppb, respectively, to the O3 exceedance episode observed in the SMA. Meanwhile, Korean emissions contributed 31.1 ppb. Concentrations-based sensitivities indicated that 19.3 ppb of contributions originated in regions beyond eastern China and directly affected the O3 level in the SMA in the form of background O3. In addition to capturing the transboundary movements of air parcels between the source and receptor regions, we performed HYSPLIT backward trajectory analyses. The results align with the trajectories of O3 and its precursors that we obtained from the adjoint method. This study represents a unique effort in employing the adjoint technique to examine the impacts of regional O3 on South Korea, utilizing a combination of emissions-based and concentrations-based sensitivities. Implications: This research brings to light the critical role of both local and regional precursor emissions in contributing to an ozone (O3) exceedance event in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), South Korea. Utilizing the CMAQ adjoint technique, a novel approach in the context of South Korea’s O3 investigations, we were able to delineate the quantitative contributions of different regions, both within South Korea and from overseas areas such as Beijing, Shandong, Shanghai, and Central China. Importantly, the results underscore the substantial influence of transboundary pollutant transport, emphasizing the need for international collaboration in addressing air quality issues. As metropolitan areas around the globe grapple with similar challenges, the methodology and insights from this study offer a potent tool and framework for regions seeking to understand and mitigate the impacts of O3 on human health and the environment. By integrating different sensitivity types, coupled with HYSPLIT backward trajectory analyses, this research equips policymakers with comprehensive data to design targeted interventions, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in tackling regional air pollution challenges. However, it’s important to note the limitation of this study, which is a case study conducted over a short time period. This constraint may impact the generalizability of the findings and suggests a need for further research to validate and expand upon these results.

Finding harmony in the sea: Resolving conflicts by regional marine spatial planning

Ocean space is of paramount importance to coastal regions worldwide. However, rapid coastal development has led to competition in marine spatial allocation, exacerbating conflicts within maritime domains. Despite significant progress in establishing regulations for coastal governance in Taiwan, conflicts across diverse maritime industries due to a lack of marine spatial planning (MSP) institutions remain a persistent challenge. Potential conflict areas were identified via geographic information system (GIS) maps to assist maritime governance and used in several rounds of coordination meetings with stakeholders for zoning. A regional MSP framework for improving maritime governance is proposed based on a case study, which shows that even without legal MSP institutions, local or certain central government departments can act as the key authorities for implementing the bottom-up planning concept with strong engagement from local communities. The proposed planning process includes: (1) establishing and employing a monitoring system to promptly identify marine activities that can facilitate efficient enforcement; (2) continuous communication with stakeholders led by the local government to improve amendment regulations and aid compliance; and (3) prioritizing the preservation of traditional use rights with community self-management to accelerate regional MSP processes.