Regional Resources Research Articles

A Comparative Study to Analyze the Validity of Well Water for Some Areas of Eastern and Western Diyala Governorate

General Background: Groundwater is a critical resource for many regions, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, where surface water is scarce. Specific Background: In Diyala Governorate, Iraq, reliance on groundwater is high, especially in the northeastern and western regions, which use it extensively for domestic and agricultural purposes. Knowledge Gap: Despite its importance, there is limited comprehensive analysis comparing the quality and suitability of groundwater across different areas within the governorate. Aims: This study aims to analyze the chemical and physical properties of groundwater from selected wells in the northeastern (Khanaqin and Saadia) and western (Khalis and Dali Abbas) regions of Diyala Governorate to determine its suitability for use. Results: The analysis revealed a significant increase in nitrate concentrations, particularly in the western regions, with a value of 26.3 mg/L, and higher nitrite levels were also observed. The pH levels indicated a tendency toward acidity in the northeastern regions (7.1-7.2), whereas the western regions showed values closer to the acidity standard (7.05-7.45). The dissolved salts were notably lower in Khalis (575 mg/L). Novelty: The study uniquely highlights the variation in groundwater quality across different regions of the governorate, revealing critical discrepancies in water composition and well depth that have not been previously documented. Implications: These findings underscore the need for region-specific water management strategies in Diyala Governorate, particularly in the eastern regions where groundwater characteristics align more closely with international standards, making them more suitable for sustainable groundwater investment and utilization. Highlights: Significant regional differences in groundwater quality were observed. Higher nitrate/nitrite concentrations found in western regions. Eastern regions' groundwater closer to international standards. Keywords: Groundwater quality, Diyala Governorate, nitrate concentration, pH levels, water suitability

An artificial neuronal network coupled with a genetic algorithm to optimise the production of unsaturated fatty acids in Parachlorella kessleri

In this study, an Artificial Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm (ANN-GA) approach was successfully applied to optimise the physicochemical factors influencing the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in the microalgae P. kessleri UCM 001. The optimized model recommended specific cultivation conditions, including glucose at 29 g/L, NaNO3 at 2.4 g/L, K2HPO4 at 0.4 g/L, red LED light, an intensity of 1000 lx, and an 8:16-h light-dark cycle. Through ANN-GA optimisation, a remarkable 66.79% increase in UFAs production in P. kessleri UCM 001 was achieved, compared to previous studies. This underscores the potential of this technology for enhancing valuable lipid production. Sequential variations in the application of physicochemical factors during microalgae culture under mixotrophic conditions, as optimized by ANN-GA, induced alterations in UFAs production and composition in P. kessleri UCM 001. This suggests the feasibility of tailoring the lipid profile of microalgae to obtain specific lipids for diverse industrial applications. The microalgae were isolated from a high-mountain lake in Colombia, highlighting their adaptation to extreme conditions. This underscores their potential for sustainable lipid and biomaterial production. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using ANN-GA technology to optimise UFAs production in microalgae, offering a promising avenue for obtaining valuable lipids. The microalgae's unique origin in a high-mountain environment in Colombia emphasises the importance of exploring and harnessing microbial resources in distinctive geographical regions for biotechnological applications.

Blue and red tides in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: Examining political and environmental framings of collective action during the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Watersheds require collective care and management at local and regional levels to maintain their ecological health. The Chesapeake Bay's last several decades of stagnantly poor ecological health presents a distinctive case study for explicating the challenges of motivating collective action across a diverse regional natural resource. Our study uses county- and individual-level descriptive analysis to examine interrelated framings of environmental quality, environmental sentiment, and political action at two critical moments in time-the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. We find that demographic, environmental, and political characteristics vary with distance to the Chesapeake Bay and that linked environmental and political characteristics appeared to become more polarized between 2016 and 2020. We found no evidence that local environmental quality influenced new political actions such as voting; however, people already likely to vote were influenced by their pro-environmental values such as priorities around climate change.

Spatial and temporal forecasting of groundwater anomalies in complex aquifer undergoing climate and land use change

Monitoring groundwater (GW) level variations, or anomalies in multiple wells, over long periods of time is essential to understanding changes in regional groundwater resource availability. However, it is challenging to predict these GW anomalies over the long term in agricultural areas due to complicated boundary conditions, heterogeneous hydrogeological characteristics, and groundwater extraction, as well as nonlinear interactions among these factors. To overcome this challenge, we developed an advanced modeling framework based on a recurrent neural network of long short-term memory (LSTM) as an alternative to complex and computationally expensive physical models. GW anomalies were forecast two months in advance (t + 2) based on the evaluation of drivers that influence GW dynamics in densely irrigated agricultural regions. An application and evaluation of this new approach was conducted in the Wisconsin Central Sands (WCS) region in the U.S., one of the most productive agricultural regions. The modeling framework was developed for the period 1958–2020 by utilizing easily accessible dynamic and static variables to represent hydrometeorological and geological characteristics. GW anomaly observations were acquired from 26 piezometers (wells) installed in the sandy aquifer in WCS over 10–60 years. The subset of GW observations from ∼ 10–60 years, not used in model training, can forecast GW anomalies two months out with a coefficient of determination R2 ∼ 0.8. Additionally, MAE was less than 0.34 m/month across the study region for both temporal and spatial modeling frameworks. Groundwater anomalies showed high spatiotemporal variability, and their responses are influenced differently by boundary conditions, catchment geology, climate, and topography across locations. Sites with higher autocorrelation with previous two-months GW anomalies reduced bias by increasing R2. Land use change and irrigation pumping have interactive effects on GW anomalies forecasting. The novelty of this study is identifying the regional drivers of GW fluxes. This case-specific information and location-related simplification, modification, and assumption of LSTM is a unique contribution to the existing literature. Our framework can be used as an alternative method of simulating water availability and groundwater level changes in areas where subsurface properties are unknown or difficult to determine.

High-proportions of tailwater discharge alter microbial community composition and assembly in receiving sediments

The tailwater from wastewater treatment plants serves as an important water resource in arid regions, alleviating the conflict between supply and demand. However, the effects of different tailwater discharge proportions on microbial community dynamics remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of different tailwater discharge proportions on the water quality and microbial community characteristics of sediments in receiving water bodies under controlled conditions (WF-1, WF-2, WF-3, WF-4, and WF-5, containing 0% tailwater + 100% natural water, 25% tailwater + 75% natural water, 50% tailwater + 50% natural water, 75% tailwater + 25% natural water, and 100% tailwater + 0% natural water, respectively). Microbial co-occurrence networks and structural equation model were used to unveil the relationship between microbial communities and their shaping factors. Results showed that distinct microbial community compositions were found in the sediments with low- (< 50%) and high- (> 50%) proportions of tailwater. Specifically, WCHB1-41 and g_4-29–1, which are involved in organic degradation-related functions, were the key genera in the high-proportion cluster. A total of 21 taxa were more abundant in the low-proportion (< 50%) cluster than that in high-proportion (> 50%). Moreover, higher modularity was observed in the low-proportion. Total phosphorus directly affected while ammonia nitrogen indirectly affected the microbial community structure. Our findings support the distinct heterogeneity of microbial communities driven by tailwater discharge in receiving water bodies, and further confirmed that high-proportion tailwater depletes sensitive microbial communities, which may be avoided through scientific management.

Research on Enhancement of Gov't Functions in Regional Tech Achievements Transformation

The transformation of regional scientific and technological achievements is an important process of converting scientific research achievements into real productive forces, and the uneven distribution of regional resources is an inevitable problem in cross-regional innovation cooperation. To make up for the gap in scientific and technological resources, the cross-regional flow of technology has become an inevitable trend. While giving full play to the role of the market in resource allocation, it is even more necessary to give full play to the leading role of the government. With the introduction of a series of relevant laws and policies in China, the function of the government in the cross-regional transformation of scientific and technological achievements has been increasingly enhanced, but in this process, there are still deficiencies in the government's role positioning, relevant policies for interest balance, and the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism among regions. Based on this, it is necessary to optimize the function of the government in the transformation of regional scientific and technological achievements, effectively play the leading role of the government, construct an efficient and collaborative scientific and technological transformation mechanism, and cultivate the cooperation awareness of various participating subjects, so as to provide useful thinking for improving the function of the government in regional scientific and technological transformation.

The Influence of Gross Regional Domestic Product, Number of Population, and Number of Nusantara Tourists on Regional Original Income

The aim of this research is to find out whether the original income of districts/cities in Aceh Province is influenced by GRDP, population and number of domestic tourists. The total sample is 23 regencies/cities in Aceh Province. Quantitative methods are used as research methods, with the data used being secondary data obtained through publications and the official website of the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency, the Directorate General of Financial Balance (DJPK), and the Information and Documentation Management Officer (PPID). The research results partially prove that regional original income is not influenced by GRDP, population and number of domestic tourists. This was proven in the partial test, the significance value resulting from all independent variables was less than 0.05. However, regional original income is jointly (simultaneously) influenced by GRDP, population and number of domestic tourists, as can be seen in the simultaneous test with an f-count value of 13.91490 which is greater than the f-table of 2.745915. Based on the research results, the conclusion that can be drawn is that local revenue in the District/City of Aceh Province is not partially influenced by GRDP, population and number of domestic tourists. But simultaneously PAD can be influenced by GRDP, population and number of domestic tourists. So that districts/cities in Aceh Province are considered to be less able to utilize regional resources that can increase their original regional income, both in the economic, demographic and tourism sectors.

Construction of Multiple Paths for the Living Protection and Utilization of Traditional Villages: A Case Study of the Zhoutie Traditional Village in the Taihu Lake Area

China is a vast country with a wide range of geographical and cultural differences, unbalanced economic development of traditional villages and housings, shortages in infrastructure and people’s living conditions, prominent environmental and ecological problems, and an urgent need to improve the overall level of rural development. For a long time, the protection and utilization of traditional villages have mostly been based on the cognitive views of “frozen protection”and “one-sided protection”, prompting difficulties and resistance in practice. Meanwhile, the result is not effective. At present, traditional villages encounter the situation of declining, hollowing out, and aging. Therefore, it is the theoretical frontier of traditional village research to get rid of the traditional one-sided and frozen protection model. Research should explore the living protection and utilization methods adapted to the characteristics of traditional villages and promote the close integration of traditional village protection and utilization with new development and construction.Under the background of rural revitalization strategy and solving the critical problems of a lack of vitality, the decline and hollowing out of traditional villages are caused by “frozen”protection strategies. This is based on the extensive research and continuous study conducted by the “Key Technology and Integrated Demonstration for the Living Protection and Utilisation of Traditional Villages”of the “13th Five-Year Plan”key research project, especially the in-depth study of traditional villages around Taihu Lake. From the perspective of integrated development, it recogni zes the dynamic interactions among the industrial status (production), regional natural resource (ecology), and historical living conditions (living) . This can help fully coordinate industrial development and improvement of the living environment and ecological construction. Thus, traditional vil lages can obtain endogenous power for sustainable development. It also reveals that living protection and utilization are embodied in a systematic and orderly protection system under the simultaneous development of spatial dimension and temporal dimensions.In the protection system, the coordinated development of spatial and temporal dimensions attaches importance to both the overall protection of the material space of traditional villages and the synergistic development of intangible culture and traditional villages in the time dimension. Its objective is to make the protection and utilization of traditional villages and the peoples ’daily lives mutually promote each other, enhance the villagers ’happiness and sense of achievement, and realize the sustainable development of traditional villages. For the theoretical approach, a multi-level path of living protection and utilization is constructed by combining spatial and temporal dimensions. Among them, the multi-level path in the spatial dimension is composed of three levels: the overall village layout, the individual building, and the indoor environment. The ephemeral path in the temporal dimension is progressively promoted by combining the immediate, medium, and long term, with intertwined interactions of the paths in temporal and spatial dimensions to achieve the living protection of traditional villages. Finally, the practical application of the above-mentioned multiple paths is elaborated by taking the Zhoutie traditional village demonstration project in the Taihu Lake area as an example. Both perspective and practical explorations are conducted.This study is on the construction of multiple paths of traditional villages in temporal and spatial dimensions with an elaboration of the Zhoutie traditional village in the Taihu Lake area. It is an example that will be a positive reference for the research and practical application of the protection and utilization of traditional villages in different regions of China towards an overall and dynamic ‘living ’protection and utilization model. Therefore, this study contributes to building traditional villages to gain continuous endogenous power and promote the sustainable development of traditional villages.

Geospatial Assessment of Population and Urban Growth Using Exponential Growth Model: A case study of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos State.

The rapid population growth in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria, has caused many challenges such as infrastructure pressure, environmental degradation and social unrest. To investigate the relationship between population growth and urban expansion in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos state from 1991 to 2022, a geospatial assessment was conducted. According to the study, the population of Ibeju-Lekki experienced an average annual growth rate of 4.5% from 1991 to 2022. This growth can be attributed in large part to migration from rural areas and natural population increase. Interestingly, the study also revealed that the population growth rate was higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Additionally, the research found that the urban expansion in Ibeju-Lekki was swift, with the built-up area increasing by an average of 10% annually. Overall, these findings suggest that the government should adopt measures aimed at managing population growth and promoting sustainable development such as investing in infrastructure, improving environmental management and promoting social inclusion to mitigate the negative impacts of population growth in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos state. These measures can help alleviate the strain on the region's resources and infrastructure caused by rapid population growth and urbanization.

GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis for groundwater dam site selection in an arid and semi-arid region of Algeria

Securing reliable water resources in arid and semi-arid regions poses a significant challenge for decision-makers, especially under recent droughts and projected climate change. This need is particularly acute in the M'zi Wadi basin, located in the north-central part of Algeria, where its surface water projects are challenged by low and erratic rainfall coupled with high water evaporation, adversely impacting its water resources sustainability. Implementing water harvesting techniques in such arid regions, specifically groundwater dams, can be regarded as an effective water scarcity adaptation strategy, and their effectiveness is dependent on the optimal site selection which must consider many complex criteria. The paper aims to identify potential sites for groundwater dams in the M'zi Wadi basin using a multi-criteria decision-making approach in a GIS environment based on seven socio-economic and natural factors such as rainfall, stream order, land use/land cover (LULC), geology, Topographic wetness index (TWI), and distances from faults and villages. The results showed that approximately 1.27% of the M'zi Wadi basin area is highly suitable for groundwater dam siting. Four candidate sites were identified as having favourable conditions for installing new groundwater dams based on field and geophysical survey data conducted along the alluvial aquifer of the M'zi Wadi basin, and the remaining areas were deemed unsuitable due to specific constraints. The suitability of the selected sites was validated through a comparative analysis with existing groundwater dams. The results of the present study could offer valuable insights for decision-makers at all levels, facilitating informed judgments during the initial planning of groundwater dam construction. Furthermore, the methodology can be replicated in other data-scarce regions under similar arid climate conditions.

Harnessing SMAP satellite soil moisture product to optimize soil properties to improve water resource management for agriculture

Estimation of accurate soil physical and hydraulic properties are of prime importance for the management of water resources in agriculture-dominant regions. This study introduces a simplified framework for estimating soil physical and hydraulic properties crucial for managing agricultural water resources. The developed framework optimizes soil properties for the Regional Hydrological Extremes Assessment System (RHEAS) to enhance the performance of its core hydrological model, Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC). These soil properties were optimized using six years (2015–2021) of satellite soil moisture observations from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission with a modified Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE-UA) optimization algorithm. A total of three most sensitive soil properties that control model soil moisture simulations, such as Ksat (Saturated hydraulic conductivity), expt (exponent parameter in Campbell’s equation for hydraulic conductivity), and bd (Bulk density) were optimized for the Lower Mekong River (LMR) basin. To better assess the impact of optimized soil properties, streamflow simulation as well as agricultural drought severity assessment, were estimated using the RHEAS framework’s VIC Routing module and Soil Moisture Deficit Index (SMDI) module, respectively. The streamflow simulation involved four approaches: an initial open-loop setup, one optimized with SMAP soil moisture data (SMAP), another optimized with actual streamflow data (Runoff), and a final one combining the previous two datasets (SMAP_Runoff). Switching from the initial setup to the SMAP-optimized model increased the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) by 56.4 % and upgrading from the streamflow-optimized to the combined data model raised the NSE by 21.9 %. This showcases the benefits of optimizing soil properties for more accurate simulations. Furthermore, the optimized model accurately represented the severity and extent of historical agricultural droughts, aligning with regional drought reports of LMR basin. This framework offers a valuable tool for hydrological modeling and drought management, particularly in data-scarce and agriculture-intensive regions, informing agricultural water resource management, irrigation decision-making, and food security initiatives within the LMR basin and beyond.

Multiple spatial-temporal scales assessment of solar and wind resources potential integrating geospatial-technology-correlation indicators: A case study of Hunan Province

Achieving the green transformation of energy structure requires extensive utilization of renewable energy, especially wind and solar energy. However, spatial distribution and correlation between solar and wind resources in provincial region are unclear, hinders their further development. To accurately assess provincial solar and wind potential, a multiple spatial and temporal assessment model based on geographic information system is proposed, which integrates geographic constraint analysis, resource potential quantification, correlation analysis, cluster analysis and gravity model. The model forms a more comprehensive evaluation of renewable energy, including resource capacity and distribution at multiple temporal and spatial scales, resource-rich area distribution, multi-energy correlation characteristic and regional energy interaction potential. The results showed that geographical potentials for photovoltaic and wind power in Hunan Province are 27698.73 km2 and 35013.38 km2, with an annual average of 608903.23 GWh and 187544.84 GWh, respectively. The highest contributions of resource potential are Yongzhou, Hengyang and Yueyang. Hengyang exhibits strong potential for supplying neighboring cities. Solar and wind energy in Hunan display a certain spatial synergy and complementarity, but weak correlation in hourly and monthly scales. The evaluation model can provide theoretical and practical guidance for renewable energy macro-analysis, project planning and precise decision-making.

Digital boundary spanning in the evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems: A dynamic capabilities perspective

This study examines the digitalization of entrepreneurial ecosystems and its implications for its conceptual boundaries. In particular, it explores opportunities to catalyze the early evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems stemming from digitalization. Surprisingly, the role of digitalization has not been fully considered in the entrepreneurial ecosystem literature despite its significant impact on its conceptual boundaries. Consequently, it remains unclear how digitalization provides opportunities to overcome regional resource scarcity. Therefore, this study investigates how an entrepreneurial ecosystem can leverage exogenous trajectories and mobilize and integrate external resources. Based on an exploratory qualitative single-case study on the Estonian entrepreneurial ecosystem, this study theorizes digital boundary spanning and identifies necessary entrepreneurial ecosystem capabilities by drawing from the concept of dynamic capabilities. The findings contribute to entrepreneurial ecosystem research by incorporating digital trajectories into the conceptual understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems and providing a more nuanced view of evolutionary dynamics.

Interprovincial spatial distribution patterns and socioeconomic factors on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) service utilization in China

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry in China exhibits significant regional disparities in health service utilization, the underlying reasons for which are yet to be fully explored. This study employs Geodetector models to analyze the factors affecting TCM service utilization, providing the first examination of spatial distribution patterns and influencing factors for both TCM outpatient (TCMOSU) and inpatient services (TCMISU). The findings of this study reveal spatial disparities across China's provinces, showing a prevalence of TCMOSU in the east and TCMISU decreasing from southwest to northeast. Global Moran's I autocorrelation analysis revealed a positive spatial correlation between TCMOSU and TCMISU across Chinese provinces, suggesting spatial clustering and the potential for interregional collaboration in the development of TCM services. Local Moran's I autocorrelation analysis revealed clusters of TCMOSU in wealthier eastern provinces, such as Jiangsu and Tianjin, and clusters of TCMISU in the southwest. Factor detector analysis revealed that disposable income per capita was the most significant factor linking higher incomes with increased TCMOSU. In contrast, TCMISU was primarily influenced by demographic factors, such as the illiteracy rate and population urbanization rate, emphasizing traditional practices in lower education regions. Interaction detector analysis revealed the joint effects of these factors, demonstrating how regional economic status, health status, and healthcare resource indicators interact with other factors for TCMOSU and how demographic factors significantly influence the prevalence of TCMISU. This study highlights the importance of considering health status together with regional economic, demographic, and healthcare resources when formulating TCM healthcare policies and allocating such resources in China. Promoting the balanced and coordinated regional development of TCM services across the country requires the development of strategies that account for these varied regional characteristics.

Regional Hydro-Chemistry of Hydrothermal Springs in Northeastern Algeria, Case of Guelma, Souk Ahras, Tebessa and Khenchela Regions

Hydrothermal units are characterized by the emergence of several large-flow thermo-mineral springs (griffons), each with varying temperature and physico-chemical characteristics depending on the point of emergence. It seems, however, that there is variability between the different systems, although it is not easy to characterize it because the variability within each system is high. The regional dimension of the chemical composition of thermal waters is, therefore, an aspect that has received very little attention in the literature due to the lack of access to the deep reservoir. In this study, we investigated the spatial variability, on a regional scale, in the characteristics of thermal waters in northeastern Algeria, and more specifically the hydrothermal systems of Guelma, Souk Ahras, Khenchela and Tébessa. Thirty-two hot water samples were taken between December 2018 and October 2019, including five samples of low-temperature mineral spring water. Standard physico-chemical parameters, major anions and cations and lithium were analyzed. The data were log-transformed data and processed via principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and unsupervised classification. The results show that thermal waters are the result of a mixture of hot waters, whose chemical profile has a certain local character, and contaminated by cold surface waters. These surface waters may also have several chemical profiles depending on the location. In addition to the internal variability in each resource, there are differences in water quality between these different hydrothermal systems. The Guelma region differs the most from the other thermal regions studied, with a specific calcic sulfate chemical profile. This question is essential for the rational development of these regional resources in any field whatsoever.

Development and Deployment of a Pre-Planned Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT) for EMS Augmentation: Case Report and Program Review

With the establishment and growth of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) subspecialty, significant attention has been focused on clinical activities performed by EMS physicians in the out-of-hospital environment. An EMS fellowship includes special operations education to develop preparedness for responding to field situations requiring physician expertise. With only a thousand Board Certified EMS physicians in North America, EMS physicians may not be available 24 h per day to respond to field emergencies. Non-EMS physicians with minimal experience in prehospital or austere care may be called upon to respond to complex prehospital emergencies requiring advanced skills. The Los Angeles County EMS Agency implemented a policy in 1992 to establish Hospital Emergency Response Teams (HERT) as a regional resource to provide time-critical, specialized prehospital services within an EMS system. Activation of the HERT is rare, most frequently prompted by need for field amputation to enable extrication. We describe one such incident of a field intervention by HERT and detail the staffing, training, and equipment considerations within our large regional EMS system.

Model-based prediction of water levels for the Great Lakes: a comparative analysis

This comprehensive study addresses the correlation between water levels and meteorological features, including air temperature, evaporation, and precipitation, to accurately predict water levels in lakes within the Great Lakes basin. Various models, namely multiple linear regression (MLR), nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (NARX), Facebook Prophet (FB-Prophet), and long short-term memory (LSTM), are employed to enhance predictions of lake water levels. Results indicate that all models, except for FB-Prophet, perform well, particularly for Lakes Erie, Huron-Michigan, and Superior. However, MLR and LSTM show reduced performance for Lakes Ontario and St. Clair. NARX emerges as the top performer across all lakes, with Lakes Erie and Superior exhibiting the lowest error metrics—root mean square error (RMSE: 0.048 and 0.034), mean absolute error (MAE: 0.036 and 0.026), mean absolute percent error (MAPE: 0.021% and 0.014%), and alongside the highest R-squared value (R2: 0.977 and 0.968), respectively. Similarly, for Lake Huron-Michigan, NARX demonstrates exceptional predictive precision with an RMSE (0.029), MAE (0.022), MAPE (0.013%), and an outstanding R2 value of 0.995. Despite slightly higher error metrics, NARX consistently performs well for Lake Ontario. However, Lake St. Clair presents challenges for predictive performance across all models, with NARX maintaining relatively strong metrics with an RMSE (0.076), MAE (0.050), MAPE (0.029%), and R2 (0.953), reaffirming its position as the leading model for water level prediction in the Great Lakes basin. The findings of this study suggest that the NARX model accurately predicts water levels, providing insights for managing water resources in the Great Lakes region.

Exploring the Adaptation of Native Shrub Species to Different Levels of Shading: Augmenting their Sustainable Exploitation Framework

Abstract The environmental adaptation potential of regional wild germplasm resources should be investigated in a species-specific manner in terms of the sustainable exploitation of underutilized native species. In the current work, three fruit/ornamental shrub species (Rosa canina L., Sambucus nigra L. and Cornus sanguinea L.) originating from regional wild germplasm of Greece with a previously set domestication framework have been investigated in terms of their environmental adaptation to different levels of shading. To this end, targeted experimentation was conducted on ex situ adapted material by applying different shading levels (0%, 30% and 60% shading) in purpose-built netting tunnels. Rosa canina showed similar growth patterns among the shading levels applied but with increased chlorophyll fluorescence patterns and increased abaxial leaf stomatal density with increased shading. Sambucus nigra showed similar results to R. canina in photosynthetic efficiency and leaf stomatal density but with additional effects on plant growth patterns. Cornus sanguinea, on the other hand, was not affected by shading level in the measured parameters. These results outline the adaptation potential in a species-specific manner of the studied species to shading in terms of adding novel exploitation options for agroecosystems, agroforestry, and landscape management in peri-urban green spaces and peri-urban forest understory enrichment to mitigate climate change impacts in temperate and semi-arid climates. Study Implications: This study explores the adaptation potential to increasing levels of shading of ex situ adapted germplasm of wild origin of three underutilized shrub species with known multifaceted value. The work builds on the sustainable utilization framework of the focal species in terms of novel exploitation options in landscape management for peri-urban green spaces and peri-urban forest understory enrichment for enhancing biodiversity and soil erosion protection. Therefore, this work offers an example of an underlying research line towards systematized screening and utilization of wild plant species for climate change impact mitigation in agroecosystems, agroforestry, and landscape management in temperate semi-arid climates.

Multi-criteria analysis for sustainable and cost-effective development of desalination plants in Chile

In Chile, there is an increasing demand for freshwater supply for human consumption, agriculture, and industrial activities. In this sense, the country is highly threatened by climate change, which is drastically affecting the availability of water resources in the north-central region due to desertification processes. Therefore, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination is becoming one of the most feasible alternatives to address current and future challenges regarding water scarcity in the country. This investigation aims to evaluate potential locations for a sustainable and cost-effective installation of desalination projects; the latter, under a multi-criteria and geographic information system (GIS)-model. The model was tested in the highly water scarcity-threatened Valparaiso Region, Chile, as a case study. The model was developed integrating economic and socio-environmental criteria involved in the development and/or construction of desalination projects. The results of the multi-criteria analysis show that the Valparaıso Region presents optimal areas for developing SWRO projects. Both the northern and central areas of the Region show appropriate locations for installing SWRO plants and their freshwater distribution lines, ensuring short- and long-term water supply, especially for agriculture and population consumption. The results obtained in this study could be extrapolated as a tool to assess the desalination projects development in other world regions to make future desalination projects more viable and sustainable for addressing global water demands.

Knowledge of ethnic minorities in the central highlands region of Vietnam – viewed from development resources

Over the last few decades, when researching ethnic minority communities, researchers have increasingly focused on the local knowledge assets that the community has amassed through productive labour and life organisation. The Central Highlands is a multi-ethnic area that still retains various and distinct sources of traditional knowledge, which play a crucial role in the community's long-term development. Based on the materials gathered, the paper primarily examines the function of indigenous knowledge as a development resource in the Central Highlands region.