Resource Development Projects Research Articles

Health service impacts and extractive industries: Experiences from health service leaders operating in a resource-dependent region

Resource extraction and development projects alter community health and well-being in complex and diverse ways. The extractive industry's impacts on local infrastructure and services are commonly recognized social externalities, yet little detail is available on how these manifest across the healthcare system. This study offers a better understanding of the health service impacts of resource extraction and development. It does this by capturing the observations and experiences of leaders from a rural, regional health authority who have worked with industry to manage impacts on health services during a period of rapid economic development and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that impacts from resource extraction and development were experienced first and foremost in emergency departments but were also felt across the entire healthcare system. These pressures were primarily driven by the size of the temporary workforce but also influenced by factors such as the relative size of the workforce to the local community, the local context, and how well impacts were managed at the project level, including the competency of a project's medical service provider.

Exploring Medium and Low-Temperature Convective Geothermal Resources Through Controlled Source Audio Magnetotelluric Mothod

Medium and low-temperature convective geothermal resources are a crucial component of China's geothermal wealth, primarily concentrated in the eastern coastal regions. To maximize the utilization of these resources, geophysical surveys are essential, with controlled source audio magnetotelluric(CSAMT) being a prominent and effective method employed in geothermal resource assessments. This study focuses on applying CSAMT to survey specific geothermal sites, including the Xiu Yan Gou Tang Hot Spring, Fengcheng Gou Tang Hot Spring, and Hai Cheng Xi Huang di Geothermal Field. The results obtained through this method provide detailed insights into the distribution of both deep and shallow thermal storage spaces within these fields, shedding light on the intricate thermal circulation systems associated with them. These findings serve as a reliable foundation for planning and executing further geothermal resource development projects. CSAMT emerges as a comprehensive tool for understanding the nuances of medium and low-temperature convective geothermal resources.

What is an appropriate investment hurdle rate for commercial space resource development projects?

This article sets out to identify an appropriate hurdle rate range for commercial space resource development projects, should such an industry eventuate. There has been little consistency in the use of hurdle rates and discount rates in the evaluation of space resource projects proposed to date. The article uses two approaches to determine an appropriate hurdle rate for the economic evaluation of such projects. Firstly, the article reviews hurdle rate usage in three industries with parallels to a potential space resource industry – the mining industry, the oil & gas industry, and the aerospace industry. The venture capital sector is also considered. The article finds that there is limited direct reference to the hurdle rates used in these industries and therefore uses expected project IRR and corporate Cashflow Return on Investment (CFROI) as proxies to quantify hurdle rates in each industry. Secondly, the article develops a Risk Build Up Method (RBUM) to determine appropriate hurdle rates for hypothetical commercial space resource development projects by quantifying the potential commercial risk to which such projects could be exposed. The RBUM process correlates a commercial risk score quantified on a project by project basis with a hurdle rate risk premium scale to determine an appropriate hurdle rate for such projects. Finally, the article discusses discount rate treatment in the analogue industries, with a view to proposing a consistent approach to the use of discount rates in a potential space resources industry. The article finds that hurdle rates in the range of 25% could be appropriate for potential commercial space resource development projects, depending on the perceived risk of the project, and assuming a suitable legal/regulatory regime is in place. This hurdle rate range and the RBUM process could evolve over time should such an industry eventuate and ultimately mature. The article also proposes that a ‘standard’ industry discount rate of 10% be utilised in order to facilitate the comparison of project to project valuations, based on the discount rate convention for reporting requirements in the US oil & gas industry.

Exploring Medium and Low-Temperature Convective Geothermal Resources in Eastern China Through Acoustic-Emission Geomagnetic Bathymetry

Medium and low-temperature convective geothermal resources are a crucial component of China's geothermal wealth, primarily concentrated in the eastern coastal regions. To maximize the utilization of these resources, geophysical surveys are essential, with acoustic-emission geomagnetic bathymetry being a prominent and effective method employed in geothermal resource assessments. This study focuses on applying acoustic-emission geodetic bathymetry to survey specific geothermal sites, including the Xiu Yan Gou Tang Hot Spring, Fengcheng Gou Tang Hot Spring, and Hai Cheng Xi Huang di Geothermal Field. The results obtained through this method provide detailed insights into the distribution of both deep and shallow thermal storage spaces within these fields, shedding light on the intricate thermal circulation systems associated with them. These findings serve as a reliable foundation for planning and executing further geothermal resource development projects. Acoustic-emission geomagnetic bathymetry emerges as a comprehensive tool for understanding the nuances of medium and low-temperature convective geothermal resources.

Application of the United Nations Framework Classification to assessment of the prospective resources of hydrocarbons in Azerbaijan

The oil and gas industry plays an important role in Azerbaijan's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and government revenues. However, the existing classification of hydrocarbon reserves and resources is outdated and does not reflect the economic efficiency of extraction. In this regard, the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) helps to determine the feasibility, technical viability, and maturity of resource development projects. This paper examines the assessment of hydrocarbon resource categories by comparing the current classification system for oil and gas reserves and resources in Azerbaijan with the UNFC. The objective of this work is to conduct a comparative analysis of prospective resource categories and thus provide a basis for the preparation of a bridge document describing the relationship between the United Nations Framework Classification and the existing 1984 classification used in Azerbaijan. To conduct this research, a hypothetical field called «Structure C» was used in which resource assessments were conducted at various times in 1984, 1988, 1993, 2001, and 2011 based on the 1984 classification of the former Soviet Union. Keywords: prospective resources of hydrocarbons; UN framework classification; case study.

Evaluation of Hydrometeorological Characteristics in the Northern Ethiopia, Gerado Catchment

In Northern Ethiopia, land degradation, together with population pressure foster soil erosion. Soil erosion in turn escalates surface runoff which is a serious challenge to agricultural production and economic growth in the region. Understanding the characteristics and dynamics of hydrometeorological variables are important elements in water resources development projects. Present study was carried out to evaluate hydrometeorological characteristics in the Northern Ethiopia, Gerado Catchment. Long term meteorological data such as precipitation, temperature and other climatic factors were collected from existing meteorological stations. Thornthwaite empirical equation and thornthwaite soil water balance models were employed in estimating potential and actual evapotranspiration. The first approach used air temperature as an index of energy available for evapotranspiration. Similarly, groundwater recharge of the catchment was computed as a difference of between outflow and change in a water storage. The runoff of the area was calculated based on the rainfall coefficient, annual precipitation and aerial coverage. On the other hand, groundwater potential (GWP) of the area was mapped based on important selected controlling factors. The result indicated that the annual potential and actual evapotranspiration of the catchment was found to be 755 mm/year and 723 mm/year respectively. The actual evapotranspiration was evaluated and weighted based on the dominant soil textures, depth root soil, and the respective land uses. As result, high evapotranspiration was observed in moderate deep rooted cereal crops and sandy loam soil texture which accounted 48.5% influence. But, cereal crops with moderate deep rooted and clay loam type have low AET (42.2%). Because of absence of gauging stations in the catchment, the volume runoff was computed using the runoff coefficient method. Accordingly, surface runoff from the catchment was calculated to be 120,581,841 cubic meter (m3) or 326 mm. Whereas, the groundwater recharge of the area was also found to be 52,208,159.5 cubic meter (141.5mm). Thus, out of the given mean annual precipitation, 27.6% and 12% of the mean annual rainfall lost because of runoff and recharge and the rest (60.4%) due to evapotranspiration. Regarding GWP suitability mapping, lithology, liniment density and geomorphology were found the most essential factors affecting groundwater mapping. The suitable GWP areas were lied within lithology and geomorphology class. Moreover, areas with flat slope and low lineament density are also located in most rich groundwater areas. Furthermore, installation of rain gauges at appropriate areas are essential for all inclusive and consistent data availability. 
 Keywords: Hydro-meteorological, Gerdo Catchment, groundwater recharge, runoff, evapotranspiration, GWP

Ethno-Cultural Associations as Shadow States: The Case of Ijebu Province in Western Nigeria, 1900-1960

Extant scholarly works on ethno-cultural associations (ECAs) have done little to provide a robust historical perspective on their roles in community development of British colonies in continental Africa. Thus, this paper is an attempt to fill the gap in the body of knowledge on ethno-cultural associations in colonial Africa with specific reference to Ijebu province in Western Nigeria. The study is aimed at providing a critical historical discourse on the social, economic and political roles of ethno-cultural associations in colonial Ijebu province of Western Nigeria. The study utilises primary and secondary sources. While archival materials and oral interviews provide the primary data in this discourse, books, journal articles and newspaper reports are explored as secondary data. The study found out that the efforts made by the ECAs through several strategies in colonial Ijebuland brought about meaningful development at the community level. We also found out that the ECAs represented indigenous organizational structures developed by the Ijebu people and functioned as community-wide forums for problem identification and prioritization, social and financial resource mobilization and development project implementation at the community level in colonial Ijebu province of Western Nigeria. The study concludes among other things that the ECAs were more or less shadow states and that their efforts must be seen against the background of the failure of the colonial state and the Ijebu Native Administration between 1900 and 1960.

Woman, Water, Freedom

Countermapping the conflict between hydrological interventions and women’s water literacy in the Khuzestan Region since the mid-twentieth century, this essay reveals the violent nature of hydrological paternalism across times and political regimes. Under the androcentric realm of colonial representations, resource development projects, Western modernizing missions, state violence, and financial strangulation by international economic sanctions, the multifaceted nature of women’s resistance against territorial dispossessions and the violence unleashed on women and waterbodies is at the center of the current struggles for social and environmental justice. Demystifying these historical entanglements makes the case for the rematriation of rivers as a necessary step in the transborder and crosscultural process of decolonization and feminist liberation.

Assessing the impact of Water Resource Development: The Case of Dhidhessa River Basin, Ethiopia

Freshwater scarcity is becoming more of a concern as populations grow and economic demands increase. The Dhidhessa River, a critical source for the Abbay River basin, is under pressure. This study looked at how water resource development projects and changes in water flow impact the basin. Water flow was simulated using WEAP model (software), which took into account various water sources and needs. The study also looked at crop water requirements and the level of flow alteration. Future water demand scenarios were created. The first, scenario considered population growth, with projections indicating that unmet water demand would increase significantly by 2050. The second scenario focused on irrigation expansion, which resulted in a significant increase in unmet water demand. These findings demonstrate the impact of both population growth and water resource development for irrigation activities. The study further investigated how flow alterations affect the river. While most months saw little change, a particular section near Dembi was discovered to be more vulnerable. Remarkably, allocating water specifically for environmental needs, in addition to human demands, resulted in a decrease in unmet water demand. This suggests that prioritizing environmental flow management is critical for long-term water use in the Dhidhessa River basin.

일본에서 AI 정책결정과 지역과제 해결

The introduction of technology into the local problem-solving process is an opportunity to diversify the means that the region can choose. It will be possible to solve problems with a different response scenario from the conventional one. In this sense, AI and robotics technology will also be a new and efficient means of solving problem. In this paper, we analyze examples from Nagano Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture, where local data is used to make AI policy decisions. We also analyze examples from the Fukushima region, where AI robots are used to solve local educational problems.
 In the case of Nagano Prefecture, an AI policy proposal was made with the aim of creating a sustainable community until 2050. Nagano Prefecture is implementing a human resource development project to respond to the declining population in the region. It also promotes policies to promote the circulation of local resources. Hyogo prefecture is conducting AI analytics to address regional issues related to the widening regional disparities, declining population, and aging population. AI presents twenty thousand different policy scenarios based on local data. The AI policy decision calls for the development of the health, medical, and nursing systems necessary to extend the healthy life expectancy of people over sixty five by 2040.
 The Fukushima area has faced the challenges of losing its population and raising the level of education in the area since the nuclear disaster. To solve these issues, English and programming education using AI robots is being conducted at a local Center for Early Childhood Education and Care. AI robot classes are highly satisfying not only for children but also for parents. AI robot classes are also effective for AI literacy education.
 In order to ensure the sustainability of any region in the future, it will be necessary to make efficient use of local resources. This analysis shows that the use of AI robotics technology is an effective means of solving the problems faced by the region, and it is also a new means.

Boundary Spanning Methodological Approaches for Collaborative Moose Governance in Eeyou Istchee

Natural resource governance challenges are often highly complex, particularly in Indigenous contexts. These challenges involve numerous landscape-level interactions, spanning jurisdictional, disciplinary, social, and ecological boundaries. In Eeyou Istchee, the James Bay Cree Territory of northern Quebec, Canada, traditional livelihoods depend on wild food species like moose. However, these species are increasingly being impacted by forestry and other resource development projects. The complex relationships between moose, resource development, and Cree livelihoods can limit shared understandings and the ability of diverse actors to respond to these pressures. Contributing to this complexity are the different knowledge systems held by governance actors who, while not always aligned, have broadly shared species conservation and sustainable development goals. This paper presents fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a methodological approach used to help elicit and interpret the knowledge of land-users concerning the impacts of forest management on moose habitat in Eeyou Istchee. We explore the difficulties of weaving this knowledge together with the results of moose GPS collar analysis and the knowledges of scientists and government agencies. The ways in which participatory, relational mapping approaches can be applied in practice, and what they offer to pluralistic natural resource governance research more widely, are then addressed.

Analyzing the Expansion of China’s Infrastructure for Resources Model Across the Developing World

As an alternative to loans from traditional lenders, China has begun to experiment with a financial model known as the Infrastructure for Resources (IFR) model. The IFR model is a model of infrastructure financing in which China sends their workers, equipment, and expertise to the recipient country in exchange for a portion of the future revenue of the resource development project. Despite the promising design of the model, China has only engaged in IFR deals with a few countries, all of which are in Sub-saharan Africa. This research determines the characteristics most in need of the IFR model based on previous literature, and then conducts case studies of one country in every developing region of the world to examine which regions are most in need of the model. For the methodology, quantitative case study analysis was conducted utilizing the economic indicators related to each problematic characteristic the IFR model targets. As for the findings, the best performing regions were Central Asia and Eastern Asia, which were represented by Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, indicating that the IFR model would be of little benefit to these regions. The worst performing regions were determined to be Southern and Western Asia, which encompass the Middle East, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. Considering this, China should consider engaging in IFR deals with countries in these regions, as infrastructure improvements would help give the regions the economic jumpstart they need to fuel domestic improvements.

Anopheles larval habitats seasonality and environmental factors affecting larval abundance and distribution in Arjo-Didessa sugar cane plantation, Ethiopia

BackgroundWater resource development projects are essential for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. However, these activities require the modification of pre-existing environmental settings, which may alter mosquito larval habitat availability and seasonality. The intensive utilization of current adult vector control tools results in insecticide resistance among the main vectors. When coupled with behavioural resistances, a shift in malaria vector feeding and resting behaviours could compromise the effectiveness of the current adult vector control strategies. Thus, it is important to look for new or alternative vector control interventions for immatures to complement adult control by focusing on different larval habitats and their seasonal availability. Thus, this study investigated larval habitat seasonality and seasonal larval abundance and distribution in irrigated sugar cane plantation settings in Ethiopia.MethodsAnopheles mosquito larval habitats were surveyed and visited twice a month for a period of 14 months. Anopheline larvae and pupae were collected, reared, and fed finely ground fish food. Adults were provided with sucrose solution and kept under standard conditions. Female Anopheles mosquitoes were identified morphologically and using a species-specific PCR assay. Environmental parameters, which include habitats’ physico-chemical characteristics, were assessed. Larval habitat diversity and larval abundance and distribution were determined across different seasons.ResultsThe study revealed that Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) was the most predominant 4197(57%) vector species, followed by Anopheles coustani complex 2388 (32.8%). Molecular analysis of sub-samples of An. gambiae s.l. resulted in Anopheles arabiensis (77.9%) and Anopheles amharicus (21.5%), and the remaining 1.1% (n = 7) sub-samples were not amplified. Physico-chemical parameters such as temperature (t = 2.22, p = 0.028), conductivity (t = 3.21, p = 0.002), dissolved oxygen (t = 7.96, p = 0.001), nitrate ion (t = 2.51, p = 0.013), and ammonium ion (t = 2.26, p = 0.025) showed a significant and direct association with mosquito larval abundance. Furthermore, mosquito larval abundance was correlated with distance to the nearest houses (r = − 0.42, p = 0.001), exposure to sunlight (r = 0.34, p = 0.001), during long and short rainy season animal hoof prints, truck tires/road puddles and rain pools were negatively correlated (r = − 0.22, p = 0.01) and types of habitat (r = − 0.20, p = 0.01). Significant habitat type productivity were observed in man-made pools (t = 3.881, P = 0.01163), rain pools, animal hoof prints, (t = − 4.332, P = 0.00749 in both short and long rainy season, whereas, during dry seasons habitat type productivity almost similar and have no significance difference.ConclusionThe study found that different larval habitats had variable productivity in different seasons, and that physical and physicochemical features like ammonium and nitrate, as well as the distance between larval habitats and households, are related to larval production. As a result, vector control should take into account the seasonality of Anopheles larval habitat as well as the impact of pesticide application on larval source management.

Asymptomatic and submicroscopic malaria infections in sugar cane and rice development areas of Ethiopia

BackgroundWater resource development projects, such as dams and irrigation schemes, have a positive impact on food security and poverty reduction. However, such projects could increase prevalence of vector borne disease, such as malaria. This study investigate the impact of different agroecosystems and prevalence of malaria infection in Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the dry and wet seasons in irrigated and non-irrigated clusters of Arjo sugarcane and Gambella rice development areas of Ethiopia in 2019. A total of 4464 and 2176 study participants from 1449 households in Arjo and 546 households in Gambella enrolled in the study and blood samples were collected, respectively. All blood samples were microscopically examined and a subset of microscopy negative blood samples (n = 2244) were analysed by qPCR. Mixed effect logistic regression and generalized estimating equation were used to determine microscopic and submicroscopic malaria infection and the associated risk factors, respectively.ResultsPrevalence by microscopy was 2.0% (88/4464) in Arjo and 6.1% (133/2176) in Gambella. In Gambella, prevalence was significantly higher in irrigated clusters (10.4% vs 3.6%) than in non-irrigated clusters (p < 0.001), but no difference was found in Arjo (2.0% vs 2.0%; p = 0.993). On the other hand, of the 1713 and 531 samples analysed by qPCR from Arjo and Gambella the presence of submicroscopic infection was 1.2% and 12.8%, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale were identified by qPCR in both sites. Irrigation was a risk factor for submicroscopic infection in both Arjo and Gambella. Irrigation, being a migrant worker, outdoor job, < 6 months length of stay in the area were risk factors for microscopic infection in Gambella. Moreover, school-age children and length of stay in the area for 1–3 years were significant predictors for submicroscopic malaria in Gambella. However, no ITN utilization was a predictor for both submicroscopic and microscopic infection in Arjo. Season was also a risk factor for microscopic infection in Arjo.ConclusionThe study highlighted the potential importance of different irrigation practices impacting on submicroscopic malaria transmission. Moreover, microscopic and submicroscopic infections coupled with population movement may contribute to residual malaria transmission and could hinder malaria control and elimination programmes in the country. Therefore, strengthening malaria surveillance and control by using highly sensitive diagnostic tools to detect low-density parasites, screening migrant workers upon arrival and departure, ensuring adequate coverage and proper utilization of vector control tools, and health education for at-risk groups residing or working in such development corridors is needed.

Responses of soil erosion and sediment yield to land use/land cover changes: In the case of Fincha'a watershed, upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

BackgroundLand use/land cover change (LULCC) exacerbates the global environmental changes through affecting ecosystem services. Soil erosion, which is the most significant global environmental problems caused mainly by LULCC, negatively affects agriculture and water resources development projects by increasing siltation of a reservoirs. As such, up-to-date and reliable information on the LULCC, trends, and its impacts on soil erosion and sedimentation is highly required. However, such an integrated study that uses high spatial earth observation data is limited in most basins of Ethiopia including the Fincha'a watershed. This study was, therefore, to quantify changes in LULC and its impacts on soil erosion by integrating RUSLE model and geospatial technologies. MethodsFor this study, spatial datasets such as Landsat TM, ETM+, and OLI/TIRS satellite images, satellite rainfall, soil, and digital elevation model (DEM) datasets were employed. As such, land use/land cover maps of the 1991, 2006, and 2021 were produced using the supervised image classification techniques of maximum likelihood algorithm. In addition, the impacts of changes in LULC on soil erosion were assessed by changing the C-and P-factors and keeping the other parameters constant. ResultsThe result showed increasing cultivated land, settlement land, and waterbody at the expenses of forest land, shrub land, and grassland. In response to the changes in LULC, the mean annual soil loss increased from 34.5 t ha−1year−1 during the 1991 to 46.4 t ha−1year−1 during the 2006 and to 58.7 t ha−1year−1 during the 2021 year. The result further shows that about 29,180.1 ha (7.6 %), 40,095.6 ha (10.5 %), and 40,969.0 ha (10.7 %) of the watershed were severely eroded during the 1991, 2006, and 2021 years, respectively. Likewise, increasing sediment yield from 1991 (6.7t ha−1year−1), 2006 (8.5t ha−1year−1), and to 2021 (10.3 t ha−1year−1) were observed. ConclusionThe increased soil erosion and sedimentation negatively affects water resource availability and agricultural production. Therefore, proper land management systems should be employed in the watershed to minimize the off-site and on-site effects of soil erosion.

Contextualising the factors influencing human resource development in municipalities

Background: Human resource development implementation faces several challenges that prevent organisational optimisation as defined in the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority Skills Development Handbook and related regulatory framework. The assumption is that skills development facilitators (SDFs) do not have the functional competencies to effectively implement human resource development projects and programmes.Aim: The aim of the research was to present and reflect on the results of a survey conducted in selected South African municipalities to ascertain the factors influencing human resource development implementation and to assess the competence levels of SDFs to determine whether there are lessons to be learned. It also aimed to recommend how the identified challenges faced by municipalities can be resolved.Methods: The mixed-methods research approach involved the analysis of primary data obtained from a qualitative perspective, including semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Questionnaires were completed by 239 line managers, 66 human resource development staff , 357 other municipal employees and 34 SDFs.Results: The study concluded that SDFs are experienced and qualified but that human resource development is poorly managed in municipalities on six levels (ethical values, policy, practice, organisation, internal democracy and stakeholders), which affects the overall human resource development performance of municipalities.Conclusion: Municipalities must follow an integrated management approach to manage HRD that includes a collaborative approach involving line managers, HRD professionals and employees.Contribution: Specific implementation recommendations are made to ensure that municipalities are equipped to manage HRD and thus ensure effective service delivery in municipalities.

Malaria positivity rate trend analysis at water resources development project of Wonji Sugar Estate Oromia, Ethiopia.

Evidence on the trends of the proportion of malaria infections detected by routine passive case detection at health facilities is important for public health decision making especially in areas moving towards elimination. The objective was to assess nine years of trends on clinical malaria infections detected at health facility and its associated climate factors, in the water resource development set up of Wonji sugar estate, Oromia, Ethiopia. Retrospective data were collected from malaria-suspected patient recording logbook at Wonji sugar factory's primary hospital. Monthly average meteorological data were obtained from the estate meteorological station. Data were collected from April through June 2018 and January 2022. The data were analyzed using Stata version 16.0 software for Chi-square and regression analysis. Over the last nine years, 34,388 cases were legible for analysis with complete data. Of these, 11.75% (4039/34388) were positive for clinical malaria. Plasmodium vivax test positivity was the highest proportion (8.2%, n = 2820) followed by Plasmodium falciparum (3.48%, n = 1197) and mixed infections (P. falciparum and P. vivax, 0.06%, n = 21). The odds of being positive for malaria was highest in males (AOR = 1.46; 95%CI = 1.36-1.52; P < 0.001) compared to femalesand in older individuals of above 15years old (AOR = 4.55, 95%CI = 4.01-5.17, P < 0.001) followed by school-aged children (5-15years old) (AOR = 2.16; 95%CI = 1.88-2.49, P < 0.001). There was no significant variation in the proportion of malaria-positive cases in the dry and wet seasons (P = 0.059). Malaria test positivity rates were associated with average monthly rainfall (AdjIRR = 1.00; 95%CI = 1.00-1.001, P < 0.001) while negatively associated with average monthly minim temperature (adjIRR = 0.94; 95%CI = 0.94-0.95; P < 0.001) and average monthly relative humidity (adjIRR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.99-1.00, P = 0.023). There was year-round malaria transmission, adults especially males and school children frequently tested malaria positive. Hence, alternative vector management tools like larval source management have to be deployed besides ITNs and IRS in such water development areas to achieve the malaria elimination goal.

Rock fragmentation and drilling experiment of electric impulse drilling and structural optimization of electrode bit

Due to the low rate of penetration (ROP) and high cost of natural resource development projects such as oil and gas, and mining, it's urgent to explore some new rock-breaking methods with subversive characteristics for rising ROP. Electric impulse drilling (EID) has attracted widespread attention due to its unique advantages, but its rock-breaking effect is affected by various factors such as the structures of electrode bits, pulse voltage characteristics, liquid medium type, rock type, circulation conditions, and the contact between electrode bit and rocks, etc, leading to the lack of theoretical basis for the design of the electrode bit. Therefore, to more truly reflect the interaction among electrode bits, rocks, and liquid media of EID, this study carried out rock fragmentation and drilling experiment of EID on red sandstone. Firstly, an electrical impulse generator (EIG) with a stable frequency range of 1–5 Hz and a pulse voltage of about 0–80 kV at the load terminal was developed. And an indoor EID and rock fragmentation experimental system was built, then three kinds of electrode bits with typical structures: petal-type (H type), cross-type (S type) and, coaxial type (T type) were designed. Subsequently, the rock fragmentation and drilling experiment of EID was carried out on red sandstone in three liquid media (tap water, deionized water, and hydraulic oil) under the capacitors' charging voltage of 13–17 kV (the load terminal voltage was about 45–60 kV). The general influence law of electrode bit structure, liquid medium type, circulation condition, and pulse voltage on EID was studied. Finally, the electrode bits used in the experiment were evaluated, and suggestions for structural optimization of the electrode bit were put forward based on the experiment. This study is expected to further promote the design of electrode bits and the development of EID technology.

Real-time permeability evolution of limestone under high temperature and triaxial stresses

In deep underground geological disposal of nuclear waste, geothermal energy development, underground coal gasification, geothermal resources development and other underground high temperature projects, they are all closely related to the permeability and thermal expansion characteristics of rocks in high temperature high-pressure real-time state. In this experiment, the real-time evolution of permeability of limestone under high-temperature and triaxial stresses condition was studied using the HTHP rock mechanics triaxial test system and compared with the permeability of limestone after high temperature cooling treatment. The test results show that: the effect of temperature on limestone permeability facilitation under high temperature cooling condition is significant, and the permeability increases by 1–2 orders of magnitude relative to the initial permeability for every 100 °C increase in the preheat temperature after 300 °C. Under high-temperature and high-pressure in real time condition, the difference values of permeability at different temperature points relative to room temperature always do not more than one order of magnitude. During the heating process at 500 °C, the permeability curves of the triaxial pressures range from 15 to 35 MPa are very different. Under the pressure condition of 15 MPa, the permeability curve increases monotonically and rapidly with the increasing temperature; When the pressure reaches 25 MPa pressure, there is a peak value area in the permeability curve; the permeability decreases monotonically with temperature when the pressure up to 35 MPa. Compared with the only thermal effect, the thermal- mechanical coupling effect has a significant inhibitory effect on limestone permeability development, and the permeability disparity between the two types of heat treatment rocks become more and more significant with increasing temperature and hydrostatic pressure.

Assessment of the Impacts of Proposed Water Resources Development Projects in Baro-Akobo-Sobat Basin on Nile Inflows at High Aswan Dam

Study regionThe Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) basin, which is a portion of Africa's Eastern Nile Basin (ENB). Study focusThe Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) is one of the four sub-basins in the Eastern Nile Basin (ENB). The Machar Marshes swamp, a wetland in the BAS basin, has significant water losses, which have an impact on the BAS's regional hydrology. Future development initiatives, such as irrigated agriculture and hydropower, are expected to concentrate on the BAS. These initiatives will make a huge contribution to the BAS development, but they may also have a negative impact on the flow of the Nile into downstream countries, which is assessed in this paper. New hydrological insights for the regionThe HEC Reservoir Simulation Model (HEC-ResSim) and the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model are coupled offline. The BAS modelling system was used to produce the baseline scenario (no anticipated planned development projects) and three additional scenarios (hydropower scenario, irrigation scenario, and integrated scenario between hydropower and irrigation). According to the results, the hydropower scenario increased the flow arriving at Aswan by an average of 1.3 km3/year by reducing losses in marshes due to the controlled flow pattern. The irrigation scenario decreased the flow arriving at Aswan by an average of 4.4 km3/year. The combined hydropower and irrigation development scenario decreased the flow arriving at Aswan by an average of 3.6 km3/year.