Resources In Areas Research Articles

Study on the mooring systems attaching clump weights and heavy chains for improving the typhoon resistance of floating offshore wind turbines

The southeastern coastal region of China is the most favorable area for offshore wind resources in the country, but typhoon impacts constrain the development of floating wind turbines in this region. Therefore, ensuring reliable and efficient mooring performance is crucial due to significant safety concerns presented by dynamic platform motions and mooring line tensions encountered during typhoon conditions. In this study, two mooring models were proposed to investigate the impact of clump weights or heavy chains on enhancing the typhoon resistance of floating offshore wind turbines. The 10-MW OO-Star semi-submersible platform was used as the reference structure. The aero-hydro-servo-elastic coupled simulations using OpenFAST were conducted for the selected environmental condition. The surge motion and fairlead tension were compared in both time-domain and frequency-domain for different mooring configurations. The results demonstrate that adding clump weights and heavy chains effectively limits the surge motion and tension fluctuations. Additionally, five installation positions were proposed and compared. Furthermore, a comparison between clump weights with heavy chains was conducted. The performance of a mooring system can be improved in the typhoon condition by incorporating optimal clump weights or heavy chains.

GESTÃO DE RECURSOS HUMANOS E O IMPACTO NA PRODUTIVIDADE DOS FUNCIONÁRIOS.

In this work, we will deal with several important issues within functionalism and the motivation to achieve the need for self-realization, which is related to the cognition system and is influenced by the physical and social environment. Human needs motivate human behavior, producing patterns of behavior that vary from one person to another. The human resources area has developed over the years as a strategic talent management model, aiming to attract, retain and develop people suited to the company’s objectives. Thus, the overall objective of the work is to explore how human needs influence motivation for some. To this end, the research is based on a qualitative methodology, using case studies and semi-structured interviews to collect data from employees at different hierarchical levels of companies representing sector X. As a theoretical reference, we bring the authors Maslow, Mayo, Taylor, Creswell, Herzberg, Chiavenato among others, whose theories on motivation and need. Finally, the main results of the work are the identification of the main human needs that influence motivation for self-realization in the workplace, as well as effective talent management strategies that can be adopted to promote a more motivating organizational environment.

Persistent Illegal Hunting of Wildlife in an African Landscape: Insights from a Study in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia.

Decades of illegal hunting (poaching) have adversely affected wildlife populations and thereby limited sustainable wildlife conservation in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia. Despite intervention efforts to address the problem, the illegal hunting of wildlife has persisted. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the persistence of illegal hunting by investigating the drivers of poaching and intervention measures using a mixed methods approach. Stratified random sampling was used to collect data from 346 respondents through structured questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to collect data through nine focus group discussions and three in-depth interviews with experts. The study revealed that persistent illegal hunting was mainly driven by people's critical need for survival and sustaining their livelihoods and not by inadequate law enforcement as presumed by resource managers. Although law enforcement was the most prevalent intervention measure, it did not deter local illegal hunters because their main motivations for poaching were not effectively addressed. The key implication of these findings is that where the illegal harvesting of natural resources in protected areas by local resource users is driven by people's critical need for survival and a livelihood, which is ineffectively addressed, illegal harvesting may persist even with increased law enforcement. This study provides empirical evidence, novel conceptual knowledge and an understanding of how prevalent drivers of poaching and other factors may have influenced persistent illegal hunting in the Luangwa Valley.

Maritime Security and the Protection of Philippine Territorial Waters

The sea acts as an essential bridge linking the Pacific and Indian oceans, holding great significance due to its major role in trade and military routes connecting East Asia to Europe and the Middle East. Covering over 3 million square kilometers (1.16 million square miles) on the western edge of the Pacific, the South China Sea (also known as the West Philippine Sea) stands as a focal point. This research aims to assess the maritime security level in Malampaya, particularly in terms of human resources. It includes the installation of EDCA sites, Philippine Rise, and southern backdoor security. Through focused group discussions, the study concludes and outlines recommendations. It highlights the limited overall capability of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) in defending against threats in maritime and air environments in the said area. Moreover, safeguarding the security of major areas such as the Camago Malampaya Petroleum Resource Area, Mindanao Southern backdoor and the Ayungin Shoal remains a challenge. Furthermore, a call for increased budget allocation to procure proper equipment and military hardware is emphasized. This investment aims to fortify deterrence against potential military intrusions, particularly from nations like China, thus safeguarding the Philippines’ sovereignty, maritime security, safety, and interests. It will also prevent future terrorist attacks, particularly in the southern Mindanao area and sea borders from our neighboring countries. Keywords: Maritime Security, Maritime Safety, Maritime Cooperation

Kondisi Terumbu Karang Di Perairan Leato Selatan Kecamatan Dumbo Raya Provinsi Gorontalo

Coral reefs are one of the tropical aquatic ecosystems which have a very important function both for the organisms that build this ecosystem and the surrounding ecosystems, namely seagrass ecosystems and mangrove ecosystems. Coral reef ecosystems are coastal area resources that are very vulnerable to damage, especially caused by human behavior/surrounding communities. The aim of the research is to determine the percentage of coral cover and coral reef mortality index in South Leato waters. This research was carried out from February to March 2024, located in South Leato Waters, Dumbo Raya District, Gorontalo Province. The research uses the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method, where the data is processed and analyzed with CPCe software. Based on the percentage of live coral cover from each station, namely Station I of 48.53% is in the medium category, Station II of 27.56% is in the medium category, Station III of 39.97% is in the medium category. With an average live coral cover of 38.69%, it is in the medium category, referring to the Decree of the Minister of Environment No. 4 of 2001 concerning Standard Criteria for Coral Reef Damage. The percentage level of coral reef damage calculated using the Mortality Index is station I at 0.46, station II at 0.66, station III at 0.67. The average mortality index for coral reefs in South Leato waters is 0.59, falling into the high mortality index category.

A Study on the Construction and Evaluation of the Water Resource Reutilization System for Farmland Diversion and Drainage

Water is an essential resource for both rural and agricultural areas; it can be wisely distributed and used in the field to protect daily life, production, the natural environment, and the safety and stability of regional drainage and flood control systems. Our research selected a typical plains rural river network area with agriculture as the main industry to investigate the most effective method of farmland diversion and drainage. We comprehensively planned and transformed the water system flow, water conservation engineering, and the ecological environment in the irrigation area through the reutilization system. The reutilization system’s operation and scheduling design is implemented for four specific periods: the water replenishment cycle, agricultural irrigation, agricultural drainage and the rainy period of the flood season. The research period ranges from 2020 to 2023 after the completion of the system. We used monitoring, the recording of hydraulic equipment parameters and data collection to evaluate the balance of water supply and demand in the study area. At the same time, we have tracked and evaluated the four aspects of water quality enhancement, water conservation and flood control, and agricultural irrigation. The results show that the total agricultural water consumption decreased by 2.9%, and the amount of water saved increased by 9.6%. The current segment creates the rivers’ embankment standards. With a 92% irrigation guarantee rate, the current section forms and the embankment standards of the rivers satisfy the design storage volume and the flood level of one in twenty years. The water quality of all the rivers in the area has decreased by 5~10% compared to the average concentration prior to establishment. This study verifies the comprehensive effect and the suitability of the system by comparing the before and after effects, and provides a scientific basis for the method of efficient recycling and utilization of water resources in the rural plains river network area; we also propose the guidance of increasing the digital twin control and long-term operation mechanism to ensure the long-term stable operation of the technology.

Predictive Functional Profiling Reveals Putative Metabolic Capacities of Bacterial Communities in Drinking Water Resources and Distribution Supply in Mega Manila, Philippines

Assessing bacterial communities across water resources is crucial for understanding ecological dynamics and improving water quality management. This study examines the functional profiles of bacterial communities in drinking water resources in Mega Manila, Philippines, including Laguna Lake tributaries, pre-treatment plant sites, groundwater sources, and post-treatment plant sites. Using eDNA sequencing, flux balance analysis, and taxonomy-to-phenotype mapping, we identified metabolic pathways involved in nutrient metabolism, pollutant degradation, antibio- tic synthesis, and nutrient cycling. Despite site variations, there are shared metabolic pathways, suggesting the influence of common ecological factors. Site-specific differences in pathways like ascorbate, aldarate, and phenylalanine metabolism indicate localized environmental adaptations. Antibiotic synthesis pathways, such as streptomycin and polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis, were detected across sites. Bacterial communities in raw and pre-treatment water showed potential for pollutant degradation such as for endocrine-disrupting chemicals. High levels of ammonia-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria in pre- and post-treatment water suggest active nitrogen removal and pH neutralization, indicating a need to reassess existing water treatment approaches. This study underscores the adaptability of bacterial communities to environmental factors, as well as the importance of considering their functional profiles in assessing drinking water quality resources in urban areas.

Characterization of smallholder irob cattle production system: contributions to develop a breeding program.

An exploratory survey (i) to investigate livestock production system, reproductive and production performance of Irob cattle and (ii) to recognize constraints to cattle production was conducted in eastern Tigray zone, northern Ethiopia. Six tabias (the smallest administrative unit consisting of several villages) were chosen using purposive sampling method and households from each tabia were randomly selected. Mixed crop-livestock farming system dominates the study area. Overall herd size was 5.3 ± 2.7, with each herd comprising of 1.7 ± 1.2 cows, 1.4 ± 0.9 oxen, 0.5 ± 0.7 heifers, 0.5 ± 0.7 bulls and 1.2 ± 0.9 calves. Cattle are kept for draught power (index = 0.43), milk (index = 0.32), income (index = 0.15), manure (index = 0.06) and crop threshing (index = 0.04). Major feed resources in the study area were natural pasture, crop residue and cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). Overall mean (± SD) for age at first services (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), daily milk yield (DMY) and lactation length (LL) was 28.3 ± 3.9 months, 37.4 ± 5.5 months, 15.5 ± 4.1 months, 6.5 ± 1.8 months, 1.7 ± 0.4L and 7.4 ± 2.0 months, respectively. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in performance traits between districts. Well-known cattle production constraints in order of significance were feed, disease and parasites, AI, water and veterinary service. In conclusion, the study shown importance of taking into account the production environment in developing breed improvement program and recommends fit management system.

Locational Variance in Nuclear Microreactor Performance Under Net Zero Microgrid Conditions

Microreactors are expected to be deployed in locations or situations where standard macrogrid electricity is not readily or reliably available. Locations such as remote mining communities, military installations, and other similar communities may seek to decarbonize their electricity with a microreactor. Traditional remote communities typically pay much higher energy prices than nonremote communities, so there may be a higher degree of support for microreactors despite higher expected (per unit capacity) capital costs. There is also interest in deploying microreactors on sites that utilize their own microgrids, for example, federal installations or universities, in different locations across the United States. To model the deployment prospects of microreactors on microgrids, HOMER Pro was utilized to generate optimized microgrid configurations under an assumption of net zero, i.e. with no fossil fuels permitted. The economic performance of microreactors on microgrids was analyzed in a variety of locations throughout the United States. It was found that the minimal capital cost required for entry of a microreactor into the system was significantly higher in locations with both low solar resource (less than ~4.5kW∙h/m2∙day−1) and (in particular) low wind (<5 m/s average wind velocity at 80-m hub height), roughly corresponding to locations somewhat inland in both the eastern and the western United States. Under the financial assumptions made in this study, depending on location, the capital cost at which microreactors could enter the system varied from around $24 000/kW(electric) in areas of high wind and/or solar resource to over $90 000/kW(electric) in Alaska, with a range of intermediate results. It was found that the minimum allowed power level of the microreactor did not have a substantial impact on results. A utility presence was found to have a major impact on the financial performance of a microreactor, especially in locations that have strong renewable resources.

Characteristics of Soil Selenium-cadmium Migration and Accumulation and Its Bioeffectiveness in Typical Geological High Background Area

The prevalence of selenium-cadmium （Se-Cd） symbiosis in soils of geologically high background areas directly affects the safe utilization of Se-rich land resources. To investigate the migration and accumulation characteristics and bio-effectiveness of Se-Cd in the soil-crop system in typical geological high background areas of Southwest China and to realize the safe use of natural Se-rich land resources in geological high background areas, we collected 84 samples of agricultural crops （maize） and their supporting root systems and analyzed the Se-Cd content and physicochemical properties. Se-Cd accumulation characteristics, influencing factors, and bio-effectiveness of the soil-crop system were evaluated using geostatistics, bioenrichment factors, and geographic detectors. The results showed that the Se-Cd content in the study area was significantly higher than the background value of the soil in the whole country and in Yunnan Province. Influenced by the geological background, secondary enrichment in the process of soil formation, and agricultural activities, the accumulation and enrichment characteristics of Se in the root soil varied from no enrichment to slightly enriched, and the occurrence form was dominated by the residue state. The accumulation index of soil Cd was mainly in the medium pollution level, and the occurrence form was mainly in the residual state and the combined state of iron and manganese. The Se-enrichment rate of crop seeds reached 98.8% （DB 50/T 524-2013 standard）, and the average value of bioconcentration factor was 5.8%. The exceeding rate of Cd content in crop seeds was only 1.19% （GB 2762-2022 standard）, and the average value of Cd bioconcentration factor was 2.11%, so the ecological risk of heavy metal Cd in crop seeds was relatively low. In the Se-Cd symbiosis area under geological background, the weak alkaline environment of the soil could effectively reduce the bioavailability of Cd in crop seeds, and the Se-rich soil could inhibit the uptake of Cd by the crops to a certain extent. Correlation analysis showed that the migration and accumulation of Se and Cd from soil to crop seeds in the soil-crop system were affected by the elemental accumulation pattern and the physical and chemical properties （pH） of the soil, and at the same time, there was a certain synergistic-antagonistic effect between Se and Cd in the soil-crop system. Correlation analysis showed that the migration and accumulation of Se and Cd from soil to crop seeds in the soil-crop system was influenced by the occurrence of elements, soil physicochemical properties （pH）, and other factors, and there was also a certain synergistic-antagonistic interaction between Se and Cd in the soil-crop system.

Greed or Grievance? Linking Revenue Sharing Implementation to Unauthorised Resource Use and Conservation Support at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Revenue sharing is considered a major incentive to promote Community Based Approaches to conservation of protected areas. The sharing of revenue from Protected Area resources is supported by conservationists to promote strong partnerships between protected area management and local communities to address unauthorised resource use for better conservation outcomes. This is premised on the ability of the shared revenue to translate into people’s livelihood improvement and minimize their dependency on resources from protected areas. However, empirical realities indicate that the practice of the Revenue Sharing policy barely addresses the initial objectives of human livelihood improvement to gain support for conservation. This study examined the Revenue Sharing Implementation, Data was collected from 715 respondents who included Local community members (including the unauthorised resource users), staff from conservation organisations in Bwindi and local council leaders. Data was collected using household survey questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Results showed that most beneficiaries of the Revenue Sharing policy were random community households not the unauthorized resource users. The revenue sharing projects allocated to community members were majorly livelihood projects compared to common good projects. Projects included; livestock, passion fruit growing, poultry, provision of land and water projects. Unauthorised resource use was largely motivated by the need for bush meat, minor timber forest products especially firewood, collection of basketry materials and medicinal plants. Protected area managers ought to consider greater involvement of poachers in Revenue Sharing activities. Reducing unauthorized resource use requires systematic but also a combination of factors to mitigate the most driving forces that compel community members to engage in unauthorized forest resource use

Multi-Combination Method for Intelligent Remote Sensing of Solar Energy Resources in Different Regions

Solar energy is the main means of new energy development, which has the characteristics of a clean, safe and wide range of resources, but there are problems of large differences in radiation and heat in the process of solar energy collection, and how to effectively utilize solar energy resources is the focus of current research In order to improve the utilization effect of solar energy resources, this paper proposes a multi-component remote sensing analysis method based on remote sensing. Firstly, the solar energy resources were quantitatively analyzed to construct the solar energy resource utilization set. Then, with the help of multiple combination indicators such as solar trajectory, direct inclination, and light intensity, intelligent remote sensing judgment was carried out on solar energy resources. Finally, compared with a single measurement method, the utilization accuracy, utilization amount and utilization cost of solar energy resources are verified. The results show that the multivariate combination method can remotely sense solar energy resources in different regions and times, with a control rate of 56%, and a solar energy utilization set with an increase rate of 20%. Moreover, the multi-combination method can expand the control area of solar energy resources, and the expansion rate can be increased by 10%. Therefore, the multi-combination method can improve the utilization rate of solar energy resources, reduce labor costs and management costs, and increase power generation, which is better than a single measurement method.

Landscape of fear: indirect effects of conflict can account for large-scale population declines in non-state societies.

The impact of inter-group conflict on population dynamics has long been debated, especially for prehistoric and non-state societies. In this work, we consider that beyond direct battle casualties, conflicts can also create a 'landscape of fear' in which many non-combatants near theatres of conflict abandon their homes and migrate away. This process causes population decline in the abandoned regions and increased stress on local resources in better-protected areas that are targeted by refugees. By applying analytical and computational modelling, we demonstrate that these indirect effects of conflict are sufficient to produce substantial, long-term population boom-and-bust patterns in non-state societies, such as the case of Mid-Holocene Europe. We also demonstrate that greater availability of defensible locations act to protect and maintain the supply of combatants, increasing the permanence of the landscape of fear and the likelihood of endemic warfare.

Analysis of the direct benefits of timber and fisheries in the mangrove forest of Babulu Laut Village, North Penajam Paser Regency

Background: Mangrove forests are one of the natural resources of coastal areas that have an important role in terms of social, economic, and ecological aspects. The values contained in mangrove forests can be evaluated economically using the economic valuation method. This study aims to determine the direct benefits and economic value of direct benefits from mangrove forests in Babulu Laut Village. Method: The time needed for this study is more or less effective starting from April 2023 – November 2023. The sampling technique or key respondents as many as 1 respondent and case respondents were carried out by accidental sampling as many as 41 respondents. Data processing and analysis using qualitative descriptive analysis methods and quantitative descriptive analysis with economic valuation methods. Data types are primary and secondary data. Result: From the results of this study shows that the direct benefits in the mangrove forest of Babulu Laut Village which has an area of approximately 1,000 ha, namely the benefits of wood and the benefits of fisheries consisting of the benefits of fish, shrimp, crabs and seaweed. The total value of direct benefits of mangrove forests in Babulu Laut Village is Rp.404,069,141,162.00 per year, this value consists of wood benefits with income of Rp.69,166,666,667 per year, fish with income of Rp.40,085,011,187.00 per year, shrimp with income of Rp.63,932,374,635.00 per year, crabs with income of Rp.34,075,518,808.00 per year, seaweed with income of Rp.196,809,569,866.00 per year. Conclusion: The greatest value of direct benefits is obtained from seaweed products, while the smallest income comes from crab benefits. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study presents the comprehensive economic valuation of the direct benefits of mangrove forests. It provides an in-depth understanding of the economic contribution of various mangrove forest products to local communities. The findings provide an empirical basis for decision-making in sustainable mangrove forest management by highlighting the economic potential that needs to be optimally exploited, particularly in the seagrass sector.

Assessment of the Impact of Coal Mining on Water Resources in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa: Using Different Water Quality Indices

The objective of this study was to assess the water quality status of the surface water and groundwater resources in the Middelburg area, South Africa. The assessment was addressed using combined water quality indices, investigating selected chemical parameters over four different seasons for a period of five years from 2017 to 2021. A combination of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment water quality index and the comprehensive pollution index was used to analyze the water quality status of surface water and groundwater of the town of Middelburg, situated near coal mining activities in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The combination of the indices indicated that some surface water monitoring sites ranged between poor to fair water quality. Groundwater monitoring points also showed a poor to fair ranking. The comprehensive pollution index confirmed that some sites showed very poor water quality in the summer seasons, exceeding expected limits for the period 2017 to 2021. The principal component analysis further showed that both surface water and groundwater sites had high levels of contamination with increased chemical parameters. The results were compared against the different water quality guidelines. In an extensive monitoring program, water management systems must be properly implemented to mitigate impacts on water resources.

Analysis of tools for evaluating the effectiveness of the personnel adaptation system in the context of the social entrepreneurship

In the context of war and economic instability, social enterprises in Ukraine face numerous challenges, including limited resources and the need for a special approach in the human resources area. These factors make an effective system of employee adaptation crucial for ensuring the stability and sustainable growth of such enterprises. The article aimed to study and analyse the main tools and approaches for assessing the effectiveness of the staff adaptation system in the context of social enterprises. To achieve this goal, the methods of analysis, synthesis and content analysis were used to systematise existing scientific data. The study found that well-organised staff adaptation system helps to reduce staff turnover, increase productivity and engage employees in the social mission of the enterprise. The analysis of scientific works has identified the key factors of successful personnel adaptation under martial law, as well as the main challenges and risks faced by newcomers. The essence of assessing the effectiveness of the adaptation system is revealed, the priority criteria and tools for its evaluation, their advantages and risks are identified. The need for regular assessment of the socio-psychological climate and the level of professional training was justified. The most priority criteria and tools for assessing the effectiveness of the staff adaptation system are highlighted. The objective and subjective results of the assessment are considered, on the basis of which recommendations to improve the adaptation processes in enterprises are developed. The practical value of the study lies in the development of specific recommendations for assessing and optimising adaptation processes in social enterprises, ensuring their stability and success even in conditions of war and limited resources; the results of the study can be used in business opera-tions, particularly in social enterprises of various ownership forms, to improve the efficiency of decisions in the human resources area

Pattern of burn injuries and short-term outcome of management in a limited resources area

Pattern of burn injuries and short-term outcome of management in a limited resources area

Progress of Tourism Development in East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia: A Path to Realize the Sustainable Economic Sector

The tourism sector in East Kalimantan Province is expected to contribute to the region’s economy over the domination of the mining industry. On the other hand, the main issue is that the province’s economy still relies much upon the mining-based sector, particularly coal. As green growth-based and sustainable development strategies have been embraced globally for future development, developing a tourism-based economy is associated with this implementation due to tropical and mangrove forest area resources owned by the province. This path, if consistently developed, means not only an improved proportion of non-mining sectors in total local GDP but also significant reductions of carbon emissions responsible for global warming and climate change. Less elaborated studies have discussed the case of tourism development for the case of coal-based at province level. This paper tries to contribute to the gap by descriptively summarizing the current conditions of the tourism destinations and their climate development in the region using SWOT analysis. Our study shows that East Kalimantan Province has a comparative advantage in natural tourism with ecotourism destinations. Mangrove forest attractions, for instance, recorded as many as 18 objects and if these objects are properly conserved, they may contribute to reducing the harmful effects led by greenhouse gases. Other tourist objects with nature backgrounds have also reached 124 in number, and there was one object recognized in the Indonesian Tourism Village Award. An increase in non-domestic tourist visits from 2013 to 2019 was also seen, though the number was less developed compared to national tourists, and it experienced a significant decrease due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some limitations such as accessibility and amenities, human resource, branding, and marketing of tourist destinations hamper the development of the tourism sector and should be addressed to optimize its competitiveness. Policies that cut these burdens may improve the realization of sustainability in East Kalimantan’s Province economy. Keywords: tourism, development, tourist destinations, ecotourism, East Kalimantan

Assessment of the effectiveness of coarse resolution fire products in monitoring long-term changes in fire regime within protected areas in South Africa

Although high-resolution satellite and in situ airborne observations are becoming a common data source for fire monitoring, reconstruction of the historical fire record is based on less suitable data. In many regions, managers and policy-makers rely solely on coarse resolution global fire datasets. This study assessed the suitability of readily available products to accurately depict several fire metrics by comparing them to the manually derived fire scars within three natural reserves in South Africa (2003–2020). Contrary to previous findings, we showed that MCD64A1 and FireCCI51 products detected the majority of the burned area (70–97 %) within protected areas and showed high temporal consistency. Additionally, active and burned area products accurately detected the length and the peak of the fire season. Nonetheless, we found neither medium nor coarse resolution data suitable for evaluating long-term changes in fire size distribution. Coarse resolution burned area products demonstrated a very limited capacity to detect fires smaller than 100 ha, while a lack of sufficient non-cloudy Landsat images led to substantial gaps in fire reconstruction, bringing an unknown level of uncertainties in fire metrics estimates. Similarly, the only available medium-resolution burned area product (GABAM) was unsuitable for fire monitoring since unmapped areas were classified as unburned, making no distinction between regions with an absence of data and an absence of fires. Meanwhile, the performance of FireCCILT11 was ranked the lowest among all the available fire products. Given the lack of resources in many protected areas in South Africa and the pressing need to evaluate current and historical fire management practices and policies, we conclude that, in the absence of a more accurate higher-resolution alternative, MCD64A1 was the most suitable product for capturing year-to-year fluctuations in fire activity and a combination of MODIS and VIIRS active fire products for monitoring changes in fire seasonality.

Coordination of interests between upstream and downstream governments in water source areas

Exploration of establishing a robust intergovernmental benefit compensation mechanism for water source areas holds significant importance in promoting regional coordinated development. Taking the Guanting Reservoir basin, a water source area in Beijing, China, as an example, we established an ecological location model with urban water sources as the core by drawing on the concept of spatial circle structure in traditional location theory. Based on this, we proposed the theory of ecological cost of water source land level difference and analyzed the basic composition of ecological cost of water source land. Finally, the differential ecological costs method was used to estimate the ideal horizontal eco-compensation funds between the downstream city of the water source (Beijing) and the upstream city (Zhangjiakou). The results are as follows: (1) the closer to the water source reservoir area and the higher the protection zone level, the greater the contribution of the ecological product value realization and the ecological protection costs to the protection of water resources in the reservoir area. (2) The compensation funds for water source areas are jointly composed of the increment of ecological product value and protection costs. (3) In 2021, the value addition of ecological products in the upstream region was 3.075 billion yuan, and the protection cost was 6.702 billion yuan. After multiplying by the differential adjustment coefficient, the horizontal eco-compensation amount that the upstream cities should receive in 2021 is 4.194 billion yuan. This study theoretically addresses the shortcomings of traditional ecological compensation, which overlooked differences in resource and environmental costs due to variations in ecological functional location. It provides a new perspective for further exploring the role of location theory in addressing inter-governmental interest coordination issues in cross-border water source areas.