Socio-economic Activities Research Articles

Change point detection in temporal networks based on graph snapshot similarity measures

This paper addresses the challenge of change point detection in temporal networks, a critical task across various domains, including life sciences and socioeconomic activities. Continuous analysis and problem-solving within dynamic networks are essential in these fields. While much attention has been given to binary cases, this study extends the scope to include change point detection in weighted networks, an important dimension of edge analysis in dynamic networks. We introduce a novel distance metric called the Interval Sum Absolute Difference Distance (ISADD) to measure the distance between two graph snapshots. Additionally, we apply a Gaussian radial basis function to transform this distance into a similarity score between graph snapshots. This similarity score function effectively identifies individual change points. Furthermore, we employ a bisection detection algorithm to extend the method to detect multiple change points. Experimental results on both simulated and real-world data demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework.

Digital Dynamics in BRICS: Exploring Digital Access and Policy Challenges

As the global economy continues to digitize, BRICS nations are at a pivotal juncture in leveraging digital technologies for economic growth. This paper investigates the dynamics of digitalization in these countries focusing on the three major parameters of digitalization- internet penetration, cost of internet and digital payment. It also analyses government strategies in these countries. As BRICS accounting for a significant share of global GDP yet experiencing disparities in digital service export and adoption, understanding these dynamics is essential for adopting comprehensive policies that harness their digital potential. The research highlights the historical context of BRICS as an influential economic bloc, its rapid digital transformation influenced by emerging technologies. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of internet penetration as a fundamental enabler of socio-economic activities, correlating better internet infrastructure with increased economic participation. Employing a comparative analysis methodology, this research examines the performance of individual BRICS nations, revealing challenges and opportunities in enhancing connectivity and fostering financial inclusion through digital payment systems. The study also analyses the relationship between cost of internet and internet users in the BRICS countries. This study ultimately aims to put forward analysis about the diverse digital ecosystems within BRICS, advocating for collaborative strategies to navigate inherent challenges while maximizing economic growth and inclusivity.

Energy Citizenship in Energy Transition: The Case of the Baltic States

The governance of energy systems is undergoing a transformative shift, vital to advancing the energy transition. Understanding the dynamics of energy citizenship and the factors that influence citizen engagement in energy matters is critical for driving social and institutional change. This paper informs on the key results of a comprehensive analysis of 54 energy citizenship cases in the Baltic states (Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania). The study explores the role of citizens in the energy transition and characterizes the socio-economic and geopolitical factors shaping energy citizenship activities in the region. The governance of energy systems represents a significant transformational shift that is essential for energy transition. A more comprehensive understanding of the current state of energy citizenship and the factors influencing the energy transition process could inform the social and institutional changes necessary for the involvement of citizens in energy matters. This desk study represents a crucial element of the EU Horizon 2000 EnergyPROSPECTS project, which aims to map the landscape of energy citizenship in Europe. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of 54 cases from the Baltic states. The findings provide insight into the role of citizens in the transition process and the underlying factors and conditions that shape energy citizenship activities within the specific socio-economic and geopolitical context of the region. In general, energy citizenship in the Baltic states can be seen to exist on a spectrum between reformative and transformative practices. Overall, progress is being made toward systemic changes in the energy sector, with a focus on the democratization of processes. Nevertheless, additional measures to enhance and reinforce energy citizenship, coupled with the advancement of enabling conditions, are imperative at all levels of governance and across all energy transition scenarios.

Pemilihan Lokasi TPA Regional untuk Kota Medan dan Kabupaten Deli Serdang

The increase in the rate of development, population growth, and socio-economic activities has triggered an increase in waste generation, which is increasingly complex with conventional waste management that relies on collection, transportation, and disposal. This study aims to find a solution through three main stages: identification of waste conditions, preparation of a decision support system using the AHP Method, and analysis of the area with GIS application. The results of the study show that Limau Mungkur Village, STIM Hilir District, is considered the most appropriate location in the study area. Based on these results, the concept of selecting the criteria of Land Use, Hydrology, Groundwater Level Depth, Flood-prone Area, Settlement Distance, Zone Slope, Geology and Airport Distance became a determinant in the selection of location alternatives.

Drought Characterization Using Multiple Indices over the Abbay Basin, Ethiopia

Analyzing agricultural and hydrological drought at different timescales is essential for designing adaptation strategies. This study aimed to assess agricultural and hydrological drought in the Abbay Basin of Ethiopia by using multiple indices, namely the standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), vegetation condition index (VCI), and drought severity index (DSI). Climate extremes were assessed over the Abbay Basin between 1981 and 2022. The results indicate that the years 1982 and 2014 were the most drought-prone, while the year 1988 was the wettest year in the Abbay Basin. The results revealed the presence of extremely dry and severely dry conditions, potentially impacting agricultural output in the region. Agricultural drought was identified during the main crop seasons (June to September). The VCI results indicated the presence of extremely wet and severely wet conditions. In 2012, 65% of the area was affected by extreme drought conditions, while nearly half of the Basin experienced extreme drought in 2013 and 2022. The DSI results indicated the occurrence of agricultural drought, although the spatial coverage of extreme dry conditions was lower than that of the other indices. In 2003, 78.49% of the Basin experienced moderate drought conditions, whereas severe drought affected 20% of the region. In 2010, about 90% of the Basin experienced moderate drought. This study provides valuable insights for agricultural communities, enabling them to mitigate the impact of drought on crop yields by utilizing different adaptation strategies. An adequate knowledge of agricultural and hydrological drought is essential for policymakers to assess the potential effects of drought on socioeconomic activities and to recognize the significance of implementing climate change adaptation measures.

Psychological predictors of socioeconomic resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from machine learning.

What predicts cross-country differences in the recovery of socioeconomic activity from the COVID-19 pandemic? To answer this question, we examined how quickly countries' socioeconomic activity bounced back to normalcy from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic based on residents' attitudes, values, and beliefs as measured in the World Values Survey. We trained nine preregistered machine learning models to predict the rate at which various socioeconomic metrics (e.g., public transportation occupancy, cinema attendance) recovered from their COVID-19 lows based on the World Values Survey. All models had high predictive accuracy when presented with out-of-sample data (rs ≥ .83). Feature importance analyses identified five psychological predictors that most strongly predicted socioeconomic recovery from COVID-19: religiosity, liberal social attitudes, the value of independence, obedience to authority, and the Protestant work ethic. Although past research has established the role of religiosity, liberalism, and independence in predicting resilience, it has not yet considered obedience to authority or the Protestant work ethic. Thus, the current research suggests new directions for future work on resilience that may not be apparent from either a deductive or an inductive approach. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Using social-network analysis to map institutional actors’ links with vulnerable municipalities under climate change in Honduras’ dry corridor. Pathways towards improved cooperation and territorial interventions

The Honduras dry corridor, located in Central America’s Pacific region, has high natural climate variability. Nearly half of the Honduran population depends on socio-economic activities linked to agriculture, making climate-change adaptation crucial for the agricultural sector to ensure food and nutrition security. This research analyzes how institutional structures function and interact as a network to investigate the spatial coherence and relevance of public- and private-sector interventions related to agriculture, climate change, and food security in 153 municipalities of Honduras’ dry corridor. We employed a Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach to examine these interactions over the territories, revealing two network patterns: the first favors a single municipality, observed only in the Central District where Honduras’ capital is located; the second is an egocentric network, favoring a single institution, observed in four cases, particularly in municipalities bordering with El Salvador and Guatemala. The SNA results reveal a spatial misalignment, where only 9% of interventions linked to climate-change adaptation are conducted in the highly vulnerable, outlying zones located farthest from the capital. The study highlights the need for improved coordination and strategic prioritization of interventions in the most vulnerable municipalities within the Honduras dry corridor, specifically improvement in collaborative actions, use of resources, and setting strategic priorities in regions where future demand will require progressively mobilizing institutional capabilities. By identifying the current gaps and misalignments in institutional actions, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts to ensure that climate-change adaptation measures effectively target the most vulnerable areas.

Hydrogeochemical Processes in Basement Areas Using Principal Component in Burkina Faso (West African Sahel)

The basement aquifers in Burkina Faso are increasingly exposed to groundwater pollution, largely due to socio-economic activities and climatic fluctuations, particularly the reduction in rainfall. This pollution makes the management and understanding of these aquifers particularly complex. To elucidate the processes controlling this contamination, a methodological approach combining principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate statistical techniques was adopted. The study analyzed sixteen physicochemical parameters from 58 water samples. The primary objective of this research is to assess groundwater quality and deepen the understanding of the key factors influencing the spatial variation of their chemical composition. The results obtained will contribute to better planning of preservation and sustainable management measures for water resources in Burkina Faso. The results show that three principal components explain 72% of the variance, identifying anthropogenic inputs, with two components affected by mineralization and one by pollution. The study reveals that the groundwater is aggressive and highly corrosive, with calcite saturation. Water-rock interactions appear to be the main mechanisms controlling the hydrochemistry of groundwater, with increasing concentrations of cations and anions as the water travels through percolation pathways. PCA also revealed that the residence time of the water and leaching due to human activities significantly influence water quality, primarily through mineralization processes. These results suggest that rock weathering, coupled with reduced rainfall, constitutes a major vulnerability for aquifer recharge.

Saltwater intrusion simulations in coastal karstic aquifers related to climate change scenarios

Coastal zones are crucial ecosystems supporting significant biodiversity and pertinent socio-economic activities. However, anthropogenic development contributes to socio-environmental complexities, particularly public water supply threats caused by climate change. This research presents a case study on the north-western coast of Yucatan, Mexico, which models potential saltwater intrusion in groundwater for multiple projections of sea level rise and recharge change due to climate change and its implications for the public water supply of the regional population and ecosystem. For this purpose, a previously calibrated and validated numerical model is employed, adapting its boundary conditions, keeping its calibrated hydrogeologic parameters, and considering the 2040 and 2100 climate change projections. Simulation results show that under these projections, significant saltwater intrusion may occur, reducing freshwater thickness due to increased salinity in groundwater and a loss of freshwater sources resulting from brackish-saline wedge intrusion. These scenarios are of particular concern as freshwater in this coastal region is the main source for public water supply and for freshwater input in coastal ecosystems. Moreover, this study underscores the susceptibility of karstic aquifers to salinization, especially in the face of rising sea levels, given their unique hydrogeological characteristics and substantial responsiveness to marine forcings. In spite of the uncertainties in global climate change predictions, this study enhances our understanding of the dynamics of these unique aquifers, and presents future saltwater intrusion projections that offer valuable technical insights to design and implement pertinent and resilient coastal aquifer management strategies.

Telaah Hubungan Tongkonan dan Lanskap Budaya Toraja: Analisis Sistem Aktivitas dan Ekspresi Sistem Setting

Tongkonan, as vernacular architecture, cannot be dissociated from its cultural landscape. Tongkonan and its cultural landscape form a holistic entity that constitutes Toraja culture as a whole. However, most current research focuses solely on Tongkonan’s architectural and structural aspects. There are still few studies that explore Tongkonan’s vernacular architecture in connection with its cultural landscape, including its relationship to the culture of its people and its geographical context. This research is a desk study with the aim of formulating aspects related to further examining the relationship between Tongkonan as vernacular architecture and its cultural landscape based on theory of systems of activity and systems of setting. In addition, this paper contributes to fulfilling the 11th SDGs, covering four pillars -social, economic, ecology, and cultural. The method used is qualitative-descriptive with content analysis to analyze data obtained from the literature study. The analysis is supported by empirical studies in Kete' Kesu village in North Toraja Regency. The chosen location is an ancient village with a fairly complete cultural landscape and good accessibility. The findings show that the systems of activity for Toraja people in Tongkonan and its cultural landscape include domestic, religius, ecology and socio-economic activities. The systems of setting for Tongkonan and its cultural landscape encompass Tongkonan itself, alang, grazing area, puya, rante, saroan, paddy field, forest/kombong, farm, lantang, middle yard, Tongkonan surrounding, penanian, territory/liliq, area diamben, area ma'dika, area renge direnge, bridge, villages, settlement, pasar, graveyard, parampa.

Urban Road Transport Infrastructure Planning and Development Implications on Socio-Economic Growth in the City of Douala, Cameroon

Cities are the major contributors to socio- economic growth with easy access to amenities which stem through road transport infrastructure development. This study was conducted to assess urban road transport infrastructure planning and examine development implications on socio-economic growth in the City of Douala. A descriptive research design was used with primary and secondary data collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results revealed that, transport infrastructure in Douala have been structured through urban development planning policy which influences surface spatial expansion of socio- economic activities. The planning policies have contributed to the rapid expansion and growth through the initiations of master plan, land use plan and sector plan. Infrastructural development on road transport depicts a physical expansion and construction of road networks which influences the socio-economic growth of the study area. Stakeholders’ actions on construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation, investments and maintenance of road infrastructure have helped to curb down some transportation challenges and creates easy access to facilities within different sectors of the study area. However, road transport infrastructure which is well-developed boasts socio-economic activities and growth. The state of road transport network, its diversity and characteristic features is defined by its prevalence within different areas in Douala. Contrarily, other transport infrastructures which are not functioning appropriately due to lapses in physical planning possess enormous implications on transportation in the study area. The conclusion drawn was that the manner in which urban planning policies are implemented determines the level of development in road transport infrastructure and socio-economic growth of Douala. The study recommends an effective application of planning policies to be integrated by implicating all the actors of urban managers and transportation planners for improved growth in the study area.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Fruit Crop Production in the Mungo Corridor, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Purpose: Agriculture, particularly fruit crop production, serves as a vital driver of economic growth worldwide. In Cameroon, the Mungo Corridor plays a substantial role in the agricultural sector, particularly in fruit crop production. This study aims to assess the socio-economic impacts of fruit crop production within the Mungo Corridor, a region known for cultivating bananas, pineapples, and mangoes. By evaluating the economic contributions and challenges, the study seeks to provide insights for policies that could enhance the sustainability and development of fruit production in the area. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select respondents and resource persons. Materials and Methods: Data collection involved the use of structured and pre-tested questionnaires along with an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data from interviews was subjected to thematic analysis. Six subdivisions from the Mungo Division were purposely chosen to represent the agricultural activities within the region. Findings: The study confirms that fruit crop production has significant socio-economic benefits in the Mungo Corridor. Over a 10-year period, banana production reached 195,000 tons, while pineapple production rose from 6,543 tons in 2012 to 28,141 tons in 2022. Papaya production increased from 36 tons to 86 tons during the same period. The income from fruit sales enabled stakeholders to develop socio-economic activities, fostering regional development. Fruit crop production contributed to the construction of 12 schools (primary and secondary), 21 health centers, the rehabilitation of 8 fruit markets, 3 bus stations, and growth in the informal sector. However, the study also identified several challenges with Farmers face limited access to markets. Poor infrastructure affects production and distribution. The looming threat of climate change presents long-term risks to fruit farming. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: To address the challenges and ensure sustainable fruit crop production in the Mungo Corridor, the study recommends the implementation of policies that promote local products and support farmers through market access initiatives. Invest in transport, storage, and market infrastructure to improve efficiency. Develop interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on fruit production and strengthen cooperation among farmers, government, and private actors to maximize the benefits of fruit crop production and foster sustainable development. By highlighting the essential role of fruit farming in the socio-economic development of the Mungo Corridor, the study emphasizes the need for renewed efforts to support the sector and enhance its contributions to regional growth.

The impact of touristic whale-watching on Delphinus Delphis and Tursiops truncatus in the Algarve Coast: Combining acoustic analysis and land observations

Touristic whale watching (WW) is an important socioeconomic activity worldwide. Recently, short and long-term impacts caused by WW have been reported for several cetacean species, including Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus, the two most observed species in Portugal. Most of the operations in mainland Portugal are concentrated on the South Coast (Algarve). However, despite their importance for the region, studies focused on the impact of this activity on the animals are still scarce. We used acoustic behaviour analysis and land-based observations to determine the alterations in the vocalization patterns of these animals caused by WW vessels and the length of exposure to this stressor. We found WW presence significantly altered five out of six acoustic parameters of whistles, whistle rate, and whistle type distribution for D. delphis, whereas T. truncatus exhibited significant changes in three acoustic parameters. Conversely, T. truncatus significantly reduced echolocation click rates, while D. delphis did not show significant changes. We also found that the Central region of this coast is the most affected, with animals exposed to WW vessels for up to 38.9% of daylight hours. Furthermore, 66.7% of the observation time in this area had several vessels that exceeded the limit established by law. These results suggest that our study species are impacted by WW, while D. delphis is more affected during social behaviours, and T. truncatus is more affected during foraging activities. Both behaviours are biologically significant, and their disturbance might, in the long term, lead to adverse effects at the population level by decreasing reproductive success and fitness. A gap in knowledge, inadequate legislation and compliance issues threaten the development of a sustainable WW industry in the Algarve and might endanger local populations, therefore immediate attention is needed.

Environmental risks associated with quarry activities and its anthropogenic changes in Weija Hills, Ga South Municipal, Ghana

Quarrying has become an important socio-economic activity in many societies as it provides several services for human well-being. Weija Hills at the Ga South Municipality in Ghana has been witnessing quarrying activities at various sections of the hills causing a series of environmental problems. The study examined the changes that have occurred in the geological structure of the Weija Hills and its environmental hazards. The study employed the mixed method approach following the exploratory sequential research design. The primary data were collected directly from field observation during which much data was gathered including photographs. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used for elevation changes between 2007 and 2014. The Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) was used for slope stability analysis. The study found that the Weija Hills's local geology is still stable. However, serious environmental problems such as erosion taking place and large quantities of weathered and eroded sediments being carried downslope any time it rains blocking the Mallam-Kasoa Highway making it risky for road users. We recommended that the Minerals Commission and other stakeholders should collaborate and reclaim the land.

Benefits from Kipsigis Women Engaging in Socio-Economic Activities in Kericho and Bomet Counties, Kenya

Purpose: To investigate the impact of Kipsigis women group economic activities and how the public perceive this new undertaking in Kericho and Bomet Counties in Kenya. Methodology: The study used a qualitative research design, where different components of the study addressed the research problem. Probability sampling technique was used to select the participants in the study. The methods used to interrogate the participants included: focus group discussions, observation and face to face interviews. Each participant responded to the questions individually, as posed in the interview guide. This was later collected by the researcher for perusal and recording of the result that was compiled along with those from other methods. Along with the focus groups discussions, the researcher selected topics related to the topic of the study for discussion in the groups. The questions used in the different methods were posed to the participants who had been purposively selected to represent the rest of the population. This was done with the view of collecting the data that was later analyzed using tools such as NVivo or done manually. This study manually analyzed the data collected from the participants through the afore-mentioned research techniques for collecting the data. Findings: The findings showed that there was recognition of women’s contribution in society. The results from Bomet County indicated that 52% have embraced and supported women’s group activities, 24% see such group activities as making the women responsible and hardworking while another 24% feel that the women are not well supported in their group economic activities. In Kericho County, the results indicated that 54% felt that women’s contribution would improve living standards and another 46% felt that the group ability would significantly improve. The study also sought to find out the effect of women engaging in socio-economic activities on the home and family. The results from women in Kericho County show that 96% indicated that there was a positive effect on family and society as stated in the research outcome, 4% said there was no effect. The results from Bomet County showed that 98% of participants agreed that the women involvement in economic activities had a positive effect on family and society. Two percent were of the feeling that there was no effect on the home and family. Bomet had a percentage of respondents who indicated that women have not contributed much through their involvement in economic activities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Critical Social Theory helps in understanding social functioning and behavior among gender groups in the society, where men and women roles among the Kipsigis is very distinct. Women assigned roles are undertaken by women and girls as their responsibilities lies in the kitchen and around the home. This is where the small children and the elderly are, and the women and the older girls are expected to undertake those roles without question.

Inovasi Kolaboratif Mahasiswa KKN MB Posko 10 UIN Walisongo dalam Pengembangan Taman Kajera di Kelurahan Jatirejo, Kota Semarang

This study aims to measure the impact of Kajera Park development in Jatirejo Village as part of the KKN MB Posko 10 UIN Walisongo program on community welfare and sustainable development. The research method used interviews and participatory observation by KKN students. The results showed that Kajera Park successfully improved environmental quality and served as a center for inclusive socio-economic activities. The Kajera Thematic Village initiative also developed red ginger-based MSME products that significantly improved the local economy. Despite challenges in terms of funds and manpower, student and community collaboration has proven effective in promoting sustainable development. The Kajera Thematic Village model can be used as a reference for other community development programs in Indonesia.

Rapid assessment implementation in the development of biocriteria and organic enrichment evaluation in the Citarum River, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Socio-economic activities along the Citarum River basin in Indonesia can induce ecological disturbances in the structure of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. This research aims to (1) identify the environmental factors responsible (2) describe the ecological disturbances using biological measurements; (3) and to develop local biocriteria using a multi-metric conceptual approach. An inventory of benthic macroinvertebrates was carried out at eight stations over a sampling period of 3 months, along with water quality monitoring. The results confirm the change in the structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, explained by seven environmental parameters: dissolved oxygen (DO), ambient habitat quality, turbidity, nutrient enrichment, conductivity, temperature, and embeddedness percentage. The changes were then assessed using six biological measurements. Only four have been shown to be capable as alternatives to existing biocriteria. Their implementation enabled the development of local biocriteria compatible with the multimetric concept known as the cumulative biotic index (CBI).

Determinants Of Public Participation On Women's Leadership In Nyatike Sub County, Migori County, Kenya

This study investigates the socio-economic determinants influencing women's participation in leadership in Nyatike Sub County, Migori County, Kenya. Drawing on feminist theory and participatory development theory, the research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing quantitative data from 160 respondents through structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from focus group discussions with 20 key informants. The researchers identify critical socio-economic factors such as; income levels, educational opportunities, and resource access that, significantly, impact women's leadership roles. Qualitative findings underscore the importance of education and economic stability, with participants emphasizing that higher education fosters confidence in assuming leadership positions. Additionally, support systems such as women groups are pivotal in empowering women to pursue leadership roles. However, barriers such as limited access to quality education, high poverty levels, economic dependence, gender-based violence (GBV), insufficient networking opportunities, and entrenched cultural norms, hinder women's advancement in leadership. Statistical analysis reveals that 48.8% of respondents identified income level as a crucial determinant of leadership participation, followed by 22.5% citing access to social networks. Descriptive statistics indicate strong engagement in socio-economic activities, with the highest participation in mentorship and leadership development programs (mean = 4.62). The study highlights the perceived importance of public participation in promoting women's leadership, with 74.4% of respondents acknowledging its significance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions that promote socio-economic empowerment, challenge gender norms, and enhance women’s leadership representation in decision-making processes. Recommendations include community-wide gender sensitization programs, educational initiatives, and enhanced mentorship opportunities to facilitate women's active participation in leadership roles.

Elevation-Dependent Snow Cover Dynamics and Associated Topo-Climate Impacts in Upper Indus River Basin

In the present study, Improved Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) snow cover product (MOYDGL06*) has been used to evaluate the snow cover area (SCA) in Kabul, Jhelum, and Indus river basins for the time period of 2003 – 2020 with available MODIS land surface temperature (LST), and CHIRPS (precipitation) with objectives to evaluate the spatio-temporal SCA, and climate variables with respect to different elevations analyzed from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model Version 3 (GDEM v3) and also to correlate the climatic variables with SCA. The results presented average annual SCA is around 50.7% – 64.7% in sub-basins of UIB, further it has been observed that SCA is decreasing on annual and seasonal timescale in all three basins. Elevation-dependent SCA, temperature, and precipitation presented a mix of trend on annual, seasonal, and monthly timescale at lower and higher altitude in all selected basins. Moreover, it was noticed that topography (slope, & aspect) also influences the SCA in the region. Furthermore, it has been examined that temperature has significant inverse relationship with SCA at middle and higher altitude in Indus, while in Kabul, and Jhelum no significant relationship observed at extreme lower and higher altitudes. It is also evident from relationship between SCA and climate variable that temperature is significantly responsible for decreasing trend of SCA rather than intense precipitation in all three river basins. Thus, all these elevation-dependent changes can improve our hydrological understanding which can have a considerable implication for hydrology, climate science, water resource management and socio-economic activities.

Underutilized wild edible plants (future smart food): A report on its diversity, nutritional properties and importance

Underutilized wild edible plants (UWEPs) have great nutritional values. Researchers are becoming more and more aware of these plants because of their susceptibility to adverse climatic and environmental conditions. The documentation of the diversity of UWEP species and their potential role in socio-economic activities, as well as Traditional knowledge related to them and threats to them, were highlighted in this report. Additionally, the neglect of UWEPs, which is closely linked to a lack of knowledge about their nutritional and economic value, was also highlighted.