Study Area Research Articles

Assessment of Büyük Menderes River (West of the Türkiye) Surface Water Quality with Water Quality Index (WQI), Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

In the present study some of the water quality parameters were spatially examined with water quality and pollution indices in the Büyük Menderes River (BMR). In addition, the more effective parameters on the indices were determined among the parameters measured in the study. The measured water quality parameters were detected as WT:16.5-25.9 oC, pH:7.5-9.3, DO:nd-12.2 mgL-1, EC:312-30215 µScm-1, Salt:0.17-19.6 %o, NO2-N:nd-0.31 mgL-1, NO3-N:nd-1.08 mgL-1, NH4-N:0.035-25.2 mgL-1, TP:0.011-7.45 mgL-1, MBAS:nd-7.79 mgL-1 ve COD:nd-128.9 mgL-1. In the present study, several parameters were determined as the second class and third class of water quality according to the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation*. WQI value range was determined as from Bad (38.82) to Excellent (92.35), and CPI as from “Sub Clean (0.39) to Highly Polluted (9.62)” in the stream. It was determined that there was no compatibility between WQI and CPI used in determining the environmental risks in the study area. The GIS was found to be effective in interpreting the spatial distribution of the results obtained and in identifying the key areas that require control. Different statistical analyses were used to determine the relationships between variables. In multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis, it was determined that the most critical parameter affecting the indices was NH4-N. The results obtained from WQI and CPI in the present study indicate that anthropogenic activities are effective in the region. *:TWPCR, Quality criteria of inland surface water resources in terms of general chemical and physicochemical parameters by Class

Diversity, utility and communities of weed in wheat of Nowshera, Pakistan

Weeds are disregarded for their competitive nature and difficulties during harvesting and threshing. Categorizing them by economic use classes enables effective management. Weed ecological studies in wheat crop fields were conducted to evaluate the floristic diversity, ecological characteristics, community structures and economic uses of weeds in District Nowshera, Pakistan. Different wheat crop fields were surveyed for the collection and identification of plant species growing as weed. Total 50 plant species from 47 genera and 20 families were recorded in the study area. Asteraceae had the highest number of species (10), followed by Poaceae (9). Therophytes were more with 42 species, followed by geophytes and Hemicryptophytes each with 3 species. Most species had mesophyllous leaf size (15), while nanophyllous (12) and microphyllous (11). Simple leaves were more common (28) than dissected leaves (22). Nonspiny species were (44) while only 6 had spines. Maximum plant species were fodder (35) and medicinal (10). In the study, four distinct weed communities were identified using quadrate method i.e. Cynodon-Anagallis-Melilotus, Arenaria-Anagallis-Cannabis, Cynodon-Parthenium-Coronopus and Rumex-Arenaria-Oxalis. These findings provide a valuable starting point for future in-depth investigations on the entire flora and vegetation of Nowshera, Pakistan.

Earthquake, flood and resilience management through spatial planning, decision and information system

Assessment and planning of crisis management with the natural disasters approach include many components. In this regard, floods and earthquakes are some of the fundamental pillars in this field. With this view, paying attention to the current and future planning and research priorities of the world shows that crisis management in flood-prone and earthquake-prone areas and increasing resilience are the most important priorities for sustainable development studies and planning in the world. The western region of Iran (Lorestan province) has a special place due to the prominent features of flood and seismicity. This study aims to investigate the current situation regarding floods and earthquakes and increase the resilience of settlements with emphasis on the study area. After studying the current structure of flood and earthquake zoning according to multi-factor criteria, zoning was performed based on the integration of GIS and AHP information systems, and at the output of the work, high-risk settlements were determined separately for rural and urban areas with geographical coordinates, and then areas with low, very low, medium, high, and very high resilience were presented separately for rural and urban settlements. Also, after analyzing the SWOT model, strategies to increase the resilience of settlements to floods and earthquakes were presented. The study method of this research and the results, strategies, and operational options presented while being used in the study area are also applicable in other areas.

Analysis on unconfined groundwater availability during dry and rainy season using dynamic approach in Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Groundwater is a natural resource with disparity across the different regions throughout time. In comparison to surface water, the groundwater in unconfined aquifers is easily accessible and generally of good quality. Groundwater macro zoning is classified into three, namely water catchment areas, transition areas, and groundwater discharge areas. Based on the macro zoning, previous research has mostly been carried out in catchment areas and discharge areas with a focus on groundwater potential and temporary groundwater conditions. The dynamics of groundwater availability, especially in the water transition zone, has not been studied much, even though the dynamics of groundwater availability in the transition zone plays a vital role for areas in the discharge zone. This study identified the availability of groundwater during rainy and dry seasons in groundwater transition zone. Groundwater availability was assessed through a dynamic discharge approach. The study variables included the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, the hydraulic gradient, and the cross-sectional area of the aquifer. Dynamic discharges were analysed during the rainy and dry seasons. The results showed that the availability of groundwater during the rainy season was 4,333,906.1 liters/day and 3,898,850.4 liters/day during the dry season. Based on the calculation of the dynamic discharge (Q), the decrease in the quantity of groundwater is affected by the variable hydraulic gradient (I) and cross-sectional area of the aquifer (A). The numbers of these two variables are smaller during the dry season than the rainy season. The decrease in the quantity of groundwater during the dry season is of course closely related to reduced rainfall which is a source of infiltration and percolation. Reduced rainfall causes the groundwater level to decrease, then technically reduces the groundwater hydraulic gradient (I) and aquifer cross-sectional area variable (A). There was no indication of groundwater scarcity in the study area. This study can serve as a reference related to the application of dynamic discharge theory to assess groundwater availability. Periodic monitoring of groundwater quantity, rainwater harvesting, and intensification of water infiltration wells can be carried out as a recommendation to anticipate problems related to groundwater availability in the study area. This study can serve as a reference related to the application of dynamic discharge theory to assess groundwater availability.

The Application of Shear Wave Elastography to Determine the Elasticity of the Levator Ani Muscle and Vaginal Tissue in Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

The changes of the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue have significantly contributed to the incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It seems reasonable that sonoelastography could be a useful tool to evaluate the elasticity of pelvic floor tissue in patients with POP and compare it to those without POP. The main aim of this pilot study was to determine if there are differences in the elasticity of the levator ani muscle (LAM) and vaginal tissue between patients with and without POP. Prospective observation study, including 60 patients (30 with POP and 30 without POP). Sonoelastography was performed to evaluate the elasticity (in kilopascals, kPa) of the following regions of interest: vagina at the level of middle third of the urethra; vagina at the level of the bladder trigone; vagina in the anterior and posterior fornix; vagina at the level of middle third of the anorectal canal; posterior third of the LAM. A total of 60 patients completed the study (30 with POP, 30 without POP). In the POP group, 18/30 (60%) had an anterior vaginal wall prolapse, 3/30 (10%) a uterine prolapse, 15/30 (50%) a rectocele, and 6/30 (20%) a enterocele. Patients with POP had higher elasticity in all anatomical study areas, with statistically significant differences in the anterior fornix (13.6 vs 11.2 kPa; P: .012). A multiple regression (controlling age, menopausal stage, and parity) allowed to detect statistically significant differences in the elasticity of the middle third of the urethra (P: .03) and the middle third of the anorectal canal (P: .019). It is possible to evaluate the elasticity of the LAM and vaginal tissue using sonoelastography, detecting a higher elasticity in patients with POP than in those without POP.

Mapping flooded areas utilizing Google Earth Engine and open SAR data: a comprehensive approach for disaster response

One of the most destructive and frequent natural disasters in the world, flash floods cause millions of people to be displaced annually in addition to seriously harming livelihoods and infrastructure. It affects many ecological components and applications related to water management, natural resources, agriculture, human health, and economics. Himachal Pradesh saw an unprecedented amount of rainfall in June and July 2023, which resulted in exceptionally strong monsoon conditions from July 7 to July 10. Operating out of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the India Meteorological Department reported widespread, unusually heavy rainfall throughout the state during this time. Cloud cover often obstructs optical satellite data during the monsoon season, which has led to the investigation of alternate techniques for mapping floods. the whole satellite image processing process was carried out using Google Earth Engine (GEE). The Kangra District's 5739 km2 area was chosen as the study's area of interest. In these circumstances, traditional methods of mapping and monitoring flood-prone areas frequently fall short because of poor visibility and overcast skies during bad weather. Technology such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) becomes a ray of hope during these desperate times. When SAR data is combined with Google Earth Engine, it becomes even more user-friendly. Using SAR data and the powerful cloud processing platform Google Earth Engine (GEE), this study suggests a flood mapping technique. When it comes to mapping flood areas, the strength of SAR data and GEE surpasses boundaries and challenges. It is evidence of both technological advancement and human inventiveness. Such tools are more critical than ever as the world deals with the increasing effects of climate change and the rising frequency of extreme weather events.

Economic and environmental benefit of informal waste scavenging at landfill sites: A case study at Bukit Gemuk, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Recycling is an important part of the solid waste management system. However, community engagement in this activity remains relatively low. The presence of a group of individuals engaged in collecting recyclable materials at landfill sites has contributed to improving solid waste management performance. This paper aims to identify the background and activities of scavengers in collecting recyclable items at landfills, as well as the environmental impact of the scavenging activity. This study was based on questionnaires distributed to 46 scavengers in the study area. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to assess the environmental impact of using recyclable materials in manufacturing products. The LCA analysis could identify the contribution of recycled materials to the total savings of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen dioxide (N20) by using recycled materials in the production of a new product. According to the study, the majority of those involved in the scavenging activity are immigrants from Indonesia and the Philippines. Despite safety and health concerns, their efforts to earn a living through waste scavenging are extremely valuable. Furthermore, the findings show that their contribution to the collection of recyclable materials cannot be denied. It is because the presence of this group is essential in a country where recycling awareness is low. Furthermore, the indirect contribution to the environment is important, particularly in reducing the use of natural materials in producing new materials. As a result, the government must devise a more effective strategy for recycling programs by involving all stakeholders.

Historical Hot Spots of Dengue and Zika Viruses to Guide Targeted Vector Control in San Juan, Puerto Rico (2010-2022).

Dengue viruses (DENV) continue to cause large outbreaks in tropical countries, while chikungunya and Zika (ZIKV) viruses have added complexity to Aedes-borne disease prevention and control efforts. Because these viruses are transmitted by the same vectors in urban areas, it is useful to understand if sequential outbreaks caused by these viruses have commonalities, such as similar seasonal and spatial patterns, that would help anticipate and perhaps prevent future outbreaks. We explored and analyzed the heterogeneity of confirmed cases of DENV (2010-2014 and 2015-2022) and ZIKV (2016-2017) during outbreaks in the San Juan metropolitan area of Puerto Rico to explore their degree of overlap and prioritize areas for Aedes aegypti control. Deidentified, georeferenced case data were aggregated into grid cells (500 × 500 m) within a geographical information system of the study area and analyzed to calculate the degree of overlap between outbreaks. Spatial autocorrelations using local indicators of spatial associations were conducted to identify significant disease case hot spots and correlations between outbreaks. We found that 75% of cases during the three transmission periods were concentrated in 25% of the total number of grid cells covering the study area. We also found significant clustering of cases during each outbreak, enabling identification of consistent disease hot spots. Our results showed 85% spatial overlap between cases of ZIKV in 2015-2017 and DENV in 2010-2014 and 97% overlap between DENV cases in 2010-2014 and 2015-2022. These results reveal urban areas at greater risk of future arbovirus outbreaks that should be prioritized for vector control.

Epizootiology and Pathology of Sarcoptic Mange in Two Species of Fox (Lycalopex spp.) in Human-Dominated Landscapes of Central Chile.

Sarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei can have catastrophic consequences for wildlife. We inspected 122 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), collected by active (n=66) or passive (n=56) surveillance, and 28 South American gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus; all from passive surveillance) for mange in Chile (2015-19). In Andean foxes, gross lesions of mange were diagnosed in 24% of passively and 9% of actively collected foxes, although observed prevalences might be underestimated. Seroprevalence was 37 and 18%, respectively, indicating that some individuals recovered from infection or were developing the disease. No differences were found between age and sex groups. Comparing data from passive surveillance, occurrence of gross lesions was lower in gray foxes (5%). Body condition was significantly better in Andean foxes without lesions than in diseased foxes, which had significantly lower albumin concentrations than healthy individuals. Among the 12 foxes with gross lesions, four, six and two individuals were categorized as having type I, type II, and type III lesions, respectively, based on clinical severity. Histologic severity correlated with gross lesions and included irregular epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, which was marked in type II and III infections. Conventional PCR targeting of the cox1 gene fragment revealed four nucleotide sequence types, showing 99-100% identity among them and between 99% and 100% identity with previously published sequences of S. scabiei. A significant association between the occurrence of mange in foxes and distance to the nearest house was found. We speculate that diseased foxes tended to approach human settlements, perhaps in search of food. Visual inspection of 211 rural dogs from the study area did not reveal gross mange lesions in any animal. Sarcoptic mange is enzootic in the Andean fox in the study area and should be considered in the management of the species.

GIS-based floating offshore wind turbine installation site selection using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in northeast Aegean Sea

The ever-increasing consumption of electrical energy due to increasing requirements arising in parallel with the developing technology forces manufactures and users to seek new and environmentally compatible energy resources. Due to it endless energy potential and continuity, wind energy, which has been used by humanity for various purposes for centuries, continues its journey, which started with windmills that transform one form of mechanical energy into another, with offshore wind energy turbines. In this study, installation site selection, which is the first step for floating offshore wind turbine installation, is carried out. First, a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) is applied to obtain the weights of criteria. Transformed alternatives and criteria in a fuzzy decision matrix through triangular fuzzy numbers are used to obtain a database via a Geographic Information System (GIS). Finally, the installation site and study area are determined. This area is located in the Northeast Aegean Sea, between Çanakkale and Gökçeada, 12 km to the northeast of Gökçeada, and 12 square kilometers. The minimum distance of the area to ship routes is 3000 m, and its minimum distance to fault lines is 2000 m. The average sea depth is 110 m, and the average wind speed is 9.26 m/s (18 knots). With this potential, enough energy can be generated for settlements on Gökçeada and the coastlines.

Trichinella Infection in Culled Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from El Palmar National Park, Argentina, and Exposure Risk in Humans and Dogs Consuming Wild Boar Meat.

Trichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella spp. larvae. Consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat represents an important source of human trichinellosis worldwide. In El Palmar National Park (EPNP), Argentina, invasive alien wild boars are controlled and meat from culled animals is released for public consumption following on-site artificial digestion (AD) testing. Meat trimmings and offal from the control program are often used as food for dogs (Canis familiaris). We evaluated infection and exposure to Trichinella spp. in wild boars from EPNP, as well as exposure to Trichinella spp. and associated risk factors in dogs and human consumers of wild boar meat. Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in muscle samples from 5/49 wild boars by AD (10.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8%-23%), with a mean burden of 0.24 larvae per gram (lpg; range, 0.06-0.95 lpg). Anti-Trichinella antibodies were not detected in wild boar serum samples (n=42). In dogs, 12/34 were seropositive to Trichinella spp. (35.29%; 95%, CI, 20.3%-53.5%). Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were not detected in human serum samples (n=63). Our results reveal the presence, albeit at low prevalence, of Trichinella spp. in wild boars and exposure in dogs fed game offal. These findings suggest that the low prevalence and parasitic load in wild boars, together with the best practices applied by EPNP culling program personnel, contribute to keeping the risk of infection in people low. The dog results highlight that the parasite is circulating in the area, and therefore the risk of infection is not negligible. We recommend the implementation of an animal surveillance strategy in order to monitor the evolution of this zoonosis in the study area.

Characteristic Features of Kolludere Valley (Bitlis-Hizan) Honey

This study was carried out to reveal the characteristic features of honey produced in the Kolludere Valley, which is located within the borders of the Hizan district of Bitlis province. This area is isolated as there are no seasonal migratory beekeepers. In 2022, a flora study was carried out in the area and 133 plant taxa belonging to 19 families from which bees receive nectar or pollen were identified. 23 of these taxa are endemic. Content analysis of honey samples taken from the study area was carried out. Proline value, which is an important parameter of honey quality, was determined as 809.41 mg kg-1, diastase number 28.9, HMF 2.9 mg kg-1, and sucrose 0.2 g/100g. All other parameters (humidity, acidity, pH, fructose+glucose, fructose/glucose, saccharose, maltose, electrical conductivity) were also met standart according to the values of the Food Codex Honey Communiqué and European Union Standards. In addition, pollen analysis of honey samples was made and the data were compared with the flora. In honey samples, pollen is generally minor or rare, and pollen of a dominant taxon was found in only one sample. For this reason, most of the honey produced in the Kolludere Valley was evaluated as flower honey.

NETWORK ANALYSIS FOR THE STUDY OF TRANSPORT IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF ALGEIRS

Transport in the metropolitan area of Algiers is very complicated, so we used the powerful tools of geographic information systems in the analysis of transport in the study area. Through the utilization of network analysis and GIS capabilities, our study focuses on optimizing transportation networks and enhancing port accessibility in the metropolitan regions of Boumerdes, Blida, Tipaza, and Algiers. Our methodology involves data collection, GIS analysis, and mapping to generate databases and maps of metropolitan networks. Through assessing port accessibility, road connectivity, and population-based hotspots analysis. Our study reveals Algiers as the most accessible municipality, attributed to its strong centralization. The roadbased analysis and population-based hotspot analysis provide valuable insights into port accessibility, road connectivity, and high-density townships, facilitating informed urban planning and infrastructure development.

Strontium Accumulations by Teucrium polium which Grows Naturally in Serpentine Soils

The study area is located in the Guleman region which hosts Turkey's most important chromite deposits and extensive serpentine soils. In this study, strontium uptake accumulations in the shoots and roots of the Teucrium polium plant growing on serpentine soils in the Guleman region were examined. In this context, 17 Teucrium polium plants growing in different locations of serpentine soils were collected together with their shoots, roots and soil, and then chemically analyzed for strontium. Chemical analyses were carried out in ICP-MS. On average, strontium values of 15.2 ppm in the soil, 26.4 in the root and 76.3 ppm in the shoots were detected. Strontium enrichment values in the soil, roots and shoots of this plant were determined as 1.8 for ECR (The enrichment coefficient for root), 5.3 for ECS (The enrichment coefficient for shoot) and 2.9 for TLF (Translocation factor). Results of this study show that the Teucrium polium plant accumulates significant amounts of strontium from the soil, both in the root and in the shoots. As a result, this plant can be used as a bioaccumulator plant, especially in the reclamation of strontium-polluted soils and the improvement of such areas.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Watermelon Cultivation in Haryana and Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

Aims: To analyze the costs, returns and profitability of watermelon production in the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Haryana and Karnataka state during the year 2021-22. Methodology: For the study, 120 farmers (60 farmers from each state) were selected from Haryana and Karnataka which are selected purposively. From Haryana state, Sonipat and Jhajjar districts and from Karnataka, Koppal and Chitradurga districts were selected purposively based on highest area under watermelon production. From each district two blocks were selected randomly. Further from each selected block two villages (15 farmers each) were selected. Results: Farmers of Karnataka investing more on seeds and plant protection chemicals (PPC) compared to farmers of Haryana. The cost of cultivation is higher in the Karnataka state (₹1,70,034.37/ha) compared to Haryana state (₹1,49,450.59/ha) farmers. The variation in cost of cultivation is due to Karnataka farmers were spending more on seeds, neem cake and PPC. The gross and net returns obtained per hectare was more in Karnataka state compared to Haryana state, because Karnataka has the suitable agro-climatic conditions for growing watermelon. Conclusion: The cost and return analysis revealed that watermelon production in the study area was profitable with returns per rupee of investment (B: C ratio) of 1:51 in Haryana and 1:75 in Karnataka.

Web-based spatial decision support system for precision agriculture: A tool for delineating dynamic management unit zones (MUZs)

Precision agriculture (PA) is a farming management concept that aims to provide agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits. One of the fields of research in PA is the delineation of Management Unit Zones (MUZs). MUZs are the sub-division of fields featuring an inter-zonal variation delineated by agronomists for on-field PA operations. To develop MUZs, three factors typically need to be considered: input multi-dimensional data, procedures to process the information, and the optimal number of zones a field should be divided into. PA uses digital technologies to collect and analyze a large amount of data, outline MUZs, monitor crops, and carry out site-specific crop management. Web-based spatial decision support systems (WB-SDSS) can provide users with tools that ease the complex procedures for PA. The objective of this study is twofold: on the one hand, we developed a free and open source (FOSS) WB-SDSS to facilitate the implementation and use of such tools for delineating MUZs and monitoring crops; on the other, a MUZs outline procedure was developed based on Sentinel-2 and Planetscope time series data, and spatio-temporal dynamic clustering model using fuzzy c-means. Our study highlighted that the WB-SDSS might be a helpful solution for harmonizing data collected from different sources, easing the implementation and use of complex geospatial procedures for PA, and delineating MUZs. We tested the system on a particularly representative farm in the Emilia Romagna region (Northern Italy), with 512 hectares of durum wheat crops. Using the WB-SDSS, we quickly delineated homogeneous zones for 27 fields in the study area during the phenological cycle of durum wheat (November 2018-June 2019).

A botanical expedition in Eastern Alborz (Iran): rare plant species and assessing their conservation status

This study is a part of an ongoing floristic study in Eastern Alborz mountain range (Iran). The flora and vegetation of this area are less known compared to those of Central Alborz. The study area indicates the regionally significant connection between the Kopet Dagh-Khorassan and Central Alborz. A total of 41 rare-threatened taxa belonging to 26 genera and 15 families are presented. According to the IUCN criteria, our checklist identifies 3 taxa classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 19 taxa as Endangered (EN), 4 taxa as Vulnerable (VU), 4 taxa as Near Threatened (NT), 3 taxa as Least Concern (LC), and 8 taxa as Data Deficient (DD). Among them, 28 are hemicryptophytes, followed by chamaephytes (7 species), geophytes (4 species), and therophytes (2 species). During 10 years of field investigations on the semi-arid areas of Eastern Alborz, some rare-threatened endemic species have been rediscovered in the region. Geographic distribution maps of all rare species together with the accompanying species and their conservation status were drawn up. It is noteworthy that some rare species are known only from their locus classicus and no new specimens have been collected during the last 30 to 80 years. A total of 10 taxa were reported for the first time from Eastern Alborz, primarily exhibiting a disjunct distribution pattern occurring in the high elevations of Zagros, Alborz and/or other mountain ranges in SW Asia.

Terrestrial carbon dynamics and economic valuation of ecosystem service for land use management in the Mediterranean region

Land use change is a significant cause of land degradation, resulting in the removal of carbon and its transfer to the hydrosphere or atmosphere, which can have a detrimental impact on essential ecosystem functions and services. In contrast, rural landscapes offer both ecological and economic benefits to people due to their carbon storage properties. This benefit is often evaluated within the framework of Ecosystem Services (ES). The rural landscapes offer unique structures and ecosystem services. The aim of this study is to provide an economic quantification of carbon storage and sequestration in rural landscapes as an ecosystem service and to introduce carbon-based rural landscape management. The study enables the integration of carbon-based strategies and policies by generating quantitative outputs for landscape plans that have not yet been included in the spatial planning hierarchy. The Upper Seyhan Basin (USB), located on the Eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkiye, was modelled using spatiotemporal and economic valuation approaches to assess terrestrial carbon storage and sequestration in this context. The study modelled and mapped the four main terrestrial carbon storage components in the rural landscape: (i) above-ground biomass, (ii) below-ground biomass, (iii) Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), and (iv) dead organic matter carbon. The future land cover of 2055 was modelled using the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)-Markov Chain (MC) algorithm based on the “Business-As-Usual” (BAU) scenario to determine future carbon sequestration. The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) was estimated for Turkiye using the Regional Integrated Model of Climate and Economy (RICE) to economically model carbon services. In the final stage of the study, modelling outputs, including carbon storage pools/sinks, projected land cover dynamics, and SCC components, were used within the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model to map the carbon dynamics of the rural landscape at the regional level. This paper demonstrates the role of geospatial modelling and proposes a new planning and design logic that considers carbon-based inputs and global climate change in an appropriate format for land management by bridging the interface between earth sciences and spatial planning. The study results indicate that, the rural landscape in the study area provided an ecosystem service of 70,266 TgC carbon in 2014 with a storage value of USD 222,853,170. For the 2014–2025 projection, an estimated 1.042 TgC of carbon sequestration was valued at USD 6,234,137. The 2014–2055 projection estimated 3.185 TgC of carbon sequestration valued at USD 58,745,265.

Role of credit on mustard production and food security in a selected area of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh

Credit is a driving force behind increased crop productivity, and food security is essential to the general advancement of humanity. The current study was carried out to analyze the socioeconomic profile of the respondents, examine the loan components, evaluate the effect of credit on mustard production, and find out how many calories each household member consumes on a per capita basis. A sample size of sixty respondents was selected randomly from Sirajganj district in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through a field survey using a semi-structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, the multiple linear regression models, and the modified OECD scale were used to analyze the data. The study found that most of the respondents were in the active age group, and half of the respondents had a secondary level of education. About half of the respondents belonged to the middle-income group. Two-thirds of the respondents received a large loan. It was found that credit had a positive impact on mustard production. The poverty rate was much higher than the national average in the study area. Along with specialized banks, other financial institutions should extend agricultural loans to increase mustard production and food security for rural poor households in Bangladesh.

Assessing the reliability of a physical-based model and a convolutional neural network in an ungauged watershed for daily streamflow calculation: a case study in southern Portugal

The main goal of this study was to estimate inflows to the Maranhão reservoir, southern Portugal, using two distinct modeling approaches: a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model and a physically based model. The 1D-CNN was previously trained, validated, and tested in a sub-basin of the study area where observed streamflow values were available. The trained model was here subject to an improvement and applied to the entire watershed by replacing the forcing variables (accumulated and delayed precipitation) to make them correspond to the values of the entire watershed. The same way, the physically based MOHID-Land model was calibrated and validated for the same sub-basin, and the calibrated parameters were then applied to the entire watershed. Inflow values estimated by both models were validated considering a mass balance at the reservoir. The 1D-CNN model demonstrated a better performance in simulating daily values, peak flows, and the wet period. The MOHID-Land model showed a better performance in estimating streamflow values during dry periods and for a monthly analysis. Hence, results show the adequateness of both modeling solutions for integrating a decision support system aimed at supporting decision-makers in the management of water availability in an area subjected to increasing scarcity.