bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water management and the agricultural development constraints in the Algerian Sahara: Case of the M'Zab Valley
Authors: Zegait Rachid , Bensaha Hocine , Addoun Tayeb
Published: November 2023

In Algeria, modern agriculture was introduced in the Saharan region through the implementation of the law n° 83–18 of August 13, 1983, relating to access to agricultural land ownership (Fr. Accession à la Propriété Foncière Agricole (APFA) in French). This law was hugely successful and sparked a real enthusiasm for this type of activity, which resulted in an expansion of agricultural areas at the M’Zab level, similar to that observed in other Saharan regions. Over the past decades, the agricultural area has declined markedly (–0.4%), which was due to multiple causes, including ecological problems, such as urban discharges and the rise in the water level. So far, little research has been done to assess the agricultural situation and irrigation in this region. The objective of this work is to analyse and discuss the constraints and impacts of water and agricultural management on sustainability of the ecosystem in the Saharan environment. This work is based on extensive research, which has been carried out in the M’Zab region on the oasis system and its evolution. It was enriched with dozens of direct surveys, performed among farmers working in agricultural areas. The results show that agricultural development and the sustainability of farms in this region face several technical and social constraints, the most important of which are the workforce-related problems and water management. Several measures have been recommended to be taken not only to preserve the ecosystem but also to give significance to the large investments made by the public authorities.
Development of the flood vulnerability index using a multi-element approach
Authors: Hidayah Entin , Wiyono Retno Utami Agung , Wicaksono Ageng Dwi
Published: November 2023

The problem of flood vulnerability has been reviewed in several studies, however, the reviews focused exclusively either on the social or on the physical component of the problem. The components of flood vulnerability are interdependent and each of them makes an equally important contribution to the flood vulnerability index. This study identifies and evaluates the integrated flood vulnerability index ( FVI) of an area by considering its multiple components (social, economic, and environmental). The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was applied to evaluate the weight of each component. The evaluation was based on the judgements of experts working at local government policy- making agencies. The input data for the AHP were acquired through a questionnaire survey. Eleven indicators that delivered significant results were then selected. The FVI results show high flood vulnerability at the local scale. The FVI provides the basis for the identification of villages with high vulnerability indices. The results provide essential information about pluvial flood vulnerability at the local scale, about the area with the highest vulnerability index, and the most vulnerable villages. The results also show that the components that have a significant impact on the flood vulnerability index include environmental components (43.4%), social components (28.5%), and physical components (28.1%).
Long term changes in the quality and water trophy of Lake Ińsko – the effect of the re-oligotrophication?
Authors: Kubiak Jacek , Machula Sylwia , Czerniejewski Przemysław , Brysiewicz Adam , Wawrzyniak Wawrzyniec
Published: November 2023

In 1970–2010, during the period of spring circulation and summer stagnation, hydrochemical studies were conducted in Lake Ińsko (Western Pomeranian Lake Region, Poland) with determination of the lake susceptibility to degradation and trophic changes. Also, the effect of the catchment area on the water quality in this waterbody was assessed. The waters of the study lake were characterised by low static index, which is an additional indicator of low dynamics of water masses, and low susceptibility to degradation. In spite of this, significant changes in the lake quality and trophy were observed. The hydrochemical parameters defining water quality of the study lake continued to improve. In the 70’s, the water quality was at the border of class II and III, while in 2006 and 2010 it reached the level characteristic for class I waters. Moreover, in the 70’s and 80’s of the previous century, Lake Ińsko Duże was a mesotrophic lake. Then, an increase in the lake trophy was observed, resulting in signs of eutrophy. At the end of the 90’s and in the first decade of the 21st century, the study lake returned to the state of mesotrophy. No restoration works were undertaken in Lake Ińsko in the study period. The improvement in water quality, called oligotrophication, resulted most probably from the lake reaction to changes in the soil use in the catchment area, since fewer phosphorus and nitrogen compounds flow into the lake, and also from the regulation of the wastewater management in the town of Ińsko.
Hydraulic jump and energy dissipation with stepped weir
Authors: Azmeri Azmeri , Basri Hairul , Yulianur Alfiansyah , Ziana Ziana , Jemi Faris Zahran , Rahmah Ridha Aulia
Published: November 2023

Energy dissipator functions to dissipate the river-flow energy to avoid longitudinal damage to the downstream river morphology. An optimal energy dissipator planning is essential to fulfilling safe specifications regarding flow behavior. This study aims to determine the variation of energy dissipators and evaluate its effect on the hydraulic jump and energy dissipation. For this purpose, a physical model was carried out on the existing weir condition (two steps). It was also carried out on four stepped-weir variations, i.e., three-step, three-step with additional baffle blocks at the end sills, four-step, and six-step. Dimensional analysis was employed to correlate the different parameters that affect the studied phenomenon. The study shows a three-step jump shows a significantly higher Lj/y1 ratio, which is an advantage to hydraulic jumps’ compaction. The comparison of energy dissipation in all weir variations shows that the three-stepped weir has wasted more energy than other types. The energy dissipation increase of the three-step type is 20.41% higher than the existing type’s energy dissipation and much higher than other types. The dimensions of the energy dissipation basin are the ratio of the width and height of the stairs (l/h) of the three-step type (2.50). Therefore, this type is more optimal to reduce the cavitation risk, which damages the river structure and downstream area.
Hydrographic changes in the area of the Terespol Fortification caused by the construction and operation of the Brest Fortress
Authors: Mięsiak-Wójcik Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

The paper concerns the transformation of water resources induced by the construction and functioning of the Brest Fortress defence structure and presents the current water resources resulting from these changes. The study was conducted by analysing historical materials: maps, plans and written documents. Hydrographic changes were analysed for five study periods covering almost 200 years, from 1823, presenting the hydrographic network before the construction of fortifications, up to 2018, when most of these structures ceased or were repurposed. Hydrographic changes were analysed in detail for the area of the Terespol Fortification. The analysis revealed that almost 80% of the wetland area had disappeared after intensive drainage works, and several dozen originally small and isolated areas had been incorporated into a vast drainage network. One of the consequences of these activities was the creation of significantly transformed artificial catchments within the study area.
A comparative assessment of meteorological drought in the Tafna basin, Northwestern Algeria
Authors: Bougara Hanane , Hamed Kamila Baba , Borgemeister Christian , Tischbein Bernhard , Kumar Navneet
Published: November 2023

The drought ranked first in terms the natural hazard characteristics and impacts followed by tropical cyclones, regional floods, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Drought monitoring is an important aspect of drought risk management and the assessment of drought is usually done through using various drought indices. The western region in Algeria is the most affected by the drought since the middle of the 70s.The current research focuses on the analysis and comparison of four meteorological drought indices (standardized precipitation index – SPI, percent of normal index – PN, decile index – DI, and rainfall anomaly index – RAI) in the Tafna basin for different time scales (annual, seasonal, and monthly) during 1979–2011. The results showed that the SPI and DI have similar frequencies for dry and wet categories. The RAI and PN were able to detect more drought categories. Meanwhile, all indices have strong positive correlations between each other, especially with Spearman correlation tests (0.99; 1.0), the meteorological drought indices almost showed consistent and similar results in the study area. It was determined in 1982 as the driest year and 2008 as the wettest year in the period of the study. The analysis of the trend was based on the test of Mann– Kendall (MK), a positive trend of the indices were detected on a monthly scale, this increasing of indices trend represent the increasing of the wet categories which explains the increasing trend of the rainfall in the last 2000s. These results overview of the understanding of drought trends in the region is crucial for making strategies and assist in decision making for water resources management and reducing vulnerability to drought.
Predicting the impact of climate change and the hydrological response within the Gurara reservoir catchment, Nigeria
Authors: Oseke Francis Ifie-emi , Anornu Geophery Kwame , Adjei Kwaku Amaning , Eduvie Martin Obada
Published: November 2023

The 2150 km2 transboundary Gurara Reservoir Catchment in Nigeria was modelled using the Water Evaluation and Planning tool to assess the hydro-climatic variability resulting from climate change and human-induced activities from 1989 to 2019 and projected to the future till 2050. Specifically, the model simulated the historic dataset and predicted the future runoff. The initial results revealed that monthly calibration/validation of the model yielded acceptable results with Nash–Sutcliff efficiency ( NSE), percent bias ( PBIAS), and coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.72/0.69, 0.72/0.67 and 4.0%/1.0% respectively. Uncertainty was moderately adequate as the model enveloped about 70% of the observed runoff. Future predicted runoffs were modelled for climate ensembles under three different representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5, RCP6.5 and RCP8.5). The RCP projections for all the climate change scenarios showed increasing runoff trends. The model proved efficient in determining the hydrological response of the catchment to potential impacts from climate change and human-induced activities. The model has the potential to be used for further analysis to aid effective water resources planning and management at catchment scale.
Characteristics of grasslands and their use in Poland
Authors: Gabryszuk Mirosław , Barszczewski Jerzy , Wróbel Barbara
Published: November 2023

Permanent grasslands are the most environment-friendly way of using agricultural lands. Apart from producing fodder, grasslands play many other important non-productive functions. Biodiversity is the key factor decisive for their high natural and productive values. Grasslands play an important role in water retention. Not all types of grasslands may be used agriculturally. Out of 16 types of habitats, 10 may be used for production, the others are biologically valuable. The surface area of permanent grasslands in Poland has markedly decreased during the last decade. Now, they constitute slightly more than 20% of agricultural lands occupying 3127.8 thous. ha (in 2019) including 2764 thous. ha of meadows and 363.8 thous. ha of pastures.
Simulations of fuels consumption in the CHP system based on modernised GTD-350 turbine engine
Authors: Hryniewicz Marek , Roman Kamil
Published: November 2023

There were done simulations of fuels consumption in the system of electrical energy and heat production based on modernised GTD-350 turbine engine with the use of OGLST programme. In intention the system based on GTD-350 engine could be multifuel system which utilise post-fying vegetable oil, micronised biomass, sludge, RDF and fossil fuels as backup fuels. These fuels have broad spectrum of LHV fuel value from 6 (106 J·kg-1) (e.g. for sludge) to 46 (106 J·kg-1) (for a fuel equivalent with similar LHV as propan) and were simulations scope. Simulation results showed non linear dependence in the form of power function between unitary fuel mass consumption of simulated engine GTD-350 needed to production of 1 kWh electrical energy and LHV fuel value (106 J·kg-1). In this dependence a constant 14.648 found in simulations was multiplied by LHV raised to power –0.875. The R2 determination coefficient between data and determined function was 0.9985. Unitary fuel mass consumption varied from 2.911 (kg·10–3·W–1·h–1) for 6 (106 J·kg-1) LHV to 0.502 (kg·10–3·W–1·h–1) for 46 (106 J·kg-1) LHV. There was assumed 7,000 (h) work time per year and calculated fuels consumption for this time. Results varied from 4,311.19 (103 kg) for a fuel with 6 (106 J·kg-1) LHV to 743.46 (103 kg) for a fuel with 46 (106 J·kg-1) LHV. The system could use fuels mix and could be placed in containers and moved between biomass wastes storages placed in many different places located on rural areas or local communities.
Concept and implementation of the Polish innovative agro-hydro-meteorological monitoring (AgHMM) in INOMEL Project
Authors: Kanecka-Geszke Ewa , Bąk Bogdan , Bolewski Tymoteusz , Kaca Edmund
Published: November 2023

The paper presents the concept and deployment of the agro-hydro-meteorological monitoring system (abbrev. AgHMM) created for the purposes of operational planning of regulated drainage and irrigation on the scale of a drainage/irrigation system (INOMEL project). Monitoring system involved regular daily (weekly readings) measurements of agrometeorological and hydrological parameters in water courses at melioration object during vegetation seasons. The measurement results enable an assessment of the meteorological conditions, moisture changes in the 0-60 cm soil profile, fluctuations of groundwater levels at quarters and testing points, also water levels in ditches and at dam structures, and water flow in water courses. These data were supplemended by 7-day meteorological forecast parameter predictions, served as input data for a model of operational planning of drainage and subirrigation at the six melioration systems in Poland. In addition, it was carried out irregular remote sensing observations of plant condition, water consumption by plants and soil moisture levels using imagery taken by unmanned aerial vehicles and Sentinel’s satellites. All the collected data was used for support operational activities aimed at maintaining optimal soil moisture for plant growth and should to provide farmers with high and stable yields. An example of the practical operations using the AgHMM system in 2019 is shown on the basis of the subirrigation object at permanent grasslands located in central Poland called “Czarny Rów B1”.
Contextual nature of sustainable development in the activity of an enterprise, on the example of a municipal enterprise
Authors: Bartkowiak Piotr , Bartkowiak Anna M.
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, in order to ensure high quality of municipal services, and thus a high quality of life for the local community, the authorities of both the basic local government unit and managers of municipal enterprises must strive to maintain high standards of sustainable development. The level of quality of life and services provided can be determined by various dimensions, such as: ecological environment, housing conditions, ecological production in the field of consumer goods, balance between built-up areas and green areas, care for agricultural areas, limiting the deepening social stratification, rational economy water or rational waste management. Therefore, the paper presents a theoretical analysis of the main directions of sustainable development in the activities of municipal enterprises.
Electricity supply to irrigation systems for crops away from urban areas
Authors: Skibko Zbigniew , Romaniuk Wacław , Borusiewicz Andrzej , Derehajło Stanisław
Published: November 2023

Water scarcity is a phenomenon that is occurring more and more frequently in larger areas of Europe. As a result of drought, there are significant drops in yields. As demand for food continues to rise, it is becoming necessary to bring about a substantial increase in crop production. The best solution to water scarcity appears to be irrigation for crops that are particularly sensitive to drought. Today, many technical solutions are used to supply and distribute water to crops. The optimal solution is drip irrigation, which makes it possible to deliver water directly to the plant root system to save melting freshwater resources. In the article special attention was paid to methods of supplying electricity to power irrigation pumps. The analysis was made for areas with a significant distance between the agricultural land and the urbanised area (which has water and electricity). The authors have selected the parameters of an off-grid photovoltaic mini-hydropower plant with energy storage (with a power of 1.36 kW). An analysis was made of the profitability of such an investment and a comparison with other types of power supply. Based on the performed calculations, a prototype power supply system equipped with photovoltaic panels was made to show the real performance of the proposed system. The tests carried out showed that the irrigation pump will be powered most of the time with a voltage whose parameters will be very close to the nominal ones.
The analysis of spatial distribution of artificial reservoirs as anthropogenic fragmentation elements of rivers in the Dnipropetrovsk Region, Ukraine
Authors: Hapich Hennadii , Andrieiev Vasyly , Kovalenko Volodymyr , Makarova Tatiana
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the research is to summarise quantitative characteristics and to analyse the spatial distribution of artificial water bodies as anthropogenic fragmentation elements of medium and small rivers within the Dnipropetrovsk Region, Ukraine. The paper uses current data pertaining to existing reservoirs and mineralisation of water in rivers. Comparison included quantitative characteristics, water surface area, and the volume water in ponds and reservoirs. It has been established that although the total ratio was 97% for ponds to 3% for reservoirs, whereas their water surface area 48%, and the volume of water stored only 23% of the total resources. The paper shows the inexpediency and low efficiency of using ponds as water reservoirs feeding small rivers. Increasing the number of ponds in the river basin has a negative impact on the quality of water resources, in particular, by increasing water mineralisation – total dissolved solids ( TDS). Depending on the river, the following indicator of river basin fragmentation has been determined: 6–20 reservoirs per 100 km2 of the river catchment area, and on average 18–36 ponds and reservoirs are built for every 100 km of the river in relation to the length of the hydrographic network. It has shown the regularity of growing water mineralisation due to the fragmentation of rivers by a large number of artificial reservoirs. A strong correlation between regulation and fragmentation of river basins has been established (coefficient of determination R 2 ranges from 0.72 to 0.91). It proves the possibility to estimate the degree of change (increase) of water mineralisation based on the water flow coefficient K w and the river fragmentation coefficient K s fr in the Dnipropetrovsk Region. The paper offers ways of further research for planning and implementation of a water management strategy concerning ecologically safe levels of water use in small and medium-sized river basins.
Ground water quality in Wadi Shati (Libya): Physicochemical analysis and environmental implications
Authors: Ahmad Omar Asad , Gazzaz Nabeel M. , Alshebani Amnah Khair
Published: November 2023

This study aimed at evaluating water quality of groundwater wells (GWWs) in Wadi Shati, Libya, and assessing its suitability for drinking. Water samples were collected from 17 GWWs and subjected to laboratory testing for 24 physical and chemical water quality parameters (WQPs). Analysis uncovered that the recorded values of 11 WQPs were consistent with the Libyan drinking water quality standard (DWQS). These parameters were pH, temperature (T), acidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and cadmium. However, values of colour and turbidity exceeded the maximum levels set by the Libyan DWQS at five out of the 17 study wells. Likewise, concentrations of chloride (Cl −), sulphate (SO 4 2−), and ammonia (NH3) violated the local DWQS in three locations, each. Additionally, concentrations of phosphate (PO 4 3−), iron, manganese, chromium, and nickel exceeded their maximum allowable concentrations according to the Libyan DWQS. The levels of these five parameters are alarming. Overall, the 17 studied GWWs suffer from varying levels of pollution that, mostly, arise from domestic and agricultural sources, e.g., septic tank seepage and agricultural drainage of agro-chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides. The results of this study emphasise that routine monitoring of groundwater resources plays a vital role in their sustainable management and stresses that water quality data are critical for characterisation of pollution, if any, and for protection of human health and ecosystem safety. Our results serve as guideline for sustainable management of water quality in the Wadi Shati District.
Assessment of groundwater quality and their vulnerability to pollution using GQI and DRASTIC indices
Authors: Mardiana Siti , Anzum Rabeya , Dwijendra Ngakan Ketut Acwin , Al Sarraf Ahmad Azhar Mansoor , Timoshin Anton , Sergushina Elena , Muda Iskandar , Zhilnikova Natalia , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Tikhomirov Evgeny
Published: November 2023

Surface and groundwater resources are two important sources in meeting agricultural, urban, and industrial needs. Random supply of surface water resources has prevented these resources from being a reliable source of water supply at all times. Therefore, groundwater acts as insurance in case of water shortage, and maintaining the quality of these resources is very important. On the other hand, studying vulnerability and identifying areas prone to aquifer pollution seems necessary for the development and optimal management of these valuable resources. Identifying the vulnerabilities of the aquifer areas to pollution will lead to a greater focus on preserving those areas. Therefore, groundwater quality assessment was performed in this study using the groundwater quality index (GQI), and groundwater vulnerability to pollution was assessed using the DRASTIC index. GQI is developed based on the values of six quality parameters (Na +, Mg 2+, Ca 2+, SO 42–, Cl–, and TDS). The DRASTIC index is developed based on the values of seven parameters (depth to the water table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of vadose zone, hydraulic conductivity). The zoning of both indexes has been done using geographic information system (GIS) software. The results show that the GQI of the region was about 93, and its DRASTIC index was about 86. Therefore, the quality of aquifer groundwater is excellent, and its vulnerability to pollution is low.
Challenges and coping strategies of potable water supply systems in rural communities of Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Malima Tuwani Petrus , Kilonzo Beata , Zuwarimwe Jethro
Published: November 2023

Challenges with respect to potable water supply in Vhembe District threaten the health and welfare of local community. This paper is aimed at assessing the challenges and residents’ coping strategies to improve the potable water supply systems in rural areas in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Data for this paper was collected from households, councillors, traditional leaders and municipal officials through questionnaires, interviews and focus-group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used and thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. The results showed that the main sources of water are ground water from boreholes which are used by about 45.3% of the communities, followed by tap water from the dams, by 35.3%, then rivers by 4.0%, fountains by 5.4% and water tankers by 10.0%. Among the identified challenges are: aged water infrastructure, system breakdowns, lack of funding, vandalism of infrastructure and lack of maintenance, operation of infrastructure by unskilled technicians, theft, and non-payment of water services, among others. To cope with water supply challenges, the study recommended that communities play active role in water projects which would include paying of water supply service for its sustainability. They should also play active roles in water committees that will manage, operate and maintain the water supply with the assistance of VDM officials. It was concluded that the rural water supply situation can be improved when communities, government and other relevant stakeholders cooperate and provide solutions and resources.
Indigenous people’s approach to woody plant species conservation in selected spots in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Asuoha Godson Chinonyerem , Okafor Uchenna Paulinus , Onyekwelu Chukwuemeka Anthony , Ayadiuno Romanus Udegbunam , Phil-Eze Philip Ogbonnia
Published: November 2023

The 15th of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. This paper investigates the approach adopted by indigenous peoples for conservation of woody plant species diversity in some selected spots in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. Relying on mixed method approach to research, data collection comprising field observation, ground truthing, plant species inventory, and key-informant interviews and analysis of data, two spots were purposively sampled, one from each of the two LGAs; Mbom in Bende LGA and Amangwu in Ohafia Local Government Area (LGA). A 50 × 20 m quadrat was sampled from each site, from where plant species inventory was undertaken. Shannon– Wiener diversity index (H’) was used to analyse the data. The result of Shannon–Wiener diversity index, shows that the diversity indices of the plant species for the two sites were 3.20 (Mbom) and 3.95 (Amangwu) respectively. The people of Bende and Ohafia LGAs employ some traditional laws to ensure conservation of woody plant species so as to achieve goal 15th of the SDGs. This paper advocates sustenance of those traditional laws that encourage conservation of woody plant species in the study area with enforceable sanctions to deter defaulters.
Water resources of Kazakhstan in conditions of uncertainty
Authors: Tursunova Aisulu , Medeu Akhmetkal , Alimkulov Sayat , Saparova Assel , Baspakova Gaukhar
Published: November 2023

The exceptionally high spatial-temporal variability of the river runoff and the significance of its transboundary component considerably worsen the problem of the water supply of the republic. Due to the disadvantageous geographical location in the lower reaches of transboundary river basins, the Republic of Kazakhstan is largely dependent on water economy activities taking place in neighbouring countries. In the article the modern change of the resources of river runoff in Kazakhstan, taking into account climatic and anthropogenic influences is considered. For the assessment of the impact of economic activities on the river runoff and changes in climatic-related runoff, the complex of integral methods was used, and appropriate methodologies were developed. The obtained results of the modern influence of a complex of factors, as well as their significance for the future (till 2030), can be used for the development of scientifically based solutions for sustainable management and protection of water resources. An assessment of the anthropogenic activity of this study shows that the water resources of the river runoff of the Republic of Kazakhstan have decreased by 16.0 km 3∙y –1. According to our forecasts, there will be a further decrease in the water resources of the republic due to the expected decrease in transboundary flow to 87.1 km 3∙y –1 by 2030, in dry years less than 50.0 km 3∙y –1. We propose a set of measures to prevent the negative impact of possible reduction of river runoff resources in the future in the water basins of Kazakhstan.
Nutrients from beach recreation in the context of the limnological status of a mesotrophic lake
Authors: Serafin Artur , Grzywna Antoni , Augustyniak Renata , Bronowicka-Mielniczuk Urszula
Published: November 2023

The study objective was to analyse the number of tourists present in the shore zone and bathing areas of lakes with regard to their tourist carrying capacity and the amount of biogenic substances potentially entering the ecosystem from the beach and bathing areas. The procedures from project between the EU and Poland, in the module “Development of the sanitary supervision of water quality” were used in three categories: physiological substances – sweat and urine; water-soluble and insoluble organic compounds; and biogenic elements – nitrogen and phosphorus. The research was conducted in two model mesotrophic lakes, Piaseczno and Zagłębocze, located in the Łęczna- Włodawa Lakeland (eastern Poland). The data were analysed in reference to biological trophic status indices defining the limnological status of lakes in the summer of 2014 and 2016. Analyses of gross primary production of phytoplankton using the light and dark bottles method and the analysis of chlorophyll a concentration were applied using the laboratory spectrophotometric method. The relatively small number of tourists recorded in the shore zone of both lakes did not exceed their tourist carrying capacity, and their potential contribution of biogenic substances to the lake ecosystems was small. Biological trophic indices for both lakes indicated that they had been continually late- mesotrophic for decades. The amount of biogenic substances directly linked to beach tourism usually has a minor effect on the limnological status of mesotrophic lakes. Due to the specific character of lake ecosystems, however, even small amounts of these substances can contribute to the destabilisation of the biocenotic system.
Salinisation process of Lake Sidi Boughaba, Kenitra, North Western, Morocco: A statistical approach
Authors: Lachhab Mohamed , Najy Mohamed , Talbi Fatima Zahra , Taouraout Aziz , El Qryefy Mohamed , Ech-Chafay Hassan , Belghyti Driss , El Kharrim Khadija
Published: November 2023

In order to determine the nature of the high salinisation rate of the waters of Lake Sidi Boughaba, which has been listed in the Ramsar list since 1980, 23 samples that were taken during four sampling operations were subjected to physicochemical analyses. The obtained results were processed using a combination of bi-varied methods (correlation tests) and multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis – PCA). The physicochemical analyses reveal that they are alkaline waters with a pH ranging between 8.38 and 9.03, an electrical conductivity ( EC) of the order of 12.4 to 17.4 mS∙cm –1, and high levels of Na + and Cl –, up to 3700 and 6630 mg∙dm –3 respectively, indicating a marine origin of these waters. In addition, the statistical treatment revealed that the mineralisation of the waters of this ecosystem is controlled by four main mechanisms of the salinisation; the main mechanism underlying this strong mineralisation is due to the impact of the marine spray. The second-order processes are about the phenomenon of the ion exchange, the dissolution/precipitation of evaporitic and carbonate formations, the oxidation–reduction processes, notably the reduction of sulphates as well as biochemical phenomena due to the selective absorption of certain ions by fauna and flora.
Evapotranspiration, vapour pressure and climatic water deficit in Ethiopia mapped using GMT and TerraClimate dataset
Authors: Lemenkova Polina
Published: November 2023

In the present research, a scripting cartographic technique for the environmental mapping of Ethiopia using climate and topographic datasets is developed. The strength of the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) is employed for the effective visualisation of the seven maps using high-resolution data: GEBCO, TerraClimate, WorldClim, CRUTS 4.0 in 2018 by considering the solutions of map design. The role of topographic characteristics for climate variables (evapotranspiration, downward surface shortwave radiation, vapour pressure, vapour pressure deficit and climatic water deficit) is explained. Topographic variability of Ethiopia is illustrated for geographically dispersed and contrasting environmental setting in its various regions: Afar, Danakil Depression, Ethiopian Highlands, Great Rift Valley, lowlands and Ogaden Desert. The relationships between the environmental and topographic variables are investigated with aid of literature review and the outcomes are discussed. The maps are demonstrated graphically to highlight variables enabling to find correlations between the geographic phenomena, their distribution and intensity. The presented maps honor the environmental and topographic data sets within the resolution of the data. Integration of these results in the interpretation maps presented here brings new insights into both the variations of selected climate variables, and the topography of Ethiopia.
Lexicography of the Tibetan Language with Special Reference to the “Wörterbuch der tibetischen Schriftsprache”
Authors: Maurer Petra
Published: November 2023

The science of lexicography with its focus on etymology reaches back to ancient times; the history of Tibetan dictionaries is almost as old as the written language itself. About 1,200 years ago, the wish to translate the Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit initiated the compilation of the first bilingual dictionary. lt provides Tibetan synonyms for Sanskrit terms and is written in Tibetan script. lt was compiled and used by monks who worked as scholars and translators. Throughout the following centuries, Tibetan dictionaries have been compiled, and, as will be shown, this happened for various reasons. As the Tibetan language is not yet fully explored, new dictionaries for Tibetan are still being worked on. One of these is under preparation in Munich; it will be the focus of the main part of this article. As the paper addresses a wider audience and not specifically scholars of Tibetan studies, l will situate Tibetan lexicography within a broader context, commencing with a brief introduction into the Tibetan script and language followed by a survey on the development of Tibetan lexicography and dictionaries. Then, the paper introduces the Wörterbuch der tibetischen Schriftsprache, an ongoing long-term project at the Bavarian Academy for Sciences and Humanities in Munich.
Creating a Site of Memory: The Tragedy of the Yezidis in Sinǧār Reflected in Four Iraqi Novels
Authors: Maśko Adrianna
Published: November 2023

In her reflections on cultural memory, which “is based on communication through media,” Astrid Erll uses the term “remediation” in order to “refer to the fact that memorable events are usually represented again and again, over decades and centuries, in different media: in newspaper articles, photography, diaries, historiography, novels, films, etc.” Some of these events may even become sites of memory. In my article, in relation to cultural memory studies, I contemplate the genocide of the Yezidis in the Sinǧār district, which was committed by ISIS militants in August 2014 and in the following months, as reflected in four Iraqi novels written in the Arabic language. They are: Raqṣat al-ǧadīla wa-an-nahr (“The Dance of the Braid and the River”, 2015) by Wafā’ ‘Abd ar-Razzāq, ‘Aḏrā’ Sinǧār (“Sinǧār’s Virgin”, 2016) by Wārid Badr as-Sālim, Šamdīn (“Šamdīn”, 2016) by Rāsim Qāsim, and Šaẓāyā Fayrūz (“The Shattered Fragments of Fayrūz”, 2017) by Nawzat Šamdīn. By analysing the ways in which these writers depict ISIS persecution of the Yezidis, I aim to answer, among others, the following questions: What are their reasons for a literary documentation of these events? Is the iconic image of the genocide which emerges in the four novels similar to that outlined in the West media coverage? Therefore, the first part of the article concentrates on attitudes of the above-mentioned Iraqi writers to the Sinǧār tragedy. In the second part, the plots of their novels are briefly described with the focus on how the reality intermingles with fiction. In the third and in the fourth parts, literary modes of expression, which serve to create a symbolic resistance of Yezidi victims against their oppressors, by giving them voice and showing alternative realities and fantastic events, are examined.
A Preliminary Report on the Chinese Buddhist Literature Kept at the Jagiellonian Library in Poland
Authors: Long Darui
Published: November 2023

In 2010, three Polish scholars published A Preliminary Report on the Wanli Kanjur Kept at Jagiellionian Library, Kraków.1 It was at this time the world began to know that the Jagiellonian Library has an incomplete collection of the Tibetan Kanjur printed in the Wanli period (1573–1620), as well as many other Tibetan texts, manuscripts and xylographs.2 The library also possesses a huge collection of Chinese Buddhist literature, including the Yongle Northern Canon. There is also a scripture that does not belong to the Chinese Buddhist Canon, or Daoist Canon, or Baojuan ����.3 In June 2017, the author discovered one volume of the Buddhist text entitled Saddharmapuṇdarīka Sūtra in the Tangut language. This is particularly precious as it is the only extant copy worldwide. These volumes of the Tibetan Kanjur and the Yongle Northern Canon were obtained by a German scholar and collector named Eugen Pander (1854–1894?) who got acquainted with the reincarnated Tibetan Buddhist Master Thu’u bkvan Khutugtu of Yonghe Temple in Beijing. The volumes were shipped to Berlin around 1889 where they were placed in the Museum of Ethnography in Berlin and later moved to the State Library in Berlin. In 1943, the Allied Forces began to bomb Berlin and the Germans made an effort to hide their treasures. They transported over 500 boxes of books from the State Library in Berlin to Książ castle, and then to the Cistercian monastery in Krzeszów. After WWII the region was on the Polish side of the border. All the treasures, including Beethoven’s manuscript of the “Ninth Symphony,” and the Mozart’s manuscript of “Magic Flute,” were transferred as a deposit to the Jagiellonian Library in Kraków.
“Comfort women” Problem as a Catalyst for Civil Society and Nationalism in Japan and South Korea
Authors: Żakowski Karol
Published: November 2023

The term “comfort women” refers to the women, mainly from the Korean Peninsula and China, who had been forced to serve as sexual slaves by the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War. The problem emerged at the beginning of the 1990s and became an impediment especially in relations between Japan and South Korea. The article analyzes how the “comfort women” issue was approached to by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in both countries. It is argued that while the problem led to invigoration of civil society institutions, it also incited strong nationalist movements. Anti-Japanese feelings in South Korea contributed to lack of flexibility in negotiations with Japan and rejection of the apologies by the government of that country. Such reaction, in turn, weakened the position of moderate NGOs in Japan that tried to compensate the victims, and made them prone to criticism from right-wing movements. The paper examines these complex developments.
Between Sweden and Tunisia. (Auto)biography and Multicultural Experience in Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s "Montecore. The Silence of the Tiger"
Authors: Moch Michał
Published: November 2023

Jonas Hassen Khemiri, born in 1978, is one of the most interesting contemporary Swedish and European writers with a Tunisian immigrant background. His second novel Montecore: en unik tiger ( Montecore: The Silence of the Tiger), published in 2006, has got an epistolary form deducted from the exchange of letters between Kadir and Jonas. However, the main character of the novel is Abbas Khemiri – the disappearing, estranged father of Jonas – a figure close to the real writer. Khemiri’s book has got an innovative linguistic form and contains many erudite references to the phenomena of popular culture. It is also a complex portrayal of the different generations of (mainly Arab-based) immigrant and post-immigrant communities in Sweden coupled with a nuanced look on bright and dark sides of the Swedish state, model of identity and integration. This material is enriched by the examples taken from Khemiri’s novel Everything I Don’t Remember and short story As You Would Have Told It To Me (Sort Of) If We Had Known Each Other Before You Died.
Beyond tradition and modernity: challenges of transformation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Grabowski Wojciech
Published: November 2023

The aim of the paper is to analyze the political trajectory of changes in Saudi Arabia during the reign of Prince Muhammad Ibn Salman and the effects it has on the traditional and conservative values of the Saudi kingdom. The point of reference for the prince’s reform policy is the Vision 2030 project of changes announced in 2016, which aims to maintain a balance between modernization, including economic reforms, privatization and cultural initiatives, on the one hand, and Islam and political authoritarianism on the other. The structure of my article is built around the hypothesis that assumes that the reformist policy of Muhammad Ibn Salman is aimed at improving the economic and social conditions of Saudi Arabia in order to obtain social legitimization and loyalty and in the long term to ensure regime survival and its stability. I have posed three research questions which are as follows: 1) Can traditionalism and modernization be combined? 2) What is the impact of the authoritarian regime on modernization policy? 3) How has the relationship between the political authority and the Wahhabi establishment changed?
Attack with Empty Goal (7 vs 6) in Team Handball - Analysis of Men’s EHF Euro 2022
Authors: Sousa Duarte , Cardoso Américo , Noite João , Rodrigues Ana , Lopes Helder , Fernando Catarina , Prudente João
Published: November 2023

Team handball is constantly evolving. Since the beginning of the century some changes has been introduced but no rule has been as controversial and not consensual as the one introduced in 2016 that allows the change of a goalkeeper for a field player (Empty goal) allowing teams to play 7 vs. 6 (Prudente et al., 2022). With this study we intend to analyze and characterize the attack with empty goal (7 vs. 6) of the 12 best ranked teams in Men’s EHF Euro 2022. Observational Methodology was used and it was built, validated by experts and subsequently used a mixed ad hoc instrument combining a 12 criteria field format with 77 category category system to observe and register data. Data were gathered from 28 matches involving teams classified in the first twelve places in the 2022 Men’s EHF Euro 2022. These were recorded from TV broadcasts, and the total number of offensive sequences carried out in an organized attack game method 7 vs. 6 with empty goal (n = 121) was analyzed. For data analysis, prospective and retrospective sequential analysis and the technique of polar coordinates was used. The main results show a stronger association between: a) No Goal by Technical Fault and succeeded direct goal attempt; b) Direct Goal Attempt and Goal. Results also show that best ranked teams used less 7 vs. 6 attack system. According to the main results, teams that used 7 vs. 6 and lost the ball by technical fault had a stronger association with a direct goal attempt by the opponent team. That is positively associated with goal. This leads to a practical recommendation that teams that want to use 7 vs. 6 should practice this special option in order to achieve more efficiency, reducing the number of technical faults and consequently the opponents goal to goal attempts.
Pre-Incubation of Probiotics Before Intake: A Reasonable Recommendation?
Authors: Bernatek Małgorzata , Piątek Jacek , Wojtyła-Blicharska Katarzyna , Sommermeyer Henning
Published: November 2023

Background

Protecting the bacteria contained in probiotics against the effects of low pH is one of the key issues for the development and production of such products. In earlier research we demonstrated that the inactivation of bacteria in probiotics by low pH can be prevented by an effective enteric coating formulation of the product.

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the producer’s recommended pre-incubation step for its probiotic product A prior to intake is having an effect on the survival rate of the product’s bacteria in low pH solutions.

Method

For the investigated product A (and an enteric coated reference product B) amounts of colony forming units (CFU) before and after pre-incubations for 0, 1 and 30 min followed by exposure to 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) at 37°C for 90 min were determined. The loss of living bacteria was calculated using the CFU1/CFU0-ratio, with CFU1 and CFU0 being the amount of CFU at the end and at the beginning of the experiment, respectively.

Results

The exposure of the product A to a low pH (1.2) resulted in a strong reduction of the amount of CFU (about -99.9%). Pre-incubation of product A neither for one nor for 30 min had a significant effect on the strong loss of viability of the probiotic bacteria contained in product A when compared to the loss without the pre-incubation process. In contrast, exposing the enteric coated product B to low pH resulted only in a minor loss (about -7%) of living bacteria.

Conclusions

The pre-incubation before intake recommended by the producer of product A is not having a significant influence on a major reduction of CFU caused by the exposure to low pH. However, the observed considerable loss of CFU in a solution that mimics the condition in the human stomach triggers doubts about product A. We strongly suggest basing probiotic product related statements on scientific data.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Bis Thiazolo[4,5-c]Isoxazolines Bearing 1,2,4-triazole Ring Derived From the Related 4-thiazolidinons as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Ayyash Ahmed Neamah
Published: November 2023

Design and synthesis of novel poly heterocycles together using same heterocyclic compound is the main task of the present paper. The target compounds entitled 4,4’-[benzene-1,4-diylbis[ethylidenehydrazine-2-ylidene]bis[4-[3,5-di(5-substitutedpyridin-2-yl)-3,3a-dihydro[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-c][1,2]oxazol-6(5H)-yl]-4H-3-yl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol] have been synthesized starting from the reaction of 1,4-diacetylphenyl and carbohydrazide to give Schiff base derivatives then 1,2,4- triazole derivatives from the reaction with CS2 and an excess of hydrazine hydrate. The same applies for the condensing of these newly heterocyclic amines with different pyridine-2-carbaldehydes, which resulted in the synthesis of some new Schiff bases, which were then cyclized to develop new thiazolidinones by thioglycolic acid. Additionally, by fusing thiazolidinones with various pyridine-2-carbaldehydes, a novel chalcone was formed. To produce the desired fused isoxazolines, the later compounds underwent cyclization with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and potassium hydroxide. From the examination of the (CHN), FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra, the structural identities of all recently synthesized compounds were determined. The newly synthesized chemicals were also successfully tested as an antibacterial agent.