Search Results (793)

This study focuses on the clastic reservoir in the first member of Yaojia Formation within Qijia-Gulong Sag, Songliao Basin. The results indicate that the reservoir in the study area develops within a shallow-water delta sedimentary system. The dominant sedimentary microfacies comprise underwater distributary channels, mouth bars, and sheet sands. Among these, the underwater distributary channel microfacies exhibits primary porosity ranging from 15.97% to 17.71%, showing the optimal reservoir quality, whereas the sheet sand microfacies has a porosity of only 7.45% to 12.08%, indicating inferior physical properties. During diagenesis, compaction notably decreases primary porosity via particle rearrangement and elastic deformation, while calcite cementation and quartz overgrowth further occlude pore throats. Although dissolution can generate secondary porosity (locally up to 40%), the precipitation of clay minerals tends to block pore throats, leading to “ineffective porosity” (permeability generally < 5 mD) and overall low-porosity and low-permeability characteristics. Carbon–oxygen isotope analysis reveals a deficiency in organic acid supply in the study area, restricting the intensity of dissolution alteration. Reservoir quality evolution is dominantly governed by the combined controls of sedimentary microfacies and diagenesis. This study emphasizes that, within shallow-water delta sedimentary settings, the material composition of sedimentary microfacies and the dynamic equilibrium of diagenetic processes jointly govern reservoir property variations. This insight provides critical theoretical support for understanding diagenetic evolution mechanisms in clastic reservoirs and enabling precise prediction of high-quality reservoir distribution. Full article

This study employs k-means clustering to analyze local organizations responsible for land improvement in Greece, identifying four distinct groups with consistent geographic patterns but divergent financial and operational characteristics. By integrating unsupervised machine learning with spatial analysis, the research offers a novel perspective on irrigation water pricing and cost recovery. The findings reveal that organizations located on islands, despite high water costs due to limited rainfall and geographic isolation, tend to achieve relatively strong financial performance, indicating the presence of adaptive mechanisms that could inform broader policy strategies. In contrast, organizations managing extensive irrigable land or large volumes of water frequently show poor cost recovery, challenging assumptions about economies of scale and revealing inefficiencies in pricing or governance structures. The spatial coherence of the clusters underscores the importance of geography in shaping institutional outcomes, reaffirming that environmental and locational factors can offer greater explanatory power than algorithmic models alone. This highlights the need for water management policies that move beyond uniform national strategies and instead reflect regional climatic, infrastructural, and economic variability. The study suggests several policy directions, including targeted infrastructure investment, locally calibrated water pricing models, and performance benchmarking based on successful organizational practices. Although grounded in the Greek context, the methodology and insights are transferable to other European and Mediterranean regions facing similar water governance challenges. Recognizing the limitations of the current analysis—including gaps in data consistency and the exclusion of socio-environmental indicators—the study advocates for future research incorporating broader variables and international comparative approaches. Ultimately, it supports a hybrid policy framework that combines data-driven analysis with spatial intelligence to promote sustainability, equity, and financial viability in agricultural water management. Full article

Religious freedom, the management of religious diversity, and interreligious dialogue are emerging and closely interconnected phenomena. In the context of increasing religious pluralism, policymakers, religious institutions, and other civil society actors and organizations face challenges, particularly as they strive to legitimize their religious, social, and legal positions in contemporary societies. Drawing on 47 interviews with policymakers (N° 10), privileged informants (N° 15), and religious (N° 18) and interreligious leaders (N° 4), conducted as part of the Project Urban Governance of Religious Diversity (2023–2025), this article examines interreligious dialogue, as a social practice shaped by national legal frameworks on religious freedom and local governance mechanisms regulating religious diversity. More specifically, we analyze the three most relevant themes that emerged from the interview material: first, the limitations and opportunities within the current legislative framework, particularly in relation to local administrations’ efforts to complement national regulations and support religious communities in innovative ways; second, critiques of top-down initiatives on interreligious dialogue, wherein institutional priorities sometimes overshadow the voices and needs of religious groups; and finally, the impact of global events, such as the ongoing genocide in Palestine, on interreligious dialogue and established relationships among different faith communities. The article concludes by summarizing the main findings and outlining potential avenues for future research. Full article

The germin-like protein (GLP) family plays vital roles for plant growth, stress adaptation, and defense; however, its evolutionary dynamics and functional diversity in halophytes remain poorly characterized. Here, we present the genome-wide analysis of the GLP family in the halophytic forage alkaligrass (Puccinellia tenuiflora), which identified 54 PutGLPs with a significant expansion compared to other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed monocot-specific clustering, with 41.5% of PutGLPs densely localized to chromosome 7, suggesting tandem duplication as a key driver of family expansion. Collinearity analysis confirmed evolutionary conservation with monocot GLPs. Integrated gene structure and motif analysis revealed conserved cupin domains (BoxB and BoxC). Promoter cis-acting elements analysis revealed stress-responsive architectures dominated by ABRE, STRE, and G-box motifs. Tissue-/organ-specific expression profiling identified root- and flower-enriched PutGLPs, implying specialized roles in stress adaptation. Dynamic expression patterns under salt-dominated stresses revealed distinct regulatory pathways governing ionic and alkaline stress responses. Functional characterization of PutGLP37 demonstrated its cell wall localization, dual superoxide dismutase (SOD) and oxalate oxidase (OXO) enzymatic activities, and salt stress tolerance in Escherichia coli, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1), and transgenic Arabidopsis. This study provides critical insights into the evolutionary innovation and stress adaptive roles of GLPs in halophytes. Full article

Among marine organisms, baleen whale species like the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a case for which individual-based models are necessary to study population changes because individual trait variabilities predominate over average demographic rates to govern population dynamics. These models require quantification of individual organisms’ dynamics with respect to local conditions, which implies optimal strategy frameworks cannot be used. Instead, to quantify how individuals perform according to the environmental conditions they encounter, we formulated a model linking individual mechanical characteristics of swimming and diving with their aerobic metabolism and behavior. The model simulates the dynamics of swimming and diving for the reported range of whale sizes (1000 to 50,000 kg). Additional processes simulate foraging events including rapid accelerations and water engulfment, which modifies whale shape, weight and drag. Simulations show how the energy cost of swimming at equilibrium increases geometrically with velocity and linearly with mass. The duration and distance covered under apnea vary monotonically with mass but not with velocity; hence, there is a positive mass-dependent optimal velocity that maximizes the distance and duration of apnea. The dive limit was explored with a combination of the physiological state, mechanical force produced and distance to return to surface. This combination is imposed as an inequality constraint on the whale individual. The inequality constraint, transformed as a multi-layer perceptron, which continuously processes information about oxygen, depth and relative velocity, provides the whale individual with autonomous decision-making about whether or not to continue the dive. The results also highlight where missing metabolic information is needed to simulate the dynamics of a population of autonomous individuals at the scale of the Global Ocean. Full article

This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners. Full article

This study explores the fundamental components and specificities of agroforestry policies in France and Quebec, with a particular focus on the regions of Brittany and Montérégie. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining an in-depth literature review and 14 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including research institutions, agricultural advisory organizations, independent experts, and regional public agencies engaged in agroforestry and environmental initiatives. The collected data were qualitatively analyzed using word frequency and co-occurrence techniques, based on Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. The results reveal that in France, agroforestry benefits from a well-structured policy environment, centered on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Agroforestry Development Plan (PDA). The Breizh Bocage initiative is making a positive contribution to this, with more than 5000 km of hedges planted thanks to its localized governance model and direct community funding. In Quebec, agroforestry is also supported by various policies and programs such as Prime-Vert, with more than 2370 hedge planting projects completed. Despite its strengths, the French case, particularly the Breizh Bocage program, is limited by cumbersome administrative procedures. In both contexts, stakeholders emphasize the need to improve the transparency and efficiency of the program by simplifying administrative processes and harmonizing financial support mechanisms. Full article

Functional segregation in brain networks refers to the division of specialized cognitive functions across distinct regions, enabling efficient and dedicated information processing. This paper explores the significance of functional segregation in shaping brain network architecture, highlighting methodologies such as modularity and local efficiency that quantify the degree of specialization and intra-regional communication. We examine how these metrics reveal the presence of specialized modules underpinning various cognitive processes and behaviors and discuss the implications of disruptions in functional segregation in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our findings underscore the fact that understanding functional segregation is crucial for elucidating normal brain function, identifying biomarkers, and developing therapeutic interventions. Overall, functional segregation is a fundamental principle governing brain organization, and ongoing research into its mechanisms promises to advance our comprehension of the brain’s complex architecture and its impact on human health. Full article

Local governments provide numerous services to their citizens. In doing so, they utilize two primary methods to deliver them: (1) producing them in-house with their own employees and equipment or (2) outsourcing them to external actors, which may take the form of other public agencies, for-profit firms, or non-profit organizations. In this entry, the authors review the logic of why local governments might choose one mechanism over another. The goal is to give readers a feel for the state of the academic literature in this regard. After reviewing basic concepts, such as the difference between the “provision” and “production” of services, the authors frame the discussion in terms of a variety of lenses used by scholars attempting to better understand the determinants of such decision-making. These include agency theory, transaction cost economics, and New Public Management. The authors also consider the role that management capacity plays in allowing cities to successfully deliver services to their constituents. Additionally, the authors offer a discussion regarding how local governments partner with non-profits in less formal ways than contracting to ensure their citizens have access to needed services. Finally, there is a review of the tradeoffs between efficiency and other values that should be accounted for when arranging service production. Full article

This article explores the rise of organized crime and violence within the Palestinian community in Israel, focusing on the past two decades. It examines the internal fragmentation of the community, Israeli policies that exacerbated these divisions, and the impact of these factors on the surge in criminal activity. The article further analyzes community responses, highlighting faith-based initiatives like the Committee for Spreading Peace (CSP), led by Sheikh Raed Salah. This initiative, although limited in resources, seeks to address the cycle of violence through prevention, mediation, and collaboration with local authorities in Israel. However, the CSP faces significant challenges, including distrust in Israeli government efforts and the deep-rooted involvement of criminal organizations in local politics. The article concludes that while initiatives like CSP offer hope, a more comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to effectively combat organized crime and restore community cohesion. Such approaches will also have implications for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and possible future community-based initiatives. Full article

This study examines the transformative impact of the Special Zones of Social Interest (AEIS-1) implemented in Diadema, São Paulo, in 1994, as an innovative urban policy tool in Brazil. Rooted in the principle of the social function of property established in the 1988 Federal Constitution, the research analyzes the development of social interest housing projects (HISs) led by housing movement associations. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining primary data from local housing associations and the municipal government with geospatial analysis. The results reveal that between 1996 and 2013, over 20 LHISs were successfully established, directly benefiting approximately 2000 low-income families. These projects utilized a self-construction model financed entirely by families, overcoming the lack of public investment. The findings highlight the critical role of housing associations in organizing, planning, and implementing urban housing initiatives. This model not only addressed housing deficits but also fostered community resilience and inclusivity. By demonstrating how grassroots organizations can drive urban transformation, this research underscores the potential of participatory practices in advancing spatial justice and the right to the city. The Diadema case offers valuable insights for cities facing similar challenges, advocating for equitable and democratic urban development strategies. Full article

Community-based collaboration has been touted as an effective model for forest governance because it promotes democratized decision-making and stakeholder engagement to address landscape-scale problems. Forest collaboratives are assumed to be heterogeneous, consisting of stakeholders with a diverse range of interests. Few studies have systematically explored variables associated with collaborative composition. We identify six elements of collaborative composition for investigation: size, stakeholder diversity, balance, locality–diversity, core attendance, and cross-participation. This exploratory study examines five forest collaborative groups in eastern Oregon (USA). We analyzed meeting minutes over an 18-month period to track attendance and evaluate who shows up and at what frequency. While forest collaboratives vary in size, larger collaboratives are more heterogeneous, reflecting greater diversity in terms of stakeholders represented, and have a higher proportion of high-frequency (‘core’) attendees. Core attendees and attendees who participated across multiple forest collaboratives regionwide represent a much narrower set of stakeholder interests. Collaboratives’ attendees reflected a mix of local and non-local organizations. The results raise questions about whether collaborative groups represent the array of public interests in planning for forest management. Full article

Nuclear accident-derived radionuclide dispersion poses critical challenges to marine ecological sustainability and human–ocean interdependence. While existing studies focus on hydrodynamic modeling of pollutant transport, the link between nuclear safety and sustainable ocean governance remains underexplored. This study investigates radionuclide diffusion patterns in semi-enclosed bays using a high-resolution coupled hydrodynamic particle-tracking model, explicitly addressing threats to marine ecosystem stability and coastal socioeconomic resilience. Simulations revealed that tidal oscillations and topographic constraints prolong pollutant retention by 40% compared to open seas, elevating local concentration peaks by 2–3× and intensifying bioaccumulation risks in benthic organisms. These findings directly inform sustainable marine resource management: the identified high-risk zones enable targeted monitoring of fishery resources, while diffusion pathways guide coastal zoning policies to decouple economic activities from contamination hotspots. Compared to Fukushima’s open-ocean dispersion models, our framework uniquely quantifies how semi-enclosed geomorphology exacerbates localized ecological degradation, providing actionable metrics for balancing nuclear energy development with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 and 3. By integrating hydrodynamic specificity with ecosystem vulnerability thresholds, this work advances science-based protocols for sustainable nuclear facility siting and marine spatial planning. Full article

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunamis can significantly affect the image of tourist destinations and the intention to visit them. However, research on the effects of natural disasters and their impact in destinations in Mexico is an under-researched topic. Moreover, attitudes and behaviors of solidarity are important for recovery of destinations after natural disasters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine how people’s perceived risk and solidarity attitudes affect the image and intention to visit destinations after natural disasters in the country. Through a structured questionnaire (n = 228), the risk perception, solidarity attitudes, destination image, and intention to visit were measured to assess interest in visiting the emblematic destination of Acapulco, Mexico, which was devastated by Hurricane Otis (category 5) in October 2023. The results show that risk perception does not affect destination image and solidarity attitudes, but it does affect the intention to visit the destination (β = −0.120). The main findings of this study establish the strong influence of solidarity attitudes on the image (β = 0.611) of the destination and the intention to visit (β = 0.581). The results state that destination image had a mediating effect (β = 0.240) on solidarity attitudes and intention to visit post-disaster destinations. Therefore, destination image has a fundamental effect on the formation of attitudes of solidarity for the recovery of destinations after a natural disaster. Solidarity attitudes are of great importance for the destination’s recovery after natural disasters. It is important to prioritize marketing campaigns that recognize these actions of solidarity, on the part of destination management organizations (DMOs) and local governments. Full article

Interorganizational risk management (IRM) in Canadian ports faces significant challenges due to the interconnected nature of operations and the interdependence of safety, security, environmental, organizational, and technological risks. Existing siloed risk management frameworks often fail to capture these dynamic interrelations, underscoring the need for a more integrated, systemic approach. This study introduces a Port Risk Control Structure (PRCS) designed specifically for Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs), based on the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). The PRCS maps control actions, feedback loops, and stakeholder roles across international, national, and local levels to better reflect the layered nature of port governance. The model aims to clarify the roles of key actors, such as the International Maritime Organization, Transport Canada, and local port stakeholders, and is designed to facilitate more structured risk identification, communication, and coordination across organizational levels. Although the model has not yet been empirically validated, its design suggests strong potential for scalability and adaptability across diverse port contexts. This research contributes to IRM literature by illustrating how STAMP principles can be operationalized within port systems. Future research will focus on integrating a taxonomy of IRM challenges to refine control structures and feedback mechanisms in response to evolving risks. Full article