8411 research outputs found
Sort by
Bryophyta sensu stricto presence and function in the epiphytic ecosystems of the tropical montane cloud forests of El Valle de Anton
Get PDFBryophyta sensu stricto, colloquially known as moss, is often found growing epiphytically in cloud forest ecosystems. Under these conditions, moss may fulfill a secondary foundational species (FS) role, supporting increased habitat for other organisms while remaining dependent on the primary FS host tree. Exploring the dual relationship of moss as both a dependent and supportive organism allows for better understanding of its connective role within ecosystems. Research in the cloud forests of El Valle de Anton focused on relative abundance, environmental surroundings, morphology, and microclimate of mosses to offer baseline data on these connections. Mosses along four different trails within cloud forest environments in El Valle de Anton were found to have a variety of morphological characteristics, coverage, and thickness, indicating high variability in growth patterns depending on environmental factors. Water capacity and retention were found to be consistent and considerable. Local temperature and humidity within tested moss mats were reliably distinct from and less variable than environmental temperature and humidity. Moss mats were shown to maintain a distinct and unique microecosystem, as supported by hygrometric data. By surveying the connective role of mosses within ecosystems and as ecosystems, the functionality of secondary FS organisms is better understood in under-researched cloud rainforest environments
Intelligence Versus Inferno: How Artificial Intelligence Can Be Used to Monitor and Manage Wildfires in Europe
Get PDFEscalating wildfire occurrences in Europe, particularly in the southern Mediterranean region, are presenting significant challenges to socioeconomic, environmental, and ecosystem services. The increasing frequency and severity of these wildfires are straining resources and emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the relationship between suppression capacity and fire behavior in wildfire management. The following research addresses the urgent need for more proactive, knowledge-based, and technologically driven fire management strategies, throughout all four stages of wildfire response – fuel and land management, fire preparedness, fire suppression, and post-fire management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in climate change adaptation, especially regarding wildfire science and management. The integration of AI techniques, such as machine learning, showcases a promising avenue for enhancing preparedness, detection, and response to wildfires, highlighting the broader potential of advanced technology in addressing environmental challenges. While AI holds promising potential for enhancing preparedness, detection, and response to wildfires, it is still in the early stages of development and presents obstacles and limitations to full implementation. Despite demonstrated successes in wildfire preparedness and suppression, such as through the World Economic Forum’s FireAId initiative, further research is essential to minimize potential negative consequences associated with this evolving technology
Should I Stay or Should I Go: A Preliminary Case Study of Labor Migration Aspirations among Female Undergraduate Students at the University of Jordan
Get PDFThis preliminary case study investigated the composition, complexity, and presence of labor migration aspirations among female undergraduate students at the University of Jordan. The University of Jordan was selected as the research site due to its size and prominence in Jordan. The study sought to explore female participants’ perspectives on the current economic situation in Jordan, migration aspirations, and desired destinations. Interviews were conducted with undergraduate students at the University of Jordan. Of these ten participants, six expressed clear labor migration aspirations, three expressed aspirations to stay, and one expressed ambivalent migration aspirations. Nearly all participants expressed negative views of the Jordanian economy for various reasons related to high living costs and poor employment opportunities. Labor migration aspirations encompassed different economic and socio-cultural motivators, whereas aspirations to stay were defined by solid familial attachment and desire to pursue domestic employment. Regarding desirable destinations, most students cited the US and European nations, primarily characterized by the belief in better work opportunities abroad. Further research is required to provide a holistic picture of the topic
Exploring Inclusive Education Policy Implementation in Langa, Cape Town Through the Perspectives of Educators at Just Grace
Get PDFThis paper analyzes my observations of inclusive education policy implementation for learners with learning challenges and disabilities at Just Grace, a non-profit organization in Langa, Cape Town, and Pinelands North Primary School, a school notorious for its inclusive approach to education. I spoke to four educators at Just Grace, including the Head of Academics, the Youth Development Program Director, the Youth Activation Program Director, and a teaching student who volunteers as an after-school tutor. At Pinelands North Primary School, I spoke to the principal and the Learning Support Coordinator. My interviews provided me with qualitative research, which only solely represents the experiences of the educators with whom I spoke. My participants at Just Grace expressed their need for additional resources in order to support learners with learning challenges and/or disabilities. I found these resources put to use at Pinelands North, which enabled the successful implementation of inclusive education. In my analysis, I discuss the historical implications of these education disparities and what adjustments could be made to inclusive education policy that would benefit learners at Just Grace
A Reflection of Change: Evolutions in International Water Law Principles Through the Lens of Euphrates-Tigris Dispute
Get PDFAs climate change intensifies, water scarcity will increase. Coupled with a growing global population, water security is a major modern challenge. To bring stability to international watercourses, states must establish effective sharing agreements. On this matter, international water law can help. International water law captures some of the major principles and considerations that states must account for while considering issues related to water security. This paper uses primary interviews and secondary sources to identify some of the major characteristics, features, and developments in international law to develop a conceptual framework for the topic. It then moves into a case study of the Euphrates-Tigris dispute, outlining major geographic characteristics, historical moments, and present-day influences. Lastly, after a comprehensive review of international water law and the dispute at hand, this paper will demonstrate how developments within the Euphrates-Tigris dispute exhibit greater trends in the overall practice of and scholarship on international water law
Youth Perceptions and Constructions of Urban Space in Morocco
Get PDFMoroccan urban spaces are influenced by 800 years of history, and in particular, legacies of colonialism. This research seeks to examine urban space in Morocco through the lens of youth between the ages of 18 and 25 in the capital city of Rabat. Inspired by the book The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch, this research uses a variety of qualitative methods, namely a semi- structured interview and two mental mapping exercises, to explore how youth in Rabat perceive the city’s ability to both adhere to its historical roots and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Exploring urban geography in Morocco through the youth lens offers valuable insight into urban identity, senses of belonging, relationships with community, definitions of authenticity, and attitudes towards development. This research found that Moroccan youth in Rabat are generally pleased with the modernization efforts happening in the city, such as the building of malls and other amenities, but fear infringement on old ‘authentic’ spaces and ways of life. Moroccan cities, heavily influenced by globalization and pressures to become ‘modern,’ are at a crossroads between efforts to attract global capital or adequately preserving their histories and identities
Status of Pangolins: A case study on The most trafficked mammal in the world in Central-South of Nepal
Get PDFPangolins are subject to constant trafficking in Asia and increasingly in Africa for their meat and scales. Very little research is done on this species due to its nocturnal, burrowing, and elusive nature. The larger the size of an animal is, the better it is known to the people and vice versa. Hence all these eight species of pangolins despite being under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list with the four Asian species declared endangered or critically endangered, are still illegally abused and used for ulterior motives due to a lack of awareness among the general community.
The very reason I chose this topic is to check on the status of the pangolins itself which are protected in these two National Parks; Chitwan National Parks which extends over four districts: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa and Makwanpur, and Parsa National Park which extends up to three districts: Parsa, Bara, and Makwanpur). I was able to visit these two Government parks, interviewed around 25 locals in total living in Sauraha, Chitwan, and Amlekhganj, Bara, and also was able to interview 2-3 guides working under the Chitwan Parks but unfortunately, none from Parsa National Park.
Many locals, at least from among the people I interviewed, seem not to know about the pangolins. Lack of knowledge, and awareness of the pangolins seem to be one of the very reasons why these species are on the verge of extinction. With the continuation of poaching and trafficking of pangolins by humans for meat and traditional medicinal purposes, these species are bound to disappear soon within the next 10-20 years, according to some online research papers.
Hence, this research will talk about the status of the pangolins, especially the Chinese and the Indian pangolins mainly in the context of my field area along with ongoing issues related to Pangolins in general, in Nepal and discuss possible conservation measures to protect the remaining population of these species
‘Unbelievable’: Perspectives on The Digital World in Manang
Get PDFManang lies one hundred miles northwest of Kathmandu in a valley called Nyeshang. Until a major road was constructed in 2014, the challenge of importing goods in and out of the town slowed the development of digital infrastructures supporting internet use. Consequently, the widespread use of the internet and digital communication is a relatively new phenomenon. Already, its effects are visible in classrooms, health clinics, hotels, and social structures. This paper investigates how Manangis learn about themselves, each other, and the world outside the valley in this new digital space. Emphasis is not placed on quantifications, but rather on the emotional reality of how change is perceived. ’What feels the same? What feels different?
Collectivism and Individualism in Jordanian Young Adults and Older Adults
Get PDFThe focus of this study is to explore how Jordanians experience and conceptualize collectivism and individualism and how there are generational differences in identification with said constructs. There were 8 interviews conducted, 4 with young adults ages 21 to 24, and 4 interviews conducted with adults above the age of 50. Questionnaires were administered at the University of Jordan, and sixteen completed questionnaires were collected from bachelors students. All interviews were conducted in-person. Comparative analysis was utilized for questionnaire data. Questionnaire results indicate participants most strongly align with horizontal individualism. Thematic analysis of interviews indicate that Jordanians do think younger generations are becoming more and more individualistic, and will continue to do so
Education to Employment: The Role of University Career Guidance in Reducing Youth Unemployment in Jordan
Get PDFThis paper addresses the need for effective career guidance for university students, and sustainable post-graduation alumni support systems, to improve the employability of university graduates and reduce youth unemployment in Jordan. Through interviews and surveys, this paper will identify the key problems contributing to the skill mismatch between university graduates and the demands of the labor market. It will try and tackle how career centers can help their students develop soft skills like communication and teamwork, build a portfolio to differentiate themselves to employers, empower themselves with skills through online courses on software development, data science, research, and other technological skills that are in demand by the market, teach youth the importance of networking at conferences and building relationships with employers, and even advise students on how to choose majors based on individual passions and the demands of the job market. It will also analyze some of the fundamental problems faced by Career Guidance and Alumni Offices, including funding, understaffing, lack of engagement with students, and information asymmetries, and propose simple recommendations and changes to easily increase the efficacy of career centers. Recommendations include increasing engagement by integrating students into the career guidance system, being more strategic about when programs are offered and reaching out to students and merging theoretical education with mandatory practical industry-based exposure