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Estimating “Peak Water” Runoff and Power Production for Hydropower-relevant Icelandic Glaciers Under Future Climate Scenarios
Full text linkGlaciers are important water resources in Iceland, in part because glacial runoff powers the country’s largest hydropower stations, which produce a large portion of the nation’s electricity. However, glaciers around Iceland are retreated at unprecedented rates due to climate change and are projected to continue to do so over the course of the 21st century. Glacial retreat plays a complex role in the water cycle, most often following a “peak water” curve marked by initial increases in total annual runoff as melt accelerates followed by eventual declines as the glacier continues to shrink. This holds important implications for the hydropower industry, which will experience changes in power production potential aligned with changes in runoff. This study attempts to estimate the timing of peak water for five different hydropower operational areas in Iceland, as well as quantify runoff and power production during these peaks. Additionally, this study examines net changes in runoff and power production by the end of the century. Glacier mass balance and runoff in each operational area are modelled until 2100 using the Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM). Each glacier is simulated under three future SSP scenarios, and resulting trends in ice volume, total annual runoff, monthly runoff, and contributions to total runoff by runoff type are assessed. Lastly, power production potential during peak water and at the end of the century is computed from modelled runoff results for eight of the largest hydropower stations in Iceland. Results indicate universal glacier retreat throughout the country, with resulting runoff patterns resembling the peak water curve. Most operational areas experience peak water between 2040 and 2050, with power production potential peaking around the same time. Changes in glacial runoff will dramatically increase power production potential during peak water, though the net change in production by 2100 is much more variable. Extensive planning and engineering within Iceland’s hydropower industry is required in order to effectively make use of increased runoff levels, as well as to prepare for eventual declines in production by the end of the century
Impact of NATO Enlargement on Eastern Europe Security: Case Study of Ukraine War
Full text linkIn a situation where Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the role and the major dilemma of NATO is rediscovered. The blame is that while NATO had expanded its power towards the East European countries, it had provoked Russia to react to the threat of the NATO enlargement process. Within this background, this research’s objective is to examine the impact of the NATO enlargement in Eastern Europe related to the case of the Ukraine war, within the lens of Eastern European citizens’ perception of their security and NATO. The research aims to answer the role of NATO in securing the preservation of the conflicts and threats in Eastern Europe. To answer the questions, the data was gathered mainly through personal interviews with experts in the area, along with a public survey of European countries which added the perspective of the normal citizens. Through the research, it became clear that the enlargement of NATO had provoked Russia’s security, and the attack on Ukraine was the result of the unstable security of Russia and the hegemonic power dynamics between the West and Russia. Despite the dilemma of NATO to protect Eastern European countries and not provoke Russia at the same time, citizens who are under threat and fear show a strong desire to join NATO. How NATO would proactively solve this security dilemma would be a key for the European security of the next few decades, in light of this Ukraine war and Russia’s reactions
Empowering Environmental Education in Portuguese Primary Schools: Energy Focused Curriculum Recommendations and Behavioral Change Framework Guided by Principles of Developmental Psychology
Full text linkThis paper explores the integration of principles of developmental psychology within the context of environmental education in Portugal to promote pro-environmental behavior, and specifically energy literacy energy conservation behaviors in primary school students. A review of current literature on the state of environmental education approaches in Portugal exhibits a significant lack of structure and direction for educators to teach students relevant topics in sustainability. Using a meta-theory of behavioral change, the present work connects the elements of the COM-B model of behavioral change to relevant aspects of middle childhood cognitive development using principles of two major theories of developmental psychology. As children today are certainly developing into the change-makers of tomorrow, middle childhood presents a critical and influential time of learning. By placing the present work in the context of existing curricula covering topics in environmental education for primary school, topics on energy and energy conservation are limited. The findings of the thematic literature review in conjunction with an interview with a current primary school educator in Lisbon, Portugal support the creation of an updated version of the COM-B model of behavioral change. The updated model, drawing from the findings of the present work, aligns elements from themes identified in the literature review with ideas from two developmental psychology theories to create suggestions and recommendations for teaching and implementing energy-specific curricula. While the present work merely touches on all that can be explored and assessed within the parallels drawn between these two disciplines, it begins an important conversation on the relevancy and need for curricular modifications in environmental education on energy
An Ecological Analysis of the Elevational Gradient Effect on Mushroom Community Diversity near Andasibe, Madagascar
Full text linkThe effect of elevational gradients on biodiversity has been widely studied in the field of ecology (Rahbek, 1995). The evidence supports a trend for highest biodiversity at mid latitudes and decreasing biodiversity as elevation increases (Rahbek, 1997; Grytnes, 2003; Hariharan and Buckley, 2022). This effect has primarily been explained by variation of temperatures and resource availability at different elevations. However, the effect that elevation plays on fungal communities is relatively underrepresented in the literature (Dahlberg, 2001). This study analyzes changes in mushroom diversity across an elevational gradient in Mitsinjo Reserve and Analamazaotra National Park found in Madagascar. Using the Braun-Blanquet method (1965), a total of six plots were selected along a ridgeline present in both parks. Data collection pertained to mushroom and tree communities. Metrics used for data analysis included mushroom species richness, diversity (Shannon Diversity Index (SDI)), evenness, and total tree basal area (BA) at each elevation. Regression models to test for significance were created for all metrics. An additional model was created between total BA and SDI values. Significant results were found for SDI values with an R2 value of 0.68 and a p-value of 0.04. These results are evidence that elevation can be used as an indicator for SDI of mushroom communities. With this knowledge, we can develop more holistic and efficient conservation models for at-risk ecosystems
Career Readiness: A Study of Vietnamese University Students\u27 Views on Post-Graduation Prospects
Full text linkThis study examines Vietnamese university students\u27 perceptions and attitudes towards post-graduation job prospects, which could serve as an economic indicator. Utilizing survey data from over 200 students across institutions and disciplines, the research investigates how factors such as confidence in educational preparation, chosen field of study, and perceived job readiness relate to demographic characteristics and intentions to pursue the same academic path.
The most significant findings of the study reveal that English language confidence and major fields of study were influential factors in shaping students\u27 perceptions and attitudes. Students with higher English confidence had statistically significantly higher levels of job market confidence, and significant differences in confidence levels were found across major groups, with students in the Social Sciences exhibiting lower confidence compared to those in Business/Economics, Linguistics, and Other majors. A linear regression analysis confirmed the positive relationship between English language confidence and job market confidence.
The study highlights influential factors shaping students\u27 confidence levels and attitudes, offering insights for supporting education-to-workforce transitions. As students\u27 confidence in future employment opportunities could bode well for economic growth, the research contributes to understanding Vietnamese students\u27 career aspirations and perceived job readiness. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and career counselors to develop targeted interventions and support programs that address the specific needs of different student groups, ultimately benefiting the nation\u27s economic development
Salud intercultural en la región de la Araucanía, Chile: Percepción del estado actual de implementación.
No full textSalud intercultural está firmemente basada en la teoría y en la legislación de Chile, pero la teoría y la práctica muchas veces se manifiestan de manera diferente. Esta investigación busca responder cómo se comparan las percepciones de salud intercultural de sus funcionarios en la región de la Araucanía con la teoría, y en qué forma se encuentra el estado actual de su implementación. Observación participante, observación no participante, y entrevistas semiestructuradas (n=15) en seis hospitales y en la ruka de una machi Mapuche en la región de la Araucanía, Chile fueron utilizadas para análisis descriptivo mixto. De los 15 entrevistados, siete tendían a ver la salud intercultural desde una perspectiva crítica, seis a través de una perspectiva funcional y dos a través de una perspectiva relacional. De los seis hospitales, cinco fueron clasificados como de salud intercultural funcional, uno como de salud intercultural relacional y ninguno como de salud intercultural crítica. La pérdida de tierra Mapuche, la pérdida de lengua Mapuche y la falta de autonomía Mapuche se identificaron como desafíos prácticos adicionales para la implementación de la salud intercultural. En general, la salud intercultural es un tema amplio que enfrenta desafíos prácticos para lograr la implementación real de la base teórica.
Intercultural health is firmly based in theory and in Chilean law, but theory and practice often manifest themselves differently. This investigation seeks to answer how the perceptions of intercultural health in the Araucanía region, Chile compare to theory, and in what form is the current state of implementation. Participant observation, non-participant observation, and semi- structured interview (n=15) in six hospitals and the ruka of a Mapuche machi in the Araucanía region were utilized for mixed descriptive analysis. Of the 15 interviewees, seven tended to view intercultural health through a critical lens, six through a functional lens, and two through a relational lens. Of the six hospitals, five were classified as having functional intercultural health, one was classified as having relational intercultural health, and none were classified as having critical intercultural health. Loss of Mapuche land, loss of the Mapuche language, and lack of Mapuche autonomy were identified as additional practical challenges to intercultural health implementation. Overall, intercultural health is a broad theme that faces practical challenges in achieving actual implementation of the theoretical foundation
Empoderamiento de las mujeres de la organización Chaski Warmikuna
No full textEste artículo examina el trabajo de la organización de mujeres indígenas Chaski Warmikuna, conocidas como “mujeres mensajeras” en kichwa, en la región de Saraguro, Ecuador. El grupo organiza apoyo a mujeres para aprender herramientas y estrategias que les permitan salir de la violencia y sanar sus traumas. A través de entrevistas con mujeres, revelan la prevalencia y normalización de la violencia en algunas comunidades, pero también iluminan el fortalecimiento y empoderamiento que estas mujeres han experimentado para liberarse de la violencia. Además, se señala que la violencia frecuentemente es transmitida de generación en generación en las familias y la sociedad, razón por la cual enseñan la importancia de iniciar el cambio desde el hogar. Se sugiere que una educación más amplia sobre la salud sexual y reproductiva podría contribuir a abordar los problemas de violencia sexual. Conceptos del feminismo comunitario son usados para explicar y analizar aspectos de la vida actual de estas mujeres. Más que nada, se resalta el papel crucial de las redes de apoyo y sanación tejidas por estas mujeres para promover un cambio positivo en sus vidas y comunidades
Conceptualizando la movilidad y movimiento de mujeres indígenas embarazadas en búsqueda de servicios médicos bajo una perspectiva migratoria
No full textEl traslado de mujeres indígenas embarazadas en Oaxaca hacia la ciudad de Oaxaca de Juárez debido a la falta de centros de salud en sus localidades se ha convertido en una realidad arraigada, impulsada en gran medida por el impacto del flujo migratorio por razones económicas durante finales del siglo XX. Sin embargo, este proceso de migración plantea una serie de complejidades para las mujeres, quienes enfrentan experiencias negativas debido a sus múltiples identidades que resultan en una exclusión social tanto dentro como fuera de sus comunidades de origen. Esta dinámica puede entenderse desde una perspectiva feminista multicéntrado, que las sitúa en un estado de ser ni dentro, ni fuera .
El traslado de estas mujeres se conceptualiza como una migración temporal forzada impuesta por el Estado, que incumple con leyes nacionales y estatales, así como con declaraciones internacionales destinadas a mejorar la calidad de vida de las mujeres, especialmente de aquellas marginadas. Esta migración está marcada por la exclusión social y la creciente influencia de la biomedicina, lo que ha llevado a la pérdida gradual de prácticas tradicionales como la partería.
Esta investigación analiza el impacto de estas formas tradicionales de migración en la imagen y la experiencia de las mujeres indígenas embarazadas en la actualidad, lo que se refleja en altas tasas de mortalidad materna y casos de violencia obstétrica. Además, se examina cómo la hegemonía de la biomedicina, impulsada por el Estado, afecta la calidad de los servicios de salud que reciben estas mujeres, a pesar de la existencia de leyes destinadas a prevenir esta situación
Una exploración sobre la alimentación saludable. Percepciones de mujeres adultas entre 31 y 45 años según su nivel de ingresos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en 2024 / An exploration of healthy eating. Perceptions of adult women between 31 and 45 years old according to their income level in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires in 2024
No full textEn los últimos años, Argentina ha identificado los hábitos alimentarios como un área crítica que necesita análisis e intervención. Dado que la desnutrición es una de las principales causas de enfermedades no transmisibles (ENTs), organizaciones mundiales de salud han afirmado que practicar una “alimentación saludable” es una solución práctica a este problema. Entre la población argentina, la alimentación poco saludable ha provocado una epidemia de obesidad, sobrepeso y ENTs. Se sabe que hoy el 31,7 % de las mujeres argentinas adultas y el 30,2 % de los hombres argentinos adultos tienen sobrepeso. Además, la diabetes tiene una prevalencia del 10,5% en mujeres argentinas adultas y del 10,6% en hombres argentinos adultos. Aunque el gobierno ha tomado medidas recientes con la esperanza de mejorar la salud de la población, las estadísticas sugieren un desafío continuo que enfrenta toda la nación.
Si bien los investigadores han comenzado recientemente a examinar las percepciones sobre una “alimentación saludable” entre los argentinos, aún queda mucho trabajo por hacer. Específicamente, faltan investigaciones sobre las percepciones de las mujeres de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) de diferentes niveles de ingresos sobre la “alimentación saludable”. Por eso, este estudio intenta llenar los vacíos en la investigación existente. Además, tiene como objetivo comprender cómo las percepciones de “alimentación saludable” influyen en la elección de alimentos según el nivel de ingresos de cada uno. En su diseño, el universo de estudio se definió como mujeres de 31 a 45 años de CABA de hogares con niveles de ingresos mensuales bajos, menos de 1 millón de pesos. En su ejecución, se realizó una encuesta en Google Forms a 42 mujeres adultas de CABA que cumplían con estos criterios, y se realizaron dos entrevistas a nutricionistas para obtener un conocimiento profesional del tema. Se tomaron todas las precauciones éticas para realizar esta investigación y cada entrevistada y encuestada firmó un Consentimiento Informado en el que se explicó el acuerdo de participar en el estudio y se garantizó el anonimato.
Los resultados de este estudio indican similitudes en las percepciones sobre “alimentación saludable” entre las mujeres adultas de CABA, independientemente de su nivel de ingresos. Sin embargo, las nutricionistas entrevistadas afirmaron que estas percepciones están sujetas a cambios con el tiempo y el contexto cultural específico. Aunque las percepciones no variaron mucho entre los niveles de ingresos, se identificó que las elecciones de alimentos estaban influenciadas por el estatus de cada una como parte de un hogar de ingresos bajos o medios/altos. De hecho, más de tres cuartas de las participantes de hogares de bajos ingresos afirmaron que su nivel de ingresos afecta sus elecciones de alimentos, mientras que poco más de la mitad de las mujeres de hogares de ingresos medios/altos afirmaron lo mismo. Además del precio, las respuestas de la encuesta de las mujeres, junto con las respuestas de los nutricionistas, sugirieron una multitud de otras barreras para una alimentación saludable , incluidos el tiempo, la cultura y la accesibilidad. A pesar de los resultados aparentemente desalentadores, las nutricionistas entrevistadas aludieron a un futuro esperanzador de prácticas de “alimentación saludable” para los argentinos.
In recent years, Argentina has identified eating habits as a critical area in need of analysis and intervention. Given that malnutrition is one of the main causes of non-communicable diseases, global health organizations have affirmed that practicing “healthy eating” is a practical solution to this issue. Among the Argentine population, unhealthy eating has caused an epidemic of obesity, overweight and NCDs. It is known that today 31.7% of adult Argentinian women and 30.2% of adult Argentinian men are overweight. Furthermore, diabetes has a prevalence of 10.5% in adult Argentinian women and 10.6% in adult Argentinian men. Although the government has taken recent steps in hopes of improving the health of the Argentine population, statistics suggest an ongoing challenge facing the entire nation.
Although researchers have recently begun to examine perceptions of “healthy eating” among Argentinians, there is still much work to be done. Specifically, there is a lack of research on the perceptions of women from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) at different income levels regarding “healthy eating.” Thus, this study attempts to fill the gaps in existing research. At its core, this study aims to understand how perceptions of “healthy eating” influence food choices according to one’s income level. In its design, the study universe was defined as women aged 31 to 45 in CABA with either low monthly household income levels, less than 1 million pesos. In its execution, a Google Forms survey was completed by 42 adult women in CABA adhering to these specific criteria, and two interviews with nutritionists were conducted to gain professional insight into the topic. All ethical precautions were taken to carry out an investigation of this nature and each interviewee and surveyed individual signed an Informed Consent in which the agreement to participate in the study was explained and anonymity was guaranteed.
The results of this study indicate similarities in perceptions of “healthy eating” amongst adult women in CABA, regardless of their income level. However, the interviewed nutritionists affirmed that these perceptions are subject to changes over time and specific cultural context. Although perceptions did not vary greatly amongst income levels, food elections were identified to be heavily influenced by one’s status as part of either a low or middle/high income household. In fact, over three-fourths of participants from low-income households asserted that their income level impacts their food elections while just over half of women from middle/high income households affirmed the same. In addition to price, women’s survey answers coupled with the nutritionists\u27 responses suggested a multitude of other barriers to “healthy eating” including time, culture, and accessibility. Despite seemingly despondent results, the interviewed nutritionists alluded to a hopeful future of “healthy eating” practices for Argentinians
SEIZING THE MOMENT: CLIMATE MAINSTREAMING IN THE eTHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY AND LESSONS ON LEVERAGING MAJOR EVENTS
Full text linkAbstract
With the significant threat that climate change poses to societies across the world and specifically those in the Global South such as the eThekwini municipality, urgent and comprehensive action is necessary to mitigate and adapt to the devastating effects of climate change. Climate mainstreaming, which is the process of integrating climate strategies into all policies, plans, investments, decisions, and implementation in a government, is essential to addressing the issue. Existing literature has emphasized this importance, however, there has been minimal study of the process within the eThekwini municipality. This study aims to fill that gap and build an understanding of the state and process of climate mainstreaming within the eThekwini municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It seeks to explore how the municipality has mainstreamed climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by specifically focusing on three major events: the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP17/CMP7, and the April 2022 floods and ensuing recovery. This research, informed by critical analysis of official documents and semi-structured individual interviews with municipal officials, provides key insights into the process of mainstreaming climate issues. It seeks to understand the success of climate initiatives related to each of the three case studies, the impact that they have had on mainstreaming within the municipal government, and the challenges that the municipal government has faced in attempting to mainstream climate issues and make meaningful progress towards sustainability and resiliency. Findings reveal that while commitments have been made to climate action, the follow-through on those commitments is lacking. The insights into the challenges and successes of climate mainstreaming revealed through this study can be applied to bolster understandings of climate mainstreaming and strengthen local responses to the threat that climate change poses around the world