Water scarcity will boost Turkey-Syria-Iraq tensions

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Internal Conflict ◽  
Euphrates River ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scarce Water ◽  
Southern Iraq ◽  
Regional Water

Significance Large-scale water capture in Turkish dams upstream has caused long-term shortages elsewhere in the Tigris and Euphrates river basin, notably eastern Syria and southern Iraq. Competition for water resources intersects with existing ethno-religious tensions across the riparian countries. Impacts The political fragility of the Syrian and Iraqi states will be exacerbated by rising conflict over scarce water resources. Iran may seek to intervene on behalf of Shia Arabs in the Iraqi south. Turkey may experience future internal conflict with the Kurdish minority on whose land new dams have been constructed. Regional water scarcity could drive further migration to Europe.

scholarly journals Chromosomal Rearrangements in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Strains Isolated from Asymptomatic Human Carriers

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. David Matthews ◽  
Wolfgang Rabsch ◽  
Stanley Maloy
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Bacterial Chromosomes ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTHost-specific serovars ofSalmonella entericaoften have large-scale chromosomal rearrangements that occur by recombination betweenrrnoperons. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain these rearrangements: (i) replichore imbalance from horizontal gene transfer drives the rearrangements to restore balance, or (ii) the rearrangements are a consequence of the host-specific lifestyle. Although recent evidence has refuted the replichore balance hypothesis, there has been no direct evidence for the lifestyle hypothesis. To test this hypothesis, we determined therrnarrangement type for 20Salmonella entericaserovar Typhi strains obtained from human carriers at periodic intervals over multiple years. These strains were also phage typed and analyzed for rearrangements that occurred over long-term storage versus routine culturing. Strains isolated from the same carrier at different time points often exhibited different arrangement types. Furthermore, colonies isolated directly from the Dorset egg slants used to store the strains also had different arrangement types. In contrast, colonies that were repeatedly cultured always had the same arrangement type. Estimated replichore balance of isolated strains did not improve over time, and some of the rearrangements resulted in decreased replicore balance. Our results support the hypothesis that the restricted lifestyle of host-specificSalmonellais responsible for the frequent chromosomal rearrangements in these serovars.IMPORTANCEAlthough it was previously thought that bacterial chromosomes were stable, comparative genomics has demonstrated that bacterial chromosomes are dynamic, undergoing rearrangements that change the order and expression of genes. While mostSalmonellastrains have a conserved chromosomal arrangement type, rearrangements are very common in host-specificSalmonellastrains. This study suggests that chromosome rearrangements in the host-specificSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi, the causal agent of typhoid fever, occur within the human host over time. The results also indicate that rearrangements can occur during long-term maintenance on laboratory medium. Although these genetic changes do not limit survival under slow-growth conditions, they may limit the survival ofSalmonellaTyphi in other environments, as predicted for the role of pseudogenes and genome reduction in niche-restricted bacteria.

scholarly journals Lost in migration: document quality for batch conversion to PDF/A

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Erwin Suri ◽  
Mohamed El-Saad
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Batch Processing ◽  
Digital Archives ◽  
Adobe Acrobat ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Text Document ◽  
File Formats ◽  
Long Term Preservation

PurposeChanges in file format specifications challenge long-term preservation of digital documents. Digital archives thus often focus on specific file formats that are well suited for long-term preservation, such as the PDF/A format. Since only few customers submit PDF/A files, digital archives may consider converting submitted files to the PDF/A format. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe authors evaluated three software tools for batch conversion of common file formats to PDF/A-1b: LuraTech PDF Compressor, Adobe Acrobat XI Pro and 3-HeightsTMDocument Converter by PDF Tools. The test set consisted of 80 files, with 10 files each of the eight file types JPEG, MS PowerPoint, PDF, PNG, MS Word, MS Excel, MSG and “web page.”FindingsBatch processing was sometimes hindered by stops that required manual interference. Depending on the software tool, three to four of these stops occurred during batch processing of the 80 test files. Furthermore, the conversion tools sometimes failed to produce output files even for supported file formats: three (Adobe Pro) up to seven (LuraTech and 3-HeightsTM) PDF/A-1b files were not produced. Since Adobe Pro does not convert e-mails, a total of 213 PDF/A-1b files were produced. The faithfulness of each conversion was investigated by comparing the visual appearance of the input document with that of the produced PDF/A-1b document on a computer screen. Meticulous visual inspection revealed that the conversion to PDF/A-1b impaired the information content in 24 of the converted 213 files (11 percent). These reproducibility errors included loss of links, loss of other document content (unreadable characters, missing text, document part missing), updated fields (reflecting time and folder of conversion), vector graphics issues and spelling errors.Originality/valueThese results indicate that large-scale batch conversions of heterogeneous files to PDF/A-1b cause complex issues that need to be addressed for each individual file. Even with considerable efforts, some information loss seems unavoidable if large numbers of files from heterogeneous sources are migrated to the PDF/A-1b format.

Early impact of Covid-19 on private sector employees finance homeownership in Kingdom of Saudia Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raed Khamis Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Housing Finance ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Uncertainty ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Future Policy

Purpose For almost two years, the economic shocks and financial uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic have affected all sectors. The private sector employees may be the worst hit. This is because of the lockdown across many countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), leading to income irregularities. Studies exploring private-sector employees concerning housing finance for the houses purchased and how the lockdown has affected their sources of income for repayment plans are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible early negative impacts of Covid-19 on private sector employees’ housing finance homeownership in KSA. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenology type of qualitative research was used. Data were sourced from three cities (Riyadh, Al-Qassim and Medina) and three mortgage banks across KSA. Virtual interviews via Zoom and WhatsApp video calls were conducted with engaged participants (bankers, government agencies and private sector employees). Thematic analysis was adopted, and the analysed data was presented in themes. Findings Findings show that the partial and full lockdown resulted in income irregularities in many private businesses. Also, findings identified downsizing, leading to large-scale unemployment, half-monthly income for employees, loss of profit, human resources wastage, etc. Findings reveal that because of the economic shock, many homeowners have not been able to meet up with their monthly mortgage repayment obligation. Also, the absence of financial support in form of socioeconomic needs has not helped the matter. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to the early negative impacts of Covid-19 on private sector employees’ housing finance homeownership in KSA and data collected via Zoom and WhatsApp video calls across the three main cities. The recommendations that will emerge from this study may be adopted by other Gulf and Islamic countries with similar homeownership repayment challenges. Practical implications This study would stir key stakeholders, especially the policymakers and mortgage institutions to consider future policy principles that focus on who is at the highest risk for housing-related hardships because of the Covid-19 or future pandemic. The outcome can be used to develop an equitable housing policy framework to foster long-term economic mobility and be validated in the future by scholars. Originality/value Similar research in this area is limited, which makes this study one of the pioneering attempts to investigate the early negative impacts of Covid-19 on private sector employees’ housing finance homeownership in KSA. The paper sheds light on the emerged early negative impacts and proffer feasible possible solutions to promote homeownership amongst Saudi citizens.

Evaluation of water shortage crisis in the Middle East and possible remedies

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid Bozorg-Haddad ◽  
Babak Zolghadr-Asli ◽  
Parisa Sarzaeim ◽  
Mahyar Aboutalebi ◽  
Xuefeng Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Water Shortage ◽  
East Region ◽  
Middle East Region ◽  
Regional Water

Abstract Water resources in the Middle East region are becoming scarce, while millions of people already do not have access to adequate water for drinking and sanitary purposes. Water resources depletion has become a significant problem in this region that is likely to worsen. Current research by remote sensing analysis indicates a descending trend of water storage in the Middle East region, where agriculture plays a crucial role in socio-economic life. This study introduces an approach quantifying water depletion in the Middle Eastern countries, which are being challenged in the management of their water resources. Furthermore, this paper presents results of a survey assessing the status of water use and supply in Middle Eastern countries and outlines some potential remedies. Specifically, Iran's water use is evaluated and compared with its neighbors'. The water equivalent anomaly (WEA) and total water storage (TWS) depletion are two indexes of water scarcity calculated for Middle Eastern countries surveyed herein. Our analysis reveals that Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran are countries with very negative water scarcity indexes. These estimates prove that international cooperation is needed to manage available regional water resources and reverse depletion of natural water sources. It is demonstrated herein that virtual water trade can help remediate regional water shortage in Middle Eastern countries.

Exhibition destination attractiveness – organizers' and visitors’ perspectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 2795-2819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Jin ◽  
Karin Weber
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Destination Attractiveness ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Second Tier ◽  
Business Events ◽  
Business To Business

Purpose The purpose of this study was to provide a holistic view of exhibition destination attractiveness by examining perceptions of two of the three key stakeholders (exhibition organizers and visitors) and contrasting them with those of exhibitors. Design/methodology/approach This research used a mixed method approach, collecting 535 responses from visitors attending nine business-to-business exhibitions in four major cities in China via structured surveys. In addition, eight in-depth interviews with CEOs/owners of leading global and Chinese exhibition companies were conducted. Findings The findings revealed that exhibitors may go almost anywhere where there is potential for successful business. In contrast, visitors prefer exhibition destinations with good accessibility to minimize travel time and an attractive leisure environment that offers a degree of enjoyment in addition to taking care of business. A destination’s “economic environment” and “cluster effects” were comparatively less important to them. Organizers were cognizant of these differences, contributing to their reluctance in taking large-scale, branded exhibitions to second-tier destinations, despite considerable efforts by these cities to improve their infrastructure. Practical implications This study offers practical guidelines for destination administrators and exhibition organizers with regard to evaluating destination resources for long-term exhibition development. Originality/value In contrast to prior studies, this research identifies significant differences in perceptions of exhibition destination attractiveness among all three key industry stakeholders. It also presents a persuasive case for the need to clearly differentiate between the attractiveness of a destination for attracting/hosting exhibitions versus conventions, rather than approaching the subject from a more generic meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment/business events perspective.

Thailand's tourism faces rising risks over long term

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
Fourth Quarter ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
State Restrictions ◽  
Tourism Revenue

Subject Outlook for the tourism sector. Significance The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects tourism to meet or exceed 2016 targets of 2.58 trillion baht (72.3 billion dollars) in revenue and 30 million visitors. Tourism revenue grew 13% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2016, and advanced bookings suggest that fourth-quarter growth will be equally strong. Impacts A royal transition would temporarily affect tourism due to state restrictions on celebrations. Long-term slowdown in tourism growth will require new efforts to diversify the economy, especially to create jobs. Security risks to tourism would rise substantially if a major tourist destination suffers a large-scale terrorist attack.

Germany will face long-term housing problems

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Investment ◽  
Will Force ◽  
German Cities

Subject Germany's housing dilemma. Significance Demographic changes and the shift from publicly to corporately owned housing have led to accommodation shortages and rising rents in West German cities. Despite the government's plans for large-scale social housing investment, these trends will have long-term implications for Germany's housing market. Impacts Over-priced real estate will force developers to invest overseas. Accommodation shortfalls and rising prices will result in mass mobilisation and protests of young people across Germany. Lack of social housing will increase rates of homelessness in German cities.

Water-depletion and single-state municipal bond fund risk

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-237
Author(s):  
Marta Álvarez ◽  
Javier Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Financial Assets ◽  
Municipal Bond ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Single State ◽  
Bond Fund ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between single-state municipal bond fund risk and water scarcity in the USA. Design/methodology/approach The authors compare the risk profiles of funds from states with limited water resources with those from states without this issue. Findings The authors find that, as expected, funds from southern and western states, which suffer from water scarcity, are riskier than funds from other regions within the mainland USA. Although this study is concerned with which funds are riskier, it is noted that funds from the northeast are significantly less risky than funds from other regions. Originality/value Due to limited water resources, crumbling water infrastructure and continuous water-rights legal battles, water resources in the USA have become a highly sought-after commodity. In this study, we contribute to the discussion on the many repercussions of water scarcity on financial assets.

scholarly journals Water Resources of Iraq

2020 ◽  
pp. 15-34
Author(s):  
Nadhir Al-Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Euphrates River ◽  
Tigris River ◽  
Eastern Border

Iraq relies in its water resources on the water of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and their tributaries. The long-term average annual flow of the Euphrates River was 30 BCM while it is 21.2 BCM for the River Tigris. The tributaries of the Tigris River contribute about 24.78 BCM and in addition, there are side valleys from the eastern border that contributes at least 7 BCM. The flow of these rivers decreased for since the seventies due to the hydrological projects built in riparian countries and climate change. Now, the discharge of the Tigris River and its tributaries at Baghdad is about 16 BCM while it is about 4.4 BCM in the Euphrates. Keywords: Tigris, Euphrates, Tributaries, Shat al Arab, Iraq.

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