A Comparison of Elite and Sub-elite Match-Play Running Performance of Gaelic Football Players.

ABSTRACT: Donnelly, S, Collins, K, Burns, C, O'Neill, C, and Mangan, S. A comparison of elite and sub-elite match-play running performance of Gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 912-923, 2024-This research aimed to examine differences in match-play running performance between elite and sub-elite Gaelic football players. Global Positioning System devices were used to record the match-play running performance of sub-elite and elite players during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively. In total, 783 samples were collected from 31 sub-elite and 30 elite players, from 1 elite and 1 sub-elite team. Comparisons were made on a team and positional level. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Significant positional differences were present between all positions with varying effect sizes (ESs) and p-values. Effect size was used to determine the magnitude of statistical difference. On a team level, the elite covered significantly more relative distance (p = 0.021, ES = 0.007) and elicited significantly higher average speed (p = 0.023, ES = 0.007) in quarters 2, 3, and 4 than the sub-elite. The elite covered significantly more relative distance high-intensity running (17-21.9 km·h-1; p = 0.002, ES = 0.012) in quarter 3 and performed significantly more power events per minute (p = 0.006, ES = 0.009) in quarter 4. In quarter 1, the sub-elite performed significantly more power events per minute (p = 0.006, ES = 0.009), relative high-speed running (≥17 km·h-1; p = 0.011, ES = 0.009), and relative distance high-intensity running (17-21.9 km·h-1; p = 0.002, ES = 0.012). Power events were defined as the estimation of the number of events that depend on anaerobic processes. The present study indicates that elite players possess superior conditioning, ability to read match-play, pacing, and anaerobic capacity. Sub-elite teams may use the present study to inform their training to potentially improve conditioning, pacing, and anaerobic capacity.

Prevalence and factors associated with digital addiction among students taking university entrance tests: a GIS-based study.

BACKGROUND: The surge in digital media consumption, coupled with the ensuing consequences of digital addiction, has witnessed a rapid increase, particularly after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some studies exploring specific technological addictions, such as internet or social media addiction, in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on digital addiction in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to investigate digital addiction among students taking the university entrance test, examining its prevalence, contributing factors, and geographical distribution using GIS techniques. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional survey were collected from a total of 2,157 students who were taking the university entrance test at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25 Version and AMOS 23 Version, whereas ArcGIS 10.8 Version was used for the geographical distribution of digital addiction. RESULTS: The prevalence of digital addiction was 33.1% (mean score: 16.05 ± 5.58). Those students who are attempting the test for a second time were more likely to be addicted (42.7% vs. 39.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Besides, the potential factors predicted for digital addiction were student status, satisfaction with previous mock tests, average monthly expenditure during the admission test preparation, and depression. No significant difference was found between digital addiction and districts. However, digital addiction was higher in the districts of Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, including Rangamati, and Bandarban. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasizes the pressing need for collaborative efforts involving educational policymakers, institutions, and parents to address the growing digital addiction among university-bound students. The recommendations focus on promoting alternative activities, enhancing digital literacy, and imposing restrictions on digital device use, which are crucial steps toward fostering a healthier digital environment and balanced relationship with technology for students.

Association between match-related physical activity profiles and playing positions in different tasks: A data driven approach.

Assessing the intensity characteristics of specific soccer drills (matches, small-side game, and match-based exercises) could help practitioners to plan training sessions by providing the optimal stimulus for every player. In this paper, we propose a data analytics framework to assess the neuromuscular or metabolic characteristics of a soccer-specific exercise in relation with the expected match intensity. GPS data describing the physical tasks' external intensity during an entire season of twenty-eight semi-professional soccer players competing at the fourth Italian division were used in this study. A supervised machine-learning approach was tested in order to detect difference in playing positions in different sport-specific drills. Moreover, a non-supervised machine-learning model was used to profile the match neuromuscular and metabolic characteristics. Players' playing positions during matches and match-based exercises are characterised by specific metabolic and neuromuscular characteristics related to tactical demands, while in the small-side game these differences are not detected. Additionally, our framework permits to evaluate if the match performance request is mirrored during training drills. Practitioners could evaluate the type of stimulus performed by a player in a specific training drill in order to assess if they reflect the matches characteristics of their specific playing position.

Integrated management of groundwater quantity, physicochemical properties, and microbial quality in West Nile delta using a new MATLAB code and geographic information system mapping.

Groundwater is an excellent alternative to freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and developing arid regions. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal activities may affect groundwater quantity and quality. Therefore, we aimed to use advanced methods/techniques to monitor the piezometric levels and collect groundwater samples to test their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Our results using software programs showed two main types of groundwater: the most prevalent was the Na-Cl type, which accounts for 94% of the groundwater samples, whereas the Mg-Cl type was found in 6% of samples only. In general, the hydraulic gradient values, ranging from medium to low, could be attributed to the slow movement of groundwater. Salinity distribution in groundwater maps varied between 238 and 1350 mg L-1. Although lower salinity values were observed in northwestern wells, higher values were recorded in southern ones. The collected seventeen water samples exhibited brackish characteristics and were subjected to microbial growth monitoring. Sample WD12 had the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) of 4.8 ± 0.9 colony forming unit (CFU mg L-1), while WD14 had the highest TBC (7.5 ± 0.5 CFU mg L-1). None of the tested water samples, however, contained pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the current simulation models for groundwater drawdown of the Quaternary aquifer system predict a considerable drawdown of water levels over the next 10, 20, and 30 years with the continuous development of the region.

Utilizing geospatial artificial intelligence to map cancer disparities across health regions.

We have developed an innovative tool, the Intelligent Catchment Analysis Tool (iCAT), designed to identify and address healthcare disparities across specific regions. Powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, our tool employs a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) to map healthcare outcomes and disease disparities. iCAT allows users to query publicly available data sources, health system data, and treatment data, offering insights into gaps and disparities in diagnosis and treatment paradigms. This project aims to promote best practices to bridge the gap in healthcare access, resources, education, and economic opportunities. The project aims to engage local and regional stakeholders in data collection and evaluation, including patients, providers, and organizations. Their active involvement helps refine the platform and guides targeted interventions for more effective outcomes. In this paper, we present two sample illustrations demonstrating how iCAT identifies healthcare disparities and analyzes the impact of social and environmental variables on outcomes. Over time, this platform can help communities make decisions to optimize resource allocation.

Geospatial Science for the Environmental Epidemiology of Cancer in the Exposome Era.

Geospatial science is the science of location or place that harnesses geospatial tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), to understand the features of the environment according to their locations. Geospatial science has been transformative for cancer epidemiologic studies through enabling large-scale environmental exposure assessments. As the research paradigm for the exposome, or the totality of environmental exposures across the life course, continues to evolve, geospatial science will serve a critical role in determining optimal practices for how to measure the environment as part of the external exposome. The objectives of this article are to provide a summary of key concepts, present a conceptual framework that illustrates how geospatial science is applied to environmental epidemiology in practice and through the lens of the exposome, and discuss the following opportunities for advancing geospatial science in cancer epidemiologic research: enhancing spatial and temporal resolutions and extents for geospatial data; geospatial methodologies to measure climate change factors; approaches facilitating the use of patient addresses in epidemiologic studies; combining internal exposome data and geospatial exposure models of the external exposome to provide insights into biological pathways for environment-disease relationships; and incorporation of geospatial data into personalized cancer screening policies and clinical decision making.

Evaluation of ecotourism suitability based on AHP-GIS: Taking Xiaoxiangling area of the Giant Panda National Park and the surrounding communities as an example.

The primary goal of national parks is to protect ecological environment, but also with the functions of scientific research, education, and recreation. Aiming for the realization of universal sharing, we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to construct an ecotourism suitability evaluation system by selecting four factors, including landscape resources, ecological environment carrying capacity, recreation utilization capacity and social condition, taking Xiaoxiangling area of Giant Panda National Park and the surrounding communities as an example. We evaluated the ecotourism suitability based on GIS, and conducted a questionnaire survey of tourists, to propose suggestions on the functional zoning in terms of ecotourism suitability and subjective choice preferences of tourists. The results showed that the ecotourism suitability of the evaluation area could be classified into five levels. The most suitable areas were located nearby the natural landscape resources and far away from the core conservation area, and the least suitable areas distributed at the edge of the core conservation area. According to the results of suitability analysis, the evaluation area was divided into suitable development area, moderate development area, and restricted development area. Combined with the tourist preferences, we divided the recreational activities in the evaluation area into seven activities, namely, ecotourism, eco-camping, science education, leisure vacation, agricultural and animal husbandry culture experience, eco-education, and mountain adventure. These findings could help provide suitable services for different tourists and offer reference for the ecotourism developmental planning of the Xiaoxiangling area of the Giant Panda National Park.

[Related factors and equity of health status among floating population in China based on geographic information system analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the health status, influencing factors and spatial distribution of the Chinese floating population and to evaluate the health equity of the floating population. METHODS: All the data were collected from the 2017 Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey in China, binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors that might affect the health of the floating population, and the concentration index method was used to evaluate the health equity of the floating population. Spatial autocorrelation analyses the spatial aggregation of health status and health equity. RESULTS: The unhealthy rate of the floating population in China was 2.71%. Age and gender show a statistically significant impact on self-rated health; that is, as age increases, the self-rated health of the migrant population gradually deteriorates, and women are more likely to think that they are unhealthy. Fairness analysis shows that the concentration index of the floating population is 0.021 7, the urban household registration floating population is 0.021 6, and the rural household registration floating population is 0.021 9. It is shown that the fairness of the health status of the floating population is biased towards the high-income class, and the rural household registration floating population' s health unfairness is greater than that of the urban household registration migration population. Moreover, Moran' s i=0.211 for self-rated health and Moran' s i=0.291 for the unhealthy rate indicate that self-rated health has a spatial aggregation trend. Moran' s i=0.136 showed the characteristics of spatial clustering, and the two-week prevalence fairness of the floating population was mainly in the northern and southeastern coastal areas. CONCLUSION: In general, the health status of the floating population in China is relatively good. The main influencing factors of health included gender and age. The central tendency of health inequity is reflected in the southeast coastal and northern regions, which are characterized by poverty. Attention to spatial aggregation is not only helpful to analyze the reasons of floating population, but also to study the health differences between different regions and health-related factors, to improve the overall health level of the whole population.

[Travel time to memory clinics in Bavaria: A geographical analyses within the framework of digiDEM Bayern]. / Räumliche Erreichbarkeit von Gedächtnisambulanzen ­ Eine geographische Analyse im Rahmen von digiDEM Bayern.

BACKGROUND: Memory clinics can contribute significantly to a qualified diagnosis of dementia. Since the accessibility of medical facilities is an important predictor for their utilisation, the aim of this study was to determine the accessibility of memory clinics for persons with dementia in Bavaria. METHODS: We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine travel times to the nearest memory clinic for all Bavarian municipalities based on OpenStreetMap road network data. RESULTS: The majority of the modelled persons with dementia in Bavaria (40%; n = 93,950) live in communities with an average travel time of 20 to 40 minutes to the nearest memory clinic. Almost 7,000 (3%) require more than one hour. Especially persons from rural communities have to travel significantly longer distances than people from urban areas. CONCLUSION: In view of demographic developments, there is an urgent need for memory clinics to be accessible throughout the country for all persons with dementia, regardless of where they live. The systematic development of memory clinics in areas with long travel times or the establishment of mobile diagnostic services could help to improve dementia care.

GIS-based intelligent planning approach of child-friendly pedestrian pathway to promote a child-friendly city.

Pedestrian safety, particularly for children, relies on well-designed pathways. Child-friendly pathways play a crucial role in safeguarding young pedestrians. Shared spaces accommodating both vehicles and walkers can bring benefits to pedestrians. However, active children playing near these pathways are prone to accidents. This research aims to develop an efficient method for planning child-friendly pedestrian pathways, taking into account community development and the specific needs of children. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing the Datang community in Guangzhou, China, as a case study. This approach combined drawing techniques with GIS data analysis. Drawing methods were utilized to identify points of interest for children aged 2-6. The qualitative and quantitative fuzzy analytic hierarchy process assessed factors influencing pathway planning, assigning appropriate weights. The weighted superposition analysis method constructed a comprehensive cost grid, considering various community elements. To streamline the planning process, a GIS tool was developed based on the identified factors, resulting in a practical, child-friendly pedestrian pathway network. Results indicate that this method efficiently creates child-friendly pathways, ensuring optimal connectivity within the planned road network.

Geographic information system-aided evaluation of epidemiological trends of dengue serotypes in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: West Bengal is a dengue-endemic State in India, with all four dengue serotypes in co-circulation. The present study was conceived to determine the changing trends of circulating dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in five consecutive years (2015-2019) using a geographic information system (GIS) during the dengue season in West Bengal, India. METHODS: Molecular serotyping of dengue NS1 sero-reactive serum samples from individuals with ≤5 days of fever was performed using conventional nested reverse transcriptase-PCR. GIS techniques such as Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis and heatmap were used to elucidate dengue transmission based on the received NS1-positive cases and vector data analysis was used to point out risk-prone areas. RESULTS: A total of 3915 dengue NS1 sero-positive samples were processed from most parts of West Bengal and among these, 3249 showed RNA positivity. The major circulating serotypes were DENV 3 (63.54%) in 2015, DENV 1 (52.79%) in 2016 and DENV 2 (73.47, 76.04 and 47.15%) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Based on the NS1 positivity, dengue infections were higher in males than females and young adults of 21-30 yr were mostly infected. Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot cluster analysis and heatmap indicate that Kolkata has become a hotspot for dengue outbreaks and serotype plotting on maps confirms a changing trend of predominant serotypes during 2015-2019 in West Bengal. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS: Co-circulation of all the four dengue serotypes was observed in this study, but only one serotype became prevalent during an outbreak. Representation of NS1-positive cases and serotype distribution in GIS mapping clearly showed serotypic shift in co-circulation. The findings of this study suggest the need for stringent surveillance in dengue-endemic areas to limit the impact of dengue and implement better vector-control strategies.

The Ratio between Weekly Training and Match External Physical Loads in U17 Elite Youth Soccer Players: Implications for the Training Process.

Research on the external physical load on elite youth soccer players during the weekly training microcycle in competitive periods and official matches is limited. The aims of this study were twofold: a) investigate possible differences in external physical load (PL) across player positions in U17 elite youth soccer players during official matches; b) determine the weekly training to match physical load ratio (WTMLr) across player positions. The sample included 20 outfield players from an elite soccer academy (mean age 15.94 ± 0.25 years) playing in four positions: central defender (CD), full-back (FB), central midfielder (CM) and Striker (S). Data were collected during the spring in-season period for 17 official matches played in a 4-3-3 game format. Indicators of external physical load monitored were: total distance (TD); total distance in high-speed running (HSR; > 16.1 km.h-1); total distance in sprint running (SPR; > 21.6 km.h-1); and relative physical load intensity (%HSR). The WTMLr was calculated for TD, HSR, SPR and %HSR as the ratio of the average weekly sum of training PL to the average sum of PL in an official match for a given players' position. Collectively, the training intensity during a one-week microcycle (%HSR in WTMLr) achieved only 76 % of match demands. CD performed significantly lower in all measured indicators of external PL during the official match than all other positions (p < 0.05; g > 0.80) except for TD in S. S achieved significantly higher SPR during official matches compared to CD (p < 0.05; g > 0.80), CM, and FB (g > 0.80). In contrast, CD reported higher WTMLr (medium-large effect size) in HSR and SPR indicators than all other positions. CM performed significantly higher %HSR in WTMLr than S and FB (p < 0.05; g > 0.80). Results revealed insufficient training intensity relative to match demands and, at the same time, weekly training PL did not meet match demands (especially in HSR and SPR) for players across the different positions. Therefore, practitioners should select appropriate training methods (drills and games) to ensure sufficient training intensity (HSR and SR metrics) and consider using the WTMLr, which can be used to help optimise and individualise training PL for different player positions.

Navigating Aged Care Services with GIS: Trends, Developments, and Future Directions.

BACKGROUND: With the growing challenge of an aging population, emerging technologies are increasingly being integrated into the production, organization, and delivery of aged care services. Geographic Information System (GIS), a computer-based tool for spatial information analysis and processing, has made significant strides in the allocation of care recources and service delivery for older adults, a notably vulnerable group. Despite its growing importance, cross-disciplinary literature reviews on this theme are scare. This scoping review was conducted to encapsulate the advancements and discern the future trajectory of GIS applications in aged care services. METHODS: A comprehensive search across nine databases yielded 5941 articles. Adhering to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 61 articles were selected for a detailed analysis. RESULTS: The 61 articles span from 2003 to 2022, with a notable increase in publications since 2018, comprising 41 articles (67% of the total) published between 2018-2022. Developed countries contributed 66% of the papers, with 45% focusing on accessibility issues. In the domain of aged care services, GIS has been predominantly utilized for model construction, mapping, and site selection, with a growing emphasis on addressing the unique needs of different subgroups of older adults. CONCLUSION: The past two decades have seen substantial growth in the application of GIS in aged care services, reflecting its increasing importance in this field. This scoping review not only charts the historical development of GIS applications in aged care services but also underscores the need for innovative research approaches. Future directions should emphasize the integration of GIS with diverse methodologies to address the heterogeneous needs of older adults and improve the overall delivery of aged care services. Such advancements in GIS applications have the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care for the aging population.

Low-Cost Sensor Deployment on a Public Minibus in Fukushima Prefecture.

This study analyzed radiation dose data to observe the annual decline in ambient radiation doses and assess the factors contributing to fluctuations in reconstructed areas of the Fukushima prefecture. Utilizing a novel mobile monitoring system installed on a community minibus, the study employed a cost-effective sensor, namely, Pocket Geiger which was integrated with a microcontroller and telecommunication system for data transfer, access, visualization, and accumulation. The study area included the region between Okuma and Tomioka towns. The ambient dose rate recorded along the minibus route was depicted on a map, averaged within a 1 × 1 km mesh created with the Quantum Geographic Information System. To ensure accuracy, the shielding factor of the minibus material is determined to adjust the dose readings. A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the radiation dose ranges from 2022 to 2023 was observed. The land use classification by the Advanced Land Observation Satellite revealed an ecological half-life ranging from 2.41 years to 1 year, suggesting a rapid radiation decay across all land types. This underscores the close connection between radiation attenuation and environmental factors, as well as decontamination efforts across diverse land categories.

Healthcare equity in focus: bridging gaps through a spatial analysis of healthcare facilities in Irbid, Jordan.

In the Irbid Governorate, Jordan, equitable healthcare facility distribution is vital to ensuring healthcare accessibility and improving public health outcomes. This study investigated the spatial distribution, accessibility, and conformity of healthcare facilities to the Ministry of Health standards to identify areas requiring improvement. Using geographic information systems (GIS), three spatial analyses were conducted: nearest neighbor analysis, buffer analysis, and service area analysis. These analyses comprehensively assessed the healthcare landscape, revealing a random spatial distribution pattern of healthcare facilities; and indicating an absence of structured organization. The buffer analysis revealed concentrations in specific regions, while others were underserved. The Service Area Analysis revealed significant healthcare access challenges, especially in remote areas. The healthcare resource distribution of the Irbid governorate fell short of national and international standards, emphasizing the need for improvements. To address these disparities, policymakers and healthcare authorities should focus on equitably redistributing resources, tailoring allocation to local needs, improving remote area infrastructure, and refining government policies. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are imperative to ensure alignment with international standards and achieve healthcare equity. The insights from this case study provide valuable guidance for regions facing similar healthcare distribution challenges.

Comparing malaria risk exposure in rural Cambodia population using GPS tracking and questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: The Great Mekong Subregion has attained a major decline in malaria cases and fatalities over the last years, but residual transmission hotspots remain, supposedly fueled by forest workers and migrant populations. This study aimed to: (i) characterize the fine-scale mobility of forest-goers and understand links between their daily movement patterns and malaria transmission, using parasites detection via real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) and the individual exposure to Anopheles bites by quantification of anti-Anopheles saliva antibodies via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; (ii) assess the concordance of questionnaires and Global Positioning System (GPS) data loggers for measuring mobility. METHODS: Two 28 day follow-ups during dry and rainy seasons, including a GPS tracking, questionnaires and health examinations, were performed on male forest goers representing the population at highest risk of infection. Their time spent in different land use categories and demographic data were analyzed in order to understand the risk factors driving malaria in the study area. RESULTS: Malaria risk varied with village forest cover and at a resolution of only a few kilometers: participants from villages outside the forest had the highest malaria prevalence compared to participants from forest fringe's villages. The time spent in a specific environment did not modulate the risk of malaria, in particular the time spent in forest was not associated with a higher probability to detect malaria among forest-goers. The levels of antibody response to Anopheles salivary peptide among participants were significantly higher during the rainy season, in accordance with Anopheles mosquito density variation, but was not affected by sociodemographic and mobility factors. The agreement between GPS and self-reported data was only 61.9% in reporting each kind of visited environment. CONCLUSIONS: In a context of residual malaria transmission which was mainly depicted by P. vivax asymptomatic infections, the implementation of questionnaires, GPS data-loggers and quantification of anti-saliva Anopheles antibodies on the high-risk group were not powerful enough to detect malaria risk factors associated with different mobility behaviours or time spent in various environments. The joint implementation of GPS trackers and questionnaires allowed to highlight the limitations of both methodologies and the benefits of using them together. New detection and follow-up strategies are still called for.

Investigating the Relevance of Maximal Speed and Acceleration in Varsity-Level Female Ice Hockey Players.

PURPOSE: To characterize and compare female ice hockey players' peak skating speed and acceleration ability during linear sprints and gameplay. We also sought to quantify the time spent at various speeds and the frequency of accelerations at different thresholds during games. METHODS: Seventeen varsity-level female ice hockey players (20 [1.4] y, 68.9 [4.9] kg, 167.6 [4.7] cm) participated in an on-ice practice session (performing 3 × 40-m linear sprints) and 4 regular-season games while being monitored using a local positioning system. Speed and acceleration were recorded from the sprint and within-game monitoring. Time on ice spent in relative skating speed zones and the frequency of accelerations at different intensities were recorded. RESULTS: Players' greatest peak speeds (29.5 [1.3] vs 28.3 [1.1] km/h) and accelerations (4.39 [0.48] vs 3.34 [0.36] m/s2) reached during gameplay were higher than those reached in linear sprinting (both P < .01). Peak in-game values were moderately predicted by linear sprint values for speed (r = .69, P < .01) but not for acceleration (r < .01, P = .95). Players spent little time at near-peak linear sprint speeds (≥80% [22.7 km/h], ∼3% time on ice; ≥90% [25.5 km/h], <1% of time on ice) during gameplay. However, 26% to 35% of accelerations recorded during the 4 games were ≥90% of linear sprint acceleration. CONCLUSIONS: Although skating speed may be advantageous in specific game situations, our results suggest that players spend little time at near-maximal speeds while accelerating frequently during games. This warrants further investigation of direction changes, skating transitions, repeated sprints, and other determinant variables potentially related to on-ice success and the implementation of training strategies to improve repeated acceleration or qualities beyond maximal skating speed.

Long-term remote sensing-based methods for monitoring air pollution and cloud cover in the Balkan countries.

The use of remote sensing and GIS methodology has accelerated the processing of data on pollution, but has also raised a question about the accuracy of the same. The research focuses on four main air pollutants (CO, NO, SO2, O3), the data on which were obtained from satellite images of Landsat 8 and Landsat 9, for the period 2000-2020. The data on relative cloudiness were obtained from the database CHELSA (Climatologies at high resolution for the earth's land surface areas) for the period 1980-2010. All the data were further processed and analyzed through the procedures of numerical GIS analysis, multi-criteria analysis, supervised and unsupervised satellite classification, and pixel analysis. The results of the analysis of cloud cover in the Balkan region showed that the month with the highest cloud cover in this period was February, with the maximum of (93.18%), whereas the lowest cloud cover was in July (0.19%). The analyzed period (2000-2010) was in the middle range for the pollutants NO and SO2 and in the lower range for CO; O3. In the period 2010-2020, there were high concentrations of NO, SO2, and CO and low concentrations of O3. The most polluted cities in the last twenty years are Ordu (Turkey), Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Bor (Serbia). Finally, two most extreme air pollutants in the territory of Balkan countries were SO2 and NO (2000-2020).

GIS-FA: an approach to integrating thematic maps, factor-analytic, and envirotyping for cultivar targeting.

KEY MESSAGE: We propose an "enviromics" prediction model for recommending cultivars based on thematic maps aimed at decision-makers. Parsimonious methods that capture genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) in multi-environment trials (MET) are important in breeding programs. Understanding the causes and factors of GEI allows the utilization of genotype adaptations in the target population of environments through environmental features and factor-analytic (FA) models. Here, we present a novel predictive breeding approach called GIS-FA, which integrates geographic information systems (GIS) techniques, FA models, partial least squares (PLS) regression, and enviromics to predict phenotypic performance in untested environments. The GIS-FA approach enables: (i) the prediction of the phenotypic performance of tested genotypes in untested environments, (ii) the selection of the best-ranking genotypes based on their overall performance and stability using the FA selection tools, and (iii) the creation of thematic maps showing overall or pairwise performance and stability for decision-making. We exemplify the usage of the GIS-FA approach using two datasets of rice [Oryza sativa (L.)] and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in MET spread over tropical areas. In summary, our novel predictive method allows the identification of new breeding scenarios by pinpointing groups of environments where genotypes demonstrate superior predicted performance. It also facilitates and optimizes cultivar recommendations by utilizing thematic maps.

Determining climate classifications and producing climate border maps with GIS of Safranbolu district, Karabük, Türkiye.

Knowing climate characteristics enables the detection of particular climate characteristics and their boundaries. This situation is essential in terms of providing sustainable use of areal resources and directing land use plans. For this reason, in this study, climate boundary maps of the Safranbolu district were created based on the need to form a basis for planning. For this purpose, measurement data of all meteorological stations in the district for the last 30 years were obtained; data were associated with the location, and the water balance of each station was calculated using the Thornthwaite climate classification method. In addition, the climate type was determined using different climate classification methods, and the results were compared. All applied methods have shown that Safranbolu has a humid climate; however, the humidity value in the north of Safranbolu is slightly higher than that in the central and southern parts. In addition, water shortage in the north of Safranbolu is observed in July-August, while water shortage in the central and southern parts is observed in July-August-September. Considering the long-term precipitation average of the Safranbolu district, the highest annual precipitation is observed in March and the lowest in August. Etp and Etr throughout the district are highest in July and lowest in January. Surplus water and surface flow occur in the months between December and May, with the highest amount of surface flow occurring in March. There is no month without rain in Safranbolu. Safranbolu, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a visiting area for local and foreign tourists because of its cultural, architectural, and historical features and geotourism potential. In addition to its current agricultural activities, the cultivation of the "Saffron" plant, which gives its name to the district, and its forest assets cause an increase in both the tourism capacity and population of the district. Considering all of these, studies on climate change risk management and water resources management in Safranbolu have been conducted.