Multi-objective global optimization for hydrologic models

The development of automated (computer-based) calibration methods has focused mainly on the selection of a single-objective measure of the distance between the model-simulated output and the data and the selection of an automatic optimization algorithm to search for the parameter values which minimize that distance. However, practical experience with model calibration suggests that no single-objective function is adequate to measure the ways in which the model fails to match the important characteristics of the observed data. Given that some of the latest hydrologic models simulate several of the watershed output fluxes (e.g. water, energy, chemical constituents, etc.), there is a need for effective and efficient multi-objective calibration procedures capable of exploiting all of the useful information about the physical system contained in the measurement data time series. The MOCOM-UA algorithm, an effective and efficient methodology for solving the multiple-objective global optimization problem, is presented in this paper. The method is an extension of the successful SCE-UA single-objective global optimization algorithm. The features and capabilities of MOCOM-UA are illustrated by means of a simple hydrologic model calibration study

Toward improved calibration of hydrologic models: Multiple and noncommensurable measures of information

Several contributions to the hydrological literature have brought into question the continued usefulness of the classical paradigm for hydrologic model calibration. With the growing popularity of sophisticated 'physically based' watershed models (e.g., landsurface hydrology and hydrochemical models) the complexity of the calibration problem has been multiplied many fold. We disagree with the seemingly widespread conviction that the model calibration problem will simply disappear with the availability of more and better field measurements. This paper suggests that the emergence of a new and more powerful model calibration paradigm must include recognition of the inherent multiobjective nature of the problem and must explicitly recognize the role of model error. The results of our preliminary studies are presented. Through an illustrative case study we show that the multiobjective approach is not only practical and relatively simple to implement but can also provide useful information about the limitations of a model

EFFECTIVENESS OF CITES AT MITIGATING ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING OF EUROPEAN EELS

In 2007, as a result of drastic population decline over the last century, European eels were added to Appendix II of CITES in order to regulate and limit its trade exploitation. However, illegal trade of these species is still rampant to meet consumption demand in Asia and Europe. This suggests that CITES is not armed with the tools necessary for effective implementation and not sufficiently using these tools; therefore, amendments to this treaty are necessary. A review of government reports and literature indicate existing gaps in European eels morphological and life cycle research along with technological limitations that contribute to poor implementation of CITES regulation for European eels resulting in significant presence of illegal trafficking. To address these limitations, CITES amendments are recommended to allow for more effective mitigation of European eel trafficking. However, an effective approach to trade regulation requires a dynamic policy approach. Relying on one instrument, such as CITES, to possess all the tools to deter illegal wildlife trafficking is unreasonable. Rather, multiple policies that employ different sets of tools should be implemented in a complementary way to promote sustainable trade practices

Digestive anatomy and impact of dietary fibre on performances of the growing grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus)

The grasscutter is a rodent herbivore recently domesticated in several countries of sub-Saharan Africa for meat production. However, the development of this production to a rational and more productive model needs a better knowledge of the digestive physiology of this animal. This work aimed to study the digestive anatomy of the growing grasscutter and determine the impact of dietary fibre on growth rate and health

All-in Sustaining Cost Analysis

Cost reporting has focused on the direct cost of mining and processing ore which was summarized in the non-GAAP cash cost developed by the Gold Institute in 1996. In 2013, a group of mining companies, working with the World Gold Council, developed a more inclusive approach to reporting costs designed to solve the dilemma of showing a more comprehensive reflection of recurring costs involved in producing gold, without discouraging investors

Impact du Changement Climatique sur la Production du Riz dans les Différentes Régions de Côte d’Ivoire : cas du Haut Sassandra, de Gôh, de Poro, de Tonkpi, de Gbêkê et de N’zi

Cet article a pour objectif d’analyser l’effet que peut avoir le changement climatique sur la production du riz dans les différentes régions de Côte d’Ivoire de 2016 à 2019. Ce travail vise à analyser théoriquement et empiriquement cette relation entre le changement climatique et la production du riz. Le changement climatique influe sur la production du riz à travers la température, la précipitation et l’humidité. Pour réaliser l’étude, nous avons recouru à une approche économétrique sur données de panel. Les résultats des tests ont montré que ce sont l’humidité et la superficie (variable intermédiaire) qui influencent positivement la production du riz à long terme dans les différentes régions de Côte d’Ivoire. Par conséquent, l’étude recommande dans un premier temps que des efforts soient faits pour placer la riziculture au cœur des mesures d’adaptation et de résilience aux changements climatiques. Et dans un deuxième temps, de repenser la dimension foncière de l’activité rizicole par rapport à la raréfaction des ressources. En effet, il va s’agir d’adapter les solutions à chaque région, selon une approche agro-écologique propre.   The objective of this article is to analyze the effect that the climate change may have on rice production in the different regions of Côte d'Ivoire from 2016 to 2019. This work aims to analyze theoretically and empirically this relationship between climate change and rice production. Climate change affects rice production through temperature, precipitation and humidity. To carry out the study, we used an econometric approach with panel data. The results of the tests showed that humidity and area (an intermediate variable) positively influence rice production in the long term in the different regions of Côte d'Ivoire. Therefore, the study recommends as a first step that efforts should be made to place rice cultivation at the heart of climate change adaptation and resilience measures. And in a second step, to rethink the land dimension of the rice-growing activity in relation to the scarcity of resources. Indeed, the solutions will have to be adapted to each region, according to its own agro-ecological approach

Impact du Changement Climatique sur la Production du Riz dans les Différentes Régions de Côte d’Ivoire : cas du Haut Sassandra, de Gôh, de Poro, de Tonkpi, de Gbêkê et de N’zi

Cet article a pour objectif d’analyser l’effet que peut avoir le changement climatique sur la production du riz dans les différentes régions de Côte d’Ivoire de 2016 à 2019. Ce travail vise à analyser théoriquement et empiriquement cette relation entre le changement climatique et la production du riz. Le changement climatique influe sur la production du riz à travers la température, la précipitation et l’humidité. Pour réaliser l’étude, nous avons recouru à une approche économétrique sur données de panel. Les résultats des tests ont montré que ce sont l’humidité et la superficie (variable intermédiaire) qui influencent positivement la production du riz à long terme dans les différentes régions de Côte d’Ivoire. Par conséquent, l’étude recommande dans un premier temps que des efforts soient faits pour placer la riziculture au cœur des mesures d’adaptation et de résilience aux changements climatiques. Et dans un deuxième temps, de repenser la dimension foncière de l’activité rizicole par rapport à la raréfaction des ressources. En effet, il va s’agir d’adapter les solutions à chaque région, selon une approche agro-écologique propre.   The objective of this article is to analyze the effect that the climate change may have on rice production in the different regions of Côte d'Ivoire from 2016 to 2019. This work aims to analyze theoretically and empirically this relationship between climate change and rice production. Climate change affects rice production through temperature, precipitation and humidity. To carry out the study, we used an econometric approach with panel data. The results of the tests showed that humidity and area (an intermediate variable) positively influence rice production in the long term in the different regions of Côte d'Ivoire. Therefore, the study recommends as a first step that efforts should be made to place rice cultivation at the heart of climate change adaptation and resilience measures. And in a second step, to rethink the land dimension of the rice-growing activity in relation to the scarcity of resources. Indeed, the solutions will have to be adapted to each region, according to its own agro-ecological approach

D.terminants de l'endettement ext.rieur des PPTE: Cas de la C.te d'Ivoire

External debt determinants, Econometric model, HIPC debt relief, C.te d'Ivoire

Choice of the Empirical Definition of Zero in the Translog Multiproduct Cost Functional Form

This study examines the impacts of empirical definition of zero output values on price elasticities, economy of scope, and scale using the Translog cost function. A system of cost and factor share equations with regularity conditions imposed is estimated. Results show that the choice of default values affects policy recommendations.Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Impact des Paramètres Climatiques sur la Production Rizicole dans les Différentes Régions de Côte d’Ivoire: Cas du Haut Sassandra, Goh, Poro, Tonkpi, Gbêkê, et N’zi

Partant du postulat que l’activité agricole est conditionnée par le climat, l’étude sur l’impact des paramètres climatiques sur la production de riz mérite d’être menée pour un pays qui ambitionne accroître sa production rizicole comme la Côte d’Ivoire. A cet effet, cette étude a eu pour objectif principal d'examiner l’effet que peut avoir le changement des déterminants climatiques sur la production de riz dans les différentes régions de Côte d’Ivoire de 2016 à 2019. Il était question d’analyser théoriquement et empiriquement cette relation entre les paramètres climatiques et la production de riz sur le cas ivoirien. La méthode statistique utilisée pour mieux cerner la relation entre ces deux sphères est basée sur une approche économétrique sur données de panel. Les résultats ont révélé seulement l’humidité comme le facteur climatique qui influence positivement la production de riz à long terme dans les différentes régions de Côte d’Ivoire. A ce facteur s’ajoute la variable intermédiaire: la superficie. Ces résultats invitent à formuler certaines implications politiques. En Côte d’Ivoire, il importe  de placer, d’une part, l’agriculture au centre des mesures d’adaptation aux changements climatiques c’est-à-dire orienter les politiques en eau, d’irrigation vers une exploitation plus rationnelle. Les autorités en charge du développement de la riziculture doivent créer des conditions pour le renforcement des capacités techniques (matériel, formation, vulgarisation) des  institutions de tutelle sur l’épineuse question du climat. D’autre part, il faille repenser la dimension foncière de l’activité rizicole par rapport à la raréfaction des ressources. Il s’agira donc d’adapter des solutions agro-écologiques selon la spécificité de chaque région ivoirienne.   Starting from the premise that agricultural activity is influenced by climate, studying the impact of climatic parameters on rice production becomes crucial for a country aiming to increase its rice yield, such as Côte. This paper focuses on examining the effects that changing climatic determinants might have had on rice production in different regions of Côte d’Ivoire from 2016 to 2019. The relationship between climatic parameters and rice production in the Ivorian context was theoretically and empirically analysed. To better understand this relationship, an econometric approach on panel data was employed. The results indicated that humidity was the sole factor that positively influenced rice production in the various regions of Côte d’Ivoire over the long term. An intermediate variable, namely the surface area, also played a contributing role. These findings prompt the formulation of specific policy implications. It is imperative in Côte d’Ivoire to prioritize agriculture in climate change adaptation measures, such as directing water and irrigation policies towards more efficient utilization. Authorities responsible for rice development must create conditions to enhance the technical capacities (equipment, training, extension) of institutions handling climate-related matters. There is also the need to evaluate the land tenure aspect of rice cultivation in response to resource scarcity. Agro-ecological solutions should be tailored to the distinct characteristics of each Ivorian region.   &nbsp