Assessing Future Flooding Risk in a Coastal Lagoon Using Hydrogeological Approaches and Analysis of the 2021 Flood Event: A Case Study of Tasi-Tolu Lagoon, Dili, Timor-Leste

This study aims to apply a hydrogeological approaches and analysis of the 2021 flood event of Tasi-Tolu Lagoon to achieve four specific goals. Firstly, the study seeks to determine the natural characteristics of the lagoon, which include factors such as size, depth, water quality, and ecosystem composition. Secondly, the influence of precipitation on the water volume in the lagoon will be examined. This analysis involves assessing historical rainfall patterns in the region, as well as the amount and frequency of precipitation during the 2021 flood event. Thirdly, the hydrogeologic and geologic conditions of the lagoon will be evaluated. This involves examining factors such as the type and structure of the soil and bedrock, the presence of aquifers or other underground water sources, and the movement of water through the surrounding landscape. Finally, the study seeks to assess the risk of future flooding in Tasi-Tolu Lagoon, based on the insights gained from the previous analyses. Overall, this study’s goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogeological factors that contribute to flooding in Tasi-Tolu Lagoon. This knowledge could be used to inform flood mitigation strategies or to improve our ability to predict and respond to future flooding events in the region.

First Update to Herpetofaunal Records from Timor-Leste

Herpetological surveys of locations in six districts of Timor-Leste(Dili, Baucau, Ermera, Liqui a, Manatuto, Viqueque) during 2010 led to the discovery of a new, high-altitude species of Cryptoblepharus from Ermera District, a new country record(Hemidactylus cf. tenkatei), and the recording of two previously unvouchered species(Python r. reticulatus and Liasis m. mackloti). In this article, we summarize these new records and present numerous new district records for Timor-Leste and four records for road-killed snakes seen in West Timor(Indonesia). With the addition of the results from our 2009 survey, the update presented herein increases the confirmed number of amphibian and reptile species for Timor-Leste to 47.

Malaria epidemiology in the Democratic Republic of East Timor

Objective:To investigate malaria prevalence and socio-economic conditions in East Timor. Methods:Blood samples were collected from 650 individuals distributed among six districts in East Timor.434 and 216 individuals were sampled by passive and active case detection, respectively(PCD,ACD).Results:The results showed that the plasmodium infection prevalence was 18.9%with predominance of Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) infections(60.2%). The majority of cases were detected in children between 2-14 years old in both PCD and ACD. Participants residing in Same and Lospalos were at a higher risk of malaria.The percentage of infections associated to the lack of bed net use was twice as high as users(25.2%vs 12.5%). The prevalence of malaria among participants who lived in brick/cement houses(8.3%) was two times less than those who lived in other types of houses(3.7%).There was a significantly lower prevalence of infection detected in individuals living in complete housing constructions with absence of domestic animals in or near the houses.Conclusions:The major risk factors for malaria in East Timor are age,lack of bed net use,incomplete housing constructions and exposure to mosquitoes.

Plants used in traditional medicine for treatment of malaria by Tetunethnic people in West Timor Indonesia

To document the medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria by the Tetun ethnic people in West Timor–Indonesia. Methods: The ethnobotany and anthropology methods were used in the field surveys. Ninety four informants from 29 villages of 15 sub-districts in Belu and Malaka were interviewed since April to December 2017. Medicinal plants specimen were collected from the field and identified according to taxonomic methods. Results: Ninety six medicinal plants species belong to 41 families were found to be used by the Tetun ethnic people in their traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria. These plants have been used in various formulas for drinking, massage, bath, inhalation or cataplasm. Strychnos ligustrina, Calotropis gigantea, Cleome rutidosperma, Physalis angulata, Alstonia spectabilis, Carica papaya, Melia azedarach, Alstonia scholaris, Jatropha curcas, Garuga floribunda, and Tamarindus indicawere the most cited plants. Conclusions: The documented plants are valuable sources for the future development of new drugs and strategies to support malaria eliminating programs that are culturally acceptable in these areas.

Herpetological Diversity of Timor-Leste: Updates and a Review of Species Distributions

We report the results of five herpetological surveys during 2011-2013 that included visits to all districts of Timor-Leste （Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Covalima, Ermera, Laut6m, Liquiga, Manatuto, Manufahi, Viqueque） except the Oecusse exclave. Our fieldwork culminated in the discovery of one putative new frog species （genus Kaloula）, at least five putative new lizard species （genera Cyrtodactylus, Cryptoblepharus, and Sphenomorphus）, and two putative new snake species （genera Stegonotus and Indotyphlops）. In addition, we present new distribution records of amphibians and reptiles for 11 of the country＇s 12 contiguous districts, along with additional natural history data. Results from our surveys increase the number of amphibian and reptiles known to occur in Timor-Leste from 22 species before our surveys began to over 60, including over 20 as yet undescribed species.

在Timor海的空前发现

Elf澳大利亚阿启坦勘探队(Aquitaine Exploration Australia)声称发现了一个储量在澳大利亚近海勘测史上空前丰富的天然气田,在Timor海的海燕4号估价井已记录到的干气流量为每天2800立方尺,相当于4600桶石油。

A Case Study: Performance Comparison of Solar Power Generation between GridLAB-D and SAM in Dili Timor Leste

Study of comparison of solar power generation between the GridLAB-D tool and System Advisor Model (SAM) in Dili, Timor Leste is presented in this paper. Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to simulate solar radiation for one calendar year from January to December 2014 using six-hourly interval 1° × 1° NCEP FNL analysis data. The one calendar year results from the WRF model will be used as input data for GridLAB-D and SAM to estimate the solar power generation. GridLAB-D is an open-source and analysis tool designed to operate the distribution power systems with a high-performance algorithm. System Advisor Model version SAM 2017.9.5 is used to estimate solar power performance with Photovoltaics (PVWatts)- Commercial Distributed model. This model is designed to analyze the performance and the financing of renewable energy for electricity generation. The results show the lowest solar radiation is 512 W/m2 obtained in June with an average monthly power of 20.6 kW and 30.55 kW generated from the SAM model and the GridLAB-D simulator, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest solar radiation is 1100 W/m2, 1112 W/m2, 1046 W/m2, and 1077 W/m2 obtained in October, November, December, and January with an average monthly power of 55.72 kW, 62.44 kW, 56.65 kW, and 56.97 kW from the SAM model, in the other hand, 48.89 kW, 51.31 kW, 55.51 kW, and 57.18 kW generated by the GridLAB-D. Finally, the results show that the performance of the GridLAB-D and the SAM model was quite good because both model precisely presented values are almost closest to each other. This study proposes that the results of solar output power from both methods, GridLAB-D and SAM can be used to design grid-connected or stand-alone electric power projects to increase the quality of electricity generation in Dili, Timor Leste.

Improvement of Coding for Solar Radiation Forecasting in Dili Timor Leste—A WRF Case Study

This paper investigates the accuracy of weather research and forecasting by improving coding for solar radiation forecasting for location in Dili Timor Leste. Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 3.9.1 is used in this study for improvement purposes. The shortwave coding of WRF is used to improve in order to decrease error simulation. The importance of improving WRF coding at a specific region will reduce the bias and root mean square root when comparing to the observed data. This study uses high resolution based on the WRF modeling to stabilize the performance of forecasting. The decrease in error performance will be expected to enhance the value of renewable energy. The results show the root mean square error of the WRF default is 233 W/m2 higher compared to 205 W/m2 from the WRF improvement model. In addition, the Mean Bias Error (MBE) of the WRF default is obtained value 0.06 higher than 0.03 from the WRF improvement in rainy days. Meanwhile, on sunny days, the performance Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of WRF default is 327 W/m2 higher than 223 W/m2 from the WRF improvement. The MBE of WRF improvement obtained 0.13 lower compared to 0.21 of WRF default coding. Finally, this study concludes that improving the shortwave code under the WRF model can decrease the error performance of the WRF simulation for local weather forecasting.

Improvement of Native Pasture Productivity through Introduction of Various Types of Palatable Species on Dry Lands in Timor

This research was aimed to evaluate the productivity of native pasture in Timor Island by introducing various palatable species.The study was carried out on native pasture in Tuatuka,Timor Island for seven months.The study was performed by using randomized block design(RBD)with eight treatments(S0:no introduction,S1:Cynodon dactilon,S2:Dicanthium aristatum,S3:C.plectotachyus,S4:Brachiaria decumbens,S5:Desmanthus virgatus,S6:Macroptilium atropurpureum,S7:Clitoria ternatea)with four replications.Procedures on this study include trial plots preparation,tillers preparation for each species,introduction of species in trial plots,maintenance and observation of the productivity.Variables observed were forage production(fresh and dry matter(DM)in ton/ha),nutrient content(%)and stock capacity(animal unit(AU)/ha).Data were analyzed for variance based on RBD and followed by Duncan’s test.Analysis of variance showed that introduction of species had a very significant effect(p<0.01)on all observed variables.The introduction of M.atropurpureum produced the highest fresh forage(2.1 t/ha)and DM production(0.69 t/ha).M.atropurpureum also had the highest DM content(43.61%),nitrogen free extract(52.52%)and stock capacity(1.06 AU/ha).The highest crude protein and crude fiber content were found in D.virgatus(4.31%and 36.62%).The highest extract ether was observed in D.aristatum(1.48%).No introduction had the lowest productivity,but demonstrated the highest ash content.The introduction of palatable species increased the productivity of native pasture in Timor and M.atropupureum was the best introduced species.

GEOTHERMAL EVOLUTION OF THE TIMOR SEA AND ITS TECTONIC SIGNIFICANCE

Geothermal study shows that a higher geotemperature existed in the area in the middle Jurassic with volcanic eruption,subsequently cooling associated with block-faulting and rifting.There has been a thermal-cycle with its higher geotemperature in the middle Jurassic since the late Paleozoic.The present geothermal gradient is from less than 3℃/100m to more than 5℃/100m, distributed in intersected short-belts.The terrestrial heat flow ranges from less than 40 mW.m-2 to more than 80mW.m-2, distributed in short-belts too. The distributing belts of the geothermal gradient and heat flow trend as the tectonic divisions in the area,and higher geothermal gradient or lower heat flow belt is corresponding to the positive tectonic division with lower Bouguer gravity anornaly.The tectonic development of the area is closely related to its geothermal evolution.

Combination of WRF Model and LSTM Network for Solar Radiation Forecasting—Timor Leste Case Study

A study of a combination of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network for location in Dili Timor Leste is introduced in this paper. One calendar year’s results of solar radiation from January to December 2014 are used as input data to estimate future forecasting of solar radiation using the LSTM network for three months period. The WRF model version 3.9.1 is used to simulate one year’s solar radiation in horizontal resolution low scale for nesting domain 1 × 1 km. It is done by applying 6-hourly interval 1º × 1º NCEP FNL analysis data used as Global Forecast System (GFS). LSTM network is applied for forecasting in numerous learning problems for solar radiation forecasting. LSTM network uses two-layer LSTM architecture of 512 hidden neurons coupled with a dense output layer with linear as the model activation to predict with time steps are configured to 50 and the number of features is 1. The maximum epoch is set to 325 with batch size 300 and the validation split is 0.09. The results demonstrate that the combination of these two methods can successfully predict solar radiation where four error metrics of mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE), normalized MBE (nMBE), and normalized RMSE (nRMSE) perform small error distribution and percentage in three months prediction where the error percentage is obtained below the 20% for nMBE and nRMSE. Meanwhile, the error distribution of RMSE is obtained below 200 W/m2 and maximum bias error is 0.07. Finally, the values of MBE, RMSE, nMBE, and nRMSE conclude that the good performance of the combination of two methods in this study can be applied to simulate any other weather variable for local necessary.

TECTONICS OF THE TIMOR SEA

The Timor Sea is a typical depression-type (diwa-type) sedimentary basin.Three tectolithostratigraphic layers (units) can be recognised in the area, frorn bottorn to top,i. e. the Precarnbrian sequence corresponding to the geosyncline unit (Ⅰ), with a probable NNE-SSW structural line, the Paleozoic to Triassic sequence belonging to the platform unit (Ⅱ) with a NW-SE structural grain, and the Jurassic to Cenozoic sequence being depression unit with a main NE-SW structural trend. The tectonic divisions in the area can be classified into two systems including thirteen divisions. The NE trending divisions and those trending NW intersect each other and the new ones overprint the older ones, forming a chess-board structural configuration. The Bouguer gravity anomaly in the area corresponds to its structure framework. Negative and positive anornalies alternatively distribute in short belts. Geothermal study show that higher heat flow existed in the area in late Jurassic with volcanic eruption, subsequently cooling and block-faulting. The terrestrial heat flow field is distributed in short-belts too, trending as the tectonic divisions in the area. The tectonic evolution of the area may be divided into at least three stages, i. e. the Precambrian stage, the (rifting) stage frorn Cambrian to Triassic, and the block-faulting-rifting stage from Jurassic to Cenozoic.

An Overview of the Geological Control on Groundwater Potential in Lacamutu River, Alaua Kraik Area, Baucau Municipality, Timor-Leste

Timor island has a tropical climate with relatively little rainfall and surface water is often not available throughout the year with groundwater relied on to fulfill daily domestic necessities. Geological reconnaissance mapping, hydrogeological investigation, and resistivity survey were undertaken in this study to systematically understand the hydrogeologic system (e.g., aquifer system, hydrostratigraphic units, groundwater flow direction) and its potentiality for water supply to human consumption in Alaua Kraik area, Baucau Municipality, Timor-Leste. Res2DInv, Dips 5.1, Surfer 16, Global Mapper 13, and ArcGIS 10.6 software was used to create geological reconnaissance maps, resistivity interpretation profile lines, and a hydrostratigraphic model. Rainfall precipitation, rainfall intensity, maximum rate of runoff and infiltration data are also used to interpret the groundwater potential in the study area. Two rock units occur in the study area;permeable alluvial deposits which unconformable overlie impermeable interbedded red marl-chert and calcareous shale. Structurally the area comprises the Lacamutu anticline, thrust fault, left slip fault, and normal right slip fault. Resistivity lines indicate three (3) types of lithologies: alluvial deposit, an intercalated layer of red marl-chert, calcareous shale and wet calcareous shale. The alluvial deposit and red marl-chert layer intercalated with calcareous shale units are classified as a hydrostratigraphic unit of intergranular and localised aquifer systems with low productivity. The groundwater flows through the existing fractures of the shear joint and tends to flow towards the left slip fault plane zone from the North to South direction. Much of the rainwater in the study area is most likely intercepted, evaporated, and or transpiration as opposed to running off and infiltrating into the ground. The permeable and heavily fractured impermeable rock units in the study area have good porosity but low permeability and represent poor aquifers. The springs and Lacamutu River have low discharge and are generally dry in the dry season as it does not have an adequate aquifer that can accumulate and pass groundwater with significant volumes even if the rainfall in the study area is classified as moderate rainfall.

Effects of Slash-and-Burn Practices on Soil Quality at Different Landscape Positions in the Raumoco Watershed, Municipality of Lautem, Timor-Leste

Slash-and-burn practices used by farmers in prior growing periods could affect soil quality, particularly topsoil properties. This study aimed to assess soil biophysical and chemical properties at different landscape levels within the watershed site. Soil samples were collected by a core method in the topsoil layer in slash-and-burn sites. Field analysis was on bulk density and porosity by the gravimetric method, while laboratory analysis was done on organic matter by the Loss on Ignitions Method and other macronutrients for crops (total nitrogen, phosphorus availability, and potassium availability) followed standard analytical methods. To see if there was a significant difference between sites, DMRT 5% was used. The results of the study showed slash-and-burn practice affects soil physical properties such that high bulk density in upstream, midstream, and downstream ranged from 1.55 g/cm3 to 1.71 g/cm3, 1.55 g/cm3 to 1.80 g/cm3, and 1.38 g/cm3 to 1.79 g/cm3 respectively. Poor porosity in upstream, midstream, and downstream ranged from 33.91% to 40.06%, 30.38% to 41.75%, and 30.91% to 46.65%, respectively. Organic matter content was low in the upstream, midstream, and downstream areas, ranging from 2.86% to 3.39%, 2.58% to 3.88%, and 2.91% to 3.88%, respectively. However, soil pH remains neutral, and nitrogen levels are low but near-optimal in the upstream and very low in the midstream and downstream. Phosphorus is extremely high upstream but very low in midstream and downstream. However, potassium remains at a low level close optimum level in the entire watershed.

Diagenetic control of magnetic susceptibility variation in Core MD98-2172 from the Eastern Timor Sea

Detailed mineral magnetic measurements,integrated with grain-size distribution and X-ray diffraction(XRD) analyses,were made on the marine sediments of Core MD98-2172,retrieved from the Eastern Timor Sea.Values of magnetic susceptibility in this core drop sharply down-core from-3.85 m deep below sediment/water interface and are very low at-5.35 m.However,both XRD and grain-size distribution results show no sudden change in terrigenous input during sedimentation.Mineral magnetic results indicate that the depth of-3.85 m may be an oxic/anoxic boundary.Therefore,the sediments below-3.85 m have been subjected to intense reductive diagenesis,whereas the sediments above-3.85 m are seldom affected.The magnetic properties of the sediments shallower than 3.85 m are dominated by pseudo-single domain(PSD) magnetite,with little down-core variation in its content and grain size.Below-3.85 m,the magnetic mineral assemblages that have survived in the sediments may record different stages of the reductive diagenesis:(1) the sediments from the 3.85-5.35 m interval are at the stage of iron oxide reduction;PSD magnetite is the major magnetic contributor,but it becomes less abundant and coarser down-core;(2) the sediments below-5.35 m are at the stage of sulphate reduction;ferrimagnetic minerals almost vanish and paramagnetic minerals contribute to down-core susceptibility variations,including pyrite as evidenced by high-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements.However,the susceptibility variations below-5.35 m of Core MD98-2172 show obvious periodicity,despite the intense effect of reductive diagenesis.Furthermore,the down-core susceptibility variations are coincident with fluctuations in the quantity of fine detrital particles(<8 μm),which may come mainly from the advection of the Indonesia Throughflow(ITF) and/or river input from Timor.Therefore,for Core MD98-2172,susceptibility variation below-5.35 m,which potentially correspond to fluctuations in the quantity of fine particles,may record the histories of the development of the ITF and precipitation on Timor.

“双高计划”背景下高职院校国际职教人才培养模式——以宁波职业技术学院“一年制东帝汶旅行业人才培训项目”为例

积极探索具有中国特色的国际职业教育服务模式,参与“一带一路”沿线发展中国家职业教育援助建设,是高职院校实施“双高计划”的国际化要求及重要内容。宁波职业技术学院“一年制东帝汶旅行业人才培训项目”通过量身定制人才培养方案、校企合作打造课程体系、汉语文化灵活融入教学、双语师资开展学工活动以及企业实训认知中国产业的方式,积极探索高职院校国际职业教育人才培养新模式,为高职院校践行“双高计划”,援助发展中国家职业教育提供案例模板。

200 ka以来澳大利亚西北岸外沉积物源区风化的Mg同位素记录及其对澳洲古季风的响应

本文通过对IODP 363航次于澳大利亚西北岸外陆架上钻取的U1483站岩芯进行沉积物粒度、镁同位素以及主量元素成分等分析,重建200 ka以来帝汶海西南部沉积物输入演化及其指示的源区风化和侵蚀历史,探讨海洋沉积物中细粒硅质碎屑组分镁同位素的古环境指示意义。U1483站陆源碎屑组分主要由黏土质粉砂组成,其δ^(26)Mg变化范围超过0.25‰。通过计算化学蚀变指数(chemical index of alteration,CIA)和两种物理侵蚀指标(包括陆源物质堆积速率和Ti/Ca比值),结果显示200 ka以来δ^(26)Mg指标与CIA具有非常一致的曲线形态。本文推测陆源碎屑组分的Mg同位素组成主要反映物源区大陆硅酸盐风化强度的变化,而受矿物学分选、岩性和早期成岩作用的影响较小。结合区域古气候记录,我们发现本研究中的风化和侵蚀记录与同一个站位已发表的澳洲夏季风降水和表层海水温度变化具有较好的耦合关系,而与赤道太平洋海平面变化的相关程度较低,反映了轨道时间尺度上沉积物所记录的物源区风化和侵蚀演化主要受控于澳洲古季风系统,表现为气候驱动型风化模式。本研究δ^(26)Mg指标的应用为我们理解区域大陆风化及其对气候演化的响应和反馈机制提供了全新的同位素视角。

东帝汶海MD98-2172岩芯磁记录与还原成岩作用过程

MD98—2172岩芯位于印度尼西亚穿越流的帝汶通道上。多参数的岩石磁学测量结果表明，该岩芯的磁性矿物组合很好地记录了海洋沉积物中的还原成岩作用过程：0～3．85m段岩芯以亚铁磁性准单畴（PSD）磁铁矿为主，其含量和粒度基本不随深度而变，受还原成岩作用的影响不明显；3．85～5．35m段岩芯也以PSD磁铁矿为主，但其含量随深度的增加而快速减少，粒度随深度的增加而变粗，或粗粒磁铁矿的相对含量随深度的增加而增多，处于铁氧化物还原阶段；5．35～15．00m层段以顺磁性颗粒为主，并出现黄铁矿，处于硫酸盐还原阶段。