Border cities face significant challenges due to political, environmental, and social issues. Strong urban governance can help resolve many of these problems, but it requires identifying practical factors specific to each city’s location. This study aimed to assess the state of urban governance in Paveh, a border city with a population of 25,771 people. The research used both primary data collection (through a questionnaire) and secondary data sources (local and national databases and documents). The study randomly selected 379 households from Paveh’s population and determined a reliability value of 0.913 using the Cochrane procedure. To assess Paveh’s urban governance, eight criteria were used: participatory, rule-of-law compliance, transparency, responsiveness, consensus-oriented, equitable and inclusive, effective and efficient, and accountability. The findings revealed that Paveh’s urban governance, particularly in the dimensions of transparency and participation, is in an unfavorable situation.

A Detailed geophysical investigation was conducted on Knossos territory of Crete Island. Main scope was the detection of underground archaeological settlements. Geophysical prospecting applied by an experienced geophysical team. According to area dimensions in relation to geological and structural conditions, the team designed specific geophysical techniques, by adopted non-catastrophic methods. Three different types of geophysical techniques performed gradually. Geophysical investigation consisted of the application of geoelectric mapping and geomagnetic prospecting. Electric mapping focusses on recording soil resistance distribution. Geomagnetic survey was performed by using two different types of magnetometers. Firstly, recorded distribution of geomagnetic intensity and secondly alteration of vertical gradient. Measured stations laid along the south-north axis with intervals equal to one meter. Both magnetometers were adjusted on a quiet magnetic station. Values were stored in files readable by geophysical interpretation software in XYZ format. Oasis Montaj was adopted for interpretation of measured physical properties distribution. Interpretation results were illustrated as color scale maps. Further processing applied on magnetic measurements. Results are confirmed by overlaying results from three different techniques. Geoelectric mapping contributed to detection of a few archaeological targets. Most of them were recorded by geomagnetic technique. Total intensity aimed to report the existence of magnetized bodies. Vertical gradient detected subsurface targets with clearly geometrical characteristics.

Public works (PWs) in Jordan seek to deliver public services that contribute to socio-economic growth and service provision. A clear framework for initiating PWs investments is lacking in Jordan to meet the required level of development of the country. This work sought to develop a framework for delivering the right PWs investments. The study found that there are several steps that need to be followed to deliver a desired project’s objectives. The study employed a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews. Besides the interviews, the document analysis approach was used and an extensive literature review was conducted. Experts in Jordan regarding PWs development were selected to participate in this study of developing a framework for the initiation of PWs investments. The study found that the framework should involve different steps and measures. They are integrated together to create a framework reflecting international practices in the context of Jordan.

Taxus cuspidata Sieb. ET. Zucc. is a taxus of Taxaceae, a rare third-order relict species distributed in northeastern China, and a wild endangered plant species protected by national level I. Taxol (paclitaxel, trade name taxol) and cephalomannine (cephalomannine) are all diterpenoids contained in the genus Taxus, with broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity and unique anti-cancer mechanism. In this study, the distribution of paclitaxel and cephalomannine in the leaves of Taxus cuspidata in different parts and different growth stages was discussed. The results showed that the content of two substances in the leaves of the majority of the crowns was lower than that of the biennial and tertiary there were no significant differences in the contents of two substances in the two-year and three-year-old

foliage. There was no significant difference in the contents of the two layers in the three levels of the noodles, and

the content of the male was slightly higher than that of the dark. The content of paclitaxel in the leaves of natural

northeast yew was the highest at dormancy period, and the content of flowering and fruit was not much different. The

content of Cephalotaxin was the highest in dormancy period, and that of cephalosporin the content of paclitaxel and

cephalomannine in each plant were significantly different. There was significant difference between the two plants.