Author: webdesk

Chinese researchers have proposed a novel hybrid deep-learning model to address streamflow forecasting for water catchment areas at a global scale, with a view to improving flood prediction, according to a recent research article published in the journal The Innovation.

Streamflow and flood forecasting remains one of the long-standing challenges in hydrology. Traditional physically based models are hampered by sparse parameters and complex calibration procedures particularly in ungauged catchments.

More than 95 percent of small and medium-sized water catchments in the world lack monitoring data, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Researchers from the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment of the CAS used the datasets of more than 2,000 catchments around the world to conduct model training in order to cope with streamflow forecasting at a global scale for all gauged and ungauged catchments.

The distribution of these catchments was significantly different, ensuring the diversity of d
ata.

The results show that the forecasting accuracy of the model was higher than traditional hydrological models and other AI models.

The study demonstrated the potential of deep-learning methods to overcome the lack of hydrologic data and deficiencies in physical model structure and parameterization, the research article noted.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority Eng. Khalid Ahmed Saleh Al Obaidli met with HH Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al-Saud.

During the meeting, they discussed areas of cooperation in real estate between the two sides and ways to enhance and develop them.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater met on Monday with HE Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan Hussein Awad Ali, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, as well as developments in Sudan.

During the meeting, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s firms position in support of the unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan, and the need to stop foreign interference in its internal affairs that fuel conflict, as well as to fully respect the choices of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace, justice and prosperity.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Dr. Pedro Sanchez hailed the mediation role being undertaken by the State of Qatar for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, underscoring Spain’s commitment to supporting the efforts devoted to achieving a just and sustainable peace in the region.

In a post on the media platform X, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain said he held a phone call with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during which he expressed his sincere gratitude to the Qatar-led mediation role in order to reach a ceasefire and release the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

He added that he shared with HH the Amir his concern about the potential Israeli operation in Rafah, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to supporting the efforts for a just and sustainable peace in the region through the two-state solution and mutual recognition of the Palestinian statehood.

Last month, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani affirmed that the
State of Qatar has been committed to the negotiation process since the start of war on Gaza, in pursuit of releasing hostages, helping them return home safely, and ending the war on the Strip.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) announced the launch of its Precision Rehabilitation Initiative, a groundbreaking program ascribing to Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy that is set to transform the delivery of rehabilitation care in Qatar and beyond.

As one of the first programs of this type in the MENA region and spearheaded by HMC’s Rehabilitation Therapy Services Department, precision rehabilitation aims to tailor treatments for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries or those managing chronic conditions. By considering factors like medical history, physical condition, ability, lifestyle and goals as well as leveraging AI-powered systems, physicians can address the unique needs of each individual and empower patients to achieve their rehabilitation goals.

HMC’s Precision Rehabilitation Initiative supports integrates state-of-the-art technology including robotics, exoskeletons, wearable devices, voice-activated technology, virtual and augmented reality applications and smart homes
to provide tailored interventions.

Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Deputy Chief of Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Geriatrics at HMC, explained that “with Precision Rehabilitation, we are not just administering treatment, we are tailoring our strategies based on detailed real-time measurements of each patient’s functional abilities. This method allows us to significantly enhance the effectiveness of our interventions and elevate patient care to new heights. The integration of innovative technology and scientifically proven methods empowers our patients to excel in daily activities and helps them reintegrate into their communities with confidence and increased physical capabilities.” Precision Rehabilitation with AI, Wearable Sensors, Tele-rehab and recovery tracking (“PRAIWeST”) is the model at the heart of this new initiative.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Andrzej Szejna held a farewell ceremony in honor of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Poland Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Fakhroo on the occasion of the end of his tenure.

During the ceremony, HE the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland applauded the role of HE the Ambassador in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in a range of fields, wishing him success in his future assignment.

For his part, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Poland thanked the Polish officials for the cooperation offered during his tenure which evidently enhanced the relations between the two countries.

The ceremony was attended by a host of Their Excellences ambassadors of the Arab countries accredited to Poland, alongside officials in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The israeli occupation killed 34,735 Palestinians and injured 78,108 others in its ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, while thousands remain missing.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said in a statement on Monday that the israeli occupation forces committed five massacres against families in Gaza during the past 24 hours, killing 52 Palestinians and injuring 90 others.

Rafah is the last stop for more than one million displaced Palestinians, who have been moving from one area to another in the Gaza Strip because of the israeli aggression. These displaced Palestinians are threatened with a new displacement in the wake of the israeli occupation army asking them to evacuate areas of the city in preparation for its bombing and invasion.

The UN and other organizations and countries warn of a catastrophic situation that will befall hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Rafah if the city is bombed and invaded.

The unprecedented israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip continues from all sides (se
a, land and air), killing and injuring tens of thousands of Palestinians, and causing a humanitarian catastrophe of countless martyrs, wounded and missing Palestinians, as well as a massive destruction of vital infrastructure and facilities in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Interior, chaired the eighth meeting of the Technical Team for Awareness in the field of Security Media in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, held virtually.

Chaired by Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Interior Colonel Dr. Jabr Hamoud Jabr Al Naimi, the meeting discussed several agenda items related to security awareness.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Qatar University (QU) organized a seminar entitled: “Ethics of Media Coverage of Wars and Crises” in observance of World Press Freedom Day.

Organized by QU’s Mass Communications Department, the seminar shed light on the topic of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, and the dangers journalists face to their professional and physical safety during coverage of wars and crises. It also aimed to discuss the ethical challenges journalists face during coverage of wars and conflicts.

Department Head of Mass Communication in QUs College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Wael Abdelal said: “This event is particularly significant considering the exceptional challenges faced by journalists and the press globally, especially this year, which is arguably one of the worst in contemporary history regarding violations of press freedom and attacks against journalists. This reality places a doubly significant responsibility on us, to promote awareness and uphold ethical standards in this regard.

“It is imperati
ve for us to firmly confront these challenges. The word, our weapon, must be wielded with precision and integrity. This reality, perhaps, presents challenges and lessons for the entire world. Our students will learn intellectual resilience and be inspired by our narratives to contribute to the enhancement of press freedom.”, he added.

For her part, Advisor to the QU President and Professor of Digital Media and Politics, Dr. Maryam Al Khater, discussed journalism in the context of media coverage of events, reflecting on its historical evolution and the challenges faced during the past decades.

Dr. Maryam acknowledged the importance of press freedom and highlighted the sacrifices made by journalists, especially in conflict zones like Gaza, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these issues and emphasized the need to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.

An elite of academics and media professionals participated in the seminar to highlight the ethical aspects of media coverage and sa
feguard the integrity of journalists.

Source: Qatar News Agency