Global Positioning System Coordinates Research Articles

Accessibility of TB diagnostic services at primary healthcare clinics in the eThekwini district, South Africa: a geospatial analysis

BackgroundImproving geographic access can aid in managing tuberculosis (TB) by enabling early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Although geospatial techniques have been used to map the transmission patterns of drug-resistant TB...

Sheep Wool Waste Availability for Potential Sustainable Re-Use and Valorization: A GIS-Based Model

Worldwide, 1.3 to 2.1 billion tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes (i.e., sheep wool), which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In order to reduce the environmental issues related to the management and disposal, their use as natural fibers for green building components has notably developed over the last years. Indeed, sheep wool, which is a natural animal fiber that comes from shearing sheep fleece, is considered to be a problem of increasing concern due to its complex and difficult disposal management. Recently, several researchers have demonstrated that “low-quality wool” (i.e., not appropriate for textile uses) is suitable for the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. Indeed, thanks to its thermo-hygrometric and acoustic characteristics, it can be used as a reinforcing fiber for composite materials. In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based model to locate and quantify both the yearly amount of livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool, and the territorial distribution of sheep farms through their Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, was developed and applied within the selected study area (i.e., the Sicily region). The aim was to identify the territorial areas highly characterized by this kind of waste and therefore most suitable for localizing new shared sheep wool collection centers to sustainably manage the reuse of this waste as a potential green building component.

Geographic range and minimum infection rate of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks in Manitoba, Canada from 1995 to 2017.

The expanding geographical range of blacklegged ticks (BLTs), Ixodes scapularis, and its ability to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi poses an emerging public health risk. Our study determined the geographic distribution and the minimum infection rate (MIR) of B. burgdorferi-, A. phagocytophilum-, Ba. microti-, and B. miyamotoi-infected BLTs in Manitoba submitted to the Public Health Agency of Canada's passive tick surveillance programme from 1995 to 2017. Regression models were used to test the association of the MIR by year for each pathogen. Ticks were tested using PCR for B. burgdorferi since 1995, A. phagocytophilum since 2006, and Ba. microti and B. miyamotoi since 2013. The global positioning system coordinates of infected and uninfected ticks submitted during the surveillance period were plotted on a map of Manitoba using ArcGIS Pro version 3.1.2 to detect changes in the geographic distribution of ticks over time. The overall MIR for B. burgdorferi was 139.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 129.0-150.5) per 1000 BLTs; however, it varied over time. After remaining stable from 1995 to 2005, the MIR increased by 12.1 per 1000 BLTs per year from 2005 to 2017 (95% CI: 7.0%-17.2%, p-value <0.01). The geographic distribution of B. burgdorferi-infected BLTs was centred around Winnipeg, Manitoba, and spread outward from this locality. The MIRs of A. phagocytophilum, Ba. microti, and B. miyamotoi were 44.8 per 1000 BLTs (95% CI: 38.1-51.6), 10.8 (95% CI: 6.6-15.0), and 5.2 (95% CI: 2.3-8.1) per 1000 BLTs, respectively, and showed no significant change over time. Passive surveillance revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum-, Ba. microti-, and B. miyamotoi-infected BLTs in southern Manitoba and revealed an increased risk of exposure to B. burgdorferi-infected BLTs due to the increasing geographic range and MIR.

Poultry consumption and perceptions in Tehsil Shakargarh, Punjab, Pakistan: Implications for public health during COVID-19

This study investigated the habits and attitudes of individuals towards poultry consumption, utilizing primary data collected through a survey of 5 households from 285 localities in Tehsil Shakargarh, Punjab, Pakistan (n = 1425). Household selection was randomized, and personal visits were conducted for data collection via formal interviews employing a structured questionnaire. Coordinates for each site were obtained using a Garmin eTrex device, in conjunction with meteorological data, to determine global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. A notable portion of respondents (38.8 %) possessed basic knowledge, while the majority (61.2 %) demonstrated intermediate knowledge regarding commercial broilers (chickens raised for meat production). A significant proportion (70.3 %) harbored misconceptions about the inclusion of hormones/antibiotics in poultry feed, with a minority (0.2 %) misinformed about broiler chickens' leg weakness. Some respondents (17.3 %) held both misconceptions, while others (12.2 %) had none. The majority (97.6 %) favored egg consumption, with 51.7 % preferring commercial chicken eggs and 48.3 % opting for domestic chicken eggs. Preference for white-colored eggs (51.5 %) slightly outweighed that for brown-colored eggs (48.5 %). A minority (1.3 %) speculated that poultry consumption could be a potential cause of COVID-19, while the majority (65.7 %) disagreed, and a portion (33.0 %) remained uncertain. Nearly all respondents (99.9 %) believed in the immunity-boosting properties of protein intake, with 65 % associating such benefits with poultry meat and eggs. Similarly, 99.7 % did not encounter difficulties in accessing poultry products during lockdowns. Approximately half (46.3 %) of respondents believed that consuming well-cooked and safely handled poultry meat was safe during outbreaks. Poultry meat and eggs emerged as potentially efficient sources of nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for protein-deficient populations like Pakistan. Therefore, initiatives should focus on enhancing commercial poultry production and educating the populace about its advantages.

Digital model of automated unmanned aerial vehicle with edge computing application for railway reconnaissance

In the last decade, unmanned aerial vehicles have been widely used in various civil and military field operations. Most modern drones are manually controlled by an operator and require decision making, which requires experience gained through training, which is time consuming and expensive, and even with experienced operators, the human factor can never be excluded. In this paper, an algorithm for an automatic flight mode of unmanned aerial vehicles without an operator’s participation has been developed. The proposed algorithm has been considered in the military reconnaissance of railways using edge computing and computer vision approaches to recognise railroads and moving trains for simulated and real cases as well as send report data to the web platform. As a result, the head of the operation received information about the number of carriages and Global Positioning System coordinates of the recognised train to make the necessary decisions.

Identification of predilection sites for wild boar carcass search based on spatial analysis of Latvian ASF surveillance data

Targeted search for wild boar carcasses is essential for successful control of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations. To examine whether landscape conditions influence the probability of finding ASF-positive carcasses, this study analyzed Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Latvian wild boar carcasses and hunted wild boar, extracted from the CSF/ASF wild boar surveillance database of the European Union, and random coordinates in Latvia. Geographic information system (GIS) software was used to determine the landscape type and landscape composition of carcass detection sites and to measure distances from the carcasses to nearest waterbodies, forest edges, roads and settlements. The results of the automated measurements were validated by manually analyzing a smaller sample. Wild boar carcasses were found predominantly in forested areas and closer to waterbodies and forest edges than random GPS coordinates in Latvia. Carcasses of ASF-infected wild boar were found more frequently in transitional zones between forest and woodland shrub, and at greater distances from roads and settlements compared to ASF-negative carcasses and random points. This leads to the hypothesis, that ASF-infected animals seek shelter in quiet areas further away from human disturbance. A detailed collection of information on the environment surrounding carcass detection sites is needed to characterize predilection sites more accurately.

Advancement of microcontroller-based fire suppression system for enhanced safety in sugar cane plantations

The occurrence of accidental fires in sugarcane plantations is a significant cause of pre-harvest loss in the sugar industry, particularly during arid seasons. This paper introduces the conceptualization and implementation of a microcontroller-based prototype system for mitigating accidental fires in sugar cane plantations. The proposed system encompasses two distinct subsystems: the field monitoring and the fire control unit. The Field monitoring system, deployed within the sugarcane field, assumes responsibility for fire detection via smoke detectors, infrared detectors, as well as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide detectors, which are accompanied by a fire extinguishing mechanism. Conversely, the fire control unit, installed at the fire brigade office, establishes wireless communication with the field monitoring system through the global system for mobile communication (GSM) network. Upon detecting a fire, the microcontroller promptly dispatches a fire alert to the fire brigade while simultaneously activating water pumps to suppress the fire until the brigade arrives to fully extinguish it. Furthermore, the fire control unit triggers the fire alarm and exhibits the global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the burning field to facilitate precise localization. The proposed system uses the Arduino-Mega and Arduino- Leonardo microcontroller platforms and is programmed using the C++ programming language in Visual-Studio-Code software and the Arduino integrated development environment. Designed prototype can detect fires and alert the fire brigade in less than twenty seconds and activate water pumps in less than one second after fire detection.

Environmental Vulnerability against the Presence of Anopheles spp. with Malaria Cases in North Jakarta

There are several locations in DKI Jakarta which have the potential become breeding places for Anopheles spp larvae. The aim of this study was to analyze environmental vulnerability to the presence of Anopheles spp. larvae with malaria cases using a geographic information system approach. This study was an observational study with a cross sectional design. This study was carried out in March – June 2023 in North Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta. The sample consists of data from all malaria patients from 2020-2023 in North Jakarta. The global positioning system coordinates were taken at the addresses of malaria patients. In addition, data on the presence of Anopheles spp. obtained from larval surveys conducted in Cilincing and Penjaringan Sub-Districts and the coordinates for the habitat of Anopheles spp. larvae. The GPS points obtained were then used for spatial analysis. The distribution of malaria cases was random, while the distribution of Anopheles larvae was dispersed. Buffering zone &gt;1000 m from the breeding site indicated that it does not have the potential in malaria transmission due to malaria patients were at a long distance from the breeding site of Anopheles spp. and flight distance of Anopheles spp. not exceeding 1000 m

Characterising sources of PM2·5 exposure for school children with asthma: a personal exposure study across six cities in sub-Saharan Africa

Air pollution is the second largest risk to health in Africa, and children with asthma are particularly susceptible to its effects. Yet, there is a scarcity of air pollution exposure data from cities in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to identify potential exposure reduction strategies for school children with asthma living in urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa. This personal exposure study was part of the Achieving Control of Asthma in Children in Africa (ACACIA) project. Personal exposure to particulate matter (PM) was monitored in school children in six cities in sub-Saharan Africa (Blantyre, Malawi; Durban, South Africa; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kumasi, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Moshi, Tanzania). Participants were selected if they were aged 12-16 years and had symptoms of asthma. Monitoring was conducted between June 21, and Nov 26, 2021, from Monday morning (approximately 1000 h) to Friday morning (approximately 1000 h), by use of a bespoke backpack with a small air pollution monitoring unit with an inbuilt Global Positioning System (GPS) data logger. Children filled in a questionnaire detailing potential sources of air pollution during monitoring and exposures were tagged into three different microenvironments (school, commute, and home) with GPS coordinates. Mixed-effects models were used to identify the most important determinants of children's PM2·5 (PM <2·5 μm in diameter) exposure. 330 children were recruited across 43 schools; of these, 297 had valid monitoring data, and 1109 days of valid data were analysed. Only 227 (20%) of 1109 days monitored were lower than the current WHO 24 h PM2·5 exposure health guideline of 15 μg/m3. Children in Blantyre had the highest PM2·5 exposure (median 41·8 μg/m3), whereas children in Durban (16·0 μg/m3) and Kumasi (17·9 μg/m3) recorded the lowest exposures. Children had significantly higher PM2·5 exposures at school than at home in Kumasi (median 19·6 μg/m3vs 14·2 μg/m3), Lagos (32·0 μg/m3vs 18·0 μg/m3), and Moshi (33·1 μg/m3vs 23·6 μg/m3), while children in the other three cities monitored had significantly higher PM2·5 exposures at home and while commuting than at school (median 48·0 μg/m3 and 43·2 μg/m3vs 32·3 μg/m3 in Blantyre, 20·9 μg/m3 and 16·3 μg/m3vs 11·9 μg/m3 in Durban, and 22·7 μg/m3 and 25·4 μg/m3vs 16·4 μg/m3 in Harare). The mixed-effects model highlighted the following determinants for higher PM2·5 exposure: presence of smokers at home (23·0% higher exposure, 95% CI 10·8-36·4), use of coal or wood for cooking (27·1%, 3·9-56·3), and kerosene lamps for lighting (30·2%, 9·1-55·2). By contrast, 37·2% (95% CI 22·9-48·2) lower PM2·5 exposures were found for children who went to schools with paved grounds compared with those whose school grounds were covered with loose dirt. Our study suggests that the most effective changes to reduce PM2·5 exposures in these cities would be to provide paving in school grounds, increase the use of clean fuel for cooking and light in homes, and discourage smoking within homes. The most efficient way to improve air quality in these cities would require tailored interventions to prioritise different exposure-reduction policies in different cities. UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Monitoring Lokasi Komponen Alat Berat Berbasis Internet Of Things Pada PT. Thiess BSF Batakan

Abstract— In the digital era like today, every company is competing to innovate to reduce operational costs and increase productivity, one of which is PT. Thiess. Indirectly this also has an impact on the performance of every employee in the company to speed up and maximize work processes with minimal human resources without reducing aspects of occupational safety and health from both government regulations and company standards. As one of the employees who also acts as a researcher at PT. Thiess Balikpapan Support Facility (BSF), the researchers will discuss the problems in finding heavy equipment components. Based on the context of the difficulties described above, researchers will examine the use of Global Position System (GPS) technology. The process of making this prototype uses the NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller and GPSMV2 which also functions as a connection to the internet. The results of searching for GPS coordinates are made in the form of localhost using XAMPP, can be viewed in web form and forwarded to Google Maps.

Geospatial mapping of food advertisements in three low-income communities in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract Background The South African food environment is characterized by pervasive marketing on television and in print media of unhealthy food and beverages. Little is known about the extent of outdoor food and beverage marketing (product, spatial advertising, branding) at transport interchange areas, community food outlets, and schools. Our study aimed to map outdoor food and beverage marketing within the vicinities of these areas in three low-income communities in Cape Town. Methods Data on food and beverage-related branding, product type, placement, pictures, and Global Positioning System coordinates were captured using a web-based questionnaire. Geographic Information System software was used to delimit the target communities and areas, geospatially map the physical food environment, and perform spatial analysis of the data. Results Overall, 986 food and beverage advertisement entries were observed. Preliminary results depicted trends of advertisements clustering around retailers. Spatial trends depicted that fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) advertisements were likely to collocate around transport interchange areas, while SSB advertisements were more likely to collocate near schools. The spatial trend for alcohol advertisements indicated a clustering near main roads. Spatial trends for product types varied by location. Few advertisements for fruit and vegetables were captured. Further spatial analysis is underway to assess advertisement density and proximity to youth-related areas, food outlets, and transport interchange areas. Conclusions Low-income communities, commuters, and schoolchildren in South Africa are targeted by advertisements for unhealthy foods and SSBs, indicating the need for policy intervention to regulate food marketing. Key messages • Geospatial mapping of food and beverage advertisements indicated the promotion of unhealthy products in low-income communities in South Africa. • Food and beverage adverts target school children and commuters using public transport in poorer communities.

Performance Investigation on a Double-Slope Passive Solar Desalination System Targeting towards Sustainable Development of Oman

In recent times, academicians and scientists have developed many methods for purifying saline water into pure water that is suitable for drinking, as well as other suitable applications. Fortunately, solar desalination has been a very popular technique, which uses eco-friendly solar energy. In this work, a passive-type double-slope solar still was designed and fabricated according to the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Nizwa city in Oman. Economically and readily available materials, such as acrylic, glass, and foam insulation materials, were used in the construction of the double-slope solar still in addition to the conventional materials used for the supporting structure of the solar still. The climatic factors (such as the solar radiation and ambient temperature), design factors (such as the exposure surface area, inclination, insulation material and thickness, and glazing material), and operating parameters (such as the glass temperature, feed water temperature and yield) obtained were considered in the study to estimate the performance of the solar still. DHT 11 sensors with Arduino programming were used in the experiment to record the temperatures at specific locations on the solar still daily with regular time intervals for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. The solar still was designed to operate from February to March 2023. The temperatures were recorded every two hours daily, whereas the yield was recorded at the end of the day of operation. The quality of the yield was estimated through the measurement of pH and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) values. The energy and exergy analysis of the desalination unit was carried out to estimate the thermal performance of the system. A significant effect of solar intensity and ambient temperature was observed on the thermal performance of the system and on the quality of the drinking water. An energy efficiency ranging between 30 to 45% and exergy efficiency ranging between 2 to 3.5% was obtained in the system, which was reasonably better for a thermal system involving a renewable source of energy.

Methods for assessing the adoption of rice varieties and land use changes in Chitwan, Nepal, using global positioning system transects and focus-group discussions

Rice varietal adoption was assessed using randomly selected global positioning system (GPS) coordinates in Chitwan district, Nepal. At pre-determined sampling points along the transects, which researchers located using GPS, data were collected on land use and the name of any rice variety grown. These data were then triangulated through focus group discussions (FGD) for each transect. The first two surveys were done in 2005 and 2006 in 14 transects with 440 GPS coordinates representing the major rice-growing areas of Chitwan. Using the same approach, a third survey was conducted in 2022 in 72 out of the 440 GPS coordinates to document rice varietal adoption dynamics over a 16-year period. Farmers had changed the rice varieties they grew, but they continued to grow two to three old-improved varieties that covered more than 40% of the land. Hence, despite large changes in the rice varieties grown, the weighted average age of the varieties over 16 years was not reduced significantly. Despite their lower yields compared with newly released varieties, the older popular varieties persisted as they were in demand by the rice millers, who have little motive to replace rice varieties for which they have an established market. The adoption of rice varieties released in the previous 15 years was low except for Sawa Masuli sub-1, a stress-tolerant rice variety that was adopted in 16% of the study area more than a decade after its official recommendation. This variety had the advantage of having similar grain characteristics to the established variety Sawa Masuli, so millers could easily replace it with the new variety. The study revealed that premium rice lands in Chitwan were replaced with cattle and poultry farms, fishponds, and vegetables. Rice lands with better drainage and close to the Mahendra Raj Marg (highway) had been converted into real estate and settlements. There was a good agreement between the data collected from the sampled GPS coordinates and the FGDs. Random selection of GPS coordinates and sampling points is an unbiased, rapid, and efficient method for assessing the adoption of agricultural technologies, varietal dynamics, and changes in natural resources management and land use.

Spatial distribution of invasive large fever berry trees (Croton megalobotrys) in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area: Gokwe, Zimbabwe

BackgroundThe invasion of rangelands by invasive plant species is a major threat to biodiversity in most parts of Zimbabwe posing not only an ecological challenge but a growing management and eradication challenge as well. However, there is sparse information relating to the spatial distribution of these species and the conditions promoting their growth and development particularly in Sothern Africa. The study assessed the spatial distribution of the invasive large fever berry tree and associated soil type in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. A mixed methods research design triangulating qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized. All known sites occupied by large fever berry trees were obtained from the Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute’s records on invasive plant species. Ground truthing was done for all sites and global positioning system coordinates of occupied areas were collected. Mapping of invaded areas by the large fever berry tree was done using Quantum GIS software. Coordinates were imported to show points with the large fever berry tree. Altitude of invaded areas and soil samples were also collected for soil analysis and a soil texture triangle was used to come up with the soil type associated with the growth and spread of the large fever berry trees.ResultsThe results show that the large fever berry tree occupied areas along major rivers and streams on loam soils. An area of 16.5km2 which is 4.4% of the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area is invaded by the large fever berry tree. Results further indicated that sandy- loam soils were associated with the growth and development of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. Veld fires were also identified as a factor influencing the spread of the large fever berry tree species in the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area.ConclusionIn conclusion, a holistic framework was developed to curb the invasion of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. It is recommended that further studies be conducted outside the protected area to establish soil characteristics and invasion rates in order to fully understand drivers of its invasion.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT ASSOCIATION OF SOMALI OSTRICH IN SAMBURU, KENYA

Somali ostrich has recently been published as distinct species. The bird is undergoing a drastic decline in population and thus classified as Vulnerable by IUCN. Its conservation demands an urgent understanding of the scope and the severity of the prevailing threats. The decline in range is an important threat to survival and propagation of wild populations in Samburu landscape. We aimed at identifying critical ranges and habitats utilized by the species by investigating its distribution and habitat association within Meibei and West Gate Conservancies, and Samburu National Reserve. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates and habitats types were recorded for all ostrich sightings during surveys conducted along predetermined routes in the study area. The Normalized difference vegetation Index (NDVI) at ostrich sighting points were obtained and regressed with the frequency of ostrich observations and the resultant regression models used to generate a spatial distribution model map. Somali ostriches were found to prefer bushy areas to open grasslands. However, they avoided think vegetation probably for predator avoidance. Majority of ostrich coexist with Samburu pastoralists and their livestock. This overlap suggests that any meaningful Somali ostrich conservation planning should focus on the involvement of the Samburu pastoral communities in land use planning.

Insights into the genetic landscape and presence of Cochliomyia hominivorax in the Caribbean.

The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a major parasite that causes myiasis in livestock, humans, and other warm-blooded animals in the western hemisphere. There is a permanent biological border that is maintained between Panama and Colombia, as it has been eradicated from North and Central America. However, it still exists in much of the Caribbean and South America causing an estimated annual loss of $3.6 billion dollars in South America alone. Less information is available for C. hominivorax in the Caribbean. Thus, here we examined its presence and genetic landscape in order to gain insights into this fly's distribution in this region. First, through sampling efforts, novel GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates were collected. Second, the environmental correlates of those presence points were examined. Next, samples were sequenced in order to obtain a pairwise ΦIT genetic distance matrix. And lastly, this matrix was used to create a genetic landscape of divergence. The results of the genetic landscape show flies as more diverse in Trinidad and Tobago and less diverse in the Dominican Republic. This is perhaps due to the proximity of Trinidad to Venezuela and gene flow may be occurring between these two areas. This information will aid in screwworm surveillance and control programs by providing environmental correlates and a view into the distribution of these flies.

Design and Experimental Study on an Innovative UAV-LiDAR Topographic Mapping System for Precision Land Levelling

Topographic maps provide detailed information on variations in ground elevation, which is essential for precision farmland levelling. This paper reports the development and experimental study on an innovative approach of generating topographic maps at farmland-level with the advantages of high efficiency and simplicity of implementation. The experiment uses a low-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a platform and integrates Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) distance measurements with Post-Processing Kinematic Global Positioning System (PPK-GNSS) coordinates. A topographic mapping experiment was conducted over two fields in Henan Province, China, and primitive errors of the topographic surveying data were evaluated. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between elevation data of the UAV-LiDAR topographic mapping system and ground truth data was calculated as 4.1 cm and 3.6 cm for Field 1 and Field 2, respectively, which proved the feasibility and high accuracy of the topographic mapping system. Furthermore, the accuracies of topographic maps generated using different geo-spatial interpolation models were also evaluated. The results showed that a TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) interpolation model expressed the best performances for both Field 1 with sparse topographic surveying points, and Field 2 with relatively dense topographic surveying points, when compared with other interpolation models. Moreover, we concluded that as the spatial resolution of topographic surveying points is intensified from 5 m × 0.5 m to 2.5 m × 0.5 m, the accuracy of the topographic map based on the TIN model improves drastically from 7.7 cm to 4.6 cm. Cut-fill analysis was also implemented based on the topographic maps of the TIN interpolation model. The result indicated that the UAV-LiDAR topographic mapping system could be successfully used to generate topographic maps with high accuracy, which could provide instructive information for precision farmland levelling.

Cluster-Based Cab Recommender System (CBCRS) for Solo Cab Drivers

An efficient cluster-based cab recommender system (CBCRS) provides solo cab drivers with recommendations about the next pickup location having high passenger finding potential at the shortest distance. To recommend the cab drivers with the next passenger location, it becomes imperative to cluster the global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of various pick-up locations of the geographic region as that of the cab. Clustering is the unsupervised data science that groups similar objects into a cluster. Therefore, the objectives of the research paper are fourfold: Firstly, the research paper identifies various clustering techniques to cluster GPS coordinates. Secondly, to design and develop an efficient algorithm to cluster GPS coordinates for CBCRS. Thirdly, the research paper evaluates the proposed algorithm using standard datasets over silhouette coefficient and Calinski-Harabasz index. Finally, the paper concludes and analyses the results of the proposed algorithm to find out the most optimal clustering technique for clustering GPS coordinates assisting cab recommender system.

Spatial analysis of provincial and district trends in stunting among children under five years in Nepal from 2001 to 2016

BackgroundThe average prevalence of stunting reported by the Nepal Demographic Health Survey from 2001 to 2016 only reports the prevalence of stunting at the national level and provincial and district level information is missing. Also, no previous study has reported a provincial trend in stunting from 2001 to 2016 in Nepal. This study for the first time presents the spatial trend of stunting among children under five years for 7 provinces and 77 districts of Nepal over 15 years using Demographic Health Survey Global Positioning System coordinates, Demographic Health Survey indicators, and geospatial covariates.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of data from Nepal Demographic Health Survey from 2001 to 2016. The study population was children under five years. The outcome variable was stunting, which was analyzed as per districts and provinces. Sample weight was applied to calculate the percentage of stunting and 95% confidence interval for all survey years. The geographic dataset was used to provide information about the latitude and longitude of the survey cluster. Poisson-based model was used during the purely spatial analysis in SatScan for identification of clusters with stunting caseload.ResultsThe reduction in the prevalence of stunting among children under five years has not been equal when disaggregated for district and provincial level data. In 2001, 57 districts had a prevalence of stunting among children above or equal to 50%, which has reduced over time except for districts in Karnali province. In 2016, 16 districts had a prevalence of stunting above or equal to 50%. Jumla (91.7%) and Kalikot (77.8%) still had the highest prevalence of stunting as of 2001. Among 7 provinces, the prevalence of stunting is found highest in Karnali for all subsequent survey years. Sudurpaschim and Madhesh provinces also had a high proportion of stunted children. The highest reduction in the prevalence of stunting was noted for Province Bagmati (by 30%) and Gandaki (by 28%).ConclusionThe inequalities in childhood stunting persisted at the district and provincial levels although a good decline was noted at the national level. This calls for rigorous attention to be provided to districts and provinces with a high prevalence of stunting, and being prioritized for a targeted intervention.

Culex coronator: A New Species Record For Monroe County, Florida.

Reported here are the first documented records of Culex coronator in Monroe County, FL. Adult female specimens were collected over several weeks on multiple islands, indicating that this species is established in all counties of the state of Florida. Global Positioning System coordinates and habitat descriptions are provided.