Ground Level Research Articles

Seasonal variation of background counting rates in liquid scintillation counting

A liquid scintillation background sample was measured daily in a custom-built TDCR counter for more than 17 months. The double and triple coincidence counting rates exhibit an annual sinusoidal fluctuation with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. Possible correlations with air temperature, air humidity, radon concentration and secondary cosmic radiation were investigated. The observation of a correlation with the ambient dose equivalent rate H˙*(10)SCR originating from the charged component of secondary cosmic radiation and an anti-correlation with the effective atmospheric temperature Teff suggest that the seasonal fluctuations in the background counting rate may be primarily driven by temporal variations in the muon flux at ground level. Additionally, a correlation was found with the indoor 222Rn concentration in air.

Differentiating anthropogenic effects from natural metal(loid) levels in residential soil near a zinc smelter in South Korea.

Metal(loid)s pose a significant hazard due to inherent toxicity. Individuals are particularly exposed to metal(loid)s in soil through direct or indirect contact. Identifying metal(loid) sources in soil is required for exposure mitigation to anthropogenic metal(loid)s, while metal(loid)s are natural constitutes of soil. Metal(loid) concentrations and Pb isotopes were determined in residential soil profiles impacted by a Zn smelter to distinguish the anthropogenic effect from natural levels. One hundred sixty-nine core soil samples were collected from depths down to 5.5m below ground level at 19 sites and were divided into Zn-Cd-As- and As-contaminated groups based on the worrisome level (WL) of soil contamination. The Zn-Cd-As-contaminated group (n = 62) was observed at depths < 1m, showed high Zn levels (mean of 1168mg/kg) and Cd and As frequently exceeding WLs, and had low 206Pb/207Pb ratios close to the Zn smelter. In contrast, the As-contaminated group (n = 96) was observed at depths > 1m, did not have other metals exceeding WLs, and showed a wide range of 206Pb/207Pb ratios far away from the Zn smelter. The results indicated that the pollution sources of Zn-Cd-As- and As-contaminated soils were fugitive dust emissions from smelter stacks and geology, respectively. The metal(loid)s in host rock set geochemical baselines in soil profiles, while smelting activities affected the upper layers over 50years. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing the vertical distribution of metal(loid) concentrations and Pb isotopes in soil profiles for distinguishing between anthropogenic and geogenic origins, in combination with baseline assessment.

Tethered balloon system and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Reveal Increased Organonitrates Aloft Compared to the Ground Level.

Atmospheric particles play critical roles in climate. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the vertically resolved organic molecular-level composition of atmospheric particles due to aloft sampling challenges. To address this, we use a tethered balloon system at the Southern Great Plains Observatory and high-resolution mass spectrometry to, respectively, collect and characterize organic molecular formulas (MF) in the ground level and aloft (up to 750 m) samples. We show that organic MF uniquely detected aloft were dominated by organonitrates (139 MF; 54% of all uniquely detected aloft MF). Organonitrates that were uniquely detected aloft featured elevated O/C ratios (0.73 ± 0.23) compared to aloft organonitrates that were commonly observed at the ground level (0.63 ± 0.22). Unique aloft organic molecular composition was positively associated with increased cloud coverage, increased aloft relative humidity (∼40% increase compared to ground level), and decreased vertical wind variance. Furthermore, 29% of extremely low volatility organic compounds in the aloft sample were truly unique to the aloft sample compared to the ground level, emphasizing potential oligomer formation at higher altitudes. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering vertically resolved organic molecular composition (particularly for organonitrates) and hypothesizes that aqueous phase transformations and vertical wind variance may be key variables affecting the molecular composition of aloft organic aerosol.

Continental-scale patterns in diel flight timing of high-altitude migratory insects.

Many insects depend on high-altitude, migratory movements during part of their life cycle. The daily timing of these migratory movements is not random, e.g. many insect species show peak migratory flight activity at dawn, noon or dusk. These insects provide essential ecosystem services such as pollination but also contribute to crop damage. Quantifying the diel timing of their migratory flight and its geographical and seasonal variation, are hence key towards effective conservation and pest management. Vertical-looking radars provide continuous and automated measurements of insect migration, but large-scale application has not been possible because of limited availability of suitable devices. Here, we quantify patterns in diel flight periodicity of migratory insects between 50 and 500 m above ground level during March-October 2021 using a network of 17 vertical-looking radars across Europe. Independent of the overall daily migratory movements and location, peak migratory movements occur around noon, during crepuscular evening and occasionally the morning. Relative daily proportions of insect migration intensity and traffic during the diel phases of crepuscular-morning, day, crepuscular-evening and night remain largely equal throughout May-September and across Europe. These findings highlight, extend, and generalize previous regional-scale findings on diel migratory insect movement patterns to the whole of temperate Europe. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.

The characteristics of the vertical distribution of radionuclide in free troposphere from simplified release scenarios: a case study

Dose estimation in the upper air is not studied as much as on ground level or in boundary layer. However, there is a need from stakeholders in aviation industry for a reasonable estimation of the radioactive plume impact at cruising levels. This study aims to provide a quantitative estimation of the dose and how reliable it is for dispersion processes up to seven days. A Lagrangian atmospheric dispersion model is used to estimate quantitively the vertical extension of radionuclides from simplified hypothetical radionuclide release scenarios. Sources at different latitudes are selected for simulation in a boreal winter case. Three meteorological data are examined to test the sensitivity of vertical plume distribution to driving meteorological data. The vertical distribution of air concentration of radionuclides is investigated and the associated uncertainties are analysed. It is found that the vertical extension of plumes is sensitive to meteorological data being used where vertical turbulent velocities play an important role. It is therefore necessary to address the uncertainties of air concentration or dose in the free troposphere and caution must be taken when providing the results to stakeholders.

PSIV-A-2 Comparison of rising plate meter and total collection methods for forage mass determination of tall fescue

Abstract The objective was to compare estimates of forage mass (FM) determined with a rising plate meter (RPM) with forage mass determined by total collection method. Estimates of FM impact management decisions and give the producer a greater understanding of forage availability for their herd. Traditional methods of FM estimation using a forage ring or quadrat and total collection are labor intensive and time consuming. The RPM tool aims to provide a quicker method of FM estimation without sacrificing accuracy. The reliability of this tool can be impacted by season, species composition, plant growth state, and pasture management. Forage samples were collected from six random locations within both continuous and rotationally grazed systems. The predominant forage species was endophyte-infected tall fescue. A 0.25 m2 forage ring was randomly thrown, then two RPM (Jenquip Manual Platemeter) measurements were collected in the ring, followed by five measurements adjacent to the ring. The RPM determined the compressed sward height (CSH). Subsequently, forage within the ring was hand-clipped at ground level and collected. Samples were dried for 120 h at 55° C to determine forage availability (kg/ha). This process was repeated weekly for 6 wk. Rising plate meter FM was estimated using the equation: kg dry matter (DM)/ha = CSH × 158 + 200. Data were analyzed using the CORR procedure of SAS 9.4. Forage mass estimates from total ring collection method and RPM were weakly correlated in the rotational grazing system (r = 0.26; P = 0.13) and in the continuous grazing system (r = 0.20; P = 0.24). It is important to note that certain sample collection dates had stronger correlations than others. In the rotationally grazed paddocks, FM from RPM were strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.89, P ≤ 0.02) with FM from total ring collection on 6/23/23 and 7/26/23. In the continuously grazed paddocks, FM estimations from RPM were strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.73, P ≤ 0.10) with forage mass from total collection on 7/20/23 and 7/26/23. Variation among the seven RPM readings at each collection site could have contributed to variability. Coefficient of variation ranged from 9 to 48% and averaged 18% for all samples. The inconsistencies in relationship of forage mass determination methods suggests that more variables need to be considered when determining the accuracy of RPM-derived estimates of forage mass of tall fescue.

Suppression of surficial maghaemite magnetic noise using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle deployed magnetometer

Data from two areas in the Tennant Creek mineral field that were recently flown with a magnetometer towed below an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or “drone”) using a sensor height of 15–20 m above ground are compared to older datasets acquired on the ground and in the air. The ground data are shown to be severely affected by surficial maghaemite, creating significant noise degradation of the ground data. Conversely, regional data flown at a height of 60 m above ground level only produces very subtle anomalies over the targeted features that could be easily missed by interpreters. Low-level, high-resolution UAV data shows significant improvement in signal-to-noise equivalent to upward continuation: filtering out the surficial signals while retaining excellent detectability of small subsurface ironstone targets, and significant gains in surveying efficiency over both ground and airborne operations.

High resolution Tibetan Plateau regional reanalysis 1961-present

With the rapid global warming in recent decades, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has suffered severe impacts, such as glacier retreat, glacial lake expansion, and permafrost degradation, which threaten the lives and properties of the local and downstream populations. Regional Reanalysis (RR) is vital for TP due to the limitations of observations. In this work, a 62-year (1961–2022) long atmospheric regional reanalysis with spatial resolution of 9 km (convective gray-zone scale) and temporal resolution of 1 hour over the TP (TPRR) was developed using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, combined with re-initialization method, spectral nudging (SN), and several optimizations. TPRR is forced by ERA5 at hourly intervals. TPRR outperforms ERA5, realistically capturing climatological characteristics and seasonal variations of precipitation and T2m (air temperature at 2m above ground level). Moreover, TPRR better reproduces the frequency and intensity of precipitation, as well as the diurnal cycle of precipitation. This study also quantifies the wetting trend of 0.0071 mm/year over the TP amid global warming using TPRR.

Decay level classification of wooden components in Tingbao Yang’s former residence utilizing polarization and fluorescence effects

Decay levels of wooden components in the Yang former residence were classified using polarized light and fluorescence methods. Analysis of the decay cause was conducted based on external conditions and wood species characteristics. The polarization and fluorescence effects revealed that there were varying degrees of decay in larch (Larix potaninii var. australis), spruce (Picea brachytyla), lace-bark pine (Pinus bungeana), Masson pine (Pinus massoniana), Chinese Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga sinensis), Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), poplar (Populus tomentosa), and elm (Ulmus pumila). The primary factors contributing to decay included the inherent low natural durability of the wood species and adverse external conditions, such as damaged roofs, missing dripping water and tiles causing water leakage, uneven indoor and outdoor ground levels, contemporary tile paving indoors, and inadequate ventilation. This study aims to establish a scientific basis for subsequent conservation strategies.

Influencing factors on regeneration and seedling survival prediction in Larix principis‐rupprechtii plantations in northern China

AbstractThe natural regeneration of forest ecosystems is crucial for their sustainability, but uncertainties have impeded the regeneration of some tree species. Identifying influencing factors and effective strategies to enhance seedling survival and growth is essential. We investigated factors affecting the natural regeneration of Larix principis‐rupprechtii and provided insights into seedling survival and growth. Eighteen artificial L. principis‐rupprechtii forest plots were established and monitored for 3 years. A logistic regression analysis and generalized linear models were used to investigate the influence of stand age, diameter at ground level, height, and other microhabitat factors on seedling regeneration. The microhabitat factors significantly influenced the overall L. principis‐rupprechtii regeneration density, as well as the density and growth of regenerated trees in different height classes. The area under the curve values for total nitrogen (0.796), total phosphorus (0.726), soil moisture (0.759), and litter thickness (0.633) were the highest, indicating a significant impact on the survival rate and mortality of the seedlings. Among these values, total nitrogen sensitivity (0.857) and specificity (0.810) were the highest, and the optimal threshold was 0.940. The survival rate decreased with increasing forest age, and the stands aged 4–7 years with a height of 1–2.5 m and a diameter at the ground level of approximately 2 cm constituted a relatively vulnerable and critical set of conditions for the survival of L. principis‐rupprechtii seedlings. The model showed that at 12 years old, L. principis‐rupprechtii trees were no longer vulnerable to mortality. The Kaplan–Meier model predicted future seedling survival through the construction of the comprehensive influence value and the measured seedling survival number. The model can be used to evaluate the survival rate for the final regeneration of a species, and targeted artificial seeding or replanting can improve the proportion of seedlings that survive. Our findings contribute to elucidating the factors affecting the natural regeneration of forest species and provide valuable insights for the development of effective regeneration strategies.

Hydrological variability of middle European peatland during the Holocene, inferred from subfossil bog pine and bog oak dendrochronology and high-resolution peat multiproxy analysis of the Budwity peatland (northern Poland)

Subfossil pine and oak tree trunks were excavated during exploitation of the Budwity peatland in Northern Poland. Based on dendrochronological analysis, the woodland successions in peatland were reconstructed and correlated with moisture dynamics of the peatland ecosystem inferred from the high-resolution multi-proxy analysis of the peatland deposits. From the results of dendrochronological analysis and the 14C wiggle matching methods, four floating pine chronologies (5882–5595; 5250–5089; 3702–3546; and 2222–1979 mod. cal BP) and two oak chronologies (4932–4599 and 4042–3726 mod. cal BP) were developed. The organic sediments of the peatland (6 m thick) were deposited over approximately nine thousand years. The lower complex (525–315 cm) comprises minerogenic peat, while the upper complex (315.0–0.0 cm) is composed of ombrogenic peat. Subfossil tree trunks are distributed across various peat horizons, which suggests multiple stages of tree colonisation followed by subsequent dying-off phases. Multiproxy sediment analyses (lithological, geochemical and δ13C stable isotope, pollen, plant macrofossils, Cladocera, diatom, and Diptera analyses) indicate that the two earliest phases of pine colonisation (5882–5595 and 5250–5089 mod. cal BP) and the two stages of oak colonisation (4932–4599 and 4042–3726 mod. cal BP) were associated with periodic drying of the peatland. Conversely, tree dying-off phases occurred during periods of increased water levels in the peatland, coinciding with stages of increasing climate humidity during the Holocene. The two most recent phases of pine colonisation occurred during the ombrogenic stage of mire development. Remnants of the dead forest from these phases, marked by subfossil trunks still rooted in the ground, were preserved and exposed presently during peat exploitation, approximately 2.5 m below ground level. The identified phases of tree colonisation and subsequent dying-off phases show correlation with analogical phenomena observed in the other investigated European peatlands.

Intimate Partner Violence among Antenatal Women of Rural Area: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: “Domestic violence” is defined as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.” Intimate partner violence during the phase of pregnancy enhances the risk of abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight babies, and intrauterine death. Aim &amp; Objective: To assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence among antenatal women and its association with various sociodemographic and obstetric factors. Materials &amp; Method: This was a cross sectional community based study which was carried out in the rural area of district Jabalpur (M. P.) among 230 pregnant women for period of 1 year (March 2021–February 2022) Intimate partner violence was assessed by using HURT, INSULT, THREATEN, and SCREAM scale. Results: Prevalence of intimate partner violence was 29 (12.6%) among antenatal women. Strong correlation was found between age of respondents with intimate partner violence (P = 0.026). Physically hurt, insult or talk down, threaten with physical harm, and scream or curse were reported by 29.6%, 51.3%, 33.9%, and 54.8% antenatal women, respectively. Conclusion: Health care workers at ground level are most important personnel to screen out antenatal women for intimate partner violence due to multiple contacts during the course of pregnancy and it should be included in routine antenatal care.

Experimental and numerical investigation on soil erosion under different pipeline-leaking locations

In recent years, cave-in ground failures have become increasingly common worldwide. The leakage of defective pipelines buried below ground level has been identified as a significant contributor to these failures. This study utilized experimental seepage-erosion tests to characterize ground collapses resulting from pipeline leakage and examined the impacts of leakage locations on soil and water losses. Subsequently, discrete element method-finite difference method (DEM-FDM) coupling analyses were conducted to elucidate the mesoscopic mechanisms of pipeline leakage, including changes in seepage force, effective stress, and soil pressure on the pipeline during leakage. The findings include: (1) The locations of leaking spots on pipelines significantly influenced soil and water losses; (2) Leaking spots closer to the pipe bottom led to more severe ground collapses due to larger seepage forces; (3) Soil pressure exhibited decreasing trends near the leaking spot and increasing trends at other locations due to the soil arching effect. These insights provide valuable guidance for preventing pipeline leakages.

Impact of colony age on Trigona sp. activities in the green zones of Universitas Sumatera Utara Campus

Trigona, a stingless bee pollinator, is widely domesticated for plant pollination due to its versatility and adaptability to various environments. This study aimed to assess the suitability of green open spaces in Universitas Sumatera Utara campus as a potential habitat for introducing Trigona sp. and to observe how colony age affects the foraging behavior of worker bees. Bee colonies were introduced into specific areas within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences garden, positioned at a height of 3.4 meters above ground level. Nine bee hives were strategically placed around the garden for observations in October 2022, focusing on three different colonies based on their ages i.e. 2 m.o (Colony-A), 4 m.o (Colony-B), and 6 m.o (Colony-C). Activities were closely monitored between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with at least three measurements taken for each 10-minute interval. The results showed variations in foraging activity among colonies in terms of peak hours and the number of worker bees. Colonies aged 4 and 6 months had over 50 foragers, while the 2-month-old colony had fewer. Notably, the 6-month-old colony displayed the highest average number of workers engaged in transporting pollen and resin, particularly at 9:00-10:00 AM. Results of Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that light intensity negatively and significantly influenced the number of returning/entering worker bees, while wind velocity posed a negative and significant impact on the number of returning bees carrying resin. This study provides practical implications for the successful integration of Trigona bees into green open spaces, particularly inside campus area.

Detecting clear‐sky periods from photovoltaic power measurements

AbstractA method for detecting clear‐sky periods from photovoltaic (PV) power measurements is presented and validated. It uses five tests dealing with parameters characterizing the connections between the measured PV power and the corresponding clear‐sky power. To estimate clear‐sky PV power, a PV model has been designed using as inputs downwelling shortwave irradiance and its direct and diffuse components received at ground level under clear‐sky conditions as well as reflectivity of the Earth's surface and extraterrestrial irradiance, altogether provided by the McClear service. In addition to McClear products, the PV model requires wind speed and temperature as inputs taken from ECMWF twentieth century reanalysis ERA5 products. The performance of the proposed method has been assessed and validated by visual inspection and compared to two well‐known algorithms identifying clear‐sky periods with broadband global and diffuse irradiance measurements on a horizontal surface. The assessment was carried out at two stations located in Finland offering collocated 1‐min PV power and broadband irradiance measurements. Overall, total agreement ranges between 84% and 97% (depending on the season) in discriminating clear‐sky and cloudy periods with respect to the two well‐known algorithms serving as reference. The disagreement fluctuating between 6% and 15%, depending on the season, primarily occurs while the PV module temperature is adequately high and/or when the sun is close to the horizon with many more interactions between the radiation, the atmosphere and the ground surface.

Long-term effects of biochar application on biological nitrogen fixation of acacia species and soil carbon and nitrogen pools in an Australian subtropical native forest

PurposeBiological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF) of understory acacia species presents a potential way for effectively restoring N in forest systems. This study aimed to quantify the impact of acacia species and biochar application rates on BNF and soil mineral N in a suburban native forest of subtropical Australia in the first 4–5 years after prescribed burning.MethodPlant growth values and BNF were measured to assess the impact of biochar rates at 0, 5, and 10 t ha−1 on different acacia species. Soil NH4+-N and NO3−-N along with their N isotope composition (δ15N) were determined to investigate soil–plant interactions in response to acacia species and biochar application.ResultsThe application of 10 t ha−1 biochar significantly enhanced the growth of acacia species, and concurrently reduced the loss of NO3−-N at soil depths of 0–5 and 5–10 cm. Compared with Acacia disparimma (percentage of N derived from the atmosphere or %Ndfa: 78.2%), A. leiocalyx demonstrated significant higher BNF ability (%Ndfa: 91.3%). Similarly, A. leiocalyx had better growth, in terms of height (269.1 cm versus 179.6 cm), diameter at ground level (2.62 cm versus 1.94 cm), basal area (6.49 cm2 versus 3.43 cm2) and volume (692.2 cm3 versus 258.0 cm3). This was associated with its ability to promote organic matter mineralization, resulting in the accumulation of 15N-depleted NH4+-N. NH4+-N, acting as a substrate, was transformed into NO3−-N through nitrification. From regression analysis, the efficient absorption of NH4+-N by A. leiocalyx significantly mitigated NH4+-N leaching with increasing soil moisture concentration (SMC), resulting in lower δ15N of NH4+-N, which was more negatively related to SMC (R2 = 0.401), compared to that of A. disparimma (R2 = 0.250) at soil depth of 0–5 cm. The production of NO3−-N was reduced, leading to lower NO3−-N concentrations of A. leiocalyx than A. disparimma at soil depth of 0–5 cm (8.06 µg N g−1 versus 9.61 µg N g−1) and that of 5–10 cm (8.24 µg N g−1 versus 9.21 µg N g−1) respectively.ConclusionsAs an effective soil amendment, biochar exhibited promise in reducing mineral N loss and stimulating plant growth in long-term applications of exceeding three years. Higher BNF capacity and greater plant growth were observed with A. leiocalyx, compared with those of A. disparimma. The retention and utilisation of mineral N by A. leiocalyx can be considered as strategy to restore forest soils.

Measuring the concentration of radon gas at the College of Dentistry- Al-Iraqia University using (CR-39) detector

In this study, the concentration of radon gas was measured at the College of Dentistry-Al-Iraqia University using a nuclear pathway detector (CR-39). The detector was placed at a distance of 160 cm from the ground level. The detector was exposed to alpha fragments for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of radon gas has Changed from one site to another. It ranged from the lowest (28.418 Bq/m3) to the highest (233.491 Bq/m3), with an average radon concentration equal to (90.279 Bq/m3). All results were within the permissible limit of a scientist except for one sample A2 in the chemistry laboratory, which was higher than the international permissible limits (200-300 Bq/m3) and recorded by the International Commission on Radiological Protection Statement on Radon.

Calculating the stopping power and neutron yield of 133CS (A,2N) 135LA reaction for the energies between (18.5-47)

In the present work, calculated the cross sections of 133CS (A,2N) 135LA reaction By using interpolated and take the cross-sections published in the international literature for the selection of the appropriate energies ground level interaction in a computer–based program (MATALAB-17.0), in steps of energies (0.5 MeV). The quasi-experimental equation was derived from tabulated results linking a specific cross-section with energies, accounting for the neutron yield in accordance with the Zeigler neutron interactions formula using the program (SRIM 2013), and accounting for the stopping power which was also drawn and tabulated by measuring the yield at two closely spaced energies E1 and E2, one can determine the average value of the integrand over this energy interval and it turns out that the values are directly proportional until the alpha energy values reach 40 million electron volts. We notice that the change in the values is very slight. The neutron yield values begin to increase until the alpha energy reaches 40 million electron volts, after which the neutron yield becomes almost constant.

Accuracy assessment of ground-based microwave radiometer in the Mount Qomolangma region

Mount Qomolangma, known as the “Roof of the World,” holds significant importance in exploring the vertical characteristics of the atmosphere, providing insights into high-altitude atmospheric features, and improving numerical models for forecasting downstream regions. Ground-based microwave radiometers (GWR) enable continuous profiling of atmospheric conditions in the troposphere, complementing radiosonde and satellite observations. This study explores the performance of the MWP967KV GWR installed at Qomolangma Base Camp by comparison with concurrent radiosonde measurements. The assessment covers GWR's atmospheric radiative brightness temperatures (Tb) detection capability, accuracy of atmospheric parameter retrievals, and uncertainties in atmospheric parameters under different weather conditions. Using MonoRTM to calculate simulated Tb from radiosonde, the results indicate a high precision of GWR's Tb observations, showing a strong correlation (R ≈ 0.99) and a deviation of merely 2.4 K compared to simulated Tb. Moreover, GWR exhibits high reliability in temperature (R ≈ 0.98) and water vapor density (ρv) (R ≈ 0.91) observations, while the accuracy of relative humidity (RH) measurements requires improvement (R ≈ 0.55). The GWR observations are affected by clouds, precipitation, and surrounding Qomolangma mountain ridges, leading to significant uncertainties in atmospheric parameter retrievals between 2000 m to 6000 m above ground level. Additionally, GWR's sensitivity to temperature variations is limited, resulting in missed detections of temperature inversion. Despite these limitations, this study offers crucial insights into meteorological observations at high altitudes using GWR. These findings hold substantial implications for meteorological research and mountaineering activities in high-altitude regions.

Integrated Pest Management of White Grub &lt;i&gt;Holotrichia Consanguinea Blanchard&lt;/i&gt; in Guava and Grapes

White grubs or cockchafer beetles are polyphagous soil dwelling pests and Holotrichia consanguinea Blanchard is one of the most damaging infesting agricultural and horticultural crops. A cockchafer beetle trap was devised using anisole (methoxy benzene) as a lure (aggregating pheromone) and was evaluated in an IPM module (30 traps/ ha+ flooding of fields+ weed removal) as recommended by PAU, Ludhiana in guava and grapes orchards in Punjab. The traps were placed at ground level and tied to trunk/vine with approximately 1 trap/ 11 trees in guava and 1 trap/ 55 vines in grapes orchard. In guava, leaf damage was observed to reduced from 36.90% (non-IPM fields) to 8.73% (IPM fields); and in grapes, from 47.75% (non-IPM fields) to 13.15% (IPM fields). It is an eco-friendly technique which can be used at community level to control white grubs in the orchards.