Handheld GPS Research Articles

Assessment of impacts of air pollution on people living in Ezza North close to quarry operation sites in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Quarrying activities have become lucrative work for low income people in low income countries most found in Africa. This study aimed assess the impacts of air pollution on people living in Ezza North close to quarry operation sites in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study was used and pollution level was determined with the use of calibrated Handheld GPS, Amex multiple gas meter, Sound meter and interview of participants with a questionnaire on the health status. The collected data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 21). The one sample T-test was used to test the hypotheses at 95% confidence interval and 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that 31–40 years had 19(5.37%) males and 20(5.65%) females as highest quarrying workers. The concentration of carbon monoxide was highest at 193ppm, Sulphur dioxide at 568ppm, nitrogen dioxide at 1.9ppm, Suspended particulate Matter (SPM) at 1982ppm and sound level at 82.9dB. The concentrations of these pollutants were found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) than normal levels apart from sound level without significant impact at P = 0.285. The 93.3% of the participants reported blasting of rocks produced highest air pollution, 87.5% that reported crushing, conveying, sieving produce a lot of dust. Also, 80% of participants reported high level of noise came from machinery blasting rocks, processing and haulage trucks. In all, 35% reported they had fair health condition when asked about the health status since they started quarrying work. In conclusion, the concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides were all higher than normal. It was observed air pollutants had association with respiratory system. Therefore, the air pollution at quarrying site can be mitigated through dust suppression techniques and treating quarry pit with water before discharging.

Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security and Sustainable Water Resources in Nigeria

This study evaluates the impacts of climate change on food security and sustainable water resources in Nigeria. Stratified samples were taken from North Central States of Benue and Plateau, and South-South Cross River State and Akwa-Ibom. These four states are among the thirty six states in Nigeria that have been badly hit by climate change. This study used soft and hardware computer applications including German 12 handheld GPS, and Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS), for data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected for the evaluation. The GIS information software package was used to manipulate and perform feature identification, recognition, classification, calculation, and ground-trotting. A structured questionnaire was also used to collect data on some livelihood activities, the influence of livelihoods activities on water resources, food security, and climate change impacts. Data analysis, found that the forest and water bodies are shrunken. Industrial activities such as oil exploration and exploitation, mining, by Multinational Corporations, illegal mining, grazing, unsustainable farming practices, fishing and hunting for bush meats, bush fire, timber exploitation and deforestation have contributed to climate change. The study recommends climate action and climate diplomacy, building local capacity for resilience, engaging the private sector, partnerships and international assistance.

Assessment of the influence of levees along Yangtze River on Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum

BackgroundOncomelania hupensis is the exclusive intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. Snail control is an essential component of schistosomiasis elimination programme. With 70 years of continuous efforts, the range of O. hupensis had reduced significantly, but slowed down in last decades. A large number of levees against flooding were constructed along Yangtze River and its affiliated lakes in the middle and lower reaches, which influenced the hydrology and ecology in the alluvial plains. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of levees on the distribution of O. hupensis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.MethodsThe snail habitats were digitalised by hand-held GPS system. The years for discovery and elimination of snail habitats were extracted from historical records. The accumulated snail-infested range for each habitat was calculated on the basis of annual reports. The current distribution of O. hupensis was determined by systematic and environmental sampling. The geographical distribution of levees was obtained from satellite imagery. To assess the impact of levees, the data pertaining to O. hupensis were divided into two parts: inside and outside the Yangtze River. Joinpoint regression was utilised to divide the study time span and further characterise the regression in each period. The 5-year-period moving averages of eliminated area infested by snails were calculated for the habitats inside and outside Yangtze River. The moving routes of corresponding geographical median centres were simulated in ArcGIS. Hotspot analysis was used to determine the areas with statistical significance clustering of O. hupensis density.ResultsThree periods were identified according to Joinpoint regression both inside and outside Yangtze River. The area infested by O. hupensis increased in the first two periods. It decreased rapidly outside Yangtze River year over year after 1970, while that inside the Yangtze River did not change significantly. Furthermore, the latter was significantly higher than the former. It was observed that the present density of O. hupensis inside Yangtze River was lower than outside the Yangtze River. The median centre for eliminated ranges inside Yangtze River wavered between the east (lower reach) and the west (middle reach). In contrast, the median centre for eliminated ranges continuously moved from the east to the west.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that the levees had a considerable negative impact on the distribution of O. hupensis outside Yangtze River. Some hotspots observed in the irrigation areas need a sluice system at the inlet of branch for snail control. The major distribution of O. hupensis located in Hubei might be caused by severe waterlogging. The intensive surveillance should be implemented there. The biggest two freshwater lakes, the major endemic regions historically, were identified as cold spots. The long-term impact of Three Gorges Dam on the distribution of O. hupensis in the lakes should be monitored and evaluated.Graphical

Activity budget and habitat use in the Nicobar long-tailed macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus

Time-activity budget and pattern of habitat use are basic tools to understand an animal’s interaction with its environment. We studied a primarily commensal group of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis umbrosus) with 22 individuals in the Great Nicobar Island of India at Campbell Bay. Data on the frequency and duration of different activities were collected through scan sampling and ad libitum notes. We recorded the geo-coordinates of the visually approximated group center using a handheld GPS receiver (Garmin GPS Map 76csx) every 30 min to assess the ranging patterns. The group spent more time resting, followed by feeding, social behaviours, movement, foraging, and scouting. The time spent on various activities did not vary at different times of the day and showed no seasonal variations. The macaques fed mostly on the cultivated fruits. Although the total home range size was 66ha, the most frequently used area was only 6 ha. The macaques ranged over a larger area in the dry season than in the wet season. All these patterns show that the behaviour of the study group was typical of that of the commensal macaques of other species.

A dataset of UAV multispectral images for a banana Fusarium wilt survey

Banana Fusarium wilt, also known as "banana cancer", currently poses a significant threat to banana production worldwide. Timely and accurate identification of Fusarium wilt disease is crucial for effective disease control and optimizing agricultural planting structure. To explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing for identifying banana wilt disease, in this study, we obtained comprehensive experimental data on wilted banana plants in a banana plantation in Long'an County, Guangxi. The dataset includes UAV multispectral reflectance data and ground survey data on the incidence of banana wilt disease. The UAV multispectral imagery was acquired under clear, cloud-free, and well-illuminated weather conditions, at a flying altitude of 120 meters with a spatial resolution of 8 cm/pixel. The ground sample points survey on the occurrence of banana wilt disease was conducted using a high-precision handheld GPS unit to collect latitude and longitude information for each sample point, and the positions were matched with the corresponding center positions of banana plants in the UAV imagery indoors. The dataset provides high- spatial-resolution UAV multispectral imagery data and accurate ground sample point survey data. It can be applied in the research and monitoring of UAV remote sensing identification and surveillance of banana wilt disease. It plays a crucial role in advancing research and application of remote sensing monitoring for agricultural crop diseases.

WOMAN SAFETY APP

In today’s world, people using smart phones have increased rapidly and hence, a smart phone can be used efficiently for personal security or various other protection purposes. The heinous incident that outraged the entire nation has woken us to go for the safety issues and so a host of new apps have been developed to provide security systems to women via their phones. This project presents, an Android Application for the Safety of Women, this app can be activated by just shaking phone three times, whenever need arises. By just three times shake identifies the location of place through GPS and sends a message comprising this location URL to the registered contacts to help the one in dangerous situations. The unique feature of this application is to send the message to the registered contacts after the phone is shook for three times. Instant location tracking information via SMS helps to find the location of the victim quickly and can be rescued safely. A wide range of tracking systems has been developed for tracking vehicles and displaying their position on a map, applications has been developed which tracks the mobility of a human being. Now a days tracking a person’s mobility has become a crucial issue, specifically in case of women. If tracking a criminal could be implemented as a system which is cost effective and can be used for tracking a human being using a GPS equipped mobile phone rather than using a handheld GPS receiver. The main aim of our project is to develop an application that reduces the overall cost of tracking based on GPS system, which is satellite-based service, and it is available 24X7 everywhere in the whole world. GPS system can be used to get location which includes details like latitude, longitude and altitude values along with the time details, etc. It is a free of cost service available to every individual. In order to track the movement of the person we have used Google maps for mapping the location sent by the mobile phone. The mobile phone fetches the GPS location which communicates with the server using General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). This system is a low-cost service which is wireless data communication system. Mobile phone equipped with GPS receiver are easily available in the market, it is a latest technology. The mobile phone technology has enabled us to communicate across the world. The GPRS is one of the best and cheapest mode of communication available today. Key Words: Android, GPS, URL, Registered Contacts

The crossroads of tradition and modern technology: integrative approaches to studying carnivores in low density ecosystems

The study of large carnivores in semi-arid ecosystems presents inherent challenges due to their low densities, extensive home ranges, and elusive nature. We explore the potential for the synthesis of traditional knowledge (i.e. art of tracking) and modern technology to address challenges in conservation and wildlife research in these challenging environments. Our research focuses on the African lion (Panthera leo) in the Central Kalahari region of Botswana as a model system to demonstrate the potential of this integrative approach. Combining GPS tracking and traditional San trackers’ expertise, we present two case studies: (1) the individual identification of lions via a combination of tracking and footprint analysis and (2) the monitoring of territorial behavior through a combination of GPS technology (i.e. GPS collars and handheld GPS devices) and non-invasive tracking. These approaches enhance our understanding of carnivore ecology as well as support conservation efforts by offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly accurate means of monitoring populations. Our findings underscore the value of merging traditional tracking skills with contemporary analytical and technological developments to offer new insights into the ecology of carnivores in challenging environments. This approach not only improves data collection accuracy and efficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife, ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of these species. Our work advocates for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in conservation science, highlighting its relevance and applicability across various disciplines, thereby broadening the methodologies used to study wildlife, monitor populations, and inform conservation strategies.

Measurement of Background Ionizing Radiation Around Beta Glass Plc and Its Environs, Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria

A study of the background ionizing radiation levels to helps monitor the impact of human activities on the environment, such as mining, farming, glass bottle production and power generation has been carried out around Beta glass Plc and Transcorp Power LTD using a hand-held gamma spectrometer (GAMMA-SCOUT; Geiger counter Radiation meter) and GPS (Oregon-450 Garmin). The study of the BIR levels was carried out between June to July, 2022. The average measured exposure rates (AV. BIR) ranged from 0.007 mRh-1 to 0.013 mRh-1, with 0.010±0.0002 mRh-1 as the average. The estimated mean outdoor absorbed dose rate (ADR) for the study region was 113.10 Gyh-1 to 87.153±2.091 Gyh-1, with an average annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) of 106.884±2.565 mSvy-1 and an average excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) of (0.374±0.009) × 10-3. The measured values of radiological parameters, such as annual dose rate, annual effective dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer, were higher than background radiation levels. The average BIR is in line with the ICRP recommendation of 0.013 (mRh-1), while the effective dose rate (EDR) is somewhat below the ICRP recommendation of 1.00 (mSvy-1) for a normal environment. The obtained values of the radiological indicators, such as ADR, AEDE, and ELCR, are greater than the background radiation norm of 59 (?Gyh-1), 0. 07 (mSvy-1), and 0.29×10-3. The study found that radiation levels and doses in the study location do not immediately harm personnel or residents, but increased lifetime cancer risk values suggest that cumulative dosages may cause cancer.

Remote Detection of Geothermal Alteration Using Airborne Light Detection and Ranging Return Intensity

The remote detection of hydrothermally altered grounds in geothermal exploration demands datasets capable of reliably detecting key outcrops with fine spatial resolution. While optical thermal or radar-based datasets have resolution limitations, airborne LiDAR offers point-based detection through its LiDAR return intensity (LRI) values, serving as a proxy for surface reflectivity. Despite this potential, few studies have explored LRI value variations in the context of hydrothermal alteration and their utility in distinguishing altered from unaltered rocks. Although the link between alteration degree and LRI values has been established under laboratory conditions, this relationship has yet to be demonstrated in airborne data. This study investigates the applicability of laboratory results to airborne LRI data for alteration detection. Utilising LRI data from an airborne LiDAR point cloud (wavelength 1064 nm, density 12 points per square metre) acquired over a prospective geothermal area in Bajawa, Indonesia, where rock sampling for a related laboratory study took place, we compare the airborne LRI values within each ground sampling area of a 3 m radius (due to hand-held GPS uncertainty) with laboratory LRI values of corresponding rock samples. Our findings reveal distinguishable differences between strongly altered and unaltered samples, with LRI discrepancies of approximately ~28 for airborne data and ~12 for laboratory data. Furthermore, the relative trends of airborne and laboratory-based LRI data concerning alteration degree exhibit striking similarity. These consistent results for alteration degree in laboratory and airborne data mark a significant step towards LRI-based alteration mapping from airborne platforms.

Survey and Characterization of Ground Water Quality and its Effect on Soil Properties in Malpura Block of Tonk District Rajasthan, India

In Malpura block of Tonk district, a survey was conducted to evaluate the quality of the groundwater and determine how it affected the soil qualities. Using a handheld GPS, 60 groundwater samples and 60 soil samples overall were taken at six sites include Lawa(V1), Borkhandi(V2), Kadila(V3), Jankipura(V4), Diggi(V5) and Nukkad(V6) in the Malpura block of the Tonk district. The pH, EC, SAR and RSC of ground water ranged from 6.95-8.40, 2.18-3.15(dsm-1), 2.73-10.45 (m mol/L), 1.64-22.3 (meq/L), respectively. The anion contents followed the pattern Cl>SO42> HCO3>NO3>CO32 whereas the cations were found to be in the following order: Na+> Mg2+> Ca2+> K+. The village of Lawa had the lowest saturation rate (22.84%) and Diggi had the highest saturation percentage (38.34%). The correlation coefficient revealed that electrical conductivity (EC) of soil saturation extract was significantly and positively correlated with EC (0.625), Cl- (0.200) and Na+ (0.242) of Groundwater used for irrigation.

Spatial and Temporal Changes in Taenia solium Cysticercosis Seroprevalence among Pigs in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

Taenia solium remains among the major causes of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the geospatial distribution of the parasite is important to inform control strategies. This study assessed spatiotemporal changes in the T. solium infection among pigs from a rural area in southwestern Tanzania. Secondary data from a previous repeated cross-sectional study in the Mbeya and Mbozi districts were used, involving sixteen villages, eight from each of the two districts. Serum samples were collected from 482, 460, and 421 pigs in 221, 196, and 139 households, respectively, at seven-month intervals. Ag-ELISA was used to analyse the samples for circulating antigens. Geographic coordinates of the pig corrals adjacent to the households were also recorded using a hand-held GPS device. SatScan v9.7 software was used to perform purely spatial scan analysis, based on the Bernoulli distribution model. Spatial clustering was assumed based on the relative risk of T. solium seropositivity. Statistical significance (set at 0.05) of the cluster was determined by comparing the log-likelihood ratio with the null distribution derived by Monte Carlo simulations. The window with the highest log-likelihood ratio was regarded as a primary cluster. Results showed significant clustering of T. solium cases with the presence of a single primary cluster during each phase. The relative risk of T. solium infection among pigs within the primary cluster areas ranged from 3.0 to 6.7. The radii of the clusters expanded from 1.83 to 27.7 km before shrinking to 1.5 km, and cluster location drifted from north to central and then to the southern part of the study area. These findings suggest that with restricted resources, control measures in the area could be focused on pockets of high transmission. However, changes in the size and location of clusters suggest that to be effective, interventions should be instituted soon after clusters are identified.

The role of radio, television and mobile phones in disseminating information on occurrences of wildfire in Uluguru Mountains Nature Reserve – Morogoro Tanzania

This study sought to determine the contribution of radio, television and mobile phones used by local communities in disseminating and accessing information about wildfire hazards in the Uluguru Mountains Nature Reserve and assessed the extent of their usage in disseminating wildfire information. It also aimed at identifying barriers to their use in reporting wildfire incidences in the Uluguru Mountains and determined the available wildfire reduction strategies which can be improved by use of other types of ICTs. A descriptive survey method and purposive and conveniently sampling techniques were employed to select a sample of 15 key informants and 90 villagers from the three villages that were purposively selected. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, interview with key informants and participants observations were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The finding show that the community living around Uluguru Mountains Nature Reserve own Radio and mobile phones although few of them owned televisions. Very few respondents reported wildfire incidence using their mobile phone, while the majority used their mobile phone for other social-economic activities. However, internet based AFIS Meraka system and handheld GPS were the most common technologies used to disseminate wildfire information. In general radio, mobile phones and televisions are not fully beneficial to the local communities. Based on the results, it was recommended that the role of modern ICTs in detecting and disseminating wildfire be encouraged among the authorities.

Spatial Distribution of Petrol Filling Stations in Yakurr Lga of Cross River State-Nigeria

Petrol filling stations are vital but their location can also pose safety risks hence, there is need to adhere to regulatory guidelines. This study utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to analyze the placement of fuel stations in Yakurr local government areas of Cross River State. Quantitative research method was employed for the study. This involved acquiring primary and secondary data. Petrol filling stations coordinates were captured using Garmin 76CSX Handheld GPS, the attributes data such as name of business/roads were recorded, distance between filling stations and setback were measured directly on the ArcGIS 10.3. The results of the analysis showed that the stations are concentrated along Calabar-Ikom Highway. Furthermore, (54.17%) petrol filling stations complied with the 400M spacing rule, while 46.83% did not. 41.67% kept the minimum setback of 15M, while 58.33% of the filling stations have a setback of less than 15M. Many lacked essential firefighting equipment: fire extinguishers, sand buckets and water. In conclusion, the study suggest that regulatory bodies should be more proactive and effective by conducting frequent inspections of petrol filling stations to ensure compliance with recommended regulatory guidelines.

06 Şubat 2023, Pazarcık (Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye) depreminin neden olduğu jeomorfolojik deformasyon örnekleri

The left-laterally strike-slip Pazarcık fault is one of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) segments. On February 6, 2023, the ±85 km long Pazarcık fault generated a highly destructive Mw=7.7 earthquake. This study aims to explain the geomorphological deformations caused by the February 6, 2023, Pazarcık earthquake with typical examples. The surface rupture of the earthquake between Türkoğlu and Gölbaşı was followed precisely, and the changes in the earth's surface due to the left lateral strike-slip were determined, measured, and recorded. A DJI Phantom 4 and a DJI Mini Drone were used for aerial measurements and recordings during the fieldwork. Garmin e-Trex 10 handheld GPS and tape measure were used for terrestrial measurements. During the field studies, the surface rupture of the earthquake was investigated from a geomorphological perspective and mapped by taking location data. It was determined by the measurements that the left lateral offset distances in the surface fracture vary between 4.0-6.5m. One of the geomorphological deformations of the February 6, 2023 earthquake is transpressional ridges and/or transtensional depressions. Transpressional shortening and/or transtensional extension deformations due to a single surface rupture are the natural consequences of the curvilinear slip plane of the left-laterally strike-slip Pazarcık fault. Liquefaction samples with different characteristics were observed in the Sakarkaya alluvial fill area within the Gölbaşı depression. Rockfalls occurred on sandstone, mudstone, and limestone rock slopes weakened by the discontinuity due to the density of cracks outcropping in the valley where the surface rupture passes in the Kartal, Sakarkaya section. During field studies, slides and spreading were also observed. Typical examples of slide occurred on the unconsolidated fill ground on the south coast of Gölbaşı Lake with a slight slope towards the lake as a result of the vibration effect of the earthquake. In addition, the vibration effect of the earthquake caused lateral spreading deformations in the artificial fillings of road and road junction structures.

Leveraging Geospatial Technology for Enhanced Utility Management: A Case Study in Electrical Distribution Power Systems

Over the years, electricity has developed into a crucial commodity for any nation. The need to evaluate the rate of electricity consumption in regard to utility management and the spatial distribution of major devices to facilitate appropriate planning within the estate is the motivation for this research. This study used geospatial technology to evaluate the electricity distribution to support planning and management in Omole Estate (Phase One) and environs within the city of Lagos, Nigeria. The focus was on determining the land use in study area, geolocations of the transformers, along with the cost of energy consumed per household. Spatial data for the research area was collected through a Hand-held GPS. Google Earth images were downloaded to supplement the data, and a comprehensive analysis of administered and recovered questionnaires was conducted to enrich the dataset. ArcGIS 10.6.1 software was employed to create the database and depict the area, whilst modifying all of the details required within. The result confirms that 72% of the respondents use electricity for domestic use, 18% for commercial use while 10% utilise it for domestic and commercial use. A significant portion of homes (33%) still use outdated postpaid meters and 35% of respondents do not know how much power they use at home each month or the cost per unit of that electricity. Regarding the respondents, 67% have a prepaid card/electrical meter installed (per kilowatt). Concerning cost, 10% of the respondents spends between N1000-N5000 for their monthly electricity consumption, 27% of the respondents between N5,000 and N10,000, 38% between N10,000 and N17,000, 24% between N17,000 and N25,000 and 2% above N25,000 per month on electricity. These findings will assist effective power distribution within the estate and provide guidance on charge rates for commercial power users which is approximately 28% overall.

Landslide susceptibility mapping for the Red Sea Mountains: A multi-criteria decision analysis approach

The Earth's climate system is clearly warming. Unquestionably, climate change has an impact on landslides by affecting the stability of both naturally occurring and artificially constructed slopes. Less certain are the type, extent, degree, and direction of the changes in stability conditions as well as the location, abundance, activity, and frequency of landslides in response to the expected climate changes. Climate change threatens global ecosystems, causing severe human and economic losses through sea level rise, hurricanes, flooding, landslides, and heat waves. Landslides in high mountains could become more common as a result of these changes. The high-speed electric train project in Egypt seeks to provide sustainable transportation, lessen climate change, and enhance public health. The study area was conducted along a 70-km track in the Eastern Desert, Egypt, across steep and rugged basement rocks of the Red Sea mountain chain (RSM). The geographic pinpointing of landslide susceptibility zones plays a significant role in promoting hazards mitigation in mountainous areas, such as RSM. The aim of this research project is to create a landslide susceptibility map (LSM) utilizing multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in the region using information value (IV) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approaches that encompass the third proposed track of the high-speed electric railroad Qena-Hurghada between the RSM. The landslide inventory map, which has a total of 12 single landslide locations, was created based on fieldwork using hand-held GPS and Landsat 8 images. The two decision-making techniques were used to contrast the LSM factors based on the knowledge of experts using the qualitative method of AHP with the statistical approach that depends on the field data IV. Ten landslide-influencing parameters taken into consideration are slope, lithology, rainfall distribution, distance to fault, distance to track, seismicity of area, distance to epicenter, land cover, distance to stream, and aspect. The parameters were obtained using LANDSAT8 and SRTM DEM of a 30 m resolution, vectorized lithological structure units from a 1:2000, 000 map, and data between (1913–2000) for yearly precipitation and (1997–2018) for seismic activity of the research area. A GIS-based method produces a themed layer map for each geoenvironmental element, weighing each parameter after examination. A LSM was produced using a combination of thematic layers that were then separated into four grades: low, moderate, high, and very high, based on the intensity of the landslide vulnerability. According to AUC data, the IV model has a better success rate 0.85 than the AHP model 0.82. The study's models, especially when applied to the IV method, showed good accuracy in forecasting landslide vulnerability. The method shows rising landslide percentages with susceptibility and delivers accurate results that are compatible with the landslide inventory map. Environmental decisions often lead to unintended consequences due to lost information, incorrect factor selection, limited expert expertise, and ignoring uncertainty. This investigation emphasizes the importance of LSM as a tool for decision-makers to minimize landslide losses and damage.

The Importance of Representative Sampling for Home Range Estimation in Field Primatology

Understanding the amount of space required by animals to fulfill their biological needs is essential for comprehending their behavior, their ecological role within their community, and for effective conservation planning and resource management. The space-use patterns of habituated primates often are studied by using handheld GPS devices, which provide detailed movement information that can link patterns of ranging and space-use to the behavioral decisions that generate these patterns. However, these data may not accurately represent an animal’s total movements, posing challenges when the desired inference is at the home range scale. To address this problem, we used a 13-year dataset from 11 groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus imitator) to examine the impact of sampling elements, such as sample size, regularity, and temporal coverage, on home range estimation accuracy. We found that accurate home range estimation is feasible with relatively small absolute sample sizes and irregular sampling, as long as the data are collected over extended time periods. Also, concentrated sampling can lead to bias and overconfidence due to uncaptured variations in space use and underlying movement behaviors. Sampling protocols relying on handheld GPS for home range estimation are improved by maximizing independent location data distributed across time periods much longer than the target species’ home range crossing timescale.

Cluster and Buffer Analysis of the Distribution of Healthcare Facilities in Plateau State

Nigeria faces significant challenges in providing access to healthcare services for its population. An important aspect of Nigerian health policy that requires timely evaluation, is accessibility to Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities (and, indeed, other healthcare facilities) especially in rural areas. Thus, the need to investigate their distribution and spatial influence. This study employed the technology of Remote Sensing and GIS in generating relevant scientific data on the spatial distribution of healthcare facility in Plateau State. Coordinates of various health facilities were recorded using handheld GPS while various attribute information were also obtained and recorded. The results thus acquired were tabulated and segmented by local government. The type of facility (primary, secondary and tertiary) and, ownership (government or private) was tabulated and prepared for further analysis. There are 1237 health facilities spread across the state. Government PHC facilities; 615, private PHC facilities; 542, government secondary and private secondary healthcare facilities; 31 and 44 respectively and 5 tertiary healthcare facilities were documented and their spatial distribution and relationship represented graphically. Buffer distances of 0.5, 1 and 2 Kilometers and 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 Kilometers were used for buffer analysis of the spatial relationship between facilities and settlements. This showed a reasonable coverage especially around the location of settlements within the state. Urban centers present clustering of facilities due to density of population in these areas. The cluster analysis reveals similar Nearest Neighbor Ratios for all the types of facilities with private secondary healthcare having the least with 0.606858. This is a direct consequence of the clustering of private secondary facilities around the Jos-Bukuru metropolis in the northern end of the state. Other types of facility are not too far from this ratio with government primary presenting 0.701219, private primary 0.837056 and 0.661641 for government secondary facilities. The northern senatorial district shows much of this clustering with the peak in and around the Jos-Bukuru metropolis. This can be attributed to the important role of Jos as the administrative center of the state and a major urban area. The z-scores for both government (-14.174948) and private primary healthcare facilities (-15.069804) indicates significant clustering. The z-score for government secondary (-1.735602) in correlation with its relatively high Nearest Neighbour Ratio points towards the near-equitable distribution of these facilities.

Site Suitability Assessment for Petroleum hubs and Oil retail assets in the Jomoro District: A Hybrid Approach using Fuzzy AHP and VIKOR Method

Petroleum Infrastructure is indispensable considering the current local and global energy demands, however explosions from such establishments often cause loss of lives and properties within the surrounding communities thereby posing great concern to government and the citizenry. This condition calls for research that would provide meaningful solutions to mitigate this menace. Unlawful siting of oil refineries, petrochemical plants, berthing terminals, pipelines, storage terminals, oil and gas retail assets results from non-consideration of environmental impact on growing human population, competition for customers and lack of enforcement of energy standards. The study aims to employ a multifaceted approach comprising of suitability, proximity and spatial statistical analysis in assessing viable areas for developing petroleum hubs in the district. This study further investigated the efficiency of the method and level of compliance to standards set by the Ministry of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Town and Country Planning Department through validation using the newly acquired land for petroleum hub and existing filling stations in the study area. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data consist of locations of oil and gas filling stations picked with the Garmin handheld GPS and surveyed boundary of the land. The secondary data was obtained from the Survey and Mapping division of the land commission of Ghana. It comprises of topographic data, geology and soil maps from which soil types, lithology, roads networks, water bodies, terrain slope and land use features of the area were extracted and used. The dataset was reclassified and weighted using Fuzzy AHP and VIKOR. Spatial analyses were carried out using ArcGIS software to show areas suitable or otherwise for siting petroleum hubs in the study area. Results shows 67.44% of the area are highly suitable for establishment of petroleum hubs, 32.33% of the area falls within moderate suitability zones whereas the least suitability zones occupied 0.23% of the total area. The newly acquired government land for the petroleum hub project fell within the highly suitable zone confirming the validity of the studies in comparison with studies from field experts via environmental impact assessment. The proposed petroleum hub covered areas dominated by very high and high area suitability for its establishment constituting 75.9 km2 (90.3%) of its entire area whereas the moderate suitability zones constituted 8.2 km2 (9.7%) of the remaining areas. Towns situated in very high areas includes; Bakakole Nkwanta, Ahobre, Nawule, Allowule, Tikobo No.1, Edu, Damofu, Ave lenu and Ebonloa, Mpatabo. High areas comprises of Kengen Kpokezo, Alenda wharf, Tekyinta. Anwonakrom, Nkwamta, Elubo and Agege are among the moderate and low area zones for hub and oil retail assets establishment 75% of the oil retail assets complied with the required set standards whiles 25% defaulted. The integration of GIS techniques with multi-criteria decision analyses has proved to be an effective tool for selecting suitable sites for petroleum hubs, oil retail assets and very useful in determining places of high fire risk for proper planning of the area. It is recommended that the authorities and stakeholders put measures in place to educate, perform site suitability assessment and enforce set standards in establishment of petroleum infrastructure.

Assessment of resources for physical activity and understanding people’s perception and practices regarding physical activity in an Indian city

BackgroundPromoting physical activity in urban India is imperative considering the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country. Planning for improving population level physical activity needs sound understanding of availability and quality of resources/facilities for physical activity and knowing people’s perception and practices regarding the physical activity.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in Kolar city of Karnataka state in India. All the resources/facilities required for supporting physical activity were mapped and their quality was assessed utilizing adapted version of physical activity resource assessment questionnaire. The information regarding latitude, longitude and approximate size of the resource was obtained using a hand-held GPS tracker. 495 individuals aged ≥ 18 years, selected by two stage cluster random sampling with probability proportionate to population size technique, were interviewed to assess their perception and practices regarding physical activity using semi-structured questionnaire and global physical activity questionnaire.ResultsKolar city has 36.3 physical activity resources per lakh population and per person availability of park and playground area was 0.4 Sq. meters. Available resources were concentrated in the center of the city. Half of the sports facilities and 14 of the 17 recreational facilities in the city were of poor to mediocre quality. 38.2% of adults in Kolar city were found to be physically active. Only 19.2% of the study participants had accessed sports/fitness facilities/playgrounds in past 3 months and only 18.8% of the study participants accessed parks in the previous 3 months. 28.6% to 59.1% of the participants preferred ‘walking’ for work, college and shopping. Less than 5% of the participants preferred and used cycle as a mode of transport. 1/3rd of the study participants felt that Kolar city is safe of walking and 44.6% felt that the city is safe for cycling.ConclusionCreating enabling environment by increasing the number and quality of resources/facilities for physical activity along with their equitable distribution is required to promote and improve population level physical activity in Kolar city. Urban planning with a focus on non-motorized transport including walking would contribute to improved people’s perception and practices regarding physical activity in the city.