Local Stations Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Sand Dune Dynamics: A Case Study from Southern Afghanistan

The annual movement of sand in arid and semi-arid regions poses significant environmental and socio-economic challenges. This study focuses on a region in southern Afghanistan, characterized by landscapes where sand dynamics have led to notable land degradation. Arid and semi-arid zones constitute nearly half of Afghanistan's total land area, predominantly located in the southern and western regions. Due to the absence of historical aerial imagery, this research utilizes Google Earth satellite images spanning from 2014 to 2024 to analyze spatial changes in sand dune coverage. In light of limited meteorological infrastructure, specifically the lack of local weather stations and anemometers the study employs wind direction data derived from NASA's MERRA (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application) reanalysis database. This dataset, known for its approximately 90% consistency with observed climate data, was processed using MCIDAS-V software to generate regional wind direction maps. Furthermore, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were used to delineate sand dune extents by constructing polygons around the affected areas, enabling precise area calculations. The results indicate significant changes in the spatial distribution of sand dunes over the ten-year period. The primary factors driving the reduction and transformation of sandy areas include the expansion of agricultural lands and increasing construction activities in nearby rural settlements. Additionally, in some locations, sand encroachment aligned with prevailing wind directions has adversely impacted agricultural zones. This study highlights the urgent need for sustainable land use planning and dune stabilization efforts in vulnerable dryland regions.

Impact of Air Quality on Human Health in the Chowk Area of Lucknow: An Analytical Study of Pollution Levels and Health Risks

Air pollution is a significant global health concern impacting millions of people across the world. This paper investigates the sources of air pollution, its harmful effects on human health, and possible solutions to mitigate its impact. By analyzing different pollutants, their origins, and the health risks linked to exposure, this study emphasizes the critical need for robust policies and interventions to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health. The methodology adopted for this study involves collecting air quality data from local monitoring stations and gathering health-related information through hospital records, surveys, and interviews with residents of the Chowk area. Statistical tools, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), have been employed to compare pollution levels in Chowk with other areas of Lucknow, confirming significantly higher pollutant concentrations in the study area. The results indicate that PM2.5 and PM10 levels frequently exceed the permissible limits set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), especially during peak traffic hours. The analysis also highlights a strong positive correlation between pollutant levels and the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among the residents. This research paper investigates the impact of air quality on human health in the Chowk area of Lucknow, a highly polluted commercial zone. The study focuses on the levels of air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Ozone (O3) and their correlation with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases reported by residents. The paper also emphasizes the need for better air quality management and policy implementations to mitigate adverse health effects.

Integrating remote sensing and meteorological analysis for monitoring drought conditions in arid regions: a case study from Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran

Drought is a recurring natural hazard that poses significant challenges to ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources, necessitating effective monitoring and assessment through advanced technologies such as remote sensing. This study explores drought patterns using satellite imagery from Google Earth Engine in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, as a case study. Based on MODIS satellite imagery, the study employs various indices, including VCI, TCI, VHI, SVI, and SPI. Drought index maps were first generated, followed by the categorization of dry years. Drought severity was then assessed using SPI and rainfall data from a local synoptic station. The results revealed severe drought events in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021, with approximately 70% of the region experiencing very severe or severe drought conditions. The VHI index indicated the presence of very severe, severe, and moderate drought in different areas of the study region. Correlation analysis between the three-month SPI and the VCI, TCI, and VHI indices showed values of -0.57, 0.80, and 0.64, respectively. The findings underscore the dominance of severe and very severe drought in the region. The methodology presented in this study could be applied to other dry and arid regions, providing a valuable tool for drought monitoring and management in similar environments worldwide.

Who Watches the Watchmen? Local News and Police Behavior in the United States

Do US municipal police departments respond to news coverage of local crime? We address this question exploiting an exogenous shock to local crime reporting induced by acquisitions of local TV stations by a large broadcast group, Sinclair. Using a unique dataset of 8.5 million news stories and a triple-differences design, we document that Sinclair ownership decreases news coverage of local crime. This matters for policing: Municipalities that experience the change in news coverage have lower violent crime clearance rates relative to municipalities that do not. The result is consistent with a decrease of crime salience in the public opinion. (JEL D83, G34, H76, K42, L13, L82)

Perkembangan Teknologi Penyiaran Televisi di Indonesia: Tantangan dan Peluang Televisi Lokal dalam Era Digitalisasi

Digital television broadcasting (Terrestrial Free To Air) or also called free digital TV broadcasting has entered the current era of Indonesian broadcasting. This broadcast provides a much sharper picture and sound syntax compared to previous broadcasts or analog broadcasts. Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio frequencies, combined with analog transmission and digital content formats, are used in terrestrial digital television broadcasts. The aim of this research is to present an overview of the development of Indonesian television broadcasting technology as well as the potential and challenges faced by local television in the current digital era. This research is a library research through scientific journals and other published materials. The research results show that local television is currently undergoing digital to analog conversion and is experiencing many major problems. Of course, the transition from analog to digital technology will occur gradually, so local television that still uses analog technology must of course keep up with the times. Local TV stations will have more opportunities to compete and grow with other TV stations if they successfully navigate the digital transition. In the digital era, local television has the advantage of being able to obtain the same rights as other television broadcasting organizations to produce new programs and channels if it successfully completes the transition from an analog system to a digital.

Game Theory: An Overview of Natural Resource Conflict and its Resolution

This article illustrates the concept of irrigation conflict and its resolution practices in the Khageri irrigation project that lies in the Chitwan district of Nepal. The author collected data from the informants of the study area who were farmers, members of water user associations, civil society, and local government officials. Some issues of conflict while managing the irrigation project were the denial of riparian rights, resource rights dilemma, water scarcity, human encroachment of the canal, park control, legal restrictions and raising water fees, called ‘pani pot’ in its colloquial term. The resolution of such conflict, as per the findings of this paper, reflects the importance of co-management and cooperation among all the users. Some elderly farmers act as a mediator to resolve the conflicting issues. There were some farmers who adjudicate cases of conflict for the local administration and police station. Author highlighted the game theory model that is effective for the wise use of natural resources in general and irrigation management in particular.

Analysis of a Summer Convective Precipitation Event in the Shanghai Region Using Data from a Novel Single-Polarization X-Band Phased-Array Radar and Other Meteorological Observations

On 13 August 2019, a severe convective precipitation event affected the Shanghai region. At 850 hPa, a low-level shear line influenced Shanghai with surface convergence, while at 700 hPa, an inversion layer separated warm, moist lower air from colder, drier air aloft, favoring convection. Observations also revealed vertical wind shear, facilitating additional convective growth. Observations from local automatic weather stations (AWSs) and wind profiler radars (WPRs) indicate that five minutes before rainfall began, ground heat and northerly winds collided, triggering the precipitation. Both the S-band Qingpu SA radar and a novel single-polarization X-band Array weather radar system (Array Weather Radar, AWR) with three phased-array radar frontends and one radar backend captured this event. Compared with the relatively coarse spatiotemporal resolution of the Qingpu SA radar, the AWR provides high-resolution wind-field data, enabling the derivation of horizontal divergence and vertical vorticity. A detailed analysis of reflectivity, divergence, and vorticity in the AWR’s overlapping detection areas shows that, during the development and mature stages of the cell’s lifecycle, the volume of echoes with Z > 25 dBZ consistently increases, whereas echoes with Z > 45 dBZ grow in an oscillatory pattern, reaching five peaks. Moreover, at the altitudes where Z > 45 dBZ appears, regions of cyclonic vorticity emerge.

Short-term air pollution exposure and risk of respiratory pathogen infections: an 11-year case-crossover study in Guangzhou, China

BackgroundLimited epidemiological evidence exists on the relationship between short-term exposure to air pollutants and respiratory pathogen infections. This study investigates the association between short-term air pollution exposure and respiratory pathogen infections in Guangzhou, southern China.MethodsA time-stratified case-crossover study design was applied. Data from 96,927 patients with suspected respiratory pathogen infections between 2013 and 2023 were collected. The daily air pollutant concentration is obtained from the local environmental monitoring station. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of air pollutant exposure included in the equation on the risk of respiratory pathogen infection. Generalized additive models were used to analyze the relationship between pollutant exposure and hospital visits, adjusting for potential confounders such as temperature and precipitation. Sub-group analysis was performed to estimate the reliability of the correlations among the subgroups.ResultsThe logistic regression model shows that PM2.5, NO2 and CO are included in the variable equation. Single-pollutant models indicate that there is a significant association between short-term exposure to NO2 and CO and an increased risk of hospital visits for respiratory infections, especially on lag day 0, while PM2.5 shows a non-linear relationship. In the multi-pollutant model, for each unit increase in NO2, the risk of hospital visits increased by 11.66%, and for CO, the risk increased by 0.64%. Subgroup analysis showed the effects were more pronounced in minors (< 18 years), while no significant gender differences were observed. Additionally, CO and NO2 interacted with PM2.5, amplifying the risk of infection.ConclusionThis large-scale epidemiological study demonstrates significant associations between short-term air pollutant exposure and respiratory infections, particularly highlighting the risks of NO2 and CO exposure. The findings underscore the critical need for strengthening air quality monitoring and protection strategies in rapidly urbanizing regions, with special attention to vulnerable populations such as minors. These results provide evidence-based support for enhancing environmental health policies in metropolitan areas to better protect public health through improved air quality standards and early warning systems.

Keeping Farm Radio Relevant in the Digital Age

ABSTRACT For as long as there has been a radio industry, there have been stations serving farmers and ranchers. As radio enters its second century, the industry faces a serious disruption from digital alternatives. Agriculturalists need timely and specific information on market prices, weather forecasts, and industry news. This study begins by showing they get that from local radio stations. Those details are now available on a smartphone. The research asks how radio managers try to remain vital to agriculturalists. It then explores stations’ expansion into the digital realm. Finally, it tries to ascertain how radio stations serving rural areas can maintain their relevance in the digital age. It draws upon proprietary research and a series of semi-structured interviews. It will be shown that to reach listeners where they are, farm radio operators have expanded the platforms on which they provide information, even though those options involve costs and provide low revenue potential.

Learning from Firefighters: A Goal-Free Evaluation of Fire Disaster Mitigation Program for Early Years Students

Field trips are not merely an escape from the classroom; they are powerful tools to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world experiences. The fire disaster mitigation program for early learners at a local fire station introduced children to essential fire safety practices while reshaping their understanding of heroism and inspiring new aspirations. This study aimed to evaluate the program's implementation, its impact on children’s understanding of fire safety, and the development of critical thinking and career aspirations. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through direct observation, interviews with students, teachers, and parents, and an analysis of program materials. Thematic analysis revealed that children gained a deeper appreciation for real-world heroism, comparing firefighters to figures like Captain America and Iron Man, while also reflecting critically on fire safety concepts, such as the importance of safe assembly points in their daily environments. Additionally, the program sparked new career aspirations among the children, particularly among boys, although gender stereotypes persisted with fewer girls expressing interest in firefighting. Despite its strengths, such as engaging presentations and hands-on simulations, the program exhibited limitations, including minimal parental involvement and a lack of diverse role models. These findings suggest that targeted improvements, such as incorporating follow-up activities, enhancing parental engagement, and introducing gender-inclusive narratives, could significantly enhance the program’s impact.

Exploring district heating systems: A SCADA dataset for enhanced explainability.

Exploring district heating systems: A SCADA dataset for enhanced explainability.

Benefits of GNSS Local Observations Compared to Global Weather‐Based Models for InSAR Tropospheric Corrections Over Tropical Volcanoes: Case Studies of Piton De La Fournaise and Merapi

AbstractFrom repeat‐pass interferometry, tropospheric signals often prevent the detection of ground deformation signals. In recent years, tropospheric corrections derived from global weather‐based models have been implemented in several InSAR processing chains. In this study, we evaluate the performance of two weather‐based models (ERA5 and GACOS) on two tropical volcanoes: Piton de la Fournaise and Merapi. For Piton de la Fournaise, the reduction of the tropospheric noise is efficient for 30% and 60% of the data sets for GACOS and ERA5, respectively. For Merapi, the performance reaches 40% for GACOS and 50% for ERA5. Although GNSS local stations provide real‐time information about tropospheric delays, their potential for improving InSAR corrections on active volcanoes is under‐exploited. Here, we produce local GNSS‐based tropospheric corrections and compare their performance to global weather‐based models. For Piton de la Fournaise, the gain of performance with 34 GNSS stations is about 25% compared to ERA5 models. GNSS‐based corrections increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio in InSAR time series allowing the detection of ground displacements between July and December 2021. For Merapi, GNSS‐based models with only 5 stations spatially distributed at different elevations are as efficient as ERA5 models. GNSS‐based corrections induce a decrease in the noise level from values 1–0.5 cm in a period of quiescence. Here, we show that GNSS‐based models are an efficient alternative to global weather‐based models for instrumented volcanoes. The proposed approach paves the way toward near real‐time InSAR monitoring of volcanic unrest and other processes (landslides, groundwater extraction).

Investigation of the Best Satellite Rainfall Data in Northern Iraq

Many watersheds lack reliable rainfall data due to limitations in ground-based meteorological stations, which is critical for accurate water resource modelling. This study evaluates the suitability of satellite precipitation data as an alternative source. Four data sources were compared: NASA-POWER, which is the Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource dataset, ERA5-Land (European Re-analysis Land Component), which stands for ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), the Climate Hazards Group Infra-Red Precipitation with Station dataset CHIRPSv.2, and Terra-Climate. The satellite precipitation data for the period (2010–2020) were validated against local rain gauge station data in the study region. The validation was performed using statistical metrics, including: R², NSE, and RMSE. Results showed that NASA-POWER data had the highest correlation with rain gauge data, with R² values of 0.8818, 0.8817, 0.7494, and 0.7768 for Haweejah, Altun Kopri, Zummar, and Mosul stations, respectively. ERA5-Land also showed strong correlations, though with slightly lower R² values between (0.8165 - 0.8395). While the CHIRPS and Terra-Climate data exhibited weaker correlations with lower R² values. Overall, the findings demonstrate that satellite-based precipitation data, particularly from NASA-POWER and ERA5-Land, can effectively simulate hydrological processes in the region.

Resolving Subsurface Structure with Magnetotelluric Method in the Urban Area of Pingtung County, Southwestern Taiwan

This study presents the results of the Magnetotelluric (MT) survey aimed at resolving the subsurface structures in the northern part of the Pingtung Plain. Data analysis was conducted using ten local observation stations and one remote reference station. Due to the significant noise of the urban environment, the process of obtaining high-quality results proved to be challenging. The impact of such noise on the transfer function estimation is demonstrated, emphasizing the need for careful data selection and processing to mitigate its effects. The results reveal a distinct low–high–low-resistivity trend in the subsurface, with the Quaternary–Neogene sediment boundary estimated to be up to 500 m deep. Additionally, this study maps depths of up to 4 km, where it indicates possible faulting structures below the study area, which may be related to the previously assumed structures south of the study area. Given the limited, available deep subsurface information of the study area, these findings offer a preliminary understanding of the subsurface characteristics of the northern Pingtung Plain, which may contribute to ongoing research on the geological characteristics of the region while taking into account the importance of addressing urban noise when interpreting MT data.

Assessing Tribal Audience Engagement with Youtube Akashvani 100.2 FM: Content Analysis of Engagement Metrics and Viewership Patterns

Abstract – Akashvani Adilabad 100.2, is one of the local stations of Prasar Bharati, making it the third such Local Language Radio Station in India. This channel caters to the needs and requirements of the local Adilabad people in a way that is easy to understand and mostly focuses on their development and news updates. The channel has a presence on YouTube and other social media. This paper mainly focuses on analyzing YouTube channels due to their ease of access and awareness. The channel was created on 7th April 2013 and has more than 10,000+ videos with over 48 Lakh views, showing its great importance in educating with special reference to educating the tribal population. The study aims to analyze the content and viewership patterns of the station's YouTube channel over one year, comparing the top five most-watched videos with the five least-watched videos. It was found that language and content relatability plays a crucial role in attracting viewership for the Youtube channel.

End-to-end data-driven weather prediction.

Weather prediction is critical for a range of human activities including transportation, agriculture and industry, as well as the safety of the general public. Machine learning is transforming numerical weather prediction (NWP) by replacing the numerical solver with neural networks, improving the speed and accuracy of the forecasting component of the prediction pipeline 1,2,3,4,5,6. However, current models rely on numerical systems at initialisation and to produce local forecasts, limiting their achievable gains. Here we show that a single machine learning model can replace the entire NWP pipeline. Aardvark Weather, an end-to-end data-driven weather prediction system, ingests observations and produces global gridded forecasts and local station forecasts. The global forecasts outperform an operational NWP baseline for multiple variables and lead times. The local station forecasts are skillful up to ten days lead time, competing with a post-processed global NWP baseline and a state-of-the-art end-to-end forecasting system with input from human forecasters. End-to-end tuning further improves the accuracy of local forecasts. Our results show that skillful forecasting is possible without relying on NWP at deployment time, which will enable the full speed and accuracy benefits of data-driven models to be realised. We believe Aardvark Weather will be the starting point for a new generation of end-to-end models that will reduce computational costs by orders of magnitude, and enable rapid, affordable creation of customised models for a range of end-users.

Microplastics in wastewater and the role of local wastewater treatment stations in controlling microplastic pollution: a case study from Vietnam.

Wastewater has been identified as one of the main contributors to microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments. Hence, this study investigates the presence, characteristics of MPs in wastewater sample types (industrial, domestic, and medical wastewater), and also the removal efficacy of MPs by local wastewater treatment stations. Overall, industrial wastewater showed a higher MP abundance level at 60,881 ± 48,154 items/m3, compared to domestic and medical wastewater with values of 31,494 ± 10,142 items/m3 and 35,453 ± 13,186 items/m3, respectively. Fiber and fragment were the main shapes observed among the MPs found in all wastewater samples, and the dominant form was microfiber, ranging from 63 to 97.5% of total MPs. The performance of local wastewater treatment stations showed varied efficiencies in MP removal, ranging between 15.8 ± 5 and 90.2 ± 1.3%. Domestic wastewater treatment stations showed lower MP removal effectiveness, at 43.9 ± 13.1%, while treatment stations receiving industrial and medical wastewater achieved 59.5 ± 20.7 and 69.6 ± 22.1% of removal efficiencies, respectively. As estimated, 2.9 × 1010 microplastic items could be emitted to the water bodies around Hanoi every day, which MPs originated from domestic wastewater accounted for 80.3% due to its high discharge volume and inadequate treatment capacity. Optimization of the septic tank system operation and the sewage sludge treatment processes could prevent secondary contamination of MPs, while an additional primary sedimentation step could improve the overall MP elimination efficacy of the studied treatment stations. The results from this study suggested that more in-depth investigations were required for a proper understanding of the migration routes of MPs from different anthropogenic activities to wastewater.

A PM2.5 spatiotemporal prediction model based on mixed graph convolutional GRU and self-attention network.

A PM2.5 spatiotemporal prediction model based on mixed graph convolutional GRU and self-attention network.

Integrating farmers’ perceptions into climate change assessment in the data-scarce Peruvian Amazon

Climate change affects agriculture worldwide, with stronger socio-economic impacts in low-income countries where the lack of data hinders the implementation of effective interventions to face climate change effects. The paper proposes an approach to assess local effects associated with climate change in data-scarce contexts, integrating farmers’ perceptions with available climate data. The method is tested in the Upper Huallaga basin, in the Peruvian selva. The analysis of climate trends in time series of daily data from a local weather station and ERA-5 reanalysis data is integrated with 73 structured interviews with farmers. The resulting increasing temperature trend of 0.2 C per decade is consistent with the farmers’ perception. On the other hand, farmers also highlight an increase in wind gusts and precipitation, in contrast with the available quantitative data. This is further investigated analysing trends in annual crop water deficit and surplus volumes, which can be viewed as a proxy for plant health conditions, and may influence the farmers’ perception of climate change. Results show a recent increase in the annual crop water deficit and surplus volumes, suggesting an increase in sub-daily convective rainfall events, possibly explaining farmers’ perceptions. The proposed approach effectively allows for assessing climatic alterations, their effects, and locally driven adaptation measures in data-scarce regions, as well as providing some insights into trends in sub-daily meteorological events.

공동체 라디오와 에스닉 미디어 사이에서: 광주고려인마을 GBS 고려방송의 정체성 연구

GBS FM, a low-power community radio operated by the Koryoin Village in Gwangju, represents a unique case in South Korea, simultaneously maintaining the characteristics of a local community radio while functioning as an ethnic media outlet. With approximately 70% of its broadcasts conducted in Russian, GBS FM distinctly reflects the identity of the Koryoin, an ethnic Korean diaspora group from the former Soviet Union. This study examines the dual identity of GBS FM, analyzing its role both as a South Korean community radio and as an ethnic media platform predominantly operated by Russian-speaking Koryoin. The station’s Korean-language programming fosters social cohesion between the Koryoin community and native Korean residents while enhancing public awareness of the Koryoin presence. At the same time, by utilizing Russian as its primary broadcast language, GBS FM reinforces the unique identity of the Koryoin, distinguishing them from native Koreans. Through programs centered on Koryoin life histories and historical narratives, GBS FM plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Koryoin heritage and culture, not only to native Korean audiences but also to younger generations of Koryoin residing in South Korea.. Moreover, by leveraging online platforms for content dissemination, GBS FM transcends its role as a local community radio station to function as a transnational communication bridge, fostering connections between the Gwangju Koryoin Village and Koryoin communities abroad. As a media entity that navigates the intersection of community radio and ethnic media, GBS FM serves as a compelling case study of how media facilitate migrant integration, ethnic identity preservation, and the formation of transnational networks.