Moderate Zones Research Articles

Diabetes Complications and Related Comorbidities Impair the Accuracy of FreeStyle Libre, a Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Although flash continuous glucose monitoring systems (FCGM) accuracy has been extensively studied in diabetes, its accuracy is still not fully evaluated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in real-world settings. In the present study, we aim to assess the effects of diabetes complications and related comorbidities on FCGM accuracy in T2D patients with diabetes complications and related comorbidities in the real world. FCGM data were collected at eight-time points daily (3 AM, 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM) from 742 patients with T2D and compared with simultaneous fingertip capillary blood glucose (reference blood glucose, REF), and the difference was evaluated using Parkes error grid (PEG), surveillance error grid (SEG), and logistic regression analysis. In total, 25,579 FCGM/REF data pairs were included in the study. The FCGM values were lower than the paired REF values in 75% of the pairs. The maximum bias (-23.0%) and maximum mean absolute relative difference (24.5%) were observed at 3 AM among eight-time points. SEG analysis also demonstrated the highest percentage of paired readings in moderate and great risk zone (C and D) at 3 AM than PEG analysis (7.33% vs 0.43%, P<0.001). According to the SEG classification, hypoglycemia, infection, diabetic foot, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypertension were independent risk factors that impaired FCGM accuracy in patients. FCGM commonly underestimates blood glucose levels. Compared with PEG, SEG analysis seems more conducive to the analysis of FCGM performance. The present data highlights the impairment of diabetes complications and related comorbidities on the FCGM accuracy in T2D patients.

Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Geographic Information System (GIS) in Kuala Balah, Jeli, Kelantan

A landslide is a natural occurrence that frequently results in the loss of property and life of those who live in the surrounding area. This study aims to produce a landslide susceptibility map by using Geographical Information System (GIS) approach in Kuala Balah, Jeli, Kelantan. Additionally, the geomorphology of this study area is hilly and mountainous, with several steep slopes that exposes citizens to the risk of landslides. In order to produce the landslide susceptibility map, six (6) parameters were applied such as lineament density, drainage density, slope, aspect, lithology and land use. These parameters were used to produce the thematic maps and weightage has been assigned to these thematic maps of parameters. Then, these thematic maps were reclassified and overlayed using the Weighted Overlay Method (WOM) in ArcGIS software. As a result, the study area is categorized into three landslide susceptibility zones: low, moderate, and high susceptibility zones. 5% of the study area is subject to low susceptibility to landslide, 71% of the study area is subject to moderate susceptibility to landslide, and 24% of the study area is subject to high susceptibility to landslide. Low susceptibility areas are primarily found on low land close to the town, such as Kampong Rawa, SMK Kuala Balah, and Tok Batin Forest Camp, meanwhile moderate susceptibility areas are located on valleys and low land and eventually high susceptibility areas are located on hilly and mountainous terrain area.

Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination using GIS-based DRASTIC model in Lucknow, India

Abstract: Groundwater intrinsic vulnerability maps are considered a promising means for forestalling groundwater resources from contamination in recent years. With the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and hydro-geochemical data, the DRASTIC model is used to forecast groundwater vulnerability. For which ArcGIS software is used. Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, is the study area for this study. This model is based on the seven data layers that provide the input to the modelling. It corresponds to the initials of seven layers i.e. Depth to water, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of vadose zone ,and Hydraulic Conductivity. Mal and Sarojani Nagar Block showed higher vulnerability (139–143). The results also suggested that the low, moderate, and high groundwater vulnerability zones cover around 30.35%, 45.02%, and 24.63 % of the study area, respectively. The results is validated using nitrate concentration in groundwater. The percentage of study area for nitrate concentrations &lt;45 mg/l, 45-60 mg/l, 60-80 mg/l, and 80-110 mg/l are 55.5%, 34.5%, 9%, and ~1% respectively. The GIS technique has provided an efficient tool for assessing and analysing the vulnerability to groundwater pollution.

Farmland nutrient pollution and its evolutionary relationship with plantation economic development in China

Contradiction between growing plantation economic demand and agro-ecological degradation has always restricted sustainable development of agricultural countries. This study applied the unit inventory analysis to evaluate the productions and discharges of farmland non-point source (FNPS) nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) among China's nine national-level agricultural districts over 1999–2019. On this basis, we quantified the evolutionary relationship between plantation economic output and FNPS pollution based on optimal regression fitting. The results showed that over 1999–2019, farmland cumulative TN and TP discharges for the whole China were approximately 15807 × 104 t and 1312 × 104 t, with prominent district heterogeneity. According to FNPS discharge magnitudes, China's agricultural districts can be classified into three categories: high, moderate and slight discharge zones. Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and Middle-lower Yangtze Plain were identified as the main severely-polluted districts. Mineral fertilizer is the primary contributor to FNPS pollution. Annual FNPS load showed a trend of increasing followed by decreasing, and the peak interval was recorded in 2014–2016. Spatiotemporal dynamics in FNPS discharge intensities were disparate from that in discharge magnitudes. SC has the highest TN discharge intensity, with an annual average intensity of 0.068 t/ha, followed by MLYP (0.044 t/ha) and HHHP (0.041 t/ha). HHHP has the highest TP discharge intensity, with an annual average intensity of 0.0051 t/ha, followed by SC (0.0038 t/ha) and MLYP (0.0031 t/ha). District-based agro-ecological restoration strategies were accordingly proposed considering FNPS discharge magnitude and intensity concurrently. In most agricultural districts, with the growing economic output in plantation, the FNPS load showed an increase followed by a decrease or to leveling off. Furthermore, with the increasing TN/TP economic partial productivity, the FNPS TN/TP discharge intensities reached the climax, then declined or tended to be flattening out.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improve Growth and Phosphate Nutrition of Acacia seyal (Delile) under Saline Conditions

Many plant species adapted to semi-arid environments are grown in the Sahelian region in northern Africa. One such species is Acacia seyal (Delile), a multipurpose leguminous tree grown in various agroecological zones, including saline soils. These challenging arid and semi-arid environments harbor a diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities that can develop symbiotic associations with plants to improve their hydromineral nutrition. This study compared the effects of native AMF communities isolated from semi-arid sites (high, moderate, and low salinity zones Ndiafate, Ngane, and Bambey, respectively) and the AMF Rhizoglomus aggregatum on the development and phosphate nutrition of A. seyal seedlings subject to three salinity treatments (0, 340, and 680 mM). Plant height, dry matter weight of the shoots and roots, and phosphorus uptake from the soil were measured. Plants inoculated with AMF native species from each site that were provided with up to 340 mM of NaCl had greater shoot height than plants grown under 680 mM salinity. At NaCl concentrations above 340 mM, shoot and root development of A. seyal seedlings diminished. However, dry matter production of shoots (7%) and roots (15%) improved following AMF inoculation compared with the control (respectively 0.020 and 0.07 g for shoots and roots). When inoculated with AMF isolates from the high salinity zone (Ndiafate), phosphate content/nutrition was increased by 10% around 30 days after inoculation compared with non-inoculated seedlings (2.84 mg/kg of substrate). These results demonstrate that native AMF inoculants are capable of helping plants withstand environmental constraints, especially those exposing plants to harsh climatic conditions. We discuss insights on how AMF influences the interplay between soil phosphorus and perceived salinity that may have implications for broader relationships between plants and symbiotic fungi.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Effects of Human Activities on Habitat Quality: A Case Study of Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China

In recent years, regional habitat quality (HQ) has significantly degenerated, mainly attributed to human activities. Evaluating the spatio-temporal effects of human activities on HQ is crucial for maintaining regional ecosystem and conservation of landscapes. In this paper, taking Guiyang city as a case study, the spatio-temporal patterns of HQ and human footprint (HF) in 2000, 2010 and 2020 were respectively calculated by the HQ model and human footprint index (HFI). Then, the bivariate local Moran’s I was applied to measure the spatial relationship between them. Urban development zoning was conducted on the basis of the spatio-temporal relationship. The results showed that (1) in the past 20 years, HQ in Guiyang city was mainly dominated by relatively high value areas (moderately high and high), accounting for more than 60% of the total area. The proportion of low HQ area increased from 12.5% in 2000 to 18.5% in 2020, indicating that urban development has caused the continuous degradation of HQ. (2) The human activities in Guiyang city undergone apparent changes. The area of low HF decreased from 51.5% in 2000 to 46.7% in 2020, while the area with high-value increased from 2% to 5.8%. (3) There was a significantly negative correlation between HQ and HF in Guiyang city. The increasing correlation coefficient indicated that the impact of human activities on HQ has been strengthening. (4) Based on the spatial zoning scheme, the territorial space of Guiyang city was divided into four types, that is, the core development zone, the moderate development zone, the habitat conservation zone and the prohibited development zone. A series of corresponding strategies were proposed for the characteristics of each zone. Our findings can serve as guidance to urban managers and policy-makers for adopting suitable urban development plans and appropriate management of natural environment.

Antibacterial activity test of solid soap with torch ginger's (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.sm.) flower extract

Ethanol extract of torch ginger’s flower (Etlingera elatior) is rich in active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, steroids. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that serve as antioxidants and antibacterials. This study aims to find the antibacterial activity of solid soap with torch ginger’s flower extract against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. This study includes the preparation of simplicia, extracts, moisture content, total ash levels, insoluble acid ash levels, water soluble extract levels. The first evaluation includes organoleptic test, pH, irritation, and stability. The formulation of the tested soap preparations was 5%, 7.5%, 10%. The data analysis was performed with ANOVA. The results of this study revealed that its ethanolic extract had a moderate category of bacterial resistance against S.aureus where in FI (5%) has a clear zone with 7 mm in diameter, FII (7.5%) 8.3 mm and FIII (10%) 10.4 mm.Furthermore,for P.aeruginosa, it has a moderate clear zone with diameter in FI (5%) is 8.86 mm, FII (7.5%) is 9.73 mm, and FIII is 10.6 mm. Torch ginger’s flower ethanolic extract had anantibacterial activity against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa with the widestclear zone is in the FIII (10%, v/v) in the number of 10.4 mm against S.aureus and 10.6 mm against P.aeruginosa with moderate resistance category.

Preparation of 5-Selenocyanatouracil by a more convenient method and evaluation of some pharmacological properties

A convenient method for preparation of 5-Selenocyanatouracil (5-SeU), this compound gains importance because it is similar to 5-Fluorouracil which is one of the famous uracil derivatives as an anticancer drug. Some of invitro pharmacological activities such as DPPH antioxidant effects and antimicrobial activity, in addition to median lethal dose (LD50) were estimated. The study aimed to use a convenient synthesis procedure, and evaluation of in vitro pharmacological activity, also to determine the median lethal dose of 5-SeU. 5-SeU synthesis was carried out in very good yield through a direct reaction between 5-Iodouracil and freshly prepared potassium selenocyanate in refluxing aqueous solution to give light-gray crystalline. Antimicrobial measured by disc diffusion method. LD50was determine using Albino rats. 5-SeU compound was branded by FT-IR; 13C- NMR and 1H- NMR spectroscopic data. The results showed no antibacterial effects for most of test bacteria with a low inhibition effect on Staph. Aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with moderate inhibition zone at candida culture.

Dynamics of FREI with/without cool flame interaction

The interactions between cool flames and flames with repetitive extinction and ignition (FREI) of stoichiometric n-heptane/air mixture were studied using a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile from 373 to 1300 K. Two different flame dynamics with and without cool flames were observed in reactors with inner diameters dinner of 1 and 2 mm. Cool flames and FREI are spatially separated at dinner= 1 mm, whereas interactions between cool flames and FREI are observed at dinner= 2 mm. At dinner= 1 mm, the brightness intensity from cool flames depends on the inlet velocity (uinlet). Approximately above uinlet= 10 cm/s, the brightness intensity from cool flames decreases with increasing inlet velocity, despite a large amount of mixture input. This is because before low temperature ignition occurs under higher inlet velocity conditions, the mixture archives temperature where negative temperature coefficient is dominant. Reaction front propagation speed of FREI decreases monotonically due to heat loss because the extinction points of FREI are located in higher temperatures than the cool flame region. At dinner= 2 mm, the acceleration of the reaction front in the cool flame region is confirmed experimentally, as predicted in our previous two-dimensional numerical simulations. Additionally, the instantaneous reaction front speed after autoignition is analyzed at dinner= 1 mm. The instantaneous reaction front speed decreases as the time from extinction to ignition tex_ig becomes longer because a moderate mixing zone of reactants and products is formed.

Debris Flow Hazard Assessment in District Chitral, Eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan

The aim of this study is debris flow risk zonation using geological and hydrometeorological indicators in district Chitral, Hindu Kush Region Northwest Pakistan. The research is based on secondary data. Multi criteria Analysis (MCA) in Geographical Information System (GIS) environment was used to achieve the objective of the study. The geological and hydrometeorological parameters were analyzed by making five classes of each parameter. The classes are ranked as most favorable and least favorable with numerical weights. The weights were assigned in accordance to their importance in debris flow occurrence. Then weighted overlay analysis techniques were applied to develop composite map representing the importance of each factor. Debris flow risk zonation map was resulted into four classes very high risk zones, high risk zone, moderate zone, low risk zone. The geology of the study area is diverse with frequents earthquakes. Similarly the forest cover is decreasing due to anthropogenic activities. The area is also characterized by long cold winters with frost action. These factors are destabilizing the slope. During summer season rain storm event results high surface runoff and peak discharge in the perennial and non-perennial channels which results flood and debris flow. These events result human life loss and disruption. The main villages located in very high risk zone are Mulkoh, Mastuj, Reshun, Shegram, Terich Gol, Rogar, Asurat, Boni, Brep and Rech Tockhow. They have been frequently affected by hazard in the past decade. Out of the total area, very high risk zone is expanded over 8%, high risk zone is expanded over16%, moderate risk zone is 29% and the rest is low risk zone. This study has highlighted the risk zones which will help disaster management authorities and policy makers to reduce the risk of debris flow in future.

Effects of flooding outweigh those of vegetation restoration on key processes of carbon and nitrogen cycling in a degraded riparian zone

Active revegetation (AR) and natural regeneration (NR) are two restoration approaches widely used to rehabilitate degraded riparian ecosystems, which are subjected to frequent hydrological fluctuations owing to climate change and human activities. Nevertheless, the impacts of restoration approaches and hydrological changes on the key processes of carbon and nitrogen cycling, particularly in degraded riparian ecosystems, remain unclear. In this study, we conducted hydrological experiments, which began in 2016, at three flooding zones (extreme flooding zone, severe flooding zone, and moderate flooding zone) of AR and NR areas in the Three Gorges Reservoir to investigate the effects of restoration approach and hydrological changes on soil properties, vegetation diversity, microbial characteristics, denitrification rates, and greenhouse gas fluxes. The results showed that compared with NR, AR did not change vegetation diversity, microbial diversity, and soil denitrification rates, but decreased soil ammonium and total carbon contents. The vegetation coverage of each flooding zone was more than 90%, and vegetation diversity was relatively high in the moderate flooding zone. Moreover, the maximum denitrification rates and CO2 fluxes were observed in the extreme flooding zone along with a high soil nutrient content. Additionally, the effect of flooding zone superseded the impacts of restoration approaches since AR could only significantly increase the CO2 flux (p < 0.05). Overall, this study elucidates the impacts of restoration approaches and hydrological changes on C and N cycling, and aids in developing restoration strategies for degraded riparian ecosystems.

GIS-based identification of potential watershed recharge zones using analytic hierarchy process in Sikkim Himalayan region

Identification of groundwater recharge zone is an important factor for water resource management in any area. The present study investigates the potential water recharge zones in the Sikkim state, a mountain region of the Eastern Himalayas. To identify potential watershed recharge zone in the region, a combination of geographic information system (GIS)-based weighted overlay index (WOI) tools and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) pairwise matrix techniques was applied. The delineated watershed recharge sites were classified into five different potential zones. The results show that the majority of the study area (54.22%) was under moderate recharge potential zone. Some of the suitable recharge potential sites are forest-covered regions; therefore, the construction of surface check dams could be a suitable recharge method; it will escalate the discharge in springs and also help to make them perineal. This study provides first-hand information on the groundwater recharge potential of East Sikkim, where the populace depends largely on spring water discharge. Also, it is useful in selecting areas for digging staggered contour trenches, pits, and other structures to recharge the spring water and improve the watershed management system.

Modelling hydrological strength and alteration in moribund deltaic India.

The Ganga-Brahmaputra moribund deltaic floodplain region hosted many socio-ecologically precious freshwater wetland ecosystems experiencing hydrological alteration. The present study aimed to model hydrological strength (HS) to show the spatial difference and account for the degree and direction of hydrological alteration of Indian moribund deltaic wetland in three phases e.g. (1) phase I (1988-1997), (2) phase II (1998-2007) and phase III (2008-2017). Three key hydrological parameters, such as Water Presence Frequency (WPF), water depth, and hydro-period were considered for hydrological strength modelling using two ensemble Machine Learning (ML) techniques (Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost). Image algebra was employed for phasal change detection. Hydrological strength models show that around 75% of the wetland area was lost in-between phases I to III and the loss was found more intensive in moderate and weak HS zones. Existing wetland shows a clear spatial difference of HS between wetland core and periphery and river linked and delinked or not linked wetlands. Regarding the suitability of the ML models, both are acceptable, however, the XGBoost outperformed in reference to applied 15 statistical validation techniques and field evidence. HS models based on change detection clarified that more than 22% and 55% of the weak HS zone in phases II and III respectively were turned into non-wetland. The degree of alteration revealed that about 40% of wetland areas experienced a negative alteration during phases I to II, and this proportion increased to 63% in between phases II to III. Since the study figured out the spatial nature of HS, degree and direction of alteration at a spatial scale, these findings would be instrumental for adopting rational planning towards wetland conservation and restoration.

Using Geospatial Techniques and Analytic Hierarchy Process to Map Groundwater Potential Zones.

This study is conducted in Luvuvhu River Catchment (LRC) of South Africa, which has numerous major agricultural farms that are located in the upper catchment, especially in Levubu Valley. The significant irrigation developments in upper catchment have resulted in a decrease in the yield of surface water resources to such an extent that these resources struggle to meet domestic and industrial demand. The aim of this study is to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) as a way of establishing alternative water resources to relieve the overly stressed surface water resources. Various datasets are processed to extract groundwater controlling factors. Map layers of controlling factors are assigned weights according to their relative importance to groundwater occurrence using analytic hierarchy process and then integrated based on weighted sum analysis to generate GWPZ map. Rainfall infiltration breakthrough (RIB) and area under curve (AUC) are used to validate the GWPZ map. GWPZ map shows that lower catchment has very high groundwater potential covering about 409 km2 . Nonetheless, about 50% of LRC spatially falls within high groundwater potential zone. Groundwater recharge, based on RIB for three boreholes, that is, A9N0007, A9N0008, and A9N0018 around Levubu Valley is estimated at 8.3, 15.4, and 16.2%, respectively. Boreholes A9N0018 and A9N0018 correspond to moderate to high groundwater potential zone, whereas A9N007 coincides with low to moderate zone. Considering the groundwater recharge estimates and associated potential zones, RIB results correspond well with GWPZ map. Also, an AUC, based on 26 boreholes, of 70.9% is achieved; thus, indicating a reliable model.

Landslide susceptibility mapping of Noklak Town, Nagaland, North‐east India using bivariate statistical method

The increasing frequency of landslides has become a matter of concern in Nagaland, a north‐eastern state of India. Noklak town, the administrative headquarter of the Noklak district in the eastern part of Nagaland bordering Myanmar, is also affected by slope stability issues. A major landslide in 1980 caused major damage to parts of the township. The problem has grown in magnitude and influence over the last four decades, damaging an area of about 1.84 km2 and several households. Slope movements have caused immense distress to the local populace by posing a constant threat to nearly one‐fourth of the town's built‐up area, roads, and cultivated tracts. Surface instability has also hampered India's Act East policy with South‐east Asian countries by disrupting the sole motorable route to the International Trade Centre at Dan (Pangsha), between India and Myanmar. A landslide susceptibility map (LSM) was generated using the Bivariate Yule coefficient (Yc) method. The LSM delineates the study area into three categories, with 23%, 23%, and 54% in high, moderate, and low susceptible zones, respectively. This was superimposed with elements such as buildings, population, roads, and cultivated tracts to assess the effects of landslides on the population and infrastructure. From the present study, it is estimated that 334 buildings, 1235 people, 2.99 km of roads, and 8 ha of cultivated landfall lie within the moderately and highly susceptible zones. Considering the rapid developmental activities that will ensue with the recent upgradation of the subdivision to that of the district, the data generated will be useful for urban sprawl and land use planning, to minimise and mitigate the loss of life and property due to landslides.

Seismic response analysis of reinforced masonry core walls with boundary elements

The seismic design of mid- and high-rise reinforced masonry (RM) structures necessitates a reliable seismic force resisting system (SFRS) that provides adequate capacity and ductility. Core walls are commonly used as the SFRS for counterpart reinforced concrete buildings due to the convenience of locating the elevators and staircases inside it. This study introduces reinforced masonry core walls with boundary elements (RMCW+BEs) as a potential SFRS alternative to rectangular reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSWs) with and without boundary elements given their enhanced structural and architectural characteristics in typical RM buildings. A macroscale nonlinear numerical model was developed using the Extreme Loading for Structures software (ELS) to evaluate the seismic performance of RMCW+BEs. A nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA) was carried out for three archetype RM buildings with 10-, 15-, and 20-story heights designed according to the CSA S304-14 and located in a North American moderate seismic zone. The results showed that utilizing RMCW+BEs as the main SFRS system adequately controlled the seismic demands on RM buildings subjected to typical North American ground motions. However, the 20-story building showed a shear demand exceeding the nominal flexural resistance of the core wall at the plastic hinge region at the base, which was attributed to the adverse effect of the higher modes of vibration effects on the seismic demand parameters. Therefore, the three buildings were redesigned using a dual plastic hinge (DPH) design approach. The numerical results demonstrated that using the DPH reduced the shear demand and mitigated the effect of the higher modes of vibration on the seismic response of the core walls. The findings of this study highlight the need to integrate a new shear demand magnification factor to account for the higher mode effects in estimating the seismic demand of ductile RMSWs in the next generation of the North American design standards for masonry structures.

Stand structure, tree species diversity, and leaf morphological plasticity in Xylocarpus mekongensis Pierre among salinity zones in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh

Stand structure, diversity, and plasticity of leaf morphology of Xylocarpus mekongensis were investigated among saline zones in Bangladesh Sundarbans. Stand structure and species diversity were assessed in 27 sample plots (20 m× 20 m) covering 1.08 ha of forest. A total of 11 species were recorded. Out of them, 7, 6, and 9 species were found in fresh water, moderate, and strong saline zone, respectively. Species dominance in terms of importance value showed Heritiera fomes > Excoecaria agallocha > Bruguiera sexangula > Xylocarpus mekongensis in fresh water zone; H. fomes > E. agallocha > Avicennia officinalis > Ceriops decandra in moderate saline zone. E. agallocha > Sonneratia apetala > H. fomes > C. decandra in strong saline zone. Species diversity decreased from fresh water to strong saline zone. The findings showed a wide range of leaf morphological plasticity of all the parameters within and among saline zones. Leaf index, plasticity index, and specific leaf area were maximum in fresh water zone than of others. The findings of PCA revealed clear evidences of plastic behavior of leaf morphological parameters. Thus, the plasticity of leaf morphology might contribute as an influential biological signs of forthcoming climate change events. • We investigated the effect of saline zone on stand structure and diversity on mangrove species in the Sundarbans. • We also investigated leaf index, leaf plasticity index, and specific leaf area among saline zones of Bangladesh Sundarbans. • Tree species diversity decreased from fresh water zone to strong saline zone. • Xylocarpus mekongensis showed high level of leaf morphological plasticity within and among saline zones.

Flood vulnerable zones mapping using geospatial techniques: Case study of Osogbo Metropolis, Nigeria

Several Areas within Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State in Nigeria, have suffered severely from incessant flood occurrences, which necessitated flood vulnerability mapping. This research aimed to map out flood vulnerable areas within Osogbo Metropolis using geospatial techniques to facilitate fitting planning and proffer lasting solutions to the frequent damage that humans and their properties suffer from flooding within the city. Satellite data of Osogbo Metropolis were processed and analyzed in a GIS environment for flood vulnerable zones mapping. Eight (8) flood causative factors were combined in this study using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The factors are Stream Proximity (SP), Drainage Density (DD), Elevation, Slope, Stream Power Index (SPI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC). Results revealed that approximately 24% of the total area of study falls within the high flood vulnerable zones, while 21% and 55% fall within the moderate and low flood vulnerable zones, respectively. A close agreement between the flood vulnerable zones and previous flood incidences across the study area established the accuracy of the methodology. This study's established flood vulnerable zones will guide the respective policymakers during discussions on preventing flood disasters within the Osogbo metropolis.

Field based index of land suitability (ILS): a new approach for rainfed paddy crop production in groundwater scarce region

The study’s goal is to use multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), spatial logistic regression (SLR), and geographical information system (GIS) to determine paddy crop suitability evaluation (CSE). The research was carried out in the Bankura district, known for its scarcity of water and production in India. A drought vulnerability assessment (DVA) is also analyzed through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to demarcate the scare rain-fed area and a Para-wise comparison matrix (PCM) and hydrological, agricultural, meteorological, and socio-economic drought criteria. The DVA of the study area is effectively classified as extreme (8.87%), severe (11.59%), moderate (15.49%), mild (29.89%), and normal (34.16%) drought vulnerability zones. However, the paddy CSE revealed that 37%, 25%, and 21% of the total rice crop currently grown was in, i.e. highly (S1), moderately (S2), and marginally suitable (S3) respectively. The DVA and paddy CSE maps were validated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using field verification.

Spatial assessment of groundwater potential using Quantum GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis (QGIS-AHP) in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district of Ghana

Study regionSawla-Tuna-Kalba (4226 km2). Study focusThis study employed QGIS to assess the groundwater potential in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district of Ghana with some selected surficial factors while estimating the groundwater recharge from 1981 to 2021. New hydrological insightsAmong the classification algorithms tested, Random Forest (RF) yielded the highest overall accuracy with 93.63% while Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) had 90.22% and 84.73% respectively. From the AHP model, geology had the highest weight of 0.279. It was found that low potential regions comprise 229.53 km2, moderate zones comprise 1700.62 km2, high potential zones comprise 2135.04 km2, and excellent potential areas were found to be 152.14 km2. The groundwater recharge due to rainfall computed from the Chaturvedi formula indicates that an average of 2.85% of the total annual rainfall goes to groundwater recharge with a variation of ± 0.35 mm. The total recharge for 2021 was found to be 30.18 ± 0.35 mm but between 1981 and 2021 the total recharge was 1191.18 ± 0.35 mm. Also, from the soil analysis, it was found that 56.21% of the study area would allow infiltration. In conclusion, it was observed that the groundwater potential in the study area was high and can be attributed to the recharge and present surficial conditions.