Northern Zone Research Articles

Hydrothermal alteration of accessory minerals (allanite and titanite) in the late Archean Closepet granitoid (Dharwar Craton, India): A TEM study

Allanite, a member of the epidote supergroup, is a widespread rare earth element (REE)-rich accessory mineral in the late Archean Closepet batholith (Dharwar craton, India). It is commonly associated with titanite. Previously recognized shear zones served as preferential paths for magma and later fluids. As a response to hydrothermal activity, allanite exhibits complex alteration textures, geochemical features, and breakdown products that vary across the batholith. In the central zone, allanite displays the largest variations. It has decomposed into secondary allanite, bastnäsite, chlorite, thorite, calcite, pyrite, and galena. In the southern zone, magmatic allanite core is preserved. The alteration products in the marginal regions are limited to secondary allanite, bastnäsite, chlorite, thorite, and synchysite. The breakdown products and textural features of allanite in the northern intrusions differ strongly from those in the other zones of the Closepet batholith and are limited to secondary allanite and chamosite. However, nanoscale element remobilization at the interface between allanite and titanite is evident. The observed texture in allanite indicates a complete dissolution–reprecipitation process. The chemical variations and differences in alteration products after allanite indicate that the fluid composition changed along the Closepet granitoid. The fluids that altered the allanite were most likely F-, Cl-, and CO2-rich and alkaline but eventually became acidic. When the chlorine-bearing fluids reached the northern zone, the concentrations or active contributions of CO2, F and H2S were very low. The alteration products (bastnäsite, chlorite, and thorite) indicate a rather low-temperature fluid.

Unraveling the environmental influence on inter-annual fishery yield in a small-scale gillnet fishery under Rio de la Plata influence, South America

The study focuses on understanding the influence of the environment on the relative yields of a gill net fishery operating in San Antonio Cape, Argentina. The research was conducted during five austral warm periods covering spring to summer from 2008 to 2013, aiming to assess the potential impacts of climate change on small-scale fisheries. The hierarchical species composition of 563 fishery landings encompasses 41 registered species. Among these species, Cynoscion guatucupa, Micropogonias furnieri, Mustelus schmitti, and Parona signata were found to be dominant. The species composition showed a similarity ranging from 36.22% to 57.59%, with significant differences observed among most of the warm seasons. The Multivariate Regression Tree analysis showed that the temperature was the variable with the greatest influence on the composition of the landings. During warmer conditions (>20.4 °C), the location of the draft became a significant factor, while variation in turbidity played a role in the northern zone. In colder warm conditions (<20.4 °C), the composition differed based on the volumes of Río de la Plata discharge. Specifically, the freshwater outflow was further differentiated by depth (∼9 m) at lower volumes (<20 649 m3/s) and by turbidity at intermediate values (20 649–22 908 m3/s). The vulnerability of the fishery was explained by a combination of specific ranges of various stressors. These stressors led to significant variations in the composition of fishery landings, ultimately affecting the economic income of the fishermen. By understanding the relationship between environmental factors and fishery yields, this study provides valuable insights into anticipating the potential impacts of climate change on small-scale, vulnerable fisheries.

Cultural, Morphological and Pathogenic Variability in the Colletotrichum capsici Isolates, Inciting Anthracnose and Fruit rot of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in different Agro-Climatic Zones of Kerala, India

Aims: To study the cultural, morphological and pathogenic variability existing among the pathogen isolates of Colletotrichum capsici, inciting anthracnose and fruit rot of chilli in Kerala. Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture (Kerala Agricultural University), Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2018-2019. Methodology: A survey was conducted in the five agro-climatic zones (ACZs) of Kerala viz., Northern zone, Central zone, Special problem zone, High range zone and Southern zone to assess the incidence and severity of anthracnose disease. The various symptoms in the surveyed locations were also noted. Pathogen isolates were grown in PDA medium in the laboratory and colony characters (colour and mycelial growth rate of pathogen colonies) were observed. Also, the morphological characters viz., mycelial width, shape and size of conidia, acervular diameter, number and size of setae, appressorial size were recorded. Results: Maximum anthracnose incidence of 90 per cent and severity of 52.60 per cent were noticed at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pilicode (Northern zone). Characteristic leaf spot, fruit rot and die-back symptoms were observed in the survey locations. Pathogen colonies showed different shades of white, off-white to grey turning brown or black with regular or irregular margins and concentric rings of black acervuli in the potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The diameter of growth of C. capsici isolates ranged from 7.20 to 8.60 cm at 7 days after incubation. All the C. capsici isolates initiated hyaline mycelium having a width of 1.73 - 2.36 µm and produced numerous sickle shaped conidia with a size range of 19.42 - 20.46 µm × 2.16 - 3.09 µm. Black coloured, circular or ellipsoidal acervuli (122.14 - 189.08 µm dia.) had 20 – 46 setae of length 74.13 to 107.30 µm. Also, brown or black appressoria of size 8.64 - 12.64 µm × 5.54 - 7.84 µm were formed in slide culture. Cc3 from College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara was obtained as the most virulent isolate producing a lesion size of 1.13 cm and PDI of 45.33 in the artificially inoculated chilli fruits (var. Vellayani Athulya) at 5 days after inoculation. Conclusion: All the nine C. capsici isolates exhibited variability in their cultural, morphological and pathogenic characteristics. Variability in phytopathogenic fungi helps in identifying novel and sustainable control methods to tackle the diseases incited by them. Understanding pathogen variability provides new insights for developing effective disease management methods. This will help in promoting sustainable agriculture and preventing severe crop losses.

Response of organic pigeonpea to drip irrigation, micronutrients and growth regulators in northern dry zone of Karnataka

Response of organic pigeonpea to drip irrigation, micronutrients and growth regulators in northern dry zone of Karnataka

Impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

An experiment was conducted during 2011–12 at Arabhavi, Karnataka, to study the impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of ‘Salem’ cultivar of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric cv. ‘Salem’ showed better response to combined application of inorganic fertilizers, bio-inoculants and bio-formulations than other treatments used in the study. Combined application of recommended dose of fertilizer [(RDF), FYM @ 25 t/ha and N:P:K @ 180:90:90 kg/ha) + VA-Mycorrhiza (VAM) + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani resulted in higher fresh rhizome yield and growth parameters, viz. plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf area and leaf-area index, which was at par with the treatment, RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum. Similarly, the highest benefit: cost ratio of 4.87 was obtained with the application of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani compared to the other treatments. Hence planting of turmeric rhizome with combination of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani was profitable under northern dry zone of Karnataka.

Atmospheric constraints on changing Arctic CH4 emissions

Rapid warming in the Arctic has the potential to release vast reservoirs of carbon into the atmosphere as methane (CH4) resulting in a strong positive climate feedback. This raises the concern that, after a period of near-zero growth in atmospheric CH4 burden from 1999 to 2006, the increase since then may be in part related to increased Arctic emissions. Measurements of CH4 in background air samples provide useful, direct information to determine if Arctic CH4 emissions are increasing. One sensitive first-order indicator for large emission change is the Interpolar Difference, that is the difference in surface atmospheric annual means between polar northern and southern zones (53°–90°), which has varied interannually, but did not increase from 1992 to 2019. The Interpolar Difference has increased moderately during 2020–2022 when the global CH4 burden increased significantly, but not yet to its peak values in the late-1980s. For quantitative assessment of changing Arctic CH4 emissions, the atmospheric measurements must be combined with an atmospheric tracer transport model. Based on multiple studies including some using CH4 isotopes, it is clear that most of the increase in global atmospheric CH4 burden is driven by increased emissions from microbial sources in the tropics, and that Arctic emissions have not increased significantly since the beginning of our measurement record in 1983 through 2022.

Ecological Risk Assessment of Land Use Change in the Tarim River Basin, Xinjiang, China

In recent years, global climate change and human alterations to land use have led to a decrease in ecosystem services, making ecosystems more vulnerable. However, unlike the well-established risk assessment frameworks used in natural disaster research, the concept of ecological risks arising from changes in land use is still in its early stages, with its nuances and assessment methodologies yet to be clearly defined. This study proposes a new framework for assessing ecological risks resulting from changes in land use in the Tarim River Basin. The framework employs a coupled PLUS and Invest model to evaluate the ecological risks of land use change under three development scenarios projected for the Tarim River Basin in Xinjiang by 2035. The findings indicate that: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, the predominant land use types in the Tarim River Basin in Xinjiang were primarily unused land, followed by grassland and cropland. Conversely, grassland, water, and construction land were relatively less prevalent. During this period, the area of unused land and cultivated land increased, while grassland, forest land, and water exhibited a declining trend. Moving forward, under the three scenarios from 2020 to 2035, land use changes in the study area are characterized by the expansion of cropland and unused land, coupled with a significant decrease in grassland area, while other land categories demonstrate minor fluctuations. (2) From 2020 to 2035, across various scenarios, the total ecosystem service within the study area demonstrates an overall increasing trend in both the northern and southern marginal zones. Specifically, under the baseline scenario, the total amount of ecosystem services in the study area decreased by 15.247% compared to 2020. Similarly, under the economic development scenario, this decrease amounted to 13.358% compared to 2020. Conversely, under the ecological protection scenario, the decrease reached 19.852% compared to 2020. (3) The structure of ecological risk levels from 2020 to 2035, across multiple scenarios, demonstrates a consistent pattern, characterized by a predominant proportion of moderate risk. Conversely, other risk levels occupy relatively smaller proportions of the area.

Magnitudes and surface rupture lengths of paleo-earthquakes at the NW-part of the Peel Boundary fault zone, Roer Valley Rift System

The Peel Boundary Fault zone (PBFZ) is the 125 km long, seismically active, northern bounding fault zone of the Roer Valley Rift System (RVRS). The last damaging earthquake along the PBFZ was the Roermond earthquake of 1992. It had a magnitude of Mw 5.3 and no surface rupture. Previous results from two trenching studies located in the central and southeastern parts of the PBFZ provided evidence for two surface rupturing paleo-earthquakes. The largest earthquake had an estimated magnitude of Mw ∼6.8 and a surface rupture length of at least 35 km. As it took place around the Late Pleniglacial – Late Glacial transition a link to glacio-isostatic motions is likely. Results from a new trench situated at the northwestern part of the PBFZ shows evidence for three to four paleo-earthquakes, of which three were surface rupturing. These comprise two normal faulting- and one, younger trans-tensional displacement. The normal faulting events have ∼1 m vertical displacements each, which translate into magnitudes of Mw ∼7. Like the previous results, they occurred during the Late Pleniglacial-Late Glacial transition, at ∼15 ka and ∼ 14 ka. The younger trans-tensional event occurred sometime during the Holocene, pre-dating an unaffected, 13th century man-made paleo-channel on the hangingwall. The potential fourth, non-surface rupturing earthquake is indirectly evidenced by loading deformations of a sand layer and a collapsed brick-wall in the infill of the paleo-channel. Comparison of our trenching results to those from the two previous studies, which were located farther to the southeast along the PBFZ, shows that for one event a correlation is possible. The correlation would indicate a surface rupture length of at least 55 km. Combined, all trenching results indicate that the characteristic maximum rupturing displacement is ∼1 m, and thus that Mw ∼7 is the maximum magnitude of paleo-earthquakes along the PBFZ.

Classification of buckwheat honey produced in Kazakhstan according to their biochemical ingredients and bioactivities by chemometric approach

Herein, nineteen buckwheat honey samples collected from 19 stations of different ecological zones of Kazakhstan were analysed for their pollen density, physicochemical properties, chemical composition, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, tyrosinase inhibitory, and urease inhibitory activities with chemometric approaches. Twelve phenolic compounds and fumaric acid were identified using HPLC-DAD, and mainly fumaric, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, trans-2-hydroxy cinnamic acids, and chrysin were detected in all samples. The honey samples collected from the Northern zone exhibited best antioxidant activity in lipid peroxidation inhibitory (IC50:8.65 ± 0.50 mg/mL), DPPH• (IC50:17.07 ± 1.49 mg/mL), ABTS•+ (IC50:8.90 ± 0.65 mg/mL), CUPRAC (A0.50:7.51 ± 0.30 mg/mL) and metal chelating assay (IC50:10.39 ± 0.71 mg/mL). In contrast, South-eastern zone samples indicated better acetylcholinesterase (55.57 ± 0.83%), butyrylcholinesterase (49.59 ± 1.09%), tyrosinase (44.40 ± 1.21%), and moderate urease (24.57 ± 0.33%) inhibitory activities at 20 mg/mL. The chemometric classification of nineteen buckwheat honey was performed using PCA and HCA techniques. Both were supported by correlation analysis. Thirteen compounds contributed significantly to the clustering of buckwheat honey based on geographical origin.

Assessment of Community Radio Social Impact in Tanzania

Purpose: This paper assessed social impacts of three community radio stations located in three different social-economic zones in Tanzania namely, Kilosa in the Eastern Zone, Karagwe in the Lake Victoria Zone and Orkonerei Community Radio (ORS) in the Northern Zone. &#x0D; Methodology: The study used cross sectional design whereby data were collected at one point in time. Purposive sampling methods were used to obtain 585 (48% female) respondents based on whether the area was well covered by community radio broadcasts or otherwise. Data were collected interview schedule, in-depth interview of key informants, systematic observations and focus group discussions. Key informants included community radio management and journalists working in the community radios. As for focus group discussions, four discussions were held (two in each community radio) with a total of 40 respondents. &#x0D; Findings: The study found that 51% of the respondents viewed community radio stations as enhanced access to information (news, current affairs and educational informational). On popularity, the study found that on average, community radios were more popular with local audience than other radio stations. This was due to broadcasting local contents. An analysis of sex and education levels of people who preferred community radio showed that 53.4% were men and 46.5% were women. As for education levels, 57% of those who preferred community radio broadcast had primary education followed by those without formal education at 24%. However, contrary to the theory of community radio which asserts that community radios focus on local social economic development, the study found that the most dominant theme was music and general entertainment.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study found that community radio stations have enhanced information flow (news, current affairs and education). They are also most popular with local audience compared to other radios. This indicates that if tailored to address contemporary local development issues, community radio can have huge impact. However, the study found that, the most dominant themes in studied stations was music and general entertainment. This is contrary to the theory asserting that community radio should focus on local social development issues. This calls for further investigation on circumstances leading community radios deviation from the popular theory.

Procesamiento de imágenes ASTER para identificar alteraciones hidrotermales en el sector norte de la cuenca Casma, subcuenca Huarmey, Perú

Hydrothermal alterations can be identified at surface by Advanced Spaceborn Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) imaging. The northern zone of the Casma Basin exhibits changes in ground coloration due to the presence of Gossans and phyllic, propylitic and argillic alterations, which are indicators of near ore deposits. Using ASTER images, alterations can be recognized by RGB Band Combination, Band Ratio Combination, Band Ratio and Principal Component Analysis. The result of these processes is the delimitation of seven areas of interest that show a higher density of different types of alteration in the same zone.

Low Temperature Tolerance of Peach Flower Buds and Shoot Tissues Is Differentially Influenced by Freezing and High Temperature Exposure

In northern temperate zones, peach trees are vulnerable to cold temperature injury in the fall, particularly as climate change prolongs warm weather in the fall and potentially delays the onset of cold acclimation. Four experiments evaluated how cold acclimation of flower buds and shoot phloem, cambium, and xylem is affected by exposure to varying temperatures in the fall. One-year-old peach shoots from trees grown in Maine, USA, were collected from October through November, exposed to 1, 3, or 6 days of low, high, and freezing temperatures, and subjected to stepwise controlled freezing to about −30 °C. Injury was visually quantified as oxidative browning of flower buds and shoot tissues. High temperature exposure, even of a single day, decreased cold tolerance of flower buds and shoot tissues until late November, when high temperatures only minimally decreased cold hardiness. In mid-November, increasing the duration of high temperature exposure from 1 to 3 days decreased cambium and phloem hardiness, but hardiness in flower buds was not further decreased by the longer duration of 3 days. By late November, hardiness in flower buds, cambium, and phloem was less responsive to high temperature, and was increased by prior exposure to 6 days of freezing. After high temperature, xylem lost hardiness to a small degree in mid-October and late November, but in mid-November this occurred in only one experiment. In this study, deacclimation during high temperature in the fall was greater in cambium and phloem than in flower buds and at times greater than in xylem.

Influence of bamboo - soybean agroforestry system on soil chemical characteristics in northern transitional zone of Karnataka

A prospective avenue for sustainable land management in India involves the utilization of a bamboo-centered agroforestry system. A scientific research was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the Main Agricultural Research Station in Dharwad to investigate the soil chemical characteristics within an agroforestry framework centered around bamboo and soybean. The composite samples were analyzed for several chemical attributes including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. The experiment featured five distinct treatments denoted as T1 (Bambusa balcooa + Soybean), T2 (Dendrocalamus stocksii + Soybean), T3 (Dendrocalamus asper + Soybean), T4 (Bambusa vulgaris + Soybean), and T5 (Sole soybean). Notably, the soil pH exhibited a decline under the bamboo-based agroforestry system when compared to the exclusive soybean cultivation. However, there was no statistically significant variance observed in soil electrical conductivity (EC) between the control and the agroforestry systems. Moreover, the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were notably higher in the bamboo-centric agroforestry system compared to the sole soybean cropping. Consequently, the sustained adoption of a bamboo-focused agroforestry system has the potential to enhance soil chemical attributes and enrich nutrient status over the long term.

Agro-climatic zone-wise drought hazards in Karnataka under historical and future climate scenarios

This study performed the spatio-temporal analysis of drought hazards across the agro-climatic zones (ACZs) of Karnataka under historical and future climate scenarios. The India Meteorological Department’s high-resolution gridded data for1989-2019 was used for historical drought occurrence analysis. Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment ensemble data of the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios were used for analysing future drought hazards in the near (2031-2060) and end term (2061-2099) periods. The standardised precipitation index (SPI) was used to calculate the frequency of droughts at different accumulation periods of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Subsequently, the ACZ-wise drought hazard index (DHI) was calculated and mapped geospatially using ArcGIS. The results indicated that moderate drought events have the highest frequencies of occurrence, followed by severe and extreme drought events for all accumulation periods. During 1989-2019, 54.8%, 28.3% and 16.7% of droughts were moderate, severe, and extreme, respectively. An increase of 2.6% and 2.4% in the frequency of moderate droughts is projected under the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively, in the end term. Under both historical and future climate scenarios, a high frequency of extreme droughts was observed in the long accumulation periods (SPI-9 and SPI-12), whereas the frequency of moderate droughts was observed to be high in the short accumulation periods (SPI-1 and SPI-3). Under the historical scenario, the frequency of droughts in the extreme category was high in the southern transition, central dry, and north eastern dry zones, severe category in the northern dry, southern transition, and coastal zones, and moderate category in the north transition, hill, and southern dry zones. Among the 30 districts of Karnataka, Chitradurga, Udupi, Tumakuru, Ballari, Koppala, Raichuruand Gadaga districts have very high DHI. This study sheds light on the potential consequences of climate change on drought scenarios in the Karnataka state’s agro-climate zones and urges for zone specific drought adaptation and mitigation strategies to strengthen the State resilience.

Measuring Lineage: Implications for Family Violence Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Previous research on family violence in sub-Saharan Africa highlighted the importance of lineage to women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings suggest women in patrilineal societies face a greater risk of experiencing IPV than those in matrilineal societies. However, a major critique of this body of work is the operationalization of lineage with ethnicity. This study highlights the weaknesses/strengths of using ethnicity as a proxy for lineage by comparing it to direct measures of lineage. Specifically, we tested the validity of lumping ethnic groups together to create lineage categories against measures that directly ask respondents to self-identify their lineage. We also explored the effects of lineage on different types of IPV. We used representative cross-sectional data collected between May and August 2022 from 1,624 ever-married Ghanaian women aged 18 years and older and residing in three major ecological zones—Coastal, Middle, and Northern Zones—that reflect differences in ecology, culture, and modernity in Ghana. Descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. The findings suggest significant differences in direct (self-identified) and indirect (ethnic) measures of lineage. The majority of respondents who were classified as matrilineal or patrilineal based on their ethnic backgrounds self-reported as belonging to these lineage categories. Both direct and indirect measures of lineage were significantly associated with IPV. However, given the limited operationalization of lineage based on ethnicity, self-identified measures were more useful. While ethnicity remains an important proxy for lineage, self-identified measures of the construct are better if available.

Studies on the Sex Ratio of Different Mango Varieties under the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

An investigation was carried out to evaluate different cultivars of mango for their performance, growth, and flowering under the northern dry zone of Karnataka. Tree height, canopy volume and trunk girth were maximum in Baneshan, while Kadar recorded maximum tree spread. Baneshan were the first to come into full bloom, and Dashehari were recorded maximum panicles per plant. The maximum number of fruits per panicle at harvest was found in Kesar. The maximum fruit set per cent was observed in Totapuri

An assessment of atmospheric concentrations and spatiotemporal variation of BTEX and associated pollutants in India

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) pollution poses a serious threat to public health and the environment because of its respiratory and neurological effects, carcinogenic properties, and adverse effects on air quality. BTEX exposure is a matter of grave concern in India owing to the growing vehicular and development activities, necessitating the assessment of atmospheric concentrations and their spatial variation. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of ambient concentrations and spatiotemporal variations of BTEX in India. The study investigates the correlation of BTEX with other criteria pollutants and meteorological parameters, aiming to identify interrelationships and diagnostic indicators for the source characterization of BTEX emissions. Additionally, the paper categorizes various regions in India according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on BTEX pollution levels. The results reveal that the northern zone of India exhibits the highest levels of BTEX pollution compared to central, eastern, and western regions. In contrast, the southern zone experiences the least pollution with BTEX. Seasonal analysis indicates that winter and post-monsoon periods, characterized by lower temperatures, are associated with higher BTEX levels due to the accumulation of localized emissions. When comparing the different zones in India, high traffic emissions and localized activities, such as solvent use and solvent evaporation, are found to be the primary sources of BTEX. The findings of the current study aid in source characterization and identification, and better understanding of the region's air quality problems, which helps in the development of focused BTEX pollution reduction and control strategies.

Risk Assessment Of Ambient Air Pollution PM2.5 Exposure To Communities In The Cement Industrial Area, Pangkep Regency, Indonesia

Introduction: PM2.5 particles are significant problem and the most significant environmental health risk causing premature death. The study aims to assess the health risk analysis of PM2.5 exposure in the residential areas around the cement industry. Material and Methods: the study used a cross sectional study with an environmental health risk analysis approach. The population of the study were 827 households. The study applied inclusion criteria involving the selecting only one respondent from the same family, so there were 297 respondents from population target. The sample selection was calculated by Lemeshow formula and resulted 98 samples. The measurement PM2.5 located at intervals of 0-5 km from the source of primary pollution areas. The measurement of PM2.5 used HazDust Epam. Guideline standards from the Environmental Protection Agency were used to assess the risk of exposure to pollutants. Results: the average concentration of the southern zone is 60 µg/m3 , the northern zone is 40 µg/m3 , the eastern zone is 21.67 µg/m3 , and the western zone is 46.67 µg/m3 . The Risk Level (RQ) of Real-time PM2.5 intake is relatively safe with RQ&lt;1; and intake lifetime risk is RQ&gt;1; except for the eastern zone RQ&lt;1. Conclusion: the result indicates that PM2.5 exceed the environmental quality standard according to WHO, which is &gt; 10 µg/m3 from the pollution source. Risk Management recommends a safe concentration in the risk zone, proper environmental management and control efforts to reduce health risks in the affected resident.

Spatio-temporal characteristics of Tuberculosis in Ghana

Background Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a prominent contributor to global mortality, standing as the second most fatal infectious disease and holding the seventh position among the top ten causes of death in Ghana. There is insufficient literature regarding the utilization of Bayesian hierarchical models, specifically within the framework of Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA), for examining the spatial and spatio-temporal dynamics of tuberculosis risk in Ghana. This study addresses this gap by determining TB hotspots regions in Ghana using the Bayesian modeling framework within the INLA. Methods TB data were sourced from the Ghana Health Service and National Tuberculosis Programme for the 10 administrative regions of Ghana, from 2008 to 2017. The relative risk of TB for each region and year was estimated utilizing Bayesian spatial and spatio-temporal modeling frameworks. Baseline predictors of TB risk were also considered. Maps for TB risks were created to visualized regions with TB hotspots. Model fitting and parameter estimation were conducted using R version 4.3.2. Results Among the baseline predictors, factors such as TB cure rate, TB success rate, knowledge about TB, HIV prevalence, percentage of literacy, and high income were found to be most significant in influencing the TB risk across the ten regions in Ghana. We noted an increased risk of TB infection in the Northern zone and the Eastern and Greater Accra regions in the Southern zone. Spatio-temporal distribution of TB infection risk was predominantly concentrated in the Southern zone. Clustering of TB risk was observed among neighboring regions. Conclusion To achieve a significant reduction in TB cases, it is essential to allocate resources to TB hotspots regions and also implement measures to control significant predictors of TB infection risk.

Two decades of fire activity over the PEEX domain: a look from space, with contribution from models and ground-based measurements

ABSTRACT It has been suggested that forest fires will become more frequent/intense with changing climate, which would increase aerosol/gas emissions into the atmosphere. A better understanding of the relations between meteorological conditions, fires, and fire emissions will help estimate the climate response via forest fires. In this study, we use ERA5 meteorological products, including temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture, to explain the frequency of forest fires and the amount of radiant energy released per time unit by burning vegetation (fire radiative power, FRP). We explore the relationships between satellite-retrieved fire products and aerosol properties (aerosol optical depth, AOD), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations over the PEEX domain, which covers different vegetation zones (e.g. croplands/grasslands, forest, arctic tundra) of Pan-Eurasia and China. We analyse the concentrations of black carbon and absorbing organic carbon using ground-based AErosol RObotic NETwork. The analysis covers the months of May to August from 2002 to 2022. We show positive temperature trends in the Northern zone (>65°N) in June and August (1.56°C and 0.64°C, respectively); all statistically significant trends for precipitation and soil moisture are negative. This can explain increased fire activity in Siberia over the recent years (2019–2022). Over the whole PEEX domain, FC and FRP trends remain insignificant or negative; a decrease in AOD may address those negative trends. We show that intra-summer variations exist for cropland/grassland fires, which occur most often in May and August, while Siberian forest fires occur more often in July and August. We show that CO concentration has been gradually decreasing in the last two decades in May and June. CO trends are negative in May, June, and over summer for all regions, in July in Europe, China, the Southern zone (<55°N), and the PEEX domain. HCHO trends are not significant in all regions. NO2 trends are positive in May and negative in June in all zones. We calculated total column enhancement ratios for satellite observations influenced by wildfires. A common feature has been recognized with measurements and ratios utilized in SILAM (System for Integrated Modelling of Atmospheric Composition): AOD(or PM):CO and AOD(or PM):HCHO ratios for grass are clearly lower than for shrubs, opposite for AOD:NO2. We showed that emission ratios are increasing towards South and are 2–3 times higher for high (>0.5) AOD. Using a 21-year satellite record of the AOD and CO, an 18-year record of NO2, and a 16-year record of HCHO, we created background products of those variables over the PEEX domain. In the regions with low anthropogenic activity and conditions where long-range transport is not happening, anomalies in AOD, CO, and HCHO over biomass-burning areas may be assigned directly to the wildfire emissions.