scholarly journals Rationale and design of the violence, injury and trauma observatory (VITO): the Cape Town VITO pilot studies protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e016485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ardil Jabar ◽  
Tolu Oni ◽  
Mark E Engel ◽  
Nemanja Cvetkovic ◽  
Richard Matzopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Violence Prevention ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Clinical Databases ◽  
Short Period

The establishment of violence and injury observatories elsewhere has been found to reduce the burden within a relatively short period. Currently no integrated system exists in South Africa to provide collated data on violence, to allow for targeted interventions and routine monitoring and evaluation.This research seeks to identify if bringing multiple data sources, including but not limited to data from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and local hospital clinical databases, together are (1) feasible; (2) able to generate data for action, that is valid, reliable and robust and (3) able to lead to interventions.The violence, injury and trauma observatory (VITO) is a planned collaborative, multicentre study of clinical, police and forensic data for violence and injury in the City of Cape Town, where a local context exists of access to multiple source of health and non-health data. The VITO will initially be piloted in Khayelitsha, a periurban community characterised by increased rates of violence, where fatal and non-fatal injury data will be sourced from within the community for the period 2012–2015 and subjected to descriptive statistics and time-trend analyses. Analysed data will be visualised using story maps, data clocks, web maps and other geographical information systems-related products.This study has been approved by the University of Cape Town’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC 861/2016). We intend to disseminate our findings among stakeholders within the local government safety cluster, non-governmental organisations working within the violence prevention sector and the afflicted communities through the SAPS and violence prevention through urban upgrading community forums. Findings from this work will serve to identify important issues and trends, influence public policy and develop evidence-based interventions.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal trends and distribution patterns of typhoid disease in Uganda from 2012 to 2017

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamukama Ismail ◽  
Gilbert Maiga ◽  
Denis Ssebuggwawo ◽  
Peter Nabende ◽  
Ali Mansourian
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Spatial Scan Statistic ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Populations At Risk

Typhoid disease continues to be a global public health burden. Uganda is one of the African countries characterized by high incidences of typhoid disease. Over 80% of the Ugandan districts are endemic for typhoid, largely attributable to lack of reliable knowledge to support disease surveillance. Spatial-temporal studies exploring major characteristics of the disease within the local population have remained limited in Uganda. The main goal of the study was to reveal spatial-temporal trends and distribution patterns of typhoid disease in Uganda for the period 2012 to 2017. Spatial-temporal statistics revealed monthly and annual trends of the disease at both regional and national levels. Results show that outbreaks occurred during 2015 and 2017 in central and eastern regions, respectively. Spatial scan statistic using the discrete Poisson model revealed spatial clusters of the disease for each of the years from 2012 to 2017, together with populations at risk. Most of the disease clustering was in the central region, followed by western and eastern regions (P <0.01). The northern region was the safest throughout the study period. This knowledge helps surveillance teams to i) plan and enforce preventive measures; ii) effectively prepare for outbreaks; iii) make targeted interventions for resource optimization; and iv) evaluate effectiveness of the intervention methods in the study period. This exploratory research forms a foundation of using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in other related subsequent research studies to discover hidden spatial patterns that are difficult to discover with conventional methods.

Collaborating to Create Healthier Communities

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-133
Author(s):  
Amanda W. Scarbrough ◽  
Jack Hill ◽  
Jesus Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Montgomery County ◽  
United Way ◽  
Sam Houston State University ◽  
Short Period ◽  
The Creation ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Being There

The Montgomery County United Way and Sam Houston State University explored existing public health and community-based issues and associated assets and gaps within Montgomery County, Texas, through the integration of quantitative geospatial data, demographic information, and the application of geographical information systems. The intent of the initial results was to use maps to visually compare the magnitude of significant emerging health issues in Montgomery County with other counties across Texas in an effort to better educate and increase the awareness of the general public within Montgomery County. The second objective was to present an example of the visual effect and impact of the overall spatial analysis and mapping process with a focus on a specific community issue that could likely be addressed and potentially solved in a relatively short amount of time. This second and more spatially detailed aspect of the evaluation resulted in the creation of an asset map that presented high concentrations or densities of payday loan services in Montgomery County. Recognizing the potential risks of payday loans, Montgomery County United Way presented the asset maps to the effected community leaders. Upon review, leaders discovered there were dense clusters of payday loan sites in areas with high rates of poverty. Prior to the creation of this aggregated payday loan business location map, an individual in a community typically only saw one, or two at the most, payday loan business during a daily commute. Within a very short period and through a grassroots effort to improve community well-being, there were significant formal and positive changes made by the community.

scholarly journals Silivri and the Thracian hinterland of Istanbul: an historic landscape

2009 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 167-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Crow ◽  
Sam Turner
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Historical Sources ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Landscape Character ◽  
Landscape Research ◽  
High Resolution Satellite Imagery ◽  
Historic Landscape ◽  
Future Landscape

AbstractHistoric Landscape Characterisation (HLC) is a method for mapping, presenting and understanding the landscape with reference to its historical development. By using high-resolution satellite imagery and archive maps we have employed Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to integrate these data with other archaeological and historical sources to create HLC-based case-studies on landscapes in the eastern Mediterranean. This article is one of two pilot studies and aims to map the landscape character in the area around Silivri west of Istanbul. HLC analysis reveals much more diversity and complexity than might be expected. The results have revealed a far greater time-depth than was anticipated with important implications for future landscape research and for regional planning.

scholarly journals Fire Hazard in Chattogram City Corporation Area: A Critical Analysis of Its Causes and Mitigation Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rashidul Hasan ◽  
Md. Rakibul Hasan Kauser ◽  
Jihan Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Fire Stations ◽  
Fire Accidents ◽  
Over Time

Fire can have its origin either in natural or human activities resulting in death and/or property damage in a very short period of time. To develop fire hazard-resilient cities proper attention should be given to all possible sections of development to facilitate the service. Chattogram City is the second largest city of Bangladesh. Due to rapid rate of urbanization and unplanned growth of urban centers; hazards like fire have become a menace for the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) area. So, the main objective of this research is to identify the nature of the fire hazard by analyzing frequency and intensity over time through different checklists and analyzing the existing firefighting capacity. In addition to past fire incident records, a direct questionnaire survey was utilized and expert opinion was solicited for primary data collection. Using geographical information systems (GIS) techniques, this study found that nine fire stations in the CCC area exhibited different frequency and intensity in different categories such as type of structure, land use, source of fire, damage, and losses in last 5 years. The number of fire incidents increased from 200 to 675 which indicates that the frequency increased over time. Among 2,514 fire accidents, 47% occurred in residential areas and 27% occurred in commercial areas. Fire intensity also varied with seasonal variation over a year. Within the last 5 years, the Chattogram City Corporation dealt with a 179,091,200 BDT financial loss and 83 people were injured, of which 15 were due to fire accidents. One the other hand, only nine fire stations serve the ~155 sq.km area and ~6 million people live in the CCC area which is 17 and 19 times larger than that of Bangkok and Oklahoma City. Finally, this data-driven approach and findings could help emergency planners to take necessary steps for improving firefighting capability to ensure better fire safety and resiliency.

Assessment of land-use change in coastal areas through geographical information systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Verónica Lango-Reynoso ◽  
Karla Teresa González-Figueroa ◽  
Fabiola Lango-Reynoso ◽  
María del Refugio Castañeda-Chávez ◽  
Jesús Montoya-Mendoza
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Coastal Ecosystems ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Coastal Zones ◽  
Computer Based

Objective: This article describes and analyzes the main concepts of coastal ecosystems, these as a result of research concerning land-use change assessments in coastal areas. Design/Methodology/Approach: Scientific articles were searched using keywords in English and Spanish. Articles regarding land-use change assessment in coastal areas were selected, discarding those that although being on coastal zones and geographic and soil identification did not use Geographic Information System (GIS). Results: A GIS is a computer-based tool for evaluating the land-use change in coastal areas by quantifying variations. It is analyzed through GIS and its contributions; highlighting its importance and constant monitoring. Limitations of the study/Implications: This research analyzes national and international scientific information, published from 2007 to 2019, regarding the land-use change in coastal areas quantified with the digital GIS tool. Findings/Conclusions: GIS are useful tools in the identification and quantitative evaluation of changes in land-use in coastal ecosystems; which require constant evaluation due to their high dynamism.

A protocol for sampling pastures in hill country

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.J. Hutchinson ◽  
D.R. Scobie ◽  
J. Beautrais ◽  
A.D. Mackay ◽  
G.M. Rennie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Topographic Complexity ◽  
Hill Country

To develop a protocol to guide pasture sampling for estimation of paddock pasture mass in hill country, a range of pasture sampling strategies, including random sampling, transects and stratification based on slope and aspect, were evaluated using simulations in a Geographical Information Systems computer environment. The accuracy and efficiency of each strategy was tested by sampling data obtained from intensive field measurements across several farms, regions and seasons. The number of measurements required to obtain an accurate estimate was related to the overall pasture mass and the topographic complexity of a paddock, with more variable paddocks requiring more samples. Random sampling from average slopes provided the best balance between simplicity and reliability. A draft protocol was developed from the simulations, in the form of a decision support tool, where visual determination of the topographic complexity of the paddock, along with the required accuracy, were used to guide the number of measurements recommended. The protocol was field tested and evaluated by groups of users for efficacy and ease of use. This sampling protocol will offer farmers, consultants and researchers an efficient, reliable and simple way to determine pasture mass in New Zealand hill country settings. Keywords: hill country, feed budgeting, protocol pasture mass, slope

Geoinformation research and vegetation mapping (digest based on the proceedings of the InterCarto. InterGIS conference. 1994–2020)

2020 ◽  
pp. 78-98
Author(s):  
T. V. Kotova
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Far East ◽  
Vegetation Mapping ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Plant Resources ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Geoinformation Technologies

Proceedings of the International conference (ИнтерКарто. ИнтерГИС, Russia) devoted to geographical information systems for sustainable development of territories have been published annually since 1994. The articles discuss theoretical and methodological aspects of geoinformation support for environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable de­velop­ment, issues of geoinformatics, cartography, remote sensing of the Earth, problems of environmental sustainability and environmental impact assessment. Over a quarter of a century, the conference proceedings got more than 125 articles related to the use of geoinformation technologies to the study and mapping of vegetation. The review of proceedings gives the concrete examples how to solve problems of vegetation mapping using GIS, it is focused on publications providing some examples of GIS appli­cation to the vegetation studies. The review is organized into thematic sections according the field of application of Geoinformatics: 1.Vegetation, 2. Dynamics, state and ecological functions of vegetation, 3. Biodiversity and its assessment, 4. Plant resources, 5. Monitoring of vegetation. The Vegetation section contains publications on vegetation studies and mapping performed for some regions of Russia — the North of the Far East, the Republic of Sakha (Yaku­tia), the Tyva Republic, Central Siberia, and others. More than half of the articles are devoted to vegetation dynamics, state and ecological functions of vegetation at different hierarchical levels. Some papers present the results of the studies based on new types of information sources (photographs) and visualization methods (animation). The use of geoinformation technologies to study biological diversity was included in the agenda of five conference sessions and later reflected in more than ten publications. They cover the development and creation of GIS, the use of geoinformation technologies for the analysis, assessment and mapping of biodiversity, for its monitoring and conservation. Quite a large number of articles are devoted to the study of forest resources. GIS technologies were used to solve problems of forest management, cartometric analysis of forested areas, determination of taxation indicators, systematization of forest conditions, etc. Examples of geoinformation versatile research for medicinal plant resources are given to assess their quality, resources and productivity in the region, to identify growing areas, including ones to be protected. Most of the published materials concerning to vegetation monitoring mainly relate to forests and forest management.

PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF THE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS USE IN SOCIO-HYGIENIC MONITORING AND RISK-BASED SUPERVISION

2019 ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Е.М. Studenikina ◽  
Yu.I. Stepkin ◽  
O.V. Klepikov ◽  
I.V. Kolnet ◽  
L.V. Popova
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Electronic Library ◽  
Information Portal ◽  
Software Products ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Software Product ◽  
Information Systems Use

The paper considers the problematic issues of the geographical information systems (GIS) use in the sociohygienic monitoring (SHM). We analyzed scientific and practical publications on this subject that are freely available on the largest Russian information portal of scientific electronic library eLIBRARY.RU during 2014- 2018, which allowed us to formulate the principles of organization and requirements for effective operation of geographic and information systems in the socio-hygienic monitoring. An analysis of the implementation of these principles at the present stage of development for the socio-hygienic monitoring system is presented, the results of which were used in formulating priority tasks in the area of geographic and information technology implementation into socio-hygienic monitoring and risk-based planning of control and supervisory measures: to determine the necessary level of detail and an information list depicted on electronic maps for the implementation of risk-based control planning; to provide organizational and regulatory and methodological support for the hierarchical principle of GIS within Rospotrebnadzor operating on a single software product of domestic developers for organizations and institutions; to work out the need to combine GIS with similar systems of other departments involved in the data collection of social and hygienic monitoring (Rosstat, Roshydromet, Rosprirodnadzor, Ministry of Health, etc.) to enable automated data export and import; to solve staffing issues to ensure customization and subsequent GIS operation; to provide budget funding for the purchase of licensed software products for GIS in SHM, preferably of Russian developers.

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