scholarly journals Seasonal Dynamics of Agro-meteorological Drought in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oshneck Mupepi ◽  
Mark M Matsa
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Meteorological Drought ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Drought Severity ◽  
Drought Resilience ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Rain Season

Abstract Drought severity is increasing in Southern Africa which is affecting rain-fed agriculture, the main source of livelihood in most countries in this region. The study assessed the seasonal spatio-temporal dynamics of agro-meteorological drought between 2017 and 2020 in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. An empirical research design supported by quantitative geographical information system and remote sensing techniques was adopted in this study. Microsoft excel 2013, SPI generator and ArcMap 10.5 software were used for data analysis in this study. Results showed that both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts experienced an increasing trend in spatial coverage of drought from 2017 to 2019 before a slight decline in 2020. From 2017, drought severity increased in terms of spatial coverage with this spatial distribution increasing to almost over ¾ of the wards in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts between 2018 and 2020. Since 2017, on a ward level basis, both districts have been experiencing late onset and early cessation of the rain season as shown by increasingly dry October, November and March, months which determine the length of crop growing season in these two districts. Results indicated that the month of March was drier in Mberengwa whilst the month of December was drier in Zvishavane, an indication of more mid-season dry spells in Zvishavane and earlier rainfall cessation in Mberengwa. Drought is worsening in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts hence long term drought resilience interventions are required to improve drought resilience of communities in these areas. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders of drought resilience building like CARE International, World Vision among others to prioritize launching of resilience building initiatives in most vulnerable areas whilst guided by fine empirical information on spatial distribution of drought.

scholarly journals Gamma Distribution and its Application of Spatially Monitoring Meteorological Drought in Barind, Bangladesh

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
ATMJ Alam ◽  
MS Rahman ◽  
AHM Saadat ◽  
MM Huq
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Gamma Distribution ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Drought Severity ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Drought Vulnerability ◽  
Weighting Method

The Barind tract of Bangladesh suffers from frequent drought due to erratic rainfall distribution. In the present study details analysis of rainfall data has been carried out for the years 1971-2010. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) which is followed by gamma distribution is used to evaluate drought vulnerability based on frequency and severity of drought events at multiple time steps (3, 5 and 12 months). Drought severity maps are generated in a GIS (Geographical Information System) environment using inverse distance weighting method. Critical (threshold) rainfall values are derived for each station at multiple-time steps in varying drought categories to determine least amount of rainfall required to avoid from drought initiation. The study found that drought vulnerability portrays a very diverse but consistent picture with varying time steps. Analysis and interpretation of the map shows a similar spatial distribution of drought in pre-monsoon season but in monsoon season rainfall deficits shifts its position time to time and occurred in certain discrete pockets. In 12 months period the spatial distribution of drought was almost similar with monsoon season. In pre-monsoon season drought severity was higher in north eastern part of the study area compare to other parts. The study also evident that critical threshold values of rainfall to avoid drought condition was higher in the northern part of high Barind than southern part.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14832 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 287-293 2012

scholarly journals Influence of Slope Direction on the Soil Seed Bank and Seedling Regeneration of Castanopsis hystrix Seed Rain

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 500
Author(s):  
Zong Zhao ◽  
Yong Liu ◽  
Hongyan Jia ◽  
Wensheng Sun ◽  
Angang Ming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Soil Seed Bank ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Seed Rain ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mature Seeds

Objective: To investigate the impact of different slope directions on the quantity and quality of the soil seed bank and seedling germination process of Castanopsis hystrix plantations. Method: Fixed sample plots in forest stands of Castanopsis hystrix were established on different slope directions (sunny slope, semi-sunny slope, semi-shady slope, and shady slope). The characteristics of the forest stand were investigated, and per-wood scaling was carried out. The temporal dynamics of the seed rain and seed bank were quantified using seed rain collectors and by collecting soil samples from different depths. The quantity and quality of the seeds were determined, and the vigor of mature seeds was measured throughout the study. Results: (1) The diffusion of Castanopsis hystrix seed rain started in mid-September, reached its peak from late October to early November, and ended in mid-December. (2) The dissemination process, occurrence time, and composition of the seed rain varied between the different slope directions. The seed rain intensity on the semi-sunny slope was the highest (572.75 ± 9.50 grains∙m−2), followed by the sunny slope (515.60 ± 10.28 grains∙m−2), the semi-shady slope (382.13 ± 12.11 grains∙m−2), and finally the shady slope (208.00 ± 11.35 grains∙m−2). The seed rain on the sunny slope diffused earliest and lasted the longest, while the seed rain on the shady slope diffused latest and lasted the shortest time. Seed vigor and the proportion of mature seeds within the seed rain were greatest on the semi-sunny slope, followed by the sunny slope, semi-shady slope, and the shady slope. (3) From the end of the seed rain to August of the following year, the amount of total reserves of the soil seed banks was highest on the semi-sunny slope, followed by the sunny slope then the semi-shady slope, and it was the lowest on the shady slope. The amount of mature, immature, gnawed seeds and seed vigor of the soil seed bank in various slope directions showed a decreasing trend with time. The seeds of the seed bank in all slope directions were mainly distributed in the litter layer, followed by the 0–2 cm humus layer, and only a few seeds were present in the 2–5 cm soil layer. (4) The seedling density of Castanopsis hystrix differed significantly on the different slope directions. The semi-sunny slope had the most seedlings, followed by the sunny slope, semi-shady slope, and the shady slope. Conclusions: The environmental conditions of the semi-sunny slope were found to be most suitable for the seed germination and seedling growth of Castanopsis hystrix, and more conducive to the regeneration and restoration of its population.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution and temporal variation of microcrustaceans assembly (Cladocera and Copepoda) in different compartments of a reservoir in the brazilian semiarid region

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josiane Souza Santos ◽  
Nadson Ressyé Simões ◽  
Sérgio Luiz Sonoda
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Temporal Variation ◽  
Aquatic Macrophytes ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Lateral Compartment ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Brazilian Semiarid ◽  
Significant Spatial Variation

Abstract Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variation of microcrustacean assemblages of a reservoir in the Brazilian semiarid region. Methods Physical and chemical water variables and samples of microcrustaceans were collected at eight sites of the reservoir between July 2013 and November 2014, in a total of seven campaigns. For this study, the reservoir was categorized in two compartments: lateral and central. Results Limnological variables showed significant temporal variation (PERMANOVA, Pseudo-F = 19.51, p = 0.001). Higher turbidity values and suspended solids were observed in the rainiest months, while during the dry months, we measured higher values of transparency, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a. It was not found significant spatial variation of limnological variables (PERMANOVA, Pseudo-F = 0.96; p = 0.394). During the study period, ten species were recorded: four Cladocera (Ceriodaphnia cornuta, Daphnia gessneri, Diaphanosoma birgei and Diaphanosoma spinulosum ) three Copepoda Calanoida (Argyrodiaptomus azevedoi, Notodiaptomus cearensis and Notodiaptomus iheringi) and three Copepoda Cyclopoida (Macrocyclops albidus, Thermocyclops minutus and Thermocyclops decipiens). The microcrustacean assemblages showed significant temporal variation (PERMANOVA, Pseudo-F = 4.34; p = 0.001) as well as significant spatial variation (PERMANOVA, Pseudo-F = 9.46; p = 0.001). The highest values of abundance and richness were observed in the lateral compartment, this result is mainly related to the presence of aquatic macrophytes in this region, because the analysis of partial RDA indicated that limnological variables explained only 11% of this variation (Pseudo-F = 2.08, p = 0.001). Conclusions The results suggest that the seasonality of the semiarid is an important factor in the temporal dynamics of the limnological variables, while the aquatic macrophytes play an important role in the spatial distribution of the microcrustacean assembly.

scholarly journals Impacts of land use changes on soil erosion in Pa Deng sub-district, adjacent area of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 10-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Wijitkosum
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
National Park ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Adjacent Area ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
Study Results

Soil erosion has been considered as the primary cause of soil degradation since soil erosion leads to the loss of topsoil and soil organic matters which are essential for the growing of plants. Land use, which relates to land cover, is one of the influential factors that affect soil erosion. In this study, impacts of land use changes on soil erosion in Pa Deng sub-district, adjacent area of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, were investigated by applying remote sensing technique, geographical information system (GIS) and the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The study results revealed that land use changes in terms of area size and pattern influenced the soil erosion risk in Pa Deng in the 1990–2010 period. The area with smaller land cover obviously showed the high risk of soil erosion than the larger land cover did.

scholarly journals Developing Objective Operational Definitions for Monitoring Drought

2009 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1217-1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Quiring
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Meteorological Drought ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Drought Severity ◽  
Specific Method ◽  
The Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Spatially Variant ◽  
Objective Methodology

Abstract Drought is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to accurately describe because its definition is both spatially variant and context dependent. Decision makers in local, state, and federal agencies commonly use operational drought definitions that are based on specific drought index thresholds to trigger water conservation measures and determine levels of drought assistance. Unfortunately, many state drought plans utilize operational drought definitions that are derived subjectively and therefore may not be appropriate for triggering drought responses. This paper presents an objective methodology for establishing operational drought definitions. The advantages of this methodology are demonstrated by calculating meteorological drought thresholds for the Palmer drought severity index, the standardized precipitation index, and percent of normal precipitation using both station and climate division data from Texas. Results indicate that using subjectively derived operational drought definitions may lead to over- or underestimating true drought severity. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use an objective location-specific method for defining operational drought thresholds.

Role of angiotensin-signalling in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Findlay ◽  
J.H Gill ◽  
R Plummer ◽  
C.J Plummer
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Study Results

Abstract   Anthracycline chemotherapy remains a key component of cancer treatment regimens in both paediatric and adult patients. A significant issue with their use is the development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC), with subclinical AIC and clinical heart failure observed in 13.8% and 3.1% of patients, respectively. The major clinical complication of AIC is the development of late-onset cardiotoxicity, occurring several years after drug administration, presenting as life-threatening heart failure (HF). Determining the relationship between subclinical AIC and late-onset HF, strategies for mitigation of AIC, and impacts upon the cancer survivor population remains a complex challenge. Administration of drugs targeting the angiotensin system, specifically angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), have been reported to reduce AIC in the clinic. Whilst the therapeutic effect of ACEi in management of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and consequent HF is principally through optimisation of cardiac haemodynamics, the mechanism involved with mitigation of late-onset AIC several years after anthracycline exposure are currently unknown. Using a variety of human cardiomyocyte in vitro models we have previously demonstrated induction of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by angiotensin II and anthracyclines. Importantly, selective blockade of the angiotensin II receptor 1 (ATR1) on cardiomyocytes mitigated the anthracycline-induced hypertrophic response, implicating synergism between AIC and angiotensin signalling in cardiomyocytes. Adult human ventricular cardiac myocyte AC10 cell-line were treated in vitro with a range of clinically relevant doxorubicin doses for clinically appropriate durations, with AT1 receptor gene expression evaluated using semi-quantitative PCR. Our results confirm a positive correlation between clinically-relevant concentration of doxorubicin and induction of genetic expression of ATR1 in AC10 cells, with up to 200% increases in ATR1 expression observed. Maximal doxorubicin-induced gene expression being observed at 8 and 24-hours, respectively. These preliminary results agreeing with clinical exposure parameters for this drug with protein expression studies being optimised to support these gene expression study results. Our preliminary studies also imply patients developing AIC carry a deleted polymorphism within intron 16 of the ACE gene and increased systemic levels of the ACE product angiotensin II, both with a known association to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Taken together, these data support our mechanistic hypothesis that a relationship exists between AIC and modulation of the angiotensin signalling pathway in cardiomyocytes, involving structural cellular changes and asymptomatic cardiac hypertrophy. An elevation in angiotensin II levels, potentially through polymorphisms in ACE, could thereby exacerbate anthracycline-induced hypertrophy and promote the development of late-onset anthracycline-induced HF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Cancer Research UK funded PhD

Spatial Optimization of Photovoltaic-Based Hydrogen-Electricity Supply Chain through an Integrated Geographical Information System and Mathematical Modelling Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Xin Yee Mah ◽  
Wai Shin Ho ◽  
Mimi H. Hassim ◽  
Haslenda Hashim ◽  
Zarina Ab Muis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Mathematical Modelling ◽  
Geographical Information System ◽  
Spatial Optimization ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Electricity Supply ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Hydrogen Supply ◽  
Electricity Supply Chain

Abstract Hydrogen is a potential energy carrier for renewables that has a clean emission during the point of use. To implement hydrogen energy system in large-scale, a comprehensive hydrogen supply network should be built to supply the hydrogen with optimal infrastructure arrangement. Although the optimization of hydrogen supply chain has been extensively studied, the investigation of an integrated hydrogen-electricity supply chain is still lacking. Considering the interconvertibility of hydrogen and electricity, this study presents a spatial optimization framework that integrates geographical information system with mathematical modelling for the design and optimization of a photovoltaic-based hydrogen-electricity supply chain. The proposed framework allows the concurrent targeting of vehicle fuel and electricity demands as well as the identification of suitable locations for supply chain infrastructures. Case study results showed that the minimum cost of hydrogen-electricity supply chain is about 14.9 billion USD/y assuming two days of autonomy, and the cost of battery constitutes 43% of the total supply chain cost. When the days of autonomy is 8 and above, electricity storage in the form of hydrogen and reconversion through fuel cell is preferred.

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