Climate variability controlled the development of the pre-Viking society during the Late Antiquity in Southeastern Norway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Bajard ◽  
Eirik Ballo ◽  
Helge I. Høeg ◽  
Jostein Bakke ◽  
Eivind Støren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Late Antiquity ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Viking Age ◽  
Climate Variations ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Lake Productivity ◽  
Crop Farming ◽  
Zero Hunger

<p>Understanding how agricultural societies were impacted and adapted to past climate variations is critical to face to contemporary climate change and guaranty the food security (#SDG2 Zero Hunger). However, linking climate and change in the behaviour of a population are difficult to evidence. Here, we studied the climate variations of the period between 200 and 1300 CE and its impact on the pre-Viking and Viking societies in Southeastern Norway, including the adaptation and resilience of the agricultural management. This period includes, between 300 and 800 CE, one of the coldest period of the last 2000 years. We used a retrospective approach combining a multi-proxy analysis of lake sediments, including geochemical and palynological analyses, to reconstruct past changes in temperature and agricultural practices during the period 200-1300 CE. We associated variations in Ca/Ti ratio as a result of change in lake productivity with the temperature. The periods 200-300 and 800-1300 CE were warmer than the period between 300 and 800 CE, which is known as the “Dark Ages Cold Period” in the Northern Hemisphere. During this colder period, phases dominated by grazing activities (280-420 CE, 480-580 CE, 700-780 CE) alternated with phases dominated by the cultivation of cereals and hemp (before 280 CE, 420-480 CE, 580-700 CE, and after 800 CE). The alternation of these phases is synchronous of temperature changes. Cold periods are associated to livestock farming, and warmer periods to crop farming. This result suggests that when temperature no longer allowed crop farming, the food production specialized in animal breeding. The result of a Principal Component Analysis show a succession of phases of crisis, adaptation and resilience of the socio-environmental system. The Viking Age (800-1000 CE) started with an increase in temperature and corresponds to the warmest period between 200 and 1300 CE, allowing a larger development of the agriculture practices and society. Our results prove that the pre-Viking society adapted their agricultural practices to the climate variability of the Late Antiquity and that the Vikings expanded with climate warming.</p>

scholarly journals Water quality and antifungal susceptibility of opportunistic yeast pathogens from rivers

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 1319-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Monapathi ◽  
C. C. Bezuidenhout ◽  
O. H. J. Rhode
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
26S Rrna

Yeasts from water sources have been associated with diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to life threatening diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the water quality as well as diversity and antifungal susceptibility of yeasts from two rivers. Yeast levels and physico-chemical parameter data were analyzed by principal component analysis to determine correlations between physico-chemical data and yeast levels. Yeast morphotypes were identified by biochemical tests and 26S rRNA gene sequencing. Disk diffusion antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted. Physico-chemical parameters of the water were within target water quality range (TWQR) for livestock farming. For irrigational use, total dissolved solids and nitrates were not within the TWQR. Yeast levels ranged between 27 ± 10 and 2,573 ± 306 cfu/L. Only non-pigmented, ascomycetous yeasts were isolated. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida glabrata were most frequently isolated. Several other opportunistic pathogens were also isolated. A large number of isolates were resistant to azoles, especially fluconazole, but also to other antifungal classes. Candida species were resistant to almost all the antifungal classes. These water sources are used for recreation and religious as well as for watering livestock and irrigation. Of particular concern is the direct contact of individuals with opportunistic yeast, especially the immune-compromised. Resistance of these yeast species to antifungal agents is a further health concern.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Climate Variability on Malaria Transmission Using a Dynamic Mosquito-Human Malaria Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbenga J. Abiodun ◽  
Peter J. Witbooi ◽  
Kazeem O. Okosun ◽  
Rajendra Maharaj
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Wavelet Coherence ◽  
Human Malaria ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wavelet Coherence Analysis ◽  
Malaria Model

Introduction: The reasons for malaria resurgence mostly in Africa are yet to be well understood. Although the causes are often linked to regional climate change, it is important to understand the impact of climate variability on the dynamics of the disease. However, this is almost impossible without adequate long-term malaria data over the study areas. Methods: In this study, we develop a climate-based mosquito-human malaria model to study malaria dynamics in the human population over KwaZulu-Natal, one of the epidemic provinces in South Africa, from 1970-2005. We compare the model output with available observed monthly malaria cases over the province from September 1999 to December 2003. We further use the model outputs to explore the relationship between the climate variables (rainfall and temperature) and malaria incidence over the province using principal component analysis, wavelet power spectrum and wavelet coherence analysis. The model produces a reasonable fit with the observed data and in particular, it captures all the spikes in malaria prevalence. Results: Our results highlight the importance of climate factors on malaria transmission and show the seasonality of malaria epidemics over the province. Results from the principal component analyses further suggest that, there are two principal factors associated with climates variables and the model outputs. One of the factors indicate high loadings on Susceptible, Exposed and Infected human, while the other is more correlated with Susceptible and Recovered humans. However, both factors reveal the inverse correlation between Susceptible-Infected and Susceptible-Recovered humans respectively. Through the spectrum analysis, we notice a strong annual cycle of malaria incidence over the province and ascertain a dominant of one year periodicity. Consequently, our findings indicate that an average of 0 to 120-day lag is generally noted over the study period, but the 120-day lag is more associated with temperature than rainfall. This is consistence with other results obtained from our analyses that malaria transmission is more tightly coupled with temperature than with rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal province.

Barotropic and Baroclinic Annular Variability in the Southern Hemisphere

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1480-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. J. Thompson ◽  
Jonathan D. Woodworth
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Southern Annular Mode ◽  
Eddy Kinetic Energy ◽  
Propagating Waves ◽  
Vertically Propagating ◽  
High Degree

Abstract The leading patterns of large-scale climate variability in the Southern Hemisphere are examined in the context of extratropical kinetic energy. It is argued that variability in the Southern Hemisphere extratropical flow can be viewed in the context of two distinct and largely independent structures, both of which exhibit a high degree of annularity: 1) a barotropic structure that dominates the variance in the zonal-mean kinetic energy and 2) a baroclinic structure that dominates the variance in the eddy kinetic energy. The former structure corresponds to the southern annular mode (SAM) and has been extensively examined in the literature. The latter structure emerges as the leading principal component time series of eddy kinetic energy and has received seemingly little attention in previous work. The two structures play very different roles in cycling energy through the extratropical troposphere. The SAM is associated primarily with variability in the meridional propagation of wave activity, has a surprisingly weak signature in the eddy fluxes of heat, and can be modeled as Gaussian red noise with an e-folding time scale of approximately 10 days. The baroclinic annular structure is associated primarily with variations in the amplitude of vertically propagating waves, has a very weak signature in the wave fluxes of momentum, and exhibits marked quasi periodicity on time scales of approximately 25–30 days. Implications for large-scale climate variability are discussed.

scholarly journals Assessment of atmospheric trace element concentrations by lichen-bag near an oil/gas pre-treatment plant in the Agri Valley (southern Italy)

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 6531-6553
Author(s):  
R. Caggiano ◽  
S. Trippetta ◽  
S. Sabia
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Plant Emissions ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Almost All

Abstract. The atmospheric concentrations of 17 trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Ti and Zn) were measured by means of the "lichen-bag" technique in the Agri Valley (southern Italy). The lichen samples were collected from an unpolluted site located in Rifreddo forest (southern Italy). The bags were exposed to ambient air for 6 and 12 months. The exposed-to-control (EC) ratio values highlighted that the used lichen species were suitable for biomonitoring investigations. The results showed that the concentrations of almost all the examined trace elements increased with respect to the control after 6–12 month exposures. Furthermore, Ca, Al, Fe, K, Mg and S were the most abundant trace elements both in the 6 and 12 month-exposed samples. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) results highlighted that the major sources of the measured atmospheric trace elements were related both to anthropogenic contributions due to traffic, combustion processes, agricultural practices, construction and quarrying activities, and to natural contributions mainly represented by the re-suspension of local soil and road dusts. In addition, the contribution both of secondary atmospheric reactions involving Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA) plant emissions and the African dust long-range transport were also identified.

scholarly journals Voisin Rational Grazing as a Sustainable Alternative for Livestock Production

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3494
Author(s):  
Luiz C. Pinheiro Machado Filho ◽  
Hizumi L. S. Seó ◽  
Ruan R. Daros ◽  
Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo ◽  
Adenor V. Wendling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Wide Range

Current livestock practices do not meet current real-world social and environmental requirements, pushing farmers away from rural areas and only sustaining high productivity through the overuse of fossil fuels, causing numerous environmental side effects. In this narrative review, we explore how the Voisin Rational Grazing (VRG) system responds to this problem. VRG is an agroecological system based on four principles that maximise pasture growth and ruminant intake, while, at the same time, maintaining system sustainability. It applies a wide range of regenerative agricultural practices, such as the use of multispecies swards combined with agroforestry. Planning allows grazing to take place when pastures reach their optimal resting period, thus promoting vigorous pasture regrowth. Moreover, paddocks are designed in a way that allow animals to have free access to water and shade, improving overall animal welfare. In combination, these practices result in increased soil C uptake and soil health, boost water retention, and protect water quality. VRG may be used to provide ecosystem services that mitigate some of the current global challenges and create opportunities for farmers to apply greener practices and become more resilient. It can be said that VRG practitioners are part of the initiatives that are rethinking modern livestock agriculture. Its main challenges, however, arise from social constraints. More specifically, local incentives and initiatives that encourage farmers to take an interest in the ecological processes involved in livestock farming are still lacking. Little research has been conducted to validate the empirical evidence of VRG benefits on animal performance or to overcome VRG limitations.

scholarly journals Reimagining Our Menu for Sustainable Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 225-246
Author(s):  
Adam Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Good Health ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Responsible Consumption ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Zero Hunger

AbstractThis chapter examines the pivotal role of food in realising the ambitions of the global agendas of climate change adaptation (CCA), disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The chapter advocates for a reduction in red (mammal) meat consumption and provides evidence that doing so will directly contribute to the achievement of seven of the 17 SDGs: Goal 2) Zero hunger; Goal 3) Good health and wellbeing; Goal 6) Clean water and sanitation; Goal 12) Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13) Climate action; Goal 14) Life below water, and Goal 15) Life on land. The chapter plots out a path to improved global sustainability, with greater societal resilience through changes in global food consumption choices. Citing the EAT-Lancet Commission, the chapter proposes that government policies and subsidies will need to be redirected away from harmful agricultural practices and towards ones that are better for our health, for our environment and for our economies.

scholarly journals Buffer-Capacity-Based Livelihood Resilience to Stressors—An Early Warning Tool and Its Application in Makueni County, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selina Matter ◽  
Sébastien Boillat ◽  
Chinwe Ifejika Speranza
Keyword(s):  
Early Warning ◽  
Buffer Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Market Failures ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Indicator Framework ◽  
Livelihood Resilience

Persistent vulnerability of smallholder farmers to natural hazards and livelihood insecurity call for the identification of measures that enhance the resilience of their agriculture-dependent livelihoods. Without understanding how to secure smallholder livelihoods against adverse social-ecological dynamics, especially related to climate variability and market failures, hunger, poverty, and livelihood collapse are likely to become more entrenched. This study aims for this better understanding by applying the Livelihood Resilience Indicator Framework to investigate the livelihood resilience of smallholder farmers in Makueni County, Kenya, to disease and pest infestations, low yields, and hunger. We analyzed the buffer capacity dimension of resilience among smallholder farmers, using survey data collected in 2016 on 134 households. We conducted principal component analysis to calculate a buffer capacity index at household level, which we then assessed in relation to crop and livestock pests and diseases, yields, and food shortage. We found that there was a significant positive correlation between buffer capacity and maize yields, which could be attributed to diversity in agricultural practices and income. The incidence of pests and diseases correlated significantly and negatively with buffer capacity and specifically with land size, economic status, and social capital. While no significant relationship could be established between buffer capacity and the occurrence of food insecurity, this variable correlated with access to land and livestock, diversity in agricultural practices, and access to infrastructure. The expected positive relation between food security and access to infrastructure and services turned out to be negative, raising questions about the relations between the livelihood resilience construct and rural infrastructure and services. More differentiation is thus needed on the multi-faceted interactions between access to infrastructure and services, including their actual use and benefits to livelihood resilience. In general, most findings supported the Livelihood Resilience Indicator Framework in that households with higher buffer capacity were better equipped to cope with shocks and stressors, hence demonstrating the potential of the framework as an early warning tool.

scholarly journals Climate change in the Indo-Pacific basin from mid- to late Holocene

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Falasca ◽  
Julien Crétat ◽  
Annalisa Bracco ◽  
Pascale Braconnot ◽  
Olivier Marti
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
State Space ◽  
Late Holocene ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Space Representation ◽  
Compact Representation ◽  
System Perspective ◽  
Gradual Shift ◽  
Mean State

Abstract Changes in climate mean state profoundly impact climate variability. Here, we quantify slow changes in the mean climate induced by the variations in the Earth’s orbit from mid- to late Holocene, and their feedback on the main modes of climate variability. We focus on the Indo-Pacific system and show that mid-Holocene conditions favored the dominance of an equatorial dipole mode in the Indian Ocean (IO), independent of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and different from the IO Dipole (IOD) observed today. Mean state changes induced a gradual shift to an IO basin mode that along with the IOD modulates most of the IO variance at present. The climate modes evolution and their connectivity changes are investigated over 6,000 years using a complex network methodology and principal component analysis. To characterize the nature of this transition, we explore the trajectory of the Indo-Pacific climate by accounting for its spatiotemporal and multivariable dependency. The full trajectory of the system is explored from a dynamical system perspective by constructing a state space representation. The manifold embedded in the 104 -dimensional state space provides a compact representation of the system evolution and points to a gradual shift of the basin of attractions in the tropics. This approach, together with a mean state analysis, reveals that a strengthening of the Walker circulation set the stage for a shift in modes in both basins.

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