scholarly journals Fire Incident Statistics in the Tamale Metropolitan Area in the Northern Region of Ghana: A Retrospective Study

Author(s):  
Moses Banyeh ◽  
Gilbert Balinia Adda

The effect of a fire disaster is greater in developing countries due to inadequate 'firefighting preventive and support systems. There is therefore the need to analyze fire incident data to enable better fire safety and prevention strategies. The study was a retrospective cross-sectional study from January to June 2021. In all, 130 fire incident reports from 2017 to 2020 were collected. The data, consisting of 32 variables were analyzed using binary logistic regression. It was observed that fire incidents due to electrical causes (53.9%), occurring in residential buildings (55.4%), and in the dry season (57.7%) were the most common. Fires due to nonelectrical causes were less likely to spread compared to fires due to electrical causes [AOR: 0.465(95%CI:0.221-0.977)]. Also, the likelihood of a fire spreading in the wet season was reduced, compared to the dry season [AOR: 0.341(95%CI:0.118-0.988)]. Moreover, apartment house’s fires were less likely to spread as compared to compound house's' fires [AOR: 0.341(95%CI:0.118-0.988)]. The source of energy, the design of a building and the climatic conditions are associated with fire incidents in the study area. These findings will serve as guidelines for fire safety and prevention strategies in the Tamale metropolitan area.

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Cristian Pérez-Granados ◽  
Karl-L. Schuchmann

Climatic conditions represent one of the main constraints that influence avian calling behavior. Here, we monitored the daily calling activity of the Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus) and the Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis) during the dry and wet seasons in the Brazilian Pantanal. We aimed to assess the effects of climate predictors on the vocal activity of these focal species and evaluate whether these effects may vary among seasons. Air temperature was positively associated with the daily calling activity of both species during the dry season. However, the vocal activity of both species was unrelated to air temperature during the wet season, when higher temperatures occur. Daily rainfall was positively related to the daily calling activity of both species during the dry season, when rainfall events are scarce and seem to act as a trigger for breeding phenology of the focal species. Nonetheless, air temperature was negatively associated with the daily calling activity of the Undulated Tinamou during the wet season, when rainfall was abundant. This study improves our understanding of the vocal behavior of tropical birds and their relationships with climate, but further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the associations found in our study.


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54
Author(s):  
Manish Shrestha ◽  
Naresh Kazi Tamrakar

Groundwater is the water which is present in pore spaces and in the fractures of the geological materials beneath earth surface. Water is incompressible substance and presence of small amount of water in geological material modifies the behavior of geological material under stresses. Determination of engineering behavior of the geological material is almost impossible skipping the role of water. The objective of this study was to map and evaluate shallow groundwater level of the northern Kathmandu Valley covering main rivers such as the Bagmati River, Bishnumati River, Dhobi Khola and the Manahara Khola. These rivers flow from the North to the South across the sand rich sediment zone. Static groundwater levels of 239 wells were measured from different locations of the study area in April/March 2017 (Dry Season) and in August 2017 (Wet Season). Shallow groundwater level was measured from soil surface to water level using well water depth logger (Qin and Li, 1998). The result showed that groundwater level ranged from 0.6 m to 12.5 m in dry season and 0.1 m to 13 m in wet season. The groundwater level increased by average of 34.68% (n = 235) as compared to that in dry season. Increase in the groundwater level suggests recharge of groundwater in wet season of the study area. The flow pattern of groundwater levels from the study shows flow of shallow groundwater towards the major rivers of that particular river watershed. As a consequence, seepage flow and piping erosion is likely along the riverbank slopes. Increase in recharge of groundwater during wet season exhibits that the northern region of the Kathmandu Valley is potential for groundwater recharge and can be used to manage water for the dry period.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
MN Mondol ◽  
A Asia ◽  
AS Chamon ◽  
SMA Faiz

An investigation was made at Hazaribagh Tannery area, comprising about 145 industries in Dhaka Metropolitan area. The analyses of soil and plant samples showed that heavy metals contribute significantly towards environmental contamssination resulting from industrial activities. Concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe and Ni) in soil and plant samples cross the MAC (Maximum allowable concentration) in both wet and dry season. In case of soil sample the highest concentration of Cr (172792 ppm) was found at main disposal point. Chromium, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe and Ni concentrations at Hazaribagh plant samples respectively ranged from 171-1348, 247-777, 45-96, 1.66-2.17, 72-231, 354-787, and 18-38 ppm respectively in dry season and 75-1142, 209-691, 29- 84, 1.02-2.00, 66-124, 331-664, 11-37 ppm respectively in wet season. Concentration went down gradually with increasing distance from the main disposal point (spot 1). But again high concentration (150708 ppm of Cr) was noted in spot 6. Similar results were found for plant samples. High concentrations of heavy metals were found in plant samples which consequently affect food chain, which may be a major environmental concern. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 43(2): 207-222, December 2017


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collins Ayine Nsor ◽  
Edward Adzesiwor Obodai

The study assessed major environmental determinants influencing bird community in six wetlands over a 2-year period. A combination of visual and bird sounding techniques was used to determine the seasonal variations in bird abundance, while ordination techniques were performed to determine the influence of environmental factors on bird assemblage. A total of 1,169 birds from 25 species and 885 individuals from 23 species were identified in the wet and dry season, respectively. The shallow close marshes supported the greatest number of birds (P<0.05) compared to the riparian wetlands. Bird diversity was significantly higher in the wet season than in the dry season (F=4.101,P<0.05). Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and marsh warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) were the most abundant. Using the IUCN “Red List” database guide, we noted that 96.2% of birds identified were least concern (LC). The yellow weaver bird (Ploceous megarhrynchus) was the only vulnerable species (VU) and represented 3.8%. From the three variables tested, bushfire and farming practices were the major threats and cumulatively explained 15.93% (wet season) and 14.06% (dry season) variations in bird diversity and abundance. These findings will help wetland managers design conservation measures to check current threats on birds from becoming vulnerable in the future.


2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-392
Author(s):  
E. Tillard ◽  
S. Nabeneza ◽  
B. Faye ◽  
P. Humblot

AbstractThe frequency of early and late embryonic mortality was determined following 171 inseminations performed between January and December 1998 in 6 herds located in Reunion Island. Milk was sampled 23 to 24 days after Alfor progesterone determination in cows not observed to return to oestrus after AI. Cows were also blood sampled at between 30 and 45 days post-AI to measure Pregnancy Specific Protein B. Overall pregnancy rate was 25.1% (range between herds 12.5% to 42.3%). Early embryonic mortality or fertilisation failures and late embryonic mortality occurred in 57.3% (range between herds 52.9% to 61.6%) and 17.5% (range between herds 3.8% to 33.4%) of cows inseminated, respectively. Nonpregnant cows, not detected in oestrus by Day 24 after AI were recorded to returned to oestrus, on average 66 ±9.6 days or more than 3 cycles after AI. The pregnancy rate was depressed when cows were inseminated during the wet season compared with cows inseminated during the dry season. We conclude that fertilisation failures or early embryonic mortality was the main cause of reproductive failure in inseminated cows in tropical climates. The incidence was twice that obtained in studies conducted under more temperate climatic conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Baptiste Yaro ◽  
Alphonse Ouedraogo ◽  
Amidou Diarra ◽  
Salif Sombié ◽  
Z. Amidou Ouedraogo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malaria in pregnancy remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying risk factors for malaria in pregnancy could assist in developing interventions to reduce the risk of malaria in Burkina Faso and other countries in the region. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out to measure Plasmodium falciparum infection using microscopy in pregnant women in Saponé Health District, central Burkina Faso. Data were collected on individual, household and environmental variables and their association with P. falciparum infection assessed using multivariable analysis. Results A total of 356 pregnant women were enrolled in the surveys, 174 during the dry season and 182 during the wet season. The mean number of doses of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) was 0.4 doses during the first trimester, 1.1 doses at the second and 2.3 doses at the third. Overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection by microscopy was 15.7%; 17.8% in the dry season and 13.7% in the wet season. 88.2% of pregnant women reported sleeping under an insecticide-treated net (ITN) on the previous night. The odds of P. falciparum infection was 65% lower in women who reported using an ITN compared to those that did not use an ITN (Odds ratio, OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.86, p = 0.02). IPTp-SP was also associated with reduced P. falciparum infection, with each additional dose of IPTp-SP reducing the odds of infection by 44% (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.79, p = 0.001). Literate women had a 2.54 times higher odds of P. falciparum infection compared to illiterate women (95% CI 1.31–4.91, p = 0.006). Conclusions The prevalence of P. falciparum infection among pregnant women remains high in Burkina Faso, although use of IPTp-SP and ITNs were found to reduce the odds of infection. Despite this, compliance with IPTp-SP remains far from that recommended by the National Malaria Control Programme and World Health Organization. Behaviour change communication should be strengthened to encourage compliance with protective malaria control tools during pregnancy.


1937 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. M. Nash

The Seasonal Factor.1. The period of stress due to extreme climatic conditions is far shorter in the forest than in the meadow-pan.2. G. tachinoides is primarily dependent upon riverine vegetation or residual forest, and has only a very limited wet season spread. G. submorsitans is primarily an open woodland fly with great powers of dispersal which are annually checked by adverse climate that enforces a temporary dependence upon the riverine forests.3. G. tachinoides abounds within the stream-bed or residual forest ; G. submorsitans abounds on the forest fringe.4. The dispersal of both species is closely associated with evaporation and saturation deficiency. A mean monthly evaporation of 20–28 cc. and a saturation deficiency of 5 to 8 millibars results in maximal dispersal ; dispersal yields to concentration as the evaporative power of the air increases above these zones.5. The extent of the annual dispersal is indirectly governed by the duration of the wet season—the longer the season the more extensive the dispersal.6. The population of G. submorsitans steadily increases throughout the rains as the evaporation falls, and becomes maximal towards the end when the evaporation is in the optimum zone (20—25 cc.) ; density steadily falls throughout the dry season as evaporation rises, and becomes minimal at the end when evaporation is maximal. G. tachinoides is believed to behave similarly, but the optimum zone of evaporation is probably about 6 to 10 cc.


1958 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
G.G. Bolhuis

Three groups, each of 10 plants, of the groundnut Spanish bunch variety Schwarz 21 were grown at Buitenzorg, Java, 2 groups being sown in pots in November and February (beginning and end of the wet season), the third being sown in the open in June (middle of the dry season). The differing climatic conditions had little effect on the flowering cycle of the plants.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)


1997 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Permin ◽  
H. Magwisha ◽  
A.A. Kassuku ◽  
P. Nansen ◽  
M. Bisgaard ◽  
...  

AbstractA cross-sectional study on the prevalence of helminths in rural scavenging poultry on six hundred adult chickens selected randomly from six villages in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania during the wet and the dry seasons, was conducted. The trachea and gastrointestinal tract of each bird were examined for the presence of parasites. All chickens were infected with one or several species of helminths, the average being 4.8 ±1.7 helminths per chicken during the wet season and 5.1 ± 1.8 during the dry season. A total of 29 different helminth species were shown in the trachea or the gastrointestinal tract. The following species were identified: Syngamus trachea (0.7% (wet season), 2% (dry season)); Gongylonema ingluvicola (6.3%, 17.7%); Tetrameres americana (54.3%, 60.3%); Dispharynx nasuta (0%, 2.7%); Acuaria hamulosa (8.3%, 19.3%); Ascaridia galli (28.3%, 32.3%); Heterakis gallinarum (74.0%, 78.7%); H. isolonche (18.7%, 5.0%); H. dispar (25.7%, 6.3%); Allodapa suctoria (40.0%, 52.0%); Subulura strongylina (3.3%, 1.0%); Strongyloides avium (0.3%, 3.0%); Capillaria annulata (2.0%, 0.0%); C. contorta (9.0%, 1.0%); C. caudinflata (2.0%, 4.3%); C. obsignata (8.7%, 25.0%); C. anatis (4.0%, 9.0%); C. bursata (1.0%, 2.7%); Raillietina echinobothrida (41.3%, 46.3%); R. tetragona (25.3%, 21.3%); R. cesticillus (8.7%, 2.7%); Choanotaenia infundibulum (0.0%, 3.7%); Hymenolepis carioca (9.0%, 18.0%); H. cantaniana (48.0%, 43.0%); Amoebotaenia cuneata (39.3%, 36.0%); Metroliasthes lucida (1.0%, 0.3%); Davainea proglottina (5.7%, 0.3%) and Polymorphus boschadis (0.3%, 0.0%). No trematodes were found. No correlation was found between season and prevalence, or season and mean worm burdens. Twelve helminths of the species recovered represent new local records.


1998 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 406-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dang Hoang Son ◽  
Le Tri ◽  
Vu Manh Tien ◽  
Tran kim Phuong ◽  
Viggo Balle ◽  
...  

Few reliable data exist on the prevalence of secretory otitis media (SOM) in the Third World. A large epidemiologic cross-sectional study was undertaken in two communes in southern Vietnam to study an urban and a rural community during two different climatic conditions: the dry and rainy seasons. The participants included 3,300 children (6,598 ears) ages 6 months to 10 years. Otolaryngological and medical histories were obtained, and an otolaryngological examination was carried out on 1,669 children in April 1995 (the dry season) and on 1,631 children in December 1995 (the rainy season). Tympanograms were obtained (n = 6,055), 429 of which were type B curves. The overall prevalence of SOM was 7.1%, the highest incidence was at the age of 2 years (with a prevalence of 22%), and there was a significantly higher prevalence of SOM during the rainy season than during the dry season. No significant difference in incidence was found in the urban district as compared to the rural district.


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