Assessing Spatio-Temporal Land Cover Changes in Dhund River Basin, Eastern Rajasthan (India), Using Multi-Temporal Landsat Data

Land cover is an impression of natural cover on surface of earth such as bare soil, river, grass etc. and utilization of these natural covers for various human needs and purposes by mankind is defined as land use. Land cover identification, delineation and mapping is important for planning activities, resource management and global monitoring studies while baseline mapping and subsequent monitoring is done by application of land use to get timely information about quantity of land that has been used. The present study has been carried out in Dhund river watershed of Jaipur, Rajasthan which covers an area of about 1828 sq∙km. The minimum and maximum elevation of the area is found to be 214 m and 603 m respectively. Land use and land cover changes of three decades from 1991 to 2021 have been interpreted by using remotes sensing and GIS techniques. ArcGIS software (Arc map 10.2), SOI topographic map, Cartosat-1 DEM and satellite data of Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 have been used for interpretation of eleven classes. The study shows an increase in cultivated land, settlement, waterbody, open forest, plantation and mining due to urbanization because of increasing demands of food, shelter and water while a decrease in dense forest, river, open scrub, wasteland and uncultivated land has also been marked due to destruction of aforementioned by anthropogenic activities such as industrialization resulting in environmental degradation that leads to air, soil and water pollution.

Analysis of the Digital Skill Gap of Agricultural Extension Personnel in South-East, Nigeria

The study analysed the digital skill gap of agricultural extension personnel on the use of digital technologies for extension services delivery in South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of agricultural extension personnel in South-East Nigeria and identify the digital skill gaps among agricultural extension personnel in the area of study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 364 Agricultural Extension personnel for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and were analysed using simple descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, mean score, and standard deviation. Findings indicated that most of the personnel were male (57.8%), within the age bracket of 38 - 47 years (62.9%), had B.Sc./HND as their highest educational qualification (74.7%), married (86.3%), and had a household size of 6 - 10 Persons (57.7%). It was further revealed that the majority (70.1%) were members of professional organization, earned a monthly income of N50,001.00 - N100,000.00 (65.7%), had a work experience of 11 - 15 years (51.1%), and owned a smartphone/ iPad/laptop (91.5%). Findings further indicated that they had moderate skill gap in Basic Computer skills (Mean = 4.32), and digital communication and collaboration skills (Mean = 4.26). Findings also showed that they had a high skill gap in digital technical skills (Mean = 2.46), digital data analysis skills (Mean = 2.09), digital content creation skills (Mean = 2.43), digital ethical skills (Mean = 2.79), multimedia production skills (Mean = 2.81), and video library management skills (Mean = 2.39). The study concluded that though there exists a high digital skill gap among agricultural extension personnel in South-East, Nigeria, their socioeconomic characteristics are capable of supporting the implementation of digital extension services in the area. The study recommended that the management of Agricultural Development Programs in South-East, Nigeria, should provide digital training for extension personnel to close the digital skill gap that currently exists among the personnel.

Petrology, Age and Geodynamic Implication of the Panafrican Granitoids Associated with the Glito-Kpatala Shear Zone (South-East Togo)

The granitic plutons associated with the Glito-Kpatala shear zone are composed of biotite and amphibole granodiorites, biotite granites, two-mica granites and aplitic granites, which are very poorly represented. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of these facies indicate that they are I type and belong to high-K calc-alkaline series, with a chemical metaluminous character displayed by the granodiorites relative to the biotite and two-mica facies whose chemical compositions vary between metaluminous and peraluminous caracter. The Th/Ta (14.04 - 43.82 ppm, mean = 26.05), Th/U (2.58 to 15.05 ppm, mean = 5.85 ppm), Zr/Hf (25.27 to 37.21, mean = 30.67 ppm) and Rb/Sr (0.16 to 4.32;mean = 1.67 ppm) ratios of these granitoids reveal a strong crustal involvement in their magmatogenesis. Variations in CaO/Na2O (0.47 - 1.44 ppm), Rb/Sr (0.14 - 0.27 ppm), Rb/Ba (0.07 - 0.14 ppm) and Sr/Y (38.21 - 174.42 ppm) ratios indicate that biotite and amphibole granodiorites with their excessive Ni (135.37 - 139.51 ppm) and Cr (395.73 - 447.74 ppm) were derived from a mafic to intermediate lower continental crust where garnet and/or amphibole were stable residual assemblage minerals. The moderate Sr/Y ratios (1.81 - 9.47 ppm) and low transition elements Ni (1 - 6.44 ppm) and Cr (7.89 - 13.47 ppm) contents in both the two-mica and biotite granites are consistent with their emplacement at relatively shallow depths in the upper to mean continental crust, at pressures below 10 Kbar. In the two-mica granites, moderate CaO/Na2O (0.20 - 0.57 ppm, mean = 0.38 ppm) and Rb/Ba (0.39 - 1.37, mean = 0.84 ppm) ratios and quite varied Rb/Sr (1.53 - 4.23 ppm, mean = 2.85 ppm) ratios indicate a predominant derivation from psammitic and pelitic metasediments rather than metagreywackes. These low ratios (0.25 ≤ CaO/Na2O ≤ 0.32, mean = 0.28 ppm;0.31 ≤ Rb/Ba ≤ 0.44, mean = 0.39 ppm;1.11 ≤ Rb/Sr ≤ 1.78, mean = 0.39 ppm) in biotite granites are more consistent with melting from a metagreywacke-derived source. Evidence for the contribution of mantle-derived mafic magma with granitic magma in the plutons studied is materialized by the presence of magmatic enclaves in both granodiorites and two-mica granites, the volcanic arc geochemical signatures displayed by the plutons in geotectonic diagrams and Nb/Ta ratios (14.14 - 34.61 ppm) closer to mantle estimates. Geochemical data and radiometric dating elements suggest that the granitoids studied can be integrated into the pan-African late magmatic episode, which corresponds between 606 and 583 Ma, to the activity of transcurrent ductile strike-slips and to the synchronous emplacement of high K calc-alkaline plutons in a post-collisional context.

Assessment of Land Use Land Cover Change Detection Using Geospatial Techniques in Southeast Rajasthan

Change analysis acquires effective information in the form of maps and statistical data which becomes the central component in spatial planning, monitoring environmental changes, management and utilization of land. The present study makes an attempt to assess the changes in land use land cover using multi-temporal satellite data in south-east Rajasthan. These maps were derived from geocoded dia-positive False Color Composites (FCC’s) of IRS 1991, 2001, 2010 & 2018 using Arc GIS platform. The present study demonstrates the extension, approach and result of change analysis which might be helpful for decision making and sustainable growth. The landscape has been divided into 12 categories. Mining and its associated features were increased whereas forest and open scrub cover shows decreasing trend during the study period. The former increased by 23.82 km2 while the later shrunk by 26.08 km2. Most significant changes are also witnessed in settlement and industrial areas which shows increment by 8.8 km2 and 1.33 km2. Stone quarrying has destroyed arable land, natural vegetation cover, topsoil, subsoil and consequently the soil profile of the area. On the other hand cultivated land is increasing due to the conversion of uncultivated land and scrub cover with facilitation of irrigation and modern agricultural activities under different government schemes. The study shows that the area of 184.88 km2 has undergone significant spatial and temporal changes during the study period.

Geochemistry of Kasnau-Matasukh lignites, Nagaur Basin, Rajasthan （India）

The distribution and verticals variation of geochemical components in the Kasnau-Matasukh lignites of Nagaur Basin, Rajasthan, were investigated using microscopy, proximate and ultimate analyses, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses, and major/minor/trace element determination. The relationship of elements with ash content and with macerals have also been discussed. These lignites are stratified, black, dominantly composed of huminite group macerals with subordinated amounts of liptinite and inertinite groups. They are classified as type-III kerogen and are mainly gas prone in nature. The concentration （in vol%） of mineral matter is seen to increase towards upper part of seam and so is the concentration （in wt%） of the volatile matter, elemental carbon and sulphur. The common minerals present in these lignitesare mixed clay layer, chlorite, and quartz as identified by X-ray diffraction study. Compared with world average in brown coal, the bulk concentration of Cu is anomalously high in most of the samples while Cd is 2-3 times high and Zn is high in one band. Based on interrelationship, different pyrite forms are noticed to have different preferential enrichment of various elements. The concentration of disseminated pyrite is more than the other pyrite forms and is followed by discrete pyrite grains and massive pyrite.

Epidemiology of hepatitis E in South-East Europe in the "One Health" concept

The significance of hepatitis E virus(HEV)as an important public health problem is rising.Until a decade ago,cases of HEV infection in Eur-ope were mainly confined to returning travelers,but nowadays,hepatitis E represents an emerging zoonotic infection in many European countries.The aim of this manuscript is to perform a systematic review of the published literature on hepatitis E distribution in humans,animals and environmental samples("One Health"concept)in the South-Eastern European countries.Comparison of the available data showed that the anti-HEV seroprevalence in the South-Eastern Europe varies greatly,depending on the population studied,geographical area and methods used.The IgG seroprevalence rates in different population groups were found to be 1.1%-24.5%in Croatia,up to 20.9%in Bulgaria,5.9-%17.1%in Romania,15%in Serbia,up to 9.7%in Greece and 2%-9.7%in Albania.Among possible risk factors,older age was the most significant predictor for HEV seropositivity in most studies.Higher seroprevalence rates were found in animals.HEV IgG antibodies in domestic pigs were detected in 20%-54.5%,29.2%-50%,38.94%-50%and 31.1%-91.7%in Serbia,Bulgaria,Romania and Croatia,respectively.In wild boars seroprevalence rates were up to 10.3%,30.3%and 31.1%in Romania,Slovenia and Croatia,respectively.A high HEV RNA prevalence in wild boars in some countries(Croatia and Romania)indicated that wild boars may have a key role in the HEV epidemiology.There are very few data on HEV prevalence in environmental samples.HEV RNA was detected in 3.3%and 16.7%surface waters in Slovenia and Serbia,respectively.There is no evidence of HEV RNA in sewage systems in this region.The available data on genetic characterization show that human,animal and environmental HEV strains mainly belong to the genotype 3.

SEM Morphological Study of the Paratype of the Spinicaudatan <i>Feiyunella zhedongensis</i>(Chen and Shen, 1977) from Cretaceous of Linhai, Zhejiang, South-East China

Spinicaudatans, a suborder of the abandoned taxonomic group “Conchostraca”, are very useful for biostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the non-marine successions, remarkably in otherwise fossil-scarce red beds. Feiyunella, a monospecies spinicaudatan genus, was established based on specimens from sediments of Upper Cretaceous red beds in different localities of Zhejiang Province. The morphological examination under a scanning electron microscope of the type specimens of Feiyunella zhedongensis (Chen and Shen, 1977) has found that the paratype from the Fangyan Formation at Xiaoling of Linhai City, Zhejiang Province, is not Feiyunella, but a younger individual of Linhaiella.

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Neoproterozoic A-type granites at Nakora in the Malani Igneous Suite,Western Rajasthan,India

The Nakora Ring Complex(NRC)(732 Ma) occurs as a part of Malani Igneous Suite(MIS) in the West-ern Rajasthan,India.This complex consists of three phases(volcanic,plutonic and dyke).Geochemically,the Na-kora granites are peralkaline,metaluminous and slightly peraluminous.They display geochemical characteristics of A-type granites and distinct variation trends with increasing silica content.The peralkaline granites show higher concentrations of SiO2,total alkalies,TiO2,MgO,Ni,Rb,Sr,Y,Zr,Th,U,La,Ce,Nd,Eu and Yb and lower concen-trations of Al2O3,total iron,Cu and Zn than metaluminous granites.AI content is ≥1 for peralkaline granites and <1 for peraluminous and metaluminous granites.Nakora peralkaline granites are plotted between 4 to 7 kb in pressure and are emplaced at greater depths(16-28 km and 480-840℃) as compared to metaluminous granites which indicate the high fluorine content in peralkaline granites.The primitive mantle normalized multi-element profiles suggest that Nakora granites(peralkaline,metaluminous and peraluminous) are characterized by low La,Sr and Eu and relatively less minima of Ba,Nb and Ti which suggests the aspects related to crustal origin for Nakora magma.The Nakora granites are characterized as A-type granites(Whalen et al.,1987) and correspond to the field of "Within Plate Gran-ite"(Pearce et al.,1984).Geochemical,field and petrological data suggest that Nakora granites are the product of partial melting of rocks similar to Banded Gneiss from Kolar Schist Belt of India.

Current Food and Nutrition Situation in South Asian and South-East Asian Countries

Food production in the countries of South and South-East Asia has shown a general upward trend during the last decade. Despite the considerable increase in population in many of these countries, food production per capita in 1988-90 was significantly higher as compared to 1979-81 figures, the increase being specially marked in such countries as Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Available daily calorie supply was adequate to meet the requirement. The overall pattern of food production however has shown little change, with cereal production continuing to account for a predominant part of food production. There is no evidence of a significant uptrend with respect to production of pulses, milk, horticultural products, poultry or meat production in most countries.A uniquc and unfortunate feature of the nutrition situation in South-Asian countries is that the incidence of low birth weight deliveries is as high as 34% (1990), ranging from 25% in Sri Lanka to 50% in Bangladesh (as against less than 7% in the countries of Europe and North America). Even in countries of Africa where the overall food and nutrition situation is worse than in South Asia, the incidence is well below 20%. This is a reflection of the poor state of maternal nutrition in pregnancy.Florid nutritional deficiency diseases have shown a steep decline over the last two decades, but goitre and iron deficiency anaemia continue to be major public health problems, though some headway has been made with regard to the control of the former. Severe forms of growth retardation in children have declined but the majority suffer from mild and moderate forms of growth retardation.Countries of the Region are in varying stages of developmental transition. Among the burgeoning middle classes in some of these countries there are evidences of escalation of degenerative diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. With increasing life expectancy, geriatric nutritlonal problems will demand increasing attention

Archaeological Mineralogy and the Dawn of Gemmology:Prehistoric(7th-5th Millennium BC)Gem Minerals and Gold from the Balkans（South-East Europe）

The territory of the Balkan Peninsula in SE Europe is reviewed, from the point of gemmology, as the cradle of gem and decorative minerals and metals in European prehistory. During the local Neolithic period (end of 7 th -6 th millennium BC), as material for tools or for beads, nephrite (with the earliest known Balkan nephrite culture), jadeite-omphacite and quartz (different varieties) were introduced to make pendants and idols. Large quantities of copper and gold artifacts are known since the Chalcolithic period (5 th millennium BC)(unique for the region;the largest in number of gold artifacts is the Varna I Chalcolithic necropolis in Bulgaria). The gemmological materials in the Balkans are known for malachite, antigorite serpentinite, turquoise, rock crystal, carnelian, jasper, jet and obsidian. In the Varna I necropolis (mid 5 th millennium BC) are recorded the first known complex faceted carnelian beads with 32 facets, as well as some of the most important gemmological techniques and procedures such as faceting, tumbling, annealing, miniaturization and standardization. As pigments for pottery, cinnabar, graphite and gold were used in different prehistoric sites. The earliest salt production in the Balkans is known from sites in Romania and Bulgaria, and because of its trade, salt is positively linked to a population rich with prestigious goods. The introduced possible Chalcolithic weight unit “van”(2 carats) is supposed to be the earliest known in prehistoric times.

Improvements to Female Autonomy and Household Decision-Making Power from an Intervention Targeting Improved Food Security: A Gender-Based Analysis of the Rajasthan Nutrition Project

In India, women and children continue to experience food insecurity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the Rajasthan Nutrition Project (RNP) led to changes in 1) dietary habits and nutrition, and 2) indicators of gender equality, female autonomy, and empowerment. This study surveyed women belonging to self-help groups who were pregnant or who had young children. Over the course of the intervention, significant improvements were seen in the following indicators: breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, food insecurity of children and mothers, household decision-making, communication, mobility, and domestic violence. These findings suggest that the RNP is a promising intervention for improving nutrition and female autonomy in Rajasthan, India. Additional research is needed to determine if the RNP would be equally as effective in other regions of India, or in populations outside of India.

Melt Inclusion Studies of Pb-Zn Ore Deposits of Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni Belt in District Udaipur, (Rajasthan) India

The Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi orogenic complex hosts a large number of economically important stratabound base metal sulphide deposits. In the present work, rock samples taken from Outcrop and Underground mines of Sindeskar Kalan, Vedanta Group, Rajpura Dariba-Bethumni Belt which were located at a distance of 76 Kms from Udaipur District (Rajasthan) have been studied. The chief litho units of the group were identified which contain sulfide-bearing calc-silicate and graphite mica schist, dolomite marble, calc-biotite schist and quartzite. Importance to the ore minerals like galena and sphalerite which have been reported in association with the buffer minerals like pyrite and pyrrhotite occurred in the host rocks of the study area. The study of melt inclusion (sulfide melt) of sphalerite showed the maximum temperature of melting which was 923°C on the Linkam-TMS94 (the maximum temperature limit of the system is up to 1500°C). The maximum temperature of melting of sphalerite reveals that the dolerite and/or pegmatite intrusion might have supplied sulfide rich melt during the study area in the geological past.

Petrographic Studies of Pb-Zn Ore Deposits of Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni Belt in District Udaipur (Rajasthan) India

The Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi orogenic complex hosts a large number of economically important stratabound base metal sulphide deposits. In the present work, rock samples taken from Outcrop and Underground Mine of Sindeskar Kalan, Vedanta Group, Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni Belt which are located at a distance of 76 Kms from Udaipur District (Rajasthan) have been studied. The chief litho units of the group are identified which contain sulfide-bearing calc-silicate and graphite mica schist, dolomite marble, calc-biotite schist and quartzite. Importance to the ore minerals like galena and sphalerite which have been reported in association with the buffer minerals like pyrite and pyrrhotite occurr in the host rocks of the study area. Ore petrography denotes two types of sphalerites, 1) highly deformed and dark brown colour, 2) less deformed and with light yellow colour. Galena shows high reflectance and a network of triangular pits. Pyrite shows high reflectance and anomalous anisotropism because of high brittleness.

Mode of Occurrence and Mineralogy of Northern Khetri Copper Deposits, Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan

Copper deposits in Khetri copper belt are hosted in the proterozoic sequence of rocks belonging to Ajabgarh group of Delhi supergroup situated in foot hill zone of Aravalli mountain range North-West, India. Khetri copper belt is about 100?km long NE-SW trending metallogenic province, starting from Singhana in the north to Sangarava in the south. The study area is the northern Khetri copper belt 190 km SW of Delhi,?the capital city of India. In the present work an attempt has been made to determine the mode of occurrence and nature of mineralization with special emphasis on mineragraphic study of copper ores. The ore bodies are found in the form of multiple lodes regionally but locally in the forms of veins, stringers, dissemination, sporadic, cavity filling and replacement. Enriched mineralized zones are localized along the contact of Alwar and Ajabgarh group. Copper, the main entity in the belt occurs?dominantly as sulphides, oxides, carbonates and sulphosalts mineral hosted in pelitic and psammitic rocks. Pyrrhotite, pyrite, magnetite and sphalerite are the other ore mineral associated with the copper ore in a considerable amount. From the textural, structural and multigenerational minerals, mineral assemblage studies,?it is assumed that deposit has undergone metamorphism and multi-stage mineralization. Replacement has a profound influence on mineralization in the northern Khetri copper deposits.

Drainage Basin Characteristics of Dhund River Basin, Eastern Rajasthan India, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Morphometric analysis is mathematical evaluation and measurement of the earth’s shape, surface and its landform’s dimension. Morphometric analysis of Dhund river basin in Jaipur district of Rajasthan India has been carried out to evaluate various morphometric parameters following the linear, areal and relief aspects. The drainage basin, which covers a total area of about 1828 km2 lies in eastern part of the district with maximum and minimum elevation of 603 m and 214 m respectively. Morphotectonic parameters like Hypsometric Integral, Sinuosity index and Asymmetry Factor have also been computed to identify the tectonic characteristics of the drainage basin. Primary and secondary data such as SOI topographic map, Cartosat-1 DEM and other relevant data were utilized. ArcGIS software (Arc Map 10.2) was used for geo-referencing of topographic maps, delineation of watershed and preparation of DEM, slope and drainage network. The basin is 6th order drainage basin having dendritic pattern of drainage network. A relatively lower mean value of Bifurcation ratio suggests that the drainage basin is formed by uniformed materials. Drainage basin area has little elongated shape and is less prone to floods. Basin has different erosional stages and levels of tectonic activity, Moderate Meandering and unstable setting.

Retro-Viral Disease Status of Patients on DOTS Tuberculosis Treatment Strategy in a South-East Nigeria Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Tuberculosis is associated with HIV/AIDS and it has been recognized as one of the most frequent opportunistic infections in persons with HIV. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in people with HIV having an adverse effect on HIV progression. Objectives: The objective is to determine the retroviral disease status of patients on the DOTS strategy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of patients was seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital from January 2013 to April 2015. Relevant information was collected from patients’ folders. Statistical analysis was done with the SPSS and results were represented in tables. Results: 171 patients (77%) were HIV negative while 51 (23%) were positive giving an HIV negative/HIV positive ratio of 3.35:1. 97 patients (43.7%) had 6 months duration of treatment. The least was 2 patients (0.9%) that complied with their medication for 7 months. The 61 - 70 years age group accounted for the least number of HIV-positive patients. Conclusion/Recommendations: There is strong tuberculosis/HIV co-infectivity among the studied population. Strategies to reduce the burden of TB/HIV co-infection should be strengthened.

Universal Health Coverage and Healthy Living in South-East Nigeria: How Far with Mental Health?

Background: Universal health coverage implies access to key promoting, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health interventions for all at an affordable cost, thereby achieving equity in access and service. The mentally-ill belongs to a vulnerable group that has not been given adequate attention especially in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. In September 2015, a health summit was organized in Enugu, South-East Nigeria with the sole aim of strategizing towards achieving universal health coverage in the zone. From all indications, much of the efforts being made towards achieving universal health coverage in the zone are geared towards physical conditions with mental disorders being grossly neglected. Purpose: This position paper briefly highlights the burden of mental disorders in South-East Nigeria;brings to fore the numerous challenges/barriers to effective mental health service delivery in the area;and calls for a positive change before a meaningful health coverage can be achieved in the zone (and by extension in the country). Findings: The burden of mental disorders in south-east Nigeria is heavy. Enormous barriers to mental health services in the area range from ignorance and stigmatization to self-marginalization by the unwillingness of many concerned leaders or hospital chief executives in the area to appreciate mental health and employ or increase the number of mental health professionals. Recommendations: All the stakeholders, from policy makers to consumers should wake up, recognize mental health as an indispensable part of health and take urgent and necessary measures that would ensure the promotion of mental health, prevention and treatment of mental disorders, and appropriate rehabilitation of those with mental illnesses in the zone.

Factors Confronting the Present-Day Construction Practices in South-East, Nigeria: The Professionals’ View

The study evaluates the factors confronting the present-day construction practices in South-East Nigeria. Being a survey research, questionnaires containing information relating to factors/challenges affecting construction practices were randomly administered to selected construction practitioners in South-Eastern States of Nigeria. Accordingly, a total of 240 questionnaires were administered to the selected respondents while 160 copies were completed, returned and found useful. Thus, giving a response rate of 66.67%. Data collected were analysed and presented using percentages, mean scores, principal and factor analysis, z-test and tables. The study found that the core factors that constrain present-day construction in the study area are issues related to inadequate/dearth of technical and managerial expertise, corruption and poor project planning and control;which significantly affect operational effectiveness of the construction industry in the study area. Therefore, the study concluded by recommending that thorough capacity building through training or retraining programme which should centre on areas of the issues identified should be religiously pursued in the study area.