Authors:
Diva Pradhan; Dr. Jaya Ram Karki Pages: 1 - 9 Abstract: Nepal is urbanizing rapidly despite its status as one of the world's least urbanized countries. Here, urbanization is marked by unplanned growth, weak policies, inadequate law enforcement, and political interference, contributing to increased land surface temperatures (LST) in municipal and metropolitan areas. Primary data for the study is derived from satellite imagery provided by the USGS, while secondary land use data is sourced from Nepalese government records and updated through fieldwork. The minimum observed LST is 19°C, and the maximum is 37°C, calculated using brightness temperature values and appropriate conversion equations or models. This study examines LST distribution across different land uses (cropland, forest, and built-up areas) within municipalities, noting that urban areas generally exhibit higher LST values compared to rural areas. Factors such as proximity to water bodies, vegetation index (NDVI), and elevation are analyzed. The study area of Birendranagar Municipality covers two sample areas: one encompassing entire municipalities and another focused on the riverside buffer zone. Key findings reveal a positive correlation between LST and distance to water bodies in large samples and a negative correlation in smaller samples. LST is notably higher in built-up areas than in agricultural and forested areas. LST is inversely proportional to altitude and NDVI. The study recommends that future urban planning carefully consider LST dynamics and their relationship with water bodies to mitigate temperature rise challenges. PubDate: 2025-03-06 DOI: 10.12691/aees-13-1-1 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2025)
Authors:
Samuel Lalmalsawma; S.T. Lalzarzovi, P.C. Vanlalnunpuia, Lalthanpuia , Seikuti Nohro Pages: 10 - 19 Abstract: Mizoram has been identified as one of India's most climate-vulnerable states, with its mountainous terrain and shifting weather patterns intensifying environmental hazards. This study evaluates climate vulnerability at the village level in Darlawn Block, Aizawl District, Mizoram, using a structured methodology based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) risk assessment framework. The Composite Vulnerability Index (CVI) was formulated by integrating biophysical and socio-economic indicators, which were normalized and analysed to rank the vulnerability of 29 villages. The findings indicate that Thingsat village exhibits the highest vulnerability, while Darlawn Vengpui is the least vulnerable. The study also identifies key drivers of vulnerability, including a low percentage of irrigated agricultural land and a lack of diversified income sources. The results emphasize the importance of localized climate adaptation strategies tailored to the specific needs of different villages. By pinpointing the factors contributing to climate vulnerability, this research supports informed policy-making, resource allocation, and adaptation planning to promote sustainable development in rural communities. PubDate: 2025-03-16 DOI: 10.12691/aees-13-1-2 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2025)
Authors:
Mahendra Pal; Alemayehu Bekele, Tesfaye Rebuma, Ravindra Zende, Aishwarya Nair, Ramnika Aggarwal Pages: 20 - 26 Abstract: Aflatoxins are fungal toxins produced mainly Aspergillus spp., specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The types of toxins produced by aflatoxins naturally are B1, B2, G1, and G2. Likewise, M1 and M2 which are found in the metabolic products of contaminated milk and dairy products. The aim of this article is to review on effects of aflatoxin in dairy cattle products and its public health significance. The outbreaks of aflatoxin are most serious in tropical and subtropical areas over the world and also in temperate regions. It is estimated that more than 5 billion people in developing nations worldwide are at risk of chronic exposure to aflatoxins through contaminated foods. Moreover, aflatoxin is third-leading cause of cancer death globally, with around 550,000- 600,000 new cases occur in East Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa each year. Aflatoxins can affect a wide range of commodities including cereals, oilseeds, spices, nuts, and dried fruit, which is considered as aflatoxin B1. When animals consume feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1, it is bio transformed to aflatoxin M1 by the hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase system and gets absorbed in the milk of mammals. Aflatoxin B1 present in livestock feed causes different problems in genital, digestive and respiratory tracts through interference in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and nucleic acids. It also affects milk composition, body mass gain, immunity and reproductive performance. The presence of aflatoxin M1 poses high risk to public health by causing acute liver damage, liver cancer, toxic hepatitis, hemorrhage, immunosuppression, DNA damage, gene mutations, and can affect cell transformation. Children that have compromised immune systems are more prone to develop complications. Aflatoxins are diagnosed by various methods including thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aflatoxicosis can only be prevented by feeding aflatoxin free rations to dairy animal and practicing good agricultural practice in dairy production farm and processing centers. PubDate: 2025-03-30 DOI: 10.12691/aees-13-1-3 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2025)
Authors:
Mengyao Zhang
Pages: 27 - 33 Abstract: With the continuous growth of global energy demand and increasing environmental concerns, electricity, as a critical energy carrier, has become increasingly vital in global economic and social development. This study systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and efficiency evolution of the top 50 global electricity-exporting countries from 2014 to 2023 using the DEA-BCC model and Malmquist index method. Key findings include: (1) Electricity exports exhibited significant regional agglomeration, with Europe maintaining dominance through its mature transnational grid systems, while China emerged as Asia’s core driver, boosting regional export volumes. (2) Efficiency measurements revealed a decline in the number of DEA-strongly efficient countries (from 4 to 3) and an increase in weakly efficient countries (to 6), primarily due to insufficient scale efficiency. Major exporters such as the U.S. and Italy remained inefficient owing to suboptimal resource allocation. (3) Total factor productivity (TFP) showed an average annual growth of 7.7%, driven by technological progress, but scale efficiency stagnated (index: 0.899), indicating room for scaling optimization. PubDate: 2025-05-05 DOI: 10.12691/aees-13-1-4 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2025)
Authors:
Césard Millogo; Aboubakar Sako, Blehiman Sagnon, Samuel Nakolendoussé Pages: 34 - 43 Abstract: In central southern Burkina Faso, as elsewhere in the country, groundwater resources are the reliable source of drinking water. During its residence time in the rocks, the groundwater interacts with them and its chemical composition is considerably modified. Methods like major ions geochemistry, the assessment of water quality indices, and the application of geostatistical analysis have been utilized to define the hydrogeochemical processes governing groundwater quality. For this study, 249 groundwater samples were taken from manual boreholes. The findings indicated that the groundwaters ranged from circumneutral to alkaline, with predominant concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3-. According to the calculated groundwater quality indices, water from the majority of the boreholes was suitable for domestic uses. However, a few boreholes had high concentrations of F- and FeT that exceeded the World Health Organization recommended guideline value for drinking water. The elevated F- concentrations were probably due to the weathering of the granitic rocks, while the FeT concentrations appeared to come from the water pumps installed on these boreholes. Bivariate plots indicated that geochemical processes like silicate weathering, mineral dissolution and precipitation, ion exchange, and evapotranspiration were the key factors affecting solute acquisition in groundwater. Furthermore, desorption and ion exchange in alkaline pH conditions could enhance F⁻ enrichment in groundwater. Zones with low ionic strength and electrical conductivity have been identified as groundwater recharge zones, which should be protected and subject to a regular monitoring program. This study results could help professionals in the field to implement appropriate groundwater quality management strategies. PubDate: 2025-05-07 DOI: 10.12691/aees-13-1-5 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2025)
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