Developing GIS-based eastern equine encephalitis vector-host models in Tuskegee, Alabama

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A site near Tuskegee, Alabama was examined for vector-host activities of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV). Land cover maps of the study site were created in ArcInfo 9.2^®from QuickBird data encompassing visible and near-infrared (NIR) band information (0.45 to 0.72 μm) acquired July 15, 2008. Georeferenced mosquito and bird sampling sites, and their associated land cover attributes from the study site, were overlaid onto the satellite data. SAS 9.1.4^®was used to explore univariate statistics and to generate regression models using the field and remote-sampled mosquito and bird data. Regression models indicated that <it>Culex erracticus </it>and Northern Cardinals were the most abundant mosquito and bird species, respectively. Spatial linear prediction models were then generated in Geostatistical Analyst Extension of ArcGIS 9.2^®. Additionally, a model of the study site was generated, based on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), using ArcScene extension of ArcGIS 9.2^®.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>For total mosquito count data, a first-order trend ordinary kriging process was fitted to the semivariogram at a partial sill of 5.041 km, nugget of 6.325 km, lag size of 7.076 km, and range of 31.43 km, using 12 lags. For total adult <it>Cx. erracticus </it>count, a first-order trend ordinary kriging process was fitted to the semivariogram at a partial sill of 5.764 km, nugget of 6.114 km, lag size of 7.472 km, and range of 32.62 km, using 12 lags. For the total bird count data, a first-order trend ordinary kriging process was fitted to the semivariogram at a partial sill of 4.998 km, nugget of 5.413 km, lag size of 7.549 km and range of 35.27 km, using 12 lags. For the Northern Cardinal count data, a first-order trend ordinary kriging process was fitted to the semivariogram at a partial sill of 6.387 km, nugget of 5.935 km, lag size of 8.549 km and a range of 41.38 km, using 12 lags. Results of the DEM analyses indicated a statistically significant inverse linear relationship between total sampled mosquito data and elevation (R²= -.4262; p < .0001), with a standard deviation (SD) of 10.46, and total sampled bird data and elevation (R²= -.5111; p < .0001), with a SD of 22.97. DEM statistics also indicated a significant inverse linear relationship between total sampled <it>Cx. erracticus </it>data and elevation (R²= -.4711; p < .0001), with a SD of 11.16, and the total sampled Northern Cardinal data and elevation (R²= -.5831; p < .0001), SD of 11.42.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data demonstrate that GIS/remote sensing models and spatial statistics can capture space-varying functional relationships between field-sampled mosquito and bird parameters for determining risk for EEEV transmission.</p

Exploring land usage at Tannehill State Park: giving artifacts a context through watershed mapping

Archaeologists have identified dozens of sites across the landscape of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, but few are thoroughly investigated, leaving a gap in current understanding of settlement patterns and land usage in prehistoric times. This project uses existing site information in conjunction with GIS processing to help expand knowledge of land use and site locations at the park. Digital elevation models are used to map watershed in the region with the goal of locating the original context of sites found in a secondary context. GIS hydrography tools make it possible to generate a detailed watershed map that shows exactly how water, as well as artifacts, move across the landscape. By mapping the distance, direction, and greatest accumulation of water flow, the potential original locations of artifacts should be detectable. This methodology shows great promise in early testing. This model can be adapted to be applicable in stream and river environments across the Southeast. Artifacts and collections found out of context in these environments can be traced back to possible origin sites. It holds the promise to greatly enhance our understanding of long term landscape usage, as well as human adaption within the landscape. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Fire features and ritual: an ethnoarchaeological analysis in Fiji's Lau Group

This thesis examines the earth oven, a common Fijian feature, from an ethnoarchaeological perspective. Earth ovens are ubiquitous in the archaeological record of the Pacific, yet little attempt has been made to determine standardized criteria for distinguishing these features from another common fire feature, the domestic hearth. This study aims to lay out criteria for distinguishing these similar features, as well as begin to explore methods for investigating ritual and religion in the archaeological record through these features. It utilizes archaeological, ethnohistorical, and ethnographic data from Fiji's Lau Group to achieve these goals. Earth ovens hold an important role in contemporary household food preparation, as well as preparation for feasting and ceremonies. Historical accounts of the region directly following European contact also point to the use of earth ovens in associations with rituals, including feasts and cannibalistic practices. While these rituals are no longer practiced, analysis of suspected ritual features, examination of ethnohistorical records, and comparison with ethnographic parallels of everyday fire features can aid in the recognition and interpretation of prehistoric ritual sites. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries