Description: This article discusses using GIS technology to identify areas of tuberculosis transmission and incidence. Background: Currently in the U.S. it is recommended that tuberculosis screening and treatment programs be targeted at high-risk populations. While a strategy of targeted testing and treatment of persons most likely to develop tuberculosis is attractive, it is uncertain how best to accomplish this goal. In this study the authors seek to identify geographical areas where on-going tuberculosis transmission is occurring by linking Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology with molecular surveillance. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was performed on data collected on persons newly diagnosed with culture positive tuberculosis at the Tarrant County Health Department (TCHD) between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2000. Clinical isolates were molecularly characterized using IS6 110-based RFLP analysis and spoligotyping methods to identify patients infected with the same strain. Residential addresses at the time of diagnosis of tuberculosis were geocoded and mapped according to strain characterization. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis models were used to identify risk factors involved in clustering. Results: Evaluation of the spatial distribution of cases within zip-code boundaries identified distinct areas of geographical distribution of same strain disease. The authors identified these geographical areas as having increased ...

Description: This article discusses nitrate and chloride concentrations in groundwater beneath a portion of the Trinity Group outcrop zone in Texas. Using a geographic information system and statistics, the author evaluated spatial distributions of nitrate and chloride concentrations in groundwater in an area of north-central Texas with agricultural activity, in addition to oil and natural gas exploration and production. Data were compiled from 40 water wells sampled in 2007. Nitrate concentrations in three wells exceeded the maximum contaminant level (44 mg/L) for drinking water. The highest nitrate concentration was 149 mg/L, and concentrations were generally higher in shallower wells. Chloride concentrations exceeded the 250 mg/L secondary drinking water standard in two wells, with no significant association between chloride concentration and well depth. Results of this study suggest localized human impacts, especially for nitrate, and identify areas warranting future monitoring.

Description: This article discusses the potential hazards of wind energy for rare, tereatened, and endangered birds and Batsin, Texas. The purpose of this study was to estimate relative potential hazard index (PHI) for 31 bird and ten bat species based upon the percentage of known or observed species range area (by county) within each wind speed classification. Results demonstrate considerable range in relative hazard, with the lesser prairie chicken and ferruginous hawk among the most potentially impacted birds; and the pale Townsend's bat, western small-footed bat, and big free-tailed bat among the most potentially impacted bats. While additional data are necessary to establish actual impacts of wind developments, relative potential hazard indices may help prioritize future studies.

Description: This presentation is part of the faculty lecture series UNT Speaks Out on HIV/AIDS. This presentation discusses the geographic distribution of HIV/AIDS in Texas and the associated factors.