Comprehensive Control Measures Research Articles

Effects of rainfall patterns, vegetation cover types and antecedent soil moisture on run‐off and soil loss of typical Luvisol in southern China

AbstractIdentifying the effect of precipitation, vegetation cover and underlying surface conditions on run‐off and soil loss is essential for understanding the mechanism of water erosion. The study site is located in the Shiqiaopu watershed of Hubei Province, China. The long‐term (2017–2021) monitoring data for this study included rainfall characteristics, antecedent soil moisture, run‐off and soil loss in four run‐off plots with four vegetation cover types (tea garden, soybean and rape, peanut and rape, and vetiver zizanioides). K‐means clustering and discriminant analysis were used to classify rainfall patterns. The improved redundancy analysis was used to quantitatively explore the relative importance of rainfall characteristics, vegetation cover and antecedent soil moisture to run‐off and soil loss. The results showed that the rainfall patterns were mainly divided into three categories: A (medium duration, small rainfall, medium rain intensity, high frequency), B (long duration, large rainfall, light rain intensity, low frequency) and C (short duration, medium rainfall, heavy rain intensity, medium frequency). The average run‐off coefficient, run‐off depth of different rainfall patterns were C > B > A, and the cumulative run‐off depth and soil loss under the A rainfall pattern were the largest. For the run‐off plots with four vegetation cover types, vetiver zizanioides had the best effect on run‐off and sediment reduction, while peanut and rape had the worst effect. The driving factor that contributed the most to the run‐off depth was vegetation cover (19.36%), and rainfall characteristics explained the most to the soil loss (11.65%). We also found that although antecedent soil moisture had a small explanation rate for soil loss, it was significantly correlated with the run‐off depth under the vegetation cover of the tea garden. Therefore, regional soil erosion should be combined with the importance of driving factors to take comprehensive control measures.

Quality Control in Regional Blood Center QC Laboratory

Implementing comprehensive quality control measures in Regional Blood Center (RBC) laboratory services is indispensable for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of transfusion-transmitted infectious screening results. These measures not only identify and address potential issues but also uphold the highest standards in analysis and testing. Below, we explore deeper into the critical aspects of quality control in laboratory services especially in the Regional Blood Center laboratory followed by American association of blood banking.  

Long-term variations of air pollutants and public exposure in China during 2000–2020

Since 2000, China has faced severe air pollution challenges，prompting the initiation of comprehensive emission control measures post-2013. The subsequent implementation of these measures has led to remarkable enhancements in air quality. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the long-term trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across China from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, we conducted a nationwide analysis of air quality, systematically quantifying model predictions against observations for pollutants. The CMAQ model effectively captured the trends of air pollutants, meeting recommended performance benchmarks. The findings reveal variations in pollutant concentrations, with initial increases in PM2.5 followed by a decline after 2013. The proportion of the population living in high PM2.5 concentrations (>75 μg/m3) decreased to <5 % after 2015. However, during the period from 2017 to 2020, around 40 % of the population continued to live in regions that did not meet the criteria for Chinese air quality standards (35 μg/m3). From 2000 to 2019, fewer than 20 % of the population met the WHO standard (100 μg/m3) for MDA8 O3. In 2000, 77 % of the population met the NO2 standard (<20 μg/m3), a figure that declined to 60 % between 2005 and 2014, nearly reaching 70 % in 2020. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the changes in pollutants and public exposure in 2000–2020. It serves as a foundational resource for future efforts in air pollution control and health research.

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Characterization of Listeria Spp. Isolated from Various Sources in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review.

Listeriosis is an important foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals in Ethiopia. This review aims to synthesize the epidemiology, prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species in the country. The literature reveals a widespread occurrence of Listeria infection in humans, animals, and food products, with an average prevalence of 21.6% for Listeria species and 6.9% for L. monocytogenes. Three sequence types (STs) of L. monocytogenes (2, 145, and 18) and twelve STs of L. innocua (1489, 1619, 603, 537, 1010, 3186, 492, 3007, 1087, 474, 1008, and 637) were reported from milk and dairy products. Contamination rates ranged from 4.1% to 42.9% across livestock, dairy, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities, indicating faults in production practices. Sporadic human listeriosis outbreaks have occurred since 1967, causing meningitis, perinatal infections, and deaths, with recent studies showing L. monocytogenes isolation in up to 10.4% of febrile patients, confirming foodborne transmission. Non-pathogenic Listeria species were also common on farms and in facilities. Ovine listeriosis poses a threat to Ethiopia's sheep and goat industries, with over 40% seroprevalence in some herds. Comprehensive control measures across the food chain are needed to curb contamination and protect public health. Isolates from various foods show antibiotic resistance to first-line agents but susceptibility to others like gentamicin and cephalosporins. In conclusion, this review synthesizes evidence on Listeria distribution in Ethiopia's food system and disease burden, highlighting the need for improved food safety policies and awareness.

Occupational safety & health risk analysis in formwork in high-rise building projects

The implementation of Occupational Health and Safety Management systems remains a significant concern, particularly in the context of multi-storey building construction projects. Within the realm of these complex endeavors, the management of work-related accidents during formwork operations is of paramount importance. This research employs a rigorous methodology involving questionnaire distribution and interviews, complemented by advanced analytical tools such as the Frequency Adjusted Importance Index (FAII) and Bow Tie Analysis. The study focuses on the Indonesian Development University’s high-rise building project, systematically assessing potential hazards associated with formwork activities. Furthermore, this research evaluates the inherent risk levels and proposes comprehensive control measures to mitigate these hazards effectively. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between safety management and high-rise construction, this study contributes to the enhancement of occupational safety and health practices in the construction industry, ultimately promoting safer and more efficient work environments.

Prevalence and spatial distribution characteristics of human echinococcosis: A county-level modeling study in southern Xinjiang, China

ObjectivesHuman echinococcosis remains an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and spatial distribution characteristics of human echinococcosis cases in southern Xinjiang, China from 2005 to 2021. MethodsHuman echinococcosis cases were collected from the National Infectious Disease Reporting System. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to explore the trends. Spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis, as well as spatial-temporal clustering analysis were conducted to confirm the distribution and risk factors. ResultsA total of 4580 cases were reported in southern Xinjiang during 2005–2021, with a mean annual incidence of 2.56/100,000. Echinococcosis incidence showed an increasing trend from 2005 to 2017 (APC = 17.939, 95%CI: 13.985 to 22.029) and a decreasing trend from 2017 to 2021 (APC = −18.769, 95%CI: 28.157 to −8.154). Echinococcosis cases had a positive spatial autocorrelation in 2005–2021 (Moran's I = 0.19, P < 0.05). The disease hotspots were located in the east and west in these areas, then returned to the east clusters, including Hejing, Heshuo, Wuqia, Atushi, Aheqi, and Yanqi Hui Autonomous County. Meanwhile, spatial-temporal analysis identified the first cluster comprised of five counties (cities): Yanqi Hui Autonomous County, Korla City, Bohu County, Hejing County, and Heshuo County. And secondary clusters 1–3 are predominantly in Wushi County, Aheqi County, Keping County, Atushi City, Wuqia County and Cele County. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that echinococcosis is still an important zoonotic parasitic disease in southern Xinjiang, yet it showed a certain degree of spatial clustering. It is crucial to implement comprehensive prevention and control measures to effectively combat the epidemic of echinococcosis.

[Is "tobacco harm reduction" possible? Other countries' experiences and perspectives, and how they could inform tobacco control in Japan].

"Tobacco harm reduction" is defined as a method to minimize harm and risk of death and disease without eliminating tobacco and nicotine use. In Japan, where heated tobacco products (HTPs) are prevalent, the tobacco industry is progressively endorsing the concept of "tobacco harm reduction." Therefore, stakeholders in tobacco control must urgently share perspectives and experiences surrounding this issue.　This discussion paper aimed to propose four requirements for effectively implementing "tobacco harm reduction" as a public health measure: (1) disease risk reduction, (2) cigarette smoking cessation, (3) no additional public health concerns, and (4) regulatory authorities held by health agencies, and compile information on them regarding nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and HTPs. Another aim was to summarize policies related to "tobacco harm reduction" adopted by an international organization (World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities in foreign countries (the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Italy, and the Republic of Korea) to explore the implications of these requirements on Japan's approach. Regarding the first three requirements, scientific evidence indicated that e-cigarettes offers some level of risk reduction and can assist with cigarette smoking cessation. The potential uptake of e-cigarettes among youth and their possibility to serve as a gateway to combusted cigarette use is a concern, though a definitive causal link is yet to be established between the uptake of e-cigarette in youth and the subsequent use of different tobacco products. There is insufficient scientific evidence for any of the three requirements for HTPs. Regarding the official policies, WHO took the position that the same regulations should be applied to all tobacco products. Only the UK and USA officially established a health system based on the concept of "tobacco harm reduction"; even in Italy and the Republic of Korea, where HTPs are relatively widespread, health authorities denied any risk reduction by introducing HTPs. The UK officially adopted a smoking cessation policy with e-cigarettes. The USA established a modified risk tobacco product system under federal legislation enacted in 2009, whereas of June 2023, no HTP or e-cigarettes were recognized as explicitly reducing health risk. Regarding the fourth requirement, the UK and USA institutionalized "tobacco harm reduction" under health authorities' regulation independent of the tobacco industry. The introduction of a tobacco harm reduction policy in Japan should be considered only in line with health authorities' regulation and implementation of comprehensive tobacco control measures independent of the tobacco industry.

Molecular Identification of invA gene from Salmonella species isolated from Human Sources in Southern Taraba, North-East Nigeria

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Wukari, Donga, Ibi, and Takum Local Government Areas in Southern Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. These areas were chosen due to their high population of farmers and traders, making them suitable locations for investigating foodborne pathogens. The experimental research spanned a period of 7 months, during which 200 blood and stool samples were collected from food vendors in the selected areas. Methodology: Sample collection involved the collection of 200 blood and stool samples from food vendors in Wukari, Donga, Ibi, and Takum Local Government Areas. Isolation and confirmation of Salmonella species were carried out through cultural and biochemical analyses, with reference strains used for quality control. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extraction was performed using the boiling technique, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the invA gene. Electrophoresis on an agarose gel was used to visualize the presence of the invA gene in the isolates. Results: The results of the study revealed a high prevalence of Salmonella species among food vendors in Southern Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. Analysis of the invA gene showed its presence in all isolates, indicating the widespread distribution of virulent strains in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of PCR-based methods for the detection of Salmonella and suggest the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to prevent foodborne illnesses. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the significant prevalence of Salmonella species among food vendors in Southern Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. The detection of the invA gene in all isolates highlights the potential virulence of these strains and emphasizes the importance of effective surveillance and control strategies to mitigate the risk of foodborne diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance genes associated with Salmonella strains in the region, facilitating the development of targeted interventions for public health protection.

Mechanism and control of strong rock pressure in the gully area under compound key strata

AbstractIn view of the problem strong rock pressure is easy to occur in coal seam mining in western gully terrain. Based on the coal seam mining conditions in the gully area under the compound key strata of Zhujiamao Coal Mine, the methods of similar simulation, theoretical calculation and analysis, numerical simulation and field measurement are adopted. The dynamic structure model of the key strata of the gully is constructed, and the mechanism and prevention and control measures of the strong rock pressure in the gully area of the working face under the compound key strata are analyzed. The research shows that the upper slope section of the gully area first undergoes rotary deformation, and then the chain structure formed by the broken block occurs sliding instability and impacts inferior key strata, resulting in strong rock pressure behavior in the working face. The calculation formula of the first breaking step distance of the main key strata rotation deformation and sliding instability during the movement of the overlying strata is derived. The calculation results show that the initial rotation deformation and sliding instability breaking step distances are 27 and 142 m, respectively, which are in good agreement with the support crushing at 145 m of the first gully. Using 3DEC numerical simulation, the stress of the second gully is reduced by 3.8 MPa after pressure relief, which verifies the position of strong rock pressure calculated by the formula and provides a theoretical basis for subsequent hydraulic fracturing. According to the mechanism, the comprehensive prevention and control measures of strong rock pressure in gully terrain are put forward. The support resistance of the working face is calculated to be 10,011 kN by the support resistance formula, and the ZY11000/14/34D hydraulic support is used. The working resistance of the calculated dangerous area after hydraulic fracturing is basically lower than 30 MPa, and the control effect is good. It has reference significance for coal seam mining through gully terrain.

[Expert consensus on immunoprophylaxis of childhood rotavirus gastroenteritis (2024 version)].

Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) is a global public health challenge that seriously threatens the health of children under 5 years of age. In China, the burden associated with RVGE is substantial and its prevention and control are difficult. On the basis of Expert Consensus on Immunoprophylaxis of Childhood Rotavirus Gastroenteritis (2020 Version) and Rotavirus Vaccines: WHO Position Paper-July 2021, in this updated consensus we systematically review advances in RVGE epidemiological research; safety, effectiveness/efficacy, and immune persistence of post-marketing rotavirus (RV) vaccines; and RV immunization strategies. We also provide guidance for RVGE diagnosis and treatment. Following the principles of prioritizing prevention and integrating medical and preventive approaches, we aim to facilitate the implementation of comprehensive prevention and control measures focusing on RV vaccination to reduce the childhood RVGE disease burden and provide reference for professionals working for disease control and prevention, vaccination, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and related fields.

[Effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022].

To evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of future control interventions. Data pertaining to comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source and echinococcosis surveillance in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022 were collected. The effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source was evaluated with prevalence of human echinococcosis, detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis patients, prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs, prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock, prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals and awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge, and Spearman's rank correlation analysis. The prevalence of human echinococcosis reduced from 1.08% in 2010 to 0.40% in 2022 in Sichuan Province (χ2 = 1 482.97, P < 0.05), with a reduction from 0.30% to 0.02% in the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases (χ2 = 2 776.41, P < 0.05), a reduction from 15.87% to 0.46% in the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs (χ2 = 20 823.96, P < 0.05), a reduction from 8.05% to 1.07% in the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (χ2 = 1 296.02, P < 0.05), and the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge increased from 50.65% to 95.24% (χ2 = 34 938.63, P < 0.05); in addition, there was a year-specific prevalence rate of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals (χ2 = 164.07, P < 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases correlated positively with the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in domestic dogs (rs = 0.823, P < 0.05) and the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (rs = 0.795, P < 0.05), and correlated negatively with the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge (rs = - 0.918, P < 0.05), and the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs correlated positively with the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (rs = 0.753, P < 0.05) and negatively with the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge (rs = -0.747, P < 0.05); however, there was no correlation between the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in domestic dogs and the prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals (rs = -0.750, P > 0.05). The comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source had achieved remarkable effectiveness in Sichuan Province; however, the transmission chain of echinococcosis has not been interrupted. Reinforced comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source and sustained tracking evaluation of the effectiveness are recommended in Sichuan Province.

Occurrence characteristics and control measures of plant pests and diseases

This paper analyzed the occurrence characteristics of plant pests and diseases, explored the occurrence characteristics and conditions of dominant diseases and pests such as powdery mildew, gray mold, aphids and whitefly, and formulated comprehensive prevention and control measures for the dominant diseases and pests of plant, mainly including cultivation management, ecological regulation and color board killing, supplemented by chemical prevention and control, aiming to provide strong technical support for the healthy development of plant flowers in Hubei province.

Study on early maturity and high yield cultivation technology of potato considering quality input parameters

Abstract [Objects] In order to determine the best parameter of potato early-maturing and high-yield cultivation technology, the early-maturing and high-yield cultivation technology considering quality input parameters was studied. [Methods] Four varieties of early-maturing potato, Zaodabai, Zihuabai, Kexin 6 and Dongnong 303, were selected as experimental materials. Sowing time, fertilizer formula and pest control were selected as quality input parameters, the plant height, weight, stem diameter, leaf area index, potato yield and vitamin C were selected as potato quality evaluation parameters, and the effects of different quality input parameters on early maturity and high yield of potato were determined. [Results] The sowing time of potato cultivation was about March 1, and the formula of fertilization was 160 km2 of N, 150 km2 of P2O5, and 105 km2 of K2O. When comprehensive pest control measures were adopted, the potato had the best quality and the highest yield. [Conclusion] The yield and quality of potatoes can be improved by adjusting sowing time, fertilization formula and formulating effective pest control measures.

[Expert recommendations on hepatitis A vaccination for adults].

Hepatitis A is a significant global public health concern, with severe clinical symptoms in adult cases that can progress to acute hepatic failure. With the implementation of comprehensive prevention and control measures based on vaccination, the reported incidence of hepatitis A in children has notably decreased in China, while the incidence of hepatitis A in adults has gradually increased. Vaccination against hepatitis A in adults remains a crucial preventive measure. This recommendation is formulated based on the World Health Organization's position paper on hepatitis A vaccines (2022), incorporating the latest domestic and international research advancements and opinions from domestic experts. Its aim is to provide recommendations for hepatitis A vaccination among Chinese adults, offering evidence for public health and vaccination professionals to scientifically use hepatitis A vaccines and maximize their preventive efficacy, thereby enhancing hepatitis A prevention and control efforts.

Global analysis of marine plastics and implications of control measure strategies

Plastic pollution is a global environmental crisis that threatens marine ecosystems and human health. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of plastic pollution in oceans worldwide. We examined data on global plastic production, annual estimates of plastic emissions to oceans from different countries, surface plastic mass by ocean basin, the share of global plastic waste emitted to the ocean, the share of ocean plastics that come from the largest emitting rivers, microplastics in the surface ocean, and plastic mass and particles across the world surface ocean. Our analysis revealed alarming trends, such as the significant increase in plastic production since the 1950s and the projected estimate of up to 12,000 million metric tons of plastic waste in the natural environment by 2050. Additionally, we found that more than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global annual emissions, with Asia contributing the highest estimate of plastic emissions, followed by Africa, South America, North America, Europe, and Oceania. Furthermore, our findings showed that the largest contributors to ocean plastic waste are macroplastics, mesoplastics, and microplastics, with small microplastics dominating the percentage of surface ocean plastic by particle count. The recycling and reuse of waste plastics implement the concept of sustainable development of recycling and offsets the carbon emissions in the environment, potentially obtaining more carbon credits. Our findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to reduce plastic waste and prevent further harm to our oceans, incorporating recycling and reuse strategies as key components of comprehensive control measures.

Epidemiological survey, molecular profiling and phylogenetic analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an emerging vector-borne ailment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, exhibits diverse spread patterns and outbreaks. To comprehend its epidemiology and identify parasite species, we conducted an active survey on suspected CL cases (n=8845) in KPK. Microscopy and internal transcribed spacer-1 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) molecular techniques detected Leishmania spp. in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis gauged genetic affinities with other areas. District Bannu displayed the highest CL impact (14.58%), while Swat had the lowest impact (4.33%) among cases. Annual blood examination rate, parasite incidence and slide positivity rate were 4.96 per 1000 people, 0.0233 and 0.047%, respectively. CL infections were prevalent in 1- to 20-y-olds, with males (57.17%) more vulnerable than females (42.82%). Single lesions occurred in 43.73% of patients, while 31.2% people had two lesions, 17.31% had three lesions and 7.74% had more than three lesions. Most had sand-fly exposure but lacked preventive measures like repellents and bed nets. Leishmania tropica was confirmed via RFLP analysis in amplified samples. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled genetic parallels between L. tropica of KPK and isolates from China, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Syria and Morocco. Urgent comprehensive control measures are imperative. Early detection, targeted interventions and raising awareness of CL and sand-fly vectors are vital for reducing the disease's impact. International collaboration and monitoring are crucial to tackle Leishmania spp.'s genetic diversity and curtail its cross-border spread.

THE EFFECTS OF SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES ON HUMAN ATTITUDE CHANGE AND EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

This discussion delves into the intricate realms of self-awareness and unconsciousness, shedding light on their profound influence on human behavior and society. Awareness, spanning from the womb to the grave, defines our conscious existence, while the unconscious silently records every sensory input, guiding our emotions and actions. Notably, the unconscious can be harnessed to manipulate individuals and communities through subliminal messages, a powerful tool wielded by advertising, marketing, and media. The infamous 1957 experiment by James Vicary, flashing Eat Popcorn! Drink Coca-Cola! in a cinema, exemplifies how subtle suggestions can shape consumer choices. Visual symbols in advertising can evoke feelings of credibility in consumers, perpetuating the allure of certain products or services. However, its essential to be cautious, especially regarding children and their exposure to digital games, which may harbor hidden subliminal messages impacting their future behavior. The study underscores the sway of subliminal messages in advertising, ideology propagation, and economic interests. Nevertheless, the impact varies with age, gender, culture, and time, aligning with individual desires and beliefs. Negative usage of subliminal messages, when they are forced upon consumers, becomes detrimental to individuals and society. Therefore, comprehensive control measures and penalties for subliminal advertising are imperative. Particularly, vigilance is required in monitoring childrens media consumption to shield them from harmful messages.In conclusion, subliminal messages hold immense potential for both harm and benefit. While they can be tools for manipulation, they can also aid personal growth and societal harmony. Striking a balance requires vigilance, regulation, and ethical considerations, ensuring that subliminal messages serve as a force for positive change rather than manipulation.

From expansion to shrinkage: Exploring the evolution and transition of karst rocky desertification in karst mountainous areas of Southwest China

AbstractSystematic elucidation of the evolution trend of karst rocky desertification (KRD) is of great significance for correctly understanding its occurrence and development process, and implementing effective comprehensive control measures. Based on the existing studies, the authors explore the formation and evolutionary mechanisms and trends of KRD in the karst mountains of Southwest China based on the literature and field investigations. The factors driving the occurrence and formation of KRD are: the single livelihood of farmers in karst mountain areas (KMA); the great land pressure, the low land carrying capacity; and the fragile ecology. With a background of low land carrying capacity, land‐use practices such as over‐cutting, over‐cultivation, and over‐grazing have triggered land degradation in the KMA, including the KRD. With the evolution of social and economic background and the disappearance of its driving factors, the trend of KRD expansion will undergo fundamental change, essentially a KRD transition. KRD transition is the response of the land‐use system to the comprehensive action of economic and social development and ecosystem, which accords with the general trend of economic and social development and ecosystem evolution. The transition of KRD areas outlined in this paper reveals the change of human–land relationship in a KMA in Southwest China and provides a valuable reference for rural revitalization and ecological construction.

COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL MEASURES IN THE VERY LARGE TAKISAKA LANDSLIDE AREA IN JAPAN

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the comprehensive control measures in the very large Takisaka landslide area in Japan. The Takisaka landslide area is one of the most representative large landslide areas in Japan. The location of the Takisaka landslide is extremely peculiar and this landslide could pose a great threat to the surrounding area. The landslide area is directly adjacent to the main channel of the Agano River, which has a length of 210 km and a catchment area of 7,710 km2 and flows from the eastern part of Fukushima Prefecture through Niigata Prefecture to the Sea of Japan. In the worst case, if the Takisaka landslide were to occur on a large scale, the sliding mass of soil could dam up the mainstream of the Agano River. In this case, a large reservoir would be created upstream and many residential areas would be flooded. In addition, if the reservoir were to burst, there would be flooding downstream. In order to avoid such a situation, the Takisaka landslide area must be managed extremely carefully, and comprehensive and drastic countermeasures must be taken. Originally, it is impossible to completely prevent such a large landslide by hard countermeasures using engineering structures alone. Therefore, for such a large landslide, it is necessary to monitor the amount of landslide movement in real-time continuously and to immediately issue an evacuation order to nearby residents when a critical amount of movement is measured. At the same time, however, it is also necessary to install hard measures using engineering structures to prevent the continuous movement of the landslide. This report first describes the characteristics of the Takisaka landslide. Then, comprehensive control measures, both soft measures and hard measures, are reported. The main part of the soft measures is the early warning system based on the comprehensive real-time monitoring system of this landslide. The main components of the hard measures are drainage works to collect and channel dangerous groundwater, such as drainage tunnels, drainage wells, and drainage boreholes. Finally, the effect of the drainage works already installed is illustrated three-dimensionally.

Assessing the health risks of coal-burning arsenic-induced skin damage: A 22-year follow-up study in Guizhou, China

Risk assessment of arsenic-induced skin damage has always received significant global attention. Theories derived from arsenic exposure in drinking water may not be applicable to the coal-burning type to arsenic-exposed area. Furthermore, very few studies have successfully determined the reference value of cumulative arsenic (CA) exposure that leads to specific skin lesions. In this study, we conducted a 22-year follow-up investigation to assess the risk of skin lesions and cancer resulting from long-term, multi-channel arsenic exposure from hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. The results show that the arsenic exposure can significantly increase the prevalence of skin lesions. For each interquartile range increase of hair arsenic (HA) and CA, the risk of skin damage increased by 1.91 and 3.90 times, respectively. The lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose of HA of arsenic-induced various skin lesions ranged from 0.07 to 0.12 μg·g−1, and 932.57 to 1368.92 mg for CA. The chronic daily intake, lifetime average daily dose in the arsenic-exposed area after the comprehensive prevention and control measures have decreased significantly, but remained higher than the daily baseline level of 3.0 μg·kg−1·d−1. Even as recently as 2020, the hazard quotients and hazard index still exceeded 1, measuring 155.33 and 55.20, and the lifetime excess risk of skin cancer (2.80 × 10−3) remains significantly higher than the acceptable level of 10−6. Our study underscores the effectiveness of comprehensive prevention and control measures in managing high arsenic exposure in coal-burning arsenic poisoning areas. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the risk of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects on the skin remains substantially higher than the acceptable level. We recommend setting reference limits for monitoring skin damage among individuals exposed to arsenic, with a recommended upper limit of 0.07 μg·g−1 for HA and a maximum acceptable level of 935.57 mg for CA.