East Area Research Articles

Mapping the susceptibility to freeze-thaw deterioration and regionalization of freeze-thaw environments of earthen sites in China: A preliminary study

Earthen sites in China are widely exposed to freeze-thaw environments. There is a lack of knowledge about the spatial distribution patterns of freeze-thaw deterioration and environments, as well as preventive conservation strategies and subsequent refined research on the freeze-thaw deterioration of earthen sites. In this study, the freeze-thaw deterioration process of earthen sites was divided into two periods. Thirteen relevant factors were selected, and using the GIS-FAHP method, a susceptibility map for freeze-thaw deterioration of earthen sites in China was created. The Jenks Natural Breaks method was then employed to categorize the areas into five susceptibility levels: very low (24.6 %), low (18.2 %), moderate (24.2 %), high (18.2 %) and very high (14.8 %). Based on the susceptibility map, the three-level regionalization scheme for freeze-thaw environments of earthen sites in China was systematically developed, taking into account the differences in freeze-thaw deterioration susceptibility and natural landscape within the geomorphological units, and the environmental codes were assigned to third level small-regions. The freeze-thaw environments of earthen sites in China were finally divided into 5 major-regions, 20 sub-regions and 42 small-regions. The results showed that in the area east of the Heihe-Tengchong line, the susceptibility to freeze-thaw deterioration showed latitudinal correlation, and the susceptibility gradually increased from south to north; in the area west of the Heihe-Tengchong line, the susceptibility to freeze-thaw deterioration exhibited strong zonal characteristics. Among the provincial administrative units, Gansu Province and Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region have the most complex freeze-thaw environments, while Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan and Heilongjiang Provinces have the harshest freeze-thaw environments. This study can support regional management and prevention of freeze-thaw deterioration and deterioration studies of earthen sites in China.

3D Geological Modeling and Metallogenic Prediction of Kamust Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit in the Eastern Junggar Basin, NW China

Sandstone-type uranium deposits hold significant value and promise within China’s uranium resource portfolio, with the majority of these deposits found at the junctions of basins and mountains within Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins. The Kamust uranium mining area, located in the eastern part of the Junggar Basin, represents a significant recent discovery. Prior research on this deposit has been confined to two-dimensional analyses, which pose limitations for a comprehensive understanding of the deposit’s three-dimensional characteristics. To address the issue of uranium resource reserve expansion, this study employs 3D geological modeling and visualization techniques, guided by uranium deposit models and mineral prediction methods. First, a 3D model database of the Kamust uranium deposit was constructed, comprising drill holes, uranium ore bodies, ore-controlling structures, interlayer oxidation zones, and provenance areas. This model enables a transparent and visual representation of the spatial distribution of favorable mineralization horizons, structures, stratigraphy, and other predictive elements in the mining area. Second, based on the three-dimensional geological model, a mineral prediction model was established by summarizing the regional mineralization mechanisms, ore-controlling factors, and exploration indicators. Combined with big-data technology, this approach facilitated the quantitative analysis and extraction of ore-controlling factors, providing data support for the three-dimensional quantitative prediction of deep mineralization in the Kamust uranium deposit. Finally, using three-dimensional weights of evidence and three-dimensional information-quantity methods, comprehensive information analysis and quantitative prediction of deep mineralization were conducted. One prospective area was quantitatively delineated, located east of the Kalasay monocline, which has been well-validated in geological understanding. The research indicates that the area east of the Kalasay monocline in the Kamust mining district has significant exploration potential.

Mentoring Student for Reducing the Number of Illiterates in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic at Puger Wetan Village in Puger Jember

The South Coast of Indonesia, especially in the Puger Village area East Subdistrict Puger Jember Regency still face challenge in increase quality education children. Devotion this aiming for describe effectiveness of mentoring programs student Coast through guidance Study in frame reduce number blind reading, writing and arithmetic for students Puger Wetan. Blind numbers of letters, especially blind reading, writing, arithmetic (reading, writing, arithmetic) for elementary school students, becomes problem serious that hinders progress and potential children in the future. Target tutoring for child blind reading, writing and arithmetic more focused on children child class on that is student grades 3-6 are divided into 2 groups that is child who has Can reading, writing and arithmetic and blind children reading, writing and arithmetic. The method used is PAR (Participatory Action Research), namely with identify ability latest students, giving guidance student in accordance level ability, identify appropriate methods, monitoring and evaluation, and review results. As a result, there are improvement ability as much as 36% of students who previously blind reading, writing and arithmetic, so that number blind reading, writing and arithmetic capable decrease as much as 19%.

Spatial distribution, ecological and ecotoxicity evaluation of heavy metals in agricultural soils along Lala-Manjo Highway, Cameroon Volcanic Line

This study aims at assessing the spatial distribution, ecological and toxicity levels of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Lala-Manjo Highway in Cameroon. The soil samples were collected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The result shows that Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sr, V and Zn concentrations are higher than those of the upper continental crust reference values except those of As, Cd and Pb. Correlation coefficient indicate similar input sources governed by same geochemical characteristics. Spatial distribution maps show high concentration of heavy metals in east, south and western part of the study area. Pollution indicators show that enrichment factor varied from moderate to high enrichment of heavy metals. The contamination degree (27.12–35.59), geo-accumulation index (0.01–4.94), and potential ecological risk index (RI = < 150) revealed a low to moderate levels of metallic pollution. The majority of stations have pollution load index and Nemerow integrated pollution index values greater than one, indicating serious pollution. Modified hazard quotient and toxic risk index suggest significant severity of pollution and low toxicity risk of heavy metals, pointing low toxicity effects of heavy metals to fauna and flora in the soil ecosystem. Considering the factors governing soils accumulation such as geology, climate and anthropogenic activities as well as the correlation with commonly used environmental background, it is proposed that the data from this study can be considered as a baseline of pollution to plan major agricultural developments in the area. The study underlines the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management for the preservation of soil ecosystem. The results may assist companies and local population in setting realistic targets for monitoring and remediation programs.

Stage‐by‐stage exploration of normal embryonic development in the Arabian killifish, Aphanius dispar

AbstractBackgroundArabian killifish, Aphanius dispar, lives in marine coastal areas of the Middle East, as well as in streams that experience a wide range of salinities and temperatures. It has been used as a mosquito control agent and for studying the toxicities of environmental pollutants. A. dispar's eggshell (chorion) and embryos are highly transparent and are suitable for high resolution microscopic observations, offering excellent visibility of live tissues.ResultsIn this study, the staging of normal embryonic development of A. dispar was described and investigated at different temperatures. Embryonic development was then examined under different thermal environments from 26 to 34°C. Our data suggest that temperature has a significant effect on embryonic development, with accelerated development at higher temperatures.ConclusionA. dispar exhibits broad thermal tolerance and extended independent feeding capabilities, making it a promising model organism for toxicology and pathogenesis studies conducted over an extended period of time (12 days post‐fertilization).

Changes in Revealed Comparative Advantage in Machinery and Equipment: Evidence for Emerging Markets

The paper computes Balassa’s index of revealed comparative advantage for machinery and equipment (a rough proxy for high-tech goods) for a number of emerging areas (East Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East) and for selected individual countries over some 50 years, from the early 1970s to the early 2020s. The focus is on why some economies were successful in promoting high-tech sectors. As could be expected, experience differs hugely. In some countries, interventionist trade or industrial policies were crucial in fostering comparative advantage. In others, however, the role of policies appears to have been minor and successes were achieved thanks to the free play of market forces (including an important contribution, at least in some countries, coming from foreign direct investment).

Study on how the digital economy affects urban carbon emissions

The digital economy is crucial in advancing an economically sustainable and low-carbon future and plays a key role in achieving carbon neutrality and carbon peaking. We measured the digital economy development level of each prefecture-level city in China form 2011to 2019, then investigated the impact of on carbon emissions and its mechanism using the panel fixed effects model and the spatial Durbin model. Our results indicated that: Firstly, an inverted U-shaped relationship had been observed between the impact of digital economy on carbon emissions, which increased and then decreased, and this result was again verified by a threshold regression. Secondly, there was a nonlinear relationship between digital economy and green innovation and the digital economy had an indirect effect on carbon emissions through green innovation. Thirdly, the influence of digital economy on carbon emissions in the area followed an inverted U-shaped relationship that stimulated initially and then restrained, with spatial spillover effects. Fourth, the heterogeneity analysis found that digital economy had a greater emission reduction effect in areas east of the "Hu Huanyong line" and in in cities without resources. The conclusions provide new highlights on the relationship between digital economy and carbon emissions, along with policy recommendations for attaining the objectives of peak carbon and carbon-neutral strategies.

Spatial variation of soil organic carbon density in the black soil region of Northeast China under the influence of erosion and deposition

Soil erosion of the Songnen typical Black Soil Region (BSR) in Northeast China where contains higher soil organic carbon is serious, resulting in soil organic carbon spatial redistribution. To study the spatial redistribution pattern of cropland SOC caused by erosion, 115 cropland sample points were selected in the Songnen typical BSR, and soil samples were collected along the entire soil profile. The soil organic carbon density (SOCD) of the soil layer and profile were calculated, and the carbon storage (CS) was calculated for the erosion and deposition areas. The average soil organic carbon density (SOCDav) of the 115 cropland soil profiles (1 m) ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 kg/m2, and the total soil organic carbon density (SOCDt) of the soil profile (1 m) ranged from 10 to 20 kg/m2. The SOCD of each soil layer (20 cm) decreased vertically in a logarithmical manner from the top, and was divided into four groups with thickness through systematic clustering, which were 30–60 cm, 60–100 cm, less than 300 cm and greater than 350 cm. The SOCDt in the area north of the Songhua River and the area west of Nen River (The Greater Khingan Mountains area) ranged from 2.5 to 59.3 kg/m2, with an average is 14.1 kg/m2, and the first sample point group (30–60 cm) was mainly located in this area which had an average slope of 3.2° and an average black soil thickness of 24.6 cm. The SOCDt in the area north of the Songhua River and the area east of the Nen River ranged from 11 to 90 kg/m2, with an average of 28.6 kg/m2, the third and the fourth sample point group (greater than 100 cm) were both mainly located in this area which had an average slope of 2° and an average black soil thickness of 61 cm. The SOCDt in the area south of the Songhua River ranged from 1.6 to 28.7 kg/m2, with an average of 13.8 kg/m2, and the second sample point group (60–100 cm) was mainly located in this area which had an average slope of 2.4° and an average black soil thickness of 58.7 cm. The results showed that soil erosion occurred on steeper slopes, resulting in thinner soil layers, whereas soil deposition occurred on lower grade slopes, resulting in thicker soil layers. Kriging interpolation in ArcGIS showed that the Cs in the erosion and deposition areas of the Songnen typical BSR was 459.7 and 1234.7 Tg, respectively, and the total Cs was 1.6944 Tg (1 Tg = 1012 g).

Introduction

Social transformations in Sinic intellectual history reveal a complex interaction among evolving cultural, philosophical, and artistic ideas and socio-political shifts. The Sinic region, encompassing areas in East and Southeast Asia influenced by Chinese script and culture—particularly Confucianism and various forms of Chinese Buddhism—includes China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, parts of Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other neighbouring countries. The term “Sinic”, originating from the Latin word for China, highlights the shared cultural and linguistic heritage across these regions. This history illustrates how shifts in intellectual thought have continually influenced and been shaped by changes in societal structures and governance. The present publication explores the intricate relationship between the individual and the state—a theme that resonates deeply through the annals of Asian thought. This relationship, characterized by an evolving dialogue between personal autonomy and state authority, serves as the backdrop to the discussions presented in this issue. Each paper contributes to a broader understanding of how individuals have negotiated their space within the structures imposed by state ideologies, influencing and reshaping them in turn.

Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide on Diabetic Retinopathy among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia. A Systematic Review

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of progressive and irreversible vision loss. The relationship between metabolic control and progression of DR is observed in previous landmark randomized clinical studies. Moreover, a potential association between DR progression and glucagon-like peptide1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) is reported in diabetes literature. Objectives: To explore the effect of semaglutide treatment on diabetic retinopathy progression in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area. Methods: This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, we searched electronic databases including Google Scholars, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms using the PRISMA flow chart based on our inclusion criteria and used PROSPERO for searching for registered systematic reviews in MENA area. Results: Among 12 studies 11,854 patients were included in the mean follow-up period which was 52.5 weeks on semaglutide therapy with non-significant association with a pooled effect size for retinopathy incidence of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.12). Conclusion: The current literature revealed that semaglutide has an uncertain effect on diabetic retinopathy progression. A need for larger randomized clinical trials in MENA area to expose the definitive effect.

Late Palaeozoic structural evolution of the Patch Bank Ridge and Utsira High, northern North Sea

AbstractThis study focuses on the Late Palaeozoic development of the area east of Utsira High in the North Sea, where the stratigraphic section below the late Permian Rotliegend Group is undrilled. We use regional 3D seismic data to study structuring, sediment distribution and geomorphology across the Patch Bank Ridge and Utsira High in the North Sea. The results show that the Stord Basin and the bounding Utsira East fault initially developed during the Late Palaeozoic extension, probably during the Devonian, and that the Utsira Shear Zone controlled the location of Late Palaeozoic depocentres. The Patch Bank Ridge is an uplifted part of the Stord Basin where we identify Late Palaeozoic growth strata along the southern and northern flanks, indicating a similar timing of the structural evolution in this area. Two key wells, in the Sele High and Ling Depression, are used to relate a Late Palaeozoic isopach map with regional structuring, surface tilt and basement morphology to the enigmatic parts of the Late Palaeozoic basin system. Our results supplement regional models for the Late Palaeozoic basin development, we suggest that the deeply eroded Devonian half‐grabens preserved on the Utsira High formed parts of an extensive basin system that show stratigraphic expansion towards their bounding faults. The Top Basement surface at these highs offers several distinct geomorphologies that evolved during three periods of exposure, expressed as (i) a tilted and rugose landscape, (ii) distinct drainage networks and (iii) peneplain surfaces. Cover sediments place these landscapes to the (i) Devonian, (ii) Carboniferous/Permian/Triassic and (iii) Late Triassic periods.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea and the influence mechanism of Eddy Kinetic Energy

This paper uses 28 years of satellite altimeter fusion data from 1993 to 2020 to identify and track the mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea based on the Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) closed contour method, with the goal of improving our overall understanding of mesoscale eddy activities in the South China Sea and further investigating the ocean dynamic processes in the region, so as to provide fundamental data for climate change studies. The study examined the spatiotemporal distribution, generation and demise, and movement trajectories of the eddies. Furthermore, key parameters including velocity, vortex radius, amplitude and Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) were analyzed, with a particular emphasis on the seasonal changes and mechanisms that influence EKE in two areas of the South China Sea with high energy values. The South China Sea has more cyclonic eddies than anticyclonic eddies, according to the study, and its eastern region is primarily home to high-frequency generating areas. However, the majority of the vortices will eventually dissipate in the western and central areas of the South China Sea. Furthermore, vortices usually flow farther to the west. With decreasing latitude, the eddy radius and EKE distribution gradually increase, whereas the amplitude is contrary. EKE is caused by the interaction of factors including wind field driving, seawater movement, and circulation. Seasonal changes in the EKE occur near the Luzon Strait, and the sea area east of the south in Vietnam exhibits clear characteristics.

The coordinated development of higher vocational education, scientific and technological innovation, and sustainable economic development: Spatial distribution, influencing factors and future prediction

High-quality development in China requires higher vocational education, scientific and technological innovation, and sustainable economic development. The spatial distribution patterns of these factors show higher levels in the east and coastal areas compared to the west and inland regions, emphasizing the need for coupling coordination with the social economy. This study examines the impact of sustainable economic development on the coupling coordination degree using the spatial Durbin model. The results show a positive promotion and spillover effect, with regional variations. The main factors affecting the difference in coupling coordination are the amount of technology market contracts, fiscal expenditure on science and technology, patent application authorizations, tertiary industry output value, and the number of R&amp;D institutions. According to the grey prediction model, the coupling coordination degree is expected to increase from 2022 to 2025, but achieving primary coordination may still be challenging in some areas. Therefore, strategies that utilize regional characteristics for coordinated development should be developed to improve the level of coupling coordination and create a mutually beneficial environment.

Research on Urban Street Spatial Quality Based on Street View Image Segmentation

Assessing the quality of urban street space can provide suggestions for urban planning and construction management. Big data collection and machine learning provide more efficient evaluation methods than traditional survey methods. This study intended to quantify the urban street spatial quality based on street view image segmentation. A case study was conducted in the Second Ring Road of Changsha City, China. Firstly, the road network information was obtained through OpenStreetMap, and the longitude and latitude of the observation points were obtained using ArcGIS 10.2 software. Then, corresponding street view images of the observation points were obtained from Baidu Maps, and a semantic segmentation software was used to obtain the pixel occupancy ratio of 150 land cover categories in each image. This study selected six evaluation indicators to assess the street space quality, including the sky visibility index, green visual index, interface enclosure index, public–facility convenience index, traffic recognition, and motorization degree. Through statistical analysis of objects related to each evaluation indicator, scores of each evaluation indicator for observation points were obtained. The scores of each indicator are mapped onto the map in ArcGIS for data visualization and analysis. The final value of street space quality was obtained by weighing each indicator score according to the selected weight, achieving qualitative research on street space quality. The results showed that the street space quality in the downtown area of Changsha is relatively high. Still, the level of green visual index, interface enclosure, public–facility convenience index, and motorization degree is relatively low. In the commercial area east of the river, improvements are needed in pedestrian perception. In other areas, enhancements are required in community public facilities and traffic signage.

Penentuan Rute Pengambilan Sampah Dengan Menggunakan Metode Clarke &amp; Wright Algorithm Saving Heuristic Di Perusahaan Daerah Kebersihan Untuk Wilayah Bandung Timur

Trash problem in Capital City like Bandung City is became concern problem especially by West Java Government that relocating final waste disposal site from Sarimukti located in Padalarang Bandung Barat to final waste disposal site Legoknangka located in East Bandung, but final waste disposal site Legoknangka still in under construction, so the Government of Bandung City made temporary final waste disposal site located in Gedebage on Bandung City, because the distance between final waste disposal site Sarimukti and temporary final waste disposal site are far enough so need to be an assessement for disposal trucking route especially disposal truck various Dump Truck with maximum capacity 12 m³. The purpose for this research is to know, assessment, and analyze result from formation for route with VRP model (Vehicle Routing Problem) which is one of the methods are Saving Heuristic, the main focus on this methods is a big Savings distance, so that the result of distance is the shortest route but still concern maximum truck capacity. The result of this research is change route for truck disposal in East Bandung Area become 3 trucks with total travel distance 98.945 meters or ± 35.000 meters/truck from depot/pool to final waste disposal site, with this occur a savings from total trucks, total travel distance. Where is East Bandung Area usually needs 7 Dump Trucks for service this area, with only 1 truck serve 1-2 temporary dumping ground for travel distance 40.000 meters/truck for serve from temporary dumping ground this time not included travel distance and time travelling for truck to final waste disposal site.

Structural policies, FDI and economic stability effects on employment elasticities: case of emerging economies

The focus of this paper is centred on distinguishing between labour and product market policy ( Lmp and Pmp ) indicator’s role to empirically examine if foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic stability (GDPG volatility) effect the employment’s sensitivity to output fluctuations in 44 countries from Africa and Middle East Area over the period of 2000–2017. To address this objective, in the first step we provide by OLS the cross-sectional employment elasticities. Then, unlike previous studies, which are based only on linear specifications, this paper propose different nonlinear specifications to assess the floating marginal effect of the structural indicators. In a third step, each augmented nonlinear model is used to deduce the role of macroeconomic indicators. Based on U- or N-shaped floating marginal effect of only a single structural labour or product market policy ( Lmp or Pmp ), the Lmp indicator is found to have the important increasing impact on employment elasticities which depends on the initial policy condition. Based on augmented cubic model, to maximise employment responsiveness, structural policies have to be complemented by macroeconomic stability policies. Furthermore, the estimations confirm that FDI triggers aggregate employment elasticities and then employment follows the FDI promotions.

Chemical Speciation and Preservation of Phosphorus in Sediments along the Southern Coast of Zhoushan Island

This study investigated the distribution of sedimentary phosphorus (P) species along an area of a rapid current at the southern coast of Zhoushan Island. The objective of this study was to improve the understanding of P cycling in a zone of rapid water cycling. Results showed that the average percentage of each P form to total P (TP) was in the following order: apatite P (Ca-P; 52%) was found in the most abundant, followed by organic P (OP; 16%), exchangeable-P (Ex-P; 14%), detrital P (De-P; 11%), and iron-bound P (Fe-P; 7%). Ca-P showed a trend of an increasing concentration from a location at the west (ZS1 has mean Ca-P = 45.6 mg kg−1) toward the east (ZS2 has mean Ca-P = 82.69 mg kg−1) and south-east (ZS3 has mean Ca-P = 82.17 mg kg−1); De-P also increased from 15.12 mg kg−1 at ZS1 to 22.53 mg kg−1 at ZS2 and 27.45 mg kg−1 at ZS3, but the three bioavailable P species, OP, Ex-P, and Fe-P, decreased from the west toward the east of the coastal area. Results along the cores showed the occurrences of sediment P adsorption and release throughout the time span from the 1930s to the present, with an overall trend of decreasing Ca-P and TP from the bottom to surface sediments. There was a tendency of Ca-P formation at the expense of Ex-P and OP release during transport and organic matter decomposition. The likely impact of climate change in the coastal zone would be an increased temperature resulting in elevated organic matter decomposition and P release.

Variations in the Thermal Low-Pressure Location Index over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Its Relationship with Summer Precipitation in China

The thermal and dynamic effects of the special topography of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau have a significant impact on rainfall in China. Utilizing NCEP/NCAR monthly reanalysis data alongside precipitation observations from 1936 monitoring stations across China spanning from 1966 to 2022, this study establishes a location index for the thermal low-pressure center situated over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Temporal variations in the location index and summer (July) precipitation patterns in China were studied. Over the past six decades, thermal low-pressure centers have been predominantly positioned near 90° E and 32.5° N within a geopotential height of 4360 gpm, with their distribution extending from east to west rather than from south to north. The longitudinal and latitudinal position indices showed the same linear trend, with a negative trend before the 21st century, and then began to turn positive. Mutation analysis highlights pronounced weakening mutations occurring in 1981 and 1973, with the longitudinal index transitioning from an interannual cycle of approximately 6–8 years, while the latitudinal index displays quasi-cyclic oscillations of 5 and 8 and 12–14 years. Strong negative correlations are evident between the location indices and precipitation along the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and in southern China, contrasting with the positive correlations observed in the central-eastern plateau, northwest, north, and the Huang-Huai region of China. The center of the thermal low is located to the east and north, corresponding to the deeper surface thermal low in most areas east of China, and the stronger transport of warm and wet air from the southwest wind, leading to greater convergence of southwest wind and northwest wind in China’s northern region. The south of the Yangtze River is controlled by the strengthening West Pacific subtropical high and South Asia high, resulting in a significant decrease in precipitation, and the warm and humid air from the southwest on the west side of the West Pacific subtropical high is also transported to the north, increasing the precipitation in most parts of the north.

Spatiotemporal Changes and Influencing Factors of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Guangzhou, China, From 2013 to 2022: Retrospective Analysis.

In the past 10 years, the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases reported in Guangzhou, China, has averaged about 60,000 per year. It is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis to understand the epidemiological pattern and related influencing factors of HFMD in this region. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of HFMD cases in Guangzhou from 2013 to 2022 and explore the relationship between sociodemographic factors and HFMD incidence. The data of HFMD cases in Guangzhou come from the Infectious Disease Information Management System of the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Spatial analysis and space-time scan statistics were used to visualize the spatiotemporal distribution of HFMD cases. Multifactor ordinary minimum regression model, geographically weighted regression, and geographically and temporally weighted regression were used to analyze the influencing factors, including population, economy, education, and medical care. From 2013 to 2022, a total of 599,353 HFMD cases were reported in Guangzhou, with an average annual incidence rate of 403.62/100,000. Children aged 5 years and younger accounted for 93.64% (561,218/599,353) of all cases. HFMD cases showed obvious bimodal distribution characteristics, with the peak period from May to July and the secondary peak period from August to October. HFMDs in Guangzhou exhibited a spatial aggregation trend, with the central urban area showing a pattern of low-low aggregation and the peripheral urban area demonstrating high-high aggregation. High-risk areas showed a dynamic trend of shifting from the west to the east of peripheral urban areas, with coverage first increasing and then decreasing. The geographically and temporally weighted regression model results indicated that population density (β=-0.016) and average annual income of employees (β=-0.007) were protective factors for HFMD incidence, while the average number of students in each primary school (β=1.416) and kindergarten (β=0.412) was a risk factor. HFMD cases in Guangzhou were mainly infants and young children, and there were obvious differences in time and space. HFMD is highly prevalent in summer and autumn, and peripheral urban areas were identified as high-risk areas. Improving the economic level of peripheral urban areas and reducing the number of students in preschool education institutions are key strategies to controlling HFMD.

The Effect of Health Literacy on Health Status in Patients with Heart Failure: A Path Analysis.

Managing heart failure (HF) is challenging because of its complexity and high rates of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Effective management requires coordination between patients' abilities and healthcare services; however, low health literacy among patients with heart failure can adversely affect their health status. Therefore, the understanding relationship between health literacy and health status would provide the evidence for developing future intervention. This analytical study explored multilevel factors influencing health literacy and health status in patients with heart failure (HF) who underwent health service delivery at outpatient clinics. The sample consisted of 453 patients with HF from 12 hospitals located in five regional areas (north, south, east, northeast, central, and Bangkok) in Thailand. A hypothetical model was used to test the association between comorbidity, social support, patient-centered care, health service delivery, health literacy, and health status. Path analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that 40.8% of patients with HF exhibited low or inadequate levels of health literacy, yet perceived their health status as good, with an average of 25.2±19.8 points. Health service delivery by a cardiologist and nurse case manager directly influences health literacy. Comorbidity had a direct impact on health status, whereas social support, patient-centered care, and the aforementioned health service delivery indirectly affected health status through health literacy. Importantly, health literacy status directly influences health status. Comorbidity, social support, patient-centered care, and health service delivery were related with health literacy and high level of health literacy could influence the better health status. To increase the quality of health care services, health care providers should promote health literacy and integrate the concept of patient-centered care for HF patients at outpatient clinics. Recommendations include the training of nurses as case managers.