Emergency Response Measures Research Articles

Cyber-physical-system-based smart water system to prevent flood hazards

BackgroundExtreme weather and climate events such as super typhoons and unprecedented recorded high intensity rainfall events have increased in recent years due to climate change. Such extreme weather events generate floods and cause loss of life and property. Therefore, efficient strategies and measures for flood mitigation and prevention are essential. Computer-aided techniques can increase the speed of emergency response and reduce the impacts of a flood.MethodsThis study applied the cyber-physical system concept to develop a smart flood information system, called Dayu Smart Water System. The system includes an on-site monitoring network and software for rapid flood modeling to provide updated information. With the utilization of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, the system not only provides forecast information but also plays an active role by enabling users to take emergency response measures before, during, and after a flood. The system is aimed at accelerating emergency responses during a flood without requiring any human intervention.ResultsThe system was deployed in a high-tech industrial park in central Taiwan. Experimental results revealed that the system could increase the response efficiency of the emergency operations center during a few extreme events in 2017. To enable the system to respond to a wide range of flood induced threats in a more effective manner, a few advanced functions are under development and discussed in this paper.ConclusionsThis study utilized Dayu Smart Water System that integrates on-site monitoring sensors and advanced modeling tools to provide optimal flood forecasts. However, the proposed system has implemented only the first three levels—connection, conversion, and cyber levels. The higher the number of levels is, the more added value is the system provides. The fourth and fifth levels, namely the cognition and configuration levels, were not discussed in the study. Further developments in these two levels will be conducted.

A risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory

The frequent occurrence of extreme haze episodes currently in China has caused widespread public concern. The Chinese Government has developed and implemented a series of long-term measures to mitigate the serious situation. Nevertheless, some emergency response measures are also needed in the short-term. Hence, a risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) with linguistic evaluation information is proposed. This method obtains and expresses group decision-makers' (DMs') evaluation information based on additional linguistic evaluation scale and its extended scale, calculates the comprehensive prospect value matrix of each haze emergency response alternative based on CPT, after that, calculates the final decision results with DMs' weights. On these bases, the best haze disaster emergency response alternative can be selected. Finally, an application case of HD city in North China is presented to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method.

A risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory

The frequent occurrence of extreme haze episodes currently in China has caused widespread public concern. The Chinese Government has developed and implemented a series of long-term measures to mitigate the serious situation. Nevertheless, some emergency response measures are also needed in the short-term. Hence, a risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) with linguistic evaluation information is proposed. This method obtains and expresses group decision-makers' (DMs') evaluation information based on additional linguistic evaluation scale and its extended scale, calculates the comprehensive prospect value matrix of each haze emergency response alternative based on CPT, after that, calculates the final decision results with DMs' weights. On these bases, the best haze disaster emergency response alternative can be selected. Finally, an application case of HD city in North China is presented to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Influence of diversion channel section type on landslide dam draining effect

The present study focuses on the emergency response measures for landslide dams. This work presents a series of centrifuge model tests conducted on the draining processes of barrier dams that are based on the grain composition of the Tangjiashan landslide dam. The effects of diversion channels with trapezoid, triangular, and compound sections on the discharge, process, and size of the residual dam are discussed. The characteristics of the flow erosion during the process of discharge in the different channels are analyzed based on hydrodynamics. The results suggest that a diversion channel with a compound section has a higher initial discharge efficiency and lower peak flow, and the flow process curve corresponds to a “chunky-type.” The draining from this type of a diversion channel could clearly reduce the flood pressure of the river downstream and make the entire process smoother. Thus, the excavation of a diversion channel with a compound section is an efficient and safe method for landslide dam emergency mitigation.

A dynamic vulnerability evaluation model to smart grid for the emergency response

Smart grid shows more significant vulnerability to natural disasters and external destroy. According to the influence characteristics of important facilities suffered from typical kinds of natural disaster and external destroy, this paper built a vulnerability evaluation index system of important facilities in smart grid based on eight typical natural disasters, including three levels of static and dynamic indicators, totally forty indicators. Then a smart grid vulnerability evaluation method was proposed based on the index system, including determining the value range of each index, classifying the evaluation grade standard and giving the evaluation process and integrated index calculation rules. Using the proposed evaluation model, it can identify the most vulnerable parts of smart grid, and then help adopting targeted emergency response measures, developing emergency plans and increasing its capacity of disaster prevention and mitigation, which guarantee its safe and stable operation.

Current diagnostics in NSAID hypersensitivity

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are the second most common trigger of drug hypersensitivity in adults and children and are considered the most common or second most common cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis. NSAID hypersensitivity reactions are classified according to the latency of symptoms in relation to ingestion and on the basis of symptoms, potential underlying disease (chronic urticaria, bronchial asthma/chronic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyps), cross-reactivity to other NSAID, and the suspected pathomechanism. The diagnosis and management of NSAID hypersensitivity depend on the confirmed or suspected type of reaction. The pathomechanism for the majority of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAID has not been elucidated in detail; preferential COX-1 inhibition, which causes a shift in arachidonic acid metabolism, is considered relevant to an extent in immediate-type reactions. Delayed reactions to NSAID are rarer, diverse, and considered to be T cell mediated. All NSAIDs are essentially able to trigger all types of reaction. Immediate-type reactions involving cutaneous (urticaria/angioedema) and/or respiratory symptoms (rhinitis, bronchial asthma), as well as anaphylactic reactions are the most common. A careful allergy diagnostic work-up enables hypersensitivity to be excluded in the majority of affected individuals. In vitro testing and skin testing, as well as the gold standard, provocation testing with the suspected NSAID, or exposure testing to identify safe alternatives are used in a stepwise approach. It is important to bear in mind that standardized and validated in vitro test methods (e. g., specific IgE determination, basophil activation test, lymphocyte transformation test) and skin testing are not available for most NSAID and often prove negative. Except in the case of severe index reactions, provocation testing (with emergency response measures in place) to establish the diagnosis, evaluate possible cross-reactivity, and identify safe alternatives should be performed. Avoidance measures should only be recommended if the diagnosis has been reliably established. Patients should receive recommendations (avoidance measures, alternatives) in written form.

Flexible decision making in the wake of large scale nuclear emergencies: Long-term response

We develop a decision-making model that describes optimal protection and recovery strategies for a single economic location affected by radioactive release from the nearby Nuclear Power Plant. The initial period of release and deposition is characterised by high degrees of uncertainty, which is likely to lead to precautionary emergency measures being carried out regardless of the actual dangers to the public, and therefore it is excluded from the optimisation problem. Instead, the analysis is performed on the timescale of weeks, months, years and decades after the accident, implying that the problem is largely deterministic if one disregards long-term economic uncertainties. It is on these longer timescales that economically-driven decisions could be made on whether or not to implement various protection and recovery measures, which include relocation, remediation, repopulation and food banning. Our model allows one to find the joint cost-minimal strategy across the set of measures, providing certain spatial and temporal flexibilities are permitted. Several qualitatively different strategies are identified, including those with no relocation and delayed remediation. Which strategy is optimal depends on the initial radiation levels, the rates and costs of the individual actions, and the preferred economic valuation of the relevant health effects associated with radiation. Our main message is that in many possible settings relocation should be used sparingly and repopulation should be delayed to exploit natural decay of the radioactive elements. These findings could provide useful recommendations to regulators in civil nuclear industry and help devise better policies for implementing emergency response and recovery measures.

The Message of “APEC Blue” for the Prevention and Control of Urban Air Pollution in China

Analysis of the meteorological conditions for atmospheric pollutant dispersion before and after the 2014 APEC meeting shows very significant effects of air pollution prevention and control measures on the meeting. It proves that the proper measures to control air pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region are: establishing a regional emergency response mechanism to reduce emissions in the case of heavy air pollution, strengthening the local emergency response measures for emission reduction, and enhancing the early warning system for weather conditions conducive to heavy air pollution.

Concentration Characteristics of PM2.5 in Beijing During Two Red Alert Periods

Variations of PM2.5 concentrations and effects of pollution control measures during two red alert periods in 2015 in Beijing were analyzed based on atmospheric pollutant monitoring data. The results showed that during the first red alert, the highest hourly-averaged PM2.5 concentration occurred at 19:00 on 9th December with a value of 282 μg·m-3 and the highest hourly PM2.5 concentration appeared at Yongledian station which is near the southeast border of Beijing, with the peak concentration of 496 μg·m-3. During the second red alert, the highest hourly-averaged concentration of PM2.5 occurred at 20:00 on 22th with a value of 421 μg·m-3. The highest hourly PM2.5 concentration was monitored at Liulihe station which is near the southwest border of Beijing, with the peak concentration of 831 μg·m-3. During the duration period of both red alerts, the concentrations at the southern stations were higher than those at downtown stations and the PM2.5 concentrations at northern stations were found to be the smallest. The difference between these two red alerts was that during the second red alert, the PM2.5 concentrations in southern Beijing were significantly higher than those in the northern area, while the magnitude of this south-to-north gradient was much smaller during the first one. During the second red alert, up to 93% of Beijing area showed an average PM2.5 concentration of above 150 μg·m-3, which was much larger than that in the first one. The meteorological conditions during the two red alerts were both not conducive to the spread of pollutants. Formation of secondary pollutants and regional pollutant transport existed as well. Though the stagnant weather conditions were in favor of the development of severe pollution, large regional-wide pollutant emission was the main reason for these two heavy air pollutions in Beijing. PM2.5 concentrations were decreased by 20%-25% after the implementation of emergency response measures, which showed the significance of emission reduction in air pollution control.

Reasons and preventive measures for vascular damage in pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the first choice for the treatment of periampullary tumors,bile duct cancer and pancreatic cancer. The consequence of improper handling during the operation for ampullary carcinoma, pancreatic tumors, and bileducttumors involving major vessels is serious. Surgeons should master the anatomy of abdominal organs, surgical technique and the ability of handling emergent events. In case of vascular damage in pancreaticoduodenectomy, correct judgment and emergency response measures are important for avoiding intraoperative death and postoperative complications.

Quantitative Analysis of Effects of UV Exposure and Spore Cluster Size on Deposition and Inhalation Hazards ofBacillusSpores

Reviews of the effects of solar UV radiation on the survival rate of aerosolized biological material found that the current understanding of environmental viability degradation in response scenarios is insufficient to inform appropriate emergency response measures. We evaluated the effects of UV degradation, in terms of the number of viable, culture forming units as a function of spore cluster size on the downwind hazard presented by a release of a biological organism such as Bacillus anthracis into the environment. We used experimentally derived survival rates for B. atrophaeus var. globigii (BG) spores and BG spore clusters (as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis) of various sizes exposed to UVC fluences to derive predicted survival rates for single spores and spore clusters of up to 10 µm. For the range of weather conditions encountered in hazard estimates, as characterized by Pasquill-Gifford-Turner classes, we calculated and compared the downwind inhalation and deposition hazards for single spores ver...

An RFID-based inventory management framework for emergency relief operations

In the aftermath of super storm Sandy, a large region from North Carolina to Maine endured food shortages, power outages, and long lines at gas stations forced to ration fuel due to low supply and high demand. These issues were largely the result of the affected transportation network’s inability to effectively cope with random and highly dynamic changes, and a lack of available resources and suppliers who were capable of enacting adequate emergency response measures. These problems experienced during super storm Sandy further underscored the need for a robust emergency inventory management system, where planning policies can be integrated with real-time on-line inventory management strategies to keep track of fluctuations of vital commodities such as food, water, medicine, fuel and power supplies. Motivated by this important problem, this paper investigates a comprehensive feedback-based emergency management framework for disasters such as super storm Sandy that provides integration with an emerging intelligent transportation systems technology, namely Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID). Within this framework, the offline-planning problem is solved by the stochastic humanitarian inventory management approach; and the online modeling strategy includes the application of a continuous time model predictive control technique. After introducing the mathematical background, the proposed framework is discussed using case studies built based on super storm Sandy in order to understand the efficiency and practicality of this RFID-based methodology. Results suggest that the methodology can properly account for and react to the rapidly changing needs for vital supplies that occur during the emergency relief operations. Based on this approach, planners and decision makers can be aware of the time delay that can happen due to disaster-related disruptions and thus maintain a safe level of buffer for vital supplies.

Comparative Analysis of Earthquake Emergency Response in China and Japan Based on Timeline: 311 Earthquake vs 512 Earthquake

A devastating <bm>Ms</bm>8.0 earthquake hit Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008. A similarly destructive <bm>Ms</bm>9.0 earthquake hit eastcoast Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, on March 11, 2011. The governments of both countries took rapid, effective emergency response measures, gaining invaluable experience and learning precious lessons. To compare detailed emergency responses during these earthquakes and share lessons, this paper uses timeline analysis focusing on the levels of the two earthquakes, summarizing key emergency response measures focusing on emergency command center setup and operation, rescue force deployment and dispatch, emergency victim housing and resettlement, and public information reporting and release based on a time sequence. It also comparatively analyzes and sorts their implementation and timing and studies the similarities and differences of the two earthquakes. This paper also analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of emergency response measures taken by both nations, considering the background of emergency management systems to share experiences and provide references on future disaster emergency response work to improve abilities and progress in earthquake response.

Cyanobacterial bloom management through integrated monitoring and forecasting in large shallow eutrophic Lake Taihu (China)

The large shallow eutrophic Lake Taihu in China has long suffered from eutrophication and toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Despite considerable efforts to divert effluents from the watershed, the cyanobacterial blooms still reoccur and persist throughout summer. To mitigate cyanobacterial bloom pollution risk, a large scale integrated monitoring and forecasting system was developed, and a series of emergency response measures were instigated based on early warning. This system has been in place for 2009–2012. With this integrated monitoring system, it was found that the detectable maximum and average cyanobacterial bloom area were similar to that before drinking water crisis, indicating that poor eutrophic status and cyanobacterial bloom had persisted without significant alleviation. It also revealed that cyanobacterial bloom would occur after the intense storm, which may be associated with the increase in buoyance of cyanobacterial colonies. Although the cyanobacterial blooms had persisted during the monitoring period, there had been a reduction in frequency and intensity of the cyanobacterial bloom induced black water agglomerates (a phenomenon of algal bloom death decay to release a large amount black dissolved organic matter), and there have been no further drinking water crises. This monitoring and response strategy can reduce the cyanobacterial bloom pollution risk, but cannot reduce eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms, problems which will take decades to resolve.

Anticipatory Management for Instream Habitat: Application to Carneros Creek, California

AbstractEcological research increasingly demonstrates that the best fish habitat is associated with complex, dynamically migrating channels. Active erosion and deposition create pools, side channels, and surfaces for recruitment of riparian vegetation, resulting in hydraulic complexity. As such, the most effective and sustainable restoration strategies restore natural processes, and in turn, create biological habitat. Nevertheless, there exists a social–cultural preference for stable channels. Landowners are often unhappy with eroding banks and, more broadly, are uncomfortable with ‘messy’ ecosystems and the erosion, deposition, and channel migration that are essential components of the dynamic channels that provide the greatest floodplain biodiversity. Episodic bank erosion and failure are often treated with emergency response measures, such as riprap and bank hardening. This often results in simplified channels with minimized instream habitat. Here, we propose an alternative management approach for streams with cohesive banks, and where active erosion is concentrated in ‘hot spots’ that are roughly predictable based on geomorphic analysis. We term the approach anticipatory management and present an application of the approach to Carneros Creek, an incised tributary to the Napa River. We contrast the likely habitat values and agricultural land loss of the anticipatory management approach to: (i) a conventional bank stabilization project proposed for the creek, and (ii) a series of uniform setbacks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Assessment of the potential for international dissemination of Ebola virus via commercial air travel during the 2014 west African outbreak

SummaryBackgroundThe WHO declared the 2014 west African Ebola epidemic a public health emergency of international concern in view of its potential for further international spread. Decision makers worldwide are in need of empirical data to inform and implement emergency response measures. Our aim was to assess the potential for Ebola virus to spread across international borders via commercial air travel and assess the relative efficiency of exit versus entry screening of travellers at commercial airports.MethodsWe analysed International Air Transport Association data for worldwide flight schedules between Sept 1, 2014, and Dec 31, 2014, and historic traveller flight itinerary data from 2013 to describe expected global population movements via commercial air travel out of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Coupled with Ebola virus surveillance data, we modelled the expected number of internationally exported Ebola virus infections, the potential effect of air travel restrictions, and the efficiency of airport-based traveller screening at international ports of entry and exit. We deemed individuals initiating travel from any domestic or international airport within these three countries to have possible exposure to Ebola virus. We deemed all other travellers to have no significant risk of exposure to Ebola virus.FindingsBased on epidemic conditions and international flight restrictions to and from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone as of Sept 1, 2014 (reductions in passenger seats by 51% for Liberia, 66% for Guinea, and 85% for Sierra Leone), our model projects 2·8 travellers infected with Ebola virus departing the above three countries via commercial flights, on average, every month. 91 547 (64%) of all air travellers departing Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone had expected destinations in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Screening international travellers departing three airports would enable health assessments of all travellers at highest risk of exposure to Ebola virus infection.InterpretationDecision makers must carefully balance the potential harms from travel restrictions imposed on countries that have Ebola virus activity against any potential reductions in risk from Ebola virus importations. Exit screening of travellers at airports in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone would be the most efficient frontier at which to assess the health status of travellers at risk of Ebola virus exposure, however, this intervention might require international support to implement effectively.FundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research.

Japan-Thailand Collaboration Research on Infectious Diseases: Promotion and Hurdles

The Thailand-Japan Research Collaboration Center on Emerging and Re-emerging Infections (RCC-ERI) was established in 2005 by the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Medical Sciences (DMSc), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Thailand. This was initiated based on the recognition that, with today’s highly developed transportation networks including those between Japan and Thailand, infectious disease outbreak and transmission are no longer limited to a single country. Indeed, such diseases are likely to be transmitted immediately to a third country. This makes it essential to cooperate globally in exchanging information fast and often. A dozen Japanese researchers are working regularly at RCC-ERI, where they conduct joint research with Thai researchers on bacterial and viral infectious diseases prevailing in Thailand that could conceivably affect Japan. Examples of such diseases include cholera, meningitis with Streptococcus suis, AIDS, chikungunya fever, and dengue fever. Conducting long-term research in other countries often reveals gaps in perception due to differences in national laws and regulations, in rules and operating customs within research institutions, in economic and cultural backgrounds, and in values and ways of thinking among individual researchers. RCCERI is being operated as fine adjustments are made to achievemaximumproductivity and developing human resources. Some of the many researchers stationed at the Center faced unpredicted situations such as social chaos due to political instability or evacuation due to flooding and had to take emergency response measures. In this article, we cover aspects related to these experiences.

MACCS2 코드를 이용한 연구용원자로 '하나로' 설계기준사고시 비상대응조치 효과분석

MACCS2 코드를 이용한 연구용원자로 '하나로' 설계기준사고시 비상대응조치 효과분석

Mapping disaster vulnerability in India using analytical hierarchy process

Disasters are the coincidences between hazardous events, elements at risk, and conditions of vulnerability. Vulnerability integrates social and environmental systems to reduce the intensity and frequency of these risks. By categorizing regions according to their level of vulnerability, one can examine and assess the possible impacts of developmental and environmental degradation processes. This study is an attempt to map the sub-national areas (districts) in India that are vulnerable to natural and climate-induced disasters. The assessment is considered under the framework of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change definition of vulnerability. Using analytical hierarchy process as a multi-criteria decision-mapping method, vulnerability is measured in terms of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Based on this mapping assessment, districts in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal are the most vulnerable regions; while districts in the state of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka are among the least vulnerable regions. The results of this study can serve as the basis for targeting prioritization efforts, emergency response measures, and policy interventions at district level for mitigating disaster vulnerability in the country.

Repeated exposure to 5D9, an inhibitor of 3D polymerase, effectively limits the replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus in host cells

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of livestock caused by a highly variable RNA virus (FMDV) that has seven serotypes and more than sixty subtypes. Both prophylactic and post-infection means of controlling the disease outbreak, including universally applicable vaccines and emergency response measures such as therapeutic treatments, are on high demand. In this study, we analyzed the long-term exposure outcome to a previously identified inhibitor of 3D polymerase (FMDV 3Dpol) for controlling FMDV infection and for the selection of resistance mutants. The results showed that no escape mutant viruses were isolated from FMDV A24 Cruzeiro infections in cell culture treated with gradually increasing concentrations of the antiviral compound 5D9 (4-chloro-N′-thieno, [2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ylbenzenesulfonohydrazide) over ten passages. Biochemical and plaque assays revealed that when 5D9 was used at concentrations within a non-toxic range in cells, it drove the virus to undetectable levels at passage eight to ten. This is in contrast with observations made on parallel control (untreated) passages exhibiting fully viable and stable virus progenies. Collectively, the results demonstrated that under the experimental conditions, treatment with 5D9 does not confer a resistant phenotype and the virus is unable to evade the antiviral effect of the inhibitor. Further efforts using quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) based modifications of the 5D9 compound may result in the successful development of an effective in vivo antiviral drug targeting FMDV.