Protection Practices Research Articles

Material flow analysis of heavy metals in large-scale cattle farms and ecological risk assessment of cattle manure application to fields

This study bridges the knowledge gap pertaining to the pathways of heavy metal accumulation and migration within the industrial chain of large-scale cattle farms. Two such farms in Shaanxi serve as a basis for our exploration into Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, As, and Cd dynamics. Employing material flow analysis complemented by predictive models, we evaluate the potential ecological risks of arable soil from heavy metal influx via manure application. Our findings indicate that Zn and Cu predominate the heavy metal export from these operations, composing up to 60.00%–95.67% of their total content. Predictive models based on 2021 data reveal a potential increase in Cd soil concentration by 0.08 mg/kg by 2035, insinuating a reduced safe usage period for cattle manure at less than 50 years. Conversely, projections from 2022 data point towards a gradual Cu rise in soil, reaching risk threshold levels after 126 years. These outcomes inform limitations in cattle manure utilisation strategies, underscoring Cu and Cd content as key barriers. The study underscores the criticality of continuous heavy metal surveillance within farm by products to ensure environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practices.

Perception and Practices of Health Data Privacy Protection among Consumers: An Empirical Study in One of Indonesia's Major Cities

Online information exchange has become commonplace in today's digital era, especially in the health sector. However, this also raises concerns regarding personal data privacy, especially health data. This study analyses consumers' perceptions and practices of health data privacy protection. The empirical method is used in this research. The data collection techniques used were literature studies, direct observation, and interviews. After the data is obtained, it is analysed through the stages of reduction, presentation of data, and conclusion. The results showed that consumers in Jakarta have a high level of perception of the importance of health data privacy; consumers understand that health data is sensitive information that needs to be protected. The law regarding the protection of consumer health data privacy in Indonesia is Law No. 27 of 2022 concerning Personal Data Protection. Practices in carrying out the personal data protection function by officers involve providing information and consultation to those in control of personal data to ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law, monitoring to ensure that the rules applied by those in control of individual data are by the provisions of the applicable requirements, providing advice regarding the impact of personal data protection as well as monitoring the performance of individual data controllers and coordinating and taking action on issues related to activities in processing personal data.

The Main Pests Are Insects and Diseases of Agricultural Crops in the South of Kyrgyzstan

In the south of Kyrgyzstan, the largest areas are occupied by agrocenosis of vegetable, fruit, industrial, and grain crops. The article presents the main pests and pathogens of agricultural crops in the south of Kyrgyzstan. The purpose of the research is to identify the dominant pests and diseases of agricultural crops and to find effective biological measures to combat them in the conditions of southern Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, outbreaks of mass reproduction of tomato mining moth (Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917)) on tomatoes, cherry slimy sawfly (Caliroa cerasi (Linnaeus, 1758)) and cherry fly (Rhagoletis cerasi (Linnaeus, 1758)) on cherries and cherries, Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineataSay), late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) on potatoes, powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum f. cucurbitacearumPot.) on vegetables, corn moth (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner, 1796), bread beetle (Zabrus tenebrioides (Goeze, 1777)) and bug (Eurygaster integriceps Puton, 1881) on cereals, mite (Tetranychus urticae), aphid (Aphidoidea) and cotton scooper (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner) on cotton, phytonomus (Phytonomus variabilis) on perennial grasses, winter scooper (Agrotis segetum (Denis et Schiffermüller) 1775), apple moth (Carpocapsa pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758)), apple moth (Hyponomeuta malinellus (Zeller, 1838)), unpaired silkworm (Lymantria dispar Linnaeus, 1758), curly leaves (Taphrina deformans (Berk.) Tul.), bacterial burn (Erwinia amylovora (Burrill, 1882) Winslow et al., 1920), scab (Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter) and powdery mildew on fruit crops, epiphytotic rust diseases (Puccinia) of cereals, oatmeal (Avena fatua) and sunflowers (Barbarea vulgaris) on cereals. An overview of drugs used in crop protection systems is also given. Chemical pesticides still remain the main means of protecting agricultural crops from pests and diseases, in the future, the use of the latest technologies in plant protection, the introduction of new biological preparations into plant protection practice should be used.

Positive impact of Distintivo Soludable on implementation of sun protection policies and practices in schools of Andalusia, Spain.

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide even though its main risk factor is preventable. This study evaluated the impact of the Distintivo Soludable pilot intervention on implementation of photoprotection policies and practices in preschool and primary schools in Andalusia, Spain. We completed two rounds of a Sun Protection Policies and Practices Survey (SPPPS) nine months apart. At baseline, 67 Andalusian schools earned a median score of 3/12 points (range 0-8; IQR: 2). Ten schools involved in Distintivo Soludable intervention group significantly increased their scores from 4 to 7.5/12 points (p = 0.014). We also detected a modest positive effect in 57 control group schools, an increase from 2 to 3 points (p = 0.002). This pilot study demonstrated that the main achievement of the Distintivo Soludable intervention was implementation of organizational policies regarding sun protection, an essential starting point for establishing positive attitudes toward sun protection in school communities.

A shift towards softer pest management differently benefits earwig and spider communities in a multiyear experiment in apple orchards.

Environmentally-friendly crop protection practices are needed to enhance the sustainability of current agricultural systems. This is crucial in orchards which are extensively treated to impair various pests, at the expense of natural enemies. However, the effect of a shift towards softer pest management on the beneficial arthropod community is poorly documented. Earwigs (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) and spiders (Araneae) are relevant groups to assess such effects because they are highly sensitive to agricultural practices. They were monitored for 6 and 4 years, respectively, in apple orchards under three pest management regimes: Organic, Low-input and Conventional, with pest management being switched during the survey from a broad-spectrum insecticide schedule to mating disruption in the latter one, and more selective compounds in all orchards. The survey displayed that earwig abundance (mainly Forficula auricularia) that was initially very low in the Conventional orchard (annual mean 0.5-1.7 earwigs per shelter in the 2010-2012 period) increased to the same level as that of Low-input and Organic orchards (over 10 earwigs per shelter) in the same year that changes in pest management occurred. The epigeal and arboreal spider communities were not responsive, and no recovering was observed 4 years after change in practices. Predatory arthropod communities are differently affected over time by changes in pest management, most probably due to their biology (dispersion, reproduction rate, susceptibility to pesticides etc.). This outlines the importance of documenting the time required to recover after perturbations and build a natural enemy community to enhance pest control in a win-win perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Impact of Villagers' Participation in the Protection and Development of Traditional Villages on the Revitalization of Traditional Villages

Traditional villages carrying farming civilization are valuable historical and cultural heritage of China, and also the key to rural revitalization. Under the tide of modernization, Xihe Village, located in the mountains, is relatively intact as a traditional village. Under the guidance of the traditional village protection policy, the village has achieved remarkable results in protection and development. However, as the main body of village protection practice, local villagers still face corresponding problems in the protection and development of villages and the participation of relevant policies. These problems are manifested in residents' relatively low understanding of the protection policies of traditional villages; The government does not fully cooperate with the local villagers in carrying out cultural activities, and the village culture is not fully explored. Village infrastructure is still lacking, which is not conducive to retaining villagers to live and develop in the village. Therefore, in order to strengthen the participation of villagers in the protection of traditional villages, the government should strengthen the publicity of the protection and development policy of traditional villages. When carrying out cultural activities, the government should strengthen the cooperation with the villagers and explore the various cultural resources in the villages. Improve the infrastructure in the village, and provide better material guarantee for the life development of local villagers.

Survey of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding personal protection against COVID-19 in the post-pandemic era.

In the emerging post-pandemic era (the 'wavelet' era), humans must coexist with viruses for the foreseeable future, and personal protective behaviors will largely replace national-level preventive measures. In this new normal, encouraging the public to implement proper personal protective behaviors against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is vital to the sustainable development of cities and communities. This knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) survey conducted in Chengdu (N = 900) narrowed the knowledge gap regarding post-pandemic public practices of protective behavior. Findings show that:(1) approximately 1/3 of the respondents are currently not concerned about COVID-19 at all; (2) respondents with different demographics and individual COVID-19-related factors showed significant differences in practice behaviors indoors and outdoors; (3) vulnerable groups performed better in practice behavior indoors/outdoors; (4) because the public may relax their vigilance outdoors, public places may become a transmission threat in the next outbreak; (5) attitudes are important, but limited incentives for practice; and (6) when knowledge increases beyond a threshold (68.75-75% in this study), protective behaviors decrease. Our results suggest that authorities must continue to educate and motivate the public, extending measures to cover personal protective practices, and have targeted policies for specific demographics to ensure equity in healthcare in the event of another pandemic (COVID-19 and alike crisis). Besides, comparing the results of the current study with similar studies conducted in other parts of the world can provide insights into how different populations respond to and adopt COVID-19 protective behaviors. The epidemiologists can use the data collected by this and other KAP surveys to refine epidemiologic models, which can help predict the spread of the virus and the impact of interventions in different settings.

The Shield of Privacy in the Digital Age: The Clash between Facial Recognition Technology and Personal Information ProtectionCase Analysis and Strategy Discussion

Driven by the wave of digitalization, facial recognition technology has become a key tool for identity verification and security monitoring. However, with its widespread application in daily life, issues of personal privacy security have also become prominent. This study delves into the complexities of facial recognition technology in the realm of personal information security through case analysis, revealing its convenience as an identity verification tool and the risks it poses as a potential means of privacy infringement. The research aims to identify and analyze the ethical and legal issues faced by facial recognition technology and to propose strategies for strengthening personal information protection. This paper integrates literature review, case studies, and international comparative analysis to provide support and recommendations for the practice and policy-making of personal information protection in the digital age.

Nevi - when to refer.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and acquired nevi are prevalent in pediatric populations, with distinct characteristics and management considerations. This chapter aims to equip pediatricians with knowledge to discern between benign and high-risk nevi, facilitating appropriate referrals and management within primary care settings. Risk factors associated with malignant melanoma (MM) underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and early referral to dermatology for suspicious lesions. Recent findings highlight the variability in CMN presentation and the evolving diagnostic strategies, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches to optimize patient outcomes. Management of CMN involves tailored surveillance and intervention strategies, with an emphasis on early identification of high-risk features for MM and neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). Pediatricians play a crucial role in advocating for sun protection practices and facilitating timely referrals, thereby contributing to the overall well being of pediatric patients with nevi.

Ensuring Legal Protection for Consumers of Halal-Certified Minang Cuisine in Padang City

This study aims to understand legal protection for consumers in Padang City to establish a model for consumer protection practices in Indonesia. The research employs a normative descriptive qualitative method, focusing on business operators and consumers of traditional Minang products, with data collected through interviews. The study reveals that legal protection for consumers concerning halal labels on Minang food is stipulated in Law No. 08 of 1999. Several reasons contribute to producers not including halal labels: high processing costs, lack of awareness about the importance of halal certification, and consumers' inherent trust in authentic Minang producers, even if the shop lacks halal certification. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) asserts that Muslim-owned businesses should pursue halal certification regardless of the owner's religion.

Data Privacy and Security in the Age of IoT A Comprehensive Study on Information System Vulnerabilities

In the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), data privacy and security issues have become a primary concern in information systems. This research aims to investigate the underlying vulnerabilities of information systems concerning data privacy and security in the context of IoT. The research methods employed include literature surveys, case analyses, and reviews of best practices in data protection. The findings highlight several key vulnerability points, including weaknesses in credential management, network attacks, and deficiencies in data encryption implementation. Moreover, the findings indicate that despite advancements in security technology, significant gaps still exist that can be exploited by unethical parties to access users' IoT personal data. In conclusion, data protection in the context of IoT requires a holistic approach involving preventive measures, detection, and rapid response to evolving security threats. This research underscores the importance of data security education and awareness among IoT users and the necessity of collaboration among government, industry, and society to address these challenges.

A multicentre survey of knowledge and implementation of radiation protection techniques in cardiac cath-lab medical personnel

BackgroundAwareness of radiation hazards and methods to reduce radiation dose is a sine qua non for all staff working in the cath-lab for their own safety and their patient’s safety.ResultsThere were large variations in the implementation of radiation protection techniques with overall inadequate radiation risk knowledge. Some members of the cath-lab team are at higher risk of radiation-induced side effects, including the fellows, nurses, technicians, and anaesthesiologists because they spent longer time in the cath-lab and/or their position in relation to the source of radiation. About 10% of the participants have reported different health problems potentially induced by radiation exposure.ConclusionsThere is lack of radiation risks knowledge with inadequate radiation protection practice among cath-lab team. Some members such as fellows, nurse, technicians, and cardiac anaesthesiologist are at higher risks. They represent the forgotten members of the Cath-Lab team.

Protecting wilderness or rewilding? An ecoregion-based approach to identifying priority areas for the protection and restoration of natural processes for biodiversity conservation

Amidst the global decline in biodiversity, there are growing calls for more ambitious conservation targets and practices, including a renewed focus on protecting and restoring natural processes. However, little is known about suitable areas for process-oriented conservation and its different strategies. In this paper, we identify priority areas for process-oriented conservation following an ecoregion-based approach. Using the Alpine Space programme area as a pilot study area, a Wilderness Quality Index is calculated and mapped based on spatial indicators reflecting variations in naturalness, human impact, remoteness, and ruggedness. To identify priority areas for process-oriented conservation, the 10% of areas with the highest wilderness quality are identified for each ecoregion (‘ecoregional approach’) and compared with the identification of the 10% wildest areas of the entire study area (‘conventional approach’). The results show significant differences in priority areas between the two approaches, with those identified by the ecoregional approach being of lower wilderness quality, more dispersed across the study region and different elevation classes, and smaller in size. The ecoregional approach results in a greater coverage of ecosystem- and species-level diversity, yet it highlights a greater need for complementing the protection of wilderness in less modified regions with rewilding initiatives and the expansion of the protected area network in ecoregions with significant human activity. Based on these findings, we discuss the potential and challenges that an ecoregion-based identification of priority areas brings for biodiversity conservation, protection and restoration practice, and local communities. The ecoregion-based approach and the findings of this study can inform initiatives under the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, in particular the target to ‘strictly protect’ 10% of the EU’s land and sea.

Design and Optimization of Disc Oil Skimmer

Abstract: Oil Spills are a common phenomenon in the oceans and seas causing economic loss as well as loss of aquatic life. Oil skimmers are devices used to separate the oil from water and recover it to the maximum extent possible. This project focuses on material selection for oil skimmer discs, considering corrosion resistance, wear characteristics, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact. It explores common materials such as polyurethane, oleophilic materials, stainless steel, PVC, and aluminum, emphasizing their unique properties and environmental implications. By conducting a thorough literature review and establishing stringent material selection criteria, the project aims to inform a material choice that balances technical requirements with environmental responsibility. The exploration of advanced materials and optimization of material design are also discussed. The project anticipates enhancing oil skimmer efficiency, reducing maintenance needs, and promoting sustainable practices in environmental protection. The project further includes building a prototype of a single disc oil skimmer and find an ideal diameter for efficient oil skimming taking into consideration the mass of the disc as well as the overall oil skimmer.

The Future of Patient Data Security: Exploring Emerging Technologies and Collaborative Approaches

Abstract: The protection of sensitive patient data has become a paramount concern in the increasingly digital landscape of the healthcare industry. As healthcare organizations adopt electronic health records and face a growing array of cyber threats, they must navigate a complex regulatory environment, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while implementing robust strategies to safeguard personal health information (PHI). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and best practices in healthcare data protection, examining the current regulatory framework, the various threats to patient data—such as cyber-attacks, insider threats, and human error—and the key strategies and technologies for enhancing security, including encryption, access controls, and employee training. The article also explores the potential of emerging technologies, such as block chain and artificial intelligence, in revolutionizing healthcare data management and security, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including healthcare providers, technology vendors, policymakers, and patients. By recapping the main challenges and strategies discussed, offering insights into the future of data protection in healthcare, and issuing a call to action for prioritizing patient data security, this article serves as a valuable resource for healthcare organizations seeking to strengthen their data protection measures and maintain patient trust in the digital age.

Mechanism of digital business model innovation for common prosperity: based on resource orchestration perspective

Purpose By exploring the microimplementation mechanism of common prosperity, this paper aims to offer a strategic direction for Chinese enterprises to achieve sustainable development. It also provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the Chinese Government in exploring feasible paths to common prosperity, starting from the enterprises. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes the digital business model innovation of Rainbow Planet as a case study, systematically explicating the mechanism through which digital business model innovation fosters common prosperity by constructing a research framework of “digital business model innovation-resource orchestration-common prosperity.” Findings First, from a microperspective, the role of enterprises in promoting common prosperity in China is confirmed. Second, based on the theory of resource orchestration, it is concluded that digital resources can generate three types of digital effects, such as association, interaction and feedback, through effective resource orchestration under the support of the value elements of the business model. Finally, this paper emphasizes that enterprises should take actions such as demand aggregation, trust building and relationship reshaping to connect with relevant stakeholders, so as to achieve the win-win purpose of improving enterprise competitiveness and deepening common prosperity. Originality/value For Chinese enterprises, linking their development with the overall welfare of society is an essential path to sustainable development. Enterprises can promote the integration of their development with social welfare in three aspects: enhancing the efficiency and innovation capability of digital operations, strengthening cooperation with stakeholders and advancing sustainable business models. For the Chinese Government, it is important to encourage enterprises to play a positive role in the fields of economy, environment and society. The government can promote excellent practices in digital innovation, social responsibility and environmental protection among enterprises by publicizing successful cases, inspiring more enterprises to follow suit.

Environmental field transformation: a theory on local environmental protection changes in China

Understanding social space is a prerequisite for analyzing local environmental protection. A new theorized social space – the environmental field - is proposed to analyze local environmental protection practices in China, as the existing three types (environmental state, community, and network) can miss the main logics, actors, or practices. First, the actors’ positions in the field, where environmental and political-economic capital operate, significantly affects their perceptions, practices, and power relations. Second, the field transforms – in terms of new power relations and orders – if certain actors have accumulated significant temporary successes from the struggles with others after rupturing moments. This theory is illustrated by Latent Transition Analyses of the two species of capital in County T, China, from 2014 to 2019. I then analyze selected actors to examine whether their environmental protection practices echo the LTA results and whether the theory could explain their practices and transformation. This theory can help practitioners understand and evaluate environmental protection in developing countries.

Dentists' perspectives, practices, and factors associated with informed consent process for fixed prosthodontic treatment: a cross-sectional study of kampala metropolitan area, Uganda.

Dentists have a legal and ethical obligation to obtain informed consent from patients before carrying out treatment. In Uganda, the process of obtaining informed consent in dentistry is not well documented. The aim of the present study was to determine dentists' perspectives and practices regarding informed consent to fixed prosthodontic treatment (FPT) in Kampala Metropolitan, Uganda. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 dentists from July to September 2023. Data were collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire that included both closed- and open-ended questions. The questionnaire included items on participants' sociodemographic information, perspectives, and practices about informed consent for FPT. Perspectives were rated using ten items on a five-point Likert scale. The minimum possible total score was 10, and the maximum possible score was 50. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used to summarize and analyze the quantitative data, and the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Open-ended items were analyzed using content analysis. The majority (83.9%) of the participants were general dentists with working experience ranging from 1 to 38 years and a median of 8 years. The majority were familiar with the concept of informed consent and had positive perspectives regarding its use for FPT. The mean score for perspectives was 39.27 (SD, 5.42). However, there were variations in the practices of the dentists. More than three-quarters (87.6%) reported that they always obtained the patient's informed consent before FPT. Less than a third (29.4%) obtained written consent for FPT. About half of the dentists provided information regarding the procedure, benefits, and risks of treatment during the consent process. Bivariate analysis showed that the use of written consent for FPT was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with having a work experience of more than 10 years and having had training involving informed consent after undergraduate studies. The present study provides baseline data regarding perspectives and practices regarding informed consent for FPT among dentists in Uganda. It is recommended that regular training courses be developed to highlight the importance of improved informed consent practices for patient protection and to instruct dentists about obtaining valid informed consent. There is a need for future research to streamline guidelines for the informed consent process in dental care in Uganda.

Investing in a Foreign Startup Company: Luckin Coffee Inc.

Many foreign companies, particularly from emerging markets, have been listed on the US stock markets as a form of American depositary receipt or share (ADRs or ADS) in recent years. Although those US-listed foreign stocks provide a great opportunity for domestic investors to diversify their portfolios, they could also add additional risks to investors unfamiliar with those companies’ business strategies, corporate governance, investor protection, and accounting or audit practices in their home countries. In this case, we introduce Luckin Coffee Inc., a Chinese startup coffeehouse chain that went public on the Nasdaq in 2019. This case aims to guide students in evaluating a foreign startup company’s investment by examining its business strategies, operating performance, corporate governance, and auditing practices when limited company history and financial data are available. It also allows students to research companies’ filings to identify useful information for investment decisions.

The Practice and Future Development of Chinese Multinational Corporations in Relation to the Responsibility to Protect Human Rights

With the growing number of Chinese multinational corporations(MNCs) investing in foreign countries,fulfilling MNCs responsibility to protect human rights outside of China has become an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Focusing on Chinese MNCs and analyzing their practices in human rights protection,discussing how Chinese MNCs can respect and safeguard local human rights while also considering their corporate interests and domestic regulations when investing overseas. Exploring ways to improve MNCs awareness and capacity for human rights protection,and offering suggestions for future development. Chinese MNCs must actively fulfill their responsibility to human rights during the process of overseas investment, and strive for common development between enterprises and local communities by enhancing internal management systems, strengthening cooperation with international organizations, and raising awareness of human rights protection. Moreover, analyzing the practices of Chinese MNCs from an empirical perspective, identifying existing problems and suggesting corresponding improvement. By examining relevant cases, it delves into the human rights protection responsibilities of Chinese MNCs in overseas investment and provides valuable insights for Chinese MNCs' cross-border investments.