Province Southwest Research Articles

Biostratigraphic Correlation of the Kazhdumi Formation in the Ghavam-Abad and Banesh Sections (Fars Province) in Southwest of Iran

Biostratigraphic Correlation of the Kazhdumi Formation in the Ghavam-Abad and Banesh Sections (Fars Province) in Southwest of Iran

A new autumn-flowering Crocus (Iridaceae) from Türkiye: C. rifatozdemiri sp. nov.

C. rifatozdemiri sp. nov. is a new autumn-blooming species from Crocus series Crocus described from three locations on Mount Çal in Muğla province in southwest Türkiye. The new species is notable for its large showy white flowers with sharply mucronate segment tips and contrasting bright red stigma branches. The exceptionally tall stigma is what most clearly differentiates the new species from its closest relatives, with its long branches that usually divide from above the anther tips, although other morphological features, such as tunic neck and tepal shape, as well as molecular data, support its separation from other members of series Crocus. nrETS and nrITS nuclear regions were used to infer the phylogenetic affiliation of the new species within series Crocus, resulting in a clear separation between it and closest relative C. kofudagensis, as well as other members of the series. Leaf anatomy was found to be similar to other members of series Crocus, which tend to show minimal differences between species. Finally, a full description and diagnosis, chromosome count, line illustration and figures detailing the features of this new endemic taxon, which is so far known only from one mountain in Türkiye.

Coupling and coordinated development of green finance and renewable energy industry in China: Spatiotemporal differentiation and driving factors

The coordinated development of green finance (GF) and the renewable energy industry (REI) is crucial for accelerating energy transition and mitigating climate change. However, the existing literature has overlooked the bidirectional relationship between GF and REI. Using provincial data from 2007 to 2019, this study investigates the coupling coordination degree of GF and REI (GRCC) and its spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors. The findings indicate that both GF and REI experienced stable growth during the study period, but REI lagged behind GF, and their spatial distribution displayed asymmetrical characteristics. Although GRCC exhibited a stable growth trend and slight coordination at both national and regional levels, it displayed large interprovincial differences and spatial agglomeration characteristics. Notably, high GRCC values were primarily concentrated in a few provinces in southwest and south-central regions, spreading to the east. Furthermore, financial development, renewable energy endowment, economy scale, technological innovation, environmental regulation, and fiscal expenditure were identified as the main drivers of GRCC. This study provides a Chinese case study for global energy transition and introduces new ideas for synergy between REI and GF policies.

Empirical relationships between Arias Intensity and peak ground acceleration for western China

There is little available attenuation relationship for Arias Intensity (AI) in China. Empirical relationships between AI and peak ground acceleration (PGA) provide another option for predicting AI. We establish empirical relationships for AI and PGA for western China, utilizing 3,169 horizontal and 979 vertical strong motion records with PGA ≥0.01 g from 274 earthquakes (MS 4.0–8.0), originating in eight provinces in southwest (Yunnan, Sichuan) and northwest China (Gansu, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang). The influences of MS epicenter distance, and site conditions indicators VS30, generic site classes (i.e., rock and soil) are explored. The results show that the logarithm of AI increases linearly with the increase of the logarithm of PGA and MS, and decreases with the logarithm of VS30. However, the influence of site conditions on AI-PAG relationships can't be recognized by the simple generic rock and soil site classes. The epicenter distance has little effect on the AI-PAG relationships. Empirical relationships are developed to estimate horizontal or vertical AI as a function of PGA (basic model), PGA and MS (model 2) for southwest, northwest, and western China, using all the records. Empirical relationships for AI as a function of PGA, MS, and VS30 (model 1) are established using the 2,248 horizontal (70.9% of the total) and 670 vertical (68.4% of the total) records with VS30 between 148 and 841m/s. The notable disparity between model 1 of the southwest and northwest regions is chiefly attributed to local site conditions, indicating that the AI-PGA correlation is region-dependent. These findings enable one way of estimating AI for western China and will contribute to a better understanding of AI attenuation.

Study on the differences and influencing factors of spatial distribution of population aging at township scale: a case study of township research units in Anshun City, China.

An aging population is one of the main features of China's current population structure, and it is a key area that needs attention to achieve high-quality population development. Because of its unique geographical environment, economic conditions, and sociocultural background, the study of population aging in the karst region of southwest China is particularly important. However, there is a lack of research exploring the regional differentiation of population aging and its influencing factors in the karst regions of southwest China. In light of this, we chose Anshun City, located in Guizhou Province's southwest area, as the case study area. We used the Lorenz curve and spatial autocorrelation to study the differences in the spatial distribution pattern of population aging and introduced multi-scale geographical weighted regression to explore its influencing factors. The results show that Anshun City's older people population proportion (OPP) is generally high with more than 7% of the older people there, making it part of an aging society. The OPP appeared high in the east and low in the west in spatial distribution; the older people population density (OPD) revealed a gradually increasing trend from south to north. At the township scale, both the OPP and the OPD showed significant spatial positive correlation, and the spatial agglomeration characteristics were obvious. OPD and OPP have a positive spatial correlation at the global level, and townships with similar OPP or OPD were spatially adjacent. The spatial distribution characteristics of population aging are the consequence of complex contributions such as natural, social, economic, and karst factors. Further, the spatial distribution pattern of aging is determined by a variety of influencing factors, which have different directions and intensities. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate and implement corresponding policies and strategies to deal with the aging problem in the future.

Investigating the Role of the Low-Level Jet in Two Winters Severe Dust Rising in Southwest Iran

The dust storms with local and non-local dust sources mostly affect Khuzestan province in southwest (SW) Iran. In this study, the role of the low-level jet in the activation of the internal dust events in SW Iran during two severe dust cases was investigated. For this purpose, the fifth-generation ECMWF reanalysis for the global climate and weather (ERA5) data was used to identify the synoptic patterns and the low-level jet (LLJ) characteristics in the study area. Furthermore, the images of the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor, the outputs of the hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, and a weather research and forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) were used to investigate the propagation and transport of the dust particles. The results of the synoptic analysis in both dust cases show the simultaneous occurrence of the divergence zone associated with cyclonic curvature in the subtropical jet stream (STJ) at 300 hPa, causing convergence at 925 hPa, upward motion, and the development of low surface pressure in SW Iran. Examining the vertical wind profile shows the existence of the maximum horizontal wind speeds of 975 to 875 hPa, along with the positive and negative shear below and above it, respectively, which emphasizes the existence of the LLJ and its role in local dust emission. The results of the comparison between the satellite images, WRF-Chem, and HYSPLIT model outputs show the formation and transportation of dust particles from the inner regions of Khuzestan in SW Iran. The horizontal dust surface distribution, vertical raised dust mass, and kinetic energy transfers are well simulated by the WRF-Chem model when LLJ broke at 09:00 to 12:00 UTC. The most important finding of this research is that, for the first time, the role of low-level jet is investigated in the activation of internal dust events in SW Iran.

Comparison of different modern irrigation system adopters through socio-economic, innovation characteristics and social capital values

Diffusion of modern irrigation systems is one of the most important objectives of Iranian water policies targeting the sustainable use of water resources to resolve the water crisis. Despite considerable policy support, high subsidization, and a range of benefits, farmers have only minimally adopted modern irrigation systems in most parts of Iran. Therefore, the water crisis persists in almost all parts of the country. Thus, decision makers must recognize why diffusion of these systems has not been successful among farmers despite strong financial and political support. The aim of the current study was to investigate differences between adoption groups of modern irrigation systems and more critically whether the aspects affecting approval were altered by ongoing diffusion prejudiced by policy support. In other words, we explored the postponement of adoption among the early and the later adopters of modern irrigation systems and aimed to identify reasons behind different adoption behaviors. To achieve these aims, we developed a research framework of adoption that integrates multiple theories. In addition to the already established measures (human and physical capital), the current study integrated social capital and technology characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Behbahan district in Khuzestan province southwest Iran. A total of 274 farmers were interviewed, of which 100 farmers had not and 174 farmers had adopted modern irrigation systems. A multinomial logit model was applied by using STATA14 to identify the most effective factors for farmers’ adoption decisions. We distinguished four groups; three consisted of adopters (early, middle, and late adopters) and a fourth group of non-adopters who did not accept modern irrigation technologies. The study found that farmers’ delayed adoption of drip irrigation technologies was due to the complexity of the application process and the availability of family and work social capital. Additionally, the study suggested that improved trust in institutions could increase the likelihood of earlier adoption of these technologies. The results also revealed divergent perspectives among pioneer (early adopters), follower (middle adopter), and laggard (late adopter) farmers regarding the adoption of drip irrigation technologies.

Investigation of overexploitation groundwater in arid areas: case of the lower Jurassic aquifer, Bechar province Southwest of Algeria

The conservation of natural non-renewable water resources is an important part of the expectations of the Algerian population, especially in the south of the country. Groundwater is provided in the southwest of Algeria, and the demand for water is high including agriculture. Studies have shown that the quality of these resources has changed after many years of continuous exploitation. To meet the satisfaction and the need for drinking water, for the city of Bechar, located in southwest Algeria, technicians and decision-makers have sought additional water resources, namely in the Jurassic groundwater located at the region of Mougheul (Sahara Algerian). The intense use of pumping at Mougheul has led to serious local problems (rapid drawdown and drying up of the source). The obtained results reveal that the piezometric charts, established in October 2001 and November 2009, show that the main flow of water is from north to south, exactly to the source of Mougheul. The flow rates of the drillings made are very varied, and between 6 and 30 l/s, this amounts to the heterogeneity of the medium. The pumping tests give low transmissivity values varying between 3.22 10–5 and 5.49 10−3 m2/s.

Measuring social capital in aged community of Arab cities in Southwest Iran: using monte carlo simulation sampling

Background: Measuring of social capital has turned out to be a point view in most social studies Social capital defined as linkage among social systems and groups for strengthening communication among citizens. Notwithstanding, there is neglect for that among gerontologists sociologically. Method: This study attend to portray distribution of social capital within 3031 aged samples in eight counties of Khuzistan province in southwest of Iran with the majority of Arab dwellers during 2020. About 26 definitions for indicators of social capital were mentioned and 23 main categories were collected. Results: Finally, the instrument for collection of data was conducted by them. Social Intermediary is new indicator to estimate social capital about elders first time. Findings have mentioned new definition for social capital in Gerontological aspect. Discussion and Conclusion: There are most deference and variations within indicators of social capital upon rural are and ethnicity that war policies about seniors in society.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of bovine ephemeral fever viruses in Khuzestan province of Iran in 2018 and 2020

BackgroundBovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is an arthropod-borne viral disease caused by the BEF virus (BEFV). This single-stranded RNA virus that affects cattle and water buffalo is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions including Iran. While BEF is a major disease of cattle in Iran, information regarding its agent, molecular characterization, and circulating viruses are highly limited. The current study aimed to, firstly, determine the genetic and antigenic characteristics of BEFV strains in Khuzestan province in Southwest of Iran in 2018 and 2020 and, secondly, to compare them with strains obtained from other areas.ResultsBy phylogenetic analysis based on the Glycoprotein gene, BEFV strains were divided into four clusters of Middle East, East Asia, South Africa, and Australia; in which the 2018 and 2020 Iranian BEFV strains were grouped in the Middle East cluster with the Turkish, Indian, and Israeli strains. Depending on the chronology and geographical area, the outbreaks of Turkey (2020), Iran (2018 and 2020), and India (2018 and 2019) are proposed to be related. These BEFVs had the highest identity matrix and the lowest evolutionary distance among the studied strains. Multiple sequence alignment of G1, G2, and G3 antigenic sites showed that these neutralizing epitopes are highly conserved among the strains of the Middle East cluster; however, the strains previously identified in Iran differed in three amino acids placed in G1 and G2 epitopes.ConclusionThe findings revealed that BEFVs circulating in the Middle East are closely related phylogenetically and geographically. They also have similar antigenic structures; therefore, developing a vaccine based on these strains can be effective for controlling BEF in the Middle East.

First Report of bla IMP-4 and bla SRT-2 Coproducing Serratia marcescens Clinical Isolate in China.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has become a major therapeutic concern in clinical settings, and carbapenemase genes have been widely reported in various bacteria. In Serratia marcescens, class A group carbapenemases including SME and KPC were mostly identified. However, there are few reports of metallo-β-lactamase-producing S. marcescens. Here, we isolated a carbapenem-resistant S. marcescens (S378) from a patient with asymptomatic urinary tract infection which was then identified as an IMP-4-producing S. marcescens at a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province in southwest of China. The species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS, and carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected using PCR and DNA sequencing. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution method indicated that the isolate S. marcescens S378 was resistant to meropenem (MIC = 32 μg/ml) and imipenem (MIC = 64 μg/ml) and intermediate to aztreonam (MIC = 8 μg/ml). The complete genomic sequence of S. marcescens was identified using Illumina (Illumina, San Diego, CA, United States) short-read sequencing (150 bp paired-end reads); five resistance genes had been identified, including blaIMP–4, blaSRT–2, aac(6′)-Ic, qnrS1, and tet(41). Conjugation experiments indicated that the blaIMP–4-carrying plasmid pS378P was conjugative. Complete sequence analysis of the plasmid pS378P bearing blaIMP–4 revealed that it was a 48,780-bp IncN-type plasmid with an average GC content of 50% and was nearly identical to pP378-IMP (99% nucleotide identity and query coverage).

Multi‐Region Multi‐Sector Contributions to Drivers of Air Pollution in China

AbstractUntangling the reasons underlying changes in air pollution trajectories and regional emission differences is critical to guide efforts to attain air pollution reduction goals in China. Using Index decomposition analysis and the air pollution emission inventory, we identify the contributions of different regions and sectors to the socioeconomic factors driving China's sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions change and difference from 2007 to 2012. We find that the reinforced end‐of‐pipe treatment, improved energy intensity and adjusted industrial structure dominated the emissions mitigation, while the provincial disparities in economy scale, energy pollution intensity and energy intensity led the emissions differences between regions. The emissions change was mainly driven by the utilities, capital‐intensive manufacturing and service sectors of several key provinces in Central, North, Northwest and Southwest. Less developed provinces generally had a larger potential in decreasing emissions by improving energy intensity and adjusting industrial structure, especially for the utilities and capital‐intensive manufacturing sectors. Our findings indicate that the successful emission reduction experiences for the power sector should be expanded to other major industrial sectors, further attention should be given to structure‐focused policy actions, and different pathways of emissions reduction should be chosen for different types of provinces based on change and difference characteristics of each driver.

Evaluating the hazardous potential of the dieback of the Zagros Oak forests using the multi-criteria decision-making methods

Oak dieback and mortality, as a multifactorial phenomenon, have occurred in many forests of the world including Zagros forests in Iran. This phenomenon happens due to the complex interaction of the environmental stresses, pests, and socioeconomic issues. Given the importance of this issue, it is necessary to use an appropriate approach to find the areas with potential for dieback in order to guide the analyses regarding the decisions on forest conservation. Therefore, in the present study, geographic information system (GIS) was used to interfere with the analytic network process (ANP), multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), and fuzzy methods for zoning the susceptible areas of Oak forests in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in southwest of Iran. Criteria were selected as effective factors for dieback including slope, aspect, elevation, mean annual temperature and precipitation, pest, and distance from the farmlands. After preparing the initial maps of criteria, the weight of each criterion was calculated according to the experts and ANP and the fuzzy criteria maps were prepared using the membership functions, and the final maps of the areas with potential of dieback were produced by overlapping the criteria layers. The results showed that 45.32% of the Oak forests in the province have high and very high potential for dieback in the central and western parts. As a result, these areas have a higher priority for preventive and protective operation. Among the criteria, pests, temperature, and distance from the farmlands had the highest scores. Overall, the results obtained from the MCDM methods were satisfactory and efficient regarding studying the Oak dieback.

Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Suspicion of Fascioliasis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwestern Iran

In the current study, we described the epidemiological features, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with suspicion of fascioliasis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in southwest of Iran. Overall, 56 patients with suspicion of fascioliasis, based on their clinical signs and symptoms that referred to Clinic of Internal Medicine in Yasuj city, from 2014 to 2016 were enrolled. Demographic data, history of eating aquatic local plants, the chief complains, and laboratory findings were recorded for each patient. Stool samples were obtained from each case for detection of Fasciola eggs. Moreover, blood samples were taken from each patient and evaluated for detection of anti-Fasciola antibodies by an indirect ELISA. Patients who defined as having fascioliasis were treated with triclabendazole and were followed for at least three months for clinical improvement. Serological test was positive in 5 patients. Of these 5 cases, three cases had a history of ingesting raw aquatic vegetables. The main clinical signs and symptoms in positive cases were; abdominal pain (60%), epigastric pain (40%), anemia (60%), and dermal pruritus (20%). Hypereosinophilia was seen in all of 5 positive cases. No Fasciola egg was found in stool specimens of any of the patients. The fascioliasis cases were treated by triclabendazole and clinical symptoms disappeared in all of 5 cases. Our observation further confirmed Yasuj district as a human endemic area for fascioliasis in Iran. The study also highlighted the importance of clinical features together with eosinophilia, as key parameters, in the diagnosis of human fascioliasis. Clinicians need to be aware of this disease and should keep in mind fascioliasis when hypereosinophilia present in patients in such endemic areas.

Host minerals of Li–Ga–V–rare earth elements in Carboniferous karstic bauxites in southwest China

The Carboniferous karstic bauxite-bearing rock series in central Guizhou Province in southwest (SW) China is rich in trace elements, particularly Li, Ga, V, and rare earth elements (REEs), which have potential for comprehensive utilization as independent deposits or associated resources. However, the host minerals of Li, Ga, V, and REEs are not well-constrained because the sedimentary rocks are characteristics by complex mineral composition and fine mineral particles. This situation considerably hinders the compressive utilization of these trace elements in bauxite. Herein, laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) was successfully applied to element geochemistry analysis of hydrous minerals (diaspore/boehmite, kaolinite, and illite) in karstic bauxite samples, based on the principle that laser ablation data of all oxides were normalized to the sum of 100% minus the total volatile components of the mineral chemical formula. The analysis showed signal stabilization. Results indicated that the bivariate plots of selected elements had characteristics similar to statistical results of whole-rock samples from global bauxites, thereby indicating that the LA–ICP–MS analysis data were reliably but artificially herein. Combined with whole-rock geochemistry studies, the analysis results revealed that smectite may be the main host minerals of Li. Furthermore, Ga was enriched in diaspore/boehmite; V was mainly enriched in iron-bearing minerals, particularly chlorite; and REE-independent minerals, such as monazite, were the main host minerals of REEs in the Carboniferous karstic bauxite in SW China. This study contributed to the knowledge on the use of in-situ method for the element geochemistry investigation of hydrous minerals and sedimentary rocks.

Occurrence and spatial distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the southwest Buenos Aires using the freshwater snail Chilina parchappii as environmental biomonitor

Organochlorine pesticides are highly toxic compounds for biota and humans that have been used for sanitary and phytosanitary purposes for many years in Argentina and the world due to their low cost and versatility. Despite a worldwide ban in the 1970s and 1980s, Argentina banned their use and production by the 1990s and in particular endosulfan during 2013. In the present research 1300 Chilina parchappii individuals – a wild native snail – were collected from eight freshwater locations in the Buenos Aires Province southwest, Argentina, in a period between April–May 2017, to assess the concentration levels, spatial distribution and putative input sources of 16 selected organochlorine pesticides (OCs) including endosulfan. Average concentration in snails ranged between 2.59 and 6.46 ng.g−1, dry weight (dw) (mean = 4.27 ng.g−1, dw), for ∑OCs, and from lower detection limit (<LD) to 1.21 ng.g−1, dw. (mean = 0.53 ng.g−1, dw), and from 0.39 to 5.25 ng.g−1 (mean = 1.20 ng.g−1, d.w.) for ∑HCHs and ∑DDXs, respectively. ∑Endosulfans ranged from <LD to 4.36 and accounted for 45% of the total OCs burden at the area. The general order of abundance was as follow: β endosulfan> 4,4-DDE> heptachlor exo-epoxide (isomer B)> aldrin>γ HCH>δ HCH> dieldrin>α HCH> 4,4- DDD>α endosulfan> endosulfan sulfate> 4,4-DDT>β HCH> heptachlor> endrin aldehyde> endrin.The principal component analysis allowed the classification of sampling sites according to the main OCs inputs over the area. In comparison to other worldwide freshwater bioindicators, Chilina parchappii DDXs and HCHs levels were in the low range; on the opposite, ∑OCs average was in the medium range.Data indicated that Chilina parchappii is accumulating OCs from the surrounding media (either in use or banned) setting a present alert for the endosulfan environmental burden.

Epidemiology of Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Systemic Sclerosis

Background: Depression is a major disabling factor around the world. Most of the mental disorders immediately affect the inner mood and cognitive aspect of individuals. Therefore, hiding the depression can delay the early diagnosis and, consequently, a proper treatment in the patients. Objectives: We designed the study to determine the association between rheumatoid diseases and depression. Methods: This is a descriptive - analytic study which was performed on 354 patients referred to Rheumatology Clinic of Ahvaz, a province in south west of Iran in 2016. Then demographic information, depression, quality of life and social support were completed based on standardized questionnaires filled by the patients. Results: The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients was 61.63%, 73.52% and 60%, respectively. There is a meaningful relationship between depression, age and duration of disease in SSc patients. There is a significant relationship between depression and gender in SLE and RA patients. There is a significant relationship between depression and the degree of education of SLE patients. There is a meaningful relationship between depression and quality of life, social support and corticosteroid consumption. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression is very high in all three diseases, which is equal in terms of quality of life, social support and corticosteroid usage in all three diseases. Psychiatric disorders such as depression are common in rheumatic patients.

Eleven-year surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis in southwestern Iran.

Momen AA, Shakurnia A, Momen M. Eleven-year surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis in southwestern Iran. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 544-551. The purpose of the study was to report the results of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in the southwestern Iran in the 11 years' period. This is a retrospective descriptive study based on WHO guidelines. The collected data includes all pediatric AFP cases reported between of January 2006 to December 2016 by all health centers of Khuzestan province in Southwest of Iran. During an eleven-year period, 274 cases of AFP were reported in Khuzestan Province. Among them, 56.9% were younger than five years of age, and 55.9% were male. None of these cases was confirmed as poliomyelitis. The annual incidence of non-polio AFP ranged from 1.46/100,000 to 3.11/100,000 (Mean: 2.04 cases/100,000). The incidence rate of AFP in children under five years of age was significantly higher compared to older children (p=0.001), and the most common cause of paralysis (74.5%) was Guillain-Barre syndrome. All performance indicators met the WHO-specified targets. The follow-up of patients with AFP is essential to the eradication of poliomyelitis.

Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a multi-provincial cross-sectional study in the southwest of China.

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of HIV Infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in two major provinces in southwest of China.MethodWe adopted the method of anonymous survey and HIV blood test on 1,245 MSM >18 years of age from Chongqing and Sichuan Province, China.ResultsThe prevalence of HIV infection among MSM was 21.20%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant independent predictors of HIV infection among MSM as follows: lower level of education, preference to be receptive, lower frequency of condom use, drug usage, higher number of sexual partners in the past 1 month, and people suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. The distribution of HIV infection probability scores among HIV-negative MSM shows a positively skewed distribution, which will help to find persons at higher risk of HIV infection.ConclusionHIV prevalence in Chongqing and Sichuan Province is extremely high. We must find a way to identify people at high risk of HIV infection and employ different interventions among different risk levels of HIV infection in order to achieve maximum prevention and treatment benefit. Considering the relative shortage of resources, efforts to prevent HIV might be more effectively employed if they stratify men based on validated risk criteria.

Emission Characteristic Analysis on Highway Rainwater Runoff Pollution of Asphalt Pavement

In order to investigate the emission characteristics of rainwater runoff pollution from highway with asphalt pavement, simultaneous monitoring method of rainfall-runoff-pollutants was adopted. During 2006 to 2009, rainfall runoff samples from six asphalt pavement highways in 3 typical areas were collected and monitored, including Pearl River Delta Region in South China, Chongqing Province in South-west and Qingdao in East China. Results showed that average concentrations of SS, COD, TN and TP in runoff samples exceeded the Class V standard of surface water defined in Environmental Quality Standard for Surface Water (GB3838-2002). SS was the main pollutant of the highway asphalt pavement runoff, and was an important carrier of other major pollutants (such as heavy metals and chemical oxygen demand, COD) as well. The dust particle size of expressway road surface was generally small (more than 90 % less than 2mm). There was a big difference in concentrations of the same pollutant in particles with various sizes. Pollutant concentrations were increased with the reduction of particle size. Pavement runoff was less biodegradable and the ratio of BOD5/COD was 0.0188. Therefore, the ecological ditch combining percolation and drainage was proposed to purify the highway asphalt pavement runoff.