Industrial Provinces Research Articles

Early and One-Year Outcomes of Acute Stroke in the Industrial Region of Poland During the Decade 2006–2015: The Silesian Stroke Registry

Background: Poland, classified as a high-income country, is still considered to have a high cardiovascular risk population. During the last decade, the standards of care in acute stroke (AS) had markedly improved; thus, we aimed to assess whether and how it translated into early and late outcomes. Methods: Silesian Stroke Registry was created from the administrative database of the public, obligatory, health ­insurer in Poland. The AS cases were selected based on primary diagnosis coded in ICD-10 as I60-I64 for years 2006–2015 (n = 120,844). Index hospitalization together with data on re-hospitalizations, procedures, ambulatory visits, rehabilitation and all-cause deaths in a 1-year follow-up were analyzed. Results: The rates of admissions per 100,000 adult population varied between 41–47 for haemorrhagic and 257–275 for ischaemic stroke with substantial decrease in almost all age groups except for the oldest patients. In ischaemic stroke, thrombolytic therapy raised from 0 to 8.8% in 2015, along with significant trends of decreasing 30-day (from 20 to 16%) and 12-month (from 35 to 31%) case fatality. In haemorrhagic stroke, case fatality had not changed. After ischaemic stroke, 12-month readmissions due to AS declined from 11–12% in 2006–2009 to 9% in 2010–2014. The percentage of patients benefiting from rehabilitation increased from 24 to 32%. Conclusions: In a large population of industrial province, we showed recent, positive trends in AS admissions, treatment and 1-year outcomes. Development of stroke unit networks and increase in thrombolytic treatment were at least in part responsible for survival improvement and reduction of recurrence of AS. However, case-fatality and stroke recurrence remain high compared to those of other developed countries.

An integrated approach for prioritizing lean and agile production factors based on costs of quality with a case study in the home appliance industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prioritize lean production (LP) and agile production (AP) factors based on costs of quality (COQ).Design/methodology/approachAfter literature review, two separated houses of quality (HoQ) have been developed. By the first HoQ, LP and AP factors can be proritized based on prevention and appraisal costs and by the second HoQ, LP and AP factors can be prioritized based on failure costs. The proposed approach has been examined by analyzing data collected from 36 home appliance producers of Isfahan as an industrial province of Iran.FindingsThe first HoQ indicates that the highest and the lowest priorities are related to over-production (lean factor) and speed (agility factor), respectively. The second HoQ implies that the highest and the lowest priorities are related to responsiveness (agility factor) and inventory (lean factor), respectively. Quadrant analysis also indicates that defectives and over-processing are the two factors that have the highest priorities based on both failure costs and appraisal and prevention costs. As a major finding, LP factors have strong relationship with prevention and appraisal costs; and AP factors have strong relationship with failure costs.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach helps organizations in reducing their costs. By clarifying the relationship of the LP and AP factors and the COQ, managers can determine appropriate strategies with the lowest cost.Originality/valueThe integrated approach of this study has not been applied and studied in the literature. The subject of the relationship of LP and AP and COQ is relatively new, which integrates the two areas of production management and quality management.

Development and application of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on recombinant capsid protein for the detection of mink circovirus infection

BackgroundMink circovirus (MiCV) is a newly discovered pathogen associated with mink diarrhea. The prevalence and economic importance of this virus remain poorly understood, and no specific serological assay has been developed for the diagnosis of MiCV infection.ResultsIn this study, a recombinant capsid protein antigen expressed in Escherichia coli was utilized to establish an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Results revealed that the assay had no cross-reactivity with other related pathogens, and the respective sensitivity and specificity of the proposed iELISA were 92.31% and 91.67% compared with those obtained of Western blot on 138 serum samples from minks. The correlation coefficient between iELISA and Western blot was 0.838 (p > 0.05). iELISA was applied to detect MiCV antibodies in 683 clinical serum samples from different farms from the major mink industry province in China, and 21 of 24 farms with 163 of 683 (23.87%) individuals were tested positive for MiCV antibodies. The positive rates of each of the 21 flocks ranged from 2.33% to 73.68%.ConclusionsThese results indicated that iELISA was a sensitive and specific method suitable for the large-scale detection of MiCV infections in mink. This study provided an effective method for the serological diagnosis and positive rate investigation of MiCV infection.

Assessing Factors Driving the Change of Irrigation Water-Use Efficiency in China Based on Geographical Features

Changes in irrigation water-use efficiency are related closely to agricultural development. Clarifying the driving factors of irrigation water-use efficiency change at different agricultural development stages is beneficial for buffering the contradiction between the protection of water resources and massive agricultural water consumption. It also has theoretical and application value when it comes to elucidating the driving characteristics of spatial changes in irrigation water-use efficiency observed among the different provinces of China. This paper analyzes driving factors of irrigation water-use change based on a study of literature and a field survey. It selects 21 indices from five aspects of climatic change, resource endowment, economic situation, technological level, and management mode as the system of driving factors for irrigation water-use change. This article then uses statistical data on economic and social development in the 31 provinces of China in 2009, and applies the principal component analysis (PCA) method to extract the main driving factors affecting irrigation water-use efficiency change. After calculation of factor scores, clustering analysis is conducted on the 31 provinces to explore regional differences among the driving factors of irrigation water-use efficiency change. The results show that these can be attributed to the factors of agricultural economic development, water-saving irrigation technology, water resource endowment, and dissipation. The 31 provinces can be divided into five types: agricultural economy strong driving type; agricultural economy dominant type; industrial economy dominant type; agriculture strong development type; and coordinated driving type. In highly agricultural provinces, mature irrigation district management and water-saving measures influence the efficiency of irrigation water-use, making these strong positive driving factors. In highly industrial provinces, changes in irrigation water-use efficiency are mainly driven by economic development and structural adjustment, making these weak driving factors.

A multi-criteria decision analysis model for carbon emission quota allocation in China's east coastal areas: Efficiency and equity

The allocation of carbon emission quotas is recognized as a fundamental and critical step towards the establishment of an effective nationwide carbon emissions trading (CET) market in China. This paper aims to examine the quota allocation pertaining to China's east coastal areas. These regions are pioneers in reformation and the domestic heavy emitters. In this paper, a multi-criteria decision analysis model is proposed. This model is based on the principles of efficiency and equity. In order to reflect the true efficiency of carbon emissions, a weighted Russell direction distance model is employed. Three criteria, namely capacity, responsibility and potential, are used to evaluate the degrees of equity. Furthermore, different situations are set to evaluate the related indicators. The results indicate the following: (1) Industrial provinces have less carbon emission quota increments. (2) The Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone has notably improved energy efficiency, and future quota increments correspond with the zone's current carbon emissions. (3) Circum-Bohai Sea Economic Zone will be a major buyer of carbon emission quotas, while Pan-Pearl River Delta Economic Zone currently receives surplus quota. (4) The overall allocation of quotas converts from uneven to even as a result of GDP growth. These results provide a reference for collaborative regional reductions in carbon emissions and for the construction of a CET market.

Mapping potentials of low-grade industrial waste heat in Northern China

Low-grade industrial waste heat has drawn great attention in China. A new regulation concerning low-grade industrial waste heat (IWH) use has been issued by the NDRC (National Development and Reform Commission) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. Among the four major tasks mentioned, the most important is investigating IWH. However, there is little official data on the amount of waste heat in China. This paper presents a three-level method of IWH investigation. Meanwhile, the information needed at each level is summed up and heating area in northern China is taken as a case. A series of means are adopted, such as official statistics analysis, literature investigation, field test and so on. Results reveal the drastic situation of energy waste, and the great potential for energy conservation through the use of IWH. Approximately, 100Mtce (2.93EJ) potential of waste heat in industry can be recovered during heating season in whole northern China with 3.04 billion m3 of water saving. Questionnaire inquiry covers 11 cities in Hebei, a typical industrial province. The feasibility and benefit of waste heat to district heating (DH) were verified in a case in Qianxi county. But usually waste heat doesn’t distribute according to residential heat demand, as details are necessary when we regard it as potential heat source in any level. Moreover, it is recommended that policy makers should attach importance to data statistics, technology evaluation and stimulating market mechanism for proposed aim on waste heat.

Characteristics and origins of air pollutants and carbonaceous aerosols during wintertime haze episodes at a rural site in the Yangtze River Delta, China

China has frequently suffered regional-scale haze pollution in recent years. In this study, real-time observation data such as PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3 were used to analyze wintertime haze events at a rural site (Dongshan) in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). 3-hour resolution organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were also measured to further investigate the sources of PM2.5. The hybrid receptor models were used to identify source regions of PM2.5. The results showed that both regional transport and local emissions significantly contribute to air pollution at Dongshan during haze periods. The source areas affecting high PM2.5 concentrations were mainly located in nearby urbanized provinces (i.e., Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang) and industrial provinces (i.e., Shandong and Hebei) in eastern China. Furthermore, open biomass-burning emissions in south China (i.e., Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong and Fujian) decreased regional air quality, which was supported by MODIS fire spots and receptor models. During clean periods, air masses were originated from remote regions such as Mongolia and oceanic areas (i.e., the Yellow Sea and the East Sea). Enhanced secondary organic carbon (SOC) formation was found under long-range transport when OC aging was favorable. Contrarily, relatively low SOC formation was found when the site was dominated by local emissions. In addition to local emissions, high PM2.5 concentrations at Dongshan were apparently affected by either regional or long-range transport, which were characterized by relatively low and high wind speeds, respectively. It is necessary to implement the emission control strategies for the industrial and urbanized areas.

UPAYA PENINGKATAN EKSPOR NON MIGAS JAWA TIMUR PERIODE 2010-2011

This study aims to determine the measures that can be done to increase non-oil exports of East Java 2010-2011 period, either through the creation of a variety of export products and expand export destinations, particularly to the Middle East and Africa. Some non-oil export commodities is a mainstay of East Java is copper, organic chemicals, paper / carbon, plywood, shrimp, textiles, footwear, coffee, paper, and tobacco. Non-oil export development strategy of East Java is based on the SWOT analysis, which is preparing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The existence of the Tanjung Perak Surabaya and Sidoarjo Juanda Airport is the main force to boost exports, as well as the export share has exceeded 200 export destinations with 3000 items. Further basic weaknesses which are not memilii ISO and eco labeling, as well as the human resources that are less qualifid. Non-oil exports to the East Java there are still considerable opportunities for increased, including exhibitions abroad funded the Central Government and the Provincial Government of East Java, including education and training activities and free export periodically organized by the Department of Industry and Trade East Java Province. Threats faced by exporters in East Java is the competition in the international market is getting tougher and other rules are getting heavier. Based on the SWOT analysis, the strategy can be used to improve the non-oil export in East Java is to optimize the market potential that exists in other provinces, such as the province of South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and South Sumatra. Furthermore, actively pursue international exhibitions, both in Jakarta, as well as other countries. Another strategy is to create efficienc, effectiveness, and productivity in the production process in order to compete in the international market.

Interprovincial Reliance for Improving Air Quality in China: A Case Study on Black Carbon Aerosol.

Black carbon (BC) is of global concern because of its adverse effects on climate and human health. It can travel long distances via atmospheric movement and can be geographically relocated through trade. Here, we explored the integrated patterns of BC transport within 30 provinces in China from the perspective of meteorology and interprovincial trade using the Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) model and multiregional input-output analysis. In general, cross-border BC transport, which accounts for more than 30% of the surface concentration, occurs mainly between neighboring provinces. Specifically, Hebei contributes 1.2 μg·m(-3) BC concentration in Tianjin. By contrast, trade typically drives virtual BC flows from developed provinces to heavily industrial provinces, with the largest net flow from Beijing to Hebei (4.2 Gg). Shanghai is most vulnerable to domestic consumption with an average interprovincial consumption influence efficiency of 1.5 × 10(-4) (μg·m(-3))/(billion Yuan·yr(-1)). High efficiencies (∼8 × 10(-5) (μg·m(-3))/(billion Yuan·yr(-1))) are also found from regions including Beijing, Jiangsu, and Shanghai to regions including Hebei, Shandong, and Henan. The above source-receptor relationship indicates two control zones: Huabei and Huadong. Both mitigating end-of-pipe emissions and rationalizing the demand for pollution-intense products are important within the two control zones to reduce BC and other pollutants.

Association between personal exposure to ambient metals and respiratory disease in Italian adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundRelease of ambient metals during ferroalloy production may be an important source of environmental exposure for nearby communities and exposure to these metals has been linked to adverse respiratory outcomes. We sought to characterize the association between personal air levels of metals and respiratory health in Italian adolescents living in communities with historic and current ferroalloy activity.MethodsAs part of a study in the industrial province of Brescia, Italy, 410 adolescents aged 11–14 years were recruited. Participants were enrolled from three different communities with varying manganese (Mn) levels: Bagnolo Mella which has current ferroalloy activity, Valcamonica, which has historic ferroalloy activity and Garda Lake which has no history of ferroalloy activity. Particulate matter <10 μm in diameter (PM10) was collected for 24 h in filters using personal sampling. Mn, nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) were measured in filters using x-ray fluorescence. Data on respiratory health was collected through questionnaire. Data for 280 adolescents were analyzed using a modified Poisson regression, and risk ratios were calculated for an interquartile (IQR) range increase in each pollutant.ResultsIn adjusted models including PM10 as a co-pollutant, we found significant associations between concentrations of Mn (RR: 1.09, 95 % CI [1.00, 1.18] per 42 ng/m3 increase), Ni (RR: 1.11, 95 % CI [1.03, 1.21] per 4 ng/m3 increase) and Cr (RR: 1.08, 95 % CI [1.06, 1.11] per 9 ng/m3 increase) and parental report of asthma. We also found significant associations between increased Mn and Ni and increased risk of asthma medication use in the past 12 months (RR: 1.13, 95 % CI [1.04, 1.29] and (RR: 1.13, 95 % CI [1.01, 1.27] respectively).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that exposure to ambient Mn, Ni and Cr may be associated with adverse respiratory outcomes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-016-0173-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sex-specific difference of the association between ambient air pollution and the prevalence of obesity in Chinese adults from a high pollution range area: 33 Communities Chinese Health Study

Experimental data suggests that exposure to airborne fine particulate matter is associated with obesity. There is little supporting epidemiologic evidence of this, however. To evaluate the effects of ambient air pollution on the prevalence of obesity among adults living in a primarily industrial province of northeast China, 24,845 Chinese adults between the ages of 18 and 74 were randomly recruited from 33 communities in 11 districts of three northeastern Chinese cities during 2009. The participants’ weight and height were measured. Three-year (2006–2008) average concentrations of particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) were calculated from monitoring stations in each of the 11 districts. Two-level logistic regressions models were used to examine the effects of pollutants exposure. Overall, 35.3% (8764) were overweight and 5.8% (1435) were obese. After adjusting for confounding factors, significant associations between concentrations of air pollutants and prevalence of obesity were found. When the analysis was stratified by sex, the associations were significant only in women. Among women, an increased prevalence of obesity was associated with an interquartile range increase in PM10 (19 μg/m3; odds ratio [ORs] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.06–1.32), NO2 (9 μg/m3; ORs = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.09–1.41), and O3 (22 μg/m3; ORs = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30). Associations were stronger among older participants. In conclusion, this study reveals a positive association between the long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and increased prevalence of obesity, and that these associations were more apparent in women than in men.

EFEKTIFITAS PELAYANAN PUBLIK PADA DINAS PERINDUSTRIAN PERDAGANGAN DAN PENANAMAN MODAL PROVINSI GORONTALO

This study is intended to be a significant input for the lead in developing the apparatus. Iintuk purpose of this research is to know how to the development of personnel resources of government to the public service at the Department of Industry, Trade and Investment Gorontalo Province. The results obtained that the development of personnel resources in order to provide excellent service at the Department of Industry, Trade and Investment Gorontalo Province has been done by the party leadership, but still not optimally. In terms of the factors that influence the development of personnel in providing public services, facilities and infrastructure are still lacking to support the implementation of the tasks of the apparatus, such as buildings and not enough working space, office equipment still lacking or are damaged. Another factor is the ability of personnel to operate the equipment that is still less than the maximum.

Emerging Applications of Bedside 3D Printing in Plastic Surgery.

Modern imaging techniques are an essential component of preoperative planning in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, conventional modalities, including three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, are limited by their representation on 2D workstations. 3D printing, also known as rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing, was once the province of industry to fabricate models from a computer-aided design (CAD) in a layer-by-layer manner. The early adopters in clinical practice have embraced the medical imaging-guided 3D-printed biomodels for their ability to provide tactile feedback and a superior appreciation of visuospatial relationship between anatomical structures. With increasing accessibility, investigators are able to convert standard imaging data into a CAD file using various 3D reconstruction softwares and ultimately fabricate 3D models using 3D printing techniques, such as stereolithography, multijet modeling, selective laser sintering, binder jet technique, and fused deposition modeling. However, many clinicians have questioned whether the cost-to-benefit ratio justifies its ongoing use. The cost and size of 3D printers have rapidly decreased over the past decade in parallel with the expiration of key 3D printing patents. Significant improvements in clinical imaging and user-friendly 3D software have permitted computer-aided 3D modeling of anatomical structures and implants without outsourcing in many cases. These developments offer immense potential for the application of 3D printing at the bedside for a variety of clinical applications. In this review, existing uses of 3D printing in plastic surgery practice spanning the spectrum from templates for facial transplantation surgery through to the formation of bespoke craniofacial implants to optimize post-operative esthetics are described. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of 3D printing to become an essential office-based tool in plastic surgery to assist in preoperative planning, developing intraoperative guidance tools, teaching patients and surgical trainees, and producing patient-specific prosthetics in everyday surgical practice.

Gender-specific differences of interaction between obesity and air pollution on stroke and cardiovascular diseases in Chinese adults from a high pollution range area: A large population based cross sectional study

BackgroundLittle information exists regarding the interaction effects of obesity with long-term air pollution exposure on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and stroke in areas of high pollution. The aim of the present study is to examine whether obesity modifies CVD-related associations among people living in an industrial province of northeast China. MethodsWe studied 24,845 Chinese adults, aged 18 to 74years old, from three Northeastern Chinese cities in 2009 utilizing a cross-sectional study design. Body weight and height were measured by trained observers. Overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index (BMI) between 25–29.9 and ≥30kg/m2, respectively. Prevalence rate and related risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were investigated by a questionnaire. Three-year (2006–2008) average concentrations of particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxides (NO2), and ozone (O3) were measured by fixed monitoring stations. All the participants lived within 1km of air monitoring sites. Two-level logistic regression (personal level and district-specific pollutant level) was used to examine these effects, controlling for covariates. ResultsWe observed significant interactions between exposure and obesity on CVDs and stroke. The associations between annual pollutant concentrations and CVDs and stroke were strongest in obese subjects (OR 1.15–1.47 for stroke, 1.33–1.59 for CVDs), less strong in overweight subjects (OR 1.22–1.35 for stroke, 1.07–1.13 for CVDs), and weakest in normal weight subjects (OR ranged from 0.98–1.01 for stroke, 0.93–1.15 for CVDs). When stratified by gender, these interactions were significant only in women. ConclusionsStudy findings indicate that being overweight and obese may enhance the effects of air pollution on the prevalence of CVDs and stroke in Northeastern metropolitan China. Further studies will be needed to investigate the temporality of BMI relative to exposure and onset of disease.

Pursuing air pollutant co-benefits of CO 2 mitigation in China: A provincial leveled analysis

Abstract With fast economic development, industrialization and urbanization, China faces increasing pressures on carbon emission reduction, and especially on air pollutants (SO 2 , NOx, PM) reduction, particularly the notorious haze issue caused by air pollution in recent years. Pursuing co-benefits is an effective approach to simultaneously respond to both carbon and air pollutant problems. In this paper, the AIM/CGE (Asia–Pacific Integrated Assessment Model/Computational General Equilibrium) model and GAINS (Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies)-China model are combined together to project future CO 2 and air pollutants emissions in China, as well as reduction costs and co-benefit effects. Considering implementation of carbon mitigation policy and air pollutant mitigation technologies, four scenarios (S1, S2, S3 and S4) are analyzed. Results indicate that by implementing both carbon and air pollutant mitigation (S4), CO 2 emission per GDP can be reduced by 41% by 2020, compared with the 2005 level, and SO 2 , NOx and PM2.5 emissions would change by a factor 0.8, 1.26 and 1.0 of the 2005 level, respectively in 2030. The real co-benefits of emission reductions (S2 minus S4) for SO 2 , NOx and PM2.5 are 2.4 Mt, 2.1 Mt and 0.3 Mt in 2020, and the corresponding cost reduction co-benefits are 4, 0.11, and 0.8 billion €, respectively. Provincial disparity analysis reveals that regions with higher co-benefits are those with higher GDP such as Guangdong, Shandong and Jiangsu, energy production bases such as Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, low coal quality provinces such as Sichuan (for SO 2 ), and industrial base provinces such as Liaoning. Cost-effectiveness is finally discussed for policy implications, which suggests that investment in less developed western regions is more cost-effective and easier in reducing CO 2 or air pollutant emissions than in developed eastern regions.

Malignant mesotheliomas in textile rag sorters.

To analyse the asbestos exposure characteristics and mesothelioma trend in textile workers operating in the larger Tuscan textile industrial province of Prato between 1988 and 2012. All cases of textile workers recorded by the Tuscan mesothelioma register are considered. The demographic and clinical characteristics and asbestos exposure of cases working in the province of Prato are examined. Crude incidence rates between 1988 and 2012 and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) are calculated in rag sorters and other textile workers. The trends of standardized rates are also evaluated, as well as the sources of occupational asbestos exposure from occupational histories of cases affected by other asbestos-related diseases in rag sorters. One hundred and seventy-two malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) have been diagnosed in textile workers in Tuscany. Among these, 46.5% were residents in the province of Prato at the time of diagnosis, half of whom working as rag sorters. All rag sorters with MM are classified as occupationally asbestos exposed, while 71.7% are other textile workers exposed to asbestos. The estimated crude incidence rate in rag sorters in Prato ranges from 74.1×100000 (95% CI: 52.5-101.8) to 166.8×100000 (95% CI: 118.1-229.0). The standardized rates in Prato rag sorters appeared higher throughout the 1990s while in other Prato textile workers the rates increased later on, at the very end of the 1990s. Another 40 cases of asbestos-related diseases in rag sorters were also collected. A very high incidence of MMs was observed in textile workers in Prato, especially among rag sorters. This result, together with the high number of other asbestos-related diseases in rag sorters, strongly supports the hypothesis of diffuse asbestos exposure in rag sorting, in the absence of any other relevant aetiological factor for malignant mesothelioma.

Asthma and asthma related symptoms in 23,326 Chinese children in relation to indoor and outdoor environmental factors: The Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC) Study

BackgroundBoth the levels and patterns of outdoor and indoor air pollutants have changed dramatically during the last decade in China. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of the present air pollution on the health of Chinese children. This study examines the association between outdoor and indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases among children living in Liaoning, a heavy industrial province of China. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 23,326 Chinese children aged 6 to 13years was conducted in 25 districts of 7 cities in Northeast China during 2009. Three-year (2006–2008) average concentrations of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxides (NO2), and ozone (O3) were calculated from monitoring stations in each of the 25 districts. We used two-level logistic regression models to examine the effects of yearly variations in exposure to each pollutant, controlling for important covariates. ResultsThe prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher for those dwelling close to a busy road, those living near smokestacks or factories, those living with smokers, those living in one-story houses typically with small yards, and those with home renovation, bedroom carpet or pets. Ventilation device use was associated with decreased odds of asthma in children. The adjusted odds ratio for diagnosed-asthma was 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–1.45) per 31μg/m3 increase in PM10, 1.23 (95%CI, 1.14–1.32) per 21μg/m3 increase in SO2, 1.25 (95%CI, 1.16–1.36) per 10μg/m3 increase in NO2, and 1.31 (95%CI, 1.21–1.41) per 23μg/m3 increase in O3, respectively. ConclusionOutdoor and indoor air pollution was associated with an increased likelihood of respiratory morbidity among Chinese children.

Formation and dominant factors of haze pollution over Beijing and its peripheral areas in winter

The formation process and dominant factors of air pollution over Beijing and its immediate vicinities, known as a rapidly developed agglomeration, were dissected and analyzed in multi–scale in this paper. Several severe haze pollution events occurred over northern China in October, November 2013, during which time a set of hourly sampling data, including four air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2) from 35 monitoring stations, as well as relevant vertical profiles of meteorological parameters were collected. Two major formation processes were found to be contributing to two substantial different pollution types in Beijing area. One type was characterized by stagnant weather conditions with moderate southerly winds. Air pollutants from local and southern industrial provinces accumulated and PM2.5 concentrations were less than 250μg/m3, with a duration of 1 or 2 days. In contrast, the second type was characterized by intense temperature inversion under planetary boundary layer (PBL) and natural dusts in the middle and upper part of PBL transported from Gobi Desert cover the fine particle like a “lid”, making the regional atmospheric layers extremely stable. Consequently, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded 400μg/m3 and the severe pollution can last for 3 to 5 days. Moreover, domestic heating is a significant contributor to haze pollution in winter. Its role was estimated using comparative methods as it began in the middle of observing period. Statistical results showed that domestic heating contributed to the increase in most of the monitored air pollutants, especially for SO2. Spatial interpolation and overlay analysis were conducted to get the spatial features of domestic heating–induced pollutants in order to clarify its sources. Population distribution data was integrated into a spatial statistical analysis, which indicated the concentrations of PM2.5 and SO2 have no or even negative relationship with population, thus revealing pollutants from domestic heating in Beijing were mainly from suburban areas without central heating systems.

Innovation in HeNan Province Food Group Enterprise Strategic Management Research

In order to further deepen the reform of the grain circulation system, speed up the strategic adjustment of economic structure and industrial transformation and upgrading of grain, food industry through social and economic benefits. This article from the current situation, problems, advantages of grain of HeNan, experience, trend analysis, this paper studies the innovation strategy of HeNan grain group management, food structure adjustment, establish long-term effective mechanism of industrialization, give play to the role of collective resources aggregation, strengthen the government macroeconomic regulation and control ability, enhance the international market competitiveness, realize the central plains economic zone construction, construction of national food core, farmers get rich, urban and rural residents' demand for food. Implement the strategy of innovation management strategy, strengthen leadership, overall coordination, perfecting the corporate governance structure, value chain and system building group, set up group risk prevention system, formulate the development strategy and strategy. Food resources province into a strong province of grain processing industry, and promote the development and revitalization of HeNan province.

A Tiered Quality Assurance Review Process for Clinical Data Management Standard Operating Procedures in an Academic Health Center

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) were once considered the province of the pharmaceutical industry but are now viewed as a key component of quality assurance programs. To address variability and increase the rigor of clinical data management (CDM) operations, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) decided to create CDM SOPs. In response to this challenge, and as part of a broader institutional initiative, the CCHMC leadership established an executive steering committee to oversee the development and implementation of CDM SOPs. This resulted in the creation of a quality assurance review process with three review panels: an SOP development team (16 clinical data managers and technical staff members), a faculty review panel (8 senior faculty and administrators), and an expert advisory panel (3 national CDM experts). This innovative, tiered review process helped ensure that the new SOPs would be created and implemented in accord with good CDM practices and standards. Twelve fully vetted, institutionally endorsed SOPs and one CDM template resulted from the intensive, iterative 10-month process (December 2011 to early October 2012). Phased implementation, which incoporated the CDM SOPs into the existing audit process for certain types of clinical research studies, was on schedule at the time of this writing. Once CCHMC researchers have had the opportunity to use the SOPs over time and across a broad range of research settings and conditions, the SOPs will be revisited and revalidated.