High-risk Zone Research Articles

Upscaling the remediation of acidic landscapes – the coastal floodplain prioritisation method

Over 24 million hectares of the world's coastal floodplains are underlain by acid sulfate soils (ASS). Drainage of these sediments has led to widespread environmental degradation, raising serious health concerns. To date, onsite rehabilitation has been complicated by differing stakeholder priorities, with resources often allocated to sites with more vocal proponents rather than those exposed to more significant environmental impacts. To address this issue, this paper introduces the Coastal Floodplain Prioritisation (CFP) Method; a novel, data driven and spatially explicit multi-criteria assessment that ranks floodplain catchment areas according to their risk of transferring acidic drainage waters to an estuary. Results can be used to prioritise where remediation actions are likely to have the greatest benefit. The method was applied across six different estuaries in south-east Australia, with major field campaigns undertaken at each site. Within each estuary, the largest acid fluxes and impacts are identified with relevant mitigation measures provided. On a catchment scale, the results reflect the broader hydrogeomorphic characteristics of each estuary, including the historic acid formation conditions and recent anthropogenic drainage activities. Low-lying backswamps were identified as the highest risk zones within each estuary. These areas are also the most vulnerable to sea level rise. Reinstatement of tidal inundation to these backswamps effectively remediates acid sulfate soil discharges and provides a nature-based solution for adaptation to sea level rise with a range of co-benefits to encourage further investment.

Hotspot movement of compound events on the Europe continent

Climate indices are often used as a climate monitoring tool, allowing us to understand how the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events are changing over time. Here, based on complex statistical analysis we identify highly correlated significant pairs of compound events at the highest spatial resolution, on a monthly temporal scale across Europe. Continental-scale monthly analysis unleashes information on compound events such as high-risk zones, hotspots, monthly shifts of hotspots and trends, risk exposure to land cover and population, and identification of maximum increasing trends. While there are many studies on single or compound climate extremes there are only a few studies that addresses the relationship between pairs of hazards, the incorporation of bioclimatic indices, the determination of a grid best-fit copula approach, and the outlining relevance of this work of compound event risks with exposures. In this respect, here, using 27-bivariate and 10-trivariate copula models, we show that the different hazard pairs have high combined risks of indices related to radiation, temperature, evapotranspiration, bioclimatic-based indices, such as the universal thermal climate index, wind chill index, and heat index, mainly over the northern and eastern European countries. Furthermore, we show that over the last 7 decades, agricultural and coastal areas are highly exposed to the risks of defined hotspots of compound events. In some of the hotspots of compound events-identified by clusters, there is no monthly shifts of hotspots, leading to higher impacts when compounded. Future work needs to integrate the framework and process to identify other compound pairs.

Dynamics of the Epidemic Process of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Irkutsk Region in 2001–2021

The aim of this work was to analyze the spatial and temporal features of the epidemic process dynamics of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Irkutsk Region in 2001–2021.Materials and methods. The data of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Irkutsk Region, the Reference Center of the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute, the materials of the state statistical reporting form No. 2 “Information on infectious and parasitic diseases”, and scientific publications were analyzed. The chronological and chorological features of the change in the incidence of TVE have been traced. In the latter case, the administrative-territorial formations (ATF) of the subject were differentiated by epidemiological risk groups over two ten-year periods: 2001–2010 and 2011–2020. At each time interval, the grouping of areas according to the level of TBE incidence was carried out using the calculation of 95% confidence interval. Time sequences of observations were analyzed using the construction of regression equations. Standard methods of variation statistics in the Microsoft Excel were deployed.Results and discussion. Over the course of the 21st century, the incidence of TBE in Irkutsk Region has been declining. Based on 2001–2010 data, there were no cases of TBE in six ATF, and endemic areas were divided into three groups: with low (15 districts), medium (6) and high (8) incidence of TBE. A separate assessment of morbidity rates was conducted in the administrative center of the entity, the city of Irkutsk. In 2011–2020, the structure of ATF with varying epidemiological risk of TBE underwent a change. Six non-endemic areas, groups of low (12 ATFs), medium (9), high (6) and very high (2) epidemiological risk were identified. The spatial arrangement of high epidemiological risk zones changed, and their area increased. Each ATF cluster with different TBE incidence in 2011–2020 is characterized by the number of TBE cases and the volume of measures to prevent the infection. It is concluded that preventive measures were insufficient in ATF groups of high and very high epidemiological risk.

Climate change is narrowing and shifting prescribed fire windows in western United States

Escalating wildfire activity in the western United States has accelerated adverse societal impacts. Observed increases in wildfire severity and impacts to communities have diverse anthropogenic causes—including the legacy of fire suppression policies, increased development in high-risk zones, and aridification by a warming climate. However, the intentional use of fire as a vegetation management tool, known as “prescribed fire,” can reduce the risk of destructive fires and restore ecosystem resilience. Prescribed fire implementation is subject to multiple constraints, including the number of days characterized by weather and vegetation conditions conducive to achieving desired outcomes. Here, we quantify observed and projected trends in the frequency and seasonality of western United States prescribed fire days. We find that while ~2 C of global warming by 2060 will reduce such days overall (−17%), particularly during spring (−25%) and summer (−31%), winter (+4%) may increasingly emerge as a comparatively favorable window for prescribed fire especially in northern states.

Spatial and temporal variations of landscape ecological risk in the dry and hot valley of the Jinsha River during 2000-2020

Scientific assessment of landscape ecological risk in ecologically fragile areas of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River is of great significance to regional ecological regulation and construction of the Yangtze River ecological security barrier. With the dry-hot valley area of Jinsha River in Yunnan Province as the research area, we constructed a landscape ecological risk evaluation model, and analyzed the spatial and temporal variations of regional landscape ecological risk. The results showed that the average values of landscape ecological risk index (LER) in the study area were 0.414, 0.398, and 0.462 in 2000, 2010 and 2020, respectively. The LER value of the whole region had reached a higher risk level by 2020. In 2000 and 2010, the landscape ecological risk zones of each level were staggered, and the high-risk zones showed a centralized distribution in 2020. During the two decades, the average LER of each section in the study area was around 0.42, which was close to the high risk level, indicating high landscape ecological risk level. The area of middle and low risk zones had decreased, while the area of high risk zone had significantly increased. The area of high risk zone in the western and middle sections was much higher than that in the eastern section. The area with significant changes of landscape ecological risk accounted for about 55% of the total study area, with obvious spatial agglomeration characteristics of significant increase and decrease of risk. The competition between government-led ecological management policies and measures and market-led land use activities was the main cause of landscape ecological risk variations in this region. In the future, the driving mechanism of climate change coupled with human activities on global and local landscape ecological risk changes in the study area should be uncovered to effectively cope with regional ecological risks.

Risk assessment of marine litter pollution from maritime industries on seabird habitat

Cases of bird damage caused by marine litter have been reported worldwide. This study represents the investigation in South Korea (“Korea”) focused on the identification and management strategies of marine litter sources targeting seabirds within the context of habitat risk assessment. The purpose of this study is to identify key marine litter stressors affecting seabird habitat and identify ascertain to manage these stressors. Ports, fishing spots, and aquaculture farms where abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) occurs are considered marine litter stressors. Consequently, the principal estuaries in Korea, encompassing the Han River, Nakdong River, and Geum River estuaries, were designated as high-risk zones. Within the maritime industries, it was discerned that marine litter arising from fishing spots exerted the most substantial influence on seabirds. Among the focused seabird species, the Black-faced Spoonbill, Black-tailed Gull, and Great-crested Grebe demonstrated an elevated susceptibility to marine litter exposure. This underscores the potential variability in prioritization and strategies for risk management based on the characteristics of each maritime industry and seabird species. Additionally, it can provide fundamental data for national marine litter monitoring and removal initiatives, and contribute to the efficient budget allocation of government collection projects.

Vulnerability and risk assessment mapping of Bhitarkanika national park, Odisha, India using machine-based embedded decision support system

The vulnerability and flood risk assessment of Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, India, was conducted using a data-driven approach and a machine-based embedded decision support system. The park, located in the estuaries of the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dharma, and Mahanadi river systems, is home to India’s second-largest mangrove environment and the world’s most active and diverse saline wetland. To evaluate its vulnerability and risk, various threats were considered, with a focus on floods. Satellite imageries, such as Landsat 8 OLI, SRTM digital elevation model, open street map, Google pro image, reference map, field survey, and other ancillary data, were utilized to develop vulnerability and risk indicators. These indicators were then reclassified into ‘Cost’ and ‘Benefit’ categories for better understanding. The factors were standardized using the max-min standardization method before being fed into the vulnerability and risk model. Initially, an analytical hierarchy approach was used to develop the model, which was later compared with machine learning algorithms (e.g., SVM) and uncertainty analysis indices (e.g., overall accuracy, kappa, map quality, etc.). The results showed that the SVM-RBF machine learning algorithm outperformed the traditional geostatistical model (AHP), with an overall accuracy of 99.54% for flood risk mapping compared to AHP’s 91.12%. The final output reveals that a large area of Bhitarkanika National park falls under high flood risk zone. The Eastern coastal regions of Govindapur, Kanhupur, Chinchri, Gobardhanpur and Barunei fall under high risk zone of tidal floods, The Northern and western regions of Ramachandrapur, Jaganathpur, Kamalpur, Subarnapur, Paramanandapur, etc., Fall under high risk region of riverine floods. The study also revealed that the areas covered with mangroves have a higher elevation and hence are repellent to any kind of flood. In the event of a flood high priority conservation measures should be taken along all high flood risk areas. This study is helpful for decision-making and carrying out programs for the conservation of natural resources and flood management in the national park and reserve forest for ecological sustainability to support sustainable development goals (e.g., SDGs-14, 15).

A cooperative control method for safer on-ramp merging process in heterogeneous traffic flow

The on-ramp area is a high-risk conflict zone where traffic accidents frequently occur. Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) have the potential to enhance the safety of the merging process through appropriate cooperative control methods. This paper proposes a cooperative control method for safer on-ramp merging processes in heterogeneous traffic flow. Firstly, the gap selection process of ramp vehicles is described, thus all feasible virtual platoon results can be summarized. Next, the vehicle bond (VB) is used to describe the connection mode between vehicles within the virtual platoon. A two-layered gap selection function is proposed to ensure a safer merging process. The first layer aims to minimize the number of empty VBs, while the second layer considers fairness with respect to delay. To evaluate the control effectiveness, time exposed time-to-collision (TET), cumulative risk (CR), and conflict-potential mergence ratio (CPMR) are selected as the safety evaluation indicators. The simulation results show that the gap selection control moves the merging positions of ramp vehicles forward, resulting less risk of merging. It significantly enhances the safety of on-ramp merging without compromising traffic efficiency. At a flow rate of 650 veh/h for both the mainline and ramp, and a CAV penetration rate of 0.1–0.9, the gap selection control group achieves a decrease rate of about 0.3–0.6 for average TET and CR compared to the non-control group. In the pure CAV environment, the decrease rate can reach about 0.9. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the gap selection control is effective across varying flow rates and steady speeds. The optimal control effect is achieved when the length of the communication area ranges from 100 to 200 m.

Socioeconomic impacts of flooding and its coping strategies in Nigeria: Evidence from Dagiri community, Gwagwalada area council of Abuja

Dagiri, a community in the Gwagwalada area council, has been ravaged by floods. The most recent which took place on 25th July 2020 was devastating and had severe impacts on the community. This study focuses on the socioeconomic implications of the 2020 flood in the Dagari community. To achieve the specific objectives, a number of methodologies were employed such as map analysis, questionnaire survey, oral interviews, and site observations. Presentation of results was done using percentages, tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and photos. The land cover is mostly residential with urban infrastructures. A flood hazard map was created from which analysis revealed that about 87% of the area is at risk of flooding, though the severity of vulnerability varies from low vulnerable areas to highly vulnerable risk zones. The socioeconomic impacts were duly measured using some sustainable development indicators, and the result revealed that flooding had numerous socio-economic impacts on the community, ranging from income, education, agriculture, sanitation, infrastructures, and properties. The coping strategies adopted by some community members were also very inadequate, while a high number of them are not employing any coping strategies at all. Therefore, we recommend regulated and scientifically coordinated aggregate mining from the river and relocation of households living in high-risk flood zones. The government should invest more in flood (disaster) management with the recent challenge of climate change.

Flood risk mapping of the flood-prone Rangpur division of Bangladesh using remote sensing and multi-criteria analysis

Identification of potential flood risk areas is crucial to reduce flood damage for the frequently flooded and low-lying South Asian developing countries. The present study has prepared district-level (District: second administrative unit of the country) flood risk map for the flood-prone Rangpur Division (Division: first administrative unit) of Bangladesh using the multi-criteria decision analysis along with the application of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. Eight physical factors such as elevation, slope, distance from river, drainage density, land cover, rainfall, height above nearest drainage (HAND), and topographic wetness index (TWI), and six social factors such as population density, dependent population, disabled population, female population, agriculture dependent population, and literacy have been assessed to create a final risk map. The flood risk map is divided into five risk zones: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. Integration of the social factors along with the physical factors reflects the insight of the vulnerability and increases the authenticity of the generated risk map. This study found that 62.46% area of the Rangpur Division resides under the moderate to very high-risk zone of flooding. Using ROC (receiver operating characteristic)-AUC (area under the curve) curve, the risk map is validated with a score of 0.83 from the flood inventory map of 2020 generated from the Sentinel 1 image. This risk map will guide policymakers to easily identify the vulnerable area for flood hazards and suitable areas for development activities necessary to attain sustainable development.

Detailed Inventory and Spatial Distribution Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Jiexi County, Guangdong Province, China in August 2018

In recent years, with the intensification of climate change, the occurrence of heavy rain events has become more frequent. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have become one of the common geological disasters around the world. This study selects an extreme rainfall event in August 2018 in Jiexi County, Guangdong province, as the research object. Based on high-resolution remote sensing images before and after the event, visual interpretation is conducted to obtain a detailed distribution map of rainfall-induced landslides. The results show that a total of 1844 rainfall-induced landslides were triggered within Jiexi County during this rainfall event. In terms of triggered scale, the total area of the landslides is 3.3884 million m2, with the largest individual landslide covering an area of 22,300 m2 and the smallest one covering an area of 417.78 m2. The landslides are concentrated in the northeastern, central, and southwestern parts of the study area, consistent with the distribution trend of rainfall intensity. To investigate further the influence of the regional environment on landslide distribution, this study selects eight influencing factors, including elevation, slope aspect, slope angle, topographic wetness index (TWI), topographic relief, lithology, distance to river, and accumulated rainfall. The landslide number density (LND) and landslide area percentage (LAP) are used as evaluation indicators. Based on statistical analysis using a data analysis platform, the relationship between landslide distribution and influencing factors triggered by this event is revealed. The results of this study will contribute to understanding the development law of regional rainfall-induced landslides and provide assistance for disaster prevention and mitigation in the area. The research results show that the elevation range of 100–150 m is the high-risk zone for landslides. In addition, this study has verified previous findings that slopes in the southeast direction are more prone to landslides. The steeper the slope, the more significant its influence on landslide development. When the topographic wetness index (TWI) is less than 4, landslides tend to have a high-density distribution. Greater variation in terrain relief is more likely to trigger landslides. The instability of lithology in Mesozoic strata is the main cause of landslides. The farther away from the water system, the fewer landslides occur. An increase in cumulative rainfall leads to an increase in both the number and area of landslides.

A Human Detection Approach for Intrusion in Hazardous Areas Using 4D-BIM-Based Spatial-Temporal Analysis and Computer Vision

Detecting intrusion in hazardous areas is one of the priorities and duties of safety enhancement. With the emergence of vision intelligence technology, hazardous-area-detection algorithms can support safety managers in predicting potential hazards and making decisions. However, because of the dynamic and complex nature of the jobsite, high-risk zones have a different geometry and can be changed following the schedule and workspace of activity. This leads to hazardous areas being annotated manually. Thus, this study proposes a computer vision and a 4D BIM-based approach for intrusion detection in hazardous areas, called IDC4D. IDC4D comprises three modules: (1) the 4D BIM-based safety planning (4BSP) module, which analyzes the hazardous area; (2) the hazardous area registration (HAR) module, which delivers the hazardous area from the BIM model to the camera’s first frame image; and (3) the hazardous-area-intrusion-detection module (HAID), which applies the computer vision algorithm to identify the correlation between workers and hazardous areas. The efficiency of the IDC4D approach is validated by testing a maintenance project on the construction site. IDC4D supports the planner in choosing the plan and detecting the event of workers entering hazardous areas while working. It showed an average precision of 93% and 94% in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. These findings provide insight into how varying geometries of diverse hazard areas can be handled for enhancing intrusion detection.

Emergency shelters fleeing La Soufrière: a case study from the April 2021 volcanic eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Abstract La Soufrière, St Vincent is the northernmost stratovolcano on mainland St Vincent. Over 25 000 residents were issued orders to evacuate their homes in the high-risk zones close to the La Soufrière Volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines because of the imminent explosive volcanic eruption. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of residents who evacuated and sought shelter as a result of the 2021 eruption of La Soufrière Volcano. The researchers conducted surveys of affected residents of the red and orange zones (evacuees and non-evacuees) as well as shelter volunteers. The results indicate that residents are willing to evacuate if they are provided with information to guide their decision-making and if they feel that they have a suitable place to stay and that they are likely to receive support, especially food supplies. Despite their willingness to evacuate, people are generally concerned about the safety and security of their house, crops and livestock. In relation to future eruptions, people would be more prepared if they received more information, were evacuated earlier and took more supplies with them when they were evacuated.

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF SEA LEVEL RISE ON COASTAL FLOODING AND SHORELINE CHANGES ALONG THE COAST OF LOUISIANA USING REMOTE SENSORY IMAGERY

Abstract. Sea level rise poses risks to coastal areas which is increasingly rendering such areas susceptible to flood and shoreline retreat. Notably, coastal areas like Southern Louisiana located along the Gulf of Mexico has experienced endangering events of land subsidence due to flood inundations resulting from incessant distribution of hurricanes and tropical storms. This research therefore employed remote sensing data to analyze the impacts of sea level rise on coastal flooding and shoreline retreat along the coast of Louisiana. That is, by assessing Sentinel-2 imagery data to evaluate flood prone and flood extent areas particularly during the Louisiana floods and Hurricane Harvey. Based on this, the results show most of the inland parishes in coastal Louisiana such as Assumption, St. James, Livingston, Lafourche and Terrebonne were within high flood risk zones of about 9.3. These parishes also suffered severe damage in terms of affected croplands, potentially flooded areas and affected urban areas. On the other hand, most of the parishes in close proximity to the waterbodies such as the Gulf of Mexico were interestingly within low flood risk zones of about 6.1 suggesting proximity to waterbodies not being the only indicating factor of a flood prone area. This research also highlights that Louisiana's shorelines are rapidly receding at a rate that could result in the loss of one million acres of the state’s land in the next four decades. Hence, the results from this research are anticipated to contribute to sustainable shoreline setback plans and mitigative strategies to protect Louisiana's coast.

The challenges of urban conservation in the historic city of Puri

Since antiquity, Puri, known for excellence in the field of art and architecture, has been one of the Char Dhams (holy places) of the Hindu Pilgrimage of India. India is rich in temples and historical settlements from the ancient Kashi to Char Dhams. The abode of Shree Jagannath, Puri, is one of the cardinal centres of pilgrimage for Hinduism. Puri, the cultural capital of Odisha, connects thousands of pilgrims to spirituality through its art, culture, heritage and Jagannath traditions. In the eastern state of India, Odisha is an uncharted gem of cultures and traditions with literature and architecture, picturesque beaches and wilderness, with Puri as its focal point. Puri has a distinctive blend of ethnicity, culture and tradition with an eclectic flair. The city accounts for about half of the tourist inflow to the state while tripling it during the Rath Yatra — the annual chariot festival. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, Puri, a high disaster risk zone, often encounters natural catastrophes such as heavy rainfall, floods, thunderstorms and severe cyclonic storms. Despite its importance and numerous governmental schemes, cultural heritage is always vulnerable to damage and destruction. This makes the documentation and sensitive planning approach to the conservation of the pilgrim city of the utmost importance. Based on secondary data and extensive surveys, this paper construes the multifaceted challenges of Puri with emphasis on its sociocultural identities, critically exploring the city in its contemporary form with the urban conservation initiatives undertaken by authorities. It summarises that modification in the planning approach is mandated to achieve its optimum potential to be revered as a world-class heritage city.

Urban flood risk assessment under rapid urbanization in Zhengzhou City, China

With accelerated urbanization and climate change, urban flooding is becoming more and more serious. Flood risk assessment is an important task for flood management, so it is crucial to map the spatial and temporal distribution of flood risk. This paper proposed an urban flood risk assessment method that takes into account the influences of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure, by constructing a multi-index urban flood risk assessment framework based on Geographic Information System (GIS). To determine the weight values of urban flood risk index factors, we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Also, we plotted the temporal and spatial distribution maps of flood risk in Zhengzhou City in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The analysis results showed that, the proportion of very high and high flood risk zone in Zhengzhou City was 1.362%, 5.270%, 4.936%, 12.151%, and 24.236% in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. It is observed that the area of high flood risk zones in Zhengzhou City showed a trend of increasing and expanding, of which Dengfeng City, Xinzheng City, Xinmi City, and Zhongmu County had the fastest growth rate and the most obvious increase. The flood risk of Zhengzhou City has been expanding with the development of urbanization. The method is adapted to Zhengzhou City and will have good adaptability in other research areas, and its risk assessment results can provide a scientific reference for urban flood management personnel. In the future, the accuracy of flood risk assessment can be further improved by promoting the accuracy of basic data and reasonably determining the weight values of index factors. The risk zoning map can better reflect the risk distribution and provide a scientific basis for early warning of flood prevention and drainage.

COVID-19 preventive social-behavioural practices and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among residents in the city of Yaounde: Lessons from the early phase of the pandemic in Cameroon.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions remain key in mitigating the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We sought to assess COVID-19 preventive, social-behavioural practices, and SARS-CoV-2 exposure through IgG rapid tests. This was a cross-sectional survey among 971 respondents residing in 180 households within the "Cite Verte" health district of Yaounde-Cameroon, from October-November 2020. Using a structured questionnaire, data on SARS-CoV-2 preventive and social behavioural practices were collected, while exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was determined by IgG profiling. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 971 participants were enrolled, among whom 56.5% were females. The age group 15-29 (33.5%) and those with a secondary level of education (44.7%) were most represented. Regarding preventive/social behavioural practices, the least respected measure was "stopped work", 49.1%, while the most respected was "Respect of hygiene rules", 93.8%. Women obeyed preventive measures more than men, with 87.6% vs 81.0% adhering to the lockdown, (p = 0.005) and 95.5% vs 91.7% to hygiene rules (p = 0.017). The age range 45-64 years was the least adherent to the lockdown rule, with 75.2% (38/153), p<0.0001. Only 24.7% (73/295) and 6.1% (59/295) of the symptomatic individuals reported having sought medical consultation and Covid-19 testing respectively. In addition, up to 69.8% (555/795) felt healthcare facilities were high-risk sites for getting infected, p = 0.002. Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 by IgG positivity was 31.1% (302/971), with men recording a higher proportion of viral exposure, 51.0% (154/302), p = 0.021. After adjusting for gender, age, education, and occupation; salaried worker (p = 0.029; OR: 0.29), and trading (p = 0.001; OR: 0.23) least complied with lockdown rule. In this community of Cameroonian residents highly exposed to COVID-19, many perceived healthcare facilities as high-risk zones for SARS-CoV-2 infection and consequently did not seek medical interventions. Thus, in the context of such a pandemic, advocacy on risk communication and community engagement for health-seeking attitudes should preferentially target men and those afraid of pandemics.

Monitoring and Control of Particle Matter Concentration’s Traffic-Related Air Pollution Using Low-Cost Mobile Sensors at Six Intersections in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Particle pollution has a major influence on public health in Central African cities. Measuring the levels of pollution to which populations are exposed is difficult because only a few African countries have an air quality monitoring network in place. Yet, given the specific anthropogenic sources prevalent in African countries, as well as the predicted increase in their emissions in the next few years if no laws are implemented, solutions must be developed. The methodology utilised in this study allows diverse research teams to estimate the population's exposure levels to urban particle pollution at a lower cost. In this investigation, we collected data concentrations using Air Master. The spatial mapping of pollutants shows that the Mvog-Mbi crossroad and the Education crossroad are the most polluted points among the six measurement points, with PM2.5 concentrations around 145–170 µg.m-3. Regarding PM10 and PM1, the Mvog-Mbi crossroads is the point where concentrations are highest, fluctuating respectively between 150 and 180 µg.m-3, 41 and 48 µg.m-3. At some locations, the particle ratio exceeds the WHO recommended range of 0.5–0.8 (Mvog-Mbi Crossroads, Education Crossroads, Poste Centrale, Hilton). These are the high-risk zones for those with respiratory difficulties. At some locations, the particle ratio exceeds the WHO recommended range of 0.5–0.8 (Mvog-Mbi crossroads, education crossroads, Poste Centrale, Hilton). Regardless of particle size, these pollutants in air readings are greater and beyond the World Health Organization's recommended values. Furthermore, this investigation provides critical information on Yaoundé pollution levels, which can be a major source of disease in the city.

Dynamic risk assessment of urban flood disasters based on functional area division—A case study in Shenzhen, China

The assessment of urban flood risk plays a vital role in disaster prevention and mitigation. This work aims to assess the dynamic risk of urban flood triggered by population movements through dividing urban functional zoning from the perspective of collective cognition. Firstly, the urban functional areas are identified using Points of Interest data and then the population movements mobile is detected based on functional areas using mobile signaling big data. Then, one-dimensional and two-dimensional hydrodynamic models are employed to simulate the 50-year flood scenario in Futian District, Shenzhen. Finally, a spatio-temporal dynamic assessment model for urban flood risk is constructed based on the extent of inundation, water depth, population density, and the disaster-bearing capacity of functional areas. The research findings are as follows: (1) Futian District's urban planning showcases harmonious integration of single-function and mixed-function areas. Utilizing the 50% perception standard efficiently identifies distinct functional types across diverse urban zones. The results are highly consistent with the actual situation. (2) During morning peak hours, the population exhibits a nuanced pattern of dispersal, concentration, and transition. Lunchtime witnesses multiple central clusters forming and gradually dispersing, while the evening peak witnesses population regrouping, covering broader geographical extents. Dynamic utilization of functional areas and mobile phone signaling data outperforms static population metrics, offering deeper insights into the complexities of human activity. (3) Between 12:00 and 13:00, lunchtime movements lead to a surge of 6 high-risk zones in the central area and 5 in the Meiling area. The dynamic flood risk assessment model, based on functional area delineation, effectively identifies disparities and fluctuations in flood risk across diverse functional areas during rainfall scenarios, ensuring heightened precision and accuracy in risk assessment.

Determinants of fatigue in emergency department clinicians who wear personal protective equipment.

To determine the independent predictors for clinician fatigue and decline in cognitive function following a shift in the ED during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a prospective, quasi-experimental study conducted in a metropolitan adult tertiary-referral hospital ED over 20 weeks in 2021. The participants were ED doctors and nurses working clinical shifts in an ED isolation area or high-risk zone (HRZ) with stringent personal protective equipment (PPE). The participants' objective and subjective fatigue was measured by the Samn-Perelli fatigue score and a psychomotor vigilance 'smart game' score, respectively. Postural signs/symptoms and urine specific gravity (SG) were measured as markers of dehydration. Sixty-three participants provided data for 263 shifts. Median (interquartile range) age was 33 (28-38) years, 73% were female. Worsening fatigue score was associated with working afternoon shifts (afternoon vs day, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.16 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-20.02]) and in non-HRZ locations (HRZ vs non-HRZ, aOR 0.23 [95% CI 0.06-0.87]). Worsening cognitive function (game score) was associated with new onset postural symptoms (new vs no symptoms, aOR 4.14 [95% CI 1.34-12.51]) and afternoon shifts (afternoon vs day, aOR 3.13 [95% CI 1.16-8.44]). Working in the HRZ was not associated with declining cognitive function. Thirty-four (37%) of the 92 participants had an end of shift urine SG >1.030. Working afternoon shifts was associated with fatigue. There was no association between HRZ allocation and fatigue, but our study was limited by a low COVID workload and fluctuating PPE requirements in the non-HRZs. Workplace interventions that target the prevention of fatigue in ED clinicians working afternoon shifts should be prioritised.