Identifying the Hydrochemical Characteristics,Genetic Mechanisms and Potential Human Health Risks of Fluoride and Nitrate Enriched Groundwater in the Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China

Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.

Properties and Characterization of Two Clays Raw Material from Mountain District (West of Côte d’Ivoire) for Use in Low-Carbon Cements

This work was devoted to the study of the physico-chemical properties of two clay minerals from the Mountain District (West Côte d'Ivoire) referenced ME1 and ME2. These samples were characterized by the experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Brunauer, Emett and Teller method (BET), laser particle size analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The main results of these analyses reveal that the two clay samples mainly contain quartz (52.91% for ME1 and 51.72% for ME2), kaolinite (36.60% for ME1 and 41.6% for ME2) and associated phases, namely goethite and hematite (13.47% for ME1 and 11.00% for ME2). The specific surface values obtained for samples ME1 and ME2 are 34.78 m2/g and 29.18 m2/g respectively. The results obtained show that the samples studied belong to the kaolinite family. After calcination, they could have good pozzolanic activity and therefore be used in the manufacture of low-carbon cements.

Effects of drip and flood irrigation on carbon dioxide exchange and crop growth in the maize ecosystem in the Hetao Irrigation District,China

Drip irrigation and flood irrigation are major irrigation methods for maize crops in the Hetao Irrigation District,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This research delves into the effects of these irrigation methods on carbon dioxide(CO_(2))exchange and crop growth in this region.The experimental site was divided into drip and flood irrigation zones.The irrigation schedules of this study aligned with the local commonly used irrigation schedule.We employed a developed chamber system to measure the diurnal CO_(2)exchange of maize plants during various growth stages under both drip and flood irrigation methods.From May to September in 2020 and 2021,two sets of repeated experiments were conducted.In each experiment,a total of nine measurements of CO_(2)exchange were performed to obtain carbon exchange data at different growth stages of maize crop.During each CO_(2)exchange measurement event,CO_(2)flux data were collected every two hours over a day-long period to capture the diurnal variations in CO_(2)exchange.During each CO_(2)exchange measurement event,the biological parameters(aboveground biomass and crop growth rate)of maize and environmental parameters(including air humidity,air temperature,precipitation,soil water content,and photosynthetically active radiation)were measured.The results indicated a V-shaped trend in net ecosystem CO_(2)exchange in daytime,reducing slowly at night,while the net assimilation rate(net primary productivity)exhibited a contrasting trend.Notably,compared with flood irrigation,drip irrigation demonstrated significantly higher average daily soil CO_(2)emission and greater average daily CO_(2)absorption by maize plants.Consequently,within the maize ecosystem,drip irrigation appeared more conducive to absorbing atmospheric CO_(2).Furthermore,drip irrigation demonstrated a faster crop growth rate and increased aboveground biomass compared with flood irrigation.A strong linear relationship existed between leaf area index and light utilization efficiency,irrespective of the irrigation method.Notably,drip irrigation displayed superior light use efficiency compared with flood irrigation.The final yield results corroborated these findings,indicating that drip irrigation yielded higher harvest index and overall yield than flood irrigation.The results of this study provide a basis for the selection of optimal irrigation methods commonly used in the Hetao Irrigation District.This research also serves as a reference for future irrigation studies that consider measurements of both carbon emissions and yield simultaneously.

Optimization of Agricultural Industrial Structure in Changping District of Beijing Based on Grey Relational Analysis

In the economic development of Beijing,although the share of the total amount of agricultural industry in the overall economy is relatively low,it has an important impact on the daily life of residents,social stability and the development of other industries.Changping District,as an important agricultural production base of Beijing,its agricultural development has an indispensable strategic significance for the stability and growth of the entire regional economy.Therefore,it is very important to study the structure of agricultural industry in Changping District.Based on the detailed analysis of the agricultural industrial structure of Changping District,this paper uses the grey relation theory to analyze the different industries in the agricultural industrial structure of Changping District,including planting,forestry,animal husbandry,fishery and agricultural,forestry,service industries,in order to reveal the impact of these industries on the agricultural industrial structure of Changping District.Through this study,it comes up with specific and feasible suggestions for the optimization of agricultural industrial structure in Changping District,and provides valuable reference for the agricultural development of other areas in Beijing.

Yu Xiangzhi:Presenting Working People's Enthusiasm and Dedication in the New Era via Paintings

In recent years,artist Yu Xiangzhi has focused on the new outlook of the working people in the new era and created a series of portraits called "Paean to Heroes",presenting working people's enthusiasm and dedication in the new era with paintings.He hopes that this series of works can resonate with the public,who will pay more attention to the life and working conditions of grassroots workers.Recently,this magazine has interviewed Yu Xiangzhi and talked about the story behind the creation of his "Paean to Heroes"series of oil paintings.

Blue Calico Printing and Dyeing Craft in Tongxiang

BLUE calico is a traditional Chinese handmade printed fabric.Dyed in indigo,it has a blue base with white patterns.Tongxiang,a city in east China’s Zhejiang Province,is well-known for printing and dyeing blue calico.The craft boasts a history of a millennium in the town with its heyday in the Tang(618-907)and Song(960-1279)dynasties.The technique was widely applied by the general public during the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368-1911).

Improving the Quality of Public Space in Old Residential Areas Based on Superposition and Intervention:A Case Study of Baihuazhou District of Nanchang City

With the development of cities,China has entered an era of stock planning.The functions of old residential areas in urban development can no longer meet the needs of residents in the new era for a better life,and new standards have been put forward for the quality of public spaces for living.This paper analyzes and sorts out the characteristics and problems of the public space in the old residential areas of Baihuazhou district.Combining superposition and intervention techniques,the spatial,historical,cultural and other characteristic elements of the residential areas are preserved to the greatest extent.The public space in the old residential areas of Baihuazhou District is updated and reconstructed in order to achieve the goal of improving the quality of its public space.

Analysis of Characteristics and Meteorological Influencing Factors of Air Pollution in Luojiang District,Deyang City

Based on the monitoring data of ambient air quality and meteorological observation data,the characteristics and meteorological influencing factors of air pollution in Luojiang District of Deyang City from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed.The results show that from 2018 to 2022,the main air pollutants affecting the air quality of Luojiang District of Deyang City were PM 2.5 and PM 10,and the primary pollutant on heavy pollution days was basically PM 2.5.PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollution showed obvious seasonal differences,and PM 2.5 concentration exceeded the limit mainly in spring and winter,among which it was the most serious in early spring,especially in January and February,followed by December.PM 10 exceeding the standard had a high seasonal correlation with PM 2.5 exceeding the standard,mainly in spring and winter,among which it was the most serious in winter,especially in December,followed by January.PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollution showed an overall weakening trend.PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentration were closely related to meteorological factors such as temperature,relative humidity,wind speed,precipitation and air pressure,and were mainly affected by rainfall.

Public Effective Dose Assessment Using Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Levels of Tap Drinking Water in the District of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

In order to assess public effective dose due to gross alpha and beta in water, 43 tap water samples were collected from different areas in the District of Abidjan. Using the low background Gas-less Automatic Alpha/Beta counting system (Canberra iMaticTM) for analysis, the gross alpha and beta concentrations found varied from 0.001 ± 0.002 to 0.063 ± 0.050 Bq/l with an average of 0.013 ± 0.012 Bq/l and from 0.067 ± 0.080 to 0.320 ± 0.120 Bq/l with an average of 0.174 ± 0.076 Bq/l, respectively in samples. The public effective dose assessment showed values of dose to ingestion of alpha and beta emitter radionuclides lower than the recommended value of dose for drinking water 0.1 mSv/y, except in 30% of the samples. These results show the need for additional studies to be conducted in order to clarify the hazardousness of these water samples. However, this study still remains important because it has provided necessary data for future tap water quality monitoring studies in the District of Abidjan.

Acceptability of Ambulatory Surgical Services and Its Predictors among Residents of Budondo Sub-County—Jinja District, Uganda

Background: 25% of all people requiring surgical care are not able to access it due to its high cost. These people stand a high risk of preventable severe morbidity and mortality due to poor prognosis of surgically correctable illnesses. Ambulatory surgical care services are significantly cheaper than orthodox surgical care and have become very relevant in this time and age where health conditions that can only be treated with surgical intervention are on the rise. The acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services will determine how this model increases universal health coverage. Objective: To assess the acceptability of ambulatory surgical services and its predictors among residents of Budondo Sub-County—Jinja district. Methods: The study was cross-sectional targeting 371 household heads in Budondo Sub-County, which was stratified by parish, with villages in each randomly sampled. Systematic random sampling was used to sample households and households therein were purposively sampled. Structured interviews and questionnaires were the data collection techniques, and data was analyzed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics and a binomial logit model. Results: The level of acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services among residents of Budondo Sub-County was found to be near-universal, at 96.5%. The odds of accepting ambulatory surgical care were least among household heads who agreed that surgery done in a hospital would be cheaper than surgery done at community level (aOR = 0.174 [CI = 0.055 - 0.553]), those who had health insurance (aOR = 0.105 [95% CI = 0.030 - 0.371]), and household heads who were covered with private health insurance (aOR = 0.078 [95% CI = 0.008 - 0.792]). Acceptability of ASC was higher among household heads who agreed that they would trust ambulatory surgical centers with their life were more likely to accept ambulatory surgical care (aOR = 1.124, [95% CI = 1.122 - 3.218], P = 0.000), and household heads from households that had less than five members with surgery history were twice as likely to accept ambulatory surgical care (aOR = 2.431 [95% CI = 1.122 - 5.898], P = 0.000). Conclusion: Acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services among residents of Budondo Sub-County is high, and near-universal. It is mainly predicted by intrapersonal correlates and to a small extent by socio-demographic characteristics, with the implication that the administration of Global Surgical Initiatives in Kyabirwa ought to focus on modifying or uphold the intrapersonal characteristics found to be antagonists and protagonists of acceptability, respectively.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Agricultural Mechanization Technologies by Women Farmers in the Karaga District of Ghana

Labour-saving or mechanization technologies have become the driving force behind modern agriculture, yet adoption of these technologies remains low in many parts of the developing world, particularly among female farmers in Ghana. This study aims to investigate the factors that hinder the adoption of agricultural mechanization technologies by female farmers in the Karaga District of the Northern Region of Ghana. This region is known for its large agricultural lands and significant role in commercial farming. The research was conducted using qualitative research methodology and involved interviewing 60 female farmers using an interview guide. The principle of sample saturation was used, meaning that further interviews were deemed unnecessary after the 60th interview. The results showed that low adoption of agricultural mechanization technologies is due to poor access to commercial lands, gender biases, lack of access to credit, and poor awareness about the benefits of these technologies. In conclusion, the low adoption of agricultural mechanization technologies is preventing women farmers in the Karaga District and elsewhere in Ghana from fully participating in commercial agricultural production. It is recommended that gender biases and cultural stereotypes be addressed to improve women farmers’ access to lands and credit, which will facilitate the adoption of mechanization technologies and lead to improved agricultural production.

The Prevalence Outcome and Associated Factors of Teenage Pregnancy in the Bamenda Health District

Teenage pregnancy is a common public health problem worldwide because teenagers in general are ill-prepared to deal with the burden of pregnancy. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of teenage pregnancy precisely in the west and central Africa;in Cameroon, about 12% of all births are to teenage mothers. Complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19. Though the trend of teenage pregnancy tends to decrease in most parts of the world, this is not the case in our setting. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, outcomes and the associated factors of teenage pregnancy in the Bamenda Health District (BHD). Materials and Method: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study carried out at the maternity and postnatal units of the Bamenda Regional Hospital and the Nkwen Medicalised Health Center. A consecutive non-probabilistic sampling technique was used to recruit participants. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information from the participant. Data was analysed using the software SPSS version 23. Bivariate logistic regression was used to test for associations. Statistical significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Result: A total of 325 participants were recruited of which 44 were teenagers. The mean age of the participants was 25.02 ± 0.257 years. The mean age of teenagers was 17.49 ± 0.63 years, and mean adult age was 28.43 ± 5.64 years. The youngest participant was 15 years. Teenagers were significantly more likely to prematurity (OR = 0.14;95% CI = 0.06 - 0.31;PV = 0.001), Low birth weight among teenagers (OR = 0.077;95% CI = 0.03 - 0.21;PV = 0.001), Still birth;OR = 0.07;95% CI = 0.01 - 0.86;PV = 0.03) Neonatal admission also high among teenagers (OR = 0.172, 95% CI = 0.08 - 0.39, PV = 0.001) compared to the babies of their adult counterpart. The rate of caesarean section and episiotomy was high among adult deliveries (21.7%). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy (13.54%) in the Bamenda Health District. prematurity was independently associated with teenage pregnancy. perineal tears were the most common maternal outcome of teenage pregnancy. Adolescents/teenagers in rural areas, having a low level of income, and low level of education were associated with high level of teenage pregnancy.

Optimization of Green Space Plant Configuration in Residential Areas of Chongqing Central Business District Based on Green Plot Ratio—A Case Study of Xuhui City Residential Community

The current urban green space construction was guided by a two-dimensional index evaluation system, resulting in weak ecological benefits of green space. Green plot ratio (GPR), as a three-dimensional indicator, can characterize the ecological benefits of green areas and the ability of green areas to participate in the operation and regulation of urban ecosystems. As an important component of urban green space, the GPR index was added to the two-dimensional index evaluation system to optimize the green space, which can promote the development of low-carbon, healthy and ecological green space. Based on the research of 22 residential districts in the central city of Chongqing, the Leaf area index (LAI) index of common native garden plants in Chongqing was formed to improve the accuracy of green capacity index measurement in Chongqing. The study also took the residential community of Sunrise City in Banan District of Chongqing as an example, and carried out the optimization design practice from four types of residential community green areas: green areas next to houses, road green areas, concentrated green areas, and green areas attached to public service facilities.

A new approach towards the sustainability of urban-rural integration:The development strategy for central villages in the Abbasiya District of Iraq using GIS techniques

The development of rural areas usually has a positive impact on the urban-rural integration. This study explores an innovative approach to stimulate rural development by proposing qualified villages as central villages that can provide basic urban services for their residents and residents of neighboring villages. This approach can contribute to overcoming the various problems that rural areas faced at the social, economic, and environmental levels. It seeks to achieve spatial sustainability of rural areas, representing a new approach by integrating urban development methods to revitalize rural villages. The study analyzed 15 villages belonging to Abbasiya District of AL Kufa City in the Najaf Governorate of Iraq. Based on the GIS techniques and the analysis of urban service indicators(village population, percentage of urban building materials used in villages, distance between village and health centers, distance between village and main roads, nature of economic activity, distance between village and educational institutions, distance between village and drinking water sources, number of communication towers, and distance between village and urban administrative center), this study proposed that Abu Gharb and Albu Ghraib can served as central villages in Abbasiya District in the future. This study establishes a new rural spatial structure to achieve rural sustainable development, improves the development status of rural areas, and provides a theoretical basis for the government and relevant institutions to use urban service indicators, achieving rural sustainable development and formulating relevant development policies in Abbasiya District.

Evaluation and Improvement Strategies for Slow Traffic Systems Based on Multi-source Big Data:A Case Study of Shijingshan District of Beijing City

The slow traffic system is an important component of urban transportation,and the prerequisite and necessary condition for Beijing to continue promoting“green priority”are establishing a good urban slow traffic system.Shijingshan District of Beijing City is taken as a research object.By analyzing and processing population distribution data,POI data,and shared bicycle data,the shortcomings and deficiencies of the current slow traffic system in Shijingshan District are explored,and corresponding solutions are proposed,in order to provide new ideas and methods for future urban planning from the perspective of data.

WTA ‘Xianghu Dialogue' 2022 Opens in Hangzhou

From February 24 to 25,World Tourism Alliance(WTA)"Xianghu Dialogue"2022 was held in Hangzhou,Zhejiang Province,under the theme of"Harmonious Symbiosis:A New Paradigm for a New Tourism"to build consensus and promote cooperation.

Impacts of Sulfur and Microalgae Co-fertilization on Saline-alkaline Soil of Sunflower Field in Hetao Irrigation District

[Objectives]To evaluate the impacts of the elemental sulfur(S 0)and micro-algae(MA)co-fertilization on saline-alkaline soil of sunflower field in the Hetao Irrigation District(HID).[Methods]The greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with four treatments:control(CK),single S 0 fertilization(S),single MA fertilization(A),and S 0 and MA co-fertilization(SA)for comparing the selected soil properties and sunflower plant heights and weights in different treatments.[Results]The results showed that the mean soil organic matter(SOM)under the SA(25.08 g/kg)was significantly higher than that for the CK(20.59 g/kg),S(22.47 g/kg),and A(22.95 g/kg).The mean pH under the SA(7.75)was significantly lower than that for the CK(8.14),S(7.82),and A(7.96).The mean soil exchangeable Na+concentration under the SA was significantly lower than that for the S.The mean soil electrical conductivity(EC)under the SA was 9.76%lower than that for the S.The means of Cl-(1.22 g/kg)and SO 2-4(1.90 g/kg)in soil under the SA were lower than that for the S(1.30,2.06 g/kg)and A(1.31,1.97 g/kg),respectively.For plant height 3 at the late stage of plant growth,the mean plant height 3 under the SA(89.00 cm)was higher than that of the CK(69.60 cm)and A(74.33 cm).The total weights of the fresh sunflower heads,fresh stems,and dry seeds under the SA were higher than that for the CK,S,and A.[Conclusions]In conclusion,the S 0 and MA co-fertilization had positive effects on improving saline-alkaline soils,the soil under the S 0 and MA co-fertilization could be better conditions for promoting sunflower growth than that for the S,Z,and CK,and thereby the S 0 and MA co-fertilization could be a new idea to improve saline-alkaline soil in the cold and arid regions.

Risk behaviours associated with HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko Sector, Gicumbi District, Rwanda

Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.

Big Data Analysis and Optimization Suggestions of Cultural Facilities in Shijingshan District,Beijing City

With the successful holding of Beijing Winter Olympic Games in 2022,the planning and cultural services of Shijingshan District have been reviewed,but the systematic planning theory has not been fully applied.Through the big data research method,the location advantages and disadvantages of Shijingshan District were analyzed,and the distribution of its cultural facilities was defined.Feasible optimization schemes were proposed according to its advantages and disadvantages as well as the experience and conditions of the Winter Olympics.

Research on the Public Perception of Yangzhou Historical and Cultural Districts Based on Network Review Text Analysis

The historical and cultural districts of a city serve as important cultural heritage and tourism resources.This paper focused on four such districts in Yangzhou and performed semantic analysis on online public comments using ROST CM6 software.According to the high frequency words,attention preference of district site elements,activities and feelings in Yangzhou historical and cultural districts were analyzed.Through the analysis of semantic network and public emotional tendency,the relationship between the protection and utilization of Yangzhou historical and cultural districts and the perception and demand of users were discussed,and some suggestions for the protection,utilization and renewal of historical and cultural districts were put forward.