Investigation of Maxima Assumptions in Modelling Tropical Cyclone- Induced Hazards in the South China Sea

The present study aims to examine the suitability of two commonly used assumptions that simplify modelling metoceanconditions for designing offshore wind turbines in the South China Sea (SCS). The first assumption assumes thatjoint N-year extreme wind and wave events can be independently estimated and subsequently combined. The secondone assumes peak wind and waves can be modelled as occurring simultaneously during a tropical cyclone (TC) event.To better understand the potential TC activity, a set of 10000 years synthetic TC events are generated. The wind fieldmodel and the Mike 21 spectral wave model are employed to model the TC-induced hazards. Subsequently, theeffect of the assumptions is evaluated by analyzing the peak structural response of both monopile and semisubmersibleoffshore wind turbines during TC events. The results demonstrate that the examined assumptions are generally accurate.By assessing the implications of these assumptions, valuable insights are obtained, which can inform andimprove the modelling of TC-induced hazards in the SCS region.

Enhancing landslide hazards survey and management to reduce the loss of human lives and properties

Landslides are pervasive geohazards that pose a serious threat to human lives,property,and crucial engineering constructions.Annually,landslides lead to tens of thousands of fatalities(see the paper of"List of typical catastrophic landslides from March 2004 to February 2024"in this issue,doi:10.31035/cg2024079)and cause economic damages amounting to billions of dollars around the world,as well as disrupting crucial infrastructures such as railways,highways。

Occupational Health and Safety Hazards Experienced by Healthcare Workers at Two Hospitals in Suyani, Bono Region, Ghana

INTRODUCTION Occupational safety and health (OSH) is generally the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace. The study sought to assess and evaluate occupational health and safety hazards experienced among health workers in the Bono region of Ghana. METHODOLOGY The study was descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. Data was from two hundred (200) health workers and was analyzed using the binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The findings from the study show that risk factors associated with biological hazards were clinical staff [OR = 2.487 (1.146 - 5.397), p = 0.021], poor maintenance of hospital items [OR = 0.446 (0.240 - 0.831), p = 0.011], assault (verbal) abuse [OR = 2.581 (1.317 - 5.059), p = 0.006] and extreme pressure from work [OR = 2.975 (1.519 - 5.829), p = 0.001]. Non-biological hazards were associated with being single [OR = 0.499 (0.263 - 0.947), p = 0.034], being verbally assaulted [OR = 3.581 (1.865 - 6.876), p CONCLUSION Risk factors related with biological hazards include poor maintenance of hospital items and extreme pressure from work whereas non-biological hazards were associated with being single, being verbally assaulted. Clinical healthcare providers are more vulnerable to occupational health and safety hazards. The study recommends the provision of strategic policies to promote and protect the workers’ health based on the development of the epidemiological profile of health, needs to be readjusted and strengthened.

Assessment of Radiological Hazards of Sedimentary, Igneous and Sediments Natural Rocks

Gamma-ray spectroscopy based on a 100% efficiency hyper-pure germanium detector was used to evaluate the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K natural radionuclides in sedimentary, conglomerate, igneous and sedi-ments rock samples collected from four different locations in Eastern desert in Egypt. The obtained activity concentrations are used to evaluate the radi-ological hazards indices, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent in air, radium equivalent, external and internal hazard index, radiation level index, annual gonadal dose equivalent, excess lifetime cancer risk and expo-sure rate. The results show that 1) the absorbed dose rate depends on the rock type, 2) the annual effective dose equivalent in air in 71% of sample below 20 mSvy-1 (permissible limit for workers), 3) the conglomerate rocks show low radioactivity level, 4) sedimentary rocks are rich in radium while igneous rocks are rich in thorium and the sediments rocks are rich in both radium and thorium.

The Salient Issues of Coastal Hazards and Disasters in Nigeria

The Nigerian coastline which stretches about 853 km has four distinct morphological zones namely, Barrier Lagoon, Mahin Mud coast, Niger Delta and Strand coast. Nigeria’s coastal zone is richly blessed with various natural resources like oil, gas, fish, sand etc., which are presently being exploited for economic development. Coastal populations have increased erratically from about 20% of the National population in 1993 to approximately 51,037,122 m (30% of the national population) in 2011. Development of coastal areas in Nigeria is accelerating and user conflicts are increasing. Both natural and anthropogenic activities in the coastal zone are leading to coastal hazards and eventual rapid degradation of the area. Significant coastal hazards include coastal erosion, storm surges, floods, land subsidence, pollution, especially oil spills and possibly seismicity, which could lead to earthquakes and tsunamis. These hazards are leading to disasters and effecting the socio-economic sustainability of the coastal area.

Exploring the Nexus between Climate Hazards and Conflict in Lamu County: Implications for Community Adaptation Action Plans

This paper investigated the complex relationship between climate change and security in Lamu County, with focus on community perceptions, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies. The study utilized a participatory approach involving Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather insights from diverse community members. Results revealed a growing recognition of climate change as a significant factor amplifying security risks, including resource-based conflicts, food and water insecurity, pest and disease outbreaks, and rising sea levels. The analysis of historical climate data indicated shifts in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, exacerbating these hazards. Furthermore, it underscores the need to mainstream climate change actions across various sectors for sustainable development and human security. Lamu County in Kenya faces a myriad of security challenges stemming from climate change, with the community perceiving droughts, pests, diseases, and conflicts as prominent hazards. These climatic impacts have led to crop failures, livestock losses, water scarcity, property damage, displacement, and instability. Local adaptation strategies have shown varying degrees of effectiveness, highlighting the need for community-specific and sustainable solutions. The study identified local adaptation strategies and emphasized the importance of early warning systems, informed decision-making, and mainstreaming climate change actions across sectors to enhance human security and sustainable development. However, it also acknowledges limitations in community participation and suggests future research avenues to ensure the inclusion of marginalized voices in such studies.

Occupational exposure to flour dust among bakery workers:prevalence,potential hazards and promising interventions

Occupational exposure to flour dust within bakery environments presents significant health hazards to bakery personnel.Flour dust,generated as a byproduct during baking,becomes airborne during the baking process,thus constituting a respiratory threat.Adverse health consequences include respiratory diseases,skin irritation,allergic reactions,and potential long-term health impacts.Data indicates that a broad segment of bakery workers encounters exposure to flour dust,with specific subgroups,such as bakers and dough mixers,being particularly susceptible.Contributing factors to this exposure encompass insufficient ventilation and a lack of awareness.It is vital to assess exposure levels through air quality monitoring and health surveillance.Efficient interventions encompass engineering solutions(e.g.,ventilation systems,dust extraction),administrative measures(including training and the use of personal protective equipment),and the implementation of occupational health and safety programs.Collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities are paramount for achieving success.Case studies underscore the effectiveness of such interventions,resulting in improved worker health,thus underscoring the advantages of protective measures.Challenges in this endeavor include industry resistance to change,financial considerations,and issues related to compliance.Future recommendations entail further research,policy enhancements,and the involvement of industry stakeholders and labor unions in advocating for worker safety.

A Concept about Guide on Hazards for the Real Estate Business-An Example from Bulgaria

The paper is a part of wider investigation related to the application of basic sciences to the sustainable development of society.It deals with the presentation of knowledge to the real estate(fast growing business)about the local natural and man-made hazards in the near vicinity of any structure(inhabitant,recreation area,land,etc.)and their influence to the social safety and human comfort of life.The structure,necessary information and knowledge base for visible or hidden hazards about a guide for the real estate business is included.An example of application the knowledge about seismic hazard and related phenomena simplified to be more available to the non-specialists(such as real estate agents and companies)targeted to Sofia(the largest urban center and capital of Bulgaria)can attract and improve the learning abilities of the real estate for the society’s sake.

Thinking on Effective Methods of Successful Prediction of Geological Hazards in Shaanxi, China

In the process of human survival and development, it is inevitable to transform the original state of the world, thus forming a contradiction between the earth and the earth. The violent form of this contradiction is geological disasters. Geological disasters pose a threat to human life and property, and cause damage caused by natural or human factors, often causing casualties. The destruction process of geological disasters is usually a gradual process, showing many pre-disaster symptoms, such as local landslides, surface cracks, building deformation, tree skew, and ground sound. Evacuation can be avoided in advance according to the disaster precursors, so as to avoid casualties and achieve successful prediction. By reviewing the general situation of geological disasters in Shaanxi Province and the casualties in 2020, the difficulties in the prevention and control of geological disasters are summarized. In view of these difficulties, an on-site investigation, visit and analysis of geological disaster points and successful forecast points in Shaanxi Province in 2020 were conducted. In addition, combined with actual cases and years of work experience, the successful prediction experience of geological disasters was discussed from 8 aspects. Finally, the “Regulations on the Reward for Successful Geological Disaster Forecasting in Shaanxi Province” was revised in order to improve the successful prediction ability of geological disasters in Shaanxi Province and even the whole country, provide reference for future prevention and control of geological disasters, and effectively protect the safety of people’s lives and property.

Sustainability of Bridges:Risk Mitigation for Natural Hazards

Bridges serve as essential parts of transportation infrastructure,facilitating the movement of people and goods across rivers,valleys,and other obstacles.However,they are also susceptible to a wide range of natural hazards,including floods,earthquakes,and landslides,which can damage or even collapse these structures,leading to severe economic and human losses.A risk index has been developed to address this issue,which quantifies the likelihood and severity of natural hazards occurring in a specific location.The application of risk indices for natural hazards in bridge management involves a data collection process and mathematical modelling.The data collection process gathers information on bridges’location,condition,and vulnerability,while mathematical modelling uses the data to assess the risk of natural hazards.Overall,risk indices provide a quantitative measure of the vulnerability of bridges to natural hazards and help to prioritize maintenance and repair activities.Mitigation measures are then evaluated and implemented based on the risk assessment results.By using this tool,the UBMS research group has developed an algorithm for risk assessment which will be essential in the decision-making process,specifically focused on enhancing Fund Optimization,Deterioration Modelling,and Risk Analysis.These developments effectively fulfill the primary objectives associated with addressing and mitigating hazards.This development also helps bridge managers understand the potential threats posed by natural hazards and allocate resources more efficiently to ensure the safety and longevity of critical transportation infrastructure.

Addressing Nursing Safety Hazards and Mitigation Strategies for Elderly Endocrinology Patients in Hospital Care

Objective:To investigate the safety hazards in nursing and explore mitigation strategies for elderly patients in the endocrinology department.Methods:A total of 240 bedridden elderly patients from February 2021 to January 2023 were recruited and divided into two groups using the random number table method.The control group(n=120)received conventional nursing care,and the observation group(n=120)received personalized nursing care.Patients’quality of life,the incidence rate of pressure sores,and patient satisfaction with nursing care were observed and analyzed.Results:The incidence of pressure ulcers in the observation group was significantly lower at 17.50%compared to 30.00%in the control group(P<0.05).Quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The satisfaction rate in the observation group was significantly higher at 93.33%compared to 84.17%in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:These findings emphasize that only through the implementation of scientific and rational nursing measures can effectively reduce nursing risks,enhance therapeutic outcomes,and improve the quality of life for elderly patients.

Prevention and Countermeasures of Driving Hazards

As a modern means of transportation,cars have made travelling much easier.However,cars also lead to many traffic accidents,which are often dangerous.Through an investigation and analysis of traffic accidents,it was found that the hidden dangers of driving are one of the main causes of car accidents.In order to better ensure the safety of driving,the hidden dangers of driving should be better prevented,traffic safety measures should be improved,and better protection should be provided for people’s lives and property.Therefore,we analyzed the hazards of driving and proposed prevention measures,in hopes of improving driving safety.

Survival Analysis Using Cox Proportional Hazards Regression for Pile Bridge Piles Under Wet Service Conditions

This paper studies the deterioration of bridge substructures utilizing the Long-Term Bridge Performance(LTBP)Program InfoBridge^(TM)and develops a survival model using Cox proportional hazards regression.The survival anal­ysis is based on the National Bridge Inventory(NBI)dataset.The study calculates the survival rate of reinforced and prestressed concrete piles on bridges under marine conditions over a 29-year span(from 1992 to 2020).The state of Maryland is the primary focus of this study,with data from three neighboring regions,the District of Columbia,Vir­ginia,and Delaware to expand the sample size.The data obtained from the National Bridge Inventory are condensed and filtered to acquire the most relevant information for model development.The Cox proportional hazards regres­sion is applied to the condensed NBI data with six parameters:Age,ADT,ADTT,number of spans,span length,and structural length.Two survival models are generated for the bridge substructures:Reinforced and prestressed concrete piles in Maryland and reinforced and prestressed concrete piles in wet service conditions in the District of Columbia,Maryland,Delaware,and Virginia.Results from the Cox proportional hazards regression are used to construct Markov chains to demonstrate the sequence of the deterioration of bridge substructures.The Markov chains can be used as a tool to assist in the prediction and decision-making for repair,rehabilitation,and replacement of bridge piles.Based on the numerical model,the Pile Assessment Matrix Program(PAM)is developed to facilitate the assessment and main­tenance of current bridge structures.The program integrates the NBI database with the inspection and research reports from various states’department of transportation,to serve as a tool for condition state simulation based on mainte­nance or rehabilitation strategies.

Quantity:a parameter deciding various health hazards

Plants are vital to the survival of life on e arth and have enormous implications for both the environment and human well-being.Plants carr y both medicinal and toxic properties.The plants were used by people traditionally for medicinal purposes.But people were not aware of the concentration of the dose s.So,excessive quantity of dose s may lead to severe toxic effects on the human body.This topic discusses the potential hazards of toxic plants on human health.There are many plants around the world that can cause adverse effects,ranging from mild irritation to severe organ damage or death.This review focuses on the plants which are available locally used as medicines carrying toxic properties too.It is essential to learn to recognize them and avoid touching or ingesting them.If exposure does occur,prompt medical attention is necessary.Understanding the risks associated with toxic plants can help individuals take the necessary precautions to protect their health.

Examination of Common Occupational Hazards among Healthcare Workers in a University Healthcare Center in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers are challenged by an imposing group of occupational hazards. These hazards include exposure to biological and non-biological hazards like ionizing radiation, stress, injury, infectious agents, and chemicals. The aim of this study was to assess common occupational hazards among health workers at the Department of Health Services (DHS), Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed for the study, and a self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The SPSS Version 22.0 software was used for the analysis of the descriptive statistics obtained from the study. This study included both clinical and non-clinical health workers. A purposive sampling technique was used in recruiting a total of 94 respondents who participated in the study from September 2020 to April 2021. Results: A total of 94 respondents who participated in the study and among the participants, 33.3% (31) of the respondents were aged 31 - 40 years, and the majority of the health workers, 43.6% (41) had stayed between 1 - 5 years. Also, 92.6% (87) of the health workers have heard of occupational hazards. The study showed that 84.0% (79) of health workers had good knowledge of common occupational hazards. Biological hazards among health workers are 47.9% (45) cuts and wounds, 29.8% (28) direct contact with contaminated specimens/hazardous materials, and 26.6% (26) sharp related injuries, while for non-biological hazards, 44.7% (42) have slipped, tripped or fallen, and 35.1% (33) have been stressed. Common safety measures include 86.2% (81) washing their hands regularly;78.7% (74) using hand gloves;and 85.1% (80) agreeing they use face masks. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of occupational hazards, participants at DHS were faced with certain hazards. It is recommended that the university, government, and policymakers revise and implement actions to provide health workers at DHS with equipment to encourage safety in work activity.

A comprehensive geomechanical method for the assessment of rockburst hazards in underground mining

Rockburst hazard in mining industry all over the world is one of the most severe hazards. It is becoming increasingly common because of the ever-growing depths of mining operations accompanied by the increasing strength of rocks. One of the most difficult issues is to predict this hazard before the mining operations, whether geophysical investigations have been conducted or not. Polish experience in this field shows that in such cases an effective solution can be the geomechanical method. Therefore, extensive studies on rockburst hazard should focus on three main aspects:(1) rock mass and rock(and coal)predisposition to rockburst–laboratory tests and empirical analyses based on lithology,(2) identification of the potential places with stress and elastic energy concentration in the rock mass within the area planned for exploitation, and(3) the assessment of the impact of mining tremors on the surface. This preliminary geomechanical analysis assesses the propensity of the rock mass to dynamic breakage and provides quantitatively the level of rockburst hazard. The paper presents Polish experience in rockburst hazard assessment with the use of geomechanical method, as well as some solutions and examples of such analyses.

Predicting geological hazards during tunnel construction

The complicated geological conditions and geological hazards are challenging problems during tunnel construction,which will cause great losses of life and property.Therefore,reliable prediction of geological defective features,such as faults,karst caves and groundwater,has important practical significances and theoretical values.In this paper,we presented the criteria for detecting typical geological anomalies using the tunnel seismic prediction（TSP） method.The ground penetrating radar（GPR） signal response to water-bearing structures was used for theoretical derivations.And the 3D tomography of the transient electromagnetic method（TEM） was used to develop an equivalent conductance method.Based on the improvement of a single prediction technique,we developed a technical system for reliable prediction of geological defective features by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of all prediction methods.The procedure of the application of this system was introduced in detail.For prediction,the selection of prediction methods is an important and challenging work.The analytic hierarchy process（AHP） was developed for prediction optimization.We applied the newly developed prediction system to several important projects in China,including Hurongxi highway,Jinping II hydropower station,and Kiaochow Bay subsea tunnel.The case studies show that the geological defective features can be successfully detected with good precision and efficiency,and the prediction system is proved to be an effective means to minimize the risks of geological hazards during tunnel construction.

Forecast of Geological Gas Hazards for “Three-Soft” Coal Seams in Gliding Structural Areas

Gas outbursts from "three-soft" coal seams (soft roof,soft floor and soft coal) constitute a very serious prob-lem in the Ludian gliding structure area in western Henan. By means of theories and methods of gas geology,structural geology,coal petrology and rock tests,we have discussed the effect of control of several physical properties of soft roof on gas preservation and proposed a new method of forecasting gas geological hazards under open structural conditions. The result shows that the areas with type Ⅲ or Ⅳ soft roofs are the most dangerous areas where gas outburst most likely can take place. Therefore,countermeasures should be taken in these areas to prevent gas outbursts.

Assessment of Secondary Mountain Hazards along a Section of the Dujiangyan Wenchuan Highway

Conducting a hazard assessment for secondary mountain hazards is the technical basis for reconstructing destroyed highways and for disaster prevention.It is necessary to consider the role and influence of structural engineering measures as an important assessment factor.In this study,based on six substantial field investigations conducted between July 2008 and July 2012,a 2 km wide zone along both sides of the Dujiangyan Wenchuan(Du Wen) Highway was selected as the study area.Microgeomorphic units and small watersheds in the study area were extracted with GIS software and used as basic assessment units.Through field investigations,remote sensing surveys and experimental analysis,a structural engineering effectiveness assessment was conducted using the technique of principal component analysis.The results showed the following:1) A total of 491 collapses,12 landslides,32 slope debris flows and 17 gully debris flows were scatted across the study area.The total overall areal density of all mountain hazards was 25.7%.The distribution of secondary hazards was influenced mainly by seismic intensity,active fault zones,lithology,slope and altitude.More than 70% of secondary hazards occurred in zones with a seismic intensity of XI,a distance to the fault zone of between 0 and 25 km,a slope between 25° and 50°,and an altitude of between 1,000 m and 1,800 m.2) Different structural engineering measures play different roles and effects in controlling different types and scales of secondary mountain hazards.3) With a secondary mountain hazard area of 128.1 km2and an areal density of 34.9%,medium,high and very high hazard zones accounted for 74% of the study area and were located on the high,steep slopes along both sides of the highway.The low hazard zone was located mainly in the valley floor,on gentle slope platforms and at locations 1.5 km away from the highway the hazard area was 45 km2and the areal density was 3.3%.4) The methodology for hazard assessment of secondary mountain hazards,which is based on five factors,solves such key technical problems as the selection of assessment units,multi-source data fusion,and the weight calculation for each assessment index.This study provides a new and more effective method for assessing secondary mountain hazards along highways,and the proposed models fit well with validation data and field observations.The findings were applied to reconstruction and disaster mitigation in the case of the Du Wen Highway and proved to be feasible.

Hazards Assessment of Regional Debris Flows Based on Geographic Information Science

Supported by the spatial analysis feature of geographic information science and assessment model of regional debris flows, hazards degrees of the debris flows in the Upper Yangtze River Watershed （UYRW） are divided into five grades based on grid cell. The area of no danger, light danger, medium danger, severe danger and extreme severe danger regions respectively are 278 000, 288 000, 217 000, 127 000, 15 000 km^2. Furthermore, the counties in the UYRW are classified into four classes based on the hazards degrees in each county. The number of severe danger, medium danger, light danger and no danger counties respectively are 49, 82, 77 and 105. The assessment results will be provided for the hazards forecasting and mitigation in the UYRW and ongoing regionalization of Main Function Regions in China as data and technique framework.