The Secret Toxic Legacies of Chemical Warfare: Agent Blue Use during the 2nd Indochina and Vietnam Wars in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam (1961 to 1971)

During the 2nd Indochina War which started in 1959, the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Air America, and the Air Force waged a secret and unconventional air war in Laos from Udorn Air Force base located in Thailand and across the Mekong River from Vientiane, Laos. Starting in 1961, four years before the official start of the American-Vietnam War, Agent Blue, the arsenic-based herbicide used to kill rice and other food crops, was used extensively in Laos, Vietnam and to a lesser extent in Cambodia. During the secret 2nd Indochina War and the Vietnam Civil War the public knew little about the use of Agent Blue. After the official start of the American-Vietnam War in 1965, the United States media news reports, about chemical warfare were dominated by the story of Agent Orange and its devastating impacts. The public knew very little about the previous use of Agent Blue in both wars. The first known media pick up of the Agent Blue (arsenic based) and Agent Pink, Agent Green, and Agent Purple (all three contain 2, 4, 5-T and unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD) was in May of 1964. Jim G. Lucas, a Scripps-Howard staff reporter submitted an article that was published as an editorial in Washington Post on May 26, 1964. The next news reference to this chemical weapon was a Letter to the Editor published in the New York Times titled “Agent Blue” in Vietnam by Arthur H. Westing in (1971). The use of herbicides, including Agent Blue in Laos during the 2nd Indochina War, was kept a secret until 1982, when a draft of Buckingham’s study of Operation Ranch Hand was made public. Much about the U.S. war effort in Laos is still classified. In a 2014 issue of the VVA Veteran magazine, Loana Hoylman published an article on “Today’s Blue Arsenic in the Environment”. The first refereed journal article on this topic, “The Fate of Agent Blue, the Arsenic-Based Herbicide, Used in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War” was published in 2020 in the Open Journal of Soil Science by Kenneth R. Olson and Larry Cihacek. In 2021 the Asia Times (print) and VietnamVeteranNews (radio podcast) picked up the Agent Blue story. During the early 2020s, Olson published six additional refereed journal articles on Agent Blue, cacodylic acid, and arsenic. The primary objective is to determine why no major news organization in the United States, including the New York Times and Washington Post, have never investigated Agent Blue use during the 2nd Indochina and Vietnam wars? Why did the use of Agent Blue story, used to destroy Laotian and South Vietnamese civilian food (rice) sources and production sites, received only very limited coverage by US print media news organizations during the last 64 years?

变译理论视角下的新闻标题汉译优化策略--基于越南《Vietnamplus电子报》的考察

变译理论所述的变通手段对于新闻标题的汉译实践具有重要指导作用。基于越南《Vietnam-plus电子报》新闻标题汉译优化策略的考察表明,增补、删减、语序处理等相关变通手段的应用可有效达成标题信息的保真与识解,从而提高新闻语篇的传播效能。

Agent Blue Spraying in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War: Fate of the Arsenic Based Herbicide Weapon Used to Destroy Rice Crop and Mangrove Forests

Agent Blue, a mixture of cacodylic acid (CH3) As O2H) and sodium cacodylate (C2H6 AsNaO2), was a tactical arsenic-based herbicide used during the Vietnam War to destroy grasses and rice crops. Natural and synthetic sources of arsenic can degrade into water-soluble forms and persist in groundwater and potentially contribute to elevating As levels in drinking water. The United States Department of Defense (DOD) and United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) Operation Ranch Hand records for tactical herbicides including Agent Blue sprayed in southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1961-1971) are very detailed, rather complete and publicly available. The same is not true for tactical herbicides sprayed by the Republic of Vietnam (RV) during the Khai Quang program which was supported by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the Mekong Delta. Agent Blue was sprayed by the RV military for three years before the official start of the American-Vietnam War. Few, if any, RV military, US Army, US Navy and CIA spray records exist from 1962 to 1965. Vietnam War veterans, historians and scholars have reported the spraying of 3.2 million liters (468,008 kg As) of Agent Blue on rice paddies and mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands by the RV military with the support of the US Army, US Navy and CIA. The Institute of Medicine estimated that 3.2 million liters (468,000 kg As) were sprayed during the RV Khai Quang program. This was in addition to the U.S. Air Force’s Operation Ranch Hand spraying of the tactical herbicide Agent Blue primarily by C-123 aircraft. The Operation Ranch Hand missions maintained location and quantities of herbicides sprayed (over 4,712,000 liters (664,392 kg As) from 1961-1971. The RV military and US military (Army and Navy) spray equipment included hand and backpack sprayers, sprayers mounted on Brown Water Navy boats, on Army track vehicles and Army land-based helicopters and helicopters based on the decks of Blue Water Navy ships. Some of these spray missions were a military secret and spray records were classified or if kept were not maintained. Agent Blue containing cacodylic acid had a short half-life and degraded to water-soluble arsenic, which was released into the surface water and/or leached into the groundwater. Once the water-soluble arsenic leached into the Vietnam Mekong Delta groundwater, the arsenic-rich water was pumped back to the surface by tens of thousands of tube wells for urban and agricultural use. The primary objectives of this research are to explore the conditions during the Vietnam War under which 1) the RV military herbicide spray program with the support of the US Navy, CIA and US Army, and 2) the US Air Force spray program during Operation Ranch Hand may have significantly contributed to the natural and anthropic As spikes found in the Mekong Delta today. The environmental impacts of Agent Blue, on the Menominee River at manufacturing sites in the United States, were studied to identify possible As remediation and mitigation strategies. The lessons previously learned at the manufacturing sites in Wisconsin and Michigan, United States can be considered and applied to the Mekong Delta to help mitigate and remediate the arsenic-rich surface water, soil, sediment and groundwater found in the Mekong Delta.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents in a southern province of Vietnam

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms among children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods:This study applied a cross-sectional approach within community settings in a southern province of Vietnam.A structured questionnaire featuring socio-demographic information and common long COVID symptoms was employed.Phi correlation coefficients assessed associations among pairs of long COVID symptoms.Additionally,multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the risk factors of long COVID in recovered COVID-19 children and adolescents.Results:Among 422 participants,39.3%reported long COVID symptoms,with a prevalence of 45.2%(SD=0.5)in children and 22.2%(SD=0.4)in adolescents.Common symptoms reported were cough 34.6%(SD=0.5),fatigue 20.6%(SD=0.4),shortness of breath 10.9%(SD=0.3),and lack of appetite 6.6%(SD=0.3).Concerning risk factors of long COVID,a higher risk was observed among demographic groups,including girls(OR 1.25,95%CI 1.15-1.37;P<0.001,reference:boys),children compared to adolescents(OR 1.24,95%CI 1.12-1.37;P<0.001),overweight individuals(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.02-1.27;P=0.018,reference:healthy weight),and participants without any COVID-19 vaccination(OR 1.36,95%CI 1.20-1.54;P<0.001),or have received only one single dose(OR 1.35,95%CI 1.10-1.64;P=0.004)compared to those who have received two doses.Besides,patients with a COVID-19 treatment duration exceeding two weeks also had a higher risk of long COVID(OR 1.32,95%CI 1.09-1.60;P=0.003)than those who recovered less than seven days.Conclusions:The insights from this study provide crucial guidance for predicting the factors associated with the occurrence of long COVID in pediatric patients,contributing to strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the long COVID risks among children and adolescents in Vietnam.

Beta-lactam antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli isolates from patients with urinary tract infections in Vietnam:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the evolving patterns of antimicrobial resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics in Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infection patients in Vietnam,covering the period from 2005 to 2022.Methods:29 Descriptive studies published between 2010 and 2022 in English and Vietnamese were included in the analysis.Data on resistance rates to beta-lactam antibiotics,including cephalosporins and carbapenems,were extracted and analyzed.Weighted pooled resistance rates were calculated using random-effects models.Annual trends in resistance were assessed using linear regression analysis.Results:Among the beta-lactam antibiotics studied,Escherichia coli exhibited varying levels of resistance,with cephalosporins showing higher resistance rates compared to carbapenems.Weighted pooled resistance rates were 66%for cefotaxime,65%for ceftriaxone,54%for ceftazidime,and 56%for cefepime.In contrast,carbapenems demonstrated lower resistance rates,with weighted pooled resistance rates ranging from 3%to 4%for meropenem,ertapenem,and imipenem.Resistance rates were also observed for amoxicillin/clavulanate(35%),ticarcillin/clavulanate(26%),and piperacillin/tazobactam(12%).Significant annual increases in resistance were noted for imipenem(0.56%,P<0.001).Conclusions:This study highlights the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in Vietnam and emphasizes the importance of prudent antibiotic use and the regular monitoring of resistance patterns.These insights are useful for guiding healthcare professionals in optimizing treatment strategies and for policymakers in formulating evidence-based clinical guidelines to combat antibiotic resistance effectively.

Three new records of lycopsids and ferns from Vietnam

Three new records from Vietnam,Phlegmariurus guangdongensis Ching,Adiantum longzhouensis A.H.Wang,F.G.Wang&F.W.Xing,and Lepisorus bicolor Ching,are reported.The identification characteristics,information of specimen,and geographical distribution of the species are described.The discovery of new records not only enriches the study of plant diversity in Vietnam,but also provides important information for biodiversity conservation and botanical research in the region.The voucher specimens are kept in the Herbarium of Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences(KUN),Herbarium of Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences(PE)and Herbarium of Guangxi Forestry Research Institute(GXFI).

COMRADES FOREVER--To Lam’s visit demonstrates that China remains Vietnam’s top foreign policy priority

On August 20,2024,General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam(CPV)Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam concluded his state visit to China.China was the destination for Lam's first overseas visit after taking office as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee,which clearly demonstrates that the heads of both countries attach importance to developing the bilateral relations and that Vietnam regards China as the strategic choice and top priority for its foreign policy.

A NEW DAY FOR CHINA-VIETNAM RELATIONS Chinese President Xi Jinping’s fruitful visit to Vietnam

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Vietnam from December 12 to 13,2023.During the two-day visit,China and Vietnam issued a joint statement on continuing to deepen and elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.The two sides also signed more than 30 agreements on bilateral cooperation.These developments injected strong momentum into China-Vietnam relations and elevated bilateral ties to a new height.

Cultural Complex Design from the Perspective of Urban Renewal: A Case Study of Incheon Geomdan Cultural Complex in South Korea

Urban development should rely on the form of architecture,and incorporating urban planning concepts into architectural design can better assist urban construction.Taking the design of Incheon Geomdan Cultural Complex in South Korea as an example,this paper analyzes how to reflect urban planning elements in architectural design,and studies the role and value of cultural complex architecture in urban development from multiple perspectives such as culture,ecological environment,and public space.It hopes to gain more research and design ideas to promote the development of cultural industries in the region,leverage the advantages of regional cultural formats,and create new cultural settlements in cities.

Exploring Mazu Worship at Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An,Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam is not only a UNESCO(United Nations Educational,Scientific,and Cultural Organization)World Heritage Site but also a convergence point of traditional and modern cultures.Throughout its historical transitions,the cultural heritage of Hoi An Ancient Town has been well preserved and developed,and the worship of Mazu,an essential component of Hoi An’s culture,is no exception.As far as is known,Hoi An in central Vietnam houses the most Mazu temples,including the Chung Wah Hall,the Guangzhou Assembly Hall,the Fujian Assembly Hall,the Teochew Assembly Hall,and the Hainan Assembly Hall,among others,with the Fujian Assembly Hall being the most vibrant center of Mazu worship.This study employs field surveys and literature research to explore the Mazu worship practices at the Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An,Quang Nam Province,Vietnam.

Microspace Revitalization Design around Xihuangcun Railway Station from the Perspective of Urban Renewal

Railways within the city carry the historical memory of urban development and are important industrial heritage resources.However,with urban development and changes in transportation functions,railways lose their original application value and are gradually left unused or even abandoned,affecting the vitality of the region.Taking the space around Xihuangcun Railway Station as the research object,the public activity space on both sides of the railway is reshaped through five strategies:function revitalization,traffic revitalization,heritage revitalization,spatial revitalization,and landscape revitalization,and the grey area of the city is transformed into a vibrant development zone of the city.

Exploring the Path of Shantytown Renewal Based on the Theory of Environment-behavior Studies: A Case Study of the Northwest Area of Saihantala in Baotou City

The application of environment-behavior studies plays an important role in studying the renewal of shantytowns.One of the most humane ways of renewal is designing and constructing the necessary urban spatial environment from the perspective of human daily behavior.Most of the shantytown renovation projects currently carried out in China are mainly focused on demolition and reconstruction,which not only incurs high costs but also damages the original social structure and economic model.During the process of shantytown renewal,it should improve the urban landscape,living environment,and life quality of residents,and ensure the daily life of shantytown residents without increasing their economic burden,and preserve the traces of urban development.In order to achieve this goal,it should explore the renewal strategies of shantytowns from the perspective of environment-behavior studies through behavior maps,on-site research,and literature review.Updating and design from a human perspective often achieve faster and better development;the renewal of shantytowns should be a bottom-up approach and start from a grassroots perspective,completing the renovation design through the composition of the population and behavioral patterns.

Improvement of the Vitality of Public Space under the Background of Urban Renewal

As an indispensable part of urban development,urban renewal plays an important role in terms of promoting urban society,economy,culture,etc.,and has a profound impact on the sustainable development of cities and the happiness index of residents.Public space,as an important part of a city,plays a more critical role in urban renewal.The vitality of public space not only reflects the degree of urban cultural inheritance,but also shows the level of urban economic development,so it is an important issue that must be paid attention to in urban renewal work.In this paper,starting from the concept of urban renewal,public space and vitality,the influencing factors and methods of studying the vitality of public space under the background of urban renewal,as well as its advantages and limitations,were discussed,and some strategies for enhancing the vitality of public space under the background of urban renewal were finally put forward.It is expected to provide some reference and practical significance for the research and practice of urban renewal and the enhancement of the vitality of public space.

New Opportunities in Large-Scale Equipment Renewal

China’s move to promote a new round of large-scale equipment renewal is set to create an enormous green market.CHINA has placed much emphasis on encouraging large-scale equipment renewal and trade-ins of old consumer goods over the past year,with the topic being highlighted both at the Central Economic Conference held at the end of 2023 and in the government work report of 2024.

Renewal Needs and Solutions for Urban Old Communities under the Guidance of Resilient Security

The renewal strategy guided by resilient security aims to enhance the community’s resistance and resilience to natural disasters and other emergency situations,ensuring that the community can quickly restore normal functions in the face of shocks.By enhancing the resilience of the community,residents’sense of security and satisfaction can be improved,while promoting the long-term stability and prosperity of the city.Using methods such as literature review,case analysis,and demand investigation,this paper investigates the needs and strategies for the renewal of urban old communities,and explores the demand analysis and solutions for the renewal of urban old communities under the guidance of resilient security.This paper aims to address the lack of resilience in old communities caused by outdated construction,aging infrastructure,and insufficient public services,as well as how to improve the adaptability,resilience,and transformation ability of communities through renovation and transformation.

Design Strategy of Street Space Micro Renewal: A Case Study of Baihuazhou District of Nanchang City

Against the backdrop of incremental planning moving towards stock planning, strengtheningurban public space design to promote high-quality urban development has become a focus of attentionfor domestic scholars. Street is a linear element of urban public space, and it is of great significance forimproving the quality of urban public space by studying the micro renewal design strategy of street space.Based on the interpretation of two urban renewal cases, Wangjing Street in Beijing and Mengzhuiwan inChengdu, taking Baihuazhou area in Nanchang City as an example, this paper analyzes the main problemsin the current situation of street space in Baihuazhou area from three aspects: space use, traffic organization,and waterfront space creation, and explores the micro renewal design strategy of the street space.

Micro Renewal of Public Spaces in Communities Surrounding Colleges and Universities

The community located around colleges and universities is a place where university students and community residents engage in production and life together.Due to the influence of colleges and universities,these communities have spontaneously formed various other functions,resulting in the disorderly development of the entire space and a lack of effective guidance and control.With the development of colleges and universities,problems within the community are gradually increasing.These factors affect the spatial quality of the communities,as well as the environmental atmosphere of colleges and universities,and cause damage to the spatial environment of the entire region.By sorting out the issues between universities and surrounding communities,the development of universities is linked with that of communities,and a path of cooperation and win-win development is sought.

The inaugural VIATT lays foundation to harness growth of Vietnam’s textile market

As the inaugural Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel,Textiles and Textile Technologies(VIATT)drew curtains on 1 March 2024,Messe Frankfurt's first inte-grated textile fair in Asia has positioned itself as an essential platform for the entire textile value chain.Covering three major industry sectors,the three-day fair attracted 17262 visits from 55 countries and regions,connecting with 409 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions.In addition to atracting top-quality suppliers,participants also noted the high calibre of buyers and the dlear potential for growth at future editions.

Conservation and Renewal Strategies of Industrial Heritage Residential Areas from the Perspective of Heritage Protection : A Case Study of Residential Area of Wuchang Vehicle Factory

The residential area of Wuchang Vehicle Factory is taken as a case to explore the protection and renewal strategies of industrial heritage residential areas.By analyzing the current situation of the residential area,issues such as functional decline,memory loss,and weakened community vitality are revealed.Three design concepts are proposed:building renovation,historical space renovation,and the introduction of cultural and creative industries,aiming to improve the living environment,showcase historical value,cultivate cultural and creative industries,promote economic transformation,and community vitality.This paper could provide reference for the protection and renewal of similar industrial heritage residential areas,and new ideas for the research and utilization of industrial heritage.By comprehensively considering heritage protection,cultural inheritance,and community development,systematic suggestions are proposed.

Comparative Analysis on Fruit Qualities of Longan Varieties form Vietnam

[Objective] The aim was to screen longan varieties suitable for local production in Vietnam.[Method] The fruit botanical characteristics and quality characteristics of longan varieties introduced into Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture Sciences were compared and analyzed.[Result] Two varieties with good general qualities including PMP6 and PHS1-1 which were suitable to be cultivated in the local area were selected.In addition,Phu Dong was the available processed germplasm resource.[Conclusion] This research will provide reference for longan production and breeding in Northern Mountainous.