Essential Lessons in a Potential Sarin Attack Disaster Plan for a Resource-Constrained Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew John Watermeyer ◽  
Nicole Dippenaar ◽  
Nelly Clotildea Tchouambou Simo ◽  
Sean Buchanan ◽  
Abdullah Ebrahim Laher
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Chemical Weapon ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Disaster Plan ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Rapid Deployment ◽  
Relief Organizations ◽  
Fast Acting

AbstractSarin is a potent nerve agent chemical weapon that was originally designed for military purposes as a fast-acting anti-personnel weapon that would kill or disable large numbers of enemy troops. Its potent toxicity, ease of deployment, and rapid degradation allow for rapid deployment by an attacking force, who can safely enter the area of deployment a short while after its release. Sarin has been produced and stockpiled by a number of countries, and large quantities of it still exist despite collective agreements to cease manufacture and destroy stockpiles. Sarin’s ease of synthesis, which is easily disseminated across the Internet, increases the risk that terrorist organizations may use sarin to attack civilians. Sarin has been used in a number of terrorist attacks in Japan, and more recently in attacks in the Middle East, where nonmilitary organizations have led much of the disaster relief and provision of medical care. In the present article, we examine and discuss the available literature on sarin’s historical use, delivery methods, chemical properties, mechanism of action, decontamination process, and treatment. We present a management guideline to assist with the recognition of an attack and management of victims by medical professionals and disaster relief organizations, specifically in resource-constrained and austere environments. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:249–256)

scholarly journals Aplikasi PCO Plus pada Tanah Bekas Tambang Batu Bata Merah terhadap Serapan P, Ca dan B serta Fruitset Cabai Merah Besar (Capsicum annuum L.)

Agrikultura ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefina Liana Sari ◽  
Rija Sudirja ◽  
Emma Trinurani Sofyan
Keyword(s):  
Capsicum Annuum ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Degraded Soil ◽  
Capsicum Annuum L ◽  
Compound Fertilizer ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Large Numbers

ABSTRACTApplication of liquid organic fertilizer formula plus on degraded soil to improve the productivity of the land and chili (Capsicum annuum L.) productionSoil exploitation in large numbers occurred in the District Wanaraja of Garut Regency. Excavation of soil more than 2 meters from the top layer for the manufacture of red bricks has exceeded the ability of the soil to re-establish its structure. So that the soils, which were agricultural lands, can be classified as degraded soils with less fertility and chemical properties. Lans reuse for agriculture requires adequate recovery and fertilizer input. This study aimed to determine the formula of LOF (liquid organic fertilizer) plus used with NPK compound fertilizer on degraded soil to improve the soil productivity. The design used was a Simple Randomized Block Design (RBD) by 10 combinations of LOF plus treatment with NPK compound fertilizer as follows: A = Control (degraded soil, no fertilizer), B = 0% LOF + 1 NPK, C = 0.25% LOF + 1 NPK, D = 0.50% LOF + 1 NPK, E = 0.75% LOF + 1 NPK, F = 1.00 % LOF + 1 NPK, G = 0.5% LOF + 3/4 NPK, H = 0.5% LOF + 1/2 NPK, I = 0.5% LOF + 1/4 NPK, J = 0.5 LOF + 0 NPK, and K = 1 NPK of normal soil that all replicated three times. The results showed that the degraded soil of red bricks required concentration of LOF above 0.5% to 1% when applied with 1 dose of standard NPK. It is able to balance the uptake of nutrients P, Ca, and B and percentage of fruitset in chili commodities equivalent to normal soil.Keywords: Chilli, Liquid Organic Faertilizer (LOF), NPK, Soil degrededABSTRAKEksploitasi tanah dalam jumlah yang besar terjadi di Kecamatan Wanaraja, Kabupaten Garut. Terjadinya penggalian tanah lebih dari 2 meter dari lapisan atas untuk pembuatan batu bata merah melampaui kemampuan tanah untuk membentuk struktur tanah kembali, sehingga tanah-tanah yang sebelumnya merupakan tanah pertanian ini dapat digolongkan menjadi tanah terdegradasi dengan sifat kimia kurang subur dan pemanfaatan kembali untuk pertanian memerlukan pemulihan dan input pupuk yang cukup. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui formula pupuk cair organik (PCO) plus yang digunakan bersama NPK pada tanah terdegradasi guna meningkatkan kembali produktvitas tanahnya. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah RAK sederhana dengan 10 kombinasi perlakuan PCO plus bersama NPK yaitu A = Kontrol (tanah terdegradasi, tanpa pupuk), B = 0% PCO + 1 NPK, C = 0,25% PCO + 1 NPK, D = 0,50% PCO + 1 NPK, E = 0,75% PCO + 1 NPK, F = 1,00% PCO + 1 NPK, G = 0,5% PCO + 3/4 NPK, H = 0,5% PCO + 1/2 NPK, I = 0,5% PCO + 1/4 NPK, J = 0,5 PCO + 0 NPK, dan K = 1 NPK tanah normal. Semua perlakuan diulang tiga kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tanah terdegradasi bekas tambang batu bata merah memerlukan konsentrasi PCO di atas 0,5% sampai dengan 1% apabila diaplikasikan bersama 1 dosis NPKstandar. Hal ini mempu mengimbangi serapan hara P, Ca, dan B serta persen fruitset pada komoditas cabai setara dengan tanah normal.Kata Kunci: Cabai, NPK, Pupuk Cair Organik (PCO), Tanah terdegradasi

Severe Trombiculiasis in Hunting Dogs Infested With Neotrombicula inopinata (Acari: Trombiculidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 1389-1394 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Areso Apesteguía ◽  
J B Areso Portell ◽  
N Halaihel Kassab ◽  
M J Gracia Salinas
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Hunting Dogs ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
La Rioja ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fast Acting

Abstract This study records the clinical findings in nine hunting dogs showing systemic illness associated with trombiculids and identifies the mite species involved. In fall, coinciding with the seasonality of mites, all dogs were infested with mites and had been in the risk area (Sierra Cebollera Natural Park, La Rioja, Spain) a few hours before the onset of symptoms. The symptoms included vomiting, anorexia, weakness and lethargy, diarrhea, and even stupor. The clinical picture was fast-acting and potentially fatal. The infestations varied from low to severe. Molecular analysis of mites that fed on the dogs confirmed that they were larvae of Neotrombicula inopinata (Oudemans, Acari, Trombiculidae). This is the first time that N. inopinata has been identified as feeding on dogs and implicated in canine systemic illness associated with trombiculids. In contrast to other chiggers, N. inopinata does not seem to cause dermatitis. Likewise, the clinical and epidemiological similarity between the clinical symptoms we describe herein and the occurrence of seasonal canine illness (SCI) led us to suspect that this illness may be caused by infestation with these mites. The condition could be the consequence of severe infestation from large numbers of feeding mites, especially N. inopinata. Whether or not the cases were due to a severe allergic host response to salivary proteins or the result of the transmission of a new or emerging trombiculid-borne pathogen is not known.

Some Latent Consequences of Bureaucratic Efficiency in Disaster Relief

1969 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellwyn Stoddard
Keyword(s):  
Financial Support ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Disaster Studies ◽  
Bureaucratic Efficiency ◽  
Relief Organizations ◽  
Popular Image ◽  
Efficient Distribution

An ever-expanding number of voluntary organizations have been created in recent decades to aid catastrophe victims. This proliferation of new groups, added to already existing relief organizations, has made the coordination of disaster relief increasingly difficult. Moreover, competitive spirit is fostered by the need of each to maintain a popular image of success and compassion since public reactions to their operations determine to a great extent how much financial support they can expect. But definitions of success may differ. A relief official may measure success in terms of the efficient distribution of a determined amount of food, clothing, shelter and services to those most in need. Yet material relief of this sort need not be the criterion of a successful relief operation from the victim's point of view. Most disaster studies fail to distinguish clearly between self-evaluation from within an organization and attitudes of those persons for whom the services are intended. It is my purpose here to clarify this distinction and to examine in some detail the effectiveness of two contrasting relief agencies. It is further anticipated that findings and concIusions from this study can be used to develop more effective methods for distributing disaster relief or for administering other welfare and relief programs.

Solidarity Not Charity

Social Text ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Spade
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Social Movements ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Border Enforcement ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
The Face ◽  
Wealth Gap ◽  
Prison Abolition

This article argues that, in the face of worsening conditions from climate change, enhanced border enforcement, a growing wealth gap, housing crises, and policing, social movements should focus on expanding mutual aid strategies. Mutual aid projects directly address survival needs, mobilize large numbers of people to participate in movements actively rather than solely participating online or through voting, and offer spaces to practice new social relations. The article looks at examples from efforts for migrant justice, police and prison abolition, disaster relief, and other contemporary struggles and discusses potential pitfalls of mutual aid strategies, such as supplementing and therefore stabilizing existing systems of maldistribution and adopting principles and practices from the charity frameworks that proliferate in capitalism.

The impact of social media on disaster relief effort – recovery coordination for Hurricane Harvey

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bidyut Hazarika ◽  
Alan Rea ◽  
Reza Mousavi ◽  
Kuanchin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Event ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relief Organizations ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose This study aims to investigate patterns of social media posting occurring during the initial post-disaster recovery period. In addition, the study investigates the antecedents of user engagement with Twitter posts or “tweets.” Design/methodology/approach This study uses Hurricane Harvey as the research focus because of its $125bn in damage and the recovery effort associated with it. Analyzing nearly 38,000 tweets related to 2017’s Hurricane Harvey and specifically focuses on rescuers who became to be known as the “Cajun Navy.” Findings The popularity of the tweet significantly influences social media engagement; disaster relief organizations first should seek out alliances and partnerships with those who already are well-known or influential in social media. In addition, by regularly monitoring and participating in social media, such as encouraging retweets and mentions even when not responding to a disaster, agencies will gain social media followers and influence when these are most needed. Research limitations/implications By analyzing patterns of social media posts during and after Hurricane Harvey, this study attempts to quantify social media’s effectiveness during this disaster, in particular with a focus on what characteristics of Harvey-related Twitter posts most influenced user engagement. Practical implications Findings underscore the need for agencies to strengthen their social media presence and use it in all three phases of disaster conceptualization. Beyond managing communication with other agencies and the community, which alone is critical for an agency’s impact, social media offers the world as a potential audience for agencies that can deftly leverage it. Originality/value Social media has revolutionized not only communication but also inter-connectivity as people have normalized its use. Its ubiquity and efficiency have seen its incorporation into the critical area of emergency management, both during and after disasters. The main objective of this paper is to investigate and evaluate the usefulness of social media in disaster recovery efforts, focusing on its advantages in relation to a recent disaster event.

Biological and Chemical Weapon Use, Disposal, and Impact

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Biological Weapons ◽  
Chemical Weapon ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
The People ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Weapon Use

“Biological weapons (BWs) deliver toxins and microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, so as to deliberately inflict disease among people, animals, and agriculture. Biological attacks can result in the destruction of crops, temporarily discomforting a small community, killing large numbers of people, or other outcomes.” (Federation of American Scientists, 2013). These weapons, either naturally occurring in the environment or artificially created, impact more than just the people or targets they are intended to hit. They cause risks to the health of communities and to the air and water we breathe. Often times when conflicts are happening and there is a necessity for biological weapons to be provided and used, the disposal portion of the operation is commonly neglected which in turn creates more problems than those that existed beforehand.

scholarly journals THE CHEMISTRY OF DAYLIGHT VISION

1946 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 277-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Frederick Bliss
Keyword(s):  
Magnesium Sulfate ◽  
Inorganic Phosphate ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Partial Purification ◽  
First Order ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Cone Cells ◽  
Polar Organic Solvents ◽  
Color Filters ◽  
Good Agreement

1. While several reports of photosensitive pigments from the retinas of animals possessing large numbers of cone cells have been published, the only study which could be confirmed was Wald's discovery of iodopsin, a red-sensitive pigment from chicken eyes. 2. In its chemical properties, such as the range of pH stability and the effect of polar organic solvents, iodopsin resembles rhodopsin but is considerably more labile. 3. A partial purification from inert yellow impurities has been effected by prehardening the retinas in pH 4.9 acetate buffer before extraction by 2 per cent digitonin. Rhodopsin was an inevitable contaminant in most methods of extraction, but could be reduced to about 10 per cent of the absorption due to iodopsin by extraction of unhardened retinas with 4 per cent Merck's saponin in ¾ saturated magnesium sulfate for about 1 hour. 4. The rate of bleaching of iodopsin was found to be first order and linear with respect to energy. 5. The bleaching effectiveness spectrum of iodopsin was determined with the aid of color filters of known energy transmission, and shows a maximum at 560 mµ in the yellow green with a lower plateau in the blue. The spectrum is in good agreement with the sensitivity of the human cones except for the wavelength of maximum bleaching effectiveness. The maximum sensitivity of the human cones is found at 540 mµ. 6. Previous reports of changes in pH and inorganic phosphate level of retinas due to bleaching could not be confirmed.

scholarly journals Effective International Medical Disaster Relief: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolette Broby ◽  
Jane H. Lassetter ◽  
Mary Williams ◽  
Blaine A. Winters
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Relief Organizations

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to assist organizations seeking to develop or improve their medical disaster relief effort by identifying fundamental elements and processes that permeate high-quality, international, medical disaster relief organizations and the teams they deploy.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were gathered from interviews with key personnel at five international medical response organizations, as well as during field observations conducted at multiple sites in Jordan and Greece, including three refugee camps. Data were then reviewed by the research team and coded to identify patterns, categories, and themes.ResultsThe results from this qualitative, descriptive design identified three themes which were key characteristics of success found in effective, well-established, international medical disaster relief organizations. These characteristics were first, ensuring an official invitation had been extended and the need for assistance had been identified. Second, the response to that need was done in an effective and sustainable manner. Third, effective organizations strived to obtain high-quality volunteers.ConclusionBy following the three key characteristics outlined in this research, organizations are more likely to improve the efficiency and quality of their work. In addition, they will be less likely to impede the overall recovery process.BrobyN, LassetterJH, WilliamsM, WintersBA. Effective international medical disaster relief: a qualitative descriptive study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):119–126.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document