Hazard identification and early warning system based on stochastic forest algorithm in underground coal mine

Aiming at the problem of large error and long time of early warning response in the traditional system, this paper designs a hazard identification early warning system based on random forest algorithm in underground coal mine. By random classification decision forest created dangerous content in different areas of the downhole information input into the decision tree as a test sample, according to the result of the output of the leaf node determine the risk level of decision trees, and USES the high precision of decision forest classification ability the threat level assessment test sample, radically reducing hazards identification error. Then, based on the evaluation results, combined with the threshold value of warning criteria to identify the gas exceeding limit area, and determine the fire source warning level, so as to realize the hazard source identification and warning. The simulation results show that the average hazard location identification error of the system is only 4.1%, and the warning response time can be controlled within 9 s.

COVID-19: cross-border contact tracing in Germany, February to April 2020

Introduction The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) managed the exchange of cross-border contact tracing data between public health authorities (PHA) in Germany and abroad during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Aim We describe the extent of cross-border contact tracing and its challenges. Methods We analysed cross-border COVID-19 contact tracing events from 3 February to 5 April 2020 using information exchanged through the European Early Warning Response System and communication with International Health Regulation national focal points. We described events by PHA, number of contacts and exposure context. Results The RKI processed 467 events, initiating contact to PHA 1,099 times (median = 1; interquartile range (IQR): 1–2) and sharing data on 5,099 contact persons. Of 327 (70%) events with known exposure context, the most commonly reported exposures were aircraft (n = 64; 20%), cruise ships (n = 24; 7%) and non-transport contexts (n = 210; 64%). Cruise ship and aircraft exposures generated more contacts with authorities (median = 10; IQR: 2–16, median = 4; IQR: 2–11) and more contact persons (median = 60; IQR: 9–269, median = 2; IQR: 1–3) than non-transport exposures (median = 1; IQR: 1–6 and median = 1; IQR: 1–2). The median time spent on contact tracing was highest for cruise ships: 5 days (IQR: 3–9). Conclusion In the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-border contact tracing is considered a critical component of the outbreak response. While only a minority of international contact tracing activities were related to exposure events in transport, they contributed substantially to the workload. The numerous communications highlight the need for fast and efficient global outbreak communication channels between PHA.

Tsunami

Tsunamis, the giant waves that periodically engulf coastal areas and even the shores of lakes and rivers, have had a major impact on the world. Not only have they caused countless deaths but also they have changed nations, societies, and cultures from prehistoric to modern times. This book describes the science of tsunamis and the many ways they can be generated, ranging from earthquakes to volcanic eruptions and explosions, landslides, and others. It also explains how the waves travel across oceans at the speed of a jet airplane and how they focus or disperse their incredible energy. It delves into the clues that ancient tsunamis have left behind to be unraveled by modern science so that we can better understand not only what has happened in the past but also what will happen in the future. The book also explores the human side of tsunami disasters, examining their effect on the residents of impacted communities by recounting the amazing true stories of survival, heroism, and tragic loss. It discusses and provides examples of what works in mitigation, preparedness, warning, response, and recovery from tsunamis; what does not work; and what needs to be done. It contains little-known stories about scientists struggling to better understand these catastrophic waves, while fighting government ignorance and reluctance to take action, as well as amazing chance discoveries and the continued quest to learn more and become better prepared, as every year the odds of yet another catastrophic tsunami increase.

Comparison of the risk perception and warning response to air pollution on an individual level in China

Individual responses to China’s heavy air pollution early warning are poorly understood. This knowledge gap has hampered the evaluation and improvement of the early warning system in providing the targeted populations with effective protection guidance. In order to explore the public’s response to air pollution warning, field survey were conducted in three major cities of China in 2016. The results indicated that different levels of air pollution warnings were correctly understood in these three cities, but the warning response rate was low. Significant differences in the public’s risk perception were demonstrated. Public perception of the health impacts of air pollution (HEP) and knowledge of the warning index (AQI) were significantly higher in Beijing than in Shenzhen. The public perception of the pollution level (DEVIATION) was equal in Beijing and Shenzhen, but higher than that in Shanghai. Gender, education, and risk perception were crucial factors influencing the public’s willingness to respond to warnings. Early warning policymakers can use this research to optimize the design and dissemination of early warning information to improve the public’s health and quality of life in cities with air pollution.

Assessment of communication needs and planning communication actions during health crises

Health crisis communication (HCC) is a challenging and urgent task of the emergency preparedness planning of any welfare state. In this paper, some particular reasons for that will be more specifically analyzed. The action flow of HCC includes the phases of preparedness, warning, response, recovery, and evaluation. For a successful HCC detailed guidelines are also needed, along with profound knowledge of how the crisis stakeholders should deal with the psychological needs of the citizens and the mass media, as well as with some specific technical items. The ultimate implication of HCC is that the public is aware of its right to make informed choices after having been actively involved in the procedure of risk decisions making.