Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions in Rainfall-Induced Landslide Prediction: A Comprehensive Review

Rainfall-induced landslides threaten lives and properties globally. To address this, researchers have developed various methods and models that forecast the likelihood and behavior of rainfall-induced landslides. These methodologies and models can be broadly classified into three categories: empirical, physical-based, and machine-learning approaches. However, these methods have limitations in terms of data availability, accuracy, and applicability. This paper reviews the current state-of-the-art of rainfall-induced landslide prediction methods, focusing on the methods, models, and challenges involved. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of existing prediction techniques and the identification of their limitations. By synthesizing a vast body of research, it highlights emerging trends and advancements, providing a holistic perspective on the subject matter. The analysis points out that future research opportunities lie in interdisciplinary collaborations, advanced data integration, remote sensing, climate change impact analysis, numerical modeling, real-time monitoring, and machine learning improvements. In conclusion, the prediction of rainfall-induced landslides is a complex and multifaceted challenge, and no single approach is universally superior. Integrating different methods and leveraging emerging technologies offer the best way forward for improving accuracy and reliability in landslide prediction, ultimately enhancing our ability to manage and mitigate this geohazard

Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions in Rainfall-Induced Landslide Prediction: A Comprehensive Review

Rainfall-induced landslides threaten lives and properties globally. To address this, researchers have developed various methods and models that forecast the likelihood and behavior of rainfall-induced landslides. These methodologies and models can be broadly classified into three categories: empirical, physical-based, and machine-learning approaches. However, these methods have limitations in terms of data availability, accuracy, and applicability. This paper reviews the current state-of-the-art of rainfall-induced landslide prediction methods, focusing on the methods, models, and challenges involved. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of existing prediction techniques and the identification of their limitations. By synthesizing a vast body of research, it highlights emerging trends and advancements, providing a holistic perspective on the subject matter. The analysis points out that future research opportunities lie in interdisciplinary collaborations, advanced data integration, remote sensing, climate change impact analysis, numerical modeling, real-time monitoring, and machine learning improvements. In conclusion, the prediction of rainfall-induced landslides is a complex and multifaceted challenge, and no single approach is universally superior. Integrating different methods and leveraging emerging technologies offer the best way forward for improving accuracy and reliability in landslide prediction, ultimately enhancing our ability to manage and mitigate this geohazard

The role of quality management practices in operational performance: an empirical study in a transitional economy

Purpose: This research was conducted to recognize quality management (QM) practices which have relationship with operational performance. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the extensive literature review, a set of quality management practices were identified and a conceptual model was built to explore their relationship with operational performance. An empirical testing at Vietnamese garment enterprises was carried out. Findings: The results of this research showed that four main practices including top management support, human resource management, reporting and analysis of quality data, product/service design and process management are directly and indirectly related to operational performance. In addition, 57.1% variance of operational performance was explained by the QM practices above mentioned. Research limitations/implications: Within the scope of this study, there are some aspects that haven’t been yet considered: (i) there are many other factors that might also have impact on operational performance which are not incorporated in this study, such as, external environment, capital, technology, equipment, information flow, oursourcing, etc., (ii) generalized ability of results would be higher if extending the sample scope to other industries and other countries. These imply directions for further research. Practical implications: To increase operational performance, the QM practices should be applied simultaneously and the structural model was used in this study could play as “a guideline” to orient for the implementation of these practices. Originality/value: This study tried to address some issues that have not been fully examined in the literature. Not only fill these voids, the research model presented the relationship among QM practices and operational performance, along with the measurement instrument validated in this study also provided some insights to the theory system of QM and operational performance. It is also a valuable contribution for the next empirical studies, especially for countries having the transitional economy as Vietnam

Fabrication and hardness of in-situ Al3Ti–Al2O3 composite

In this work, an in-situ Al3Ti–Al2O3 composite was optimally synthesized from raw powders via mechanical milling and conventional sintering processes. The strong influence of milling time on the promotion of the phase reaction between the initial TiO2 and Al materials was proven by using X-ray diffraction and surface morphology analysis. The obtained results showed that the milling process did not initiate any reaction between the raw TiO2 and Al materials. However, the milling process was important for creating a homogeneous powder mixture and refining the particle size of the powders. The Al3Ti–Al2O3 composites were completely formed after conventional sintering at 750°C for 30 min for a milling time of over 4 h. The highest obtained microhardness of the composite was approximately 130 HV, which was suggested to be related to the microstructure of the bulk composite specimen consisting of two main phases, the Al3Ti matrix and the Al2O3 particles dispersed in the matrix. A small portion of an unidentified phase, a Ti-rich compound, was found in the matrix together with a tiny fraction of AlTi3. We suggest that the optimal sintering process and mechanical milling are important key factors in fabricating bulk hardness Al3Ti–Al2O3 composite materials

The impact of cataract surgey on vision-related quality of life for bilateral cataract patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: To determine the impact of cataract surgery on vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and examine the association between objective visual measures and change in VRQOL after surgery among bilateral cataract patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. METHODS: A cohort of older patients with bilateral cataract was assessed one week before and one to three months after first eye or both eye cataract surgery. Visual measures including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis were obtained. Vision-related quality of life was assessed using the NEI VFQ-25. Descriptive analyses and a generalized linear estimating equation (GEE) analysis were undertaken to measure change in VRQOL after surgery. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirteen patients were assessed before cataract surgery and 247 completed the follow-up assessment one to three months after first or both eye cataract surgery. Overall, VRQOL significantly improved after cataract surgery (p < 0.001) particularly after both eye surgeries. Binocular contrast sensitivity (p < 0.001) and stereopsis (p < 0.001) were also associated with change in VRQOL after cataract surgery. Visual acuity was not associated with VRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery significantly improved VRQOL among bilateral cataract patients in Vietnam. Contrast sensitivity as well as stereopsis, rather than visual acuity significantly affected VRQOL after cataract surgery

Scaling up small-scale food processing for therapeutic and complementary foods for children in Vietnam

“This work was carried out with the aid of a grant from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and with financial support from the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).”Vietnam’s National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is working with Ryerson University (Canada) researchers to bring sustainable solutions to rural Vietnam. These include the direct procurement of crops from smallholder women farmers, the decentralized production of fortified foods in small local food processing facilities, and a reliable commercial supply chain that sees products purchased by hundreds of nutrition counseling centres. This two-page policy brief/brochure outlines the project strategy

Primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis in Jatropha curcas L. From leaf transverse thin cell layers

An efficient method for plant regeneration in Jatropha curcas L. via primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis culture from ex vitro leaves of 6-month-old plants was presented in this study. Leaves were cut into transverse thin cell layers (tTCLs) and cultured on MS medium supplemented with kinetin (KIN) at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/l in combination with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/l or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/l . The highest embryogenic callus formation rate (89.3%) was obtained on medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l KIN and 1.5 mg/l 2,4-D. The calli were selected for the study of primary somatic embryogenesis on MS medium containing 2,4-D (0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 mg/l) or KIN (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/l). The highest primary somatic embryos formation rate (76.67%) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l KIN. The primary embryos were cultured on medium supplemented with KIN (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/l) combined with 0.2 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or 0.05 mg/l 2,4-D. The combination of 1.5 mg/l KIN and 0.05 mg/l 2,4-D was suitable for secondary embryos formation. Embryos proliferated rapidly, and the highest number of secondary embryos (77.5 embryos) wasobtained from a single primary embryos inoculated. Results also showed that the addition of proline (0.75 g/l) or spermidine (0.15 mM) to the culture medium increased the number of secondary embryos considerably. The fully developed plantlets exhibiting healthy roots and shoots were obtained when somatic embryos were sub-cultured onto B5 medium containing 1.5 mg/l IBA

Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF and MODS assay for the diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) in children is rarely confirmed due to the lack of effective diagnostic tools; only 10 to 15% of pediatric TB is smear positive due to paucibacillary samples and the difficulty of obtaining high-quality specimens from children. We evaluate here the accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF in comparison with the Micoroscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay for diagnosis of TB in children using samples stored during a previously reported evaluation of the MODS assay. METHODS: Ninety-six eligible children presenting with suspected TB were recruited consecutively at Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam between May to December 2008 and tested by Ziehl-Neelsen smear, MODS and Mycobacterial growth Indicator (MGIT, Becton Dickinson) culture. All samples sent by the treating clinician for testing were included in the analysis. An aliquot of processed sample deposit was stored at −20°C and tested in the present study by Xpert MTB/RIF test. 183 samples from 73 children were available for analysis by Xpert. Accuracy measures of MODS and Xpert were summarized. RESULTS: The sensitivity (%) in detecting children with a clinical diagnosis of TB for smear, MODS and Xpert were 37.9 [95% CI 25.5; 51.6], 51.7 [38.2; 65.0] and 50.0 [36.6; 63.4], respectively (per patient analysis). Xpert was significantly more sensitive than smear (P=0.046). Testing of additional samples did not increase case detection for MODS while testing of a second sputum sample by Xpert detected only two additional cases. The positive and negative predictive values (%) of Xpert were 100.0 [88.0; 100.0] and 34.1 [20.5; 49.9], respectively, while those of MODS were 96.8 [83.3; 99.9] and 33.3 [19.6; 49.5]. CONCLUSION: MODS culture and Xpert MTB/RIF test have similar sensitivities for the detection of pediatric TB. Xpert MTB RIF is able to detect tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance within two hours. MODS allows isolation of cultures for further drug susceptibility testing but requires approximately one week to become positive. Testing of multiple samples by xpert detected only two additional cases and the benefits must be considered against costs in each setting. Further research is required to evaluate the optimal integration of Xpert into pediatric testing algorithms

Secular trend, seasonality and effects of a community-based intervention on neonatal mortality: follow-up of a cluster-randomised trial in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Little is know about whether the effects of community engagement interventions for child survival in low-income and middle-income settings are sustained. Seasonal variation and secular trend may blur the data. Neonatal mortality was reduced in a cluster-randomised trial in Vietnam where laywomen facilitated groups composed of local stakeholders employing a problem-solving approach for 3 years. In this analysis, we aim at disentangling the secular trend, the seasonal variation and the effect of the intervention on neonatal mortality during and after the trial. METHODS: In Quang Ninh province, 44 communes were allocated to intervention and 46 to control. Births and neonatal deaths were assessed in a baseline survey in 2005, monitored during the trial in 2008-2011 and followed up by a survey in 2014. Time series analyses were performed on monthly neonatal mortality data. RESULTS: There were 30 187 live births and 480 neonatal deaths. The intervention reduced the neonatal mortality from 19.1 to 11.6 per 1000 live births. The reduction was sustained 3 years after the trial. The control areas reached a similar level at the time of follow-up. Time series decomposition analysis revealed a downward trend in the intervention areas during the trial that was not found in the control areas. Neonatal mortality peaked in the hot and wet summers. CONCLUSIONS: A community engagement intervention resulted in a lower neonatal mortality rate that was sustained but not further reduced after the end of the trial. When decomposing time series of neonatal mortality, a clear downward trend was demonstrated in intervention but not in control areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN44599712, Post-results