A numerical simulation study on the impact of smoke aerosols from Russian forest fires on the air pollution over Asia

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Qingzhe Zhu, Yuzhi Liu, Rui Jia, Shan Hua, Tianbin Shao, Bing Wang
Serious forest fires were observed over Siberia, particularly in the vast area between Lake Baikal and the Gulf of Ob, during the period of 18–27 July 2016 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite simultaneously detected a multitude of smoke aerosols surrounding the same area. Combing a Lagrangian Flexible Particle dispersion model (FLEXPART) executed using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model output, the transport of smoke aerosols and the quantification of impact of Russian forest fires on the Asia were investigated. From model simulations, two transport paths were determined for the smoke plumes from the Russian forest fires. The first path was directed southwestward from Russia to Central Asia and eventually Xinjiang Province of China, furthermore, the second path was directed southeastward through Mongolia to Northeast China. The FLEXPART-WRF model simulations also revealed that the smoke aerosol concentrations entering the Central Asia, Mongolia and Northern China were approximately 60–300 μg m⁻³, 40–250 μg m⁻³ and 5–140 μg m⁻³, respectively. Meanwhile, the aerosol particles from these forest fires have an impact on the air quality in Asia. With the arrival of smoke aerosols from the Russian forest fires, the near-surface PM10 concentrations over Altay, Hulunbuir and Harbin increased to 61, 146 and 42 μg m⁻³, respectively. In conclusion, smoke aerosols from Russian forest fires can variably influence the air quality over Central Asia, Mongolia and Northern China.



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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 649: Robust Economic Control Decision Method of Uncertain System on Urban Domestic Water Supply

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 649: Robust Economic Control Decision Method of Uncertain System on Urban Domestic Water Supply

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040649

Authors: Li Ma Wei

As China quickly urbanizes, urban domestic water generally presents the circumstances of both rising tendency and seasonal cycle fluctuation. A robust economic control decision method for dynamic uncertain systems is proposed in this paper. It is developed based on the internal model principle and pole allocation method, and it is applied to an urban domestic water supply system with rising tendency and seasonal cycle fluctuation. To achieve this goal, first a multiplicative model is used to describe the urban domestic water demand. Then, a capital stock and a labor stock are selected as the state vector, and the investment and labor are designed as the control vector. Next, the compensator subsystem is devised in light of the internal model principle. Finally, by using the state feedback control strategy and pole allocation method, the multivariable robust economic control decision method is implemented. The implementation with this model can accomplish the urban domestic water supply control goal, with the robustness for the variation of parameters. The methodology presented in this study may be applied to the water management system in other parts of the world, provided all data used in this study are available. The robust control decision method in this paper is also applicable to deal with tracking control problems as well as stabilization control problems of other general dynamic uncertain systems.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 647: Application of a Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Design to Explore the Effects of Air Pollution and Season on Childhood Asthma Hospitalization in Cities of Differing Urban Patterns: Big Data Analytics of Government Open Data

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 647: Application of a Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Design to Explore the Effects of Air Pollution and Season on Childhood Asthma Hospitalization in Cities of Differing Urban Patterns: Big Data Analytics of Government Open Data

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040647

Authors: Ching-Yen Kuo Ren-Hao Pan Chin-Kan Chan Chiung-Yi Wu Dinh-Van Phan Chien-Lung Chan

Few studies have assessed the lagged effects of levels of different urban city air pollutants and seasons on asthma hospitalization in children. This study used big data analysis to explore the effects of daily changes in air pollution and season on childhood asthma hospitalization from 2001 to 2010 in Taipei and Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. A time-stratified case-crossover study and conditional logistic regression analysis were employed to identify associations between the risk of hospitalization due to asthma in children and the levels of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, and NO2) in the days preceding hospitalization. During the study period, 2900 children in Taipei and 1337 in Kaohsiung aged ≤15 years were hospitalized due to asthma for the first time. The results indicated that the levels of air pollutants were significantly associated with the risk of asthma hospitalization in children, and seasonal effects were observed. High levels of air pollution in Kaohsiung had greater effects than in Taipei after adjusting for seasonal variation. The most important factor was O3 in spring in Taipei. In children aged 0–6 years, asthma was associated with O3 in Taipei and SO2 in Kaohsiung, after controlling for the daily mean temperature and relative humidity.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 642: Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Field (ELF-MF) Exposure Characteristics among Semiconductor Workers

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 642: Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Field (ELF-MF) Exposure Characteristics among Semiconductor Workers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040642

Authors: Sangjun Choi Wonseok Cha Jihoon Park Seungwon Kim Won Kim Chungsik Yoon Juhyun Park Kwonchul Ha Donguk Park

We assessed the exposure of semiconductor workers to extremely low frequency-magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and identified job characteristics affecting ELF-MF exposure. These were demonstrated by assessing the exposure of 117 workers involved in wafer fabrication (fab) and chip packaging wearing personal dosimeters for a full shift. A portable device was used to monitor ELF-MF in high temporal resolution. All measurements were categorized by operation, job and working activity during working time. ELF-MF exposure of workers were classified based on the quartiles of ELF-MF distribution. The average levels of ELF-MF exposure were 0.56 µT for fab workers, 0.59 µT for chip packaging workers and 0.89 µT for electrical engineers, respectively. Exposure to ELF-MF differed among types of factory, operation, job and activity. Workers engaged in the diffusion and chip testing activities showed the highest ELF-MF exposure. The ELF-MF exposures of process operators were found to be higher than those of maintenance engineers, although peak exposure and/or patterns varied. The groups with the highest quartile ELF-MF exposure level are operators in diffusion, ion implantation, module and testing operations, and maintenance engineers in diffusion, module and testing operations. In conclusion, ELF-MF exposure among workers can be substantially affected by the type of operation and job, and the activity or location.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 644: Determinants of Child Health Behaviors in a Disadvantaged Area from a Community Perspective: A Participatory Needs Assessment

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 644: Determinants of Child Health Behaviors in a Disadvantaged Area from a Community Perspective: A Participatory Needs Assessment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040644

Authors: Manou Anselma Mai Chinapaw Teatske Altenburg

Children from disadvantaged areas are hard to reach for interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles. We conducted a participatory needs assessment, in which researchers collaborated with a community in a disadvantaged area in Amsterdam to gain an understanding of the health-related issues of children within this community. Qualitative data was collected through: three to four participatory group meetings with three groups of 9–12-year-old children (n = 5–9 per group); nine interviews with professionals working with youth; two interviews with parents and their children; and informal meetings including 31 parents. All transcriptions or summaries were coded and analyzed. Childhood overweight/obesity was indicated as the main health issue. A lack of physical activity and unhealthy dietary behavior were identified as the main risk factors, with underlying determinants such as culture, habits, finances, and social norms. Identified needs included more supervised, low-priced sports activities at a nearby location and more education on adopting a healthy diet. Our participatory health needs assessment resulted in a comprehensive overview of the most relevant risk factors and determinants of childhood overweight/obesity and needs from the community's perspective. This knowledge aids in the development of better tailored, and thereby potentially more effective, interventions.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 645: Factors that Predict Parental Willingness to Have Their Children Vaccinated against HPV in a Country with Low HPV Vaccination Coverage

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 645: Factors that Predict Parental Willingness to Have Their Children Vaccinated against HPV in a Country with Low HPV Vaccination Coverage

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040645

Authors: Maria Ganczak Barbara Owsianka Marcin Korzeń

Background: Adolescent HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination is yet to be introduced as a mandatory program in Poland. Polish literature on factors associated with adolescent HPV vaccination is scant, despite the fact that uptake is one of the poorest in the European Union. Objectives: To assess HPV awareness and identify independent predictors for parental willingness to have their children vaccinated against HPV. Methods: All parents of first grade students from three selected high schools in Zgorzelec, Poland, who participated in parent–teacher meetings at the time the study was conducted, had their children unvaccinated regarding HPV, and who gave informed consent to participate were included. There were 600 first grade students; 9 were vaccinated against HPV. This left 591 parents who met the eligibility criteria; the response rate was 76.1%. Results: Awareness of HPV was reported by 55.3% of 450 parents (mean age 42 years, 70.9% females); 85.1% expressed their willingness to vaccinate their children against HPV; 31.3% identified HPV as a sexually transmitted pathogen, and 36.2% identified it as a risk factor of cervical cancer. Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that being employed (OR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.10–3.86), having positive attitudes toward vaccines (OR 3.02; 95% CI: 1.34–6.49), previous information about HPV (OR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.17–3.51), and concerns about the side effects of the HPV vaccine (OR 0.60; 95% CI: 0.35–0.99) were independent predictors of parents' willingness to vaccinate. Conclusions: Attitudes regarding their child being vaccinated against HPV were positive among Polish parents, even though awareness and knowledge of HPV in this group were low. Most of the significant factors that influenced their willingness were modifiable, such as being informed about HPV and having positive attitudes toward vaccines. Future interventions should focus specifically on vulnerable subgroups, such as unemployed parents.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 646: Children and Caregivers’ Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): Association with Children’s and Caregivers’ Psychological Outcomes in a Therapeutic Preschool Program

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 646: Children and Caregivers' Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): Association with Children's and Caregivers' Psychological Outcomes in a Therapeutic Preschool Program

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040646

Authors: Yair Ziv Inbar Sofri Kristen Capps Umphlet Stephanie Olarte Jimmy Venza

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE) has been found to have a profound negative impact on multiple child outcomes, including academic achievement, social cognition patterns, and behavioral adjustment. However, these links have yet to be examined in preschool children that are already experiencing behavior or social-emotional problems. Thus, the present study examined the links between the caregiver's and the child's exposure to ACE and multiple child and caregiver's outcomes in a sample of 30 preschool children enrolled in a Therapeutic Nursery Program (TNP). Children are typically referred to this TNP due to significant delays in their social emotional development that often result in difficulty functioning in typical childcare, home, and community settings. Analyses revealed some contradictory patterns that may be specific to this clinical sample. Children with higher exposure to ACE showed more biased social information processing patterns and their caregivers reported lower child social skills than caregivers of children with less exposure, however their inhibitory control levels were higher (better control) and staff reported that these children exhibited better social skills as well as better approaches to learning than children with less exposure. No such contradictions were found in relation to the caregiver's exposure to ACE, as it was positively associated with a number of negative child and caregiver outcomes.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 643: The Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Educational and Occupational Functioning: A Qualitative Study of 460 Bereaved Adults

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 643: The Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Educational and Occupational Functioning: A Qualitative Study of 460 Bereaved Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040643

Authors: Alexandra Pitman Adelia Khrisna Putri Tanisha De Souza Fiona Stevenson Michael King David Osborn Nicola Morant

People bereaved by suicide are at an increased risk of suicide and of dropping out of education or work. Explanations for these associations are unclear, and more research is needed to understand how improving support in educational or work settings for people bereaved by suicide might contribute to reducing suicide risk. Our objective was to explore the impact of suicide on occupational functioning. We conducted a cross-sectional online study of bereaved adults aged 18–40, recruited from staff and students of British higher educational institutions in 2010. We used thematic analysis to analyse free text responses to two questions probing the impact of suicide bereavement on work and education. Our analysis of responses from 460 adults bereaved by suicide identified three main themes: (i) specific aspects of grief that impacted on work performance, cognitive and emotional domains, and social confidence; (ii) structural challenges in work or educational settings including a lack of institutional support, the impact of taking time off, and changes to caring roles; and (iii) new perspectives on the role of work, including determination to achieve. Institutional support should be tailored to take account of the difficulties and experiences described.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 648: Preventing Opioid Use Disorders among Fishing Industry Workers

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 648: Preventing Opioid Use Disorders among Fishing Industry Workers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040648

Authors: Angela Walter Cesar Morocho Lauren King John Bartlett Debra Kelsey Monica DeSousa Gretchen Biesecker Laura Punnett

Fishing industry workers are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries. Prescription opioids used to treat pain injuries may put these workers at increased risk for developing substance disorders. Using a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, formative research was conducted to inform the eventual development of relevant interventions to prevent and reduce opioid use disorders among fishing industry workers. Qualitative interviews (n = 21) were conducted to assess: knowledge and attitudes about opioid use disorders; features of fishing work that might affect use and/or access to treatment; and community and organizational capacity for prevention and treatment. Participants reported numerous pathways connecting commercial fishing with opioid use. The combination of high stress and physically tasking job duties requires comprehensive workplace interventions to prevent chronic pain and MSDs, in addition to tailored and culturally responsive treatment options to address opioid use disorders in this population. Public health programs must integrate workplace health and safety protection along with evidence-based primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions in order to address opioid use disorders, particularly among workers in strenuous jobs.

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"κλιματική αλλαγή" - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] Η γεωπολιτική θέση της Ελλάδας σύμφωνα με τη θεωρία των περιφερειακών εδαφών (Rimland)

Χ Αγοράκης - 2018

Page 1. 1 ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤΕΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ ΝΟΜΙΚΗ ΣΧΟΛΗ ΤΟΜΕΑΣ ΔΙΕΘΝΩΝ
ΣΠΟΥΔΩΝ ΔΙΑΤΜΗΜΑΤΙΚΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΜΕΤΑΠΤΥΧΙΑΚΩΝ ΣΠΟΥΔΩΝ «ΣΠΟΥΔΕΣ
ΝΟΤΙΟΑΝΑΤΟΛΙΚΗΣ ΕΥΡΩΠΗΣ» ΔΙΠΛΩΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ …

 

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 641: Cooking Fuels in Lagos, Nigeria: Factors Associated with Household Choice of Kerosene or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 641: Cooking Fuels in Lagos, Nigeria: Factors Associated with Household Choice of Kerosene or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040641

Authors: Obianuju Ozoh Tochi Okwor Olorunfemi Adetona Ayesha Akinkugbe Casmir Amadi Christopher Esezobor Olufunke Adeyeye Oluwafemi Ojo Vivian Nwude Kevin Mortimer

Cooking with dirty-burning fuels is associated with health risk from household air pollution. We assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with the use of cooking fuels, and attitudes and barriers towards use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This was a cross-sectional, population-based survey conducted in 519 households in Lagos, Nigeria. We used a structured questionnaire to obtain information regarding choice of household cooking fuel and the attitudes towards the use of LPG. Kerosene was the most frequently used cooking fuel (n = 475, 91.5%; primary use n = 364, 70.1%) followed by charcoal (n = 159, 30.6%; primary use n = 88, 17%) and LPG (n = 86, 16.6%; primary use n = 63, 12.1%). Higher level of education, higher income and younger age were associated with LPG vs. kerosene use. Fuel expenditure on LPG was significantly lower than for kerosene ( N (Naira) 2169.0 ± 1507.0 vs. N 2581.6 ± 1407.5). Over 90% of non-LPG users were willing to switch to LPG but cited safety issues and high cost as potential barriers to switching. Our findings suggest that misinformation and beliefs regarding benefits, safety and cost of LPG are important barriers to LPG use. An educational intervention program could be a cost-effective approach to improve LPG adoption and should be formally addressed through a well-designed community-based intervention study.

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The role of perceived air pollution and health risk perception in health symptoms and disease: a population-based study combined with modelled levels of PM 10

Abstract

Purpose

Adverse health impact of air pollution on health may not only be associated with the level of exposure, but rather mediated by perception of the pollution and by top-down processing (e.g. beliefs of the exposure being hazardous), especially in areas with relatively low levels of pollutants. The aim of this study was to test a model that describes interrelations between air pollution (particles < 10 \({\upmu }\) m, PM₁₀), perceived pollution, health risk perception, health symptoms and diseases.

Methods

A population-based questionnaire study was conducted among 1000 Estonian residents (sample was stratified by age, sex, and geographical location) about health risk perception and coping. The PM₁₀ levels were modelled in 1 × 1 km grids using a Eulerian air quality dispersion model. Respondents were ascribed their annual mean PM₁₀ exposure according to their home address. Path analysis was performed to test the validity of the model.

Results

The data refute the model proposing that exposure level significantly influences symptoms and disease. Instead, the perceived exposure influences symptoms and the effect of perceived exposure on disease is mediated by health risk perception. This relationship is more pronounced in large cities compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

Conclusions

Perceived pollution and health risk perception, in particular in large cities, play important roles in understanding and predicting environmentally induced symptoms and diseases at relatively low levels of air pollution.

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The role of perceived air pollution and health risk perception in health symptoms and disease: a population-based study combined with modelled levels of PM 10

Abstract

Purpose

Adverse health impact of air pollution on health may not only be associated with the level of exposure, but rather mediated by perception of the pollution and by top-down processing (e.g. beliefs of the exposure being hazardous), especially in areas with relatively low levels of pollutants. The aim of this study was to test a model that describes interrelations between air pollution (particles < 10 \({\upmu }\) m, PM₁₀), perceived pollution, health risk perception, health symptoms and diseases.

Methods

A population-based questionnaire study was conducted among 1000 Estonian residents (sample was stratified by age, sex, and geographical location) about health risk perception and coping. The PM₁₀ levels were modelled in 1 × 1 km grids using a Eulerian air quality dispersion model. Respondents were ascribed their annual mean PM₁₀ exposure according to their home address. Path analysis was performed to test the validity of the model.

Results

The data refute the model proposing that exposure level significantly influences symptoms and disease. Instead, the perceived exposure influences symptoms and the effect of perceived exposure on disease is mediated by health risk perception. This relationship is more pronounced in large cities compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

Conclusions

Perceived pollution and health risk perception, in particular in large cities, play important roles in understanding and predicting environmentally induced symptoms and diseases at relatively low levels of air pollution.

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Hourly pattern of allergenic alder and birch pollen concentrations in the air: Spatial differentiation and the effect of meteorological conditions

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): K. Borycka, I. Kasprzyk
In temperate climate widespread alder and birch are an important source of strong aeroallergens. The diurnal pattern of airborne pollen concentrations depends on the rhythm of pollen release from anthers as well as weather conditions, convection air currents, long-distance transport, pollen trap location and local vegetation. The aim of the study was to present a diurnal pattern of Alnus (alder) and Betula (birch) pollen concentrations in the air in a horizontal and vertical gradient and examine the weather parameters that had the greatest impact on the pattern. The study was conducted in Rzeszów City, southeast Poland over three years. Pollen grains were collected using a Hirst volumetric spore trap at three sampling points: two at 12 m the agl, and one at 1.5 m agl. Data were analysed using circular statistics and a nonlinear function. For alder, three models of hourly patterns were elaborated and the most common presented early morning minimum and early afternoon maximum. For birch, the most common model has one peak at night and a marked decrease in concentrations in early morning, although a second model has peak during early afternoon. A model with 3 peaks is much less common. These models are characteristic for warm temperate climate regions, where alders and birches are common. The diurnal patterns did not depend on the localization of traps or proximity of the pollen source, although these factors influenced the hourly concentrations, with higher values observed at roof level. Significant relationships between the hourly pollen counts and meteorological parameters were observed only for alder. Three incidents of increasing birch pollen concentrations were observed during the first two hours of precipitation and linked to a convection effect. Unstable weather conditions caused by air convection might strongly modify the circadian pattern and cause the nightly peaks concentrations. The general results are that people suffering from allergies may be exposed to high birch and alder pollen concentrations at almost all times during the day with the exception of the morning hours, as well as during the first hours of convective precipitation. Precise information on pollen concentrations aids in allergy prevention, so cities should provide aerobiological monitoring at least at "roof level" and "nose level".

Graphical abstract

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Air quality and human health impacts of grasslands and shrublands in the United States

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Varsha Gopalakrishnan, Satoshi Hirabayashi, Guy Ziv, Bhavik R. Bakshi
Vegetation including canopy, grasslands, and shrublands can directly sequester pollutants onto the plant surface, resulting in an improvement in air quality. Until now, several studies have estimated the pollution removal capacity of canopy cover at the level of a county, but no such work exists for grasslands and shrublands. This work quantifies the air pollution removal capacity of grasslands and shrublands at the county-level in the United States and estimates the human health benefits associated with pollution removal using the i-Tree Eco model. Sequestration of pollutants is estimated based on the Leaf Area Index (LAI) obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived dataset estimates of LAI and the percentage land cover obtained from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for the year 2010. Calculation of pollution removal capacity using local environmental data indicates that grasslands and shrublands remove a total of 6.42 million tonnes of air pollutants in the United States and the associated monetary benefits total $268 million. Human health impacts and associated monetary value due to pollution removal was observed to be significantly high in urban areas indicating that grasslands and shrublands are equally critical as canopy in improving air quality and human health in urban regions.

Graphical abstract

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Experimental investigation of tread wear and particle emission from tyres with different treadwear marking

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Theodoros Grigoratos, Mats Gustafsson, Olle Eriksson, Giorgio Martini
The Treadwear Rating (TWR) provided on the sidewall of the tyre is a marking intended to inform the customer about the expected durability of the tyre. The current study explores whether there is a correlation between the TWR and tyres' tread mass loss. Furthermore, it explores the possible correlation between the TWR and tyre wear dust emitted in the form of PM10 and PM2.5. For that reason, two tyres of the same brand (B) but with different TWR and three tyres of different brands (C and D with the same TWR as one of the B tyres and A with a lower TWR) were tested at a constant speed of 70 km/h by means of the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) road simulator. Tyres of the same TWR but of different brands showed different behaviour in terms of material loss, PM, and PN emissions under the selected testing conditions. This means that it is not feasible to categorize tyres of different brands in terms of their emissions based on their TWR. The test performed on the two tyres of the same brand but with different TWR showed instead a substantial (not statistically significant) difference in both total wear and PM10 emissions. The tyre with the higher TWR (B2) showed less wear and PM10 emissions compared to the B1 tyre having a lower TWR. Since only two tyres of the same brand and with different TWR were tested, this result cannot be generalized and more tests are necessary to confirm the relation within the same brand. In general, the tyre tread mass loss showed no obvious statistical relation to PM10, PM2.5 or PN concentration. In all cases approximately 50% (by mass) of emitted PM10 fall within the size range of fine particles, while PN size distribution is dominated by nanoparticles most often peaking at 20–30 nm.



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Operational evaluation of the RLINE dispersion model for studies of traffic-related air pollutants

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Chad W. Milando, Stuart A. Batterman
Exposure to traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) remains a key public health issue, and improved exposure measures are needed to support health impact and epidemiologic studies and inform regulatory responses. The recently developed Research LINE source model (RLINE), a Gaussian line source dispersion model, has been used in several epidemiologic studies of TRAP exposure, but evaluations of RLINE's performance in such applications have been limited. This study provides an operational evaluation of RLINE in which predictions of NOx, CO and PM2.5 are compared to observations at air quality monitoring stations located near high traffic roads in Detroit, MI. For CO and NOx, model performance was best at sites close to major roads, during downwind conditions, during weekdays, and during certain seasons. For PM2.5, the ability to discern local and particularly the traffic-related portion was limited, a result of high background levels, the sparseness of the monitoring network, and large uncertainties for certain processes (e.g., formation of secondary aerosols) and non-mobile sources (e.g., area, fugitive). Overall, RLINE's performance in near-road environments suggests its usefulness for estimating spatially- and temporally-resolved exposures. The study highlights considerations relevant to health impact and epidemiologic applications, including the importance of selecting appropriate pollutants, using appropriate monitoring approaches, considering prevailing wind directions during study design, and accounting for uncertainty.



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Temporal and spatial characteristics of dust devils and their contribution to the aerosol budget in East Asia—An analysis using a new parameterization scheme for dust devils

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Yaoguo Tang, Yongxiang Han, Zhaohuan Liu
Dust aerosols are the main aerosol components of the atmosphere that affect climate change, but the contribution of dust devils to the atmospheric dust aerosol budget is uncertain. In this study, a new parameterization scheme for dust devils was established and coupled with WRF-Chem, and the diurnal and monthly variations and the contribution of dust devils to the atmospheric dust aerosol budget in East Asia was simulated. The results show that 1) both the diurnal and monthly variations in dust devil emissions in East Asia had unimodal distributions, with peaks in the afternoon and the summer that were similar to the observations; 2) the simulated dust devils occurred frequently in deserts, including the Gobi. The distributed area and the intensity center of the dust devil moved from east to west during the day; 3) the ratio between the availability of convective buoyancy relative to the frictional dissipation was the main factor that limited the presence of dust devils. The position of the dust devil formation, the surface temperature, and the boundary layer height determined the dust devil intensity; 4) the contribution of dust devils to atmospheric dust aerosols determined in East Asia was 30.4 ± 13%, thereby suggesting that dust devils contribute significantly to the total amount of atmospheric dust aerosols. Although the new parameterization scheme for dust devils was rough, it was helpful for understanding the distribution of dust devils and their contribution to the dust aerosol budget.

Graphical abstract

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VOCs emission characteristics and priority control analysis based on VOCs emission inventories and ozone formation potentials in Zhoushan

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Qiaoli Wang, Sujing Li, Minli Dong, Wei Li, Xiang Gao, Rongmin Ye, Dongxiao Zhang
Zhoushan is an island city with booming tourism and service industry, but also has many developed VOCs and/or NOX emission industries. It is necessary to carry out regional VOCs and O3 pollution control in Zhoushan as the only new area owns the provincial economic and social administration rights. Anthropogenic VOCs emission inventories were built based on emission factor method and main emission sources were identified according to the emission inventories. Then, localized VOCs source profiles were built based on in-site sampling and referring to other studies. Furthermore, ozone formation potentials (OFPs) profiles were built through VOCs source profiles and maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) theory. At last, the priority control analysis results showed that industrial processes, especially surface coating, are the key of VOCs and O3 control. Alkanes were the most emitted group, accounting for 58.67%, while aromatics contributed the most to ozone production accounting for 69.97% in total OFPs. n-butane, m/p-xylene, i-pentane, n-decane, toluene, propane, n-undecane, o-xylene, methyl cyclohexane and ethyl benzene were the top 10 VOC species that should be preferentially controlled for VOCs emission control. However, m/p-xylene, o-xylene, ethylene, n-butane, toluene, propene, 1,2,4-trimethyl benzene, 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene, ethyl benzene and 1,2,3-trimethyl benzene were the top 10 VOC species that required preferential control for O3 pollution control.



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A new methodology to derive settleable particulate matter guidelines to assist policy-makers on reducing public nuisance

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Milena Machado, Jane Meri Santos, Valdério Anselmo Reisen, Neyval Costa Reis, Ilias Mavroidis, Ana T. Lima
Air quality standards for settleable particulate matter (SPM) are found in many countries around the world. As well known, annoyance caused by SPM can be considered a community problem even if only a small proportion of the population is bothered at rather infrequent occasions. Many authors have shown that SPM cause soiling in residential and urban environments and degradation of materials (eg, objects and surface painting) that can impair the use and enjoyment of property and alter the normal activities of society. In this context, this paper has as main contribution to propose a guidance to establish air quality standards for annoyance caused by SPM in metropolitan industrial areas. To attain this objective, a new methodology is proposed which is based on the nonlinear correlation between the perceived annoyance (qualitative variable) and particles deposition rate (quantitative variable). Since the response variable is binary (annoyed and not annoyed), the logistic regression model is used to estimate the probability of people being annoyed at different levels of particles deposition rate and to compute the odds ratio function which gives, under a specific level of particles deposition rate, the estimated expected value of the population perceived annoyance. The proposed methodology is verified in a data set measured in the metropolitan area of Great Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil. As a general conclusion, the estimated probability function of perceived annoyance as a function of SPM has shown that 17% of inhabitants report annoyance to very low particles deposition levels of 5 g/(m²∙30 days). In addition, for an increasing of 1 g/(m²∙30 days) of SPM, the smallest estimated odds ratio of perceived annoyance by a factor of 1.5, implying that the probability of occurrence is almost 2 times as large as the probability of no occurrence of annoyance.

Graphical abstract

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Diurnal spatial distributions of aerosol optical and cloud micro-macrophysics properties in Africa based on MODIS observations

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Didier Ntwali, Hongbin Chen
The diurnal spatial distribution of both natural and anthropogenic aerosols, as well as liquid and ice cloud micro-macrophysics have been evaluated over Africa using Terra and Aqua MODIS collection 6 products. The variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD), Ångström exponent (AE), liquid and ice cloud microphysics (Liquid cloud effective radius LCER, Ice cloud effective radius ICER) and cloud macrophysics (Liquid cloud optical thickness LCOT, Liquid cloud water path LCWP, Ice cloud optical thickness ICOT, Ice cloud water path ICWP) parameters were investigated from the morning to afternoon over Africa from 2010 to 2014. In both the morning (Terra) and afternoon (Aqua) heavy pollution (AOD ≥ 0.6) occurs in the coastal and central areas (between 12⁰ N-17⁰ N and 10⁰ E-15⁰ E) of West of Africa (WA), Central of Africa (CA) (0.5⁰ S-7⁰S and 10⁰ E-25⁰ E),. Moderate pollution (0.3 < AOD < 0.6) often occurs in West and North of Africa (between 5⁰ N-27⁰ N and 16⁰ W-5⁰E), and clean environmental (AOD < 0.3) conditions are common in South of Africa (SA), East of Africa (EA) and some regions in North of Africa (NA). The West-North of Africa (WNA) and Central-South of Africa (CSA) regions are dominated by dust (AE < 0.7) and biomass burning (AE > 1.2) aerosols. The mixture of dust and biomass burning aerosols (0.7 < AE < 1.2) are found at the coastal areas in West of Africa (CoWA) and Central of Africa (CA) (5⁰ N-8⁰N and 10⁰ E-34⁰ E), particularly in the morning and afternoon respectively. The LCER often decrease from the morning to the afternoon in all seasons, but an increase occur from the morning to the afternoon in CSA (5⁰ S-22⁰ S) in DJF, both CA (2⁰ S-5⁰N) and CoWA in JJA and SON. The ICER increase from the morning to afternoon in all seasons over Africa and decreases in South of Africa (5⁰ S-20⁰ S) in DJF. The LCOT increases from the morning to afternoon in NA and SA while a decrease occur in CA in all seasons. The LCWP increase in many regions of Africa in all seasons while a decrease occurs in CoWA during JJA. The ICOT and ICWP show a remarkable increase from the morning to afternoon in regions dominated by biomass burning (CSA) compared to regions dominated by dust (WNA) aerosols in DJF, MAM and SON. Dust aerosols are mainly distributed in WNA by northerly and westerly winds in both January and April, southerly and southwesterly winds in July, and southerly and southwesterly winds in October, while biomass burning aerosols are mainly distributed in CSA by the northerly and northeasterly winds in January, easterly winds in April, July and October. The diurnal variability of cloud parameters is associated with both convective processes and cloud types. The knowledge of interactions between natural and anthropogenic aerosols with liquid and ice cloud microphysics parameters could contribute to improve aerosol and cloud remote sensing retrieval.



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The Robustness of the Corporate Social and Financial Performance Relation: A Second‐Order Meta‐Analysis

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, EarlyView.


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Assessment of Environmental Health Research Centers in Iran due to knowledge production and utilization

Abstract

Background

Knowledge production in environmental health promotion is one of the most important goals at the national level and establishing environmental health research centers (EHRCs) is one of the main strategies that will lead to achieving this goal. In this study, we are going to present the results of knowledge production and research performance evaluation of EHRCs in Iran.

Methods

In this cross sectional study, a specific check list has been used to assess Knowledge production and utilization through annual evaluations undertaken by research centers in Iran. This article has the results of the 4-year evaluation (2011–2014).

Results

The total number of EHRCs under the supervision of universities of medical sciences (UMS) is 34. The number of faculty members at these centers is 291 and the total approved projects by research council of UMS during 2011–2014, were 538. The number of published article increased from 282 in 2011 to 709 in 2014. During this period, the number of citations to EHRCs' articles was 4488 in Scopus database. The number of EHRCs' articles which have been referred in text books were 39. The proportion of published articles per academic member in environmental health has been 1.8 per year.

Conclusion

Based on research performance evaluation, knowledge production and research is desirable in EHRCs, but research utilization to health environmental promotion is still inadequate and should be assessed by qualitative evaluation.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 640: Assessing Vulnerability to Urban Heat: A Study of Disproportionate Heat Exposure and Access to Refuge by Socio-Demographic Status in Portland, Oregon

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 640: Assessing Vulnerability to Urban Heat: A Study of Disproportionate Heat Exposure and Access to Refuge by Socio-Demographic Status in Portland, Oregon

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040640

Authors: Jackson Voelkel Dana Hellman Ryu Sakuma Vivek Shandas

Extreme urban heat is a powerful environmental stressor which poses a significant threat to human health and well-being. Exacerbated by the urban heat island phenomenon, heat events are expected to become more intense and frequent as climate change progresses, though we have limited understanding of the impact of such events on vulnerable populations at a neighborhood or census block group level. Focusing on the City of Portland, Oregon, this study aimed to determine which socio-demographic populations experience disproportionate exposure to extreme heat, as well as the level of access to refuge in the form of public cooling centers or residential central air conditioning. During a 2014 heat wave, temperature data were recorded using a vehicle-traverse collection method, then extrapolated to determine average temperature at the census block group level. Socio-demographic factors including income, race, education, age, and English speaking ability were tested using statistical assessments to identify significant relationships with heat exposure and access to refuge from extreme heat. Results indicate that groups with limited adaptive capacity, including those in poverty and non-white populations, are at higher risk for heat exposure, suggesting an emerging concern of environmental justice as it relates to climate change. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusion, in combination with effectively distributing cooling centers in areas where the greatest burden befalls vulnerable populations.

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Editorial Board and Table of Contents

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Volume 37, Issue 4, Page 949-952, April 2018.


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Spotlights are papers selected by editors published in peer‐reviewed journals that may be more regionally specific or appearing in languages other than English

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Volume 37, Issue 4, Page 953-954, April 2018.


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Issue Information ‐ Cover

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Volume 37, Issue 4, Page C1-C1, April 2018.


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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 638: Can Periodical Examinations of Employees Be Useful in Detection of Glycaemia Impairment and Improving Patients’ Adherence to Medical Recommendations?

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 638: Can Periodical Examinations of Employees Be Useful in Detection of Glycaemia Impairment and Improving Patients' Adherence to Medical Recommendations?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040638

Authors: Andrzej Marcinkiewicz Wojciech Hanke Paweł Kałużny Agnieszka Lipińska-Ojrzanowska Marta Wiszniewska Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

Worldwide epidemiological data indicates insufficient diagnosis of diabetes as an increasing public health problem. In the search for solutions to this disadvantageous situation, occupational medicine health services seem to open up a unique opportunity to recognize some abnormalities in the early stages, especially among the asymptomatic working-age population. 316 workers underwent obligatory prophylactic examinations. In patients with twice assayed FGL ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) an additional intervention was implemented, including further diagnostic processes and therapy in General Practice (GP), followed by examination by an occupational health specialist within 3 months. The diagnosis of previously unknown diabetes was established among 2.5% of examined workers. All patients referred to the GP due to detected glycaemia impairment visited their doctor and finished the diagnostic process, took up therapy constrained by the occupational health physician to show the effects of intervention within 3 months. Prophylactic medical check-ups allow improved compliance and medical surveillance over glycaemia impairment in patients with prediabetes states, unknown diabetes or uncontrolled clinical course of diabetes. Considering fasting glucose level during mandatory prophylactic examination helps effective prevention of diabetes and its complications and thus provides public health system benefits.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 639: Assessing the Health-Care Risk: The Clinical-VaR, a Key Indicator for Sound Management

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 639: Assessing the Health-Care Risk: The Clinical-VaR, a Key Indicator for Sound Management

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040639

Authors: Enrique Jiménez-Rodríguez José Feria-Domínguez Alonso Sebastián-Lacave

Clinical risk includes any undesirable situation or operational factor that may have negative consequences for patient safety or capable of causing an adverse event (AE). The AE, intentional or unintentionally, may be related to the human factor, that is, medical errors (MEs). Therefore, the importance of the health-care risk management is a current and relevant issue on the agenda of many public and private institutions. The objective of the management has been evolving from the identification of AE to the assessment of cost-effective and efficient measures that improve the quality control through monitoring. Consequently, the goal of this paper is to propose a Key Risk Indicator (KRI) that enhances the advancement of the health-care management system. Thus, the application of the Value at Risk (VaR) concept in combination to the Loss Distribution Approach (LDA) is proved to be a proactive tool, within the frame of balanced scorecard (BSC), in health organizations. For this purpose, the historical events recorded in the Algo-OpData® database (Algorithmics Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) have been used. The analysis highlights the importance of risk in the financials outcomes of the sector. The results of paper show the usefulness of the Clinical-VaR to identify and monitor the risk and sustainability of the implemented controls.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 637: The Mental Health Status and Intellectual Ability of Unwed Mothers Dwelling in Korean Shelter Homes

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 637: The Mental Health Status and Intellectual Ability of Unwed Mothers Dwelling in Korean Shelter Homes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040637

Authors: Suyeon Jo Soowon Park Jung Youn Bo Sohn Hyo Choi Ji Lee Jin Lee Jun-Young Lee

Although many unwed mothers have issues concerning mental health and intellectual ability, little research has focused on their mental and cognitive status. Due to the public stigma attached to unwed mothers in South Korea, they tend to conceal their status and are less likely to seek psychiatric and psychological help. In this context, this study aims to assess the current status of their mental health and intellectual characteristics. A total of 48 unwed mothers from two shelter homes in South Korea agreed to participate in the study. We compared the mental health status of these unwed mothers with that of the general female population. Unwed mothers were more likely than those of the general female population to have mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and nicotine use disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Among the 48 unwed mothers, 20 (41.7%) had an IQ of less than 70, and the mean IQ (78.31) was significantly lower than the normalized mean IQ of the general female population. This study confirmed that unwed mothers dwelling in Korean shelter homes are more likely than the general female population to have mental disorders.

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Insect community composition and functional roles along a tropical agricultural production gradient

Abstract

High intensity agricultural production systems are problematic not only for human health and the surrounding environment, but can threaten the provision of ecosystem services on which farm productivity depends. This research investigates the effects of management practices in Costa Rica on on-farm insect diversity, using three different types of banana farm management systems: high-input conventional system, low-input conventional system, and organic system. Insect sampling was done using pitfall and yellow bowl traps, left for a 24-h period at two locations inside the banana farm, at the edge of the farm, and in adjacent forest. All 39,091 individual insects were classified to family level and then morphospecies. Insect species community composition and diversity were compared using multivariate statistics with ordination analysis and Monte Carlo permutation testing, and revealed that each of the management systems were significantly different from each other for both trap types. Insect diversity decreased as management intensity increased. Reduced insect diversity resulted in fewer functional groups and fewer insect families assuming different functions essential to ecosystem health. Organic farms had similar species composition on the farm compared to adjacent forest sites, whereas species composition increasingly differed between farm and forest sites as management intensity increased. We conclude that while organic production has minimal impact on insect biodiversity, even small reductions in management intensity can have a significantly positive impact on on-farm insect biodiversity and functional roles supported.

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Metal accumulation in Raphanus sativus and Brassica rapa : an assessment of potential health risk for inhabitants in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is an agricultural country and due to the shortage of clean water, most of the irrigated area (32,500 ha) of Pakistan was supplied with wastewater (0.876 × 109 m³/year). Concentrations of heavy metals in radish (Raphanus sativus) and turnip (Brassica rapa) taken from vegetable fields in Sargodha, Pakistan, were measured. Untreated wastewater was used persistently for a long time to irrigate these vegetable fields. A control site was selected that had a history of fresh groundwater irrigation. Mean metal concentrations were found for irrigation water, soil, and vegetables. In irrigation water, concentrations of Mo and Pb at three sites and Se at sites II and III were higher than the recommended limits. In vegetables, concentrations of Mo and Pb were above the maximum permissible limits. High bioconcentration factor was observed for Zn (12.61 in R. sativus and 11.72 in B. rapa) at site I and high pollution load index was found for Pb (3.89 in R. sativus and 3.87 in B. rapa) at site II. The differences in metal concentrations found in samples depended upon different soil nature and assimilation capacities of vegetables at different sites which in turn depended upon different environmental cues. The entrance of metal and metalloids to human body may happen through different pathways; however, the food chain is the chief route through which metals are transferred from vegetables to individuals. Health risk index observed for metals, (Mo, As, Ni, Cu, and Pb) higher than 1 indicated high risk through consumption of these vegetables at three sites.

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Modelling equilibrium adsorption of single, binary, and ternary combinations of Cu, Pb, and Zn onto granular activated carbon

Abstract

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in water can be toxic to humans, animals, and aquatic organisms. A study was conducted on the removal of Cu, Pb, and Zn by a commonly used water treatment adsorbent, granular activated carbon (GAC), from three single, three binary (Cu-Pb, Cu-Zn, Pb-Zn), and one ternary (Cu-Pb-Zn) combination of metals. It also investigated seven mathematical models on their suitability to predict the metals adsorption capacities. Adsorption of Cu, Pb, and Zn increased with pH with an abrupt increase in adsorption at around pH 5.5, 4.5, and 6.0, respectively. At all pHs tested (2.5–7.0), the adsorption capacity followed the order Pb > Cu > Zn. The Langmuir and Sips models fitted better than the Freundlich model to the data in the single-metal system at pH 5. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities of Pb, Cu, and Zn (mmol/g) obtained from the model's fits were 0.142, 0.094, and 0.058, respectively. The adsorption capacities (mmol/g) for these metals at 0.01 mmol/L equilibrium liquid concentration were 0.130, 0.085, and 0.040, respectively. Ideal Adsorbed Solution (IAS)-Langmuir and IAS-Sips models fitted well to the binary and ternary metals adsorption data, whereas the Extended Langmuir and Extended Sips models' fits to the data were poor. The selectivity of adsorption followed the same order as the metals' capacities and affinities of adsorption in the single-metal systems.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 635: A Community-Driven Approach to Generate Urban Policy Recommendations for Obesity Prevention

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 635: A Community-Driven Approach to Generate Urban Policy Recommendations for Obesity Prevention

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040635

Authors: Julia Díez Pedro Gullón María Sandín Vázquez Belén Álvarez María Martín María Urtasun Maite Gamarra Joel Gittelsohn Manuel Franco

There is an increasing research interest in targeting interventions at the neighborhood level to prevent obesity. Healthy urban environments require including residents' perspectives to help understanding how urban environments relate to residents' food choices and physical activity levels. We describe an innovative community-driven process aimed to develop environmental recommendations for obesity prevention. We conducted this study in a low-income area in Madrid (Spain), using a collaborative citizen science approach. First, 36 participants of two previous Photovoice projects translated their findings into policy recommendations, using an adapted logical framework approach. Second, the research team grouped these recommendations into strategies for obesity prevention, using the deductive analytical strategy of successive approximation. Third, through a nominal group session including participants, researchers, public health practitioners and local policy-makers, we discussed and prioritized the obesity prevention recommendations. Participants identified 12 policy recommendations related to their food choices and 18 related to their physical activity. The research team grouped these into 11 concrete recommendations for obesity prevention. The 'top-three' ranked recommendations were: (1) to adequate and increase the number of public open spaces; (2) to improve the access and cost of existing sports facilities and (3) to reduce the cost of gluten-free and diabetic products.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 636: The Function of Personality in Suicidal Ideation from the Perspective of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 636: The Function of Personality in Suicidal Ideation from the Perspective of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040636

Authors: Marc Baertschi Alessandra Costanza Alessandra Canuto Kerstin Weber

The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) has been increasingly studied over the last years, responding to the demand for a valid framework addressing suicidality. Yet, only a few studies have explored the function of personality in the IPTS and none with clinical patients. We aimed to contribute to fill this gap in investigating the relationship between personality as conceptualized by the Five-Factor Model, the IPTS constructs, and a dimensional measure of current suicidal ideation. We conducted correlation, multiple linear regression, and path analyses based on a trait-interpersonal framework in a sample of 201 individuals visiting the psychiatric emergency room of a general hospital with current suicidal ideation. Neuroticism (positively) and openness (negatively) predicted perceived burdensomeness, while neuroticism (positively) and extraversion (negatively) predicted thwarted belongingness. Higher conscientiousness and lower extraversion were both predictors of the acquired capability for suicide. However, none of the models involving path analyses with IPTS variables as mediators of the relationship between personality traits and suicidal ideation was adequately adjusted to the data. Thus, it appears that personality plays a significant albeit modest role in suicidality when considered from an IPTS perspective. As personality is frequently assessed in the clinical routine, health professionals should consider it as complementary to detect individuals at risk of or presenting suicidal ideation.

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Soil surface Hg emission flux in coalfield in Wuda, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

Hg emission flux from various land covers, such as forests, wetlands, and urban areas, have been investigated. China has the largest area of coalfield in the world, but data of Hg flux of coalfields, especially, those with coal fires, are seriously limited. In this study, Hg fluxes of a coalfield were measured using the dynamic flux chamber (DFC) method, coupled with a Lumex multifunctional Hg analyzer RA-915+ (Lumex Ltd., Russia). The results show that the Hg flux in Wuda coalfield ranged from 4 to 318 ng m⁻² h⁻¹, and the average value for different areas varied, e.g., coal-fire area 99 and 177 ng m⁻² h⁻¹; no coal-fire area 19 and 32 ng m⁻² h⁻¹; and backfilling area 53 ng m⁻² h⁻¹. Hg continued to be emitted from an underground coal seam, even if there were no phenomena, such as vents, cracks, and smog, of coal fire on the soil surface. This phenomenon occurred in all area types, i.e., coal-fire area, no coal-fire area, and backfilling area, which is universal in Wuda coalfield. Considering that many coalfields in northern China are similar to Wuda coalfield, they may be large sources of atmospheric Hg. The correlations of Hg emission flux with influence factors, such as sunlight intensity, soil surface temperature, and atmospheric Hg content, were also investigated for Wuda coalfield.

Graphical abstract

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Screening of seaweeds in the East China Sea as potential bio-monitors of heavy metals

Abstract

Seaweeds are good bio-monitors of heavy metal pollution and have been included in European coastal monitoring programs. However, data for seaweed species in China are scarce or missing. In this study, we explored the potential of seaweeds as bio-monitor by screening the natural occurring seaweeds in the "Kingdom of seaweed and shellfish" at Dongtou Islands, the East China Sea. Totally, 12 seaweed species were collected from six sites, with richness following the sequence of Rhodophyta > Phaeophyta > Chlorophyta. The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) in the seaweeds was determined, and the bioaccumulation coefficient was calculated. A combination of four seaweeds, Pachydictyon coriaceum, Gelidium divaricatum, Sargassum thunbergii, and Pterocladiella capillacea, were proposed as bio-monitors due to their high bioaccumulation capabilities of specific heavy metals in the East China Sea and hence hinted the importance of using seaweed community for monitoring of pollution rather than single species. Our results provide first-hand data for the selection of bio-monitor species for heavy metals in the East China Sea and contribute to selection of cosmopolitan bio-monitor communities over geographical large area, which will benefit the establishment of monitoring programs for coastal heavy metal contamination.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 634: Demographics and Psychological Factors Associated with Adiposity in Nurses

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 634: Demographics and Psychological Factors Associated with Adiposity in Nurses

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040634

Authors: Bernarda Sánchez-Jiménez Reyna Sámano Daniela Chinchilla-Ochoa Rosa Morales-Hernández Ana Rodríguez-Ventura

Adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD), overweight-Ow- or obesity-Ob-) in health personnel is as frequent as in the general population, even though they understand well the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Thus, it is highly likely that certain demographic and psychological conditions, independently of knowledge, are contributing to develop ABCD. The aim of this study was to examine the association between these factors and ABCD in nurses. Data were collected from a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary level institute in Mexico City from 2012 to 2013. All the nurses of the institute of any age, shift, service area and seniority were invited to participate and 55% (265) accepted. We found that ABCD was present in 79.6%, and low self-esteem and emotional distress in 26% and 10%, respectively. Working in the night shift (p = 0.031), labor seniority &ge;15 years (p = 0.006), having 1 or more children (p = 0.021) and sessions of physical activity &lt;30 min (p = 0.03) were associated with ABCD. Low self-esteem (OR = 2, 95% CI 1.150&ndash;3.07, p = 0.023) and emotional distress (OR = 4, 95% CI 1.472&ndash;13.078, p = 0.012) were associated with unhealthy lifestyle (less of 3 days per week and/or less of 30 min per session of physical activity and poor dietary habits). Therefore, strategies to prevent and treat ABCD must consider each context among nurses and psychological disorders need be identified to avoid an unhealthy lifestyle.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 633: The Relationship between Sleep Time and Mental Health Problems According to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Children after an Earthquake Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 633: The Relationship between Sleep Time and Mental Health Problems According to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Children after an Earthquake Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040633

Authors: Shuntaro Itagaki Tetsuya Ohira Masato Nagai Seiji Yasumura Masaharu Maeda Yuriko Suzuki Hirobumi Mashiko Tetsuya Shiga Itaru Miura Hirooki Yabe

A cross-sectional study was performed on the adverse effects of sleep time on the mental health of children after the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear reactor accident in March 2011. The target participants were children aged 4–15 years living inside the government-designated evacuation zone as of 11 March 2011 (n = 29,585). The participants' parents/guardians completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and sleep time data were obtained from the 2011 Fukushima Health Management Survey. A total of 18,745 valid responses were returned. We excluded questionnaires with incomplete answers leaving 13,272 responses for the final analysis. First, we divided the children into three age groups for analysis. Second, we divided each age group into four or five groups based on sleep time per day. We used SDQ scores ≥16 to indicate a high risk of mental health problems. In the 4–6-year-old group, those with a sleep time of &lt;9 h had a higher risk. In the 7–12-year-old group, those with ≥10 h of sleep time had a higher risk. In the 13–15-year-old group, those with ≥9 h of sleep time had a higher risk. Shorter sleep time was associated with a higher risk of mental health in 4–6-year-olds. On the other hand, oversleeping was associated with a high risk of mental health in 7–15-year-olds.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 632: Burden and Risk Factors for Cold-Related Illness and Death in New York City

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 632: Burden and Risk Factors for Cold-Related Illness and Death in New York City

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040632

Authors: Kathryn Lane Kazuhiko Ito Sarah Johnson Elizabeth A. Gibson Andrew Tang Thomas Matte

Exposure to cold weather can cause cold-related illness and death, which are preventable. To understand the current burden, risk factors, and circumstances of exposure for illness and death directly attributed to cold, we examined hospital discharge, death certificate, and medical examiner data during the cold season from 2005 to 2014 in New York City (NYC), the largest city in the United States. On average each year, there were 180 treat-and-release emergency department visits (average annual rate of 21.6 per million) and 240 hospital admissions (29.6 per million) for cold-related illness, and 15 cold-related deaths (1.8 per million). Seventy-five percent of decedents were exposed outdoors. About half of those exposed outdoors were homeless or suspected to be homeless. Of the 25% of decedents exposed indoors, none had home heat and nearly all were living in single-family or row homes. The majority of deaths and illnesses occurred outside of periods of extreme cold. Unsheltered homeless individuals, people who use substances and become incapacitated outdoors, and older adults with medical and psychiatric conditions without home heat are most at risk. This information can inform public health prevention strategies and interventions.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 631: Association between Short-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Dyslipidemias among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Northwest China: A Population-Based Study

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 631: Association between Short-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Dyslipidemias among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Northwest China: A Population-Based Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040631

Authors: Minzhen Wang Shan Zheng Yonghong Nie Jun Weng Ning Cheng Xiaobin Hu Xiaowei Ren Hongbo Pei Yana Bai

Air pollution exposure may play an adverse role in diabetes. However, little data are available directly evaluating the effects of air pollution exposure in blood lipids of which dysfunction has been linked to diabetes or its complications. We aimed to evaluate the association between air pollution and lipids level among type 2 diabetic patients in Northwest China. We performed a population-based study of 3912 type 2 diabetes patients in an ongoing cohort study in China. Both spline and multiple linear regressions analysis were used to examine the association between short-term exposure to PM10, SO2, NO2 and total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). By spline analyses, we observed that the relationship between SO2 and HDL-C and LDL-C was shown to be non-linear (p_non-lin-association = 0.0162 and 0.000). An inverted U-shaped non-linear relationship between NO2 and LDL-C was found (p_non-lin-association &lt; 0.0001). A J-shaped non-linear relationship between PM10 and TC, HDL-C (p_non-lin-association = 0.0173, 0.0367) was also revealed. In linear regression analyses, a 10 μg/m3 increment in SO2 was associated with 1.31% (95% CI: 0.40–2.12%), 3.52% (95% CI: 1.07–6.03%) and 7.53% (95% CI: 5.98–9.09%) increase in TC, TG and LDL-C, respectively. A 10 μg/m3 increment in PM10 was associated with 0.45% (95% CI: 0.08–0.82%), 0.29% (95% CI: 0.10–0.49%) and 0.83% (95% CI: 0.21–1.45%) increase in TC, HDL-C and LDL-C, respectively. For NO2, an increment of 10 μg/m3 was statistically associated with −3.55% (95% CI: −6.40–0.61%) and 39.01% (95% CI: 31.43–47.03%) increase in HDL-C and LDL-C. The adverse effects of air pollutants on lipid levels were greater in female and elder people. Further, we found SO2 and NO2 played a more evident role in lipid levels in warm season, while PM10 appeared stronger in cold season. The findings suggest that exposure to air pollution has adverse effects on lipid levels among type 2 diabetes patients, and vulnerable people may pay more attention on severe air pollution days.

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Particulate matter on two Prunus spp. decreases survival and performance of the folivorous beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata

Abstract

Woody plants growing along streets and construction sites play an important role in removing harmful particulate matter (PM). Researchers rarely consider the impact of different types and size fractions of PM deposited on the leaves on insect folivores. We determined differences in the accumulation of cement and roadside PM on the leaves of two Prunus species (P. padus and P. serotina) with different leaf surface structures. We also determined the effect of PM on the beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata, the main pest of these plants. Saplings were artificially dusted in greenhouses and leaves were utilised for larval and adult insect stages feeding in laboratory conditions. Road PM accumulated in greater amounts than did cement PM, regardless of plant species. For both PM sources, P. padus accumulated twofold more than did P. serotina. Insect survival was negatively affected by PM pollution; however, neither Prunus species nor PM source variant significantly affected masses of larvae and pupae, duration of larval and pupal development or relative growth rates. The experiment showed strong negative influences of PM were noted only for adult insects, due to the grazing period being longer than that in larvae. The mass of adult insects and the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) were lower for insects exposed to PM than those for control insects. Insects compensated for lower ECI by eating a greater total amount of food (TFE). Adult insects gained significantly higher mass when fed with P. serotina than with P. padus. The effect of PM on analysed plant metabolites was insignificant. Only Prunus sp. and date of collection affected the level of condensed tannins and total phenols. Our results indicate that, when investigating the effect of the host plant on folivore performance, the accumulation of PM, as well as its type and quantity, should be taken into account.

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The Political Determinants of Disaster Risk: Assessing the Unfolding Aftermath of Hurricane Maria for People with Disabilities in Puerto Rico

Environmental Justice, Ahead of Print.


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Optimization of photo-Fenton process for the treatment of prednisolone

Abstract

Prednisolone is a widely prescribed synthetic glucocorticoid and stated to be toxic to a number of non-target aquatic organisms. Its extensive consumption generates environmental concern due to its detection in wastewater samples at concentrations ranged from ng/L to μg/L that requests the application of suitable degradation processes. Regarding the actual treatment options, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are presented as a viable alternative. In this work, the comparison in terms of pollutant removal and energetic efficiencies, between different AOPs such as Fenton (F), photo-Fenton (UV/F), photolysis (UV), and hydrogen peroxide/photolysis (UV/H₂O₂), was carried out. Light diode emission (LED) was the selected source to provide the UV radiation. The UV/F process revealed the best performance, reaching high levels of both degradation and mineralization with low energy consumption. Its optimization was conducted and the operational parameters were iron and H₂O₂ concentrations and the working volume. Using the response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design, the effect of independent variables and their interactions on the process response were effectively evaluated. Different responses were analyzed taking into account the prednisolone removal (TOC and drug abatements) and the energy consumptions associated. The obtained model showed an improvement of the UV/F process when treating smaller volumes and when adding high concentrations of H₂O₂ and Fe²⁺. The validation of this model was successfully carried out, having only 5% of discrepancy between the model and the experimental results. Finally, the performance of the process when having a real wastewater matrix was also tested, achieving complete mineralization and detoxification after 8 h. In addition, prednisolone degradation products were identified. Finally, the obtained low energy permitted to confirm the viability of the process.

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Spectral fitting approach for the determination of enrichment and contamination factors in mining sediments using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract

Monitoring of pollution index values in sediments is crucial in assessing the environmental impacts of toxic metals in a given location. These indices are typically acquired using elaborate and tedious calibration curve-dependent techniques such as (inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy) ICP-OES and (atomic absorption spectroscopy) AAS. In this study, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used as a simple and fast alternative method for estimating enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) of the sediment samples obtained from selected mining sites. Quantitative analyses of three metal targets (Cd, Pb, and Zn) were done using a calibration-free LIBS method based on the Boltzmann population distribution. Both the EF and CF values calculated from classical ICP-OES method provided significantly high correspondence with the respective EF (R² = 0.8862–0.9770, p < 0.01–0.05) and CF (R² = 0.9454–0.9714, p < 0.01) obtained from the developed LIBS method. The intensity-based LIBS approach identified samples AC2 and CCC as the ones with the highest and lowest pollution index values, respectively. The same observation was seen using the concentration-based ICP-OES technique which showed good correlation between the two methods. The correlation results showed the potential of the curve-fitting LIBS analysis in evaluating the level of metal contamination in an area without the preparation of matrix-matched calibration curves.

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Control of accumulated volatile fatty acids by recycling nitrified effluent

Abstract

Background

Volatile fatty acids (VFA) often accumulate in anaerobic digestion systems, decreasing pH levels and causing unstable operational performance and poor biogas production. The aim of this study is to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency by controlling/reducing the accumulation of VFAs in a continuous anaerobic digestion system.

Methods

NO₃⁻-N was added to the digester and its effects on VFAs were investigated. When the system reached an unstable condition with the accumulation of VFAs, the digester was fed at an organic loading rate of 6 kg COD (chemical oxygen demand)/m³∙d and 0.5Q of aeration tank effluent (1500 mg/L of NO₃⁻-N) was recirculated.

Results

With the addition of NO₃⁻-N, VFAs were utilized during denitrification, after which methane production started. Furthermore, the accumulated VFAs could be used as a carbon substrate by denitrifying bacteria. After 56 d, a normal VFA concentration could be achieved. Methane production was 0.02–0.03 L CH₄/g VS higher with NO₃⁻-N recirculation and feeding than that without feeding.

Conclusions

The results show that the addition of NO₃⁻-N is a potentially feasible method to control VFAs. Combined with recirculation and feeding, the method can be used to effectively prevent the inhibition of methanogenic microbial activities caused by accumulated VFAs and enhance denitrification and methane production in anaerobic digesters.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 629: Reconsidering the Relationship between Air Pollution and Deprivation

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 629: Reconsidering the Relationship between Air Pollution and Deprivation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040629

Authors: Nick Bailey Guanpeng Dong Jon Minton Gwilym Pryce

This paper critically examines the relationship between air pollution and deprivation. We argue that focusing on a particular economic or social model of urban development might lead one to erroneously expect all cities to converge towards a particular universal norm. A naive market sorting model, for example, would predict that poor households will eventually be sorted into high pollution areas, leading to a positive relationship between air pollution and deprivation. If, however, one considers a wider set of theoretical perspectives, the anticipated relationship between air pollution and deprivation becomes more complex and idiosyncratic. Specifically, we argue the relationship between pollution and deprivation can only be made sense of by considering processes of risk perception, path dependency, gentrification and urbanization. Rather than expecting all areas to eventually converge to some universal norm, we should expect the differences in the relationship between air pollution and deprivation across localities to persist. Mindful of these insights, we propose an approach to modeling which does not impose a geographically fixed relationship. Results for Scotland reveal substantial variations in the observed relationships over space and time, supporting our argument.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 628: Temporal and Spatial Variation in, and Population Exposure to, Summertime Ground-Level Ozone in Beijing

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 628: Temporal and Spatial Variation in, and Population Exposure to, Summertime Ground-Level Ozone in Beijing

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040628

Authors: Hui Zhao Youfei Zheng Ting Li Li Wei Qing Guan

Ground-level ozone pollution in Beijing has been causing concern among the public due to the risks posed to human health. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of, and investigated population exposure to, ground-level ozone. We analyzed hourly ground-level ozone data from 35 ambient air quality monitoring sites, including urban, suburban, background, and traffic monitoring sites, during the summer in Beijing from 2014 to 2017. The results showed that the four-year mean ozone concentrations for urban, suburban, background, and traffic monitoring sites were 95.1, 99.8, 95.9, and 74.2 μg/m3, respectively. A total of 44, 43, 45, and 43 days exceeded the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) threshold for ground-level ozone in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. The mean ozone concentration was higher in suburban sites than in urban sites, and the traffic monitoring sites had the lowest concentration. The diurnal variation in ground-level ozone concentration at the four types of monitoring sites displayed a single-peak curve. The peak and valley values occurred at 3:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., respectively. Spatially, ground-level ozone concentrations decreased in gradient from the north to the south. Population exposure levels were calculated based on ground-level ozone concentrations and population data. Approximately 50.38%, 44.85%, and 48.49% of the total population of Beijing were exposed to ground-level ozone concentrations exceeding the Chinese NAAQS threshold in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 630: Cigarette Waste in Popular Beaches in Thailand: High Densities that Demand Environmental Action

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 630: Cigarette Waste in Popular Beaches in Thailand: High Densities that Demand Environmental Action

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040630

Authors: Nipapun Kungskulniti Naowarut Charoenca Stephen Hamann Siriwan Pitayarangsarit Jeremiah Mock

Thailand, like all nations, has a responsibility to initiate environmental actions to preserve marine environments. Low- and middle-income countries face difficulties implementing feasible strategies to fulfill this ambitious goal. To contribute to the revitalization of Thailand's marine ecosystems, we investigated the level of tobacco product waste (TPW) on Thailand's public beaches. We conducted a cross-sectional observational survey at two popular public beaches. Research staff collected cigarette butts over two eight-hour days walking over a one-kilometer stretch of beach. We also compiled and analyzed data on butts collected from sieved sand at 11 popular beaches throughout Thailand's coast, with 10 samples of sieved sand collected per beach. Our survey at two beaches yielded 3067 butts in lounge areas, resulting in a mean butt density of 0.44/m2. At the 11 beaches, sieved sand samples yielded butt densities ranging from 0.25 to 13.3/m2, with a mean butt density of 2.26/m2 (SD = 3.78). These densities show that TPW has become a serious problem along Thailand's coastline. Our findings are comparable with those in other countries. We report on government and civil society initiatives in Thailand that are beginning to address marine TPW. The solution will only happen when responsible parties, especially and primarily tobacco companies, undertake actions to eliminate TPW.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 626: Health Impacts and Economic Costs of Air Pollution in the Metropolitan Area of Skopje

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 626: Health Impacts and Economic Costs of Air Pollution in the Metropolitan Area of Skopje

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040626

Authors: Gerardo Martinez Joseph Spadaro Dimitris Chapizanis Vladimir Kendrovski Mihail Kochubovski Pierpaolo Mudu

Background: Urban outdoor air pollution, especially particulate matter, remains a major environmental health problem in Skopje, the capital of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Despite the documented high levels of pollution in the city, the published evidence on its health impacts is as yet scarce. Methods: we obtained, cleaned, and validated Particulate Matter (PM) concentration data from five air quality monitoring stations in the Skopje metropolitan area, applied relevant concentration-response functions, and evaluated health impacts against two theoretical policy scenarios. We then calculated the burden of disease attributable to PM and calculated the societal cost due to attributable mortality. Results: In 2012, long-term exposure to PM2.5 (49.2 μg/m3) caused an estimated 1199 premature deaths (CI95% 821–1519). The social cost of the predicted premature mortality in 2012 due to air pollution was estimated at between 570 and 1470 million euros. Moreover, PM2.5 was also estimated to be responsible for 547 hospital admissions (CI95% 104–977) from cardiovascular diseases, and 937 admissions (CI95% 937–1869) for respiratory disease that year. Reducing PM2.5 levels to the EU limit (25 μg/m3) could have averted an estimated 45% of PM-attributable mortality, while achieving the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (10 μg/m3) could have averted an estimated 77% of PM-attributable mortality. Both scenarios would also attain significant reductions in attributable respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions. Conclusions: Besides its health impacts in terms of increased premature mortality and hospitalizations, air pollution entails significant economic costs to the population of Skopje. Reductions in PM2.5 concentrations could provide substantial health and economic gains to the city.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 625: Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Health Risk Reductions of Pesticide Use in China: A Contingent Valuation Study

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 625: Farmers' Willingness to Pay for Health Risk Reductions of Pesticide Use in China: A Contingent Valuation Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040625

Authors: Wenyu Wang Jianjun Jin Rui He Haozhou Gong Yuhong Tian

This study aimed to estimate farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for health risk reductions of pesticide use by applying the contingent valuation method (CVM) and to explore the factors that influence farmers' WTP in China. In total, 244 farmers were randomly selected and interviewed. The mean WTP was estimated to be $65.38 (0.94% of total household income) per household per year for a 5/10,000 reduction in morbidity risk. This study shows that farmers' socioeconomic and attitudinal factors that significantly affect their WTP include farmers' farming income, education, household size and risk perceptions. In particular, the results demonstrate that respondents' social trust, social reciprocity and social networks have significant impacts on their WTP. The findings of this study can provide useful insights for policy makers to design effective policies to address health problems related to pesticide use in the developing world.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 627: Recurrent Renal Colic in a Patient with Munchausen Syndrome

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 627: Recurrent Renal Colic in a Patient with Munchausen Syndrome

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040627

Authors: Francesco Miconi Valentina Rapaccini Emanuela Savarese Gabriele Cabiati Augusto Pasini Giovanni Miconi Nicola Principi Susanna Esposito

Background: In most of the cases regarding children, factitious disorders (FDs) are intentionally produced by parents. Less attention is paid to FDs in which a child or adolescent intentionally induces or falsifies the disease to attain a patient's role. Case presentation: A 13-year-old immigrated and adopted boy previously underwent an operation for renal joint syndrome and was affected by recurrent episodes of renal colic. The boy was admitted reporting acute left flank pain with scars on the mucous face of his prepuce and had a recent previous hospitalization for the same reason. Laboratory tests and radiological findings did not reveal any morphological or functional alterations. Self-induced FD was suspected, and a psychiatric consultation was performed. After psychiatric consultation and remission of the symptoms with a placebo, a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome was suspected. The patient's uncle was not initially convinced of the diagnosis. Some videos clearly showed that the boy was handling his prepuce to excrete stones, explaining the scars. A therapeutic plan with psychiatrist support was later accepted with a positive outcome. No further signs and symptoms of renal colic were reported. Conclusions: It is recommended that paediatricians include FD in the differential diagnosis of a persistent and unexplained medical condition. If suspicion arises, confirmation and long-term therapy by a group of qualified specialists, including psychiatrists, should be planned.

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Increasing water productivity, nitrogen economy, and grain yield of rice by water saving irrigation and fertilizer-N management

Abstract

The looming water resources worldwide necessitate the development of water-saving technologies in rice production. An open greenhouse experiment was conducted on rice during the summer season of 2016 at Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China, in order to study the influence of irrigation methods and nitrogen (N) inputs on water productivity, N economy, and grain yield of rice. Two irrigation methods, viz. conventional irrigation (CI) and "thin-shallow-moist-dry" irrigation (TSMDI), and three levels of nitrogen, viz. 0 kg N ha⁻¹ (N₀), 90 kg N ha⁻¹ (N₁), and 180 kg N ha⁻¹ (N₂), were examined with three replications. Study data indicated that no significant water by nitrogen interaction on grain yield, biomass, water productivity, N uptake, NUE, and fertilizer N balance was observed. Results revealed that TSMDI method showed significantly higher water productivity and irrigation water applications were reduced by 17.49% in TSMDI compared to CI. Thus, TSMDI enhanced root growth and offered significantly greater water saving along with getting more grain yield compared to CI. Nitrogen tracer (¹⁵N) technique accurately assessed the absorption and distribution of added N in the soil crop environment and divulge higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) influenced by TSMDI. At the same N inputs, the TSMDI was the optimal method to minimize nitrogen leaching loss by decreasing water leakage about 18.63%, which are beneficial for the ecological environment.

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A new approach to the renewable energy-growth nexus: evidence from the USA

Abstract

The climate change is one of the leading problems in the today's world. The rise of the renewable energy meets the sustainable growth objectives since it can decelerate the climate change. For this purpose, this paper investigates the relationship between the renewable energy consumption and the economic growth in the United States (USA). Theoretically, the paper constructs the growth model that captures the effects of the economic complexity indicator as a measure of capabilities and productivity for exporting the "complex" (high value-added) products. Empirically, the paper uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimations and observes that both the economic complexity and the renewable energy consumption lead to a higher rate of economic growth in the USA for the period from 1965 to 2016. The paper also discusses the potential policy implications of the results for achieving the sustainable growth objectives.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 624: Patient as a Partner in Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 624: Patient as a Partner in Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040624

Authors: Marta Wałaszek Małgorzata Kołpa Zdzisław Wolak Anna Różańska Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach

Objectives: The objective of the study was getting to know the knowledge and attitudes towards hand hygiene (HH) among Polish patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: 459 respondents replied to the survey: 173 (37.6%) patients and 286 (62.3%) HCWs; 57 HCWs were additionally interviewed. Results: Few HCWs knew and used the "5 moments for HH" in the required situations. Both patients and HCWs rated HH of other HCWs poorly: only 75% of patients and 54% of HCWs noticed the application of HH before blood sample collection, but 1/2 of interviewed HCWs did not encounter a request for HH from a patient. According to interviews, 23 (40%) HCWs did not admonish others when they did not use HH. Seventy-five percent of patients and HCWs claimed that, in the past, in schools the toilets were poorly stocked, but the situation improved with the passage of time. Conclusions: There are barriers with resspect to treating patients as partners in HH in Polish hospitals and HCWs' lack of compliance with the "5 moments for HH" significantly reduces patients' safety. Practice implications: Education regarding HH should be conducted for the whole society from an early age: lack of proper supplies in school bathrooms impedes the development of positive HH habits.

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