International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

12 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Canadian COVID-19 Crisis Communication on Twitter: Mixed Methods Research Examining Tweets from Government, Politicians, and Public Health for Crisis Communication Guiding Principles and Tweet Engagement

by Melissa MacKay, Andrea Cimino, Samira Yousefinaghani, Jennifer E. McWhirter, Rozita Dara and Andrew Papadopoulos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116954 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3400

Abstract

To foster trust on social media during a crisis, messages should implement key guiding principles, including call to action, clarity, conversational tone, compassion and empathy, correction of misinformation, and transparency. This study describes how crisis actors used guiding principles in COVID-19 tweets, and [...] Read more.

To foster trust on social media during a crisis, messages should implement key guiding principles, including call to action, clarity, conversational tone, compassion and empathy, correction of misinformation, and transparency. This study describes how crisis actors used guiding principles in COVID-19 tweets, and how the use of these guiding principles relates to tweet engagement. Original, English language tweets from 10 federal level government, politician, and public health Twitter accounts were collected between 11 March 2020 and 25 January 2021 (n = 6053). A 60% random sample was taken (n = 3633), and the tweets were analyzed for guiding principles. A tweet engagement score was calculated for each tweet and logistic regression analyses were conducted to model the relationship between guiding principles and tweet engagement. Overall, the use of guiding principles was low and inconsistent. Tweets that were written with compassion and empathy, or conversational tone were associated with greater odds of having higher tweet engagement. Across all guiding principles, tweets from politicians and public health were associated with greater odds of having higher tweet engagement. Using a combination of guiding principles was associated with greater odds of having higher tweet engagement. Crisis actors should consistently use relevant guiding principles in crisis communication messages to improve message engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Social Media and Public Health: Opportunities and Challenges)

10 pages, 765 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mexican Population: A Systematic Review

by Yazmín Hernández-Díaz, Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza, Miguel Ángel Ramos-Méndez, Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop, Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate, Thelma Beatriz González-Castro, María Lilia López-Narváez and Humberto Nicolini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116953 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3340

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health in the general population, but no systematic synthesis of evidence of this effect has been undertaken for the Mexican population. Relevant studies were identified through the systematic search in five databases until December, [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health in the general population, but no systematic synthesis of evidence of this effect has been undertaken for the Mexican population. Relevant studies were identified through the systematic search in five databases until December, 2021. The selection of studies and the evaluation of their methodological quality were performed in pairs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for study quality appraisal. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (protocol ID: CRD42021278868). This review included 15 studies, which ranged from 252 to 9361 participants, with a total of 26,799 participants. The findings show that COVID-19 has an impact on the Mexican population’s mental health and is particularly associated with anxiety, depression, stress and distress. Females and younger age are risk factors for development mental health symptoms. Mitigating the negative effects of COVID-19 on mental health should be a public health priority in Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Year into the COVID-19 Crisis: Mental Health, Burnout, Trauma and Resilience)

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12 pages, 1508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Kinematic and Kinetic Responses of the Trunk and Lower Extremity Joints during Walking with and without the Spinal Orthosis

by Chenyan Wang, Xiaona Li, Yuan Guo, Weijin Du, Hongmei Guo and Weiyi Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116952 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

Spinal orthoses are an effective option for restoring the spine to its original position and controlling poor posture. However, the effects of poor posture and spinal orthoses on the kinematics and kinetics of trunk and lower extremity joints remain unclear. A six-camera Vicon [...] Read more.

Spinal orthoses are an effective option for restoring the spine to its original position and controlling poor posture. However, the effects of poor posture and spinal orthoses on the kinematics and kinetics of trunk and lower extremity joints remain unclear. A six-camera Vicon motion capture system and two AMTI force plates were employed to collect gait parameters, including joint angle (spine, thorax, hip, knee, and ankle), range of motion (ROM), and ground reaction forces (GRFs). Furthermore, joint moments and joint reaction forces (JRFs) were calculated using a full-body musculoskeletal model in OpenSim. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05) was used to compare significant differences among three trial conditions. These three conditions were walking in a normal posture, poor posture, and spinal orthosis. The results showed that spine ROM in the coronal and transverse plane was significantly lower when walking with a spinal orthosis compared to walking in normal and poor posture (p < 0.05). Compared to normal posture, the lumbar moments and back compressive forces were significantly increased when walking in poor posture (p < 0.05). However, when walking with a spinal orthosis, there was a significant decrease in trunk moments and reaction forces compared to walking in poor posture (p < 0.05). Individuals with poor posture could potentially induce instability and disorders, as evidenced by an increase in trunk moments and JRF compared to the normal posture. Spinal orthosis not only restricts spine ROM but also reduces the load on the spine and thus increases balance and stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Disorders, Physical Rehabilitation and Health)

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26 pages, 2569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Efficiency and Its Drivers in Tourism Sectors with Respect to Carbon Emissions from the Supply Chain: An Integrated EEIO and DEA Approach

by Bing Xia, Suocheng Dong, Zehong Li, Minyan Zhao, Dongqi Sun, Wenbiao Zhang and Yu Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6951; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116951 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2790

Abstract

Eco-efficiency analysis can provide useful information about sustainability in the tourism industry, which has an important role in both global economy recovery and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating considerable indirect carbon emissions with respect to the supply chain due to its significant connections [...] Read more.

Eco-efficiency analysis can provide useful information about sustainability in the tourism industry, which has an important role in both global economy recovery and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating considerable indirect carbon emissions with respect to the supply chain due to its significant connections to other industries. This study, from the perspective of tourism sectors, including tourism hotels, travel agencies, and scenic spots, integrated the environmentally extended input–output analysis (EEIO) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) models to develop a research framework, analyzing the indirect carbon emissions of the tourism supply chain, evaluating eco-efficiency with respect to both direct carbon emissions and total carbon emissions (including direct and indirect parts), and exploring the driving factors of eco-efficiency of tourism sectors using Tobit regression models. This study took Gansu as a case, a province in China characterized by higher carbon intensity, an underdeveloped economy, and rapid tourism growth. The results demonstrate that (1) tourism hotels contribute the most carbon emissions in tourism sectors, especially indirectly due to the supply chain, with carbon emissions mainly resulting from the manufacturing of food and tobacco; (2) the eco-efficiency of tourism sectors in Gansu presents a U-shaped curve, which is consistent with Kuznets’ theory; and (3) energy technology is key to improving the eco-efficiency of tourism sectors. The research results provide a clear path for the reduction of carbon emissions and the improvement of eco-efficiency in Gansu tourism sectors. Against the backdrop of global climate change and the post-COVID-19 era, our research framework and findings provide a reference for similar regions and countries who are in urgent need of rapid tourism development to effect economic recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Efficiency, Environment and Health)

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15 pages, 1729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Levels and Patterns Vary in an Age- and Sex-Dependent Fashion among Finnish Children and Adolescents

by Anne-Mari Jussila, Pauliina Husu, Henri Vähä-Ypyä, Kari Tokola, Sami Kokko, Harri Sievänen and Tommi Vasankari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116950 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to measure physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and hour-by-hour PA patterns with an accelerometer in a population-based sample of Finnish children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 3274 participants (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th graders) from [...] Read more.

Background: The purpose of this study was to measure physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and hour-by-hour PA patterns with an accelerometer in a population-based sample of Finnish children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 3274 participants (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th graders) from 176 schools wore a hip-worn triaxial accelerometer for seven days during waking hours. Mean amplitude deviation of the acceleration data was used to assess PA intensity that was converted to metabolic equivalents and categorized into light, moderate, and vigorous PA. Angle for posture estimation was used to measure SB and standing. Results: The majority of participants’ PA consisted of light PA, and they were sedentary for more than half of their waking hours. Children were more active than adolescents, and boys were more active than girls. Participants took, on average, 9890 steps daily, and one third met the PA recommendation. The participants were divided into tertiles based on daily steps to investigate the variation in PA patterns. Compared to the least active tertile, the most active tertile took twice as many steps on weekdays and nearly three times as many steps on the weekend. Conclusions: The majority of the participants were not active enough, and there was a great variation in PA levels and patterns, especially among the adolescents and on weekends. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation in Physical Activity Assessment)

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21 pages, 3603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of PARADISE 24 and Development of PARADISE-EDEN 36 in Patients with Dementia

by Francesco Talarico, Carolina Fellinghauer, Giuseppe Andrea De Biase, Pietro Gareri, Sebastiano Capurso, Paolo Moneti, Angela Caruso, Valentina Chiatante, Emanuela Gentile, Monica Malerba, Laura Marsico, Maria Mauro, Maria Magro, Andrea Melendugno, Fabio Pirrotta, Luana Putrino, Carla Putrino, Anna Propati, Vincenzo Rotondaro, Fausto Spadea, Angela Villella and Alba Malara Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116949 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1752

Abstract

Dementia was one of the conditions focused on in an EU (European Union) project called “PARADISE” (Psychosocial fActors Relevant to brAin DISorders in Europe) that later produced a measure called PARADISE 24, developed within the biopsychosocial model proposed in the International Classification of [...] Read more.

Dementia was one of the conditions focused on in an EU (European Union) project called “PARADISE” (Psychosocial fActors Relevant to brAin DISorders in Europe) that later produced a measure called PARADISE 24, developed within the biopsychosocial model proposed in the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). The aims of this study are to validate PARADISE 24 on a wider sample of patients with mild to moderate dementia to expand PARADISE 24 by defining a more specific scale for dementia, by adding 18 questions specifically selected for dementia, which eventually should be reduced to 12. We enrolled 123 persons with dementia, recruited between July 2017 and July 2019 in home care and long-term care facilities, in Italy, and 80 participants were recruited in Warsaw between January and July 2012 as part of a previous cross-sectional study. The interviews with the patient and/or family were conducted by health professionals alone or as a team by using the Paradise data collection protocol. The psychometric analysis with the Rasch analysis has shown that PARADISE 24 and the selection of 18 additional condition-specific items can be expected to have good measurement properties to assess the functional state in persons with dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Instruments for Measuring Health)

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14 pages, 3366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Atmospheric CO₂ and CO at Akedala Atmospheric Background Observation Station, a Regional Station in Northwestern China

by Zhujun Zhao, Qing He, Zhongqi Lu, Quanwei Zhao and Jianlin Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6948; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116948 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

Air samples were collected by flasks and analyzed via a Picarro G2401 gas analyzer for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) at the Akedala Atmospheric Background Station in Xinjiang, China, from September 2009 to December 2019, to analyze the changes [...] Read more.

Air samples were collected by flasks and analyzed via a Picarro G2401 gas analyzer for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) at the Akedala Atmospheric Background Station in Xinjiang, China, from September 2009 to December 2019, to analyze the changes in the characteristics of atmospheric CO₂ and CO and determine the sources. The results show that the annual average CO₂ concentration showed an increasing trend (growth rate: 1.90 ppm year⁻¹), ranging from 389.80 to 410.43 ppm, and the annual average CO concentration also showed an increasing trend (growth rate: 1.78 ppb year⁻¹), ranging from 136.30 to 189.82 ppb. The CO₂ concentration and growth rate were the highest in winter, followed by autumn, spring, and summer. The CO concentration and growth rate were also the highest in winter due to anthropogenic emissions, ecosystem effects, and diffusion conditions. The main trajectories of CO₂ and CO determined by the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model were parallel to the Irtysh River valley and then passed through the Old Wind Pass. Furthermore, the main source regions of CO₂ and CO at the Akedala Station were eastern Kazakhstan, southern Russia, western Mongolia, and the Xinjiang Tianshan North Slope Economic Zone of China. This study reflects the characteristics of long-term changes in CO₂ and CO concentrations at the Akedala station and provides fundamental data for the studies on environmental changes and climate change in Central Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Formation and Contaminant Interactions of Photochemical Pollution)

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10 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Rated Health Status of Upper Secondary School Pupils and Its Associations with Multiple Health-Related Factors

by Armando Cocca, Martin Niedermeier, Vera Prünster, Katharina Wirnitzer, Clemens Drenowatz, Klaus Greier, Karin Labek and Gerhard Ruedl

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6947; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116947 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1654

Abstract

Health is an essential part of any individual, and gains particular importance in youth, as a good health at this age is more likely to reduce health risks both in the short and long term. The aim of this study was to assess [...] Read more.

Health is an essential part of any individual, and gains particular importance in youth, as a good health at this age is more likely to reduce health risks both in the short and long term. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of physical and contextual parameters on youths’ perceived health. A total of 919 adolescents completed questionnaires on self-rated health status, electronic media use, leisure time and club physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and back pain, as well as performed the German Motor Performance Test. Participants with very good health had significantly higher physical fitness, leisure time exercise, and participated in sports clubs more often than those with poorer health. Electronic media use was significantly higher for those with poor/very poor health. Future intervention programs to improve youth health status should not only focus on active lifestyle but might also consider the impact of socioenvironmental factors, such as daily media use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Association of Physical Fitness and Motor Competence with Health and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

16 pages, 1908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Strength vs. Plyometric Training upon Change of Direction Performance in Young Female Handball Players

by Hallvard Nygaard Falch, Markus Estifanos Haugen, Eirik Lindset Kristiansen and Roland van den Tillaar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116946 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3012

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of strength vs. plyometric training upon change of direction (COD) performance. A total of 21 young female handball players were randomly assigned to either a strength group: (n = [...] Read more.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of strength vs. plyometric training upon change of direction (COD) performance. A total of 21 young female handball players were randomly assigned to either a strength group: (n = 11, age: 17.5 ± 2.3 years, height: 1.69 ± 0.05 m, weight: 65.8 ± 5.9 kg) training bilateral, unilateral and later squats; or a plyometric training group (n = 10, age: 17.1 ± 2.4 years, height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m, weight: 67.1 ± 9.3 kg) training drop jumps, unilateral countermovement jumps and skate-jumps. Groups were assigned after being pair-matched based upon baseline COD performance. The training modalities were matched in training impulse. A force- (180°) and velocity-oriented (45°) COD of 20 m was used to measure changes in COD performance (10 m + COD + 10 m). Total time (s) to complete the COD test was defined as the performance variable. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The two-way ANOVA showed no group effect upon COD performance. A significant effect was only observed for the strength training group in the last 10 m and total 20 m of the force-oriented COD (F ≥ 5.51; p ≤ 0.04; η² ≥ 0.36). Both groups improved performance in other strength- and power-related tests. It was concluded that only the strength training program was effective in developing force-oriented COD performance in the studied population, while the plyometric training program was not sufficient. Both training modalities are useful for improving performance in different strength and power tests in young female handball players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength and Power Training in Elite Athletes to Improve Performance and Health)

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17 pages, 821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Israeli Medical Experts’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preferences in Allocating Donor Organs for Transplantation

by Amir Elalouf

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116945 - 06 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1780

Abstract

Medical advancement has increased the confidence in successful organ transplants in end-stage patients. As the waitlist of organ demand is multiplying, the organ allocation process is becoming more crucial. In this situation, a transparent and efficient organ allocation policy is required. This study [...] Read more.

Medical advancement has increased the confidence in successful organ transplants in end-stage patients. As the waitlist of organ demand is multiplying, the organ allocation process is becoming more crucial. In this situation, a transparent and efficient organ allocation policy is required. This study evaluates the preferences of medical experts to substantial factors for allocating organs in different hypothetical scenarios. Twenty-five medical professionals with a significant role in organ allocation were interviewed individually. The interview questionnaire comprised demographic information, organ donation status, important organ allocation factors, public preference knowledge, and experts’ preferences in different hypothetical scenarios. Most medical experts rated the waiting time and prognosis as the most important, while the next of kin donor status and care and contribution to the well-being of others were the least important factors for organ allocation. In expert opinion, medical experts significantly considered public preferences for organ allocation in making their decisions. Altogether, experts prioritized waiting time over successful transplant, age, and donor status in the hypothetical scenarios. In parallel, less chance of finding another organ, donor status, and successful transplant were prioritized over age. Medical experts are the key stakeholders; therefore, their opinions are substantial in formulating an organ allocation policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Public Health)

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12 pages, 2301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability and Validity of Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

by Sitt Nyein Phyu, Punnee Peungsuwan, Rungthip Puntumetakul and Uraiwan Chatchawan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6944; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116944 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

Type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy is known to cause balance limitations in static, dynamic, and functional activity. The Mini-BESTest, a shortened version of BESTest, was evolved to identify balance disorders within a short duration. No prior studies have yet been conducted to assess [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy is known to cause balance limitations in static, dynamic, and functional activity. The Mini-BESTest, a shortened version of BESTest, was evolved to identify balance disorders within a short duration. No prior studies have yet been conducted to assess the usefulness of Mini-BESTest in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The current study aimed to examine the reliability and discriminant validity by comparing the Mini-BESTest scores between type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, divided into two 2 groups based on reporting scores of <4 and ≥4 in the MNSI questionnaire, respectively. Therefore, a cross-sectional study design was conducted including 44 type 2 diabetic patients (4 males and 40 females; aged 56.61 ± 7.7 years old). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed by physical assessment using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Inter-rater (two physiotherapists) and Intra-rater (7–10 days) reliability of the Mini-BESTest were explored with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2,1) and (ICC_3,1). The Mini-BESTest presented an excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC_2,1= 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91–0.97, SEM = 0.61) and an excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC_3,1 = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87–0.96, SEM = 0.66), with confirmation by a good agreement presented by the Bland–Altman plots. The internal consistency measured with the overall Cronbach’s alpha showed an acceptable agreement (0.73). The MDC was 2.16. In addition, the Mini-BESTest scores in the type 2 diabetic neuropathy patients reporting MNSI questionnaire scores <4 was found to be significantly higher when compared with those reporting scores ≥4. The Mini-BESTest can be used as a highly reliable and valid clinical application in the population with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Full article

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20 pages, 1887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Kinetic Model for Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production of Plant Biomass under High Salinity

by Jing Wang, Bing Liu, Meng Sun, Feiyong Chen, Mitsuharu Terashima and Hidenari Yasui

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116943 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anaerobic digestion and biogas production of plant biomass under high salinity by adopting a theoretical and technical approach for saline plant-biomass treatment. Two completely mixed lab-scale mesophilic reactors were operated for 480 days. In [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anaerobic digestion and biogas production of plant biomass under high salinity by adopting a theoretical and technical approach for saline plant-biomass treatment. Two completely mixed lab-scale mesophilic reactors were operated for 480 days. In one of them, NaCl was added and the sodium ion concentration was maintained at 35.8 g-Na⁺·L⁻¹, and the organic loading rate was 0.58-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹–1.5 g-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹; the other added Na₂SO₄–NaHCO₃ and kept the sodium ion concentration at 27.6 g-Na⁺·L⁻¹ and the organic loading rate at 0.2 g-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹–0.8 g-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹. The conversion efficiencies of the two systems (COD to methane) were 66% and 54%, respectively. Based on the sulfate-reduction reaction and the existing anaerobic digestion model, a kinetic model comprising 12 types of soluble substrates and 16 types of anaerobic microorganisms was developed. The model was used to simulate the process performance of a continuous anaerobic bioreactor with a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration of 10 g·L⁻¹–40 g·L⁻¹. The results showed that the NaCl system could receive the influent up to a loading rate of 0.16 kg-COD/kg-MLSS·d⁻¹ without significant degradation of the methane conversion at 66%, while the Na₂SO₄–NaHCO₃ system could receive more than 2 kg-COD·kg⁻¹-MLSS·d⁻¹, where 54% of the fed chemical oxygen demand (COD) was converted into methane and another 12% was observed to be sulfide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Green Environment)

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16 pages, 1962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Monitoring and Benefit Evaluation of Converting Farmlands into Forests and Grasslands in China

by Shidong Li, Bing Wang, Sheng Zhang, Yingfa Chen and Guangshuai Zhao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116942 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1709

Abstract

Conversion of farmlands to forests and grasslands (CFFG) is one of the major ecological projects with the largest investment, strongest policy, widest coverage and highest degree of participation in China, and even in the world. In order to scientifically evaluate the benefits and [...] Read more.

Conversion of farmlands to forests and grasslands (CFFG) is one of the major ecological projects with the largest investment, strongest policy, widest coverage and highest degree of participation in China, and even in the world. In order to scientifically evaluate the benefits and dynamic changes, better serve the decision-making, consolidate the achievements and promote the high-quality development of this project, it is of great significance to organize the monitoring and evaluation of its benefits. On the basis of reviewing and summarizing the monitoring and evaluation history of the benefits, this study established an indicator system for comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, composed of three components of benefits, 10 categories and 48 indicators, including 23 indicators of ecological benefits, 11 indicators of economic benefits and 14 indicators of social benefits. These methods of monitoring and evaluation are applied to the systematic and full coverage monitoring and evaluation of the national project of CFFG for the first time. There are four aspects of the innovation of this research: First, it is the first time that a comprehensive ecological, economic and social benefit evaluation indicator system has been established. Second, it is the first time that quantitative evaluation methods have been established. Third, it is the first comprehensive quantitative assessment of the CFFG project. Fourth, this is a full-scale evaluation of the project for the first time. The evaluation results show that the total value of the three benefits from the CFFG project is 2405.046 billion Yuan (354.4129 billion US$)·y⁻¹, of which the ecological benefit is 1416.864 billion Yuan (208.7922 billion US$)·y⁻¹, the economic benefit is 255.486 billion Yuan (37.649 billion US$)·y⁻¹ and the social benefit is 732.696 billion Yuan (107.9717 billion US$)·y⁻¹, accounting for 58.92%, 10.62% and 30.46%, respectively, of the total benefits. Our results provide detailed evaluation of the achievement and benefits of the CFFG project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land System – Ecological Process Interactions)

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11 pages, 3382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Mobility and Droplet-Transmissible Pediatric Infectious Diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ryusuke Ae, Yoshihide Shibata, Toshiki Furuno, Teppei Sasahara, Yosikazu Nakamura and Hiromichi Hamada

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116941 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1938

Abstract

The study tested the hypothesis that human mobility may be a potential factor affecting reductions in droplet-transmissible pediatric infectious diseases (PIDs) during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mitigation period in 2020. An ecological study was conducted using two publicly available datasets: surveillance on [...] Read more.

The study tested the hypothesis that human mobility may be a potential factor affecting reductions in droplet-transmissible pediatric infectious diseases (PIDs) during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mitigation period in 2020. An ecological study was conducted using two publicly available datasets: surveillance on infectious diseases collected by the Japanese government and COVID-19 community mobility reports presented by Google. The COVID-19 community mobility reports demonstrated percentage reductions in the movement of people over time in groceries and pharmacies, parks, and transit stations. We compared the weekly trends in the number of patients with droplet-transmissible PIDs identified in 2020 with those identified in the previous years (2015–2019) and assessed the correlations between the numbers of patients and percentage decreases in human mobility during 2020. Despite experiencing their peak seasons, dramatic reductions were found in the numbers of patients with pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) and group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis after the tenth week of 2020. Beyond the 20th week, no seasonal peaks were observed in the number of patients with all PIDs identified in 2020. Significant correlations were found between the percentage decreases in human mobility in transit stations and the number of patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease (Pearson correlation coefficient [95% confidence interval]: 0.65 [0.44–0.79]), PCF (0.47 [0.21–0.67]), respiratory syncytial virus infection (0.45 [0.19–0.66]), and GAS pharyngitis (0.34 [0.06–0.58]). The highest correlations were found in places underlying potential human-to-human contacts among adults. These findings suggest that reductions in human mobility for adults might contribute to decreases in the number of children with droplet-transmissible PIDs by the potential prevention of adult-to-child transmission. Full article

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13 pages, 859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk and Protective Factors Experienced by Fathers of Refugee Background during the Early Years of Parenting: A Qualitative Study

by Eleanor Bulford, Alison Fogarty, Rebecca Giallo, Stephanie Brown, Josef Szwarc and Elisha Riggs

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116940 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

Fathers of refugee background with young children can experience significant mental health difficulties, with the potential for intergenerational impacts. This study aimed to explore how fathers of refugee background experience risk and protective factors for their own health and wellbeing during the early [...] Read more.

Fathers of refugee background with young children can experience significant mental health difficulties, with the potential for intergenerational impacts. This study aimed to explore how fathers of refugee background experience risk and protective factors for their own health and wellbeing during the early years of parenting. Semi-structured interviews and one semi-structured focus group were conducted with fathers of refugee background, with young children (0–5 years), who had settled in Australia. Transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by the socioecological model of health. A total of 21 fathers participated in the study. Risk factors experienced included: prior experiences of trauma, reduced access to family support in Australia, adjustments in parenting roles, and the challenges of learning a new language and securing employment. Fathers drew on a number of sources of strength, including a sense of joy from fatherhood and support from partners, families, and communities. While most fathers regularly accompanied their partners and children to healthcare appointments, they were rarely asked by healthcare professionals about their own needs. Our findings support the idea that there is a need for greater assistance for fathers, particularly for navigating issues arising from the settlement process. Healthcare services working with families of refugee background must adopt a father-inclusive, trauma-informed approach that is responsive to fathers’ needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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10 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Level of Knowledge, Beliefs and Acceptance of HPV Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Romania

by Toader Septimiu Voidăzan, Mihaela Alexandra Budianu, Florin Francisc Rozsnyai, Zsolt Kovacs, Cosmina Cristina Uzun and Nicoleta Neagu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116939 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2521

Abstract

(1) Background: The infection with Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and it has been associated with cervical cancer (CC) in 99.7% of the cases. In Romania, CC is the second most common, with incidence (22.6%₀₀₀) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The infection with Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and it has been associated with cervical cancer (CC) in 99.7% of the cases. In Romania, CC is the second most common, with incidence (22.6%₀₀₀) and mortality rates (9.6%₀₀₀) three times higher than any other European country. Our aim was to assess the level of knowledge regarding HPV infection among parents, highschool students, medical students and doctors, with an emphasis on their main source of information—the Internet. (2) Methods: We applied five questionnaires to six categories of respondents: parents of pupils in the 6th–8th grades, medical students, doctors, boys in the 11th–12th grades, girls in the 11th–12th grades and their mothers. (3) Results: We included a total of 3108 respondents. 83.83% of all respondents had known about HPV infection. The level of information about HPV infection and vaccination was either satisfactory, poor or very poor. Their main source of information varied depending on the respondent profile and professional activity. Medical students were informed by doctors and healthcare professionals (53.0%), doctors gathered their information from books, journals and specialized brochures (61.6%). For the other categories of respondents, the Internet was the main source of information. Most respondents answered that doctors and healthcare professionals should provide information on HPV infection and vaccination, but very few of them actually seeked information from their general practitioner. (4) Conclusions: Population adherence to the appropriate preventative programs, as well as relevant information disseminated by the medical staff are key elements towards reducing the risk of HPV-associated cancers. An important role could also be played by schools, where teachers and school doctors could provide relevant information on the general aspects of HPV infection. Additionally, sex education classes and parent-teacher meetings should cover the main characteristics of HPV infection and what preventative measures can be employed against it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Epidemiological Lifestyle Analysis and Infection Prevention in Public Health)

10 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bullying and Sexual and Racial Harassment in Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy

by Giuseppe La Torre, Alberto Firenze, Corrado Colaprico, Eleonora Ricci, Luciano Pio Di Gioia, Dorotea Serò, Giuseppe Perri, Manuela Soncin, Dario Cremonesi, Nadia De Camillis, Sara Guidolin, Giulia Evangelista, Mattia Marte, Nicola Giovanni Fedele, Simone De Sio, Alice Mannocci, Sabina Sernia and Silvio Brusaferro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6938; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116938 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2774

Abstract

Background: This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with workplace bullying, sexual harassment and racial harassment among Italian health workers. Methods: We recruited 3129 participants using an online Italian translation of the ‘Workplace Violence in the Health Sector [...] Read more.

Background: This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with workplace bullying, sexual harassment and racial harassment among Italian health workers. Methods: We recruited 3129 participants using an online Italian translation of the ‘Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Country Case Studies Research Instruments Survey’ (WVHS) questionnaire. Data were analyzed with univariate (chi-square) and multivariate (multiple logistic regression) analysis. Results: Univariate analysis shows that females are significantly more affected by bullying (16.4% vs. 12.3%) and sexual harassment (2.4% vs. 1.3%). On the other hand, males are significantly more affected by racial harassment (3.1% vs. 2.0%). Multivariate analysis shows higher odds of being affected by bullying (OR = 1.30; 95% CI (1.03, 1.64)) and sexual harassment (OR = 2.08; 95% CI (1.04, 4.00)) for females, and higher odds of undergoing racial harassment (OR = 1.55; 95% CI (0.95, 2.53)) for males. Conclusion: This analysis of work situations looks to identify those risk factors, existing or potential, that increase the probability of episodes of violence. A group of work or other subjects identified by direction will have to evaluate the vulnerability of workplaces and establish more effective preventive actions to be adopted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Occupational Health)

16 pages, 4190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning and Meteorological Normalization for Assessment of Particulate Matter Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Zagreb, Croatia

by Mario Lovrić, Mario Antunović, Iva Šunić, Matej Vuković, Simonas Kecorius, Mark Kröll, Ivan Bešlić, Ranka Godec, Gordana Pehnec, Bernhard C. Geiger, Stuart K. Grange and Iva Šimić

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116937 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2847

Abstract

In this paper, the authors investigated changes in mass concentrations of particulate matter (PM) during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Daily samples of PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ fractions were measured at an urban background sampling site in [...] Read more.

In this paper, the authors investigated changes in mass concentrations of particulate matter (PM) during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Daily samples of PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ fractions were measured at an urban background sampling site in Zagreb, Croatia from 2009 to late 2020. For the purpose of meteorological normalization, the mass concentrations were fed alongside meteorological and temporal data to Random Forest (RF) and LightGBM (LGB) models tuned by Bayesian optimization. The models’ predictions were subsequently de-weathered by meteorological normalization using repeated random resampling of all predictive variables except the trend variable. Three pollution periods in 2020 were examined in detail: January and February, as pre-lockdown, the month of April as the lockdown period, as well as June and July as the “new normal”. An evaluation using normalized mass concentrations of particulate matter and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. The results showed that no significant differences were observed for PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in April 2020—compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. No significant changes were observed for the “new normal” as well. The results thus indicate that a reduction in mobility during COVID-19 lockdown in Zagreb, Croatia, did not significantly affect particulate matter concentration in the long-term.. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Air Pollution during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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19 pages, 1418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Anticancer Therapy Details and Dental Adverse Effects in Children

by Anna Jodłowska and Lidia Postek-Stefańska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116936 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1814

Abstract

An idea of therapy intensification in order to make anticancer treatment more effective is still being investigated. The study aimed to estimate the impact of the chemotherapy dose levels and treatment duration on the risk for dental development disturbance. The clinical examination and [...] Read more.

An idea of therapy intensification in order to make anticancer treatment more effective is still being investigated. The study aimed to estimate the impact of the chemotherapy dose levels and treatment duration on the risk for dental development disturbance. The clinical examination and OPG analysis were carried out in 37 cancer survivors and germ agenesis, microdontia, size reduction, taurodontism, root and enamel abnormalities were identified. An analysis of anticancer treatment was carried out separately for vincristine (VCR), doxorubicin (DXR), cyclophosphamide (CP), etoposide (VP-16), carboplatin (CBDCA) and actinomycin D (ACTD) recipients in terms of treatment duration and drug doses administered. Individuals aged between three years and ten months, and seven years and four months, at diagnosis presented with no severe dental abnormalities, regardless of treatment duration and increasing cytotoxic drug doses. The largest number of abnormalities per one person was noted in the survivors treated with the highest single doses of VCR, DXR, CP and ACTD. No similar observation was made in the cases of cumulative and weekly doses analyzed. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the mean number of abnormalities across all the drug groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)

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15 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mediating Effects of Social Support and Resilience on the Association between COVID-19-Related Stress and Mental Health in Korean Young Adults

by Dabok Noh and Suin Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116935 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2324

Abstract

Young adults were vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the underlying pathway by which COVID-19-related stress influences mental health outcomes among young adults remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of social support and resilience between [...] Read more.

Young adults were vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the underlying pathway by which COVID-19-related stress influences mental health outcomes among young adults remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of social support and resilience between COVID-19-related stress and mental health outcomes. A sample of 1000 Korean young adults was obtained via online survey. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing COVID-19-related stress, social support, resilience, depression, and anxiety. Overall, 48.1% and 23.4% of participants were classified as having depression and anxiety states, respectively. Path analysis using AMOS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) showed that the direct effects of stress from social distancing difficulties on depression and anxiety were much greater than those of stress from fear of infection and anger toward others. In addition, there were significant indirect effects of social support and resilience in the relationship between stress related to difficulties due to social distancing and mental health outcomes. The mediating roles of social support and resilience suggest that interventions to increase these factors can be effective strategies to reduce the risks of depression and anxiety among young adults suffering from stress related to social distancing difficulties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Mental Health and Public Health)

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16 pages, 18795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simple and Autonomous Sleep Signal Processing System for the Detection of Obstructive Sleep Apneas

by William D. Moscoso-Barrera, Elena Urrestarazu, Manuel Alegre, Alejandro Horrillo-Maysonnial, Luis Fernando Urrea, Luis Mauricio Agudelo-Otalora, Luis F. Giraldo-Cadavid, Secundino Fernández and Javier Burguete

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116934 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction, intermittent hypoxemia, and recurrent awakenings during sleep. The most used treatment for this syndrome is a device that generates a positive airway pressure—Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), but [...] Read more.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction, intermittent hypoxemia, and recurrent awakenings during sleep. The most used treatment for this syndrome is a device that generates a positive airway pressure—Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), but it works continuously, whether or not there is apnea. An alternative consists on systems that detect apnea episodes and produce a stimulus that eliminates them. Article focuses on the development of a simple and autonomous processing system for the detection of obstructive sleep apneas, using polysomnography (PSG) signals: electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), respiratory effort (RE), respiratory flow (RF), and oxygen saturation (SO₂). The system is evaluated using, as a gold standard, 20 PSG tests labeled by sleep experts and it performs two analyses. A first analysis detects awake/sleep stages and is based on the accumulated amplitude in a channel-dependent frequency range, according to the criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The second analysis detects hypopneas and apneas, based on analysis of the breathing cycle and oxygen saturation. The results show a good estimation of sleep events, where for 75% of the cases of patients analyzed it is possible to determine the awake/asleep states with an effectiveness of >92% and apneas and hypopneas with an effectiveness of >55%, through a simple processing system that could be implemented in an electronic device to be used in possible OSA treatments. Full article

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20 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Institutional Stakeholders’ Perception and Limitations on Coping Strategies in Flooding Risk Management in West Africa

by Parfait K. Kouamé, Gilbert Fokou, Amoin Jeanne d’Arc Koffi, Amidou Sani, Bassirou Bonfoh and Kouassi Dongo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6933; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116933 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

Despite efforts at the national and international levels to mitigate adverse effects of climate change on the environment and human health in developing countries, there is still a paucity of data and information concerning stakeholder’s engagement and their level of collaboration, responses and [...] Read more.

Despite efforts at the national and international levels to mitigate adverse effects of climate change on the environment and human health in developing countries, there is still a paucity of data and information concerning stakeholder’s engagement and their level of collaboration, responses and assistance in West Africa. This study aimed at assessing the perception of institutional stakeholders and limitations on coping strategies in flooding risk management in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) and Lomé (Togo). Using a transdisciplinary framework, the methodological approach basically relied on qualitative data collected through desk review and key informant interviews with various stakeholders, covering a range of topics related to flooding risk. Findings show that flooding experiences cause serious environmental and health problems to populations. Poor hygiene practices and contacts with contaminated water are the main causes of risks. Collaboration between stakeholders is limited, reducing the efficiency of planned interventions. Furthermore, health risk prevention strategies are still inadequately developed and implemented. Findings also show limited capacities of affected and displaced people to cope and plan for their activities. Engaging various stakeholders in the health risk prevention plans is likely to improve the efficiency of coping strategies in flooding risk management in West Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Science and Engineering)

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27 pages, 14398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Oil Particle Concentration Vertical Distribution of Various Sizes under Displacement Ventilation System in Large-Space Machining Workshop

by Fei Wang, Qinpeng Meng, Chengjie Lin, Xin Wang and Wenbing Weng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6932; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116932 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1487

Abstract

The widespread use of metal working fluids (MWFs) in machining processes leads to the production of a large number of harmful oil particles, which may pose serious health hazards to workers. The oil particle concentration has an inhomogeneous distribution in large spaces under [...] Read more.

The widespread use of metal working fluids (MWFs) in machining processes leads to the production of a large number of harmful oil particles, which may pose serious health hazards to workers. The oil particle concentration has an inhomogeneous distribution in large spaces under displacement ventilation (DV) system, and the supply air volume required to maintain a low particle concentration under a DV system may be less than that needed under a mixing ventilation system. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to study the particle concentration distribution rules and characteristics under various particle sizes in a large-space machine workshop with a DV system. Several distribution indices, such as the inhomogeneity factor and stratification height were utilized to analyze the inhomogeneous distribution of particle concentration; furthermore, sensitivity analyses were conducted for these indices. We found that the particle concentration shows a similar inhomogeneity factor distribution rule along the vertical direction under an air change rate of 2–6 in the DV system. The workspace inhomogeneity factor of particles smaller than 5 μm is less than 0.25, whereas that of 10-μm particles declines with an increase in air supply volume. Approximately double the supply air volume is required to keep the 10-μm particle concentration at the same level as particles smaller than 5 μm. The workspace inhomogeneity factor of small particles (<5 μm) is more sensitive to the machine height and machine surface temperature than other parameters, whereas that of large particles (>5 μm) is more sensitive to the supply air volume than other parameters. The results of this study can be applied for the design and control of displacement ventilation systems in large-space machining workshops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 10th IEHB (Indoor Environment and Public Health) Conference)

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19 pages, 5722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Environmental-Health-Economic Co-Benefits from Solar Electricity and Thermal Heating in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

by Hooman Farzaneh, Mehrnoosh Dashti, Eric Zusman, So-Young Lee, Damdin Dagvadorj and Zifei Nie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6931; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116931 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2485

Abstract

This article quantifies the environmental, health, and economic co-benefits from the use of solar electricity and heat generation in the Ger area (a sub-district of traditional residences and private houses) in Ulaanbaatar (UB), Mongolia. The quantification of the featured co-benefits is based on [...] Read more.

This article quantifies the environmental, health, and economic co-benefits from the use of solar electricity and heat generation in the Ger area (a sub-district of traditional residences and private houses) in Ulaanbaatar (UB), Mongolia. The quantification of the featured co-benefits is based on calculating emissions reductions from the installation of the solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heaters. A user-friendly spreadsheet tool is developed to shed much-needed light on the steps involved in estimating these co-benefits. The tool simulates the hourly electricity and thermal energy generation, taking into account local meteorological conditions, local geographical data, and technical specifications of the solar power and heat generation systems. The tool is then employed to evaluate two intervention scenarios: (1) Installing 100 MW solar electricity, including both rooftop PV and community grids, to reduce the peak-load burden on the grid; (2) Providing solar thermal heaters for 20,000 households to replace the heating load demand from the existing heat only boilers (HOBs) in UB. The modelling results reveal a significant reduction in GHG emissions and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) (PM that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter) by 311,000 tons and 767 tons, respectively, as well as nearly 6500 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and an annual saving of USD 7.7 million for the local economy. The article concludes that the mainstreaming spreadsheet-based estimation tools like the one used in this article into decision-making processes can fill important research gaps (e.g., usability of assessment tools) and help translate co-benefits analyses into action in Mongolia and beyond. Full article

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11 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Telehealth Service Use among Mental Health Patients: A Case of Rural Louisiana

by Monteic A. Sizer, Dependra Bhatta, Binod Acharya and Krishna P. Paudel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116930 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5312

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic decreased the in-person outpatient visits and accelerated the use of telehealth services among mental health patients. Our study investigated the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of the intensity of telehealth use among mental health patients residing in rural Louisiana, United States. [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic decreased the in-person outpatient visits and accelerated the use of telehealth services among mental health patients. Our study investigated the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of the intensity of telehealth use among mental health patients residing in rural Louisiana, United States. The study sample included 7069 telehealth visits by 1115 unique patients encountered from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 at six mental health outpatient clinics managed by the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA). We performed a negative binomial regression analysis with the intensity of service use as the outcome variable. Being younger, female, and more educated were associated with a higher number of telehealth visits. The prevalence of other chronic conditions increased telehealth visits by 10%. The telehealth service intensity varied across the nature of mental health diagnoses, with patients diagnosed with the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders utilizing 15% fewer telehealth visits than patients diagnosed with depressive disorders. The promotion of telehealth services among mental health patients in the rural setting might require the elimination of the digital divide with a particular focus on the elderly, less educated, and those with serious mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)

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12 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patients’ and Nurses’ Perceptions of Diabetes Self-Management in Oman: A Qualitative Study

by Abdullah Salim Al Mahrouqi, Robert Kevin Mallinson, Kyeung Mi Oh and Ali A. Weinstein

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116929 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

Patient-centered care enhances diabetes self-management; however, the primary care nurse’s role in promoting diabetes self-management within a patient-centered care model is unexplored. This study investigated the perceptions of Omani patients with type-2 diabetes and their clinic nurses on the nurses’ role in promoting [...] Read more.

Patient-centered care enhances diabetes self-management; however, the primary care nurse’s role in promoting diabetes self-management within a patient-centered care model is unexplored. This study investigated the perceptions of Omani patients with type-2 diabetes and their clinic nurses on the nurses’ role in promoting diabetes self-management within a patient-centered care approach. The thematic analysis of the data from individual interviews with patients (n = 24) revealed two themes: patients experienced “missteps on an unclear path” and “nurses doing their best.” Patients struggled to identify treatment goals and faltered in their attempts to adopt diabetes self-management behaviors. The nurses’ role was perceived as task-oriented. Nurse narratives (n = 21) revealed that very few nurses were aware of the patient-centered care philosophy. A theme emerged of nurses “needing a new perspective” to transition their care delivery to align with the patient-centered care model. Nurses expected patients to comply with their instructions and missed opportunities for assessment, engagement, and collaborative problem-solving during patient encounters. The shift from a physician-based medical model to a patient-centered primary care delivery system may necessitate that nurses engage more effectively with patients, collaborate on an individual treatment plan, and motivate them to adopt self-management behaviors. Full article

11 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prostate Cancer Eligible for Radical Prostatectomy: Self-Esteem of Patients and Forms of Coping with Stress

by Edyta Skwirczyńska, Oskar Wróblewski, Karol Tejchman, Piotr Ostrowski and Natalia Serwin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116928 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1592

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategies and styles of coping with stress and self-esteem in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. One hundred and five patients with prostate cancer participated in the study. Coping strategies were assessed with the Mini-Cope [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategies and styles of coping with stress and self-esteem in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. One hundred and five patients with prostate cancer participated in the study. Coping strategies were assessed with the Mini-Cope questionnaire, coping styles were assessed with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, and self-esteem was assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Patients’ self-esteem and stress coping styles and strategies were analyzed using a Pearson correlation analysis. A stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of self-esteem. The self-esteem level was positively related to the task-focused style (r = 0.228) and negatively related to the emotion-focused style (r = −0.329). The self-esteem level was significantly positively related to the strategies of active coping (r = 0.358), planning (r = 0.355), and seeking emotional support (r = 0.319) and was negatively related to self-blaming (r = −0.448) and to substance use (r = −0.301). The predictors of self-esteem level were: the strategies of self-blaming, planning, and the support-seeking dimension (F(3, 95) = 17.65; p < 0.001), explaining 33.8% of the variability in subjects’ self-esteem level. The moderating effect of age occurred in patients up to 65 years; it was statistically insignificant in patients older than 65 years. Replacement of the self-blame strategy and the emotion-focused style may lead to higher self-esteem of patients. The level of self-esteem can predict the strategies of self-blaming, planning, and the dimension of seeking support. For patients up to 65 years, psychological support should include reinforcement of adaptive forms of coping. Full article

23 pages, 2333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Coordinated Development and Regulation Research on Public Health, Ecological Environment and Economic Development: Evidence from the Yellow River Basin of China

by Wei Wei, Chenggong Jin, Ying Han, Zhenhui Huang, Tong Niu and Jinkai Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116927 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

The dual problems of the public crisis from the global epidemic and the deterioration of the ecological environment constrain the economic development in the Yellow River Basin. To promote the sustainable and balanced development in the Yellow River Basin, this paper takes public [...] Read more.

The dual problems of the public crisis from the global epidemic and the deterioration of the ecological environment constrain the economic development in the Yellow River Basin. To promote the sustainable and balanced development in the Yellow River Basin, this paper takes public health, ecological environment, and economic development, as a whole, to study the coordinated development of the Yellow River Basin. Based on coupling coordinated theory, we use the SMI-P method to evaluate the coordinated development index of public health, the ecological environment, and economic development in the Yellow River Basin. Moreover, we use the coordinated regulation and obstacle factor diagnosis to identify the main influencing factors and design regulation methods to optimize the coordinated development index. The results found that (1), during the research period, there is spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the coordinated development level in the Yellow River Basin. From 2009 to 2019, the overall development index increased steadily, while the regional disparity in the coordinated development level was obvious. (2) The ecological environment indicators contribute more to the relevance and obstacle factors, such as the average concentration of fine particulate matter, per capita arable land area, afforestation area, etc. (3) After regulating the overall development level of the Yellow River Basin, we prove that Path 4, which comprehensively considers the relevance and obstacle factors, performs better. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Crucial Topics for 2030 Public Health)

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13 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations among Gender, Age, eHealth Literacy, Beliefs about Medicines and Medication Adherence among Elementary and Secondary School Teachers

by Chiao Ling Huang, Chia Hsing Chiang, Shu Ching Yang and Fu-Zong Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116926 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1929

Abstract

Background: A lack of health literacy may negatively impact patient adherence behavior in health care delivery, leading to a major threat to individual health and wellbeing and an increasing financial burden on national healthcare systems. Therefore, how to cultivate citizens’ health literacy, especially [...] Read more.

Background: A lack of health literacy may negatively impact patient adherence behavior in health care delivery, leading to a major threat to individual health and wellbeing and an increasing financial burden on national healthcare systems. Therefore, how to cultivate citizens’ health literacy, especially electronic health (eHealth) literacy that is closely related to the Internet, may be seen as a way to reduce the financial burden of the national healthcare systems, which is the responsibility of every citizen. However, previous studies on medication adherence have mostly been conducted with chronic disease patient samples rather than normal samples. Teachers are not only the main body of school health efforts, but also role models for students’ healthy behavior. Therefore, understanding differences in eHealth literacy beliefs among schoolteachers would be helpful for improving the existing health promoting programs and merit specific research. Aims: The present study identified the relationships among gender, age, electronic health (eHealth) literacy, beliefs about medicines, and medication adherence among elementary and secondary school teachers. Methods: A total of 485 teachers aged 22–51 years completed a pen-and-paper questionnaire. The instruments included an eHealth literacy scale, a belief about medicines scale and a medication adherence scale. Results: The results showed a significant difference between genders in necessity beliefs about medication (t = 2.00, p < 0.05), and a significant difference between ages in functional eHealth literacy (F = 3.18, p < 0.05) and in necessity beliefs about medication (Welch = 7.63, p < 0.01). Moreover, age (β = 0.09), functional eHealth literacy (β = 0.12), and necessity beliefs about medication (β = 0.11) positively predicted medication adherence, while concerns about medication (β = −0.23) negatively predicted medication adherence. Conclusions: The results showed that male teachers had stronger concerns about medication than female teachers. Teachers aged 42–51 years had lower functional eHealth literacy and stronger necessity beliefs about medication than teachers aged 22–31 years. In addition, teachers who were older, had higher functional eHealth literacy, had stronger necessity beliefs about medication, and had fewer concerns about medication tended to take their medications as prescribed. These findings revealed that helping teachers develop high eHealth literacy and positive beliefs about medicines is an effective strategy for improving medication adherence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue eHealth Literacy, Health Risk Behavior and Health Beliefs in Teenagers and Adults)

12 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Literacy, Socioeconomic Status and Vaccination Uptake: A Study on Influenza Vaccination in a Population-Based Sample

by Patrizio Zanobini, Chiara Lorini, Saverio Caini, Vieri Lastrucci, Maria Masocco, Valentina Minardi, Valentina Possenti, Giovanna Mereu, Rossella Cecconi and Guglielmo Bonaccorsi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116925 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

Background: Health Literacy (HL) has been recently hypothesized to affect the relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and health conditions. However, to date no study has yet assessed the potential contribution of HL in the pathway through which SES affects influenza vaccination status. We [...] Read more.

Background: Health Literacy (HL) has been recently hypothesized to affect the relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and health conditions. However, to date no study has yet assessed the potential contribution of HL in the pathway through which SES affects influenza vaccination status. We aim to examine the relationships among HL, SES factors, and influenza vaccination uptake in Tuscan (Italy) residents belonging to different high-risk groups (HRGs) for influenza. Methods: The study was performed within the Tuscan population sample selected in the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2017–2018. HL was assessed using the Italian version of the 6-items European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q6). Mediation analyses were conducted using SES variables as independent variables, influenza vaccination status as dependent variable and HL as mediator variable. Results: A total of 3278 people belonged to HRGs for influenza. In the whole sample, 19.4% of the participants were vaccinated against influenza. Participants who were not employed or had a poor financial status were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.26–1.94, p < 0.001, and OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.00–1.48, p = 0.047 respectively). HL did not mediate the relationship of any of the independent variables with influenza vaccination status. Conclusions: Some SES determinants resulted to influence influenza vaccination uptake, while HL did not affect the likelihood of influenza vaccination uptake among HRGs. Universal health care systems, as in the case of Italy, offering influenza vaccination free of charge to HRGs help in reducing inequalities and mitigating HL demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy in the Mediterranean Countries)

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, Volume 19, Issue 11 (June-1 2022) – 602 articles

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