Research

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8 pages, 2512 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Ambient PM Concentrations as a Precursor of Emergency Visits for Respiratory Complaints: Roles of Deep Learning and Multi-Point Real-Time Monitoring

by SungChul Seo, Choongki Min, Madeline Preston, Sanghoon Han, Sung-Hyuk Choi, So Young Kang and Dohyeong Kim

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2703; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14052703 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1200

Abstract

Despite ample evidence that high levels of particulate matter (PM) are associated with increased emergency visits related to respiratory diseases, little has been understood about how prediction processes could be improved by incorporating real-time data from multipoint monitoring stations. While previous studies use [...] Read more.

Despite ample evidence that high levels of particulate matter (PM) are associated with increased emergency visits related to respiratory diseases, little has been understood about how prediction processes could be improved by incorporating real-time data from multipoint monitoring stations. While previous studies use traditional statistical models, this study explored the feasibility of deep learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of predicting daily emergency hospital visits by tracking their spatiotemporal association with PM concentrations. We compared the predictive accuracy of the models based on PM datasets collected between 1 December 2019 and 31 December 2021 from a single but more accurate air monitoring station in each district (Air Korea) and multiple but less accurate monitoring sites (Korea Testing & Research Institute; KTR) within Guro District in Seoul, South Korea. We used MLP (multilayer perceptron) to integrate PM data from multiple locations and then LSTM (long short-term memory) models to incorporate the intrinsic temporal PM trends into the learning process. The results reveal evidence that predictive accuracy is improved from 1.67 to 0.79 in RMSE when spatial variations of air pollutants from multi-point stations are incorporated in the algorithm as a 9-day time window. The findings suggest guidelines on how environmental and health policymakers can arrange limited resources for emergency care and design ambient air monitoring and prevention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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15 pages, 1967 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Roles of Economic Development Level and Other Human System Factors in COVID-19 Spread in the Early Stage of the Pandemic

by Peilei Fan, Jiquan Chen and Tanni Sarker

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2342; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14042342 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1819

Abstract

We identified four distinct clusters of 151 countries based on COVID-19 prevalence rate from 1 February 2020 to 29 May 2021 by performing nonparametric K-means cluster analysis (KmL). We forecasted future development of the clusters by using a nonlinear 3-parameter logistic (3PL) model, [...] Read more.

We identified four distinct clusters of 151 countries based on COVID-19 prevalence rate from 1 February 2020 to 29 May 2021 by performing nonparametric K-means cluster analysis (KmL). We forecasted future development of the clusters by using a nonlinear 3-parameter logistic (3PL) model, and found that peak points of development are the latest for Cluster I and earliest for Cluster IV. Based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for the first twenty weeks after 1 February 2020, we found that the prevalence rate of COVID-19 has been significantly influenced by major elements of human systems. Better health infrastructure, more restriction of human mobility, higher urban population density, and less urban environmental degradation are associated with lower levels of prevalence rate (PR) of COVID-19. The most striking discovery of this study is that economic development hindered the control of COVID-19 spread among countries in the early stage of the pandemic. Highlights: While richer countries have advantages in health and other urban infrastructures that may alleviate the prevalence rate of COVID-19, the combination of high economic development level and low restriction on human mobility has led to faster spread of the virus in the first 20 weeks after 1 February 2020. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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14 pages, 1204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating the Risk of Acute Gastrointestinal Disease Attributed to E. coli O157:H7 in Irrigation Water and Agricultural Soil: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment

by Chidozie Declan Iwu, Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja, Anthony Ifeanyin Okoh, Michael Ekubu Otim and Amina M. Al Marzouqi

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1878; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031878 - 07 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

Introduction: The occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in the agricultural environment poses a serious threat to public health. The primary aim was to estimate the probability of illness caused by E. coli O157:H7 in irrigation water and agricultural soil niches. Methods: The Quantitative [...] Read more.

Introduction: The occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in the agricultural environment poses a serious threat to public health. The primary aim was to estimate the probability of illness caused by E. coli O157:H7 in irrigation water and agricultural soil niches. Methods: The Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment was used and the risks were characterized using the Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations. Results: The mean levels of E. coli O157:H7 in the irrigation water and agricultural soil samples was 1.328 × 10³ CFU/100 mL (Range: 0.00 to 13.000 × 10³ CFU/100 mL) and 2.482 × 10³ CFU/g (Range: 0.167 × 10³ to 16.333 × 10³ CFU/g), respectively. The risk of infection in humans exposed to this water and soil was 100%. In addition, a high risk of acute diarrheal disease was estimated at 25.0 × 10⁻² for humans exposed to contaminated water and/or soil. Summary: These results exceeded the WHO diarrheal disease risk standard of 1.0 × 10⁻³. These findings demonstrated a high probability of acute gastrointestinal disease among humans exposed to E. coli O157:H7 in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from the study sites representing a huge public health threat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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13 pages, 275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Farmers in Northern Nigeria during Pesticide Application—A Case Study

by Christopher Nwadike, Victoria Ibukun Joshua, Paulina J. S. Doka, Rahaf Ajaj, Ummu Abubakar Hashidu, Sajoh Gwary-Moda, Mela Danjin and Haruna Musa Moda

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10107; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810107 - 09 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3828

Abstract

Pesticides are known human and environmental toxicants, with an estimated 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning happening every year globally, resulting in more than 250,000 deaths. According to the existing literature, different pesticides groups are readily used among farmers in Nigeria. With recent [...] Read more.

Pesticides are known human and environmental toxicants, with an estimated 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning happening every year globally, resulting in more than 250,000 deaths. According to the existing literature, different pesticides groups are readily used among farmers in Nigeria. With recent developments around commercial farming, crop damage from pests, etc., this has led to higher consumption of pesticides among the farming community. The lack of product knowledge and safety awareness among this group further exposes them to the effects of pesticides. The study aims to measure Northern Nigerian farmers’ safety knowledge, awareness, and practices related to pesticide application. A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was adopted to generate responses from 524 farmers across the north-central and northeastern region of the country. Farmers’ attitudes towards pesticide use were driven by high crop yield, as 35.4% strongly agree that pesticide use is indispensable for high crop yield. The frequent use of empty pesticide containers for other secondary uses on the farm or at home, as confirmed by 30.6% of the participants, also presents safety and health concerns. Farmers’ age (p > 0.038) influenced pesticide containers use for other secondary purposes. In contrast, education attainment (p < 0.001) significantly influenced the use of pesticide containers for other farm or domestic uses. Farmers’ safety behaviours are influenced by socioeconomic factors, including educational level, age, and years of farm practice experience. The study concludes on the need to develop an approach that will help strengthen capacity-building programmes and enhance knowledge base initiatives around the adoption of non-synthetic pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

13 pages, 994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Ambient Environment to Prevent Future Outbreaks: How Ambient Environment Relates to COVID-19 Local Transmission in Lima, Peru

by Tsai-Chi Kuo, Ana Maria Pacheco, Aditya Prana Iswara, Denny Dermawan, Gerry Andhikaputra and Lin-Han Chiang Hsieh

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9277; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12219277 - 08 Nov 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2783

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), universally recognized as COVID-19, is currently is a global issue. Our study uses multivariate regression for determining the relationship between the ambient environment and COVID-19 cases in Lima. We also forecast the pattern trajectory of COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), universally recognized as COVID-19, is currently is a global issue. Our study uses multivariate regression for determining the relationship between the ambient environment and COVID-19 cases in Lima. We also forecast the pattern trajectory of COVID-19 cases with variables using an Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average Model (ARIMA). There is a significant association between ambient temperature and PM₁₀ and COVID-19 cases, while no significant correlation has been seen for PM_2.5. All variables in the multivariate regression model have R² = 0.788, which describes a significant exposure to COVID-19 cases in Lima. ARIMA (1,1,1), during observation time of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and average temperature, is found to be suitable for forecasting COVID-19 cases in Lima. This result indicates that the expected high particle concentration and low ambient temperature in the coming season will further facilitate the transmission of the coronavirus if there is no other policy intervention. A suggested sustainable policy related to ambient environment and the lessons learned from different countries to prevent future outbreaks are also discussed in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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19 pages, 844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concentration and Variability of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites, Bisphenol A, Triclosan, and Parabens in Korean Mother–Infant Pairs

by Ju Hee Kim, Dae Ryong Kang, Jung Min Kwak and Jung Kuk Lee

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8516; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12208516 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

Concentrations of toxic chemicals in mothers highly correlate with those in their children; moreover, the levels are higher in children than in mothers. Non-persistent chemicals with a short half-life including phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), and parabens are metabolized and excreted [...] Read more.

Concentrations of toxic chemicals in mothers highly correlate with those in their children; moreover, the levels are higher in children than in mothers. Non-persistent chemicals with a short half-life including phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), and parabens are metabolized and excreted through urine. Therefore, we assessed the urine concentrations of phthalate metabolites, BPA, TCS, and parabens; correlated the concentrations with exposure levels; and assessed the within-individual variability of these chemicals in mothers and their infants. We collected 225 and 71 samples from 45 mothers and 36 infants, respectively. For the variability analysis, 189 and 42 samples were collected from nine mothers and their infants, respectively. The median concentrations of phthalate metabolites in the mothers and infants were 0.53–26.2 and 0.81–61.8 μg/L, respectively, and those of BPA, TCS, and parabens were 0.24–76.3 and 2.06–12.5 μg/L, respectively. The concentrations of monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-N-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and BPA in the mothers were positively correlated with those in infants (0.45, 0.62, and 0.89, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas toxic chemical concentrations in infants were higher than those in the mothers. With respect to the within-individual intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the first morning void (FMV) of the mothers had high ICCs for all chemicals (range: 0.72–0.99), except for BPA, monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), and monocarboxyoctyl phthalate (MCOP). The ICC values of most chemicals were moderate to high (range: 0.34–0.99) in the first morning void. However, there were different patterns of ICCs in the infants. These findings indicate the importance of mother–infant pair studies and the necessity of research in infants, as they have different exposure sources and pathways from adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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18 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns and Changes in Body Weight among Polish Women. A Cross-Sectional Online Survey PLifeCOVID-19 Study

by Małgorzata Ewa Drywień, Jadwiga Hamulka, Monika A. Zielinska-Pukos, Marta Jeruszka-Bielak and Magdalena Górnicka

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7768; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12187768 - 20 Sep 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6346

Abstract

There is limited information on the relationships between restrictions linked to COVID-19 and changes in body weight. The aim of the study was to identify the body weight changes and their determinants in the nutritional and socio-demographic context during the COVID-19 pandemic in [...] Read more.

There is limited information on the relationships between restrictions linked to COVID-19 and changes in body weight. The aim of the study was to identify the body weight changes and their determinants in the nutritional and socio-demographic context during the COVID-19 pandemic in Polish women. During lockdown in Poland, 34% of women gained weight, while 18% of women reduced weight. As many as 44% of women with obesity before the pandemic increased their body weight, and 74% of women that were underweight reduced their body weight. In a group with weight gain, women increased their body weight by 2.8 kg on average and around 65% of them increased their total food intake. Unhealthy dietary changes and the negative lifestyle changes that comprised of an increase in screen time and a decrease in physical activity were found as key factors associated with weight gain. A higher risk of weight gain was associated with being obese before the pandemic or living in a macroeconomic region >50% of EU-28 GDP, while those younger in age and carrying out remote work had a higher chance of weight loss. Concluding, the specific conditions during lockdown worsened the nutritional status, which may increase the risk of complicatedness and mortality from COVID-19. It seems advisable to create dietary and lifestyle recommendations tailored to the individual needs of women who are underweight or have excessive body weight. More attention should be paid also to environmental impacts. Both, the reduction of excessive body weight and the maintenance of a normal weight should be based on the principle to eat and live sustainably and healthily. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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Review

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32 pages, 6872 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Urban Water Cycle as a Planning Tool to Monitor SARS-CoV-2: A Review of the Literature

by Carlos Peña-Guzmán, María Andrea Domínguez-Sánchez, Manuel Rodríguez, Rama Pulicharla and Karen Mora-Cabrera

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9010; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13169010 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2513

Abstract

COVID-19 is a terrible virus that has impacted human health and the economy on a global scale. The detection and control of the pandemic have become necessities that require appropriate monitoring strategies. One of these strategies involves measuring and quantifying the virus in [...] Read more.

COVID-19 is a terrible virus that has impacted human health and the economy on a global scale. The detection and control of the pandemic have become necessities that require appropriate monitoring strategies. One of these strategies involves measuring and quantifying the virus in water at different stages of the Urban Water Cycle (UWC). This article presents a comprehensive literature review of the analyses and quantifications of SARS-CoV-2 in multiple UWC components from 2020 to June 2021. More than 140 studies worldwide with a focus on industrialized nations were identified, mainly in the USA, Australia, and Asia and the European Union. Wastewater treatment plants were the focus of most of these studies, followed by city sewerage systems and hospital effluents. The fewest studies examined the presence of this virus in bodies of water. Most of the studies were conducted for epidemiological purposes. However, a few focused on viral load and its removal using various treatment strategies or modelling and developing strategies to control the disease. Others compared methodologies for determining if SARS-CoV-2 was present or included risk assessments. This is the first study to emphasize the importance of the various individual components of the UWC and their potential impacts on viral transmission from the source to the public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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16 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cyber Risk in Health Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review

by Alberto Sardi, Alessandro Rizzi, Enrico Sorano and Anna Guerrieri

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 7002; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12177002 - 27 Aug 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7579

Abstract

The current world challenges include issues such as infectious disease pandemics, environmental health risks, food safety, and crime prevention. Through this article, a special emphasis is given to one of the main challenges in the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cyber [...] Read more.

The current world challenges include issues such as infectious disease pandemics, environmental health risks, food safety, and crime prevention. Through this article, a special emphasis is given to one of the main challenges in the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cyber risk. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization has detected a dramatic increase in the number of cyber-attacks. For instance, in Italy the COVID-19 emergency has heavily affected cybersecurity; from January to April 2020, the total of attacks, accidents, and violations of privacy to the detriment of companies and individuals has doubled. Using a systematic and rigorous approach, this paper aims to analyze the literature on the cyber risk in the healthcare sector to understand the real knowledge on this topic. The findings highlight the poor attention of the scientific community on this topic, except in the United States. The literature lacks research contributions to support cyber risk management in subject areas such as Business, Management and Accounting; Social Science; and Mathematics. This research outlines the need to empirically investigate the cyber risk, giving a practical solution to health facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Health and Safety)

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