scholarly journals Environmental Noise around Hospital Areas: A Case Study

Environments ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Montes-González ◽  
Juan Barrigón-Morillas ◽  
Valentín Gómez Escobar ◽  
Rosendo Vílchez-Gómez ◽  
Guillermo Rey-Gozalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Software Model ◽  
Highly Sensitive

Due to the particular characteristics of hospitals, these buildings are highly sensitive to environmental noise. However, they are usually located close or within urban agglomerations. Hence, hospitals are, in many cases, exposed to high levels of environmental noise. A study of one of the main hospitals in the Extremadura region (Spain) is presented here to allow a global assessment of the acoustic impact of outdoor sound sources. Both long- and short-term measurements were carried out, and a software model was developed. The measured values exceed the World Health Organisation reference value of 50 dBA for daytime and evening, and are even higher than the 55 dBA limit at which severe annoyance is generated. Taking into account the results obtained, the noise impact on this hospital is primarily influenced by three sound sources: road traffic, cooling towers of the hospital and the emergency helicopter. Their relative importance depends on the facade under consideration. It can therefore be concluded that the overall situation of the hospital needs to be improved. Thus, a series of solutions are proposed for a possible action plan based on interventions regarding the main sound sources and the location of the most sensitive areas to environmental noise.

scholarly journals Soundscape approach integrating noise mapping techniques: a case study in Brighton, UK

Noise Mapping ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
Sound Maps

AbstractIn the guidelines about the management of areas of good environmental noise quality recently published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) it is suggested to combine different methodologies, like noise mapping, sound level measurements and the soundscape approach. Such a recommendation has started to be recognised by a number of local authorities in Europe that are gradually integrating a holistic concept into their environmental noise policies. This research aimed to explore and demonstrate the possibility to integrate conventional noise mapping methods and soundscape methods in an actual urban redevelopment project. A case study was made using the Valley Gardens project in Brighton & Hove (UK). Different scenarios of sound-pressure level distributionswere simulated for both traffic sound sources (i.e. noise maps) and natural sound sources (i.e. sound maps). Additionally, individual responses about the sound environment of the place collected during an on-site question survey were used to implement soundscape maps.The overall picture revealed that the road traffic noise should be reduced, but also it is feasible that preferred sounds likewater features or birdsong could be introduced to make the sound environment more appropriate for the place. Generally, within the framework of this research, noise maps, sound maps and soundscape maps were used together to "triangulate" different layers of information related to the acoustic environment and the way it is perceived, providing a possible working procedure to consider for planners and policy-makers in the future.

scholarly journals Reducing the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: WHO Recommendations

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neerja Chowdhary ◽  
Corrado Barbui ◽  
Kaarin J. Anstey ◽  
Miia Kivipelto ◽  
Mariagnese Barbera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The World

With population ageing worldwide, dementia poses one of the greatest global challenges for health and social care in the 21st century. In 2019, around 55 million people were affected by dementia, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries. Dementia leads to increased costs for governments, communities, families and individuals. Dementia is overwhelming for the family and caregivers of the person with dementia, who are the cornerstone of care and support systems throughout the world. To assist countries in addressing the global burden of dementia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) developed the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017–2025. It proposes actions to be taken by governments, civil society, and other global and regional partners across seven action areas, one of which is dementia risk reduction. This paper is based on WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia and presents recommendations on evidence-based, multisectoral interventions for reducing dementia risks, considerations for their implementation and policy actions. These global evidence-informed recommendations were developed by WHO, following a rigorous guideline development methodology and involved a panel of academicians and clinicians with multidisciplinary expertise and representing geographical diversity. The recommendations are considered under three broad headings: lifestyle and behaviour interventions, interventions for physical health conditions and specific interventions. By supporting health and social care professionals, particularly by improving their capacity to provide gender and culturally appropriate interventions to the general population, the risk of developing dementia can be potentially reduced, or its progression delayed.

scholarly journals Economic burden of silent mental disorders: a case study of agnosia in schizophrenia

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 401
Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar Chattu ◽  
Paula Mahon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Output ◽  
The World

Mental health problems affect society as a whole, and not just a small, isolated segment. In developed countries with well-organized healthcare systems, between 44% and 70% of patients with mental disorders do not receive treatment whereas in developing countries the treatment gap being close to 90%. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting more than 21 million people worldwide. People with schizophrenia are 2-2.5 times more likely to die early than the general population. The case study highlights about agnosia in a schizophrenic patient in a primary care setting and how to address the management at a broader perspective using the appropriate antipsychotic medication and ensuring the support from a family without violating the human rights of the patient. The World Economic Forum estimated that the cumulative global impact of mental disorders in terms of lost economic output will amount to US$ 16 trillion over the next 20 years, equivalent to more than 1% of the global gross domestic product. Mental health should be a concern for all of us, rather than only for those who suffer from a mental disorder. The mental health action plan 2013-2020, endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2013, highlights the steps required to provide appropriate services for people with mental disorders including schizophrenia. A key recommendation of the action plan is to shift services from institutions to the community. Mental health must be considered a focus of renewed investment not just in terms of human development and dignity but also in terms of social and economic development.

Developing a Skilled Workforce: Impact of a Postgraduate Programme on Dementia Knowledge, Attitudes and Training Needs

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
C. Scerri
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Healthcare Profession ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Global Action

In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the global action plan on the public health response to dementia. Among its many aims, the plan recommends the need to create a knowledge-based healthcare profession that delivers evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and human rights-orientated health and social care, including long-term services for individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals How did the UK government face the global COVID-19 pandemic?

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamiris Cristhina Resende ◽  
Marco Antonio Catussi Paschoalotto ◽  
Stephen Peckham ◽  
Claudia Souza Passador ◽  
João Luiz Passador
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
First Case ◽  
The World ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract This paper aims to analyse the coordination and cooperation in Primary Health Care (PHC) measures adopted by the British government against the spread of the COVID-19. PHC is clearly part of the solution founded by governments across the world to fight against the spread of the virus. Data analysis was performed based on coordination, cooperation, and PHC literature crossed with documentary analysis of the situation reports released by the World Health Organisation and documents, guides, speeches and action plans on the official UK government website. The measures adopted by the United Kingdom were analysed in four periods, which helps to explain the courses of action during the pandemic: pre-first case (January 22- January 31, 2020), developing prevention measures (February 1 -February 29, 2020), first Action Plan (March 1- March 23, 2020) and lockdown (March 24-May 6, 2020). Despite the lack of consensus in essential matters such as Brexit, the nations in the United Kingdom are working together with a high level of cooperation and coordination in decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Pattern of Road Traffic Accidents among Commercial Motorcyclists in the Central Tongu District, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Kennedy Diema Konlan ◽  
Abdul Razak Doat ◽  
Iddrisu Mohammed ◽  
Roberta Mensima Amoah ◽  
Joel Afram Saah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Traffic Crashes ◽  
Road Traffic Crashes

Background. The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.35 million people die as a result of road traffic crashes. Motorcycles as a means of transport are increasingly becoming the preferred and easiest means of transportation for most people in developing countries despite the associated risk. This study determined the prevalence and pattern of motorcycle crashes in Adidome among commercial motorcyclists. Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used as 114 commercial motorcyclists were recruited to respond to a pretested research questionnaire in the Adidome district of the Volta Region. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.0. Data were presented as simple descriptive statistics. A chi-square relationship was determined using the demographic variables, and the history of accident at a 95% confidence interval with 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of road traffic crashes at Adidome was 64.0%. Motorcyclists (74.0%) were reported to have been involved in crashes in the past one year prior to the study. Motorcyclists attributed the last accident to excessive speeding (31.5%) and bad roads (23.3%), this accident as a result of colliding with another motorcycle (50.7%), and slippery surfaces (24.7%). The majority (63.0%) of the respondents had an accident once. The consumption of alcohol was associated with the occurrence of an accident as 34.2% occurred among cyclists who drank alcohol, compared with 29.8% who did not (p<0.05). Conclusion. There should be strict implementation of current road traffic regulations of Ghana by the MTTD of the Ghana Police Service, and penalties should be awarded against anybody caught riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol. Helmet and other protective devices must be made compulsory for motorcycle riders to prevent injuries, especially head injuries, if an accident occurs.

scholarly journals 1395 The Influence of Shortened Antimicrobial Courses in Surgical Management of Mid 1/3rd Facial Fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Lawrence ◽  
R Karia ◽  
K George
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Facial Fractures ◽  
Operative Complications ◽  
Post Operative Complications

Abstract Aim Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing issue posing a grave threat to global public health. A prospective pilot study within our OMFS unit investigated the effects a shortened course of perioperative antimicrobial cover had on infective post-operative complications in patients who had surgical management of mid 1/3rd facial fractures. Method As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, with our microbiology team we developed and implemented a shortened antimicrobial protocol for use in the surgical management of mid 1/3rd facial fractures. Following protocol implementation, the records of 55 patients who underwent surgery for their mid 1/3 facial fractures between May 2019 and May 2020 were reviewed. Results Of 55 patients who underwent surgical management of mid 1/3rd facial fractures 28/55 (50.9%) were prescribed a shortened course of perioperative antimicrobials depending on whether an intra or extra oral surgical approach was used, whilst 27/55 (49.1%) were prescribed a longer course of antimicrobials. Of those given a shortened course of antimicrobials 1/28 (3.6%) experienced infective post-operative complications. Conversely 4/27 (14.8%) of those given a longer course of antibiotics experienced infective post-operative complications. Conclusions This data supports growing evidence that shorter courses of antimicrobials are appropriate in the surgical management of facial fractures. As OMFS surgeons we can utilise evidence-based medicine to provide optimal surgical care whilst simultaneously contributing to healthcare professionals’ obligations to tackle the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

scholarly journals Implementing a Two-Tiered Model of Optometry Training in Mozambique as an Eye Health Development Strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Diane van Staden ◽  
James Loughman ◽  
Kovin Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Training Model ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Situational Analysis ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Health Strategy

BACKGROUND: The global burden of vision impairment has been acknowledged by the World Health Organisation as a public health challenge. In order to scale up the production of eye health personnel in developing countries, a tiered model of optometry training was explored in Mozambique. OBJECTIVES: The Mozambique case study was evaluated to assess the feasibility of a tiered model of optometry training as a developmental eye health strategy. METHODS: A qualitative, case study approach was used. Semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted and project documents were reviewed in the data collection phase. Data underwent a process of content analysis, using a constant comparative approach across sources, and was analysed thematically using inductive reasoning. RESULTS: Three key themes which emerged were Rationale for a training model, Implementation considerations and Development practice considerations. Results demonstrated that while tiered models of training may have developmental rationale, awareness of the profession and its place in addressing health needs, intensive consultation with local stakeholders and a thorough situational analysis are required for this strategy to be feasible. CONCLUSIONS: A tiered model of training appears to have theoretical basis as a developmental eye health strategy. However, local applicability and legislative alignment is required in order for these training initiatives to be sustainably implemented.

Acoustic balance between highway and metro: a case study of Dos Hermanas

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (1) ◽  
pp. 5884-5890
Author(s):  
Gabriel Piza ◽  
José Ancela
Keyword(s):  
Pollution Control ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
European Parliament ◽  
Highway Traffic ◽  
High Level ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Noise Map

With the Directive 2002/49 of the European Parliament, commitments are established for the control of noise pollution for member countries. Based on such determination, an important tool for the noise pollution control is the noise map, which represents an area or its population exposed to different ranges of noise. The same Directive defines that environmental noise is influenced by different sources, including transport routes such as road traffic and the subway. This study evaluates the acoustic balance between the Sevilla metro and the A-376 highway traffic. For such assessment, different mobility scenarios have been developed and all of them have been evaluated using noise maps. A residential block in Dos Hermanas, a town in Sevilla province, has been taken as a case study. According to the evaluated scenarios, the population affected by high level noises decreases as the metro is more used than the highway.

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