scholarly journals The Impact of Hurricane Irma on the Metabolism of St. Martin’s Island

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana Popescu ◽  
Hélène Beraud ◽  
Bruno Barroca

Due to their sometimes devastating and, at the same time, transformative effects, the impacts of major hurricanes on small islands leave their mark both on the way territories operate and on their future development. This was the case during the passage of hurricane Irma over the island of Saint Martin in 2017. By analyzing the stocks and circulation of hurricane waste flows, our aim was to see whether the inherent evolution of Saint Martin’s metabolism as a result of the island’s total destruction tended toward a lasting transformation of its waste management system and, therefore, toward the territory’s sustainability. This evolution was analyzed in a diachronic approach and over a short time frame. It was based on three structuring territorial metabolism dimensions: the intensity of waste flows, the spatial structure of the metabolism and the actors and techniques that explain it. Results show that while the intensity of the waste flows changed durably after Irma, the lasting transformation of the spatial structure and the actor system was less obvious and depended on the waste stream. Results also reveal the importance of reflecting on the development of recycling and reuse methods as a solution for improving post-hurricane waste planning on islands.

JAMIA Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Shin ◽  
Yuanyuan Feng ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Jarrahi ◽  
Nicci Gafinowitz

Abstract Objectives Activity trackers hold the promise to support people in managing their health through quantified measurements about their daily physical activities. Monitoring personal health with quantified activity tracker-generated data provides patients with an opportunity to self-manage their health. Many have been conducted within short-time frames; makes it difficult to discover the impact of the activity tracker’s novelty effect or the reasons for the device’s long-term use. This study explores the impact of novelty effect on activity tracker adoption and the motivation for sustained use beyond the novelty period. Materials and methods This study uses a mixed-methods approach that combines both quantitative activity tracker log analysis and qualitative one-on-one interviews to develop a deeper behavioral understanding of 23 Fitbit device users who used their trackers for at least 2 months (range of use = 69–1073 days). Results Log data from users’ Fitbit devices revealed 2 stages: the novelty period and the long-term use period. The novelty period for Fitbit users in this study was approximately 3 months, during which they might have discontinued using their devices. Discussion The qualitative interview data identified various factors that users to continuously use the Fitbit devices in different stages. The discussion of these results provides design implications to guide future development of activity tracking technology. Conclusion This study reveals important dynamics emerging over long-term activity tracker use, contributes new knowledge to consumer health informatics and human-computer interaction, and offers design implications to guide future development of similar health-monitoring technologies that better account for long-term use in support of patient care and health self-management.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Pasquon ◽  
Gwenaël Jouannic ◽  
Julien Gargani ◽  
Chloé Tran Duc Minh ◽  
Denis Crozier

<p>Natural disasters lead to many victims and major damage in France and around the world. In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the French islands of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy (West Indies), killing 11 people and causing more than €2 billion in insured damage. Ranked 5 in category on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with average winds of 287 km/h, this hurricane highlighted the vulnerability of our society to this type of phenomenon.</p><p>One can question the inability of society to face up to and recover from the consequences of these events. In this sense, this work questions the adaptation of the island of Saint-Martin to hurricanes and its entire environment. We have chosen to focus on the evolution of this island over 65 years: from 1954 to 2017 (before Hurricane Irma). We mainly used aerial images of IGN (Institut National de l’Information Géographique et Forestière) available regularly since 1947. Among the elements that have served us to characterize this evolution, we have focused on land use (buildings, infrastructure and anthropization) and demographics.</p><p>We show, in this study, that between 1954 and 2017 (before Hurricane Irma), Saint Martin had to adapt to numerous constraints, some of which were far more important than hurricanes. In 65 years, the population density of the French part of Saint Martin increased from 75 to 668 inhab/km². The majority of this increase occurred in a five year period following the Pons law of 1986 which favoured tax breaks for real estate investment. More than 12 000 buildings have been built in Saint Martin to welcome the new inhabitants of the island as well as tourists. Many neighbourhoods experienced significant growth which started in the late 80's. However we observe differences in urban planning, a result of social and territorial segregation which exists on the island. On the one hand, there are private residences in affluent neighbourhoods, on the other hand working-class neighbourhoods with vulnerable dwellings. The effect of hurricanes on this society, which has been highly unequal since the 1960's up to the 1980's, is to reinforce inequalities. The fragile habitats of the poorest populations have been more deeply affected than the richest parts of the population which have been financially supported for reconstruction.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga E. Holmdahl ◽  
Caroline O. Buckee ◽  
Lauren M. Childs

Background Systematic, long-term, and spatially representative monitoring of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations is urgently needed to quantify its impact on malaria transmission, and to combat failing interventions when resistance emerges. Resistance assays on wild-caught adult mosquitoes (known as adult-capture) offer an alternative to the current protocols, and can be done cheaply, in a shorter time frame, and in the absence of an insectary. However, quantitative assessments of the performance of these assays relative to the gold standard, which involves rearing larvae in an insectary, are lacking. Methodology/Principal findings We developed a discrete-time deterministic mosquito lifecycle model to simulate insecticide resistance assays from adult-captured mosquito collection in a heterogeneous environment compared to the gold standard larval capture methods, and to quantify possible biases in the results. We incorporated non-lethal effects of insecticide exposure that have been demonstrated in laboratory experiments, spatial structure, and the impact of multiple exposure to insecticides and natural ageing on mosquito death rates during the assay. Using output from this model, we compared the results of these assays to true resistance as measured by the presence of the resistance allele. In simulated samples of 100 test mosquitoes, reflecting WHO-recommended sample sizes, we found that compared to adult-captured assays (MSE = 0.0059), larval-captured assays were a better measure of true resistance (MSE = 0.0018). Using a correction model, we were able to improve the accuracy of the adult-captured assay results (MSE = 0.0038). Bias in the adult-capture assays was dependent on the level of insecticide resistance rather than coverage of bed nets or spatial structure. Conclusions/Significance Using adult-captured mosquitoes for resistance assays has logistical advantages over the standard larval-capture collection, and may be a more accurate sample of the mosquito population. These results show that adult-captured assays can be improved using a simple mathematical approach and used to inform resistance monitoring programs.


CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S90-S90
Author(s):  
M. R. Lipkus ◽  
A. Meiwald ◽  
K. Van Aarsen

Introduction: At academic hospitals, it is a residents responsibility to teach junior learners. Residents endorse that there is limited education on how to effectively teach junior learners, and suggest a more formal curriculum on how to teach would be beneficial. Emergency Medicine (EM) residencies in North America may have a resident as teacher (RAT) curriculum, however, no Canadian EM study has characterized the impact of a RAT curriculum on residents. Our educational concept was to implement a formalized RAT workshop for residents in an EM residency. We assessed residents attitudes and comfort levels towards teaching in response to the curriculum. Methods: A formal RAT curriculum, provided at a single center in a 6-hour session, was provided for both Royal College and College of Family Physician EM residents. Residents completed a survey evaluating attitudes and behaviours regarding their ability to teach and give feedback as part of their roles as teachers, consistent with Kirkpatricks second level of program evaluation. The surveys were administered pre-workshop, immediately post-workshop, and at 3 and 6 months following the RAT workshop. Results: Residents were surveyed in terms of their attitudes towards teaching on a 5-point likert scale. Our educational concept was delivered through a 6-hour workshop with emphasis on practical teaching skills that residents could incorporate into their practice. Lecture topics included orientation of the learner, giving effective feedback, teaching within a short time frame, as well as an introduction to theory of learning. Lectures were geared to be interactive, and included breakout sessions and group discussions. 21 residents participated in the workshop. Of 18 pre-survey respondents, 89.8% (n=16) had no previous formal training in how to teach, yet 72.21% (n=13) ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ have a learner on shift with them. There were 15 post survey respondents. 53.33% (n=8) respondents somewhat agreed or agreed they were more likely to teach in response to the workshop, and 56.25% (n=8) responded that they somewhat agreed or agreed they were more comfortable with teaching while in the Emergency Department in an immediate post workshop survey. Conclusion: After a formal RAT curriculum, residents reported that they had increased comfort and were more likely to teach junior learners. Although small and single-centered, our study will help provide a basis for larger RAT studies, evaluating the effect on both residents and junior learners.


Economics ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 921-937
Author(s):  
Henry Shin

The purpose of this chapter is to detail the impact of the Arab Spring Revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya in regards to entrepreneurship. This study tests the validity of three hypotheses, which were whether the Arab Spring revolutions had a positive relationship with entrepreneurial inhibitors, a negative relationship with entrepreneurial enablers, and a negative relationship with entrepreneurial activity in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. This quantitative study utilized data from before, during, and after the Arab Spring Revolutions to evaluate the validity of the hypotheses. Findings determined partial validity in regard to all three relationships; more research is necessary to determine if these hypotheses can be fully validated. With only a short time frame since the end of these revolutions, future data of these factors are required to determine whether it truly was the Arab Spring Revolutions that had an impact on entrepreneurship in these countries.


Author(s):  
Henry Shin

The purpose of this chapter is to detail the impact of the Arab Spring Revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya in regards to entrepreneurship. This study tests the validity of three hypotheses, which were whether the Arab Spring revolutions had a positive relationship with entrepreneurial inhibitors, a negative relationship with entrepreneurial enablers, and a negative relationship with entrepreneurial activity in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. This quantitative study utilized data from before, during, and after the Arab Spring Revolutions to evaluate the validity of the hypotheses. Findings determined partial validity in regard to all three relationships; more research is necessary to determine if these hypotheses can be fully validated. With only a short time frame since the end of these revolutions, future data of these factors are required to determine whether it truly was the Arab Spring Revolutions that had an impact on entrepreneurship in these countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael Coulson ◽  
Catherine Gilmore ◽  
Catherine Sheridan ◽  
Anna Murray ◽  
Scott McCain ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a reduction in trainee hands-on learning opportunities due to curtailment of elective workload. Our study aims to assess the impact of non-consultant led operating on theatre list efficiency. Methods Prospective data collection over an eight week period of consecutive elective day case hernia lists at a newly established regional centre of excellence for day surgery. Specifically recording of key time points in surgical cases including time ready, knife to skin, last suture and exit theatre. This was achieved using the Theatre Management System (TMS). Results 46 patients underwent open unilateral elective inguinal hernia repair. 54% (N = 25) of cases were trainee led. Median trainee time was 53 minutes, vs 51 minutes for consultant led procedures; no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion Day case elective hernia lists can be efficient training opportunities for general surgical trainees. Our results demonstrate that trainee-led operating in this setting have not resulted in significantly increased surgical time or operative theatre inefficiency. It is widely acknowledged there is benefit to training in performing the same technical skill within a short time frame.


Author(s):  
Emilda Emilda

The limitations of waste management in the Cipayung Landfill (TPA) causing a buildup of garbage up to more than 30 meters. This condition has a health impact on people in Cipayung Village. This study aims to analyze the impact of waste management at Cipayung Landfill on public health in Cipayung Village, Depok City. The research is descriptive qualitative. Data obtained by purposive sampling. Data was collected by interviews, observation and documentation. Based on interviews with 30 respondents, it was found that the most common diseases were diarrhea, then other types of stomach ailments, subsequent itching on the skin and coughing. This is presumably because the environmental conditions in the form of unhealthy air and water and clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) have not become the habit of the people. The results indicated that there were no respondents who had implemented all of these criteria. In general respondents have implemented  3 criteria, namely maintaining hair hygiene, maintaining skin cleanliness, and maintaining hand hygiene. While maintaining clean water storage is the most often overlooked behavior. To minimize this health impact, improvements in waste management in Cipayung landfill are needed along with continuous socialization and education to develop PHBS habits and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.


Author(s):  
Alistair Fox

This book investigates the coming-of-age genre as a significant phenomenon in New Zealand’s national cinema, tracing its development from the 1970s to the present day. A preliminary chapter identifies the characteristics of the coming-of-age film as a genre, tracing its evolution and the influence of the French New Wave and European Art Cinema, and speculating on the role of the genre in the output of national cinemas. Through case studies of fifteen significant films, including The God Boy, Sleeping Dogs, The Scarecrow, Vigil, Mauri, An Angel at My Table, Heavenly Creatures, Once Were Warriors, Rain, Whale Rider, In My Father’s Den, 50 Ways of Saying Fabulous, Boy, Mahana, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, subsequent chapters examine thematic preoccupations of filmmakers such as the impact of repressive belief systems and social codes, the experience of cultural dislocation, the expression of a Māori perspective through an indigenous “Fourth Cinema,” bicultural relationships, and issues of sexual identity, arguing that these films provide a unique insight into the cultural formation of New Zealanders. Given that the majority of films are adaptations of literary sources, the book also explores the dialogue each film conducts with the nation’s literature, showing how the time frame of each film is updated in a way that allows these films to be considered as a register of important cultural shifts that have occurred as New Zealanders have sought to discover their emerging national identity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5896
Author(s):  
Kylie Ching Mun Wang ◽  
Khai Ern Lee ◽  
Mazlin Mokhtar

In many regions and nations, solid waste management is deemed as critical, complicated, and multifaceted. The essence of solid waste management in each society can be influenced by a variety of economic activities and physical geographies. Small islands with their geographic isolation and a tourism-driven economy pose a great challenge in ensuring sustainability in respect to solid waste management. Beyond the issues of solid waste management on small islands, the governance of solid waste management particularly requires distinctive attention. This aspect is often disregarded as it is a tricky issue for many governments, especially on the territories of small islands. Through the lens of Evolutionary Governance Theory, this paper examines the rigidity in the governance of solid waste management, particularly on small islands, in how related issues are addressed. A range of aspects of governance of solid waste management are analyzed and gaps are identified to propose a way forward in approaching governance problems on small islands through the conceptualization of evolutionary governance.


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