scholarly journals Dengue Transmission Mapping with Weather-Based Predictive Model in Three Southernmost Provinces of Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6754
Author(s):  
Teerawad Sriklin ◽  
Siriwan Kajornkasirat ◽  
Supattra Puttinaovarat
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Mean Temperature ◽  
Dengue Transmission

This study aimed to show maps and analyses that display dengue cases and weather-related factors on dengue transmission in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand, namely Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Data on the number of dengue cases and weather variables including rainfall, rainy day, mean temperature, min temperature, max temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure for the period from January 2015 to December 2019 were obtained from the Bureau of Epidemiology, Ministry of Public Health and the Meteorological Department of Southern Thailand, respectively. Spearman rank correlation test was performed at lags from zero to two months and the predictive modeling used time series Poisson regression analysis. The distribution of dengue cases showed that in Pattani and Yala provinces the most dengue cases occurred in June. Narathiwat province had the most dengue cases occurring in August. The air pressure, relative humidity, rainfall, rainy day, and min temperature are the main predictors in Pattani province, while air pressure, rainy day, and max/mean temperature seem to play important roles in the number of dengue cases in Yala and Narathiwat provinces. The goodness-of-fit analyses reveal that the model fits the data reasonably well. The results provide scientific information for creating effective dengue control programs in the community, and the predictive model can support decision making in public health organizations and for management of the environmental risk area.

EL NINO RELATED CLIMATE AND DENGUE FEVER CASES IN JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
MASROOR ALI KHAN ◽  
KHALID AL GHAMDI ◽  
JAZEM A. MEHYOUB ◽  
RAKHSHAN KHAN
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
El Niño ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Light Traps ◽  
Mosquito Abundance ◽  
Dengue Transmission ◽  
The Relationship

The focus of this study is to find the relationship between El Nino and dengue fever cases in the study area.Mosquito density was recorded with the help of light traps and through aspirators collection. Climate data were obtained from National Meteorology and Environment centre. (Year wise El Nino and La Nina data are according to NOAA & Golden Gate Weather Services). Statistical methods were used to establish the correlation coefficient between different factors. A high significant relationship was observed between Relative Humidity and Dengue fever cases, but Aedes abundance had no significant relationship with either Relative humidity and Temperature. Our conclusion is that the El Nino does not affect the dengue transmission and Aedes mosquito abundance in this region, which is supported by earlier works.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Muslim Students, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110134
Author(s):  
Chutima Rattanawan ◽  
Suraiya Cheloh ◽  
Asma Maimahad ◽  
Malatee Tayeh
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Economic Factor ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
School Age ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia is a global public health problem. The prevalence of anemia among different ages, genders or ethnic groups must be clarified in order to solve problems. This study proposed to determine the prevalence and factors related to anemia among the Muslim school-age population in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from 200 school-age subjects. The thalassemia screening was performed with KKU-OF and KKU-DCIP reagents. The prevalence of anemia in this study was 36.5%, divided into males and females, 33.3% and 39.1%, respectively. The means of Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in the anemic group were significantly lower. The positive results for KKU-OF or KKU-DCIP or both were 15.0%, 2.5%, and 1.0%, respectively. The result of positive OF test was a significantly independent factor for anemia. The number of family members was 5 to 7 and more than 7 persons are related factors for anemia in this study. In summary, the contribution of thalassemia and socio-economic factor are associated factors to anemia in this population. These findings should be addressed in public health strategies for the control of anemia of school-aged Muslims in the region.

scholarly journals Tracking Pandemic Severity Using Data on the Age Structure of Mortality: Lessons From the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Michigan

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (S2) ◽  
pp. S149-S155
Author(s):  
Siddharth Chandra ◽  
Julia Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Test Statistic ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Test ◽  
1918 Influenza ◽  
Death Data ◽  
Excess Deaths

Objectives. To test whether distortions in the age structure of mortality during the 1918 influenza pandemic in Michigan tracked the severity of the pandemic. Methods. We calculated monthly excess deaths during the period of 1918 to 1920 by using monthly data on all-cause deaths for the period of 1912 to 1920 in Michigan. Next, we measured distortions in the age distribution of deaths by using the Kuiper goodness-of-fit test statistic comparing the monthly distribution of deaths by age in 1918 to 1920 with the baseline distribution for the corresponding month for 1912 to 1917. Results. Monthly distortions in the age distribution of deaths were correlated with excess deaths for the period of 1918 to 1920 in Michigan (r = 0.83; P < .001). Conclusions. Distortions in the age distribution of deaths tracked variations in the severity of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Public Health Implications. It may be possible to track the severity of pandemic activity with age-at-death data by identifying distortions in the age distribution of deaths. Public health authorities should explore the application of this approach to tracking the COVID-19 pandemic in the absence of complete data coverage or accurate cause-of-death data.

scholarly journals ASSESSING THE FACTORS CAUSING PROJECT COMPLETION DELAYS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OF OMAN USING SEM-PLS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 900-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman Suleiman Al Maktoumi ◽  
Firdouse Rahman Khan ◽  
Ahmed Rashid Suwied Al Maktoumi
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Formative Measurement ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Process Allocation

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to investigate the causes of the delays to analyze the factors causing the construction delay in Oman and to investigate the effects of such delays. Design/methodology/approach: To carry out this study 210 samples were collected through a well-defined questionnaire from the construction stakeholders viz. the consultants, contractors, and the clients who were selected on a random sampling basis. Smart PLS for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to analyze the data to obtain the formative measurement models, the structured model, and the goodness of fit. Findings: The results of the study reveal that the client-related factors, equipment-related factors, and material related factors have a significant impact on the completion delay in construction projects. The findings of the study also revealed that the Client related factors were – Delay in providing services, Delayed decision-making process, Allocation of insufficient time. Equipment related factors were – Existing low productive equipment, Unskillful Equipment operator, Breakdown of equipment and Outdated equipment; Material related factors were – Delay in supply of raw materials, Non-availability of materials, Change of materials during construction, Non-availability of accessories and Damaged materials. Research limitations/Implications: The present study covers the stakeholders of the construction projects from selected regions only. The future studies can be extended to other projects and other regions as well. Social implications: The study suggested that the clients’ cooperation especially in providing the contractors with the necessary equipment, facilities, and sufficient time will avoid such delays of the construction projects in Oman. Originality/Value: Only very few have examined the completion delay of the construction projects in Oman using SEM-PLS and it is a first-hand study of its kind and the results will be useful to the stakeholders.

Complexities of communicating atmospheric composition and its impacts during the COVID-19 public health crisis in 2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Volosciuk
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis

&lt;p&gt;The Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is driven by the need to understand the variability and trends in atmospheric composition and the related physical parameters, and to assess the consequences thereof. GAW provides reliable scientific information for a broad spectrum of users, including policymakers, on topics related to atmospheric chemical composition. The programme supports international environmental and climate agreements and improves our understanding of climate change and long-range transboundary air pollution through its work on greenhouse gases, aerosols, reactive gases, atmospheric deposition, stratospheric ozone, and ultraviolet radiation. GAW provides information based on combinations of observations, data analysis and modelling activities, and supports a number of applications at the global, regional and urban scale. This implies a variety of target groups and communication vectors. Due to the complexity and interrelations of the different constituents in atmospheric chemistry and the diversity of the target audience, communication of the related issues represents a substantial challenge. Some examples are questions like &amp;#8220;If greenhouse gas emissions are falling, why do concentrations not decrease?&amp;#8221;, &amp;#8220;if satellite data show pollution reductions, why can&amp;#8217;t we say that it is due to emission reductions?&amp;#8221; etc. &amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To sustain the credibility and increase the visibility of GAW within the WMO community and other national/international bodies, the broader scientific and policy communities, as well as the general public, increasing efforts towards &amp;#8220;communicating GAW&amp;#8221; are taken. The global pandemic related to COVID-19 was the dominating topic around the globe in 2020. This required adjustments to communication efforts. Due to in-person meetings being impossible, all communication efforts required delivery and engagement through virtual formats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While emissions of carbon dioxide (among others) have decreased temporarily in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, concentrations have continued to increase. This has led to confusion among many non-scientists who were surprised that the restrictions they were experiencing did not even have the effect of decreasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. Thereby, the crisis has provided an opportunity to explain the difference between emissions and concentrations, emphasizing that carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) are long-lived and remain in the atmosphere for a long time, and highlighting the importance to reach net-zero emissions. Similar confusion was related to the interpretation of the pollution levels and also required additional communication efforts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reflections on communication of atmospheric composition in the framework of WMO/GAW, including challenges and opportunities during the public health crisis will be presented.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals The clinical effect of smoking and environmental factors in spontaneous pneumothorax: a case-crossover study in an Inland province

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175346662097740
Author(s):  
Dohun Kim ◽  
Sang-Yong Eom ◽  
Chang-Seob Shin ◽  
Yong-Dae Kim ◽  
Si-Wook Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Spontaneous Pneumothorax ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Case Crossover ◽  
Matched Data ◽  
Stratified Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The factors that trigger spontaneous pneumothorax have not been sufficiently evaluated. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the development of spontaneous pneumothorax and meteorological parameters, including air pollutants. Methods: This is a retrospective study using the medical records of 379 patients who were admitted for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) over a period of 4 years. Meteorological and air pollution data were obtained from the National Meteorological Office and the Ministry of Environment. We employed a case-crossover design to evaluate the short-term association between SP and meteorological factors including air pollutants. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze bi-directional matched data. Results: Increase of relative humidity (RH) and of carbon monoxide (CO) were associated with the risk of pneumothorax, with odds ratio (OR) for RH = 1.18 (1.02–1.36), CO = 1.23 (1.02–1.48). Moreover, as air pressure (AP) decreased, risk of pneumothorax increased, with OR = 1.30 (1.05–1.59) but others did not. In the stratified analysis, the effect of RH was positive in ex-smokers (OR = 3.31) and non-smokers (OR = 1.32), but negative in current smokers (OR = 0.72). The effect of AP was significant in younger patients (OR = 1.33), males (OR = 1.40), and non-smokers (OR = 1.36). CO was related only with non-smokers (OR = 1.35) Conclusion: The triggering factors for spontaneous pneumothorax were relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and air pressure. The effect of the trigger was prominent in patients who were younger (<45 years), non- or ex-smokers, and male. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

scholarly journals Estimation of Particulate Levels Using Deep Dehazing Network and Temporal Prior

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
SeHee Jung ◽  
SungMin Yang ◽  
Eunseok Lee ◽  
YongHak Lee ◽  
Jisun Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Present Method ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Digital Images ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Image Sequences ◽  
Particulate Matters ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Temporal Effects

Particulate matters (PM) have become one of the important pollutants that deteriorate public health. Since PM is ubiquitous in the atmosphere, it is closely related to life quality in many different ways. Thus, a system to accurately monitor PM in diverse environments is imperative. Previous studies using digital images have relied on individual atmospheric images, not benefiting from both spatial and temporal effects of image sequences. This weakness led to undermining predictive power. To address this drawback, we propose a predictive model using the deep dehazing cascaded CNN and temporal priors. The temporal prior accommodates instantaneous visual moves and estimates PM concentration from residuals between the original and dehazed images. The present method also provides, as by-product, high-quality dehazed image sequences superior to the nontemporal methods. The improvements are supported by various experiments under a range of simulation scenarios and assessments using standard metrics.

Water reclamation, reuse and public health

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.B. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Health Protection ◽  
The Public ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
Quality Water ◽  
Public Health Protection ◽  
Water Issues

The number of people who have limited access to high-quality water has increased, and while this is a growing global crisis, water issues, problems and solutions are often seen as localised. Water reuse and reclamation will play a significant role in achieving sustainability and public health protection in the future. The wastewater and reuse community should be responsible for monitoring sewage impacts and improvements as demonstrated through pathogen reduction with appropriate treatment. Viruses, Cryptosporidium and Giardia can all be reduced during treatment anywhere from 99% to 99.9999%, achieving drinking water quality, if so desired. Recommendations to achieve better access to scientific information for decision making include: 1) developing a global data base for biological contaminant loading from wastewater and 2) defining the public health protection via reuse and reclamation.

Weather and Trap Response of the Dasyurid Marsupials Sminthopsis-Crassicaudata, Planigale-Gilesi and Planigale-Tenuirostris

1988 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG Read
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Canonical Correlation Analysis ◽  
Canonical Correlation ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Weather Variables ◽  
Light Rain ◽  
Sminthopsis Crassicaudata

Daily captures of Sminthopsis crassicaudata, Planigale gilesi and P. tenuirostris have been analysed with respect to weather variables in an arid environment. Numbers of S. crassicaudata caught in traps were not affected by changes in air pressure but more (P=0.01) P. gilesi and P. tenuirostris were trapped when the air pressure was increasing from a level below the monthly mean. Light rain increased the numbers of all species trapped (P=0.05) but moonlight had no effect. A canonical correlation analysis separated Sminthopsis from Planigale on the basis of responses to temperature and relative humidity variables. It is not clear if the trap responses of the dasyurids are directly related to the weather or other contemporary factors, particularly food availability. Results indicate that weather has a strong influence on the trap success of small mammal studies in arid Australia.

Measles

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Baxter ◽  
Gill Marsh ◽  
Sam Ghebrehewet
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
High Risk Area ◽  
The Public

This chapter describes a case of measles in a school child who contracted measles following travel to a high-risk area. The case resulted in a measles outbreak in the school and further cases in the community. Background information on the epidemiology and clinical features of measles and the public health response to a single case, an outbreak of measles in a school, and measles exposure in a healthcare setting are discussed. Case definitions risk assessment, identification of close contacts including priority groups and the required public health actions including post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with Human Normal Immunoglobulin (HNIG) and/or MMR vaccine, are described in detail. ‘Top tips’ are given to provide practical tips for the reader to think through the public health management of the case study, and ‘tools of the trade’ list the laboratory and epidemiological components of the investigation. Finally, the chapter encourages exploration of other potential scenarios, including the possibility of measles transmission in a nursery.

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