21 pages, 5832 KiB  
Article
Tourism and Sustainability in Times of COVID-19: The Case of Spain
by Libertad Moreno-Luna, Rafael Robina-Ramírez, Marcelo Sánchez-Oro Sánchez and José Castro-Serrano
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041859 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 96 | Viewed by 13953
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the effects of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in different regions and its impact on the economy and regional tourist flows. To this end, the researchers have been guided by a set of propositions [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to study the effects of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in different regions and its impact on the economy and regional tourist flows. To this end, the researchers have been guided by a set of propositions which they have tried to demonstrate with the results obtained. This research shows that the impact of the pandemic is still being evaluated. The analysis of the relationship between the tourism sector and the pandemic outbreak in Spain provides an instructive case study to assist tourism in its recovery process. The paper delves into the impacts on the main Spanish touristic regions during the pandemic and providing implications for tourism recovery. In Spain, the tourism sector is of major economic importance, becoming one of the most vulnerable countries when crisis affects this industry. The negative image of the country due to the high infection rates has had a negative impact on travel and tourism. The Balearic Islands have been the most affected region with an 87% decrease in tourist visitors. The trips made by Spanish residents inside the Spanish territory shows the first increase found in the series analyzed. Domestic tourism not only represents an opportunity for all regions in this critical situation, but the types of accommodation also play a key role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Public Health Statistics and Risk Assessment)
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10 pages, 1639 KiB  
Article
Backstroke to Breaststroke Turning Performance in Age-Group Swimmers: Hydrodynamic Characteristics and Pull-Out Strategy
by Phornpot Chainok, Leandro Machado, Karla de Jesus, J. Arturo Abraldes, Márcio Borgonovo-Santos, Ricardo J. Fernandes and João Paulo Vilas-Boas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041858 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 10929
Abstract
We compared the hydrodynamic characteristics and pull-out strategies of four backstroke-to-breaststroke turning techniques in young swimmers. Eighteen 11 and 12-year-old swimmers participated in a 4 week intervention program including 16 contextual interference sessions. The hydrodynamic variables were assessed through inverse dynamics, and the [...] Read more.
We compared the hydrodynamic characteristics and pull-out strategies of four backstroke-to-breaststroke turning techniques in young swimmers. Eighteen 11 and 12-year-old swimmers participated in a 4 week intervention program including 16 contextual interference sessions. The hydrodynamic variables were assessed through inverse dynamics, and the pull-out strategy kinematics were assessed with tracking markers followed by 12 land cameras and 11 underwater cameras. Swimmers randomly completed sixteen 30 m maximal backstroke-to breaststroke-open, somersault, bucket and crossover turns (four in each technique) with a 3 min rest. The data showed higher drag force, cross-sectional area and drag coefficient values for the first (compared with the second) gliding position. The crossover turn revealed the highest push-off velocity (2.17 ± 0.05 m·s−1), and the somersault turn demonstrated the lowest foot plant index (0.68 ± 0.03; 68%), which could have affected the first gliding, transition and second gliding depths (0.73 ± 0.13, 0.86 ± 0.17 and 0.76 ± 0.17 m). The data revealed the consistency of the time spent (4.86 ± 0.98 s) and breakout distance (6.04 ± 0.94 m) among the four turning techniques, and no differences were observed between them regarding time and average velocity up to 7.5 m. The hydrodynamic characteristics and pull-out strategy of the backstroke-to-breaststroke turns performed by the age group swimmers were independent of the selected technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Exercise and Health)
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20 pages, 10295 KiB  
Article
Personal Exposure Assessment to Wi-Fi Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in Mexican Microenvironments
by Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez, Jesus Gonzalez-Rubio, Isabel Escobar, Carmen del Pilar Suarez Rodriguez and Enrique Arribas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041857 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4132
Abstract
In recent years, personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) has substantially increased, and most studies about RF-EMF with volunteers have been developed in Europe. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in Mexico with personal exposimeters. [...] Read more.
In recent years, personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) has substantially increased, and most studies about RF-EMF with volunteers have been developed in Europe. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in Mexico with personal exposimeters. The main objective was to measure personal exposure to RF-EMF from Wireless Fidelity or wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi) frequency bands in Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to compare results with maximum levels permitted by international recommendations and to find if there are differences in the microenvironments subject to measurements. The study was conducted with 63 volunteers in different microenvironments: home, workplace, outside, schools, travel, and shopping. The mean minimum values registered were 146.5 μW/m2 in travel from the Wi-Fi 2G band and 116.8 μW/m2 at home from the Wi-Fi 5G band, and the maximum values registered were 499.7 μW/m2 and 264.9 μW/m2 at the workplace for the Wi-Fi 2G band and the Wi-Fi 5G band, respectively. In addition, by time period and type of day, minimum values were registered at nighttime, these values being 129.4 μW/m2 and 93.9 μW/m2, and maximum values were registered in the daytime, these values being 303.1 μW/m2 and 168.3 μW/m2 for the Wi-Fi 2G and Wi-Fi 5G bands, respectively. In no case, values exceeded limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Of the study participants (n = 63), a subgroup (n = 35) answered a survey on risk perception. According to these results, the Tamazunchale (Mexico) population is worried about this situation in comparison with several European cities; however, the risk perception changes when they are informed about the results for the study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Public Health Statistics and Risk Assessment)
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20 pages, 599 KiB  
Article
Development and Assessment of the Personal Emotional Capital Questionnaire for Adults
by Morteza Khazaei, Mark D. Holder, Fuschia M. Sirois, Lindsay G. Oades and Benedicte Gendron
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041856 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4082
Abstract
(1) Background: The present study developed and evaluated a personal emotional capital questionnaire (PECQ) for adults that assessed 10 domains of personal emotional capital. (2) Method: Initially, 100 items were created and then administered to students attending Semnan University and Semnan University of [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The present study developed and evaluated a personal emotional capital questionnaire (PECQ) for adults that assessed 10 domains of personal emotional capital. (2) Method: Initially, 100 items were created and then administered to students attending Semnan University and Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Of the 700 questionnaires distributed, 527 were completed in full. Students were sampledusing the multi-stage random cluster method. Exploratory factor analyses, Cronbach’s alpha, and test–retest reliability were used to evaluate the scale. (3) Results: The ten components ofthe PECQ were confirmed. Test–retest correlations after 30 days were high, as was Cronbach’s alpha (0.94). Thecomponents highly correlatedwith overall emotional capital. The PECQ displayed convergent validity as it positively correlated with the Keyes’s Mental Health Continuum—Short Form and students’GPAs. The PECQ displayed divergent validity as it negatively correlated with measures of depression, anxiety and stress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21)). Differences in overall PECQ scores and its components were examined for several variables including gender, age, marital and employment status, academic program, and field of study. PECQ scores were not sensitive to the order of administering questionnaires. (4) Conclusion: The results suggest that the PECQ is a valid and reliable measure of personal emotional capital and supports its use in adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Literacy)
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15 pages, 655 KiB  
Article
“Who Are at Higher Sexual Risk?” Latent Class Analysis of Behavioral Intentions among Spanish Adolescents
by Alexandra Morales, Samuel Tomczyk, Mireia Orgilés and José Pedro Espada
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041855 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2551
Abstract
Consistent condom use tends to be limited in youth, which makes this group especially vulnerable for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. It is known that sexual risk may vary as a function of behavioral intentions (e.g., condom use intention or having [...] Read more.
Consistent condom use tends to be limited in youth, which makes this group especially vulnerable for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. It is known that sexual risk may vary as a function of behavioral intentions (e.g., condom use intention or having sex under the influence of alcohol), but no studies have yet characterized the sexual risk profiles considering behavioral intentions. This study utilizes latent class analysis (LCA) to explore the subtyping of behavioral intentions related to sexual risk in a community-based sample of adolescents aged 14 to 16 years from Spain. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between class membership and participants’ sociodemographic variables (sex, age, educational level, socioeconomic status, and family situation), and behavioral variables (sexual experience and percentage of condom use). Among the 1557 participants, four latent classes of risk were identified: “Condom + drugs”, “abstinent”, “condom + no drugs”, and “no condom + drugs”. Differences in adolescents’ sex, age, educational level, sexual experience, and condom use across latent classes were found. Findings highlight opportunities for psychologists, educators, and health-care providers to promote condom use in adolescents with differing sexual risk profiles. Increased understanding of behavioral intentions among adolescents may help to reduce sexual risk behaviors in this group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Behaviors and Substance Abuse among Adolescents)
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13 pages, 705 KiB  
Article
Dose-Response Relationship between Night Work and the Prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose: The Korean Worker’s Special Health Examination for Night Workers Cohort
by Jae Yong Lee, Ji-Won Lee, Won Seon Choi and Jun-Pyo Myong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041854 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2706
Abstract
Many studies have been conducted regarding the association between night work and diabetes, but the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and night work is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association using the Special Health Examination (SHEW) [...] Read more.
Many studies have been conducted regarding the association between night work and diabetes, but the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and night work is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association using the Special Health Examination (SHEW) for Korean night workers. Laboratory, questionnaire, and physical examination data were collected for 80,077 manual workers between 2014 and 2016 from Korea Medical Institute, and associations of the data with IFG were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. The odds ratios for IFG among those who worked night shifts for 2~5 years, 5~12 years, and 12 years or over (ref: <2 years) after adjusting for abdominal obesity were 1.14 (0.90–1.45), 1.41 (1.10–1.81), and 1.75 (1.41–2.19), respectively. A dose–response relationship was identified between the duration of night work and the prevalence of IFG (p for trend <0.05). A dose relationship remained significant when a subgroup of non-obese participants was analyzed. We identified an association and a dose–response relationship between the number of years of night work and IFG. To prevent the development of diabetes in night workers, we suggest that they should be pre-emptively screened and treated from the stage of IFG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)
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13 pages, 1012 KiB  
Article
Precautionary Behavior and Depression in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-Sectional Study in Hubei, China
by Wei Liang, Yanping Duan, Borui Shang, Chun Hu, Julien Steven Baker, Zhihua Lin, Jiali He and Yanping Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041853 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5233
Abstract
The large-scale COVID-19 pandemic has not only resulted in the risk of death but also augmented the levels of depression in community-dwelling older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of depression in Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, to [...] Read more.
The large-scale COVID-19 pandemic has not only resulted in the risk of death but also augmented the levels of depression in community-dwelling older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of depression in Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, to examine the association of individual precautionary behavior with older adults’ depression levels, and to identify the moderating role of socioeconomic indicators in the aforementioned association. Five hundred and sixteen older adults were recruited from five cities of Hubei province in China. They were asked to complete an online questionnaire survey. Results showed that 30.8% of participants indicated a significant depressive symptom during the pandemic. Older adults’ depression levels differed significantly in marital status, living situation, education level, household income, subjective health status, and infected cases of acquaintances. Precautionary behavior change showed significant inverse associations with older adults’ depression levels, where household income moderated this relationship. This is the first study to investigate the characteristics, behavioral correlates, and moderators of depression among Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings may provide new insights into interventions and policy-making on individual precautionary behavior and mental health among older adults for future pandemics. Full article
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13 pages, 353 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation and Attempts among Older Korean Adults: Focusing on Age Discrimination and Neglect
by Young Ko, Song Yi Han and Hye-Young Jang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041852 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4020
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify factors influencing the development of suicidal ideation and the transition from suicidal ideation to attempts by focusing on experiences of age discrimination and neglect among older Korean adults. This study analyzed data from 10,042 older adults from [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to identify factors influencing the development of suicidal ideation and the transition from suicidal ideation to attempts by focusing on experiences of age discrimination and neglect among older Korean adults. This study analyzed data from 10,042 older adults from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans using national representative samples. Multiple logistic analyses were used to identify factors influencing the development of suicidal ideation and transition from suicidal ideation to attempts. While younger age, higher educational attainment, living alone, number of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, social isolation, social support, experience of neglect, and age discrimination influenced the development of suicidal ideation, all of these did not influence the transition from ideation to attempts. Factors influencing this transition included male gender, less educational attainment, and experience of age discrimination. Thus, social efforts to reduce age discrimination are necessary to prevent suicide attempts among Korean older adults. Full article
12 pages, 313 KiB  
Concept Paper
A New Medical Record Proposal to the Prognostic Risk Assessment for MRONJ in Oncologic Patients: “Sapienza Head and Neck Unit” Proposal
by Edoardo Brauner, Silvia Mezi, Alessandro Ciolfi, Chiara Ciolfi, Resi Pucci, Andrea Cassoni, Andrea Battisti, Gabriele Piesco, Francesca De Felice, Nicola Pranno, Matteo Armida, Francesca De Angelis, Umberto Romeo, Mauro Capocci, Gianluca Tenore, Vincenzo Tombolini, Valentino Valentini, Livia Ottolenghi, Antonella Polimeni and Stefano Di Carlo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041851 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2297
Abstract
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse event associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. The use of these drugs in the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastasis is necessary and standardized in the literature. A multidisciplinary approach for the patient’s [...] Read more.
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse event associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. The use of these drugs in the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastasis is necessary and standardized in the literature. A multidisciplinary approach for the patient’s management is strongly recommended. Therefore, it should be necessary to integrate the path of these subjects with a dedicated dental screening in order to first assess the individual risk of developing a MRONJ, and then to plan dental treatments and oral hygiene sessions, and finally to schedule a follow-up to intercept and treat early osteonecrosis. The aim of this manuscript is to propose a new simple medical report to evaluate patients affected by metastatic bone cancer in order to reduce the risk of developing MRONJ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
10 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Association between Mental Health Knowledge Level and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students
by Shuo Cheng, Di An, Zhiying Yao, Jenny Jing-Wen Liu, Xuan Ning, Josephine Pui-Hing Wong, Kenneth Po-Lun Fung, Mandana Vahabi, Maurice Kwong-Lai Poon, Janet Yamada, Shengli Cheng, Jianguo Gao, Xiaofeng Cong, Guoxiao Sun, Alan Tai-Wai Li, Xinting Wang and Cunxian Jia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041850 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4729
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the association between mental health knowledge level and the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six universities in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, and a total of 600 college students were [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the association between mental health knowledge level and the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six universities in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, and a total of 600 college students were recruited to self-complete a series of questionnaires. The Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ) was used to investigate the level of mental health knowledge. Depressive symptoms were investigated with the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms among college students was 31.2%. Compared with MHKQ scoring in the 1st quartile, college students with MHKQ scoring in the 3rd quartile and in the 4th quartile reported lower levels of depressive symptoms after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Since mental health knowledge level was related to depressive symptoms among college students, increased efforts to promote the level of mental health knowledge in Chinese college students are critical. Full article
14 pages, 767 KiB  
Article
Persistent Suffering: The Serious Consequences of Sexual Violence against Women and Girls, Their Search for Inner Healing and the Significance of the #MeToo Movement
by Sigrun Sigurdardottir and Sigridur Halldorsdottir
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041849 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 10106
Abstract
This paper uses the method of theory synthesis, primarily from our own previous studies and psychoneuroimmunology research, with the aim of exploring and better understanding the consequences of sexual violence for women and their search for inner healing. The impact of the #MeToo [...] Read more.
This paper uses the method of theory synthesis, primarily from our own previous studies and psychoneuroimmunology research, with the aim of exploring and better understanding the consequences of sexual violence for women and their search for inner healing. The impact of the #MeToo movement is also examined. The main finding is that sexual violence causes persistent suffering for women and girls. In childhood and adolescence, the main consequences include a feeling of unbearable secrecy, threat and humiliation; disconnection of body and soul; great fear and constant insecurity; damaged self-image, self-accusation and guilt; experiencing being compelled to take full responsibility for the crime; as well as various physical and mental health problems, e.g., suicidal thoughts. In adulthood, the consequences are also multifaceted and varied, including vaginal problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, widespread and chronic pain, sleeping problems, chronic back problems, and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, social anxiety, severe depression, and chronic fatigue. In conclusion, sexual violence has these extremely negative and long-term consequences because of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. The seriousness of the consequences makes a trauma-informed approach to services essential to support the healing and improved health and well-being of survivors. Full article
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26 pages, 771 KiB  
Review
Nuts and Older Adults’ Health: A Narrative Review
by Sze-Yen Tan, Siew Ling Tey and Rachel Brown
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041848 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6668
Abstract
Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts [...] Read more.
Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts might be beneficial in ameliorating age-related conditions. The objective of this review was to summarise the findings from studies that have examined the associations or effects of nut consumption, either alone or as part of the dietary pattern, on three major age-related factors—telomere length, sarcopenia, and cognitive function—in older adults. Overall, the currently available evidence suggests that nut consumption, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy diet or over a prolonged period, is associated with positive outcomes such as longer telomere length, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and better cognition in older adults. Future studies that are interventional, long-term, and adequately powered are required to draw definitive conclusions on the effects of nut consumption on age-related diseases, in order to inform dietary recommendations to incorporate nuts into the habitual diet of older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuts and Human Health)
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11 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
Total Nut, Tree Nut, and Peanut Consumption and Metabolic Status in Southern Italian Adults
by Agnieszka Micek, Justyna Godos, Achille Cernigliaro, Raffaele Ivan Cincione, Silvio Buscemi, Massimo Libra, Fabio Galvano and Giuseppe Grosso
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041847 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4722
Abstract
Background: Nut consumption has been associated with cardio-metabolic health benefits. However, studies conducted in the Southern Italian population, where adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been reported being relatively high, are rather scarce. The aim of this study was to test the association [...] Read more.
Background: Nut consumption has been associated with cardio-metabolic health benefits. However, studies conducted in the Southern Italian population, where adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been reported being relatively high, are rather scarce. The aim of this study was to test the association between consumption of total and specific types of nuts and metabolic status among adults living in Sicily, Southern Italy. Methods: Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in Southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between nut consumption and metabolic status adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: The energy-adjusted model revealed that higher nut intake was inversely associated with occurrence of hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. However, the association did not remain significant for the latter after adjusting for the main background characteristics, while an inverse association was stably confirmed for hypertension (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46–0.80 and OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26–0.74, respectively) even after adjusting for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Among individual nut types, most of the associations were null except for higher almond intake, which was inversely associated with occurrence of hypertension (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49–0.99). Conclusions: Higher nut consumption is associated with overall better metabolic status in individuals living in the Mediterranean area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Health and Environment)
16 pages, 3957 KiB  
Article
Water Availability–Demand Balance under Climate Change Scenarios in an Overpopulated Region of Mexico
by Jessica Bravo-Cadena, Numa P. Pavón, Patricia Balvanera, Gerardo Sánchez-Rojas and Ramón Razo-Zarate
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041846 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3665
Abstract
Climate change scenarios show that water availability could be decreasing in the near future, adding to the increasing problem of the growing water demands in socioeconomic sectors. The aim of this work was to generate a geographically explicit water balance concerning availability vs. [...] Read more.
Climate change scenarios show that water availability could be decreasing in the near future, adding to the increasing problem of the growing water demands in socioeconomic sectors. The aim of this work was to generate a geographically explicit water balance concerning availability vs. demand in an overpopulated region of Mexico. Water balance and water deficit models were made for three periods of time: 1970–2000, and two future periods of time (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). Three global climate models were used in addition to two different climate scenarios from each (Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) RCP 4.6 and RCP 8.5). Water demand for socioeconomic sectors was calculated through the water footprint. Water availability was 197,644.58 hm3/year, while that the water demand was 59,187 hm3/year. The socioeconomic sectors with the highest demand were domestic services (48%), agriculture (27%), livestock agriculture (20%), and timber production (5%). The highest water availability areas were not the same as those with the highest demand and vice versa. However, 39% of municipalities had a higher water demand than its availability. A significant reduction in water availability was identified, considering an interval of −15% to 40%. This variation depends on climate models, scenarios, and period of time. Areas with overpopulated cities in the region would have higher pressure on water availability. These results could be used in the implementation of public policies by focusing on adaptation strategies to reduce water deficit in the immediate future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)
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12 pages, 5253 KiB  
Article
Needs of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Geographic Location of Emergency Shelters Suitable for Vulnerable People during a Tsunami
by Hisao Nakai, Tomoya Itatani, Seiji Kaganoi, Aya Okamura, Ryo Horiike and Masao Yamasaki
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041845 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4002
Abstract
In the current study, we sought to identify special needs and safe evacuation conditions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (CNDs) along Japan’s tsunami-prone Pacific coast. A survey and spatial analysis were used to collect data of CNDs (n = 47) and their [...] Read more.
In the current study, we sought to identify special needs and safe evacuation conditions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (CNDs) along Japan’s tsunami-prone Pacific coast. A survey and spatial analysis were used to collect data of CNDs (n = 47) and their caregivers. Areas predicted to be flooded in a tsunami, as well as evacuation routes to emergency shelters for vulnerable people (ESVPs), were mapped using geographic information systems (GIS). Our results showed that five professional staff were needed to support 33 CNDs requiring 135.9 m2 of ESVP space. Critical safety factors were altitude, vertical evacuation, accessibility to ESVPs, and nonexistence of estuaries in the direction of evacuation. GIS-based spatial analysis and evacuation modeling for disaster preparedness and training plans that involve nurses are essential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environment on the Health and Wellbeing of People)
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