Plastic bags, though commonly used for packaging of goods, are highly durable and non- biodegradable. Plastic bag litter serves as a negative environmental externality detrimental to animal health and natural beauty o...Plastic bags, though commonly used for packaging of goods, are highly durable and non- biodegradable. Plastic bag litter serves as a negative environmental externality detrimental to animal health and natural beauty of the environment. In an effort to curtail the excessive use of plastic bags in Botswana, the government introduced a plastic levy targeted at consumers at retail points. This study uses primary data collected from 367 respondents randomly selected from six geospatially and purposively selected shopping malls to determine the consumers＇ willingness to pay （WTP） for continued plastic bag usage and their willingness to accept （WTA） to shift to eco-friendly alternatives. The results of the study revealed that open dumping and burning of plastic litter are more common in Maun than in Gaborone, It also showed that there is a significant relationship between the level of education and W＇FP. Further, there is a significant variation in income and education in respect to environmental awareness. The government should improve its efforts of sensitizing the public about the improper disposal of plastic bags.展开更多
Mining safety and health improvements over the past decades are remarkable by many metrics, and yet the expectation of society, and the goal of the mining industry, is zero harm. If we examine the underlying enablers ...Mining safety and health improvements over the past decades are remarkable by many metrics, and yet the expectation of society, and the goal of the mining industry, is zero harm. If we examine the underlying enablers for the significant gains that have been achieved, the key role that research to help understand the causes of problems and to develop lasting solutions is clear. Many of the remaining challenges have been resistant to solutions by various approaches. Some, such as fatalities and injuries from ground control or powered haulage are prominent year after year. Different approaches are indicated and new solutions will be required if we are to achieve a goal of zero harm. These will originate with research, but into which topics, and what are some of these different approaches? This paper examines the current state of mine safety in the United States and highlights areas of significant opportunity for research that will lead to solutions. The likely direction of research that will enable realization of the ‘‘zero harm'' goal is described in terms of evolutionary and revolutionary approaches. Both are important, but the author's view is that some of the largest gains will be made with trans-disciplinary approaches that break from the past. Topical areas of research are suggested and several research questions are given to illustrate the direction of future research in mining safety and health.展开更多
In mapping out China’s future development,policymakers must bear in mind the challenges from a falling birthrate and aging society.Based on previous demographic censuses and original data of large sample surveys,this...In mapping out China’s future development,policymakers must bear in mind the challenges from a falling birthrate and aging society.Based on previous demographic censuses and original data of large sample surveys,this study employed an indirect method for estimating China’s total fertility rate(TFR)and a demographic forecast method based on the parity progression ratio(PPR).Our analysis details the socioeconomic implications behind demographic change,and we have proposed public policy countermeasures.The findings include:(i)China’s ultra-low fertility rate over the past three decades has led to an increasingly aging society,and China’s future fertility rate is likely to continue to decrease.(ii)Around 2024,China’s total population is expected to peak at 1.407 billion,followed by chronic negative population growth at an accelerating pace.By 2050,China’s newborn population will shrink to 8.73 million and the aging population will increase to roughly 30%of the total population resulting in the total dependency ratio above 50%.(iii)With a falling birthrate and aging society,China will face unprecedented challenges with respect to education,employment,and pension.(iv)As a public policy response,China should remove birth control altogether.If the fertility rate continues to stall,policymakers should consider issuing policies to encourage birth and create a birth-friendly society for all birth cycles.展开更多
Background： Physical activity （PA） includes muscle activity during exercise, manual work, and leisure time activities including sport. Conflicting results exist regarding health effects of PA that may deteriorate w...Background： Physical activity （PA） includes muscle activity during exercise, manual work, and leisure time activities including sport. Conflicting results exist regarding health effects of PA that may deteriorate with manual work and elite sports, but improve when performed in moderation in accordance with international guidelines and may additionally enhance well-being and productivity. Methods： In Denmark 15 randomized controlled trials have been conducted, introducing exercise at the workplace enrolling 〉3500 workers. The interventions lasted from 10 to 52 weeks and offered -1 h weekly supervised exercise during working hours according to the concept of intelligent physical exercise training （IPET） that is based on evidenced sports sciences training principles and tailored to work exposure, employee health status, and physical capacity. Questionnaire surveys and health checks including blood and muscle sampling were performed at baseline and follow-up. The job groups included： office and computer workers, dentists, industrial technicians, cleaning personnel, health care workers, construction workers, and fighter/helicopter pilots. Results： In all job groups significant improvements were documented regarding health outcomes. These were job group specific： neck pain was reduced among office and computer workers, dentists, industrial laboratory technicians, health care workers as well as fighter pilots. Cardio- respiratory fitness--a health risk indicator for cardio-metabolic diseases--was improved among office and computer workers, health care workers, and construction workers. Additionally, other improvements were evidenced such as increased muscle strength and balance control. Importantly, productivity increased with improved muscle strength and decreased body mass index. Conclusion： IPET does enhance health if an exercise program with evidenced efficacy is implemented by expert trainees with support of the employer. Accordingly, in every study group outcomes of improved health were documented and the effect sizes were of clinical relevance. Cost effectiveness estimates indicate acceptable cost relative to savings on health expenses and lost productivity.展开更多
Based on the coal demand under the 1.5 ℃ scenario, the amount of coal production in China was estimated in this study. According to the mutual relationship between the factors influencing coal production, an economet...Based on the coal demand under the 1.5 ℃ scenario, the amount of coal production in China was estimated in this study. According to the mutual relationship between the factors influencing coal production, an econometric model was constructed based on simultaneous equations, and the synergistic effect of each factor on the coal industry was estimated under the 1.5 ℃ scenario. Then, predictions were respectively made in the five aspects： coal production, coal science and technology progress, employment number, safe production level, and occupational health level, in different scenarios from 2016 to 2050. The results showed that before 2040, the comprehensive negative effect of the 1.5 ℃ situation is more than or equals to the positive effect. The 1.5 ℃ scenario has the biggest negative impact on employment, whose solution should be the focus. By 2050, the positive effects of the 1.5℃ scenario exceed the negative effect because of the enhancement in technical level and in the attention given to the whole production. Safety is improved, and health defects decline and the most obvious positive effect is on the ecological environment. The decrease of coal production will reduce the ecological environmental damage and significantly improve the ecological environment. In general, the prediction of 1.5 ℃ scenario promotes the increase of scientific production capacity and promotes the orderly development of coal. It has strengthened the safety and health protection degree, made the coal industry more efficient and competitive, and avoided or reduced the impact of coal development on the ecological environment and achieved environmental friendliness. However, the 1.5 ℃ situation also increases the employment pressure of the society, which affects the economic development of the major coal producing areas, but the situation can be overcome through the transformation and upgrading of the region. Finally, the impacts of various factors under the 1.5 ℃ scenario were evaluated through a unified comparison of the synergistic effect monetization using the cost and payment willingness methods. Based on the research results, suggestions on the regulation of coal production were proposed relating to resettlement of workers, protection of the ecological environment, and improvement of workers＇ health.展开更多
This paper describes the main activities of the ship recycling facilities that have moved to the Asia continent and puts emphasis on environmental and working conditions under the umbrella of the new IMO （Internation...This paper describes the main activities of the ship recycling facilities that have moved to the Asia continent and puts emphasis on environmental and working conditions under the umbrella of the new IMO （International Maritime Organization） convention. However, the convention is not enforced yet and the legal gaps found on limited existing regulations do not impose strict rules on the shipping industry and at the same time offer motives for the safe recycling of ships. Ship-owners seem reluctant to send their vessels for scrap but rather prefer to employ them till the last minute, preferably in areas where the environmentally-friendly concept is not of primary importance. The dynamics of this specialized industry can be better shown by examining variables such as legal instruments, occupational health and safety hazards, geographical allocation of scrapping sites, scrap prices, safety working plans and volume to be scrapped. The next step is to build a simulation model in order to discuss the relevant scenarios. The first scenario is based on the current conditions where the ship-owner＇s decision is mainly affected by the fluctuations of the market and whether the effectiveness of existing regulations can improve the working environment in terms of health and safety. The second scenario refers to the situation when the IMO Convention is implemented, then it will produce two major recycling markets, the first one for the convention ships and the second for non-convention ships.展开更多
The objective of study in the paper was to analyze advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and threats of development of pig healthy agriculture in China, using systematic analysis and SWOT strategic analysis, as wel...The objective of study in the paper was to analyze advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and threats of development of pig healthy agriculture in China, using systematic analysis and SWOT strategic analysis, as well as to show severe diseases, abnormal fluctuation, misplaced way and versatile environment confronted by pig breeding in China. The paper establishes ＂double-hug mode＂, from which pig breeding industry transforms and upgrades to modern breeding industry. Combing with the designed multi-party cooperation mechanism of advantageous regions, urban sale areas and group corporations, it sets up three paths for development of pig healthy agriculture in China, i.e., strategic paths of advantageous regions, urban sale areas and group corporations oriented, with an attempt to provide strategic path reference for transformation and upgrading of pig breeding in China and mode reference for breakthrough of development strategy for pig healthy industry.展开更多
Factors of occupation health hazard were identified and analyzed, and indexes system of occupation health risk assessment were established by applying fuzzy theory and system safety technique, the weights of index sys...Factors of occupation health hazard were identified and analyzed, and indexes system of occupation health risk assessment were established by applying fuzzy theory and system safety technique, the weights of index system were obtained by AHP, finally a reasonable mathematics model of occupation health risk assessment was accomplished by an example.展开更多
For the college students, the instructors are the guides and helpers of the healthy growth of them, who play an important role in their establishment of a correct outlook on life, and values, and the cultivation of th...For the college students, the instructors are the guides and helpers of the healthy growth of them, who play an important role in their establishment of a correct outlook on life, and values, and the cultivation of the good moral qualities. At present, in the team of the college counselors, there exist the problems that the responsibilities are fuzzy, and their own qualities need to be improved, and the construction of the occupation is slow, and so on, which require that we should recognize the positioning of the counselors＇ occupational role, and focus on the enhancement of the abilities of the counselors. Therefore, this paper puts forward the path to improve the abilities of the role of the counselors, in order to speed up the construction of the professionalism and specialization of the team of the college counselors, making them more capable of supporting the growth of the physical and mental health of the college students.展开更多
In this paper, we construct a model in which the impact of pollution on health is exerted through both direct and indirect channels. The indirect channel is captured by a production func-tion in which the principal he...In this paper, we construct a model in which the impact of pollution on health is exerted through both direct and indirect channels. The indirect channel is captured by a production func-tion in which the principal health-improving factor, income growth, can be realized only in the cost of pollution increase. This model is then tested by the aggregated chronicle disease data in over 78 Chinese counties. Our results show, after attaining the threshold of 8 μg/m2, continuous increase in industrial SO2 emission density will lead the ratio of population suffering chronicle diseases, among which respiratory diseases occupy a significant proportion, to rise. However, owing to technological progress in pollution control activities, the needed SO2 emission to produce one unit of GDP diminishes with time. Therefore, the negative effect from pollution augmentation on public health seems to be recompensed more and more by the positive effect of economic growth.展开更多
In China＇s rapid aging, old before getting rich, the traditional way of pension weakening, health industry chain shortage situation, combining with the status quo of Shanghai Songjiang District elderly health industr...In China＇s rapid aging, old before getting rich, the traditional way of pension weakening, health industry chain shortage situation, combining with the status quo of Shanghai Songjiang District elderly health industry and the existing problems are analyzed, based on the existing health industry, practice, to explore the Shanghai Songjiang District is facing in the development of health industry., improve Songjiang elderly health industry chain.展开更多
Information systems have been adopted in many fields including the health industry. Indeed, keeping abreast of the advances of the technological age, many medical organizations have invested heavily in information tec...Information systems have been adopted in many fields including the health industry. Indeed, keeping abreast of the advances of the technological age, many medical organizations have invested heavily in information technologies （IT）, aiming at improving medical decision-making and increasing its efficiency. Despite their obvious advantages, the systems do not always immediately provide the vital medical information required for critical decision-making, and the decisions that are based on this partial information may result in a decreased level of quality of care and unnecessary costs. The objective of this research is to evaluate the contribution of IT to decision-makers （physicians） at the point of care of emergency departments （EDs） by investigating whether the information systems （IS） have improved the medical outcomes, in the complex and highly stressful environment of the ED, with time constraints and overcrowding. The authors evaluated the contribution of the medical information to admission decisions by using the track log-file analysis method. The results were obtained using a unique database containing referrals to the ED from seven main hospitals in Israel. The authors＇ results lead to the major conclusion that viewing medical history contributes to admission decisions and clearly reduces the number of avoidable admissions.展开更多
文摘Plastic bags, though commonly used for packaging of goods, are highly durable and non- biodegradable. Plastic bag litter serves as a negative environmental externality detrimental to animal health and natural beauty of the environment. In an effort to curtail the excessive use of plastic bags in Botswana, the government introduced a plastic levy targeted at consumers at retail points. This study uses primary data collected from 367 respondents randomly selected from six geospatially and purposively selected shopping malls to determine the consumers＇ willingness to pay （WTP） for continued plastic bag usage and their willingness to accept （WTA） to shift to eco-friendly alternatives. The results of the study revealed that open dumping and burning of plastic litter are more common in Maun than in Gaborone, It also showed that there is a significant relationship between the level of education and W＇FP. Further, there is a significant variation in income and education in respect to environmental awareness. The government should improve its efforts of sensitizing the public about the improper disposal of plastic bags.
文摘Mining safety and health improvements over the past decades are remarkable by many metrics, and yet the expectation of society, and the goal of the mining industry, is zero harm. If we examine the underlying enablers for the significant gains that have been achieved, the key role that research to help understand the causes of problems and to develop lasting solutions is clear. Many of the remaining challenges have been resistant to solutions by various approaches. Some, such as fatalities and injuries from ground control or powered haulage are prominent year after year. Different approaches are indicated and new solutions will be required if we are to achieve a goal of zero harm. These will originate with research, but into which topics, and what are some of these different approaches? This paper examines the current state of mine safety in the United States and highlights areas of significant opportunity for research that will lead to solutions. The likely direction of research that will enable realization of the ‘‘zero harm'' goal is described in terms of evolutionary and revolutionary approaches. Both are important, but the author's view is that some of the largest gains will be made with trans-disciplinary approaches that break from the past. Topical areas of research are suggested and several research questions are given to illustrate the direction of future research in mining safety and health.
文摘In mapping out China’s future development,policymakers must bear in mind the challenges from a falling birthrate and aging society.Based on previous demographic censuses and original data of large sample surveys,this study employed an indirect method for estimating China’s total fertility rate(TFR)and a demographic forecast method based on the parity progression ratio(PPR).Our analysis details the socioeconomic implications behind demographic change,and we have proposed public policy countermeasures.The findings include:(i)China’s ultra-low fertility rate over the past three decades has led to an increasingly aging society,and China’s future fertility rate is likely to continue to decrease.(ii)Around 2024,China’s total population is expected to peak at 1.407 billion,followed by chronic negative population growth at an accelerating pace.By 2050,China’s newborn population will shrink to 8.73 million and the aging population will increase to roughly 30%of the total population resulting in the total dependency ratio above 50%.(iii)With a falling birthrate and aging society,China will face unprecedented challenges with respect to education,employment,and pension.(iv)As a public policy response,China should remove birth control altogether.If the fertility rate continues to stall,policymakers should consider issuing policies to encourage birth and create a birth-friendly society for all birth cycles.
文摘Background： Physical activity （PA） includes muscle activity during exercise, manual work, and leisure time activities including sport. Conflicting results exist regarding health effects of PA that may deteriorate with manual work and elite sports, but improve when performed in moderation in accordance with international guidelines and may additionally enhance well-being and productivity. Methods： In Denmark 15 randomized controlled trials have been conducted, introducing exercise at the workplace enrolling 〉3500 workers. The interventions lasted from 10 to 52 weeks and offered -1 h weekly supervised exercise during working hours according to the concept of intelligent physical exercise training （IPET） that is based on evidenced sports sciences training principles and tailored to work exposure, employee health status, and physical capacity. Questionnaire surveys and health checks including blood and muscle sampling were performed at baseline and follow-up. The job groups included： office and computer workers, dentists, industrial technicians, cleaning personnel, health care workers, construction workers, and fighter/helicopter pilots. Results： In all job groups significant improvements were documented regarding health outcomes. These were job group specific： neck pain was reduced among office and computer workers, dentists, industrial laboratory technicians, health care workers as well as fighter pilots. Cardio- respiratory fitness--a health risk indicator for cardio-metabolic diseases--was improved among office and computer workers, health care workers, and construction workers. Additionally, other improvements were evidenced such as increased muscle strength and balance control. Importantly, productivity increased with improved muscle strength and decreased body mass index. Conclusion： IPET does enhance health if an exercise program with evidenced efficacy is implemented by expert trainees with support of the employer. Accordingly, in every study group outcomes of improved health were documented and the effect sizes were of clinical relevance. Cost effectiveness estimates indicate acceptable cost relative to savings on health expenses and lost productivity.
文摘Based on the coal demand under the 1.5 ℃ scenario, the amount of coal production in China was estimated in this study. According to the mutual relationship between the factors influencing coal production, an econometric model was constructed based on simultaneous equations, and the synergistic effect of each factor on the coal industry was estimated under the 1.5 ℃ scenario. Then, predictions were respectively made in the five aspects： coal production, coal science and technology progress, employment number, safe production level, and occupational health level, in different scenarios from 2016 to 2050. The results showed that before 2040, the comprehensive negative effect of the 1.5 ℃ situation is more than or equals to the positive effect. The 1.5 ℃ scenario has the biggest negative impact on employment, whose solution should be the focus. By 2050, the positive effects of the 1.5℃ scenario exceed the negative effect because of the enhancement in technical level and in the attention given to the whole production. Safety is improved, and health defects decline and the most obvious positive effect is on the ecological environment. The decrease of coal production will reduce the ecological environmental damage and significantly improve the ecological environment. In general, the prediction of 1.5 ℃ scenario promotes the increase of scientific production capacity and promotes the orderly development of coal. It has strengthened the safety and health protection degree, made the coal industry more efficient and competitive, and avoided or reduced the impact of coal development on the ecological environment and achieved environmental friendliness. However, the 1.5 ℃ situation also increases the employment pressure of the society, which affects the economic development of the major coal producing areas, but the situation can be overcome through the transformation and upgrading of the region. Finally, the impacts of various factors under the 1.5 ℃ scenario were evaluated through a unified comparison of the synergistic effect monetization using the cost and payment willingness methods. Based on the research results, suggestions on the regulation of coal production were proposed relating to resettlement of workers, protection of the ecological environment, and improvement of workers＇ health.
文摘This paper describes the main activities of the ship recycling facilities that have moved to the Asia continent and puts emphasis on environmental and working conditions under the umbrella of the new IMO （International Maritime Organization） convention. However, the convention is not enforced yet and the legal gaps found on limited existing regulations do not impose strict rules on the shipping industry and at the same time offer motives for the safe recycling of ships. Ship-owners seem reluctant to send their vessels for scrap but rather prefer to employ them till the last minute, preferably in areas where the environmentally-friendly concept is not of primary importance. The dynamics of this specialized industry can be better shown by examining variables such as legal instruments, occupational health and safety hazards, geographical allocation of scrapping sites, scrap prices, safety working plans and volume to be scrapped. The next step is to build a simulation model in order to discuss the relevant scenarios. The first scenario is based on the current conditions where the ship-owner＇s decision is mainly affected by the fluctuations of the market and whether the effectiveness of existing regulations can improve the working environment in terms of health and safety. The second scenario refers to the situation when the IMO Convention is implemented, then it will produce two major recycling markets, the first one for the convention ships and the second for non-convention ships.
基金Acknowledgments The authors thank for the support by National Natural Science Foundation of China ＂The Study of Benefits Safeguards of Healthy Pig Breeding Industry and Exemplified Promotion Mechanism＂ （70873125） and by the collaborative project of Scientific Research and Graduate Training of Beijing Municipal Education Commission （Grant 201502911110426）.
文摘The objective of study in the paper was to analyze advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and threats of development of pig healthy agriculture in China, using systematic analysis and SWOT strategic analysis, as well as to show severe diseases, abnormal fluctuation, misplaced way and versatile environment confronted by pig breeding in China. The paper establishes ＂double-hug mode＂, from which pig breeding industry transforms and upgrades to modern breeding industry. Combing with the designed multi-party cooperation mechanism of advantageous regions, urban sale areas and group corporations, it sets up three paths for development of pig healthy agriculture in China, i.e., strategic paths of advantageous regions, urban sale areas and group corporations oriented, with an attempt to provide strategic path reference for transformation and upgrading of pig breeding in China and mode reference for breakthrough of development strategy for pig healthy industry.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province（05JJ40072） the Education Department Youth Foundation of Hunan Province（05B015）
文摘Factors of occupation health hazard were identified and analyzed, and indexes system of occupation health risk assessment were established by applying fuzzy theory and system safety technique, the weights of index system were obtained by AHP, finally a reasonable mathematics model of occupation health risk assessment was accomplished by an example.
文摘For the college students, the instructors are the guides and helpers of the healthy growth of them, who play an important role in their establishment of a correct outlook on life, and values, and the cultivation of the good moral qualities. At present, in the team of the college counselors, there exist the problems that the responsibilities are fuzzy, and their own qualities need to be improved, and the construction of the occupation is slow, and so on, which require that we should recognize the positioning of the counselors＇ occupational role, and focus on the enhancement of the abilities of the counselors. Therefore, this paper puts forward the path to improve the abilities of the role of the counselors, in order to speed up the construction of the professionalism and specialization of the team of the college counselors, making them more capable of supporting the growth of the physical and mental health of the college students.
文摘In this paper, we construct a model in which the impact of pollution on health is exerted through both direct and indirect channels. The indirect channel is captured by a production func-tion in which the principal health-improving factor, income growth, can be realized only in the cost of pollution increase. This model is then tested by the aggregated chronicle disease data in over 78 Chinese counties. Our results show, after attaining the threshold of 8 μg/m2, continuous increase in industrial SO2 emission density will lead the ratio of population suffering chronicle diseases, among which respiratory diseases occupy a significant proportion, to rise. However, owing to technological progress in pollution control activities, the needed SO2 emission to produce one unit of GDP diminishes with time. Therefore, the negative effect from pollution augmentation on public health seems to be recompensed more and more by the positive effect of economic growth.
文摘In China＇s rapid aging, old before getting rich, the traditional way of pension weakening, health industry chain shortage situation, combining with the status quo of Shanghai Songjiang District elderly health industry and the existing problems are analyzed, based on the existing health industry, practice, to explore the Shanghai Songjiang District is facing in the development of health industry., improve Songjiang elderly health industry chain.
文摘Information systems have been adopted in many fields including the health industry. Indeed, keeping abreast of the advances of the technological age, many medical organizations have invested heavily in information technologies （IT）, aiming at improving medical decision-making and increasing its efficiency. Despite their obvious advantages, the systems do not always immediately provide the vital medical information required for critical decision-making, and the decisions that are based on this partial information may result in a decreased level of quality of care and unnecessary costs. The objective of this research is to evaluate the contribution of IT to decision-makers （physicians） at the point of care of emergency departments （EDs） by investigating whether the information systems （IS） have improved the medical outcomes, in the complex and highly stressful environment of the ED, with time constraints and overcrowding. The authors evaluated the contribution of the medical information to admission decisions by using the track log-file analysis method. The results were obtained using a unique database containing referrals to the ED from seven main hospitals in Israel. The authors＇ results lead to the major conclusion that viewing medical history contributes to admission decisions and clearly reduces the number of avoidable admissions.
