Facteurs prédictifs de la surdité professionnelle induite par le bruit chez les travailleurs des centrales électriques / Predictive factors of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in power plant workers

Analyser le lien entre la surdité professionnelle induite par le bruit et les caractéristiques socioprofessionnelles des travailleurs. Méthodes: C'était une étude prospective et analytique, par enquête avec évaluation audiométrique du 1er août au 30 septembre 2020, concernant 92 travailleurs des deux centrales de la Société Nationale d'Electricité de N'Djamena.Les tests de khi2et de corrélation de Pearson étaient utilisés à la recherche d'un lien entre la surdité due au bruit et les facteurs socioprofessionnels; une différence était dite statistiquement significative si p <0,05. Résultats: L'échantillon était constitué de 96% d'hommes. L'âge variait de 23 à 64 ans avec une moyenne de 38,7 ± 9,0 ans. Quarante-sept (51%) employés étaient formés sur la sécurité en milieu professionnel. Les agents de quarts représentaient 45% des cas (n=41). La durée d'exposition moyenne au bruit était de 10,8 ± 8,5 ans. Le port des équipements de protection individuelle était régulier dans 86% des cas (n =79). La surdité professionnelle a été observée dans 55% des cas (n=51). L'âge (p <10-3) et la durée d'exposition au bruit (p=0,002) étaient les facteurs associés significativement à la surdité. Conclusion: L'âge et l'ancienneté sont les facteurs prédictifs de la surdité chez les travailleurs exposés aux bruits des centrales électriques de N'Djamena.

Daños de salud respiratoria en comunas expuestas a centrales termoeléctricas a carbón en el norte de Chile: análisis de datos secundarios / Respiratory health damage in communes exposed to coal-fired power plants in northern Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: En Chile, el funcionamiento de las Centrales Termoeléctricas de Carbón (CTEC) representan un problema de salud pública debido a las consecuencias sanitarias que tienen en la población. Se han notificado daños en el sistema respiratorio. Materiales y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio ecológico, para evaluar los egresos hospitalarios de las personas que viven en las ciudades donde operan las CTEC (Tocopilla y Huasco), se comparó con una ciudad de control sin CTEC (Caldera), las comunas evaluadas tienen condiciones sociodemográficas similares. Se calcularon las tasas de morbilidad y tasas de morbilidad estandarizadas (SMR). RESULTADOS: La tasa de morbilidad por enfermedades respiratorias en Tocopilla (2016) fue de 152,5 por 10.000 habitantes (habs) y para Huasco es de 135,2 por 10.000 habs. En la ciudad control, Caldera, la tasa es de 40,9 por 10.000 habs. Además, los habitantes de Tocopilla tienen 2,42 más riesgo de padecer bronquitis o bronquiolitis, 90% más riesgo de presentar enfermedades crónicas de las vías respiratorias bajas y 2,14 veces más riesgo de enfermar por asma. En Huasco, la población tiene 2,49 veces más riesgo de padecer enfermedades de las vías respiratorias inferiores con respecto a la región y 3,19 veces más riesgo de presentar asma. CONCLUSIONES: El asma y la bronquitis, son las patologías que mostraron mayores riesgos en las ciudades de Tocopilla y Huasco. Nuestros hallazgos son similares a otras investigaciones realizadas en comunidades expuestas a centrales termoeléctricas de carbón. Es necesario tomar medidas urgentes para proteger la salud de la población.

INTRODUCTION: In Chile, coal-fired power plants (CTEC) operate represents public health problems due to the health consequences for the population. Damage to the respiratory system is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ecological study to evaluate hospital discharges in people living in cities where CTEC operates (Tocopilla and Huasco) were compared to a control city without CTEC (Caldera), all of them with similar sociodemographic conditions. Morbidity rates and Standardized Morbidity Ratios (SMR) were calculated. RESULTS: The respiratory disease morbidity rate in Tocopilla (2016) was 152.5 per 10,000 inhabitants (habs) and for Huasco it is 135.2 per 10,000 inhabitants. In the control city, Caldera, the rate is 40.9 per 10,000 habs. In addition, the inhabitants of Tocopilla have a 2.42 times increased risk of bronchitis or bronchiolitis, 90% higher risk of chronic lower respiratory diseases and 2.14 times more risk of asthma sickness. In Huasco, the population is 2.49 times more at risk of lower respiratory diseases compared to the region and 3.19 times more at risk of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma and bronchitis are the pathologies that showed the greatest risks in the cities of Tocopilla and Huasco. Our findings are similar to other research conducted in communities exposed to coal-fired power plants. Urgent action is needed to protect the health of the population.

Technological Development of Automation Solutions for the Energy Industry

Abstract The Innovation Centers are one of the arms of a nation's technological development. Due to their characteristics and objectives, these centers are equipped with laboratories, equipment and researchers capable of developing a product from basic research to the installation of the solution in the field. Entering the context of Innovation Centers and knowing how to correctly position the level of technological maturity is one of the challenges to be understood and explored. In order to advance the market phase, it is recommended to form alliances with technology-based companies to provide both production and commercialization of these technologies, even more if it is possible to create a spinoff from these centers, to take advantage of the experience, knowledge and skills already acquired over time.

Riesgos y peligros laborales en termoeléctricas: una revisión de la literatura de 2007 a 2017 / Occupational hazards and risks in thermoelectric plants: a review of the literature from 2007 to 2017

Resumen Introducción: la demanda de energía eléctrica va de la mano del aumento de la población, por lo que para satisfacerla se debe asegurar la capacidad de generación eléctrica, esto incentivaría la construcción de plantas térmicas; aumentando los trabajadores expuestos a los peligros de termoeléctricas. Esta revisión tiene como fin identificar cuáles riesgos y peligros en termoeléctricas han sido estudiadas en el mundo durante el periodo 20072017. Objetivo: identificar, a través de una revisión bibliográfica, los principales peligros a que están expuestos los trabajadores de termoeléctricas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática teniendo en cuenta las recomendaciones de la guía PRISMA, se tuvieron en cuenta estudios acerca de los factores de riesgos a los que se exponen el personal de operaciones de centrales térmicas; para la búsqueda se establecieron dos algoritmos con descriptores DeCS y MeSH en las bases de datos Scopus, Pubmed, Scient Direct y Google académico, encontrándose 21 publicaciones que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: los peligros más relevantes para los trabajadores en termoeléctricas son físicos, ergonómicos, químicos, biológicos y psicosociales. Conclusión: los trabajadores de termoeléctricas están expuestos a varios peligros que pueden aumentar el riesgo de ocasionarles enfermedades respiratorias, musculoesqueleticas, pérdida de capacidad auditiva, cáncer, leucemia y su variedad, pericarditis, Alzheimer, Parkinson, daño genético y celular; también se pudo evidenciar que el efecto en la salud por exposición en campos magnéticos requiere de estudios de más profundidad.

Abstract Introduction: the demand for electric power, goes hand in hand with the population increasing, to satisfy it, the power generation capacity must be ensured, this would encourage the construction of thermal plants; increasing the exposition of workers to the thermoelectric plant dangers. This review aims to identify which risks and dangers in thermoelectric plants have been studied in the world for the period 2007-2017. Objective: identify the main hazards to which thermoelectric workers are exposed through a literature review. Materials and methods: a systematic review was carried out taking into account the recommendations of the PRISMA guide, studies were taken into account about the risk factors to which thermal power plant operations personnel are exposed; Two algorithms with DeCS and MeSH descriptors were established in the Scopus, PubMed, Scient Direct and Google academic databases, with 21 publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: the most relevant hazards for thermoelectric workers are physical, ergonomic, chemical, biological and psychosocial. Conclusion: thermoelectric workers are exposed to various hazards that may increase the risk of respiratory, musculoskeletal, hearing loss, cancer, leukemia and its variety, pericarditis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, genetic and cellular damage; It could also be evidenced that the effect on health by exposure in magnetic fields requires more in-depth studies.

"isso é tirar a vida das pessoas": barragens e violação de direitos / "eso es quitarle la vida a las personas": represas y violación de derechos / "this is taking people's lives": dams and violation of rights

Resumo Este estudo possui o objetivo de analisar as interfaces entre a implantação da hidrelétrica de Itá em Santa Catarina e a violação dos Direitos Humanos de agricultores atingidos pela obra que permaneceram residindo no entorno reservatório após a finalização do empreendimento. O estudo, de cunho qualitativo, fundamentou-se na pesquisa participante. A coleta de dados iniciou em fevereiro de 2016 e foi concluída em dezembro do mesmo ano. Foram entrevistadas 12 pessoas atingidas pela construção da barragem de Itá, além de observações participantes periódicas em toda região rural do entorno do reservatório. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que, os participantes do estudo tiveram violados os direitos à saúde, educação, emprego e infraestrutura, perdendo também projetos de vidas. Portanto, é necessário atentar para o atual formato de implantação de barragens construindo políticas públicas que garantam os direitos das populações atingidas por estes empreendimentos.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio es analizar las relaciones entre la implantación de la hidroeléctrica de Itá, en Santa Catarina, y la violación de derechos humanos de agricultores que permanecieron viviendo en el entorno del embalse tras su finalización y que fueron afectados por él. El estudio, de tipo cualitativo, se fundamentó en la investigación participativa. La recolección de datos empezó en febrero de 2016 y concluyó en diciembre del mismo año. Se entrevistaron a 12 personas afectadas por la construcción de dicha represa, además de la realización de periódicas observaciones participantes en su entorno rural. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido. Los resultados demostraron que los entrevistados sufrieron violación de derechos a salud, educación, empleo e infraestructura, perdiendo, incluso, proyectos de vida. Así, es necesario examinar las actuales formas de implantación de represas a través de políticas públicas que garanticen los derechos de las poblaciones afectadas.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the interfaces between the implementation of Itá hydroelectric power plant in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina and the violation of human rights of the farmers who remained living in the reservoir's surrounding area after the project was finished and who were affected by it. The qualitative study was based on participant research. Data collection began in February 2016 and was completed in December of the same year. Twelve people affected by the construction of Itá dam were interviewed, and there were periodic participant observations in all rural areas surrounding the reservoir. Data were submitted to content analysis. Research results indicated that the research participants had their rights to health, education, employment and infrastructure violated, losing also their life projects. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the current model for dam implantation by developing public policies that ensure the rights of populations affected by these enterprises.

Gastric and rectal cancers in workers exposed to asbestos: a case series

Potential impact of small hydroelectric power plants on river biota: a case study on macroinvertebrates associated to basaltic knickzones / Potencial impacto de pequenas centrais hidreléticas sobre a biota aquática: um estudo de caso sobre macroinvertebrados associados a pedrais basálticos

Abstract Small hydroelectric power plants (SHP) have been considered as an alternative for the generation of electricity with reduced environmental impacts. Nevertheless, no studies have addressed changes in a particular kind of river macrohabitat commonly affected by SHPs, the knickzones. This study aimed to assess the impact of a SHP construction on the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna associated with two basaltic knickzones located in Sapucaí-Mirim River, Southeast Brazil. The first, considered as a functional knickzone, follows the natural dynamics of the river flow and preserves the original rock substrate. The second, considered as non-functional knickzone, was permanently flooded after the SHP construction and the consolidated rock substrate was changed by fine sediment. Sampling was carried out in two seasonal periods and the data were analysed through multivariate analysis. It was observed differences in composition and structure of the macroinvertebrates community between the knickzones and periods. The functional knickzone exhibited a much higher richness, 72 taxa compared to 44 in the non-functional, as well as a large number of exclusive taxa (38, being only nine exclusive to the non-functional). Diversity, equitability and density mean values were also higher in the functional knickzone. The limnological parameters varied significantly between dry and rainy seasons but not between the distinct knickzones. This kind of macrohabitats and its potential role for the rivers biodiversity is practically unknown. In the scenery of fast SHP expansion, further studies and protection measures are necessary.

Resumo Atualmente, a instalação de pequenas centrais hidrelétricas (PCHs) tem sido a alternativa mais visada quando a questão é suprir a demanda energética, considerando-se os menores impactos ambientais possíveis. Contudo, são escassos os trabalhos que avaliam as alterações causadas por esses empreendimentos, principalmente no que se diz respeito a um tipo de macro-habitat de rios, os pedrais. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da construção de uma PCH na fauna de macroinvertebrados aquáticos associada a dois pedrais basálticos, localizados no rio Sapucaí-Mirim, no Sudeste do Brasil. O primeiro, considerado como um pedral funcional, segue a dinâmica natural do fluxo do rio e possui o substrato rochoso original. O segundo, considerado como pedral não funcional, foi permanentemente inundado após a construção da PCH e o substrato consolidado foi alterado por sedimentos finos. A amostragem foi realizada em dois períodos sazonais e os dados foram analisados através de análise multivariada. Foram observadas diferenças na composição e estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados entre os pedrais e períodos. O pedral funcional apresentou uma riqueza muito maior, 72 táxons em comparação com 44 no não funcional, bem como um grande número de táxons exclusivos (38, sendo apenas nove exclusivos do não-funcional). Os valores médios da diversidade, equitabilidade e densidade também foram maiores no pedral funcional. Os parâmetros limnológicos variaram significativamente entre as estações seca e chuvosa, mas não entre os diferentes pedrais. Este tipo de macro-habitat e seu potencial papel para a biodiversidade dos rios são praticamente desconhecidos. Assim, mais estudos e medidas de proteção são necessários, principalmente diante do atual cenário de rápida expansão das PCHs.

Fish consumption on the Amazon: a review of biodiversity, hydropower and food security issues / Consumo de Peixes na Amazônia: uma revisão sobre biodiversidade, hidrelétricas e segurança alimentar

Abstract The lack of knowledge about the majority of fish species harvested in Amazonian small-scale fisheries, in association with impacts from hydroelectric power plants, may lead to biodiversity loss and a decrease in the protein food supply for riverine Amazonians. This study uses existing datasets on fisheries and riverine developmental projects to infer effects associated with fish losses where actual data and outcomes are not available. The targeted fish species' status may be regarded as either threatened or there being no knowledge of their conservation requirements, biology or ecology. Among the 90 Amazonian fish species that are the most important for the diet of the riverine fishers, 78% are not assessed or their biological information is unknown, according to the IUCN Red List. Consequently, the effects created by the thoroughly disregarded trade-off between energy generation and food security in the planning of Amazonian land use have been worsened by the lack of biological and ecological information on fish species.

Resumo A falta de conhecimento sobre a maioria das espécies alvo de comunidades pesqueiras da Amazonia, associada ao impacto das hidrelétricas pode levar ao descréscimo da biodiversidade e na disponibilidade de proteína para os ribeirinhos da Amazônia. As espécies alvo são vulneráveis ou pouco conhecidas em sua biologia ou ecologia. Dentre 90 espécies de peixes importantes na dieta dos ribeirinhos, 78% não são estudadas ou sua biologia é desconhecida, de acordo com a lista da UICN. Dessa forma, os efeitos criados pela negligenciada relação de custo e benefício entre a produção de energia e a segurança alimentar no planejamento da Amazônia tem ainda piorado a situação de desconhecimento sobre as espécies de peixes.

Study of the Potential of Photovoltaic Microgeneration and Minigeneration from the Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Installed at UTFPR Curitiba Campus

Abstract: Humanity is increasingly dependent on energy, which demand grows every year. Renewable energy sources are consolidated alternatives in the market, previously installed on a small scale but now thought as large plants. The correct operation, taking full advantage of the generation potential, depends on studies of the place of implantation, such as radiation levels, temperature, latitude, etc. Two photovoltaic systems installed in the city of Curitiba were studied in order to monitor their respective performances through figures of merit.

A Computational Framework for Daily Power Flow Analysis Considering Photovoltaic Distributed Generation

Abstract In Brazil, the demand for the acquisition and installation of photovoltaic systems has grown exponentially and, with that, the importance of studies considering their effects on the distribution grids power flow also grows. Due to the intermittent nature of photovoltaic generation, it is important to approach the analysis in a discrete way, taking into account the changes in the power injections during the studied period. Thus, this article presents the daily analysis of the effects of photovoltaic generation on the distribution system through the computational implementation of a discretized power flow routine. The implemented routine can also analyze the effects of other distributed generations on distribution grids, whether those grids are radial or not. The study results show positive impacts on the voltage quality obtained by the photovoltaic systems insertion, for a well-known distribution test system.

Performance Analysis of Small Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract The acceptance and deployment of electric power from sustainable sources, which are less polluting than fossils, have been a consensus throughout society. Specially, the growth of the installed capacity in photovoltaic energy has been considerable in distributed generation. In order to properly take advantage of this growing demand, it is necessary to adopt appropriate measures and procedures to improve the operation and performance of photovoltaic systems. The purpose of this work is to present such measures and procedures, under quantitative and qualitative analysis, using scientific methodologies and tools. In the end, a set of procedures was obtained that analyzes functional and structural aspects of small grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Its validation was carried out in a case study of photovoltaic system of the Department of Electrical Engineering (DELT) of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR, Brazil).

Energy Management in Energy-Intensive Industries: Developing a Conceptual Map

Abstract This paper presents the development of a conceptual map regarding energy management applied to industry. The energy issue is currently of great relevance, especially for the so-called energy-intensive industries related to high energy consumption and their associated environmental impacts. The present research is characterized as a basic, exploratory approach justified by the need to build knowledge on the subject of energy management in industry. The methodology provides for the use of a computational tool called CMap Tools, which assists in the graphic representation of the proposed conceptual map. The conceptual map based on the ISO 50001 standard and on successful energy management practices described in the scientific literature is directed toward a process design covered by the managerial discipline called Business Process Management. The conceptual map is intended to clarify the relationships that are established between the intra-organizational and main external stakeholders involved in an energy management system. Owing to the way internal areas and external organizations relate, the representation structure using a "Spider" is the most appropriate. The work developed presents an energy management system for an energy-intensive industry in a clear (conceptually and visually), orderly, unified, harmonious, and balanced manner indicating the distribution of its elements, and serves as an initial step in the creation of an ontology for this area of knowledge.

Exposición a contaminantes provenientes de termoeléctricas a carbón y salud infantil: ¿Cuál es la evidencia internacional y nacional? / Exposure to contaminants from coal-fired thermoelectric plants and children's health: what is the international and national evidence?

Resumen: Las centrales termoeléctricas (CTE) a carbón representan un riesgo para la salud de las comunidades expuestas. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica nacional e internacional enfocada en los efectos en salud de niños y la exposición a emisiones al aire provenientes de CTE a carbón. Se inclu yeron 21 artículos para su revisión en texto completo, donde se midieron efectos en salud infantil relacionados a presencia de biomarcadores de exposición y efecto, daños perinatales, neuroconductuales y respiratorios principalmente. La exposición a emisiones de CTE a carbón en el embarazo se asoció a niños con bajo peso y muy bajo peso al nacer, menor talla, menor diámetro de Circunfe rencia del Cráneo (CC) y prematuridad; el diámetro de CC aumentó en recién nacidos después del cierre de CTE. Se encontraron menor coeficiente de desarrollo (CD) y coeficiente intelectual (CI) en niños expuestos a emisiones de CTE a carbón comparados con no expuestos; CD aumentó cuando la central fue cerrada. Por otro lado, vivir en zonas con fuentes de emisión de mercurio (asociadas a CTE y plantas de cemento que funcionan con carbón) se asoció con mayor riesgo de autismo. En salud respiratoria, los artículos fueron consistentes en reportar menor función pulmonar en niños residentes en zonas expuestas a fuentes de combustión de carbón comparados con grupos de niños no expuestos. Es muy necesario abrir el debate en Chile sobre los riesgos controlables a los que se enfrenta la población infantil a consecuencia de plantas generadoras de energía instaladas en Chile.

Abstract: Coal-fired power plants (CFPP) represent a health risk to the exposed communities. A review of national and international scientific literature was made focused on the health effects on children and exposure to air emissions from CFPP. Twenty-one articles were included for full-text review, where effects on child health mainly related to the biomarkers presence of exposure and effect, pe rinatal, neurobehavioral and respiratory damages were measured. Exposure to CFPP emissions in pregnancy was associated with low birth weight and very low birth weight, shorter height, smaller head circumference (HC) diameter, and prematurity; the HC diameter increased in newborns after the CFPP closure. Lower coefficient of development (CD) and intelligence quotient (IQ) were found in children exposed to CFPP emissions compared with unexposed ones; CD increased when the plant was closed. On the other hand, living in areas with mercury emission sources (associated with CFPP and cement plants that work with coal) was associated with an increased risk of autism. In respira tory health, the articles were consistent with reporting lower pulmonary function in children living in areas exposed to coal combustion sources compared with groups of unexposed children. There is a great need to open the debate in Chile on the controllable risks faced by the child population as a result of power generation plants located in Chile.

Investigating the Impact of Establishing Integrated Management Systems on Accidents and Safety Performance Indices: A Case Study

BACKGROUND: Increasing the establishment of integrated management systems (IMSs) is done with the purpose of leaving traditional management methods and replacing them with modern management methods. Thus, the present study sought to analyze the events and investigate the impact of IMS on health and safety performance indices in an Iranian combined cycle power plants. METHODS: This case study was conducted in 2012 in all units of the Yazd Combined Cycle Power Plant on accident victims before and after the implementation of IMS. For data analysis and prediction of indices after the implementation of IMS, descriptive statistics and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Chi-square, linear regression, and Cubic tests were conducted using SPSS software. RESULTS: The number of people employed in the power plant in an 8-year period (2004–2011) was 1,189, and 287 cases of work-related accidents were recorded. The highest accident frequency rate and accident severity rate were in 2004 (32.65) and 2008 (209), respectively. Safe T-score reached to below −3 during 2010–2011. In addition, given the regression results, the relation between all predictor variables with outcomes was significant (p < 0.05), except for the variable X1 belonging to the accident severity rate index. CONCLUSION: The implementation of safety programs especially that of IMS and its annual audits has had a significant impact on reducing accident indices and improving safety within the study period. Accordingly, health and safety management systems are appropriate tools for reducing accident rate, and the use of regression models and accident indices is also a suitable way for monitoring safety performance.

Snail transmitters of schistosomiasis and other mollusks of medical and economic importance at the simplício queda única hydroelectric plant, southeast Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION This paper presents the results of an extensive survey of freshwater mollusks in the Simplício Queda Única Hydroelectric Development area, Southeast Brazil. METHODS Mollusks were collected between 2008 and 2013. All specimens were examined for the presence of larval trematodes. RESULTS In total, 12,507 specimens classified into 16 genera were obtained. Known snail vectors of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis and exotic species were identified, and new records are reported. CONCLUSIONS No specimens parasitized by larval trematodes of medical interest were detected. However, the results reinforce the importance of surveillance in study areas vulnerable to the occurrence of schistosomiasis transmission.

Evaluation of biogas and syngas as energy vectors for heat and power generation using lignocellulosic biomass as raw material

The use of nonrenewable energy sources to provide the worldwide energy needs has caused different problems such as global warming, water pollution, and smog production. In this sense, lignocellulosic biomass has been postulated as a renewable energy source able to produce energy carriers that can cover this energy demand. Biogas and syngas are two energy vectors that have been suggested to generate heat and power through their use in cogeneration systems. Therefore, the aim of this review is to develop a comparison between these energy vectors considering their main features based on literature reports. In addition, a techno-economic and energy assessment of the heat and power generation using these vectors as energy sources is performed. If lignocellulosic biomass is used as raw material, biogas is more commonly used for cogeneration purposes than syngas. However, syngas from biomass gasification has a great potential to be employed as a chemical platform in the production of value-added products. Moreover, the investment costs to generate heat and power from lignocellulosic materials using the anaerobic digestion technology are higher than those using the gasification technology. As a conclusion, it was evidenced that upgraded biogas has a higher potential to produce heat and power than syngas. Nevertheless, the implementation of both energy vectors into the energy market is important to cover the increasing worldwide energy demand.

Incidência de dengue e custos associados, nos períodos anterior (2000-2008) e posterior (2009-2013) à construção das usinas hidrelétricas em Rondônia / Incidencia de dengue y costos asociados, en los períodos antes (2000-2008) y después (2009-2013) de la construcción de las centrales hidroeléctricas en Rondônia, Brasil / Dengue incidence and associated costs in the periods before (2000-2008) and after (2009-2013) the construction of the hydroelectric power plants in Rondônia, Brazil

Objetivo: descrever a incidência de dengue e os custos associados, nos períodos anterior (2000-2008) e posterior (2009-2013) à construção das usinas hidrelétricas (UHE) Jirau e Santo Antônio, em Rondônia, Brasil. Métodos: estudo de avaliação econômica, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS); calcularam-se custos diretos da dengue e utilizou-se a análise de regressão segmentada. Resultados: a média de incidência de dengue foi maior no período posterior às construções (880,29/100 mil hab.) do que no período anterior (356,34/100 mil hab.) (p≤0,05); os custos diretos foram estimados em US$3,47 milhões no período anterior e US$7,1 milhões no posterior. Conclusão: houve crescimento da incidência e dos custos diretos da dengue após as construções; o processo de licenciamento ambiental deve incluir avaliações de impacto à saúde mais detalhadas.

Objetivo: analizar la incidencia de dengue y costes asociados en el período antes y después de la construcción de centrales hidroeléctricas (CHE), estado de Rondônia, Brasil. Métodos: estudio de evaluación económica, considerando los costos directos del dengue, el número de casos notificados y las internaciones hospitalarias, con datos del Sistema Nacional de Enfermedades de Declaración Sistema de Información (Sinan) y del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH-SUS), analizados por regresión lineal. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la tasa de incidencia en el pre (356,34/100.000 habitantes) y post-construcción (880,29/100.000 habitantes) (p≤0,05); además, los costos se estimaron en US$3.47 millones en período de pre-construcción de US$7.1 millones en el período posterior. Conclusión: se sugiere la aplicación de evaluaciones del impacto en la salud más detallada, para ayudar en el uso de los recursos y la gestión de la salud.

Objective: to describe the incidence of dengue cases and associated costs in the period before and after the construction of the Jirau and Santo Antônio hydroelectric power plants (HPP), in Rondônia State, Brazil. Methods: economic evaluation study, based on data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and the National Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS); dengue direct costs were calculated and segmented regression analysis was carried out. Results: dengue incidence mean was higher in the period after HPP construction (880.29/100,000 inhabitants) than before them (356.34/100,000 inhabitants) (p≤0.05); direct costs were estimated at US$3.47 million in the pre-construction period and US$7.1 million in the post-construction period. Conclusion: there was an increase in the incidence and direct costs of dengue after HPP construction; the environmental licensing process should include more detailed health impact assessments.

The effect of increasing the illumination on operators' visual performance in the control-room of a combined cycle power plant

BACKGROUND: Lighting is one of the environmental factors affecting the performance of the control room operators. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the control room operators’ visual performance in two different illumination conditions at a combined cycle power plant through field-work. METHODS: Sixteen operators in day shift were evaluated with the Freiburg Visual Acuity test (FrACT) software at two lighting systems with different intensities. It includes the first phase with fluorescent illumination system (Power: 40 W, Color Temperature: 4000 Kelvin, Luminous Flux: 2780 Lumen and Model: Pars Shahab) and the second phase with a combined illumination system includes fluorescent and LED (Power: 48 W, Color Temperature: 4000 Kelvin, Luminous Flux: 5400 Lumen and Model: Mazinoor). RESULTS: Based on the results, visual performance index and visual acuity significantly increased after the intervention (p < 0.001). As to contrast, more lighting significantly reduced the percentage of recognized contrast (p < 0.001) and increased the contrast performance index (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that increasing the intensity of light from the values below the allowable limit to the values above the allowable limit would increase the visual indicators in individuals.

Association between air pollution in the 2015 winter in South Korea and population size, car emissions, industrial activity, and fossil-fuel power plants: an ecological study

BACKGROUND: Compared to 10 years ago, the ambient particulate matter 10 (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in South Korea have decreased. However, compared to many other OECD countries, these levels are still too high. Concentration of air pollutants such as PM10 is especially higher during winter than during summer. The first step to rationally solving the air pollution problem in Korea is to identify the key air pollution sources during each season. This ecological study was performed to assess the association between the number of days the accepted PM10 and CO thresholds were exceeded and the concentration of potential emission sources in winter season 2015. METHODS: An emission inventory of the PM10 and CO emissions in the 232 administrative South Korean districts in January, 2015, and February, 2015 and December, 2015, and the population density, number of car registrations, number of car accidents, industrial power usage, and presence of a fossil-fuel power plant in each district was established on the basis of official web-page data from the government. For all emission source variables except power plants, the administrative districts were grouped into quartiles. Districts were also divided according to whether a power plant was present or not. Negative binomial regression was performed to assess the associations between the PM10 and CO air pollution (defined as ≥100 g/m3 and ≥ 9 ppm, respectively) and the concentration of each emission source. RESULTS: Compared to the districts with the lowest population density, the districts with the third highest population density associated most strongly with air pollution. This was also observed for industrial power usage. Car accident number and car registration numbers showed a linear relationship with air pollution. Districts with power plants were significantly more likely to have air pollution than districts that lacked a plant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater car numbers, industrial activity, and population density, and the presence of fossil-fuel plants associated with air pollution in the 2015 winter in South Korea. These data highlight the contaminant sources that could be targeted by interventions that aim to reduce air pollution, decrease the incidence of exposure, and limit the impact of pollution on human health. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-018-0273-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.