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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Concentration Levels Of Pm2.S And Pm 10 Paper Dust In A Book Production Facility, Blake J. Cvengros Apr 2017

Concentration Levels Of Pm2.S And Pm 10 Paper Dust In A Book Production Facility, Blake J. Cvengros

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 paper dust were measured in a book production facility using a quantitative single subject study. Dust concentration data was collected in three processes of a book manufacturing facility; paper recycling, the digital pressroom and the digital bindery. Data was collected using the DustTrak DRX 8533 Aerosol Monitor, focusing on particulate sizes of PM2.5 and PM10. The data was used to determine if paper dust in the book production industry reached concentration levels that could have negative respiratory health effects on surrounding employees and to determine which process within the studied facility had the highest …


Lead Exposure In Children Through Water And Soil, Sravya Maru Dec 2015

Lead Exposure In Children Through Water And Soil, Sravya Maru

Environmental Management & Risk Assessment (PH 560)

Lead is a metal which has the ability to spread in the earth’s crust and has corrosive property. It is a naturally occurring metal which is soft in nature. Lead exposure in children is through various pathways and the major concentrated sources are the soil and drinking water. Children are most susceptible to lead exposure is due to their growing/developing bodies which are very sensitive to lead. Lead poisoning in children is a preventable environmental disease affecting many children around the world. This paper discusses how soil and water plays a major role in lead exposure to children’s routine life. …


Relationship Between Emissions Of Human Activities And Ozone Layer Depletion, Umer Murtaza Oct 2015

Relationship Between Emissions Of Human Activities And Ozone Layer Depletion, Umer Murtaza

Environmental Management & Risk Assessment (PH 560)

Ozone depletion always holds an importance being a protective shield to humans and environment as well. Human activities and man-made substances are playing major role to this depletion which is increasing day by day. In this paper influence of man-made substances on ozone depletion and consequences of this depletion have been discussed. Role of chlorofluorocarbons as depleting agents is more comparatively other substances. Due to ozone depletion life on earth is affecting which are resulting different consequences like skin cancer, eye diseases and destruction of crops and aquatic life. EPA has worked a lot to save the ozone and many …


Mercury Emissions From Coal-Fired Powerplants, Divya Gade Oct 2015

Mercury Emissions From Coal-Fired Powerplants, Divya Gade

Environmental Management & Risk Assessment (PH 560)

Mercury is a neurotoxic heavy metal that pose a risk to the public as well as the environmental health. It is a naturally occurring element that is released into the environment from the natural or anthropogenic emissions. Among the anthropogenic emissions, coal-fired powerplants account for approximately 50 percent of the emissions because of the lack of regulations for the emissions from these facilities. The other larger sources of mercury emissions such as municipal waste combustors and medical waste incinerators are subjected to the stringent regulations thereby minimizing their total contribution. Mercury is a natural component of coal and is released …


Selection Of Pathogen Surrogates And Fresh Produce Safety: Implications For Public Health And Irrigation Water Quality Policy, Ethan Givan Oct 2015

Selection Of Pathogen Surrogates And Fresh Produce Safety: Implications For Public Health And Irrigation Water Quality Policy, Ethan Givan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Foodborne illness continues to be a substantial public health issue in the United States, with fresh produce being one of the leading causes of outbreaks. Understanding routes of contamination of fresh produce and how pathogens survive on plant surfaces is paramount in improving food safety and reducing risk to public health. The objectives of this study were to select environmental E.coli isolates as pathogen surrogates of Salmonella typhimurium and E.coli O157:H7, assess lettuce plant contamination by spray irrigation water, and evaluate a common industry quality control (QC) E.coli strain (ATCC 25922). Selections of E.coli surrogates were made utilizing biofilm and …


Moving The Worksite Health Promotion Profession Forward: Is The Time Right For Requiring Standards? A Review Of The Literature, Cecilia M. Watkins, G. English Jan 2015

Moving The Worksite Health Promotion Profession Forward: Is The Time Right For Requiring Standards? A Review Of The Literature, Cecilia M. Watkins, G. English

Public Health Faculty Publications

Standards in any profession are adopted to assure that the individuals hired are adequately trained and the programs that they oversee are of the highest quality. Worksite health promotion should be no different than any other field. A review of the research conducted by experts in worksite health promotion is examined, along with an assessment of skills needed to ensure that wellness programs are effective and employees, their families and even their communities are educated on the ways to best prevent chronic diseases and occupational incidences through healthy and safe behaviors. From these reviews, this paper explores the processes used …


Beyond Sustainability: A New Conceptual Model, Molly Kerby, Gayle Mallinger Oct 2014

Beyond Sustainability: A New Conceptual Model, Molly Kerby, Gayle Mallinger

Faculty Publications

Over the last few decades, the notion of sustainability has become an interdisciplinary buzz word. Sustainability has been an integrative concept that includes three constructs or pillars: a) social; b) economic; and c) ecological. Until recently, theoretical approaches based on the three pillars approach have operated in silos rather than exploring the interconnectedness of the constructs. Few models have moved beyond the idea that logical relations exist among the constructs (social, economic, and ecological) to consider factors external to communities, nor have they examined the internal socio-economic factors that influence positive outcomes. While this conceptualization has raised awareness about the …


Madison County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacqueline Brown, Bryan Makinen, Carl Richards, Michael Bryant Aug 2014

Madison County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacqueline Brown, Bryan Makinen, Carl Richards, Michael Bryant

Public Health Faculty Publications

The results of a commodity flow analysis of hazardous materials for KY Highway 21 (KY-0021) and KY Highway 627 (KY-0627) conducted by Western Kentucky University, in partnership with the Madison County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), are presented within this report. This report specifically focuses on the portions of these highways located in Madison County, Kentucky. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Madison County in relationship to the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the patterns of hazardous materials transportation along KY-0021 and KY-0627 as observed from August 4, 2014 through August 15, …


Rowan County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jacqueline Brown Aug 2014

Rowan County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jacqueline Brown

Public Health Faculty Publications

The results of a Commodity Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials for Interstate 64 (I-64) conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with the Rowan County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) are presented within this report. This report specifically focuses on the portion of the I-64 corridor located in Rowan County, Kentucky. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Rowan County in relationship to the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the patterns of hazardous materials transportation observed along I-64 in Rowan County from June 16, 2014 through July 11, 2014. Finally, the report presents …


Montgomery County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis 1, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jacqueline Brown Aug 2014

Montgomery County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis 1, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jacqueline Brown

Public Health Faculty Publications

The results of a Commodity Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials for Interstate 64 (I-64) conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with the Montgomery County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) are presented within this report. This report specifically focuses on the portion of the I-64 corridor located in Montgomery County, Kentucky. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Montgomery County in relationship to the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the patterns of hazardous materials transportation along I-64 as observed from July 14, 2014 through August 1, 2014. In addition, this report also summarizes …


Daviess County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie Taylor, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Richard Payne Sep 2013

Daviess County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie Taylor, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Richard Payne

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study for Daviess County, KY. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Daviess County Emergency Management Agency. The study area was focused in Daviess County and included a railway-monitoring site near Henderson, KY. A map of the Daviess County is shown in Figure 1.1. As part of this study, hazardous materials (hazmats) transported through the study area were monitored via placard surveys at the following sites: U.S. Highway 60 (Hwy 60), east and westbound lanes at East Fourth Street & the Hwy 60 Bypass (U.S. …


Henderson County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Larry Koerber Sep 2013

Henderson County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Larry Koerber

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) commodity flow study for Henderson County, Kentucky. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Henderson County Emergency Management (HCEM) and Henderson County Local Planning Committee (LEPC). Location of Henderson County and the City of Henderson in Kentucky are shown in Figure 1.1. In addition, data from an Audubon Parkway placard survey, conducted in July of 2013 for Daviess County, were used in the analysis for this report. Hazardous materials transported through Henderson County were monitored at the following sites during the study period: U.S. Highway 41 …


Impact Of Storm Events On Water Quality Of A Karst Stream And Implications For Public Health Protection At A Historic Landmark, Ellen R. Barringer May 2013

Impact Of Storm Events On Water Quality Of A Karst Stream And Implications For Public Health Protection At A Historic Landmark, Ellen R. Barringer

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

A water quality study was conducted on Lost River near Bowling Green, Kentucky. The emphasis of the study was to assess the influence of storm events on water quality and E. coli (cfu/100ml) levels. Lost River is a karst stream and flows underground for much of its course through Warren County and Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Lost River watershed is approximately 55 square miles and receives surface runoff from rural and urban land uses. Within the watershed exists the Lost River Cave and Valley, which receives secondary contact use throughout the year. A water quality assessment of multiple parameters was …


[Sabbatical Report], Emmanuel Iyiegbuniwe Apr 2013

[Sabbatical Report], Emmanuel Iyiegbuniwe

Sabbatical Reports

The main purpose of this sabbatical leave was to provide me the opportunity to conduct relevant research and subsequently write two book chapters on environmental health and policy issues in two countries: Belize (a developing country) and Canada (a developed country). Specifically, the two book chapters were titled "Analysis of Environmental Health Policy in Belize" and "Analysis of Environmental Health and Policy Issues in Canada." As called for in my proposal, I was able to travel to Belize with a group of CHHS faculty and students during the 2013 winter term. During the leave period, I success fully conducted research …


Louisville / Jefferson County Hazardous Material Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jonathan Suhl, Jacob Eagleson, Prachi Chavan, Roni Grigsby, Jim Bottom Aug 2012

Louisville / Jefferson County Hazardous Material Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jonathan Suhl, Jacob Eagleson, Prachi Chavan, Roni Grigsby, Jim Bottom

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Material Commodity Flow Analysis for the Louisville Metro area and Jefferson County. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Louisville / Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency. The study area was focused in Louisville and Jefferson County, Louisville Metro area, and included monitoring in Bullet County and Oldham County, as shown in Figure 1.1. As part of the study, hazardous material transport was monitored at the following sites: Interstate-64 (I-64), East and West bound lanes at The Belvedere; I-64, East and West bound lanes at Blankenbaker exit location; Interstate-65 …


Inter-Method Comparison Of Us Epa Analytical Methods 507 And 508.1 To Test For Atrazine In Kentucky Drinking Water, Jonathan Suhl Aug 2012

Inter-Method Comparison Of Us Epa Analytical Methods 507 And 508.1 To Test For Atrazine In Kentucky Drinking Water, Jonathan Suhl

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study examined United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) methods 507 and 508.1; analytical methods used to test drinking water for Atrazine. Additionally, this study examines the seasonal variation of Atrazine in Kentucky drinking water. Atrazine is a triazine herbicide used to control and inhibit the growth of broad leaf and grassy weeds. Atrazine’s ability to be transported to community drinking water supplies makes it a significant public health issue, as it has been linked to myriad negative health endpoints ranging from endocrine disruption to various forms of cancer, including stomach and ovarian cancer. To date, there is little …


The Evaluation Of Water Quality And Weather Patterns As Indicators For Escherichia Coli In Slaters Creek Watershed In Millersville, Tennessee, Jacqueline Brown May 2012

The Evaluation Of Water Quality And Weather Patterns As Indicators For Escherichia Coli In Slaters Creek Watershed In Millersville, Tennessee, Jacqueline Brown

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Water quality sampling was conducted in conjunction with the city of Millersville, Tennessee in order to assess levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Slaters Creek. The city of Millersville is under a storm water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that requires compliance monitoring. In the past, monitoring of E. coli has resulted in noncompliance with state water quality regulations. A water quality assessment, including E. coli and water quality parameters, was conducted to determine if E. coli levels varied between dates within the study area. Statistical methods were utilized to determine if variations existed between the sampling …


Chhs December 2011 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, College Of Health And Human Services, Western Kentucky University Dec 2011

Chhs December 2011 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, College Of Health And Human Services, Western Kentucky University

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.


Madison County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Aditya Stanam, Prachi Chavan, Connie Ellis, Bryan Makinen, Carl Richards, Michael Bryant Aug 2011

Madison County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Aditya Stanam, Prachi Chavan, Connie Ellis, Bryan Makinen, Carl Richards, Michael Bryant

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Commodity Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials for Interstate-75 (I-75) (North and South Bound lanes) conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with the Madison County (Kentucky) Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The only Kentucky County within the study area is Madison County as shown in Figure 1.1. The purpose of report is to give information on patterns of hazardous materials being transported along I-75 as observed from July 25th 2011 to August 5th 2011. A secondary purpose is to summarize incidents involving hazardous materials over the previous 6 years (January 2006 – June …


Comparison Of Workplace Protection Factors For Different Biological Contaminants, Kyungmin Jacob Cho, Tiina Reponen, Roy Mckay, Alok Dwivedi, Atin Adhikari, Umesh Singh, Rakesh Shukla, M. Susan Jones, Gordon Jones, Sergey A. Grinshpun Jun 2011

Comparison Of Workplace Protection Factors For Different Biological Contaminants, Kyungmin Jacob Cho, Tiina Reponen, Roy Mckay, Alok Dwivedi, Atin Adhikari, Umesh Singh, Rakesh Shukla, M. Susan Jones, Gordon Jones, Sergey A. Grinshpun

Nursing Faculty Publications

This study compared workplace protection factors (WPFs) for five different contaminants (endotoxin, fungal spores, (1→3)-β-D-glucan, total particle mass, and total particle number) provided by an N95 elastomeric respirator (ER) and an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR). We previously reported size-selective WPFs for total particle numbers for the ER and FFR, whereas the current article is focused on WPFs for bioaerosols and total particle mass. Farm workers (n = 25) wore the ER and FFR while performing activities at eight locations representing horse farms, pig barns, and grain handling facilities. For the determination of WPFs, particles were collected on filters simultaneously …


Second-Hand Smoke In A University Campus: Attitudes And Perceptions Of Faculty, Staff And Students, Cecilia M. Watkins, Sandeep Mishra, Herpreet Kaur Thind, Srinivasa B. Gokarakonda, Grace Lartey, Monia Chahal Mar 2011

Second-Hand Smoke In A University Campus: Attitudes And Perceptions Of Faculty, Staff And Students, Cecilia M. Watkins, Sandeep Mishra, Herpreet Kaur Thind, Srinivasa B. Gokarakonda, Grace Lartey, Monia Chahal

Public Health Faculty Publications

Purpose: To examine the attitudes and perceptions of faculty, staff and students concerning tobacco policies at a university campus in a tobacco producing state. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to faculty, staff and students to assess knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke on campus. A 3-wave e-mailing was used to send the questionnaire. Results: A total of 2,914 individuals responded to the questionnaire. Majority (60%) of the participants believed a smoke free policy would be a positive move and could possibly improve the quality of life for the campus community, while not negatively affecting …


Particle Size On Respiratory Protection Provided By Two Types Of N95 Respirators On Agricultural Settings, Jacob Cho Kyungmin, M. Susan Jones, Gordon Jones, Roy Mckay, Sergey A. Grinshpun, Alok Swivedi, Rakesh Shukla, Umesh Singh, Tiina Reponen Sep 2010

Particle Size On Respiratory Protection Provided By Two Types Of N95 Respirators On Agricultural Settings, Jacob Cho Kyungmin, M. Susan Jones, Gordon Jones, Roy Mckay, Sergey A. Grinshpun, Alok Swivedi, Rakesh Shukla, Umesh Singh, Tiina Reponen

Nursing Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to compare size-selective workplace protection factors (WPFs) of an N95 elastomeric respirator (ER) and an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) in agricultural environments. Twenty-five healthy farm workers ranging in age from 20 to 30 years voluntarily participated in the study. Altogether eight farms were included representing three different types: two horse farms, three pig barns, and three grain handling sites. Subjects wore the ER and FFR while performing their daily activities, such as spreading hay, feeding livestock, and shoveling. Aerosol concentrations in an optical particle size range of 0.7–10 µm were determined simultaneously inside …


Warren County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacqueline Brown, Shailesh Advani, Pragati Gole, Rasmi Nair, Bob Myatt Aug 2010

Warren County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacqueline Brown, Shailesh Advani, Pragati Gole, Rasmi Nair, Bob Myatt

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Commodity Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials for I-65 and the William H. Natcher Parkway conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with the Warren County (Kentucky) Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Kentucky counties within the study area include Warren, Simpson, Edmonson, Butler, Barren, and Hart. Figure 1 shows the sections of I-65 and Natcher Parkway that run through these counties. The purpose of our report is to give information on patterns of hazardous materials being transported along I-65 and Natcher Parkway as observed from May 24th 2010 to June 18th 2010. A secondary …


Belize As A Classroom, Jordan Norris, Molly Calico Apr 2010

Belize As A Classroom, Jordan Norris, Molly Calico

Impact Belize

During the week of January 7-14, 2010, Molly Calico and Jordan Norris participated in the Impact Belize program through the College of Health and Human Services. This program took place in Gales Point, a rural, underserved community in Belize. Impact students provided medical, dental and public health services to the community in an interdisciplinary service-learning format. As Master of Public Health students, Molly and Jordan directed health education initiatives and served on the Leadership Team for the program. Having participated in January of 2009 as well, Molly and Jordan were well prepared to conduct public health research and to assume …


Impact Belize 2010 Executive Report, Ritchie D. Taylor, Jordan Norris, Molly Calico, Bernie Strenecky, Daniel Carter, Dawn Garrett Wright, Eve Main, Bonny Petty, Molly Kerby, Jill Norris Apr 2010

Impact Belize 2010 Executive Report, Ritchie D. Taylor, Jordan Norris, Molly Calico, Bernie Strenecky, Daniel Carter, Dawn Garrett Wright, Eve Main, Bonny Petty, Molly Kerby, Jill Norris

Impact Belize

No abstract provided.


Southern Lagoon And Village Of Gales Point, Belize, Ca: Water Uses, Water Quality, And Potential Health Impacts, Rasmi Nair, Ritchie Taylor Jan 2010

Southern Lagoon And Village Of Gales Point, Belize, Ca: Water Uses, Water Quality, And Potential Health Impacts, Rasmi Nair, Ritchie Taylor

Impact Belize

An International Health Service Learning Program, Impact Belize 2010, was conducted by Western Kentucky University. Faculty and students worked closely with Gales Point villagers to gain an insight into the use of Southern Lagoon. The objective of the study was to assess fecal coliform levels in Southern lagoon, its primary and secondary contact use by villagers and its potential impact on health. Study methodology involved collection of water samples, both near shore and offshore, in the lagoon and incubating them using ColiQuant EZ method approved by EPA. A questionnaire was administered to villagers attending the WKU clinic to collect data …


Environmental Health Service Learning And Water Quality In Gales Point, Belize, Ritchie D. Taylor, Shabbar Ranapurwala, Matthew Hill Nov 2009

Environmental Health Service Learning And Water Quality In Gales Point, Belize, Ritchie D. Taylor, Shabbar Ranapurwala, Matthew Hill

Impact Belize

Belize is a country in Central America, formerly British Honduras, located south of Mexico and east of Guatemala on the Yucatan Peninsula. As part of the WKU International Health and Human Service Learning Program, an assessment of the local water supply in Gales Point, Belize was conducted. Gales Point is a small rural village located on the Caribbean Sea coast of Belize. Belize is a developing country thus access to safe drinking water can be problematic, as was observed on the local scale. The lack of technical, managerial and financial capacity coupled with the rural location of the village, create …


Writing The World: Ursula K. Le Guin And Margaret Atwood’S Literary Contributions To Ecofeminism, Melissa Messer Oct 2007

Writing The World: Ursula K. Le Guin And Margaret Atwood’S Literary Contributions To Ecofeminism, Melissa Messer

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Along with the philosophical writings of ecofeminism’s greatest proponents and critics, the growth of ecofeminist philosophy has relied heavily on fiction writers. The term ecofeminism was coined in 1975, and the following year ecofeminism found fertile ground for exploration and growth in March Peircy’s science fiction novel, Woman on the Edge of Time (1976). The social, academic, and literary trends leading up to the emergence of ecofeminism, however, began well before 1975. Both Ursula K. Le Guin and Margaret Atwood are speculative fiction authors whose work before and after 1975 examines important ecofeminist topics and contributes to the growth of …


Pesticide Safety: A Photonovel, M. Susan Jones, The Kentucky Partnership For Farm Family Health & Safety Jan 1995

Pesticide Safety: A Photonovel, M. Susan Jones, The Kentucky Partnership For Farm Family Health & Safety

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.