Swimming Pool Research Articles

Dyed Hair and Swimming Pools: The Influence of Chlorinated and Nonchlorinated Agitated Water on Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Artificial Dyes on Hair.

Chlorine, commonly found in pools and tap water, presents an intriguing concern in forensic hair analysis due to its sources and composition. Current forensic analysis involves optical microscopy which is subjected to advanced training where even multiple experts can deliver opposing conclusions for the same hair sample. Despite challenges in traditional analysis methods, emerging techniques like surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offer promising solutions, showcasing success even in harsh environments like prolonged sunlight or stagnant water immersion. This study employs partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to evaluate SERS efficacy in identifying dyes on hair immersed in chlorinated and distilled moving water for up to eight weeks. Our results demonstrated that one semipermanent colorant overwhelmingly influenced Raman signals in dyed hair exposed to both chlorinated and nonchlorinated water over an eight-week period, masking other colorants' spectral signatures. Despite one colorant's dominance, PLS-DA identified underlying colorants and their exposure conditions, suggesting persistent, unique interactions between original colorants and the environment. This study demonstrates the high potential for PLS-DA-based identifications of dyes on hair using SERS.

Ethylhexyl triazone sunscreen and its disinfection byproducts obtained after chlorine treatment: Ecofriendliness or ecotoxicity?

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for high-quality sunscreens that combine high efficacy with ecological characteristics. This trend has led to an increased use of triazine compounds, which represent an emerging class of UV filters. While it is well-established that sunscreens can have significant environmental impacts, there is limited data on the degradation of triazine UV filters, despite available information on their environmental persistence, particularly in relation to disinfection processes. This study investigates the chemical fate of ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) under chlorination conditions, typical of swimming pools. Twelve disinfection byproducts (DBPs) were isolated and fully identified using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, with three of these byproducts being identified for the first time. DBP1–DBP12 were isolated at relative percentages of 1.26, 9.68, 1.05, 0.42, 0.84, 3.37, 3.58, 1.89, 0.84, 1.47, 0.42, and 0.63. Additionally, a mechanism for their formation was proposed. The ecotoxicological assessment of EHT and of byproducts (DBP1-DBP4) was conducted using acute, sub-chronic or chronic toxicity tests in producers and primary consumers of the freshwater trophic chain. The organisms included the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata, the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, the crustacean anostracan Thamnocephalus platyurus and the benthic ostracod Heterocypris incongruens. EHT caused a lethal median concentration in rotifers, with values in the range of tens of mg/L. EHT, DBP1, and DBP4 exhibited sub-chronic effects in ostracods at concentrations in the μg/L range, with EC50s of 210, 9, 20 μg/L, respectively. Rotifers were slightly affected by DBP3 with a chronic EC50 of 200 μg/L. Algae were not affected by either EHT or byproducts.

The Effect of Technical Specifications on Ceramic Tiles used for Cladding of Swimming Pools

The study of the impact of the technical specifications of ceramic tiles requires a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the tiles in order to obtain tiles with special specifications different from ordinary tiles (floors, walls) The research was divided into three chapters and due to the importance of this topic, the researcher wanted to formulate the research issue with the following question: How important are the technical specifications of ceramic tiles used in cladding swimming pools? Relevance: While the importance of the research study is embodied by studying the efficiency of the technical specifications for ceramic tiles, in addition to documenting and enriching the knowledge aspect of the technical specifications. Objectives: While the current study aims to reveal the extent to which the technical specifications of the ceramic tiles used in the cladding of swimming pools are, As for the limits of the research, it was determined through the objective aspect by studying the importance of the technical specifications of ceramic tiles used in the cladding of swimming pools, while the limits of the research included the spatial limit of swimming pools through photographs and the temporal limit of the time period 2014-2024. Methods: The second chapter included the first and its main headings: The specifications of ceramic tiles with architectural cladding, the technique of using cladding in swimming pools, achieving the aesthetic and functional identity of ceramic tiles used in cladding swimming pools The form and organization of the design body using ceramic tiles for swimming pools, the importance of cladding using ceramic tiles in swimming pools, the level of organization of the technical specifications of the design configurations, the design integration of ceramic tiles used in the cladding of swimming pools) The third chapter specialized in defining the topic of research procedures, represented by the research methodology based on the analytical descriptive method, while the research population was based on the purposive selection method. Results: The fourth chapter included the conclusions of the research findings, as well as the recommendations for future proposals and the proposed design of tiles inside swimming pools. Conclusions: It is possible to determine the technical specifications of the tiles in the design and cladding of swimming pools in accordance with the consumer's desire, taking into account the compositional factors in the cladding processes.

Persistence of Helicobacter Pylori Coccoid Forms in Different Environments

Objective: The present study aims to determine the possibility of H. pylori coccoid forms to survive in our surrounding environments, thus exhibiting public health hazard. Method: Helicobacter pylori strain Makkah 7 accession number HQ622108, was inoculated in samples of soil, well, tap, swimming pool, and sewage water; in which, an average initial inoculum of 107 CFU/ml was inoculated. The experiment was conducted, outdoor where ambient temperature varied between 39-55°C in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The survival rate of H. pylori strain was quantitatively and qualitatively studied for five months. Results: Viable counts were undetectable after 24 hours, while total count varied between 107 to 106, and declined to 103 bacterial cell/ml five months later. Interestingly, microscopic examination revealed few non-motile rods and motile coccoid forms. All samples were removed and placed at 4°C for one month. Following, total count, morphology, and motility were examined, showing motile coccoid forms. Electron microscopic and, molecular studies were carried out, confirming that the species is H. pylori, which was detected by using 16S rRNA primer for H. pylori with a product size of 163 bp. The ability of H. pylori strain to persist and survive, by being motile in the coccoid form, for five months under such hostile environment, strongly indicates that the coccoid form plays a vital role in the transmission, recrudescence, and therapeutic failure. It is indeed a hazardous and a crucial infectious phase of this bacterium. Conclusion: Detecting coccoid forms in water and soil, accompanied by their eradication, must be seriously considered and applied. Consequently, hindering and preventing different diseases caused by H. pylori.

Effects of the Anthropometrical Variables on Swimming Performance

Anthropometrical word generated from ancient Greek word. Anthropos represent human and matron represent measurement. Anthropology mainly purposes for the identification of human body measurement. Anthropology is systematic process which involves the primary dimensional properties of human body like body weight, Arm length, Foot length etc. Its include shape and size of the human body. In today era Anthropometrical play’s major role in measurement of human body such as shape and size. Anthropometry helps in different field like clothing design industrial design. Anthropometry history contains different types of thought like such as scientific biological criminology, paleoanthropology, biological anthropology and it create correlation between mental typology personality and other factors. In different time period of history, applications of anthropometry have ranged scientific description and epidemiological analysis to rationales for eugenics for social movements Swimming is team game and also an individual game which use the one entire body to move in the water. swimming is kind of expensive game it required large amount of infrastructure. Its only perform in open water like sea or lake and standard swimming pool. In swimming is more popular in Olympics .in swimming different type of stroke are there like freestyle stroke, breast stroke, butterfly stroke, back stroke etc. swimmers players have to perform different kind of stroke in different event and also only in individual events, four swimmers can take part in either a freestyle or medley relay.

Development of Multifunctional Tablet Formulation for Use In Swimming Pools

The pool waters pose certain risks to public health. Therefore, it is crucial for swimming pool water to meet the desired standards in terms of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, and to be regularly monitored to ensure the provision of healthy and safe swimming conditions. In our country, swimming pool water standards are determined in accordance with regulations set forth by the Ministry of Health. To maintain these standards, various pool chemicals are required, including pool water disinfectants, pH reducers, precipitators, brighteners, and algae inhibitors. The objective of our study is to develop a multifunctional tablet formulation, a technological innovation that combines the properties of these chemicals into a single product. To achieve this goal, we conducted physical and bactericidal tests on new formulations containing disinfectants such as calcium hypochlorite, trichloroisocyanuric acid, and sodium dichloroisocyanurate. The multifunctional tablet formulations developed provide an effective solution to meet and exceed the required standards for swimming pool water quality.

Mechanical performance and dimensional stability of Washingtonia/Kenaf fibres-based epoxy hybrid composites

In this study, Washingtonia fibres (AW) and Kenaf fibres (KF) were utilized as environmentally friendly fillers to improve the quality of the resin matrix. The mechanical, morphological, and physical properties of the WA/KF biocomposites were assessed throughout this research. The mechanical tests (tensile strength and moduli, elongation at break, flexural strength along with moduli, and the impact properties) were carried out. The hybrid biocomposites (3AW/7KF) exhibited the highest tensile strength (16.05 MPa) and modulus (4.6 GPa) among pure and other hybrid biocomposites. The impact strength and resistance of hybrid biocomposites (1AW/1KF and 7AW/3KF) showed the highest impact strength (1694 J/m2) while the 3AW/7KF hybrid biocomposite, the impact strength value was 1630 J/m2 (17.2 J/m). SEM images indicated good distribution and bonding of hybrid biocomposites. The investigation using morphological tests (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)) displays the longitudinal roughness on the surface, which acts as a very significant function in the adhesion between the AW/KF fibres and the resin. Furthermore, the results of SEM confirm better bonding in the biocomposites, fibre fracture, pull-out, fibre shearing, and tearing in the pure and hybrid composites. From the water absorption test, it was observed that, when increasing the immersion time of biocomposites, the WA percentage of KF biocomposite significantly increased (37%) compared to other biocomposites. However, the hybrid and pure biocomposites exhibited more resistance to increase the WA percentage after increasing the immersion times, compared to other biocomposites. Furthermore, the thickness swelling (TS) of hybrid biocomposites increased compared to pure biocomposites. The biocomposite sample (3AW/7KF) was thicker on the 7th day exhibiting the greatest increases in thickness swelling (4.98%) while the hybrid biocomposite exhibited greater WA value compared to other correspondence samples. Finally, the KF and AW hybrid blends can be appropriate for several applications, for example, textiles, machinery part production industries, medicine, and automobiles, and construction, specifically buildings, bridges, and structures such as boat hulls, swimming pool panels, racing car bodies, shower stalls, bathtubs, storage tanks. Overall, the findings exhibit that the hybridisation of natural fibres (KF/AW) is a sustainable approach for obtaining biocomposites with advanced mechanical and thermal performance. Hence, they could be used in numerous specific applications, including automobile panels, structural products, sporting goods and furniture tools.

Rooftop pools - a problem from an acoustic point of view: how to identify and solve it

There is no standard with specific methods for acoustic testing of rooftop swimming pools in Brazil. On the other hand, although the compatible requirement for impact noise from rooftop leisure environments is not the type of noise generated by swimming pools, it is a current requirement in the Brazilian performance standard. To study the subject, evaluate possible solutions and improve the state of the art, this article brings measurement results for impact noise in the same situation without and with the application of an acoustic solution. The study also presents sound pressure level and vibration measurements in an environment below a swimming pool after the application of the acoustic solution. Vibrations were measured as well in the pool structure and in the slab below, making it possible to identify the vibrational behavior of the pool. Measurements of impact noise took place in a situation where the pool is three floors above the last residential unit to verify the influence of technical slabs. With the measured values in the three situations, it was possible to identify the frequency range for which acoustic solutions should be designed for this type of source and to monitor the effectiveness of different solutions.

Impacts of iodoacetic acid on reproduction: current evidence, underlying mechanisms, and future research directions.

In light of the undeniable and alarming fact that human fertility is declining, the harmful factors affecting reproductive health are garnering more and more attention. Iodoacetic acid (IAA), an emerging unregulated drinking water disinfection byproduct, derives from chlorine disinfection and is frequently detected in the environment and biological samples. Humans are ubiquitously exposed to IAA daily mainly through drinking water, consuming food and beverages made from disinfected water, contacting swimming pools and bath water, etc. Mounting evidence has indicated that IAA could act as a reproductive toxicant and bring about multifarious adverse reproductive damage. For instance, it can interfere with gonadal development, weaken ovarian function, impair sperm motility, trigger DNA damage to germ cells, perturb steroidogenesis, etc. The underlying mechanisms predominantly include cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on germ cells, disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, oxidative stress, inhibition of steroidogenic proteins or enzymes, and dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Nevertheless, there are still some knowledge gaps and limitations in studying the potential impact of IAA on reproduction, which urgently need to be addressed in the future. We suppose that necessary population epidemiological studies, more sensitive detection methods for internal exposure, and mechanism-based in-depth exploration will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of characteristics and biological effects of IAA, thus providing an important scientific basis for revising sanitary standards for drinking water quality.

Optimization of paddle trajectory for fin-wheel underwater robot

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the oscillating trajectory of the paddle of a fin-wheel underwater robot to enhance its propulsion efficiency in water. This robot can be used for underwater detection and military operations. Design/methodology/approach By studying the propulsion mode of underwater fin-based robots, it is found that such robots periodically generate a large reverse thrust during the swing process, resulting in low propulsion efficiency. Therefore, according to the propulsion characteristics of the oscillating paddle in the underwater environment, the hydrodynamic model and physical constraints of the oscillating paddle are established. Then, the oscillating gait trajectory of the paddle is optimized by the trajectory optimization method. The performance of the optimized trajectory was tested in the simulation environment and the actual underwater environment. Findings The prototype of the robot was built and tested in a small swimming pool. The research results confirm that the propulsion efficiency of the optimized trajectory is higher than that of the traditional trajectory under the condition of the same amplitude and period. Specifically, the maximum speed of the robot can reach 0.24 m/s when using the optimized trajectory, which is about 50% higher than that before optimization. Originality/value The optimized trajectory with the generated impulse as the optimization target is applied to the paddle oscillation, which can improve the thrust impulse generated by the fin-wheel underwater robot during underwater motion, thereby greatly improving the underwater propulsion efficiency and moving speed.

Co-Financing the Investment Projects in the field of Public Space Transformation

Introduction. It has become a modern trend to improve the quality of the urban environment using a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism. By finding a balance between the interests of business and the state on the issues of infrastructure renovation, it is possible to boost the investment processes. Therefore, the PPP as a catalyst for the regional, innovative and social development has been studied in the scientific literature since long ago. Although, many authors recognise the prospects of the PPP efficiency, they still note the need to regularly revise the state support methods and tools, i.e. the existing system of measures requires improvement over time. Special attention has been paid to the models of financing the PPP projects and the ways of investment return. However, the PPP development potential in creation (reconstruction) of the park infrastructure has not been duly revealed yet.Materials and Methods. During the research on identification of the features of the park complex transformation projects reconstructed in the frame of a concession business model, the projects were grouped according to the similarity of features. Then, by comparative analysis method, the problems of full recovery of the investment costs were identified in the selected projects. A hypothesis about the need of using the government budget co-financing for the certain concession agreements targeted at solving the various environmental, educational and awareness-raising issues was put forward.Results. The national practices of transformation of the public spaces, such as parks and park infrastructure, have shown that the most optimal form of the PPP is a concession. The investor uses his funds at the design and construction stages of the creation (reconstruction) of the park complexes. At the stage of facility operation, a private party recovers its costs by collecting fees directly from the consumers. It is important that the expected project profitability should be within 15–25%. Due to the changes in the monetary policy, such profitability at the current key rate is hardly ever possible if the park infrastructure includes a variety of capital-intensive buildings and structures designated not so much for commercial but for social purposes. There arise the risks of receiving less income than expected. Therefore, for such projects, it is necessary to develop the measures expanding the ways of investment return. If a park has a complex infrastructure, which includes the large stadiums, museums, cultural and educational centres, i.e. facilities that are difficult to predict as having a high demand and, thus, not expedient for setting the high fees, it is advisable to combine the direct payment for services with the government budget co-financing. Co-financing is implemented through payment of a capital or operational grants. The variants of a grant can be considered depending on the areas of the park activities (educational, cultural, sport). The operational grant is due to reimburse the operational costs on maintaining the special facilities: adjacent embankments, lighthouses, memorials, etc. For the parks that include the indoor pools, large stadiums, museums, concert halls, it is relevant to use the capital grants to return the investments made into these facilities.Discussion and Conclusion. In the current conditions, the public-private partnership is considered as an alternative to government budget investment into the infrastructure facilities. The transformation of the urban public spaces is also involved in this trend, and there are already positive results achieved. A private party, through investing its own capital, gets the opportunity to operate the created object to recoup its investments. But some projects are difficult in this sense, therefore the interest of the business companies to participate in the improvement of the urban environment quality reduces. In the context of the tight monetary policy, the additional state budgetary measures are needed to stimulate private investments.

Water consumption rates in indoor swimming pools: Analysis of design assumptions in the context of green deal implementation

A significant part of the operating costs of indoor pools is influenced by the demand for water and the amount of sewage discharged. In Poland, there are no current national guidelines for the design of pool installations. Designers often use the guidelines of the German standard DIN 19643, the application of which in Poland is limited due to construction law regulations. The aim of the work is to analyze design assumptions (guidelines for designing water supply and sewage installations) vs. actual water consumption in a selected Auapark (case study). The analysis takes into account new design solutions (water recovery from washings, rainwater management, new filter design), irregularities in the implementation assumptions (oversized installation diameters), existing operational problems related to appropriate water quality and reference to the seasons (March 2023 - June 2024). It has been shown that the use of modern solutions, consistent with the idea of sustainable development, in the field of water and sewage management allows to significantly reduce the demand for water and sewage discharged in relation to the currently adopted indicators and assumptions in this area. For example: in summer, the consumption of water was 36.3 m3/d, while the projected consumption was 132.5 m3/d.

Effect of swimming pool water on staining susceptibility of various restorative materials

Effect of swimming pool water on staining susceptibility of various restorative materials

Genome sequences of Mycobacterium sp. Elmwood and accompanying phage, isolated from a public swimming pool in Nebraska.

Genome sequencing of a non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium species, isolated from a public pool, shows that the genome contains several genes for antibiotic resistance and anti-phage defense, which are absent from other related Mycobacteria. Metagenomic binning also provided the genome of the accompanying phage, which is distinct from other mycobacterial phages.

Analisis Bauran Pemasaran Dalam Meningkatkan Kepuasan Pengunjung Kolam Renang Kendedes di Desa Sragi

This research method uses qualitative research, researchers use Purposive Sampling sampling. Data Collection Techniques using interviews, documentation, observation. Data Validity Testing Techniques using source triangulation and data analysis techniques using several stages (Sugiyono, 2020): organizing data, grouping based on categories, themes, and answer patterns, testing assumptions or problems that exist against data, looking for alternative explanations for data and writing research results. The formulation of the problem in this study is how is the marketing strategy in increasing visitor satisfaction of the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency and what factors support and hinder the implementation of marketing strategies in increasing visitor satisfaction of the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency. The purpose of this study is how is the marketing strategy in increasing visitor satisfaction of the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency and what factors support and hinder the implementation of marketing strategies in increasing visitor satisfaction of the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency. The results of this study are that the Kendedes swimming pool uses a 4 P marketing mix (Product, Price, Place & Promotion). Consumer satisfaction is the conformity of expectations that customers and visitors to the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency feel that the facilities and infrastructure and services from the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency are in accordance with the expectations of customers and visitors to the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency. Then the factor of interest in reuse, that customers and visitors to the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency feel satisfied so they want to come back to the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency. The next factor is the willingness to recommend, that customers and visitors to the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency provide information and share experiences with others so that other people are also interested in visiting the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency. The supporting factors for the promotion of the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency are social media because it is free of charge and of course used by many people. The inhibiting factors for the promotion of the Kendedes swimming pool in Sragi Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency are limited to using only social media and not doing other more effective forms of promotion.Send feedback,Side panels,History,Saved

Analyze Factors Affecting Room Pricing of Accommodation in Luang Prabang Province

The study of “Analyze Factors Affecting Room Pricing of Accommodation in Luang Prabang Province”. The objectives of the study are the overview Luang Prabang tourism, hotel and guesthouse statistics, in particular to investigate the way which room rates are determined. Data was collected from Agoda website by survey in May 2108. The sample size is 204 hotel and guesthouse that consists of 1,326 observations. Based on Hedonic Pricing Model for estimation and data analyzing for Ordinary Least Square (OLS) by Stata 13. Our result of finding included that there were 643,319 tourists (2016) from domestic and foreign countries. The total number of hotels and guesthouses accounted for 415 (2016) which includes 65% and 35% of domestic and foreigner firms respectively. The room rates of hotel and guesthouse are between $ 2 and $ 400 per night. The results illustrate that the factors determined the hotel and guesthouse room rates in Luang Prabang are 17 variables; for instance, colonial style, deluxe room, river view, room size, number of rooms, guest limited, bed king, wooden parquet floor, free cancellation, car park, front desk 24 hours, swimming pool, and massage. Which these variables are most statistically significant. Furthermore, the symbol of variables is similar on our prediction; expecting some variables are the heritage site area, Wi-Fi and 24 hours security which is not statistically significant. In addition, Free airport transfer service is statistically significant; apart from, the symbol of variable is not the same on our prediction.

From the Swimming Pool to Precision Cardiovascular Physical Therapy: What a Journey!

From the Swimming Pool to Precision Cardiovascular Physical Therapy: What a Journey!

Effect of swimming exercise program on quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

This research aimed to examine the effect of a swimming exercise program on the quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs are a common complication of diabetes that significantly impact patients' physical and psychological well-being and impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Physical activity, including swimming, has been shown to improve various aspects of health and well-being. However, its specific effects on the quality of life in patients with DFUs have not been extensively studied. The study included twenty patients diagnosed with DFUs who volunteered to participate in a 12-week swimming exercise program. The program consisted of three one-hour sessions per week, with exercises performed in an indoor swimming pool. Participants' quality of life was assessed using the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale Short Form (DFS-SF) before the program and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks into the program. The results demonstrated significant improvements in various domains of quality of life among participants. The leisure, physical health, dependence/daily life, negative emotions, worry about ulcers/feet, and bothered by ulcer care domains all showed positive changes, with reduced scores on negative items and increased scores on positive items over time. These findings highlight the potential benefits of swimming as a therapeutic intervention for improving the quality of life in patients with DFUs. Swimming, as a low-impact aerobic exercise, offers physiological and psychological advantages, including fat burning, mood improvement, stress reduction, and enhanced cognitive function. The study suggests that incorporating swimming exercise programs into the management and treatment of DFUs may lead to improved overall well-being and quality of life for these patients. Further research and larger-scale studies are necessary to validate these findings and explore the long-term effects of swimming exercise programs on the quality of life in patients with DFUs. Nevertheless, this research provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals in developing comprehensive treatment approaches for individuals with DFUs.

Evaluating the Impact of Hotel Classification on Pool Water Consumption: A Case Study from Costa Brava (Spain)

Swimming pools are key assets in the hotel industry. With climate change and water stress, more sustainable pools are needed in tourist areas. The study examines the relationship between hotel categories and the consumption of water in swimming pools in a Mediterranean coastal region facing water scarcity. The study focuses on the Costa Brava, with a focus on Lloret de Mar, a popular tourist destination. The research employs a combination of data analysis and the utilisation of evaporation models in order to estimate the consumption of water by swimming pools. The findings indicate that hotels in the higher categories, particularly those with three or four stars, contribute a notable proportion of the total water consumption due to their larger pool sizes and higher guest numbers. The study underscores the necessity for the implementation of sustainable water management strategies, particularly in the context of climate change. It recommends the utilisation of pool water-saving technologies as potential solutions. Furthermore, the paper highlights the broader environmental impact of tourism infrastructure on water resources and suggests policy measures to mitigate these effects. The research aligns with global sustainability goals such as the European Green Deal and the 2030 Agenda.

Effect of swimming initiation period and continuation frequency on motor competence development in children aged up to 3 years: the Japan environment and children’s study

BackgroundAlthough involvement of toddlers in swimming activities has increased recently, information regarding the impact of swimming during toddlerhood on subsequent child motor competence development is scarce. This study aimed to determine how swimming experience, particularly the timing of initiation and the continuity of swimming activities up to the age of 3 years, affects motor competence development.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included data on children aged 1.5 and 3 years (100,286 mother–child pairs) from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. The outcomes measured were gross and fine motor function, using the Japanese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (Third edition). We assessed how these functions correlated with the continuous pattern of swimming pool use frequency from age 1 up to 3 years.ResultsThe group that used a swimming pool once a month or more from age 1–1.5 years but stopped from age 2–3 years showed consistently significant negative associations with gross motor development delay (minimum adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60–0.73) and fine motor development delay (minimum aOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.58–0.76). The group that continued swimming once a month or more from age 1–3 years showed consistently significant negative associations with gross motor development delay (minimum aOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54–0.75) and fine motor development delay (minimum aOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.31–0.55).ConclusionsThese results suggest that swimming experience starting around age 1 year is positively associated with gross and fine motor function development. The beneficial impact on gross motor function persisted from age 1–3 years. In contrast, the effects on fine motor function were not evident until age ≥ 2.5 years after starting swimming at approximately age 1 year. These findings underscore the potential benefits of early swimming experiences in enhancing overall motor skills development during early childhood.