The practical utility of ternary nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide-supported platinum catalysts for room-temperature oxidative removal of formaldehyde from the air.

Formaldehyde (FA), a carcinogenic oxygenated volatile organic compound, is present ubiquitously in indoor air. As such, it is generally regarded as a critical target for air quality management. The oxidative removal of FA under dark and room-temperature (RT) conditions is of practical significance. A series of ternary nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide-supported platinum catalysts (Pt/NiCoMnO4) have been synthesized for FA oxidative removal at RT in the dark. Their RT conversion values for 50 ppm FA (XFA) at 5,964 h-1 gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) decrease in the following order: 1 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 (100 %) > 0.5 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 (25 %) > 0.05 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 (14 %) > NiCoMnO4 (6 %). The catalytic performance of 1 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 has been examined further under the control of various process variables (e.g., catalyst mass, flow rate, relative humidity, FA concentration, time on stream, and molecular oxygen content). The catalytic oxidation of FA at low temperatures (e.g., RT and 60 °C) is accounted for by Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism (single-site competitive-adsorption), while Mars van Krevelen kinetics is prevalent at higher temperatures. In situ diffuse-reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy reveals that FA oxidation proceeds through a series of reaction intermediates such as DOM, HCOO-, and CO32-. Based on the density functional theory simulations, the unique electronic structures of the nearest surface atoms (platinum and nickel) are suggested to be responsible for the superior catalytic activity of Pt/NiCoMnO4.

Environmental Exposome and Atrial Fibrillation: Emerging Evidence and Future Directions.

There has been increased awareness of the linkage between environmental exposures and cardiovascular health and disease. Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of people worldwide and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although numerous studies have explored the role of genetic and lifestyle factors in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation, the potential impact of environmental determinants on this prevalent condition has received comparatively less attention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on environmental determinants of atrial fibrillation, encompassing factors such as air pollution, temperature, humidity, and other meteorologic conditions, noise pollution, greenspace, and the social environment. We discuss the existing evidence from epidemiological and mechanistic studies, critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of these investigations and the potential underlying biological mechanisms through which environmental exposures may affect atrial fibrillation risk. Furthermore, we address the potential implications of these findings for public health and clinical practice and identify knowledge gaps and future research directions in this emerging field.

The multi-year contribution of Indo-China peninsula fire emissions to aerosol radiation forcing in southern China during 2013-2019.

Fire emissions in Southeast Asia transported to southern China every spring (March-May), influencing not only the air quality but also the weather and climate. However, the multi-year variations and magnitude of this impact on aerosol radiation forcing in southern China remain unclear. Here, we quantified the multi-year contributions of fire emissions in Indo-China Peninsula (ICP) region to aerosol radiation forcing in the various southern Chinese provinces during the fire season (March-May) of 2013-2019 combining the 3-dimension chemical transport model and the Column Radiation Model (CRM) simulations. The models' evaluations showed they reasonably capture the temporal and spatial distribution of surface aerosol concentrations and column aerosol optical properties over the study regions. The fire emissions over the ICP region were found to increase the aerosol optical depth (AOD) value by 0.1 (15 %) and reduce the single scattering albedo (SSA) in three southern regions of China (Yunnan-YN, Guangxi-GX, and Guangdong-GD from west to east), owing to increases in the proportions of black carbon (BC, 0.4 % ± 0.1 %) and organic carbon (OC, 3.0 % ± 0.9 %) within the aerosol compositions. The transported smoke aerosols cooled surface but heated the atmosphere in the southern China regions, with the largest mean reduction of -5 Wm-2 (-3 %) in surface shortwave radiation forcing and the maximum daily contributions of about -15 Wm-2 (-15 %) to the atmosphere radiation forcing in the GX region, followed by the GD and YN regions. The impacts of ICP fire emissions on aerosol optical and radiative parameters declined during 2013-2019, with the highest rate of 0.393 ± 0.478 Wm-2 yr-1 in the GX for the shortwave radiation forcing in the atmosphere. Besides, their yearly changes in the contribution were consistent with the annual fire emissions in the ICP region. Such strong radiative perturbations of ICP fire emissions were expected to influence regional meteorology in southern China and should be considered in the climate simulations.

Recent advances in the use of Trichoderma-containing multicomponent microbial inoculants for pathogen control and plant growth promotion.

Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are used in agricultural production worldwide to prevent damage from plant pathogenic microorganisms, insects, and nematodes, to minimize crop losses and to preserve crop quality. However, the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers can severely pollute soil, water, and air, posing risks to the environment and human health. Consequently, developing new, alternative, environment-friendly microbial soil treatment interventions for plant protection and crop yield increase has become indispensable. Members of the filamentous fungal genus Trichoderma (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales) have long been known as efficient antagonists of plant pathogenic microorganisms based on various beneficial traits and abilities of these fungi. This minireview aims to discuss the advances in the field of Trichoderma-containing multicomponent microbiological inoculants based on recent experimental updates. Trichoderma strains can be combined with each other, with other fungi and/or with beneficial bacteria. The development and field performance of such inoculants will be addressed, focusing on the complementarity, synergy, and compatibility of their microbial components.

Transcutaneous oximetry values in chronic ulcer patients during Hyperbaric treatment at 1.4 ATA compared to 2 ATA.

Chronic wounds have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Different pathologies, such as poor blood supply and tissue breakdown, may lead to inadequate oxygenation of the wound. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is a widely used treatment for an increasing number of medical practices. A new so-called "hyperbaric treatment" trend has emerged. The use of low-pressure, soft-sided, or inflatable chambers represents a growing trend in hyperbaric medicine. Used in professional settings as well as directly marketed to individuals for home use, they are promoted as equivalent to clinical hyperbaric treatments provided in medical centers. However, these chambers are pressurized to 1.3 atmospheres absolute (ATA) on either air or with an oxygen concentrator, both generate oxygen partial pressures well below those used in approved hyperbaric centers for UHMS-approved indications. A total of 130 consecutive patients with chronic ulcers where tested. TcPO2 was measured near the ulcer area while the patient was breathing 100% O2 at 1.4 ATA for five and 10 minutes. The average TcPO2 at 1.4 ATA after 10 minutes of O2 breathing was 161 mmHg (1-601 mmHg, standard deviation 137.91), compared to 333 mmHg in 2 ATA (1-914±232.56), p < 0.001. Each electrode tested was also statistically significant, both after five minutes of O2 breathing and after 10 minutes. We have not found evidence supporting the claim that 1.4 ATA treatment can benefit a chronic ulcer patient. The field of HBO2 is constantly evolving. We have discovered new ways to treat previously incurable ailments. Nevertheless, it is important to note that new horizons must be examined scientifically, supported by evidence-based data. The actual effect of 1.4 ATA on many ailments is yet to be determined.

Toward Better and Healthier Air Quality: Global PM2.5 and O3 Pollution Status and Risk Assessment Based on the New WHO Air Quality Guidelines for 2021.

To reduce the high burden of disease caused by air pollution, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) on September 22, 2021. In this study, the daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and surface ozone (O3) data of 618 cities around the world is collected from 2019 to 2022. Based on the new AQG, the number of attainment days for daily average concentrations of PM2.5 (≤ 15 µg m-3) and O3 (≤ 100 µg m-3) is approximately 10% and 90%, respectively. China and India exhibit a decreasing trend in the number of highly polluted days (> 75 µg m-3) for PM. Every year over 68% and 27% of cities in the world are exposed to harmful PM2.5 (> 35 µg m-3) and O3 (> 100 µg m-3) pollution, respectively. Combined with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is found that more than 35% of the world's cities face PM2.5-O3 compound pollution. Furthermore, the exposure risks in these cities (China, India, etc.) are mainly categorized as "High Risk", "Risk", and "Stabilization". In contrast, economically developed cities are mainly categorized as "High Safety", "Safety", and "Deep Stabilization." These findings indicate that global implementation of the WHO's new AQG will minimize the inequitable exposure risk from air pollution.

A prenatal acoustic signal of heat reduces a biomarker of chronic stress at adulthood across seasons.

During development, phenotype can be adaptively modulated by environmental conditions, sometimes in the long-term. However, with weather variability increasing under climate change, the potential for maladaptive long-term responses to environmental variations may increase. In the arid-adapted zebra finch, parents emit "heat-calls" when experiencing heat during incubation, which adaptively affects offspring growth in the heat, and adult heat tolerance. This suggests that heat-call exposure may adjust individual phenotype to hot conditions, potentially compromising individual sensitivity to cool weather conditions. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated individual prenatal acoustic and postnatal thermal experiences during development, and sought to assess subsequent chronic responses to thermal fluctuations at adulthood. We thus measured heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratios in adults, when held in outdoor aviaries during two summers and two winters. We found that birds exposed to heat-calls as embryos, had consistently lower H/L ratios than controls at adulthood, indicative of lower chronic stress, irrespective of the season. Nonetheless, in all birds, the H/L ratio did vary with short-term weather fluctuations (2, 5 or 7 days), increasing at more extreme (low and high) air temperatures. In addition, the H/L ratio was higher in males than females. Overall, while H/L ratio may reflect how individuals were being impacted by temperature, heat-call exposed individuals did not show a stronger chronic response in winter, and instead appeared more resilient to thermal variability than control individuals. Our findings therefore suggest that heat-call exposure did not compromise individual sensitivity to low temperatures at adulthood. Our study also reveals that prenatal sound can lead to long-term differences in individual physiology or quality/condition, as reflected by H/L ratios, which are consistent with previously-demonstrated reproductive fitness differences.

Effect of particulate matter on continuous positive airway pressure adherence in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Background: Sleep quality could be affected by air pollution, especially for particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 microns (PM10) and particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). However, no direct study demonstrates the relationship and impact of air pollution especially PM10 and PM2.5 on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence. Thus, we aimed to study the correlation between PM10, PM2.5, and low CPAP adherence in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: We conducted a time-series study from August 2016 to May 2022 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The data from 2,686 visits of CPAP compliance records from 839 OSA patients' electronic medical records at the Sleep Disorders Center, Center of Medical Excellence, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand were reviewed. The level of adherence was determined utilizing the provided data. Low CPAP adherence was defined as using CPAP for less than 240 minutes per night or less than 70% of nights (i.e., <5 nights/week) in the previous month. The correlation between the monthly average of PM10 and PM2.5 and the rate of low CPAP adherence was analyzed using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) after adjustment for confounding factors. Results: There was no effect of an increase in PM10 and PM2.5 on low CPAP adherence [adjusted risk ratio (RR) =0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87, 1.09; P value =0.624 and adjusted RR =0.93; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.08; P value =0.350 for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively]. Conclusions: There was no effect of particulate matter on CPAP adherence in OSA patients.

Household Air Pollution Interventions to Improve Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement.

Background: An estimated 3 billion people, largely in low- and middle-income countries, rely on unclean fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting to meet household energy needs. The resulting exposure to household air pollution (HAP) is a leading cause of pneumonia, chronic lung disease, and other adverse health effects. In the last decade, randomized controlled trials of clean cooking interventions to reduce HAP have been conducted. We aim to provide guidance on how to interpret the findings of these trials and how they should inform policy makers and practitioners.Methods: We assembled a multidisciplinary working group of international researchers, public health practitioners, and policymakers with expertise in household air pollution from within academia, the American Thoracic Society, funders, nongovernmental organizations, and global organizations, including the World Bank and the World Health Organization. We performed a literature search, convened four sessions via web conference, and developed consensus conclusions and recommendations via the Delphi method.Results: The committee reached consensus on 14 conclusions and recommendations. Although some trials using cleaner-burning biomass stoves or cleaner-cooking fuels have reduced HAP exposure, the committee was divided (with 55% saying no and 45% saying yes) on whether the studied interventions improved measured health outcomes.Conclusions: HAP is associated with adverse health effects in observational studies. However, it remains unclear which household energy interventions reduce exposure, improve health, can be scaled, and are sustainable. Researchers should engage with policy makers and practitioners working to scale cleaner energy solutions to understand and address their information needs.

Machine learning insights into PM2.5 changes during COVID-19 lockdown: LSTM and RF analysis in Mashhad.

This study seeks to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on air quality in the city of Mashhad employing two strategies. We initiated our research using basic statistical methods such as paired sample t-tests to compare hourly PM2.5 data in two scenarios: before and during quarantine, and pre- and post-lockdown. This initial analysis provided a broad understanding of potential changes in air quality. Notably, a low reduction of 2.40% in PM2.5 was recorded when compared to air quality prior to the lockdown period. This finding highlights the wide range of factors that impact the levels of particulate matter in urban settings, with the transportation sector often being widely recognized as one of the principal causes of this issue. Nevertheless, throughout the period after the quarantine, a remarkable decrease in air quality was observed characterized by distinct seasonal patterns, in contrast to previous years. This finding demonstrates a significant correlation between changes in human mobility patterns and their influence on the air quality of urban areas. It also emphasizes the need to use air pollution modeling as a fundamental tool to evaluate and understand these linkages to support long-term plans for reducing air pollution. To obtain a more quantitative understanding, we then employed cutting-edge machine learning methods, such as random forest and long short-term memory algorithms, to accurately determine the effect of the lockdown on PM2.5 levels. Our models' results demonstrated remarkable efficacy in assessing the pollutant concentration in Mashhad during lockdown measures. The test set yielded an R-squared value of 0.82 for the long short-term memory network model, whereas the random forest model showed a calculated cross-validation R-squared of 0.78. The required computational cost for training the LSTM and the RF models across all data was 25 min and 3 s, respectively. In summary, through the integration of statistical methods and machine learning, this research attempts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of human interventions on air quality dynamics.

Dataset used to develop soft computing models that predict the stiffness modulus of bituminous mixtures.

This data article presents information on the measurement of Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus of laboratory and field asphalt mixtures. The asphalt mixes are composed of three distinct binders that were categorised by their penetration grade (40/55-TLA, 60/75-TLA, and 60/70-MB) and aggregates (limestone, sharp sand, and filler). The asphalt mixtures are called dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) and gap-graded stone matrix asphalt (SMA). The variables in the dataset were selected in accordance with the specifications of the dynamic modulus models that are currently in use as well as the needs for the quality control and assurance (QC & QA) assessment of asphalt concrete mixes. The data parameters included are temperature, asphalt content, and binder viscosity, air void content, cumulative percent retained on 19, 12.5, and 4.75 mm sieves, maximum theoretical specific gravity, aggregate passing #200 sieve, effective asphalt content, density, flow, marshal stability, coarse-to-fine particle ratio and the Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM). Utilising soft computing techniques, models were developed utilising the data thus eliminating the requirement for complex and time-consuming laboratory testing.

The Impact of Acute Peri-operative Particulate Matter Exposure on Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Outcomes: A Preliminary Multi-site Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Environmental exposures have been postulated to play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most widely studied ambient air pollutants, but its peri-operative impact on CRS is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of acute, peri-operative PM exposure on outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: Participants with CRS who self-selected ESS were prospectively enrolled. The 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short-Form 6-D (SF-6D) health utility values scores were recorded. Using residence zip codes, a secondary analysis of patient exposure to PM <2.5 µm and <10 µm (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) was performed for the month of surgery utilizing data from Environmental Protection Agency air quality monitors. Spearman's correlation coefficients (ρ), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and effect estimates (ß) were used to determine the magnitudes of association. Simple, multivariate regression analysis was also completed. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients from four geographically unique institutions across the US were enrolled with a follow-up of 6 months. Patients with higher peri-operative PM2.5 exposure had less improvement in their SNOT-22 scores after ESS compared to those with less exposure using both univariate analysis (ρ = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.43; P = .01) and after covariate adjustment with multivariate analysis (B = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.001, 2.14, P = .05). Similar associations were not found with SF-6D outcomes or with PM10 as an exposure of interest. No significant correlations were found between peri-operative PM levels and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data from this pilot study reveal that PM exposure at the time of ESS may negatively associate with post-operative improvement in sinonasal quality-of-life. Larger, population-based studies with more standardized PM exposure windows are needed to confirm the clinical significance of the present findings.

COVID-19 Mitigation in a K-12 School Setting: A Case Study of Avenues: The World School in New York City.

In this case study, we describe a well-resourced private school in New York City that implemented COVID-19 mitigation measures based on public health expert guidance and the lessons learned from this process. Avenues opened in New York City in 2012 and has since expanded, becoming Avenues: The World School, with campuses in São Paulo, Brazil; Shenzhen, China; the Silicon Valley, California; and online. It offers education at 16 grade levels: 2 early learning years, followed by a prekindergarten through grade 12. We describe the mitigation measures that Avenues implemented on its New York campus. We compare COVID-19 case prevalence at the school with COVID-19 case positivity in New York City, as reported by the New York State Department of Health. We also compare the school's indoor air quality to ambient indoor air quality measures reported in the literature. The school's mitigation measures successfully reduced the prevalence of COVID-19 among its students, staff, and faculty. The school also established a consistently high level of indoor air quality safety through various ventilation mechanisms, designed to reduce common indoor air pollutants. The school received positive parent and community feedback on the policies and procedures it established, with many parents commenting on the high level of trust and quality of communication established by the school. The successful reopening provides useful data for school closure and reopening standards to prepare for future pandemic and epidemic events.

Unlocking the nanoparticle emission potential: a study of varied filaments in 3D printing.

This study investigates nanoparticle emission during 3D printing processes, assessing various filament materials' impact on air quality. Commonly used 3D printers, including both filament and resin-based types, were examined. The study's scope encompasses diverse filament materials like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA (polylactic acid), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), nylon, and wood-based variants, alongside three types of resins. The research delves into the relationship between the type of material and nanoparticle emissions, emphasizing temperature's pivotal role. Measurement instruments were employed for nanoparticle quantification, including an engine exhaust particle sizer spectrometer, condensation particle counter, and nanozen dust counters. Notably, results reveal substantial variations in nanoparticle emissions among different filament materials, with ASA, TPU, PP, and ABS showing considerably elevated emission levels and characteristic particle size distribution patterns. The findings prompt practical recommendations for reducing nanoparticle exposure, emphasizing printer confinement, material selection, and adequate ventilation. This study offers insights into potential health risks associated with 3D printing emissions and provides a basis for adopting preventive measures.

The Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)- test as add-on test in the diagnostic work-up of asthma: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the lower airways, bronchial hyperactivity, and (reversible) airway obstruction. The Global Initiative of Asthma Guideline recommends a flowchart to diagnose asthma with first-step spirometry with reversibility and a bronchial challenge test (BPT) with histamine or methacholine as a second step [1]. The BPT is considered burdensome, time-consuming for patients and staff, can cause side effects, and is expensive. In addition, this test strongly encumbers lung function capacity. Elevated Nitric Oxide (NO) is associated with airway eosinophilic inflammation in asthma patients and can be measured in exhaled air with the Fractional exhaled (Fe) NO-test. This low-burden FeNO-test could be used as an 'add-on' test in asthma diagnostics [2, 3]. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multi-center prospective study (Trial number: NCT06230458) compares the 'standard asthma diagnostic work-up' (spirometry with reversibility and BPT) to the 'new asthma diagnostics work-up' (FeNO-test as an intermediate step between the spirometry with reversibility and the BPT), intending to determine the impact of the FeNO-based strategy, in terms of the number of avoided BPTs, cost-effectiveness and reduced burden to the patient and health care. The cost reduction of incorporating the FeNO-test in the new diagnostic algorithm will be established by the number of theoretically avoided BPT. The decrease in burden will be studied by calculating differences in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) -score and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) -score after the BPT and FeNO-test with an independent T-test. The accuracy of the FeNO-test will be calculated by comparing the FeNO-test outcomes to the (gold standard) BPTs outcomes in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The intention is to include 171 patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The local medical ethics committee approved the proposed study and is considered a low-burden and risk-low study. The local medical ethics committee registration number: R23.005. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY: Strengths: This is the first study that investigates the value of the FeNO-test (cut off ≥ 50 ppb) as an add-on test, to determine the impact of the FeNO-based strategy, in terms of the number of avoided BPTs, cost-effectiveness, and reduced burden on the patient and health care. LIMITATIONS: High FeNO levels may also be observed in other diseases such as eosinophilic chronic bronchitis and allergic rhinitis. The FeNO-test can be used to rule in a diagnosis of asthma with confidence, however, due to the poor sensitivity it is not suitable to rule out asthma.

Typhoon- and pollution-driven enhancement of reactive bromine in the mid-latitude marine boundary layer.

Tropospheric reactive bromine is important for atmospheric chemistry, regional air pollution, and global climate. Previous studies have reported measurements of atmospheric reactive bromine species in different environments, and proposed their main sources, e.g. sea-salt aerosol (SSA), oceanic biogenic activity, polar snow/ice, and volcanoes. Typhoons and other strong cyclonic activities (e.g. hurricanes) induce abrupt changes in different earth system processes, causing widespread destructive effects. However, the role of typhoons in regulating reactive bromine abundance and sources remains unexplored. Here, we report field observations of bromine oxide (BrO), a critical indicator of reactive bromine, on the Huaniao Island (HNI) in the East China Sea in July 2018. We observed high levels of BrO below 500 m with a daytime average of 9.7 ± 4.2 pptv and a peak value of ∼26 pptv under the influence of a typhoon. Our field measurements, supported by model simulations, suggest that the typhoon-induced drastic increase in wind speed amplifies the emission of SSA, significantly enhancing the activation of reactive bromine from SSA debromination. We also detected enhanced BrO mixing ratios under high NOx conditions (ppbv level) suggesting a potential pollution-induced mechanism of bromine release from SSA. Such elevated levels of atmospheric bromine noticeably increase ozone destruction by as much as ∼40% across the East China Sea. Considering the high frequency of cyclonic activity in the northern hemisphere, reactive bromine chemistry is expected to play a more important role than previously thought in affecting coastal air quality and atmospheric oxidation capacity. We suggest that models need to consider the hitherto overlooked typhoon- and pollution-mediated increase in reactive bromine levels when assessing the synergic effects of cyclonic activities on the earth system.

[Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Ozone Concentration and Health Benefit Assessment in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region from 2015 to 2020].

To evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of ambient ozone (O3) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) Region, the land use regression (LUR) model and random forest (RF) model were used to simulate the ambient O3 concentration from 2015 to 2020. Meanwhile, all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortalities as well as economic losses attributed to O3 were also estimated. The results showed that upward trends with fluctuation were observed for ambient O3 concentration, mortalities, and economic losses attributable to O3 exposure in the BTH Region from 2015 to 2020. The areas with high O3 concentration and great changes were concentrated in the central and southwestern regions, whereas the concentration in the northern region was low, and the change degree was small. The spatial distribution of the mortalities was also consistent with the spatial distribution of O3 concentration. From 2015 to 2020, the economic losses regarding all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality increased in 13 cities of the BTH Region, whereas the economic losses of respiratory mortality decreased in 4 cities in the BTH Region. The results indicated that the priority areas for O3 control were not uniform. Specifically, Beijing, Tianjin, Hengshui, and Xingtai were vital areas for O3 pollution control in the BTH Region. Differentiated control measures should be adopted based on the characteristics of these target areas to decline O3 concentration and reduce health impacts and economic losses associated with O3 exposure.

Geo-visualizing the hotspots of smog-induced health effects in district Gujranwala, Pakistan: a community perspective.

This study aims to examine the health effects of smog on different age groups in Gujranwala and its associated health effects. To achieve this, primary data was gathered through a questionnaire survey focused on health issues faced by elderly individuals during the smog season. The results of the survey revealed that older adults in Gujranwala are particularly vulnerable to a range of health problems during this period, including coughing, throat infections, irritated eyes, runny noses, shortness of breath, chest pain while breathing, wheezing, asthma, heart problems, and respiratory issues. In order to analyze the spatial distribution of these health concerns, spatial and geo-statistical methods were employed utilizing ArcGIS 10.5. By integrating field data and secondary sources, hotspot and cold spot zones were identified. Employing the statistical model within ArcMap 10.5, hotspot analysis was performed to determine areas with elevated air quality index (AQI) values and associated health problems. The application of the inverse distance weighted approach, incorporating the Z value, facilitated a visual representation of areas with heightened and reduced AQI and health-related issues. The study's outcomes underscore the prevalence of health challenges among older adults during the winter months in Gujranwala, particularly linked to smog-induced throat infections, irritated eyes, and runny noses. The research identified zones with escalated AQI values, encompassing regions such as Gujranwala, Chandaqella, Alam Chowk, Khali Shahpur, Sialkot Bypass, and Pindi Bypass. It was established that industrial pollutants and vehicular emissions are the primary contributors to smog in the area. Given the detrimental consequences of pollution on individuals of all age groups, it is imperative to take action to mitigate its impact. This can be achieved through addressing pollution sources, implementing effective emission control measures, and fostering public awareness. By adopting proactive measures, the adverse health effects of pollution can be minimized, thereby fostering a healthier and safer environment for the entire population. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and environmentalists to implement targeted interventions and improve air quality, ultimately safeguarding the health of local populations.

Decreased air quality shows minimal influence on peak summer attendance at forested Pacific West national parks.

Wildfires are increasing in duration and intensity across the United States' Pacific West region, resulting in heightened particulate matter from smoke in the atmosphere. Levels of peak particulate matter are concurrent to peak visitor attendance at National Parks, given seasonal alignment with summer vacation travel and heightened forest fire conditions. Particulate matter threatens visitor health and safety and contributes to poor visibility and a deteriorated visitor experience. To assess visitation response to diminished air quality, we utilized wildfire-generated particulate matter (PM2.5) data in conjunction with monthly attendance records for three ecoregions containing eight national parks in Washington, Oregon, and California from 2009 to 2019. We analyzed daily PM2.5 levels from data gridded at the 10 km scale for National Park Service units by Level III forest ecoregions within the National Park Service's Pacific West Unit. Data were then compared to normalized monthly visitation trends for each of the ecoregions using two statistical methods Kendall's Tau and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Tukey tests. Results demonstrate that attendance at these national parks does not decrease in response to increased PM2.5 levels. Instead, we see several statistically significant increases in attendance across these ecoregions during periods of reduced air quality. Of 115 shifts between air quality categories during the busy season of July to September, there are no significant decreases in attendance as air quality worsens. These findings suggest that visitors are willing to tolerate reduced air quality compared to other factors such as temperature or precipitation. Given that park units within each ecoregion feature diverse historical contexts, varied built environments, and unique ecological systems, our discussion specifically addresses managerial concerns associated with maintained high levels of visitation during suboptimal, and potentially dangerous, conditions. There is substantial need for specific, scalable approaches to mitigate adverse health and experiential impacts as visitors are exposed to increased risks during a range of exertional activities associated with diverse settings.

Effects of surface-attached durations, nutrients, and relative humidity on the resuspension of bacteria during human walking.

Resuspension caused by human walking activities is an important source of indoor bioaerosols and has been associated with health effects such as allergies and asthma. However, it is unknown whether inhalation of resuspended bioaerosols is an important exposure pathway for airborne infection. Also, crucial factors influencing the resuspension of settled microbes have not been quantified. In this study, we experimentally investigated the resuspension of culturable bacteria from human-stepping on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring under different conditions. We determined the bacterial resuspension emission factor (ER), a normalized resuspension parameter for the ratio of resuspended mass in the air to the mass of settled particles, for two common bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. The investigation involved varying factors such as microbial surface-attached durations (0, 1, 2, and 3 days), the absence or presence of nutrients on flooring surfaces, and changes in relative humidity (RH) (35%, 65%, and 85%). The results showed that, in the absence of nutrients, the highest ER values for E. coli and S. enterica were 3.8 × 10-5 ± 5.2 × 10-6 and 5.3 × 10-5 ± 6.0 × 10-6, respectively, associated with surface-attached duration of 0 days. As the surface-attached duration increased from 0 to 3 days, ER values decreased by 92% and 84% for E. coli and S. enterica, respectively. In addition, we observed that ER values decreased with the increasing RH, which is consistent with particle adhesion theory. This research offers valuable insights into microbial resuspension during human walking activities and holds the potential for assisting in the assessment and estimation of risks related to human exposure to bioaerosols.