scholarly journals Assessment of Daily Personal PM2.5 Exposure Level According to Four Major Activities among Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyoung Woo ◽  
Guillaume Rudasingwa ◽  
Sungroul Kim

Particulate matters less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), whose concentration has increased in Korea, has a considerable impact on health. From a risk management point of view, there has been interest in understanding the variations in real-time PM2.5 concentrations per activity in different microenvironments. We analyzed personal monitoring data collected from 15 children aged 6 to 11 years engaged in different activities such as commuting in a car, visiting a commercial building, attending an education institute, and resting inside home from October 2018 to March 2019. The fraction of daily mean exposure duration per activity was 72.7 ± 18.7% for resting inside home, 27.2 ± 14.4% for attending an education institute, and 11.5 ± 9.6% and 5.3 ± 5.9% for visiting a commercial building, commuting in a car, respectively. Daily median (interquartile range) PM2.5 exposure amount was 88.9 (55.9–159.7) μg in houses and that in education buildings was 43.3 (22.9–55.6) μg. Real-time PM2.5 exposure levels varied by person and time of day (p-value < 0.05). This study demonstrated that our real-time personal monitoring and data analysis methodologies were effective in detecting polluted microenvironments and provided a potential person-specific management strategy to reduce a person’s exposure level to PM2.5.

Author(s):  
Siyu Ma ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Mei-Po Kwan ◽  
Zejun Zuo ◽  
Haoyue Qian ◽  
...  

Severe air pollution has become a major risk to human health from a global environmental perspective. It has been recognized that human mobility is an essential component in individual exposure assessment. Activity structure reflects the characteristics of human mobility. Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between human activity structure and individual exposure level is of crucial relevance. This study examines this relationship using a large cell-phone GPS dataset in Wuhan, China. The results indicate that there is a strong linear relationship between people’s activity structures and exposures to PM2.5. Inter-group comparisons based on the four activity structure groups obtained with K-means clustering found that groups with different activity structures do experience different levels of PM2.5 exposure. Furthermore, differences in detailed characteristics of activity structure were also found at different exposure levels at the intra-group level. These results show that people’s activity structures do influence their exposure levels. The paper provides a new perspective for understanding individual exposure through human activity structure, which helps move the perspective of research on individual exposure from the semantic of physical location to the semantic of human activity pattern.


Author(s):  
V. Нolovan ◽  
V. Gerasimov ◽  
А. Нolovan ◽  
N. Maslich

Fighting in the Donbas, which has been going on for more than five years, shows that a skillful counter-battery fight is an important factor in achieving success in wars of this kind. Especially in conditions where for the known reasons the use of combat aviation is minimized. With the development of technical warfare, the task of servicing the counter-battery fight began to rely on radar stations (radar) to reconnaissance the positions of artillery, which in modern terms are called counter-battery radar. The principle of counter-battery radar is based on the detection of a target (artillery shell, mortar mine or rocket) in flight at an earlier stage and making several measurements of the coordinates of the current position of the ammunition. According to these data, the trajectory of the projectile's flight is calculated and, on the basis of its prolongation and extrapolation of measurements, the probable coordinates of the artillery, as well as the places of ammunition falling, are determined. In addition, the technical capabilities of radars of this class allow you to recognize the types and caliber of artillery systems, as well as to adjust the fire of your artillery. The main advantages of these radars are:  mobility (transportability);  inspection of large tracts of terrain over long distances;  the ability to obtain target's data in near real-time;  independence from time of day and weather conditions;  relatively high fighting efficiency. The purpose of the article is to determine the leading role and place of the counter-battery radar among other artillery instrumental reconnaissance tools, to compare the combat capabilities of modern counter-battery radars, armed with Ukrainian troops and some leading countries (USA, China, Russia), and are being developed and tested in Ukraine. The method of achieving this goal is a comparative analysis of the features of construction and combat capabilities of modern models of counter-battery radar in Ukraine and in other countries. As a result of the conducted analysis, the directions of further improvement of the radar armament, increasing the capabilities of existing and promising counter-battery radar samples were determined.


1992 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fons Nelen ◽  
Annemarieke Mooijman ◽  
Per Jacobsen

A control simulation model, called LOCUS, is used to investigate the effects of spatially distributed rain and the possibilities to benefit from this phenomenon by means of real time control. The study is undertaken for a catchment in Copenhagen, where rainfall is measured with a network of 8 rain gauges. Simulation of a single rain event, which is assumed to be homogeneous, i.e. using one rain gauge for the whole catchment, leads to large over- and underestimates of the systems output variables. Therefore, when analyzing a single event the highest possible degree of rainfall information may be desired. Time-series simulations are performed for both an uncontrolled and a controlled system. It is shown that from a statistical point of view, rainfall distribution is NOT significant concerning the probability of occurrence of an overflow. The main contributing factor to the potential of real time control, concerning minimizing overflows, is to be found in the system itself, i.e. the distribution of available storage and discharge capacity. When other operational objectives are involved, e.g., to minimize peak flows to the treatment plant, rainfall distribution may be an important factor.


2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (9-10) ◽  
pp. e1551-e1555
Author(s):  
Sean E Slaven ◽  
Benjamin M Wheatley ◽  
Daniel L Christensen ◽  
Sameer K Saxena ◽  
Robert J McGill

Abstract Introduction Noise exposure is an occupational health concern for certain professions, especially military servicemembers and those using power tools on a regular basis. The purpose of this study was to quantify noise exposure during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) cases compared to the recommended standard for occupational noise exposure. Materials and Methods A sound level meter was used to record cumulative and peak noise exposure levels in 10 primary THA and 10 primary TKA surgeries, as well as 10 arthroscopy cases as controls. Measurements at the distance of the surgeon were taken in all cases. In TKA cases, measurements were taken at 3 feet and 8 feet from the surgeon, to simulate the position of the anesthetist and circulating nurse, respectively. Results Time-weighted average was significantly higher in THA (64.7 ± 5.2 dB) and TKA (64.5 ± 6.8 dB) as compared to arthroscopic cases (51.1 ± 7.5 dB, P &lt; 0.001) and higher at the distance of the surgeon (64.5 ± 6.8 dB) compared to the anesthetist (52.9 ± 3.8 dB) and the circulating nurse (54.8 ± 11.2 dB, P = 0.006). However, time-weighted average was below the recommended exposure level of 85 dB for all arthroplasty cases. Peak levels did not differ significantly between surgery type or staff role, and no values above the ceiling limit of 140 dB were recorded. Surgeon’s daily noise dose percentage per case was 1.78% for THA and 2.04% for TKA. Conclusion Noise exposure in THA and TKA was higher than arthroscopic cases but did not exceed occupational standards. A daily dose percentage of approximately 2% per case indicates that repeated noise exposure likely does not reach hazardous levels in modern arthroplasty practice.


Author(s):  
Walder de Jesús Canova García

Resumen El creciente número de estaciones base de telefonía móvil celular alrededor de sectores residenciales o tránsito de personas, causa preocupación en la comunidad sobre si la radiación de campos electromagnéticos puedan causar riesgos en la salud. Internacionalmente existen estándares que establecen límites a las diversas fuentes de campos electromagnéticos para garantizar que se minimizan los riesgos en la salud. Cada país adopta dentro de su legislación algún estándar o recomendación y exige su cumplimiento a los operadores de estaciones de telecomunicaciones, por ejemplo en Colombia rige el decreto 195 de 2005. El artículo presenta una evaluación, basados en mediciones técnicas en el 2010, para obtener los niveles de exposición a campos electromagnéticos generados por las antenas instaladas en las estaciones base de telefonía móvil. Luego aparece el procedimiento general de mediciones, donde incluye el plan ejecutorial de mediciones, la configuración de la instrumentación y la caracterización de los lugares y puntos de medición. Por último, los resultados medidos en algunos lugares, donde las antenas de transmisión cumplían con la normativa adoptada en Colombia. Palabras Clave: Exposición a campos Electromagnéticos, Estaciones base de Telefonía móvil celular, Mediciones de banda angosta.   Abstract The growth of installations of transmitting antennas on base stations surrounding residential spaces or person traffic causes concerns in the community, about whether the radiation of electromagnetic fields of transmitting antennas in mobile base station can generate health risk. Over the world, there are standards that establish maximum levels permitted to different electromagnetic field sources to accomplish security ranges for health risks. Each country adopts in their legislation some international standard and requires to telecommunication operators stations for its compliance. In Colombian, the decree 195 of 2005 is still valid. This article shows an assessment, based on technical measurements developed in 2010, to acquire the electromagnetic field exposure levels generated by transmitting antennas installed on Mobile Base Station. This assessment includes the measurement system procedure: plan of measurement, instrumental configuration, and characterization of measurement places. Finally, here presents the measured results in some places, which exposure levels satisfied the adopted legislation in Colombia. Keywords: Electromagnetic Field Exposure, Mobile Base Stations, Narrowband Measurement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen L. Vincent ◽  
Patrice A. Frost ◽  
Massoud Motamedi ◽  
Edward J. Dick ◽  
Jingna Wei ◽  
...  

Vaginal mucosal surfaces naturally offer some protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1, however topical preventative medications or vaccine designed to boost local immune responses can further enhance this protection. We previously developed a novel mucosal vaccine strategy using viral vectors integrated into mouse dermal epithelium to induce virus-specific humoral and cellular immune responses at the site of exposure. Since vaccine integration occurs at the site of cell replication (basal layer 100-400 micrometers below the surface), temporal epithelial thinning during vaccine application, confirmed with high resolution imaging, is desirable. In this study, strategies for vaginal mucosal thinning were evaluated noninvasively using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to map reproductive tract epithelial thickness (ET) in macaques to optimize basal layer access in preparation for future effective intravaginal mucosal vaccination studies. Twelve adolescent female rhesus macaques (5-7kg) were randomly assigned to interventions to induce vaginal mucosal thinning, including cytobrush mechanical abrasion, the chemical surfactant spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N9), the hormonal contraceptive depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), or no intervention. Macaques were evaluated at baseline and after interventions using colposcopy, vaginal biopsies, and OCT imaging, which allowed for real-time in vivo visualization and measurement of ET of the mid-vagina, fornices, and cervix. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Colposcopy findings included pink, rugated tissue with variable degrees of white-tipped, thickened epithelium. Baseline ET of the fornices was thinner than the cervix and vagina (p&lt;0.05), and mensing macaques had thinner ET at all sites (p&lt;0.001). ET was decreased 1 month after DMPA (p&lt;0.05) in all sites, immediately after mechanical abrasion (p&lt;0.05) in the fornix and cervix, and after two doses of 4% N9 (1.25ml) applied over 14 hrs in the fornix only (p&lt;0.001). Histological assessment of biopsied samples confirmed OCT findings. In summary, OCT imaging allowed for real time assessment of macaque vaginal ET. While varying degrees of thinning were observed after the interventions, limitations with each were noted. ET decreased naturally during menses, which may provide an ideal opportunity for accessing the targeted vaginal mucosal basal layers to achieve the optimum epithelial thickness for intravaginal mucosal vaccination.


Author(s):  
Wuon-Gean Ho

This film makes three observations on the filming of tactility and movement in order to adequately convey tacit knowledge in embodied ways. The author, Wuon-Gean Ho, studied the craft of traditional woodblock printmaking in Japan, and demonstrates planning, carving and printing of a woodblock print. The first observation is that an alteration of the time-base of the film and subsequent manipulation of the soundscape can provide embodied affects. Secondly the film refers to the effect of mirror-touch-synaesthesia with close macro shots and intimate angles. Thirdly, the use of a birds’ eye point of view, with the hands of the artist in the same anatomical position as the viewers’ hands, enables the gaze of the viewer to mimic that of the maker, conveying haptic knowledge through poetic means.The voiceover to the film is made with deliberate reference to ASMR videos that engender a sense of intimacy. The non-objectivity of the recording process is commented upon. The conclusion is that constructed scenarios might convey more than real-time truthful indexical footage.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1601
Author(s):  
Petr Hrůza ◽  
Petr Pelikán ◽  
Lucie Olišarová

Recently, cycling has become a popular recreation activity, and mountain biking provides an experience that is sought by an increasing number of people. Bike trails constructed for mountain bikers in access areas lead mostly through the forest and provide not only an extraordinary riding experience but the opportunity to admire the surrounding nature. The reason for constructing such trails from a landowner’s point of view is to help keep bikers’ movements within a defined access area and to ensure adjacent areas are left free for other forest functions. It also helps distribute groups of visitors with other interests to other parts of the forest. This is what we call “controlled recreation”. In this example, it means that if cyclists come to the locality to use the bike trails, they should ride only along the designated trails; however, they may leave these trails and ride on the surrounding land. This article studied the movements of bikers in an accessible area of the Moravian Karst and the regulation of their movements by controlled recreation. Attendance in the area was measured using automatic counters. These were placed at the entry points to the accessible area and just behind the routes where the trails branch off. The results showed that bikers mostly stayed on the formal routes and that the trails were effective, i.e., there was no uncontrolled movement of bikers into the surrounding forest stands. We also noted the time of day that cyclists were active. These results can be used to better plan work in the forest, for example, harvesting and logging. To further the suitable development of accessible areas of the forest, we also compared the usual size of trail areas in two other European countries and the increasing width of bike trails due to the transverse slope of the terrain.


Author(s):  
Mamta Rani ◽  
Jarnail Singh ◽  
Prem Parkash Gupta

Background: From a pathophysiologic point of view, asthma treatment is directed toward the airway to effectively suppress inflammation, attenuate airway hyper responsiveness. Ideally, this in turn should translate into benefits in terms of symptom control, prevention of exacerbations, optimizing dyspnoea, along with patient safety.Methods: This study was carried out at Department of Pharmacology and TB and Respiratory Medicine, Pt. BDS PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana. The protocol was approved by institutional review board. Out of 60 OPD patients, group A (30) received inhaled budesonide 400μg and formoterol fumarate 6μg twice daily and group B (30) received oral montelukast 10 mg once daily along with inhaled budesonide 400μg twice daily. All values were expressed as mean±SEM and comparison between both groups was done using unpaired t-test.Results: Baseline PFT Values at 0 week and Improvement at 8 weeks were comparable between both groups with P-value >0.05. In Group A both day time cough/wheeze score (20.67±0.19 to 11.23±0.37) and night time cough/wheeze score (11.47±0.17 to 4.27±0.21) reduced after 8 weeks treatment. Also in Group B daytime cough/ wheeze reduced from (20.70±0.25) at 4 weeks to (12.93±0.43) at end of 8 weeks. Modified Borg’s dyspnoea score also decreased significantly (3.13±0.11 to 0.73±0.06) in Group A and (3.16±0.14 to 0.80±0.05) in Group B at end of 8 weeks and decrease was comparable in both groups (p value >0.05). Statistically there was no difference between two treatments as far as safety assessment was concerned. Most common ADRs reported were headache, asthenia and abdominal pain.Conclusions: Montelukast seems clinically effective and safe in controlling asthma symptoms, PFT and improving dyspnoea. So montelukast can be reasonable and alternative therapeutic option as add on to inhaled ICS in moderate persistent asthma patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fathi ◽  
Hamid Moghaddasi ◽  
Azamossadat Hosseini ◽  
Monir Ebrahimi Aghdam

Objective: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), a lung infection developing in patients on a ventilator in Intensive Care Units (ICU), is the second most common nosocomial infection and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in ICUs. To reduce the incidence rate of VAP complication, many healthcare organizations have already developed certain strategies and guidelines. However, there are still high rates of VAP infections mainly due to: conflicting guidelines from different sources, implementing the guidelines at different times and conditions, different ICU caregivers at different shifts, and of course the human mistakes. Methods: The present study aimed to develop a dashboard to help reducing VAP incidences in ICUs. To achieve the objective of the research, first, the VAP prevention guidelines were compiled. The object-oriented analysis approach was adopted for designing of the dashboard software. To assess the impact of the developed dashboard on the reduction of VAP events, a pilot hospital was selected and a pilot project was prepared. For the dashboard usability assessment based on user satisfaction, a questionnaire was developed as the survey tool. Conclusion: The dashboard was developed and put into operation in a pilot ICU. The results from the t-test (with a probable error of 0.05 percent) indicated a meaningful difference between the number of VAP patients before and after the dashboard implementation with p-value ˂ 0.02. Also, the developed software was evaluated from a usability point of view based on user satisfaction, with health professionals and caregivers of the pilot ICU as the users of the software. The total score was equivalent to 95 percent, falling within the acceptable range of 75-100 percent.


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