scholarly journals Differential Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown and Regional Fire on the Air Quality of Medellín, Colombia

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1137
Author(s):  
Juan J. Henao ◽  
Angela M. Rendón ◽  
K. Santiago Hernández ◽  
Paola A. Giraldo-Ramirez ◽  
Vanessa Robledo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Regression Methods ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Range Transport ◽  
Fire Activity ◽  
Local Emissions

Governments’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of restricted socioeconomic activity on air quality. Here, we study the changes in air pollution levels during the lockdown in Medellín and its metropolitan area, Colombia, for periods with and without enhanced regional fire activity, considering the effects of meteorology using random forest and multiple linear regression methods. The lockdown measures, which reduced mean traffic volume by 70% compared to 2016–2019, resulted in reductions for PM2.5 (50–63%), PM10 (59–64%), NO (75–76%), NO2 (43–47%), and CO (40–47%), while O3 concentration increased by 19–22%. In contrast, when fire activity was high, the effects of the lockdown on air quality were shadowed by the long-range transport of biomass burning emissions, increasing fine particulate matter and ozone. This study shows that healthier levels are achievable through significant efforts from decision-makers and society. The results highlight the need to develop integral measures that do not only consider reductions in the local emissions from transportation and industry, but also the role of fire activity in the region, as well as the difficulties of achieving reductions in ozone from measures that are effective at reducing primary pollutants.

Urban particulate matter pollution: a tale of five cities

2016 ◽  
Vol 189 ◽  
pp. 277-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spyros N. Pandis ◽  
Ksakousti Skyllakou ◽  
Kalliopi Florou ◽  
Evangelia Kostenidou ◽  
Christos Kaltsonoudis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chemical Signatures ◽  
Range Transport

Five case studies (Athens and Paris in Europe, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles in the United States, and Mexico City in Central America) are used to gain insights into the changing levels, sources, and role of atmospheric chemical processes in air quality in large urban areas as they develop technologically. Fine particulate matter is the focus of our analysis. In all cases reductions of emissions by industrial and transportation sources have resulted in significant improvements in air quality during the last few decades. However, these changes have resulted in the increasing importance of secondary particulate matter (PM) which dominates over primary in most cases. At the same time, long range transport of secondary PM from sources located hundreds of kilometres from the cities is becoming a bigger contributor to the urban PM levels in all seasons. “Non-traditional” sources including cooking, and residential and agricultural biomass burning contribute an increasing fraction of the now reduced fine PM levels. Atmospheric chemistry is found to change the chemical signatures of a number of these sources relatively fast both during the day and night, complicating the corresponding source apportionment.

scholarly journals Contributions of Trans-boundary Transport to the Summertime Air Quality in Beijing, China

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiarui Wu ◽  
Guohui Li ◽  
Junji Cao ◽  
Naifang Bei ◽  
Yichen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Beijing China ◽  
Local Emissions ◽  
Factor Separation ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract. In the present study, the WRF-CHEM model is used to evaluate the contributions of trans-boundary transport to the air quality in Beijing during a persistent air pollution episode from 5 to 14 July 2015 in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), China. Generally, the predicted temporal variations and spatial distributions of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), O3 (ozone), and NO2 are in good agreement with observations in BTH. The WRF-CHEM model also reproduces reasonably well the temporal variations of aerosol species compared to measurements in Beijing. The factor separation approach is employed to evaluate the contributions of trans-boundary transport of emissions outside of Beijing to the PM2.5 and O3 levels in Beijing. On average, in the afternoon during the simulation episode, the pure local emissions contribute 22.4 % to the O3 level in Beijing, less than 36.6 % from pure emissions outside of Beijing. The O3 concentrations in Beijing are decreased by 5.1 % in the afternoon due to interactions of local emissions with those outside of Beijing. The pure emissions outside of Beijing play a dominant role in the PM2.5 level in Beijing, with a contribution of 61.5 %, much more than 13.7 % from pure Beijing local emissions. The emissions interactions enhance the PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing, with a contribution of 5.9 %. Therefore, the air quality in Beijing is primarily determined by the trans-boundary transport of emissions outside of Beijing during summertime, showing that the cooperation with neighboring provinces to mitigate pollutant emissions is a key for Beijing to improve air quality. Considering the uncertainties in the emission inventory and the meteorological field simulations, further studies need to be performed to improve the WRF-CHEM model simulations to reasonably evaluate trans-boundary transport contributions to the air quality in Beijing for supporting the design and implementation of emission control strategies.

A thermal dissociation CAPS for detection of NOy species within the MetNO2 project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Kuß ◽  
Dagmar Kubistin ◽  
Robert Holla ◽  
Christian Plaß-Dülmer ◽  
Erasmus Tensing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Dissociation ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Alkyl Nitrates ◽  
Calibration Standards ◽  
First Results ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Chemiluminescence Detector

<p>As a toxic and reactive gas, nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) influences air quality and health, the self-cleaning power of the atmosphere and photochemical smog formation. Reliable scientific data with high quality and comparability are required for national and international decision-makers. The quality of the NO<sub>2</sub> measurements is crucially dependent on the quality of the calibration standards. In order to achieve the quality goals required, the MetNO2 project within the EMPIR (European Metrology Program for Innovation and Research) program aims to provide accurate and stable NO<sub>2</sub> calibration standards for operational use at air quality stations.</p><p>To characterise the impurities of the newly developed standards a Thermal Dissociation - Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift (TD - CAPS) system has been set up, based on the design from Sadanaga et al. (2016). The device includes four heated channels for the differentiation of NO<sub>2</sub>, peroxy and alkyl nitrates and HNO<sub>3</sub>. In parallel, a gold converter coupled with a chemiluminescence detector was deployed for detection of the total sum of NO<sub>y</sub>. First results of the performance of the TD-CAPS used for impurity analysis of NO<sub>2</sub> standards will be presented.</p><p> </p><p>Reference: Sadanaga et al. Review of Scientific Instruments 87.7 (2016), 074102</p>

scholarly journals The decision makers’ perceptions toward the adoption of information technology by government institutions in Jordan and its affect on information accessibility, and decision making quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 370-378
Author(s):  
Rami Tbaishat ◽  
Saleh Khasawneh ◽  
Abdullah Mohammad Taamneh
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Government Institutions ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Information Accessibility

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of decision-makers towards the use of this technology and its impact on access to information and the quality of decision-making. Quantitative methodology was used to obtain the information necessary to achieve the objectives of this study. The results indicated the importance of computer technology in the Jordanian governmental organizations. The results revealed that the majority of the participants expressed positive perceptions about the technology. However, they still expected to have more active role of this technology in government institutions. Also, they provided many of the factors that led to some restrictions on the use of computers. In addition, the study revealed that the demographic characteristics that would hinder perceptions towards this technology seems mostly unfounded. Based on the results of this study, Joradanian government should provide its employees more training and education opportunities on the use of this technology, in order to maintain, improve and increase the use of such technology in the future.

scholarly journals Soccer games and record-breaking PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution events in Santiago, Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 4681-4694
Author(s):  
Rémy Lapere ◽  
Laurent Menut ◽  
Sylvain Mailler ◽  
Nicolás Huneeus
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Emergency Plans ◽  
Residential Heating ◽  
Fine Particulate ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Good Proxy ◽  
Pollution Events

Abstract. In wintertime, high concentrations of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are commonly observed in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. Hourly peaks can be very strong, up to 10 times above average levels, but have barely been studied so far. Based on atmospheric composition measurements and chemistry-transport modeling (WRF-CHIMERE), the chemical signature of sporadic skyrocketing wintertime PM2.5 peaks is analyzed. This signature and the timing of such extreme events trace their origin back to massive barbecue cooking by Santiago's inhabitants during international soccer games. The peaks end up evacuated outside Santiago after a few hours but trigger emergency plans for the next day. Decontamination plans in Santiago focus on decreasing emissions from traffic, industry, and residential heating. Thanks to the air quality network of Santiago, this study shows that cultural habits such as barbecue cooking also need to be taken into account. For short-term forecast and emergency management, cultural events such as soccer games seem a good proxy to prognose possible PM2.5 peak events. Not only can this result have an informative value for the Chilean authorities but also a similar methodology could be reproduced for other cases throughout the world in order to estimate the burden on air quality of cultural habits.

scholarly journals Critical Mass of Agriculture and the Maintenance of Productive Open Space

1974 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pritam S. Dhillon ◽  
Donn A. Derr
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Government Planning

In recent years there has been increased concern over the maintenance of open space by various levels of government. Planning agencies and environmentalists have recognized that the quality of the environment and specifically air quality is in large part dependent upon wise land use planning. However, the role of agriculture in terms of what it can contribute to the maintenance of productive open space has not been fully recognized by the planners. Lands in close proximity to metropolitan centers have been looked upon as a potential supply for the more intensive uses while agriculture has been considered as a residual user.

Long-range transport of aerosols and their impact on the air quality of Taiwan

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (33) ◽  
pp. 6066-6076 ◽  
Author(s):  
C LIN ◽  
S LIU ◽  
C CHOU ◽  
S HUANG ◽  
C LIU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Long Range Transport ◽  
Range Transport

scholarly journals National policies in ensuring access to quality and safety of drugs: A challenge or a prerequisite

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hadipour Dehshal ◽  
M. Tabrizi Namini
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Patient Status ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Medical Delivery

Access to the essential medicines is an important challenge in the developing countries. To have access to the quality and affordable medicines, the pharmaceutical decision makers try different strategies. The production of generic and copy medicines is one of the strategies that if adopted based on the recognized standards and norms can be effective in raising the health status in the developing countries. However, the regulation enfeeblement has somewhat impaired the quality of generic and copy medicines and harmed the health life of consumers. Here we aim to reflect over the role of different beneficiaries including international organizations, governments, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs in ensuring the feasible and sustainable access of citizens to the essential medicines. We also aim to highlight the importance of the patient status in the enhancement of the medical delivery.

scholarly journals Marketing and sustainability from the perspective of future decision makers

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Pantelic ◽  
M. Sakal ◽  
A. Zehetner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Marketing Function ◽  
Sustainable Marketing

Contemporary research on sustainability is fragmented between multiple disciplines and areas, with on-going debates about methodological as well as practical issues. The core value of sustainability is embedded in the long-term maintenance of quality of life and contains environmental, economic and social components. Business organizations have a substantial responsibility for preserving the quality of life for future generations, as a result of the role they play in transforming natural and societal resources into goods and services. The marketing function is a major force in strategic decision-making in contemporary organizations. With its arsenal of tools for influencing (managing) consumption patterns, marketing must take responsibility for sustainable behaviour of both organizations and consumers. This article discusses the role of marketing in facilitating sustainable behaviour. Contemporary marketing education may not prepare students to use marketing’s influence to support sustainability. This study, using senior level Marketing students, assesses the perceptions, opinions and attitudes towards sustainability at three different universities in Austria, Portugal and Serbia. These students represent future decision makers shaping marketing and business strategies. The results of this research inform the marketing academic community about its ability to build contemporary curricula, as well as marketing professionals who seek justification for sustainable marketing strategies. Business schools, in their role of educators, should assume more active role in shaping students’ attitudes towards sustainability.

scholarly journals Soccer games and record-breaking PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution events in Santiago, Chile

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rémy Lapere ◽  
Laurent Menut ◽  
Sylvain Mailler ◽  
Nicolás Huneeus
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Emergency Plans ◽  
High Background ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Residential Heating ◽  
Good Proxy ◽  
Pollution Events

Abstract. In wintertime, high background concentrations of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are commonly observed in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. Hourly peaks can be very strong, up to ten times average levels, but have barely been studied so far. Based on atmospheric composition measurements and chemistry-transport modeling (WRF-CHIMERE), the chemical signature of sporadic skyrocketing wintertime PM2.5 peaks is analyzed. This signature and the timing of such extreme events traces their origin back to massive barbecue cooking by Santiago's inhabitants during international soccer games. The peaks end up evacuated outside Santiago after a few hours but trigger emergency plans for the next day. Decontamination plans in Santiago focus on decreasing traffic, industrial and residential heating emissions. Thanks to the air quality network of Santiago, this study shows that cultural habits such as barbecue cooking also need to be taken into account. For short-term forecast and emergency management, cultural events such as soccer games seem a good proxy to prognose possible PM2.5 peak events. Not only this result can have an informative value for the Chilean authorities, but a similar methodology could also be reproduced for other cases throughout the world in order to estimate the burden on air quality of cultural habits. In particular, the present study shows that investigating the atmospheric composition in large cities during major events is key for the design of effective air pollution mitigation policies.

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