scholarly journals Estimation of the Inhaled Dose of Pollutants in Different Micro-Environments: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Francesca Borghi ◽  
Andrea Spinazzè ◽  
Simone Mandaglio ◽  
Giacomo Fanti ◽  
Davide Campagnolo ◽  
...  

Recently, the need to assess personal exposure in different micro-environments has been highlighted. Further, estimating the inhaled dose of pollutants is considerably one of the most interesting parameters to be explored to complete the fundamental information obtained through exposure assessment, especially if associated with a dose-response approach. To analyze the main results obtained from the studies related to the estimation of the inhaled dose of pollutants in different micro-environments (environments in which an individual spends a part of his day), and to identify the influence of different parameters on it, a systematic review of the literature was performed. The principal outcomes from the considered studies outlined that (i) exposure concentration and residence time are among the most important parameters to be evaluated in the estimation of the inhaled dose, especially in transport environments. Further, (ii) the pulmonary ventilation rate can be of particular interest during active commuting because of its increase, which increases the inhalation of pollutants. From a methodological point of view, the advent of increasingly miniaturized, portable and low-cost technologies could favor these kinds of studies, both for the measurement of atmospheric pollutants and the real-time evaluation of physiological parameters used for estimation of the inhaled dose. The main results of this review also show some knowledge gaps. In particular, numerous studies have been conducted for the evaluation (in terms of personal exposure and estimation of the inhaled dose) of different PM fractions: other airborne pollutants, although harmful to human health, are less represented in studies of this type: for this reason, future studies should be conducted, also considering other air pollutants, not neglecting the assessment of exposure to PM. Moreover, many studies have been conducted indoors, where the population spends most of their daily time. However, it has been highlighted how particular environments, even if characterized by a shorter residence time, can contribute significantly to the dose of inhaled pollutants. These environments are, therefore, of particular importance and should be better evaluated in future studies, as well as occupational environments, where the work results in a high pulmonary ventilation rate. The attention of future studies should also be focused on these categories of subjects and occupational studies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (264) ◽  
pp. 139-152
Author(s):  
Manoela Abreu ◽  
Franciele Carvalho Santos ◽  
Ana Laura Nogueira ◽  
Matheus Lima Zampieri ◽  
Dernival Bertoncello

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature in order to investigate the effects of the Pilates Method on athletes of different sports. Methods: Researches were carried out in databases (SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS) and to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, the PEDro scale was used. Results: Of the 87 studies found, only four were included. Meta-analyzes to assess flexibility using the Wells Bank's Sit and Reach test and a fleximeter indicated improvement after Pilates application, although there were no statistically significant differences compared to the control groups (Wells Bank's Sit and Reach test: 2 , 83 95% CI: -0.73 to 6.38, I² = 99%; Fleximeter: -0.78, 95% CI: -1.84 to 0.27, I² = 0%). Conclusion: There is evidence of benefits after Pilates intervention. Future studies with standardized protocols, according to the chosen sport, are necessary to determine how the Pilates Method can improve athletes' performance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Morgan ◽  
Yvonne E. Wren

Children’s speech development begins in infancy. The pattern of this development has been explored in studies over a number of years using a range of research methodology and approaches to investigation. A systematic review of the existing literature was carried out to determine the collective contribution of this literature to our understanding of early vocalizations and babbling through the period 9 to 18 months. Eight bibliographic databases were searched as well as the Cochrane library. Thirteen studies were identified for inclusion, which were mostly longitudinal observational case series. The review identified progressive increases in the complexity and volume of infants’ early vocalizations through the period. It also found a broad order of phonological acquisition. Although the studies in this review demonstrated marked individual variation, the review provides indicative patterns of development which can be used as a basis to explore relationships with later speech development in future studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1571-1590
Author(s):  
Manuela Rosing Agostini ◽  
Cássia Morás ◽  
Monalise D'Agostini ◽  
Laura Vitória Alves Carra

Purpose – The Social Innovation (SI) theme is still considered new, however, in the last decades it has been treated with more importance, gaining prominence in the academic environment, and it has become an object of analysis in several researches. Thus, this paper aims to analyze the evolution of the SI theme in the academic scope of gaucho universities.Design/methodology/approach – The research has a theoretical-empirical nature, a qualitative and quantitative approach. It establishes a systematic review on SI, analyzes the objectives and results of a sample of 76 dissertations and theses produced in Rio Grande do Sul universities, through a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis.Findings – After analyzing the data, we observed that the topic has become more widely addressed in recent years, however, there is still no single concept. It was identified that it is being used to address the most different issues related to innovations that modify a social relationship, being applied in the most different sectors or in an intersectoral way.Originality/value (mandatory) – The paper presents an overview of the research and a framework with the characteristics present in the SI initiatives in the five sectors, presenting suggestions for future studies. Demonstrate that the concept of SI will be increasingly used because it is an important theme in the construction of a transformation of local realities, either by generating income, by seeking improvements in the quality of life or by new ways of thinking about global sustainability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Solbiati ◽  
Lucia Trombetta ◽  
Roberto M. Sacco ◽  
Luca Erba ◽  
Viviana Bozzano ◽  
...  

The aims of this study were (1) to identify research publications studying noninvasive electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring devices, (2) to define and categorize current technology in noninvasive ECG recording, and (3) to discuss desirable noninvasive recording features for personalized syncope evaluation to guide technological advancement and future studies. We performed a systematic review of the literature that assessed noninvasive ECG-monitoring devices, regardless of the reason for monitoring. We performed an Internet search and corresponded with syncope experts and companies to help identify further eligible products. We extracted information about included studies and device features. We found 173 relevant papers. The main reasons for ECG monitoring were atrial fibrillation (n = 45), coronary artery disease (n = 10), syncope (n = 8), palpitations (n = 8), other cardiac diseases (n = 67), and technological aspects of monitoring (n = 35). We identified 198 devices: 5 hospital telemetry devices, 12 patches, 46 event recorders, 70 Holter monitors, 23 external loop recorders, 20 mobile cardiac outpatient telemetries, and 22 multifunctional devices. The features of each device were very heterogeneous. There are a large number of ECG-monitoring devices with different features available in the market. Our findings may help clinicians select the appropriate device for their patients. Since there are only a few published articles analyzing their usefulness in syncope patients, further research might improve their use in this clinical setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 995-1013
Author(s):  
Colby Buehler ◽  
Fulizi Xiong ◽  
Misti Levy Zamora ◽  
Kate M. Skog ◽  
Joseph Kohrman-Glaser ◽  
...  

Abstract. The distribution and dynamics of atmospheric pollutants are spatiotemporally heterogeneous due to variability in emissions, transport, chemistry, and deposition. To understand these processes at high spatiotemporal resolution and their implications for air quality and personal exposure, we present custom, low-cost air quality monitors that measure concentrations of contaminants relevant to human health and climate, including gases (e.g., O3, NO, NO2, CO, CO2, CH4, and SO2) and size-resolved (0.3–10 µm) particulate matter. The devices transmit sensor data and location via cellular communications and are capable of providing concentration data down to second-level temporal resolution. We produce two models: one designed for stationary (or mobile platform) operation and a wearable, portable model for directly measuring personal exposure in the breathing zone. To address persistent problems with sensor drift and environmental sensitivities (e.g., relative humidity and temperature), we present the first online calibration system designed specifically for low-cost air quality sensors to calibrate zero and span concentrations at hourly to weekly intervals. Monitors are tested and validated in a number of environments across multiple outdoor and indoor sites in New Haven, CT; Baltimore, MD; and New York City. The evaluated pollutants (O3, NO2, NO, CO, CO2, and PM2.5) performed well against reference instrumentation (e.g., r=0.66–0.98) in urban field evaluations with fast e-folding response times (≤ 1 min), making them suitable for both large-scale network deployments and smaller-scale targeted experiments at a wide range of temporal resolutions. We also provide a discussion of best practices on monitor design, construction, systematic testing, and deployment.


Author(s):  
Maria Latournerie ◽  
Denisse Bustos ◽  
Joana Guedes

Due to the disproportionate growth of the population, human needs have been changing drastically, thus breaking their expected balance with nature. Industrialization and demands of new technologies imply the application of processes that require more energy, which, used in an unsustainable way, contributes to a decrease of the air quality, affecting the quality of life and the variation in Earth's climate system. This has a serious impact on both people's health and national economies because of the increase of absenteeism and mortality rates of workers caused by diseases related to exposure to high amounts of pollutants. The increased tourism in coastal areas requires the efficient attendance of these needs as there is nowadays a great variety of activities that emit atmospheric pollutants in those areas (grills, recreational activities, transportation). A systematic review is proposed to identify the methods used in the monitoring and control of the amounts of outdoor air pollutants, specifically CO2 and PM 2.5, to determine the relationship between workers' exposure to the bad quality air in coastal areas during their working days and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, that would allow creating programs and actions to reduce these negative effects. As a result, this systematic review protocol aims to define the criteria to develop research able to fulfill this purpose. It is based in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) Statement.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colby Buehler ◽  
Fulizi Xiong ◽  
Misti Levy Zamora ◽  
Kate M. Skog ◽  
Joseph Kohrman-Glaser ◽  
...  

Abstract. The distribution and dynamics of atmospheric pollutants are spatiotemporally heterogeneous due to variability in emissions, transport, chemistry, and deposition. To understand these processes at high spatiotemporal resolution and their implications for air quality and personal exposure, we present custom, low-cost air quality monitors that measure concentrations of contaminants relevant to human health and climate, including gases (e.g. O3, NO, NO2, CO, CO2, CH4, and SO2) and size-resolved (0.3–10 µm) particulate matter. The devices transmit sensor data and location via cellular communications, and are capable of providing concentration data down to second-level temporal resolution. We produce two models; one designed for stationary (or mobile platform) operation, and a wearable, portable model for directly measuring personal exposure in the breathing zone. To address persistent problems with sensor drift and environmental sensitivities (e.g. relative humidity and temperature), we present the first online calibration system designed specifically for low-cost air quality sensors to calibrate zero and span concentrations at hourly to weekly intervals. Monitors are tested and validated in a number of environments across multiple outdoor and indoor sites in New Haven, CT, Baltimore, MD, and New York City. The evaluated pollutants (O3, NO2, NO, CO, CO2, and PM2.5) performed well against reference instrumentation (e.g. r = 0.66–0.98) in urban field evaluations with fast e-folding response times (≤ 1 min), making them suitable for both large-scale network deployments and smaller-scale targeted experiments at a wide range of temporal resolutions. We also provide a discussion of best practices on monitor design, construction, systematic testing, and deployment.


Birds ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-475
Author(s):  
Ana Teresa Marques ◽  
Helena Batalha ◽  
Joana Bernardino

Wind energy developments can be responsible for negative impacts on birds, including displacement. In this study we performed a systematic review of the literature available on bird displacement due to wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, to: (i) assess overall trends in scientific research; (ii) review the existing knowledge; and (iii) outline recommendations for future studies on this topic in order to overcome the major gaps and limitations found. Our results are based on 286 trials extracted from 71 peer-reviewed studies. The literature on this topic has increased in the past decade but is concentrated in Europe and United States, despite the fact that the wind industry has worldwide coverage. Open habitats—as agricultural fields and grasslands—were the most represented and Accipitriformes, Galliformes, Charadriiformes, Anseriformes and Passeriformes were the most frequently studied taxa. Displacement was recorded in 40.6% of the trials, and Gaviiformes, Anseriformes, Suliformes, Accipitriformes and Falconiformes were the most affected groups. Pelecaniformes, Passeriformes and Charadriiformes were the groups for which no significant effects were more often observed. We provide a list of recommendations, focused on study design, reporting and result dissemination, that should contribute to more robust conclusions of future studies on this topic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 326-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Weidner ◽  
Joneen Lowman

Purpose We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding adult telepractice services (screening, assessment, and treatment) from approximately 2014 to 2019. Method Thirty-one relevant studies were identified from a literature search, assessed for quality, and reported. Results Included studies illustrated feasibility, efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and noninferiority of various speech-language pathology services across adult populations, including chronic aphasia, Parkinson's disease, dysphagia, and primary progressive aphasia. Technical aspects of the equipment and software used to deliver services were discussed. Some general themes were noted as areas for future research. Conclusion Overall, results of the review continue to support the use of telepractice as an appropriate service delivery model in speech-language pathology for adults. Strong research designs, including experimental control, across multiple well-described settings are still needed to definitively determine effectiveness of telepractice services.


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