Intercomparison of Sonde, WRF/CAMx and Satellite Sounder Profile Data for the Paso Del Norte Region

The Paso Del Norte (PdN) region comprises the city of El Paso, TX, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and some neighboring cities in the state of New Mexico. Developing a regional weather model for this specific region has always been challenging due to its complex terrain. To obtain more accurate weather and pollution forecasting for the PdN region, the results of the downscaled WRF (Weather Research and Forecast) model were intercompared with meteorological satellite data, with ground and radiosonde dataset. In addition, it is critical to analyze the distributions of ozone concentrations to better understand atmospheric aerosol concentrations and predict them both more accurately. Hence, in this study the ozone results of CAMx (Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions) were extensively intercompared with ozonesonde data. The radiosonde/ozonesonde data were obtained throughout a campaign conducted during the summer of 2017 in the PdN region. Different meteorological variables such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, and ozone concentrations were used for comparison at several locations in the PdN region. The TCEQ (Texas Commission of Environment Quality) data from different CAMS (Continuous Ambient Monitoring Stations) were used for ground data intercomparison with the WRF results. The meteorological satellite sounding data were retrieved using an in-house satellite antenna receiver. The results of this research paper will not only provide better pollution forecasting capability for the PdN region but also for other regions with similar topography and terrain.

Accuracy of Calorie Perceptions in Individuals Who Are Attempting to Lose Weight (P16-062-19)

Objectives Dietary approaches for weight loss are often focused on maintaining a recommended caloric intake aimed at creating an energy deficit. This assumes individuals can accurately estimate caloric content of foods and beverages, yet little is known about the validity of such assumptions. This study assessed the accuracy of calorie perceptions for individual food items and mixed meals in participants who were trying to lose weight (dieters) vs. not trying to lose weight (non-dieters). We hypothesized that dieters would be more accurate at estimating calories in individual food items and mixed meals. Methods A cross-sectional survey assessed calorie perceptions using both visual food displays and written calorie perception questions for 32 foods, beverages, and mixed meals. Participants were asked demographic questions and if they were currently attempting to lose weight. Results A total of 586 participants (18–81y) completed the survey; 63.3% (n = 371) were dieters. The majority of participants were female (n = 389) and Hispanic (n = 425). There were no significant differences between groups in under or overestimation for the majority of foods, beverages, and mixed meals with the exception of red and white wine. A lower percentage of dieters (58.4%) vs. non-dieters (71.4%) underestimated the calories in a glass of white wine (P < 0.01), but a higher percentage of dieters (41.6%) vs. non-dieters (28.6%) overestimated calories in white wine (P < 0.01). There was a similar pattern for red wine (P < 0.05). Conclusions Accuracy of calorie perceptions do not differ between dieters and non-dieters for the majority of items. An inability to accurately estimate calories in foods despite active efforts to lose weight may contribute to limited efficacy of weight loss efforts. Next research questions include whether dieters can be trained to better estimate caloric content of foods, and if that would positively influence weight loss. Funding Sources This study was partially supported by funding from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

Characterization of Drayage Activities in the Paso Del Norte Airshed

The overall objective of the study was to characterize drayage truck activity and associated emissions in the Paso del Norte region, which is the binational region covering El Paso in Texas and Ciudad Juárez in Mexico. Drayage trucks are a significant source of emissions in the Paso del Norte airshed. The region faces air quality problems and characterizing the unique operational and emission characteristics of drayage vehicles can better support regional air quality planning. In this study, the global positioning system and portable activity measurement system units were fitted to a sample of drayage trucks operating in the El Paso region. The resulting data were analyzed to generate trip-level information on truck activity, along with key parameters, such as speeds, origin, destination, and length. The individual trip information was also used to identify key freight corridors and to estimate emissions associated with drayage activity. The study dataset showed that the Ysleta-Zaragoza International Bridge is the most utilized by the trucks. The facilities visited in the United States tended to be more clustered closer to this bridge, in less urbanized areas, while facilities visited in Mexico tended to be more spread out geographically. Corridor truck volumes and emissions were plotted on maps to visualize emission impacts of drayage trucks, with urbanized areas and areas close to border bridges likely most affected because of higher volumes and emissions. The findings from the study provide an understanding of air quality impacts of drayage trucks in the Paso del Norte airshed.