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Klit Liu posted an update 2 months ago
Using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite, the retrieval accuracy and stability of the two operational aerosol retrieval algorithms, Deep Blue (DB) and Dark Target (DT), were assessed across the South Asian region. Variations in surface reflectivity, the complexity of aerosol systems within the region, and the region’s dynamic meteorology confound the precise estimation of satellite-based aerosol optical properties. Initial comparative analysis of the two algorithms’ performance centered on their aerosol signal retrieval accuracy within a complex geographical region characterized by a specific air pollution emission scenario. Afterwards, an evaluation of retrieval accuracy was conducted at 10 AERONET sites within South Asia, chosen based on their geography and the prevalence of various aerosol types, from 2012 through 2021. Geo-spatial analysis highlights DB’s efficiency in retrieving fine aerosol patterns over bright arid environments, particularly during smoke or dust events, contrasting with DT’s superior performance in recognizing small-scale fire events within the context of dark vegetated surfaces. Nevertheless, both algorithms exhibit unsatisfactory retrieval accuracy when compared to AERONET, with only 56-59% of retrievals proving valid, characterized by high RMSE (0.30-0.33) and significant bias. DB’s AOD predictions showed a minor underestimation, indicated by a mean bias of -0.002, whereas DT predictions were overestimations, with a mean bias of 0.013. The retrieval efficiency of both models differed with the season, impacting their accuracy compared to AERONET data. The time-series data suggests stable retrieval of AOD and match-up numbers across both algorithms. DB and DT AOD retrievals against AERONET AOD were evaluated under a range of aerosol concentrations, sizes, and properties (scattering/absorbing), along with surface vegetation types. The analysis revealed DT AOD to be more responsive to these variations. At low AOD (0.02), the error analysis shows that the accuracy of both the DB and DT models was affected by the quantity of underlying vegetation. Retrieval of coarse aerosols by DB was effective at AOD values above 0.02, while DT outperformed DB when the presence of fine aerosols was prominent. Further refinement of both VIIRS algorithms is needed to continue the MODIS AOD tradition within the South Asian region.
Children whose mothers were exposed to bisphenols and phthalates during pregnancy may experience changes in their respiratory and immune system development, resulting in adverse respiratory health.
Researching the possible correlations between fetal exposure to bisphenols and phthalates and respiratory function and asthma outcomes at 13 years of age.
Within the framework of a population-based prospective cohort study, this research included 1020 children. Maternal urinary bisphenol and phthalate concentrations were determined across the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, concurrently with lung function assessment using spirometry and asthma prevalence using questionnaires at age 13. A multivariable approach to linear and logistic regression was employed.
Pregnancy-averaged maternal urine bisphenol and phthalate levels exhibited no correlation with either childhood lung function or asthma. Correlational analysis of maternal urine bisphenol and phthalate concentrations during various trimesters and respiratory outcomes suggested that a one-interquartile-range increase in the natural log-transformed maternal urine mono-isobutyl phthalate level in the second trimester was significantly associated with a higher FEV.
Accounting for multiple comparisons and confounders, the forced vital capacity (FVC) was not significantly associated with the outcome, irrespective of asthma. Second trimester bisphenol S concentrations showed a trend of correlation with decreased levels of FVC and FEV.
Observational studies in boys and girls revealed a correlation between higher first-trimester bisphenol S levels and decreased asthma risk in boys, yet an increased asthma risk in girls; however, these differences disappeared after accounting for multiple comparisons. The results observed were unaffected by the mother’s history of either asthma or atopy.
The average concentrations of bisphenol and phthalate in maternal urine, whether measured during specific trimesters of pregnancy or overall, did not exhibit a strong correlation with lung function and asthma in children at the age of 13. BPS, substituting BPA, exhibited a tendency towards reduced lung function and a modified asthma risk, possibly sex-dependent, but its impact was restricted by a low detection rate, requiring closer examination in present-day epidemiological studies.
The average levels of bisphenol and phthalate in maternal urine, either taken across the entire pregnancy or during specific trimesters, did not appear significantly connected to lung function and asthma in children at 13 years old. BPS, utilized in place of BPA, showed a trend towards impaired lung function and a variable asthma risk, partially dependent on sex, though its impact was weakened by a lower detection rate, necessitating further investigation in current data sets.
Pesticide residues in soils are a consequence of applying synthetic pesticides to agricultural fields for crop protection. Although short-term soil behavior of pesticide residues after application is usually established through laboratory and field studies required for authorization (prospective risk assessments), a critical gap exists in understanding their long-term fate through in-situ observations. To effectively address the knowledge gap, the combination of long-term soil monitoring, coupled with detailed site-specific records of pesticide application, represents an invaluable, complementary retrospective exposure assessment tool. In Swiss agricultural soils, this study assessed pesticide presence, absence, and concentrations over a period of 10-15 years, relating the results to their application history. The data indicated pesticides were present at sites unlinked to prior applications, and soils retained tiny traces of pesticides, some even non-persistent ones, well after application, measured in years or decades. This environmental finding suggests a potential inadequacy in prospective risk assessments, prompting the need for comprehensive long-term recording and monitoring to complement retrospective exposure assessments.
Photoaging, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation are among the aging processes that soil microplastics (MPs) undergo, causing alterations in the surface characteristics of the microplastics. This study analyzed the adsorption-desorption interaction of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on pristine and UV-aged low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradable microplastics (Bio-MPs) which were manufactured from plastic mulch films. Our tests also encompassed the bioconcentration of pristine and aged microplastics (LDPE and bio-MPs aged by UV light and LDPE-MPs aged in various soil types) linked with CPF within earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). UV-irradiated microplastics (MPs) displayed a higher CPF adsorption efficiency compared to non-irradiated MPs. The specific adsorption capacities were 1849.53, 2005.18, 1930.87, and 2159.11 g g⁻¹ for pristine LDPE-, UV-aged LDPE-, pristine Bio-, and UV-aged Bio-MPs, respectively. Within 48 hours, the desorption of CPF from UV-aged LDPE-MPs was less rapid than from their unaged counterparts (288 77% compared to 400 39%). Importantly, Bio-MPs, whether pristine or UV-aged, demonstrated negligible CPF desorption rates. A four-day Petri dish experiment revealed that UV-exposed microplastics (MPs) exhibited significantly lower concentrations within earthworm casts compared to their pristine counterparts (a 52% and 36% reduction for UV-aged LDPE- and Bio-MPs, respectively). Conversely, UV-exposed MPs with adsorbed chemical pollutants (CPFs) demonstrated a considerable increase in concentration compared to those without CPFs. Surprisingly, LDPE-MPs exposed to soil with high carbon, nitrogen, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios displayed a substantially greater concentration in earthworm casts compared to their pristine counterparts. lificiguat inhibitor To conclude, MPs that had experienced ultraviolet light exposure exhibited a stronger capacity as vectors for CPF compared to untreated MPs. MP bioaccumulation demonstrated significant differences as a consequence of microplastic aging, together with the combined impact of CPF. Concentrated within the castings of earthworms were LDPE-MPs that aged in soil enriched with carbon and nitrogen. Further investigation into the environmental actions of senior Members of Parliament, as intertwined with other soil pollutants, especially in carbon and nitrogen-rich soils, is necessary.
The health implications of manganese exposure in the workplace are substantial, potentially leading to the illness of manganism. Over a decade ago, conflicting meta-analyses emerged, presenting a spectrum of effects on the cognitive abilities of working adults, ranging from negligible to significant. Research proposing novel connections between occupational manganese exposure and cognitive function has been ongoing since that time. Prior to any other analyses, a systematic review of the literature, from various electronic databases, was conducted, covering the period until October 2022, to examine the relationship between occupational manganese exposure and cognitive functions. The exposure and control groups’ cognitive test results were compared and synthesized, utilizing Hedge’s g effect size for the analysis. Employing Hedges’ invariance weighting, a restricted likelihood estimator was utilized in the random effects model deployment. The study looked at the prevalence and implications of publication bias, p-hacking, and how exposure relates to its effects. Our analysis amalgamated 18 studies, yielding 75 effect sizes. These studies contrasted 888 control participants with 1092 participants who experienced the relevant exposure. Following the exclusion of outliers, workers exposed to manganese demonstrated a significant decline in processing speed, attention, working memory, reaction time, cognitive control, and visual attention.
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Start with a huge, uncovered box, or even a kiddie pool, and fill with a thick layer (about 6 inches) of unscented clay or fine sand-like particulate clumping/scoopable litter. For Ollie, you may need to play around with the substrate types to make it more natural. Try using soil or peat.