Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Predicting and factor analysis of rider injury severity in two-wheeled motorcycle and vehicle crash accidents based on an interpretable machine learning framework

Tianzheng Wei, Tong Zhu, Miao Lin, Haoxue Liu

Summary: This study utilizes machine learning methods to model and analyze the severity of accident injuries in two-wheeled motorcyclists. The results show that the LightGBM algorithm has good prediction performance. The driver's annual kilometers traveled, the throwing distance of the motorcyclist, and the road speed limit are the three most important factors influencing the severity of accident injuries.

TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION (2024)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Comparison of corridor-level fatal and injury crash models with site-level models for network screening purposes on Florida urban and suburban divided arterials

John Mccombs, Haitham Al-Deek, Adrian Sandt

Summary: This study developed corridor-level network screening models to reduce fatal and injury crashes by identifying high-risk corridors for safety improvements. The corridor-level models were more accurate and statistically reliable than similar HSM models while requiring less data. Agencies can easily replicate the methods using readily available data to identify corridors in need of safety improvements.

TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION (2024)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Proposing an effective approach for traffic safety assessment on heterogeneous traffic conditions using surrogate safety measures and speed of the involved vehicles

N. Mohamed Hasain, Mokaddes Ali Ahmed

Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the safety of heterogeneous traffic by identifying critical conflicts based on the speeds of the involved vehicles. The proposed Critical Following Speed method was validated using accident data and showed a correlation between critical conflicts and road accidents. The study highlighted the importance of considering vehicle speed in assessing traffic safety in mixed traffic conditions.

TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION (2024)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Modeling injury severity of crashes involving golf carts: A case study of The Villages, Florida

Abdallah Kinero, Kabhabhela Bukuru, Enock E. Mwambeleko, Thobias Sando, Priyanka Alluri

Summary: This study examines the injury severity of golf cart (GC) crashes in a retirement community in Florida. The findings highlight the factors that influence GC crash severity and provide recommendations for improving GC safety.

TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Assessing the disparity: comparative toxicity of Copper in zebrafish larvae exposes alarming consequences of permissible concentrations in Brazil

Maria Vitoria Takemura Mariano, Luana Paganotto Leandro, Karen Kich Gomes, Ana Beatriz dos Santos, Vitor Oliveira de Rosso, Alcir Luiz Dafre, Marcelo Farina, Thais Posser, Jeferson Luis Franco

Summary: This study evaluated the toxicity of copper at environmentally relevant concentrations on zebrafish larvae and found adverse effects on morphology, biochemistry, and behavior. Therefore, the permissible copper concentrations in Brazil need to be reevaluated.

JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART A-CURRENT ISSUES (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Tissue-specific toxic effects of nano-copper on zebrafish

Haiqiang Liu, Yanli Xu, Yuqiong Sun, Haodi Wu, Jing Hou

Summary: Understanding the toxic mechanism of copper nanoparticles on zebrafish is important to assess their environmental risks. This study used RNA-seq analysis to investigate the potential mechanisms of nano-Cu toxicity on zebrafish. The results revealed tissue-specific toxicity, affecting the gill cells' synaptic plasticity, metabolic pathways in intestinal cells, and DNA repair in muscle cells.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Exposure to ambient air toxicants and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A matched case control study

Fan Wu, Angela M. Malek, Jeanine M. Buchanich, Vincent C. Arena, Judith R. Rager, Ravi K. Sharma, John E. Vena, Todd Bear, Evelyn O. Talbott

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for ALS and found that high exposure to vinyl chloride, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, cyanide, cadmium, and carbon disulfide was associated with an increased risk of ALS. Additionally, residential air selenium showed an inverse association with ALS, while exposure to organic/chlorinated solvents was associated with ALS. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance of potential exposures for at-risk populations.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Interplay between edaphic and climatic factors unravels plant and microbial diversity along an altitudinal gradient

Muhammad Aqeel, Noreen Khalid, Ali Noman, Jinzhi Ran, Abdul Manan, Qingqing Hou, Longwei Dong, Ying Sun, Yan Deng, Sang Soo Lee, Weigang Hu, Jianming Deng

Summary: Altitude influences biodiversity and physiochemical soil attributes in terrestrial ecosystems. The distribution and interactions of plant and microbial species are determined by altitudinal variation. Different taxonomic groups show different response patterns along the altitudinal gradient, with plant and fungal diversity increasing and archaeal and bacterial diversity decreasing with increasing altitude.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Waste-to-energy: Co-pyrolysis of potato peel and macroalgae for biofuels and biochemicals

Zahra Fardi, Hossein Shahbeik, Mohsen Nosrati, Ehsan Motamedian, Meisam Tabatabaei, Mortaza Aghbashlo

Summary: Waste-to-energy conversion is a key strategy for addressing the energy crisis and environmental pollution. This study explores the co-pyrolysis of terrestrial biomass and marine biomass to optimize the production of bio-oil and biochar. The results show that the mixed samples result in increased bio-oil yield, with the highest yield achieved in a composition of 75% potato peel and 25% Sargassum angastifolium. The analysis of the pyrolysis products indicates favorable characteristics for the generation of biofuels and value-added commodities.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Correction Environmental Sciences

SnO2-xNx based tpod nanostructure for SARS-CoV2 spike protein detection (vol 234, 116505, 2023)

Nallin Sharma, Chia-Hung Chi, Deepak Dabur, Andrew Chi-Chang Tsai, Hui-Fen Wu

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Ultrafine particulate matter exposure during second year of life, but not before, associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in BKMR mixtures model of multiple air pollutants

Amanda J. Goodrich, Michael J. Kleeman, Daniel J. Tancredi, Yunin J. Ludena, Deborah H. Bennett, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Rebecca J. Schmidt

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between prenatal and early postnatal exposure to multiple air pollutants and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results indicated that exposure to PM0.1 and PM2.5-10 may be associated with an increased risk of ASD. Additionally, prenatal O3 exposure and exposure to PM0.1 in the second year of life may also increase the risk of ASD.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Review Environmental Sciences

Novel heterogeneous Fe-based catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation to long chain α-olefins-A review

Kangzhou Wang, Ziqin Li, Xinhua Gao, Qingxiang Ma, Jianli Zhang, Tian-Sheng Zhao, Noritatsu Tsubaki

Summary: This review highlights the recent advances in catalyst design concepts for the synthesis of long chain alpha-olefins from CO2 hydrogenation. It systematically summarizes and analyzes catalyst design, reaction mechanisms, the interaction between active sites and supports, structure-activity relationship, influence of reaction process parameters on catalyst performance, and catalyst stability, as well as the regeneration methods. The challenges in the development of this synthesis process are proposed, and future development opportunities are prospected.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Two-step pyrolytic preparation of biochar for the adsorption study of tetracycline in water

Ziyi Shao, Shuangbao, Si Wu, Yuewen Gao, Xiao Liu, Yingjie Dai

Summary: Cow dung biomass was converted into biochar in this study, and its adsorption performance for tetracycline in water was investigated. The results showed that the two-step pyrolysis biochar displayed higher adsorption capacity compared to the one-step pyrolysis biochar, and exhibited excellent performance in wastewater treatment and regeneration.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Greenness and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia

Manuela Tondelli, Annalisa Chiari, Giulia Vinceti, Chiara Galli, Simone Salemme, Tommaso Filippini, Chiara Carbone, Claudia Minafra, Claudia De Luca, Riccardo Prandi, Simona Tondelli, Giovanna Zamboni

Summary: This study explores the relationship between greenness and neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with dementia. The findings suggest that green environments may have an impact on the mental well-being of people with dementia.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2024)

Article Health Care Sciences & Services

Experiences and perceptions of continuous deep sedation: An interview study among Dutch patients and relatives

Louise Annemoon Jonker, Madelon T. Heijltjes, Judith A. C. Rietjens, Agnes van der Heide, Geeske Hendriksen, Johannes J. M. van Delden, Ghislaine J. M. W. van Thiel

Summary: This study explores the perceptions and experiences of patients and relatives regarding Continuous Deep Sedation (CDS). The findings suggest that patients and relatives consider CDS as a regular palliative care option and prioritize avoiding suffering at the end of life. They also claim a substantial say in the decision-making process.

HEALTH EXPECTATIONS (2024)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Exploring factors to interpretation of targeted nutrition messages for people living with multiple sclerosis

Yasmine Probst, Maddison Luscombe, Marta Hilfischer, Vivienne Guan, Lauren Houston

Summary: This study explores the interpretation of MS-targeted nutrition messages using semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that dietary changes made by patients with MS after diagnosis are a coping mechanism to address uncertainty, fear of disease progression, and the risk of relapse. The admiration and skepticism towards extremist MS diets depend on individual vulnerability and support from healthcare professionals. The unique MS journey influences the interpretation of the messages, driven by engagement, practicality, and credibility.

PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING (2024)

Article Ergonomics

An analysis of physiological responses as indicators of driver takeover readiness in conditionally automated driving

Min Deng, Aaron Gluck, Yijin Zhao, Da Li, Carol C. Menassa, Vineet R. Kamat, Julian Brinkley

Summary: This paper analyzes the effects of takeover behaviors on common physiological indicators of drivers, including brain signals, skin conductance level, and heart rate. The results show that performing secondary tasks prior to takeover activities can decrease drivers' engagement, while higher task difficulty and traffic density can increase drivers' mental workload and heart rate. Moreover, a fake takeover alert can also affect drivers' physiological indicators. The paper also discusses the correlation between physiological data, takeover scenarios, and vehicle data, emphasizing the importance of data standardization or normalization for estimating takeover readiness.

ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION (2024)

Article Ergonomics

Evidence of automated vehicle safety's influence on people's acceptance of the automated driving technology

Song Wang, Zhixia Li, Yi Wang, Wenjing Zhao, Tangzhi Liu

Summary: This study quantitatively reveals the reasons behind changes in AV acceptance after experiencing automated driving and objectively validates that safety is the primary factor influencing AV acceptance.

ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION (2024)

Article Health Care Sciences & Services

Quality in screening and measuring blood pressure in China's primary health care: a national cross-sectional study using unannounced standardized patients

Lanping Zhang, Huijuan Liang, Huanyuan Luo, Wenjun He, Yiyuan Cai, Siyuan Liu, Yancun Fan, Wenxiu Huang, Qing Zhao, Dongmei Zhong, Jiaqi Li, Sensen Lv, Chunping Li, Yunyun Xie, Nan Zhang, Dong (Roman) Xu

Summary: This study evaluates the adherence of primary care providers in China to the standard of measuring blood pressure for people aged 35 or above during their initial visit, and identifies factors influencing their practices. The findings suggest that primary care hypertension screening in China falls short of guidelines, with infrequent blood pressure measurements and inadequate adherence to proper measurement steps.

LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC (2024)

Article Ergonomics

A multi-fidelity approach for reliability-based risk assessment of single-vehicle crashes

Ziluo Xiong, Suren Chen

Summary: Road vehicles are prone to single-vehicle crashes (SVCs) under complex road geometry and bad weather conditions, posing a significant threat to traffic safety and mobility. Researchers have developed a novel multi-fidelity approach that balances simulation accuracy and efficiency for reliable risk assessment of SVCs. By using a high-fidelity transient dynamic vehicle model and a low-fidelity simplified physics-based vehicle model, the proposed approach provides accurate and efficient reliability evaluation of SVCs.

ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION (2024)