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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022Different from traditional transport systems, such as cars or trains, which are limited by land transit space, flying cars (such as UAS, drones, and air taxis) do not...
Different from traditional transport systems, such as cars or trains, which are limited by land transit space, flying cars (such as UAS, drones, and air taxis) do not occupy space with traffic. They have a degree of freedom in space and time, smaller displacement, and consequently, less stress for their users. Large companies and researchers around the world are working with different architectures, algorithms, and techniques to test air taxi transport to serve a significant proportion of people safely and autonomously. One of the main issues surrounding the diffusion of air taxis is safety and security, since a simple failure can lead to the loss of high-value assets, loss of the vehicle, and/or injuries to human lives, including fatalities. In this sense, despite significant efforts, the literature is still specific and limited regarding air taxi safety and security. Therefore, this study aimed to carry out an extensive systematic literature review of the main modern advances in techniques, architectures, and research carried out around the world focused on these types of vehicles. More than 210 articles from between 2015 and January 2022 were individually reviewed. In addition, this study also presents gaps that could serve as a direction for future research. As far as the authors are aware, no other study performs this type of review focused on air taxi safety.
Topics: Aircraft; Humans; Safety
PubMed: 36146224
DOI: 10.3390/s22186875 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jul 2021Air quality (AQ) is a global concern for human health management. Therefore, air quality monitoring (AQM) and its management is a must-needed activity for the current... (Review)
Review
Air quality (AQ) is a global concern for human health management. Therefore, air quality monitoring (AQM) and its management is a must-needed activity for the current world environment. A systematic review of various sensors and systems for AQ management may strengthen our understanding of the monitoring and management of AQ. Thus, the current review presents details on sensors/systems available for AQ assessment, monitoring, and management. First, we had gone through the published literature based on special keywords including AQM, Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon Mono-oxide (CO), Sulfur di-Oxide (SO2), and Nitrogen di-Oxide (NO2) among others, and identified the current scenario of research in AQ management. We discussed various sensors/systems available for the AQ management based on self-conceptualised five major categories including, ground-based AQS (wet chemistry) systems, ground-based digital sensors systems, aerial sensors systems, satellite-based sensors systems, and integrated systems. The prospects in the field of AQ assessment and management (AQA&M) were then discussed in detail. We concluded that the AQA&M can be better achieved by coupling new technologies like ground-based smart sensors, satellite remote sensing sensors, Geospatial technologies, and computational technologies like machine learning, Artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT). The current work may lead to a junction of information for connecting these sensors/systems, which is expected to be beneficial in future AQ research and management.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Artificial Intelligence; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 33827002
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112510 -
International Journal of Public Health 2023Preterm birth (PTB) is considered as a public health problem and one of the main risk factors related to the global disease burden. The purpose of this study aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Preterm birth (PTB) is considered as a public health problem and one of the main risk factors related to the global disease burden. The purpose of this study aims to explore the influence of exposure to major air pollutants at different pregnancies on PTB. The relationship between air pollutants and PTB in China was collected from cohort studies and case-control studies published before 30 April 2022. Meta-analysis was carried out with STATA 15.0 software. A total of 2,115 papers were retrieved, of which 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. The comprehensive effect of pollutant exposure and PTB were calculated. PM during entire pregnancy and O exposure during third trimester were positively associated with preterm birth. Every 10 μg/m increase in the average concentration of PM during the whole pregnancy will increase the risk of premature delivery by 4%, and every 10 μg/m increase in the average concentration of O in the third trimester will increase the risk of premature delivery by 1%. Exposure to PM entire prenatal pregnancy and O in third trimester is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth occurrence.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Air Pollutants; Premature Birth; Air Pollution; China; Particulate Matter; Maternal Exposure
PubMed: 37876739
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606226 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2020Ambient air pollution has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the elderly. However, its effects on AD have not been meta-analyzed comprehensively. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ambient air pollution has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the elderly. However, its effects on AD have not been meta-analyzed comprehensively.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the associations between air pollution and AD incidence.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Web of Science for indexed publications up to March 2020. Odds risk (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for particulate matter (PM)10 (PM10), PM2.5, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The subgroup analysis was conducted based on the pollution levels.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis and review. The OR per 10μg/m3 increase of PM2.5 was 1.95 (95% CI: 0.88-4.30). The corresponding values per 10μg/m3 increment of other pollutants were 1.03 (95% CI: 0.68-1.57) for O3, 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89-1.13) for NO2, and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99) for PM10 (only one study), respectively. Overall OR of the five air pollutants above with AD was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09-1.61), suggesting a positive association between ambient air pollution and AD incidence. The sub-analysis indicated that the OR (2.20) in heavily polluted regions was notably higher than that in lightly polluted regions (1.06). Although AD risk rate data related to SO2 or CO exposure are still limited, the epidemiologic and toxicological evidence indicated that higher concentration of SO2 or CO exposure increased risks of dementia, implying that SO2 or CO might have a potential impact on AD.
CONCLUSION
Air pollution exposure may exacerbate AD development.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Alzheimer Disease; Case-Control Studies; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Particulate Matter; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 32741830
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-200483 -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2023Accumulating evidence has linked exposure to ambient air pollution to a reduction in semen quality; however, the exposure-response associations are yet to be synthesized. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Accumulating evidence has linked exposure to ambient air pollution to a reduction in semen quality; however, the exposure-response associations are yet to be synthesized.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the exposure-response associations between air pollution and semen quality.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies published before April 20, 2022. Studies investigating the exposure-response association of PM, PM, SO, NO, CO, and O with semen quality written in English were included. Semen quality parameters included semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility, and normal forms. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were performed to synthesize associations in the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The search returned 850 studies, 11 of which were eligible for meta-analysis. Each 10 μg/m increase of exposure to PM and SO was respectively associated with a 2.18 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.10 %-4.21 %) and 8.61 % (1.00 %-15.63 %) reduction in sperm concentration, and a 2.76 % (0.10 %-5.35 %) and 9.52 % (5.82 %-13.93 %) reduction in total sperm number. Each 10 μg/m increase of exposure to PM and PM was respectively associated with a 1.06 % (95 % CI: 0.31 %-1.82 %) and 0.75 % (0.43 %-1.08 %) reduction in total motility, and a 0.55 % (0.09 %-1.01 %) and 0.31 % (0.06 %-0.56 %) reduction in progressive motility. No association was observed for PM or PM with semen volume; PM, NO, CO, or O with sperm concentration or total sperm number; and gaseous air pollutants with total or progressive motility. The association between air pollution and normal forms was not summarized due to insufficient number of studies. No significant publication bias was detected.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to ambient PM, PM, and SO was inversely associated with sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, and/or progressive motility. Our findings add to the evidence that air pollution may lead to adverse effects on male reproductive system and suggest that reducing exposure to air pollution may help maintain better semen quality.
Topics: Male; Humans; Semen Analysis; Nitrogen Dioxide; Particulate Matter; Semen; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 36731563
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161892 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Nov 2014Whether exposure to relatively high levels of air pollution is associated with diabetes occurrence remains unclear. We sought to assess and quantify the association... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Whether exposure to relatively high levels of air pollution is associated with diabetes occurrence remains unclear. We sought to assess and quantify the association between exposure to major air pollutants and risk of type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
PubMed and EMBASE databases (through September 2013) were searched using a combination of terms related to exposure to gaseous (NO2 and NOx) or particulate matter pollutants (PM2.5, PM10 and PM10-2.5) and type 2 diabetes. Descriptive and quantitative information were extracted from selected studies. We used random-effects models meta-analysis to derive overall risk estimates per type of pollutant.
RESULTS
We included ten studies (five cross-sectional and five prospective), assessing the effects of air pollutants on the occurrence of diabetes. In prospective investigations, the overall effect on diabetes occurrence was significant for both NO2 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.01-1.22; p < 0.001; I(2) = 36.4%, pheterogeneity = 0.208) and PM2.5 (HR, 1.11; 95%CI, 1.03-1.20; p < 0.001; I(2) = 0.0%, pheterogeneity = 0.827). Odds ratios were reported by two cross-sectional studies which revealed similar associations between both NO2 and PM2.5 with type 2 diabetes. Across studies, risk estimates were generally adjusted for age, gender, body mass index and cigarette smoking.
CONCLUSIONS
Available evidence supports a prospective association of main air pollutants with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. This finding may have implications for population-based strategies to reduce diabetes risk.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Particulate Matter; Risk Factors
PubMed: 25262110
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2014.08.010 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2018Young children are particularly vulnerable to otitis media (OM) which globally affects over 80% of children below the age of 3 years. Although there is convincing... (Review)
Review
Young children are particularly vulnerable to otitis media (OM) which globally affects over 80% of children below the age of 3 years. Although there is convincing evidence for an association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and OM in children, the relationship with ambient air pollution is not clear. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the relationship between ambient air pollution exposure and OM in children. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE databases. Of 934 references identified, 24 articles were included. There is an increasing body of evidence supporting an association between higher ambient air pollution exposure and a higher risk of OM in children. While NO₂ showed the most consistent association with OM, other specific pollutants showed inconsistent associations. Studies were mainly conducted in high/middle income countries with limited evidence from low-income countries. Although there was a general consensus that higher air pollution exposure is associated with a greater prevalence of OM, the evidence for associations with specific pollutants is inconsistent. More well-designed studies on associations between specific air pollutants as risk factors for OM are warranted, especially in low income countries with high air pollution levels.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Inhalation Exposure; Male; Otitis Media; Poverty; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 29401661
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020257 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... May 2023From the years 1970-2023, a systematic overview of the diverse consequences of particulate matter on eye health and a disease classification according to acute, chronic,... (Review)
Review
From the years 1970-2023, a systematic overview of the diverse consequences of particulate matter on eye health and a disease classification according to acute, chronic, and genetic are presented using the PubMed, Research Gate, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. Various studies on medical aspects correlate with the eye and health. However, from an application perspective, there is limited research on the ocular surface and air pollution. The main objective of the study is to uncover the relationship between eye health and air pollution, particularly particulate matter, along with other external factors acting as aggravators. The secondary goal of the work is to examine the existing models for mimicking human eyes. The study is followed by a questionnaire survey in a workshop, in which the exposure-based investigation was tagged based on their activity. This paper establishes a relationship between particulate matter and its influence on human health, leading to numerous eye diseases like dry eyes, conjunctivitis, myopia, glaucoma, and trachoma. The results of the questionnaire survey indicate that about 68% of the people working in the workshop are symptomatic with tears, blurred vision, and mood swings, while 32% of the people were asymptomatic. Although there are approaches for conducting experiments, the evaluation is not well defined; empirical and numerical solutions for particle deposition on the eye are needed. There prevails a broad gap in the arena of ocular deposition modeling.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollution; Eye; Particulate Matter; Dry Eye Syndromes; Tears; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 37097565
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27079-x -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2021Given health threats of climate change, a comprehensive review of the impacts of ambient temperature and ar pollution on suicide is needed. We performed systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Given health threats of climate change, a comprehensive review of the impacts of ambient temperature and ar pollution on suicide is needed. We performed systematic literature review and meta-analysis of suicide risks associated with short-term exposure to ambient temperature and air pollution. Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for English-language publications using relevant keywords. Observational studies assessing risks of daily suicide and suicide attempts associated with temperature, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM) and ≤2.5 mm (PM), ozone (O), sulfur dioxide (SO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO) were included. Data extraction was independently performed in duplicate. Random-effect meta-analysis was applied to pool risk ratios (RRs) for increases in daily suicide per interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure. Meta-regression analysis was applied to examine effect modification by income level based on gross national income (GNI) per capita, national suicide rates, and average level of exposure factors. In total 2274 articles were screened, with 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria for air pollution and 32 studies for temperature. RRs of suicide per 7.1 °C temperature was 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.13). RRs of suicide per IQR increase in PM, PM, and NO were 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.05), 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.03), and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.07). O, SO, and CO were not associated with suicide. RR of suicide was significantly higher in higher-income than lower-income countries (1.09, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.11 and 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.26 per 7.1 °C increased temperature, respectively). Suicide risks associated with air pollution did not significantly differ by income level, national suicide rates, or average exposure levels. Research gaps were found for interactions between air pollution and temperature on suicide risks.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Sulfur Dioxide; Temperature
PubMed: 34300149
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147699 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2020There are inconsistent reports on the association between air pollution and cancers. This systematic review was, therefore, conducted to ascertain the relationship... (Review)
Review
There are inconsistent reports on the association between air pollution and cancers. This systematic review was, therefore, conducted to ascertain the relationship between air pollution and some cancers. This is a systematic review study, which all articles published in this area were extracted from January 1, 1950 to December 31, 2018 from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Google scholar. Searching was performed independently by two search-method experts. The required data were extracted from the articles by an author-made questionnaire. Forty-eight articles were investigated. Evidence linking air pollution to some cancers is limited. Leukemia had the highest association with exposure to various air pollutants and bladder cancer had the lowest association. It is noteworthy that the specific type of pollutants in all studies was not specified. Based on the findings, the results are contradictory, and the role of air pollution in some cancers cannot be supported. Accordingly, studies are recommended to be performed at the individual level or multifactorial studies to specifically investigate the relationship between air pollution and these types of cancers. In this way, the role of air pollution in the incidence of these cancers can be determined more accurately.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Neoplasms
PubMed: 32767014
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10377-z