Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueying Zhang, Allan C. Just, Hsiao-Hsien Leon Hsu, Itai Kloog, Matthew Woody, Zhongyuan Mi, Johnathan Rush, Panos Georgopoulos, Robert O. Wright, Annemarie Stroustrup
Summary: The study explores an integrated hybrid approach combining dispersion modeling and land use regression to predict daily NO2 concentrations with high spatial resolution in the New York tri-state area. The mixed model showed good prediction performance and R-LINE outputs significantly improved the CV R-2 in terms of overall, spatial, and temporal aspects. This hybrid approach allows for predicting daily NO2 at extremely high spatial resolution such as city blocks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Markus Fritsch, Svenia Behm
Summary: The study explores an alternative approach to Land Use Regression (LUR) modeling using additive regression smoothers, which shows superior performance compared to traditional LUR modeling based on parametric polynomials. The results indicate different processes contributing to NO2 concentration levels at background and traffic/industrial monitoring sites, emphasizing the importance of accounting for agglomeration and infrastructure effects in modeling air pollutant levels.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Evgeny Noi, Alan T. Murray
Summary: Air quality monitoring is challenging in Russia due to the lack of public access to government data. The existing monitoring network is outdated and under-funded. The study shows that governmental data is biased and highlights the importance of using ancillary data to uncover socio-environmental implications.
Article
Environmental Studies
Aonghus O. Domhnaill, Brian Broderick, Margaret O'Mahony
Summary: This research develops an enhanced Wind Sector Land Use Regression (WSLUR) model to estimate nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations across Ireland, in areas where air pollution monitoring is not available. The model incorporates details of the vehicle fleet breakdown to differentiate routes with varying proportions of heavier emitting vehicles. The impact of COVID-19 on NO2 concentration levels was also investigated.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Anna Lungarska, Thierry Brunelle, Raja Chakir, Pierre-Alain Jayet, Remi Prudhomme, Stephane De Cara, Jean-Christophe Bureau
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of a public policy that reduces the use of mineral nitrogen in European agriculture by 50%. The findings reveal that halving mineral fertilizer use leads to a decrease in agricultural production, a significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency, reduced organic fertilizer use, and a decline in agricultural competitiveness within the European Union. At the global scale, if no measures are implemented on the demand side, it results in higher nitrogen consumption. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the critical importance of supply-side adjustments, particularly in terms of expanding cropland area.
APPLIED ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Susan C. Anenberg, Arash Mohegh, Daniel L. Goldberg, Gaige H. Kerr, Michael Brauer, Katrin Burkart, Perry Hystad, Andrew Larkin, Sarah Wozniak, Lok Lamsal
Summary: This study aimed to estimate global surface NO2 concentrations and assess trends in pediatric asthma incidence in 13,189 cities. The study found that combustion-related NO2 pollution continues to be a significant contributor to pediatric asthma globally, despite improvements in some regions.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew Larkin, Susan Anenberg, Daniel L. Goldberg, Arash Mohegh, Michael Brauer, Perry Hystad
Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) revised its guidelines for NO2 air pollution, setting stricter limits on the annual and 24-hour mean NO2 levels. Current models are inadequate in capturing the spatiotemporal variations of NO2, but a Land use regression (LUR) model incorporating various predictors has shown potential in addressing this issue.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronica Sebald, Andrea Goss, Elisabeth Ramm, Julia V. Gerasimova, Silke Werth
Summary: Lichens play an important role as bioindicators of air pollution in cities. This study investigated the diversity of epiphytic lichens in Munich, Germany, and found that the species composition of lichen communities was mainly influenced by NO2 pollution levels. The results highlight the ongoing threat of NO2 air pollution to lichen diversity and emphasize the importance of large urban green spaces in promoting biodiversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Inmaculada Rodriguez-Garcia, Maria Gema Carrasco-Garcia, Javier Gonzalez-Enrique, Juan Jesus Ruiz-Aguilar, Ignacio J. Turias
Summary: Predicting air quality is crucial for health. This study uses long short-term memory models to forecast SO2 and NO2 pollutants in the Bay of Algeciras, Spain. The results show that SO2 is better predicted using autoregressive information, while NO2 is closely related to combustion engines and can be better predicted using ship and wind autoregressive time series. This study is important as it provides valuable information for decision-making by authorities, companies, and citizens.
Article
Biology
Khalid Guma Biro Turk, Abdulrahman O. O. Alghannam, Faisal Ibrahim Zeineldin
Summary: This study was conducted in the Al-Ahsa district in Eastern Saudi Arabia to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration over different land-use types. The results showed that urban land had the highest CO2 concentration, while cropland and bare land had lower CO2 concentrations.
OPEN LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yating Ma, Wanzhou Wang, Zichuan Li, Yaqin Si, Jinxi Wang, Libo Chen, Chen Wei, Hualiang Lin, Furong Deng, Xinbiao Guo, Xiaoli Ni, Shaowei Wu
Summary: The study found significant associations between short-term exposure to ambient NO2 and SO2 and the risk of daily hospital admissions for anxiety, especially in the southern region and patients under 65 years old.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Chen, Shuang Liang, Xiaoli Li, Jian Mao, Shuang Gao, Hui Zhang, Yanling Sun, Sverre Vedal, Zhipeng Bai, Zhenxing Ma, Haiyu, Merched Azzi
Summary: By integrating land use regression with Bayesian maximum entropy and incorporating national area variability LUR model and incomplete O-3 monitoring data, a hybrid LUR/BME model was developed for accurate predictions of O3 concentrations in mainland China with high spatio-temporal resolution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gaige Hunter Kerr, Daniel L. Goldberg, Maria H. Harris, Barron H. Henderson, Perry Hystad, Ananya Roy, Susan C. Anenberg
Summary: This study utilizes novel tools and datasets, including remotely sensed NO2 measurements and estimates from land-use regression and photochemical models, to assess NO2 exposure of different ethnic populations in the United States. The findings show that Black, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial populations have higher NO2 levels compared to the national average, while non-Hispanic White population has lower levels. Comparisons with in situ monitoring data validate the performance of these datasets in understanding spatial variations in NO2.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pascoal M. D. Campos, Ana F. Esteves, Anabela A. Leitao, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: This study aimed to propose a spatial distribution plan for air quality monitoring sites in the city of Luanda and to monitor the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO at two monitoring sites. Results showed differences in concentrations between the two sites, with particular attention to the weekend effect.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Congyu Hou, Zhifeng Yang, Wei Ouyang
Summary: This study examined the effects of different rainfall event intensity on surface runoff and diffuse nitrogen loss in a subtropical watershed. The results showed that extreme rainfall events had the highest contribution to total surface runoff and TN losses. The influence of antecedent soil water content on surface runoff and TN loss was also significant.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Evans Sumabe Batung, Kamaldeen Mohammed, Moses Mosonsieyiri Kansanga, Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: Climate change has had a significant impact on agricultural productivity in the Global South, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study found that smallholder farmers' access to credit from informal sources and receiving remittances were positively associated with good climate change resilience. Surprisingly, households without livestock were also more likely to report good resilience.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rosalind Ragetlie, Yujiro Sano, Waliou Amoussa Hounkpatin, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: The study investigates the association between household food production and intimate partner violence in Atacora, Benin. Insufficient food production is positively associated with women's likelihood of experiencing physical and sexual violence, indicating that production-oriented interventions may reduce women's risk of IPV.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geography
Kamaldeen Mohammed, Evans Batung, Moses Kansanga, Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: Joint household decision-making in smallholder farming in northern Ghana is associated with higher odds of food security. Factors such as household size and wealth are also significantly related to food security.
AFRICAN GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Daniel Kpienbaareh, Moses Mosonsieyiri Kansanga, Emmanuel Yiridoe, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: This article examines the factors influencing herbicide adoption and its perceived impacts, using theoretical insights from political ecology and data from interviews with backyard farmers in Ghana. The findings highlight the complex drivers of herbicide adoption, including climate variability and labor constraints, as well as the adverse impacts on human health, seed germination, water pollution, and ecosystems. Gender and locational variations in farmer perceptions indicate the importance of considering socio-economic and cultural factors in agricultural production decisions. The study recommends a community-based approach involving multiple stakeholders to regulate herbicide use and minimize adverse impacts.
GENDER TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Geography
Daniel Kpienbaareh, Jinfei Wang, Isaac Luginaah, Rachel Bezner Kerr, Esther Lupafya, Laifolo Dakishoni
Summary: In the context of food insecurity, agroecology has been shown to improve crop productivity and health. This study found that crops on agroecological farms had higher leaf area indexes (LAIs), indicating healthier crops. Predictive models also showed higher LAIs on agroecological farms.
PROFESSIONAL GEOGRAPHER
(2023)
Article
Area Studies
Rosalind Ragetlie, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: Further research is needed to understand the relationship between food insecurity and masculinities, particularly in West Africa where gender norms and agrarian masculinity are deeply rooted. Using data from focus groups and interviews in the Atacora region of Benin, we find that worsening food insecurity undermines men's role as household breadwinners, leading to increased gender inequalities in labor division. Men attempt to assert their masculinity and dominance through violence, resulting in a renegotiation of gender roles within the household. This study highlights how food insecurity and masculinities intersect to perpetuate inequality and violence against women.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF AFRICAN STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Egbe B. Etowa, Josephine Pui-Hing Wong, Francisca Omorodion, Josephine Etowa, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: A study was conducted in Ontario to examine the HIV misconceptions held by heterosexual Black men (HBM) and identify the social determinants associated with these misconceptions. The results showed that a significant proportion of HBM held HIV misconceptions, with the most common ones being related to transmission through deep kissing and HIV testing. Discrimination, negative condom attitudes, and older age at sexual debut were associated with more HIV misconceptions, while being born in Canada, higher education, and resilience were associated with fewer misconceptions.
Article
Development Studies
Raymond Elikplim Kofinti, Samuel Kobina Annim, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana on household poverty and basic asset accumulation. The researchers control for endogeneity and sample selection bias. The findings indicate that subscribing to health insurance reduces household poverty and has a positive effect on asset accumulation. Moreover, the results show a more significant decrease in poverty for rural households. Expanding the coverage of health services through the insurance scheme is recognized as a potential mechanism for improving household welfare.
JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Amoak, Satveer Dhillon, Roger Antabe, Yujiro Sano, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: Deworming medication utilization among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin, is not well studied. This study analyzed the Benin Demographic and Health Survey data from 2017-2018 to explore the factors associated with deworming medication utilization. The findings revealed that 65% of pregnant women in Benin received deworming medication, with age, religion, education level, household wealth, employment status, and antenatal care visits being significant factors influencing utilization.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kamaldeen Mohammed, Abdul Razak Abubakari, Daniel Amoak, Roger Antabe, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: Despite significant advances in medicine and child healthcare globally, under-five mortality remains high in countries like Ghana in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study analyzed data from Ghana in 2017 and found disparities in under-five mortality time across different geographic regions, with various factors significantly associated with the timing of child mortality. Therefore, policy interventions should prioritize healthcare services in rural areas and improvements in urban areas to reduce child mortality risk.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Egbe Etowa, Kenneth Fung, Desmond Miller, Winston Husbands, Isaac Luginaah, Francisca Omorodion, Josephine Etowa, Josephine Wong
Summary: We used concept-mapping methods to gain insights into promising HIV prevention intervention strategies from the collective experience of heterosexual Black men (HBM) in four cities of Ontario. The highest-rated strategies were family and individual level interventions, followed by policy interventions and addressing racism. Intergenerational (family and individual), policy, and anti-racism interventions are the top three priority strategies for HIV prevention and care for HBM and communities in Ontario.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Cornelius K. A. Pienaah, Evans Batung, Suleman Ansumah Saaka, Kamaldeen Mohammed, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: The impacts of climate change have exceeded the threshold for sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and adaptive capacity. Early warning systems are essential in mitigating climate-related dangers and building resilience, however, there is a lack of coverage and understanding of their contribution to rural development in developing countries.
Article
Environmental Studies
Daniel Kpienbaareh, Kamaldeen Mohammed, Isaac Luginaah, Jinfei Wang, Rachel Bezner Kerr, Esther Lupafya, Laifolo Dakishoni
Summary: The objective of this study is to assess the most appropriate method, indices, and growth stage for predicting groundnut yield in smallholder agricultural systems in northern Malawi. The results demonstrate that the random forest model and the R5 growth stage are the best approaches for predicting groundnut yield. The use of open-source remote sensing data allows for accurate yield estimation and facilitates agricultural and food security planning.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Irenius Konkor, Isaac Luginaah, Winston Husbands, Francisca Omorodion, Roger Antabe, Josephine Wong, Vincent Kuuire, Paul Mkandawire, Josephine Etowa
Summary: This study aimed to examine generational disparities in the uptake of HIV screening services among heterosexual Black men in Ontario, Canada. The findings suggest that second-generation immigrants are less likely to test for HIV compared to first-generation immigrants.
JOURNAL OF MIGRATION AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geography
Umar Haruna, Hannah Woods, Moses Kansanga, Irenius Konkor, Jenna Dixon, Isaac Luginaah
Summary: In the Global South, community emergency transport systems (CETS) are often established due to inadequate National Ambulance Services and poor transport networks, especially in rural areas. In Ghana, CETS have been implemented in some communities under the Community-based Health Planning Services program. The success of CETS in the Upper West Region is attributed to factors such as effective leadership, risk-pooling, and community cohesion, while barriers include community conflicts and lack of resources. In resource-constrained settings, CETS can be expanded to complement existing ambulance systems.
AFRICAN GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
(2022)