Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Riaz Ahmad, Yuguang Zhou, Chao Liang, Gang Li, Nan Zhao, Adnan Abbas, Fan Yu, Lianliang Li, Jue Gong, Duoyi Wang, Yanming Yang, Zixuan Tang, Muhammad Sultan, Chao Sun, Renjie Dong
Summary: The extensive use of traditional cooking stoves has caused serious air pollution. This study evaluates seven improved coal-fired stoves and finds that they have better thermal efficiency and emission performance compared to an older design stove. Promoting the use of these improved stoves can save fuel and reduce emissions in Hebei Province.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Debasish Kumar Das, Md Sariful Islam, Champa Bati Dutta, Md Mehedi Hassan, Sk Sharafat Hossen
Summary: Despite the low adoption rate of improved cooking stoves (ICSs) in rural Bangladesh, there is a growing demand for these environmentally friendly stoves. A study conducted in the south-western region of Bangladesh found that households are willing to pay on average $7 for a reduction in fuel consumption and smoke emission, with additional willingness to pay for reductions in cooking time and maintenance frequency. Promoting ICSs through awareness campaigns, lower installation costs, and highlighting health and environmental benefits is crucial for increasing adoption rates.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Custodio E. Matavel, Johannes M. Hafner, Harry Hoffmann, Goetz Uckert, Jonas Massuque, Constance Rybak, Stefan Sieber
Summary: The study demonstrates that improved cookstove saves energy and time in cooking, while heat retention box has the potential to maintain adequate food storage temperatures. Both technologies outperform traditional methods and can easily be adopted without compromising food quality.
ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Blanca Ortiz-Quintero, Israel Martinez-Espinosa, Rogelio Perez-Padilla
Summary: Chronic exposure to indoor biomass smoke from solid organic fuels is a major cause of disease burden worldwide. This exposure is associated with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and chronic bronchitis. Despite the high burden of biomass-associated COPD, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying its development are poorly understood.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eunice Phillip, Jessica Langevin, Megan Davis, Nitya Kumar, Aisling Walsh, Vincent Jumbe, Mike Clifford, Ronan Conroy, Debbi Stanistreet
Summary: Household air pollution from biomass fuels used for cooking has significant negative health impacts on low-income and low-resourced communities. However, many improved cookstoves lack empirical evidence of pollutant reduction and field reliability. This scoping review evaluated the characteristics of cookstoves available in sub-Saharan Africa, and found that most improved cookstoves reduced harmful emissions compared to traditional fires, although the levels were still higher than recommended. Affordability and user perspectives, including safety, cooking suitability, and fuel/time savings, were important considerations.
Article
Development Studies
YuJung Julia Lee, Zakir Husain, Mousumi Dutta
Summary: Reliance on biomass fuel is still high in many developing countries, such as India. Shifting to clean fuel has recognized benefits for women, including time-saving, improved health, and a better environment. However, the additional benefits of empowerment for women from this shift remain understudied.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Rizki Insyani, Jae-Wook Choi, Chun-Jae Yoo, Dong Jin Suh, Hyunjoo Lee, Kyeongsu Kim, Chang Soo Kim, Kwang Ho Kim, Jeong-Myeong Ha
Summary: In this study, biomass pyrolysis oil was converted into petroleum-like deoxygenated hydrocarbons using a titania-supported nickel phosphide catalyst. The catalyst was effective in removing oxygen from the oil and producing high yields of cycloalkanes and hydrocarbon fuels.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elsai Mati Asefa, Mekuria Teshome Mergia
Summary: Due to the majority of people spending most of their time in microenvironments, indoor air pollution (IAP) has gained more attention than outdoor air pollution. In Ethiopia, there is a higher concentration of IAP, with levels of particulate matters and gaseous pollutants exceeding the annual WHO exposure guidelines. The concentration of pollutants is influenced by geographical location, stove type, and household activities, with biomass fuel emissions and poor ventilation being the major contributors to high pollutant levels. Although improved cookstove technology has been proposed, further research is needed to understand the relationship between indoor air pollution and its health effects.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Juntao Yang, Weidong Liu, Yongming Sun, Weiming Yi, Gaixiu Yang
Summary: Biomass-based carbon materials are promising catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction due to their abundant heteroatom, renewability, and low cost. However, challenges such as insufficient pore structure, active site density, and uneven distribution hinder their practical electrocatalytic applications. This study presents a novel strategy to fabricate biomass-derived carbon materials with hierarchical structures and high nitrogen doping, addressing these challenges and improving catalytic performance in a wide pH range.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yibeltal T. Wassie, Muyiwa S. Adaramola
Summary: The study in rural Ethiopia found that improved biomass cookstoves could reduce household fuelwood consumption by an average of 1.72-2.08 tons per year and potentially reduce emissions by 2.82-3.43 tCO2e per stove per year. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that investment in these stoves could provide a net economic benefit and benefit-cost ratios between 16.5:1 and 35.0:1. Promoting the use of these stoves is a viable option for improving energy efficiency and well-being of rural communities, while contributing to sustainable biomass utilization and climate change mitigation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yubin Zhao, Kai Hu, Jiadong Yu, Md. Tariful Alam Khan, Yafan Cai, Xiaoling Zhao, Zehui Zheng, Yuegao Hu, Zongjun Cui, Xiaofen Wang
Summary: Indigenous soil microbial biomass (ISMB) is crucial for maintaining soil health and biodiversity. This study compared the response of ISMB to biogas residue and chemical fertilizers using Mi-Seq sequencing and network analyses. The results showed that crop production was influenced by ISMB levels and fertilizer application strategy. Biogas residue resulted in higher production and stronger microbial links compared to chemical fertilizer. The study also found that biogas residue increased microbial diversity and reduced fungal pathogens compared to chemical fertilizer. This research provides important data for understanding the impact of ISMB and biogas residue on soil ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Asamene Embiale, Bhagwan Singh Chandravanshi, Feleke Zewge, Endalkachew Sahle-Demessie
Summary: The study assessed indoor air pollution and potential exposure to particulate matters and volatile organic compounds during baking of Ethiopian traditional staple food, Injera, using different types of stoves in Addis Ababa. Results showed that baking Injera does not pose health problems to the baker, but may contribute to total chronic intake up to 38%.
ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ju-Hyoung Park, Dong-Wook Lee, Min-Ho Jin, Young-Joo Lee, Gyu-Seob Song, Se-Joon Park, Hyun Jin Jung, Kyeong Keun Oh, Young-Chan Choi
Summary: A low-temperature hydrogen production process from lignocellulosic biomass passing through formic acid has been developed with improved sustainability and formic acid yield. The process includes biomass oxidation/hydrolysis with citric acid, mechanocatalytic depolymerization of biomass for better formic acid yield, and dehydrogenation of formic acid over Pd catalysts for clean hydrogen production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sudha Ramachandra Rao, Grace A. Chitra, G. Elavarasu, P. Kamaraj, Kanagasabai Kaliaperumal, Prabhdeep Kaur
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of biomass fuel and mosquito coil use in rural areas of India, and it was associated with poor respiratory health. Therefore, community education and the promotion of cleaner fuels and alternative mosquito control methods are important for reducing indoor air pollution and improving respiratory health.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ning Li, Qiuxia Song, Wanying Su, Xianwei Guo, Hao Wang, Qiwei Liang, Mingming Liang, Guangbo Qu, Xiuxiu Ding, Xiaoqin Zhou, Yehuan Sun
Summary: Research shows a significant positive relationship between the use of solid fuel indoors and depression, with a higher risk observed for household solid fuels compared to biomass fuels. Additionally, using solid fuel for cooking and heating also increases the risk of depression.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Robert M. Weltman, Rufus D. Edwards, Lauren T. Fleming, Ankit Yadav, Cheryl L. Weyant, Brigitte Rooney, John H. Seinfeld, Narendra K. Arora, Tami C. Bond, Sergey A. Nizkorodov, Kirk R. Smith
Summary: The study highlights the discrepancy between controlled emissions testing in laboratories and real-world emissions during normal use of cookstoves. Results indicate that the cookstoves may have a net cooling impact on the climate when considering factors such as nonrenewable biomass harvesting and various emissions, making them close to climate neutral in terms of primary PM2.5 emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Rupinder M. Deol, Lisa M. Thompson, Kevin M. Chun, Catherine Chesla
Summary: The study found that beliefs about the causes of diabetes in Asian Indians were influenced by a general familiarity with the disease, limited knowledge about causal and preventative factors of the disease, and gender specific roles and norms. Health programs that aim to incorporate Asian Indians' cultural and health beliefs about the causes of diabetes are warranted.
JOURNAL OF TRANSCULTURAL NURSING
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Suzanne M. Simkovich, Lindsay J. Underhill, Miles A. Kirby, Mary E. Crocker, Dina Goodman, John P. McCracken, Lisa M. Thompson, Anaite Diaz-Artiga, Adly Castanaza-Gonzalez, Sarada S. Garg, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Gurusamy Thangavel, Ghislaine Rosa, Jennifer L. Peel, Thomas F. Clasen, Eric D. McCollum, William Checkley
Summary: In low-resource settings, most healthcare facilities are inadequately resourced to manage severe pediatric pneumonia; providing pulse oximeters can effectively aid in early case identification and timely referral.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawen Liao, Yang Liu, Kyle Steenland, Ajay Pillarisetti, Lisa M. Thompson, Sagnik Dey, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Thomas Clasen
Summary: A study conducted in India shows an association between exposure to PM2.5 during the in utero and post-delivery periods and child survival. This study highlights the need for measures to reduce ambient air pollution levels, especially during pregnancy and early life stages, in India and other countries where guideline values are exceeded.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Daniel J. Smith, Valerie Mac, Lisa M. Thompson, Laura Plantinga, Lauren Kasper, Vicki S. Hertzberg
Summary: This study assessed the occupational histories of undocumented immigrants receiving frequent dialysis and found a potential association between their work and the risk of developing kidney disease. Further research and preventive measures are needed.
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Rupinder M. Deol, Lisa M. Thompson, Kevin M. Chun, Catherine Chesla
Summary: This study investigated the beliefs and practices of diabetes self-management in first-generation AI Hindus and Sikhs. The results showed that diabetes management is a balancing act influenced by Ayurvedic principles, allopathy, and dietary practices, as well as gender roles, insufficient knowledge, and culturally inappropriate diabetes education.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Lisa M. Thompson
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashley Younger, Abbey Alkon, Kristen Harknett, Roseline Jean Louis, Lisa M. Thompson
Summary: This passage highlights the negative impact of using unclean fuels on the health of pregnant women and fetuses in low- and middle-income countries. The research shows that using cleaner fuels compared to solid fuels and kerosene can increase the risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
William Checkley, Shakir Hossen, Ghislaine Rosa, Lisa M. Thompson, John P. McCracken, Anaite Diaz-Artiga, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Suzanne M. Simkovich, Lindsay J. Underhill, Laura Nicolaou, Stella M. Hartinger, Victor G. Davila-Roman, Miles A. Kirby, Thomas F. Clasen, Joshua Rosenthal, Jennifer L. Peel
Summary: HAPIN investigators perceived their intervention trial as neither highly explanatory nor overly pragmatic, with some aspects executed under real-world conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Wenlu Ye, Kyle Steenland, Ashlinn Quinn, Jiawen Liao, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Ghislaine Rosa, Florien Ndagijimana, Jean de Dieu Ntivuguruzwa, Lisa M. Thompson, John P. McCracken, Anaite Diaz-Artiga, Joshua P. Rosenthal, Aris Papageorghiou, Victor G. Davila-Roman, Ajay Pillarisetti, Michael Johnson, Jiantong Wang, Laura Nicolaou, William Checkley, Jennifer L. Peel, Thomas F. Clasen
Summary: Approximately 3 to 4 billion people worldwide are exposed to household air pollution, which has been associated with increased blood pressure (BP) in pregnant women in some studies. This study recruited 3195 pregnant women in four countries and found that using gas stoves did not significantly affect gestational blood pressure.
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Lisa M. Thompson
Summary: In order for sustained change to occur, understanding the factors that drive households to continue using polluting cookstoves and fuels must be based on theory. New research examines the literature through a behavioral model and identifies affordability, technical aspects, and fuel supply as the main drivers of fuel stacking.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenxin Lu, Laura Ann Wang, Jennifer Mann, Alisa Jenny, Carolina Romero, Andrea Kuster, Eduardo Canuz, Ajay Pillarisetti, Kirk R. Smith, John Balmes, Lisa Thompson
Summary: Women and children in rural regions of low-income countries are exposed to high levels of household air pollution (HAP) due to their involvement in household chores. Early life exposure to air pollution is associated with aeroallergen sensitization and the development of allergic diseases at older ages. Reducing HAP by improving biomass burning conditions might be beneficial in preventing allergic diseases among children in rural low-income populations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Carlos F. F. Gould, Ajay Pillarisetti, Lisa M. M. Thompson, Sonakshi Saluja, Vagisha Nandan, Johannes Urpelainen
Summary: COVID-19 pandemic has had substantial impacts on health, as well as social and economic disruptions. This study focuses on the changes in household socio-economic conditions and energy-use patterns in rural India during the pandemic. The findings highlight the dependence on polluting fuels due to hardships faced by households, despite their preference for clean energy sources. The success of the government's free cylinder scheme in increasing awareness and utilization of clean fuel is emphasized.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kendra N. Williams, Ashlinn Quinn, Hayley North, Jiantong Wang, Ajay Pillarisetti, Lisa M. Thompson, Anaite Diaz-Artiga, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Gurusamy Thangavel, Ghislaine Rosa, Florien Ndagijimana, Lindsay J. Underhill, Miles A. Kirby, Elisa Puzzolo, Shakir Hossen, Lance A. Waller, Jennifer L. Peel, Joshua P. Rosenthal, Thomas F. Clasen, Steven A. Harvey, William Checkley
Summary: This study evaluated the implementation of household air pollution intervention measures, and the results showed high fidelity and adherence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, although some intervention participants ran out of LPG, the frequency was low and mostly limited to the first four months. The use of traditional stoves was minimal, and there was a slight increase in the proportion of participants using traditional stoves post-intervention.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle Bardales Cruz, Eri Saikawa, Mayari Hengstermann, Alexander Ramirez, John P. McCracken, Lisa M. Thompson
Summary: Domestic open burning of plastic waste is a significant environmental issue in Guatemala. This study provides the first estimation and analysis of the emissions from domestic open burning at the city and departmental levels in Guatemala, revealing a higher prevalence of domestic burning in rural areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)