Providing an accurate global model for monthly solar radiation forecasting using artificial intelligence based on air quality index and meteorological data of different cities worldwide

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study aims to present an exact model for predicting solar radiation worldwide through a general model. In this study, mean monthly global solar...     

Epidemiology of occupational accidents among Iranian insured workers

Work-related accidents are considered as a major health problem worldwide. The aim of present study was to determine the epidemiological pattern of occupational accidents among workers insured by the Iranian Social Security Organization (ISSO) between 2001 and 2005.Subjects consisted of all workers and drivers who had a work-related accident during 2001–2005 and were registered in the Iranian Social Security Organization (ISSO) database according to the inspection reports. An ordinal logistic regression model (proportional odds regression model) was used to assess the concurrent effects of independent variables on accident outcomes.Overall, 86,437 work-related accidents were investigated. The accidents were more frequent in metal workplaces and electrical industries, respectively. More than half of the accidents were due to incautious activities. Workers’ age (age at the time of accident) (OR = 0.99, CI: 0.989–0.994), gender (OR = 1.3, CI: 1.191–1.683), marital status (OR = 1.25, CI: 1.143–1.675) as well as accident setting (OR = 1.88, CI: 1.728–1.975) had significant effect on accident outcomes. Pattern of occupational injuries in Iran was consistent with the global pattern for accident outcomes.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between phthalates exposure and insulin resistance

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study aims to provide an overview of human studies on the association of exposure to phthalates and insulin resistance. We systematically...     

Beyond Rio: Sustainable energy scenarios for the 21st century

Reaching the economic, environmental and sustainability objectives of all societies requires overcoming several major energy challenges; it necessitates rapid progress in multiple areas. The scenario pathways presented in this paper describe transformative changes toward these goals, taking a broad view of the four main energy challenges faced by society in the 21st century: providing universal access to modern energy for all; reducing the impacts of energy production on human health and the environment; avoiding dangerous climate change; and enhancing energy security. The overarching objective of the paper is to provide policy guidance on how to facilitate the transformation of the energy system to achieve these multiple energy objectives. Particular focus is given to the required pace of the transformation at both the global and regional levels, and to the types of financial and policy measures that will be needed to ensure a successful transition. Synergies and trade‐offs between the objectives are identified, and co‐benefits quantified. The paper makes an important contribution to the scenario literature by approaching the global transition toward sustainable development in a more integrated, holistic manner than is common in other studies.     

The reuse of reclaimed water for irrigation around the Mediterranean Rim: a step towards a more virtuous cycle?

Regional Environmental Change - Climate change and a growing population around the Mediterranean Rim are increasing the need for water and, consequently, the pressure on resources in terms of both...     

Global Supply of Biomass for Energy and Carbon Sequestration from Afforestation/Reforestation Activities

In this paper we provide an analytical framework to estimate the joint production of biomass and carbon sequestration from afforestation and reforestation activities. The analysis is based on geographical explicit information on a half-degree resolution. For each grid-cell the model estimates forest growth using a global vegetation model and chooses forest management rules. Land prices, cost of forest production and harvesting are determined as a function of grid specific site productivity, population density and estimates of economic wealth. The sensitivity of the results due to scenario storylines is assessed using different population and economic growth assumptions, which are consistent with B1 and A2 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emission Scenarios (IPCC-SRES) marker scenarios. Considerable differences in the economic supply schedules are found. However, technical potentials seem to converge given constancy in other underlying assumptions of the model.     

Studies of the effects of environmental factors on the seasonal change of phytoplankton population in municipal waste water stabilization ponds

Studies were carried out on waste water stabilization ponds in the southern region of Tehran (Iran). Concrete waste stabilization ponds made up of 4 lagoons with 32,047?m³ volume handled 180?lit/ day sewage per capita. Samples were collected monthly from 3 regions of influent and effluent from January to December. Some of the samples were used for identification, culture and purification without any fixation of phytoplankton, but some of them were fixed. Algae were identified using bright field and dark field microscopes. The relationship between the environmental factors and the population density of the species at different times was also measured based on the data analysis factors. Results showed existing 53 taxa in 4 phylum and 38 genera of algae. Taxa were: Cyanophyta (17 taxa), Chlorophyta (22 taxa), Chrysophyta (11 taxa) and Euglenophyta (4 taxa) that fluctuated based on the environmental conditions.     

Environmental Modeling and Methods for Estimation of the Global Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to global health outcomes. A methodological framework for evaluating the global health-related outcomes of outdoor and indoor (household) air pollution is presented and validated for the year 2005. Ambient concentrations of PM2.5 are estimated with a combination of energy and atmospheric models, with detailed representation of urban and rural spatial exposures. Populations dependent on solid fuels are established with household survey data. Health impacts for outdoor and household air pollution are independently calculated using the fractions of disease that can be attributed to ambient air pollution exposure and solid fuel use. Estimated ambient pollution concentrations indicate that more than 80% of the population exceeds the WHO Air Quality Guidelines in 2005. In addition, 3.26?billion people were found to use solid fuel for cooking in three regions of Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia and Pacific Asia in 2005. Outdoor air pollution results in 2.7?million deaths or 23?million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) while household air pollution from solid fuel use and related indoor smoke results in 2.1?million deaths or 41.6?million DALYs. The higher morbidity from household air pollution can be attributed to children below the age of 5 in Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia. The burden of disease from air pollution is found to be significant, thus indicating the importance of policy interventions.