Estimated atmospheric emissions from biodiesel and characterization of pollutants in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre-RS

The purpose of the present study was to estimate emissions of some pollutants (CO, NOX, HC, SOX, and PM) in diesel fleet due to the addition of biodiesel in different blends, as well as to assess atmospheric pollutant concentrations in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre (MAPA). The methodology was based on inventories from mobile sources based on US EPA's technical report. Regarding air quality the following parameters were determined: PM10, PM2.5, CO, NOX, O3, SO2, HC and PAHs. The results showed a decrease for emissions PM, CO, and HC, and a slight increase for NOX. The characterization of atmospheric pollutants in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre showed that they are influenced by mobile sources, particularly diesel vehicles. The diagnosis of ratios analysis that was applied to facilitate the identification of sources of PAHs, indicated an influence of diesel oil

Variaciones espacio-temporales de las concentraciones de dióxido de azufre en áreas industriales y urbanas a través de un nuevo enfoque estadístico

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is considered the most widespread pollutant that threatens environmental and human health. The purpose of this study is to propose a new method for evaluating the spatial variation of SO2 levels in the Metropolitan Area of Porto Alegre (MAPA). This method included use of Chi-square test to better identify the origin of SO2 sources. Additionally, results of the different methods applied allowed to analyze the temporal SO2 levels and their association with meteorological parameters. SO2 at five sampling sites (Esteio, Canoas, Charqueadas, Triunfo, and Gravataí) were measured during 2010–2015; using fluorescence SO2 automated analyzers. Results showed that Charqueadas had the highest average concentration (~ 15 μg m−3), followed by Triunfo (13 μg m−3), Esteio (6 μg m−3), Canoas (3 μg m−3), and Gravataí (2 μg m−3). Chi-square test applied to SO2, and wind direction quadrants showed significant contribution of local emission sources. Seasonal variation revealed higher SO2 levels on cold days for most of the studied sites, except for Esteio site. Day-wise variations revealed higher SO2 concentration on weekdays than weekends for Esteio and Canoas sites, indicating traffic influence especially during the rush-hours. Annual averages analysis identified an increasing trend in SO2 concentrations, implying that applied emission control systems and technological improvement of engines and fuels were not sufficient and thus points out a need for better subsidies mechanisms to pollutant control and effective emission reduction strategies that decision makers, including environmental agencies, must make priority by considering the local realities.El dióxido de azufre (SO2) se considera el contaminante más extendido que amenaza la salud humana y ambiental. El propósito de este estudio es proponer un nuevo método para evaluar la variación espacial de los niveles de SO2 en el Área Metropolitana de Porto Alegre (MAPA). Este método incluyó el uso de la prueba de Chi cuadrado para identificar mejor el origen de las fuentes de SO2. Además, los resultados de los diferentes métodos aplicados permitieron analizar los niveles temporales de SO2 y su asociación con los parámetros meteorológicos. Los niveles de SO2 en cinco sitios de muestreo (Esteio, Canoas, Charqueadas, Triunfo y Gravataí) se midieron durante 2010–2015; Utilizando analizadores automatizados de fluorescencia SO2. Los resultados mostraron que las charqueadas tenían la concentración promedio más alta (~ 15 μg m − 3), seguido de Triunfo (13 μg m − 3), Esteio (6 μg m − 3), Canoas (3 μg m − 3) y Gravataí ( 2 μg m − 3). La prueba de ji cuadrado aplicada a SO2 y los cuadrantes de dirección del viento mostraron una contribución significativa de las fuentes de emisión locales. La variación estacional reveló niveles más altos de SO2 en los días fríos para la mayoría de los sitios estudiados, a excepción del sitio Esteio. Las variaciones diurnas revelaron una mayor concentración de SO2 en los días de semana que los fines de semana para los sitios de Esteio y Canoas, lo que indica la influencia del tráfico, especialmente durante las horas pico. El análisis de promedios anuales identificó una tendencia creciente en las concentraciones de SO2, lo que implica que los sistemas de control de emisiones aplicados y el mejoramiento tecnológico de los motores y combustibles no fueron suficientes y, por lo tanto, señala la necesidad de mejores mecanismos de subsidios para el control de contaminantes y estrategias efectivas de reducción de emisiones que los tomadores de decisiones, incluyendo Las agencias ambientales, deben hacer prioridad considerando las realidades locales

Brain glucose metabolism heterogeneity in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder and in Parkinson's disease

Background/Objective: Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) often precedes Parkinson's disease (PD) and other alpha-synucleinopathies. The aim of the study is to investigate brain glucose metabolism of patients with RBD and PD by means of a multidimensional scaling approach, using18F-FDG-PET as a biomarker of synaptic function. Methods: Thirty-six iRBD patients (64.1\ub16.5 y, 32 M), 72 PD patients, and 79 controls (65.6\ub19.4 y, 53 M) underwent brain 18 F-FDG-PET. PD patients were divided according to the absence (PD, 32 subjects; 68.4\ub18.5 y, 15 M) or presence (PDRBD, 40 subjects; 71.8\ub16.6 y, 29 M) of RBD. 18F-FDG-PET scans were used to independently discriminate subjects belonging to four categories: Controls (RBD no, PD no), iRBD (RBD yes, PD no), PD (RBD no, PD yes) and PDRBD (RBD yes, PD yes). Results: The discriminant analysis was moderately accurate in identifying the correct category. This is because the model mostly confounds iRBD and PD, thus the intermediate classes. Indeed, iRBD, PD and PDRBD were progressively located at increasing distance from controls and are ordered along a single dimension (principal coordinate analysis) indicating the presence of a single flux of variation encompassing both RBD and PD conditions. Conclusion: Data-driven approach to brain 18 F-FDG-PET showed only moderate discrimination between iRBD and PD patients, highlighting brain glucose metabolism heterogeneity among such patients. iRBD should be considered as a marker of an ongoing condition that may be picked-up in different stages across patients and thus express different brain imaging features and likely different clinical trajectories

Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable

Brazil, home to one of the planet's last great forests, is currently in trade negotiations with its second largest trading partner, the European Union (EU). We urge the EU to seize this critical opportunity to ensure that Brazil protects human rights and the environment