Carbon Monoxide Measurements Research Articles

Machine learning to predict in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute heart failure

Abstract Background Acute heart failure (AHF) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and a major public health issue with a still high rate of in-hospital outcomes. Physicians need more investigations and new tools to prevent those high-risk patients from major adverse events (MAE). While few scores are available for risk stratification of patients hospitalized for AHF using traditional statistical methods, the potential benefit of machine-learning (ML) is not established. Purpose To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of a machine-learning (ML) model using clinical, biological and echocardiographic data to predict in-hospital MAE in patients hospitalized for AHF and compare its performance with traditional models and existing scores. Methods The study cohort consists of consecutive patients admitted for AHF included in the French nationwide, multicenter, prospective, ADDICTO-USIC study involving 39 centers from 7 to 22 April 2021. Traditional clinical, biological, electrocardiographic and echographic data as well as a standardized exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) measurement and the presence of illicit drugs determined through an urine drug assay were recorded. Three ML models were developed using clinical and echocardiographic parameters to predict in-hospital MAE, including death, resuscitated cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock requiring medical or mechanical hemodynamic support. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select variables and prevent model overfitting. The ML models (LASSO, random forest and XGBoost) were then trained on 70% of patients and evaluated on the other 30% as internal validation. Their performance was compared against standard logistic regression model, using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and precision-recall (PR) curves and area-under-the curves (AUC). Results Among 459 consecutive patients included (age 68±14 years, 68% male), 47 had in-hospital MAE (9.8%). Out of 28 clinical, biological, ECG, and echocardiographic variables, seven were selected as being the most important in predicting MAE in the training set (N=322): mean arterial pressure (MAP), ischemic cardiomyopathy etiology, sub-aortic velocity time integral (VTI), E/e’, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), illicit drugs and Carbon monoxide. The random forest model showed the best performance compared with the other ML models (AUROC=0.82, PR-AUC=0.48, F1 score=0.56). Our ML-score exhibited a higher AUC compared with an existing score for prediction of MAE (AUROC for ML score: 0.82 vs Acute HF-score: all p<0.001). Conclusions The random forest ML-model including seven clinical and echocardiographic variables, including carbon monoxide level and illicit drugs use, exhibited a better performance than traditional statistical methods or existing scores to predict in-hospital outcomes in patients admitted for AHF.Feature selection by LASSOPerformances of ML models on test set

Carbon Monoxide Measuring System using MQ-7 Sensor with Cloud Storage

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas cannot be detected by sight or smell but is highly detectable and is formed from incomplete combustion such as in motor vehicles. Currently monitoring CO gas levels and measurement data at any time cannot be accessed all the time. Therefore, a measuring instrument system with data storage is required. We developed an instrument to measure CO gas levels in the air. The system developed uses the MQ-7 and ESP8266 sensors to produce a CO gas level measurement device with Cloud Storage. This research is a type of engineering research. The measurement technique used is a direct and indirect measurement. The direct measurement technique is done by comparing CO level data from standard tools with measuring instruments. Indirect measurement techniques are carried out by analyzing the data. Based on the research objectives, the specifications of the work tools are the average accuracy percentage of 97.27%, and the precision of 97.31%. Based on these result, the CO gas level measuring tool has a measurement accuracy and precision of close to 100%. So it is concluded that the CO level measuring tool can work properly

Near-infrared wide-range dual-gas sensor system for simultaneous detection of methane and carbon monoxide in coal mine environment

To effectively monitor gas explosion and coal spontaneous combustion in coal mine, an intrinsically safe and explosion-proof dual-gas sensor system was developed for methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) measurement. A distributed feedback (DFB) laser was used to scan two adjacent absorption lines (CH4: 4284.51 cm−1, CO: 4285.01 cm−1). Two measurement ranges of 0–500 parts per million by volume (ppmv) and 0–300,000 ppmv for CH4 and 0–100 ppmv and 0–4000 ppmv for CO were realized using a ∼25 cm single-pass gas cell (SPGC) and a ∼25 m multi-pass gas cell (MPGC), respectively. A gas pre-treatment module was used to remove moisture and aerosols from gas samples. A temperature compensation algorithm was adopted to deal with ambient temperature change. Based on the Allan deviation analysis, the limit of detection (LoD) of CH4 is 0.19 ppmv and the LoD of CO is 0.12 ppmv, respectively, at an averaging time of 0.5 s. A continuous two-day CH4 measurement was performed to demonstrate the long-term stability and environmental monitoring capability. The sensor system was successfully deployed in coal mine gas analysis at Longjiapu, Changchun City, China.

A database of aircraft measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) with high temporal and spatial resolution during 2011–2021

Abstract. To understand tropospheric air pollution at regional and global scales, the SPIRIT (SPectromètre Infra-Rouge In situ Toute altitude) airborne instrument was developed and used on aircraft to measure volume mixing ratios of carbon monoxide (CO), an important indicator of air pollution, during the last decade. SPIRIT provides high-quality CO measurements with 1σ precision of 0.3 ppbv at a time resolution of 1.6 s thanks to the coupling of a quantum cascade laser to a Robert optical multi-pass cell. It can be operated on different aircraft such as Falcon-20 and ATR-42 from the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) and from SAFIRE (CNRS-CNES-Météo France). With support from various projects, measurements were taken for more than 200 flight hours over three continents (Europe, Asia, and Africa), including two intercontinental transects (Europe–Asia and Europe–Africa). Levels of CO and its spatial distribution are briefly discussed and compared between different regions/continents. CO generally decreases with altitude except in some cases, indicating the important contribution of long-distance transport to CO levels. A 3D trajectory mapped by CO level was plotted for each flight and is presented in this study (which includes a Supplement). The database is archived in the AERIS database (https://doi.org/10.25326/440), the French national center for atmospheric observations (Catoire et al., 2023). In addition, it could help to validate model performance and satellite measurements. For instance, the database covers measurements at high-latitude regions (i.e., Kiruna, Sweden, 68∘ N), where satellite measurements are still challenging, and at low-latitude regions (West Africa and Southeast Asia), where in situ data are scarce and satellites need more validation by airborne measurements.

Carbon Monoxide Levels Produced by Propane/Isobutane Canister Stoves inside a Tent

Improper use of camp stoves in enclosed spaces has resulted in fatalities from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Prior research has focused on the CO output of stoves burning white gas, unleaded gas, or kerosene. Stoves burning an isobutane/propane fuel have not been investigated and are the focus of this study. Three stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel were used to heat a pot of water inside a 3-season tent under controlled settings. Multiple runs with each stove were performed, and CO measurements, in parts per million (ppm), were recorded at 1-min intervals for a total of 15 min using a RAE Systems gas monitor. Data are reported as mean with SD. Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes over time. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. There was a statistically significant main effect of time and CO level, F (14, 168)=7.6, P<0.001. There was a statistically significant difference between-subjects effect of stove group F (2, 12)=8.6, P=0.005, indicating that CO levels were different depending on the stove. Tukey's post-hoc analyses revealed that stove A had the highest CO levels. The average level of stove A was statistically significantly higher than that of stove B and stove C, with a mean CO level difference of 79 ppm (95% CI, 3-156), P=0.043 and 117 ppm (95% CI, 40-194), P=0.004, respectively. Stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel can produce unsafe CO levels and should not be used in enclosed spaces.

Detection of forest fires and pollutant plume dispersion using IoT air quality sensors

The widespread adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors has revolutionized our understanding of the formation and mitigation of air pollution, significantly improving the accuracy of predictions related to air quality and emission sources. This study demonstrates the use of IoT air quality sensors to detect forest fire incidents by focusing on an area affected by forest fires in Tak Province, Thailand, from January to May 2021. We employed PM2.5 and carbon monoxide measurements from IoT sensors for forest fire detection and utilized the number of hotspots reported through satellite and human observations to identify forest fire incidents. Our data analysis revealed three distinct periods with forest fires and three periods without fires (non-forest fires). For model training, two forest fire and non-forest fire periods were selected and the remaining periods were set aside for validation. J48, a computer algorithm that helps make decisions by organizing information into a tree-like structure based on key characteristics, was used to construct the decision-tree model. Our model achieved an accuracy rate of 72% when classifying forest fire incidents using the training data and a solid accuracy of 69% on the validation data. In addition, we investigated the dispersion of PM2.5 plumes using a regression model. Notably, our findings highlighted the robust explanatory power of the lag time in PM2.5, for predicting PM2.5, in the next 15 min. Our analysis highlights the potential of IoT-based air quality sensors to enhance forest fire detection and predict pollution plume dispersion once fires are detected.

FRI068 Gender Differences In Smoking Cessation? Results Of A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Dulaglutide-assisted Smoking Cessation

Abstract Disclosure: F. Baur: None. D. Coynel: None. C. Atila: None. S. Lengsfeld: None. T. Burkard: None. A. Meienberg: None. C. Bathelt: None. M. Christ-Crain: None. B.F. Winzeler: None. Introduction: Smoking harms women more than men and women seem to be less successful in quitting. Greater concerns about post-cessational weight in women and gender differences in craving and reward processing have been postulated as possible explanations. Our group recently showed that the GLP-1 analogue dulaglutide reduces post-cessational weight gain. We hypothesize that women compared to men might profit more from the weight-lowering effects of dulaglutide in terms of abstinence rates. Methods: This is a predefined secondary analysis of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-center randomized trial including 255 daily smokers (155 women, 100 men). Participants received weekly dulaglutide (1.5mg) or placebo (0.9% sodium chloride) subcutaneous injections for 12 weeks in addition to standardized smoking cessation care. Smoking status was self-reported and confirmed by end-expiratory carbon monoxide measurement. We analyzed gender differences after 12 weeks of dulaglutide / placebo treatment in weight change, abstinence rates and craving assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS, minimum 1, maximum 10). Additionally, fMRI was performed in a subset of participants and craving and neuronal activity in response to smoking cue videos were examined for gender differences. Results: Median [IQR] age at inclusion was 42 [32,53] years in females and 44 [34,53] years in males. Mean (SD) BMI was 26.0 (5.0) kg/m² and 28.9 (4.9) kg/m², respectively. After 12 weeks, 61% of females in the dulaglutide and 65% in the placebo group were abstinent, compared to 66% and 64% of male participants. Among quitters, there were no gender differences in absolute or percentual weight change neither on dulaglutide (difference: 0.2 kg, 95%-CI [-1.2, 1.6]; p=0.762 / 0.7%, 95%-CI [-0.9, 2.3]; p= 0.382) nor on placebo treatment (difference: 0.0 kg, 95%-CI [-1.0, 1.0]; p=0.954 / -0.6 %, 95%-CI [-1.8, 0.6]; p=0.340).There is no evidence for either a direct association of gender with change in craving (mean difference females vs. males: 0.05 points, 95%-CI [-1.34, 1.43], p= 0.947) or that the effect of gender on change in craving might depend on dulaglutide treatment (interaction term: p=0.712). Smoking cessation was directly associated with a decline in craving (mean difference quitters vs. persistent smokers: -3.07 points, 95%-CI [-4.67, -1.47], p&amp;lt;0.001); however, this did not depend on gender (interaction term: p=0.380). Data of the fMRI substudy are currently being analyzed and will be presented at the congress. CONCLUSION: Our data showed similar abstinence rates, post-cessational weight changes and craving intensity in females and males. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Causes, Impacts and Policy Implications of Carbon Monoxide Air Pollution in Third World Countries

Globally, countries are grappling with significant complications, notably air pollution and global warming. One of the hazardous substances contributing to this problem is carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly, odorless, and colorless gas released through both natural processes and human activities. Among developing nations, Guatemala has experienced rapid and dramatic urbanization over the last decades. As a result of this urbanization, a disturbing correlation exists between increased respiratory disease cases and the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. Guatemalans face a surplus of health issues due to air pollution, including asthma, upper respiratory disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These health risks are not solely confined to urbanized areas but also extend into rural regions where Guatemalans use open fires inside their homes for cooking.&#x0D; Unfortunately, current laws governing air quality oversight and management in Guatemala are inadequate as they fail to safeguard and benefit the well-being of their people. To assess the extent of air pollution in Guatemala, the study measured carbon monoxide levels in parts per million (ppm) using EasyLog USB at various locations and Guatemala City, the nation's most populous urban city. Data was collected over six days, revealing alarmingly high levels of CO, specifically in densely populated areas with significant vehicular activity. The lack of proper ventilation systems and environmental regulations in these areas contributes to the persistence of elevated CO levels. This study's primary objective is to highlight CO poisoning issues in developing countries like Guatemala, emphasizing the urgent need for the national government to implement appropriate legislation and monitoring systems to mitigate its adverse effects. By taking decisive action, Guatemala can further reduce and protect its people from the detrimental impact of air pollution and ultimately work towards creating a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Characteristics of atmospheric black carbon and its wet scavenging in Nanning, South China

Based on in-situ measurement of black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO), the characteristics of BC emissions and wet scavenging were comprehensively investigated in Nanning, South China. The average annual BC concentration was 1.02 ± 0.53 μg m−3 with higher pollution levels during winter. In winter, a higher net BC/CO (ΔBC/ΔCO) ratio of 3.3 ± 0.3 ng m−3 ppb−1 along with an increased absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) and BC mass from biomass burning (BCbb), indicated a significant contribution of biomass burning to BC emissions. However, emissions from the traffic sector consistently exerted a dominant influence throughout the year. Cluster analysis of backward trajectories identified three types of air masses with distinct origins. Cluster #1 originated from Guangxi province and its vicinity, intermittently influencing the sampling site throughout the year with varying effects between winter and summer. This air mass brought in clean sea breeze in summer whereas transported a higher proportion of BCbb to the site during wintertime due to local open biomass burning. Cluster #3 primarily arrived in autumn and winter (October–December) from polluted central China, resulting in substantially high BC mass at the site. Cluster #2 coincided with the period (January–March) when extensive surface open biomass burning events occurred in Southeast Asia (SEA) regions. These BC aerosols in cluster#2 initially rose to higher altitudes above SEA before being regionally transported, but were significantly scavenged by clouds and precipitation during vertical uplift. The remaining BC exhibited a notably lower BC loss rate on relative humidity (RH) of −0.01 ng m−3 ppb−1 %−1 compared to cluster #1 (−0.03) and cluster #3 (−0.06), corresponding to an average BC transport efficiency of 0.85, 0.73, and 0.53, respectively. Nonetheless, air masses in cluster #2 could still transport considerably high BC mass to Nanning due to dry conditions and less wet scavenging along trajectory pathways. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and government officials in regulating and mitigating BC pollution in South China.

Using varenicline in combination with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)

BackgroundVarenicline is efficacious for smoking cessation, but a return to smokingusually occurs after treatment ends. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may enhance smoking reduction and cessation by providing a behavioral substitute for smoking and may deter smoking in the long term if an individual's nicotine dependence can be transferred to ENDS. The goal of this study was to evaluate varenicline in conjunction with ENDS to promote switching to ENDS. MethodsTwenty-five individuals who smoked cigarettes, interested in switching but not seeking cessation treatment, received ENDS for 13 weeks; during weeks 2–13 they received varenicline. Assessments included self-reported cigarette and ENDS use, expired air carbon monoxide (CO), reward ratings, tolerability/side effects, and dependence measures. ResultsCigarette smoking decreased from 15.6 cigarettes/day (SD=5.6) at baseline to 2.8 cigarettes/day (SD=5.1) at week 13 (paired t(22)=10.24, p<0.0001). 28% of participants were confirmed to be abstinent in the last 4 weeks of treatment. ENDS use remained relatively constant, averaging 11.8 occasions per day (SD=10.6). Cigarette dependence (assessed by time to first use of the day) decreased after introduction of ENDS (paired t(23) = −3.27, p=0.003), and again after the first week of full-dose varenicline (paired t(23) = −4.27, p=0.0003). Dependence on ENDS did not change, starting out lower than cigarettes (paired t(21) = 5.52, p<0.0001), but ending higher (paired t(22) = 2.94, p=0.008). Smoking satisfaction declined markedly, while satisfaction for ENDS remained relatively constant. Treatment tolerability and adherence were high. ConclusionsENDS in combination with varenicline shows promise as a means to reduce dependence on cigarettes and facilitate switching from cigarettes to ENDS.

The effects of planned education given to parents on smoking in the home environment and passive exposure of children aged 0–5: A quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study from Turkey

PurposeThis study was carried out to determine the effects of planned education given to parents on smoking status at home and on children's passive smoking exposure. Design and methodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted with the inclusion of 40 parents with at least one child between the ages of 0 and 5 and smoking in their homes, who were registered at a Family Health Center in a city center in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, from 1 September 2019 to 30 June 2020. The data of the study were collected using Participant Screening Form, a Personal Information Form, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, a Smoking Behaviors and Precautions at Home Form, and a Measurement and Follow-up Form. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 package software. ResultsIn the follow-ups after the planned smoking cessation training given to the parents, the carbon monoxide measurements at their homes decreased significantly throughout the four follow-ups, the number of parents who presented to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic increased, and the number of smoking parents decreased (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIt was concluded that the planned education that was given to smoker parents reduced the smoking rates of the parents, lowered the carbon monoxide values measured in their home environments, and thus, it was effective in reducing the passive exposure of their children at the ages of 0 to 5 years to cigarette smoke. Practice implicationsParents who are addicted to cigarettes should be encouraged not to smoke at home, and homes should be included in closed environments where smoking is prohibited.

VEGF-A plasma levels are associated with impaired DLCO and radiological sequelae in long COVID patients.

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), is characterized by persistent clinical symptoms following COVID-19. To correlate biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction with persistent clinical symptoms and pulmonary function defects at distance from COVID-19. Consecutive patients with long COVID-19 suspicion were enrolled. A panel of endothelial biomarkers was measured in each patient during clinical evaluation and pulmonary function test (PFT). The study included 137 PASC patients, mostly male (68%), with a median age of 55years. A total of 194 PFTs were performed between months 3 and 24 after an episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We compared biomarkers evaluated in PASC patients with 20 healthy volunteers (HVs) and acute hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 88). The study found that angiogenesis-related biomarkers and von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels were increased in PASC patients compared to HVs without increased inflammatory or platelet activation markers. Moreover, VEGF-A and VWF were associated with persistent lung CT scan lesions and impaired diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) measurement. By employing a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, we further confirmed the accuracy of VEGF-A and VWF. Following adjustment, VEGF-A emerged as the most significant predictive factor associated with persistent lung CT scan lesions and impaired DLCO measurement. VEGF-A is a relevant predictive factor for DLCO impairment and radiological sequelae in PASC. Beyond being a biomarker, we hypothesize that the persistence of angiogenic disorders may contribute to long COVID symptoms.

Smoking reduction using electronic nicotine delivery systems in combination with nicotine skin patches

RationaleElectronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are used by smokers seeking to reduce combustible cigarette (CC) use, but the role of nicotine replacement vs. behavioral and sensory factors is still poorly understood. We hypothesized that providing nicotine from ENDS in addition to nicotine skin patches would promote smoking reduction relative to non-nicotine control ENDS.ObjectivesTo assess the effects on smoking behavior of using nicotine vs. placebo ENDS in smokers using nicotine vs. placebo patches.MethodsNinety-four daily smokers were enrolled in a study that randomly assigned them to receive ENDS with nicotine vs. without nicotine and skin patches with vs. without nicotine. Smoking reduction and cessation were assessed over an 8-week period by self-report and by expired air carbon monoxide (CO) measurements. The primary outcome was defined as reduction in expired air CO.ResultsThe use of nicotine in ENDS led to significant reductions in smoking (ENDS nicotine vs. placebo difference in CO change = −9.2 ppm; 90% CI (−1.5 ppm, −16.9 ppm)) and was highly correlated with reductions in self-reported cigarettes per day (r=0.6). The effect of nicotine in nicotine patches was not statistically significant (patch nicotine vs. placebo difference in CO change = −0.1 ppm; 90% CI (−7.8 ppm, 7.6 ppm)).ConclusionsThe presence of nicotine in ENDS was associated with a large reduction in smoking. Additional studies will be needed to determine whether there may be additive effects of nicotine ENDS and nicotine patches on smoking abstinence.

Performance of exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in smoking cessation clinics and its influence on patients' willingness and behavior for smoking cessation

Objective: To evaluate the performance of exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in smoking cessation clinics and its influence on patients' willingness and behavior for smoking cessation in China. Methods: Data of 41 566 patients who visited 257 smoking cessation clinics equipped with exhaled carbon monoxide detectors from 2019 to 2021 were selected to study the relationship between exhaled carbon monoxide measurement and patients' willingness to quit smoking as well as smoking cessation rate in those who completed follow up. Results: Only 21 470 (51.7%) of the patients received exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in the first visit. Patients who had exhaled carbon monoxide measurement were 1.87 (95%CI: 1.78-1.96) times more likely to have stronger willingness to quit smoking. The follow up results indicated that the patients with exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in the first visit were 1.10 (95%CI: 1.05-1.16) times more likely to quit smoking one month later than those without the measurement, and 1.22 (95%CI: 1.17-1.29) times more likely to quit smoking three months later than those without measurement. Conclusions: Exhaled carbon monoxide measurement can improve patients' willingness to quit smoking and increase smoking cessation rate. However, the testing rate is low in smoking cessation clinics at present. It's important to promote the equipment and utilization of exhaled carbon monoxide detector in smoking cessation clinics.

Analysis of the application of modern means of detection and measurement of carbon monoxide when using alternative sources of electricity supply during the war in Ukraine

The article examines the impact of carbon monoxide on the human body, as well as the necessity of its detection and measurement. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous for human health and is accompanied by negative consequences and requires the implementation of new means of its timely detection and measurement. The article identifies the main sources of carbon monoxide, as well as assesses its impact on public health. The choice of modern means of detecting and measuring carbon monoxide is an important and necessary component of protecting people in modern realities. The work examines and analyzes the technical capabilities of modern cpaabilities of determining the level of carbon monoxide, defines the main models of carbon monoxide detectors, and also classifies and systematizes the peculiarities of their operation. The most convenient and practical portable carbon monoxide sensor. It does not require stationary installation. This is especially important in closed rooms, where carbon monoxide poisoning can occur instantly. The article analyzes literary sources in the field of the main types of alternative energy sources used in Ukraine during emergency and planned blackouts, as well as the dangers associated with them. The influence of dangerous and harmful factors affecting the human body during the use of these devices is considered: power banks, generators, batteries and inverters. The analysis of scientific research on ensuring safety when using alternative energy sources in domestic premises, private and multi-story buildings, factories, underground passages and storages was performed. The features of each type of modern signaling devices are analyzed. Recommendations are provided for the selection of modern means of detecting and measuring carbon monoxide.

Air Pollution Assessment in the Main Roads of Surabaya-Indonesia During Post Covid-19

An increase in population in Surabaya City may have an impact on the activities of industrial, trade and service centres. One of the most important supporting facilities is the transportation sector. The use of fuel in transportation is the main cause of the impact on air quality. This study aims to evaluate the concentration of carbon monoxide on main roads in Surabaya City and to analyse the effect of vehicles on carbon monoxide on the main roads in the city of Surabaya on covid-19 transition. The research was conducted in the field by directly measuring the concentration of carbon monoxide and the number of vehicles on three main roads in Surabaya. The results of carbon monoxide measurements and the number of vehicles were analysed using linear regression. This research reveals that in general, the carbon monoxide concentration has exceeded the air quality standard based on Government Regulation no. 22 of 2021. This result indicates that many people have travelled for various activities in the city after the covid-19 outbreak. In addition, based on the results of the linear regression test, it is known that there is a significant effect of the number of vehicles on the carbon monoxide concentration (?&lt;0.05).

A Financial Incentives Program to Promote Smoking Cessation Among Recently Hospitalized Individuals: Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Hospitalization is an opportunity to engage underserved individuals in tobacco treatment who may not otherwise have access to it. Tobacco treatment interventions that begin during hospitalization and continue for at least 1 postdischarge month are effective in promoting smoking cessation. However, there is low usage of postdischarge tobacco treatment services. Financial incentives for smoking cessation are an intervention in which participants receive incentives, such as cash payments or vouchers for goods, to encourage individuals to stop smoking or to reward individuals for maintaining abstinence. We sought to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel postdischarge financial incentive intervention that uses a smartphone application paired to measurements of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentration levels to promote smoking cessation in individuals who smoke cigarettes. We collaborated with Vincere Health, Inc. to tailor their mobile application that uses facial recognition features, a portable breath test CO monitor, and smartphone technology to deliver financial incentives to a participant's digital wallet after the completion of each CO test. The program includes 3 racks. Track 1: Noncontingent incentives for conducting CO tests. Track 2: Combination of noncontingent and contingent incentives for CO levels <10 parts per million (ppm). Track 3: Contingent incentives only for CO levels <10 ppm. After obtaining informed consent, we pilot-tested the program from September to November 2020 with a convenience sample of 33 hospitalized individuals at Boston Medical Center, a large safety-net hospital in New England. Participants received text reminders to conduct CO tests twice daily for 30 days postdischarge. We collected data on engagement, CO levels, and incentives earned. We measured feasibility and acceptability quantitatively and qualitatively at 2 and 4 weeks. Seventy-six percent (25/33) completed the program and 61% (20/33) conducted at least 1 breath test each week. Seven patients had consecutive CO levels <10 ppm during the last 7 days of the program. Engagement with the financial incentive intervention as well as in-treatment abstinence was highest in Track 3 that delivered financial incentives contingent on CO levels <10 ppm. Participants reported high program satisfaction and that the intervention helped motivate smoking cessation. Participants suggested increasing program duration to at least 3 months and adding supplemental text messaging to increase motivation to stop smoking. Financial incentives paired to measurements of exhaled CO concentration levels is a novel smartphone-based tobacco cessation approach that is feasible and acceptable. Future studies should examine the efficacy of the intervention after it is refined to add a counseling or text-messaging component.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues: a new way to quit smoking? (SKIP)—a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized controlled study

BackgroundCigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death. Despite dedicated programmes, quit rates remain low due to barriers such as nicotine withdrawal syndrome or post-cessation weight gain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues reduce energy intake and body weight and seem to modulate addictive behaviour. These GLP-1 properties are of major interest in the context of smoking cessation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the GLP-1 analogue dulaglutide as a new therapy for smoking cessation.MethodsThis is a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, superiority, single-centre randomized study including 255 patients. The intervention consists of a 12-week dulaglutide treatment phase with 1.5 mg once weekly or placebo subcutaneously, in addition to standard of care (behavioural counselling and pharmacotherapy with varenicline). A 40-week non-treatment phase follows. The primary outcome is the point prevalence abstinence rate at week 12. Smoking status is self-reported and biochemically confirmed by end-expiratory exhaled carbon monoxide measurement. Further endpoints include post-cessational weight gain, nicotine craving analysis, glucose homeostasis and long-term nicotine abstinence.Two separate substudies assess behavioural, functional and structural changes by functional magnetic resonance imaging and measures of energy metabolism (i.e. resting energy expenditure, body composition).DiscussionCombining behavioural counselling and medical therapy, e.g. with varenicline, improves abstinence rates and is considered the standard of care. We expect a further increase in quit rates by adding a second component of medical therapy and assume a dual effect of dulaglutide treatment (blunting nicotine withdrawal symptoms and reducing post-cessational weight gain). This project is of high relevance as it explores novel treatment options aimed at preventing the disastrous consequences of nicotine consumption and obesity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03204396. Registered on June 26, 2017.

Influence of the In-Cylinder Catalyst on the Aftertreatment Efficiency of a Diesel Engine

The article discusses the use of a catalyst inside the cylinder, the task of which is to reduce exhaust emissions from a diesel engine. The catalyst (platinum) applied to the glow plugs provided an additional method of exhaust aftertreatment. Due to their usage, especially in urban driving, passenger cars are characterized by small mileage between individual trips, so they often operate from a cold engine start and work at a low engine temperature, which leads to reduced catalytic reactor efficiency. For this reason, the efficiency of the internal catalyst was tested in relation to the efficiency of the external reactor. This efficiency was determined based on exhaust emission measurements (before and after the catalytic reactor) in two stages: stage 1: idling of a hot engine, and stage 2: simulation of the NEDC test (valid for the selected test object). The tests were carried out on an engine dynamometer, where the traffic conditions from the type-approval test carried out on a chassis dynamometer could be replicated. The tests were carried out on a Euro 4 1.3 JTD MultiJet diesel engine. The results (measurement of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and the number of particles) related to the assessment of the effect the catalyst in the cylinder were discussed. The obtained catalytic reactor efficiency results, regardless of the type of research, indicated that it achieved the highest efficiency in reducing the concentration of hydrocarbons, and the lowest—in relation to the number of solid particles (as that is not its primary function). It is particularly significant that the in-cylinder catalytic converter was most efficient during the cold engine start, which happens frequently in urban driving. The efficiency of the diesel oxidation catalytic reactor (DOC) during the engine start-up and warm-up phases with the use of standard glow plugs reached values of 31.3%, 34.1% and 14.3%, respectively, for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and the particle number. On the other hand, the determined efficiency of the DOC in a setup with the modified glow plugs was 28.9%, 35.7% and 12.5%, respectively. The proposed solution can be used to improve the combustion quality in internal combustion engines used in hybrid vehicles, which are characterized by frequent engine starts and stops. In addition, it is possible to use such a solution retroactively in traditional vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, which could result in an improvement in their emission class through what is called retrofitting.

The Investigation of Air Pollution for Carbon Monoxide Evaluations in Guatemala City

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a common gas released naturally and due to industrialization. When released into the air, this gas is one of the most dangerous factors of air pollution, which harms the environment and human health. In third-world countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and India, people face severe illnesses, including carbon monoxide poisoning, respiratory diseases, and premature deaths due to air pollution, mainly occurring during the rapid urbanization of major cities. This urbanization and increasing number of motor vehicles affect the high levels of CO, which results in deaths from various respiratory diseases. Despite the harmful effects of CO poisoning, significant actions have yet to be taken. Therefore, the research team has been taken to Guatemala City, Guatemala's most populated city, to measure Carbon Monoxide levels in various locations under various conditions.&#x0D; An Easy Log USB has been used to measure Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels to assess the areas with a high level of harmful CO. The study has found that an enormous amount of CO is present in highly populated areas, 100 ~ 200% up for a certain time, compared to the indoor air, and reached a result that corroborated the assertions that CO poisoning with 20% higher CO in their hemoglobin might increase the number of intoxicated Guatemalan people. The national government should implement appropriate regulations and methods to follow up on CO emissions and reduce its consequence to prosper economically and socially.