Real-world emission factors for Caterpillar 797B heavy haulers during mining operations

Real-world fuel-based emission factors （EFs） from Caterpillar 797B diesel heavy haulers when used for oil sands mining operations were measured using an on-hoard portable emissions monitoring system. Average EFs （in g/kg fuel） for 16 separate tests on four trucks were 3150 ± 4 for CO2, 2.51 ± 1.30 for CH4, 10.28 ± 3.21 for CO, 0.61 ± 0.32 for non-methane hydrocarbons, 55.49 ± 9,75 for NOx （reported as NO2）, 0.70 ± 0.17 for PM2.s （mass of particles with aerodynamic diameter 〈2.5 μm）, and 0.34 ± 0.05 for black carbon （BC）. Ultrafine particle numbers averaged （4.7 ± 4.1 ） × 10^15 particleslkg fuel. Fuel-based EFs of NO, NO2, and particle numbers were higher during idling, whereas PM2.5 and BC EFs were higher during traveling without a load. A comparison of emissions with those reported by oil sands facilities showed large variations, both among the facilities and between the reported emissions and the real-world measurements.

Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy:Current understanding and management options

Post-coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cholangiopathy(PCC)is a rare but lifethreatening complication of COVID-19 infection.PCC typically presents when patients recovering from the contagion and manifests as cholestasis in patients with no history of pre-existing liver disease.The pathogenesis of PCC is little understood.Hepatic injury in PCC could be mediated by the predilection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 for cholangiocytes.Though PCC shows some resemblance to secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients,it is considered as a separate and unique entity in the literature.Various treatment options like ursodeoxycholic acid,steroids,plasmapheresis,and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided interventions have been tried but with limited success.We have noticed significant improvement in liver function with antiplatelet therapy in a couple of patients.PCC can progress to end-stage liver disease necessitating liver transplantation.In this article,we discuss the current knowledge of PCC focusing on its pathophysiology,clinical manifestations,and management strategies.

Rehabilitation in long COVID-19:A mini-review

We have been experiencing multiple waves of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.With these unprecedented waves,we have entered into an era of‘new normal’.This pandemic has enforced us to rethink the very basics of childhood learning:Habits,health etiquette,and hygiene.Rehabilitation has immense importance during this pandemic considering a few aspects.Multidisciplinary COVID-19 rehabilitation clinics are essential to address the demand.The equitable distribution of COVID-19 rehabilitation services for differently-abled individuals during the pandemic is an important aspect.Rehabilitation needs identification and further studies on various rehabilitation interventions are among the key unmet future research needs.

Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-Cov-2 Infection Associating Peripheral, Autonomic and Central Nervous System Disturbances: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aim: To describe post-infectious neurological aspects of COVID-19 in a patient with progressive post-infectious peripheral (PNS), autonomic (ANS) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Background and Purpose: A variety of neurological manifestations have been described in association with Covid-19, however, progressive multisystem neurological aspects have not been described. Methods: A case report detailing the history, examination, and infectious serology associated with SARS-CoV-2, and subsequent neurodiagnostic laboratory testing and treatment. Results: Neurodiagnostic laboratory studies showed large-fiber demyelinating sensorimotor and painful small fiber sensory polyneuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, and hypometabolism of bilateral anterior and mesial temporal lobes with a possible frontal seizure focus. Treatment was initiated with high-dose immune globulin therapy. Conclusions: The combination of PNS, ANS and CNS involvement in this patient was associated with post-infectious acquired immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

Altered Pulmonary Function among the Transport Workers in Dhaka City

Motor vehicular exhaust is threatening to human health in Dhaka city. To find out the extent of respiratory problem among a particular cadre of transport workers, the human hauler helpers (HHH) of Dhaka city, we conducted a cross sectional study from March 2006 to June 2006. We enrolled 108 HHH from Mirpur to Mohakhali and Gabtoli to Mohakhali routes and collected data using a pre tested questionnaire including interview and physical examination. The pulmonary functions of the participants were measured with electronic spirometer. Among the participants with current respiratory problems 69% complained of gradual increase in respiratory problems and 38% gave history of feeling better on weekly holidays. Occurrence of hoarseness of voice (90%) and wheeze (71%) was extremely high among the helpers followed by cough (50%) and nasal irritation (50%). Spirometry showed 41.7% had obstructive and 4.6% had combined features of pulmonary impairment. Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who worked 24 months or more were 6.9 times more likely to develop respiratory problem than the less exposed group (OR 6.9;95% CI 3.42, 8.41). This study provides new information on respiratory health of a specific group of transport workers in Dhaka city which warrants further evaluation with a representing sample covering other areas of Dhaka city among all transport workers.

Study on Net Hauler Safety Device for Fishing Vessels

[Objective] To design a safety device set for fishing vessel net hauler, in order to reduce the severe potential safety hazards in offshore operation. [Method] In view of the operation and structure of net hauler on the fishing trawler, this paper investigated the existing safety protection devices and designed a new set of purely mechanical structure without changing the original structures of the vessel significantly. [Result] Using the easily-adjustable functions of the main shaft of CNC lathe, and simulating the operation performance of different hauling line speeds and testing the safety device, the results showed that the new device could protect the crew from safety accidents caused by net hauler. [Conclusion] The result provides references for the design and application of mechanical protection devices for net haulers on other fishing trawlers.