A Bayesian Approach to Modeling Particulate Matter Over an Italian Domain Using MAIA Ancillary Geographic Product Data. Restricted; Files & ToC

Abstract

Particulate Matter (PM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study examines the use of five models using a Bayesian Hierarchical Downscaling model structure to predict PM2.5 ( PM < 2.5 μm) across a region in central Italy in 2015. We build upon previous modeling work done in this region of Italy and provide an alternative way to create models to predict PM2.5 using fewer spatiotemporal and spatial predictors, smaller training data sets as well as the ability to calculate uncertainty measurements. The Bayesian models used in this paper predicted PM2.5 concentrations with a mean overall cross validation R² of .72. Using extinction as our main predictor (aerosol optic density (AOD) divided by planetary boundary layer (PBL)) and data from NASA’s Multiple Angle Imager for Aerosol Ancillary Geographic Product (MAIA AGP) and Italian collaborators, we demonstrated that the MAIA AGP variables can be used to reliably predict PM2.5 and generate R² values equivalent to those generated from models run with parameters processed by our Italian collaborators. The ability of our Bayesian model to integrate MAIA AGP variables and predict annual and daily PM2.5 concentrations with reasonable accuracy and uncertainty measurements provides future exposure studies with important data about model uncertainty, and the ability to predict PM2.5 across resource limited domains.

Table of Contents

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About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Environmental Health
Palabra Clave	MAIAC
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Yang Liu, Emory University
Committee Members	Mike Goodman, Emory University

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	File download under embargo until 18 May 2025	2023-04-26 08:58:09 -0400	File download under embargo until 18 May 2025

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