Acceptable Risk Research Articles

Safety engineering approach and licensing strategy of IFMIF-DONES

Abstract Safety is a fundamental and transversal discipline throughout the design, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the IFMIF-DONES facility, which will be classified as a Category 1 Radioactive Installation according to the Spanish law. The singularity and one-of-a-kind characteristics of IFMIF-DONES (both in Spain and worldwide) requires the development of an ad-hoc Safety Approach and Licensing Strategy that guarantees Safety to Personnel, Public and the Environment with very low acceptable risks, following the uppermost standards while keeping an optimized balance with the associated technological complexity and feasibility. This work provides a comprehensive overview of this Approach and Strategy that is being developed, involving: (i) Top-level Safety regulations and the adapted methodology to apply them to the singularities of IFMIF-DONES, including dose and risk limits to public and workers. (ii) Engineering inputs necessary to implement the radiological safety engineering approach, such as Material-at-Risk, Hazard Categorization and Seismic aspects. (iii) Methodology for the hazard analysis through the identification and study of Reference Accident Scenarios, definition of lines-of-defense, Safety Important Class Systems, Structures and Components (SIC-SSCs) and their requirements. (iv) Description of the SIC-SSCs that are being implemented from an engineering perspective, such as confinement barriers, safety interlocks, area classifications, access controls and radiation monitoring.
(v) Implementation of ALARA principles from the design phase to reduce the occupational radiation exposure of workers to fulfill the targets of maximum individual and collective dose during operation. (vi) Experimental programs ongoing to support Safety aspects. This work paves the way for the next stages in the development of the IFMIF-DONES facility and programme.

Practical and ready-to-use methodology to assess the re-identification risk in anonymized datasets

To prove that a dataset is sufficiently anonymized, many privacy policies suggest that a re-identification risk assessment be performed, but do not provide a precise methodology for doing so, leaving the industry alone with the problem. This paper proposes a practical and ready-to-use methodology for re-identification risk assessment, the originality of which is manifold: (1) it is the first to follow well-known risk analysis methods (e.g. EBIOS) that have been used in the cybersecurity field for years, which consider not only the ability to perform an attack, but also the severity such an attack can have on an individual; (2) it is the first to qualify attributes and values of attributes with e.g. degree of exposure, as known real-world attacks mainly target certain types of attributes and not others; (3) it is the first to provide clear, comprehensible criteria and interpretable, explainable assessment results. In addition, the fine granularity of the methodology makes it possible to score the risk as accurately as possible, and thus maintain good data quality at an acceptable risk, which is very promising for the AI industrial sector. Finally, the implementation of the methodology is illustrated using the publicly available Adult dataset, which was assessed as having a critical risk of re-identification, with 14 concrete cases of individualization.

Applying Inherently Safer Design Principles to Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in Metro Infrastructure Projects: A Design-Centric Approach

Developing an efficient rail or road transport system involves building viaducts to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow without congestion. Viaducts also help link existing networks across challenging terrains and allow for better utilization of limited land. Constructing rail and road infrastructure often involves working in dangerous conditions, and while ground-level work poses risks, these risks are significantly higher when construction takes place above ground level According to estimates from the Occupational Safety Administration (OSHA) in the UK, over 10% of workers engaged in viaduct construction experience accidents, which can range from minor injuries to fatalities. Hence, it is crucial to reassess current safety protocols and explore ways to enhance the existing safety standards. Reducing injuries begins with identifying hazards and evaluating associated risks. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) methods are used to detect potential dangers at construction sites and to determine their level of risk. While HIRA is widely adopted across the construction industry and forms part of the overall management system, certain critical elements that could improve its effectiveness are often overlooked. As a result, some inherent hazards go unnoticed, leading to accidents during project execution. These gaps impact the project both directly and indirectly, contributing to substandard safety performance on-site and fostering a weak safety culture This thesis examines the current safety practices and standards implemented in the viaduct construction industry. It identifies the factors contributing to the high accident rate and offers recommendations to enhance worker safety, ultimately aiming to significantly reduce the number of injuries. Several aspects often missed—whether deliberately or unintentionally—during hazard identification and risk assessment using HIRA have been recognized and incorporated to enhance the existing methodology. A comprehensive framework has been developed, based on twelve key considerations identified through an in-depth review of various method statements. Each of these considerations includes six subcategories or focus areas. The quantification of each area is carried out through data analysis, studies, and surveys conducted at the construction site. These considerations have been quantified and risk multiplication factor (RMF) is generated. Finally, a modified risk level (MRL) is obtained by multiplying initial risk level with RMF. The control action plan can be updated based on the revised Maximum Risk Level (MRL). By applying this risk assessment framework, several areas or concerns—often missed by traditional HIRA methods—can be effectively identified. The framework also incorporates a color-coded risk rating system: red indicates a critical level where all work must halt until corrective actions are taken; yellow signifies the need for immediate attention; and green represents an acceptable risk level. This framework is applicable throughout the entire construction process, from site selection to project execution. Its implementation can either prevent accidents entirely or significantly reduce their occurrence during construction activities

Objective risk assessment of bark and ambrosia beetles non-indigenous to North America.

Pest risk assessment informs regulatory decisions to facilitate safe trade while also protecting a country's agricultural and environmental resources. The first step in pest risk assessment is pest categorization which can help determine whether an in-depth examination is needed. We created a model to predict the potential impact of non-indigenous bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae). This model uses biological variables derived from extensive assessment of alien species and produces a five-point scale of impact prediction. We accommodate uncertainty and missing data using random decision tree forests with Monte Carlo simulations. Non-indigenous bark beetles include both invasive species with significant ecological impacts, such as widespread tree death, and others that pose little risk. We assembled a comprehensive list of 60 introduced non-native bark beetle species in the continental United States as the training set. Forty-two potentially predictive variables were chosen from reports on behaviors, pestilence, recorded damage/interpretations in literature, biological traits, and interactions with fungi including plant pathogens. The model builds upon strategies used by USDA-APHIS in existing risk assessments, specifically the Objective Prioritization of Exotic Pests (OPEP) model, with changes in the following: (1) a transparent dataset for building and training the model enabling future updates and use in other systems, (2) uncertainty simulations using values derived from an extensive natural history matrix rather than an assumed equal distribution, and (3) predictions made on the probability of multiple impact levels, allowing users to decide based on acceptable risk. The model is designed for pest risk analysis for Scolytinae in the continental United States but can be adapted to other pests or regions. We tested the model's performance by iteratively removing each species from the training set and retraining the model. The retrained models accurately predicted the removed species. To demonstrate the model's application, we predicted the impact of scolytine beetles not yet present in the continental United States, Xylosandrus morigerus and Hypoborus ficus, plus an additional hypothetical species with no known data. Our model predicts that these species are likely to have moderate impacts and unlikely to have high impacts if they were introduced.

Chemometric investigation of river system contamination: Source identification and risk assessment using positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation.

Chemometric investigation of river system contamination: Source identification and risk assessment using positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation.

Advancements in understanding emission characteristics, data-driven olfactory-chemical measurements, and health impacts of the emerging odor pollution.

Advancements in understanding emission characteristics, data-driven olfactory-chemical measurements, and health impacts of the emerging odor pollution.

The Impact of Financial Management on the CSR Perception in the SME segment

Research background: In recent years, CSR has become a vital concept not only for large corporations but increasingly also for SMEs, particularly in the context of sustainability and long-term competitiveness. However, in Central and Eastern European countries, including the Visegrad Group, CSR remains a relatively underexplored area, especially in relation to financial management. Existing literature predominantly focuses on large enterprises, leaving a gap in understanding how SMEs perceive and implement CSR under limited financial and strategic capacities. Financial performance and risk management are crucial for the survival and growth of SMEs, suggesting a strong potential link between financial management factors and CSR engagement. Purpose of the article: The main objective of this article is to define and quantify the influence of selected financial management attributes on SMEs’ attitudes toward CSR. The research aims to examine whether financial perceptions, such as company performance, business continuity, risk acceptance, and knowledge of risk management tools, affect CSR awareness, usage in managerial practice, and perceived benefits in terms of competitiveness and firm performance. Methods: The study is based on empirical data collected in June 2022 through a structured questionnaire distributed across SMEs in the V4 countries using the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) method. The sample included business owners and top managers of SMEs. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression modeling (LRM) to examine the statistical significance and strength of relationships between independent variables (financial management factors) and dependent variables (CSR dimensions) at a significance level of α = 0.05. Findings & Value added: The results show a statistically significant and positive relationship between managers’ perception of financial performance and all four CSR dimensions. The findings confirm that CSR is influenced particularly by financial performance and risk acceptance, with the Slovak sample emphasizing the importance of business continuity. The regression models reveal that CSR contributes to improved competitiveness and firm performance when aligned with strong financial management. The study fills a knowledge gap by highlighting the unique position of SMEs in CSR implementation in the V4 region and suggests that financial strategy and risk awareness are critical to enhancing CSR adoption. The article contributes to both academic discourse and practical policymaking by offering empirical evidence and strategic insights into integrating CSR into SME financial practices.

Strategy for minimizing environmental risks from PrJSC "Ukrgraphit" in the context of sustainable development

The study is aimed at analyzing the level of atmospheric pollution by the enterprise PrJSC "Ukrgrafit", determining carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to public health, as well as developing recommendations for minimizing harmful effects in the context of sustainable development and post-war restoration of the industrial sector. The object of the study is the impact of pollutant emissions of PrJSC "Ukrgrafit" on the environment in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Mathematical modeling of emission dispersion was performed using the ISC-AERMOD View software environment. The assessment of risks to public health was carried out in accordance with the methodology of Human Health Risk Assessment. To determine the optimal ways to minimize pollution, a comparative analysis of international experience in implementing environmental technologies in the carbon graphite industry was carried out. The results of the study showed that one of the most significant pollutants in the emissions of PrJSC "Ukrgrafit" is undifferentiated dust, in particular, suspended particles PM10 and PM2.5. The total volume of particulate emissions is 250.76 t/year. When modeling the inhalation exposure of priority pollutants in 80 receptor nodes and 11 control points, no exceedances of permissible concentration levels were recorded. Exceedance of the minimum level of total non-carcinogenic risk from emissions of all prioritized pollutants at receptor network nodes and control points under the condition of acute inhalation exposure is observed at a distance of 500 m in all directions along the cardinal points, except for the west and north-west directions. Hazard coefficients (HQ) for individual substances did not exceed the level of HQ ≤1, which indicates a minimal risk to public health. The carcinogenic risk due to the presence of benzo(a)pyrene is estimated at the level of ICRtotal <1×10-6, which corresponds to the minimal risk according to the classification of the World Health Organization. The levels of individual risk of death (IRM) from exposure to PM10 particulate matter at receptor nodes and control points correspond to a conditionally acceptable risk that requires constant monitoring. Analysis of pollutant concentrations in the surface layer of the atmosphere did not reveal significant excesses of permissible standards, but showed a potential impact on the health of the population living in the area of ​​influence of the enterprise. This emphasizes the need to increase the efficiency of environmental control and improve the enterprise's gas purification systems to ensure sustainable development and reduce the man-made load on the environment. To minimize the negative impact of the enterprise, a set of measures has been proposed, which include the modernization of gas purification systems, strengthening environmental monitoring and adaptation to international environmental standards. The introduction of regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) will reduce the concentration of organic compounds in emissions by 90%. Additional installation of bag filters will help reduce the level of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter by 99%. To ensure transparency of environmental monitoring, it is necessary to expand the network of automated air quality control stations, which will allow real-time data on the level of pollution and prompt action to be taken. The proposed measures will significantly reduce the level of pollution and adapt the enterprise to international environmental standards, contributing to the sustainable development of the industrial sector of Ukraine.

Job Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Park Rangers: A Case Study of Shirkooh Wildlife Refuge and the Masjed Mountain Private Protected Area

Background and Objective: This study aimed to assess the risks associated with environmental protection jobs in Ashkezar and Taft counties. Materials and Methods: This was an applied descriptive study. Data were collected and analyzed using the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) method. Risk assessment of hazards was performed using a semi-quantitative approach based on the MIL-STD-882E military industry standard. The number of hazards identified across various categories, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychological, mechanical, and social risks, was 2.102 hazards. Results: According to the risk assessment results, 312 hazards (14.8%) were categorize as high risk, 939 hazards (44.67%) were considered in the warning risk category, and 851 hazards (40.49%) were at a risk level which was acceptable risk level. Based on the Pareto principle, the top 20% of hazards with the highest average Risk Priority Number (RPN) included inappropriate tools (e.g., heavy and inefficient bulletproof vests), conflicts and retaliation by offenders or individuals with prior motives, natural disasters, animal bites, lack of water and food resources, poisoning, exposure to accidents, traversing difficult and high-altitude routes, and gunfire. A total of 4,321 control measures were proposed to mitigate the risks associated with these hazards. Conclusion: Administrative controls emphasize the importance of employee training, expertise, and experience, as well as the development of reference guides, instructions, and specialized regulations tailored for environmental protection. This database serves as a valuable resource for analyzing occupational hazards and predicting effective control measures, benefiting environmental protection efforts across Iran.

Business-Industry Collaboration in Developing Waqf Deposit Prototypes and SOPs in Islamic Financial Institution

The development of Wakaf Deposits in Indonesia holds significant potential in strengthening Islamic finance and maximizing waqf fund utilization. However, challenges related to regulatory alignment, risk management, transparency, and operational standardization hinder its effective implementation across Islamic Financial Institutions. This study aims to develop a prototype and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Waqf Deposit products in Islamic Financial Institutions, with an emphasis on Islamic Banks, Islamic Cooperatives, and Islamic Fintech. This Waqf Deposit product is designed to support the optimal potential of waqf through an innovation-based and collaborative approach. This study targets the study of Islamic law and positive law related to waqf, the development of a BMC (Business Model Canvas)-based business model, the design of operational stages, and cost and benefit analysis. In addition, risk and prevention analysis is carried out in accordance with sharia principles and OJK (Financial Services Authority) regulations, including the preparation of RAC (Risk Acceptance Criteria) and waqf audit guidelines. The results of this study are expected to provide practical guidance for Islamic Financial Institutions in implementing Waqf Deposit products, as well as stimulating synergy between the banking, cooperative, and fintech sectors in supporting community empowerment and the development and improvement of the halal industry. This study contributes to the Islamic finance sector by proposing a sustainable business model, operational workflow, risk mitigation strategies, and a waqf audit framework based on Waqf Core Principles to enhance transparency and accountability. The implications of this research extend to policymakers, financial regulators, and Islamic Financial Institutions, offering a comprehensive technical guideline for the systematic implementation of Wakaf Deposits.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pediatric Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: A Ten-Year Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: Pediatric cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of surgical excision and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of cerebral AVMs in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted using data obtained from a single medical center between January 2012 and July 2022. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admission and discharge and the Spetzler–Martin (SM) scores were analyzed. Results: Among 45 patients (mean age 11.8 years), 19 patients (42.2%) received surgical resection, with good outcomes (mRS 0–2) in 16 patients and complete obliteration in all patients. In total, 26 patients (57.8%) were managed with SRS. After 36.3 months on average, complete obliteration in 19 of 26 patients (69.2%) was confirmed. Among the 7 SRS patients without complete obliteration, 6 had residual cerebral AVMs at the last follow-up, and 1 had recurrence. All patients receiving SRS had favorable outcomes (mRS 0–1) and no apparent radiosurgery-related complications. Conclusions: In our study, the surgical resection or SRS was selected based on individual patient conditions, and the overall outcomes were satisfactory. Both surgical resection and SRS proved to be effective treatment options. Microsurgical resection demonstrated a high rate of obliteration and remains a favorable therapeutic choice with acceptable risks for pediatric AVMs.

Levels of Heavy Metals and Potential Human Health Risks in Drinking Water Sources from Arbegona District and Surrounding Communities of Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

The objective of this paper was to investigate the levels of heavy metals and potential human health risks in drinking water sources from Arbegona district and surrounding communities of Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia, including Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and other minerals such as nitrates (NO3-) and phosphates (PO43-) using ICP-OES standard laboratory methods. The mean concentrations of heavy metals investigated in this study were presented in the order: Fe (0.1457 mg/L) > Zn (0.10195 mg/L) > Cr (0.0346 mg/L) > Mn (0.02571 mg/L) > Cu (0 0.01795 mg/L) > Co (0.0159 mg/L) > Hg (0.01495 mg/L) > Cd (0.00605 mg/L) > As (0.002). The results revealed concerning levels of heavy metals, with the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicating severe contamination across all sampling sites. The HPI values ranged from 162.3074 to 4944.791, with a mean value of 1064.4112, denoting unsafe drinking water. The heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) values ranged from 5.94 to 84.16, further confirming that the water is unfit for domestic use. Non-carcinogenic risk assessments indicated hazard index (HI) values exceeding 1 for children, highlighting intolerable health risks, while adults exhibited acceptable risk levels via dermal exposure. Carcinogenic risk assessments showed incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for both children (1.07 × 10-1) and adults (7.90 × 10-2), indicating a high risk of developing cancer related to heavy metal exposure. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for remedial measures to mitigate heavy metal pollution in Arbegona drinking water, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and public health interventions.

On the issue of hygienic regulation of residual quantities of antibacterial drugs for veterinary use in food products (systematic review)

The widespread use of antibacterial veterinary drugs in agriculture and animal husbandry leads to the accumulation of their residues in food products. Hygienic rationing of veterinary drug residues according to the criteria of acceptable health risk is a key aspect of food safety. Antibacterial drugs have an adverse toxic effect, cause disturbances in the gut microbiota, and contribute to the formation of antibiotic resistance. A systematic review of the criteria used to establish acceptable daily intakes (ADI) of veterinary drugs as the basis for the development of maximum permissible levels of their content in food – is relevant. Objective of the study is the analysis of existing methodological approaches and criteria for justification of hygienic standards of residues of antibacterial veterinary drugs in food products. A systematic review of literature sources (PRISMA) was carried out to evaluate approaches to the establishment of ADI, considering toxicological and microbiological aspects, as well as the formation of resistant strains of microorganisms. Criteria for establishing ADI have been developed for the adverse effects of veterinary drugs related to toxic effects and suppression of gut microflora. These criteria consist of establishing non-action levels on the macroorganism (NOAEL, BMD) and minimum inhibitory concentrations for microorganisms. Analysis of the recommended developed ADIs revealed many veterinary medicinal products ADIs to have been developed taking into account the limiting criterion. However, due to the lack of a methodological approach, the risk of antibiotic resistance formation was not taken into account in the development of ADIs. Conclusion. to establish ADI and further hygienic standardization, it is necessary to investigate all aspects of the advers effects of veterinary drugs with the establishment of starting points. It is advisable to justify the standard on the basis of the limiting indicator of harmfulness (expressed as the minimum value of the ADI of all criteria).

Locally relevant ambient water quality criteria to protect human health.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) uses a deterministic, risk-based framework to derive national recommendations for ambient water quality criteria protective of human health (AWQC) through the ingestion of water and aquatic organisms. States are required to either adopt these recommendations or propose scientifically defensible alternatives. The deterministic approach has faced criticism for relying on multiple high-percentile input parameters, leading to criteria disconnected from actual risk. Consequently, while some states adopt US EPA's criteria recommendations in their entirety, others utilize different input parameters or alternative approaches to derive criteria that better represent local exposure conditions. Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) represents a scientifically robust alternative that offers transparency and flexibility by using full data distributions rather than point estimates to define exposures. This enables a clear linkage between the acceptable risk targets and affected population subgroups. Although US EPA has provided guidance supporting the use of PRA in other regulatory programs, direct guidance on implementing a PRA approach for deriving state-specific AWQC is lacking. This work explores US EPA's risk-based framework and applies both deterministic and probabilistic approaches to quantify patterns in AWQC under different criteria derivation scenarios that alter assumptions of exposure and risk. We implement an open-source R Shiny tool designed to reduce technical barriers and facilitate practical adoption by state agencies, including those without specialized modeling expertise. Outcomes highlight how exposure assumptions, risk thresholds, and derivation approaches impact AWQC; offer a practical guidance for environmental agencies to derive locally relevant and scientifically defensible criteria; and may serve as a basis for a future US EPA technical support document on the use of PRA for AWQC derivation.

Data mining-based screening of prevalent mixture systems in aquatic environments: A case study of antibiotics in the Yangtze River Basin.

Data mining-based screening of prevalent mixture systems in aquatic environments: A case study of antibiotics in the Yangtze River Basin.

Inclusion criteria for liver transplantation in patients with colorectal liver metastases: How to make the best selection?

The selection of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) for liver transplantation (LT) represents a significant challenge, requiring a balance between oncological outcomes and organ scarcity. Recent advancements in transplantation outcomes for CRLM have prompted the establishment of rigorous selection criteria to optimize patient survival and graft utilization. This review examines the key criteria used to select candidates for LT in this setting, with a focus on oncological factors, patient characteristics, and response to therapy. Eligible candidates are typically those with non-resectable liver-only CRLM, demonstrating controlled primary tumor disease. Tumor biology is a critical determinant, excluding patients exhibiting high-risk molecular features such as BRAF or RAS mutations. Furthermore, candidates must show a favorable response to systemic chemotherapy, with either tumor stability or reduction in size and no extrahepatic progression during a defined treatment period. Specific tumor burden scores, such as the Oslo score or criteria based on the number and size of lesions, aid in stratifying candidates with acceptable recurrence risks. Other factors, including age, performance status, and absence of significant comorbidities, are also pivotal. Long-term follow-up data highlight the importance of stringent patient selection, showing superior 5-year survival in patients meeting these criteria compared to those who do not. In conclusion, strict selection criteria based on tumor biology, systemic disease control, and patient-specific factors ensure optimized outcomes for LT in CRLM patients, marking a pivotal step toward broader clinical acceptance of this novel approach.

Screening analysis and fine-scale spatial health risks assessment of phenols and PAHs in soils surrounding the coking industry.

The atmospheric pollutants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) and phenols emitted by the coking industrial area (CIA) have seriously polluted the surrounding soil. Therefore, localized soil screening levels (SSLs) around CIA in Shanxi Province were derived and used for the assessment of soil health risk and groundwater pollution risk. Meanwhile fine-scale spatial probabilistic health risk assessment (PHRA) was conducted based on localized parameters. The results indicated that children under the age of 12 are at a significantly higher carcinogenic exposure risk. The concentration of phenol emitted by CIA into the surrounding soil via atmospheric deposition is higher than those of PAHs, posing a threat to groundwater quality. Groundwater conservation-based SSLs derived from wastewater discharge standards can be used to evaluate the potential pollution of phenols on groundwater. The highest risk for phenol and p-cresol was found to be located within the range of 0.9-1.3km and 200°-260°, while for PAHs it was within 0.9km and 90°-200°, neither in line with the prevailing wind direction or areas of high wind speed. BaP, the only substance with an acceptable carcinogenic risk, was primarily concentrated within 0.9km and 145°-200°. Fine-scale spatial PHRA provides a more accurate understanding of the diverse risk distributions and offer reliable support for precise risk management strategies.

Critical Study of Al-Dakhil from the Path of Isra’iliyat

This study critically examines the phenomenon of al-dakhil within the context of Isra’iliyat narratives that have permeated the traditions of tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis) and hadith. Al-dakhil refers to interpretations lacking valid foundations, including weak (da‘if), fabricated (mawdu‘) reports, erroneous ta’wīl (interpretation), and ideologies inconsistent with core Islamic teachings. These narratives often stem from external sources primarily Jewish and Christian traditions, and are integrated into Islamic discourse, sometimes without critical scrutiny. Employing a qualitative methodology with a hermeneutic approach, this research explores the impact of Isra’iliyat on the development of Qur’anic exegesis and the resulting scholarly debates. The findings reveal that while Isra’iliyat has occasionally been used to supplement understanding of certain Qur’anic verses, its authenticity is frequently questionable, both in terms of sanad (chain of transmission) and matan (content). The study underscores the necessity for mufassirs (exegetes) to exercise discernment when engaging with Isra’iliyat, ensuring that interpretations remain faithful to Islamic principles. By highlighting the risks of uncritical acceptance of external narratives, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the importance of methodological rigor and doctrinal integrity in Islamic scholarship.

Enterprises development in the investment and construction complex

Based on the analysis of current trends in the investment and construction sector, a study of strategies and measures that contribute to business sustainable development in this sector has been carried out. The purpose of the study is to identify the key factors affecting the efficiency of investment activities and project management in the construction industry. The main issue under consideration is the need to optimize project management and improve investment efficiency in a volatile market environment. Key findings covering risk management strategies, project financing, and innovative approaches in construction have been presented. The research methodology includes a review of contemporary academic sources, case studies analysis, and the authors’ own observations. Specific management strategies that facilitate acceptance and management of risks affecting an organization have been described. The main schemes of financing investment and construction projects have been listed. Tools that allow optimizing capital management systems have been considered. It has been analyzed how innovative approaches can transform the construction industry, ensuring its sustainable development and competitiveness in a rapidly changing market. The benefits of implementing innovative solutions in investment and construction projects have been indicated. The conclusions emphasize the importance of integrating the principles of sustainable development into business strategies, as well as outline directions for further research in the area.

Navigating Risks and Realities: Understanding Motorbike Taxi Usage and Safety Strategies in Yaoundé and Douala (Cameroon)

Motorbike taxis are widely used in Yaoundé and Douala, despite their association with heightened accident risks and relatively high fares. This research combines qualitative methods, including 38 semi-structured interviews and direct field observations, with a quantitative survey of 280 motorbike taxi passengers (customers). It employs a dynamic risk approach to analyse both the factors motivating individuals to choose motorbike taxis and the strategies adopted by drivers and passengers to mitigate and prevent accidents. The findings reveal that speed, cost-effectiveness, and the limited accessibility of certain neighbourhoods to other transport options are key factors driving regular motorbike taxi use. Moreover, strategies for managing accident risks include regulating passenger positions based on gender, perceived age, or physical stature; invoking deities for protection; and passengers’ verbal interactions with drivers to ensure safer behaviour. This research also explores how overloading, a collectively tolerated deviance, is managed to avoid or minimize the impact of accidents. By addressing both risk acceptance and prevention strategies, this study provides new insights into passengers’ social perceptions, which are often overlooked in motorbike taxi research. It expands the understanding of motorbike taxi use in urban Global South transport contexts, particularly in terms of users’ risk management behaviours.