Alternative Assessment Approaches Research Articles

Determination of the zebrafish embryo developmental toxicity assessment (ZEDTA) as an alternative non-mammalian approach for the safety assessment of agrochemicals.

With the US Environment Protection Agency reducing requests for (and funding of) mammalian studies alongside the proposed elimination of requests by 2035, there is an urgent need for fully validated New Approach Methods (NAMs) to fill the resultant gap for safety assessment of agrochemicals. One promising NAM for assessing the potential for human prenatal developmental toxicity potential is the Zebrafish Embryo Developmental Toxicity Assessment, a bioassay that has been used by the pharmaceutical industry for more than a decade in early-stage drug safety assessment. Despite its promise, little data has been generated to assess the validity of ZEDTA for assessing Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of new agrochemical products. Addressing this knowledge gap, we tested 67 compounds (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) spanning multiple different chemical groupings and mechanisms of action. ZEDTA assay results were compared with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Classification and Labelling (C&L) for mammalian hazard classification and with publicly available data to determine the ZEDTA's translation power. Overall, the ZEDTA assay had an effective detection capability of 65 % for sensitivity and 64 % for specificity as compared with the ECHA-C&L classification and publicly available data. Comparing the ZEDTA data there were both strengths and weaknesses in alignments for across the different chemical classes and chemical mechanisms of action. Overall, the data generated, show the performance of the ZEDTA assay was comparable with other bioassays highlighted as alternatives for mammalian assessment and holds good promise as a NAM for screening agrochemical prenatal developmental toxicity during new product human safety assessment.

Alternative Assessment for Enhancing Complex Problem-Solving Skills in Mechanical System Design Course

Traditional assessment methods in engineering education, such as exam-based evaluations, often fail to adequately measure complex problem-solving skills and practical application of knowledge, necessitating the exploration of innovative assessment approaches. This paper introduces the Constructive-Teamwork-Experiential-Presentation (CTEP), an alternative assessment approach applied in the Mechanical System Design course (ENT348) for undergraduate mechanical engineering students. The CTEP model is tailored to enhance complex problem-solving (CPS) abilities and engage students in complex engineering activities (CEA). It aligns with the 2020 standards of the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) and the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) 2.0, specifically addressing Programme Outcomes (PO) 3 (Design) and PO10 (Communication). Over four academic terms, this model incorporated interactive design tasks, collaborative teamwork, simulation exercises, and student presentations. The findings indicate notable improvements in achieving PO3 and PO10, with average attainment rates rising to 80% and 78%, respectively. Beyond academic achievements, the model also supported the development of essential skills such as creativity, collaboration, and effective communication. Challenges related to time management and limited resources were mitigated through guided supervision and institutional backing. Future studies aim to evaluate the potential of extending the CTEP model to other engineering disciplines.

Development of a generalized pseudo-probabilistic approach for characterizing ecological conditions in estuaries using secondary data

Under the best circumstances, achieving or sustaining optimum ecological conditions in estuaries is challenging. Persistent information gaps in estuarine data make it difficult to differentiate natural variability from potential regime shifts. Long-term monitoring is critical for tracking ecological change over time. In the United States (US), many resource management programs are working at maximum capacity to address existing state and federal water quality mandates (e.g., pollutant load limits, climate impact mitigation, and fisheries management) and have little room to expand routine sampling efforts to conduct periodic ecological baseline assessments, especially at state and local scales. Alternative design, monitoring, and assessment approaches are needed to help offset the burden of addressing additional data needs to increase understanding about estuarine system resilience when existing monitoring data are sparse or spatially limited. Research presented here offers a pseudo-probabilistic approach that allows for the use of found or secondary data, such as data on hand and other acquired data, to generate statistically robust characterizations of ecological conditions in estuaries. Our approach uses a generalized pseudo-probabilistic framework to synthesize data from different contributors to inform probabilistic-like baseline assessments. The methodology relies on simple geospatial techniques and existing tools (R package functions) developed for the US Environmental Protection Agency to support ecological monitoring and assessment programs like the National Coastal Condition Assessment. Using secondary estuarine water quality data collected in the Northwest Florida (US) estuaries, demonstrations suggest that the pseudo-probabilistic approach produces estuarine condition assessment results with reasonable statistical confidence, improved spatial representativeness, and value-added information. While the pseudo-probabilistic framework is not a substitute for fully evolved monitoring, it offers a scalable alternative to bridge the gap between limitations in resource management capability and optimal monitoring strategies to track ecological baselines in estuaries over time.

Assessing pulmonary function in ALS using electrical impedance tomography

Objective We sought to determine whether thoracic electrical impedance tomography (EIT) could characterize pulmonary function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, including those with facial weakness. Thoracic EIT is a noninvasive, technology in which a multi-electrode belt is placed across the chest, producing real-time impedance imaging of the chest during breathing. Methods We enrolled 32 ALS patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) without underlying lung disease. All participants had EIT measurements performed simultaneously with standard pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including slow and forced vital capacity (SVC and FVC) in upright and supine positions and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIPs and MEPs, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the immediate reproducibility of EIT measurements and Pearson’s correlations were used to explore the relationships between EIT and PFT values. Results Data from 30 ALS patients and 27 HCs were analyzed. Immediate upright SVC reproducibility was very high (ICC 0.98). Correlations were generally strongest between EIT and spirometry measures, with R values ranging from 0.64 to 0.82 (p < 0.001) in the ALS cohort. There were less robust correlations between EIT values and both MIPs and MEPs in the ALS patients, with R values ranging from 0.33 to 0.44. There was no significant difference for patients with and without facial weakness. There were no reported adverse events. Conclusion EIT-based pulmonary measures hold the promise of providing an alternative approach for lung function assessment in ALS patients. Based on these early results, further development and study of this technology are warranted.

The power of the communicative approach: An investigation of classroom practices of English teachers working in vocational high schools

AbstractThis research examines classroom methodologies aligned with the communicative approach, gauging the perspectives of English teachers working within vocational high schools (VHSs). The study, employing a qualitative case study research design, engaged 10 teachers from diverse backgrounds. The participants volunteered for the study and were selected through a maximum diversity sampling technique, a purposeful sampling method. The research methodology encompassed data collection through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Content analysis was applied to scrutinize interview data, whereas observational and document‐based findings were subjected to descriptive analysis techniques. The study revealed a prevalent utilization of teacher‐controlled activities and a predominant teacher‐centric classroom layout among teachers. Notably, a considerable proportion of in‐class time was allocated to grammar instruction, whereas comparatively lesser emphasis was placed on fostering reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills. Moreover, it was found that multiple‐choice tests and alternative assessment formats such as performance evaluations and projects were exclusively employed; using other alternative assessment approaches like observations, interviews, learning diaries, and portfolios was rare. It is also found that English instruction in VHSs heavily relies on textbooks, supplemented by the occasional integration of audiovisual materials. Overall, teachers expressed a consensus that there exists a need for enhancement in curricular frameworks, teaching aids, as well as assessment and evaluation tools within the English instruction domain.

Bioindicators and human biomarkers as alternative approaches for cost-effective assessment of air pollution exposure

Traditional methods of air pollution monitoring require substantial investment in equipment and infrastructure. However, efficient and cost-effective alternatives offer promising solutions for region-specific pollution assessments and understanding their impact on local populations. This review explores examples of low-cost monitoring methods, focusing on natural bioindicators, human interaction-based techniques, and the outcomes associated with air pollution exposure. Bioindicators such as spider webs, lichens, mosses, and Tradescantia pallida (T. pallida) are discussed as potential tools for air pollution monitoring. Human biomonitoring techniques, including the micronucleus assay and the assessment of pulmonary anthracosis, are examined for their ability to provide valuable insights into genotoxic effects and long-term exposure. The advantages and limitations of each method are highlighted. The review advocates for continued research and development to refine these approaches, with the aim of mitigating the adverse health impacts of air pollution on both individuals and communities.

Access-based land value appreciation for assessing project benefits

The traditional mobility-oriented travel-time saving benefit assessment method has been repeatedly questioned for numerous intrinsic flaws, motivating the search for alternative benefit assessment approaches. Although a wealth of literature confirms the capitalization effect of access benefits induced by transport improvements to land or real estate value, the access-based land value uplift method hasn’t yet been widely recognized and employed as an official tool assisting transport decision-making. The present paper collects 136 empirical studies and aims to disentangle the obstacles hindering the promotion of the access-based assessment method by systematically reviewing methodological design, the access metrics used, and the target real estate sub-markets or land use types upon which access benefits are quantified. First, it was found that almost half of the sampled studies just investigated the general effects of transport operation on real estate prices without incorporating sufficient temporal and locational considerations, thereby failing to isolate project-specific incremental impacts. Second, while the hedonic pricing model remains the most popular model, a trend towards embracing more advanced modelling techniques such as spatial lag, spatial error, and Difference-in-Differences (DID) models to control for bias caused by spatial dependence has been observed. Third, Euclidean distance and distance buffer rings are the most widely used operational measures of access. Primal access measures covering the number of opportunities available at a destination and travel impedance are recommended. Last, over 86% of sampled empirical studies target the residential real estate market. The lack of non-residential land uses in the literature presents a significant research gap that should be addressed.

A CASE STUDY EXPLORATION OF ALBANIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITED BY SPANISH PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

&lt;p&gt;The Komisioni Kombëtar i Edukimit Katolik Shqiptar (KKEKSH) aims to reform education in Albania. In 2022 it established a relationship with Stella Maris College (SMC) in Madrid, Spain. As part of this relationship, a teacher exchange program was established between the SMC and the KKEKSH. This exchange aims to share good practices in the field of using active methodologies in the classroom and explore the impact of such an exchange program on the professional identity of Albanian primary teachers. In the first week of June 2023, a group of three SMR teachers visited three Albanian Catholic schools for a week. Based on this experience, three theoretical constructs are analysed to explore the experience of the Albanian teacher: transformative learning, agency, and hybridization. A mixed methodology was used, based on a case study of the experience of Albanian teachers during the visit of the Spanish teachers. Two questionnaires were designed and shared online with the Albanian teachers who participated in the experience to collect information about, 1) a qualitative &lt;em&gt;pre-visit&lt;/em&gt; questionnaire sought to explore the views of initial teacher identity and agency, 2) a mixed qualitative with Likert style quantitative &lt;em&gt;post-visit&lt;/em&gt; questionnaire sought to explore changes in teacher identify and agency as result of the Spanish teacher visit. A constant comparative analysis, a percentage frequency of mentions and a basic SPSS analysis of the data were performed. The results show that by providing teachers with a space for reflection in their daily practice, the way they conceptualize their pedagogical knowledge changes. Communication between Spanish and Albanian teachers created a space for the hybrid identity of the participants to be scrutinized and evaluated. The participants in this study, after having been exposed to different points of view and practices in education, begun to take steps to incorporate active methodologies, alternative assessment approaches in their educational practice and adaptation of the curriculum to make it more accessible to their students, so that students become the "focus" and "priority" of what they do. It is concluded that it is necessary to work in local dialogue, firstly within the school and through the creation of local communities, in both cases to allow different knowledge and experiences to promote the creation of collaborative pedagogical knowledge. We demonstrate that the tension that arises in the hybrid identities of the participants strengthens their individual agency within the neoliberal micromanaged education system the participants find themselves in.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0012/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Kimya ve Fen Bilimleri Öğretmenlerinin Alternatif Ölçme ve Değerlendirmeye ilişkin Öz Yeterliliklerinin Bazı Değişkenler Açısından İncelenmesi

When the explanations of the 2018 Secondary Education Chemistry and Science Curricula concerning the assessment and evaluation approach are examined, it is seen that the emphasis is on acting with the understanding of maximum diversity and flexibility in the assessment and evaluation process in both curricula. It is stated that in ensuring the effectiveness of assessment and evaluation practices, the priority is on teachers and educational practitioners. It can be said that the assessment and evaluation approach of both the 2018 Secondary Education Chemistry and Science Curricula are largely based on the alternative assessment and evaluation approach. This study investigates the level of self-efficacy of chemistry and science teachers towards alternative assessment and evaluation tools in terms of different variables. A total of 142 teachers, 97 female and 45 male, participated in the study. 32 of these teachers are chemistry teachers and 110 of them are science teachers. At the end of the study, it was determined that the teachers' self-efficacy levels for alternative assessment and evaluation tools were high. It has been revealed that the variables of gender, branch, and years of service do not have a significant effect on teachers' self-efficacy. In addition, it was concluded that the self-efficacy of teachers with doctoral education is higher than that of teachers with undergraduate and graduate degrees. Suggestions are provided at the end of the study.

An alternative assessment approach to global logistics performance evaluation: Common weight H‐DEA approach

AbstractThe goal of this study is to investigate the objective importance of the categories and sub‐indicators constituting the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and try to answer which of these LPI's indicators has the most significant importance and to provide a guidance tool for policymakers to devise policies in logistics and transportation. Hence, this study puts forth an integrated multi‐attribute decision‐making technique coalesced with the hierarchical data envelopment analysis and assurance region. For different income groups and regions, this model is employed to reassess the scores and rankings of LPI that are obtained from the World Bank. Displaying a higher objectivity than World Bank's method, the results demonstrate no substantial difference in the rankings obtained under both the proposed and World Bank's methods. Moreover, service delivery performance was found to be more vital to LPI than policy regulations. In terms of global weighting, of the six sub‐indicators, timeliness is the most important. These findings provide a guidance tool for policymakers to devise policies in logistics as well as in transportation. With the common weights that have been utilized, the results may direct toward different priorities in terms of policies, compared to World Bank.

Exploring alternative normalization approaches for life cycle assessment

PurposeThis work investigates the use of alternative approaches to normalization in life cycle assessment (LCA) and shows the relevance of the normalization step in the interpretation of the results of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) by testing the use of five alternative normalization sets.MethodsFive normalization sets are applied and compared. The five sets are based on the following: (i) a production-based approach at global and (ii) at EU level; (iii) a consumption-based approach at EU level based on process-based LCA; (iv) a consumption-based approach at EU level based on environmental extended input/output; and (v) a planetary boundaries-based approach. The five normalization sets are applied to the environmental impacts of 144 products, and the resulting normalized impacts are aggregated into a single score by adopting two alternative weighting sets to investigate how the adoption of different normalization and weighting sets can affect the interpretation of LCIA results. The relative contribution of each impact category to the single score is derived and the ranking of impact categories is compared for each normalization and weighting option.Results and discussionThe relative contribution of the impact categories to the aggregated score of a product is significantly affected by the choice of the normalization set and to a lesser extent by the application of different weighting sets. The main benefits and limitations of each normalization approach presented are discussed together with their implications on the interpretation of the results deriving from the application of each set.ConclusionsThe dominating role of the normalization step on the interpretation of the results emphasizes the need to choose the most suitable normalization set according to the goal and scope of the study and to make sure that normalization references are based on comprehensive inventories of emissions and resources, well aligned with the impact assessment methods used in terms of coverage and classification, to avoid the risk of biased normalization. Future research needs for developing more robust and comprehensive normalization sets are identified.

The alternative assessment approach to the discipline of physical education within the Moldova State University

The alternative assessment approach to the discipline of physical education within the Moldova State University

Beyond assessments: Exploring strategies for Afro-Descendant students’ success in Costa Rica

Purpose: This research aims to critically analyze the potential ramifications of comprehensive assessments on marginalized communities, with a specific focus on Afro-descendant students in the Caribbean/Atlantic region of Costa Rica. It intends to identify the potential effects of these assessments and propose policy and practice adjustments that can enhance their educational outcomes. Research methodology: This research analyzes the recent assessment requirements and the historical background of educational assessments in Costa Rica and explores alternative teaching methods, including culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) and the impact of the dialect and language continuum. Furthermore, the potential benefits of integrating the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy into the curriculum of all public schools are also investigated. Results: Based on the analysis conducted, recommendations for policy and practice changes to address the potential impact of assessments on Afro-descendant students include creating a culturally responsive curriculum, recognizing non-standard dialects, using alternative assessment approaches, and emphasizing consideration of marginalized communities' needs and experiences in educational policy and practice decisions. Limitations: This review does not provide an empirical investigation but rather synthesizes existing literature and provides recommendations for future research. Contribution: This research significantly contributes to the existing literature on educational policy and practice in marginalized communities, particularly in relation to students of African descent in Costa Rica and suggests ways to improve their educational outcomes. Its insight can be of interest to policymakers, educators, and future researchers in education and social justice.

A Fracture Risk Assessment Tool for High Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography.

Most fracture risk assessment tools use clinical risk factors combined with bone mineral density (BMD) to improve assessment of osteoporosis; however, stratifying fracture risk remains challenging. This study developed a fracture risk assessment tool that uses information about volumetric bone density and three-dimensional structure, obtained using high-resolution peripheral quantitative compute tomography (HR-pQCT), to provide an alternative approach for patient-specific assessment of fracture risk. Using an international prospective cohort of older adults (n = 6802) we developed a tool to predict osteoporotic fracture risk, called μFRAC. The model was constructed using random survival forests, and input predictors included HR-pQCT parameters summarizing BMD and microarchitecture alongside clinical risk factors (sex, age, height, weight, and prior adulthood fracture) and femoral neck areal BMD (FN aBMD). The performance of μFRAC was compared to the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and a reference model built using FN aBMD and clinical covariates. μFRAC was predictive of osteoporotic fracture (c-index = 0.673, p < 0.001), modestly outperforming FRAX and FN aBMD models (c-index = 0.617 and 0.636, respectively). Removal of FN aBMD and all clinical risk factors, except age, from μFRAC did not significantly impact its performance when estimating 5-year and 10-year fracture risk. The performance of μFRAC improved when only major osteoporotic fractures were considered (c-index = 0.733, p < 0.001). We developed a personalized fracture risk assessment tool based on HR-pQCT that may provide an alternative approach to current clinical methods by leveraging direct measures of bone density and structure. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Validation of the T-47D Cell Culture Bioassay for the Potency Assessment of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A

Background: Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most potent toxins known and are also used for therapeutic and aesthetic applications. Objective: An alternative in vitro cell culture bioassay based on the induction of apoptosis on T- 47D breast cancer cells, after exposure to BoNTA, was developed and validated. Methods: The T-47D cells (ATCC HTB-133) were seeded at a density of 3 × 105 cells mL-1, and the bioassay was performed with doses of BoNTA, between 3 and 81 U mL-1. The responses were assessed using 10 μL of Alamar Blue®. The absorbances were read at 570 and 600 nm. Results: The results were compared with those of the in vivo LD50 mouse bioassay, showing a non-significant 1.08% higher, mean difference of the estimated potencies (p&gt;0.05). Besides, the biopharmaceutics is analyzed by the size exclusion and reversed-phase liquid chromatography methods, showing a significant correlation with values 1.15% higher and 0.85% lower, respectively, related to the cell culture bioassay. Conclusion: It is concluded that the validated T-47D cell culture assay represents an advancement toward the establishment of an alternative approach for the potency assessment, in the context of the 3 Rs. Besides, the employment of chromatographic methods in conjunction with the bioassays contributes to assessing the quality attributes of the biopharmaceutical formulations of BoNTA.

Comparing Self-Report Assessments and Scenario-Based Assessments of Systems Thinking Competence

AbstractSelf-report assessments are used frequently in higher education to assess a variety of constructs, including attitudes, opinions, knowledge, and competence. Systems thinking is an example of one competence often measured using self-report assessments where individuals answer several questions about their perceptions of their own skills, habits, or daily decisions. In this study, we define systems thinking as the ability to see the world as a complex interconnected system where different parts can influence each other, and the interrelationships determine system outcomes. An alternative, less-common, assessment approach is to measure skills directly by providing a scenario about an unstructured problem and evaluating respondents’ judgment or analysis of the scenario (scenario-based assessment). This study explored the relationships between engineering students’ performance on self-report assessments and scenario-based assessments of systems thinking, finding that there were no significant relationships between the two assessment techniques. These results suggest that there may be limitations to using self-report assessments as a method to assess systems thinking and other competencies in educational research and evaluation, which could be addressed by incorporating alternative formats for assessing competence. Future work should explore these findings further and support the development of alternative assessment approaches.

Comparative study of alternative equivalent frame approaches for the seismic assessment of masonry buildings in OpenSees

The equivalent frame (EF) idealisation of masonry structures is widely used in engineering structures. Despite its simplifications, reliable numerical models can be produced to calculate the seismic behaviour of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. Different EF modelling approaches have been implemented in commercial software specifically conceived for performing nonlinear analyses on URM buildings (such as 3Muri, adopted in this study). Furthermore, the adoption of such an approach is also possible in general-purpose structural analyses software packages, such as OpenSees, through an ad hoc implementation of analysts. The aim of this paper is to compare various EF modelling approaches by adopting alternative nonlinear beam-elements in OpenSees belonging to the distributed and the lumped plasticity. To this aim, the responses of some benchmark cases study available in the literature from the “URM nonlinear modelling-benchmark project” within the context of ReLUIS projects have been adopted to preliminary test the reliability of the alternative approaches considered. In particular, they consist of some single panels and a trilith, for which the results of various software are already available. In the paper, the results obtained with OpenSees have been more in-depth compared with 3Muri, which is assumed as representative of a larger set of EF models adopted in engineering-practice (having already verified in previous works that it provides a reasonable scatter with other software package options). Then, the analyses have been extended as well to a 3D building representative of the neighbourhood of ‘El Plantinar’ in Seville. An accurate comparison has been carried out in terms of generalised forces, drifts and damage at an element and at a global scale. The results have shown that the method proposed in this manuscript allows using OpenSees to calculate masonry structures with the EF approach with a good agreement to other engineering-practice oriented tools. Thus, this outcome may constitute, in future research, the basis for exploiting the potential and versatility of OpenSees in accounting for other tricky phenomena: the soil-foundation-structure interaction.

Covid-19 Pandemic and Medicines Regulation in Ghana: Overview and Perspectives of Regulators

Background: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, impacted health systems around the world resulting in a surge in demand for medicines and therapeutic interventions to combat the pandemic. Medicine regulatory agencies played a crucial role in ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines. Regulatory agencies streamlined regulatory processes and made them flexible to tackle the urgent need for COVID-19 interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted regulatory agencies on the importance of global regulatory collaboration and harmonization. Following the pandemic, regulatory agencies continually aim to ensure global alignment in regulatory standards, facilitate data sharing, and streamline regulatory processes to optimize their activities and preparedness for future emergencies. Objective: The objective of this study was to have an overview of medicines regulation following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and regulator’s perspective on the associated regulatory adaptations. Method: The study was conducted through qualitative open-ended interviews. It was carried out within the head office of the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority; the sole regulator of medicines in the country. Interviews were audio-recorded with the consent of participants and transcribed for analysis. After transcription data was categorized into themes and analyzed using a generic thematic analysis method. Results: Ghana's medicines regulatory system, governed by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) developed a system which encompassed pre-market approval, post-market surveillance, pharmacovigilance activities, and approval of clinical trials, aimed at safeguarding public health. To address the urgent need for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, regulators worldwide, including Ghana, implemented emergency use authorization (EUA) processes, demonstrated regulatory flexibility by adopting alternative assessment approaches and streamlining processes without compromising safety and quality standards. The Food and Drugs Authority along with other stakeholders and opinion leaders played a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and debunking myths and misconceptions about the pandemic to empower citizens with accurate information, dispel misinformation, and promote adherence to preventive measures. Conclusion: The importance of resourcefulness and the adoption of sustainable practices, working smarter, saving resources, embracing virtual trainings, and introducing dynamic assessment practices have been highlighted to have reshaped activities of the Authority. These lessons can serve as valuable guides in building a more efficient, collaborative, and environmentally conscious future as we continue to navigate the post pandemic world.

Pomegranate Quality Evaluation Using Non-Destructive Approaches: A Review

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the most healthful and popular fruits in the world. The increasing demand for pomegranate has resulted in it being processed into different food products and food supplements. Researchers over the years have shown interest in exploring non-destructive techniques as alternative approaches for quality assessment of the harvest at the on-farm point to the retail level. The approaches of non-destructive techniques are more efficient, inexpensive, faster and yield more accurate results. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent applications of non-destructive technology for the quality evaluation of pomegranate fruit. Future trends and challenges of using non-destructive techniques for quality evaluation are highlighted in this review paper. Some of the highlighted techniques include computer vision, imaging-based approaches, spectroscopy-based approaches, the electronic nose and the hyperspectral imaging technique. Our findings show that most of the applications are focused on the grading of pomegranate fruit using machine vision systems and the electronic nose. Measurements of total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and pH as well as other phytochemical quality attributes have also been reported. Value-added products of pomegranate fruit such as fresh-cut and dried arils, pomegranate juice and pomegranate seed oil have been non-destructively investigated for their numerous quality attributes. This information is expected to be useful not only for those in the grower/processing industries but also for other agro-food commodities.

Leveraging Multiple Data Streams for Prioritization of Mixtures for Hazard Characterization.

There is a growing need to establish alternative approaches for mixture safety assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to limitations with current component-based approaches, and the lack of established methods for using whole mixtures, a promising alternative is to use sufficiently similar mixtures; although, an established framework is lacking. In this study, several approaches are explored to form sufficiently similar mixtures. Multiple data streams including environmental concentrations and empirically and predicted toxicity data for cancer and non-cancer endpoints were used to prioritize chemical components for mixture formations. Air samplers were analyzed for unsubstituted and alkylated PAHs. A synthetic mixture of identified PAHs was created (Creosote-Fire Mix). Existing toxicity values and chemical concentrations were incorporated to identify hazardous components in the Creosote-Fire Mix. Sufficiently similar mixtures of the Creosote-Fire Mix were formed based on (1) relative abundance; (2) toxicity values; and (3) a combination approach incorporating toxicity and abundance. Hazard characterization of these mixtures was performed using high-throughput screening in primary normal human bronchial epithelium (NHBE) and zebrafish. Differences in chemical composition and potency were observed between mixture formation approaches. The toxicity-based approach (Tox Mix) was the most potent mixture in both models. The combination approach (Weighted-Tox Mix) was determined to be the ideal approach due its ability to prioritize chemicals with high exposure and hazard potential.