Risk Assessment Analysis Research Articles

Development of a mechanism for information security risk management of transport service provision systems

The object of the study is the process of analysis, assessment, and management of information security risks in transport service provision systems. The problem of applying the information security risk management approach in the activities of transport business entities was investigated. As a result of the application of effective forms, methods, and means of information security risk management based on international standards, a risk management mechanism was developed. The risk assessment process of transport systems has been systematized. This allows business entities in the transport sector to determine ways to prevent and counter information threats and challenges in their activities, both when designing and operating systems for providing transport services. Verification of the devised methodical approach to information security risk management was carried out on an example of the taxi company «Taxifay N». Threats and challenges of the company’s information system were evaluated by an expert method. Based on the results of the analysis of expert risk assessment, it was found that the concordance coefficient (0.86) confirms the high level of agreement of experts’ opinions. As a result, the company’s information security risk management program was developed. The effectiveness of the program was assessed by the efficiency ratio, which was 0.64. This testifies to the effectiveness of the implemented program of measures to manage information security risks. The scope of application may be the activity of business entities that provide transport services to the population, aimed at data storage and processing. The prospect of this study is to expand the list of threats and categories of vulnerabilities depending on the characteristics of the economic activity of various enterprises

Security and Safety in Cyber-Physical System (CPS): An Inclusive Threat Model

A Cyber-Physical System (CPS) is a combination of computational algorithms and physical processes that are integrated together. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integrate computer and communication capabilities with the monitoring and management of physical parts, establishing a mutually beneficial interaction between the cyber and physical components. Industrial Control System (ICS) is one example of CPS which integrates the physical (OT) and cyber domains (IT), which makes them more vulnerable to attacks. Two essential characteristics of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are safety and security. Threat models are methods for identifying, analysing, and proposing security control countermeasures for threats and their capabilities. However, the threat model methods which are used for the traditional IT systems are not sufficient as they do not include the physical interactions, consequences and impacts to the safety aspects in the Operational Technology (OT). On the other hand, a risk assessment analyses attack scenario, examines cybersecurity from the attacker's point of view, and gives cost-benefit data to support the expenditure on security measures. This study proposes an inclusive attacker’s centric threat model and pro-active risk assessment model for CPS using Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). The outcomes of the threat model prove that the lateral propagation of the threat is possible and threat may also propagate from the CPS assets to the IT segment. The risk assessment by using FIS shown that the safety and security risk for the CPS is significant and calculated as medium level. Hence, the risk factors that are considered in calculating the overall risk for a CPS need to be immediately addressed and mitigated.

Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic

The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna – seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish – and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats – coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds – were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.

Spatial distribution of heavy metal abundance at distance gradients of roadside agricultural soil from the busiest highway in Bangladesh: A multi-index integration approach

Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant infrastructural development in road networking system through the construction or reconstruction of multiple roads and highways. Consequently, there is a rise in traffic intensity on roads and highways, along with a significant contamination of adjacent agricultural soils with heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ecological risk, health risk and the abundance of seven heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Ni) in three distance gradients (0, 300, and 500 m) of agricultural soil along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The concentration of heavy metals was measured with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) on a total of 36 soil samples that were taken from 12 different sampling sites. Based on the findings, Cd had a high contamination factor for all distance gradients, whereas Cr had a moderate contamination factor in 67% of the study areas. According to the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Cd, Cr, and Pb were the predominant pollutants. Principal component analysis (PCA) result shows these metals mainly came from anthropogenic sources. The considerable positive correlations between Cu–Pb, Cu–Cd, Pb–Cd, and Cr–Ni all pointed to shared anthropogenic origins. As per Potential Ecological Risk Assessment (PERI) analysis, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni each contribute significantly and pose a moderate threat. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for all pathways of exposure to Pb and Cr in soils were more than 1, which would pose a significant risk to human health in the following order: THQadult female > THQadult male > THQchildren. This study will help to evaluate the human health risk and develop a better understanding of the heavy metal abundance scenario in the agricultural fields adjacent to this highway.

Risk Assessment and Attribution Analysis of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil of Dongdagou, Baiyin, Gansu Province, China

Analyzing the cause is crucial for recognizing the risks associated with potentially harmful substances found in soil, such as toxic elements. These substances can have adverse effects on both the ecological environment and human health, as they can migrate and transform within food chain networks. Therefore, it is imperative to address and prioritize the risks associated with these elements. Dongdagou, Baiyin City, Gansu Province, is a typical area of potentially toxic element pollution in farmland soil, which has attracted much attention and urgently needs to be controlled. Therefore, the main objective of this investigation is to analyze the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, and Zn in the agricultural soil found in Dongdagou. Using statistical analysis, ecological and human health risk, principal component analysis, and the PMF model, we found that (1) there are varying degrees of accumulation in the soil in the study area, with Cu being the main component. (2) The soil in the study area has high and extremely high concentrations of Cd, posing significant risks. On the other hand, Hg presents mild and medium risks. However, there are no risks associated with As, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Overall, the ecological risks in the study area’s soil due to potentially toxic elements are predominantly extremely high (49.65%) and high (38.25%). A small proportion of the soil exhibits low risks (2.76%) and medium risks (9.33%). (3) As has a moderate acceptable carcinogenic risk for local residents, Cd has a moderate acceptable carcinogenic risk for local children, and other potentially toxic elements do not have carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks. (4) The source analysis shows that Cd in the soil in the study area mainly comes from agricultural activities and sewage irrigation, As mainly comes from industrial production, and Zn, Cu, Pb, and Hg are multiple sources. We recommend adopting targeted and differentiated safety utilization and control measures based on the pollution level and potential risks of potentially toxic elements in the research area, combined with the sources of potentially toxic elements.

Microbiological risk assessment and resistome analysis from shotgun metagenomics of bovine colostrum microbiome

Colostrum is known for its nutraceutical qualities, probiotic attributes, and health benefits. The aim of this study was to profile colostrum microbiome from bovine in rural sites of a developing country. The focus was on microbiological safety assessments and antimicrobial resistance, taking into account the risks linked with the consumption of raw colostrum. Shotgun sequencing was employed to analyze microbiome in raw buffalo and cow colostrum. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed increased inter and intra-variability within colostrum samples' microbiome from both livestock species. The colostrum microbiome was mainly comprised of bacteria, with over 90% abundance, whereas fungi and viruses were found in minor abundance. Known probiotic species, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus paracasei, were found in the colostrum samples. A relatively higher number of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria were identified in colostrum from both animals, including clinically significant bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Binning retrieved 11 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), with three MAGs potentially representing novel species from the genera Psychrobacter and Pantoea. Notably, 175 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and variants were detected, with 55 of them common to both buffalo and cow colostrum metagenomes. These ARGs confer resistance against aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, sulfonamide, and peptide antibiotics. In conclusion, this study describes a thorough overview of microbial communities in buffalo and cow colostrum samples. It emphasizes the importance of hygienic processing and pasteurization in minimizing the potential transmission of harmful microorganisms linked to the consumption of colostrum.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL STATE AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TRENDS OF INSURANCE COMPANIES IN EMERGENCY MARKETS

In the development of insurance in Uzbekistan, a map of the main risks of the modernized economy was drawn up. Moreover, on the basis of risk identification (risk identification), risk reduction to an acceptable level (risk control), allocation of funds for risk management (risk financing), determination of quantitative and qualitative parameters of risk (risk assessment) analysis was performed. In addition, scientific conclusions and proposals were formed on the issues of improving the quality of underwriting in the professional implementation of the processes of identification and analysis of risks offered to insurance. KEY WORDS. Technological Advancements, Cyber Risk Insurance, Climate Change Resilience, Behavioral Economics, Regulatory Reforms, Digital Transformation. Parametric Insurance, Market Dynamics, Risk Mitigation

Ecological Risk Assessment and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soil in Yangchun City Based on APCS-MLR and Geostatistics

Yangchun City, a typical polymetallic ore distribution area in Guangdong Province (China), was selected as the research region to study the content, distribution, source, and possible impacts of heavy metals (HMs) (Arsenic: As; Cadmium: Cd; Chromium: Cr; Copper: Cu; Mercury: Hg; Nickel: Ni; Lead: Pb; and Zinc: Zn) on the farmland soil of this City. According to our findings, the spatial distribution of HMs in Yangchun City shows higher concentrations in the north and southeast and lower in the west and other regions. Metal content in some sampled sites of the agricultural land exceeded the soil pollution risk screening values, particularly As (7.5%), Cd (12%), Cu (4%), Hg (14.5%), and Pb (3%). Additionally, the average content of As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Zn from the studied areas surpassed the soil background value of Guangdong Province for all metals. The absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) was used to identify potential sources of HMs in the soil samples. There are three potential sources identified by the model: traffic emissions, natural sources, and agricultural activities, accounting for 28.16%, 16.68%, and 14.42%, respectively. Based on the ecological risk assessment, the potential ecological risk (Eri = 310.77), Nemero pollution index (PN = 2.27), and multiple possible effect concentration quality (mPECQs = 0.23) indicated that the extent of heavy metal pollution in the soil samples was moderate. Three sources were identified: traffic emissions, natural sources, and agricultural activities. We suggest that by combining the above results, a monitoring and early warning system focused on Cd and Hg can be established. The system could utilize geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies to achieve dynamic monitoring and prediction of pollution. Regular testing of soils and sustainable management practices are also recommended to control and remediate contamination.

ISSUES OF RISK INSURANCE IN THE MODERNIZED ECONOMY

In the development of insurance in Uzbekistan, a map of the main risks of the modernized economy was drawn up. Moreover, on the basis of risk identification (risk identification), risk reduction to an acceptable level (risk control), allocation of funds for risk management (risk financing), determination of quantitative and qualitative parameters of risk (risk assessment) analysis was performed. In addition, scientific conclusions and proposals were formed on the issues of improving the quality of underwriting in the professional implementation of the processes of identification and analysis of risks offered to insurance. KEY WORDS. Technological Advancements, Cyber Risk Insurance, Climate Change Resilience, Behavioral Economics, Regulatory Reforms, Digital Transformation. Parametric Insurance, Market Dynamics, Risk Mitigation

Ecologically sustainable removal of pharmaceuticals: A mechanistic study of bismuth sulfide-graphene oxide/silver nanocomposite

Bismuth sulfide nanoparticles (BiS NPs) were synthesized via the hydrothermal method, and reduced graphene oxide(rGO) and silver nanoparticles (Ag), which acted as substrates, have prepared using the chemical reduction method. The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Commercially available paracetamol-500 mg (PAM) and aspirin-300 mg (ASP) were selected for photodegradation under visible light using the as-prepared composites in an aqueous solution. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was used to detect PAM and ASP using the photo-excited electron transfer (PET) process, and the limit of detection (LOD) has obtained for PAM(8.70 ppm) and ASP(4.43 ppm) with a sensitivity of 0.9954 and 0.8002, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the before and after degradation products and to confirm the disintegrated products such as –COOH and –CH– both before and after disintegration.. The experimental data were found to fit well with the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting that the as-prepared nanocomposites exhibited a heterogeneous nature for PAM (5119 mg/L), and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model suggests ASP (1030 mg/L) with R2 values of 0.9119 and 0.7075. The risk assessment analysis of PAM was 9.823 μg/L(RQ > 1) and that of ASP was 0.2106 μg/L(RQ < 1), indicating that PAM has a higher potential risk than ASP. The demographic data of the participants indicated that PAM was the most stockpiled medicine at home; this work also encompasses the action of a single PAM and ASP tablet toward the environment, if it is accidently disposed of improperly could create massive water/soil pollution; hence, the care/duty of each person should follow the proper disposal of medical waste because we cannot replace this environment.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Assessment of Particulate Matter in Five Health Centers in Akure, Nigeria

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations, focusing on PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 in five primary health centers (PHCs): Arakale (Urban), the Federal College of Agriculture (FECA) (Urban), Iju (semi-urban), Oba-Ile (semi-urban), and Owode (Rural) within Akure local government areas in Nigeria. The primary novelty of this research lies in its detailed exploration of the toxicity potential of these PM fractions, providing valuable insights into the local air quality and associated health risks. This study assesses the health implications by calculating the toxicity potential (TP), relative risk (RR), excess risk (ER), and attributable fractions (Afs) for cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality. The results reveal varying RR values for all-cause mortality, with Arakale showing a slight elevation (RR: 1.061), indicating potential health risks. ER values for cardiopulmonary mortality range from 14.728 ± 7.25 to 19.04 ± 0.38, emphasizing the substantial excess risk associated with long-term PM2.5 exposure. The study also uncovers Afs for cardiopulmonary mortality ranging between 11.03 ± 0.31 and 19.22 ± 0.04, underscoring the significant contribution of PM to cardiovascular and respiratory health risks. Similarly, Afs for lung cancer mortality range from 10.03 ± 0.012 to 17.13 ± 0.10, highlighting the substantial association between PM2.5 exposure and lung cancer risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted air quality management strategies and public health interventions in the studied locations to mitigate the heightened health risks associated with particulate matter pollution. The calculated RR, ER, and AF values offer crucial insights into the complex relationship between PM exposure and adverse health outcomes, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and future research endeavors.

Exposure to arsenic and other potentially toxic elements: health risk assessment and source analysis in the Wuming Basin, Guangxi Province, China

Guangxi, China, is one of the world's largest karst regions where potential toxic elements tend to accumulate, resulting in high soil background values. This study explores the ecological risk, elemental baseline values, and sources of potential toxic elements in karst regions, expanding the research to include 21 common elements. The significance of this research lies in its implications for the management of potential toxic element pollution, the formulation of environmental quality standards, and soil remediation in karst areas. In this study, 12,547 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected in the study area. Pollution assessment and ecological risk evaluation of eight potential toxic elements (Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and As) were conducted using the geo-accumulation index method and potential ecological risk index method. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to analyze the total content of 21 common elements (Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, P, Cd, Hg, Co, Mn, Cr, V, I, S, As, pH, Se, N, CaO, Corg, Mo, and F). Additionally, the potential sources of 21 soil elements were preliminarily quantitatively analyzed using the principal component analysis-absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression receptor model. The results showed that (1) Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, V, and As were enriched in the research area and Ca, Cd, Mn, Mo, Hg, As, and Cu might have been influenced by human activities; (2) Cr, Pb, As, and Zn were generally lightly polluted, with Hg having a moderate potential ecological risk level; and (3) Ni and Zn have contributions of 37.99% and 35.07% from geological sources, agricultural fertilization, and pesticides. Mo, V, Cr, Se, Hg, and As exhibit contributions ranging from 39.44 to 59.22% originating from geological backgrounds and human activities. Corg, S, N, and P show contributions of 45.39% to 80.33% from surface vegetation. F, Co, Mn, and Pb have contributions ranging from 31.63 to 47.93% from acidic rocks in the soil parent material, mining activities, and transportation. Cd and CaO derive 31.67% and 40.23%, respectively, from soil parent material and industrial sources. I has 31.94% from geological background and human activities, and 31.95% from soil parent material and atmospheric sources. Cu has 30.56% from geological sources. The study results can serve as a scientific basis for element research in karst areas domestically and internationally.

Non-HDL-C in Conjunction to LDL-C is associated with Incidence of Chronic Coronary Syndrome in Clinical Settings

Background: The biggest cause of death and a major contributor to disability globally is coroner's artery disease (CAD). Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is a term that can be used to describe a wide variety of CAD clinical manifestations in clinical settings. Non-HDL-C is advised as a routine component of lipid analysis for risk assessment in patients with elevated plasma TGs. Conflicting results have been yielded as Non-HDL-C is a better marker comparing LDL-C.Objective: The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship of Non-HDL-C levels with the incidence of CCS in conjunction with LDL-C testing in a clinical setting. Methods: Observational analytical research with a cross-sectional design was conducted in Muhammadiyah Palembang Hospital from October to December 2019. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select 89 patients who met the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Non-HDL-C and LDL-C calculations based on routine lipid testing. The Chi-Square test with a significant p-value &lt;0,005 was used for bivariate analysis.Results: There is a statistically significant association between non-HDL-C levels and the incidence of CCS (p=0,001), as well as a significant association between LDL-C and CCS incidents (p=0,009). Conclusion: Non-HDL-C provide additional benefits in identifying CAD risk factors in outpatients with CCS patient as well as LDL-C

Analysis of Infection Transmission Patterns and Infection Risk Assessment for Building Occupants Using Crowd Simulation

Analysis of Infection Transmission Patterns and Infection Risk Assessment for Building Occupants Using Crowd Simulation

Distribution, speciation, and assessment of heavy metals in sediments from Wadi Asal, Red Sea, Egypt

Globally, the environmental contamination of stream sediments due to geogenic and anthropogenic sources is of growing concern. In this study, the heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in 22 superficial sediments in Wadi Asal, Red Sea, Egypt, were explored to assess sediment sources, the mobility of chemical species, and the degree of contamination in sediments. Therefore, the total heavy metal values in the fine fraction (< 63 μm), a five-step sequential extraction on selective samples, risk assessment, and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied. The mobility of heavy metals in Wadi Asal sediments, according to non-residual fraction percent, declines in the following order: Cd (90.9%) > Pb (85.2%) > Co (84.4%) > Cu (80.8%) > Zn (75.9%) > Ni (48.4%) > Cr (39.6%); indicating the high mobility of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Co. The mean metal contamination factor (CF) order is Cd (10.96) > Ni (3.91) > Cr (2.77) > Zn (2.18) > Pb (2.10) > Co (1.12) > Cu (0.70). The Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) is decreased in the following order: Cd (2.19) > Ni (0.78) > Cr (0.55) > Zn (0.44) > Pb (0.42) > Co (0.22) > Cu (0.14). The risk assessment code (RAC) revealed very high to high risk for Cd, Co, and Pb. The results pointed out that the metals Cr, Co, Cu, and Ni are from geogenic sources, while Zn, Cd, and Pb are from anthropogenic sources due to Pb–Zn mining activities. Based on the threshold effect level (TEL), Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb have adverse effects on living organisms. According to these findings, the area along Wadi Asal and the downstream regions on the beach are highly polluted and heavy metal monitoring in sediments and aquatic organisms is recommended.

Hazard Identification Using Task Risk Assessment Method and Bowtie Analysis (Case Study: PT. Varia Usaha Beton)

PT. Varia Usaha Beton is a subsidiary of PT. Semen Indonesia Beton, which produces various types of products. PT Varia Usaha Beton (BSP Purwokerto) has an open work area where there are potential hazards such as physical factors, chemical factors and ergonomic factors. The aim of this research is to identify hazards, assess risks and control risks in the production process of ready-mixed concrete so that workplace accidents can be minimized. The methods used in this research are task risk assessment and bowtie analysis. Based on the research results, it was found that 1 risk belonged to the low category, 27 risks belonged to the medium category, and 11 risks belonged to the high category. Based on the bow-tie method, the major risks are exposure to fly ash and cement dust, risk of diesel spills, and risk of electric shock. The main causes of workplace accidents are pipe leaks and improper diesel filling. The main risk effects of workplace accidents are worker injury, and fire. The bowtie analysis method determines that the risk of electric shock is due to a damaged cable and the existing protective barrier is intended to replace the damaged cable. This risk has consequences, namely injuries to workers.

Simulation‐based inference for reliability model selection and parameter calibration: An application to fatigue

AbstractSelecting a “useful” model among a set of competing candidate models is a common problem in many disciplines and particularly in engineering applications. For a modeller, the best model fulfills a certain purpose best (e.g., the ability to accurately predict new data, good interpolation, precise estimates of lower/upper percentiles, etc.), which is typically assessed by comparing model simulations to the observed data. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) which is a statistical learning technique is used in this work for reliability model selection and parameter calibration using small/moderate fatigue life data sets. This is always the case in material fatigue due to the high cost and low efficiency of fatigue tests which are bottleneck problem when designing components/structures with regard to fatigue. The ABC is a likelihood‐free based method which means that it needs only a generative model to simulate the data. The proposed method provides a formal rank of the competing reliability models by eliminating gradually the least likely models in a parsimonious manner. It is flexible since it offers the possibility to use different metrics to measure the discrepancy between simulated and observed data. The choice of the appropriate distance function depends essentially on the purpose of model selection. Through various examples, it has been demonstrated that the ABC method has a number of very attractive properties, which makes it especially useful in probabilistic risk assessment and reliability analysis.

Human health risk assessment and uncertainty analysis of silver nanoparticles in water.

Despite frequent detection in environmental waters, literature which quantifies the health risk of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through oral ingestion is scarce. This study compiled literature data to find the removal of Ag NPs from different treatment schemes (i.e., natural, engineered, or hybrid). Ag NP concentrations were found either in surface water or in groundwater based on where the effluent of treatment schemes was discharged, i.e.,either in surface water or in groundwater. Monte-Carlo simulation was carried out for probabilistic assessment of health risks for children for two hypothetical exposure scenarios: (a) ingesting river water while swimming and (b) drinking groundwater. Bio-accessible fraction, dietary metal adsorption factor, and concentrations of silver ions were incorporated to simulate realistic situations. Different treatment schemes were ranked for their nanoparticles' removal efficiency with respect to (i) exceedance probability from guideline value and (ii) health risk to children. Hybrid treatment combinations, i.e., conventional primary and secondary treatment units followed by nature-based units (constructed wetlands and soil aquifer treatment), were ranked the best. The health risk value was found to be less than 1, with the 99th percentile value less than 10-3 in all cases. The maximum allowable concentration of Ag NPs was found to be as low as 1.43 mg/L for groundwater, suggesting probable potential for risk. Uncertainty analysis revealed that the uncertainty of the influent NPs concentration in raw wastewater contributes > 99% to the variance of the hazard index. The results of this work indicate that the use of natural treatment technologies with existing engineered treatments provides higher nanoparticle removal from wastewater without the requirement of any tertiary treatment unit.

Finance as a critical component of successful implementation of creative innovations in the modern economic system

The article examines theoretical approaches to the interpretation of certain concepts of the innovation economy in the context of modern transformations, as well as the effectiveness of financing creative innovations. The authors highlighted the problems of innovation transfer and intellectual property management. The paper analyzed the main innovation activity indicators in selected world countries for 2010-2022. It reveals the correlation between innovation financing and economic performance at the macro level. In addition, the authors summarized the essence of the "creative innovations" and "transfer of innovations" categories. They proposed criteria for assessing the effectiveness of innovation potential and defined their nature. The evaluation testing confirmed the possibility of using the proposed criteria. In particular, the key aspects of the formation of adequate financing of creative innovations include financial analysis of investments and risk assessment, marketing strategy and transfer of innovations, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the results of innovation implementation. The authors developed practical approaches to increase the effect of innovation implementation. These approaches allow economic systems to ensure a high level of transfer organization and implementation.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Fatigue Analysis During Manual Lifting Tasks in Farming Activities

Introduction: Farming is a physically demanding occupation that puts farmers at risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly when frequently performing activities like heavy lifting, which strains the lower back muscles. The present study aimed to assess the ergonomic risk and fatigue during manual lifting tasks pertaining to farming activities. Methods: A study was performed on 20 farmers to analyze the ergonomic risks associated with load lifting through the estimation of the Recommended Weight Limit and Lifting Index using the revised NIOSH lifting equation. The low back compression forces of the participants were estimated using the 3DSSPP software. Surface electromyography was employed to analyze the onset of muscle fatigue during the lifting activity. Results: The results of the study showed a 111.12% increase in the recommended weight limit, a 52.77% reduction in lifting index, and a 28.15% reduction in the low back compression forces for the redesigned lifting technique. The average low-back compression force for the redesigned technique was observed to be well below the back compression design limit of 770 lb. A reduction in the slope of the RMS voltage regression line by 60% and a reduction of 50.23% in the peak spectral power of the sEMG signal, accompanied by a shift in the peak spectral power towards higher frequency region indicated delayed onset of fatigue for the redesigned technique. Conclusion: The outcomes of the study indicated that the ergonomic redesign of the lifting task could significantly reduce the lifting index and alleviate the spinal compression forces well within the back-compression design limit. The redesign was also found to delay the onset of fatigue in the erector spinae muscles.