Assessment Purposes Research Articles

Improving toxicity prediction of metal-contaminated sediments by incorporating sediment properties

For the purpose of sediment quality assessment, the prediction of toxicity risk-levels for aquatic organisms based on simple environmental measurements is desirable. One commonly used approach is the comparison of total contaminant concentrations with corresponding water and sediment quality guideline values, serving as a Line of Evidence (LoE) based on chemistry-toxicity effects relationships. However, the accuracy of toxicity predictions can be improved by considering the factors that modify contaminant bioavailability. In this study we used paired chemistry-ecotoxicity data sets for sediments to evaluate the improvement in toxicity risk predictions using bioavailability-modified guidelines. The sediments were predominantly contaminated with metals, and measurements of sediment particle size, total organic carbon (TOC) and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) were used to modify hazard quotients (HQ). To further assess the predictive efficacy of the bioavailability-modified guideline models, sediments with differing contamination levels were tested for toxicity to a benthic amphipod's reproduction. To account for differences between laboratory exposure and field exposure scenarios, where the latter creates greater dilution, both static-renewal and flow-through test procedures were employed, and flow-through resulted in lower dissolved metal concentrations in the overlying waters. We also investigated how lower AVS concentration by oxidation modified the toxicity. This study reaffirmed that consideration of factors that influence contaminant bioavailability improves toxicity risk predictions, however the improvements may be modest. The sediment particle size data had the greatest influence on the modified HQ, indicating that higher percentage of fine particle size (<63 μm) contributed most to a lower predicted toxicity. The comparison of the static-renewal and flow-through test results continue to raise important questions about the relevance of static or static-renewal toxicity test results for risk assessment decisions, as both these test designs may cause unrealistically high contributions of dissolved metals in overlying waters to toxicity. Overall, this study underscores the value of incorporating outcomes from simple and routine sediment analysis (e.g., particle size, TOC, and consideration of AVS) to enhance the predictive efficacy of toxicity risk assessments in the context of sediment quality risk assessment.

Особливості застосування психофізіологічних профілів операторів безпілотних авіаційних комплексів для професійного відбору

In order to develop new approaches to the psychophysiological selection of operators, 219 male servicemen aged 20 to 40 years old with experience in operating unmanned aerial systems of the first class Light and involved in a wide range of professional tasks were examined. To study their psychophysiological status, modified methods were used using the PFI-2 hardware and software complex. The following indicators were determined: accuracy of reaction to a moving object, strength of nervous processes, functional mobility of nervous processes, simple visual-motor reaction, complex visual-motor reaction, orientation in space, and visual memory. To identify a set of informative indicators that can best divide the analyzed group of operators into 3 clusters, a stepwise discriminant analysis was applied. The technique was developed to obtain several psychophysiological profiles of vocational aptitude, equally effective in terms of content. The statistical discrepancy of these profiles has been established. Ways of evaluating the superiority of these profiles have been shown. The principle of “necessary diversity” in the implementation of occupational psychophysiological selection of operators working in conditions with increased danger has been proposed and discussed. A number of advantages of using this principle to increase accuracy and expand the contingent of persons subject to occupational psychophysiological selection have been identified. The technology of graphical presentation of psychophysiological profiles of operators of unmanned aerial complexes was developed for the purpose of assessment of suitability for professional tasks.

The use of alternatives assessment in chemicals management policies: Needs for greater impact.

Alternatives assessment is a methodology used to identify, evaluate, and compare potential chemical and nonchemical solutions with a substance of concern. It is required in several chemicals management regulatory frameworks, with the objective of supporting the transition to safer chemistry and avoiding regrettable substitutions. Using expert input from symposium presentations and a discussion group hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment, four case examples of the use of alternatives assessment in regulatory frameworks were evaluated and compared: (1) the US Environmental Protection Agency Significant New Alternatives Policy (USEPA SNAP), (2) authorization provisions in the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation, (3) the California (CA) Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program, and (4) the Safer Products for Washington (WA) Program. Factors such as the purpose of the alternatives assessment, the timeline of actions, who completes the assessment, the role of stakeholder engagement, and the regulatory response options for each policy are outlined. Through these presentations and expert discussions, four lessons learned about the use of alternatives assessments in regulatory policy emerged: (1) the goal and purpose of the regulatory framework significantly affects its ability to result in safer substitution, (2) existing frameworks struggle with data access and insufficient stakeholder engagement, (3) some frameworks lack clear decision rules regarding what is a safer and feasible alternative, and (4) regulatory response options provide limited authority for enforcement and do not adequately address options where alternatives are unavailable or limited. Five recommendations address these lessons as well as how the application of alternatives assessment in regulatory settings could have greater impact in the future. This synthesis is not meant to be a comprehensive policy analysis, but rather an assessment based on the perspectives from experts in the field, which should be supplemented by formal policy analysis as policies are implemented over time. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1035-1045. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Ultrasonic backscatter measurements of cancellous bone in the near field of a planar transducer

Ultrasonic backscatter techniques may be used to detect changes in bone caused by osteoporosis and other diseases. Typical measurement locations include peripheral skeletal sites such as the heel, which may place the interrogated region of bone tissue in the acoustic near field of the transducer. The purpose of this study is to investigate how measurements in the near field of a planar transducer affect backscatter parameters used for ultrasonic bone assessment. Ultrasonic measurements were performed in a water tank using a planar 2.25 MHz transducer. Signals were acquired for five transducer-specimen distances: N/4, N/2, 3N/4, N, and 5N/4 where N is the near-field distance, a location that represents the transition from the near field to far field. Three backscatter parameters previously identified as potentially useful for ultrasonic bone assessment purposes were investigated: AIB, FSAB, and FIAB. All three parameters depended on transducer-specimen distance to varying degrees with FSAB exhibiting the greatest dependence on distance. These results suggest that laboratory studies of bone should evaluate the performance of backscatter parameters using clinically relevant transducer-specimen distances including distances where the ultrasonically interrogated region is in the near field of the transducer.

Expert consensus on core indicators for lifecycle value assessment of Chinese patent medicine

The establishment of core indicators for assessment plays an important role in carrying out the lifecycle value assessment of Chinese patent medicine, which are developed based on the concepts such as clinical value oriented, paying attention to the human use experience, and whole process quality control. To this end, the Specialty Committee of Data Monitoring and Decision Making of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies organized experts to draft the Expert Consensus on Core Indicators for Lifecycle Value Assessment of Chinese Patent Medicine based on the research including Chinese Medicine Registration Review Evidence System in Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, Human Use Experience, and Clinical Trials(GZY-FJS-2022-206) by National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This consensus proposed 92 core indicators from four stages, including new drug R&amp;D project approval, pre-clinical research, new drug marketing authorization, and post-marketing, combining the assessment purposes and needs of different stakeholders from different dimensions such as clinical needs, clinical positioning, human use experience, effectiveness, safety, quality control, innovation, accessibility, and suitability. This consensus also interpreted the indicators to clearly elucidate the core elements of the value assessment of Chinese patent medicine in different R&amp;D stages and guided the stakeholders to identify, analyze, and assess the value of Chinese patent medicine in the R&amp;D and use process based on the core indicators in a scientific, objective, and standardized approach. This consensus is expected to play an important role in the high-quality new drug development, drug pricing and compensation of Chinese patent medicine, the development of clinical pathways, and rational clinical application.

A Feasibility Study in Virtual Assessment Procedures of a Sentence-Writing Probe for Use With Intermediate-Grade Students

This article reports on the development and initial feasibility of virtual assessment procedures for a sentence-writing probe for remote instructional purposes with intermediate-grade students. The study included a sample of 15 intermediate-grade children. The sentence-writing probe was administered through video conferencing software, an innovation of the times, across three sessions separated by 2 weeks. Scores derived from sentence probes included total number of words, a sentence accuracy score, and a word accuracy score, which were compared across time points. Results indicated no statistically significant differences across time points for the entire sample for all measures except the total number of words at Time 2. Measures obtained from the sentence-writing probe were significantly correlated with standardized measures of oral language. Findings from this study support the proof of concept that virtual assessment procedures can be used to assess sentence-level writing in intermediate-grade students. Future directions are provided regarding the utility of remote instruction for assessment purposes, the types of scores derived from measures, and future plans to scale up the assessment for use in research studies and as a curriculum-based evaluation tool.

Specifications Grading in the Sport Management Classroom: Breakdown of the System and Reflections Upon Implementation With Relation to Outcomes Assessment

With increased interest in outcomes-based assessment in sport management programs, the Specifications Grading model can be implemented within individual courses to facilitate the process. Specific requirements that are articulated at course onset with explicit directions, samples of high-scoring work, and access to evaluation rubrics can set students on the path for achieving measurable benchmarks. Thus, the submissions become objective expressions of learning instead of a points-based bargaining tool. Implemented into an Introduction to Sport Management class, the model provided opportunities for consistent engagement with assessment tools in which students had agency and multiple chances to focus on improving the assessment to meet the benchmarks. The instructor reflected upon the experience, noting administrative elements to change to assist the overall implementation of the system but discovered that the Specifications Grading model centered the students in the learning process while providing meaningful outcome data for assessment purposes. Recommendations are provided for faculty interested in implementing it in their own classrooms.

Hazard and risk assessment in a dairy products factory in Iğdır province using the Fine Kinney Risk Method: recommendations for mitigation

Failure to implement adequate preventive measures in workplaces leads to the occurrence of occupational diseases and accidents at work. Effectively managing and accurately defining these risks is paramount. Risk assessment begins by assigning scores to identify existing workplace hazards, assess the likelihood of potential risks, determine the level of urgency, and determine the necessary precautions. It is a continuous cycle of implementation, monitoring and review. The aim of this study is the identification of existing or potential hazards and risks in a dairy products factory in Iğdır province, Turkey. The Fine Kinney risk assessment methodology was applied, and the results provided recommendations for mitigating identified risks based on relevant regulations. Initially, brainstorming sessions were held with relevant employees and managers to gain a general overview of the health and safety culture in the work environment. In addition, observational analysis and weekly checklists were used for assessment purposes. When examining the current status and operational procedures of the company in detail, various hazards containing risks that require immediate precautions have been identified. Electric shock (RS: 1440), injuries related to electricity (RS: 720), explosion (RS: 540), and risks associated with poisoning or drowning (RS: 720) have been determined to be present. It has been concluded that most of the environmental risks in the facility arise from factors such as defective or outdated equipment, lack of ergonomic workstations, inadequate training, and insufficient supervision.

Comparison of Four Software Packages for Automated Contouring

We are an academic radiation oncology center and treat 1500-2000 patients annually. The majority of target volume definition and organ at risk (OAR) contouring is performed by radiation oncologists (RO) and is estimated to require 10-15 hours per week for each RO. Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for contouring are a possible method of reducing the time required. Several packages are commercially available. The purpose of this exercise was to evaluate 4 packages to identify one which would meet our department's need. The primary objective was to calculate the potential time savings associated with each of the 4 packages. The second objective was to perform a qualitative evaluation and comparison. Approval from the hospital's Research Ethics Committee was obtained. CT Simulation datasets for 15 patients were anonymized for use as test cases for AI contouring. This included 5 datasets from each of 3 sites - head and neck (H+N), breast/thorax, and prostate/pelvis. 4 potential vendors provided access to their product for automated contouring of OARs +/- target volumes of each of the 15 datasets. Analysis was as follows: 1. One RO used a stopwatch to assess the time taken for them to contour each of the OARs +/- targets on each dataset 2. The AI contours from each of the vendors for each of the datasets was reviewed. 3. The time taken to correct each auto-contoured organ to make it clinically useful was timed. These were summed to give a time for each vendor for each dataset. 4. The time saving was calculated by subtracting the result of step (3) from step (1) 5. For the purpose of qualitative assessment, 2 ROs reviewed each dataset and assigned an objective score of 1-5 to each auto-contoured organ (e.g., 5 = no, or almost no, edits required; clinically useful as is) 6. The scores for each organ in each of the 15 datasets were averaged to give a mean value for the software package. Baseline contouring time was 32.8 minutes for H+N, 23.0 minutes for breast/thorax, and 64.8 minutes for prostate/pelvis. One package was removed from consideration after assessment of H+N only as it was deemed to be of insufficient standard to be of clinical use. The average time saving for each of the remaining 3 software packages ranged were 15.7, 17.9, and 12.8 minutes for H+N, 3.1, 13.1, and 11.0 minutes for breast/thorax, and 32.6, 35.2, and 36.2 minutes for prostate/pelvis. Percentage time savings ranged from 39-55% for H+N, 13-57% for breast/thorax, and 50-56% for prostate/pelvis. The overall qualitative assessments on a 5-point scale were 3.5, 4.0, and 3.6. The AI contouring solutions were associated with meaningful savings in the time taken to contour. The introduction of one of these products into clinical practice within our department will permit ROs to focus more of their time on other clinical activities.

A Learning Progression for Understanding Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

This paper describes a hypothesized learning progression for how secondary students understand interdependent relationships in ecosystems, a key concept in the field of ecology and for public understanding of science. In this study, a hypothetical learning progression was developed and empirically investigated using Rasch modeling of data from 1366 students in a large, diverse, urban school district. We found that the empirical evidence supported the general structure of the hypothesized learning progression for relationships in ecosystems. There were notable exceptions, and we describe the ways in which we altered the items and the learning progression to address empirical inconsistencies with our a priori conceptions. The assessment items developed through this study are immediately available online for formative assessment purposes, and the learning progression can support teachers’ thinking about students’ understanding of ecosystems. In particular, the upper reach of the learning progression offers a more complete description of the ways in which students might develop their understanding of complex interactions in ecosystems, beyond what is currently offered in the literature and standards documents about students’ understanding.

Investigation on smoothed finite element methods using linear tetrahedral elements for high-speed train hollow axle strength analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the performance of two novel numerical methods, the face-based smoothed finite element method (FS-FEM) and the edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM), which employ linear tetrahedral elements, for the purpose of strength assessment of a high-speed train hollow axle.Design/methodology/approachThe calculation of stress for the wheelset, comprising an axle and two wheels, is facilitated through the application of the European axle strength design standard. This standard assists in the implementation of loading and boundary conditions and is exemplified by the typical CRH2 high-speed train wheelset. To evaluate the performance of these two methods, a hollow cylinder cantilever beam is first used as a benchmark to compare the present methods with other existing methods. Then, the strength analysis of a real wheelset model with a hollow axle is performed using different numerical methods.FindingsThe results of deflection and stress show that FS-FEM and ES-FEM offer higher accuracy and better convergence than FEM using linear tetrahedral elements. ES-FEM exhibits a superior performance to that of FS-FEM using linear tetrahedral elements, showing accuracy and convergence close to FEM using hexahedral elements.Originality/valueThis study channels the novel methods (FS-FEM and ES-FEM) in the static stress analysis of a railway wheelset. Based on the careful testing of FS-FEM and ES-FEM, both methods hold promise as more efficient tools for the strength analysis of complex railway structures.

Large-scale variation in lakebed properties interpreted from single-beam sonar in two Laurentian Great Lakes

Acoustic seabed classification (ASC) is an important method for understanding landscape-level physical and biological patterns in the aquatic environment. Bottom habitats in the Laurentian Great Lakes are poorly mapped to date, and will require a variety of contributors and data sources to complete. We repurposed a long-term split-beam echosounder dataset gathered for purposes of fisheries assessment to estimate lakebed properties utilizing unsupervised classification of echo return data. We interpreted first echo properties representing lakebed hardness and roughness to define and map three statistically supported lakebed classes revealed through cluster analysis. Our results indicate coherent and logical class boundaries and suggest that the dataset has promise for expanded use in ASC. To improve inferences using repeated measures, future work should focus on collecting ground truth information for areas previously surveyed and on collecting concurrent ground truth information when sampling acoustic data moving forward.

Knowledge Co‐Production Reveals Nuanced Societal Dynamics and Sectoral Connections in Mapping Sustainable Human–Natural Systems

AbstractThe UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompass environmental, social, and economic dimensions which are linked to the characteristics of place and have a strong local dimension. They are interconnected at local scales in complex ways which makes progress toward them difficult to predict. To understand how these interconnections play out at the local scale, we used knowledge coproduction to undertake systems mapping for the purpose of sustainability assessment framed by the SDGs. We partnered with a local community in Australia as our coproduction case study, with a multistage engagement process to understand how they interpreted sustainability and their vision for a sustainable community. We found that codeveloping a map of the local system with participants can elicit far more societal interconnections between the SDGs than might be expected without knowledge coproduction, as the participants viewed the system through a social lens. Issues from the social dimension of sustainability, in particular, were intensely local in origin and effect which suggests that attempts to represent them at national or global scales are unlikely to succeed. We teased out the interconnections between societal and nonsocietal issues with local knowledge, which enhanced the ability to identify effective actions to tackle broader sustainability problems. Our results demonstrate that knowledge coproduction can improve understanding of what sustainability is at the local scale and how it can be achieved, enabling the transformative change required to achieve the SDGs.

Characteristics of Hydrological and Meteorological Drought Based on Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves

As a catastrophic phenomenon, drought has destructive impacts on water resources, the environment, and the ecosystem. Consequently, drought plays a vital role in risk assessment, water resources management, and drought mitigation plans. The main aim of this research is to obtain critical intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) drought curves and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drought characteristics by considering the meteorological Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and hydrological Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI). Critical IDF curves for the drought index and return period selection are identified. Also, new terms are defined as the specific drought duration, the maximum drought duration, and the critical intensity based on drought IDF curves. The results show that the SPI3 based on run theory for 500 years return period has higher drought intensity compared with other drought indices. In some IDF curves, the 2-year return period of a 12-month duration timescale is not provided. Regarding the maximum drought duration, the SPEI12 gave a longer duration. With the new concepts in this research, the presented IDF drought methodology has a novel additional practice to identify the critical intensity and maximum drought duration. Using this methodology for any drought index will contribute to converting data with mathematical calculations into IDF curves for design and risk assessment purposes.

1228 Predictors of Re-Intervention Following Index Cholecystectomy

Abstract Aim Index Cholecystectomy (IC) is safe and reduces patient morbidity. However, IC can be challenging due to inflammation of hepatocystic triangle, increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Study was conducted to evaluate factors influencing postoperative complications following IC. Method Retrospective review of consecutive IC performed as a primary procedure was carried out between February 2021 and July 2022 in our trust. Primary outcome was postoperative Grade 3 Clavien-Dindo (CDC) complication, in comparison to patients with uncomplicated recovery. Pre-operative factors including age, CRP, WBC, LFT, surgeon grade, modality (laparoscopic/open) and number of previous admissions were included for analysis. Categorical and continuous data were analysed using Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney-U tests respectively. P-value &amp;lt;0.05 was statistically significant. Results 100 IC were included. Most IC were consultant-led [80/100(80%)]. 11/100(11%) patients developed Grade 3 CDC complication; 4/100(4%) bile leak requiring ERCP and stent insertion, 3/100(3%) post-operative collection requiring radiological-assisted drainage, 2/100(2%) retained bile duct stones requiring ERCP, 1/100(1%) incision and drainage of port site seroma and 1/100(1%) biloma requiring laparoscopic washout. Re-intervention was common in older patients (61±18years vs 55±22years,p = 0.04) and higher median peak CRP levels (312±178 vs 154±284,p = 0.01). There were no differences in LFT parameters, number of previous admissions or timing of operation from day of admission between the two groups. Conclusions Age&amp;gt;65 and higher pre-operative CRP were associated with increased risk of postoperative procedural intervention. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Surgeons should consider these factors for consenting and risk assessment purposes.

What is the role of psychology in bariatric surgery? A survey of the differing views of psychologists, the multidisciplinary team, and patients in the UK.

Although psychologists are a key member of the bariatric multidisciplinary team (MDT), there is a lack of clarity about the specific remit of their role. This exploratory study was conducted to identify differences, priorities and clarify how the role of psychology is perceived in the United Kingdom. We conducted surveys of three major stakeholder groups (psychologists, patients, and the bariatric multidisciplinary team) which focused on their perception of psychology in bariatric surgery. The results showed that in UK bariatric services, psychologists are spending the majority of their clinical time providing pre-operative assessments. Differences emerged between psychologists and MDT in how they viewed the purpose of these assessments, with the MDT viewing them as identifying contraindications to surgery whereas psychologists viewed them as identifying readiness for surgery. A total of 51% of patients reported they had not been able to access psychology services when needed and viewed provision of post-operative psychological support to be a key priority. Key themes and tensions emerged around (a) high demand for services yet limited psychology resource, (b) the purpose of the pre-operative assessment and (c) the provision of pre-operative versus post-operative support. These themes combine and interact in a way that currently makes it extremely challenging to provide coherent psychology services. There is clearly a need for education, consensus and adequate resourcing of the psychology role within bariatric surgery services in the United Kingdom.

High school science teachers’ assessment literacy for inquiry-based science instruction

ABSTRACT Drawing upon the model for science teacher assessment literacy developed by [Abell, S. K., & Siegel, M. A. (2011). Assessment literacy: What science teachers need to know and be able to do. In The professional knowledge base of science teaching (pp. 205–221). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3927-9_12], this study explored science teachers' knowledge and practices of inquiry-based science instruction (IBSI) in Taiwan, and investigated the possible interactions among the categories of assessment literacy. Forty high school science teachers with relevant experience in IBSI participated in the study. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and background questionnaires. We analysed the data and developed a coding scheme through both theory-oriented and data-oriented approaches. Four categories of teacher assessment literacy were explored, including assessment purposes, assessed learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and assessment scoring. The results indicated that, through formative assessments, teachers supported students' inquiry-based learning and self-regulated learning in a variety of ways. Furthermore, teachers not only used multiple data sources to assess students' learning performances, but also appreciated both subcategories of assessed learning outcomes - inquiry as means and inquiry as ends. The analysis also revealed some patterns of interactions among the categories of assessment literacy. Based on the findings, discussions and suggestions are provided.

Pharmacological Potential of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Nano-Emulsion for Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Animals' Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

The most common female endocrinopathy, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), generally affects women of childbearing age. Hippophae rhamnoides L. has been traditionally used to improve menstrual cyclicity. Gas chromatography by flame ionization detection analysis showed that it contained various phytoconstituents such as omega-3 fatty acid, phytosterols, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. H. rhamnoides L. (HR) nano-emulsion was also formulated. HR and its encapsulated nano-emulsion (HRNE) were evaluated for the treatment of PCOS. Thirty-five healthy female adult albino rats were acquired and divided into seven groups (n = 5). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used for 5 weeks to induce the disease. To confirm disease (PCOS) induction, the animals were weighed weekly and their vaginal smears were analyzed daily under a microscope. After PCOS induction, animals were treated with metformin, HR, and HRNE with two different doses (0.5/kg and 1 g/kg, p.o.) for 5 weeks. At the end of the treatment, animals were euthanized, and blood was collected for hormonal assessment, lipid profiling, and liver functioning test assessment. Both the ovaries were preserved for histopathology and liver for the purpose of assessment of antioxidant potential. The results revealed that HR and HRNE at both doses improved the hormonal imbalance; follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone levels are increased, while luteinizing hormone surge and testosterone level are controlled. Insulin sensitivity is improved. Ovarian histopathology showed that normal ovarian echotexture is restored with corpus luteum and mature and developing follicles. HR and HRNE also improved the lipid profile and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) with improved antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, and GSH). Results were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and were considered significant only if p < 0.05. In conclusion, it can be postulated that H. rhamnoides L. proved effective in the management of PCOS and its nano-emulsion effects were statistically more significant, which might be due to better bioavailability.

Urea‐Hydrogen Peroxide (UHP): Comparative study on the experimental detonation pressure of a non‐ideal explosive

AbstractCarbamide Peroxide, an adduct of Urea and Hydrogen Peroxide (UHP) industrially used as a solid source of hydrogen peroxide, exhibits the behaviour of a tertiary explosive but a detailed performance characterisation is still lacking in the literature. In this work, we calculated a 20 % experimental TNT equivalence for brisance, i. e. the shattering effect from the shock wave transmitted from the detonating high explosive into adjacent materials, by experimental indirect measurement of UHP detonation pressure. We determined a 3.5 GPa detonation pressure for 5 kg unconfined UHP charges (0.87 g/cm3, 120 mm charge diameter) by measuring the attenuated shock wave velocity (ASV) in adjacent inert materials using passive optical probes. Particle velocity measurements at the interface of a PMMA impedance window carried out with Photonic Doppler Velocimetry on scaled‐down charges of 90 g UHP under heavy confinement (0.85 g/cm3, 30 mm charge diameter, 4 mm thick steel) are consistent with ASV results in the PMMA acceptors but further investigations are required to determine the detonation pressure, using a small‐scale experimental setup. The ASV method has proven reliable to assess the brisance of a non‐ideal explosive for risk assessment purposes.

Pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and admissions to substance use disorder treatment for pregnant people in the USA.

We examined relationships between pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and admissions to substance use disorder treatment for pregnant people in the USA. We merged state-level policy and treatment admissions data for 1992-2019. We aggregated data by state-year to examine effects of nine pregnancy-specific alcohol policies on the number of admissions of pregnant women where alcohol was reported as the primary, secondary, or tertiary substance related to the treatment episode (N = 1331). We fit Poisson models that included all policy variables, state-level controls, fixed effects for state and year, state-specific time trends, and an offset variable of the number of pregnancies in the state-year to account for differences in population size and fertility. When alcohol was reported as the primary substance, civil commitment [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10-1.89] and reporting requirements for assessment and treatment purposes [IRR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04-1.77] were associated with greater treatment admissions. Findings for alcohol as primary, secondary, or tertiary substance were similar for civil commitment [IRR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.59] and reporting requirements for assessment and treatment purposes [IRR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00-1.47], although mandatory warning signs [IRR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.98] and priority treatment for pregnant women [IRR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-0.99] were associated with fewer treatment admissions. Priority treatment findings were not robust in sensitivity analyses. No other policies were associated with treatment admissions. Pregnancy-specific alcohol policies related to greater treatment admissions tend to mandate treatment rather than make voluntary treatment more accessible, raising questions of ethics and effectiveness.