Cr Values Research Articles

Geochemical characteristics and sources of heavy metal elements in the southern and western surface soils of Fengdu County, Chongqing

In order to explore the current situation and sources of heavy metal element pollution in the surface soil of the southern and western parts of Fengdu County, Chongqing. In this paper, the test and analysis results of 2955 surface soil samples collected from the project of "Chongqing Jiaoshi Dam Width, Liziwan Width, etc. a total of five 1:50,000 Land Quality Geological Survey" project were carried out. The single pollution index method and the land accumulation index method were used to evaluate the current status of heavy metal pollution in crops and soil. At the same time, correlation analysis and principal component analysis were performed. The results show that: (1) Compared with the soil heavy metal background in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, the average values of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in the study area are enriched to different degrees, except that the average content of Cr is lower than the background value. Among them, As, Cd and Hg elements were obviously enriched. (2) The calculation results of the single index of heavy metals in the surface soil showed that Cd pollution was the main in the area. Cu was only slightly to slightly polluted, and the number of lightly polluted samples accounted for only 0.07%. (3) The average Igeo trend of heavy metals in surface soil in the region was Cd>Hg>As>Pb>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr. As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr were mainly non-slightly polluted. Cd and Hg elements were heavily polluted, but the sample accounted for a small proportion. The overall display area is dominated by Cd element pollution. (4) The source analysis results show that As, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cr in the study area are mainly derived from the earth's crust. Its content is related to the geological setting. The pollution of Hg and Cd is likely to be affected by human activities, mainly from atmospheric deposition.

피지컬 리터러시(Physical Literacy) 측정 도구 PPLI(Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument)의 타당성 연구: 한국 중학생 대상

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate validation of the Korean PPLI questionnaire, which can measure an individual’s perceived Physical Literacy, for middle school students in South Korea.
 Methods The subjects consisted of 608 students (male: 317 and female: 291) from the 1st to 3rd grade at five public middle schools in D Metropolitan City of Korea. The Korean PPLI scale for this study was completed through translation, reverse translation, and content review by expert groups. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity analysis were performed, using SPSS 26 and AMOS 27 statistical program.
 Results The results showed that first, the total score of the study participants ranged from 10 to 44 points, with a mean of 33.11 and male students had higher average scores than female one in all sub-factors. Second, the results of CFA, Chi-square (x2=146.233, df=24, p<.001), RMSEA=0.092, RMR=0.51, GFI=0.948. IFI=0.947, TLI=0..921, CFI=0.947 showed acceptable model fit. And as a result of examining the factor structures, the three-factor model outperformed alternative models. Third, as a result of the convergent validity analysis, the factor loading (0.59-0.91) of all items meet the criterion (>0.5), AVE value ranged from 0.361 to 0.651, and CR value ranged from 0.629 to 0.847. And as a result of the discriminant validity analysis, factor 1 and factor 3 were judged appropriate under the two discriminant conditions, but factor 2 was judged inappropriate due to the low AVE value in the first discrimination condition (AVE>r 2).
 Conclusions Based on the results of this study, the Korean PPLI questionnaire scale was a valid and reliable measurement tool among Korean adolescents. Therefore, it is expected to be used as a useful tool for understanding the perceived Physical Literacy of Korean adolescents.

Risk Assessment and Sources Apportionment of Toxic Metals in Two Commonly Consumed Fishes from a Subtropical Estuarine Wetland System.

The widespread occurrence of heavy metals in aquatic environments, resulting in their bioaccumulation within aquatic organisms like fish, presents potential hazards to human health. This study investigates the concentrations of five toxic heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Cr) and their potential health implications in two economically important fish species (Otolithoides pama and Labeo bata) from a subtropical estuarine wetland system (Feni estuary, Bangladesh). Muscle and gill samples from 36 individual fish were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The results revealed that the average quantities of heavy metals in both fishes' muscle followed the declining order of Zn (109.41-119.93 mg/kg) > Cu (45.52-65.43 mg/kg) > Hg (1.25-1.39 mg/kg) > Pb (0.68-1.12 mg/kg) > Cr (0.31-5.82 mg/kg). Furthermore, Zn was found to be present in the highest concentration within the gills of both species. While the levels of Cu, Zn, and Cr in the fish muscle were deemed acceptable for human consumption, the concentrations of Pb and Hg exceeded the permissible limits (>0.5 mg/kg) for human consumption. Different risk indices, including estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic or target risk (TR), revealed mixed and varying degrees of potential threat to human health. According to the EDI values, individuals consuming these fish may face health risks as the levels of Zn, Cu, and Cr in the muscle are either very close to or exceed the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) threshold. Nevertheless, the THQ and HI values suggested that both species remained suitable for human consumption, as indicated by THQ (<1) and HI (<1) values. Carcinogenic risk values for Pb, Cr, and Zn all remained within permissible limits, with TR values falling below the range of (10-6 to 10-4), except for Zn, which exceeded it (>10-4). The correlation matrix and multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) findings revealed that Pb and Cr primarily stemmed from natural geological backgrounds, whereas Zn, Cu, and Hg were attributed to human-induced sources such as agricultural chemicals, silver nanoparticles, antimicrobial substances, and metallic plating. Given the significance of fish as a crucial and nutritious element of a balanced diet, it is essential to maintain consistent monitoring and regulation of the levels and origins of heavy metals found within it.

Impact of Radiotherapy on Radiation-Induced Brain Injury in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using Nano-Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study investigate the changes of white matter injury induced by radiation after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its association with cognitive dysfunction using multiple MRI methods. A total of 42 patients with NPC who underwent radiotherapy at xxx Hospital between December 2018 and June 2021 were included. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the timing of radiotherapy. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were used as MRI contrast agents. DTI and MRS scans were conducted to measure FA, ADC, NAA/Cho, Cho/Cr, and NAA/Cr ratios in the hippocampus of both temporal lobes. A cognitive assessment was performed using the MoCA and MMSE scales. After radiotherapy, patients experienced a decline in cognitive scores, which stabilized after 6 months. White matter changes were observed in the hippocampus, with decreased FA and increased ADC values that gradually returned to normal levels. Cho value increased and NAA value decreased initially but eventually returned to pre-treatment levels. No significant changes occurred in the Cr value. Metabolite ratios decreased within 3 months post-radiotherapy but gradually increased thereafter, remaining lower than pre-treatment levels at 6 months. Higher radiation doses did not significantly affect FA and ADC values but decreased white matter metabolite ratios. In conclusion, we reveal that the dosage and duration of radiotherapy can influence the degree of brain injury in patients with NPC and highlights the cognitive decline, white matter changes, and changes in metabolite ratios after radiotherapy for NPC, providing insights into the effects of radiation on brain structure and function.

Hydrochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations (ecological and human risk) of lake Rukwa

This study examined lake Rukwa's hydrochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels (ecological and health hazards). Results showed that the pH ranged from 8.83 to8.95, EC ranged from 1470 to 1572.22 µS/cm, and TDS ranged from 1053.04 to 1262.63 Mg/l. The findings revealed that lake Rukwa is characterized by Na-K-HCO3 water chemical type. Gibb's diagram revealed that rock weathering and evaporation regulate water's chemical composition. The calcite and sepiolite precipitation enriches the water with Na-CO3-SO4-Cl. The study suggests silicate mineral weathering, rock-water interactions, direct ion exchange, and secondary mineral precipitation govern the geochemical evolution of lake Rukwa. The results also revealed that 30% of samples had moderate ecological risk (30 < RI < 60), whereas 70% had severe risk (60 < RI < 120). The oral hazard quotient (HQ) values for lead (Pb) in children were significantly higher (HQ > 1) at all locations, indicating a potential health risk. However, the dermal HQ values were found to be within acceptable levels. Most sites had acceptable Hazard Index (HI) values, except for Pb in children and adults. In Monte Carlo simulations, heavy metal HQ values were below standard limits, except for oral Pb exposure, which exceeded 1 for adults (7.29E-04) and children (2.79E-03). The average CR values for oral and dermal Pb in adults (7.29E-04, 3.47E-04) and children (2.79E-03, 1.02E-03) exceeded 1.0E-04, suggesting carcinogenic potential. These findings highlight significant oral and dermal carcinogenic hazards from Pb exposure to lake Rukwa and the necessity for effective comprehensive measures to mitigate these risks.

Metode AHP Untuk Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Sekolah Sadar Lalu Lintas

Traffic conscious school covers various aspects that influence the effectiveness and accuracy of traffic education program evaluation. A structured and comprehensive approach is needed involving all stakeholders to update and adapt the traffic conscious school strategy to suit needs and developments. DSS is proposed to support traffic conscious school decisions using the website based AHP method. DSS was built adopting the XP Model with planning, design, coding and testing stages. Planning consists of functional and non functional requirements. The design contains application designs and AHP calculation designs with a CR value of 0,04 for 5 criteria 4 sub criteria, which means they are consistent. The highest priority value is 048 for the teacher and human environment criteria, while the lowest is for the object environment criteria. The test results show there is no difference between manual calculations and the proposed system. DSS can support stakeholder decisions to adopt traffic conscious school policies and strategies.

The Indonesian Version of the Skills, Confidence, and Preparedness Index (SCPI) was tested for reliability and validity in type 2 diabetes patients

Although several diabetes self-care management tools have been created, very few provide preparation for diabetes self-care behavior management. Three essential components of diabetes self-care management are measured by the assessment tool "Skills, Confidence &amp; Preparedness Index (LMC) (SCPI)": Knowledge of skills, Confidence in one's ability to use skills, and Readiness to put skills into practice. This study aims to validate, translate, and adapt the SCPI for usage with Indonesian adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Evidence Based Medicine Committee (AAOS) criteria for modifying the scale were adhered to in this study. Evaluate average variance, Cronbach alpha, and composite reliability to test validity and reliability. Specifically, determinant coefficient testing and model appropriateness testing are used to assess goodness of fit. Examine the valid R-squared statistical value for every relationship to determine the test. If the p-value is less than 0.05, then there is a direct and indirect association to be seen if the variable is significant Result: Cronbach's alpha &gt; 0.60 indicates strong internal consistency for the Indonesian SCPI version or I-SCPI. For every variable, the AVE value is larger than 0.50, while the CR value exceeds 0.70. This indicates that all legitimate indicators converge to form the variables for which they are intended. The R-Square values of 0.312 and 0.536 for the variables of preparedness and confidence are used to calculate the degree of good fit. This number indicates that the Preparedness variable is only partially explained by the Confidence and Preparedness variables (5.36%), with other variables accounting for the remaining 94.64%. Furthermore, the Skill/Knowledge, Confidence, and Preparedness factors account for only 3% of the variance in the Confidence variable, with the remaining 97% explained by variables outside the model. Conclusion: We developed an Indonesian version of SCPI through cross-cultural translation and adaption. The I-SCPI is reliable and valid for assessing the level of self-management in type 2 diabetes patients in Indonesia

Source apportionment and health risk assessment of PM10 bound carbonaceous and elemental species in the central Himalayas

In this extensive investigation, the sources and health risk assessment of carbonaceous aerosols, as well as the elemental compositions (Ca, Al, Fe, S, K, Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, Cr, Cu, Mn, Cs, P, Y, Sb, Ni, Sn, F, Sr, Br, Pm, U, Pb, Th, Br, Rb, and V) of PM10, were conducted throughout January-December 2021 in Nainital, a central Himalayan region of India. The average annual mass concentration of PM10 was determined to be 64±6 µg m-3. Carbonaceous aerosols (CAs), comprising OC, EC, WSOC, and SOC, exhibited annual averages of 9.3±0.8 µg m-3, 4.9±0.5 µg m-3, 1.5±0.2 µg m-3, 2.7±0.2 µg m-3, and 2.97±0.45 µg m-3, respectively. The elemental composition featured major contributors such as Ca, Al, Fe, S, and K, alongside trace levels of various elements (Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, and Cr). Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified six primary contributors to PM10, each with varying percentage contributions: crustal/soil/road dust, soil re-suspension, combustion, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The health risk assessment revealed elevated Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Cr and Mn in children, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk. Adults exposed to high Cr levels may face potential carcinogenic risks, while elements like Al, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni pose no health hazards, aligning with USEPA guidelines.

Menilai Kinerja Keuangan Dengan Analisis Rasio Likuiditas Pada PT Bank Negara Indonesia Pada Tahun 2019-2020

Banking is an industry in the financial sector which can be interpreted as the backbone of the economic and financial system in Indonesia as well as being a channel of funds to the community in order to achieve equitable development, and to assess the financial performance of a bank you can look at its financial reports as an indicator. Financial reports are transactions in and out of banking with monetary and economic value which are recorded in a report. The aim of this research is to analyze the increase or decrease in Bank Negara Indonesia's financial reports for the 2020 period using descriptive and quantitative methods using the liquidity ratio method as a measuring tool. The results of research on liquidity ratios at Bank BNI for the 2019-2020 period show that BNI's CR calculations in 2019 and 2020 are below the ideal standard (100% or 1:1), but not below the minimum standard (80% or 0.8 :1)2. In 2019 and 2020, BNI's CR value cannot be considered to have a poor level of liquidity. BNI's QR value in 2019 was 10.0% and in 2020 it was 10.1%. Ideally, QR is 100% or 1:1, and the minimum is 80% or 0.8:1. If the QR is below the predetermined standard, then the level of liquidity is considered to be poor. In 2019, BNI's LDR value was 89.0%, which is below the ideal standard (94.75%). In 2020, BNI's LDR value was 79.5%, which is lower than the minimum standard (93.75% - 97.50%) and the ideal standard (94.75%). Based on this data, BNI's liquidity level in 2019 and 2020 is limited and cannot be considered good.

Quantification of Heavy Metals in the Nasal Turbines of Smokers and Nonsmokers.

Cigarette smoke is known to contain toxic heavy metals. In this study, heavy metal levels in the nasal turbinate tissues of smokers and nonsmokers were measured and compared with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Forty patients who come to the Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic due to nasal obstruction and are given an appointment for partial turbinate reduction operation due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy, according to their smoking status, were divided into two groups: those who had smoked one pack/day for at least 10 years and those who had never smoked. The levels of heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, and Ag) were compared by ICP-MS in nasal turbinate tissues. Al (p = 0.002), Cr (p < 0.001), Co (p < 0.001), Ni (p = 0.001), Cu (p < 0.001), As (p < 0.001), Se (p < 0.001), Ag (p < 0.001), Cd (p = 0.001), Ba (p = 0.008), Hg (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.001) values in the smoker group were found to be significantly higher than the values of nonsmokers. Although the Mn level was high in smokers, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.299). Smoking can cause nasal and sinus problems. In this study, we observed that the smoking group had significantly higher levels of almost all the heavy metals investigated in the nasal turbinate tissues. As smoking damages, the mucociliary system and the mucosa, heavy metals from cigarettes may accumulate further and cause harm to the nasal tissues. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3562-3567, 2024.

Development of Electronic Portfolio Attitude Scale

The aim of this study is to develop an electronic portfolio attitude scale (EPAS) for prospective teachers. The scale, which was prepared during the scale development phase, was applied to 524 prospective teachers studying in the third and fourth grade. Exploratory factor analysis results (EFA) showed that 40 items in the scale were gathered under three factors. These are: "benefit for the student", "denial (negation)" and "effectiveness in terms of the instructional process". The three-factor structure obtained by confirmatory factor analysis was confirmed. When these factors are evaluated together, their contribution value to the total variance is 39.37%. Factor loadings were found to vary between .33 and .71. However, according to the results obtained in the item analysis, it was determined that all the items in the scale were distinctive. In addition, it is seen that the CR value is greater than .70, and the dimensions of the scale fulfill the composite reliability requirement. In addition, as a result of ANOVA, it was revealed that the attitudes of prospective teachers towards e-portfolio differ significantly according to their knowledge about e-portfolio and their competence in using technology. The McDonald’s ω coefficient (known as congeneric reliability) of the three factors in the scale were .97, .91 and .88, respectively, and the McDonald’s ω coefficient for all items of the scale was .96. As a result of the reliability and validity analysis, it was concluded that the electronic portfolio attitude scale is a reliable and valid measurement tool for prospective teachers.

Preparation of iron composite filler for PRB technology and its application in the removal of toxic metals(loids) from groundwater

Iron-based materials have garnered significant research interest due to their high surface reactivity, exhibiting potential for remediating metal(loid)s in groundwater. However, agglomeration and blockage limit its long-term and stability performance in application in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology. In this study, three innovative and low-cost iron composite fillers were prepared using a mass-producible impregnation method and applied as fillers for PRB. Static sorption and dynamic column experiments were conducted to assess the long-term performance of these composites to remediate multiple toxic metals(loids) contaminated groundwater. The results showed that the iron composite fillers had the excellent adsorption capacities for Co(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI) and As(III) from simulated contaminated groundwater even under the interference of Fe(III) and Mn(II). The pH of the influent favored the adsorption of toxic metals(loids) by the iron composite fillers in the order of 3.00＞5.00＞8.00＞7.00＞9.00＞6.00. The overall adsorption process was more consistent with the quasi-secondary kinetic equation. The corresponding constant values of Cr, Co, Cu, and As on CZ were 0.022, 0.093, 0.756, and 0.342 h−1, respectively. And that of CP-I and CP-II were 0.004, 0.022, 0.001, 0.126, 0.008, 0.041, 0.001, and 0.154 h−1, respectively. The specific surface area of the composite zeolite (Na92Al92Si100O384) and composite pumice was 48.185 m2/g and 0.63 m2/g, respectively. The dynamic column experiment was run steadily for 40 days, during which the average removal rates of toxic metals(loids) were above 95% and approximate 20 times its own volume of contaminated water was purified. FeO(OH) on composite zeolite and Fe3O4 on composite pumice played a dominant role in the removal of toxic metals(loids). The toxic metals(loids) adsorbed in the PRB were mainly in a stable phase of residual fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction, making them less likely to cause secondary pollution problems.

Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Friendship Qualities Scale (FQS) in Adolescents

Friendship is a relationship that cannot be separated from human life. Friends are the most important thing for social needs for teenagers. Among the factors that influence the success of a friendly relationship is the quality of the friendship. The quality of friendship affects the success of social interaction with peers. The thing to do in knowing the quality of friendship in adolescents is to extract assessment data with standardized and standardized measuring tools. This study aims to adapt The Friendship Qualities Scale (FQS) to Indonesian language and culture and to analyze its psychometric characteristics. In scale translation, this study uses a backward translation technique. The range of Aiken's V index values for each item is between 0.58-1.00. The process of testing the validity using Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), showed that from 23 items, there were 22 valid items with a factor loading value range of 0.58-1.00 (n=426). The results of the analysis on the Indonesian version of the FQS show that the CR value is 0.94 and the AVE value is 0.44. The AVE value is less than the threshold (AVE &gt; 0.50), but it is still acceptable because it meets the requirements. The Indonesian version of The Friendship Qualities Scale can be used by counselors for clinical purposes or by lecturers and students for research purposes.

Renal function in pediatric urologic surgical patients: Insight from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program—Pediatric cohort

Abstract Background Renal protection is a frequent indication for urological surgery in pediatric patients; however, preoperative assessment is not routinely performed. We assessed the rates of preoperative renal function testing and stratified outcomes after major pediatric urological surgery. Pediatric urology patients, specifically high-risk patients undergoing genitourinary surgeries, are likely to have an underdiagnosis of renal dysfunction after surgery. Materials and methods Cases were identified from the 2012 to 2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program—Pediatric database. Patients who underwent major urological surgery on an inpatient basis were included in this study. Abnormal renal function was defined as a creatinine (Cr) level of ≥0.5 mg/dL (younger than 2 years) and a glomerular filtration rate of &lt;90 mL/min (2 years or older). Glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the bedside Schwartz equation (2 years or older): estimated glomerular filtration rate = 0.413 × (height/Cr). Results A total of 17,315 patients were included, of whom 3792 (21.9%) had documented Cr values. Based on the defined criteria, abnormal renal function was found in 7.3% of infants (younger than 2 years), 33.6% of children (2–9 years), and 52.5% of adolescents (10–18 years). Patients with abnormal preoperative renal function values were significantly (p &lt; 0.001) more likely to experience readmission (10.2% vs. 5.8%), reoperation (3.7% vs. 1.6%), surgical organ/space infection (0.9% vs. 0.4%), transfusion (1.5% vs. 0.6%), renal insufficiency (1.6% vs. 0.4%), or urinary tract infection (5.1% vs. 3.6%). Conclusions In this pediatric population, 21.9% of the patients had documented preoperative Cr values before major urological surgery. Patients with documented abnormal preoperative renal function tests experienced higher complication rates. These patients have higher rates of progressive renal insufficiency and acute renal failure than those with normal renal function. The introduction of a standardized and unbiased risk assessment tool has the potential to offer patients benefits by pinpointing individuals with a heightened risk of complications. Further investigation is necessary to enhance the precise categorization of at-risk patients.

Trace elements in commercially available infant formulas in Iran: Determination and estimation of health risks

Infants are significantly more vulnerable to trace elements from their foods. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the concentrations of some trace elements namely; arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and lead in infant formulas sold in Iran and to estimate the potential health risks to the infants through consumption of these products. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in infant formula samples were 0.006, 0.040, 0.3980, 2.014, 0.166 and 0.285 mg/kg, respectively. The mean levels of the trace elements were in the following order: Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > As. For arsenic, cadmium and copper, calculated EWIs (estimated weekly intakes) were within the PTWIs (provisional tolerated weekly intakes) recommended by FAO/WHO. For chromium, nickel and lead, the calculated EWIs were higher than the PTWIs in 88.8 %, 75 %, and 61.1 % of the formulas. HQs of Pb, Cu, Cd and As were above the safe limits, indicating health concerns from the consumption of some infant formulas. Based on the CR classification, CR values of some elements including Cd, Cr and Ni were above 1 × 10−4 in some brands, indicating that exposure to these elements from infant formulas may cause health risks. Therefore, regular monitoring of all the raw materials, stages of production and storage of infant formulas is essential to limit the exposure of this vulnerable age group to toxic trace elements.

Pengaruh Wisata Halal Terhadap Kepuasan Wisatawan Dan Dampak Moderasi Religiusitas Di Sumatera Barat

Halal tourism is believed to be one of the factors that influence the satisfaction of Muslim tourists, but the satisfaction of Muslim tourists also depends on the level of religiosity they have. The high or low level of religiosity of a tourist will also have an impact on behavioral intentions towards loyalty related to customer satisfaction. studies on the impact of religiosity are still very limited, therefore religiosity is used as a moderating variable to find answers to the influence of halal tourism on Muslim tourist satisfaction. This study uses a quantitative approach that aims to determine the relationship between variables, the analysis tool uses SEM analysis with the AMOS application. Based on Hypothesis Test Halal tourism has a positive and significant impact on tourist satisfaction. This can be seen from the CR value of 6.276&gt; 1.96 and P value 1.96 with a P value of 0.004

Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Water of Changshou Lake Reservoir, Chongqing

To understand the water pollution status and environmental risks of Changshou Lake, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in the water were collected and analyzed during different seasons. The study investigated temporal and spatial variations, distribution characteristics, pollution levels, and health risks associated with heavy metals in Changshou Lake. The results showed that all six heavy metals were below than the Class Ⅰ standard of the Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (GB 3838-2002), but recent years have witnessed an increasing trend, with Cu, As, and Pb showing a significant increase (P<0.05). The temporal and spatial distributions of these heavy metals were different. Temporally, Cr and Cd concentrations in surface water were higher in summer, As and Zn were higher in spring, and Pb and Cu were higher in autumn and winter. Spatially, the concentrations of Cr, As, Cu, Zn, and Pb showed higher concentrations in the southern outlet of the reservoir, the northwestern Longxi River inlet, and the central part of the reservoir, whereas Cd was higher in the northern stagnant area. The overall levels of heavy metals in the water body of Changshou Lake were low, with Cr and Cu slightly polluted, while other heavy metals were identified as having an insignificant pollution level. Drinking water was the primary exposure pathway to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic heavy metals in surface water bodies. The health risk values of Cr and As in water bodies were high, ranging from 6.2×10-10 to 3.0×10-4 and 5.1×10-8 to 3.9×10-5, respectively. The corresponding contribution rates for children and adults to the total health risk were high, with Cr accounting for 87.18% and 87.20%, respectively, while As accounted for 12.73% and 12.71%, respectively. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize environmental risks associated with Cr and Cu, as well as the health risks associated with Cr and As in Changshou Lake These findings provide a scientific foundation for water pollution control and environmental quality improvement in Changshou Lake, and rational development and utilization of water resources.

The comprehensive strategy in the human health risk assessment of total chromium impurities in cough syrups with Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) available in Polish pharmacies: regulatory aspects and special emphasis on Cr(VI) mode of action

Chromium, which can currently only be considered pharmacologically active and not an essential element, is a very intriguing elemental impurity in final pharmaceutical products, especially traditional herbal medicinal products. This kind of traditional herbal medicinal product with Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L., radix) registered in the EU is widely used among the European population. The aim of this article is to propose a double regulatory strategy in assessing the human health risk of total chromium impurities in cough syrups with Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) available in Polish pharmacies. We applied the strategy based on the requirements of the ICH Q3D (R1) guideline for the assessment of Cr impurities in final traditional herbal medicinal products with Marshmallow Root registered in the EU. Furthermore, we applied the strategy based on the concept of margin of exposure (MoE) considering Cr(VI) genotoxicity mode of action (MOA) and based on BMD10 for Cr(VI) as a point of departure (PoD). The total Cr content was in the range: 1.12–9.61 µg/L (in comparison with the ICH Q3D R1 guidelines: 1100 µg/g). Total Cr levels in a single dose were relatively high compared to raw results, but were not a threat to patients. Comparison of estimated results with oral PDE value for Cr in final drugs suggested by the ICH Q3D R1 guideline (10,700 µg/day) show that all the products analyzed were below this value (the highest result was 278.40 ng/day). Despite conservative assumptions, the MoE values obtained for Cr in daily dose for each Marshmallow Root cough syrup were above 10,000; therefore, exposure to Cr would not cause a health risk for specific population groups (children and adults). It can be summarized that each of the phytopharmaceuticals analysed with Marshmallow root available in Polish pharmacies does not represent a health hazard to patients. We confirm the safety of Cr impurities by applying a double regulatory strategy without the application of an expansive and demanding HPLC-ICP-MS technique for Cr speciation.

Mediterranean Wildfires’ Effect on Soil Quality and Properties: A Case from Northern Euboea, Greece

Mediterranean Wildfires’ Effect on Soil Quality and Properties: A Case from Northern Euboea, Greece

The Development of A Scale to Measure The Fear of Earthquake

This study aims to develop a scale to measure the fear level of individuals towards earthquakes. The population of the research consists of individuals who were directly and indirectly affected by the earthquake that occurred in Kahramanmaraş province of Turkey on 6 February 2023. The sample of the research consists of 357 people who voluntarily participated in the survey. Data were collected through an online survey. Experts’ opinions, literature review and pilot study were utilized in the creation of the scale items. Psychometric properties of the scale were analyzed by test-retest, calculation of internal consistency coefficient, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and calculation of CR and AVE values. It was observed that the internal consistency levels, structure and adaptive levels of the statements on the scale of fear of earthquakes were very good. In addition, the validity and reliability of the scale were revealed through explanatory factor and confirmatory factor analyses. It was concluded that the earthquake fear scale is a measurement tool that can be used to measure the level of fear of earthquakes in Turkey and in the world.