Hazardous Consumption Research Articles

Water insecurity and purchases of soft and sweet beverages: a case study in the obesogenic context of the Pacific Islands

Pacific Islands face challenges of low water accessibility and increasing climate threats posing risks to populations. These challenges are compounded by public health concerns related to poor nutritional outcomes and obesity. Using household survey data from Kiribati, this study contributes to the literature by analyzing the relationship between access to safe drinking water and risky behaviors leading to obesity. The findings reveal a significant negative association between access to a piped water system and purchases of soft and sweet beverages (SSB). Compared to households with a piped water system, those relying on groundwater and rainwater purchase 381 and 406 extra grams of SSB per week, respectively. Thus, improving access to safe water can be a relevant public policy to prevent hazardous beverage consumption and obesity, along with the already documented positive outcomes such policies can have for human health and economic development.

Prevalence and long-term change in alcohol consumption: results from a population-based cohort in Southern India

BackgroundAlcohol consumption in India is below the global average, with limited data on long-term effects. The current study aims to examine changes over time among alcohol consumers, the pattern of drinking and help-seeking for alcohol problems among South Indian men.MethodData on the intake of various alcohol types were collected through standard questionnaires in two adult follow-ups [Baseline: 1998–2002, Follow-up: 2016–2019] from male participants in the Vellore birth cohort (VBC). Alcohol intake was converted to weekly standard drink units for analysis. Data on drinking patterns using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and information on help-seeking among problem drinkers were collected during follow-up. Socio-demographic associations with alcohol consumption were determined using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption was 54.5% and 47.7% at the baseline and follow-up, respectively. Over two decades, 12% of men reported to have newly started drinking and 18% quit drinking. Lower education and lower socio-economic status (SES) were the strongest predictors of alcohol consumption. The AUDIT assessment among drinkers reported hazardous drinking of 38.4%, harmful drinking of 4.7% and 3.7% probable alcohol dependence. Among the persons with high AUDIT scores, 25% were concerned about high consumption, and 9% sought help to stop their alcohol consumption.ConclusionOur results showed a decline in alcohol consumption in this cohort over two decades. Among drinkers, a high proportion report hazardous and harmful consumption. Low levels of education and SES are significant predictors of alcohol consumption. A low proportion of help-seeking reflects alcohol-related stigma in the community.

Green chemistry in manufacturing: Innovations in reducing environmental impact

Green chemistry has emerged as a transformative approach in reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of how green chemistry principles are applied in various manufacturing sectors to minimize hazardous waste and energy consumption. The paper begins by outlining the core principles of green chemistry, highlighting their relevance to sustainable industrial practices. Key innovations in chemical engineering are discussed, focusing on waste reduction, energy-efficient processes, and the use of renewable raw materials. Through detailed case studies in the pharmaceutical, textile, and automotive industries, the paper demonstrates how the adoption of green chemistry has significantly reduced the environmental footprint of these sectors. The review also explores the challenges industries face in implementing green chemistry and the future direction of this field, emphasizing the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in driving further innovation. The findings suggest that while progress has been made, there are substantial opportunities for growth, especially in expanding the use of green chemistry across diverse industries. This paper concludes with recommendations for continued research and broader adoption of green chemistry to promote sustainable manufacturing.

The Impact of Minimum Wage Policy on Alcohol Use Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study in South Korea.

South Korea's 2018 minimum wage hike was examined for its impact on potential alcohol use disorders among affected individuals, using data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (2015-2019). The study sample was restricted to workers aged 19-64 employed over the study years. The treatment group was identified as those below minimum wages, and the control group as those earning more than minimum wages in 2016-2017 (n=3,117 control, n=578 treatment). Using outcomes derived from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, our results from difference-in-differences models showed that the 2018 wage hike was linked to a 1.9% increase in the 'high risk' of alcohol use disorder and a 3.6% rise in hazardous consumption in the treatment group. Notably, the effects were more pronounced among men and those aged 50-64. Additionally, we confirmed that the spillover effects extended to workers earning up to 20% above the minimum wage. This study underscores the unintended substance use risk of minimum wage policies in the East Asian context. As wage policies are implemented, integrated public health campaigns targeting at-risk groups are required.

A rapid literature review of the effect of alcohol marketing on people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem.

To explore the effect or potential effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. Relevant literature was identified by searching Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and PsycINFO (OVID) and relevant websites. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the findings. The review included 10 studies. Two quantitative and three qualitative studies focused on participants recovering from an alcohol use disorder and five quantitative studies on those with hazardous or harmful consumption levels of alcohol. The effect of alcohol advertising on alcohol use was only assessed in one study, a small experimental study of young adult heavy drinkers, which found no significant association. Studies looking at other outcomes found that people with or at risk of alcohol problems were likely to notice alcohol advertisements and find them appealing, and that advertisements may have an effect on positive alcohol-related emotions and cognitions. Among people in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, findings suggested that there could be an effect on craving, and that alcohol marketing may be perceived to trigger a desire to drink. Alcohol marketing is likely to have an effect on alcohol consumption in people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem. Studies have also found that alcohol marketing is perceived to act as a trigger by people in recovery from alcohol problems. A rapid review explored the effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. The findings of the 10 included studies suggest that an effect of alcohol marketing in these populations is likely.

Greening the pathways: a comprehensive review of sustainable synthesis strategies for silica nanoparticles and their diverse applications.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have emerged as a multipurpose solution with wide-ranging applications in various industries such as medicine, agriculture, construction, cosmetics, and food production. In 1961, Stöber introduced a ground-breaking sol-gel method for synthesizing SiNPs, which carried a new era of exploration both in academia and industry, uncovering numerous possibilities for these simple yet multifaceted particles. Inspite of numerous reported literature with wide applicability, the synthesis of these nanoparticles with the desired size and functionalities poses considerable challenges. Over time, researchers have strived to optimize the synthetic route, particularly by developing greener approaches that minimize environmental impact. By reducing hazardous chemicals, energy consumption, and waste generation, these greener synthesis methods have become an important focus in the field. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the various synthetic approaches available for different types of SiNPs. Starting from the Stöber' method, we analyze other methods as well to synthesis different types of SiNPs including mesoporous, core-shell and functionalized nanoparticles. With increasing concerns with the chemical methods associated for environmental issues, we aim to assist readers in identifying suitable greener synthesis methods tailored to their specific requirements. By highlighting the advancements in reaction time optimization, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly precursors, we offer insights into the latest techniques that contribute to greener and more sustainable SiNPs synthesis. Additionally, we briefly discuss the diverse applications of SiNPs, demonstrating their relevance and potential impact in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and cosmetics. By emphasizing the greener synthesis methods and economical aspects, this review aims to inspire researchers and industry professionals to adopt environmentally conscious practices while harnessing the immense capabilities of SiNPs.

From Hazardous Consumption to the Vulnerable Subject

From Hazardous Consumption to the Vulnerable Subject

Green-adapted spectrophotometric determination of fostemsavir based on selective bromophenol blue extraction; reduction of hazardous consumption using computational calculations

A computationally-assisted and green spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of fostemsavir, a recently FDA-approved drug used in combination with antiretroviral drugs to treat multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. The method was developed using computational studies and solvent selection based on green chemistry principles. The density functional theory method was employed to identify bromophenol blue as the preferred acid dye for efficient extraction of fostemsavir. The solvent selection process involved a careful evaluation of the green ranking of solvents, which led to the use of water as the solvent. The method involved the extraction of fostemsavir with bromophenol blue to form a yellow ion-pair complex, which exhibited maximally sharp peaks at 418 nm, enabling sensitive visible spectrophotometric determination of fostemsavir in bulk and pharmaceutical preparations. The extraction procedures were optimized, and the method was demonstrated to be sensitive over the concentration range of 2–12 μg/mL fostemsavir. Furthermore, the method was evaluated with respect to green chemistry principles using the analytical eco-scale, the green analytical method index, and analytical greenness metric approach, all of which confirmed that the data obtained by the proposed method were environmentally acceptable.

Development and validation of the help-seeking intention scale in university students with hazardous and harmful consumption of alcohol.

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been proposed as suitable to study help-seeking intentions. This paper aims to develop the IH-RHAC scale (Help-seeking intention in young adults with hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption) with the TPB. The objectives of the study were: (a) to analyze the structure, reliability, and validity of the instrument, (b) to identify whether attitude, subjective norm, self-efficacy, and past help-seeking would predict help-seeking intention, and (c) to assess concurrent validity. From a total of 2,011 students who responded to the surveys, the sample was made up of 263 university students aged 18 to 29 with hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption practices, who responded to an online questionnaire including the AUDIT, IH-RHAC, and a scale of barriers and resources for alcohol consumption. Partial least squares structural equations (PLS-SEM) were used to test the hypotheses about reliability, validity of the scales, and prediction of the constructs: attitude, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and help-seeking in the past about intention. Pearson's correlations were used to obtain evidence of concurrent validity. The results displayed favorable psychometric characteristics. The internal measurement model showed that attitude, self-efficacy, and prior help-seeking predicted a 27% help-seeking variance. Subjective norm did not predict intention. It has been concluded that this is an instrument with psychometric support that can contribute to designing and/or evaluating interventions that promote the students' search for help.

Awake and Alert: Examining the Portrayal of Energy Drinks on TikTok

PurposeEnergy drinks (EDs) are not recommended for minors' consumption due to a myriad of health risks, but marketing initiatives persist. This study explored the promotion of EDs on TikTok, a platform frequented by children and adolescents. Methods197 highly viewed videos from the four top ED-related hashtags on TikTok were coded for engagement variables, user information, sponsorship status, video content, and sentiment toward EDs. ResultsOf the 197 videos analyzed (combined 70 + million views), 29% disclosed sponsorship and 22% featured a child/adolescent. ED consumption appeared in 46% of videos, with 15% depicting hazardous consumption. Most videos (67%) had a positive sentiment toward EDs. DiscussionED-related TikTok videos are positively framed, have high engagement, and are not restricted for viewing by minors. As the platform's underage user-base grows, such videos may encourage heightened consumption. Given the known health risks, effective age-gated content restrictions are needed to reduce minors' exposure.

Prevalence and Predictors of Increased and Hazardous Alcohol Consumption in a Cohort of Older South Australian Men during COVID-19 Restrictions

Background: Increasing levels of risky alcohol consumption in older men observed in many countries, combined with trends for increased alcohol-related misuse by men during COVID, indicate a need to examine alcohol use by older men during the pandemic. Aim: To examine the prevalence and predictors of increased and hazardous alcohol consumption in older South Australian men during COVID-19 restrictions. Method: Data collected in the latest (eighth) wave of the Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) cohort study were interrogated. Participants were 746 community-dwelling older men (mean age 69 years) who completed a self-report survey on mental health, coping, COVID-related worries, and alcohol consumption during pandemic restrictions. Alcohol-related items asked about changes to overall consumption (analysed as increased vs. decreased/same) and number of standard drinks per occasion (analysed as <5 drinks [not hazardous consumption] vs. 5+ drinks [hazardous]). Two hierarchical binary logistic regressions were conducted to explore predictors of increased and hazardous alcohol intake. Results: Eight percent of men reported increased alcohol intake and nine percent reported hazardous alcohol consumption during COVID-19 restrictions. Being in a younger age group (‘younger old’; OR=0.46, 95%CI=1.03, 2.28), having mild to severe depressive symptoms (OR=1.39, 95%CI=1.10, 5.05), and greater concern about becoming sick with COVID-19 (OR=1.52, 95%CI=1.03, 2.28) were predictive of increased alcohol consumption during restrictions. Younger age group (OR=0.46, 95%CI=0.34, 0.62) and greater concern about becoming sick with COVID-19 (OR=1.67, 95%CI=1.13, 2.51) were also predictive of hazardous alcohol consumption during this time. Discussion: Men participating in longitudinal health study follow-ups may be less inclined to engage in unhelpful coping behaviours such as problematic alcohol use. Clinicians should regularly screen older men for risky alcohol consumption; a particular focus on screening ‘younger old’ men, those with more significant concerns around COVID-19, and those with depression symptoms may be warranted.

Taking the cat-and-mouse game to the next level: different perspectives on the introduction of the German New Psychoactive Substances Act

BackgroundTo counteract the spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and to prevent the emergence of novel substances, specifically designed as a response to the legal control of individual substances, a new law was introduced in Germany in 2016: the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). The NpSG combines a generic approach with the waiver of criminal liability for the acquisition and possession of NPS for personal use, which is a novelty in German narcotics law. The present study aimed at exploring the impact of the introduction of the NpSG from three different perspectives—NPS users, staff of addiction care facilities, and members of law enforcement authorities—to better understand the dynamics surrounding such a change in legislation and to contribute to the body of international experience in dealing with NPS.MethodsSemi-structured narrative interviews were conducted with a total of 193 representatives of the three different groups affected by the law. These interviews included questions on perceived changes associated with the introduction of the NpSG as well as questions on opinions regarding legal and criminal policy issues. The analysis was carried out using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.ResultsMost interviewees welcomed the non-criminalisation approach of the NpSG but also noticed that, in practice, not much has changed for users. Nevertheless, the changes in legislation have had an impact on the market. For example, novel substances have emerged circumventing the new legislation. According to users, this has led some to reduce NPS use and others to adopt more hazardous consumption patterns. Overall, most respondents did not expect the introduction of the NpSG to bring any significant changes.ConclusionsAlthough the idea of non-criminalisation inherent to the NpSG is appreciated and the generic approach has been well implemented in the law, thus covering a wide range of substances, the introduction of the law—perhaps for that very reason—has also had unintended and negative consequences, taking the cat-and-mouse game to the next level. To end the game, or at least to defuse the game situation, a combination of different strategies will be necessary, with legislation always playing a key role.

Environmental Impact of Polymer Fiber Manufacture

AbstractThis review focuses on the effects on the environment due to the production of polymer‐solvent solutions and the manufacture of polymeric fibers of thicknesses from a nanometer up to a millimeter using these solutions. The most common polymeric fiber manufacture methods are reviewed based on their effects on the environment, particularly from the use of hazardous materials and energy consumption. Published literature is utilized to analyze and quantify energy consumption of the manufacturing methods electrospinning, phase separation, self‐assembly, template synthesis, drawing and pressurized gyration. The results show that during the manufacturing stage of the lifecycle of polymeric fibers, pressurized gyration is more environmentally efficient primarily due to its mass‐producing features and fast processing of polymeric solutions into fibers, it also works best with water‐based solutions. Further green alternatives are described such as the use of sustainable polymers and solvents to enhance the environmental benefit. Overall, it is shown that the most effective method of curbing the environmental impact of manufacturing polymeric fibers is the use of nontoxic, water‐soluble polymers along with the evasion of toxic solvents.

The effect of alcohol marketing on people with, or at risk of, an alcohol problem: A rapid review

Abstract Background Little is known about the impact of alcohol marketing on people with, or at risk of, an alcohol problem. A rapid review of primary studies was conducted with the aim of exploring the effect of alcohol marketing in this population. Methods People with, or at risk of an alcohol problem were defined as people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. Searches for relevant literature were conducted through Medline, EMBASE and PsychINFO; reference list scanning and citation tracking of included studies; and grey literature searching of relevant websites. A narrative synthesis of included studies was undertaken. Results The review included 11 studies, which focused on participants recovering from an alcohol use disorder (AUD, 6 studies) and those with hazardous or harmful consumption levels of alcohol (5 studies). 7 studies were quantitative and 4 were qualitative. The effect of alcohol advertising on alcohol use was only assessed in one small experimental study of young adult heavy drinkers, which found no apparent effect. Studies looking at other outcomes suggested that a significant proportion of people with or at risk of alcohol problems notice alcohol advertisements and can find them appealing, and that advertisements may have an effect on positive alcohol-related emotions and cognitions. Among people in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, findings suggested that there could be an effect on craving, and that alcohol marketing may be perceived to trigger a desire to drink. Conclusions Several studies report effects of alcohol marketing which may translate into effects on consumption. There is also evidence that alcohol marketing is perceived to act as a trigger by people in recovery from alcohol problems. Further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to determine whether alcohol marketing has a causal effect on alcohol use in this population. Key messages • The findings of the studies included in the review suggest that an effect of alcohol marketing in people with, or at risk of, an alcohol problem is likely. • The impact of alcohol marketing on people with or at risk of an alcohol problem should be a concern for marketing regulators and a focus for future research.

Evaluation of a workplace alcohol prevention program targeted on managers' inclination to initiate early alcohol intervention.

Alcohol interventions targeting the adult population are often conducted in healthcare settings, while preventive interventions often target adolescents or young adults. The general working population is often overlooked. A workplace-based intervention, consisting of development and implementation of an organizational alcohol policy, and skills development training for managers (APMaT) was carried out in order to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms by identifying hazardous consumers at an early stage. This study aims to evaluate APMaT by focusing on managers' inclination to initiate early alcohol intervention. In a cluster randomized design, data were obtained from 187 managers (control: n = 70; intervention: n = 117). Inclination to initiate early alcohol intervention was measured using three items on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Changes in managers' inclination to intervene were analyzed by applying multilevel ordered logistic regression. Predictors included in the model were group (control vs. intervention), time (baseline vs. 12-month follow-up), and the multiplicative interaction term (group×time). Significant increase in inclination to intervene against hazardous alcohol consumption among managers in the intervention group compared to managers in the control group was observed. Specifically, a 50% increase of confidence to initiate an intervention was observed among managers in the intervention group. APMaT seems effective to increase managers' inclination to intervene early against hazardous consumption in the workplace. The effectiveness of APMaT at the employee level should be explored in prospective studies.

Alcohol exposure prior to pregnancy-does hazardous consumption affect placenta- and inflammatory-mediated pregnancy outcomes? A Swedish population-based cohort study.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is related to severe birth complications such as low birthweight, preterm birth and birth defects. During the last decade, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been used as a screening tool in Swedish maternal healthcare units to identify hazardous, pre-pregnancy alcohol use. However, evaluation of the screening with AUDIT, as well as adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes, has not been assessed at a national level. This was a population-based cohort study of 530 458 births from 2013 to 2018 using demographic, reproductive and maternal health data from the Swedish Pregnancy Register. Self-reported alcohol consumption in the year before pregnancy, measured as AUDIT scores, was categorized into moderate (6-13 points) and high-risk (14-40 points) consumption, with low-risk (0-5 points) consumption as the reference group. Associations with pregnancy- and birth outcomes were explored with logistic regressions using generalized estimating equation models, adjusting for maternal and socioeconomic characteristics. Estimates are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). High-risk and moderate pre-pregnancy alcohol consumption was associated with preeclampsia, preterm birth and birth of an infant small for gestational age (SGA), but these associations were nonsignificant after adjustments. Prior moderate-risk (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17-1.42) and high-risk consumption (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17-2.25) increased the likelihood of intrapartum and neonatal infections. Apart from identifying hazardous alcohol consumption prior to pregnancy and the offer of counseling, screening with the AUDIT in early pregnancy indicates a high risk of inflammatory-/placenta-mediated pregnancy and birth outcomes. For most outcomes, AUDIT was not an independent contributor when adjusting for confounding factors. Hazardous alcohol use prior to pregnancy was independently linked to intrapartum and neonatal infections; conditions associated with morbidity and long-term sequalae. These associations may be explained by alcohol-induced changes in the maternal or fetal immune system in early pregnancy or persistent alcohol intake during pregnancy, or may depend on unidentified confounding factors.

ECOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SOAKING AND ASH PROCESSES IN THE PRODUCTION OF LEATHER

Ecological and colloid-chemical features of soaking-ash processes in processing of raw cattle leather materials at production of elastic leather for uppers of footwear according to operating and developed resource-saving technologies are investigated. To evaluate the effectiveness of the technological processes used a set of physic-chemical and operational properties of leather semi-finished products at different stages of its formation to the finished material. Resource-saving ecologically oriented technology of soaking and ash processes in leather production for shoe uppers from raw salted conserved materials – bull skins has been developed. Physicochemical, technological and ecological features of existing and developed technologies are studied. The developed technology due to the increase of process temperature provides more efficient use of chemical reagents, reduction of concentrations of environmentally hazardous reagents, process duration and energy consumption per unit of output. At the same time, the total consumption of chemical reagents is reduced by 2.2 times, and in the waste technological solutions the concentration of sodium sulfide and calcium hydroxide – by 2.9 and 4.4 times, respectively. However, the developed resource-saving environmentally friendly technology is characterized by a reduction in biological and chemical oxygen demand for the destruction of organic and inorganic substances in the waste soaking-ash solution after treatment of 1 ton of raw materials by 30.0 and 21.0%, respectively. By reducing the duration of the technological process by 2.3 times, the new technology can be considered as energy efficient. The developed resource-saving technology provides the formation of leather material for shoe uppers with an increased yield of 3.9%, and its performance properties meet the requirements of DSTU 3115-95. The results obtained in the development of environmentally friendly resource-saving technology of soaking ash processes for footwear leather uppers from raw cattle leather materials can be effectively used in the development of new innovative technologies for the manufacture of leather materials from a wide range of other raw materials.

Contrasting a Mobile App With a Conversational Chatbot for Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

BackgroundMobile apps have shown considerable promise for reducing alcohol consumption among problem drinkers, but like many mobile health apps, they frequently report low utilization, which is an important limitation, as research suggests that effectiveness is related to higher utilization. Interactive chatbots have the ability to provide a conversational interface with users and may be more engaging and result in higher utilization and effectiveness, but there is limited research into this possibility.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a chatbot alcohol intervention based on an empirically supported app (Step Away) for reducing drinking and to conduct a pilot trial of the 2 interventions. Included participants met the criteria for hazardous drinking and were interested in reducing alcohol consumption. The study assessed utilization patterns and alcohol outcomes across the 2 technology conditions, and a waitlist control group.MethodsParticipants were recruited using Facebook advertisements. Those who met the criteria for hazardous consumption and expressed an interest in changing their drinking habits were randomly assigned to three conditions: the Step Away app, Step Away chatbot, and waitlist control condition. Participants were assessed on the web using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Adapted for Use in the United States, Readiness to Change Questionnaire, Short Inventory of Problems-Revised, and Timeline Followback at baseline and at 12 weeks follow-up.ResultsA total of 150 participants who completed the baseline and follow-up assessments were included in the final analysis. ANOVA results indicated that participants in the 3 conditions changed their drinking from baseline to follow-up, with large effect sizes noted (ie, η2=0.34 for change in drinks per day across conditions). However, the differences between groups were not significant across the alcohol outcome variables. The only significant difference between conditions was in the readiness to change variable, with the bot group showing the greatest improvement in readiness (F2,147=5.6; P=.004; η2=0.07). The results suggested that the app group used the app for a longer duration (mean 50.71, SD 49.02 days) than the bot group (mean 27.16, SD 30.54 days; P=.02). Use of the interventions was shown to predict reduced drinking in a multiple regression analysis (β=.25, 95% CI 0.00-0.01; P=.04).ConclusionsResults indicated that all groups in this study reduced their drinking considerably from baseline to the 12-week follow-up, but no differences were found in the alcohol outcome variables between the groups, possibly because of a combination of small sample size and methodological issues. The app group reported greater use and slightly higher usability scores than the bot group, but the bot group demonstrated improved readiness to change scores over the app group. The strengths and limitations of the app and bot interventions as well as directions for future research are discussed.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04447794; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04447794

Novel Salt-Assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Technique for Environmental, Food, and Biological Samples Analysis Applications: A Review

Background: Sample preparation has gained significant recognition in the chemical analysis workflow. Substantial efforts have been made to simplify the comprehensive process of sample preparation that is focused on green sample preparation methodology, including the miniaturization of extraction method, elimination of the sample pre-treatment as well as the post-treatment steps, elimination of toxic as well as hazardous organic solvent consumption, reduction in sample volume requirements, reducing the extraction time, maximization of the extraction efficiency and possible automation. Methods: Among various microextraction processes, liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) is most abundantly used in the extraction of the target analytes. The salting-out phenomenon has been introduced into the LPME procedure and has been raised as a new technique called the ‘Salt-Assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (SALLME)’. The principle is based on decreasing the solubility of less polar solvent or analyte with an increase in the concentration of the salt in aqueous solution leading to two-phase separation. Conclusion: SALLME is mainly based on the salting-out phase separation phenomenon. It is important to optimize the SALLME experimental parameters, such as solvent volume, salt amount, and extraction time, to achieve the maximum extraction capacity of the target analytes from the sample matrices. Conclusion: SALLME proved to be a simple, rapid, and cost-effective sample preparation technique for the efficient extraction and preconcentration of organic and inorganic contaminants from various sample matrices, including environmental, biological, and food samples. SALLME exhibits higher extraction efficiency and recovery and is compatible with multiple analytical instruments. This review provides an overview of developments in SALLME technique and its applications to date.

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption among University Students in Baghdad: A Cross-section survey from Iraq


 Background: Alcohol consumption is a well-known public health problem, especially among university students. It was poorly studied in Middle East, especially in Iraq, due to religious and social taboos. This study conducted to throw a light on the prevalence of Alcohol consumption among university students in Baghdad.
 Subjects and methods: A survey conducted in three universities (Baghdad, Al-Mustansiriyah and Al-Nahrain) from Baghdad city, in the duration between January and May 2015.A semi-structured questionnaire form used to collect the data from 1435 university students. The sample selected by multistage random sampling technique with probability proportion to size.
 Results: The average age (range) of the studied sample was 19.8 (18 - 24) years; more than a half of them were females 760 (53%). Alcohol consumption was reported by 9.7% (95%CI: 8.2% - 11.2%) of the participants (19.7% males vs. 0.8% females). Heavy Alcohol consumption was reported by 12.2% of consumers. Male students living out of their families or relatives and those of medical group colleges found to be risk factors for Alcohol consumption (PR= 2.65, 95% CI: 1.72 - 4.1) and (PR= 2.72, 95%CI: 1.48 - 5.01) respectively. No significant relations showed between demographic characters of female students and Alcohol consumption.
 Conclusions: Usage of Alcohol was relatively prevalent among university students in Baghdad, in spite of religious and social barriers in Iraq.
 Family and college staff supervision and education of the students with meetings targeting health risks and sequels of Alcohol hazardous consumption are the effective ways to control this practice.