High Level Of Risk Research Articles

Age Stratification and Prognostic Factor Analysis in Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is rare in the pediatric population. It remains unclear whether younger children are at greater risk of more aggressive disease. We aimed to identify prognostic factors for aggressive pediatric DTC and to define an appropriate age stratification. This retrospective cohort study included all patients aged 18 years or less who were treated for DTC between 1985 and 2021 in a tertiary medical center and were followed up for a minimum of 1.5 years after treatment. Seventy-eight patients were included, all diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma: 30 (38.5%) low-risk, 21 (26.9%) intermediate-risk, and 27 (34.6%) high-risk according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification. The mean duration of follow-up was 11.8 ± 7.8 years. No evidence of disease was documented in 52 patients (66.7%) at 1-year post-treatment and 64 patients (82.1%) at the end of follow-up. On analysis by age, evidence of disease at 1-year post-treatment was found in 66.7% of children younger than 11 years, compared to 25.4% of older children (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference by age in evidence of disease at the last follow-up (p = 0.453). Patients aged <11 years at diagnosis were associated with more aggressive disease features on histopathologic examination, metastatic disease, and high ATA risk level. Patients aged <8 years were associated with more frequent bilateral disease and extrathyroidal extension. Pediatric DTC patients who are younger than 11 years at diagnosis have more aggressive disease features and a lower early remission rate than older patients. Nevertheless, their long-term outcome is satisfactory. 4-retrospective cohort study Laryngoscope, 134:4818-4825, 2024.

Exploring the traits and possible ecological risks of heavy metals in biochars derived from rice husk and sugar beet pulp.

This research investigated the properties and potential environmental hazards associated with biochars derived from rice husk (RH) and sugar beet pulp (SBP), both of which are rich in heavy metals (HMs). The results indicated that the concentration of various HM fractions is significantly affected by the type of feedstock and the pyrolysis temperature. Specifically, the total concentrations of HMs in biochars produced at 600°C were found to be 10-140% higher than those in the original biomasses, a phenomenon attributed to the precipitation of HMs. Cd was a notable exception, exhibiting a reduction of 3-7% in the resultant biochars when compared to biomass, likely attributable to its volatilization. The results also revealed that the F1 + F2 fraction of HMs were largely transformed into F3 + F4 fraction during combustion, indicating that pyrolysis may reduce the ecotoxicity of HMs present in contaminated biomass. However, the process did not effectively diminish the F1 and F2 fractions of Cr and Cd. Elevated pyrolysis temperature significantly enhanced the reduction of HMs phytoavailability. Specifically, the phytoavailability of HMs in biochars produced at 600°C exhibited a decrease ranging from 10 to 92% when compared to the original biomass. Conversely, an unexpected rise in the phytoavailable fractions of Cr and Cd was noted in both RH and SBP biochars as the pyrolytic temperature increased, which correspondingly raised the potential ecological risk index (PERI). All materials analyzed exhibited a very high risk level, with PERI values exceeding 800, primarily due to the significant toxicity of Cd. Excluding Cd from consideration, the biomasses and their resultant biochars displayed PERI values ranging from 7 to 13. It is important to acknowledge that pyrolysis may not effectively diminish the environmental toxicity associated with HMs present in contaminated biomass, thereby limiting its safe application.

Spatial pattern, source apportionment, and source-oriented health risk quantifying of heavy metals in farmland soils of southern China.

The contamination of heavy metal has permeated many parts of China, especially in densely populated and industrialized southern China. This study focused on the degree of pollution in farmland soil heavy metals (HMs), and its spatial distribution characteristics and source apportionment. Meanwhile, we conducted an evaluation of the health risks attributed to soil HMs and analyzed the factors that impact them. We found that the distribution of five heavy metals is mainly concentrated in the east-central and southern parts of the study area. Specifically, Cd and Hg have high levels of pollution and present potential ecological risks. The pollution sources of five HMs were analyzed utilizing positive matrix factorization. The results revealed that the contribution of different sources keeps the following order: natural source (42.42%), agricultural activities (29.93%), industrial pollution source (20.49%), and atmospheric deposition pollution (7.16%). The non-carcinogenic risks to residents were acceptable, whereas the carcinogenic risks were relatively high. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the negative effects of Cr, As. Using structural equation modeling, we found soil property is a vital factor affecting soil contamination, with the soil organic matter and cation exchange capacity having a relatively greater impact on heavy metals pollution. Our study provides some data reference and guidance for soil ecological protection and restoration.

Analisis Tingkat Risiko Penyebab Rel Patah pada Jalur Kereta Api Wilayah Divre IV Tanjung Karang

The increase in the volume of passengers and goods in rail transportation in Indonesia has an impact on the condition of railway infrastructure, especially railway infrastructure. The main focus of this condition is the risk of rail damage, especially broken rails. So a holistic assessment approach is needed to identify the root causes and formulate appropriate treatment and improvement strategies. The aim of the research is to identify the factors causing the rail to break and analyze the causes. This research uses a risk level value analysis method by multiplying the results of probability and impact, thus producing a risk value. Risk variables such as extreme rain events, expansion in the alignment area, and mud pumping are high level risks. This is followed by medium, low and very low risks, according to the classification of each risk variable analyzed. Therefore, the priority scale for handling broken rail repairs is grouped based on the risk level value starting from the highest risk to the lowest risk. The conclusion is that risk variables such as extreme rain produce a risk value of IDR 296,881,200 with a probability value of 0.99% and an impact of IDR 29,988,000,000, expansion in the straight area produces a risk value of IDR 376,992,000 with a probability value of 1.10% and impact IDR 34,272,000,000, and mud pumping produces a risk value of IDR 394,128,000 with a probability value of 1.15% and impact IDR 34,272,000,000, these three risk variables are classified as high risk.

Environmental risks of plastic losses from landfills: A comparative study of divisional cities in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, where nearly 95% of landfills are unsanitary or open dumps, these sites are significant contributors to environmental plastic pollution, making it a critical issue for the country. This study presents a framework to quantify the risk index of plastic losses from landfills across the eight major divisional cities of Bangladesh. The assessment focuses on three key components: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The hazard index is derived from local weather and climate data, exposure is evaluated based on the proximity of water bodies and urban areas, and vulnerability is measured using population, landfill, and waste production data. The study employs a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to quantify and compare the levels of exposure, vulnerability, and overall risk among the cities. The results reveal that Sylhet is located in a severe hazard zone, Dhaka faces severe exposure and vulnerability, and Chittagong experiences very high levels of exposure and vulnerability. Overall, Dhaka is categorized as severe in risk, while Chittagong and Sylhet are classified as very high risk, with other cities at comparatively safer risk levels. Cities identified with severe to high-risk levels must urgently address plastic losses. This city-wise assessment provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, enabling them to identify and prioritize cities in urgent need of interventions to mitigate environmental plastic losses, and to focus on the reduction, substitution, and management of plastics.

Risk Factors for Developing Occupational Back Pain in Electronics Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Back pain is an occupation-related problem among workforces. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of back pain and the risk factors of occupational back pain among workers in the electronics industry. In total, 354 electronics workers in Thailand participated in the study. Data were collected using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire, the Job Content Questionnaire, and ergonomics risk assessment via the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Risk factors of back pain were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, providing adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that most workers were operators (92.09%) and had repetitive work (83.62%). A high ergonomics risk was observed in workers who stood during work (68.49%) and operated machines (71.70%). The 1-month prevalence of developing back pain was 20.62% and the significant factors correlated with back pain were low levels of job control and decision-making (ORadj = 2.26; 95% CI [1.26 ,4.05]), lack of exercise (ORadj = 8.30; 95% CI [1.35, 24.28]), repetitive work (ORadj = 2.94; 95% CI [1.19, 7.29]), and high ergonomic risk level (ORadj = 2.81; 95% CI [1.16, 5.07]). These findings suggest that measures should be implemented by empowering electronics workers to make decisions and control their jobs, as well as promoting health through muscle-stretching exercise, to support back pain prevention.

Multi-hazard risk assessment analysis in La Palma: an approach for risk mitigation

BackgroundLa Palma, like many regions of the world, may be affected by various hazards, with different levels of susceptibility, which have a greater or lesser impact on society. In this context, a multi-risk approached model capable of estimating the total risk faced by the territory is required, considering the different hazards to which it is exposed (floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides) and the different conditions of vulnerability of both the population and the exposed assets.MethodsThe methodology employed in this study has been referred to as "multilayer single hazard", which consists of the aggregation or superposition of hazards located in the same space. As usual, the identification of the individual hazard of each one of them was carried out using heterogeneous methods, which is why an index is proposed to homogenize the hazards and make them comparable with each other. On the other hand, the model also integrates a prototype to evaluate vulnerability from a multiple perspective (vulnerability by hazard) and shows the aggregated information in maps at a medium representation scale (definition of 250 m).ResultsThe risk integration results show that 5% of the island is at high risk levels. Simultaneously, the south of the island is presented as the area that shows the highest risk by combining a high hazard, especially related to volcanic hazards, and a high exposure, as it is home to a significant volume of population.ConclusionsThe proposed methodology is also interesting because it can be replicated in other areas of study.

A new framework for assessing and dealing with heat risk from an urban resilience perspective

Cities are exposed to increasing environmental threats, having undergone extensive land development and rapid urbanization. Clarifying the effects of urban resilience to risk can provide effective guidance for mitigating heat risk. To our knowledge; however, quantifying these effects from an urban resilience perspective has not been considered in previous studies. Here, we proposed the adaptation-resistance-response heat-related urban resilience assessment system. The system is integrated with the minimum cumulative resistance model to construct a novel heat risk assessment framework. A case study in Shenzhen, China, showed that resilience to heat had a high degree of spatial heterogeneity. More than half of the study area was at a moderate or high level of risk. Our study provided new insights into the differences in heat risk between urban and rural areas. The heat-risk gap between urban and rural areas was lower than that indicated by surface temperatures, due to the diffusion and attenuation of high temperatures. In addition, we discussed the application of resilience to risk governance and emphasize five governance models for risk zoning. The proposed framework facilitated a better understanding of the effect of resilience on risk mitigation, and our results can be used to guide urban planning and risk management.

Application of Earned Value Analysis Method and Earned Schedule Method to Time and Cost Control In Bank X Building Project

Construction projects are activities that must be completed within limited time and resources. This research aims to identify risky activities and make control efforts to reduce the level of hazard risk in the installation of steel box girder on the bridge. This research used a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with 60 respondents from 35 bridge projects. The results showed that there were 29 variables of work accident risk factors, including 3 variables with moderate risk levels, 24 variables with high risk levels, and 2 variables with extreme risk levels. The highest risk factors were mobilization that caused congestion and crane overturning during girder lifting that caused operators to fall. To reduce the risk level, efforts are made to ensure all work is done correctly, conduct regular safety inspections, and ensure an effective communication system in the installation of steel box girders on the bridge. The findings can serve as a basis for policy makers to develop better OHS regulations and guidelines, as well as provide valuable information for the development of more effective safety training programs for workers in the construction sector.

Preventing cardiovascular disease in at-risk patients: Results of a pilot behavioural health programme in general practice

Background The ‘High-Risk Prevention Programme’ (HRPP) involved a six-week health behaviour change programme based in general practices and aimed to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in disadvantaged Irish communities. Objectives This pilot study aimed to establish the HRPP’s likely effectiveness and acceptability to inform the development of a future definitive trial. Methods The HRPP was conducted at six general practices in disadvantaged areas in the Ireland East region. Patients with high CVD risk were recruited by participating practices and were allocated to either a General Practice Nurse (GPN) or Health Promotion Professional (HPP) led programme focusing on positive health behavioural change. Baseline and 12-month follow-up data were collected to capture the HRPP’s likely effectiveness in promoting health outcomes and health behavioural change. Results The HRPP programme was completed by 270 patients. Out of these 270 patients, 245 (90.74%) completed baseline assessments, and 176 (65.19%) completed follow-up assessments at 12 months. Baseline data indicated a high level of CVD risk among patients and follow-up demonstrated positive change in several areas, especially weight (−1.95 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (−0.72, p < 0.001), exercise during the last week ( p <0.001), and consumption of healthy fats in the HPP group (+60%, p < 0.001). Conclusion The HRPP was a much-needed pilot intervention, and positive results were seen in both GPN and HPP arms, especially with regards to weight loss, exercise, and dietary improvements. Future definitive trials of the HRPP are likely to be effective and acceptable in terms of combatting these issues among high-risk patients.

Association between dietary fiber intake and chronic kidney disease in adults with and without hypertension in the United States: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2009–2020

While previous research has highlighted the potential advantages of increasing dietary fiber intake (DFI) for managing hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is a gap in large-scale empirical studies examining the relationship between DFI and CKD among hypertensive and nonhypertensive cohorts independently. This study involved 22,871 participants sourced from the NHANES database spanning 2009 to 2020, who were divided into hypertensive (n = 9,861) and nonhypertensive (n = 13,010) groups. The analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between DFI and CKD prevalence across the sample after adjusting for various covariates (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, p = 0.001). Within the subset of hypertensive individuals, this inverse association mirrors the findings of the overall sample, indicating that a higher DFI was associated with a reduced occurrence of CKD (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, p < 0.001). However, this correlation was not detected in the nonhypertensive group (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.01, p = 0.285). The RCS analysis further confirmed a pronounced nonlinear inverse relationship between DFI and CKD prevalence in both the entire cohort and the hypertensive group but not in the nonhypertensive group. Further scrutiny of the hypertensive group revealed that individuals with a higher DFI had 33% lower odds of CKD progression for the moderate risk level and 36% lower odds for the high to very high risk level. Subgroup analyses confirmed the consistency of these relationships across various demographics. In summary, this investigation revealed a significant inverse relationship between DFI and CKD prevalence in US adults with hypertension, a relationship not observed in nonhypertensive individuals.

Unaccompanied homelessness among high school students across ten states: prevalence and risk in multiple domains

ABSTRACT Unaccompanied homelessness during adolescence is a risk factor for varied poor outcomes, yet enumeration efforts struggle to provide feasible results and few analyses consider how risk might differ for this group. We consider data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 10 states that asked about unaccompanied homelessness and sleeping arrangement. Students who experienced any form of homelessness were at higher risk for poor outcomes and other risk experiences. Few students reported both unaccompanied homelessness and usually sleeping in a homeless situation. Youth experiencing unaccompanied homelessness had higher risk for alcohol problems and lower risk for severe drug use and poor grades compared to students who experienced other forms of homelessness; otherwise they had similar levels of risk for poor outcomes. Results are consistent with the view that students who experience unaccompanied homeless are a distinguishable subpopulation of students who experience homelessness and are at high levels of risk of poor outcomes.

Toxicological characterization of the insecticide metofluthrin and assessment of the carcinogenic risk to human health due to its chronic inhalation effect

The aim of the investigation is the toxicological characterization and analysis of the danger criteria of the insecticide metofluthrin with an assessment of the carcinogenic risk to health caused by chronic inhalation exposure to the substance at the level of the maximum possible concentrations in the air environment of human life. The analysis of scientific reports of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the toxicological properties of metofluthrin was carried out. The assessment of the risk of the development of carcinogenic effects due to chronic inhalation exposure to metofluthrin was carried out taking into account the average daily dose of the substance that can enter the human body during the natural life span (LADD) and the carcinogenic potential factor (SF) in accordance with domestic guidelines. Classification of levels of carcinogenic risk was carried out using domestic and international approaches. It was established that the limiting criteria for the danger of metofluthrin are the average lethal concentration in air (LC50 =1080 mg/m³) and the size of the zone of chronic action (Zch=7.46), which characterizes the danger of occurrence of chronic intoxication due to long-term inhalation exposure. According to these indicators, metofluthrin is classified as a dangerous substance (hazard class 2). The key effects of the toxic action of metofluthrin are determined – neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The threshold non-genotoxic oncogenic potential of metofluthrin according to the phenobarbital type was established. Individual carcinogenic risk under different scenarios of chronic inhalation exposure to metofluthrin was calculated. The substance concentration of 3.54 mg/m³ leads to a high level of risk (1.5×10-3), which is considered unacceptable for production conditions and the population. At concentrations of 0.28 mg/m³ and 1.0 mg/m³, the risk is estimated as average and acceptable for production conditions (1.1-4.1×10-4). The risk of exposure to a concentration of 0.14 mg/m³ is classified as low and acceptable for the population (5.7×10-5). Thus, the results obtained in the study indicate that such concentrations of metofluthrin in the air as 0.14 – 0.28 – 1.0 mg/m³ are safe for human health, subject to compliance with medical and sanitary regulations at the stage of production and application of insecticides based on metofluthrin as prescribed.

Joint exposure to multiple air pollutants, genetic risk, and incident psoriasis: a large-scale prospective cohort study.

Air pollution and genetic risk have been found to contribute to both onset and development of psoriasis. However, the extent to which genetic susceptibility modifies the effects of air pollutants on the risk of incident psoriasis remains unknown. Our study aimed to assess the association between joint exposure to multiple air pollutants and the risk of psoriasis and the modification by the genetic susceptibility. This prospective study included 451,064 participants with complete air pollution data and free of psoriasis at baseline from the UK Biobank. All participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2010 and followed up to 2022. The air pollution score (APS) was calculated to assess the joint exposure to multiple air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) with diameters ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), between 2.5 and 10 μm (PM2.5-10), and ≤ 10 μm (PM10), as well as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). To evaluate the genetic risk, the polygenic risk score (PRS) for psoriasis was constructed. The Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of air pollution and genetic susceptibility with the risk of psoriasis. Stratified analyses were conducted based on the individual characteristics. During a median follow-up of 13.79 years, 4414 psoriasis events were recorded. The hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for psoriasis were 1.036 (0.936-1.147), 1.091 (0.987-1.206), 1.159 (1.048-1.283), and 1.163 (1.052-1.286) in higher quintile groups compared with the lowest quintile of APS (P trend <0.05). When considering genetic susceptibility, participants with high PRS and high APS had the greatest risk of incident psoriasis [HR (95% CI): 1.962 (1.630-2.362)] than those with low PRS and low APS. The HRs (95% CIs) for PM2.5-10, NOx, PM2.5 absorbance, PM2.5, NO2, and PM10 in the group with high exposure level and genetic risk were 1.831 (1.537-2.181), 1.722 (1.431-2.073), 1.698 (1.416-2.037), 1.619 (1.353-1.938), 1.504 (1.252-1.806), and 1.425 (1.192-1.704), respectively. Long-term exposure to various air pollutants is positively associated with an increased risk of incident psoriasis, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk. More comprehensive measures are needed to reduce the air pollution levels for better prevention of psoriasis.

The Relationships among the Urinary Iodine Concentration, Selenium Intake, and Thyroid Antibodies in Adults, Including the Interaction between Iodine and Selenium: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012.

The objective of this study was to examine the urinary iodine concentration (UIC)-thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) association and UIC-selenium intake interaction in U.S. adults. We analyzed 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data on ≥20-year-old adults (n = 6612). Their food and supplemental selenium intake was measured. The associations of the UIC and selenium intake with thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) positivity, and TAI were assessed via weighted multivariable logistic regression. Interaction and subgroup analyses were conducted. Nonlinear relationships were explored and visualized via restricted cubic splines (RCSs). Compared with a UIC 100~200 μg/L, a UIC 500~800 μg/L was associated with a 57% increased TPOAb positivity risk (OR = 1.57 [CI = 1.07-2.30]; p = 0.022), a one-fold greater TgAb positivity risk (OR = 2.00 [CI = 1.10-3.65]; p = 0.025), and a 62% increased TAI risk (OR = 1.62 [CI = 1.07-2.45]; p = 0.024). Nonlinear relationships between the UIC and thyroid antibody positivity were observed. According to the univariate models, each 1 μg increase in selenium intake was associated with a 0.049 IU/mL decrease in the TPOAb levels (β [95% CI] = -0.049 [-0.092--0.005]; p = 0.028). In the low-selenium group, a UIC of 200~300 μg/L was a risk factor for TPOAb positivity (p = 0.046). At a moderate level of selenium intake, a UIC of 300~800 μg/L significantly increased the TPOAb positivity risk (all p < 0.05). At a high level of selenium intake, the UIC and TPOAb positivity risks were not significantly associated (all p > 0.05). A UIC of 500~800 μg/L is an independent TAI risk factor. The selenium intake modifies the UIC-thyroid antibody positivity relationship, with the association disappearing at high selenium levels.

Pollution characterization and multi-index ecological risk assessment of microplastics in urban rivers from a Chinese megacity

Currently, a comprehensive understanding of the pollution risks of microplastics (MPs) in urban river ecosystems is still lacking. This study investigated the spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of MPs in surface waters of major rivers in Shenzhen, a megacity in China, using laser direct infrared (LDIR) imaging. A promisingly comprehensive risk assessment method, MultiMP, was first proposed in this study, taking into account the multidimensional characteristics of MPs including abundance, size, shapes, and polymer types. The results showed that MPs were widespread and highly heterogeneous, and the abundance of MPs ranged from 38 to 18380 particles/L, with an average of 2305 particles/L. Morphologically, polyamide (PA) (average 53.7 %), 30–50 µm (73.8 %), and pellet (65.7 %) were the predominant MPs types. Driving factors analyses revealed geographical distance, salinity, water temperature, and total nitrogen had relatively higher impacts on the abundance and morphology of MPs. The MultiMP results indicated that most of the river sampling sites and five major basins in Shenzhen were at moderate to high-risk levels. Polymer type and abundance had a relatively high impact on the environmental risk of MPs in the region. These findings contribute to improving the insights and management of the MPs pollution risks in megacity water bodies.

Assessment of the public health risk caused by exposure to atmospheric emissions from an aluminum plant

Introduction. Aluminum production is accompanied by emissions of pollutants that can negatively affect the environment and public health. The study aims to determine the impact of atmospheric emissions from an aluminum plant on the health of the population of the city of Novokuznetsk based on a risk assessment. Materials and methods. The volume of maximum permissible emissions of the Novokuznetsk Aluminum Plant was used in the work. Experts calculated the maximum and average concentrations of substances at 40 exposure points. The maximum permissible concentrations of substances were determined in accordance with SanPiN 1.2.3685-21. The authors calculated the carcinogenic risk and the risk of non-carcinogenic effects in accordance with the Guidelines 2.1.10.1920-04. They carried out the classification of risk levels based on methodological recommendations 2.1.10.0156-19. 2.1.10. Results. The authors have selected pollutants were for risk assessment: inorganic dust with a SiO2 content of &lt;20%, sulfur dioxide, benz(a)pyrene, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, suspended solids, nitrogen oxide, carbon (soot). The maximum concentrations were 0.1–3.77 MPC for inorganic dust (SiO2&lt;20%), 0.1–2.64 MPC for hydrogen fluoride and 0.05–1.74 MPC for sulfur dioxide; average concentrations were up to 9.16 MPC for benz(a)pyrene. The hazard indices for acute exposure are at an acceptable level; For chronic exposures, they correspond to alarming and high levels, reaching the highest value (13.469) at a point located closer to the sources of emissions. Hazard indices for critical organs and systems in acute exposures are at acceptable or minimum (target) levels, in chronic exposures they correspond to alarming and high-risk levels. The respiratory and immune systems are most affected. The total individual carcinogenic risk ranges from 4×10–7 to 8×10–6, without exceeding the upper limit of the permissible risk. Residents of the Kuznetsk district of the city are most affected by emissions. Limitations. The main limitation in the work carried out was the use of calculated concentrations of pollutants for risk assessment without the use of in-kind indicators. Conclusion. Elevated concentrations of pollutants were detected in the atmospheric air of residential areas adjacent to the territory of the aluminum plant, which determine alarming and high levels of non-carcinogenic risk to public health. Ethics. This study did not require the conclusion of the Ethics Committee.

Navigating complex riskscapes: the Koudiet Eddraouch GIS substation project in Sub-Saharan Africa

Learning outcomes Risk identification and qualitative assessment are the learning outcomes. Case overview/synopsis The Bharat Bijlee Construction Limited (BBCL) was one of the largest construction companies operating in the power sector in India. After successfully completing a few projects in the Middle East, BBCL decided to expand its presence into African region. The BBCL was awarded a $85m contract for three sub-station projects to modernise Algeria’s power grid system by the “Shariket Karhaba Koudiet Eddraouch Spa”, a state-owned company in charge of power generation, transmission and distribution in Algeria. The project, which is the first of BBCL in Saharan region in Algeria’s, presents many unique situations that company had never encountered before, including sand dunes, severe weather, remote locations, supply chain &amp; logistics, strict contractual deadlines and a high level of construction risk. The project manager for BBCL was sceptic about how well his company would perform under the present project circumstances. How could he better align himself with the client, the various on-site local contractors and the numerous suppliers spread around the world? The case emphasises the identification of various project risks that the project manager might encounter in the project. What do the PESTLE and ASCE frameworks for risk identification each represent, and how are they helpful for the project team in understanding various risks? How should the project’s qualitative risk assessment be conducted? And how can a heat map be a better tool for comprehending the criticality of each risk in the project? Complexity academic level Undergraduate and post graduate courses in project management, civil engineering and architecture domain. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 2: Built Environment.

Knowledge of the risks of ultraviolet radiation, sun exposure attitudes and practices among Lebanese university students

BackgroundExposure to Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Data about UVR risk knowledge and exposure behaviors in the Lebanese population are scarce. AimTo evaluate the association between UVR risks knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Lebanese university students in the aim of promoting primary prevention of skin cancer. MethodsWe conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study between January and March 2022. An online survey was sent to Saint Joseph University students in Lebanon consisting of 5 sections: sociodemographic data, skin and health status, UVR exposure and protection behaviors, attitudes towards exposure and risks’ knowledge. Descriptive analysis was conducted, in addition to bivariate analysis and logistic regression with sunburn and sunbathing as outcomes respectively. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. ResultsA total of 385 students responded to our questionnaire with a mean age of 23.59. 62.1 % reported at least one episode of sunburn during the last summer. The most common sun protective measure was sunscreen application; however, its frequency wasn’t satisfactory considering the high knowledge level of UVR risks. The most frequent barrier into applying sunscreen was its expensive price (42.4 %). Furthermore, positive attitudes towards tanning, particularly among women, and sunbathing were high. 75.1 % of students sunbathed for at least one day. ConclusionLebanese university students are aware of the risks of UVR risks; however, sunburn and sunbathing are common and protective behaviors are often not applied. Future awareness campaigns for skin cancer and promotion of sun safety are necessary.

Prevalence of Alcohol/ Substance Use among Christian Youth in Selected Churches in Kajiado County, Kenya

The last decade has witnessed a sky rocketing increase in alcohol and drug use, where it is estimated that 39.5 million people have substance use disorders (UNODC, 2023). It is opined that religion in the lives of youth can mitigate against alcohol and substance use, but research indicates that in spite of the religious beliefs, there is still a significant proportion of youth in churches who are involved in alcohol and substance use (National Study of Youth &amp; Religion, 2024). Christian youth grappling with alcohol and drug use are caught in between following that which is biblically acceptable versus the societal norms and culture (Swindell, 2010). Thus, investigating the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among Christian youth, is crucial to pinpointing the causative factors and developing targeted programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol/ substance use among Christian youth in four selected churches in Kajiado County, Kenya. It employed a descriptive research design with a sample size of 145 youth (14-35 years;73 male,72 female), who were actively attending Sunday services in the four churches. Data collection utilized the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test- ASSIST- LITE and a socio demographics questionnaire. The data was analyzed quantitatively in SPSS using frequencies and percentages. Findings from the socio demographic questionnaire inquiring on whether respondents ‘had ever used alcohol/substances’ showed that 53(36.6%) of the respondents affirmed that they had ever used alcohol, 12(8.3%) both khat and alcohol, 3(2.1%) khat, hash and alcohol while 5(3.4%) had ever used other substances and alcohol. The ASSIT-Lite inquired on alcohol and drug use in the past three months, where the most frequently used was alcohol at n=42(28.9%), then cannabis at n=27(18.6%), sedatives at n=14(9.7%), stimulants at n=10(6.9%), psychoactive substances at n=6(4.1%) and then opioids at n=3(2.1%). Of the alcohol/substance users, 12(8.3%), 7(4.8%) and 5(3.4%) were at high risk levels for alcohol, cannabis and stimulant use respectively. The study was informative in that, it revealed Christian youth were still grappling with alcohol/substance use, and hence, targeted psychological and behavioral interventions, alongside the church-based programs are necessary.