Hygienic Point Research Articles

Research on Food Safety of Certain Dairy Products

Food hygiene control is essential for any product. Microbiological analysis is closely related to food safety. The purpose of the research was to carry out microbiological and organoleptic analyses of kefir and cheeses in the context of food safety, as well as to verify the conformity of the information on the product labels with the requirements of the Law of the Republic of Moldova no. 279 on informing consumers about food products. The presence of conditionally pathogenic bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family was not detected in the kefir samples, indicating that the analysed kefir samples are safe for consumption. The results of the microbiological research of 6 cheese samples show that these products are not safe for consumption from a hygienic point of view. The presence of Salmonella bacteria was detected in all samples.

Assessment of hygiene of slaughter and distribution of bushmeat in Zogbodomey municipality

Bushmeat production process influences its quality. The objective of the study is to take stock of the hygiene of slaughter and distribution of bushmeat in southern Benin. Therefore, data on the bushmeat production process were collected and analyzed for wild species slaughtered or captured in the village of Tègon. It has been found that except for snakes and ruminants, two types of bushmeat production schemes were used according to the practices identified by category of wild species: small mammals and birds. The first type (Practice 1) was done without application of fresh blood to carcasses and the second one (Practice 2) was characterized by application of fresh blood to carcasses just after evisceration. Tools used by operators in general were poorly maintained from the hygienic point of view. No operator had a specific location suitable for storing tools. Operators did not wear mufflers, clean gloves, clean clothes and appropriate footwear. The state of animal health also remained unknown to all these operators. There was no cleaning and disinfection program for processing areas and work tools. Forward movement was not practiced at any meat processing station. Among the respondents, 3.16% did not wash carcasses, 46.88% did it poorly (with dirty water or water already used) and 50% did it unsufficiently (with very little water). Blood applied to carcasses was not cleaned by 3.13% of respondents, poorly cleaned (with dirty water) by 40.63% and unsufficiently cleaned with a little water by 56.25%. The study shows that in Tègon, the bushmeat production process is not hygienic and measures must be taken to protect the health of consumers.

Stabilization of biomass in manure effluent using the thermophilic-aerobic process

Aerobic-thermophilic stabilization of biomass is crucial in improving the processing processes of manure. This method makes it possible to achieve effective and stable processing of organic materials contained in manure using aerobic microorganisms and elevated temperatures. The aerobic-thermophilic process includes the action of oxygen and high temperature, which contribute to the active decomposition of organic substances in manure runoff. The increased temperature helps to create optimal conditions for the action of thermophilic bacteria, which accelerates the process of biological decomposition. Studies show that aerobic-thermophilic treatment of manure effluents helps to reduce the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms and ammonia. This contributes to obtaining cleaner and environmentally safe manure suitable for use in agriculture. Advantages of aerobic-thermophilic stabilization: Faster recycling process compared to traditional methods. Reduction of odors and risk of pathogen contamination. High quality and efficiency of produced manure. Aerobic-thermophilic stabilization of biomass in manure processing is a promising direction in improving modern waste treatment technologies. Its implementation contributes to improving the quality and safety of manure and the effective use of these resources in agriculture. Research and development of this method are essential for achieving sustainable and ecologically clean agricultural production. It has been established that liquid manure of enterprises with intensive milk and pork production technologies with hydraulic manure removal systems with a humidity of 92–96 % should be subjected to aerobic fermentation in an auto thermal mode, as a result of which products are obtained that are safe from a sanitary and hygienic point of view. In addition, the loss of nutrients is reduced. which determines the quality of organic fertilizers. Established that liquid manure businesses for technology-intensive milk production and pig manure removal by hydraulic systems with humidity 92–96 % of it are advisable to expose aerobic biofermentatsiyi in autothermal mode, which allows you to get the products in a safe sanitary and hygienic attitude and reduce the loss of nutrients that determine the quality of organic fertilizers.

The effect of different cooking methods on sensory attributes, physicochemical properties, and microbial safety of ostrich meat (Struthio camelus).

The present work aimed to determine the impact of various cooking methods on sensory attributes, microbial safety, and physicochemical characteristics of ostrich meat to specify the best cooking method that guarantees the microbial safety of the meat as well as maintains nutritional values and is highly attractive to consumers. One hundred fresh leg muscles of ostriches were divided into five groups. Different cooking techniques were used for each group, as follows: roasting, boiling, grilling, frying, and microwaving. Each method was examined by evaluating the impact of various cooking methods on sensory attributes, proximate chemical analysis, protein and fat oxidation parameters, microbial load, changes in color, and the shear force of ostrich meat. The oven-roasting and grilling methods are highly recommended and more appealing to consumers since they produce tenderer and juicier meat, cause less cooking loss (CL), and maintain the nutritive value of ostrich meat; however, they have the highest protein and fat oxidation rates. On the other hand, boiling and frying methods revealed good fat oxidation parameters, the highest CL, and preserved nutritional value, but unfortunately, they were not highly preferred by consumers. From a hygienic point of view, grilling and microwave cooking are the methods that ensure the microbiological safety of cooked ostrich meat, as they significantly reduce Enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacterial counts, among other cooking methods. The oven roasting and grilling methods were the most preferable thermal cooking techniques, as they achieved the highest acceptability to consumers and maintained the nutritive values of ostrich meat.

Hygienic characteristic of the UV led irraditor for the disinfecting surfaces and indoor air

Objective: to assess from the hygienic point of view the bactericidal characteristics and effectiveness of disinfection of surfaces and indoor air with the developed bactericidal ultraviolet LED irradiator (BUI-L). Material and methods. The studies were carried out in scientific laboratories in conditions close to natural, by usage of standard modern hygienic, physical and microbiological methods. Results. The BUI-L is characterized by hygienic and environmental safety at usage, lower power consumption, ultraviolet radiation power, total biocidal flux, surface and volume density of biocidal flux and biocidal energy by 2.5-5.6 times, operating energy illumination and energy exposure in spectrum С is less in 4.4-5.5 times, in spectrum В — more in 5.8-9.3 times in comparison with the standard bactericidal ultraviolet mercury irradiator. BUI-L during disinfection of the surface contaminated with the Escherichia coli test culture inhibits its growth on 98.2%, Staphylococcus aureus — on 96.4%, air contaminated with S. aureus — 98.8% respectively, in comparison with the control. Conclusion. The irradiator meets the regulatory hygienic requirements and can be recommended for disinfecting air and surfaces during sanitary and anti-epidemic measures to prevent infectious diseases, including health care associated infections in healthcare organizations.

Hygienic aspects of the implementation of the federal project "clean air" in the Omsk city

The aim of the work was the hygienic assessment of the atmospheric air quality and health risks to the population of Omsk city arising under the influence of chemical pollution of atmospheric air at the current stage of realization of the federal project "Clean Air".
 Material and methods. For hygienic assessment of atmospheric air quality in the territory of the city of Omsk the results of socio-hygienic monitoring and the national environmental observation system of atmospheric air pollution for the period 2017-2022 were used. Health risk assessment and calculation of the additional number of diseases under the influence of pollutants were carried out in accordance with the Guidelines for health risk assessment of exposure to chemical pollutants (R 2.1.10.3968-23).
 Results. The volumes of uncaptured air pollutant emissions from stationary sources in 2022 decreased by 21.9% compared to the baseline year 2017, from motor vehicles - by 43.6%. The level of carcinogenic risk was above the permissible value and was assessed as alarming, with an increase of 28.7% between 2017 and 2022. The average annual respiratory hazard index was assessed as high. Comparative analysis of the values of non-carcinogenic risks in 2017 and in 2022 for the population of Omsk showed an increase in harmful effects on the respiratory organs (2.5% increase), the immune system (1.6-fold increase) and the central nervous system (1.7-fold increase). At the same time, the risks to the cardiovascular system decreased, and the overall systemic effect of toxicants was reduced. As a result of long-term chronic excess formaldehyde air pollution, the mean annual population risk over the entire follow-up time was 2377.4 (CI 1802.6-2992.4; 95%) cases of additional respiratory diseases per year detected during primary and repeat patient visits.
 Conclusion. The advanced achievement of the targets of the Federal Program "Clean Air" on emissions reduction has not yet resulted in a commensurate improvement of the atmospheric air quality from the hygienic point of view. Carcinogenic risks to public health are decreasing, but remain above permissible levels. Non-carcinogenic risks for a number of substances form additional morbidity. It is necessary to develop additional interdepartmental measures to reduce emissions, primarily formaldehyde and benz/a/pyrene, to provide preventive protection of public health, especially vulnerable groups living in the city.

Effects of zeolite loaded with silver, copper, or zinc ions on antimicrobial properties of the ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer

AbstractThe improvement of antimicrobial activity of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) resin is of significant importance from the hygienic point of view. Hence, the present work aimed to improve antimicrobial performance of the polymer with the aid of a novel, effective and low‐cost additive. Accordingly, the effects of incorporating Mobil‐twenty‐two zeolite loaded with silver, copper and zinc salts to EVA on antimicrobial activity of the polymer was investigated in this study. The used zeolite was hydrothermally synthesized and doped with silver, copper, or zinc nitrates. The loaded zeolite particles were added to EVA through melt mixing. The prepared composite samples were then compression molded to obtain thin films with a thickness of about 0.1 mm. X‐ray diffraction experiments and scanning electron microscopy revealed successful synthesis of Mobil‐twenty‐two zeolite and its metal‐salt loading. Moreover, favorable distribution of the loaded zeolite in the polymer matrix was proved by scanning electron microscopy images. Also, stress–strain test unveiled that the addition of the zeolite particles enhances Young's modulus and tensile strength of the polymer while decreases its elongation at break. In addition, among the studied samples, the one containing 2 wt.% of silver‐loaded zeolite showed the highest Young's modulus of 105 ± 4.7 MPa. however, its modulus was only about 2% higher than that of the sample containing 2 wt.% of copper/zinc‐doped zeolite. Moreover, the two mentioned samples showed the highest elongation at break among the samples containing 2 wt.% of the loaded zeolites. Besides, the lowest observed elongation at break was 491% ± 16.2 belonging to the composite sample containing 2 wt.% of copper‐loaded zeolite. Furthermore, the film samples containing either of the loaded zeolite particles exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with maximum bacterial and fungal inhibitions of about 56% and 54% in the case of the film samples containing 2 wt.% of silver‐ and copper/zinc‐doped zeolite, respectively. Overall, it was concluded that copper and/or zinc‐loaded zeolites, the effects of which is comparable to that of silver‐loaded zeolite, have the potential for application as low cost additives to induce antimicrobial activity to EVA, while maintaining its beneficial mechanical properties.

Ғылыми зерттеулер негізіндегі мұнай қалдықтарының улы газдары мен органикалық қосылыстарының адам ағзасына әсері

Мұнай-газ өнеркәсібінің дамуына байланысты адам іс-әрекеті нәтижесінде атмосфералық ауаның ластануы қазіргі уақытта өзекті болып саналады. Мұнай өнеркәсіп орындарындағы қоршаған ортаны ластаушы компоненттер қатарына көмірсутектер, меркаптандар және күкіртсутегі жатады. Аталған сипаттағы уытты қалдықтармен ауаны ластау адам денсаулығына нақты қауіп төндіреді. Бензин, мазут, ацетон, бензол секілді органикалық еріткіштердің қолданылуы салдарынан түзілген газдармен аймақтың ластануын ерекше айтуға болады. Гигиеналық тұрғыдан күкіртсутектің атмосфералық химиясы үлкен қызығушылық тудырады. Атмосфералық ауаға түскенде, бұл газ оттегі мен озонмен әрекеттесіп, күкірт газын құрайды. Бұл газ сумен біріктірілсе күкірт қышқылын түзеді, үнемі тотығады, күкірт қышқылына айналады. Ауада күкіртсутектің тотығуы кезінде күкірт газы, суда тотығу кезінде қарапайым күкірт түзіледі. Мұнай тасымалданатын мекемелердің жұмыскерлеріне де мұнай қалдықтарынан тікелей төнетін қауіп жоғары. Демек, өндіріс орындарының жанында тұратын халықта қатердің жоғарғы деңгейінде тұр. Тұрғылықты халықтарға таралған зиянды көрсеткіштер бірден әсерін тигізбесе де, созылмалы улану нәтижесінде ағзаға айтарлықтай зиянын тигізеді. Зерттеулер көрсеткендей, аталған уытты заттар аз мөлшерде алайда ұзақ мерзімде әсер етуінен адамның жүйке, жүрек, иммундық, асқазан-ішек және басқа да дене жүйелері жұмысының бұзылуына әкеледі. Барлық ұшпа органикалық еріткіштер адам ағзасына өкпесі, терісі, ас қорыту мүшелері арқылы еніп, жүйке және май тініндерінде жинақталады. Химиялық құрылысына сәйкес уыттылық, ағзадағы таралу коэффициенті әртүрлі болады.

ГИГИЕНИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО РИСКА И ПРОГНОЗНЫХ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЙ РАЗВИТИЯ НАРУШЕНИЙ СОСТОЯНИЯ ЗДОРОВЬЯ У ВРАЧЕЙ ОБЩЕЙ ПРАКТИКИ

Background. Work specifics of general practitioners forms occupational risk for disorders in their health. The aim of the study is to assess from a hygienic point of view the occupational risk and predictive effects of health disorders development of general practitioners. Material and methods. Occupational risk and predictive effects of health disorders was evaluated on the basis of a hygienic assessment of working conditions applying standard methodological approaches. Results. We have established that harmful working conditions (class 3.2) at workplaces of general practitioners are mainly formed under the influence of a biological factor of the working environment. Conclusions. The degree of the occupational risk of health disorders of general practitioners currently assessed as “medium” cannot be completely recognized as corresponding to the prevailing working conditions since the methodology for assessing working conditions requires improved relevant criterial approaches.

TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATION OF THE CHOICE OF THE OPTIMAL DESIGN OF THE HEATING DEVICE WITH THE FUNCTION OF HEAT ACCUMULATION

In order to increase the cooling time of the heating system of the building, especially in the conditions of its operation in pulse mode, a domestic highly efficient heating device with the function of heat accumulation has been developed. A criterion has been derived that can be used by every consumer when choosing the optimal design of a radiator. A study was conducted and a technical and economic evaluation of heating devices of known and developed new design with the function of accumulating phase transition heat was given. A heating device with the function of accumulating heat based on accumulative materials of organic origin with metal nanoparticles has been developed. Experimentally, it was established that 80 W were spent to "charge" a single "tube" with a total weight of 952.9 g and bring the temperature of the heat-accumulating material to 52.1 ºС. A technical and economic analysis of known designs of heating devices was carried out. It is shown that convectors and copper-aluminum radiators are the most efficient heating devices for modern heating systems, when it is necessary to use energy resources rationally or there is a limited amount of heat. From an economic point of view, the most efficient heating device is a convector, but not from a sanitary and hygienic point of view (the presence of dust between the fins). Comparing the efficiency of the developed heating device with the function of heat accumulation based on accumulative materials of organic origin with metal nanoparticles according to the indicator of the specific cost of the heating device, which is 0.24 €/(kW·year), and the indicator of technical and economic efficiency of the operation of the device - 0.27 €/(kW·year) is the most efficient.

Sewage sludge dewatering by electric field

During the cleaning and further treatment of municipal wastewater, sediments are formed, which are extremely dangerous from a sanitary and hygienic point of view, poorly dewatered, have high humidity (over 90%), large volumes (up to 3% of wastewater consumption), contain organic substances, pathogens, heavy metals, etc. In Ukraine, at most wastewater treatment plants, sewage sludge is mostly piled up on sludge sites after minimal treatment. Effective processing and disposal of sewage sludge in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment, as well as the use of sewage sludge as secondary raw materials, is an actual, complex and urgent task. The key link in the existing process of treatment and disposal of sewage sludge is their dewatering. When designing facilities for the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge, advanced technologies should be used, the use of which is based on scientific and technical research. The article reviews the results of research on the intensification of existing mechanical methods of sewage sludge. One of the most effective methods of intensifying the process of dewatering sewage sludge is electro-dewatering, which involves the application of an electric field during mechanical dewatering of sludge. Electro-dewatering technology makes it possible to reduce the humidity of sediments to 20...40%, reduce the concentration of heavy metals and pathogens in sediments, etc. The purpose of this work is to study the possibility of electro-dewatering of activated sludge from secondary settling tanks of municipal wastewater treatment plants in Lviv. Empirical research methods were used. A laboratory scale has been designed for electro-dewatering of sewage sludge. Activated sludge with a moisture content of 98% was studied. It is shown that the effect of activated sludge dewatering, depending on the duration of its treatment, is an S-shaped curve that resembles a kinetic autocatalytic reaction with three periods: induction, main, and fading. The possibility of electro-dewatering of sewage sludge with a maximum dewatering effect of 60% has been proven. Therefore, it is proposed to carry out mechanical dewatering of city sewage sludge using an electric field.

Chemical air pollution in dwelling as a health risk factor

Up-to-date techniques applied in physical-chemical studies made it possible to identify and quantify chemical pollutants in the air inside contemporary dwelling in a large megacity and then create a database on them. This database has a list of more than 600 chemicals from 18 groups of volatile hydrocarbons and covers hygienic standards for their contents, their hazard category, and ranges of detected concentrations. Major sources of air pollution with these chemicals in dwelling were also identified. From the hygienic point of view, a significant fact is that there are no hygienic standards for more than 60 % of chemicals detected in air in dwelling. Formaldehyde, phenol, and styrene are priority chemicals for quality monitoring and risk-based control of hazards posed by chemical air pollution both in newly built houses that are at the approval stage and already exploited ones. Formaldehyde, benzene, phenol, styrene, acetophenone, ethylbenzene, hexanal, nonanal, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, and trimethylbenzene are the most hygienically significant volatile organic compounds for quality control and health risk assessment considering frequency of their occurrence, concentration levels, concentrations exceeding MPC, group affiliation, hazard category, and ability to transform. When controlling natural chemicals that occur in air in dwelling due to some internal pollution sources, we should bear in mind that transformation may result in a new structure of pollution and new occurring chemicals can be more toxic and hazardous than original ones. To minimize risks associated with exposure to chemical pollution and to assess chemical safety of air in dwelling, we recommend wider use of up-to-date physical and chemical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis thereby securing identification of a wide range of pollutants including potentially hazardous ones. Since certain chemicals have been detected for which no safety criteria have been developed so far, it is especially vital to perform research in the sphere of hygienic standardization and to develop methodical documents aimed at providing adequate hygienic assessment of quality and chemical safety of internal environment in dwelling.

Химическое загрязнение воздушной среды жилых помещений как фактор риска здоровью населения

Up-to-date techniques applied in physical-chemical studies made it possible to identify and quantify chemical pollutants in the air inside contemporary dwelling in a large megacity and then create a database on them. This database has a list of more than 600 chemicals from 18 groups of volatile hydrocarbons and covers hygienic standards for their contents, their hazard category, and ranges of detected concentrations. Major sources of air pollution with these chemicals in dwelling were also identified. From the hygienic point of view, a significant fact is that there are no hygienic standards for more than 60 % of chemicals detected in air in dwelling. Formaldehyde, phenol, and styrene are priority chemicals for quality monitoring and risk-based control of hazards posed by chemical air pollution both in newly built houses that are at the approval stage and already exploited ones. Formaldehyde, benzene, phenol, styrene, acetophenone, ethylbenzene, hexanal, nonanal, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, and trimethylbenzene are the most hygienically significant volatile organic compounds for quality control and health risk assessment considering frequency of their occurrence, concentration levels, concentrations exceeding MPC, group affiliation, hazard category, and ability to transform. When controlling natural chemicals that occur in air in dwelling due to some internal pollution sources, we should bear in mind that transformation may result in a new structure of pollution and new occurring chemicals can be more toxic and hazardous than original ones. To minimize risks associated with exposure to chemical pollution and to assess chemical safety of air in dwelling, we recommend wider use of up-to-date physical and chemical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis thereby securing identification of a wide range of pollutants including potentially hazardous ones. Since certain chemicals have been detected for which no safety criteria have been developed so far, it is especially vital to perform research in the sphere of hygienic standardization and to develop methodical documents aimed at providing adequate hygienic assessment of quality and chemical safety of internal environment in dwelling.

THE USE OF NATURAL ZEOLITES AS STATIONARY FILTERS FOR DISINFECTION AND PURIFICATION OF INDOOR AIR

In this study, from an ecological and hygienic point of view, the possibilities of using a natural mineral – zeolite – in indoor air filters are considered.
 The purpose of the work: based on the analysis of the adsorbing and disinfecting properties of various types of air filters to show the undoubted advantages of stationary filters based on natural zeolites. As methods, the researchers relied on methods of comparative analysis, description and characteristics.
 Results. Ventilation systems even in a small building are quite complex and require regular cleaning and disinfection. The study showed that the filters traditionally used for this purpose of absolute purification, bactericidal treatment or carbon filters have significant disadvantages (high cost, complexity of maintenance and disposal), while stationary filters based on natural zeolites, mined including in Russia, are inexpensive, hypoallergenic, easy to maintain, regenerable, have a disinfecting and deodorizing effect. However, today they are practically not used, and the technology of regeneration of natural zeolites for air filters has not yet been worked out, although such a possibility exists.

Hygienic maintenance of soft tissues in the treatment of minor recessions: a prospective study and three-dimensional analysis.

To assess the hygienic maintenance of the tissues affected by an increase/restoration of the emergence profile, through conservative-periodontal therapy on minor vestibular recessions (Class I Miller) with and without abrasions of the CEJ. Seven recruited subjects aged 22 to 46 years, were analyzed with a total of 50 dental elements. 47 with a vestibular recession -17 with abrasion/recession, 3 only with abrasion. Conservative therapy has been implemented to restore/increase the thickness of the CEJ. The following values have been recorded: N of recessions belonging to the I class Miller/RT1 (Cairo et al); 17 elements with class B+ abrasion. Impressions to record the differences in the emergence profiles before and after conservative therapy. 30 dental elements had type 1 phenotype (thin and festooned), 20 dental elements had type 2 phenotype (intermediate). Clinical protocol: professional oral hygiene session, home hygiene motivation and education, class V fillings, check after 60 days for access to mucogingival surgery. Periodontal probing and Plaque Index were assessed at T0 and T1 (2 months after conservative therapy). The combined restorative-periodontal treatment allows changing of the emergence profile. The reduction of the recession was influenced by different phenotypes. Probing depth decreased significantly between T0 and T1. Plaque Index (PI) decreased statistically significantly (p=0.012). Modification of the emergence profile, obtained through conservative therapy, was easily maintained from the hygienic point of view by the patients. Furthermore, it could provide mechanical protection and support to the gingival margin favoring a reduction of food impaction at the cervical level.

Physiological and hygienic validation of the health benefits of garlic salt to prevent arterial hypertension

Introduction. From hygienic point of view, the consumption of table salt (TS) neither below nor above the physiological norm is relevant to ensure normal biochemical processes of sodium metabolism in the body. The aim of the study was a physiological and hygienic validation of the health benefits of Adyghe garlic salt (GS), made by using traditional technology, for optimizing the level of NaCl consumption and prevention arterial hypertension. Materials and methods. Seventy-one adolescent girl aged 12-15 years and 124 women aged 38.5±4.2 years of Adyg nationality took part in the studies. The attitude to GS and the level of its consumption were revealed by the method of focus groups, questionnaires and analysis of 3-day diets. Blood pressure indicators were determined by the oscillometric method, the content of albumin in morning urine - by the ICA method, the taste sensitivity threshold to salt (STST) - by the density measurement method, the efficiency of achieving a salty taste when using GS - by the tasting analysis method. Results. Adolescent girls and women from families regularly using garlic salt (GS) in home cooking have been found to have low levels of NaCl consumption (LLNaClC). In families that do not use GS in practice, a high level of NaCl consumption (HLCNaCl) is detected. The STST values are reliably lower in LLNaClC groups . GS compared to TS is more effective in achieving salty taste by 23.2±1.84%. In the group of women with LLNaClC, blood pressure indices are lower, microalbuminuria is not detected. Limitations. To substantiate the effectiveness of the use of GS to optimize the level of NaCl consumption and to carry out prevention of arterial hypertension, we took only female persons of the Adyghe nationality as participants of research. In the future, it is planned to expand research taking into account gender and national aspects. Conclusion. GS reduces the NaCl consumption without disturbing hedonistic perception of taste. Increasing public awareness of the benefits of GS in achieving salty taste and its widespread introduction into the modern nutritional system of various populations can be an effective hygienic approach to optimizing NaCl consumption, and reducing the risk of arterial hypertension.

Physiological and Hygienic Characteristics of Cognitive Functions Determining Successful Student Learning Under Conditions of Different Schooling Intensity

Introduction: In the context of the modern educational process, accompanied by a high intensity of intellectual work, one of the most important tasks of school medicine specialists is to support, maintain and improve cognitive skills of schoolchildren as the main predictors of academic success. Objective: The study aimed to give a physiological and hygienic characteristic of cognitive functions determining academic success of schoolchildren aged 15–17 years under conditions of various schooling intensity. Materials and methods: We conducted a time study to assess schooling intensity of 250 pupils of a multidisciplinary lyceum (Group 1) and 274 pupils of a comprehensive school (Group 2) and evaluated their academic performance. Computer testing was used to study the functional state of the central nervous system, mental performance and cognitive skills of the schoolchildren. Results: We established higher grade point averages in key disciplines among Group 1 students with high schooling intensity (class 3.1) compared to those in Group 2 with optimal intensity of the educational process (class 1). We found that high academic performance in Group 1 was attributed to the optimal functional state of the central nervous system characterized by stabilization of nervous processes and a better ability of the nervous system to form the adaptive functional system of the body in response to various stimuli; to the dominance of the left cerebral hemisphere in 61.2 % of the students, which determined mature skills of verbal, abstract, logical and analytical thinking in 51.9–93.5% of the students; high speed of mental activity and concentration of voluntary attention promoting cognitive activity and maintaining normal mental performance of the schoolchildren. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the processes of adaptation of schoolchildren to various factors of school environment and learning to be used within the development of school medicine when organizing educational activities of students at schools with an intensive learning regime in order to promote academic performance and achieve high efficiency of the educational process within physiological capabilities of children and adolescents. At the same time, from physiological and hygienic points of view, assessment of cognitive skills in children and teenagers by means of medical and psychological testing in educational establishments implementing profile training of various difficulty levels can become an effective diagnostic tool in predicting academic performance of students and help resolve issues of prevention of maladjustment and stress at school.

Modern Methodological Approaches to Sample Preparation for the Determination of Trace Elements in Food Products and Plant Raw Materials

Introduction. Various copper compounds are most widely used as plant protection agents in agriculture. From a hygienic point of view, information on excessive accumulation of copper in plants related to the use of a specific formulation of copper-containing pesticides is of interest. Our objective was to assess feasibility of increasing statistical significance of results of determining low residue levels of a copper-containing pesticide in apple samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a high-resolution spectrometer in combination with developed approaches to sample preparation of plant-based foods, including homogenization with dry ice and microwave mineralization. Materials and methods: We analyzed 30 samples of apples collected in three different agro-climatic zones by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry. Both methods were validated on 10 samples with added copper at levels 1-5 of the lower limit of quantitation. A statistical calculation was performed based on a simple Student’s test to assess the significance of differences between the results of measurements by flame and electrothermal techniques. Homogeneity of variances was estimated using the Fisher test to clarify the possibility of comparing two data sets. Results: The use of a technique of cryo-grinding and microwave decomposition in a microwave reactor in combination with a high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry demonstrated a decrease in scattering and the limit of detection and better repeatability in the analysis of parallel samples. Results of statistical calculations confirmed the homogeneity of variances in data samples obtained for electrothermal and flame techniques, and the further Student’s t-test showed insignificant differences between the results of measurements obtained by FAAS and ET-AAS. Conclusion: Our findings prove that modern methods of sample preparation in combination with highly sensitive equipment allow a significant reduction in the limit of detection and scattering of test results.

Гигиеническая оценка объектов по уничтожению химического оружия при ликвидации последствий деятельности и перепрофилировании

After elimination of the chemical weapons, it is necessary to relieve the consequences of operation of the chemical weapons destruction facilities (CWDF). This study aimed to assess the results of such relieve activities from the hygienic point of view. The assessment allows considering partial conversion of the CWDFs' infrastructure for civil purposes. At four CWDFs, the sites of contamination of equipment and infrastructural components with degradition products of organophosphorous agents (OPA) and blister agents (BA) were identified. The technologies that enabled analysis of the samples taken were high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomization. The analysis revealed contamination of building structures, equipment, utility lines, waterproofing, heatinsulating, and other materials inside the CWDF process buildings, regardless of their purpose, with OPA and BA degradation products. In the absence of hygienic standards and information on their toxicity, it was impossible to assess the hazard thereof. In all the samples taken, the residual content of toxic substances was below the limit of detection of the measurement methods applied, i.e., none was found. The article presents a methodology for a stepwise hygienic assessment of the CWDF infrastructure to be converted and develops recommendations for its subsequent safe use. The conclusions state expediency of development of hygienic standards for the OPA and BA degradation products and development and certification of the relevant measurement procedures.

Гігієнічна оцінка умов праці працівників процесу механічної переробки відходів ПЕТФ-пляшки

Polymer processing belongs to the category of hazardous industries and requires a deep and comprehensive analysis of the production environment from a hygienic point of view in order to minimize the negative impact on human health and components of the biosphere. The purpose of the study. It is important to study a set of adverse factors that affect employees in the process of processing polymer waste, to establish the relationship with the development of general and occupational diseases. Results and discussion. It has been established that the working conditions of the process of processing polymer waste have a combined effect on the body caused by a set of adverse production factors of different actions. The main ones are: dust in the air of the working area with polymer dust with mixed and unstable composition over time, noise, cooling microclimate, difficulty of work. The excess of maximum permissible concentration for dust load on the body of workers in the process of mechanical processing of PPV is from 1.35 times to 1.74 times, at the workplaces of the baler and shredder and unloading-packing operator (working conditions class 3.1). Exceedance of the sound pressure level in the range from 2 dBA to 15 dBA was recorded at all workplaces (working conditions class 3.2). The parameters of the microclimate at all workplaces, except for the forklift operator, belong to the harmful class of working conditions 3.1. According to the severity of the labor process, the working conditions of employees vary from allowable 2 (operator of the technological process) to harmful 3.2 (baler and shredder operator). In terms of intensity, the working conditions of all employees belong to harmful class 3.2, due to the significant noise load, which prevents the capture and transmission of information between participants in the processing process, as well as timely receipt of audio signals from the process operator and equipment. Mostly working conditions of employees in the process of processing PPV mixtures belong to class 3.2, except for the forklift operator (class 3.4). As for the integrated assessment, according to the hygienic classification, working conditions of operators of unloading-packing, crushing, technological process and baler are evaluated according to class 3.2, and the truck operator - 3.4 according to state sanitary rules and regulations "Hygienic classification of labor according to the indicators of harmfulness and danger and the intensity of the labor process" (order of the Ministry of Health dated 08.04.2014 No.248,), which can lead to the development of work-related diseases