Minimal Risk Levels Research Articles

Cadmium physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for forward and reverse dosimetry: Review, evaluation, and adaptation to the U.S. population

The goal of this study was to assess a cadmium (Cd) physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to evaluate Cd toxicological reference values (e.g. reference dose, tolerable intake, minimum risk level) adapted to the U.S. population. We reviewed and evaluated previously published Cd PBPK models and developed further adaptations to the 1978 Kjellström and Nordberg (KN) model. Specifically, we propose adaptations with updated U.S.-specific bodyweight, kidney weight and creatinine excretion models by using NHANES data as well as a stochastic PBPK model that provides credible intervals of uncertainty around mean populational estimates. We provide our model review and adaptations as well as present estimates from the newly adapted models using observed U.S. urinary Cd values as a function of gender and age and given dietary exposure as evaluated from NHANES/WWEIA and U.S. Total Diet Study data. Results show all newly adapted models provide acceptable mean estimates of urinary Cd in the U.S. The stochastic model provides credible intervals to further inform regulatory decision making. Validation of the estimated K-Cd concentration values was not possible as data for a representative population was not available. We developed a web-based tool implementing these models and other potential adaptations to facilitate PBPK model estimate comparisons.

Detection of Mercury Vapor in Selected Governmental Dental Health Care Centers in Al-Karkh- Baghdad

Almost all governmental centers in Iraq are still using mercury amalgam in spite of available alternatives; that make the initial assessment very important to assess the current situation. The survey included visiting (17) site within health centers in three locations in each (the room space, amalgam capsule containers and medical waste storage containers). (510) measurements (10 readings in each location) have been taken for every health care center in Al-Karkh side in Baghdad (10 general health centers, 7 specialists' center). Potential quantity of emitted mercury vapor has been measured using a portable mercury vapor detection device (TRACKER 3000 IP). Broad variability was noted in the concentration of Hg vapor emitted depending on the amount of empty capsules that were collected, opened or closed container, room area, number of chairs in the room and patients per day, number of full containers and applying environmental and health safety rules. 94.1 % of visited centers exceeded the lowest allowed occupational levels, 76.5 % recorded high concentrations exceeding Ceiling Limit Value while 94.1 % exceeded the Minimum Risk Level. The mercury vapour concentration in work space and the mercury vapour intake by inhalation of chronic daily exposure have linear relation. Mercury dental amalgam and its empty capsules in healthcare centers are a major source of emitting toxic mercury vapor causing chronic and acute exposure to population and for most dentists. Keywords: Mercury vapours; Occupational exposure limits; Dental Mercury Amalgam

Dynamic Control of Water Level in Flood Limited Reservoir Based on Intelligent Calculation

Determining the flood-limited water level is the focus of the contradiction between flood control and profit-making. The dynamic control of the flood-limited water level of the reservoir is an effective way to ensure flood control safety and realize flood resource utilization. Based on the analysis of the availability of forecast information, this paper conducts a study on the dynamic control of the flood-limited water level in Panjiakou Reservoir. The dynamic control area of Panjiakou Reservoir is determined by the “predischarge capacity constraint method.” On the premise of satisfying the flood control safety of the reservoir, the “prestorage and predischarge method” is adopted according to the real-time forecast information, the water conditions, work conditions, disaster conditions, etc. to develop a dynamic control plan for the flood-limited water level in the main flood season of the reservoir. Finally, based on the improved first-order second moment method (AFOSM), the dispatch risk model of the dynamic control of the flood-limited water level of the reservoir is constructed, and the risk analysis of the flood forecasting system is carried out. The results show that (1) the flood forecast accuracy of Panjiakou Reservoir conforms to the standard of the B-level forecasting scheme, and the results can be applied under the condition of considering the forecast error; (2) it is suggested that the maximum water level of the Panjiakou Reservoir in the main flood season is dynamically controlled to be 218 m. In the case of water supply guarantee rate P = 75 % , compared with the current situation of the flood-limited water level of 216 m, the water supply is increased by 40 million m3, and the flow of electricity is increased by 30 million. The flood control risk rate under the rain leakage error is lower than 0.1, which is the minimum risk level, which is acceptable. However, when the net rain leakage error is greater than 25 mm, there may be insufficient leakage or excessive leakage, which will cause inconvenience to downstream flood control.

Optimal Portfolio Creation Using Markowitz Model on Food and Beverage Companies in Indonesian Stock Exchange

Investment is an activity that related to investing some funds in real assets or financial assets such as land, gold, stocks, deposits, bonds and other forms. The high level of risk that will be faced by investors, make investors to take anticipatory steps. One of the solutions is through diversification in portfolio forming. The importance of portfolio forming is to maximize the function and value of an asset in order to make greater returns with a certain level of risk, or to obtain certain returns with the minimum level of risk. Portfolio analysis is carried out to find the most optimal company as an investment object. This research uses the Markowitz model for food and beverage company stocks based on data from December 2019 to November 2020. The results showed there are 7 stocks that were selected as candidates for optimal portfolio forming. A proportion of the allocation of each stock are PT Siantar Top Tbk (STTP) 10.14%, PT Sentra Food Indonesia Tbk (FOOD) 8.95%, PT Pratama Abadi Nusa Industri Tbk (PANI) 5.06%, PT Prima Cakrawala Abadi Tbk (PCAR) 0.37%, PT Ultrajaya Milk Industry & Trading Company Tbk (ULTJ) 20.61%, PT Nippon Indosari Corpindo Tbk (ROTI) 48.05%, and PT Sekar Bumi Tbk (SKBM) 6.82%. With that combination, it gives the expected return of 21.12% and level of risk 7.95%.

ОЦЕНКА КЛИЕНТОВ БАНКА: ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЕ, ПРАВОВЫЕ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ

The presented scientific article is devoted to the study of the functioning of the «Know your Customer» platform, implemented by the Bank of Russia in order to increase the transparency of banking operations. The analysis of the structure of doubtful transactions in banks for two periods: the first half of 2020 and the first half of 2021. The process of introducing the «Know Your Customer» platform into action from the standpoint of legal and technological support has been studied. The groups of clients subject to high, medium and minimum risk levels are considered in detail and their detailed characteristics are given. A study of suspicious transactions was conducted. The mechanism of interaction between the regulator, banks and their clients within the framework of the «Know your Customer» platform has been studied. The algorithm of information and technological interaction of banks with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation is presented. The main advantages that allow banks, the regulator and clients of banking organizations to optimize their activities within the framework of compliance with the requirements on countering the laundering of proceeds from crime have been identified.

Evidence Mapping: Exploring Feasibility for ATSDR's Minimal Risk Level (MRL) Determination

Evidence Mapping: Exploring Feasibility for ATSDR's Minimal Risk Level (MRL) Determination

Painted Walls: A Possible Contributory Factor to Elevation in Indoor Air Pollution Levels

This study focused on the determination of formaldehyde emission concentration levels of some selected buildings in Rumuolumeni Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, and lies on latitude 4o 65’ 44’’ north and longitude 6o 35’ 51’’ east. 10 buildings (five painted and five unpainted buildings) at different locations within Rumuolumeni Community were selected for the study. A formaldehyde concentration monitor was positioned 1.5 meters above the floor of each of the selected buildings to determine the formaldehyde concentration levels every 30 minutes intervals for three hours daily, for a period of two weeks. The geographical locations, indoor relative humidity, and temperature of the selected buildings for the period under study were also taken. The mean values of 0.022 ppm, 0.036 ppm, 0.043 ppm, 0.048 ppm, 0.057 ppm, 0.058 ppm and 0.060 ppm of formaldehyde concentration levels emitted by the selected painted and unpainted buildings for the period under study did not exceed the permissible limits of 0.08 ppm and 0.1 ppm established by WHO and NIOSH respectively. Similarly, the measured values of formaldehyde concentration did not exceed the recommended levels permitted by OSHA and the American Conference of Industrial hygienists of 2 ppm, 0.75 ppm, and 0.3 ppm respectively. However, these values were higher than U.S. NIOSH “recommended time-weighted average exposure limit of 0.016 ppm for workplaces”, and the ATSDR established “chronic inhalation minimal risk level (MRL) of 0.003 ppm (0.004 milligrams per cubic meter, mg/m3 ) based on respiratory effects in humans”.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Herbal Medicines Used to Treat Anxiety: Monitoring of Safety.

The present study estimated the human health risk assessment and daily intake of heavy metals and metalloids in herbal medicines used to treat anxiety in Brazil. Six different brands of herbal medicines were purchased in the city of Campo Grande/MS, Brazil: Pasalix®, Calman®, Serenus®, Maracugina®, Prakalmar® and Calmasyn®. In total, eight elements including As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Pb were analyzed using optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES). Only the concentration of As in the herbal medicine Prakalmar® is above the values established by United States Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP) and Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BF) for permitted concentration of elemental impurities in drugs substances. The concentration of Ba, Cd, Co, Cr and Cu in all herbal medicines are lower than the values set by USP and FB. The concentration of Pb in Calman® is lower than the limits established by BF, but higher than those established by USP. Pasalix, Serenus®, Calmasyn®, Prakalmar® and Marcacugina® have a higher Pb concentration than the values allowed by USP and BF. All herbal medications have concentrations within safe ranges for human consumption, with the exception of Calmasyn®, which has Pb over the value defined by USP for oral permissible daily exposure (PDE) for elemental impurities. The values of estimated daily intake (EDI) of metal (loid)s in adults and children obtained from the consumption of the herbal medicines are below the values stipulated by the minimal risk levels (MRLs). All the hazard index (HI) values recorded in this study were below 1. However, monitoring by regulatory agency is necessary, large doses of heavy metal may cause acute or chronic toxicities.

Analysis of energy integration opportunities in the retrofit of a milk powder production plant using the Bridge framework

The “bridge framework” is a systematic decision-making support tool for process integration retrofit of industrial plants, which proposes the use of “bridge analysis” in a structured fashion. Its potential of rigorously analysing industrial processes has been discussed, but no applications on actually operating plants considering process constraints have been presented to date.The paper demonstrates the capabilities of the bridge framework in analysing an actually operating milk powder production plant. Its step-by-step application is thoroughly described and discussed, highlighting inherent strengths and weaknesses of the method. Moreover, a clarification of the “energy transfer diagram” is proposed, distinguishing avoidable and unavoidable heat degradation in the heat exchanger network by introducing the concept of “limit heat transfer interface”.The results proved that the bridge framework is a rigorous tool, which provided valuable insight to the analyst aiding the open-ended decision-making activities related to the retrofit of both process operations and heat exchanger network. Seven design proposals were identified, out of which the best resulted in 54000 €/y of economic saving with an internal rate of return of 34% and a minimum risk level. The step-by-step application of the method demonstrated that good engineering judgement is critical for achieving beneficial solutions. Expertise on process operations as well as energy analytics is essential for completing the project. Finally, the concept of “limit heat transfer interface” allowed to completely link bridge analysis and pinch analysis and to clarify the meaning of the “grand composite curve”.

Comparative sensitivity of children and adults to neurological effects of inhaled manganese

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient but a neurotoxicant at elevated concentrations. Inhalation exposure can bypass homeostatic regulations and enter the brain. The U.S. EPA’s 1993 inhalation reference concentration and ATSDR’s 2011 minimal risk level are based on neurological outcomes in adults. To understand whether more recent data could provide information on potential lifestage-based variations in susceptibility, we compared sensitivities to neurotoxicity in children and adults using Mn biomarker data. METHODS: We developed a literature search strategy and a Population, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes statement. The search covered 2011-2020, with supplemental backwards reference searching. Screening was performed using SWIFT and DistillerSR. Paired studies were identified based on concordant Mn source, biomarker, and outcome. Comparisons were made based on slope of the observed dose-response (children:adults). RESULTS:We identified five studies evaluating seven pairings of hair Mn and neurological outcomes in child and adult populations with environmental Mn inhalation exposure. Two Brazilian studies of children (ages 6-12) and one of adults reported effects on IQ; effects in both comparisons were stronger in children (203% and 121%). A paired study of children and adults in Ohio reported effects on five metrics of postural sway; children exhibited both stronger and weaker effects compared to adults (175% to 69%). CONCLUSIONS:Preliminary results from a small database of well-matched studies suggest that variability in neurological effects by lifestage is less than 10-fold. This conclusion should be interpreted with caution, given the limited available paired studies. Future work will consider the impact of study quality on these conclusions. Additional studies on Mn-exposed children with direct measurement of air concentrations would provide further understanding of the toxicity of inhaled Mn among susceptible lifestages. *The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. KEYWORDS: Children's environmental health, Heavy metals, Risk assessment, Neurodevelopmental outcomes

Health Effects of Naphthalene Exposure: A Systematic Evidence Map and Analysis of Potential Considerations for Dose-Response Evaluation.

Background:Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that has been associated with health effects, including cancer. As the state of the science on naphthalene toxicity continues to evolve, updated toxicity reference value(s) may be required to support human health risk assessment.Objectives:We present a systematic evidence map of studies that could be used to derive toxicity reference value(s) for naphthalene.Methods:Human and animal health effect studies and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were identified from a literature search based on populations, exposures, comparators, and outcomes (PECO) criteria. Human and animal studies meeting PECO criteria were refined to a smaller subset considered most informative for deriving chronic reference value(s), which are preferred for assessing risk to the general public. This subset was evaluated for risk of bias and sensitivity, and the suitability of each study for dose–response analysis was qualitatively assessed. Lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs) were extracted and summarized. Other potentially relevant studies (e.g., mechanistic and toxicokinetic studies) were tracked as supplemental information but not evaluated further. Existing reference values for naphthalene are also summarized.Results:We identified 26 epidemiology studies and 16 animal studies that were considered most informative for further analysis. Eleven PBPK models were identified. The available epidemiology studies generally had significant risk of bias and/or sensitivity concerns and were mostly found to have low suitability for dose–response analysis due to the nature of the exposure measurements. The animal studies had fewer risk of bias and sensitivity concerns and were mostly found to be suitable for dose–response analysis.Conclusion:Although both epidemiological and animal studies of naphthalene provide weight of evidence for hazard identification, the available animal studies appear more suitable for reference value derivation. PBPK models and mechanistic and toxicokinetic data can be applied to extrapolate these animal data to humans, considering mode of action and interspecies metabolic differences. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7381

A Two-stage Simulation Assisted Differential Evolution Algorithm for Reliable Chance Constrained Programming with Minimum Risk Level

Recently the literature of Simulation Optimization for solving stochastic constrained optimization problems has been substantially increasing. From the optimization perspective, the population based meta-heuristics algorithms, such as Differential Evolutionary (DE), has shown tremendous success in solving continuous constrained optimization problems. While from the simulation and stochastic perspectives, Monte-Carlo Simulation alongside Chance Constrained Programming (CCP), is one of the most successful combined approaches to handle constraint uncertainty, also called chance constraints. Risk levels are used in CCP to bound the stochastic constraints infeasibility. However, the determination of the risk levels is not precise and is based on subjective personal judgments; due to the lack of a scientific approach to determine their values especially in critical problems that require the minimum possible risk levels. Furthermore, reliability in such problems is a vital requirement, especially for studies under worst-case scenarios. Therefore, we propose a novel approach, called Two-stage simulation assisted Differential Evolutionary for Chance constrained programming algorithm (Two-stage DE-CCP), with two major contributions. The first contribution aims to obtain minimum boundaries for the chance constrains’ risk levels, by utilizing the meta-heuristics DE implicit capabilities with a two stages modification. While the second contribution proposed as a Reliable Chance Constrained Programming (RCCP) with a novel scheme for chance constraints’ feasibility checking, that is called Extreme Scenario Feasibility Checking (ESFC). This name reveals that ESFC aims to obtain more reliable solutions, through comparing the extreme/worst-case scenarios of the chance constraints. The proposed algorithm is applied under normal CCP feasibility checking and ESFC for RCCP, while a comparison between them is performed and an empirical Reliability ratio (Rr) is proposed. The experimental results on benchmark problems and real application show that the proposed algorithm is able to provide decision makers with the minimum possible risk levels. While a substantially high Rr is obtained from the proposed RCCP, as compared to traditional CCP.

Prediction of Trihalomethanes in water supply of Chattogram city by empirical models and cancer risk through multi-pathway exposure

This study predicts the possible occurrence of trihalomethanes (THMs) in water supply of Chattrogram city in Bangladesh, and life time cancer risk from multi-pathway intakes of the trihalomethanes (THMs) to the city dwellers. A total of 11 water samples were collected from the distribution network of the city, and few water quality parameters were analyzed in the study. Three empirical models developed by Amy et al. (1998), Rathbun (1996), and Malcolm Pirnie (1993) were used to estimate the level of THMs from measured water quality data, and were denoted as MODEL1, MODEL2 and MODEL3, respectively in the study. Lifetime cancer risk was estimated using predicted chronic daily intakes (CDI) of THMs' species for different exposure routes (ingestion, inhalation and dermal). The total concentrations of THMs ranged between 20 and 440 μg/L, 95–215 μg/L and 162–249 μg/L were predicted by MODEL1, MODEL2 and MODEL3, respectively. An average lifetime cancer risk was predicted as 1.4 × 10−4, 1.1 × 10−4 and 2.9 × 10−4 for oral, inhalation and dermal exposure, respectively from the water supply of the city. Percent contribution to total lifetime cancer risk were predicted as 50, 40 and10 for oral ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption, respectively. The study revealed that lifetime cancer risk values were higher than minimum risk level set by United States Environmental Protection Agency. The findings of possible occurrence of THMs in the water supply and associated cancer risk might be beneficial as baseline data for further investigation, and help the decision makers regarding the formulation of standards and legislations of THMs.

New PFAS health risk levels cement gap between US agencies

A division of the US Department of Health and Human Services has finalized health risk levels for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are valuable as manufacturing aids and in consumer products for properties such as resistance to heat, stains, and water. But those properties also mean that they are environmentally persistent, and several have been linked to cancer and other health problems. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) says the minimal risk level for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is 3 × 10 –6 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, while the level for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is 2 × 10 –6 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Those levels are an order of magnitude lower than the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory safe daily dose levels. For two other substances evaluated by the ATSDR, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), the EPA

Geophagic clay around Uteh-Uzalla near Benin: mineral and trace elements compositions and possible health implications

Geophagic clay consumption, which is an age-long cultural practice by humans and animals in many parts of the world, and particularly in Nigeria, may have long time health effects on the consumers. This is particularly so because of the relatively high concentration of harmful minerals and toxic elements. This study sought to determine the mineralogical and trace element compositions of geophagic clay in Uteh-Uzalla area, which is underlain by the Benin Formation of Oligocene to Miocene age, in order to evaluate the potential health risk associated with the consumption of the clay. Sixteen clay samples were collected from mine face profiles of an open pit, analysed for mineral and trace element compositions, using x-ray diffraction technique and ultra-trace inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods, respectively. The mean mineral concentration in % includes kaolinite, quartz and smectite (64.88, 19.98, and 9.54), respectively, among other minerals. And the mean concentrations in mg/kg for Cu (15.0), Pb (14.4), Zn (30.9), Co (8.9), Mn (39.4) and Th (10.5) among other elements were found in the clay. From the trace elements results when compared with health risk indices by Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR): Minimum Risk Level, recommended daily intake and estimated daily intake, it was found that the elements are far above the daily oral intake requirement. Also, considering the relatively low pH (acidic) values that were exhibited by the clays, harmful minerals and elements contained in the clay may be bioavailable in the internal system among those who are frequently involved in the consumption of the clay.

Uranium induces genomic instability and slows cell cycle progression in human lymphocytes in acute toxicity study

In the situation of radiation triage, accidental exposure to uranium, or uranium contamination in food or water; haematopoietic decline or bone marrow sickness is observed in the aftermath followed by other systemic effects. Most studies done previously have been on cytogenetic analysis in blood lymphocytes of uranium miners wherein causal relationship was difficult to be established. This study provides new insights into the minimum risk level of uranium to human lymphocytes, DNA damage induced and alterations in the cell cycle progression through 96-h acute toxicity study. Cytotoxicity studies by MTT assay and flow cytometry showed that uranyl nitrate concentration of 1280 μM lead to 50% cell death, 640 μM caused 25% death, 250 μM caused 10% cell death and 5 μM was the NOAEL. Uranium caused DNA damages in a dose dependent manner as evident from comet and CBMN assays. A marked increase in G2/M phase cells was observed in the test culture groups. Halting of cell cycle at G2/M checkpoint also signified the extent of double strand breaks and genetic instability with increasing uranium dose in this study. Better cell cycle responses and lower genetic damage index observed in lower dosage of exposure, suggests adaptability and repair responses in human lymphocytes. Together these results advance our understanding of uranium effects on mammalian cells.

Derivation of Biomonitoring Equivalents for aluminium for the interpretation of population-level biomonitoring data

Aluminium is widely used in many consumer products, however the primary source of aluminium exposure to the Canadian general population is through food. Aluminium can cause neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity at elevated exposure levels. Health-based exposure guidance values have been established for oral exposure to aluminium, including a Minimal Risk Level (MRL) by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a Provincial Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and a Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Aluminium concentration in blood and urine can be used as a tool for exposure characterization in a population. A pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed based on human dosing data to derive blood Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs), whereas a mass balance approach was used to derive urine BEs for the above guidance values. The BEs for blood for daily intake consistent with the MRL, PTWI and TWI were 18, 16 and 8 μg/L, respectively. BEs for urine for the same guidance values were 137, 123 and 57 μg/L, respectively. The derived BEs may be useful in interpreting population-level biomonitoring data in a health risk context and thereby screening and prioritizing substances for human health risk assessment and risk management.

The issue in Indonesian palm oil stock decision making: Sustainable and risk criteria

The palm oil industry has a strategic role in economic development in Indonesia, especially in alleviating poverty and creating other businesses that can support the industry. Operational activities in the palm oil industry are closely related to environmental issues (deforestation, land-use change, and air pollution) and social conflict. The certification program is an effort for the palm oil industry to implement sustainable development. The certified palm oil industry will increase industrial profitability in the long run to increase investor interest in the future. The decision to choose palm oil industry stocks that carry out sustainable practices and generate maximum returns is an exciting issue, but how investors can choose the right stocks and the minimum risk level. This study aims to apply the decision-making model to choose the optimal stock in the palm oil industry, which involves sustainable certification and risk criteria. The method used in this study was the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) based on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) data. Determinants of stock selection decisions from previous research are considered criteria for decision making. Through the PROMETHEE method, a list of the rankings of the oil palm industry shares can be generated. The sustainable certification and risk criteria can be used as a reference for relevant stakeholders such as investors. Further studies need to be developed by adding non-financial criteria in the firm and developing the criteria to differentiate each other.

Health risk assessment of Ubeji Creek residents’ exposure to BTEX from consumption of locally sourced foods

ABSTRACT Ubeji Creek in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria suffers environmental pollution attributable to petroleum exploration. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) levels in locally sourced staple foods and dietary BTEX exposure of residents of the Creek from consumption of these foods. Fish, shrimps, pawpaw, cassava, pineapple, and bitter leaf were collected quarterly in a year at designated sampling locations along the creek. The food samples were collected, processed and analysed for BTEX using gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection. Dietary exposure assessment for the Ubeji Creek residents due to BTEX in the foods was conducted based on food consumption data from a food frequency questionnaire survey completed by 530 residents. Mean, maximum, and percentiles BTEX dietary exposures were estimated by both probabilistic and deterministic analyses methods using the @RISK® software through a first-order Monte Carlo simulation at 50,000 iterations. The food samples contained BTEX levels with pineapple tissue having the highest concentration (1.35 ± 0.11 mg/kg). Fish and shrimps have the highest consumption rates of about 120 g/person/day and 90 g/person/day, respectively. The deterministic and probabilistic assessments indicated that fish and shrimps were the highest contributors to the intakes of total BTEX compared to other foods. The deterministic and probabilistic analyses of dietary intakes of benzene revealed that total dietary intakes of benzene exceeded benzene oral reference dose (RfDo), minimum risk level (MRL), and maximum permissible risk (MPR) level. This indicates that the residents who consume the studied foods are potentially at risk of BTEX dietary exposure.

Концепція вдосконалення оцінки якості кредитного портфеля в управлінні кредитною діяльністю банку

The article defines the quality of the loan portfolio as a favorable state of its structure, in which the banking institution will be able to ensure maximum profitability with a minimum level of credit risk and optimal liquidity of the bank's balance sheet. The dynamics of non-performing assets was studied and the banks with the largest share in the loan portfolio were identified. The necessity of more effective credit risk management and the expediency of assessing the quality of the bank's loan portfolio are substantiated. The concept of improving the assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio in the management of the bank's credit activities has been developed, the implementation of which will increase the efficiency of its activities and contribute to the development of the country's banking system.The article emphasizes that the concept of improving the quality of the loan portfolio in the management of credit activities of the bank - a holistic system of theoretical and methodological views on the nature, purpose, objectives and principles of assessing the quality of the loan portfolio in the management of credit activities, as well as organizational and practical approaches to the formation of the mechanism of its implementation in specific conditions. Factors that affect the level of quality of the loan portfolio are identified. Substantiation of the stages of formation of the bank's lending activity, which will allow the banking institution to implement the concept of improving the assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio in the management of the bank's lending activities in full.