Official Control Research Articles

Externally Driven Border Control in West Africa: Local Impact and Broader Ramifications

Over the last two decades and with notable increase since 2015, millions of euros have been invested in territorial border governance in West Africa. Targeting migration policy frameworks, capacity building, and the provision of material, the EU and individual European states have sought to improve control mechanisms along these vast and porous borders. This article explores the local impact and broader ramifications of primarily externally funded policy efforts as they are implemented along Ghana's three international borders with Burkina Faso, Côte D’Ivoire, and Togo. Drawing on observations at official checkpoints and interviews with border control officers and border crossers, the article finds that recent initiatives have facilitated the modernization, expansion, and professionalization of border control. Yet, these enhancements have concurrently led to increased reliance on external support, altered local social relations in border checkpoint areas, and triggered the criminalization of legal emigration. The article situates these developments within its geopolitical landscape, illustrating how externally driven migration governance, when detached from local realities, yields both immediate and far-reaching ramifications. Drawing on and extending critical migration governance analysis and border theory, this study underscores the importance of scrutinizing not only explicit, but also the more subtle and rippling effects of European externalization policies in Africa, as they extend beyond local contexts to influence wider societal structures.

Implementasi Kebijakan Perlindungan Anak Korban Kekerasan di Kabupaten Kediri

This research aims to analyze the implementation of child protection policies for victims of violence in Kediri Regency, focusing on four key variables according to George C. Edwards III's theory: communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure, using a qualitative approach. Data were gathered from interviews, observations, documentation, and relevant secondary sources such as books and scholarly articles. The research was conducted at the Office of Population Control, Family Planning, Women's Empowerment, and Child Protection (DP2KBP3A) in Kediri Regency. The findings indicate that 1) Communication success in policy implementation has been effective, marked by clear and consistent information transmission between the head of DP2KBP3A Kediri, PPA department staff, and the community. 2) Challenges persist in the resources variable concerning staff numbers and facilities like the absence of a shelter, which does not align with Edwards III's theory of implementation success. However, existing resources have been optimally utilized through information and authority. 3) Disposition has been effectively implemented, evidenced by policy implementers' high commitment to policy execution. 4) Bureaucratic structure at DP2KBP3A Kediri has been well-implemented, supporting the smooth implementation of child protection policies for victims of violence.

Rapid identification of antibiotic residues in bovine kidney using coated blade spray-mass spectrometry.

The use of certain antibiotics in food-producing animals is allowed in Europe following Regulation (EU) 2017/625. However, use could result in antibiotic residues in foodstuffs of animal origin. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are in place to protect consumers. For monitoring purposes, animal matrices are tested to verify their compliance with these MRLs. Initially, matrices of (slaughtered) food animals are screened, often using a microbiological assay. Faster screening tests for antibiotics would be an advantage for control laboratories. Therefore, the present study describes, for the first time, the use of coated blade spray (CBS) followed by direct mass spectrometry (MS) analysis for the screening of tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, and macrolides residues from the renal area of intact bovine kidneys. An optimized workflow using two different desorption/ionization solutions per blade allowed screening of target compounds within 1min per sample. The proof-of-principle of the CBS-MS method is validated according to (EU) 2021/808, presenting CCβ screening values of 0.1 × MRL for 43 analytes, 0.5 × MRL for 4 analytes, and 2.5µgkg-1 for the prohibited substance dapsone, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to seven official control samples of bovine kidneys. One of these samples was found to be positive using the CBS-MS method, which was confirmed as a true positive by LC-MSMS analysis. The developed method demonstrates that CBS devices can directly extract and analyze kidney samples for food safety testing.

Mitigating Financial Fraud in Indonesia: A Grounded Theory Approach to Fraud Detection in P2P Lending, Rural Banks, and Conventional Banks

The rapid digitalization of Indonesia’s financial sector, driven by the growth of Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2PL) platforms, Rural Credit Banks (BPR), and conventional banks, has expanded financial inclusion but also heightened the risk of fraud. This study investigates the fraud detection systems (FDS) employed by these diverse financial institutions using a grounded theory approach. By conducting semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders—including directors, compliance managers, and fraud control officers—the research identifies critical factors influencing fraud detection in Indonesia’s financial ecosystem. The study reveals that while larger institutions leverage advanced machine learning models and real-time transaction monitoring, smaller entities like BPRs rely heavily on manual oversight due to resource constraints. Furthermore, the integration of multi-subject perception differences is highlighted as a novel and effective approach for fraud detection, particularly in P2PL platforms, by analyzing multiple data sources to reduce bias and increase accuracy. However, the study also uncovers significant challenges in implementing robust FDS, including high false-positive rates, regulatory complexities, and resource limitations, particularly in smaller institutions. The findings emphasize the need for a tailored fraud detection framework that addresses the unique needs of each sector, balancing technological advancements with operational feasibility.

Simultaneous determination of macrolide and quinolone antibiotics in animal tissues for human consumption validated by Regulation (EU) 2021/808

In this work, an analytical method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of 11 macrolides (erythromycin A, gamithromycin, lincomycin, neospiramycin, pirlimycin, spiramycin, tildipirosin, tilmicosin, tulathromycin A and its metabolite CP-60300, and tylosin A) and 10 quinolones (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, difloxacin, enrofloxacin, flumequine, marbofloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, oxolinic acid, and sarafloxacin) in muscle (bovine, ovine, porcine, equine, rabbit, poultry including laying hens, and fish) and kidney (bovine, ovine, porcine, equine) for human consumption was developed and validated according to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808. Sample preparation consisted of liquid extraction using a citrate–phosphate/EDTA buffer solution (McIlvaine buffer) followed by solid phase extraction for cleanup and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. The developed method was comprehensively validated with regard to relative matrix effects (CVMF ≤ 20 %), linearity (R2 ≥ 0.98), accuracy (84–119 %), trueness (−16 to + 19 %), repeatability (2.1–20.0 %), reproducibility (3.0–25.0 %), selectivity, and robustness. The method limit of quantification values ranged from 2 to 40 µg kg−1, established as 0.1 × the lowest maximum residue limit (MRL) by species for the authorized antibiotics. Method applicability was demonstrated in six interlaboratory proficiency tests, and in the official control analyses of 1200 field samples of muscle and kidney.

Large eddy simulation of the dispersion of short duration emissions: Implications for the metrological evaluation of remote sensing devices for on-road emissions monitoring

Remote sensing techniques have emerged as valuable tools for characterizing pollutant emissions from large vehicle fleets and identifying high emitter single vehicles in real driving conditions. Nevertheless, the use of these systems for official emission control purposes by public administrations is an issue because the remote sensing devices must obtain official metrological certification, which currently lacks an international technical standard. The fluid dynamic study that we present demonstrates the promising potential of using pulsed synthetic reference plumes of known chemical composition in order to simulate exhaust emissions produced by combustion engine vehicles in a repetitive and controlled way. This scheme would facilitate the implementation of these complex metrological certification tests and drastically reduce the potential costs associated to these certifications and the emission of gases. In this paper, the atmospheric dispersion of the synthetic puff-like plumes after being released from a vehicle has been studied through fluid dynamic simulations, in order to identify their optimal usage conditions as reference materials. The simulations have allowed to study the evolution of two types of reference short plumes (puffs generated at 2 and 6 bars) from a vehicle at static and dynamic conditions. Results show that, in spite of the fast dispersion of these puffs, it is possible to accurately determine their chemical composition by optical techniques, for instance, by differential absorption spectroscopy. This opens the way for designing advanced and robust metrological evaluation procedures that could be the basis of a future technical standard for the certification of optical remote sensors of traffic emissions. This would allow future deployment of those certificated remote sensors on roads, contributing to a sustainable mobility and effective air pollution management strategies.

Particle size analysis of iron hydroxide adipate tartrate (IHAT) in a food supplement: Interlaboratory testing of a dynamic light scattering method

Iron hydroxide adipate tartrate (IHAT) is a nano-scale material with a diameter of less than 5 nm intended for use as iron source in food supplements. It is the first engineered nanomaterial that was authorised as novel food in the European Union in 2022 (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1373) and subsequently added to the European Union list of novel foods. Official control laboratories of EU Member States are required to conduct compliance testing of novel foods, including IHAT, against approved specifications. In the case of IHAT, the authorised specifications include the constituent particle size, referred to in the implementing regulation as ‘primary particle size’. In this study, a method to determine the constituent particle size distribution of IHAT using the volume-based hydrodynamic diameter with dynamic light scattering is proposed and tested in an interlaboratory comparison study involving five experienced European food control and food research laboratories. Three test materials were examined, including an early batch of IHAT without the flow agent, a damaged material unintentionally exposed to water, and the final commercial product that included the flow agent. The results demonstrate that dynamic light scattering can reliably measure the particle size of particles in the low nanometre range if samples are prepared and measured following a robust, easy-to-reproduce, and standardised protocol. The results obtained for the commercial product met the compliance requirements specified in the annex of the Commission Implementing Regulation in all laboratories for the primary particle size distribution (Dv(10/50/90)). The method proposed in this study could represent an initial step towards the full validation of the method.

Will the development of smart agriculture improve food safety in international markets? A theoretical approach

Today, there is a significant “digital divide” in the agricultural sector between developing and developed countries. Such a digital disparity has negative consequences on the international competitiveness of these countries and their ability to comply with Food Satefy Standards. We propose a theoretical model to analyze the role of smart agriculture in the ability of countries to comply with international food safety regulations, specifically the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticides,and heavy metals. Firstly, we show that reducing the digital divide will always improve international food safety and food security (availability of a global supply). However, it can lead to more intense international competition, potentially causing a perverse effect: underinvestment in good agricultural practices by more digitally advanced countries. Furthermore, the digital catch-up of less advanced countries cannot sufficiently reduce health risks in international markets unless accompanied by strengthening official food control systems. Finally, we show that such digital catch-up encourages lowering MRLs rather than relaxing them, contrary to what producers or authorities might hope.

Food fraud prevention strategies: Building an effective verification ecosystem.

Food fraud is an ever-present threat that regulators, food business operators (FBOs), and consumers need to be aware of, prevent where possible, and address by developing mitigation strategies to detect and reduce its negative consequences. While extant literature focuses on food fraud detection, there is less attention given to prevention strategies, a knowledge gap this review seeks to address. The aim of this review was to consider food-related fraud prevention initiatives, understand what has worked well, and develop a series of recommendations on preventing food fraud, both policy related and for future research. Reactive (including intelligence based) food fraud detection dominates over prevention strategies, especially where financial, knowledge, and time resources are scarce. First-generation tools have been developed for food fraud vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, and development of food fraud prevention strategies. However, examples of integrated food control management systems at FBO, supply chain, and regulatory levels for prevention are limited. The lack of hybrid (public/private) integration of food fraud prevention strategies, as well as an effective verification ecosystem, weakens existing food fraud prevention plans. While there are several emergent practice models for food fraud prevention, they need to be strengthened to focus more specifically on capable guardians and target hardening. This work has implications for policymakers, Official Controls bodies, the food industry, and ultimately consumers who seek to consistently purchase food that is safe, legal, and authentic.

Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the programming of biological hazard sampling at official controls

Abstract The General State Administration establishes the food safety control and cooperation mechanisms with the competent authorities of the administrations responsible for official controls. In order to improve the quality and homogeneity of official controls related to biological hazards in food, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) and the autonomous communities have a Guidance document for the scheduling of biological hazard sampling within the framework of the National Plan for Official Control of the Food Chain 2021‐2025, which establishes a semi‐quantitative model that takes into account, on the one hand, the impact on health, considering incidence and severity, and, on the other, the prevalence, composed of data from non‐compliant samples and alert notifications. At AESAN's request, the Scientific Committee has assessed this Guidance document, and the final conclusion is that this Guidance document is suitable at the present time, for the intended purpose. Specifically, the criteria based on the calculation of the health impact are considered valid for the biological hazards studied. Regarding the prevalence calculation, different percentile levels could be considered for the parameters of percentage of non‐compliant samples and number of alert notifications. The use of the correction factor for inactivating treatment for the correction of the score associated with prevalence is positively assessed. Regarding the distribution of food categories and hazards analysed, it is considered suitable and it is recommended to re‐evaluate this distribution considering average consumption data of the different food categories in each of the autonomous communities. The procedure to calculate the number of samples and the risk score intervals used for the different hazard‐food pairs is also considered suitable for the intended purpose. Finally, some suggestions are made for revising some criteria in the future in the event that information is available, and it is indicated that the Guidance document should be updated periodically in the light of the experience of its application, progress in scientific knowledge, changes in legislation and guidelines and tools on prioritisation and frequency of risk‐based inspection that may be developed at national or European Union level.

Left Sided Chest And Shoulder Pain In An Animal Control Officer

Left Sided Chest And Shoulder Pain In An Animal Control Officer

Chromatographic Comparison of Commercially Available Columns for Liquid Chromatography in Polar Pesticide Detection and Quantification Using a Score-Based Methodology.

The detection and quantification of polar pesticides in liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry present significant analytical challenges. This study compares the performance of three LC columns (Hypercarb™, Raptor Polar X™, and Anionic Polar Pesticide™) in separating and quantifying eleven polar pesticides in chicken eggs using a score-based methodology. Analytes include glyphosate, its metabolites, and other high-polarity pesticides like Ethephon, Glufosinate, and Fosetyl aluminum, included in the EU's official control plan. Polar pesticides, characterized by high polarity and hydrophilicity, lead to analytical issues such as poor retention and unconventional peak shapes with traditional reversed-phase methods. Their weak interaction with hydrophobic stationary phases complicates separation, necessitating specific stationary phases to enhance retention and selectivity. This study evaluates these columns' efficacy in complex matrices like chicken eggs and other food samples. Chromatographic separation was performed using a UPLC system coupled with a Q-TOF mass spectrometer; extraction and purification involved freeze-out, centrifugation, and filtration steps. The study highlights the critical role of column selection in achieving accurate and reliable separation and quantification of highly polar analytes in matrices of animal origin, offering in the meantime an easy-to-apply methodology of selection for the right determination of the best chromatographic column for different purposes.

DNA Metabarcoding Approach as a Potential Tool for Supporting Official Food Control Programs: A Case Study.

Food authentication significantly impacts consumer health and the credibility of Food Business Operators (FBOs). As European regulations mandate the verification of food authenticity and supply chain integrity, competent authorities require access to innovative analytical methods to identify and prevent food fraud. This study utilizes the DNA metabarcoding approach on meat preparations, sampled during an official control activity. It assesses animal and plant composition by amplifying DNA fragments of the 12S rRNA and trnL (UAA) genes, respectively. The results not only confirmed the declared species but also revealed undeclared and unexpected taxa in products labelled as containing a single animal species and various unspecified plant species. Notable findings such as the presence of Murinae, Sus scrofa, Ovis aries, and Pisum sativum could raise public health concerns, compromise consumer choices made for ethical or religious reasons, and reflect the hygienic conditions of the processing plant. This study demonstrates that the DNA metabarcoding approach looks to be a promising support tool for official control authorities to ensure food authenticity and safety, and to develop risk profiles along the supply chain.

Situational analysis on porcine diseases: general risk assessment and prioritization of epizootic threats to biosecurity systems of pig establishments in the Russian Federation

The results of the situational analysis on porcine diseases in the Russian Federation and the expert assessment prioritizing the list of porcine pathogens significant for the pig industry of the country are presented. The method applied to analyse the expert estimates in the situational analysis allows for rapid assessment and interpretation of the situation with identification of priority diseases to be further addressed. The calculations demonstrated the sufficient degree of agreement among the experts (coefficient of concordance W = 0.61), and Pearson’s chi-squared test statistic χ2 = 51.33 (≥ 21.02607) indicated that the concordance is not random and the results can be used in subsequent studies. The specific features of epizootiology of the agents of African swine fever, classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome that can impact the effectiveness of biosecurity systems of pig establishments, as well as further ways for improving biosecurity management measures are discussed. The overall risk for the pig industry in the Russian Federation that is associated with external sources is currently characterized as permanently high, requiring maintaining risk management measures at the pig establishments by both the managerial staff of the establishments and the State Veterinary Service. It is recommended that biosecurity measures against external threats should focus on diseases such as African swine fever (weight λ = 0.52), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (λ = 0.071), classical swine fever (λ = 0.068) and infections considered emerging for the Russian Federation (λ = 0.05) according to the weights based on the expert estimation results. The biosecurity systems of the establishments should equally address other threats significant for the pig industry of the country: swine enzootic pneumonia, porcine pleuropneumonia (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae), Aujeszky’s disease, streptococcosis (Streptococcus suis), porcine circovirus infection, foot-and-mouth disease, leptospirosis, transmissible gastroenteritis, cysticercosis (λ = 0.02…0.05). The improvement of the governmental policy for eradication of African swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, classical swine fever (including the substantial modification of the existing official pig turnover control, zoning, diagnosis and prevention quality, as well as the implementation of biosecurity standards) is the most significant factor, without which the disease eradication perspective is questionable.

PSI-16 Evaluation of protein quality of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal compared with traditional protein sources for dogs and cats

Abstract There is increased interest in the use of insects, such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM), as an alternative protein source in pet foods. However, additional information is needed to determine how BSFL protein quality compares with traditional pet food protein sources. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition, amino acid digestibility, and protein quality of defatted BSFLM in comparison with whole egg powder (WEP) and chicken meal (CM) using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Fifteen cecectomized roosters (n = 5 per substrate) were randomly allocated to the test substrates BSFLM, CM, and WEP. After 26 h of feed withdrawal, 20 g of substrates were crop-fed and excreta were collected for 48 h. Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated using the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), and National Research Council (NRC) reference values for different life stages of dogs and cats. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed 9.4 with P ≤ 0.05 significance. On a dry matter basis, CM had the greatest crude protein (70.2%), followed by BSFLM (59.8%), and WEP (51.2%). In general, WEP had greater amino acid digestibility than BSFLM and CM. BSFLM (84%) and CM (84%) had comparable arginine digestibility, but less than WEP (92%). Lysine digestibility was greater for BSFLM (80%) in contrast with CM (74%), but less than WEP (91%). DIAAS-like values were calculated, revealing methionine + cysteine as the first limiting amino acids for growing puppies and adult dogs in BSFLM according to AAFCO, FEDIAF, and NRC, whereas for CM threonine was the first limiting amino acid based on AAFCO, and phenylalanine + tyrosine based on NRC and FEDIAF. NRC identified methionine and cysteine as limiting for all test substrates in adult dogs. Methionine and cysteine were limiting for growing kittens for BSFLM among AAFCO, FEDIAF, and NRC. For CM and WEP, phenylalanine and tyrosine was the first-limiting amino acid by NRC and FEDIAF. For adult cats, phenylalanine and tyrosine were the limiting amino acid for BSFLMand CM according to AAFCO and FEDIAF, with NRC identifying it as limiting across all protein sources. In summary, methionine and cysteine and/or phenylalanine and tyrosine were the primary limiting amino acids among the protein sources evaluated. In general, BSFLM had comparable indispensable standardized amino acid digestibility to CM.

304 Amino acid digestibility and protein quality of fermented soybean-based ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay

Abstract Fermented soybean-based ingredients may serve as an alternative protein source for pet foods because of their high-quality protein content. The amino acid (AA) content and protein quality of fermented soybean-based ingredients may vary depending on their composition and processing, however, so testing is required. Our objective was to measure the AA composition, AA digestibility, and protein quality of fermented soybean-based ingredients using the precision fed cecectomized rooster assay. The University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved all animal procedures prior to experimentation. Cecectomized roosters (n = 36; six roosters per substrate) were randomly allotted to one of five test substrates: 1) autoclaved soybean (ASB); 2) fermented soybeans (FSB); 3) fermented soybeans with probiotics (FSBP); 4) fermented soybean meal (FSBM); 5) fermented soybean meal with probiotics (FSBMP). After 26 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed test substrates. Following crop intubation excreta samples were collected 48 h. Endogenous loss corrections for AA were made by using five additional cecectomized roosters. All data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. All substrates had increased AA digestibilities, with all indispensable AA digestibilities being >80% except for lysine (78.1% to 86.9%). Tryptophan digestibility was less (P < 0.05) in FSB than other substrates, but other AA digestibilities were not different. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to nutritional guidelines for adult dogs, adult cats, growing puppies, and growing kittens. The most limiting AA was the same for all ingredients. In adult dogs, methionine was the most limiting AA based on National Research Council (NRC; DIAAS: 33.4-35.1), European Pet Food Industry Nutritional Guidelines (FEDIAF; DIAAS: 49.6-52.1), and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO; DIAAS: 60.2-63.2) guidelines. In adult cats, phenylalanine was the most limiting AA (DIAAS: 59.5-63.2) when using NRC guidelines, but DIAAS were above 100 for FEDIAF and AAFCO guidelines. In growing puppies, methionine was most limiting according to NRC (DIAAS: 56.7-59.6) and FEDIAF (DIAAS: 78.8-82.7) guidelines, but threonine was most limiting according to AAFCO (DIAAS: 68.8-72.3) guidelines. In growing kittens, methionine was most limiting according to NRC (DIAAS: 70.9-74.4) and AAFCO (53.4-56.0) guidelines, but phenylalanine was most limiting according to FEDIAF (DIAAS: 66.7-70.8) guidelines. Our results demonstrate that fermented soybean-based ingredients are high-quality protein sources. Even though they have one or more limiting AA, they would serve as strong complementary proteins for pet foods. Further research in dogs and cats is necessary to confirm sufficient palatability and digestibility, but these data suggest that they are valuable sources of protein for pet food.

A screening method for detection of TiO2 in food based on Raman spectroscopy and its applicability in a regulatory context

Starting from August 7, 2022, with the publication of the European Regulation EU 2022/63, the European Commission has prohibited the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (E 171) as a food additive within the European Union (EU). As the food industry has the obligation to adapt the formulation of their products accordingly, it is now crucial for EU member states' competent authorities and official control laboratories to have adequate analytical methods to ensure compliance with this new regulation. The existing literature predominantly focuses on quantitatively determining the elemental titanium (Ti) concentration by ICP-based techniques after complete digestion of the analyte and the food matrix. Compared to this approach, Raman spectroscopy would offer the possibility of a more rapid albeit qualitative screening by identifying the insoluble fraction of titanium dioxide after removing the food matrix. It is also important to note that compliance with the EU ban requires determining the presence of TiO2 in particulate form, an information that Raman spectroscopy can easily deliver. As a further advantage, an analytical approach based on Raman spectroscopy eliminates the need for using particularly harmful acids, which are necessary for the complete digestion of TiO2, when ICP-based analytical methods are employed. In the present study, the aim was first to gather information on the commonly occurring total Ti levels in food and, second, to discuss the potential of a newly developed Raman procedure based on TiO2 extraction by mild acid digestion of the food product as a rapid, safer albeit qualitative screening method. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Raman procedure in verifying compliance with the European Regulation, the qualitative results obtained using a macro-Raman instrument were compared with those obtained through ICP-based techniques on the same food samples, used as benchmark. In total 22 food-samples belonging to 6 different food categories were analysed. The sampling was conducted in the Italian, Belgian, and French markets both before and after the EU ban on E 171 entered into force. The limit of detection, qualitatively established, was 50 mg kg−1, which effectively encompasses the majority of food items containing E 171, as supported by the extensive literature review. The results obtained with the Raman screening method were found to align well with information reported on product labels and benchmark quantitative data.

Data-driven prediction model for pollution prevention deficiencies on ships

Preventing ship-related environmental pollution is one of the most important concerns of the maritime industry. This research developed a machine learning-based model to detect pollution prevention deficiencies in detained ships to address critical environmental regulations and enhance maritime safety. To develop predictive model, the Random Forest algorithm was performed on the port state control report of 4056 detained ships in the Tokyo MoU region between 2019 and 2023. Quantitative analysis revealed that the port state conducting the inspection was the most impactful variable on the model, affecting its accuracy significantly due to diverse enforcement standards. Deficiency number was the second important variable. The analysis also revealed that ship type and size had above-average effect on the model. The Random Forest model achieved the highest accuracy of 72.43 % compared to other algorithms. Following the predictive modeling, Association Rule Mining was utilized to uncover and delineate implicit relationships among the identified deficiency areas, thus deepening our analysis of pollution prevention strategies. The Random Forest algorithm has high accuracy and robustness in models developed for big data and is resistant to overfitting, and the Apriori algorithm can extract hidden and complex relationships in the data faster and more easily interpretable were the main reasons for the selection of these algorithms. The Apriori algorithm analysis identified critical deficiency areas linked to pollution prevention—namely fire safety, certificate/documentation, ISM, emergency systems, and life-saving appliances—with these areas appearing in most of the rules with high metric values, thus highlighting common compliance gaps. The findings can help port authorities and port state control officers prioritize inspections of ships most likely to be non-compliant, thereby effectively reducing pollution prevention risk and inspection times and costs. Therefore, the measures to be taken may prevent ship-related pollution and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially related to marine resources.

Methodological improvements for studying face matching in border control tasks

AbstractBorder control officers must decide whether passport images match their holders. In previous research on passport verification most participants have been more willing to report nonmatching passports than is likely to occur in practice. We designed an experimental paradigm to increase participants' motivation to avoid these types of errors in passport verification. Participants decided whether passport photographs matched ambient photographs of passport holders. Most passports matched their holders and nonmatching passports were rare. All participants received feedback on their passport verification decisions, and an experimental group also received a time‐consuming consequence if they made an error. Relative to the control condition that only received feedback, consequences were effective in reducing mistaken accusations of nonmatching passports. Consequences also increased the miss rate for nonmatching passports, but the increase in misses over the control condition was not significant. We conclude that consequences can make participants behave more like real border control officers.

A Handheld Tool for the Rapid Morphological Identification of Mosquito Species (VectorCam) for Community-Based Malaria Vector Surveillance: Summative Usability Study.

Malaria impacts nearly 250 million individuals annually. Specifically, Uganda has one of the highest burdens, with 13 million cases and nearly 20,000 deaths. Controlling the spread of malaria relies on vector surveillance, a system where collected mosquitos are analyzed for vector species' density in rural areas to plan interventions accordingly. However, this relies on trained entomologists known as vector control officers (VCOs) who identify species via microscopy. The global shortage of entomologists and this time-intensive process cause significant reporting delays. VectorCam is a low-cost artificial intelligence-based tool that identifies a mosquito's species, sex, and abdomen status with a picture and sends these results electronically from surveillance sites to decision makers, thereby deskilling the process to village health teams (VHTs). This study evaluates the usability of the VectorCam system among VHTs by assessing its efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction. The VectorCam system has imaging hardware and a phone app designed to identify mosquito species. Two users are needed: (1) an imager to capture images of mosquitos using the app and (2) a loader to load and unload mosquitos from the hardware. Critical success tasks for both roles were identified, which VCOs used to train and certify VHTs. In the first testing phase (phase 1), a VCO and a VHT were paired to assume the role of an imager or a loader. Afterward, they swapped. In phase 2, two VHTs were paired, mimicking real use. The time taken to image each mosquito, critical errors, and System Usability Scale (SUS) scores were recorded for each participant. Overall, 14 male and 6 female VHT members aged 20 to 70 years were recruited, of which 12 (60%) participants had smartphone use experience. The average throughput values for phases 1 and 2 for the imager were 70 (SD 30.3) seconds and 56.1 (SD 22.9) seconds per mosquito, respectively, indicating a decrease in the length of time for imaging a tray of mosquitos. The loader's average throughput values for phases 1 and 2 were 50.0 and 55.7 seconds per mosquito, respectively, indicating a slight increase in time. In terms of effectiveness, the imager had 8% (6/80) critical errors and the loader had 13% (10/80) critical errors in phase 1. In phase 2, the imager (for VHT pairs) had 14% (11/80) critical errors and the loader (for VHT pairs) had 12% (19/160) critical errors. The average SUS score of the system was 70.25, indicating positive usability. A Kruskal-Wallis analysis demonstrated no significant difference in SUS (H value) scores between genders or users with and without smartphone use experience. VectorCam is a usable system for deskilling the in-field identification of mosquito specimens in rural Uganda. Upcoming design updates will address the concerns of users and observers.