PM Type Research Articles

Particulate matter and black carbon exposure in Seoul subway: Implications for human health risk

Air pollution and the associated health risks to humans caused by exposure to particle matter in enclosed subway systems are currently concerns. This research first time investigated the substantial health hazards (cancerous, non-cancerous, relative risk, and excess mortality rates associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality) posed by metals and black carbon (BC) bound to particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) within subway systems. The Seoul subway system has been found to show notably higher levels of PM (2–1.5 times) and BC (2.3–1.3 times) compared to outdoor environments. Inhalation of PM-containing trace metals such as Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, and BC significantly contributes to cancer risk, irrespective of age or PM type. The risk of developing inhalation-related cancer due to PM10 and PM2.5-bound metals is notably higher (1.2–2 times) within the subway environment compared to outdoors. Inhalation cancer risk levels (ICRBC) associated with PM-bound BC are 1.8 times greater at subway stations compared to outdoor stations, with a strong association (1.93–1.98 times) with PM2.5-bound BC compared to PM10. Notably, PM levels in subway stations have a considerable impact on relative mortality risk, with approximately 1.98 times the observed increase in mortality attributed to PM2.5-bound BC. The trace metals and BC bound to PM that contribute to human health risks might originate from vehicle emissions. This includes both surface and underground transportation systems. These findings underscore the significance of addressing air quality within subway systems to mitigate health risks.

Design Optimization of a Direct-Drive Wind Generator With a Reluctance Rotor and a Flux Intensifying Stator Using Different PM Types

Design Optimization of a Direct-Drive Wind Generator With a Reluctance Rotor and a Flux Intensifying Stator Using Different PM Types

The Application of Frieze Groups and Crystallographic Groups in Generating Batak Toba Ornament Motifs Using a Matlab Graphical User Interface

Gorga is a carving or sculpture typically found on the exterior of a Toba Batak traditional house. The Batak people use fractal (geometric) dimensions in Batak gorga carvings. In mathematics, repetitive and symmetrical patterns in planes that result from transformations are included in the plane symmetry groups. Ethnomathematics is a cultural approach to the concept of mathematics. A frieze group can be defined as a symmetrical group which arises from a unidirectional translation and subsequently generates a linear pattern that recurs exclusively in a single direction. There are seven different pattern types in the frieze groups. Meanwhile, crystallographic patterns are flat two-dimensional patterns that form a lattice. There are 17 crystallographic types of patterns with five different types of unit lattices. The purpose of this study is to generate motifs for Batak ornaments based on frieze groups and crystallographic groups using a Matlab Graphical User Interface (GUI). A total of 119 new motifs were generated based on seven types of patterns in the frieze groups, namely, F1,F2,F3,F4,F5,F6, and F7. Meanwhile, in the crystallographic groups, 153 new motifs were generated based on nine types of patterns, namely, p1,p2,pm,pg,cm,pmg,pmm,cmm, and pgg. To keep with trends, the new motifs generated can be used in everyday life as decorations or business symbols that are characteristic of the Toba Batak region.

Identification of Airborne Particle Types and Sources at a California School Using Electron Microscopy

We conducted a pilot study to investigate air quality indoors in two classrooms and outdoors on the school grounds in a California community with historically high PM2.5 (fine particulate matter, diameter < 2.5 μm). We used computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy of passive samples to identify major PM types, which were used to help interpret continuous PM2.5 and black carbon sensor data. The five major PM types were sodium salt particles with sulfur, calcium, or chlorine; aluminosilicate dusts; carbonaceous combustion agglomerates; biogenic particles; and metal-rich particles. Based on morphological evidence of water droplets, the salt particles are hypothesized to be secondary aerosols formed via the reaction of sodium chloride fog droplets with sulfur from regional sources. The carbonaceous agglomerates had unusual morphologies consistent with low-temperature combustion and smoke from open-burning activities observed nearby. The passive PM sampler and continuous sensor results indicated lower concentrations in the classroom equipped with an air cleaner. Passive samples collected in one classroom exhibited enhanced PM10–2.5 crustal particles and PM2.5 metal particles, suggesting a potential local PM source in that room. Future study designs that enable longer passive sampling times would reduce detection limits and sample contamination concerns. The determination of major airborne particle types in a given environment makes this technique a useful and unique community exposure assessment tool, even in these limited-duration (48 h) deployments.

Assessment of Air pollution in Benghazi City during February and March periods using Airvisual Outdoor Monitor

Particulate matter is a major indicator of the level of air pollution. The ratio of fine and coarse particles and particle type determine the ability of atmospheric processes and affect human health. The aim of this work is to assess the spatiotemporal variation of particulates (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) during the monitoring period from February 2023 to March 2023 and to assess the correlations between pollutants and the impact of meteorological factors. The results showed the main average air quality index (AQI) in the February period was about 138 μg/m3, which reflected the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, while the main average AQI in the March period was about 89 μg/m3, which reflected the air quality is moderate. Based on PM2.5/PM10 ratios in February the mixed particles and anthropogenic source are more common in the atmosphere and PM2.5/ PM10 ratios in March period the mixed particles and natural sources are more common in the atmosphere in Benghazi city. The February period has more pollutants than the March period due to more than type of pollution. The bivariate polar plots of temperature AQI, PM1/PM2.5, and PM2.5/PM10 were negatively correlated with temperature while positively correlated with wind speed. SE directions of wind have a major impact on increasing PM and natural pollution type concentrations in Benghazi city.

Ion Conductivity of Liquid Crystalline Poly(substituted methylene)s Bearing Ionic Liquid Moieties at the Side Chain Ends

We have measured the ionic conductivity (σ) of liquid crystalline poly(substituted methylene)s (PMs) bearing ionic liquid (IL) moieties attached to the main chain via alkyl spacers. Four types of PMs investigated, differing in main-chain stereoregularity (atactic or syndiotactic) and the number of methylene units in the alkyl spacer (n = 6 or 12), have twice the σ of conventional polyacrylate ILs with similar glass transition temperatures. The highest σ of 5.9 × 10−5 S cm−1 is measured for the atactic PM with n = 12 at 30 °C. Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) based on lquid crystalline poly(substituted methylene)s (PMs) has twice high ionic conductivity (σ) than conventional PILs similar in the glass transition temperature. The highest σ value measured for these polymers with molecular weights more than 105 kDa is 5.9 × 10−5 S cm−1, greater than the maximum value of 3.0 × 10−5 S cm−1 expected for PILs.

Indoor air quality in a training centre used for sports practice.

One of the measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the mass closure of gyms. This measure leads us to determine the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality. That is why the objective of this study was to analyse the indoor air quality of a sports centre catering to small groups and rehabilitation. The study was conducted in a single training centre, where 26 measurements were taken in two spaces (indoors and outdoors). The air quality index, temperature, relative humidity, total volatile compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter were measured indoors and outdoors using the same protocol and equipment. These measurements were taken twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with all measurements made at the same time, 10 am and 6 pm, respectively. Additionally, four determinations of each variable were collected during each shift, and the number of people who had trained in the room and the number of trainers were counted. In the different variables analysed, the results show that CO2 and RH levels are higher indoors than outdoors in both measurement shifts. Temperatures are higher outside than inside and, in the evening, than in the morning. TVOC, AQI and PM show less variation, although they are higher outdoors in the morning. CO is highest indoors. HCHO levels are almost negligible and do not vary significantly, except for a slight increase in the afternoon outside. Ozone levels are not significant. All the variables showed practically perfect reliability in all the measurements, except for ozone measured outside in the morning. On the other hand, the variables exhibit variations between indoors and outdoors during the morning and afternoon, except for the three types of PM. Also, the data show that all the main variables measured inside the sports training centre are similar between morning and afternoon. However, outside, temperature, relative humidity and HCHO levels show significant differences between morning and afternoon while no differences are observed for the other variables. The indoor air quality of the training centre assessed was good and met current regulations; some of its components even exhibited better levels than fresh air. This article is the first to measure indoor air quality in a sports training centre catering to rehabilitation and small groups.

Effect of Azithromycin on Genotoxicity in Allium Test

The effect of azithromycin at a concentration of 50-1000.0 mg/l on the pathology of mitosis in the Allium test in the first metaphase after treatment and after the completion of the recovery period is being investigated. Research methods: Allium test, cytogenetic analysis, statistical analysis. The Allium test was conducted on a batch of the Stuttgarter variety which is genetically unstable as the result of micronucleus test. The results of the analysis showed that the tested concentrations of azithromycin (50.0-1000.0 mg/l) in the first mitosis did not cause a significant increase in the values of mitosis pathology (PM) compared with the negative control. However, there was a significant increase (8 times) in the number of cells with PM in the “aftereffect, after 48 hours” variant for a concentration of 300.0 mg/l of azithromycin: from 4.1% to 32.3%. It should be noted that under the action of all tested concentrations of azithromycin, the same tendency is observed as in the control variant in terms of the preservation of the PM spectrum and the dominance, firstly, of the pathology “overrun/lag of chromosomes”, and secondly, the pathology of “asynchronous spindle fission”. The percentage of mentioned PMs ranges from 52 to 74, and from 7 to 22, respectively. Other types of PMs, according to their occurrence in experimental variants, are arranged in the following sequence: c-mitosis, chromosome scattering, chromosome outliers, polyploidy, chromosome stickiness, chromosomal and chromatid bridges, pycnosis of interphase nuclei. Under the action of azithromycin, starting from a concentration of 100.0 mg/l to 1000.0 mg/l, polyploid cells were observed in dividing cells, which contained a tetraploid set of chromosomes. In experimental variants in single cells, a significant increase in the size of the nuclei of interphase cells and the presence of nuclear buds were noted, which is considered as markers of polyploidization and gene amplification. The recovery period (after 48 hours after the action of the antibiotic) for azithromycin does not reduce the number of cells with PM but changes their composition and spectrum.

Study of the Dynamical Relationships between PM2.5 and PM10 in the Caribbean Area Using a Multiscale Framework

The Caribbean basin is a geographical area with a high prevalence of asthma due to mineral dust. As such, it is crucial to analyze the dynamic behavior of particulate pollutants in this region. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 and 10 μm (PM2.5 and PM10) using Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT)-based approaches, including the time-dependent intrinsic correlation (TDIC) and time-dependent intrinsic cross-correlation (TDICC) frames. The study utilized datasets from Puerto Rico from between 2007 and 2010 to demonstrate the relationships between two primary particulate matter concentration datasets of air pollution across multiple time scales. The method first decomposes both time series using improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) to obtain the periodic scales. The Hilbert spectral analysis identified two dominant peaks at a weekly scale for both PM types. High amplitude contributions were sustained for long and continuous time periods at seasonal to intra-seasonal scales, with similar trends in spectral amplitude observed for both types of PM except for monthly and intra-seasonal scales of six months. The TDIC method was used to analyze the resulting modes with similar periodic scales, revealing the strongest and most stable correlation pattern at quarterly and annual cycles. Subsequently, lagged correlations at each time scale were analyzed using the TDICC method. For high-frequency PM10 intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) less than a seasonal scale, the value of the IMF at a given time scale was found to be dependent on multiple antecedent values of PM2.5. However, from the quarterly scale onward, the correlation pattern of the PM2.5-PM10 relationship was stable, and IMFs of PM10 at these scales could be modeled by the lag 1 IMF of PM2.5. These results demonstrate that PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are dynamically linked during the passage of African dust storms.

Meshless Generalized Finite Difference Method to Analyze Electromagnetic Performance of SPM Machines With Eccentric Rotor Shape

In this article, we propose an unconventional method, i.e., generalized finite difference method (GFDM), to analyze the electromagnetic performance of surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machine with eccentric rotor shape. The remarkable characteristic of this method is that it is meshless. In this method, the solution region is discretized in the form of nodes, and the nodes can move with the moving structure. This is very helpful in modeling the SPM machine because there is no remeshing process during the rotation. However, mesh generation is required in the traditional finite-element analysis (FEA). First, the basic principle of the proposed GFDM is introduced. Second, the whole field domain is divided into five types of regions, viz., PMs, air gap, slot openings, slots, and stator core. Third, the differential equations satisfied by each region are discretized into algebraic equations by the GFDM. The interfaces need to be dealt with separately because of the discontinuity of the derivative of the vector potential. Then, the systems of equations are solved to analyze the electromagnetic performance of an SPM machine. Finally, this method is implemented on a 12-slot, 10-pole SPM machine. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of this method is verified by an FEA and experiment.

Modified techniques versus Hadfield\u2019s procedure in patients with periductal mastitis

BackgroundPeriductal mastitis (PM) is a rare disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the terminal mammary ducts. Complete removal of terminal lactiferous ducts with Hadfield procedure is a previously defined technique in treatment but carries various complications risks. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of modified techniques in the treatment of PM.MethodsTwenty women who underwent surgery due to PM between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Types of PM were determined. All patients were operated on with three different incisions [Hadfield’s operation with periareolar incision (n:11), periareolar combined radial incision (n:7), and round block incision (n:2)].ResultsThe mean age was 37.5 ± 6.5 years (range: 24–49). Sixty percent of patients had type 3 PM. In Hadfield’s procedure, NAC retraction (n:2), seroma (n:1), and hematoma (n:1) were seen. In the periareolar incision combined radial incision group only one patient had complications (seroma) and none in the round block method. Follow-up was 12 ± 1.5 months and disease relapse occurred in two patients in the Hadfield group. Patients who underwent round block were more satisfied with the appearance of the nipple.ConclusionsIn the treatment of PM, the main principle of surgical treatment is the excision of the affected canal with a clear margin. Apart from the classical Hadfield procedure, the round block method and periareolar combined radial incision techniques can be performed in the treatment of PM.

Development of an alveolar chip model to mimic respiratory conditions due to fine particulate matter exposure

• Development of an alveolar chip that can reliably and efficiently assess the harmful effects of PMs across different particle sizes ranges and compositions. • Optimized chip setup using PC-PET to provide long term stability. • Good testing performance to mimic the respiratory conditions associated with different types of PMs.

Neuro-Fuzzy Transformation with Minimize Entropy Principle to Create New Features for Particulate Matter Prediction

Air pollution is a major global issue. In Thailand, this issue continues to increase every year, similar to other countries, especially during the dry season in the northern region. In this period, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 10 and 2.5 micrometers, known as PM10 and PM2.5, are important pollutants, most of which exceed the national standard levels, the so-called Thailand air quality index (T-AQI). Therefore, this study created a prediction model to classify T-AQI calculated from both types of PM. The neuro-fuzzy model with a minimum entropy principle model is proposed to transform the original data into new informative features. The processes in this model are able to discover appropriate separation points of the trapezoidal membership function by applying the minimum entropy principle. The membership value of the fuzzy section is then passed to the neural section to create a new data feature, the PM level, for each hour of the day. Finally, as an analytical process to obtain new knowledge, predictive models are created using new data features for better classification results. Various experiments were utilized to find an appropriate structure with high prediction accuracy. The results of the proposed model were favorable for predicting both types of PM up to three hours in advance. The proposed model can help people who are planning short-term outdoor activities.

The performance of wire mesh particulate type trap to reduce smoke opacity from compression-ignition engine

Soot, as a material that forms PM emissions, is generally composed of solid carbon particles resulting from combustion. The PM is then managed by absorbed and condensed organic composition. PM is a hazardous emission for health, especially a very subtle one like PM 2.5. This type of PM can enter without passing through filtering in the respiratory system so that it can interfere with the function of the function in the gas exchange. One of the technologies offered is a diesel particulate trap (DPT), where this technology has the potential to carry out the filtration of more than 95%. One of the technologies provided is a diesel particulate trap (DPT), where this technology has the potential to carry out the filtration of more than 95%. The purpose of this study is to screen PM and measure the extent of DPT efficiency used in diesel engine vehicles. This study uses SNI 09-7118.2-2005 as the testing standard for the Isuzu C190 diesel engine. The test is carried out by accelerating the engine under no-load conditions according to SAE-J11667 standards. The main finding of this research is that the use of DPT can reduce smoke from 85.4% to 98.4%. Thus it was concluded that the DPT could be applied to diesel engines to be able to support various programs related to sustainable development.

Differential effects of size-specific particulate matter on lower respiratory infections in children: A multi-city time-series analysis in Sichuan, China

Evidence on the short-term effects of size-specific particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤10 μm (PM10), and their difference (PMC) on children’s Lower Respiratory Infections (LRI) is scare. This study aimed to estimate the differential effects of three size-specific PM on hospitalizations of children aged <18 years for pneumonia and bronchitis in 18 cities of southwestern China. The city-specific association was firstly estimated using the over-dispersed generalized additive model and then combined to obtain the regional average association. Further, to evaluate the robustness of the key findings, subgroup analyses and co-pollutant models were constructed. PM-related risks of LRI differed by PM fractions and cause-specific LRI. A 10 μg/m3 increment in PM2.5_lag03, PM10_lag06, and PMC_lag06 was associated with a 0.79% (95% CI: 0.29%, 1.29%), 0.77% (95% CI: 0.13%, 1.41%), and 2.33% (95% CI: 1.23%, 3.44%) increase in children’s LRI hospitalizations, respectively. After adjustment for gaseous pollutants, adverse effects of the three types of size-specific PM on pneumonia hospitalizations were stable, ranging from 0.29% (95% CI: 0.05%, 0.54%) for PM2.5–2.50% (95% CI: 1.38%, 3.64%) for PMC. Additionally, PMC-related risk of bronchitis hospitalizations remained stable after adjustment for gaseous pollutants. Associations of pneumonia with PMC and PM10 in infants, bronchitis with PM2.5 in children aged 6–17 years, pneumonia and bronchitis with PM2.5, PMC, and PM10 in children aged 1–5 years were all statistical significant. Specifically, the effects of PM2.5 on LRI hospitalizations increased by age, with the highest effect of 1.72% (95%CI: 1.01%, 2.43%) in children aged 6–17 years. Our study provided evidence for short-term effects of different PM fractions on children LRI hospitalizations in Southwestern China, which will be useful for making and promoting policies on air quality standards in order to protect children’s health.

The back-up lead in his bundle pacing: evolution over the years

Abstract Background His bundle pacing (HBP) can be affected by high thresholds and low sensing. Thus, in selected patients including a back-up lead is advisable. Objective Single-centre retrospective analysis of a large HBP experience, focusing on the back-up lead utilization over the years. Methods 677 pts (76±8 years; 433 males) were implanted with HBP from 2004 to 2019 July. The pts received S-HBP (67%) or NS-HBP by the 3830 lead. The pacing indications were AV block 54%, sinus node disease 17%, slow atrial fibrillation 23%, heart failure 6%. Ischemic cardiopathy was found in 26%; hypertension in 83%, diabetes in28% pts. Baseline QRS duration was 123±32 ms and EF 56±12%. Results 266 (39%) pts received the back-up lead. In sinus rhythm we implanted 3-chamber PM (His lead:LV port; VV delay 80 ms: His pulses and apical pacing during the refractory period). 30 pts (11%) received a particular type of 3-chamber PM which provides back-up pacing only if His capture fails, thus saving energy. In atrial fibrillation 2-chamber PM was implanted (His lead: atrial port, DVI). We recorded a significant decrease of back-up lead use over the years, strictly related to operators/centre experience (&amp;gt;70% during the first years, nearly 10% during the last year). The C315 fixed curve sheath, strongly contributed to the rapid reduction of back-up lead use thanks to better lead fixation and stability. Conclusion The back-up lead utilization is progressively decreasing. It is strictly related to the operator/centre experience. The presence of the back-up lead could strengthen the Hisian pacing reliability, potentially impacting pacing indication even in advanced conduction disturbances and saving device longevity. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A-03 Executive and Memory Components of Prospective Memory in Aging and Dementia

Abstract Objective Prospective memory (PM) involves remembering to perform an intended action in the future. PM is critical for older adults’ daily functioning. This ability is not a unitary construct, so in this study, we determined the roles of executive and memory functioning in different subtypes of PM, including simple PM (ability to execute a single action in the future) and complex PM (ability to execute different actions depending on the context). Method Participants included 58 healthy older adults, 64 persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 17 participants with Alzheimer’s disease. Simple PM was defined as remembering to ask the examiner for a pill after each neuropsychological test performed. Complex PM was defined as asking for the correct number of pills based on whether the test just completed involved memory (1 pill) or not (2 pills). An Executive composite score included Trail Making Test-B and FAS. The Memory composite score included delayed recall from the California Verbal Learning Test-II and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised. Results Whole group analyses showed that simple PM was significantly correlated with memory functions, and complex PM was significantly correlated with both memory and executive functions. Specific to the MCI group, regression analyses showed that executive and memory skills predicted both simple PM and complex PM. Conclusions These findings suggest that complex PM requires more executive demands than simple PM. For those with MCI, better executive and memory functions predicted PM generally. These findings indicate that both types of PM may be important for assessing the risk state for dementia.

1272 Control of Sleep-Associated Respiratory Distress with a Mandibular Advancement Oral Appliance in an Unusual Case of a Patient with a Mild Rather Persistent Nocturnal Baseline Hypoventilation/Hypoxia

Abstract Introduction Normal respiratory function is crucial for adequate sleep. Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, namely Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are frequent conditions among a large spectrum of obstructive events in the upper airway which are often linked to significant sleep related oxyhemoglobin dessaturation levels compared to those observed in baseline PSG-oximetry recorded. On the other hand, low baseline oxygen saturation (LBOS) is commonly linked to symptomatic cardiorespiratory disturbances which may adversely impact respiratory outcomes either awake or during sleep. Therefore it is relevant to be aware of the baseline ventilatory status in order to optimize the therapeutic care. Report of Case We present an unusual case of a patient with moderate OSA which was successfully controlled with a Mandibular Advancement Oral Appliance (OAm). Despite the control with the OAm, the patient still maintained a nocturnal pattern of hypoventilation/hypoxia. The 53 yo female patient with normal weight/height ratio (BMI=25,2) complaining of non restorative sleep, tiredness, impaired memory, excessive diurnal sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS=10 and bruxism with a PSG diagnosis of moderate OSA (BaselineO2Sat=94%; IAH=17,4 ev/h; ODI=32,9 ev/h; T90=34,7% of TST) was referred for treatment with a OAm. A PM Type 1 positioner was inserted and titrated until 12 mm of advancement (80% of maximal measured protrusion). Within 6 months follow up and after clinical titration, there was a clear symptomatic and objective improvement with resolution of all major complaints including sleepiness (ESS=5). Titration PSG showed a normalization in all parameters (IAH=1,4 ev/h;ODI=4 ev/h;T90=0,1% of TST). Baseline O2 Sat however remained low (93%) in the titration PSG even though no symptoms or signs of a disorder existed even after discounting for Ph related metabolic changes (normal levels of HCO3) Conclusion This is an interesting case of an unusual patient who presented with a LBOS level in the diagnostic PSG. Despite the therapeutic success of the OAm in controlling the sleep related respiratory condition, measured by all otherwise normalized PSG based sleep and respiratory parameters, maintained a LBOS in the titration PSG without any signs or symptoms of disease.

Development of alumina-based porosity reference materials for the mercury porosimetry method

This paper presents the results of a study on the development of alumina-based porosity reference materials (RMs), which are intended for controlling the accuracy of the measurement results obtained using the mercury porosimetry method. These mercury porosimetry RMs are being developed in the Russian Federation for the first time and are primarily intended for verification / calibration and testing for type approval of mercury porosimeters. The study of metrological characteristics was conducted using a reference system, which is to be included in the GET 210-2014 State Primary Measurement Standard for units of specific gas adsorption, specific surface area, specific volume and pore size of solid substances and materials. This reference system was calibrated prior to conducting the study with the use of external reference pressure sensors of the 2nd order at 0.6 MPa and 400 MPa, as well as a laboratory balance (special accuracy class 1) having a maximum weighing limit of220 g. In the course of conducted research work, procedures for reproducing and estimating the uncertainty of porosity characteristics using the mercury porosimetry method were developed. When estimating the PM metrological characteristics, the standard uncertainty, associated with the characterisation and heterogeneity of the studied materials (PM candidates), was evaluated. The standard uncertainty due to instability was disregarded due to the high stability of the alumina matrix. According to the results of the conducted studies, four types of alumina-based porosity PM were developed. Their pore sizes are of about -lOnm; -2,000 nm; -9,000 nm; -60,000 nm. The RMs with pore sizes of -10 nm; -2,000 nm were intended for use in controlling the accuracy of mercury porosimeters operating at high pressures, while the RMs with pore sizes of -9,000 nm; -60,000 nm were for controlling the accuracy of mercury porosimeters operating at low pressures. The developed RMs are different from their foreign counterparts, which are produced by BAM (Germany) and NIST (USA) metrological institutes. The standard uncertainty due to characterisation of the RMs in question was estimated, not by the method of interlaboratory experiment, but by a full analysis of the constraint equations taking into account all sources of uncertainty included in the equations on the basis of the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. The conducted studies allowed the RM certified values to be traceable at this stage to the GET 3-2008 State Primary Measurement Standard for the mass unit (kilogram), the GET 101-2011 State Primary Measurement Standard for the pressure unit in the field of absolute pressure in the range 1×10 –1 – 7×10 5 Pa, the GET 43-2013 State Primary Measurement Standard for the pressure unit in the range 10-1600 MPa and the effective area of the piston-cylinder unit of dead weight testers in the range 0.05-1 cm 2. In addition, a reference material having a large pore size of -60,000 nm, which currently has no analogues elsewhere in the world, was characterised.

Investigation of processed meat consumption from the National Nutritional Survey menuCH and ecological data for colorectal cancer incidence in Switzerland

AbstractProcessed meat (PM) has an important role in diet of the Swiss population, but increasingly regarded as a food group of concern due to epidemiological evidence for its association with colorectal cancer (CRC) and other chronic diseases. Data on CRC incidence for men and women and by region is available in Switzerland, but cannot be linked with PM intake.This secondary analysis aimed to describe PM consumption in Switzerland, using data from the National Nutritional Survey menuCH, to investigate associations between PM intake and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and to examine CRC incidence in Switzerland for any similar regional patterns to PM consumption.Intakes of total PM and of categories ham, bacon, sausage and other PM types were described by means and standard errors (SEM). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate associations between meat intake (total meat and PM, assessed separately, g/1000 kcal) and the following sociodemographic and lifestyle factors: sex, language-speaking region, age-category, nationality, education, gross household income, household status, smoking status, overall health status (self-reported), and currently following a weight-loss diet. Data were weighted for age, sex, marital status, major areas of Switzerland, nationality and household size, and for consumption data, also season and weekday.Results show PM was consumed by approximately 70% of the population with mean total intake of 42.7 (SEM 1.2 g/d). Sausage intake was highest with 16.8 g/day, followed by ham, other PM and bacon, 12.4, 10.6, and 2.0 g/day, respectively. Sex was significantly associated with total meat and PM intake; women consumed 10.1 g/1000 kcal less total meat [95% CI: -13.60; -6.64], and 4.70 g /1000 kcal less PM [95% CI: -6.73; -2.68] than men. For both variables, total meat and PM intake, positive associations were observed for overweight, obesity and current smoking; and negative associations observed for tertiary education and following a diet. The later was significant only for PM intake. The ecological data for CRC incidence revealed much higher rates for men than women, over 24 years; but the data shown by language region did not reveal any particular pattern.This study is the first to describe intakes of total and different PM types, based on national representative data. Positive associations between PM intake and smoking and obesity merit careful monitoring. More regular data collection by methods enabling separate quantification of meat and PM, as well as relevant health biomarkers are needed in future studies.