Safety Implications Research Articles

The influence of different abiotic conditions on the concentrations of free and conjugated deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in stored wheat

Environmental factors influence fungal growth and mycotoxin production in stored grains. However, the concentrations of free mycotoxins and their conjugates and how they are impacted by different interacting environment conditions have not been previously examined. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of storage conditions (0.93–0.98 aw) and temperature (20–25 °C) on (a) the concentrations of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and their respective glucosides/conjugates and (b) the concentrations of emerging mycotoxins in both naturally contaminated and irradiated wheat grains inoculated with Fusarium graminearum. Contaminated samples were analysed for multiple mycotoxins using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Method validation was performed according to the acceptable performance criteria set and updated by the European Commission regulations No. 2021/808/EC. As an important conjugate of deoxynivalenol, the concentrations of deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside were significantly different from its precursor deoxynivalenol at 0.93 aw (22% moisture content- MC) at 25 °C in the naturally contaminated wheat with a ratio proportion of 56:44% respectively. The high concentrations of deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside could be influenced by the wheat’s variety and/or harvested season/fungal strain type/location. Zeralenone-14-sulfate concentrations were surprisingly three times higher than Zearalenone in the naturally contaminated wheat at 0.98 aw (26% MC) at both temperatures. Emerging mycotoxins such as moniliformin increased with temperature rise with the highest concentrations at 0.95 aw and 25 °C. These findings highlight the influence and importance of storage aw x temperature conditions on the relative presence of free vs conjugated mycotoxins which can have implications for food safety.

Understanding the Landscape of Multi-Cancer Detection Tests: The Current Data and Clinical Considerations.

Multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests are blood-based assays that screen for multiple cancers concurrently and offer a promising approach to improve early cancer detection and screening uptake. To date, there have been two prospective interventional studies evaluating MCD tests as a screening tool in human subjects. No MCD tests are currently approved by the FDA, but there is one commercially available MCD test. Ongoing trials continue to assess the efficacy, safety, and cost implications of MCD tests. In this review, we discuss the performance of CancerSEEK and Galleri, two leading MCD platforms, and discuss the clinical consideration for the broader application of this new technology.

Effective analysis of remote ship inspection in Asia-Pacific region and its impact on shipping trade under COVID-19

ABSTRACT In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global shipping industry has faced unprecedented challenges, necessitating rapid adaptations in regulatory practices and inspection methodologies to ensure the continuity of trade and maritime safety. Remote port state control (PSC) involves the use of technology to monitor, regulate, and manage the activities and compliance of vessels in a port’s jurisdiction without the need for physical boarding or inspection. This study examines the effectiveness of remote PSC inspections within the Asia-Pacific region and assesses their impact on shipping trade during the pandemic. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of data from remote inspections conducted under the auspices of the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this research identifies key factors influencing the efficacy of such inspections and their implications for regulatory compliance and maritime safety. Through a methodological blend of quantitative analysis and qualitative evaluation, the study explores how remote inspections have been critical in maintaining operational integrity and safety standards amidst global disruptions. The findings highlight the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in facilitating these adaptations, alongside the challenges and opportunities of remote inspection practices. This research contributes to the ongoing maritime safety and regulation discourse, offering insights into the potential for remote inspections to complement traditional methods in a post-pandemic world.

Electroconvulsive Therapy With Brain Cyst: A Simulation Study.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating severe depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but how the presence of an anatomical anomaly affects the electrical pathways between the electrodes remains unclear. We investigate the difference in electric field (E-field) distribution during ECT in the brain of a patient with an arachnoid cyst relative to hypothetical condition where the cyst was not present. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head of a patient with a large left frontal cyst were segmented to construct a finite element model to study the E-field distribution during ECT. Five electrode configurations were investigated: right unilateral, left unilateral, bifrontal, and bitemporal and left anterior right temporal. The E-field distributions for all montages were compared with a hypothetical condition where brain tissue and electrical conductivity from the right frontal region was mirrored across the longitudinal fissure into the cyst. Differences in mean E-field and 90th percentile E-fields were mainly observed in brain regions closest to the cyst including the left inferior frontal gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus. This trend was most pronounced in montages where the electrodes were closest to the cyst such as left unilateral and bitemporal. The presence of a highly conductive cyst close to the ECT electrode tended to attract current into the cyst region, altering current pathways, with potential implications for therapeutic efficacy and safety. Placing electrodes farther away from the cyst is likely to minimize any effects on the E-field distribution and potentially clinical outcomes.

Navigating the Road Ahead: Assessing Challenges, Safety Implications, and Public Perception of Self-Driving Vehicles

Navigating the Road Ahead: Assessing Challenges, Safety Implications, and Public Perception of Self-Driving Vehicles

Prevalence and characteristics of the 'bad feeling' among healthcare professionals in the context of emergency situations: A Bi-Hospital Survey.

Clinical decision-making is based on objective and subjective criteria, including healthcare workers impressions and feelings. This research examines the perception and implications of a 'bad feeling' experienced by healthcare professionals, focusing on its prevalence and characteristics. A cross-sectional paper-based survey was conducted from January to July 2023 at the University Medicine Greifswald and the hospital Sömmerda involving physicians, nurses, medical students and trainees from various specialties. With ethics committee approval, participants were recruited and surveyed at regular clinical events. Data analysis was performed using SPSS® Statistics. The manuscript was written using the Strobe checklist. Out of 250 questionnaires distributed, 217 were valid for analysis after a 94.9% return rate and subsequent exclusions. Sixty-five per cent of respondents experience the 'bad feeling' occasionally to frequently. There was a significant positive correlation between the frequency of 'bad feeling' and work experience. The predominant cause of this feeling was identified as intuition, reported by 79.8% of participants, with 80% finding it often helpful in their clinical judgement. Notably, in 16.1% of cases, the 'bad feeling' escalated in the further clinical course into an actual emergency. Furthermore, 60% of respondents indicated that this feeling occasionally or often serves as an early indicator of a potential, yet unrecognised, emergency in patient care. This study demonstrates the relevance of clinical experience to decision-making. As an expression of this, there is a correlation between the frequency of a 'bad feeling' and the number of years of experience. It is recommended that the 'bad feeling' be deliberately acknowledged and reinforced as an early warning signal for emergency situations, given its significant implications for patient safety. Future initiatives could include advanced training and research, as well as tools such as pocket maps, to better equip healthcare professionals in responding to this intuition.

Importance of food forensics and its mandatory implications in health safety and compliance

Importance of food forensics and its mandatory implications in health safety and compliance

A Brief Survey on Safety of Large Language Models

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized Natural Language Processing (NLP) and have been widely adopted in various applications such as machine translation, chatbots, text summarization, and so on. However, the use of LLMs has raised concerns about their potential safety and security risks. In this survey, we explore the safety implications of LLMs, including ethical considerations, hallucination, and prompt injection. We also discuss current research efforts to mitigate these risks and identify areas for future research. Our survey provides a comprehensive overview of the safety concerns related to LLMs, which can help researchers and practitioners in the NLP community develop more safe and ethical applications of LLMs.

The Impact of Vessel/Ship Noise on the Productivity and Well-being of Maritime Crew: A Holistic Examination

This comprehensive survey examines the impact of vessel/ship noise on the productivity and well-being of 500 maritime crew members. The study explores the multifaceted repercussions of regular exposure to ship-related noise on both the operational efficiency and overall health of seafarers. Through an extensive examination of existing literature and first-hand assessments, the research delves into the physiological and psychological effects of vessel noise on crew members. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive geometry were utilized to analyse the field response data. Additionally, it evaluates the potential implications for maritime safety and productivity. Investigated noise levels range from 60 to 110 dB, observed productivity ranges from 40 to 90%, and well-being ranges from 60 to 95%. The findings from this survey offer valuable insights to the maritime industry, illuminating the complex relationship between ship noise, crew well-being, and operational performance. Keywords: Maritime Noise Impact, Crew Well-being, Holistic Examination, Productivity Challenges and Vessel Sound Effects.

Spatial instability of crash prediction models: A case of scooter crashes

Scooters have gained widespread popularity in recent years due to their accessibility and affordability, but safety concerns persist due to the vulnerability of riders. Researchers are actively investigating the safety implications associated with scooters, given their relatively new status as transportation options. However, analyzing scooter safety presents a unique challenge due to the complexity of determining safe riding environments. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of scooter crash risk within various buffer zones, utilizing the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning algorithm. The core objective was to unravel the multifaceted factors influencing scooter crashes and assess the predictive model’s performance across different buffers or spatial proximity to crash sites. After evaluating the model’s accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity across buffer distances ranging from 5 ft to 250 ft with the scooter crash as a reference point, a discernible trend emerged: as the buffer distance decreases, the model’s sensitivity increases, although at the expense of accuracy and specificity, which exhibit a gradual decline. Notably, at the widest buffer of 250 ft, the model achieved a high accuracy of 97% and specificity of 99%, but with a lower sensitivity of 31%. Contrastingly, at the closest buffer of 5 ft, sensitivity peaked at 95%, albeit with slightly reduced accuracy and specificity. Feature importance analysis highlighted the most significant predictor across all buffer distances, emphasizing the impact of vehicle interactions on scooter crash likelihood. Explainable Artificial Intelligence through SHAP value analysis provided deeper insights into each feature’s contribution to the predictive model, revealing passenger vehicle types of significantly escalated crash risks. Intriguingly, specific vehicular maneuvers, notably stopping in traffic lanes, alongside the absence of Traffic Control Devices (TCDs), were identified as the major contributors to increased crash occurrences. Road conditions, particularly wet and dry, also emerged as substantial risk factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of road design, where elements like junction types and horizontal alignments – specifically 4 and 5-legged intersections and curves – are closely associated with heightened crash risks. These findings articulate a complex and spatially detailed framework of factors impacting scooter crashes, offering vital insights for urban planning and policymaking.

An overview of hydrogen storage technologies – Key challenges and opportunities

Hydrogen energy has been proposed as a reliable and sustainable source of energy which could play an integral part in demand for foreseeable environmentally friendly energy. Biomass, fossil fuels, waste products, and clean energy sources like solar and wind power can all be employed for producing hydrogen. This comprehensive review paper provides a thorough overview of various hydrogen storage technologies available today along with the benefits and drawbacks of each technology in context with storage capacity, efficiency, safety, and cost. Since safety concerns are among the major barriers to the broad application of H2 as a fuel source, special attention has been paid to the safety implications of various H2 storage techniques. In addition, this paper highlights the key challenges and opportunities facing the development and commercialization of hydrogen storage technologies, including the need for improved materials, enhanced system integration, increased awareness, and acceptance. Finally, recommendations for future research and development, with a particular focus on advancing these technologies towards commercial viability.

Evaluating current and future pedestrian mid-block crossing safety treatments using virtual reality simulation

Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a proactive, cost effective, immersive, and low risk platform for studying pedestrian safety. Within immersive virtual environments (IVEs), existing and alternative design conditions and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies can be directly compared, prior to real-world implementation, to assess the impacts alternatives may have on pedestrian safety, perception, and behavior. Environmental factors can be controlled within IVEs so that test trials are replicable and directly comparable. Coupled with stated preference feedback, participants’ observed preferences and behavior provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of proposed design alternatives. This research presents a case study of pedestrian behavior with three different mid-block crossing safety treatments modeled within a one-to-one scale IVE replication of a real-world location in Charlottesville, Virginia. The three safety treatments consider both passive and active collision avoidance designs and technologies, including (1) the existing painted crosswalk, (2) the addition of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and (3) a pedestrian to everything (P2X) ITS phone application. Additionally, this paper demonstrates a VR simulation experimental design and framework for testing pedestrian safety treatments within naturalistic and replicable IVEs to assess both stated and observed preferences and behaviors of pedestrians. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated changes in both accepted gap size (p = 0.001) and crossing speed (p < 0.001) with alternative safety treatments. Generalized mixed models showed that pedestrians waited for statistically larger gap sizes (p = 0.02) without the assistance of alternative safety technologies (RRFBs and P2X application) and pedestrians crossed the street significantly faster (p = 0.001) without the alternative safety technologies, leading to unsafe dashing behavior. Through post-experiment surveys, it was found that participants perceived the As Built environment to be the least safe of the three treatments and that their sense of risk within the IVE was realistic. Considering both the observed crossing behavior and stated feedback, pedestrians exhibited intentionally unsafe darting behavior without assistive safety technology. This study demonstrates how VR simulation may be leveraged to study both stated preferences and observed behavior for understanding the safety implications of alternative roadway designs, providing a proactive approach for assessing and designing for pedestrian safety.

Assessment of chemical risks and circular economy implications of recycled PET in food packaging with functional barriers

In response to regulatory demands for sustainable practices, there has been a significant increase in the use of recycled materials in food packaging, particularly when incorporated behind functional barriers. This study, conducted as part of the “ABA Modeling” project, evaluates the migration of contaminants from the non-decontaminated, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) B-layer, which is sandwiched between two virgin A-layers in three-layer trays. The study aims to assess the long-term implications for food safety within the context of the European and French circular economy frameworks. Using a migration modeling approach based on “worst-case” scenarios for ten contaminants – similar to methodologies employed for decontaminated direct food contact PET – the levels of chemical residues are analyzed and compared. Findings highlight the significant impact of the co-extrusion process on the suitability of rPET for food contact. Additionally, the study discusses the risks and challenges for the recycling sector, particularly in managing chemical contamination during mechanical recycling. Recommendations are provided to improve industrial practices, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of these recycling practices.

Decoding rail derailments: Unraveling the weighted factors influencing safety and sustainability using the best-worst method

The rail network is essential for sustainable transportation, offering various advantages such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and congestion relief. However, ensuring safety within the rail network is crucial for its long-term viability and public acceptance. Derailment incidents have significant implications for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This study employs the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to identify and weigh the parameters affecting derailment incidents. The research methodology involved conducting an extensive literature review to extract influential parameters, which were subsequently classified. Additionally, a rigorous data collection process was undertaken to ensure the reliability of the findings. The BWM was then applied, utilizing the expertise of five carefully selected domain experts who met specific selection criteria based on their experience and reputation in the field of railway safety. This expert panel provided valuable insights to determine the relative importance of the identified parameters. The calculated weights revealed the criticality of factors such as fractures in railway lines, illegal rail width, unauthorized locomotive speed, and defects in wagon wheels. Conversely, falling cargo train parts, improper load distribution, and subsidence of the railway line had relatively lesser influence. The results of this study offer valuable information for decision-makers and stakeholders in the rail industry, facilitating resource allocation and the implementation of targeted strategies to enhance rail safety.

A method to assess the safety implications of authority transitions in automated driving

A method to assess the safety implications of authority transitions in automated driving

Interactions and Behaviors of Pedestrians with Autonomous Vehicles: A Synthesis

Integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs) into public roads presents profound implications for pedestrian safety and the broader acceptance of this emerging technology. This work examines the complex interactions between AVs and pedestrians, a dynamic influenced by the variability of pedestrian behaviors and the absence of traditional communication mechanisms, such as eye contact and gestures, commonly relied upon in human-driven scenarios. Given the nascent stage of AV deployment, this research addresses the challenges of evaluating AV−pedestrian interactions amid safety concerns and technological limitations. We review and synthesize global research on pedestrian behavior in the context of AV technology to track changes in pedestrians’ acceptance over time and identify the factors driving these shifts. Additionally, this review incorporates insights from transportation authorities to highlight potential safety issues and the need for innovative communication strategies that ensure safe interactions between pedestrians and AVs. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to contribute to the development of guidelines and communication protocols that enhance pedestrian safety and facilitate the integration of AVs into urban environments.

Assessment of organic solvents for 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and distribution in water/cyclohexanone biphasic system

2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is one of the most promising sugar-derived building blocks aimed to produce greener polymers, such as the 100 % recyclable bioplastic polyethylene furanoate (PEF). One incipient field of research is the development of liquid–liquid biphasic systems for FDCA production from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to increase selectivity and minimize undesirable by-product formation. In this work, we first performed an assessment of potential organic green solvents to form biphasic systems considering operability, along with safety, health, and environmental implications. This analysis guided the selection of eight organic solvents in which the solubility of FDCA was measured: cyclohexanone, diethyl ether, isobutyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methoxycyclopentane, tert-butylmethyl ether, and octan-1-ol. The results revealed the superior performance of cyclohexanone as a solvent for the organic phase/water FDCA distribution owing to its higher FDCA solubility (1.364 g/L at 293.15 K). Thus, the FDCA distribution coefficient (KFDCA) between water and cyclohexanone was examined at several temperatures (293.15–313.15 K) and various initial aqueous concentrations to gain deeper insight into the thermodynamics of the phase transfer process and the influence of pH on FDCA distribution between water and cyclohexanone. The resulting enthalpy and entropy of transfer were −15.3 ± 1.0 kJ mol−1 and −44.9 ± 4.6 J K−1 mol−1, thus the highest value of KFDCA (4.83) was obtained at 293.15 K, together with a very high separation factor (81.5) which shows the great potential of cyclohexanone to extract FDCA from aqueous solutions.

Understanding Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Implications of Botulinum Toxin in Children: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Since its first approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 1989 for strabismus, botulinum toxin indications of use have been widely expanded. Due to its anticholinergic properties, this toxin is currently approved in adult patients for the treatment of a wide range of neuromuscular, otolaryngologic, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, and urologic disorders. Approved pediatric indications of use include the treatment of blepharospasm associated with dystonia, strabismus, lower-limb spasticity, focal spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy, and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Alongside these approved indications, botulinum toxin is extensively used off-label. Although several clinical studies have shown that botulinum toxin is effective and well-tolerated in children, uncertainties persist regarding its long-term effects on growth and appropriate dosing in this population. As such, further research is needed to better define the botulinum toxin risk-benefit profile and expand approved uses in pediatrics. This narrative review aimed to provide a broad overview of the evidence concerning the clinical effectiveness and safety of BoNT with respect to its principal authorized and non-authorized pediatric therapeutic indications, as well as to describe perspectives on its future use in children.

Technology at the Table: Incorporating AI into Contemporary Food Industry Operations

Abstract The discipline of computer science known as artificial intelligence (AI) mimics human thought processes, learning capacities, and knowledge stores. There are many different algorithms available in AI, including fuzzy logic (FL), artificial neural networks (ANNs), etc., which offers myriad opportunities to solve approaching problems in food and agricultural sectors, including global food demand. AI has been used in supply chain management, manufacturing improvement, food quality enhancement, and in maintenance of industrial hygiene. By employing a computerized system, the industry can assess and then deliver the product in the most favourable conditions at every stage, for example, by keeping an eye on all seed selection, crop monitoring, agricultural operations, such as watering, and temperature monitoring, new product development, and maintaining food industry safety standards which could enhance the quality of the products. Nevertheless, there are obstacles in the way of AI’s implementation in the food industry like data privacy issues, job displacement through automation, flaws in algorithms used in making decisions and difficulties in compliance with laws and regulations. The ethical implications of food safety and sustainability make the application of AI much more challenging. The food industry’s future depends on a holistic approach that takes advantage of AI’s potential while maintaining ethical and environmentally friendly operations. Information © CAB International 2024

A mechanical study of the influence of ankle joint angle on translational traction of soccer boots

The shoe–surface interaction for soccer players has both safety and performance implications. This interaction has been widely researched in terms of outsole configuration and surface type. However, these investigations, particularly those involving translational traction, often neglect the approach angle of the foot in terms of a real-world setting. This investigation considers the foot position prior to injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears, and observes how the translational traction alters with various angles for simulated plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, calcaneal inversion and calcaneal eversion. It was hypothesised that, as these angles increased, the translational traction would decrease as there would be less contact area between the boot and the surface compared to the neutral, flat footform. A custom-built testing apparatus recorded the translational traction of a soccer boot moving in four different directions at different loading angles on both a natural grass and artificial grass playing surface. A one-way ANOVA was performed, with a post-hoc Tukey Test to determine the significant differences between the translational traction between each angle. It was found that the geometry of the outsole configuration, more specifically, the apparent contact area between the shoe and surface played a significant role in the level of traction obtained. These results highlight the importance of stud geometry, particularly with respect to movements when the foot is angled as it would be in a potential injury scenario. Manufacturers should consider the profile of studs relative to the expected movements to not induce excessive traction, which could lead to potential foot fixation and injury.