Safety Index Research Articles

Thermomechanical problem of functionally graded spherical shells based on homogenization schemes: Data-driven volume fraction optimization with material uncertainties

Mechanical analysis and optimal design for functionally graded materials (FGMs) structures are significant. The present paper analyzes the parameter uncertainties problem for the thermomechanical response of the FGMs spherical shells with volume fraction power distribution. Here, the interval random uncertainty model is recommended to describe the uncertainties of each component of material parameters in FGMs, and a data-driven artificial neural network (ANN) fast calculation for FGMs spherical shells thermomechanical problems with uncertainties analysis is established and trained. The thermomechanical coupling response analysis and volume fraction optimization analysis of the FGMs spherical shell with material uncertainties are realized for zirconia-titanium FGMs, with the maximum normalized Von Mises stress as the structural safety index and the ANN as the fast calculation method. In addition, the Von Mises stress of the FGMs spherical shell and a ZrO2-Ti alloy double-layer spherical shell under different loads is compared. The results show that material parameter uncertainties, especially those in Young's modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and uniaxial yield limit significantly affect structural safety. The structural safety index λ calculated based on the volume fraction optimization design of FGMs spherical shell is significantly lower than that of the ZrO2-Ti alloy double-layer. The ANN method greatly improves the computational efficiency for uncertain problems and maintains high accuracy, compared with the statistical analysis after many calculations by randomly selecting material parameters. This study provides a path for the safety design of FGMs structures with uncertain parameters.

A GIS-based model for determining safety indices to evaluate the post-disaster usability of urban open and green spaces in Amasya City Center, Türkiye

A GIS-based model for determining safety indices to evaluate the post-disaster usability of urban open and green spaces in Amasya City Center, Türkiye

Long-term observation of V4c implantable collamer lenses implantation for moderate to extreme high myopia correction: five years follow-up.

This study aims to assess the long term effectiveness, safety, predictability and stability of V4c implantable collamer lenses (ICL) for correction of moderate to extreme high myopia. We reviewed 125 eyes from 64 patients who implanted V4c ICL at the Refractive Surgery Center of West China Hospital in Chengdu, China, between May 2015 and January 2017. The median spherical equivalent was -11.50 D (interquartile range [IQR]: -13.00 to -9.00 D). We followed up with the patients over five years and evaluated several parameters, including uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), axial length, refractive error, endothelial cell density (ECD), intraocular pressure (IOP), white-to-white distance (WTW), and vault. We performed a correlation analysis to explore the potential impacts on vault following implantation. The median safety index (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA) during the last follow-up was 1.00 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.00-1.20), and the efficacy indices (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.20 (IQR: 1.00-1.25), 1.20 (IQR: 1.00-1.33), and 0.8 (IQR: 0.65-1.00) at postoperative 1 week, 1 month, and 5 years, respectively. At the five-year mark, 16% of the eyes were within ±0.50 D of expected correction, and 73% were within ±2.00 D. No significant difference in ECD was observed between pre-operative and post-operative measurements. Compared to baseline, we observed a significant increase in IOP at the one-week follow-up, which decreased significantly at the one-month visit. Furthermore, we identified ICL size and spherical equivalent (SE) as independent variables in a multiple linear regression model that accurately predicted the five-year vault after surgery. In conclusion, V4c ICL implantation is an effective and safe treatment for moderate to extreme high myopia with good predictability and stability over the long-term.

Abstract 5604: Modulating DNA repair through endo-exonuclease inhibition: a new therapeutic paradigm in oncology

Abstract DNA damage repair (DDR) mechanisms are crucial for the maintenance of genomic stability and are emerging as potential therapeutic targets for cancer. Endo-exonuclease (EE)1 plays a key role in this process and increase EE expression has been observed in the cancer cells examined. In this context, we identified a dicationic diarylfuran, pentamidine, which is an antiparasitic drug that has been used clinically to treat opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis carinii. Pentamidine is an inhibitor of the endo-exonuclease as determined by enzyme kinetic assay and is known to be active on cancer cells. In a proof of concept study2, tumor with increased EE expression (determined by IHC) showed the best response to this drug. We have now identified novel mono- and di-amidine analogs of pentamidine that are more effective than the parent drug in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, pre-clinical animal studies of our lead candidate, MTDX203, showed an increased anti-cancer activity with a higher safety index than pentamidine. Based on a predictive PK/PD model, a human iv infusion dose administered twice weekly at ~0.4 mpk (i.e. 28 mg/day, ~10% of pentamidine effective iv dose) is expected to be clinically effective. Our work establishes the EE as a therapeutic target for cancer and identifies a new First in Class of novel anti-cancer agents. 1Chow et al. (2004) MCT 3:911-9182 NCT01378143: Pentamidine (OCZ103-OS) in Patients With Unresectable and Locally Recurrent or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Standard Chemotherap Citation Format: Terry Chow, Jianmin Duan, Patrick Colin, Colin Bier. Modulating DNA repair through endo-exonuclease inhibition: a new therapeutic paradigm in oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5604.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of eugenol-isoxazoline hybrid derivatives as potential anti-leishmanial agents

Leishmaniasis is a group of protozoan parasitic diseases caused by various Leishmania species. The clinical manifestations range from skin abrasions to lethal infection in the visceral organs such as the liver and spleen. The emergence of drug resistance, long hospitalization periods, and various adverse effects of the current therapeutic regimen have incited the quest for exploring novel molecules as efficient treatment regimens. Eugenol is the major component of clove essential oil and has significant biological potential with anti-microbial properties. Moreover, natural product derivatives having the isoxazoline group have shown promising pharmacological applications. Thus, various analogs were synthesized and characterized to explore the anti-leishmanial potency of eugenol and isoxazoline hybrid. Results from the in vitro assay against Leishmania donovani parasites identified three potent derivatives (7e, 8a, and 8b) with IC50 values in the range of 7–17 µM. Cytotoxicity analysis against the J774A.1 macrophage cell line confirmed the satisfactory safety index of these potent hits and ex vivo infectivity assay established the role of these hits in reducing intracellular amastigote burden. Next, various mechanistic studies, including SEM analysis, higher ROS production, reduced intracellular ATP levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, formation of intracellular lipid bodies, and acidic vesicular organelles, confirmed the role of these potent hits in parasite cell death. According to the molecular docking analysis results, the most potent derivative, 8b, had strong binding interactions with residues Ile296, Pro299, and Phe354 of sterol 14α-demethylase protein of the Leishmania parasite. Entirely the study highlights the role of eugenol-isoxazoline hybrid derivatives as potential leishmanicidal agents.

Ten-year observation of corneal densitometry and associated factors following small incision lenticule extraction.

To investigate the long-term changes of corneal densitometry (CD) and its contributing elements after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Totally 31 eyes of 31 patients with mean spherical equivalent of -6.46±1.50 D and mean age 28.23±7.38y were enrolled. Full-scale examinations were conducted on all patients preoperatively and during follow-up. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, axial length, corneal thickness, corneal higher-order aberrations, and CD were evaluated. All surgeries were completed successfully without complications or adverse events. Ten-year safety index was 1.17±0.20 and efficacy 1.04±0.28. CD value of 0-6 mm zones in central layer was statistically significantly lower 10y postoperatively, compared with preoperative values (0-2 mmΔ=-1.62, 2-6 mmΔ=-1.24, P<0.01). There were no correlations between CD values and factors evaluated. SMILE is a safe and efficient procedure for myopia on a long-term basis. CD values get lower 10y postoperatively, whose mechanism is to be further discussed.

Analysis, distribution, and health evaluation of 8 biogenic amines in Chinese mackerel products by CoFe2O4/MEG solid phase extraction-HPLC

A CoFe2O4/MEG solid-phase extraction combined with high performance liquid chromatography was used for determination of 8 biogenic amines (Bas) in canned Spanish mackerel products. A new comprehensive evaluation system, including dietary exposure, food safety index, chemical quality index and biogenic amine index, was used for investigating the pollution distribution, exposure and health assessment of BAs in four sea areas/provinces of China. The pollution levels in the Yellow Sea-Jiangsu, Bohai Sea-Shandong, Yellow and Bohai Sea-Liaoning regions were equivalent, with ∑8BAs equalling 34.7–36.5 mg/kg, while in the South China Sea-Guangdong region ∑8BAs was lowest at 18.9 mg/kg. The concentration range of ∑8BAs and ∑4BAs were ND (not detected)-113 mg/kg and ND-80.8 mg/kg, respectively. All results showed that the main components of BAs were putrescine, histamine, and spermine, with detection rates ranging from 23.1% to 42.3%. The dietary exposure level range of 8 BAs was 85.8–266 μg∙kg−1∙d−1, IFSc was 0.00800–0.0248, CQI values range in the four regions was 1.21–3.93, with a mean CQI of 1.98. The total value of BAI ranges ND-0.840 mg/kg, with a mean BAI of 20.3 mg/kg. Statistical analysis showed that the overall health risk of BAs exhibits different trends in terms of gender, age, and region.

Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Issues in Indonesia

The high number of work accidents in Indonesia indicates that companies have not paid attention to occupational safety and health. The purpose of the study is to impartially analyze the impact of Company Growth, Leverage, and Company Size on Occupational Safety and Health Disclosure. This is important because it directly improves the company's reputation and ensures long-term sustainability. The quantitative research used in this study relies on secondary data taken from the annual reports of mining and infrastructure companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) throughout the period 2019 to 2021. Purposive sampling was used as a sample technique, resulting in a total of 78 samples. Data processing uses descriptive statistics, panel data regression, and independent sample t test. This study uses 10 items of the Occupational Safety and Health Disclosure index obtained from the GRI index. The findings of this study provide factual evidence that company development, leverage, and company size have a positive impact on the dissemination of occupational health and safety information.

THE EVALUATION BLACK SPOT LOCATION AND ACCIDENT RISK OF COT PAYA INTERSECTION ACEH BESAR DISTRICT

As the population continues to increase each year, it leads to an increasing demand for transportation, indirectly raising the risk of traffic issues. Simpang Cot Paya, situated on the Laksamana Malayahati road section in the Baitussalam District of Aceh Besar Regency, serves as a secondary arterial road that connects the regency to the city of Banda Aceh and is consistently congested with traffic. According to the Traffic Division of the Banda Aceh City Police from 2018 to 2022, there were 233 reported traffic accidents in this area. This research aims to identify the factors causing these accidents and propose measures to reduce the accident rate at this accident-prone location. Primary data was gathered through field observations and measurements, while secondary data consisted of accident records provided by the Banda Aceh City Police, which were analyzed using the Accident Equivalent Number (AEK) method, Upper Control Limit (BKA), and the Safety Index (SI) method. Additionally, a road safety audit was conducted at the accident-prone location to identify issues that may contribute to traffic accidents and to suggest measures to reduce the risk of accidents. An overall analysis indicates that the highest accident vulnerability occurred in 2018 with the highest AEK value of 126, the highest BKA reaching 2.36, and an SI of 2.36. However, the highest material losses were recorded in 2020, amounting to Rp. 26,600,000. This increase in losses was due to a rise in the number of accidents in 2020, totaling 27, and a higher number of minor injuries, amounting to 29 individuals. In other words, if a location has a Safety Index (SI) greater than 1, it is considered a black spot for accidents. The audit revealed several issues, including fading road markings and a lack of road signs and other road infrastructure. Proposed solutions to address these issues include repainting faded road markings and adding road signs and necessary road infrastructure to improve road functionality.

Lateral safety evaluation of autonomous trucks in overtaking maneuvers and adverse weather: Exploratory comparison of different lateral control modes

As the detrimental impact of the commonly recommended centered driving mode for autonomous trucks on road longevity is gaining attention, more lateral control modes are being proposed to enhance road sustainability. However, there is currently a lack of research on the lateral safety analysis of autonomous trucks with different lateral control modes, especially in complex driving scenarios (such as overtaking) and adverse weather conditions. Therefore, this study developed a safety assessment framework to comparatively analyze the risk probability differences in lateral accidents during overtaking maneuvers by autonomous trucks with different lateral control modes under adverse weather conditions. Based on aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics simulations to capture the multifactorial influences on truck lateral deviation, the results are used for model validation and training. In the reliability approach, Support Vector Machine Regression (SVR) is introduced to establish the SVR response surface model with optimal predictive performance, and combined with Monte Carlo simulations for safety assessment, quantifying safety indices. The results indicate that trucks being overtaken during overtaking maneuvers are more prone to lateral accidents under crosswind influences. The overall impact of lateral control modes on the lateral safety trends is minor. Compared to other lateral control modes, following the centered zero-drift mode is generally safer. However, in conditions of low wind speeds (below 20 km/h) or on highly slippery road surfaces (road friction coefficient below 0.1), autonomous trucks following a uniform distribution mode can better maintain a low-risk level. This study provides crucial insights for future considerations integrating road longevity and truck safety in a collaborative manner, and the proposed methodology has broad applications.

One-stage versus two-stage bilateral implantable collamer lens implantation: a comparison of efficacy and safety

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) represents a safe and effective treatment for myopia and myopic astigmatism. To compare the outcomes of a bilateral one-stage same day approach to a two-stage approach, the databases of the University Eye Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilians-University and Smile Eyes Linz, Austria were screened for eyes that had undergone ICL implantation. Two-stage surgery was performed at an interval of 1 day (17 patients), 2 days (19 patients) and 1 week (2 patients). Variables analyzed were preoperative, 1-day and last follow-up uncorrected distance (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, refractive spherical equivalent (SEQ), astigmatism, age, endothelial cell count (ECD), intraocular pressure (IOP) and ICL vaulting. In total, 178 eyes (100 eyes one-stage, 78 eyes two-stage) of 89 patients were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 1.1 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 0.5 years. Mean preoperative SEQ was − 7.9 ± 2.6 diopters (D) in the one-stage and − 8.0 ± 1.7 D in the two-stage group (p = 0.63) and improved to 0.00 ± 0.40 and − 0.20 ± 0.40 D at end of follow-up, showing slightly better stability in the one-stage group (p = 0.004). There was no difference in the efficacy (1.1 vs. 1.2, p = 0.06) and the safety index (1.2 vs. 1.2, p = 0.60) between the two groups. No eye (0%) in either group lost 2 lines or more of UDVA (p > 0.99). Refraction within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.00 D around target was achieved comparably often (89 vs. 86%, p = 0.65; 99 vs. 99%, p > 0.99). Endothelial cell loss was slightly higher in the two-stage group (1.3 vs. 4.3%). Vaulting at the final follow up was higher in the one-stage group (373.8 ± 205.4 µm vs. 260.3 ± 153.5 µm, p = 0.00007). There were no serious intraoperative complications in either group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both the one- and two-stage approaches are equally effective, predictable and safe. Regarding endothelial cell loss, vaulting and SEQ stability, the one-stage group showed slightly better outcomes, but these results are clinically questionable because they are so small. Larger studies are needed to quantitatively evaluate a potential benefit.

ANALISIS KAPASITAS FUNGSIONAL RSU PKU MUHAMMADIYAH BANTUL DALAM PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA

PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul Hospital has been developing a disaster management hospital concept since 2008. A training through HOPE (Hospital Preparedness for Emergency and Disaster) has been conducted successfully. This research was aimed to measure the functional capacity of the PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul hospital in responding disaster and awareness of the staff as in Contingency Plan. The Hospital Safety Index criteria were used as the measurement instrument, which was consisted of five group indices. A descriptive survey technique was applied by means purposive sampling method. The samples were the staff in the Hospital Disaster Management Boards. A number of 61 questions were required by interview, observation and documents identification method. The hospital’s functional capacity index was calculated as 0.66. The scores varied for each group indices from 0.25 to 0.87. The highest score of 0.87 was obtained for group index of the operational plan, preventive maintenance and critical service restoration, whilst, the disaster emergency plan was assigned to the lowest score as 0.25. The mean score of all staffs about their job descriptions in contingency plan was 75.45 out of 100. Knowledge mean score of formulator staffs was 100 (high), while non formulator staffs was 69.7 (average). The core staff positioned in disaster management gained highest score (80.2), while the supporting staff was 74.7 (average). Hospital functional capacity index was 0.66 assessed in A class, indicating deemed to keep functioned during disaster situation. Awareness of the staffs, who designed Contingency Plan, were higher than the others. Deviation in awareness was also found among the staff involved in Contingency Plan. The manager level had a higher understanding in disaster preparedness if compared to the supporting staff.

Visual outcomes of combined use of implantable collamer lens implantation and laser corneal visual correction for myopia over -18.00 diopters.

To explore visual outcomes in patients with extreme myopia receiving an implantable collamer lens (ICL) at -18.00 diopters (D), with central port, followed by bioptics by laser vision correction (laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK] or photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]) to address residual myopia or myopic astigmatism. Clínica Baviera (Aier Eye Hospital Group), Bilbao, Spain. Retrospective analysis of cases. The study assessed uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), predictability, safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction after implantation of the ICL and bioptics. The model implanted was V4c and EVO, with a correction of -18.00 D. Bioptics were performed at least 3 months after implantation, and patients were followed up for at least 3 months after LASIK or PRK. The analysis included 125 eyes from 90 patients. Of these, 51.2% underwent LASIK and 48.8% PRK. Mean time from implantation to bioptics was 5.9 ± 9.4 months. Patients were followed up for a mean of 40.2 ± 37.9 months after bioptics. Median manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -2.89 D before bioptics and -0.49 D after. Median CDVA was 0.18 logMAR before bioptics and 0.17 after. The mean safety and efficacy indices were 2.22 ± 1.88 and 2.06 ± 1.85, respectively. Visual outcomes and safety indices after ICL implantation and subsequent LASIK or PRK in patients with extreme myopia are excellent.

Dynamic safety control of offshore wind turbine based on model predictive control

Offshore wind power is a clean energy source with excellent development prospects that are conducive to realising China's goal of carbon neutrality. However, offshore wind turbines (WTs) are prone to failure and damage owing to their long-term operation in marine environments with high humidity, high wind speeds, and frequent extreme weather. To ensure the safe operation of offshore WTs, a modified dynamic model predictive control (MPC) method was proposed in this study. First, a dynamic model of an offshore WT was established and its nonlinear state-space equations were obtained. These state-space equations were subsequently linearised and discretised, then fast trajectory tracking of the state variables was performed according to the conventional MPC principle. Finally, a control strategy was designed to realise the safe operational control of offshore WT using the safety index as a constraint condition in the MPC. Simulation results confirmed that the proposed MPC strategy using the safety index-based constraint exhibited superior tracking of the set trajectory and achieved the minimum energy loss under varying wind speeds.

An escape route planning model based on wildfire prediction information and travel rate of firefighters

Background When firefighters evacuate from wildfires, escape routes are crucial safety measures, providing pre-defined pathways to a safety zone. Their key evaluation criterion is the time it takes for firefighters to travel along the planned escape routes. Aims While shorter travel times can help firefighters reach safety zones faster, this may expose them to the threat of wildfires. Therefore, the safety of the routes must be considered. Methods We introduced a new evaluation indicator called the safety index by predicting the growth trend of wildfires. We then proposed a comprehensive evaluation cost function as an escape route planning model, which includes two factors: (1) travel time; and (2) safety of the escape route. The relationship between the two factors is dynamically adjusted through real time factor. The safety window within real time factor provides ideal safety margins between firefighters and wildfires, ensuring the overall safety of escape routes. Key results Compared with other models, the escape routes planned by the final improved model not only effectively avoid wildfires, but also provide relatively short travel time and reliable safety. Conclusions This study ensures sufficient safety margins for firefighters escaping in wildfire environments. Implications The escape route model described in this study offers a broader perspective on the study of escape route planning.

Liquefaction potential hazard assessment and its effect on toll road construction in Seyegan Subdistrict, Yogyakarta

Toll road construction is a vital infrastructure connecting the two economic centers on Java Island. However, given the potential disaster risks in the region, it is essential to assess the geological and geotechnical conditions to determine the potential for liquefaction in the area. The special region of Yogyakarta is susceptible to earthquakes and associated disasters. One of the most significant earthquakes occurred on May 27, 2006 with a magnitude of 6.3 Mw resulting from the Opak Fault. Furthermore, the toll road is constructed above the Mataram Irrigation Canal, characterized by a shallow groundwater level and young volcanic deposits that are vulnerable to liquified. The study aimed to determine the potential for liquefaction in the area and predicted the vertical settlement caused by liquified soil. The analysis of liquefaction potential utilized the simplified procedure to obtain factor of safety and Liquefaction Severity Index (LSI) to assess the vulnerability index of liquefaction. Results indicated the research area had a very low to medium liquefaction susceptibility index. In addition, the calculation of vertical settlement using Idriss and Boulanger (2008) equation showed a predicted vertical settlement range of 0.4 cm – 44.64 cm. The predicted vertical settlement range underscores the importance of considering the potential for liquefaction to mitigate any adverse effects on the toll road’s construction and operation.

General hospital preparedness in facing flood disasters

Hospitals had a very important function in disaster management, especially in providing health services to reduce the suffering of disaster victims in the form of deceases and injuries. Hospital preparedness in facing disasters was contained in the Hospital Disaster Plan which was prepared based on the Safe Hospital Framework [1], and the Hospital Safety Index[2]. The purpose of this study was to analyze the preparedness of Aceh Tamiang General Hospital in facing flood disasters from 4 (four) aspects or evaluation modules namely, Hazard Affecting, Structural Safety, Non-Structural Safety, Emergency and Disaster Management, specifically analyzing the aspect of “Emergency and Disaster Management” according to the research focus namely, hospital policies, human resources preparedness and hospital infrastructure readiness in facing flood disasters. The research methodology was qualitative with a phenomenological design by 7 (seven) informants. The results of the study showed that the policies of the hospital leadership had been good, with the existence of a Leadership Decree concerning the Formation of a Hospital Disaster Management Team, since 2019 ago. However, there were still hospital personnel who did not know about the organizational structures, goals and functions as team members. Many hospital health workers could not go to work because their homes and access to the hospital were flooded. Besides that, hospital infrastructure, especially motorized vehicles such as ambulances and other operational vehicles, could not operate due to flood conditions that reached up to 1 meter. Therefore it was suggested that the socialization of the Disaster Management Team and Disaster Management Simulation should be carried out periodically, for example, twice a year. It should be suggested that the hospital proposed procuring an ambulance with certain specifications and a rescue boat, so that it could break through the floods that occur almost every year.

Surgical outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with stable systemic disease

PurposeTo evaluate the surgical outcome in terms of safety, efficacy, predictability, and retreatment rate of LASIK surgery in patients with controlled systemic diseases in comparison with healthy individuals.MethodsThe retrospective study included data from 1936 eyes of 976 patients with stable systemic diseases who underwent LASIK surgery between January 2016 and June 2019. The safety, efficacy, predictability of the surgery, and retreatment rate were evaluated in comparison with a control group comprising 1951 patients. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was performed using R team and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsAll treatment groups demonstrated high safety and efficacy indices after LASIK surgery. Furthermore, the study arms demonstrated comparable predictability and retreatment rates to the control group in nearly all cases. Retreatment rates were significantly higher in the rheumatoid arthritis group (p = 0.03), while safety indices were significantly lower in the hay fever group compared to the control group (p = 0.004). No intra- or postoperative sight-threatening complications were documented.ConclusionOur findings suggest that selected patients with stable systemic conditions can safely undergo LASIK surgery and achieve comparable outcomes to healthy individuals. Further research is needed to better understand the treatment outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Exploring the adoption of food safety measures in smallholder dairy systems in Ethiopia: implications for food safety and public health

Milk is highly perishable and can be a conduit for the transmission of zoonotic foodborne pathogens. This cross-sectional survey involving 159 farming households and 18 participant observations in participating farms was undertaken in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas in Oromia, Ethiopia to assess the adoption of food safety measures in smallholder farms. Adoption of food safety measures at the farm level influences milk quality and safety across the entire milk value chain, from “grass to glass”. This study considered the adoption of 36 different food safety measures (FSM) including animal health, milking hygiene, hygienic milk storage, and hygienic milking premises. A weighted food safety index (FSI, ranging from 0 to 100) was calculated for each household based on FSM adopted. Ordinary Least Squares linear regression was used to quantify the factors of FSM adoption by smallholder farmers. The overall food safety index ranged between 59.97—60.75. A majority of farmers may be classified as moderate adopters of FSM (index ranging between 30–70%). Farm and farmers’ characteristics such as herd size, farmer’s education level, farmer’s expertise in dairying, and participation of the farm in the formal milk value- chain, were shown to positively influence the level of adoption of FSM. Low farm-level adoption of FSM has food safety and public health implications as it can lead to milk contamination and, therefore, expose consumers to foodborne diseases. There is an imperative for policymakers to design and implement policies and intervention strategies that lead to increased farmer training related to livestock production and awareness of the important role that FSM adoption can play in improving food safety and public health.

Ecological risk assessment under the PSR framework and its application to shallow urban lakes.

Shallow urban lakes are naturally vulnerable to ecosystem degradation. Rapid urbanization in recent decades has led to a variety of aquatic problems such as eutrophication, algal blooms, and biodiversity loss, increasing the risk to lake-wide ecological sustainability. Instead of a simple binary assessment of ecological risk, holistic evaluation frameworks that consider multiple stressors and receptors can provide a more comprehensive assessment of overall ecological risk. In this study, we analyzed a combined dataset of government statistics, remote sensing images, and 1year of field measurements to develop an index system for urban lake ecological risk assessment based on the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework. We used the developed ecological safety index (ESI) system to evaluate the ecological risk for three urban lakes in Jiangsu Province, China: Lake Yangcheng-LYC, Lake Changdang-LCD, and Lake Tashan-LTS. LYC and LTS were classified as "mostly safe" and "generally recognized as safe," respectively, while LCD was assessed as having "potential ecological risk." Our data suggest that socioeconomic pressure and aquatic health are the two main factors affecting the ecological risk in both LYC and LCD. The ecological risk of LTS could be improved more effectively if regional management plans are well implemented. Our study highlights the pressure of external wastewater loading, low forest-grassland coverage, and lake shoreline damage on the three selected urban lakes. The findings of this study can inform watershed management for lake ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability.