Safety Protection Research Articles

Spread of quarantine plant pests in Ukraine

Goal. Of article is analyse of spreading dynamics of insect species with the quarantine status for Ukraine territory based on data of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Methods. The work used official data on the distribution of plant quarantine organisms, which were interpreted using the analytical and comparative method of research. Results. The development of insect species with status of locally presented (list A-2 of the List of regulated harmful organisms) and species with status of absent (list A-1) in Ukraine was detected during 2015—2023. By data of State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the areal of American white moth, western corn rootworm and South American tomato moth have increased, while the spreading area of potato moth, and western flower thrips have decreased. These species have status of locally presented in Ukraine. The Mediterranean fruit fly belongs to list A-1, but its spreading area was detected in Odessa region during 2015—2023, and from 2022, some increase of spreading was noted. State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection fixes the increasing of tobacco whitefly (list A-1) area. The rapid spread of emerald ash borer are noted in Ukraine from 2019, and brown marmorated stink bug are presented in Ukraine in 2023. Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis of the distribution of quarantine insect species, an increase in the areas inhabited by American white moth, western corn rootworm, South American tomato moth, Mediterranean fruit fly, tobacco whitefly, as well as the appearance of the previously absent emerald ash borer and brown marmorated stink bug on the territory of Ukraine were established. In order to prevent the spread of quarantine pests, business entities whose activities may contribute to the spread of quarantine organisms must strictly adhere to the state policy in the field of plant quarantine.

Synergistic SERS enhancement of NiCo-LDHs microurchins and silver nanoparticles for ultra-sensitive and reusable detection of thiabendazole

Two-dimensional layered semiconductor materials as a distinctive class of materials are comprehensively explored for widespread applications due to narrow bandgap, controllable morphology, and tunable metal cation composition. Herein, we constructed a sensing platform of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) by combination of nickel‑cobalt layered double hydroxide (NiCo-LDH) microurchins and plasmonic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for fungicide detection of thiabendazole (TBZ). The NiCo-LDHs/Ag-NPs microcomposites consist of NiCo-LDHs microurchins having a large number of nanoneedles deposited with photoreduced Ag NPs. The SERS platform with NiCo-LDHs/Ag-NPs shows an excellent SERS performance for TBZ detection, including an ultra-low detection limit of 1.49 × 10−11 M, a sublime enhancement factor of 1.71 × 109, high uniformity, good reproducibility, and long-term storage stability. The ultrahigh SERS activity of NiCo-LDH/Ag-NPs can be attributed to strong electromagnetic enhancement in the nanoscale gaps between Ag NPs, massive charge transfer through large-area NiCo-LDH/Ag-NPs interfaces, and the synergistic action of electromagnetic and charge transfer mechanisms. Besides, the unique morphology of NiCo-LDHs/Ag-NPs microcomposite provides a broad surface area for adsorption of TBZ molecules for further Raman signal enhancement. The practicability of the proposed SERS platform is confirmed by detecting TBZ in the real samples of apple juice and river water. The exceptional self-cleaning capability of the NiCo-LDHs/Ag-NPs microcomposite with an retention rate of 81.97 % even after the fifth degradation cycle underscores its impressive sustainable reusability and cost-effectiveness. The findings in this work lay the foundation for the development of high-performance SERS platforms to ensure food safety and environmental protection.

Care models for individuals with chronic multimorbidity: lessons for low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundPatients with multiple long-term conditions requires understanding the existing care models to address their complex and multifaceted health needs. However, current literature lacks a comprehensive overview of the essential components, impacts, challenges, and facilitators of these care models, prompting this scoping review.MethodsA scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. Our search encompassed articles from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The World Health Organization’s health system framework was utilized to synthesis the findings. This framework comprises six building blocks (service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, financing, and leadership/governance) and eight key characteristics of good service delivery models (access, coverage, quality, safety, improved health, responsiveness, social and financial risk protection, and improved efficiency). Findings were synthesized qualitatively to identify components, impacts, barriers, and facilitators of care models.ResultsA care model represents various collective interventions in the healthcare delivery aimed at achieving desired outcomes. The names of these care models are derived from core activities or major responsibilities, involved healthcare teams, diseases conditions, eligible clients, purposes, and care settings. Notable care models include the Integrated, Collaborative, Integrated-Collaborative, Guided, Nurse-led, Geriatric, and Chronic care models, as well as All-inclusive Care Model for the Elderly, IMPACT clinic, and Geriatric Patient-Aligned Care Teams (GeriPACT). Other care models (include Care Management Plus, Value Stream Mapping, Preventive Home Visits, Transition Care, Self-Management, and Care Coordination) have supplemented the main ones. Care models improved quality of care (such as access, patient-centeredness, timeliness, safety, efficiency), cost of care, and quality of life for patients that were facilitated by presence of shared mission, system and function integration, availability of resources, and supportive tools.ConclusionsCare models were implemented for the purpose of enhancing quality of care, health outcomes, cost efficiency, and patient satisfaction by considering careful recruitment of eligible clients, appropriate selection of service delivery settings, and robust organizational arrangements involving leadership roles, healthcare teams, financial support, and health information systems. The distinct team compositions and their roles in service provision processes differentiate care models.

LEGAL LIABILITY OF A PHYSICIAN FOR PROVIDING INADEQUATE MEDICAL CARE TO A PATIENT: ANALYSIS OF APPROACHES BASED ON THE EXAMPLES OF KAZAKHSTAN AND THE UNITED STATES

Background: This research focuses on the determination of liability for medical professionals causing harm to patients, using the criminal legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a foundation. Criminal liability for medical offences is stipulated in Chapter 12 of the Criminal Code. By identifying the mandatory characteristics or elements of a medical criminal offence according to the criminal legislation of Kazakhstan, parallels are drawn with the types of culpability provided for in developed countries worldwide. The authors reviewed scholarly works examining the effectiveness of handling cases involving harm to patients and decisions regarding the satisfaction or dismissal of the patient's claims in Kazakhstan. Attention has been given to empirical data collected within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The results of sociological research conducted by the authors over a period of 3 months among healthcare professionals from different regions of the country have been utilised. Special attention has been devoted to international experiences in implementing measures to improve patient safety, reducing citizen complaints regarding the quality of healthcare services, and enhancing the legal protection of medical personnel. The research selects provisions from scholarly works that reduce the risk of harm to patients and thereby contribute to reducing medical crime levels. Methods: In this research, the authors employed a number of methods of scientific research to achieve their goals and solve their tasks, in particular legal analysis, comparative legal analysis, survey, questionnaire, and interviewing. Legal analysis of the Criminal Legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including Chapter 12 of the Criminal Code, was conducted to identify the specifics of criminal liability for medical offences, exemplified by Article 317. This analysis highlighted the nuances of criminal liability for medical offences in Kazakhstan. Comparative legal analysis made it possible to compare the responsibilities of doctors in the USA and Kazakhstan. Attention was drawn to the similarity of the concepts of guilt in the form of negligence, with a specific emphasis on the American approach, which offers valuable insights for Kazakhstan. These aspects could be adapted to improve Kazakhstan's legal system. The specific cases of harm to patients considered by the courts of the Republic of Kazakhstan were studied, and court decisions concerning the satisfaction of patients' claims and their rejection were analysed, which allowed the authors to identify the main arguments and trends in judicial practice. Surveys and questionnaires were conducted among medical workers from various regions of Kazakhstan to gather empirical data on their perceptions of duties and responsibilities. Additionally, in-depth interviews were also conducted with experts in the field of medicine and law, as well as patients, and representatives of health authorities, providing high-quality data on the problems and challenges faced by medical workers. Statistical data collected during sociological research were processed and analysed. This included data on citizen complaints about the quality of medical care, cases of harm to patients and other relevant statistical indicators. The study of the problem at various levels revealed the level of patient safety and legal protection of medical personnel. Results and Conclusion: Creating conditions for medicine and ensuring effective social and professional medical insurance are some factors that provide opportunities for medical practice as a whole and the healthcare system. These facts also facilitate a proper legal assessment of a doctor's performance

Radioactive elements in wastewater and potable water: Sources, effects, and methods of analysis and removal.

Radioactive effluents, originating from nuclear power plants, medical-nuclear applications, and various extraction industries worldwide, present a significant and dangerous contamination challenge. The concentrations of radioactive substances in wastewater, surface water, and potable water vary widely depending on the source and location. For example, cesium-137 levels in wastewater from nuclear facilities can range from 0.1 to 10 Bq/L, while tritium concentrations in surface water near nuclear plants can reach up to 100 Bq/L. Regulatory guidelines, like the maximum contaminant level of 0.185 Bq/L for combined radium-226 and radium-228 in drinking water, are critical for ensuring safety and environmental protection. Specifically, in Fukushima, Japan, cesium-137 levels in surface water range from 0.1 to 10 Bq/L due to the nuclear accident. In contrast, regions with natural uranium deposits, like parts of the United States, have reported radium-226 concentrations in potable water up to 1 Bq/L. These variations highlight the necessity for focused monitoring and evaluation to protect water quality and community health. Among various methods, Gamma spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are precise for radionuclide quantification, scintillation detectors, and ion exchange, and adsorption techniques efficiently remove radioactive substances from water. This critical review examines the sources, adverse effects, and analysis and remediation strategies for various radioactive elements in wastewater. By thoroughly evaluating the origins and potential dangers associated with radioactive effluents, this report emphasizes the urgent need for rigorous monitoring and effective treatment practices to maintain the integrity of water resources and ecosystems. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Comprehensive analysis of the radioactive elements frequently found in wastewater and drinking water. Assess the negative effects of radioactive elements in water systems. Examine the treatment methods used to eliminate radioactive pollutants from water sources. Outline effective methods and tactics for addressing and controlling radioactive contamination occurrences. Analyze the latest advancements in technology, regulatory enhancements, and optimal methods to guarantee the safety of drinking water and the sustainable handling of radioactive substances in wastewater.

STM32 microcontroller and CAN bus based FSAE racing car electrical part design

A microcontroller is a kind of chip in integrated circuits, which is a device that integrates multiple components together to accomplish a certain function. Compared with the traditional digital module, the advantages of a microcontroller lie in smaller size, lower power consumption, and higher flexibility. Its performance and functionality of the expansion depend on the design and manufacturing process of integrated circuits, and the wide application of microcontrollers cannot be separated from the support of integrated circuits. With the continuous development of integrated circuits, the application of microcontrollers is also more and more extensive; in automotive electronics, industrial control, and embedded systems have been applied on a large scale. CAN bus is a kind of serial communication protocol used for communication between various electronic components in the vehicle. It is one of the most widely used communication buses in the world, and it has been applied on a large scale in the fields of the automotive industry, aerospace industry, industrial control, safety protection, and so on. Scale application. This paper mainly discusses the application of STM32 microcontrollers and their ability to bus in FSAE racing cars, the functions they can realize, and the enhancement of racing car performance.

Analisis Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Pengemudi Ojek Online Pasca Berlakunnya Undang-Undang Cipta Kerja

Transportation innovation that has been born since 2010, namely online ojek, is now a favorite transportation for people to carry out their daily lives. However, the growth of the online ojek industry has caused many problems and challenges, including safety issues and protection of drivers' rights. The problem raised in this research is the legal protection for online ojek drivers and the position of drivers after the Job Creation Law takes effect. Looking at the Job Creation Law related to Employment, there are still no special provisions or regulations regarding online ojek drivers in terms of safety and online ojek tariffs so that legal protection for online ojek is still not optimal. The position of online ojek driver partners and companies is considered equal and the same, but in practice prospective online ojek drivers must sign a work agreement that has been set by the company without being able to discuss or negotiate beforehand. Based on this, it is recommended that companies can provide proper legal protection and the government immediately make regulations for online ojek drivers.

Near-infrared and multifunctional fluorescent probe enabled by cyanopyridine cyanine dye for bisulfite recognition and biological imaging

SO2 derivatives, sulfite/bisulfite, are widely employed in both the food processing and drug synthesis industries. Despite their widespread application, excessive levels of sulfite/bisulfite can negatively impact human health. Most probes for detecting sulfite/bisulfite are restricted by their fluorescence within the visible spectrum range and poor solubility in aqueous solution, which limit their use in food testing and biological imaging. Herein, a near-infrared probe comprising of the cyanopyridine cyanine skeleton, 4-((Z)−2-((E)−2-chloro-3-(2-cyano-2-(1-methylpyridine-4(1H)-ylidene)ethylidene)cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)−1-cyanovinyl)−1-methylpyridin-1-ium (abbreviated as CCP), was developed. This probe enables precise quantification of bisulfite (HSO3-) in almost pure buffered solutions, showing a near-infrared fluorescence emission at 784 nm with an impressively low detection limit of 0.32 μM. The probe stands out for its exceptional selectivity, minimal susceptibility to interference, and strong adaptability. The probe CCP utilizes the CC bond to trigger a near-infrared fluorescence quenching reaction with HSO3- via nucleophilic addition, which effectively disrupts the large delocalization within the molecule for accurate HSO3- identification. Moreover, the probe has been successfully applied in detecting HSO3- in various food products and living cells, simplifying the measurement of HSO3- content in water samples. This advancement not only enhances the analytical capabilities but also contributes to ensuring food safety and environmental protection. Environmental ImplicationSO2 derivatives including sulfite/bisulfite, serving dual roles as preservatives and antioxidants, have widespread application across various sectors including food preservation, water sanitation, and the pharmaceutical industry. Despite their widespread application, excessive levels of sulfite/bisulfite can affect human health. Developing methods for precisely and sensitively detecting sulfite/bisulfite in food products and biological samples is important for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. Here, a sensitive near-infrared and multifunctional fluorescent probe in a 99.9 % buffered solution, along with water gel encapsulation, has been successfully applied for the detection of bisulfite in food, authentic water samples, and biological cells.

International Chinese Teacher Volunteers in Thailand Security Risk Analysis

With the improvement of China's comprehensive national strength and the concept of a community of a shared future for mankind, the demand for international Chinese teacher volunteers as cultural communication ambassadors is increasing. And the accompanying outbound security risks are also worth paying attention to. In this paper, questionnaire survey and data analysis are used to investigate the safety risks faced by international Chinese teachers in Thailand. The investigation found that the volunteers of international Chinese teachers in Thailand mainly face personal safety risks, and there are still aspects of safety protection that can be improved and strengthened. The factors affecting the safety of the volunteers in Thailand mainly come from the social factors, the intercultural communication of the cultural factors, and the belief value of the unrest and mysterious religion brought about by the numerous political parties in Thailand. Based on the above research results, the country, school and individual finally put forward suggestions to solve the risks, and the multi-party linkage is more conducive to cross-cultural communication, and lays a foundation for the subsequent high-quality development of Chinese teaching.

Crashworthiness analysis and optimization design of special-shaped thin-walled tubes by experiments and numerical simulation

Thin-walled structures are widely used as typical high-efficiency energy-absorbing structures in crash safety protection. This paper aims to combine the characteristic of the square tube which concentrates energy dissipation through angle elements with the stable fold deformation of the circular tube, and innovatively propose a special-shaped thin-walled tube that contains both angle elements and arc elements. The failure behavior and energy absorption characteristics of the special-shaped tube were investigated by compression test and numerical simulation. The simulation results showed that the special-shaped thin-walled tubes have a significant advantage in energy absorption, and the specific energy absorption of the special-shaped tubes is 31.57% and 75.2% higher than that of the equal-mass circular and square tubes, respectively. Next, through finite element analysis, the effects of various parameters and initial imperfections on the crashworthiness of the special-shaped tubes were compared. The results indicated that adjustments to geometrical parameters significantly impact the energy absorption properties and crushing behavior of thin-walled tubes. Moreover, the tube with induced circular holes exhibited an optimal deformation mode. Further, a multi-objective optimal design of the metal special-shaped tube was carried out to obtain the best parameter configuration of the metal special-shaped tube. Finally, the special-shaped structure was extended to CFRP/AL hybrid thin-walled tubes. The failure behavior and energy absorption enhancement mechanism of the hybrid special-shaped tubes were investigated with experiments, and the absorbed energy of the hybrid tube was about 20% higher than the sum of the absorbed energy of the single constituent tubes. The effect of the CFRP lay-up pattern on the crashworthiness of the hybrid tube was investigated by numerical simulation, and it was found that the energy absorption capacity of the hybrid tube could be improved by appropriately increasing the number of layers and the proportion of axial fibers.

Investigating the Relationship Between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Mental Illness Stigma Among Emergency Medical Service Clinicians

Objectives To examine the relationship between psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and mental illness stigma among emergency medical service (EMS) clinicians. Despite the presence of mental health services at many EMS agencies, workers often do not seek treatment due to mental illness stigma. To facilitate treatment receipt and maintain a healthy workforce, we must understand factors contributing to stigma. Psychosocial safety climate refers to the degree to which workers perceive that their organization fosters a work environment focused on the protection of psychological health and safety. Despite its relevance, the relationship between PSC and mental illness stigma has yet to be examined. Methods Participants were recruited from EMS agencies in the Northeastern U.S. Census Region. We used an observational research design and multiple linear regression to investigate the relationship between overall levels of PSC using the Psychosocial Climate Scale (PSC-12) and mental illness stigma using the Endorsed and Anticipated Stigma Inventory - Workplace Stigma Subscale. We also examined separate facets of PSC to determine if one was more related to stigma. Using established guidelines and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, we compared workers rating their agencies as having high-risk (≤37 points) or low-risk PSC levels (≥41 points). Results The sample was n = 124 EMS clinicians (Mage = 29.6, SDage = 9.2, 53.2% male). Most were White (88.7%) with some college/college degree (79.8%). After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, and mental health treatment receipt, clinicians reporting that their workplaces were less focused on psychosocial safety and health (i.e., lower overall levels of PSC) also reported elevated levels of stigma (b = −0.27, SE = 0.05, 95% CI = −0.37, −0.17, p < .001). Exploratory analyses indicated that no PSC facet was more related to stigma than another. Clinicians reporting high-risk levels displayed stigma levels that were 38% higher compared to clinicians reporting low-risk PSC levels. Conclusions Psychosocial safety climate is an important and modifiable intervention target linked to mental illness stigma in EMS clinicians. Organizational policies, practices, and procedures that convey that mental health is valued and should be protected may reduce stigma and facilitate treatment receipt among this high-risk population.

Особливості проведення лабораторної роботи «Вимірювання опору розтіканню струму заземлюючих пристроїв, питомого опору ґрунту, ізоляції мереж та електроустановок» за допомогою віртуального лабораторного стенда

The materials of this scientific article consider the possibility of using a virtual laboratory stand during the laboratory work carried out by students of higher education institutions under the name «Measurement of the resistance to the spread of the current of grounding devices, the specific resistance of the soil, the insulation of networks and electrical installations». This laboratory work is included in the curriculum of the normative educational component «Occupational safety in the industry and civil protection». The article examines the specific advantages of using a virtual stand, in particular its role in improving the quality of the educational process, expanding access to resources, and optimizing educational costs. The purpose of this article is to consider the main possibilities of using the proposed virtual laboratory stand as an innovative approach in the study of complex technical processes and ensuring a high level of training during laboratory work on the topic «Measurement of resistance to the spread of current of grounding devices, soil resistivity, insulation of networks and electrical installations». This laboratory work is a component of the curriculum of the normative educational component aimed at forming in students the ability to identify, analyze and evaluate potential risks associated with the production environment, and which is entitled «Occupational Safety and Civil Protection». Particular attention is paid to the methodology of conducting laboratory work using a virtual stand, including steps for configuring the software, algorithms for performing measurements and analyzing the received data. Methods of simulating various measurement conditions are described in detail, allowing students to practice scenarios that would be difficult or dangerous to implement in real conditions. In the materials of the article, an overview of the interface and functionality of the developed computer program, which reproduces the control components of real laboratory equipment and is intended for the implementation of the functions of a virtual laboratory stand, is reviewed, the key capabilities of the proposed program are described, including the simulation of various laboratory scenarios and the availability of theoretical materials necessary for preparing and conducting a laboratory session, as well as a detailed reproduction of the appearance and control components of real experimental laboratory equipment, which contributes to the creation of a feeling of working with physical devices, the implementation of mathematical models that accurately describe the dependence of output parameters on input parameters. It was also found that the use of similar technologies during other laboratory works from the above-mentioned normative educational component requires further thorough systematic research and publication of their results.

Click chemistry-based fluorescence polarization sensor for sensitive detection of ampicillin

Ampicillin (AMP) is a β-lactam antibiotic that can inhibit bacterial wall synthesis. The overuse and misuse of AMP makes it micropollutant that commonly found in food and various environmental media. In this work, a fluorescence polarization sensor was designed to sensitive detection of trace ampicillin based on click chemistry, using graphene oxide (GO) as a fluorescence polarization (FP) signal enhancement element. First, when ampicillin binds to its aptamer (apt), the adjacent alkyne and azide groups are separated, hindering the click-linking reaction. When Carboxyfluorescein (FAM) fluorophore-labeled probe (C-FAM) is added, its protruding 3-terminal FAM is recognized and cleaved by exonuclease I (EXO I), releasing fluorophores free that could not be adsorbed on GO, resulting in a lo0wer polarization signal. If there is no AMP in the system, aptamer probe is connected to its complementary chain ends by a click reaction. After C-FAM hybridizes with apt, the apt/P duplex is opened and the prominent single-stranded ends adsorb on the GO, leading a significantly enhanced FP signal. According to the relationship between the difference in FP values and the concentrations of AMP, the limit of detection of proposed method is as low as 80 pg/mL. This assay has a wide linear range plus excellent selectivity, and has been applied to detect AMP in milk and river water samples with satisfactory results, which demonstrates that the FP sensor has great potential for practical applications in food safety and environmental protection fields.

Modeling and Admittance Control of a Piezoactuated Needle Insertion Device for Safe Puncture of Spinal Membranes

Abstract The most challenging procedure for lumbar puncture (LP) is accurately puncturing the spinal membrane (dura mater) based on an automatic needle insertion device (NID). Piezoactuated NID has shown its advantages in robotic-assisted LP with high precision and compact structure. Soft control of the NID is important for insertion safety; however, for stick-slip piezo-actuated NID, there are few studies due to the complex mechanism of stick-slip motion. Here, a modeling and admittance control method for a proposed stick-slip piezoactuated NID is proposed for safe puncture of the spinal membrane. To analytically model the NID, the compliant mechanism (CM) in the NID is reduced to a second-order system. The stick-slip friction and the spinal membrane are modeled based on the LuGre model and the Hunt-Crossley model, respectively. Based on these models, an admittance controller (AC) for the proposed NID is established to realize the precise control of the position and the safety protection against puncture errors. Simulations and preliminary experiments based on a prototype of the NID and a phantom of the spinal membrane were carried out to test the proposed modeling and control method. Results show that the proposed NID with AC has a maximum insertion error of 0.62 mm and the insertion depth decays by 80% when an unexpected force is applied. Therefore, the proposed model and control method have the potential to be used in real LP procedures by further development.

Enhancing image watermarking efficiency through advanced deep learning: A novel approach with modified Res-Ception blocks and practical applications in modern scenarios

In recent years, digital media has become a prevalent form of information exchange, necessitating robust measures for privacy, data safety, and copyright protection. Image watermarking is one of the tools that can be employed for these tasks. Research on blind image watermarking techniques is lacking, and there is a gap between theoretical findings and practical implementations to address contemporary issues such as photo metadata privacy, AI generated image recognition, etc. The proposed research introduces a revolutionary deep learning-based image watermarking approach in order to address these issues. This scheme is designed to overcome the contemporary challenges related to image watermarking by being blind, efficient and robust. It also has an improved PSNR and beats state-of-the-art in various attacks. The model outperforms existing deep learning frameworks in terms of fidelity. All these are achieved by creating a modified and much more efficient form of Inception Resnet block, coined ResCeption Block, for use in effective learning of watermarking networks. The research also presents an application of watermarking in the identification of AI generated images and proposes a novel and robust algorithm for metadata encryption of digital images and enforce digital media security. Rigorous testing has been performed on benchmark datasets, and comparisons have been done against state-of-the-art and a PSNR of 43.12 dB has been achieved.

Development of a molecularly imprinted Ag/g-C3N4/GCE electrochemical sensor for specific detection of ofloxacin

Developing efficient and sensitive techniques for detecting ofloxacin (OFL) residues is crucial for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. In this study, the electropolymerization method was utilized with polypyrrole (Ppy) as the functional monomer and OFL as the template to produce a molecularly imprinted composite material comprising silver (Ag) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) (MIP-Ag/g-C3N4/GCE) for the electrochemical detection of OFL. The electrochemical characterization was conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimal conditions, the prepared sensor demonstrated decent sensitivity and selectivity using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The sensor demonstrated an optimal linear range of 10−13 to 10−11 mol L−1, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 8.842×10−14 mol L−1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.947×10−13 mol L−1, which can successfully detect OFL in milk and honey samples, showing a recovery range of 97.38–104.00 %, and 99.45–102.00 %, with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 2.82 % and 2.16 % (n=5), respectively. The sensor exhibited high selectivity, high stability, and decent reproducibility in OFL determination. This study offers valuable insights into the application of semiconductor-based electrochemical sensors, opening new possibilities for the field and contributing to the improvement of food safety and environmental protection.

Foodborne toxin aflatoxin B1 induced glomerular podocyte inflammation through proteolysis of RelA, downregulation of miR-9 and CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a naturally-occurring mycotoxin and recognized as the most toxic foodborne toxin, particularly causing damages to kidney. Glomerular podocytes are terminally differentiated epithelial cells. AFB1 induces podocyte inflammation, proteinuria and renal dysfunction. Studying the mechanism of AFB1-induced podocyte inflammation and murine kidney dysfunction, we detected that AFB1 increased ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the transcription factor RelA through enhanced interaction of RelA with E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif containing 7 (TRIM7) in mouse podocyte clone-5 (MPC-5) and mouse glomeruli. Reduction of RelA resulted in decreasing microRNA-9 (miR-9) and activating the chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling axis (CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway), leading to podocyte inflammation. We also determined that downregulation of miR-9 led to CXCR4 expression and the downstream TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway activation. Overexpression of miR-9 or deletion of CXCR4 suppressed AFB1-induced CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway, resulting in alleviating podocyte inflammation and kidney dysfunction. Our findings indicated that ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of RelA, downregulation of miR-9, and activation of CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway played an essential role in AFB1-induced glomerular podocyte inflammation. Our study revealed a novel mechanism, via RelA, for the control of AFB1’s nephrotoxicity, leading to an effective protection of food safety and public health.

The Use of Weather, Water, Ice, and Climate (WWIC) Information in the Polar Regions: What Is Known after the Decadelong Polar Prediction Project?

Abstract The polar regions are facing a wide range of compounding challenges, from climate change to increased human activity. Infrastructure, rescue services, and disaster response capabilities are limited in these remote environments. Relevant and usable weather, water, ice, and climate (WWIC) information is vital for safety, activity success, adaptation, and environmental protection. This has been a key focus for the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Polar Prediction Project (PPP), and in particular its “Societal and Economic Research and Applications” (PPP-SERA) Task Team, which together over a decade have sought to understand polar WWIC information use in relation to operational needs, constraints, and decision contexts to inform the development of relevant services. To understand research progress and gaps on WWIC information use during the PPP (2013–23), we undertook a systematic bibliometric review of aligned scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles (n = 43), examining collaborations, topics, methods, and regional differences. Themes to emerge included activity and context, human factors, information needs, situational awareness, experience, local and Indigenous knowledge, and sharing of information. We observed an uneven representation of disciplinary backgrounds, geographic locations, research topics, and sectoral foci. Our review signifies an overall lack of Antarctic WWIC services research and a dominant focus on Arctic sea ice operations and risks. We noted with concern a mismatch between user needs and services provided. Our findings can help to improve WWIC services’ dissemination, communication effectiveness, and actionable knowledge provision for users and guide future research as the critical need for salient weather services across the polar regions remains beyond the PPP. Significance Statement Every day, people in the Arctic and Antarctic use weather, water, ice, and climate information to plan and carry out outdoor activities and operations in a safe way. Despite advances in numerical weather prediction, technology, and product development, barriers to accessing and effectively communicating high-quality usable observations, forecasts, and actionable knowledge remain. Poorer services, prediction accuracy, and interpretation are exacerbated by a lack of integrated social science research on relevant topics and a mismatch between the services provided and user needs. As a result, continued user engagement, research focusing on information use, risk communication, decision-making processes, and the application of science for services remain highly relevant to reducing risks and improving safety for people living, visiting, and working in the polar regions.

Air Quality Monitoring and the Safety of Farmworkers in Wildfire Mandatory Evacuation Zones.

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to climate change pose health risks to migrant farm workers laboring in wildfire-prone regions. This study focuses on Sonoma County, California, investigating the effectiveness of air monitoring and safety protections for farmworkers. The analysis employs AirNow and PurpleAir PM2.5 data acquired during the 2020 wildfire season, comparing spatial variability in air pollution. Results show significant differences between the single Sonoma County AirNow station data and the PurpleAir data in the regions directly impacted by wildfire smoke. Three distinct wildfire pollution episodes with elevated PM2.5 levels are identified to examine the regional variations. This study also examines the system used to exempt farmworkers from wildfire mandatory evacuation orders, finding incomplete information, ad hoc decision-making, and scant enforcement. In response, we make policy recommendations that include stricter requirements for employers, real-time air quality monitoring, post-exposure health screenings, and hazard pay. Our findings underscore the need for significant consideration of localized air quality readings and the importance of equitable disaster policies for protecting the health of farmworkers (particularly those who are undocumented migrants) in the face of escalating wildfire risks.

ANALYSIS OF RISK MANAGEMENT TERMINOLOGY IN EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

An analysis of the main provisions and terms in accordance with domestic and international standards in the field of occupational health and safety of employees (hereinafter referred to as OSH) and risk management was carried out in order to avoid different interpretations in the draft Law on Occupational Safety and Health of Employees. To achieve this goal, the continuous sampling method, the descriptive method, the method of analyzing dictionary definitions, the method of word formation analysis, and the comparative method of component analysis were used. The study was conducted in four stages: analysis of the literature on occupational safety and health protection of workers; selection of terms for analysis; analysis of approaches to defining the concepts of "term", "terminology", analysis of lexical-semantic and structural features of terms; formation of general conclusions and prospects for further research. The justification of the change in the definitions of the main terms in OSH was carried out. It is proposed to present OSH at work as a part of the overall management system of the employer's activities, which is aimed at creating safe working conditions for employees and preserving their health by managing occupational risks. We recommend adding the concept of accident to the terms in the draft Law of Ukraine on occupational safety and health of workers, since the Procedure for Investigations and The Civil Protection Code of Ukraine defines the specified term. It is proposed to define occupational risk as a combination of the probability of occurrence of a work-related hazardous event(s) or exposure(s) and the severity of injury and health impairment that may be caused by this event(s) or exposure(s); occupational risk assessment as a process of comparing the results of occupational risk analysis with risk criteria to determine whether the occupational risk and/or its magnitude is acceptable (acceptable); occupational risk management is preventive and protective measures that reduce and/or modify (change) occupational risk to an acceptable (acceptable) level. The justification of the semantic load of the most used terms in the field of occupational safety and health protection of workers: risk, risk management, acceptable risk, dangerous event, incident was carried out for their qualitative use in the draft Law on Occupational Safety and Health of Workers. Recommendations for the description of terms and definitions for the draft Law of Ukraine on occupational safety and health of workers have been developed.