Significant Risk Level Research Articles

Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bread and health risk assessment across the globe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although bread is the principal food in most countries, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be present and pose a potential risk to consumers. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive report on the concentration and health risks associated with PAHs in bread around the world. Various databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, were searched from their beginnings until December 2023 for this systematic review, which included 34 potentially relevant articles with data relating to 1057 bread samples. Utilizing a multilevel regression modeling approach, the study evaluated various factors such as fuel type, bread type, and geographical location. Following the initial evaluation, in 26.47% and 20.28% of all studies, the levels of Bap and PAH4 were higher than the permissible limit values, respectively. Based on the isomer ratios, 55.88% of the studies associated the presence of PAHs in bread samples with pyrogenic/coal combustion sources. According to the carcinogenic risk results, bread consumers in all studies have been exposed to moderate or high levels of carcinogenicity. The most significant risk levels are associated with the consumption of bread in Egypt, Kuwait, Iran, and India. Moreover, meta-regression analysis demonstrated significantly higher toxicity equivalent quotient and cancer risk mean values in bread baked using fossil fuels compared to other sources (p<.05). The high concentrations of PAHs, especially Benzo[a]pyrene, in bread pose a serious public health risk. Stringent regulations and monitoring are crucial to reduce contamination. Further research is necessary to develop safe processing methods to remove PAHs in bread.

Fingerprinting of emerging contaminants in L'Albufera natural park (Valencia, Spain): Implications for wetland ecosystem health

Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities. L'Albufera Natural Park, the second-largest coastal wetland in Spain, faces significant pressures from surrounding agricultural lands, industrial activities, human settlements, and associated infrastructures, including treated wastewater inputs. This study aimed at (i) establishing pathways of emerging pollutants entering the natural wetland using both target and non-target screening (NTS) for management purposes, (ii) distinguishing specific contamination hotspots through Geographic Information System (GIS) and (iii) performing basic ecological risk assessment to evaluate ecosystem health. Two sampling campaigns were conducted in the spring and summer of 2019, coinciding with the start and end of the rice cultivation season, the region's primary agricultural activity. Each campaign involved the collection of 51 samples. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was employed, using a simultaneous NTS approach with optimized gradients for pesticides and moderately polar compounds, along with complementary NTS methods for polar compounds, to identify additional contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Quantitative analysis revealed that fungicides comprised a substantial portion of detected CECs, constituting approximately 50% of the total quantified pesticides. Tebuconazole emerged as the predominant fungicide, with the highest mean concentration (>16.9 μg L−1), followed by azoxystrobin and tricyclazole. NTS tentatively identified 16 pesticides, 43 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 24 industrial compounds, and 12 other CECs with high confidence levels. Spatial distribution analysis demonstrated significant contamination predominantly in the southwestern region of the park, gradually diminishing towards the north-eastern outlet. The composition of contaminants varied between water and sediment samples, with pharmaceuticals predominating in water and industrial compounds in sediments. Risk assessment, evaluated through risk quotient calculations based on parent compound concentrations, revealed a decreasing trend towards the outlet, suggesting wetland degradation capacity. However, significant risk levels persist throughout much of the Natural Park, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation measures to safeguard the integrity of this vital ecosystem.

A Systematic Review of Existing Data on Statin Use and New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: The Need for Clear Answers

Background: The relationship between statins use and the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (NOT2DM) has been a subject of ongoing debate and investigation. In February 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed that statin use could lead to a modest rise in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), potentially contributing to the development of diabetes. We systematically reviewed the available evidence and summarized the impact of statin use on NOT2DM. Aim: This systematic review aims to examine and provide a comprehensive overview of existing data relating to statin use and their association with the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes (NOT2DM). The primary objectives were to assess and explore: (1) the potential association between statin use and the development of new-onset diabetes; (2) the magnitude, extent, and incidence of new-onset diabetes due to statin use. The secondary objective was to explore the underlying mechanisms. Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar and databases between January 2012 and February 2021. Data Extraction: The 2 reviewers Musa Basheer Mansour and Sara Elsheikh Ahmedana [MBM and SEA] independently assessed the qualities of the extracted studies and summarized data of the selected studies in tabulated forms for outcomes of interest and performed methodological and quality assessments based on review questions, citations, country of the study, aim, population characteristics, design, setting, sample size, sample technique, data source, measures, analysis, confounder variable and key observations for systematic review. We applied search keywords such as Statins, New-onset diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Underlying mechanism, and incidents of diabetes. Results: A total of 66 studies were identified through database searches in the initial search, and 7 studies were included in this review. Of the 2,567,888 adult patients, 861,925 were nondiabetic patients on statin use, and 1,705,963 were diabetic on statin or non-statin users. We considered Hazard Ratios (HR), Odds Ratios (OR), and Confidence Intervals (CI) of each study for further analysis. The mean OR for three studies showed that each statin therapy resulted in a 68% increased risk of NOT2DM (OR, 1.683; 95% CI: 1.273-2.237). The significant relationship between statin use and the rising risk of NOT2DM was also confirmed by an average HR of 1.53 (95% CI: 1.2-1.7) for the remaining four studies. Recent and short-term use of statins, as well as time- and dose-dependent connections, were linked to an increased risk of NOT2DM in statin users compared to non-users. These risks were more prominent among older adults, normotensive males, hypertensive females, and individuals with low physical activity. Although no proven mechanisms were found, the possible processes are discussed. Conclusion: The systematic review found a significant level of risk of NOT2DM associated with statin use. The authors argued that the short-term diabetes risk caused by statin treatment was more prevalent among patients exposed to risk factors for diabetes. Although the precise mechanisms behind this association remain unclear, this research provides clinical practice with evidence-based guidelines. Additionally, conducting future research may be appropriate based on the gaps in knowledge identified from the results of this review.

Perception of contractors and sub-contractors towards the factors causing delays in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) construction projects

Purpose This study aims to determine and investigate the main causes of construction project delays. Construction projects are more intricate and associated with significant levels of risk owing to cost overruns. These overruns frequently lead to delays, incomplete work or other related challenges. Building delays are a prevalent problem in the building sector of developing nations. These delays prolong the duration of projects and result in increased costs and conflicts among stakeholders. A conceptual model consisting of the factors causing the delays in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) projects was developed and tested in this study. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive data collection process was undertaken. A meticulously designed survey was distributed to a diverse cohort of 294 participants, including contractors and sub-contractors from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The data was collected using stratified sampling, ensuring a representative sample. The data was then analysed using ordinary least squares multiple regression. Findings The findings of this study have significant implications for the construction industry. They indicate that factors related to sales, clients, design, procurement, finance and labour all contribute to delays in HVAC projects. Understanding these factors can help stakeholders in the industry to better manage and mitigate project delays. Originality/value This study is unique because it is a perceptual study of stakeholders. It provides valuable information for analysing and assessing project performance by identifying the primary causes of HVAC project delays. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study conducted on HVAC projects is the first of its kind and hence makes a pivotal contribution to the literature on construction projects. Additionally, the study will assist policymakers and consultants in taking necessary steps to minimize delays.

A Systematic Review of Existing Data on Statin Use and New - Onset Type 2 Diabetes: The Need for Clear Answers

Background: The relationship between statins use and the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (NOT2DM) has been a subject of ongoing debate and investigation. In February 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed that statin use could lead to a modest rise in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), potentially contributing to the development of diabetes. We systematically reviewed the available evidence and summarized the impact of statin use on NOT2DM. Aims and Objectives: This systematic review aims to examine and provide a comprehensive overview of existing data relating to statin use and their association with the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes (NOT2DM). The primary objectives were to assess and explore: (1) the potential association between statin use and the development of new-onset diabetes; (2) the magnitude, extent, and incidence of new-onset diabetes due to statin use. The secondary objective was to explore the underlying mechanisms. Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar and databases between January 2012 and February 2021. Data Extraction: The 2 reviewers Musa Basheer Mansour and Sara Elsheikh Ahmedana [MBM and SEA] independently assessed the qualities of the extracted studies and summarized data of the selected studies in tabulated forms for outcomes of interest and performed methodological and quality assessments based on review questions, citations, country of the study, aim, population characteristics, design, setting, sample size, sample technique, data source, measures, analysis, confounder variable and key observations for systematic review. We applied search keywords such as Statins, New-onset diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Underlying mechanism, and incidents of diabetes. Results: A total of 66 studies were identified through database searches in the initial search, and 7 studies were included in this review. Of the 2,567,888 adult patients, 861,925 were nondiabetic patients on statin use, and 1,705,963 were diabetic on statin or non-statin users. We considered Hazard Ratios (HR), Odds Ratios (OR), and Confidence Intervals (CI) of each study for further analysis. The mean OR for three studies showed that each statin therapy resulted in a 68% increased risk of NOT2DM (OR, 1.683; 95% CI: 1.273-2.237). The significant relationship between statin use and the rising risk of NOT2DM was also confirmed by an average HR of 1.53 (95% CI: 1.2-1.7) for the remaining four studies. Recent and short-term use of statins, as well as time- and dose-dependent connections, were linked to an increased risk of NOT2DM in statin users compared to non-users. These risks were more prominent among older adults, normotensive males, hypertensive females, and individuals with low physical activity. Although no proven mechanisms were found, the possible processes are discussed. Conclusion: The systematic review found a significant level of risk of NOT2DM associated with statin use. The authors argued that the short-term diabetes risk caused by statin treatment was more prevalent among patients exposed to risk factors for diabetes. Although the precise mechanisms behind this association remain unclear, this research provides clinical practice with evidence-based guidelines. Additionally, conducting future research may be appropriate based on the gaps in knowledge identified from the results of this review.

Chemical Speciation, Leaching Behavior, and Environmental Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in the Bottom Ash from Biomass Power Plant.

Biomass combustion for power generation stands as a pivotal method in energy utilization, offering a promising approach for renewable energy utilization. However, the substantial volume of slag produced by biomass burning plants poses environmental challenges, impeding sustainable energy practices. This article systematically studies the characteristics of ash generated from typical biomass direct combustion power plant ash and analyzes the chemical composition, trace element content characteristics, leaching characteristics, and chemical forms of biomass bottom ash. Furthermore, it assesses the environmental ecology and bioavailability of trace elements in bottom ash using the ecological risk assessment method and RAC method. The results demonstrate that the biomass bottom ash contains plant nutrients, such as K, Ca, Mg, and P, while the content of harmful trace elements is lower than the relevant Chinese standards. In dissolution experiments, the leaching rate of nearly all elements remains exceptionally low, primarily due to the distribution of trace elements within the lattice structure of stable minerals. Trace elements predominantly exist in the residual phase, Cu and Zn primarily found in organic compounds and sulfide bound states, while other elements mostly exist in the form of iron manganese oxide bound states. Ecological risk assessment indicates a significant risk level for Cd, contrasting with the slight risk associated with other elements. RAC results indicated no ecological risk of all of the trace elements. Consequently, the utilization of bottom ash in agricultural and forestry soils is deemed to be viable. These findings serve as a crucial foundation for biomass bottom ash resource utilization and underpin the sustainable utilization of biomass energy.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC ORGANISED CRIME IN UKRAINE

The subject of the study is the methodological foundations and applied approaches to assessing the impact of organised crime on economic relations in the country. Methodology. The study uses two key approaches to the criminological analysis of organised crime: statistical (based on state statistics) and sociological (risk assessment based on expert surveys). The purpose of the article is to compare analytical approaches and results of data analysis on the activities of organised crime in the economic sphere in Ukraine. The activity of organised crime in the economic sphere in Ukraine has been analysed on the basis of state statistics and sociological surveys conducted in recent years under various research projects. With a focus on the comparative interest of these two criminological approaches, the authors highlights the problem of identifying manifestations of organised economic crime not as individual non-systemic cases, but as a criminal phenomenon of a systemic nature which permeates various areas of economic activity. At the same time, it was found that the state statistics do not objectively reflect the problems of organised crime in the country, and that they are levelling the real state. Among the various sociological methods of criminological analysis, the authors focused on the risk-oriented approach to the assessment of crime, considering the risk of the spread of organised crime in the economic sphere on the basis of an expert assessment of the probability and consequences of the spread of these threats. This approach and its results point to critical gaps in criminological research based on state statistics and suggest promising approaches for future research. Conclusion. The risk-oriented approach points to systemic manifestations of the phenomenon of organised crime and the high risk of organised crime groups in the economy of Ukraine. Using a unique empirical base formed by research projects, significant threats to the country's economy and high-risk threats in the form of various manifestations of organised crime were identified: according to law enforcement agencies – 62.30%; in the system of hybrid threats – 41.38%-44.74%; in the field of forestry – 55.67%; in the field of fiscal security, in the section of individual branches of the economy, the most significant level of risk is in the range of 60-70%.

Ordered weighted evaluation method of lifting operation safety risks considering coupling effect

In order to accurately evaluate the safety risk degree of lifting operations and improve the safety control level of lifting operations, firstly, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is used to decompose the construction process of lifting operations, Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) is used to decompose the safety risk, 16 safety risk factors of lifting operations are identified, and the risk evaluation system is constructed. Then, the safety risk assessment model of lifting operations is constructed by integrating risk coupling theory, joint ordered weighting operators, and an interaction matrix to identify key risk factors and safety risk levels. Finally, taking the lifting operation construction project of Yangfanggou Hydropower Station as an example, the evaluation index system and method are applied. The results show that the high-risk safety risks of the lifting operation construction of the project are: 'Low safety awareness causes workers to operate illegally X23', 'Operation error caused by illegal command X33', 'Workers' risky work caused by low safety awareness X34', 'Edge, high and climbing operation protection is not in place X36', and 'Improper binding of components caused by workers' illegal operation X25'. The construction of the lifting operation poses a significant risk level, and the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation. The rationality of the evaluation system and model constructed in this paper can provide a reference for the safety management and control of the construction site of the lifting operation and the safety of the lifting operation.

Secure futures? A mixed methods study on opportunities for helping young people referred to secure children’s homes for welfare reasons

PurposeUsing a mixed methodology comprising interviews, case file analysis and descriptive statistics, this study aims to examine the experiences of all 43 young people in Wales subject to secure accommodation orders between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2018.Design/methodology/approachChildren in the UK aged 10–17 years who are deemed to be at a significant level of risk to themselves or others may be subject to a secure accommodation order, leading to time spent in a secure children’s home (SCH) on welfare grounds. Following a rise in the number of children in Wales referred to SCHs for welfare reasons, this paper describes these young people’s journeys into, through and out of SCHs, giving insight into their experiences and highlighting areas for policy and practice improvements.FindingsFindings indicate that improvements in mental health support and placement availability are key in improving the experiences of this particularly vulnerable group of young people throughout their childhood.Practical implicationsOther practical implications of the study’s findings, such as improvements in secure transport arrangements, are also discussed.Originality/valueWhile the findings are limited by the reliance on self-report methods and the size of the study, namely, the small number of young people with experience of SCHs who were able to participate, the findings build on the existing knowledge base around children’s residential accommodation and provide new insights into how best to support these children.

Derivation of a no significant risk level (NSRL) of acrylamide in potato-based synthetic models and validation by NIR spectroscopy

The composition of raw potato-based products, mainly sugars and amino acids, plays a vital role in acrylamide formation after thermal treatment. The aim of the present study was to derive a No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) of acrylamide in potato-based synthetic models and validate it using Near Infrared Radiation spectroscopy (NIR). Therefore, NIR spectroscopy was chosen to validate gas chromatography Flame-Ionization Detector (GC-FID) concerning acrylamide detection in synthetic potato models and real potatoes. Subsequently, the Megazyme kit, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and GC-FID were applied to measure sugars, amino acids, and acrylamide. Findings revealed that peaks at 4439-4477 cm-1 were assigned to indicate acrylamide presence in all potato samples. Moreover, sucrose and asparagine had a significant impact on acrylamide. The prototype model unveiled the best combination among all potato models regarding the least acrylamide formation (Agria > Monalisa > Kennebec > Prototype). Mathematical equations were derived to calculate acrylamide concentration that should be below the threshold LOQ < 166.6 µg.kg-1, thus indicating an NSRL of acrylamide in the produced potato snacks if Agria and Monalisa cultivars were used.

Derivation of no significant risk levels for three lower acrylates: Conclusions and recommendations from an expert panel

A panel of toxicology, mode of action (MOA), and cancer risk assessment experts was engaged to derive no-significant-risk-levels (NSRLs) for three lower acrylates: methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA) using the best available science, data, and methods. The review was structured as a five-round, modified Delphi format, a systematic process for collecting independent and deliberative input from panel members, and it included several procedural elements to reduce potential sources of bias and groupthink. Input from the panel for key decisions in the dose-response assessments resulted in NSRL values of 530 μg/day (330–800 μg/day), 640 μg/day (280–670 μg/day), and 1700 μg/day (1300–2700 μg/day) for MA, EA, and 2EHA, respectively. Novel to this approach were the use of nonneoplastic lesions reported at point of contact where tumors have been reported in laboratory rodents, along with nonlinear extrapolation to low doses (uncertainty factor approach) based upon panel recommendations. Confidence in these values is considered medium to high for exposures applied to the routes of exposure tested (inhalation for MA and EA, dermal for 2EHA), but confidence is considered lower when applied to other routes of exposure.

DIABÈTE ET RAMADAN : NIVEAUX DE RISQUE ET PRATIQUES CHEZ LES DIABÉTIQUES SUIVIS AU CENTRE MARC SANKALÉ

Introduction: Ramadan in diabetics is at risk ofcomplications. The objective was to assess the risk accordingto the IDF-DAR score and the practices in the diabeticsfollowed.Methodology: We have conducted a cross-sectional,descriptive and analytical study over 7 months (beforeRamadan 2022) at the Marc Sankalé center in diabetics overthe age of 18.Results: 140 patients were included with a sex ratio of 0.47,an average age of 54 years, type 2 diabetes in 94.3% andan average duration of diabetes of 9 years. Among thepatients, 50.7% had an HbA1c&lt;7.5%, 45% on insulin. Acutecomplications before Ramadan were hypoglycaemia(22.1%), diabetic ketoacidosis (7.1%). According to theDiabetes and Ramadan score, the level of risk was low(45%), moderate (27.1%) and high (27.9%) and wasstatistically associated with type 1 diabetes (p=0.021) andwith the duration of diabetes (p=0.000). Among our patients,25.7% had never fasted, 22.1% had interrupted fasting and52.1% had fasted all month. These three groups were athigh risk in 43.2%, 46.7% and 12.3% respectively. In thisgroup, only 32.1% had undergone a pre-Ramadanconsultation.Conclusion: the majority of diabetics continue to fast despitea significant level of risk correlated with type 1 diabetesand the duration of diabetes. A post Ramadan evaluationwould make it possible to judge the applicability of theRamadan DAR in our context.

Risk Zoning of Permafrost Thaw Settlement in the Qinghai–Tibet Engineering Corridor

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is the highest and largest permafrost area in the middle and low latitudes of China. In this region, permafrost thaw settlement is the main form of expressway subgrade disaster. Therefore, the quantitative analysis and regionalization study of permafrost thaw settlement deformation are of great significance for expressway construction and maintenance in the Qinghai–Tibet region. This paper establishes a thaw settlement prediction model using the thaw settlement coefficient and thaw depth. The thaw depth was predicted by the mean annual ground temperatures and active-layer thicknesses using the Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network model, and the thaw settlement coefficient was determined according to the type of ice content. Further, the distribution characteristics of thaw settlement risk of the permafrost subgrade in the study region were mapped and analyzed. The results showed that the thaw settlement risk was able to be divided into four risk levels, namely significant risk, high risk, medium risk and low risk levels, with the areas of these four risk levels covering 3868.67 km2, 1594.21 km2, 2456.10 km2 and 558.78 km2, respectively, of the total study region. The significant risk level had the highest proportion among all the risk levels and was mainly distributed across the Chumar River Basin, Beiluhe River Basin and Gaerqu River Basin regions. Moreover, ice content was found to be the main factor affecting thaw settlement, with thaw settlement found to increase as the ice content increased.

EVALUATION THE RISK LEVEL OF FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MATERIAL WASTAGE GENERATION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The waste generation in construction takes place because of many factors. Every factor has various grade of risk which may affect the performance of the project. This is substantial to locate for efficient management of waste. This study is carried out to define and locate the level of risk of different factors participate to the generation of waste in the implementation phase. A total of 28 factors were identified and inspected through a survey. This survey utilized Delphi technique with two rounds. The first round was directed to locate the level of risk associated with each factor while the second round concentrated on supporting the outcome of the first round. Eighteen experts contributed to the survey at the first round, while 15 experts contributed to the second round. The analysis revealed the most important factors are client’s changes, mistakes by workers causing rework, and errors during ordering of materials. Further analysis showed that there more than half of the factors included in the survey have significant level of risk. Analysis for risk level in the first round of Delphi indicated three factors have “Most Significant” risk level, five factors have “High Significant” risk level, and seven factors have “Significant” risk level. The other 13 factors included in the study showed they are “Not Significant”. The Delphi round two showed that 10 factors are with “High” consensus, 13 factors with “Fair” consensus, 3 factors with “Low” consensus, and 2 factors only with “No” consensus.

Dissipation Kinetics and Risk Assessment of Diniconazole, Dinotefuran, Metconazole, and Tebuconazole in Raphanus sativus L.

This study investigated the degradation characteristics and conducted a risk assessment of four pesticides (Diniconazole, Dinotefuran, Metconazole, and Tebuconazole) in the leaves and roots of radish. Radish was cultivated in two greenhouse fields, and samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after pesticide application. Sample analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS, and the recovery rates ranged from 70.1% to 118.6%. The biological half-life of Diniconazole was found to be 6.2 days (leaf and root), Dinotefuran was 5.3 days (leaf) and 4.6 days (root), Metconazole was 9.3 days (leaf) and 3.2 days (root), and Tebuconazole was 8.0 days (leaf) and 5.1 days (root). After comparing the maximum residue limits (MRL) of each pesticide in Korea with the residues during the pre-harvest interval (PHI), Diniconazole showed a Hazard quotient (HQ) exceeding 1, indicating potential risks for true consumers. Furthermore, Tebuconazole showed an HQ of 0.3 or higher, indicating a significant level of risk.

Mechanical properties of polyurethane foam for potential application in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers

The viscoelastic property is a crucial parameter for evaluating the feasibility of the foam to be used as pressure relief. This work aims to perform experimental measurements to determine the dependence of the viscous behavior of polyurethane foam on density and energy dissipation. Experimental measurements were realized for three types of polyurethane foams with different densities soft, medium and hard. The compression tests at room temperature characterized the mechanical properties of these samples. Furthermore, the structures of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A proportional relationship was observed between the density of polyurethane (PU) foam and the tolerated strength at 90% compression. This material has an excellent remanence (persistence) which showed by the creep experiments at constant stress (2, 5, 10 N) for 6 h. Young Modulus, relaxation time and dissipation coefficient (DE) were also calculated from the stress-strain curve. Moreover, softening behavior, which is responsible for pressure relief, was measured by a cyclic compression test. This paper assesses the capacity of polyurethane to effectively maintain interfacial pressure below the critical threshold of 32 mm of mercury, which represents a significant risk level for the development of pressure sores.

An empirical model for identifying and controlling operational and environmental risks in spinning industry in an emerging economy

Effective risk management has become more crucial than ever, given the strategic economic growth of the industrial sector. Diverse threats from various sources are simultaneously present in many industries. Like other industries, the spinning sector of Bangladesh is bestowed with numerous operational and environmental risks. However, from our knowledge, it is completely ignored by the researchers and management of this sector to identify and control those risks. This study's main motivation is to fill the knowledge gap by using a real-world case study to identify and quantify operational and environmental risks in the spinning industry. To quantify risk variables, the application of the fuzzy synthetic evaluation methodology is a completely new approach in the spinning industry, as well as in other industries. This method determines the probability and magnitude of each risk factor and risk group, as well as the overall risk. This study identifies sixteen operational and environmental risk variables within two risk groups. One of the key findings of this study is that air pollution from flying fibers, excessive noise, inappropriate materials handling, power failure, and frequent machine breakdown are the top five risk concerns. Another important finding is that the overall risk criticality value of this sector is high, with a value of 3.97, indicating a significant level of risk. The study also offered a cause-effect diagram to identify the leading causes of risks to manage those risks effectively in the future. Overall, this study will assist real-life practitioners in identifying, ranking, managing, and controlling operational and environmental hazards in the Bangladeshi spinning sector towards minimizing such hazards and promoting cleaner production.

Spatial Analysis of the Contribution of Parking Service Facilities to Traffic Crashes along Limited-access Roadways

Background and Objective: Parking service facilities (PSFs) are integral components of road networks and are typically designated to offer road users, stakeholders, and external entities various services and opportunities. However, the current literature manifests contradictions among studies regarding the contribution of PSFs to crashes in the mainline traffic stream. This study aims to assess the contribution of PSFs to traffic crashes on limited-access expressways using hotspot analysis of traffic crashes in GIS. Methods: Planar Getis-Ord Gi* and network KDE were used to detect crash hotspots along a study road based on five criteria: crash frequency of all vehicle types, frequency of all vehicles involved in crashes, frequency of heavy vehicles involved in crashes, injury severity index and iRAP star rating. Results: The study identified and ranked the safety hazard of PSFs along the study road via the interference and risk level of crash hotspots with influential segments of PSFs. Getis-Ord Gi* analysis showed that almost 65% of PSFs along the study road were potentially high-risk facilities, with their influential segments interfering with crash hotspots based on the five hotspot analysis criteria. On the other hand, network KDE identified that almost 100% of PSFs along the study road were potentially high-risk facilities of either serious, significant or moderate risk levels based on the same hotspot analysis criteria. Conclusion: The two spatial analyses indicated that crashes in proximity to PSFs may increase when the number of lanes of their influential road segments increases and traffic flow is interrupted by other road facilities. They also indicated that crash frequency and severity increase in the proximity to PSFs with high speed and high traffic volume. Furthermore, the two analyses indicated that heavy vehicle crashes are more likely to increase in proximity to PSFs in rural areas.

Lead Exposure of Four Biologically Important Common Branded and Non-branded Spices: Relative Analysis and Health Implication.

Technological advances and socioeconomic development of Bangladesh are leading to the best choice between branded and non-branded powdered spices. But toxic metal issues can be another factor to elect them. So lead (Pb) exposure and its consequence on the human body for these two categories of four common spices have been ascertained here. A validated laboratory method using hot plate digestion and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been used for that. The obtained mean concentration of Pb in branded and non-branded spice powders followed the decreasing order of turmeric > coriander > red chili > cumin powder and turmeric > red chili > cumin > coriander powder, respectively, where, in any analysis mode, the non-branded items are potentially ahead of Pb exposure. The market-based mean concentration between these two categories was not a significant difference (t-test). Approximately 90% of the spice samples have shown within the maximum allowable limit by Bangladesh Standard. The sum of estimated daily intake indicated that most of the city market (67%) for non-branded items and some branded (33%) samples have crossed the maximum tolerable daily intake (> 0.21mg/kg). So, the human health risk assumption for the inhabitant of studied areas suggests there is no significant level of risk for them due to the consumption of spices regarding non-carcinogenic risk factor (THQ and total THQ) and carcinogenic risk factor (CR). But the development of a quality control process for loose spice powders as well as toxic metal screening from raw materials to finish products urgently needed and continuous monitoring with identifying the source of toxic metal is highly recommended.

Exposure to Ergonomic Risk Factors to Veterinary Technicians at a Small Animal Clinic

Highlights Neck and shoulder discomfort found to be most prevalent in veterinary technicians. REBA posture analysis identifies areas of significant risk and provides a benchmark for improvements. Patient restraint and handling put veterinary technicians at significant risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Continuous improvement through the implementation of engineering and administrative controls is mandatory. Abstract. Research addressing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among veterinary technicians is limited. Veterinary technicians are exposed to several activities that require lifting and the adoption of non-neutral postures associated with WMSDs. It is essential to design interventions aimed at reducing WMSDs in this population. The goal of this study was to identify typical, prevalent work tasks that pose high ergonomic risk factors to veterinary technicians, as well as to determine the WMSD risk associated with the work tasks identified in order to implement interventions. A small-animal veterinary clinic in central Wisconsin was contacted for this study. Nine veterinary technicians and assistants participated in assessing musculoskeletal symptoms and identifying tasks with ergonomic risk factors. The tasks with a high count of risk factors were evaluated using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). All participants in this study experienced musculoskeletal discomfort in five or more body regions. They also reported being unable to perform work over the last 12 months due to WMSDs on shoulders, ankles, and feet (33%, n=3), neck and lower back (22%, n=2), and wrists, hands, hips, thighs, and knees 11% (n=1). One of the respondents reported no discomfort over the last seven days, while eight of them indicated discomfort in three or more body areas. Restraining and handling animals, sedation and recovery, and dental procedures were chosen for REBA analysis. Restraining and handling animals had a high-risk REBA score (ranging from 8 to 10). Sedation and recovery had a low to medium-risk REBA score (ranging from 3 to 5). Dental procedure recovery had a low to very high-risk REBA score (ranging from 2 to 11). Our findings suggest that most veterinary technicians come to work experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort and are exposed to significant WMSD risk levels when performing common tasks. This job assessment allows us to recommend administrative and engineering controls to reduce the risk of WMSDs associated with high-risk tasks. Keywords: Ergonomic risk factors, Musculoskeletal symptoms, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Veterinary technicians, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).