scholarly journals Modelling of Health Risk Associated with the Intake of Pesticides from Romanian Fruits and Vegetables

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 10035
Author(s):  
Mariana Minuț ◽  
Mihaela Roșca ◽  
Raluca-Maria Hlihor ◽  
Petronela Cozma ◽  
Maria Gavrilescu
Keyword(s):  
Exposure Assessment ◽  
Pesticide Residues ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
German Children

This study is focused on the assessment of risks caused by pesticide residues to Romanian and other European populations, by modelling the acute and chronic risks considering short- and long-term exposures to pesticide residues in specific fruits and vegetables from different Romanian regions. Data were obtained from the Romanian 2016 official monitoring programme. For assessing the dietary risk, we used the Pesticide Residue Intake model—PRIMo. According to the official data, it was found that 50.44% of fruit samples and 28.25% of vegetable samples were contaminated with pesticides. Our study focused on acute risks and chronic risks (in a maximalist worst-case scenario) posed by pesticide residues in strawberries, apples, lettuce and potatoes, given both their high degree of consumption and contamination with pesticides. The short-term exposure assessment of children’s health due to consumption of apples, lettuce and potatoes contaminated with dimethoate, chlorothalonil and carbendazim, revealed exposure levels higher than the acute reference dose (ARfD, as 100%), raising acute risks. On the other hand, the long-term exposure assessment showed that the highest percentage from the acceptable daily intake (ADI, as 100%) was obtained for German children (DE child) (273.9%), followed by Netherlands children (NL child) (143.7%) diets, based on consumption of apples with dimethoate residues. Therefore, serious measures are needed for banning pesticides such as dimethoate, chlorothalonil and carbendazim from all countries in the EU. This would reduce the health risks generated by the consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables.

scholarly journals Bisphenol A Release from Dental Composites and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers under Two Polymerization Conditions

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Antonin Tichy ◽  
Marketa Simkova ◽  
Radka Vrbova ◽  
Adela Roubickova ◽  
Michaela Duskova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Artificial Saliva ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dental Resin ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Initial Release ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽  
Polymerization Conditions

Bisphenol A (BPA)-based monomers are commonly contained in dental resin-based materials. As BPA is an endocrine disruptor, its long-term release from restorative composites and resin-modified glass ionomers (RM-GICs) under two polymerization conditions was measured in this study. Specimens of two conventional composites containing BPA-based monomers, two “BPA-free” composites, and two RM-GICs were polymerized from one side for 20 s at 1300 mW/cm2 or for 5 s at 3000 mW/cm2. The amounts of BPA released in artificial saliva and methanol after 1, 4, 9, 16, 35, 65, 130, and 260 days were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The highest amounts of BPA were released from conventional composites, followed by RM-GICs, while the least was released from “BPA-free” composites. Amounts of released BPA were significantly higher in methanol and decreased gradually after the first day. Fast polymerization (5 s at 3000 mW/cm2) resulted in a significantly higher release of BPA after 1 day, but the effect of polymerization conditions was not significant overall. In conclusion, fast polymerization increased the initial release of BPA, but the released amounts were significantly lower than the current tolerable daily intake (4 μg/kg body weight/day) even in methanol, representing the worst-case scenario of BPA release.

A Case Study - Life Extension of Offshore Bridge Bearings

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdelkhalek ◽  
Govindavilas Sudhesh ◽  
Anjan Sarkar ◽  
Mohammed Eissa
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Life Extension ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Maintenance And Repair ◽  
Seasonal Monitoring ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bridge Bearings

Abstract Structural bearings of 47 offshore platform-link bridges with average age of 40 years were inspected and recommended for replacements due to their poor condition. Replacement of bridge bearings involves major risk and production interruptions given the structural modifications, and critical piping and E&I disconnections required for safe jacking-lifting activities required during the process. This paper presents the approach adopted to assure the integrity of the bridges and extend their lives without the need to replace the bearings. The approach employed failure mode and effect analysis to identifying and narrowing down areas that need focused efforts while tackling the problem. Scenario based structural assessments were carried out to examine the impact of the level of movement-allowing bearings functionality on the integrity of the bridge and its supporting structures; identify critical locations to be targeted during focused inspections; and establish envelopes for monitoring thermal expansion and contraction of the bridges. Guidelines were developed and implemented for integrated inspection-maintenance and repair campaign, which aimed to tackle corrosion issues and to install movement-monitoring indicators. Indicator seasonal monitoring is employed to establish the functionality of bearings on the long-term. The what-if structural assessments revealed that even in the worst-case scenario (in which the bearing are completely jammed) the option of local strengthening of the bridge and its supporting elements is more attractive than bearing replacement. The integrated inspection-maintenance and repair campaigns revealed that excessive corrosion levels observed from historic visual inspections on external non-critical bearing components (e.g: guide plates, angles, etc.) is not indicative of the condition of the internal load-bearing components (pedestals) which experienced much lower corrosion levels. The seasonal monitoring of bridge movements revealed that the 40+ years old Teflon pads are still functional and allow the bridges expansion and contraction. The developed holistic approach enabled demonstration of the fitness for service of the bearings, and provided means for assuring their long-term performance through monitoring. The results assured safety, integrity and delivered significant cost savings through aversion brownfield modifications, and production loss associated with bridge jacking and bearing replacement operations.

scholarly journals Paradoxes of Poweshiek Skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): Abundance Patterns and Management of a Highly Imperiled Prairie Species

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann B. Swengel ◽  
Scott R. Swengel
Keyword(s):  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Fire Management ◽  
First Year ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Abundance Patterns ◽  
In Fire ◽  
Percent Unit ◽  
Oarisma Poweshiek

Although Oarisma poweshiek sometimes occurred in localized abundance, its known range is centered on the highly decimated northern tallgrass prairie of North America. To aid its conservation, we analyze surveys from 1988 to 1997 of populations no longer being found. While we recorded 2403 individuals at 20 sites, five sites had 87% of individuals, while 12 sites had only 2% of individuals. Most surveys during O. poweshiek flight had zero individuals recorded. In peak vegetative characteristics for O. poweshiek, fire management had the highest mean abundance but the lowest median abundance and lowest percent occurrence compared to idling and haying. Mean abundance was by far the lowest in the first year postfire compared to longer since fire. Median abundance and percent unit surveys where O. poweshiek was found indicated higher abundances the longer since fire. Although this skipper occasionally exhibited super-recoveries after fire, the median result in fire-managed occupied sites was zero. In a few years, abundance appeared synchronized across many sites, either low (1993, 1997) or high (1994-1995). It is only through a constant focus on avoiding the worst-case scenario that the rare best-case scenario of long-term population persistence appears possible for O. poweshiek.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Nutrition to Boost Immune System to Fight Infection

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Syed M. Shahid ◽  
◽  
Muhammad Jawed ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
The Body ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Scientific Significance ◽  
Global Population

The immunity and immune system functions to fight against infections are significantly impacted by inappropriate food and nutrition. Long term malnutrition is universally considered as the leading cause of immune system deficiency. A substantial proportion of the global population does not meet the recommended daily intake of nutrients. The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on the role of the immune system, with health scientists and nutritionists urging people to take supplements and/or eat particular foods (nutrients) to super-charge their immune systems.The immune system is the most complex system of human body. This system is made up of a complex network of structural and functional units like cells, molecules, tissues and organs all working together to safeguard the body as a whole.This precise review provides a chance to go through the efficacy, efficiency and scientific significance of nutritional components and relevant food (especially fruits and vegetables). This will help you keep appropriate food items in your daily meals so that you can get a progressive increment in your body’s defence mechanisms and immunity to fight appropriately against COVID-19. This will also help to decrease your risk for catching the viral infection and/or reducing the chances of having complications from COVID-19.

scholarly journals Pesticide Residues on Fruits and Vegetables from Ontario, Canada, 1991–1995

2000 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 196-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian D Ripley ◽  
Linda I Lissemore ◽  
Pamela D Leishman ◽  
Mary Anne Denommé ◽  
Leonard Ritter
Keyword(s):  
Pesticide Residues ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Vegetable Samples ◽  
Azinphos Methyl ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Data Program ◽  
Goals And Objectives

Abstract For the 5-year period 1991 to 1995, 1536 vegetable and 802 fruit samples were analyzed. The purpose of this study was to determine if pesticides were present on Ontario-produced fruits and vegetables, and if so, to determine if residues violated maximum residue limits (MRLs). Overall, 31.5% of the samples had no detectable pesticide residues, whereas 68.5% contained one or more residues. Most of the residues were present at very low concentrations; 48% of the detections were <0.1 parts per million (ppm), and 86% were <1 ppm. However, violations of MRL were observed in only 3.2% of the vegetable samples and 3.1% of the fruit samples. In addition, 4.8% of the samples contained a “technical” violation, that is, there was no specified MRL for the pesticide–commodity combination and the residues exceeded 0.1 ppm. Of the detectable residues, 63% were <10% of the MRL, whereas 89% were <50% of the MRL. More fruit samples (91.4%) had a detectable residue, compared with vegetable samples (56.6%). Fruit is often treated close to harvest or post harvest to ensure that wholesome produce reaches the consumer. Forty-six percent of the samples contained 2 or more residues, and 2% of all samples had more than 5 different pesticides detected; fruit samples tended to have more multiple residues. The most frequently found pesticides were captan, the dithiocarbamate fungicides, endosulfan, azinphos-methyl, phosmet, parathion, and iprodione. These pesticides were also used in the greatest quantity for crop production. Overall, the data agree fairly closely with those reported for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program because the 2 programs have similar analytical goals and objectives.

scholarly journals Background levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and legacy organochlorine pesticides in wheat sampled in 2017 and 2018 in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 192 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Łukasz Roszko ◽  
Karolina Juszczyk ◽  
Magdalena Szczepańska ◽  
Olga Świder ◽  
Krystyna Szymczyk
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Value Assessment ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Background Levels ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic

AbstractBoth polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and legacy organochlorine insecticides (OCPs), including DDT, are dangerous chemical contaminants. The aims of this study were to (i) determine background levels of PAHs and legacy OCPs for wheat samples collected in 2017 and 2018 in Poland, (ii) identify differences between levels in wheat harvested in various regions of Poland, (iii) evaluate differences in contamination sources manifested by the profiles of the identified chemicals, (iv) identify possible correlations between different classes of chemicals present in wheat, and (v) assess the health risks associated with the presence of PAHs and OCPs in Polish wheat. Average concentrations found in the samples were 0.09 ± 0.03 μg kg−1 for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (formerly used as a single PAH marker), 0.43 ± 0.16 for the more recently introduced collective PAH 4 marker (benzo[a]anthracene + benzo[a]pyrene + chrysene + benzo[b]fluoranthene), and 1.07 ± 0.68 μg kg−1 for DDT and its metabolites. The PAH profiles indicated contamination from combustion-related emission sources (liquid fossil fuels, coal, biomass). Health risks associated with the presence of PAHs and OCPs in cereals were assessed using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The MOE values calculated based on the highest concentrations found in this study exceeded 50,000 for both BaP and PAH 4. The calculated worst-case scenario value for DDT and metabolites was as low as 0.3% of the respective tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. Assessment of dietary risk has shown that the presence of the two contaminant classes in Polish wheat grains is of low concern.

scholarly journals The Occurrence and Dietary Exposure Assessment of Mycotoxins, Biogenic Amines, and Heavy Metals in Mould-Ripened Blue Cheeses

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingars Reinholds ◽  
Janis Rusko ◽  
Iveta Pugajeva ◽  
Zane Berzina ◽  
Martins Jansons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Biogenic Amines ◽  
Exposure Assessment ◽  
Oral Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Consumption Data ◽  
High Hazard ◽  
Reference Doses

The occurrence and dietary exposure assessment of 16 mycotoxins, 6 biogenic amines (BAs), and 13 metallic elements in blue-veined cheeses (n = 46) is reported. Co-occurrence of mycophenolic acid (≤599 µg·kg−1) with roquefortine C (≤5454 µg·kg−1) was observed in 63% of the tested cheeses, while BAs were frequently present at concentrations between 0.2 and 717 mg kg−1. The concentrations of heavy metals in cheeses were very low. Chronic/acute exposure assessment based on consumption data from different European populations indicated that the levels of mycotoxins and heavy metals are safe to consumers, whereas, rather high hazard indexes (HI up to 0.77) were determined for BAs according to the worst-case scenario based on high consumption and 95th percentile occurrence. A more detailed acute dietary intake study indicated that histamine and tyramine were predominant among these BAs, reaching 27 and 41% of the acute oral intake reference doses.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Organophosphate Pesticide Residues in Food Using the Partial Least Squares Method

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Ilia ◽  
Simona Funar-Timofei
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Pesticide Residues ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Toxicological Data ◽  
Malaria Mosquitoes ◽  
Partial Least Squares Method

Organophosphorus (OP) chemicals were broadly used as insecticides and in the treatment of human diseases such as malaria mosquitoes, parasitosis, myasthenia, and glaucoma. The OP toxicity is well known. They can cause environmental and health problems and have the possibility to accumulate in the food chain. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) can be considered as a measure of the effect of pesticide residues in food on human health. In this paper, the partial least squares (PLS) approach is used to evaluate the ADIs (expressed as pADIs) of a series of 46 structurally diverse OPs. OP structures were pre-optimized using the MMFF94s force field, and structural descriptors were calculated for the minimum energy conformers. This dataset was divided into 26 training compounds, and 20 pesticides were included in the prediction set. Several criteria to check the model robustness, overfitting, and the potential outliers in the X and Y space were employed. The PLS results indicated that new experimental toxicological data would be needed for five out of the 46 OPs, to improve their known ADI values, for qualitative and quantitative dietary long-term risk assessments.

scholarly journals Vivax malaria in children: clinical features and response to chloroquine.

1969 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-377
Author(s):  
Jaime Carmona Fonseca ◽  
Rosa M. Uscátegui ◽  
Adriana María Correa
Keyword(s):  
Vivax Malaria ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Normal Liver ◽  
Acute Attack ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Late Failure

Introduction: In Colombia is not very common to find updated information about vivax malaria in children. Aims: Describe the clinical and paraclinical disease picture and evaluate the standard dose of chloroquine effectiveness as a cure for the acute attack of vivax malaria in children between 4 and 10 years old. Methods: Experimental design, balanced, not blind, 82 patients and habitants in El Bagre and Turbo, Colombia. Follow-up: 30 days. Results: Symptoms-signs agreed with the known. There were found 62% long-term malnutrition, 53% anemia, low retinol (19 μg/dl), normal leukocyte count, normal liver tests and normal creatinine coefficient. After 25-28 day of treatment, all alterations had disappeared on children except malnutrition. According with the analysis techniques, the chloroquine late failure proportion was: by the intention to treat 2.4% (0 to 24%), by the protocol 2.6% (0 to 25%), and in the worst-case scenario 7.3% (0 to 29%). Conclusion: The clinical and paraclinical depict was similar than adults. Malaria, was the main responsible for clinics and paraclinical alterations. Chloroquine, without primaquine, proved highly effective for the acute attack of vivax malaria in children and should be retained as the first therapeutic option.

scholarly journals Robust hedging in incomplete markets

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
SALLY SHEN ◽  
ANTOON PELSSER ◽  
PETER SCHOTMAN
Keyword(s):  
Incomplete Markets ◽  
Pension Fund ◽  
Model Misspecification ◽  
Risk Exposure ◽  
Investment Horizon ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Risky Assets ◽  
Substantial Risk

AbstractWe considered a pension fund that needs to hedge uncertain long-term liabilities. We modeled the pension fund as a robust investor facing an incomplete market and fearing model uncertainty for the evolution of its liabilities. The robust agent is assumed to minimize the shortfall between the assets and liabilities under an endogenous worst-case scenario by means of solving a min–max robust optimization problem. When the funding ratio is low, robustness reduces the demand for risky assets. However, cherishing the hope of covering the liabilities, a substantial risk exposure is still optimal. A longer investment horizon or a higher funding ratio weakens the investor's fear of model misspecification. If the expected equity return is overestimated, the initial capital requirement for hedging can be decreased by following the robust strategy.

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