283 research outputs found

    Risk assessment to improve food safety along different food chains

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    The great challenges of today pose great pressure on the food chain to provide safe and nutritious food that meets regulations and consumer health standards. In this context, Risk Analysis is used to produce an estimate of the risks to human health and to identify and implement effective risk-control measures. The aims of this work were 1) describe how QRA is used to evaluate the risk for consumers health, 2) address the methodology to obtain models to apply in QMRA; 3) evaluate solutions to mitigate the risk. The application of a QCRA to the Italian milk industry enabled the assessment of Aflatoxin M1 exposure, impact on different population categories, and comparison of risk-mitigation strategies. The results highlighted the most sensitive population categories, and how more stringent sampling plans reduced risk. The application of a QMRA to Spanish fresh cheeses evidenced how the contamination of this product with Listeria monocytogenes may generate a risk for the consumers. Two risk-mitigation actions were evaluated, i.e. reducing shelf life and domestic refrigerator temperature, both resulting effective in reducing the risk of listeriosis. A description of the most applied protocols for data generation for predictive model development, was provided to increase transparency and reproducibility and to provide the means to better QMRA. The development of a linear regression model describing the fate of Salmonella spp. in Italian salami during the production process and HPP was described. Alkaline electrolyzed water was evaluated for its potential use to reduce microbial loads on working surfaces, with results showing its effectiveness. This work showed the relevance of QRA, of predictive microbiology, and of new technologies to ensure food safety on a more integrated way. Filling of data gaps, the development of better models and the inclusion of new risk-mitigation strategies may lead to improvements in the presented QRAs

    Proceedings of 14th international symposium Modern trends in livestock production

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    Applications

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    Volume 3 describes how resource-aware machine learning methods and techniques are used to successfully solve real-world problems. The book provides numerous specific application examples: in health and medicine for risk modelling, diagnosis, and treatment selection for diseases in electronics, steel production and milling for quality control during manufacturing processes in traffic, logistics for smart cities and for mobile communications

    Urinary levels of toxic metals and pregnancy and newborn outcomes: biomonitoring of the IoMum cohort

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    Introdução: As mulheres grávidas estão sujeitas à exposição a vários metais tóxicos, o que pode ter um impacto significativo tanto na saúde materna como fetal, particularmente a exposição que ocorre durante o primeiro trimestre de gravidez. Este período representa uma janela de tempo de vulnerabilidade única, na qual a exposição pode afetar dramaticamente a saúde da mãe e do recém-nascido, tanto a curto como a longo prazo.   Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre o nível de exposição das mulheres grávidas na coorte IoMum a quatro metais tóxicos - bismuto (Bi), tálio (Tl), níquel (Ni), e antimónio (Sb) - com características sociodemográficas da amostra do estudo, resultados da gravidez, e parâmetros antropométricos do recém-nascido. Métodos:  Este foi um estudo prospectivo baseado na coorte IoMum (registo de ensaio #NCT04010708, aprovação ética #292/17). As mulheres grávidas convidadas a participar neste estudo foram as que foram submetidas a ecografias de rotina do primeiro trimestre de Abril de 2018 a Abril de 2019 no Centro Hospitalar São João. Todas as mulheres com idade gestacional entre 10 semanas e 13 semanas mais 6 dias, vitalidade fetal confirmada e que assinaram o consentimento informado foram incluídas no estudo. Amostras de urina de participantes elegíveis foram analisadas utilizando a técnica ICP-MS para quantificar as concentrações urinárias de metais. Depois, utilizando testes estatísticos não paramétricos, foi avaliada a possível associação entre a exposição ao Bi, Tl, Ni, Sb e variáveis sociodemográficas da mãe, resultados da gravidez, e parâmetros antropométricos do recém-nascido. Resultados: A amostra do estudo correspondeu ao número de urinas recolhidas (n=349). As concentrações de metais urinários dos metais estudados foram, em µg/L: Bi 0,02 , Tl 0,02, Ni 4,3 e Sb 0,04. As taxas de detecção de cada metal (definidas como a percentagem de amostras com uma concentração de metal urinário ≥LOD) foram: 10,9% para Bi, 47,6% para Tl, 98,3% para Ni e 16,1% para Sb. A excreção mediana de Tl e Bi urinário foi associada à área de residência, com valores mais elevados para mulheres grávidas residentes em Valongo, em comparação com outros municípios. O aumento da idade materna foi associado a excreções urinárias mais elevadas de Bi, Sb, e Tl. Em relação ao índice de massa corporal anterior à gravidez, a excreção urinária de Bi, Ni, e Sb diminuiu consistentemente do peso normal para as mulheres obesas. A ocupação como profissional de saúde foi associada a excreções urinárias mais elevadas de Bi e Ni. Ocupações categorizadas como "alta exposição" - que incluíam profissionais de saúde, esteticistas, cabeleireiros, operadores de armazém, trabalhadores da indústria, cozinheiros, e profissionais de limpeza doméstica - foram também associadas a excreções mais elevadas de todos os metais. Em relação à exposição alimentar, a excreção de Tl urinário aumentou consistentemente com a frequência do consumo de peixe. Além disso, a excreção de Tl urinário aumentou consistentemente com o aumento das categorias antropométricas de peso ao nascimento, circunferência da cabeça ao nascimento, e comprimento ao nascimento. Finalmente, a mediana da excreção urinária de Ni foi muito mais elevada em mulheres que tiveram complicações no parto e em mulheres que tiveram um bebé com malformações. Conclusão: O presente estudo mostrou que algumas profissões podem aumentar a exposição das mulheres grávidas aos metais tóxicos estudados. Apesar disso, os níveis de exposição não são preocupantes quanto ao possível impacto na saúde materna ou do recém-nascido.Introduction: Pregnant women are subject to exposure to various toxic metals, which can have a significant impact on both maternal and fetal health, particularly exposure occurring during the first trimester of pregnancy. This period represents a time window of unique vulnerability, in which exposure can dramatically affect the health of the mother and newborn both on the short and on the long-term.   Aims: To evaluate the association between the level of exposure of pregnant women in the IoMum cohort to four toxic metals - bismuth (Bi), thallium (Tl), nickel (Ni), and antimony (Sb) - with sociodemographic characteristics of the study sample, pregnancy outcomes, and anthropometric parameters of the newborn. Methods:  This was a prospective study based on the IoMum cohort (trial registration #NCT04010708, ethical approval #292/17). Pregnant women invited to participate in this study were those who underwent routine first-trimester ultrasounds from April 2018 to April 2019 at Centro Hospitalar São João. All women with gestational age between 10 weeks and 13 weeks plus 6 days, confirmed foetal vitality and who signed the informed consent were included in the study. Spot urine samples from eligible participants were analyzed using the ICP-MS technique to quantify urinary concentrations of metals. Then, using non-parametric statistical tests, the possible association between exposure to Bi, Tl, Ni and Sb, and sociodemographic variables of the mother, pregnancy outcomes, and anthropometric parameters of the newborn was evaluated. Results: The study sample corresponded to the number of collected urines (n=349). The urinary metal concentrations of the studied metals were, in µg/L: Bi 0.02 , Tl 0.02, Ni 4.3 and Sb 0.04. The detection rates of each metal (defined as the percentage of samples with an urinary metal concentration ≥LOD) were: 10.9% for Bi, 47.6% for Tl, 98.3% for Ni and 16.1% for Sb. Median urinary Tl and Bi excretion was associated with residence area, with higher values for pregnant women residing in Valongo, compared to other municipalities. Increasing maternal age was associated with higher urinary excretions of Bi, Sb, and Tl. Regarding pre-pregnancy body mass index, Bi, Ni, and Sb urinary excretion consistently decreased from normal weight to obese women. Occupation as a health professional was associated with higher urinary excretion of Bi and Ni. Occupations categorized as "high exposure" - which included health professionals, aestheticians, hairdressing professionals, warehouse operators, industry workers, cooks, and housekeeping professionals - were also associated with higher excretions of all the metals. In relation to dietary exposure, urinary Tl excretion increased consistently with the frequency of fish consumption. In addition, urinary Tl excretion consistently increased with increasing anthropometric categories of birth weight, birth head circumference, and birth length Also, urinary Ni tended to show higher levels of excretion for adequate categories of birth head circumference and birth length. Finally, the median for urinary Ni excretion was much higher in women who had delivery complications and in women who have had a baby with malformations. Conclusion: The present study showed that some professions may increase the exposure of pregnant women to the studied toxic metals. Despite this, the levels of exposure are not of concern regarding possible impact on maternal or newborn health

    Biosystems and Food Engineering Research Review 28

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    The Twenty Eighth Annual Research Review describes the ongoing research programme in the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering at University College Dublin over the academic year 2022/23, from the collective research body within the school comprising our academic staff, technical staff, research staff and our early-stage researchers. The research programme covers two main focal areas: Food and Process Engineering as well as Energy and the Environment. Each of these areas is divided into sub-themes as indicated in the Table of Contents, which also includes the name of the research scholar (in bold); the title of the research and the nature of the research programme. The review also highlights the award winners for presentational excellence at the 28th Annual Biosystems and Food Engineering Research Seminar, which was held online in virtual format on Thursday 16th March 2023. The awardees for 2023 are listed in the Appendix A

    Cyber-Human Systems, Space Technologies, and Threats

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    CYBER-HUMAN SYSTEMS, SPACE TECHNOLOGIES, AND THREATS is our eighth textbook in a series covering the world of UASs / CUAS/ UUVs / SPACE. Other textbooks in our series are Space Systems Emerging Technologies and Operations; Drone Delivery of CBNRECy – DEW Weapons: Emerging Threats of Mini-Weapons of Mass Destruction and Disruption (WMDD); Disruptive Technologies with applications in Airline, Marine, Defense Industries; Unmanned Vehicle Systems & Operations On Air, Sea, Land; Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technologies and Operations; Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Cyber Domain: Protecting USA’s Advanced Air Assets, 2nd edition; and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the Cyber Domain Protecting USA’s Advanced Air Assets, 1st edition. Our previous seven titles have received considerable global recognition in the field. (Nichols & Carter, 2022) (Nichols, et al., 2021) (Nichols R. K., et al., 2020) (Nichols R. , et al., 2020) (Nichols R. , et al., 2019) (Nichols R. K., 2018) (Nichols R. K., et al., 2022)https://newprairiepress.org/ebooks/1052/thumbnail.jp

    Voluntary sustainability standards to cope with the new European Union Regulation on deforestation-free products: a gap analysis

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    openThe European Union (EU) recently introduced the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to tackle global deforestation and forest degradation, with a focus on key commodities such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood. The EUDR mandates that operators exercise due diligence to ensure these commodities are deforestation-free and are produced in accordance with relevant legislation. Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) have been widely adopted by commodity producers and suppliers to promote deforestation-free supply chains. The EUDR recognizes certification and other third-party verified schemes as sources of supplementary information for conducting risk assessments. However, questions persist regarding the extent to which these schemes can aid operators in assessing compliance with the EUDR. Furthermore, the existing literature offers mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness. This study addresses these concerns by developing an assessment framework to evaluate the suitability of schemes in covering the due diligence requirements outlined in the EUDR. The framework adopts a hierarchical structure, organized into 3 principles, 8 criteria, and 24 indicators. These indicators were categorized as fully covered, partially covered, not covered, or not applicable. Five prominent VSS schemes were subjected to this framework: Fairtrade International, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and Round Table on Responsible Soy Association (RTRS). The study found that these schemes addressed several indicators outlined in the framework, but gaps in their coverage were evident too. Notably, the schemes lacked comprehensive measures to prevent deforestation and forest degradation. Their requirements primarily concentrated on natural forests, protected areas, high conservation values (HCV), and/or high carbon stock (HCS) forests. Moreover, the schemes permitted exceptions that allowed for deforestation and forest degradation, albeit in limited proportions. The assessment also revealed gaps in the schemes' coverage of the relevant legislation defined by the EUDR. These gaps were more pronounced in standards designed for actors along the supply chain (e.g., traders, processors etc.) compared to those aimed at producers (e.g., farmers and forest managers). Additionally, the schemes allowed for traceability systems where standard-compliant material could be mixed with conventional material. Except for FSC, the targeted VSS schemes did not enforce controls on conventional material entering their supply chains, increasing the risk of non-compliance with the EUDR. Therefore, such systems are not suitable for operators, as they increase the risk that commodities are associated with deforestation and non-compliance with legislation. Another significant observation was the schemes' use of soft mechanisms to address violations of their standards. Operators should ascertain that the verified parties supplying these commodities have not violate any requirements that could potentially lead to non-compliance with the EUDR. This study reinforces that these schemes do not serve as a guaranteed path to compliance with the EUDR. Therefore, operators are obligated to establish a robust due diligence system capable of fulfilling all appliable requirements. Nevertheless, schemes can still offer substantial assistance by providing on-the-ground information supported by an assurance system. For this, operators must devise strategies to address the gaps and challenges identified in this study
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