Environmental contamination and human exposure to PBDEs and other hazardous chemicals arising from informal e-waste handling

A method was developed and validated for GC/MS analysis of PBDEs in a variety of matrices (soil, dust, sediment, and 10 types of foodstuffs), represented by a total of 313 samples. Extensive environmental contamination by PBDEs is shown to arise as a result of improper e-waste handling in Guiyu, China, with open burning and circuit boards shredding operations identified as the most significant sources of PBDEs to soil and sediment. Elevated concentrations of selected key pollutants, including legacy and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals/metalloids, were detected in a number of dietary samples from Taizhou e-waste recycling sites, confirming the hypothesis that improper e-waste handling is an important source of toxic contaminants to locally produced foods. Human exposure, of both adults and children, to key pollutants via diet was estimated, with results suggesting that children are particularly exposed to a range of toxic substances through a locally-sourced diet. This was especially evident in the case of PCBs, PBDEs, cadmium, and lead. Concentrations of, and/or routes of human exposure to, several contaminants (e.g., PBDEs in duck eggs, and compound-specific NBFRs in diet originating from Taizhou) are reported here for the first time. Application of a simple pharmacokinetic model to predict human body burden of PBDEs (based on estimated dietary intake) provided predicted PBDE body burdens that compared satisfactorily in most instances with those reported elsewhere in blood of adults from Taizhou e-waste sites

Cognitive analytical tools for cost management of innovation activity

Promotion of innovations on the market is hampered in Ukraine by the lack of meth- odological approaches for analyzing the e ciency of innovative projects. e lack of appropriate methodology leads companies to refuse to innovate because of the un- certainty of nal economic outcomes. e introduction of project based methods for innovation activity management allows, on the one hand, to reconcile strategic and operational objectives within the innovation process, innovation activity and general nancial and economic activity of the enterprise, and on the other hand, to implement cognitive approaches to organization of company’s innovation management. e research argues the possibilities of applying the canonical correlation method for structuring the causal links between the determined components of a company inno- vative capability, such as innovation potential, innovative business opportunities and system margin. As these components may be further assessed by quantitative indices, the method of regression analysis is also used to develop analytical tools for innovation management, which allow to reveal the interrelated impact of expenses on the results of innovation activity. e paper analyzes changes in a company innovative capability that can be provoked by increased material, depreciation, labor and information costs and discusses directions of interrelated changes. Practical testing of submitted propos- als is realized based on the Ukrainian companies’ statements for 2012–2017

МОДЕЛІ ОЦІНКИ В МЕХАНІЗМІ РАННЬОГО ІНФОРМУВАННЯ І ПОПЕРЕДЖЕННЯ ФІНАНСОВИХ КРИЗ В КОРПОРАТИВНИХ СИСТЕМАХ

The paper is devoted to the problem of improving the efficiency of financial management of corporate systems based on the implementing of the mechanisms of early informing and prevention of financial crises. The proposed model basis of the mechanism includes the following modules: a module for analyzing the financial condition of the corporation, a module for analyzing the financial condition of subsidiaries, a module for evaluation the impact of the financial crisis on the financial condition of the corporation as a whole, and the crisis management module. Particular attention is paid to the modules for estimation the financial condition of the corporation and of its subsidiaries. The possibilities of using the neuro-fuzzy approach to estimate the threat of financial crisis forming at subsidiaries and the corporation as a whole are explored. The obtained results showed the high predictive accuracy of the developed neural-fuzzy models and the expediency of their application in the financial activity of the corporations.В статье рассматривается проблема повышения эффективности управления финансовой деятельностью корпоративных систем на основе внедрения механизмов раннего информирования и предупреждения финансовых кризисов. Предложена структура модельного базиса механизма. Особое внимание уделено модулям оценки финансового состояния корпорации и дочерних предприятий. Исследованы возможности применения нейро-нечеткого подхода для оценки угрозы формирования финансового кризиса на дочерних предприятиях и корпорации в целом. Полученные результаты показали высокую прогностическую точность разработанных нейро-нечетких моделей и целесообразность их применения в финансовой деятельности исследуемой корпорации.В роботі розглядається проблема підвищення ефективності управління фінансовою діяльністю корпоративних систем на підставі впровадження механізмів раннього інформування та попередження фінансових криз. Запропонована структура модельного базису механізму. Особлива увага приділена модулям оцінки фінансового стану корпорації та дочірніх підприємств. Досліджені можливості застосування нейрон-нечіткого підходу для оцінки загрози формування фінансової кризи на дочірніх підприємствах і корпорації в цілому. Отримані результати показали високу прогностичну точність розроблених нейро-нечітких моделей і доцільність їх застосування у фінансовій діяльності досліджуваної корпорації

THE THEORETICAL FUNDAMENTALS AND METHODICAL APPROACHES TO ECONOMIC SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF INNOVATIONS TO FOREIGN MARKETS

It is widely perceived that expanding to foreign markets creates additional opportunities to enterprise. But in this strategic decision-making process it is crucial to be conscious of additional unique threats that are inherent in foreign market entry. Inappropriate innovation can significantly deteriorate enterprise safety and seriously affect its wellbeing; the absence of innovation activity also can threaten the enterprise safety. The present work is aimed at examining the interconnectivity of innovations and economic safety of an enterprise activity on foreign, primary new markets and on this ground developing the methods of assessing the economic safety of innovation activity. It is proposed to distinguish two components of an enterprise economic safety: the static component (economic safety of enterprise state) and the dynamic component (economic safety of enterprise activity). Following this differentiation special assessment methods are proposed. It is stated that while making decision on promoting to external markets it is reasonable to estimate the level of economic safety of enterprise initial state, of innovation adoption and of enterprise final state. As conclusion a set of specific requirements to management to ensure the target level of economic safety of promoting new product to a foreign market is developed and proposed in the paper

Історичний розвиток переддоговірної відповідальності в доктрині, судовій практиці та цивільному законодавстві Німеччини

Лабунська А. А. Історичний розвиток переддоговірної відповідальності в доктрині, судовій практиці та цивільному законодавстві Німеччини / А. А. Лабунська // Часопис цивілістики. – 2014. – Вип. 17. – С. 198-203.У статті розглядаються питання формування і розвитку переддоговірної відповідальності в доктрині, судовій практиці Німеччини, а також подальше закріплення норм, регулюючих переддоговірні відносини в цивільному законодавстві.В статье рассматриваются вопросы формирования и развития преддоговорной ответственности в доктрине, судебной практике Германии, а также дальнейшее закрепление норм, регулирующих преддоговорные отношения в гражданском законодательстве.The article deals with the formation and development of the pre-contractual liability in German doctrine and case law, as well as further consolidation of the rules governing pre-contractual relations in civil law

Дерматомікози в котів (поширення, діагностика, перебіг, лікування)

The article analyzes the literature on the distribution and diagnosis of cat dermatomycosis. Pathogenic fungi of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum occupy a special place among the most common pathogens that provoke the development of dermatitis among small animals. Mycoses of small animals caused by dermatophytes are zoonoses, in which the potential for transmission of microorganisms from animals to humans and vice versa is high. Regarding the pathogenesis of fungal diseases in cats, it is believed that the infectious agent is arthrospores formed by fragmented hyphae. This pathology's mechanism of development is associated with spores' penetration into hair follicles. Mushroom components mainly cause hypersensitivity reactions with the development of a humoral and cell-mediated immune response. Issues of early diagnosis are also covered, which allows timely detection of sick animals and effective treatment. Diagnosis of fungal lesions is usually complex. In the practice of veterinary medicine, new methods of diagnosing dermatophytoses are increasingly used, particularly in detecting pathogenic fungi in dogs and cats using a PCR test. When examining cats suspected of having dermatomycosis, anamnestic data are taken into account (type of animal, sex, age, breed, housing and feeding conditions, general condition, behavioral reactions, presence of appetite, appearance), as well as clinical manifestations of skin lesions, namely the location of the pathological process, nature and its manifestations. Clinical signs of the disease in cat dermatomycosis are very diverse and are determined by the specific properties of the pathogens. Antifungal drugs of systemic and local action and immunomodulators play an essential role in the system of treatment and prevention measures.У статті проведено аналіз літератури щодо поширення, діагностики дерматомікозів у котів. До найбільш розповсюджених збудників, що провокують розвиток дерматитів серед дрібних тварин, особливе місце займають патогенні гриби роду Trichophyton та Microsporum. Мікози дрібних тварин спричинені дерматофітами є  зоонозами, за яких потенціал передачі мікроорганізмів від тварин до людини і навпаки є високим. Стосовно патогенезу грибкових захворювань у котів, вважають, що інфекційним агентом є артроспори, що утворюються фрагментованими гіфами. Механізм розвитку цієї патології пов’язують із проникненням спор у волосяні фолікули. Компоненти грибів здебільшого викликають реакції гіперчутливості з розвитком гуморальної і клітинноопосередкованої імунної відповіді. Також висвітлюються питання ранньої діагностика, яка дозволяє своєчасно виявити хворих тварин і провести ефективне лікування. Діагностика грибкових уражень зазвичай є комплексною. У практиці ветеринарної медицини все частіше використовують нові методи діагностики дерматофітозів, зокрема виявлення у собак і котів патогенних грибків за допомогою ПЛР-тесту. При дослідженні котів з підозрою на дерматомікоз враховують анамнестичні дані (вид тварини, стать, вік, породу, умови утримання та годівлі, загальний стан, поведінкові реакції, наявність апетиту, зовнішній вигляд), а також клінічні прояви ураження шкіри, а саме місце локалізації патологічного процесу, характер і його прояви. Клінічні ознаки хвороби при дерматомікозах у котів дуже різноманітні і обумовлені специфічними властивостями збудників. В системі лікувально-профілактичних заходів важливе місце займають протигрибкові препарати системної і місцевої дії, а також імуномодулятори

Yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) as zoomonitors of environmental contamination at a polluted area in Slovakia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Free-living wild rodents are often used as zoomonitors of environmental contamination. In the present study, accumulation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in critical organs of yellow-necked mice (<it>Apodemus flavicollis</it>) and bank voles (<it>Myodes glareolus</it>) trapped in a polluted area in Nováky, Slovakia was investigated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Yellow-necked mice (n = 8) and bank voles (n = 10) were collected using standard theriological methods for wood ecosystems. All animals were adult males in good physical condition. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the liver, kidney, and bone were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The highest concentrations of Cd and Zn were found in the bone of both species while Cu and Fe accumulated mainly in kidney or liver. Significant higher concentrations of Cd and Cu were detected in the liver of bank voles than in yellow-necked mice. Similar significant higher levels of Cd and Zn were found in the bone of bank voles. In contrast, significant higher concentrations of Cu and Fe were present in the kidney of yellow-necked mice.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In the yellow-necked mouse and bank vole, bone seems to accumulate Cd and Zn following prolonged exposure. On the contrary, kidney and liver store Cu and Fe after a long-term environmental exposure. In the present study, bank voles seemed to be more heavy metal loaded zoomonitors than yellow-necked mice.</p

An overview of chemical additives present in plastics: Migration, release, fate and environmental impact during their use, disposal and recycling

Over the last 60 years plastics production has increased manifold, owing to their inexpensive, multipurpose, durable and lightweight nature. These characteristics have raised the demand for plastic materials that will continue to grow over the coming years. However, with increased plastic materials production, comes increased plastic material wastage creating a number of challenges, as well as opportunities to the waste management industry. The present overview highlights the waste management and pollution challenges, emphasising on the various chemical substances (known as “additives”) contained in all plastic products for enhancing polymer properties and prolonging their life. Despite how useful these additives are in the functionality of polymer products, their potential to contaminate soil, air, water and food is widely documented in literature and described herein. These additives can potentially migrate and undesirably lead to human exposure via e.g. food contact materials, such as packaging. They can, also, be released from plastics during the various recycling and recovery processes and from the products produced from recyclates. Thus, sound recycling has to be performed in such a way as to ensure that emission of substances of high concern and contamination of recycled products is avoided, ensuring environmental and human health protection, at all times

Comprehensive evaluation and analysis of industrial enterprises innovation potencies

The aim of the article. The aim of the article is a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the innovation potential of domestic industry, and study accounting and analytical procedures in the system support management decisions on systematic innovation activities of the entity.\ud The results of the analysis. The economic essence of innovation as a set of systematic, consistent and interrelated activities of the enterprise in the scientific, technological, organizational, financial and commercial area which are intended and / or lead to the implementation of innovations. In order to implement a comprehensive evaluation of the author's methods of enterprise's ability to implement a systematic and consistent innovation activities Essence innovation capacity of enterprises as a set of resources required for the implementation of innovation. The meaning of innovation potential to achieve the highest success rates of strategic financial and economic activity. Estimation of the innovation potential of enterprises in Ukraine in the fields of mechanical engineering, metallurgy and chemical industry. We found that the highest innovation potential characteristic of the metallurgical industry, these companies have the largest resource base for the implementation of innovations, but in today's reality of Ukraine's economy and the world market innovation activities of these smelters is constrained by a number of subjective and objective factors , least innovative capacity typical engineering; Enterprise engineering industry also revealed differences between the average levels of innovative capacity of business entities geographically located in different regions of Ukraine, however, significant regional disparities innovative potential inherent in the chemical industry enterprises. The analyzed potential domestic enterprises to implement the product, process, marketing and organizational innovation. Determined that the machine-building industry harder all implement organizational innovations, ie to reform the structural organization of production and management activities, organizational change relationships between departments and divisions. We prove the feasibility of using the proposed technique evaluation and analysis of innovative capacity for accounting and analytical support for management decisions regarding innovation enterprises.\ud Conclusions and directions of further researches. Based on the results of testing the proposed methods of evaluation of innovation ability of enterprises are proven benefits of its use, as the complexity of the evaluation, which is achieved through the use of quantitative data and statistical financial reporting quality information and a questionnaire survey of expert groups of the company; comparability of the results for different industries and regions of Ukraine; possibility of quantitative generalization of the results to inform decisions and conclusions on the various levels of government business entities