CIRQUID: complex information retrieval queries in a database

The CIRQUID project plans to design and build a DBMS that seemlessly integrates relevance-oriented querying of semi-structured data (XML) with traditional querying of this data. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation of Scientific Research

Nigerian London: re-mapping space and ethnicity in superdiverse cities

This paper explores the idea of ‘superdiversity’ at the city level through two churches with different approaches to architectural visibility: the hypervisible Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the invisible Igbo Catholic Church, both in North London, guide our exploration of invisible Nigerian London. Although Nigerians have lived in London for over 200 years, they live beneath the radar of policy and public recognition rather than as a vital and visible element of superdiversity. This paper argues that we can trace the journeys composing Nigerian London in the deep textures of the city thus making it visible, but this involves re-mapping space and ethnicity. It argues that visibility is vital in generating more open forms of urban encounter and, ultimately, citizenship

A Rapid Screening Method for the Detection of Additives in Electronics and Plastic Consumer Products Using AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS

A novel method was developed and optimized for the fast-screening analysis of additives in electronics and plastic consumer products using atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (AP-MALDI) coupled with a high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (qTOF) mass spectrometer (MS). To simplify sample preparation and increase sample throughput, an innovative 48 well graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) doped AP-MALDI target plate was developed. The GNP incorporated in the target plate fulfilled the role of the MALDI matrix and, therefore, sample extracts could be directly transferred to the AP-MALDI 48 well target plate and analyzed without a subsequent matrix addition. The homogeneously dispersed and immobilized GNP target plates also provided increased signal intensity and reproducibility. Furthermore, analytical standards of various plastic additives and plastic products with known concentrations of additives were studied to assess the AP-MALDI ionization mechanisms and method capability. The analysis time was 15 s per measurement using an automated sequence. The GNP-doped target plates exhibited high desorption/ionization of low molecular weight molecules (<1000 Da) and can be used in both positive and negative ionization modes. The AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS method was applied to screen for additives in various electronics and plastic consumer products. Suspect screening was performed using a database containing 1366 compounds. A total of 56 additives including antioxidants, flame retardants, plasticizers, UV-stabilizers, and UV-filters were identified (confidence level 4). Identification of certain plastic additives in plastic children’s toys may indicate that they are recycled from waste electronic and electronic equipment (WEEE)

A Rapid Screening Method for the Detection of Additives in Electronics and Plastic Consumer Products Using AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS

A novel method was developed and optimized for the fast-screening analysis of additives in electronics and plastic consumer products using atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (AP-MALDI) coupled with a high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (qTOF) mass spectrometer (MS). To simplify sample preparation and increase sample throughput, an innovative 48 well graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) doped AP-MALDI target plate was developed. The GNP incorporated in the target plate fulfilled the role of the MALDI matrix and, therefore, sample extracts could be directly transferred to the AP-MALDI 48 well target plate and analyzed without a subsequent matrix addition. The homogeneously dispersed and immobilized GNP target plates also provided increased signal intensity and reproducibility. Furthermore, analytical standards of various plastic additives and plastic products with known concentrations of additives were studied to assess the AP-MALDI ionization mechanisms and method capability. The analysis time was 15 s per measurement using an automated sequence. The GNP-doped target plates exhibited high desorption/ionization of low molecular weight molecules (&lt;1000 Da) and can be used in both positive and negative ionization modes. The AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS method was applied to screen for additives in various electronics and plastic consumer products. Suspect screening was performed using a database containing 1366 compounds. A total of 56 additives including antioxidants, flame retardants, plasticizers, UV-stabilizers, and UV-filters were identified (confidence level 4). Identification of certain plastic additives in plastic children&rsquo;s toys may indicate that they are recycled from waste electronic and electronic equipment (WEEE)

A Field Study ProtoCol for Collection of Human and Environmental Data on Pesticide Use in Europe and Argentina

Current farm systems rely on the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) to secure high productivity and control threats to the quality of the crops. However, PPP use may have considerable impacts on human health and the environment. A study protocol is presented aiming to determine the occurrence and levels of PPP residues in plants (crops), animals (livestock), humans and other non-target species (ecosystem representatives) for exposure modelling and impact assessment. To achieve this, we designed a cross-sectional study to compare conventional and organic farm systems across Europe. Environmental and biological samples were/are being/will be collected during the 2021 growing season, at 10 case study sites in Europe covering a range of climate zones and crops. An additional study site in Argentina will inform the impact of PPP use on growing soybean which is an important European protein-source in animal feed. We will study the impact of PPP mixtures using an integrated risk assessment methodology. The fate of PPP in environmental media (soil, water and air) and in the homes of farmers will be monitored. This will be complemented by biomonitoring to estimate PPP uptake by humans and farm animals (cow, goat, sheep and chicken), and by collection of samples from non-target species (earthworms, fish, aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates, bats, and farm cats). We will use data on PPP residues in environmental and biological matrices to estimate exposures by modelling. These exposure estimates together with health and toxicity data will be used to predict the impact of PPP use on environment, plant, animal and human health. The outcome of this study will then be integrated with socio-economic information leading to an overall assessment used to identify transition pathways towards more sustainable plant protection and inform decision makers, practitioners and other stakeholders regarding farming practices and land use policy

A Field Study ProtoCol for Collection of Human and Environmental Data on Pesticide Use in Europe and Argentina

Current farm systems rely on the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) to secure high productivity and control threats to the quality of the crops. However, PPP use may have considerable impacts on human health and the environment. A study protocol is presented aiming to determine the occurrence and levels of PPP residues in plants (crops), animals (livestock), humans and other non-target species (ecosystem representatives) for exposure modelling and impact assessment. To achieve this, we designed a cross-sectional study to compare conventional and organic farm systems across Europe. Environmental and biological samples were/are being/will be collected during the 2021 growing season, at 10 case study sites in Europe covering a range of climate zones and crops. An additional study site in Argentina will inform the impact of PPP use on growing soybean which is an important European protein-source in animal feed. We will study the impact of PPP mixtures using an integrated risk assessment methodology. The fate of PPP in environmental media (soil, water and air) and in the homes of farmers will be monitored. This will be complemented by biomonitoring to estimate PPP uptake by humans and farm animals (cow, goat, sheep and chicken), and by collection of samples from non-target species (earthworms, fish, aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates, bats, and farm cats). We will use data on PPP residues in environmental and biological matrices to estimate exposures by modelling. These exposure estimates together with health and toxicity data will be used to predict the impact of PPP use on environment, plant, animal and human health. The outcome of this study will then be integrated with socio-economic information leading to an overall assessment used to identify transition pathways towards more sustainable plant protection and inform decision makers, practitioners and other stakeholders regarding farming practices and land use policy