scholarly journals Insights into PCDD/Fs and PAHs in Biomass Boilers Envisaging Risks of Ash Use as Fertilizers

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 4951
Author(s):  
Helena Lopes ◽  
Susana Proença
Keyword(s):  
Unburned Carbon ◽  
Fly Ashes ◽  
Power Stations ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Toxic Equivalents ◽  
One Year ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Biomass Ashes

Since ashes are a possible source of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) contamination, their application in soils must be subject to more study and control. In this scope, feed residual forest biomasses and biomass ashes, collected along one year in four biomass power stations, were characterized mainly for their polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) contents. The biomasses present concerning levels of Cl (0.04–0.28%) that may lead to PCDD/Fs formation. The biomasses also contain OCDD (29–260 ng/kg) and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD (35 ng/kg) that may contribute to increased Toxic Equivalents (TEQs) of ashes, possibly involving dechlorination and ash enrichment mechanisms. While the WHO2005-TEQs in bottom ashes (14–20 ng TEQ/kg) reaches the proposed limit (20 ng TEQ/kg) for ash use as fertilizers, in fly ashes (35–1139 ng TEQ/kg) the limit is exceeded. PAHs are below 0.02 mg/kg in bottom ashes and 1.5–2.5 mg/kg in fly ashes, complying with the proposed limit of 6 mg/kg. As bottom and fly ash streams may contain different ash flows, a clear definition of ash mixes is required. Correlations between unburned carbon (C), PAHs and PCDD/Fs were not found, which highlights the need for compulsory PCDD/Fs analysis in ashes, independently of their origin, burnout degree or levels of other contaminants. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of handling non-detected values, which showed more impact for TEQs values close to the proposed regulatory limit of PCDD/Fs. These findings highlight the need to define reporting protocols of analytical results for risk assessments and conformity evaluation.

scholarly journals Passive Smoking Increases Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Leads to Prolonged Lipid Oxidation: Lessons From a Natural Experiment in Travelers From Los Angeles to Beijing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Lin ◽  
Yifang Zhu ◽  
Xinghua Qiu ◽  
Fen Yin ◽  
Chi-Hong Tseng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Passive Smoking ◽  
Natural Experiment ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Urinary Cotinine ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: There are drastic differences in smoking prevalence and control policies among different countries. However, the impact of international travels on passive smoking exposures and subsequent health effects remained unknown. Methods: We recruited 27 non-smokers who travelled from Los Angeles to Beijing for 10 weeks in 2014 and 2015. Urine samples (n=197) were collected before (LA-before), during (Beijing), and after (LA-after) the trip, for the assessment of biomarkers of passive smoking (cotinine), PAHs exposure (hydroxylated-PAHs), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane). Results: The geometric mean concentrations of urinary cotinine were 0.13, 1.50, and 0.22 µg/g creatinine in LA-before, Beijing, and LA-after, respectively. Likewise, hydroxylated-PAH levels were significantly higher in Beijing as compared to LA-before or LA-after (p<0.001), in association with the urinary cotinine concentrations (p<0.05). Traveling from Los Angeles to Beijing increased urinary concentrations of malondialdehyde by 51.8% (95%CI, 29.1% to 78.5%), which did not return to baseline levels, up to 4 - 10 weeks after traveling back to Los Angeles. Remarkably, while urinary 8-isoprostane concentrations were similar between Beijing and LA-before, those levels increased by 75.5% (95%CI, 48.5% to 108%) after returning to Los Angeles (LA-after), and were significantly higher than baseline (LA-before, 63.6%; 95%CI, 31.1% to 104%). Urinary concentrations of malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane were positively associated with urinary cotinine concentrations, independently of hydroxylated-PAHs. Conclusion: Traveling from Los Angeles to Beijing increased exposures to passive smoking, which contributed to increased PAHs exposures and increased lipid peroxidation in the urine.Trial Registration: Not applicable.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE TELEMATIC COMPANIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Elena Dadelytė ◽  
Alma Mačiulytė-Šniukienė
Keyword(s):  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
The Public ◽  
Correlation And Regression Analysis ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Innovation is an important driver of economic progress, benefiting consumers, business and the economy as whole. However, innovation companies face high risks because innovation requires a lot of resources, and it is difficult to predict a payback period in advance. This is common for all types of innovation, but especially to technological innovation. One of the least researched technological innovations is telematics, innovative transport monitoring and control technology solutions. Those are widely applied in logistics, car-sharing platforms and the public transport sector. These innovations help to achieve the goals of the companies that buy and install them, but question what impact they have on the competitiveness of the companies that create these innovations remains a matter of debate. To fill this gap, the purpose of this article is to determine the impact of technological innovation on the competitiveness of telematics companies. In pursuit of this goal, the concepts of technological innovation and competitiveness are revealed. The definition of telematics innovation and its significance for the competitiveness of enterprises was also formed. The empirical part discusses the telematics market, provides the analysis of the main competitiveness indicators of 8 telematics companies and their changes, as well as the analysis of the research and development (R&D) costs and the impact of innovations on competitiveness. Applied research methods: a critical analysis of scientific literature, generalization, systematization of data, computation, and comparison of relative indicator, data dispersion indicator, and dynamics indicator, correlation, and regression analysis. The research reveals that creation and development innovation are related to competitiveness of telematics companies. However, excessive investment into innovation no longer generates positive return.

scholarly journals Transmission dynamics and control of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in neonates in a developing country

eLife ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Crellen ◽  
Paul Turner ◽  
Sreymom Pol ◽  
Stephen Baker ◽  
To Nguyen Thi Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Dynamic Models ◽  
Generation Cephalosporin ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Dynamics And Control ◽  
One Year ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is an increasing cause of infant mortality in developing countries. We aimed to develop a quantitative understanding of the drivers of this epidemic by estimating the effects of antibiotics on nosocomial transmission risk, comparing competing hypotheses about mechanisms of spread, and quantifying the impact of potential interventions. Using a sequence of dynamic models, we analysed data from a one-year prospective carriage study in a Cambodian neonatal intensive care unit with hyperendemic third-generation cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae. All widely-used antibiotics except imipenem were associated with an increased daily acquisition risk, with an odds ratio for the most common combination (ampicillin + gentamicin) of 1.96 (95% CrI 1.18, 3.36). Models incorporating genomic data found that colonisation pressure was associated with a higher transmission risk, indicated sequence type heterogeneity in transmissibility, and showed that within-ward transmission was insufficient to maintain endemicity. Simulations indicated that increasing the nurse-patient ratio could be an effective intervention.

scholarly journals Impact of Vitamin C and Thiamine Administration on Delirium-Free Days in Patients with Septic Shock

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Eun Park ◽  
Tae Gun Shin ◽  
Ik Joon Jo ◽  
Kyeongman Jeon ◽  
Gee Young Suh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Matched Pairs ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Icu Delirium ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Sepsis is a common cause of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU). Recently, vitamin C and thiamine administration has been gaining interest as a potential adjunct therapy for sepsis. We investigated the impact of early vitamin C and thiamine administration on ICU delirium-free days among critically ill patients in septic shock. We performed a single-center, retrospective study of patients who visited the emergency department (ED) from January 2017 to July 2018. We categorized patients into a treatment (received vitamin C and thiamine) and control group. We compared delirium-free days within 14 days after ICU admission using propensity score matching. Of 435 patients with septic shock, we assigned 89 propensity score-matched pairs to the treatment and control groups. The median delirium-free days did not differ between treatment (11, interquartile range [IQR] 5–14 days) and control (12, IQR 6–14 days) groups (p = 0.894). Secondary outcomes were not different between the two groups, including delirium incidence and 28-day mortality. These findings were consistent after subgroup analysis for patients who met the sepsis-3 definition of septic shock. Vitamin C and thiamine administration showed no association with ICU delirium-free days among patients in septic shock.

Reduction of hole misalignment in turbocharger center housing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Sundaramali ◽  
C. Vishal Reddy ◽  
Revanth Vinay Kumar Kodali ◽  
Sherin Thomas Sipri ◽  
K. Santhosh Raj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Rejection Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Component Problem ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Clamping Pressure

PurposeThis research work focuses on implementing this methodology in reducing the rejection rate of the turbocharger component problem that occurs during the manufacturing process. Using design, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) processes, it has been identified that clamping pressure on the component is one factor that affects quality. The impact of clamping pressure is studied to arrive at the ideal clamping pressure in which the rejection rate is the least.Design/methodology/approachQuality is the keyword in manufacturing where the production of a defect-free component is the most sought out objective. The definition of quality keeps getting refined throughout the years, from making products with no defects to minimizing rejection and scrap in the manufacturing process. Production facilities, to achieve this purpose, have adopted various methods and use of the DMAIC of Six Sigma methodology is one among them.FindingsThe study identified the fault causing the defect and suggested the methods to correct the fault. The suggestions would result in reducing the losses arising due to this and similar rejection causes.Originality/valueWith the adoption of DMAIC, it is found that misalignment of top and side clamp pressure is zero. When the side clamp pressure is at 75 PSI, and top clamp pressure is changed from 90 PSI to 95 PSI, the mean of responses is greater than the side clamp pressure of 80 PSI. Therefore, from the three-combination top clamp pressure of 100 PSI and the side clamp pressure of 75 PSI is the optimal condition.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Why has Africa been “Spared”?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
J. A. Mbarga Manga
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
One Year ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Existing Data ◽  
Genetic Hypothesis ◽  
Significant Factors

After more than one year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the disaster predicted in Africa by experts has not occurred. The present review aimed to discuss factors which may have played an important role in this low incidence. The analysis of data provided by the WHO database and the ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) was made. Using explicit reasoning and existing data, the most significant factors were listed and discussed. We found that Africa had the lowest percentage of COVID-19 cases per population (0.33%) and various factors such as rapid reactions, effective preventive measures, demographics, the impact of previous epidemics, genetic and immunity factors may have played an important role in this low incidence of the pandemic in Africa. It appears that Africa is globally less affected. Most of the factors discussed may have played an important role, but the genetic hypothesis and the potential undercount of cases, less studied to date, should be investigated.

A Randomized Control Trial of a Targeted High-Risk Offender Program Across Three Jurisdictions

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig D. Uchida ◽  
Marc Swatt ◽  
Julie Schnobrich-Davis ◽  
Christine Connor ◽  
Mariel Shutinya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Focused Deterrence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

This study reviews findings from Project Regional Analytics for the Safety of Our Residents, a modified focused deterrence program operated across three jurisdictions in Massachusetts. Unlike most other evaluations of targeted high-risk offender programs, the impact on individual-level offending is examined. Data from records management systems in three police agencies were extracted and used to create social harm risk scores. The top 150 offenders were selected for inclusion in this study. Subjects were blocked into three groups according to their composite score and then randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. All treatment group offenders were invited to a notification meeting where they decided whether to participate in the program with a police and social worker case management team. The outcome examined in this study is time to a new arraignment. Nonparametric and semiparametric methods detected no significant difference between groups after approximately one year. Implications for future research and practice are then discussed.

scholarly journals Changing Educational Governance in Spain: Decentralisation and Control in the Autonomous Communities

2002 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 667-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Pereyra
Keyword(s):  
Education Policy ◽  
Education System ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Educational Governance ◽  
Spanish Society ◽  
Autonomous Communities ◽  
History Of ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

This article explores the impact of change in the governance of education in Spain by exploring the views of system actors engaged in education policy-making in two autonomous communities within the Spanish state. The interviews reflect on the long process of reform of education in Spain, and the shaping principles of that reform. They also consider the ways in which the process has altered as Spanish society has changed. A key issue is the tension between the legacy of a history of centralisation and the pressure for modernisation, which is seen to require decentralisation. Issue that relate to the definition of ‘national identity’ within a decentralised education system are also considered.

scholarly journals Impact of Harvest Time and Pruning Technique on Total CBD Concentration and Yield of Medicinal Cannabis

Plants ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Danilo Crispim Massuela ◽  
Jens Hartung ◽  
Sebastian Munz ◽  
Federico Erpenbach ◽  
Simone Graeff-Hönninger
Keyword(s):  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Harvest Time ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Medicinal Cannabis ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The definition of optimum harvest and pruning interventions are important factors varying inflorescence yield and cannabinoid composition. This study investigated the impact of (i) harvest time (HT) and (ii) pruning techniques (PT) on plant biomass accumulation, CBD and CBDA-concentrations and total CBD yield of a chemotype III medical cannabis genotype under indoor cultivation. The experiment consisted of four HTs between 5 and 11 weeks of flowering and three PTs-apical cut (T); removal of side shoots (L) and control (C), not pruned plants. Results showed that inflorescence dry weight increased continuously, while the total CBD concentration did not differ significantly over time. For the studied genotype, optimum harvest time defined by highest total CBD yield was found at 9 weeks of flowering. Total CBD-concentration of inflorescences in different fractions of the plant’s height was significantly higher in the top (9.9%) in comparison with mid (8.2%) and low (7.7%) fractions. The T plants produced significantly higher dry weight of inflorescences and leaves than L and C. Total CBD yield of inflorescences for PTs were significantly different among pruned groups, but do not differ from the control group. However, a trend for higher yields was observed (T > C > L).

Analyzing the protective functions of accounting and traces of illegal economic actions

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 887-906
Author(s):  
Sergei A. ZVYAGIN ◽  
Tat'yana N. FOMENKO
Keyword(s):  
Accounting System ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
Illegal Activities ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Economic Crimes

Subject. The article addresses theoretical and methodological problems related to the analysis of protective functions of accounting process in the system of countering economic crimes and offenses. Objectives. The study focuses on reviewing the condition of protective functions in the accounting system at the current stage. Methods. We apply the systems and logical approaches, general scientific methods of knowledge to develop the framework of categories for accountants to implement the tasks they face to counteract economic crimes. Results. Based on our analysis, we developed a classification of accounting functions; formulated our own definition of protective functions of the accounting process; offered a unique classification of traces of illegal activities impacting the accounting process. The information containing traces of criminal economic impact may be demanded by law enforcement authorities and control and auditing bodies, audit organizations, and interested owners. Conclusions. The offered classification of accounting functions and traces of the impact of illegal activities on accounting process will enable to improve the quality of expert work on detecting, documenting, investigating and preventing illegal economic activities that are associated with accounting system.

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