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Innovative strategies for identifying and grouping chemicals, nanomaterials and materials to improve their safety of use
No full textTo enhance the safety of chemicals, nanomaterials, and materials, innovative identification and grouping strategies are urgently needed. There are various methods which can improve hazard assessment, reduce testing burdens, and support regulatory decisions. This study explores cutting-edge approaches to enable more efficient and accurate safety evaluations, ensuring sustainable and safer use, as part of an European-wide project. Considering the Chemicals Sustainability Strategy (CSS) and the challenges it addresses regarding the production and use of chemicals to meet societal needs and protect people and ecosystems, two key research and innovation actions are being undertaken, namely 1) Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and 2) implementation of Safe and Sustainable by Design concept. To address these needs, the CheMatSustain project aims to develop new research methods or improve existing ones to enhance the safety and sustainability assessments of chemicals and materials. The project uses photoelectron spectra to identify chemicals, nanomaterials and materials (CNMs), and alternatively, transcriptome and proteome profiles of EA.hy926 cells exposed to contact with the tested CNMs. In the latter alternative case, the cells serve as selective biosensors that repeatedly and specifically recognize the stress factor resulting from contact with artificial surfaces. Identifying similarities and differences in photoelectron spectra and transcriptome and proteome profiles are crucial. All tested samples of CNMs are also used in in vitro biological studies to assess cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, the impact on the processes of free radicals' formation, apoptosis, repair of damaged DNA, and to assess ecological effects in vivo in relation to aquatic organisms. The collected data are stored in a database and utilized to develop computational QSAR models for predicting CNMs' activity in various toxicological and ecotoxicological endpoints (in silico risk assessment). Data obtained within the CheMatSustain project also will allow the combined use of CNMs risk assessment and life cycle assessment to estimate the environmental impacts and human health risks at each stage of the life cycle of the CNMs studied.PeerReviewe
Collaborative and stepped care for mental disorders : results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in outpatient care (the COMET study)
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MUHI : a Multi-Use Haptic Interface that enables haptic interactive distractors for redirected walking
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A network-based approach to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Latin American minimum variance portfolio
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Enhancing programming skills in audio signal analysis and AI : a problem-based learning approach
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Entwurf einer Prognosemethode zur Ermittlung der Anzahl der maximal zeitgleich anwesenden Besuchenden auf öffentlichen (Groß-) Veranstaltungen anhand eines Bayesian Belief Networks
Get PDFDie Anzahl der maximal zeitgleich anwesenden Besuchenden (PAXmax,t1) auf einer (öffentlichen)
Veranstaltung ist unter anderem ausschlaggebend dafür, ob die Veranstaltung genehmigungsfrei ist, mit den (Sicherheits-2)Behörden abgestimmt werden muss oder einem Genehmigungsverfahren unterliegt. Aber auch andere Faktoren wie beispielsweise die Einsatzstärke des Sicherheits- und Ordnungsdienstpersonals oder die des Sanitätswachdienstes richten sich nach der Anzahl der Besuchenden. Außerdem orientieren sich weitere Aspekte der Veranstaltung, wie die Verkehrs- und Infrastrukturplanung, nach der Zahl der Besuchenden. Bei diesen Planungen wird der Mensch als Grundlage stets in das Zentrum der entsprechenden Betrachtungen gesetzt
„Inwiefern kann eine verbesserte Mundgesundheit während der Schwangerschaft das Risiko auf Frühgeburten und ein geringes Geburtsgewicht reduzieren?“
Get PDFDie vorliegende Arbeit untersucht den Zusammenhang zwischen der parodontalen Gesundheit schwangerer Frauen und negativen Schwangerschaftsoutcomes wie Frühgeburtlichkeit und einem geringen Geburtsgewicht. Angesichts der weltweit hohen Prävalenz von Parodontalerkrankungen, wie Parodontitis und Gingivitis, und ihrer potenziellen Rolle als Risikofaktoren für Schwangerschaftskomplikationen wurde die bestehende wissenschaftliche Literatur systematisch analysiert. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass eine schlechte parodontale Gesundheit mit einem erhöhten Risiko für Frühgeburten und niedriges Geburtsgewicht assoziiert sein kann, wobei die Evidenzlage aufgrund methodischer Unterschiede und heterogener Ergebnisse in den Studien variabel ist.
Die Arbeit betont die Bedeutung präventiver Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Mundgesundheit bei Schwangeren und hebt die Rolle der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Hebammen, Zahnärzt*innen und Gynäkolog*innen hervor. Die Förderung einer guten Mundhygiene, regelmäßige zahnärztliche Kontrollen und gezielte Aufklärungsmaßnahmen können potenziell dazu beitragen, das Risiko für negative Schwangerschaftsoutcomes zu senken. Hebammen spielen eine zentrale Rolle als Multiplikatoren für die Gesundheitsförderung, doch die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Informationsdefizite und Barrieren im Zugang zur zahnärztlichen Versorgung bestehen.
Die Limitationen der Arbeit umfassen die Heterogenität der Studienlage, den Mangel an randomisierten kontrollierten Studien sowie die begrenzte Berücksichtigung sozialer und kultureller Einflussfaktoren. Zukünftige Forschung sollte darauf abzielen, diese Lücken zu schließen und den Einfluss spezifischer präventiver und therapeutischer Maßnahmen sowie die zugrunde liegenden molekularen Mechanismen weiter zu untersuchen. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass die Integration der parodontalen
Gesundheitsförderung in die Schwangerenbetreuung ein wichtiger Ansatz zur Verbesserung der Gesundheit von Mutter und Kind sein könnte
Development of a multi-stage training program for the Fire and Rescue Force Tanzania, based on an analysis of current and future threats from chemical accidents in Tanzania
Get PDFBackground. Hazardous materials (HazMat) accidents involving chemical substances occur regularly in Tanzania and pose significant challenges to the Fire and Rescue Force (FRF) as the primary response organization.
Objective. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of chemical hazards, identify training deficiencies, and explore the limitations of available resources within the FRF to identify the challenges from chemical accidents for the FRF in Tanzania and to develop a concept for a multi-stage training program for task forces.
Long-term goal. The long-term objective of this work is to initiate a cooperation between the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) and the Analytical Task Force (ATF) of the Hamburg Fire Brigade to establish the developed concept.
Research relevance. This work specifically considers the everyday conditions in Tanzania and the resulting challenges in context of the transferability of international approaches, based on the authors’ experience from his internship and activity as an instructor in Tanzania. Due to the long-term goal, this research can serve as a foundation for enhanced collaboration of institutions in Germany (including ATF and HAW) with the inclusion of the FRF.
Methodical approach. To achieve the objective, field research, applicable dangerous goods regulations and the evaluation of the product portfolios of Tanzanian chemical suppliers were combined. Reports and internal FRF documents were evaluated using SWOT and TOWS analyses to assess the effectiveness of the existing training program. Visits to various fire stations in Tanzania enabled an up-to-date assessment of material resources. Contributions from the German partners provided valuable approaches on how they could contribute to the implementation of HazMat training in Tanzania. Against the background of the Tanzanian situation, approaches to (HazMat) training from Germany and the USA were also examined for their adaptability. Furthermore, approaches to international cooperation in this field were considered.
Results/conclusions. The results of the research indicate a wide range of chemical hazards, with UN classes 2 and 3 being the most prevalent, particularly in the context of transportation accidents. Further, the analysis identified deficiencies in training, especially in the correct utilization of advanced HazMat equipment and the application of scientific knowledge during HazMat operations. The inadequate status of required equipment, namely the lack of simple measurement instruments, additional personal protective clothing and missing tools to handle collapsed tanks as well as equipment for advanced decontamination, underscores the pressing need for the implementation of a structured training program in conjunction with equipment support. The proposed cooperative approaches, which includes the scientific exchange between the HAW and FRF as well as material-specific training conducted by the ATF in Tanzania and in Germany, offers the potential to remedy these deficits. To actualize this potential and to improve the operational capability of the FRF in responding to HazMat accidents, the developed multi-stage training program is designed. The program consists of two stages addressing current conditions by differentiating between fire stations near historical or potential HazMat focal points and those in wider areas of Tanzania. Additionally, it includes five stages aimed at enhancing the existing training framework through anticipated developments. These stages integrate HazMat topics into the basic firemanship course, provide equipment-specific training, and offer advanced modules for leadership, instructor, and specialist training. The prerequisite for the successful implementation is that country-specific requirements are consistently taken into account. Such requirements include limited financial resources, little previous schooling, no basis for online training, the language barrier, and a currently missing training infrastructure for advanced theory and practical instructions
Policy gaps and opportunities in bio-based plastics : implications for sustainable food packaging
No full textThe increasing use of bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics reflects a global push towards more sustainable materials. In the context of food packaging, where plastic waste and contamination risks are acute, these materials offer promising alternatives. However, the transition is complex, requiring coordinated regulatory interventions and lifecycle assessments (LCA) to avoid unintended environmental and health consequences. This paper outlines the pressing need for policies that guide the development and deployment of bio-based plastics in food-related applications. It provides a policy-oriented synthesis focused on Europe and discusses recent concerns such as toxicity, end-of-life impacts, and food safety. The study draws from the literature review and regulatory analysis to suggest policy mechanisms that can accelerate safe, circular solutions in food packaging. Methodologically, this communication uses qualitative synthesis of scientific and regulatory data to assess gaps and align innovations with sustainability targets.PeerReviewe