Increased population exposures to extreme precipitation in Central Asia under 1.5℃ and 2℃ global warming scenarios

The increase in extreme precipitation(EP)may pose a serious threat to the health and safety of population in arid and semi-arid regions.The current research on the impact of EP on population in Central Asia(CA)is insufficient and there is an urgent need for a comprehensive assessment.Hence,we opted for precipitation and temperature data under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5)from ten Global Climate Models(GCMs),which were obtained from the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections(NEX-GDDP-CMIP6).By integrating population data in 2020 and 2050(SSP2 and SSP5),we investigated the future changes in EP and population exposure in CA under 1.5℃and 2℃global warming scenarios(GWSs).Our analysis indicates that EP in CA is projected to increase with global warming.Under the SSP5-8.5,the maximum daily precipitation(Rx1day)exhibits an average response rate to global warming of 3.58%/K(1.99-4.06%/K).With rising temperatures,an increasing number of areas and populations in CA will be impacted by EP,especially in the Fergana valley.Approximately 25%of the population(land area)in CA is exposed to Rx1day with increases of more than 8.31%(9.32%)under 1.5℃GWS and 14.18%(13.25%)under 2℃GWS.Controlling temperature rise can be effective in reducing population exposures to EP.For instance,limiting the temperature increase to 1.5℃instead of 2℃results in a 2.79%(1.75%-4.59%)reduction in population exposure to Rx1day.Finally,we found that climate change serves as the predominant factor influencing the population exposure to EP,while the role of population redistribution,although relatively minor,should not be disregarded.Particularly for prolonged drought,the role of population redistribution manifests negatively.

Occupational exposures and colorectal cancers:A quantitative overview of epidemiological evidence

A traditional belief widespread across the biomedical community was that dietary habits and genetic predisposition were the basic factors causing colorectal cancer.In more recent times,however,a growing evidence has shown that other determinants can be very important in increasing(or reducing) incidence of this malignancy.The hypothesis that environmental and occupational risk factors are associated with colorectal cancer is gaining ground,and high risks of colorectal cancer have been reported among workers in some industrial branches.The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic relationship between colorectal cancer and occupational exposures to several industrial activities,by means of a scientific literature review and meta-analysis.This work pointed out increased risks of colorectal cancer for labourers occupied in industries with a wide use of chemical compounds,such as leather(RR = 1.70,95%CI:1.24-2.34),basic metals(RR = 1.32,95%CI:1.07-1.65),plastic and rubber manufacturing(RR = 1.30,95%CI:0.98-1.71 and RR = 1.27,95%CI:0.92-1.76,respectively),besides workers in the sector of repair and installation of machinery exposed to asbestos(RR = 1.40,95%CI:1.07-1.84).Based on our results,the estimated crude excess risk fraction attributable to occupational exposure ranged from about 11% to about 15%.However,homogeneous pattern of association between colorectal cancer and industrial branches did not emerge from this review.

A wavelet approach of investing behaviors and their effects on risk exposures

Exposure to market risk is a core objective of the Capital Asset Pricing Model(CAPM)with a focus on systematic risk.However,traditional OLS Beta model estimations(Ordinary Least Squares)are plagued with several statistical issues.Moreover,the CAPM considers only one source of risk and supposes that investors only engage in similar behaviors.In order to analyze short and long exposures to different sources of risk,we developed a Time–Frequency Multi-Betas Model with ARMA-EGARCH errors(Auto Regressive Moving Average Exponential AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity).Our model considers gold,oil,and Fama–French factors as supplementary sources of risk and wavelets decompositions.We used 30 French stocks listed on the CAC40(Cotations Assistées Continues 40)within a daily period from 2005 to 2015.The conjugation of the wavelet decompositions and the parameters estimates constitutes decision-making support for managers by multiplying the interpretive possibilities.In the short-run,(“Noise Trader”and“High-Frequency Trader”)only a few equities are insensitive to Oil and Gold fluctuations,and the estimated Market Betas parameters are scant different compared to the Model without wavelets.Oppositely,in the long-run,(fundamentalists investors),Oil and Gold affect all stocks but their impact varies according to the Beta(sensitivity to the market).We also observed significant differences between parameters estimated with and without wavelets.

Currency exposures of the oil and natural gas stock prices in the Hushen-300 stock market： A nonlinear model approach

The paper embarks to investigate the relationship between currency risk and stock prices of the oil and natural gas exploitation industry in the value-weighted Hushen-300 stock market, by applying the standard Capital Asset Pricing Model （CAPM） and nonlinear exchange rate exposure model to the Renminbi against US dollar. The results show that the currency exposure does vary in the oil-gas stock prices throughout the bull and bear market. The study suggests that the models of the equilibrium exchange rate exposure must be extended to considering the nonlinear exchange rate exposure, the regime periods of bull and bear market, and the industry types that is sensitive to the currency exposures. The nonlinear dynamic relationship between the exchange rate changes and the Chinese energy stock prices throughout the bull and bear market add to the recent empirical evidences that foreign exchange markets and stock markets are closely correlated.

A Concise Review of Surgical exposures for Revision Knee Arthroplasty

Revision knee arthroplasty is fraught with complications such as delayed wound healing, arthrofibrosis, increased chances of infection, instability and extensor mechanism disruption. The key to avoiding these complications is to handle the soft tissue with care and to have an adequate surgical exposure at the same time. As the number of revisions has gone up, there has been a renewed interest in getting the basics right to have an adequate surgical exposure. Numerous surgical approaches have been proposed and subsequently modified. We present a concise review of the various surgical approaches for a revision knee replacement.

Diesel engine exhaust exposures in two underground mines

Exposure to diesel engine exhaust(DE) is a major concern in underground mines. It has been linked to cardiopulmonary diseases and is classified as a human carcinogen. The goal of this study is to assess DE exposures in workers at two underground gold mines, to compare exposure levels within and between the mines, and to compare different methods of measuring DE exposures, namely respirable combustible dust(RCD), elemental carbon(EC) and total carbon(TC). Ambient and personal breathing zone(PBZ) measurements were taken. Side-by-side monitoring of RCD and of the respirable fraction of EC and TC(EC_Rand TC_R) was carried out in the workers' breathing zone during full-shift work.Regarding ambient measurements, in addition to EC_R, TC_Rand RCD, a submicron aerosol fraction(less than 1 mm) of EC and TC was also sampled(EC_1and TC_1). Average ambient results of 240 mg/m^3 in RCD, 150 mg/m^3 in EC_Rand 210 mg/m^3 in TC_Rare obtained. Average PBZ results of 190 mg/m^3 in RCD,84 mg/m^3 in EC3Rand 150 mg/min TC_Rare obtained. Very good correlation is found between EC_Rand EC_1 with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.99(p < 0.01) calculated between the two logtransformed concentrations. No differences are reported between EC_Rand EC_1, nor between TC_Rand TC_1, since ratios are equal to 1.04, close to 1, in both cases. Highest exposures are reported for loadhaul-dump(LHD) and jumbo drill operators and conventional miners. Significant exposure differences are reported between mines for truck and LHD operators(p < 0.01). The average TC_R/EC_Rratio is 1.6 for PBZ results, and 1.3 for ambient results. The variability observed in the TC_R/EC_Rratio shows that interferences from non-diesel related organic carbon can skew the interpretation of results when relying only on TC data.

THE USE OF DNA ADDUCTS AS MEASURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL EXPOSURES IN THE WORK PLACE.

Workers in many occupational settings areexposed to toxic chemicals and/or chemicalmixtures.Many of these chemicals or theirmetabolites are electrophilic genotoxic agentsand potential carcinogens which can covalentlybind to cellular nucleophiles such as DNA toform DNA adducts.DNA adducts,therefore,

Occupational exposures to blood and body fluids (BBF): Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice among health care workers in general hospitals in Lebanon

Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are employed in traditional health care workplaces face a serious danger that may threaten their life;it is their exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF). In Lebanon, the introduction of a hospital accreditation system has put a particular emphasis on staff safety, and on the evaluation of professional practice (EPP) programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 277 HCWs working in 4 general hospitals in South Lebanon. Objective: 1) describe the prevalence and the risk factors for occupational exposure to BBF among HCWs;2) evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices of HCW concerning blood-borne pathogens and adherence to universal safety precautions. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.14 years (SD = 10.33), 57.4% were females. 43.3% of HCWs expressed that they use gloves all the time for every activeity of care. 67.1% were aware that needles should not be recapped after use;registered nurses and nursing students were more aware than physicians and nursing assistants (nurse) in this subject. 30% of HCWs declared having had at least one occupational exposure to BBF;62.7% of all accidental exposure was reported to the department responsible for managing exposures. Percutaneous injuries were the most frequently reported. Vaccination coverage was 88.4% for hepatitis B, and 48.4% against influenza. The source patient was tested in 43.4% of reported BBF exposures. Accidental exposure to BBF was more frequent in older people (OR = 3.42;p = 0.03) and the more experienced. Subjects working in intensive care unit ward reported more exposure to BBF (OR = 3;p = 0.04). Participants incurring exposure to BBF resorted to different measures after the injury suggesting a lack of a uniform policy for post-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusion: Exposure to BBF represents an important and frequently preventable occupational hazard for HCWs in Lebanon that requires continuous EPP of HCWs, and a comprehensive approach for prevention and management.

Investigation of nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge actuators with powered electrodes of different exposures

Nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge actuators with powered electrodes of different exposures were investigated numerically by using a newly proposed plasma kinetic model. The governing equations include the coupled continuity plasma discharge equation, drift-diffusion equation, electron energy equation, Poisson＇s equation, and the Navier–Stokes equations.Powered electrodes of three different exposures were simulated to understand the effect of surface exposure on plasma discharge and surrounding flow field. Our study showed that the fully exposed powered electrode resulted in earlier reduced electric field breakdown and more intensive discharge characteristics than partially exposed and rounded-exposed ones. Our study also showed that the reduced electric field and heat release concentrated near the right upper tip of the powered electrode. The fully exposed electrode also led to stronger shock wave, higher heating temperature, and larger heated area.

Bisphenol A in Fluid and Powdered Milk Samples and Associated Child Dietary Exposures

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical found in a wide range of consumer products and consumables that humans are exposed to. The aim of this study was to determine BPA contamination levels in 51 milk samples sold in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, Brazil. Bisphenol A was detected (≥limit of detection, LOD) in five of the analyzed samples (9.8%) and quantified (≥limit of quantification, LOQ) in two (3.8%). The estimated daily intake (EDI) for children aged up to 12 months ranged from 24.95 to 97.72 ng/kg body weight/day, lower than the established European Union tolerable daily intake value. Recent evidence, however, suggests that even low doses of endocrine disruptors such as BPA may pose potential health risks, even more so when exposure occurs at such an early life stage.

Assessment of Radiation Hazard from External and Internal Exposures at Adham and Surroundings in KSA

Twenty-eight environmental samples (eight well water, sixteen granitic rocks and four soils) were collected from different parts of Adham governorate (Adham, Haqal and Al-Jaizah), to assess the radiological hazard and cancer risk from different perspectives. Adham is situated in a valley between two granitic mountain chains, where much of water supply for drinking, house use and irrigation comes from wells collecting water rains. The activity concentrations of naturally occurring 40K, 226Ra and 232Th and radionuclides were measured by gamma-ray spectrometry for all samples using RGK-1, RGU-1 and RGTh-1, IAEA reference standards issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency, for detector efficiency calibration. The measured values were utilized to evaluate the internal and external exposures both outdoors and indoors. Different standard room models were adopted for this respect to evaluate the indoor gamma-rays exposure from construction materials as well as internal exposure to radon gas emanating from them. Radon concentration indoors, exceeded the upper reference level in dwellings set at 300 Bq/m3 by the world health organization, in many scenarios. The mean value of the total excess lifetime cancer risk (due to external exposure from gamma-rays) was 2.29 × 10-3, above the world average value of 1.45 × 10-3. Furthermore, the measured radon concentrations in all water samples exceeded the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 11.1 Bq·L-1 standard for drinking water, ranging from 12 to 38 Bq·L-1 with a mean value of 27 Bq·L-1. The total annual effective dose (due to inhalation and ingestion) from radon in water, ranged from 58 to 192 μSv/y (for adults) exceeding the international permissible limit of 100 μSv/y, in seven out of eight samples. According to obtained results, the internal exposure from radon in directly used water from wells, might be the major reason of any suspected radiological health hazard especially in Haqal. The second reason might be the internal exposure from indoor radon gas inhalation in poorly ventilated dwellings.

Assessment of Lead Exposures during Abrasive Blasting and Vacuuming in Ventilated Field Containments: A Case Study

Painting contractors have struggled with implementation and assessment of lead exposure controls leading to persistently elevated blood lead levels in this high-risk group of workers. The objective of this study was to assess the intensity of lead exposures based on commonly used air velocities inside field containment structures during abrasive blasting and vacuuming. Exposures were assessed over 14 days from April to July 2021 at a tainter gate and bridge lead paint removal project. Personal air samples, skin wipes, air velocity readings, and blood lead samples were collected. The geometric mean (GM) lead exposure for abrasive blasters and vacuumers was ≥4 × the OSHA Lead Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 μg/m3. There was high variability in the personal lead exposures (Geometric standard deviation (GSD) 4.0 - 5.0). The GM hand wipe exposures exceeded a Dermal PEL of 500 μg/wipe (abrasive blaster 564 μg/wipe and vacuumer 754 μg/wipe). Residual lead was measured on workers’ hands in 67% of the post hand washing samples. Air velocities measured inside of the field containments ranged from 107 feet per minute to 229 feet per minute. The effect of air velocity on the concentration of lead on workers’ hands after work (F = 0.58, p = 0.35) and airborne lead concentration was not significant (F = 0.36, p = 0.48). Six of the eight workers’ blood lead levels increased after exposure to lead. There was a non-statistically significant relationship between lead remaining on workers’ hands after handwashing and an increase in blood lead level. This is the first study that assessed both ventilation flow rates used in the industrial painting industry and measurements of airborne and dermal (hands) lead exposures. For the projects evaluated, the collected exposure data indicate that air velocities frequently used in the industrial painting industry to ventilate field containment structures did not tend to prevent an increase in worker blood lead and were ineffective for adequately controlling elevated concentrations of airborne lead and preventing contact with workers’ hands.

Establishing a Multifaceted Comprehensive Maternity Cohort Facilitates Understanding of How Environmental Exposures Impact Perinatal Health

China’s“three-child policy”,implemented in response to population aging,has made the protection of maternal and infant health an urgent priority.In this environmental and medical big-data era,the Zhejiang Environmental and Birth Health Research Alliance(ZEBRA)maternity cohort was established with the aim of identifying risk factors for perinatal morbidity and mortality from the perspectives of both observational epidemiology and experimental etiology.Compared with conventional birth cohorts,the inclusion of a maternity cohort allows greater scope for research and places an emphasis on maternal health.In particular,it allows us to focus on pregnant women with a history of pregnancy-related illnesses and those planning to have a second or third child.There are currently many pressing issues in perinatal health,including the risk associations between exogenous together with endogenous factors and the occurrence of perinatal abnormalities,pregnancy complications,and adverse pregnancy outcomes.It is crucial to explore the interaction between environmental exposures and genetic factors affecting perinatal health if we are to improve it.It is also worthwhile to assess the feasibility of the early stage prediction of major perinatal abnormalities.We hope to study this in the ZEBRA cohort and also seek nationwide and international collaborations to establish a multicenter cohort consortium,with the ultimate goal of contributing epidemiological evidence to literature and providing evidence-based insights for global maternal and child healthcare.

Underestimated activity-based microplastic intake under scenariospecific exposures

Despite increasing alarms over the health impacts of microplastics(MPs)due to their detection in human organs and feces,precise exposure evaluations remain scarce.To comprehend their risks,there is a distinct need to prioritize quantitive estimates in MP exposome,particularly at the environmentallyrealistic level.Here we used a method rooted in real-world MP measurements and activity patterns to determine the daily intake of MPs through inhalation and from ground dust/soil ingestion.We found that nearly 80%of this intake comes from residential sectors,with activity intensity and behavioral types significantly affecting the human MP burden.The data showed a peak in MP exposure for those aged 18-64.When compared to dietary MP intake sources like seafood,salt,and water,we identified a previously underestimated exposure from inhalation and dust/soil ingestion,emphasizing the need for more realistic evaluations that incorporate activity factors.This discovery raises questions about the accuracy of past studies and underscores MP's potential health risks.Moreover,our time-based simulations revealed increased MP intake during the COVID-19 lockdown due to more surface dust ingestion,shedding light on how global health crises may inadvertently elevate MP exposure risks.

Surgical exposures of the distal humeral fractures: An anatomical study of the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral approaches

Purpose:Exposure of the articular surface is the key to the successful treatment of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus. Anterior, posterior olecranon osteotomy as well as medial and lateral approaches are the four main approaches to the elbow. The aim of this study was to compare the exposure of distal articular surfaces of these surgical approaches.Methods:Twelve cadavers were used in this study. Each approach was performed on six elbows according to previously published procedures. After completion of each approach, the exposed articular surfaces were marked by inserting 0.5 mm K-wires along the margins. The elbow was then disarticulated and the exposed articular surfaces were painted. The distal humeral articular surfaces were then closely wrapped using a piece of fibre-glass screen net with meshes. The exposed articular surfaces and the total articular surfaces were calculated by counting the number of meshes, respectively.Results:The average percentages of the exposed articular surfaces for the anterior, posterior olecranon osteotomy, medial and lateral approaches were 45.7% ± 2.0%, 53.9% ± 7.1%, 20.6% ± 4.9% and 28.5% ± 6.3%, respectively.Conclusion:The anterior and posterior approaches provide greater exposures of distal humeral articular surface than the medial and lateral ones in the treatment of distal humeral fractures.

Exposures and risks of arsenic,cadmium,lead,and mercury in cocoa beans and cocoa-based foods:a systematic review

Background:The World Health Organization has expressed concern about arsenic,cadmium,lead,and mercury as potentially harmful to human health.As such,the world body has called for appropriate preventive and interventionary measures.In response,food regulatory bodies including European Food Safety Authority are monitoring the levels of these heavy metals in cocoa and cocoa products.Objective:Therefore,the objective of this paper is to synthesize the latest relevant available peer-reviewed publications on arsenic,cadmium,lead,and mercury with a view to highlighting the gaps to encourage further research and informing industry.Materials and Methods:A systematic review was conducted using the European Food Safety Authority guide in PubMed database and the result was reported according to the PRISMA checklist.Results:The results show that processing may dilute or concentrate the levels of arsenic,cadmium,lead,and mercury,depending on processing factors including the product type,processing method,and raw materials.In addition,some products exceed the European Union and Chinese Maximum Contaminant Level and may pose risk.Furthermore,the findings show that the risk of heavy metal toxicities was higher among children relative to adults at the same exposure in cocoa-based products and that correcting risk estimates for bioavailability reduces the level of estimated risk.Conclusion:Therefore,the review concludes that further research is required to clarify the effect of processing on the level of these contaminants in specific cocoa-based foods.Moreover,conducting risk studies based on age groups and correcting for bioavailability of arsenic,cadmium,lead,and mercury enhance accuracy of risk estimates.Recommendations:The review,therefore,recommends that a value chain approach be adopted to assessing the levels,exposures,and risks of arsenic,cadmium,lead,and mercury in cocoa-based foods and the effect of processing on these levels.

Effect of Long-Term Thermal Exposures on Tensile Behaviors of K416B Nickel-Based Superalloy

The effect of long-term thermal exposure on the tensile behavior of a high W content nickel-based superalloy K416B was investigated.The microstructure and the deformation characteristics were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy,and the phase transformation of the alloy during long-term thermal exposure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction patterns and differential thermal analysis.Results showed that after thermal exposure at 1000℃,the MC carbides in the K416 B alloy decomposed into M_(6)C.During tensile deformation,dislocations slipping inγmatrix crossed over the M_(6)C by Orowan bowing mechanism.With the increase of thermal exposure time,the secondary M_(6)C reduced greatly the yield strength of the alloy at room temperature.Meanwhile,the continuous distribution of the secondary M_(6)C with great brittleness in the grain boundary could become the main source of crack,which might change the fracture characteristic of the alloy from trans-granular to intergranular.

AI-Enabled Wearable and Flexible Electronics for Assessing Full Personal Exposures

Research on the exposome has been extended to personal exposures,and full assessment of personal exposures is of great significance for personal health monitoring and epidemiological studies.Compared with static measurement instruments,wearable sensors are more suitable for dynamic personal exposures assessment.The development of flexible wearable sensors with the features of being physically comfortable and easy to use can be a promising solution for the measurement of personal exposures.With the support of big data and AI,large-scale personal exposures assessment could foster the transition from population-based to individual-based epidemiological studies and upgrade the intelligence level of medical services.

Analytical Expressions to Counterparty Credit Risk Exposures for Interest Rate Derivatives

This paper proposes an approximate analytical solution method to calculate counterparty credit risk exposures.Compared with the Standard Approach for measuring Counterparty Credit Risk and the Internal Modeling Method provided by Basel Committee,the proposed method significantly improves the calculation efficiency based on sacrificing a little accuracy.Taking Forward Rate Agreement as an example,this article derives the exact expression for Expected Exposure.By approximating the distribution of Forward Rate Agreement’s future value to a normal distribution,the approximate analytical expression for Potential Future Exposure is derived.Numerical results show that this method is reliable and is robust under different parameters.

The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.