Automatic detection of small bowel lesions with different bleeding risks based on deep learning models

BACKGROUND Deep learning provides an efficient automatic image recognition method for small bowel(SB)capsule endoscopy(CE)that can assist physicians in diagnosis.However,the existing deep learning models present some unresolved challenges.AIM To propose a novel and effective classification and detection model to automatically identify various SB lesions and their bleeding risks,and label the lesions accurately so as to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and the ability to identify high-risk bleeding groups.METHODS The proposed model represents a two-stage method that combined image classification with object detection.First,we utilized the improved ResNet-50 classification model to classify endoscopic images into SB lesion images,normal SB mucosa images,and invalid images.Then,the improved YOLO-V5 detection model was utilized to detect the type of lesion and its risk of bleeding,and the location of the lesion was marked.We constructed training and testing sets and compared model-assisted reading with physician reading.RESULTS The accuracy of the model constructed in this study reached 98.96%,which was higher than the accuracy of other systems using only a single module.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the model-assisted reading detection of all images were 99.17%,99.92%,and 99.86%,which were significantly higher than those of the endoscopists’diagnoses.The image processing time of the model was 48 ms/image,and the image processing time of the physicians was 0.40±0.24 s/image(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The deep learning model of image classification combined with object detection exhibits a satisfactory diagnostic effect on a variety of SB lesions and their bleeding risks in CE images,which enhances the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and improves the ability of physicians to identify high-risk bleeding groups.

Predicting potential invasion risks of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit in the arid area of Saudi Arabia

The presence of invasive plant species poses a substantial ecological impact,thus comprehensive evaluation of their potential range and risk under the influence of climate change is necessary.This study uses maximum entropy(MaxEnt)modeling to forecast the likelihood of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit invasion in Saudi Arabia under present and future climate change scenarios.Utilizing the MaxEnt modeling,we integrated climatic and soil data to predict habitat suitability for the invasive species.We conducted a detailed analysis of the distribution patterns of the species,using climate variables and ecological factors.We focused on the important influence of temperature seasonality,temperature annual range,and precipitation seasonality.The distribution modeling used robust measures of area under the curve(AUC)and receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)curves,to map the invasion extent,which has a high level of accuracy in identifying appropriate habitats.The complex interaction that influenced the invasion of L.leucocephala was highlighted by the environmental parameters using Jackknife test.Presently,the actual geographic area where L.leucocephala was found in Saudi Arabia was considerably smaller than the theoretical maximum range,suggesting that it had the capacity to expand further.The MaxEnt model exhibited excellent prediction accuracy and produced reliable results based on the data from the ROC curve.Precipitation and temperature were the primary factors influencing the potential distribution of L.leucocephala.Currently,an estimated area of 216,342 km^(2)in Saudi Arabia was at a high probability of invasion by L.leucocephala.We investigated the potential for increased invasion hazards in the future due to climate change scenarios(Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSPs)245 and 585).The analysis of key climatic variables,including temperature seasonality and annual range,along with soil properties such as clay composition and nitrogen content,unveiled their substantial influence on the distribution dynamic of L.leucocephala.Our findings indicated a significant expansion of high risk zones.High-risk zones for L.leucocephala invasion in the current climate conditions had notable expansions projected under future climate scenarios,particularly evident in southern Makkah,Al Bahah,Madina,and Asir areas.The results,backed by thorough spatial studies,emphasize the need to reduce the possible ecological impacts of climate change on the spread of L.leucocephala.Moreover,the study provides valuable strategic insights for the management of invasion,highlighting the intricate relationship between climate change,habitat appropriateness,and the risks associated with invasive species.Proactive techniques are suggested to avoid and manage the spread of L.leucocephala,considering its high potential for future spread.This study enhances the overall comprehension of the dynamics of invasive species by combining modeling techniques with ecological knowledge.It also provides valuable information for decision-making to implement efficient conservation and management strategies in response to changing environmental conditions.

Identifying the Hydrochemical Characteristics,Genetic Mechanisms and Potential Human Health Risks of Fluoride and Nitrate Enriched Groundwater in the Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China

Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.

Planetary health risks in urban agriculture

Urban agriculture is gaining recognition for its potential contributions to environmental resilience and climate change adaptation,providing advantages such as urban greening,reduced heat island effects,and decreased air pollution.Moreover,it indirectly supports communities during weather events and natural disasters,ensuring food security and fostering community cohesion.However,concerns about planetary health risks persist in highly urbanized and climate-affected areas.Employing electronic databases such as Web of Science and PubMed and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,we identified 55 relevant papers to comprehend the planetary health risks associated with urban agriculture,The literature review identified five distinct health risks related to urban agriculture:(1)trace metal risks in urban farms;(2)health risks associated with wastewater irrigation;(3)zoonotic risks;(4)other health risks;and(5)social and economic risks.The study highlights that urban agriculture,while emphasizing environmental benefits,particularly raises concerns about trace metal bioaccumulation in soil and vegetables,posing health risks for populations.Other well studied risks included wastewater irrigation and backyard livestock farming.The main limitations in the available literature were in studying infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance associated with urban agriculture.

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

Impact of Exercise on Depression in Older Adults:Potential Benefits,Risks,and Appropriate Application Strategies

As the global elderly population increases,depression within this group has become a significant public health concern.Although exercise has been recognized for its potential to improve depression in the elderly,the benefits,risks,and implementation strategies remain contentious.This review attempts to examine the impact of exercise on depression in older adults,including potential benefits,risks,and suggestions for application.Our analysis highlights the benefits of aerobic and resistance training,which can significantly alleviate depressive symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.Despite these benefits,the review acknowledges the complexity of the exercise-depression interaction in the elderly,necessitating personalized exercise regimens.Potential risks,such as muscle and joint pain,are pointed out,emphasizing the importance of tailored,supervised exercise programs.The review calls for future research to focus on identifying the most effective types of exercise and regimens for this population,considering factors such as age,gender,and existing health conditions.Lastly,it advocates for the inclusion of exercise in comprehensive treatment plans for depression in older adults,viewing it as a promising step toward achieving holistic mental health care in a growing demographic.

Development of Localized Assessment of Municipal Wastewater Disposal Risks

A means to develop a comparative assessment of the risks of available wastewater effluent disposal options on a local scale needs to be developed to help local decision-makers make decisions on options such as direct or indirect potable reuse options. These options have garnered more interest as a result of water supply limitations in many urban areas. This risk assessment was developed from a risk assessment developed at the University of Miami in 2001 and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2023. Direct potable reuse and injection wells were deemed to have the lowest risk in the most recent study by FAU. However, the injection well option may not be available everywhere. As a result, a more local means to assess exposure risk is needed. This paper outlines the process to evaluate the public health risks associated with available disposal alternatives which may be very limited in some areas. The development of exposure pathways can help local decision-makers define the challenges, and support later expert level analysis upon which public health decisions are based.

Spatial distribution and potential ecological and health risks associated with heavy metals in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria

Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the formulation of policies to monitor the Ijero-Ekiti mining site and other regions in Nigeria where indiscriminate artisanal gold mining activities exist.

Conceptual Strategy for Mitigating the Risk of Hydrogen as an Internal Hazard in Case of Severe Accidents at Nuclear Power Plant Considering Existing Risks and Uncertainties Associated with the Use of Traditional Strategies

Hydrogen challenge mitigation stands as one of the main objectives in the management of severe accidents at Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). Key strategies for hydrogen control include atmospheric inertization and hydrogen removal with Passive Autocatalytic Recombiners (PARs) being a commonly accepted approach. However, an examination of PAR operation specificity reveals potential inefficiencies and reliability issues in certain severe accident scenarios. Moreover, during the in-vessel stage of severe accident development, in some severe accident scenarios PARs can unexpectedly become a source of hydrogen detonation. The effectiveness of hydrogen removal systems depends on various factors, including the chosen strategies, severe accident scenarios, reactor building design, and other influencing factors. Consequently, a comprehensive hydrogen mitigation strategy must effectively incorporate a combination of strategies rather than be based on one strategy, taking into consideration the probabilistic risks and uncertainties associated with the implementation of PARs or other traditional methods. In response to these considerations, within the framework of this research it has been suggested a conceptual strategy to mitigate the hydrogen challenge during the in-vessel stage of severe accident development.

Cholinesterase Activity as an Indicator of Health Risks among Kou Valley Farmers

Introduction: Pesticides are currently an essential component of agricultural production techniques for controlling pests and weeds. In Burkina Faso, non-compliance with good practice in the use of pesticides poses a real health problem for the population. This study examines the health risks associated with pesticide management in rice-growing areas. Material and Methods: A field survey was conducted in Bama, involving farmers, focusing on their socio-demographic characteristics, pesticide usage, and health effects. Cholinesterase levels were measured in subsample of farmers using a portable device. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, calculating means and percentages for various practices. Health consultations, protection methods, and pesticide management were studied. Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity was compared before and after treatment. Data were categorised into classes based on inhibition levels, and correlation analyses determined relationships between variables such as age, years of experience, and cholinesterase activity. Results: The results indicate that rice cultivation is mainly carried out by a fairly young population, with nearly 63% being under the age of 50. Common poor practices in pesticide use include improper storage and reuse of leftover pesticides. Seven types of pesticides were identified, including organophosphates such as glyphosate, which was used in 26.7% of cases. This organophosphate has resulted in class B poisoning, causing a 30% - 50% reduction in erythrocyte cholinesterase activity. The health effects of pesticide use are felt by agricultural farmers through various symptoms of poisoning. Conclusion: To reduce the occurrence of pesticide poisoning, it is essential to launch information and awareness campaigns among the population and farmers to promote safe practices in pesticide use in Bama, Burkina Faso.

Gross Alpha and Beta Activities and Related Lifetime Risks Assessment Due to Ingestion of Drinking Water from Different Sources in the District of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

Drinking good quality water is essential for better health. It is therefore essential to assess the radiological quality of all water consumed in the District of Abidjan in order to prevent related hazards. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the risk of cancer due to the ingestion of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in the different types of water consumed in the region. A total of 63 water samples with 43 tap water samples, 5 bottled mineral water and 15 sachet water samples was collected and taken to GAEC laboratory for analysis. The low background Gas-less Automatic Alpha/Beta counting system (Canberra iMaticTM) was used to determine alpha and beta activity concentrations. Activity concentrations of both gross alpha and gross beta obtained in water sample were respectively lower than the WHO recommended limits of 0.1 Bq/l and 1 Bq/l. Also, the annual effective dose and total equivalent effective dose found in mineral bottled water samples were higher than in other types of water. The assessment of radiological lifetime risk has shown values of cancer risk due to ingestion alpha and beta emitters lower than recommended limit. These results indicate that there is no health hazard associated to consumption of water in the District of Abidjan.

Roles of Community Pharmacists in Screening and Disseminating of Information about Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Risks: Implications for Drug Safety Assessment

Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no proper guidance is given by the health care provider. This study assessed the roles of community pharmacists in screening and disseminating information about the risks associated with NSAID use in Zambia. Methodology: This was a national cross-sectional study in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 245 registered community pharmacists in Zambia. Stata/BE, version 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs. Results: 231 of the 245 distributed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 94.3%. All (100%) participating community pharmacists claimed to have practiced dispensing NSAIDs. However, only 26 (11.0%) and 71 (30.8%) regularly screened for risk factor of selective COX-2 NSAIDS (SC2-NSAIDS) and non-selective NSAIDS (NS-NSAIDs) respectively. Information dissemination on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SC2-NSAIDS was regularly provided by only 22 (9.5%) of pharmacists while that of NS-NSAIDs was regularly provided by 49 (21.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, being the owner of a pharmacy (AOR: 5.4, CI: 1.84 - 16.4) was significantly associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs while an hour increase in the working hours per day (AOR: 0.9, CI: 0.64 - 0.95) was associated with less likelihood of information dissemination. Conclusion: Pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Zambia did not regularly screen and disseminate information about the risks associated with NSAID use. Therefore, pharmacists should be able to screen and monitor patients at risk and be aware of the majority of risk factors while dispensing NSAIDs to minimize the associated complications.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Shipping Supply Chain Risks

This study aims to investigate whether Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR)activities reduce supply chain disruptions by examining the impact of the Suez Canal obstruction on the Ever Given container ship in March 2021.This study conclude that the more responsible companies have higher returns and are less affected by this event than the less responsible companies;the less responsible companies have lower returns.The companies with better CSR have a lower impact on their supply chains when faced with disruptions in the supply chain.

Identifying and Managing Technical Risks in the Process of Innovative Drugs Development in China

Objective To identify technical risks in the process of innovative drug development,and to provide reference for technical risk management so as to reduce the uncertainties and improve the efficiency of research and development.Methods The initial risk index was investigated by literature research.Then,the Likert scale was used to design a questionnaire,and the experts’opinion was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the different stages of the development of innovative drugs in China.Results and Conclusion Based on the analysis of questionnaire,31 risk indicators of five key stages in the development of innovative drugs from drug discovery to marketing authorization were established.The key risk indicators constructed in this study can provide reference for technology-related risk management in the process of innovative drug development.

Analytic Hierarchy Process for Technological Risks in the Process of Innovative Drug Development in China

Objective To identify the critical risks in the process of innovative drug research and development,and to provide reference for improving the efficiency of innovative drug development and risk control in China.Methods Expert investigation and analytic hierarchy process were used to determine the weights of different risks.Results and Conclusion The research and analysis results showed that the risks at different stages of development had different effects on the success rate of drug development,among which the risk at the drug discovery stage influenced the most.In the drug discovery stage,inappropriate target selection had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development.The lack of appropriate cell tissue or animal models had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from the discovery of a compound to the application for clinical trials.The difference in changes between nonclinical and clinical studies had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from early clinical studies to pivotal clinical studies.Incorrect dose selection had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from pivotal clinical studies to marketing authorization applications.The biggest impact from the marketing authorization application to the approval stage was inadequate communication with regulators.After investigating the weight of risk factors in the process of innovative drug development based on scientific methods,a new perspective for the risk control of new drug development and improving the research and development efficiency is provided.

Inference for accelerated bivariate dependent competing risks model based on Archimedean copulas under progressive censoring

Dependent competing risks model is a practical model in the analysis of lifetime and failure modes.The dependence can be captured using a statistical tool to explore the re-lationship among failure causes.In this paper,an Archimedean copula is chosen to describe the dependence in a constant-stress accelerated life test.We study the Archimedean copula based dependent competing risks model using parametric and nonparametric methods.The parametric likelihood inference is presented by deriving the general expression of likelihood function based on assumed survival Archimedean copula associated with the model parameter estimation.Combining the nonparametric estimation with progressive censoring and the non-parametric copula estimation,we introduce a nonparametric reliability estimation method given competing risks data.A simulation study and a real data analysis are conducted to show the performance of the estimation methods.

Migration and risks of potentially toxic elements from sewage sludge applied to acid forest soil

`The application of sewage sludge(SS)to forested lands may lead to the downward migration of potentially toxic elements(PTEs)through rainfall and thus pose risk to the subsoil and groundwater.Batch column experiments were conducted using leaching water equivalent to the rainfall amount in the study area over 3 years to investigate changes in concentrations of PTEs,including copper(Cu),zinc(Zn),lead(Pb),cadmium(Cd),and nickel(Ni)in the leachate from the acidic forest soil.Water quality index of leachate,potential ecological risk and human health risk in soil at different leaching stages were compared.Sewage sludge was applied at SS/soil mass ratios of 0:100(controls),15:85(T1),30:70(T2),45:55(T3),60:40(T4),and 75:25(T5).All treatments resulted in increased PTEs concentration in the upper 20 cm soil,T3-T5 increased potential ecological risk from"low"(control)to"moderate"or"considerable".During first year leaching,PTEs concentration increased with increasing SS/soil ratios,but the water quality index of T1-T3 was"excellent"or"good".Pb,Cu,Cd,and Ni in the 20-40 cm soil depth,and Zn in the 60-80 cm soil depth were also enriched,but potential ecological risk was"low".In subsequent leaching,PTEs concentration of leachate gradually returned to the background value and water quality index was"excellent".There were no significant changes in PTEs and ecological risk observed.During the monitoring process,the health risk caused by the migration of PTEs to the human body was always within the acceptable range.Overall,this study provides a reference for the management of risks from the application of SS on forestlands,i.e.,SS/soil ratios<45:55 is recommended on forestlands,and special attention should be given to early leaching risk.In addition,it also provides an important assessment method for the risk of PTEs leaching and migration in forested land application.

Spatiotemporal variations of ozone exposure and its risks to vegetation and human health in Cyprus:an analysis across a gradient of altitudes

Ground-level ozone(O_(3)) aff ects vegetation and threatens environmental health when levels exceed critical values,above which adverse eff ects are expected.Cyprus is expected to be a hotspot for O_(3)concentrations due to its unique position in the eastern Mediterranean,receiving air masses from Europe,African,and Asian continents,and experiencing a warm Mediterranean climate.In Cyprus,the spatiotemporal features of O_(3) are poorly understood and the potential risks for forest health have not been explored.We evaluated O_(3) and nitrogen oxides(NO and NO 2)at four regional background stations at different altitudes over 2014−2016.O_(3) risks to vegetation and human health were estimated by calculating accumulated O_(3)exposure over a threshold of 40 nmol mol^(−1)(AOT40)and cumulative exposure to mixing ratios above 35 nmol mol^(−1)(SOMO35)indices.The data reveal that mean O_(3)concentrations follow a seasonal pattern,with higher levels in spring(51.8 nmol mol^(−1))and summer(53.2 nmol mol^(−1))and lower levels in autumn(46.9 nmol mol^(−1))and winter(43.3 nmol mol^(−1)).The highest mean O_(3)exposure(59.5 nmol mol^(−1)) in summer occurred at the high elevation station Mt.Troodos(1819 m a.s.l.).Increasing(decreasing)altitudinal gradients were found for O_(3)(NO x),driven by summer–winter diff erences.The diurnal patterns of O_(3) showed little variation.Only at the lowest altitude O_(3) displayed a typical O_(3) diurnal pattern,with hourly diff erences smaller than 15 nmol mol^(−1).Accumulated O_(3) exposures at all stations and in all years exceeded the European Union’s limits for the protection of vegetation,with average values of 3-month(limit:3000 nmol mol^(−1)h)and 6-month(limit:5000 nmol mol^(−1)h)AOT40 for crops and forests of 16,564 and 31,836 nmol mol^(−1)h,respectively.O_(3) exposures were considerably high for human health,with an average SOMO35 value of 7270 nmol mol^(−1) days across stations and years.The results indicate that O_(3) is a major environmental and public health issue in Cyprus,and policies must be adopted to mitigate O_(3) precursor emissions at local and regional scales.

Potential Risks to the Environment as a Result of Pesticide Handling in the Nanumba-North Municipality, Ghana

The present study deduced the potential risks to the environment as a result of pesticide handling in the Nanumba-North Municipality of the Northern Region of Ghana. Cluster sampling was used to select 30 communities from Nanumba-North Municipality. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used respectively to select 7 households from each community and one farmer from each household, giving a sample size of 210 farmers. The instrument used for the study was a questionnaire of respondents. The quantitative data obtained were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study concluded that 11 types of pesticides are commonly used by the farmers on their fields, with atrazine (22%) being the most commonly used pesticide which is an herbicide, and deltamethrin (1%) was the least used pesticide which is an insecticide. The study, therefore, recommends that appropriate authorities in the area should inculcate means to enlighten farmers on the best way of pesticide utilization that can beef up the ambition of sustainable agricultural production and desirable environmental conditions.

Agro-Climatic Risks Analysis in Climate Variability Context in Ségou Region

In the Sahel region, the population depends largely on rain-fed agriculture. In West Africa in particular, climate models turn out to be unable to capture some basic features of present-day climate variability. This study proposes a contribution to the analysis of the evolution of agro-climatic risks in the context of climate variability. Some statistical tests are used on the main variables of the rainy season to determine the trends and the variabilities described by the data series. Thus, the paper provides a statistical modeling of the different agro-climatic risks while the seasonal variability of agro-climatic parameters was analyzed as well as their inter annual variability. The study identifies the probability distributions of agroclimatic risks and the characterization of the rainy season was clarified.