Search Results (366)

(1) Background: Understanding the distribution of Salmonella serovars in food, animals, and their environments is crucial for identifying infection sources and monitoring pathogen prevalence in the food chain. This study analysed Salmonella serovars in Poland from 2016 to 2020, focusing on their epidemiological significance. (2) Methods: Isolation of Salmonella was carried out following PN-EN ISO 6579 standards, and serotyping was performed using the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. A total of 7104 isolates were collected from food-producing animals, their environments, food of animal origin, feedingstuffs, and fertilisers. (3) Results: A total of 175 serovars were identified, with S. Enteritidis (n = 2905; 40.9%), S. Infantis (n = 1167; 16.4%), and S. Typhimurium (n = 360; 5.1%) being the most prevalent. Species-specific patterns were observed: S. Enteritidis dominated in chickens, ducks, and cattle; S. Kentucky in turkeys; S. Typhimurium in geese; and monophasic S. Typhimurium in pigs. S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis were most frequent in food of animal origin, especially broiler meat. In feedingstuffs, S. Agona was predominant, while fertilisers mostly contained S. Derby and S. Infantis. (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the source-dependent variety of Salmonella serovars and the importance of serotyping in tracing infection routes and preventing the spread of pathogens. Identifying the most common serovars supports the development of targeted preventive measures, including improved biosecurity, hygiene, and management practices to enhance food safety. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of producing low-carbon FeCr via metallothermic smelting of Cr concentrate and chromite spinel powder using a complex FeAlSiCa alloy as the reductant in an induction furnace. The proposed approach offers an alternative to conventional carbothermic and oxygen-blown technologies, reducing both the carbon footprint and airborne emissions. Three charge compositions were tested with varying FeAlSiCa additions (12, 14, and 16 kg per 100 kg of Cr source) and partial replacement of Cr concentrate with up to 20% CSP. Thermodynamic and microstructural analyses were conducted, and the effects of the slag basicity, temperature profiles, and holding time were assessed. In optimal conditions, Cr recovery reached up to 80% with minimal Cr₂O₃ losses in slag, and the resulting alloys met ISO 5448-81 requirements for nitrogen-containing low-carbon FeCr. Microstructural examination revealed the formation of Fe-Cr solid solutions and CrN phases, with V incorporation from the FeAlSiCa alloy. The process proved stable and energy-efficient, producing compact, non-disintegrating slag. This study highlights the potential of induction furnace smelting and chromite spinel powder valorization as a sustainable path for FeCr production. Full article

Robotic arms are used in a wide range of industrial and medical applications. However, for research and education, users often face a trade-off between costly commercial solutions with no adaptability and open-source alternatives that lack usability and functionality. In education, this problem is exacerbated by the prohibitive cost of commercial systems or simplifications that distort learning. Thus, we present HELENE, an open-source robot with six degrees of freedom, closed-loop position control, and robot operating system (ROS) integration. The modular design of the robot, printed on a commercial 3D printer, and its integrated custom electronics allow for easy customization for research purposes. The joints are driven by standard stepper motors with closed-loop position control using absolute encoders. The ROS integration guarantees widespread control options and integration into existing environments. Our prototype, tested in accordance with ISO 9283, has a small positional accuracy error of 8.4 mm and a repeatability error of only 0.87 mm with a load capacity of 500 g at a reach of 432 mm. Ten prototypes were built and used in various research and education applications, demonstrating the versatile applicability of this open-source robot, closing the gap between reliable commercial systems and flexible open-source solutions. Full article

Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Prunus spinosa L. are common spring-flowering species in Slovenia. They occur in large stands and sometimes overgrow in unmanaged meadows. They are known as an excellent source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Phenolic compounds are known as antioxidant for both pollinators and plants. We were interested in comparing plant species in terms of their phenolic compound content: rutin, quercetin, (iso)quercitrin, chlorogenic acid, and hyperoside. Their nectar was obtained from both plant species in 2024 in Ljubljana and the area surrounding Ljubljana. We took 96 samples of each species. The nectar was sampled with microcapillary tubes and analysed by HPLC. When studying the influence of abiotic factors on the concentration of phenolic compounds, the correlations were weak, so we cannot say with certainty which environmental factors affect which phenolic compounds and in what way. Rutin is predominant in the nectar of P. spinosa and chlorogenic acid is predominant in the nectar of C. monogyna. Hyperoside is found in the lowest concentration in both plant species. We found that although C. monogyna secreted much less nectar at midday, it was more concentrated in phenolic compounds at this time than in the morning. In P. spinosa, nectar secretion was highest in the morning, and the concentration of phenolic compounds was also highest in the morning. Full article

The global sleep aids market has grown significantly due to rising stress and increased awareness of sleep’s importance. Melatonin, available in the EU as a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, depending on the country, is also permitted in dietary supplements with country-specific limits. Recent reports indicate concerning levels of excessive melatonin in EU dietary supplements, necessitating accurate quantification methods. We developed and validated, by applying accuracy profiles, ISO17025-compliant, rapid ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) methodologies coupled with either diode array detection (DAD) or high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRAM MS). The cost-effective UHPLC-DAD method is suitable for medicines and most dietary supplements, except those more complex herbal matrices containing passionflower, hop, hemp, lime tree or lavender or their extracts, where UHPLC-HRAM MS is recommended due to selectivity issues of the DAD methodology. To demonstrate the applicability, we analyzed 50 dietary supplements claiming to contain melatonin—25 from legal supply chains and 25 from suspicious sources claiming therapeutic melatonin content. Our findings confirmed previous reports of high melatonin content in online products, especially when purchased through rogue internet pharmacies. Moreover, 12% of legal supply chain samples violated current legislation through unauthorized health claims or contained at least triple the melatonin amount permitted in Belgium. This research provides reliable analytical methods for regulatory bodies and confirms the circulation of non-compliant melatonin-containing dietary supplements in the EU market, even in the legal supply chain. Full article

Active and abandoned mining sites are significant sources of heavy metals and metalloid pollution, leading to serious environmental issues. This study assessed the environmental risks posed by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), specifically arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb), in the Technosols (mining residues) of the former Pejão coal mine complex in Northern Portugal, a site impacted by forest wildfires in October 2017 that triggered underground combustion within the waste heaps. Our methodology involved determining the “pseudo-total” concentrations of As and Sb in the collected heap samples using microwave digestion with aqua regia (ISO 12914), followed by analysis using hydride generation-atomic absorption spectroscopy (HG-AAS). The concentrations of As an Sb ranging from 31.0 to 68.6 mg kg⁻¹ and 4.8 to 8.3 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, were found to be above the European background values reported in project FOREGS (11.6 mg kg⁻¹ for As and 1.04 mg kg⁻¹ for Sb) and Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) reference values for agricultural soils (11 mg kg⁻¹ for As and 7.5 mg kg⁻¹ for Sb), indicating significant enrichment of these PTEs. Based on average I_geo values, As contamination overall was classified as “unpolluted to moderately polluted” while Sb contamination was classified as “moderately polluted” in the waste pile samples and “unpolluted to moderately polluted” in the downhill soil samples. However, total PTE content alone is insufficient for a comprehensive environmental risk assessment. Therefore, further studies on As and Sb fractionation and speciation were conducted using the Shiowatana sequential extraction procedure (SEP). The results showed that As and Sb levels in the more mobile fractions were not significant. This suggests that the enrichment in the burned (BCW) and unburned (UCW) coal waste areas of the mine is likely due to the stockpiling of lithic fragments, primarily coals hosting arsenian pyrites and stibnite which largely traps these elements within its crystalline structure. The observed enrichment in downhill soils (DS) is attributed to mechanical weathering, rock fragment erosion, and transport processes. Given the strong association of these elements with solid phases, the risk of leaching into surface waters and aquifers is considered low. This work underscores the importance of a holistic approach to environmental risk assessment at former mining sites, contributing to the development of sustainable remediation strategies for long-term environmental protection. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive thermochemical characterization of common nut residues—almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, and pistachios shells—as potential biomass fuels, examining their chemical composition, calorific values, and emissions profiles. Their suitability as renewable energy sources was systematically assessed by verifying compliance with ISO 17225-2 standards for pellet production. The nut residues demonstrated promising energy characteristics, with higher heating values ranging from 17.75 to 19.12 MJ/kg and most samples fulfilling ISO 17225-2 classifications A1 or A2. Specifically, the walnut residues met the highest quality classification (A1), whereas the almond, hazelnut, and pistachio residues met the A2 classification, and the peanut residues were classified as B due to higher nitrogen content. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was also performed to quantify the environmental impacts, focusing on CO₂ emissions from energy recovery and transportation. The results showed significantly lower CO₂ emissions from all the nut residues compared to fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, fuel oil (HFO), and LPG. The almond residues exhibited the lowest total CO₂ emissions at 1669.27 kg CO₂ per ton, while the peanuts had the highest at 1945.93 kg CO₂ per ton. Even the highest-emitting nut residues produced substantially lower emissions compared to coal, which emitted approximately 4581.12 kg CO₂ per ton. These findings highlight the potential of nut residues as low-carbon, renewable energy sources, providing both environmental advantages and opportunities to support local agricultural economies. Full article

Cybersecurity is an essential component for preserving the integrity of healthcare systems, particularly in the face of the increasing adoption of interconnected medical devices, which significantly expands cyber risk exposure. A critical issue in this context is the fragmentation of knowledge regarding the security of these devices. The absence of a unified framework hampers the systematic identification of vulnerabilities and the effective implementation of protective measures. This study highlights such fragmentation by requiring the integration of seven ISO standards, nine NIST controls, one HIPAA regulation, one ENISA directive, one GDPR regulation, and one HITRUST framework, along with the review of 47 scientific articles and analysis of 27 documented vulnerabilities (CVEs). The need to consult this broad range of sources reflects both the complexity of the regulatory landscape and the lack of standardization in medical device security. Based on this review, key pillars were defined to support an integral and adaptable security model. This model provides a practical tool to strengthen digital healthcare infrastructures, facilitate continuous audits, and mitigate emerging threats, all while aligning with international standards. Furthermore, it promotes the consolidation of fragmented knowledge, helping to close security gaps and enhance the resilience of healthcare systems in a globalized environment. Full article

Animal-based food is significant for human nutrition, as it represents an easily digestible source of high-quality proteins, fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and energy. During evolution, humans developed anatomical, metabolic, and biochemical adaptations in the digestive tract, becoming increasingly dependent on nutritionally valuable food, such as animal-based products. Animal-based food can be a source of chemical substances that are harmful to health, such as contaminants (heavy metals, mycotoxins, organochlorine pesticides, etc.), veterinary drug residues, and additives. The subject of this paper is the determination of the content of essential (copper—Cu, iron—Fe, and chromium—Cr) and heavy and toxic metals (lead—Pb, cadmium—Cd, arsenic—As, and tin—Sn), as well as nitrites, in meat products, particularly pâtés and meat spreads available on the market in the Republic of Srpska. Determination of the content of metals was performed using the ICP-OES method, while nitrites were analyzed using the standard SRPS ISO 2918/1999 method. The obtained results indicate that the content of heavy and toxic metals and nitrites is lower than the maximum prescribed by national regulations, namely the Rulebook on Maximum Amounts of Certain Contaminants (Official Gazette of BA, No. 68/14, 79/16, 84/18) and the Rulebook on Additives in Food (Official Gazette of BA, No. 33/18 and 6/21). Full article

This paper provides a conceptual framework for soundscape appraisal as a key outcome of the hearing process. Sound appraisal involves auditory sense-making and produces the soundscape as the perceived and understood acoustic environment. The soundscape exists in the experiential domain and involves meaning-giving. Soundscape research has reached a consensus about the relevance of two experiential dimensions—pleasure and eventfulness—which give rise to four appraisal quadrants: calm, lively/vibrant, chaotic, and boring/monotonous. Requirements for and constraints on the hearing and appraisal processes follow from the demands of living in a complex world, the specific properties of source and transmission physics, and the need for auditory events and streams of single-source information. These lead to several core features and functions of the hearing process, such as prioritizing the auditory channel (loudness), forming auditory streams (audibility, primitive auditory scene analysis), prioritizing auditory streams (audible safety, noise sensitivity), and initial meaning-giving (auditory gist and perceptual layers). Combined, this leads to a model of soundscape appraisal yielding the ISO quadrant structure. Long-term aggregated appraisals lead to a sonic climate that allows for an insightful comparison of different locations. The resulting system needs additional validation and optimization to comply in detail with human appraisal and evaluation. Full article

Categorization of enterprises by size provides a fundamental understanding of the composition of the business environment. Small, medium-sized, and large enterprises play a significant role in the national economy through the execution of specific business activities. In their pursuit of enhancing the efficiency of individual business processes and mitigating the risks associated with these activities, enterprises may implement various ISO standards, including quality management, environmental management, occupational health and safety (OSH), or corporate social responsibility (CSR) systems. The sources published to date do not clearly explain the mutual relationship that arises when implementing multiple ISO standards that prioritize different activities within a single enterprise. This gap is particularly evident in the context of small enterprises, which often do not have the obligation or capacity to implement ISO standards. This study addresses this research gap by identifying the relationship between implemented ISO standards, priority activities in the risk management process, and the person responsible for these activities. The objective of this article is to examine the relationship of dependency between specific ISO standards and the priority activity in risk management. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine whether the degree of implementation of ISO standards influences the selection of the person responsible for risk management. Additionally, it examines whether dependence exists between the priority activity in risk management and the specific person responsible for risk management. The authors provide statistical hypothesis testing based on data from a nationwide survey conducted across all enterprise size categories. The results obtained from this study confirm the presence of a dependency between the degree of ISO standards implementation and the priority activity in risk management across all enterprise size categories. However, a statistically significant dependency between the degree of implementation of ISO standards and the person responsible for risk management was not confirmed in large companies. The dependency between the selection of the person responsible for risk management and the priority activity in risk management was confirmed only in small enterprises. Full article

Fast patrol boats account for a large number among the numerous vessels used in naval fleets. Owing to their operational characteristics, which involve relatively high speeds, they contribute to emissions significantly. This study presents an optimized design concept for a diesel–battery hybrid electric propulsion system integrated into the general ship design process for fast patrol boats. The optimization design uses mixed-integer linear programming to determine the most eco-friendly shares ratio of battery and diesel usage while satisfying high-endurance operational scenarios. A shares ratio of 1.259 tons of diesel to 2.88 tons of batteries was identified as the most eco-friendly configuration capable of meeting a 200-nautical-mile operational scenario at a maximum speed of 35 knots for the selected case study. A quantitative comparison through a global warming potential (GWP) analysis was conducted between conventional diesel propulsion systems and the designed diesel–battery hybrid electric propulsion system, using a life-cycle assessment (LCA) standardized under the ISO framework. The analysis confirmed that the optimized hybrid propulsion system can achieve a GWP reduction of approximately 7–9% compared with conventional propulsion systems. Few studies have applied LCA in this field, and the application of batteries as hybrid secondary energy sources is viable and sustainable for high-endurance scenarios. Full article

This study examined the carbon footprints of freshwater fish farming and Euryale ferox seed (gorgon fruit) production, comparing integrated ecological mode and traditional farming practices based on ISO 14067 and PAS 2050 standards. The ecological mode achieved a 24% lower carbon footprint per unit product than traditional practices, driven by reduced material and energy use. Key emission sources included aeration electricity, feed, and wastewater treatment for fish farming, fertilizers, insecticides, and drainage energy for E. ferox planting. The integrated model combining high-density fish ponds and E. ferox pond reduced the overall carbon footprint (Micropterus salmoides: 4.342 kg CO₂-eq/kg; E. ferox seed: 0.208 kg CO₂-eq/kg) compared to traditional practices (Micropterus salmoides: 5.672 kg CO₂-eq/kg; E. ferox seed: 0.297 kg CO₂-eq/kg). It also lowered production costs, increased profits, and mitigated GHG emissions by using E. ferox and lotus ponds as treatment facilities and reducing fertilizer use. The ecological model showed lower unit costs and higher profits (Micropterus salmoides: 4.01 RMB/kg vs. 2.46 RMB/kg; E. ferox seed: 2.53 RMB/kg vs. 1.93 RMB/kg) than those of the traditional mode. This study underscores the potential of ecologically integrated modes to mitigate water pollution and carbon emissions in agriculture, offering a sustainable solution to meet the rising demand for aquatic products. Full article

Firefighters experience high noise levels from various sources, such as sirens, alarms, pumps, and emergency vehicles. Unlike industrial workers who experience continuous noise exposure, firefighters are subject to intermittent high-intensity noise, increasing their risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Despite global concerns regarding firefighters’ auditory health, research on Korean firefighters remains limited. This study aimed to assess personal noise exposure among Korean firefighters across three primary job roles—fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS)—and to predict worst-case noise exposure scenarios. This study included 115 firefighters from three fire stations (one urban, two suburban). We measured personal noise exposure using dosimeters attached near the ear following the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) criteria. Measurements included threshold levels of 80 dBA, exchange rates of 5 dB (MOEL) and 3 dB (ISO), and a peak noise criterion of 140 dBC. We categorized firefighters’ activities into routine tasks (shift handovers, equipment checks, training) and emergency responses (fire suppression, rescues, EMS calls). We performed statistical analyses to compare noise levels across job roles, vehicle types, and specific tasks. The worst-case exposure scenarios were estimated using 10th percentile recorded noise levels. The average 8 h time-weighted noise exposure levels varied significantly by job role. Rescue personnel exhibited the highest mean noise exposure (MOEL: 71.4 dBA, ISO: 81.2 dBA; p < 0.05), whereas fire suppression (MOEL: 66.5 dBA, ISO: 74.2 dBA) and EMS personnel (MOEL: 68.6 dBA, ISO: 73.0 dBA) showed no significant difference. Peak noise levels exceeding 140 dBC were most frequently observed in rescue operations (33.3%), followed by fire suppression (30.2%) and EMS (27.2%). Among vehicles, noise exposure was the highest for rescue truck occupants. Additionally, EMS personnel inside ambulances had significantly higher noise levels than drivers (p < 0.05). Certain tasks, including shift handovers, equipment checks, and firefighter training, recorded noise levels exceeding 100 dBA. Worst-case scenario predictions indicated that some work conditions could lead to 8 h average exposures surpassing MOEL (91.4 dBA) and ISO (98.7 dBA) limits. In this study, Korean firefighters exhibited relatively low average noise levels. However, when analyzing specific tasks, exposure was sufficiently high enough to cause hearing loss. Despite NIHL risks, firefighters rarely used hearing protection, particularly during routine tasks. This emphasizes the urgent need for hearing conservation programs, including mandatory hearing protection during high-noise activities, noise exposure education, and the adoption of communication-friendly protective devices. Future research should explore long-term auditory health outcomes and assess the effectiveness of noise control measures. Full article

Fuels obtained from woody forest resources such as oaks have been traditionally used in various regions due to their availability and energy properties. In the search for sustainable bioenergy sources and the transition towards cleaner alternatives, biomass-derived fuels, such as charcoal and pellets, represent a relevant option for rural and urban communities. This study determines the chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and energy quality of pellets from two oak species (Quercus laurina and Q. rugosa) in San Sebastián Coatlán, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca. The chemical composition was determined in an Ankom fiber analyzer; the energetic, physical, and mechanical analysis was carried out with UNE-EN ISO and ASTM standards. On average, 56.18% and 54.63% cellulose, 17.81% and 17.87% lignin, and 13.96% and 13.78% hemicelluloses were obtained for Quercus laurina and Q. rugosa, respectively. Mechanical durability ranged from 87% to 95% for Q. laurina stump and Q. rugosa stem, respectively; for calorific value, values from 19.79 MJ Kg⁻¹ to 20.31 MJ Kg⁻¹ were recorded for Q. laurina stem and Q. rugosa stump, respectively. The forest biomass of both oak species is viable for pellet production. Full article