The Regulatory Status of Functional Foods in the Economic Integration Organizations of Latin America and the Caribbean / El Estatus Regulatorio de los Alimentos Funcionales en las Organizaciones de Integración Económica de Latinoamérica y el Caribe

Introduction. The legal declarations on functional foods of the four main economic integration organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) ­ Pacific Alliance (PA), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and Central American Integration System (SICA) - are based on the Codex Alimentarius system and do not regulate functional foods. The use of Codex in food marketing is an insufficient condition for its application in functional foods. Regulation based on scientific and technology results are required to be used in the economic integration organizations of LAC. Objective. The objective is to analyze the theoretical framework of the legal foundations that could govern the commercialization processes of functional foods, whose research advances have currently only been manifested in nutritional health. This article also seeks to address this gap through a systematic analysis of international regulations. Materials and methods. For this, a review of the literature emanating from two databases from 2018-2023 is carried by applying the legal-economic research method of documentary content analysis, applied to three general food marketing regulations: food safety declarations, regulations for inspections, food manufacturing and food labeling. Results. The results reveal the absence of specific legislation for functional foods in LAC economic integration organizations. Conclusions. The legal principle of marketing based on peremptory norm (also called jus cogens) can be facilitated through side letters, included in the contents of international contracts. along with the registration requirements of industrial property rights of the member countries associations(AU)

Introducción. Las declaraciones legales sobre alimentos funcionales de las cuatro principales organizaciones de integración económica de América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) ­ Alianza del Pacífico (AP), Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM), Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR) y Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) - se basan en el sistema del Codex Alimentarius y no regulan los alimentos funcionales. El uso del Codex en la comercialización de alimentos es condición insuficiente para su aplicación en alimentos funcionales. Se requiere que las regulaciones basadas en resultados científicos y tecnológicos sean utilizadas en los organismos de integración económica de ALC. Objetivo. Analizar el marco teórico de los fundamentos legales que podrían regir los procesos de comercialización de alimentos funcionales, cuyos avances en investigación actualmente solo se han manifestado en salud nutricional. Este artículo también busca abordar esta brecha a través de un análisis sistemático de las regulaciones internacionales. Materiales y métodos. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura emanada de dos bases de datos del período 2018-2023 aplicando el método de investigación jurídico- económica de análisis de contenido documental, aplicado a tres normas generales de comercialización de alimentos: declaraciones de seguridad alimentaria, normas para inspecciones, fabricación de alimentos y etiquetado de alimentos. Resultados. Los resultados revelan la ausencia de legislación específica para alimentos funcionales en las asociaciones comerciales de ALC. Conclusiones. El principio jurídico de comercialización basado en norma imperativa (también llamado jus cogens) puede facilitarse a través de cartas complementarias, incluidas en el contenido de los contratos internacionales. junto con los requisitos de registro de los derechos de propiedad industrial de las asociaciones de los países miembros(AU)

Política industrial farmacéutica, un requisito clave para la autonomía sanitaria de Colombia

Colombia depende de la importación de medicamentos, así como de gran parte de los materiales (principios activos y excipientes) requeridos para su elaboración; problemática que genera consecuencias sanitarias y macroeconómicas, las cuales se agudizan en el contexto de desindustrialización nacional y de disrupción tecnológica. De esta manera, se acepta que la disponibilidad y acceso a medicamentos y otras tecnologías sanitarias esenciales son un requisito fundamental para alcanzar la autonomía sanitaria de un país. Por lo tanto, resulta imprescindible coordinar esfuerzos entre diversos sectores sociales para desarrollar una agenda pública enfocada a la creación de condiciones que fortalezcan las capacidades científicas y tecnológicas de la industria farmacéutica local, y con ello, mejorar el suministro farmacéutico del país. En el presente documento se presentan conceptos teóricos y prácticos que deberían ser considerados en la definición y materialización de una política pública encaminada a fortalecer la industria farmacéutica y favorecer la autonomía sanitaria de Colombia.

Colombia has a notorious dependency on the importation of medicines, as well as a large part of the materials (active ingredients and excipients) required for their manufacture. This problem generates health and macroeconomic consequences, which are exacerbated in the context of national deindustrialization and technological disruption. In this way, it is accepted that the availability and access to medicines and other essential health technologies are a fundamental requirement to achieve the health autonomy of a country. Therefore, it is crucial to coordinate efforts between several social sectors to develop a public agenda focused on creating conditions that allow strengthening the scientific and technological capabilities of the local pharmaceutical industry, thereby, improving the country's pharmaceutical supply. This document presents conceptual and practical topics that should be considered to defining and materializing a public policy aimed at strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry and favoring Colombia's sanitary autonomy.

Direito à saúde, tratamentos experimentais e indústria farmacêutica: breves anotações / Right to health, experimental treatments and pharmaceutical industry: brief notes / Derecho a la salud, tratamientos experimentales y industria farmacéutica: brevesnotas

Objetivo: compreender o excesso de judicialização no Brasil e buscar algumas justificativas que levaram ao estado da arte. Metodologia: utilizou-se o método de pesquisa indutivo, realizando um levantamento bibliográfico e análise documental, com base em dados divulgados pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça e, de forma complementar, em dados extraídos do sítio institucional da Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar. Resultados: a judicialização da saúde tem apresentado um caráter predominantemente individual, o que agrava o alcance da macrojustiça e do atendimento da coletividade. Além disso, as dificuldades estruturais do Sistema Único de Saúde tornam-se cada vez mais evidentes. Observa-se que a judicialização da saúde pode ser perversa do ponto de vista do excesso de concessão de tutelas de urgência, da prioridade da justiça individualizada e do destaque da microjustiça; elementos que prejudicam o funcionamento do sistema de saúde como um todo. Conclusão: a indústria farmacêutica apresenta intensa participação no processo de incorporação de medicamentos. No entanto, a complexidade e demora das etapas procedimentais da incorporação dessas novas tecnologias, não raro, resultam em demandas judiciais que derivam decisões polêmicas e nem sempre acertadas. Todo esse desenho acaba por desencadear pressão no órgão competente de incorporação, incompreensões sobre o funcionamento do SUS e fortalecimento da microjustiça.

Objective: to understand the excess of judicialization in Brazil and seek some justifications that led to the state of the art. Methods: an inductive research method was used, which involved conducting a bibliographic survey and documentary analysis of data released by the National Council of Justice and, in addition, data extracted from the institutional website of the National Supplementary Health Agency. Results: the judicialization of health has presented a predominantly individual aspect, which aggravates the reach of macrojustice and community care. In addition, the structural difficulties of the Unified Health System become increasingly evident. The judicialization of health can be perverse from the point of view of the excess of granting emergency guardianships, the priority of individualized justice, the prominence of microjustice; elements that undermine the functioning of the health system as a whole. Conclusion: the pharmaceutical industry plays an intense role in the drug incorporation process. However, the complexity and delay in the procedural stages of incorporating these new technologies often result in legal demands that result in controversial decisions that are not always correct. This entire design ends up triggering pressure on the competent incorporation body, misunderstandings about the functioning of the SUS and strengthening microjustice.

Objetivo: comprender el exceso de judicialización en Brasil y buscar algunas justificaciones que han llevado al estado del arte. Metodología: se utilizó el método de investigación inductivo, realizando un levantamiento bibliográfico y análisis documental, con base en datos divulgados por el Consejo Nacional de Justicia y, de forma complementaria, en datos extraídos del sitio web institucional de la Agencia Nacional de Salud Complementaria. Resultados: la judicialización de la salud ha presentado un carácter predominantemente individual, lo que agrava el alcance de la macrojusticia y de la atención de la colectividad. Además, las dificultades estructurales del Sistema Único de Salud son cada vez más evidentes. Se observa que la judicialización de la salud puede ser perversa desde el punto de vista de la concesión excesiva de tutelas de urgencia, de la prioridad de la justicia individualizada y del énfasis en la microjusticia; elementos que perjudican el funcionamiento del sistema de salud em su conjunto. Conclusión: la industria farmacéutica juega un papel intenso en el proceso de incorporación de medicamentos. Sin embargo, la complejidad y demora en las etapas procesales de incorporación de estas nuevas tecnologías derivan muchas veces en exigencias legales que derivan en decisiones controvertidas y no siempre correctas. Todo este diseño termina provocando presiones sobre el órgano constitutivo competente, malentendidos sobre el funcionamiento del SUS y fortalecimiento de la microjusticia.

Tabaco y tabaquismo en Cuba: de la economía agrícola a la economía de la salud

El consumo de cigarrillos y tabacos crea una externalidad que tiene mayor relevancia en el detrimento de la calidad de vida y de la expectativa de vida que experimenta el individuo fumador con relación a los que no consumen cigarrillos o tabacos. el costo psicosocial no cuantificado de forma financiera supera con creces cualquier expectativa de beneficio económico. El presente artículo versa en torno al impacto socioeconómico del tabaquismo en Cuba. La distribución económica inducida por el tabaquismo conlleva a la persistencia de una inequidad socioeconómica tal, que se agudiza con el número de fumadores y la intensidad del consumo de cigarrillos y tabáquico. Este fenómeno contradice el principio socialista de distribución con arreglo al trabajo, donde los no fumadores no deberían cargar con las consecuencias del tabaquismo y los propios fumadores no deberían ser inducidos a persistir en el consumo tabáquico. La sutileza de los costos sociales atribuibles al tabaquismo y el impacto de los beneficios del comercio interior y exterior, no permiten valorar en su completa dimensión los principales efectos del tabaquismo desde el aspecto socioeconómico.

The cigarettes and tobacco consumption creates an externality that is more relevant in the detriment of the life quality and life expectancy experienced by the individual smoker, in relation to those who do not consume cigarettes or tobacco. The psychosocial cost not financially quantified far exceeds any expectation of economic benefit. This article deals with the socioeconomic impact of smoking in Cuba. The economic distribution induced by smoking leads to the persistence of such socioeconomic inequity, which worsens with the number of smokers and the intensity of cigarette and tobacco consumption. This phenomenon contradicts the socialist principle of distribution according to work, where non-smokers should not bear the consequences of smoking and smokers themselves should not be induced to persist in smoking. The subtlety of the social costs attributable to smoking and the impact of the benefits of domestic and foreign trade do not allow a full assessment of the main effects of smoking from the socioeconomic aspect.

Aplicación del perfil de nutrientes de la OPS en productos ultraprocesados, inclusive en alimentos fortificados / Application of PAHO's nutrient profile in ultra-processed products, including fortified foods

Resumen Introducción: en la actualidad se recomienda limitar el consumo de productos ultraprocesados por su alto contenido en azúcar, grasas totales, grasas saturadas, grasas trans y sodio. El etiquetado frontal es una estrategia destinada a fortalecer en el consumidor su capacidad de elegir, pero la estrategia de adición de micronutrientes realizada por la industria alimentaria contribuye a que los consumidores sobrestimen su calidad nutricional. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar según el modelo del Perfil de Nutrientes (PN) de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), un grupo de productos ultraprocesados disponibles en el mercado argentino y aplicar el modelo de forma diferenciada en productos fortificados por la industria alimentaria. Materiales y método: estudio de campo, transversal, descriptivo. Se aplicó el perfil de nutrientes considerando: azúcares libres, grasas totales, grasas saturadas, grasas trans y sodio, en productos fortificados y sin fortificación. Cada una de las categorías generales de alimentos: galletitas dulces, alfajores, chocolates, golosinas, helados, cereales, bebidas, dulces untables, snacks salados y lácteos, fueron divididas en subcategorías, integradas por diferentes productos. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo por subcategorías. Resultados: la muestra se conformó por 682 productos y todos superaron el punto de corte de al menos un nutriente en cantidad excesiva. El 100% de los productos fortificados (n=146) presentó cantidad excesiva de algún nutriente, el 41,1% tuvo un nutriente en cantidad excesiva y el 50,7% dos nutrientes. 95,7-100% de los productos de los grupos cereales de desayuno, chocolatadas, yogures bebibles y en pote, se categorizaron como con cantidad excesiva de azúcares libres. Conclusiones: todos los productos analizados presentaron al menos un nutriente del PN de referencia, en cantidad excesiva. Los mismos productos tenían adición de vitaminas, minerales o fibra. Se visibiliza la necesidad de realizar estudios que investiguen si esta estrategia induce confusión en el consumidor al momento de elegir.

Abstract Introduction: it is currently recommended to limit the consumption of ultra-processed products because of their high content of sugar, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats and sodium. Front labelling is a strategy aimed at strengthening consumer choice, but the micronutrient addition strategy carried out by the food industry contributes to consumers overestimating their nutritional quality. The objective of this study was to analyze, following the model of the Nutrient Profile (PN) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a group of ultra-processed products available in the Argentine market and apply the model in a differentiated way in products fortified by the food industry. Materials and method: field study, cross-sectional, descriptive. The nutrient profile was applied considering: free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats and sodium, both in fortified and unfortified products. Each of the general food categories: sweet cookies, alfajores, chocolates, sweets, ice cream, cereals, beverages, spreadable sweets, salty snacks and dairy products, were divided into subcategories, made up of different products. A descriptive statistical analysis by subcategories was performed. Results: the sample consisted of 682 products and all exceeded the cut-off point of at least one nutrient in excessive quantity. 100% of the fortified products (n=146) had an excessive amount of some nutrient, 41.1% had an excess nutrient and 50.7% two nutrients. 95.7-100% of the products of the breakfast cereals, chocolate, drinking and potted yogurts groups were categorized as having excessive amounts of free sugars. Conclusions: all the products analyzed presented at least one nutrient from the reference NP, in excessive quantity. The same products had added vitamins, minerals or fiber. The need for studies to research whether this strategy induces confusion in the consumer when choosing is made visible.

Riesgo ergonómico y trastornos musculoesqueléticos en trabajadores de industria alimentaria en el Callao en el 2021

Objetivo: El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre el riesgo ergonómico y los trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) en los trabajadores de una industria alimentaria en el Callao, 2021. Materiales y métodos: Estudio con un enfoque cuantitativo, alcance correlacional, diseño transversal, no experimental. La muestra estuvo conformada por 184 trabajadores. Las variables principales se midieron con el método de Evaluación Rápida del Cuerpo Completo (REBA, por sus siglas en inglés) y los TME, con el Cuestionario Nórdico de Kuorinka. Se realizó el análisis bivariado para las variables principales y secundarias usando la prueba de chi al cuadrado, la correlación de Pearson y la prueba t de Student. Se consideró un nivel de significancia menor o igual a 0,05. Resultados: El 43,48 % tuvo un riesgo ergonómico bajo y el 79,89 % presentó TME que se desarrollaron, con mayor molestia, en la espalda, con un 27,03 %, y en la mano (muñeca derecha), con un 26,35 %. Además, se determinó que la relación entre el factor del riesgo ergonómico y los TME fue significativa (p = 0,001), con una fuerza de correlación positiva de 0,301. Asimismo, los TME se relacionaron con sexo (p = 0,015), estado civil (p = 0,011), tipo de contrato (p = 0,001) y puesto de trabajo (p = 0,000). Conclusiones: Se encontró relación entre el riesgo ergonómico y los TME en los trabajadores de una industria alimentaria en el Callao, 2021. Asimismo, la mayoría de los trabajadores presentaron TME, con mayor molestia en la espalda. Las variables del presente estudio deben tenerse en cuenta al explorar estrategias de intervención efectivas y concretas para evitar los TME. Se recomienda concientizar a los trabajadores y los empleadores sobre las medidas ergonómicas y personales apropiadas que son necesarias para mejorar la seguridad y el bienestar de los trabajadores.

Objective: To determine the relationship between ergonomic risk and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among food industry workers in Callao, 2021. Materials and methods: A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional, non-experimental study. The sample consisted of 184 workers. The main variables were measured with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the MSDs with Kuorinka's Standardized Nordic questionnaires. A bivariate analysis of the primary and secondary variables was performed using the chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Student's t-test. A significance level less than or equal to 0.05 was considered. Results: Out of all workers, 43.48 % had a low ergonomic risk and 79.89 % developed MSDs, with greater discomfort in the back, with 27.03 %, and the hand (right wrist), with 26.35 %. In addition, the relationship between the ergonomic risk factor and MSDs was significant (p = 0.001), with a positive correlation of 0.301. Likewise, MSDs were related to sex (p = 0.015), marital status (p = 0.011), type of contract (p = 0.001) and job position (p = 0.000). Conclusions: A relationship was found between ergonomic risk and MSDs among food industry workers in Callao, 2021. Moreover, most workers developed MSDs, with greater discomfort in the back. The variables of the present study should be taken into account when exploring effective and concrete intervention strategies to prevent MSDs. It is recommended to raise awareness of workers and employers about the appropriate ergonomic and personal measures necessary to improve the safety and well-being of workers.

SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY IN INDIA- USHERING ITS WAY INTO A NEW ERA

This paper focuses on the current state of the semiconductor industry at the global level as well as in India. With semiconductor chips emerging as the new gold, its demand is highest now than it was ever before. The demand for semiconductor chips in India is said to reach a gure of whopping US 110 billion dollars by 2030. In recent years, this industry has witnessed a crunch in its supply due to supply-side and demand-side constraints. This paper sheds light on the causes of these limits. Moreover, many countries are acquainted with this industry's scope in the future. India recognizes its dependence on countries like China for semiconductors. So, it aims to become a manufacturing hub for this industry and not just remain a fabless industry. However, India is encountering hurdles in this process. With this perception, this study has tried to explore India's initiatives in this direction. Keeping in mind India's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it seems like it's a long and rough road ahead to make the semiconductor industry in India, a self-reliant industry. This analytical study infers that overcoming these obstacles is going to become increasingly onerous.

Association between ultraprocessed food consumption and obesity in US adults: an analysis of NHANES 2009-2018 / Asociación entre consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y obesidad en US adultos: un análisis de NHANES 2009-2018

We propose the following hypothesis: ultraprocessed foods in the global food supply contribute to the worldwide increase in obesity. Objective. To analyze the association between a higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods and the obesity in adulthood in the United States. Materials and methods. United States National Survey of Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) (2009-2018) data were used. We included subjects of both sexes, aged between 18-64 years old, with anthropometric, health, income, race/ethnicity and physical activity (PA) data. The association between the ultraprocessed food intake and obesity was calculated using a binomial logistic regression. In addition, we also evaluated a subsample with subjects who did not consume more than their adequate daily energy requirements. Results. We evaluated 13,310 subjects in total, and 4,788 in our subsample. Of these 33% were committed to obesity, and in the subsample the prevalence was even higher, around 49%. In our analysis, we found five factors (ultraprocessed food consumption, sex, age, race/ethnicity, and sedentary lifestyle) that were positively associated with the development of obesity. Compared to subjects who consumed less than 20% of ultraprocessed foods, subjects who consumed between 20 to 40% of ultraprocessed food had 16% more odds of developing obesity [95%CI:1.06­1.26]. For the subsample, the odds were even higher, being around 27% [95%CI:1.11­1.46]. Conclusions. Our results showed a positive association between obesity and the amount of ultraprocessed food consumption, even though, in those who consumed no more than their adequate daily energy requirements(AU)

La hipótesis planteada es que los alimentos ultraprocesados contribuyen al aumento de la obesidad a nivel global. Objetivo. Analizar la asociación entre un mayor consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y la obesidad en adultos en Estados Unidos. Materiales y métodos:. Se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Examen de Salud y Nutrición de los Estados Unidos (NHANES) (2009-2018). Se incluyeron individuos de 18 a 64 años de ambos sexos, con datos antropométricos, de salud, ingresos, raza/ etnia y actividad física. La asociación entre la ingesta de alimentos ultraprocesados y la obesidad se calculó utilizando un modelo de regresión logística binomial. Además, evaluamos una submuestra con sujetos que no consumieron más que sus requerimientos energéticos diarios adecuados. Resultados. Evaluamos 13.310 sujetos en total y 4.788 en nuestra submuestra. De estos, el 33% comprometidos con la obesidad, y en la submuestra la prevalencia era aún mayor, alrededor del 49%. En nuestro análisis encontramos cinco factores (consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados, sexo, edad, raza/etnia y sedentarismo) asociados positivamente con el desarrollo de obesidad. En comparación con los sujetos que consumían menos del 20% de los alimentos ultraprocesados, aquellos que consumían entre el 20 y el 40 % de los alimentos ultraprocesados tenían un 16% más de probabilidades de desarrollar obesidad [95%IC: 1,06-1,26]. Para la submuestra, las probabilidades fueron aún mayor, rondando el 27% [95%IC: 1,11-1,46]. Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados mostraron una asociación positiva entre la obesidad y la cantidad de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados, incluso en aquellos que no superaron sus requerimientos energéticos diarios adecuados(AU)

GLOBAL WARMING AND ITS IMPACT ON THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY

Several social and environmental factors such as industrialization, deforestation, erosion of toxic pollutants have played dominant role in the increase rate of the global warming. This notion has affected the various segments of the planet. Sectors such as Fishery, Firming, and Agroforestry and Forest management sectors have been facing deleterious realities because of the greenhouse emission from the last few decades. In recent times, scientist has become apprehensive about the fact of reducing the negative effects caused by the global warming. Moreover, several studies have circulated various strategies to mitigate the risk factors of greenhouse effects to protect the future of the planate.

DO THE INDUSTRY AFFILIATION OF A COMPANY IMPACT ITS EFFECTIVE TAX RATE? - AN ANALYSIS OF INDIAN FIRMS

There are various determinants of the Effective Tax Rate of a company. This study attempts to ?nd out whether industry association impact Effective Tax Rates. Tax Rates and Tax Laws are speci?c to jurisdictions, and the results may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The study focuses on Indian conditions to examine the relationship between industry classi?cation and the Effective Tax Rate (ETR) of companies. The study covers the standalone ?nancials of the top 500 listed companies. Results show a signi?cant impact of the industry association on the Average Effective Tax Rate

Antimicrobial performance of methanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. as a sanitizer agent

In food industry, microbial contamination poses a big challenge. Chemicals used for disinfection compromise food safety and therby health. ofThere is an urgent need for effective safe sanitizers for the inhibition of pathogens in agricultural and food products. In this context, here, we investigated the possibility of using the Foeniculum vulgare methanol extract (ME) in the fight against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as natural a sanitizer agent candidate. The components of F. vulgare ME were analyzed by GC-MS. Broth microdilution method and Surface disinfection test were used for antimicrobial activity and logarithmic inhibition, respectively. The main substances were anethole (50.44%), estragole (13.59%) and benzoic acid (13.58%). Minimum ?nhibitory concentrations (MICs) of F. vulgare were 0.1 g/mL for S. aureus and C. albicans while it was >0.1 g/mL for E. coli. In surface disinfection test which investigated the survival of E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans exposure to F. vulgare sanitizer (F-SAN: 10%), F. vulgare at 50, 100 and 150 ?L caused an almost 8-log reduction in E. coli in clean condition (0.3 g/mL BSA). In S. aureus, 150 ?L of F. vulgare caused about 4.8 and 4.7 log reduction in clean and dirty surface (3 g/mL BSA), respectively. The highest colony reduction was in C. albicans with ?4.93 log reduction in both environments. The results suggest that F. vulgare methanol extract could be a strong natural sanitizer against pathogens.

A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VARIOUS DIMENSIONS OF E- PAYMENT SYSTEM WITH DIFFERENT BENEFITS OF E-PAYMENT SYSTEM TO THE STAKEHOLDERS

The implementation of digital payment mechanism has changed the basics of money payment as a medium of exchange. The revolutionary changes that happened in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) has paved the way for drastic changes in various spheres of activities such as government to citizens government to business government to government government to employee and government to foreign trade. In line with the developments that have been taking place across the world in Electronic Payment System (EPS) changes have taken place in the UAE also. The rulers of the country are keen in establishing a high-tech oriented EPS system supported by the platform of knowledge management (KM) system. The study is an effort to explore various dimensions of EPS such as security speed ease of payment convenience and control and its importance in generating various bene?ts to the stakeholders in the form of value driven bene?ts citizen driven bene?ts economic cost driven bene?ts and technology driven bene?ts. The study attempts to ?nd out the relationship between various dimensions of EPS on stakeholders bene?t in the UAE.

Ultra-processed foods and the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilian pregnant women and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet. METHODS: This is a prospective and cross-sectional study with food consumption data of Brazilian pregnant women from the 2017 to 2018 Family Budgets Survey (Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares). Food consumption was measured using two 24-h food recalls, and the foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification. The averages of absolute and relative energy consumption for each of the NOVA groups and subgroups were estimated. The sociodemographic characteristics described the diet's caloric contribution of ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed food fractions. Linear regression models were used to describe the association between quintiles of the caloric contribution of ultra-processed foods and the average content of nutrients in the diet. RESULTS: Consumption of ultra-processed foods represented 20.9% of the total calories in the diet of Brazilian pregnant women. There was a higher energy contribution of ultra-processed foods in the diet of pregnant women living in urban areas (22%), with higher per capita income (23.7%), and in the south region of the country (26.9%). In addition, the data showed an association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with reduced intake of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, potassium, iron, zinc, and folate and increased intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and free sugar. CONCLUSION: Results show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a reduction in the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women.

Psychosocial Risks and Mental Disorders among Mexican Oil Workers / Riesgos psicosociales y trastornos mentales en trabajadores petroleros mexicanos / Riscos psicossociais e transtornos mentais em trabalhadores petrolíferos mexicanos

The psychosocial risks faced by workers can influence their health as well as job performance and satisfaction. However, this phenomenon among Mexican workers in the oil industry has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of stress and job-related burnout with mental disorders among oil workers in the southeastern region of Mexico. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study included 501 workers from the onshore oil industry in the southeastern region of Mexico. The Work Burnout Inventory, the Symptoms of Stress Inventory, and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (ghq 28) were applied between October and November, 2016. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between variables and the odds ratio was determined to establish the level of risk for mental disorders. Results: Moderate levels of stress (21.4l %), efficacy (41.5 %), cynicism (30.6 %), and exhaustion (39.7 %) were observed. Mental disorders were noted in 11.8 % of workers. Stress and burnout were associated with mental disorders (p < 0.05). Finally, workers who experienced stress and job burnout were more likely to have mental disorders (or = 12.96; 95 % ci [7.03­23.94]; p = 0.00). Conclusions:Stress and job burnout are risk factors for mental disorders among Mexican oil workers.

los riesgos psicosociales en los trabajadores tienen influencia en la salud, rendimiento del trabajo y satisfacción laboral; sin embargo, poco se ha estudiado este fenómeno en los trabajadores mexicanos de la industria petrolera. El objetivo fue analizar la asociación entre estrés y desgaste laboral y trastornos en los trabajadores de la industria petrolera terrestre de la región sureste de México. Materiales y métodos: diseño transversal y analítico. La muestra estuvo integrada por 501 trabajadores. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Inventario de Desgaste Laboral, el Inventario de Síntomas de Estrés y el Cuestionario de Salud General de Goldberg (ghq 28). Se aplicaron los instrumentos entre octu-bre y noviembre de 2016. Se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado para analizar la relación entre las variables, y se determinaron odds ratio para establecer el nivel de riesgo a trastornos mentales. Resultados: se encontraron niveles moderados de estrés (21.4l %), eficacia (41.5 %), cinismo (30.6 %) y agotamiento (39.7 %). Se encontró presencia de trastornos mentales en el 11.8 % de los trabajadores. El estrés y las dimensiones del desgaste laboral se asociaron con los trastornos mentales (p < 0.05). Finalmente, los tra-bajadores que presentaron estrés y desgaste laboral tuvieron mayor probabilidad de sufrir trastornos mentales (or= 12.96; ic 95 % [7.03-23.94]; p = 0.00). Conclusiones: el estrés y el desgaste laboral representan factores de riesgo para presentar trastornos mentales en los trabajadores petroleros mexicanos.

os riscos psicossociais nos trabalhadores influenciam a saúde, o desempenho no trabalho e a satisfação no trabalho, no entanto, esse fenômeno tem sido pouco estudado em trabalhadores mexi-canos da indústria petrolífera. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a associação do estresse e desgaste no trabalho com transtornos em trabalhadores da indústria petrolífera terrestre da região sudeste do México. Materiais e métodos: desenho transversal e analítico. A amostra foi composta por 501 trabalha-dores. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Inventário de Desgaste Laboral, o Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse e o Questionário de Saúde Geral de Goldberg (ghq 28). Os instrumentos foram aplicados entre outubro e novembro de 2016. O teste qui-quadrado foi utilizado para analisar a relação entre as variáveis e o odds ratio foi determinado para estabelecer o nível de risco para transtornos mentais. Resultados: foram encontrados níveis moderados de estresse (21,4l %), eficácia (41,5 %), cinismo (30,6 %) e exaustão (39,7 %). A presença de transtornos mentais foi encontrada em 11,8 % dos trabalhadores. O estresse e as dimensões de desgaste laboral foram associadas aos transtornos mentais (p < 0,05). Por fim, os trabalhadores que apresentavam estresse e desgaste laboral apresentaram maior probabilidade de apresentar transtornos mentais (or = 12,96; ic 95 % [7,03-23,94]; p = 0,00). Conclusões: o estresse e desgaste laboral representam fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de transtornos mentais em trabalhadores petrolíferos mexicanos.

Characteristics of injuries resulting from falls from height in the construction industry

INTRODUCTION@#Falls from heights contribute to 34% of fatal accidents in Singapore. Of these, 51% of the accidents occur in the construction industry. This retrospective review, of all persons falling from heights in the construction industry from 2006 to 2012 and attending a major hospital, analysed injury patterns and related them to mechanisms and contributory factors.@*METHODS@#Information collected included injury and casualty characteristics, safety measures, pre-existing medical conditions and clinical outcomes.@*RESULTS@#Of 1,085 patients, 951 were male with a mean age of 39.8 years, mean height of 165.9 cm and mean weight of 69.7 kg. Most of the casualties fell between 0800 and 2000 hours. Among the severely injured patients, 2.4% had head injuries, 54.9% had chest injuries and 39.2% had abdominal and pelvic injuries. For these casualties, the mortality rate was 60.8%. For patients with less than major trauma, the commonest injuries were in the lower limbs (41.8%), upper limbs (40.8%) and spine (22.2%). All the casualties survived. Falls from scaffolding, formwork and platforms were the most common causes of severe injuries (41.1%). Safety helmets and harnesses were reported to be used in 1.8% and 4.1% of instances of falls, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Studying the patterns of injuries following falls at construction sites has the potential for injury prevention through safe practices, use of safety equipment and targeted training.

Current situation and influencing factors of job burnout in express industry in Xinxiang City, Henan Province / 环境与职业医学

Background Job burnout is common among working populations. The current situation and influencing factors of job burnout have been studied in workers of many industries at home and abroad, except the express industry in China. Objective To understand the current situation of job burnout in express industry in a city of China, and to provide a scientific basis for developing measures to reduce the occurrence of job burnout. Methods In 2022, 432 express delivery workers in a city were selected by cluster random sampling, and their job burnout, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms were evaluated by using the General Burnout Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Chi-square test was used to compare inter-group positive rates of job burnout. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between selected variables. Positive job burnout, high level of exhaustion, and high level of cynicism were selected as dependent variables. Single-factor analysis was firstly carried out to identify statistically significant variables for subsequent logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 460 questionnaires were distributed and 432 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 93.9%. There were 286 (66.2%) express delivery workers reporting job burnout. The positive rate of anxiety symptoms was 41.0%, and the positive rate of depressive symptoms was 34.0%. The job burnout score of the express industry workers [M (P25, P75)] was 1.8 (1.0, 2.5); the scores [M (P25, P75)] of exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy were 1.0 (0.0, 2.6), 1.0 (0.0, 2.2), and 3.5 (1.2, 5.8), respectively; the score [M (P25, P75)] of anxiety symptoms was 1.5 (0.0, 7.0); the score [M (P25, P75)] of depressive symptoms was 1.0 (0.0, 8.0). There were statistical differences in the positive rates of job burnout among the express industry workers grouped by gender, education, monthly income, work shift system, overtime, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that there were significant positive correlations between the score of anxiety symptoms and the scores of job burnout, exhaustion, and cynicism (rs=0.596, 0.689, 0.600, P<0.001); the score of depressive symptoms was also positively correlated with the scores of job burnout, exhaustion, and cynicism (rs=0.601, 0.680, 0.607, P<0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that women had a lower risk of job burnout than men (OR=0.458, 95%CI: 0.273, 0.768), and the risk of reporting positive job burnout was 3.140 times higher for those who worked overtime than those who did not (OR=3.140, 95%CI: 1.732, 5.693). Conclusion The current situation of job burnout in express industry is serious. Gender, education, monthly income, and overtime are the main influencing factors. Measures should be developed to reduce the occurrence of job burnout.

Job burnout and influencing factors among Chinese manufacturing employees / 环境与职业医学

Background Manufacturing industry is the main body of China's national economy, and manufacturing employees provide solid guarantee and support for the vigorous development of China's manufacturing industry. The research on job burnout of manufacturing employees is helpful to prevent or alleviate the health damage and economic loss caused by job burnout. Objective To investigate the status and influencing factors of job burnout among manufacturing employees in China, and evaluate the potential mediating effect of job burnout between job stress and depressive symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from August to October 2019 and from June to September 2020 in seven provinces of China. Study participants were recruited from 21 manufacturing companies covering 11 manufacturing subdivisions using multistage stratified cluster sampling. General Burnout Scale, Core Occupational Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to evaluate job burnout, job stress, and depressive symptoms. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare data between two independent samples and multiple independent samples of measurement data; Pearson χ2 test was used to compare the rate of enumeration data; Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate correlation between selected variables; binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis; stepwise regression and bias-corrected Bootstrap method were used to test potential mediating effect. Results A total of 10973 valid questionnaires were collected. The M (P25, P75) scores of exhaustions, cynicism, professional efficacy, job burnout, job stress, and depressive symptoms were 1.6 (0.4, 3.0), 1.0 (0.2, 2.2), 4.8 (3.2, 5.7), 1.6 (0.8, 2.5), 45.0 (40.0, 50.0), and 7.0 (4.0, 11.0), respectively. The positive rates of job burnout, job stress, and depressive symptoms were 53.4% (5865/10973), 28.4% (3116/10973), and 29.4% (3231/10973), respectively. The influencing factors of job burnout were gender (versus male; OR for female=0.852), age (versus≤25 years old; ORs for 26-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 years old=0.824, 0.819, 0.738, 0.677), education level (versus junior high school or below; ORs for senior high school/technical secondary school, junior college/vocational college, graduate school or above=1.119, 1.345, 1.331), income per month (versus＜3000 yuan; ORs for 3000-4999, 5000-6999, 7000-8999, 9000-10999, ≥11000 yuan=0.513, 0.470, 0.430, 0.375, 0.411), position (versus assembly line; OR for non-assembly line=0.814), average weekly working hours (versus ≤40 h; ORs for 61-70, ＞70 h=1.199, 1.519), and drinking (versus non-drinking; OR for drinking=1.261). Job burnout was positively correlated with job stress and depressive symptoms (r=0.556, 0.508, P<0.001). Job burnout played a partial mediating role between job stress and depressive symptoms, and its contribution value accounted for 63.2% of the total effect. Conclusion Manufacturing industry employees' job burnout problem is prominent in China, and there are many factors affecting job burnout. Job burnout may play a partial mediating role between job stress and depressive symptoms in the target group.

Health Impact Assessment of the Mining Industry / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

@#Health impact assessment is a means of evidence-based policy-making for improvement in health. It is a combination of methods whose aim is to assess the health consequences to a population of a policy, project, or program that does not necessarily have health as its primary objective. It is described as being “the leading global network on best practice in the use of impact assessment for informed decision-making regarding policies, programs, plans and projects”. In recent years, much evidence was revealed that the mining, metal mining, and processing industry has a greatly impact on humans. Residing population has affected directly and indirectly influenced to the health and wellbeing of human. </br>The mining, metal mining and processing industries play an important role in the economic and social development of Mongolia. With the rapid development of the mining industry in Mongolia, environmental protection and environmental rehabilitation have become a priority. Currently, there are 27 laws governing environmental legal acts in our country, and chapter 3 of the Hygiene Law covers environmental and health impact assessment. As stated the implementation of the law shall be financed from the state and local budgets, the central state administrative organization and the Governor at the appropriate level shall order the relevant professional organizations to carry out environmental research and analysis work and to develop projects, and in addition to financing with budget funds, as well as conducting research with their funds for interested citizens, enterprises, and organizations were are arrangements to support the implementation of the laws and its regulation. </br>However, Within the scope of the Law on Environmental Protection and Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures, the negative impact on the environment is identified but in the area of health impact, it is a lack of information on how the activities are conducted, and health impact assessments are not conducted according to procedures and methods. Thus, there are need to conduct health impact assessments of the mining area and its affected population.

Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed occupational pneumoconiosis in Henan Province from 2006 to 2020 / 中国职业医学

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological distribution of new occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred as pneumoconiosis) in Henan Province from 2006 to 2020. Methods: Clinical data of newly recruited pneumoconiosis cases from 2006 to 2020 in Henan Province were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 9 624 cases of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis were reported in Henan Province in the past 15 years, of which 98.6% were males. The number of cases had two peaks, one in 2009-2011 and the other in 2014-2017. There were 12 types of pneumoconiosis of all reported cases except for mica pneumoconiosis, in which coal workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis accounted for 96.0%. The incidence of phase Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ pneumoconiosis was 64.7%, 21.0% and 14.3%, respectively. The incidence of phase Ⅱ and Ⅲ silicosis was higher than that of coal miners' pneumoconiosis (56.3% vs 22.7%, P<0.01). Patients with pneumoconiosis were mainly distributed in Zhengzhou City, Sanmenxia City, Luoyang City, Pingdingshan City and Hebi City, accounting for 85.0%. The enterprises involved were mainly mining industry, large- and medium-sized enterprises, state-owned enterprises and collective enterprises. The top five position of patients were coal miners, rock drillers, excavators, coal mixed workers and pure coal miners, total accounting for 72.0%. There were 196 enterprises reported ≥10 cases, accounting for 17.2% of all enterprises and 80.3% of the total of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis cases. The median (M) of onset age of new cases was 49 years old, and the M of onset of working age was 16 years. The onset age of silicosis was younger (M: 49 vs 48 years old, P<0.05), while the onset of working age was longer (M: 10 vs 20 years, P<0.05), compared with that of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Conclusion: The incidence of pneumoconiosis in Henan Province were disease clustering distribution, regional distribution, industry of enterprise, enterprise scale, enterprise type, nature and working position distribution of enterprises. And it showed the characteristics of group incidence. The prevention and control treatment of pneumoconiosis should be strengthened in key areas, key enterprises and key diseases and jobs.

Lean strategy for data mining and continuous improvement of Chinese pharmaceutical process: a case study of sporoderm-removal Ganoderma lucidum spore powder / 中国中药杂志

In the digital transformation of Chinese pharmaceutical industry, how to efficiently govern and analyze industrial data and excavate the valuable information contained therein to guide the production of drug products has always been a research hotspot and application difficulty. Generally, the Chinese pharmaceutical technique is relatively extensive, and the consistency of drug quality needs to be improved. To address this problem, we proposed an optimization method combining advanced calculation tools(e.g., Bayesian network, convolutional neural network, and Pareto multi-objective optimization algorithm) with lean six sigma tools(e.g., Shewhart control chart and process performance index) to dig deeply into historical industrial data and guide the continuous improvement of pharmaceutical processes. Further, we employed this strategy to optimize the manufacturing process of sporoderm-removal Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. After optimization, we preliminarily obtained the possible interval combination of critical parameters to ensure the P_(pk) values of the critical quality properties including moisture, fineness, crude polysaccharide, and total triterpenes of the sporoderm-removal G. lucidum spore powder to be no less than 1.33. The results indicate that the proposed strategy has an industrial application value.