Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is the particulate component of diesel exhaust, which includes diesel soot and aerosols. When released into the atmosphere, DPM can take the form of individual particles or chain aggregates, with most in the invisible sub-micrometer range of 100 nanometres. The main particulate fraction of diesel exhaust consists of fine particles and because of their small size, inhaled particles may easily penetrate deep into the lungs. The rough surfaces of these particles make it easy for them to bind with other toxins in the environment, thus increasing the hazards of particle inhalation. DPM is a significant health hazard in underground mining operations, where the use of diesel-powered equipment in confined spaces can lead to high levels of exposure among people working in these environments. Classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), DPM has been linked to severe health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as an increased risk of lung cancer. Effective management of DPM is essential not only for protecting people's health but also for ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining operational efficiency, and safeguarding the long-term viability of mining companies.

On 5 August 2014, the Orkney M5.5 earthquake, the largest in South African gold mining districts, occurred with an unusual strike-slip mechanism at great depth of 4.78 km below the surface. In a rare case, the M L 5.5 earthquake occurred within the area covered by the legacy 2D and 3D reflection seismic data acquired in the 1990s and 2000s for gold exploration and mine development. In addition, the earthquake ML 5.5 rupture plane was recorded and accurately delineated by the underground in-mine seismic network near the source region. The integration of the legacy 2D reflection seismic data and mine seismicity data allowed us to identify a near-vertical structure, striking northnorthwest-south southeast (NNW-SSE). The ICDP-DSeis team drilled three holes (Hole A, Hole B, and Hole C), and two holes (Hole B and Hole C), intersected the upper edges of the M L 5.5 rupture. These holes recovered metasediments, metabasalts, intrusive rocks including dolerite sills and lamprophyre dykes adjacent to the fault zone, and the fault gouge. Late Prof. Tullis Onstott and geomicrobiologists installed a packer in Hole A and successfully recovered saline water and detected gas (~10 MPa). Slip weakening and rupture propagation are significantly influenced by the existence of fault gouges and the production of wear material between two sliding rock surfaces. Using the fault gouge material recovered from Hole C, we conducted friction experiments under dry and room temperature conditions at high slip velocity of ~100 mm/s and normal stress of 2 MPa. The resulting steady-state frictional strength was ~0.66 over a slip weakening distance of ~9.1 m. The steady-state frictional strength was high, which may be caused by large gouge thickness, and the rate of wear generation. As a result, it is proposed that the Moab Khotsong ML 5.5 seismogenic zone is complex and could be controlled by three main processes: a) the complex structural architecture of the seismogenic zone (e.g., intersection of fault, lamprophyre dykes, and dolerite sills); b) the mechanical process induced by tectonic and/or mining related stresses; and c) the mechanical and chemical processes caused by the water and rock interaction.

This study investigates seismicity and rockburst control within the Merensky Reef and UG2 orebody of an intermediate-depth platinum mine located in South Africa's Bushveld Complex. Utilising a mine-wide seismic monitoring system, over 1,900 seismic events were recorded between April 2023 and May 2024, revealing complex seismic patterns driven by mining-induced stress changes. The largest event, with a magnitude of ML 2.0, underscores the seismic risks associated with mining at increasing depths. Key findings include the spatial and temporal variability of seismic events, with high seismic activity observed near pillars and geological structures. A significant portion of events correlated with pillar and foundation failures. Moment tensor analysis identified dominant failure modes, such as stress-driven fracture closures and dynamic pillar failures. To mitigate risks, the study emphasises advanced support system redesign and rockburst risk assessment using the rockburst damage potential (RDP) method. The research highlights the importance of monitoring, geotechnical compliance, and adaptive designs in enhancing safety and reducing seismic hazards in underground mining operations. The study applied the RDP framework, classifying damage across R1 to R5 scales, where most instances fell into low-risk categories (R1 and R3), indicating minor to moderate damage. However, data limitations and the tabular stoping method's complexity led to inconclusive results, highlighting the need for more robust data and customised risk assessment tools. Despite these challenges, the RDP approach provided valuable insights into rockburst mechanisms and the effectiveness of existing support systems.

Abstract Background Treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) with catheter ablation (CA) has evolved significantly. However, real-world data on long-term outcomes are limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective This multicenter prospective cohort of consecutive patients aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of first-time CA for AF in Southern Brazil from 2009 to 2024. Methods The primary outcome was any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model assessed independent predictors of recurrence. Results Among 1,043 patients (mean age 67.3 ± 11.3 years, 27.9% female), 75.5% had paroxysmal AF. At a median follow-up of 1.4 (1.0 - 3.4) years, 21.4% had ATA recurrence. Recurrence rates were 18.6% for paroxysmal and 29.8% for persistent AF, and 67.3% of events occurred within the first year after CA. Predictors of recurrence were persistent AF at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.13; p = 0.004), enlargement of left atrial diameter (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05; p = 0.033), and higher EHRA score of AF symptoms (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.18-2.18; p = 0.003). Recurrence rates decreased over time according to the procedure’s calendar year, with a 9% relative reduction per consecutive year (HR 0.91; p < 0.001). There was a 2.1% rate of procedure-related adverse events. Conclusions In the largest cohort study of consecutive AF ablations in Latin America, predictors of ATA recurrence were related to later stages of AF. Complication and recurrence rates were comparable to those in high-income countries, underscoring the global applicability of CA for AF management.

Resumo Fundamento O tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA) com ablação por cateter evoluiu significativamente. No entanto, dados do cenário clínico real em desfechos de longo prazo são limitados, particularmente em países de baixa e média renda. Objetivo Este estudo prospectivo, multicêntrico, do tipo coorte de pacientes consecutivos tem como objetivo avaliar a segurança da primeira ablação por cateter da FA na região sudeste do Brazil entre 2009 e 2024. Métodos O desfecho primário foi a recorrência de qualquer taquiarritmia atrial (TAA). O modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox avaliou preditores independentes de recorrência. Resultados Entre 1043 pacientes (idade média 67,3 ± 11,3 anos, 27,9% mulheres), 75,5% apresentaram FA paroxística. Após um tempo mediano de acompanhamento de 1,4 (1,0 – 3,4) anos, 21,4% apresentaram recorrência de TAA. As taxas de recorrência foram de 18,6% para FA paroxística e de 29,8% para FA persistente; 67,3% dos eventos ocorreram no primeiro ano após a ablação por cateter. Preditores de recorrência foram FA persistente no basal [hazard ratio (HR) 1,57, Intervalo de Confiança (IC) 95% 1,15-2,13; p = 0,004), aumento do diâmetro atrial esquerdo (HR 1,03, IC95% 1,00-1,05; p = 0,033), e escore EHRA de sintomas de FA mais alto (HR 1,60, IC95% 1,18-2,18; p = 0,003). As taxas de recorrência diminuíram ao longo do tempo de acordo com o ano calendário do procedimento, com uma redução de 9% por ano consecutivo (HR 0,91; p < 0,001). Houve uma taxa de 2,1% de ocorrência de eventos adversos relacionados ao procedimento. Conclusão No maior estudo coorte de ablações consecutivas da FA da América Latina, preditores de recorrência de TAA se associaram com estágios mais avançados da FA. As taxas de complicação e de recorrência foram comparáveis às de países de alta renda, destacando a aplicabilidade global da ablação por cateter para o manejo da FA.

Resumo O objetivo é estudar a associação de uma razão peso/comprimento (P/C) baixa ao nascer com o risco de hospitalizações durante o primeiro ano de vida (PAV). Estudo de coorte de nascidos vivos em Ribeirão Preto, Brasil em 2010 e 2011. P/C baixa foi definida como abaixo do 3º percentil para idade gestacional (IG) e sexo de acordo com Intergrowth 21st. Modelos de riscos proporcionais de Cox simples e múltiplos foram usados. 4.087 crianças foram incluídas (51,5% da coorte original), das quais 741 (18,1%) foram hospitalizadas pelo menos uma vez durante o PAV. Na análise univariável, os fatores associados a maior risco do desfecho foram: P/C baixa, pré-natal inadequado, hipertensão materna, cor da pele negra e usar o sistema público de saúde. Na análise multivariável, a P/C baixa ao nascer foi associada a maior risco de hospitalizações [hazard ratio ajustada (HRa) 2,67; intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 1,98; 3,60], mas esta associação desapareceu quando excluímos as hospitalizações neonatais (HRa 1,58; IC95% 0,98; 2,54). A razão P/C ao nascer baixa para IG e sexo não foi associada a maior risco de hospitalizações durante o PAV além do período neonatal em uma coorte de nascidos vivos brasileiros.

Resumen El objetivo es estudiar la asociación de una relación peso/talla (P/T) baja al nacer con el riesgo de hospitalizaciones durante el primer año de vida (PAV). Estudio de cohorte de nacidos vivos en Ribeirão Preto, Brasil, en 2010 y 2011. P/T bajo se definió como debajo del percentil 3 para la edad gestacional (EG) y el sexo según Intergrowth 21st. Se utilizaron modelos de riesgos proporcionales de Cox simples y múltiples. Se incluyeron 4.087 niños (51,5% de la cohorte original), de los cuales 741 (18,1%) fueron hospitalizados al menos una vez durante la NAV. En el análisis univariable, los factores asociados con mayor riesgo del resultado fueron: relación P/T baja, atención prenatal inadecuada, hipertensión materna, color de piel negro y uso del sistema de salud público. En el análisis multivariable, la relación P/T se asoció con un mayor riesgo de hospitalizaciones [índice de riesgo ajustado (IRa) 2,67; intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%) 1,98; 3,60], pero esta asociación desapareció cuando excluimos las hospitalizaciones neonatales (IRa 1,58; IC95% 0,98; 2,54). La baja relación P/T al nacer para EG y sexo no se asoció con un mayor riesgo de hospitalizaciones durante el PAV más allá del período neonatal en una cohorte de nacidos vivos brasileños.

Abstract The aim is to study the association of a low birth weight/length ratio (W/L) with the risk of hospitalizations during the first year of life (YOL). Cohort study of live births from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil in 2010 and 2011. Low W/L was defined as below the 3rd percentile for gestational age (GA) and sex according to the Intergrowth 21st. Single and multiple Cox proportional hazards models were modelled. 4,087 children were included, of which 741 (18.1%) had been hospitalized at least once during the first YOL. In the univariate analysis, the factors associated with increased risk of the outcome were: low W/L, inadequate prenatal care, maternal hypertension, black skin color, and using the public health system. In the multivariate analysis, a low birth W/L was associated with greater risk of all hospitalizations [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.67, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.98, 3.60], but this association disappeared when we excluded neonatal hospitalizations (aHR 1.58, 95%CI 0.98, 2.54). A low birth W/L for GA and sex was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalizations during the first YOL beyond the neonatal period in a Brazilian cohort of live births.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a sobrevida global e específica em cinco anos para o câncer de mama feminino na Grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Métodos: Coorte não concorrente, de base populacional, por meio do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional da Grande Cuiabá (Cuiabá e Várzea Grande), com mulheres diagnosticadas com câncer de mama no período de 2008 a 2013, seguidas até 2018 no banco de mortalidade regional. A amostra foi composta do total de 1.220 mulheres. Para a análise da sobrevida de cinco anos foram utilizadas as curvas de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de regressão de riscos proporcionais de Cox, computando-se os hazard ratios para a estimativa das variáveis. Compararam-se as curvas por meio do teste log-rank (p<0,05). O linkage probabilístico foi realizado por meio do software Link Plus 2.0, e a análise de sobrevida foi realizada pelo STATA versão 12.0. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre as sobrevidas global (SG) e a específica (SE) (SG 78,0%, intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 75,6–80,2; SE 81,0%, IC95% 78,7–83,2). Apresentaram pior sobrevida as mulheres com menor escolaridade (SG 58,33%; SE 64,89%) e sem parceiro (SG 64,81%; SE 70,41%). Conclusão: Observa-se, assim, que a escolaridade e o estado civil afetaram as sobrevidas global e específica para o câncer de mama feminino. Faz-se necessário propor políticas que atendam ao perfil de mulheres com menor sobrevida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the overall and cancer-specific five-year survival rates for female breast cancer in Greater Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: A non-concurrent, population-based cohort study using the Population-Based Cancer Registry of Greater Cuiabá (Cuiabá and Varzea Grande), including women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2008 to 2013, followed through 2018 in the regional mortality database. The sample consisted of a total of 1,220 women. Five-year survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazards regression model, computing hazard ratios for variable estimation. Survival curves were compared using the log-rank test (p<0.05). Probabilistic linkage technique by the RecLink III software and survival analysis were conducted using STATA software version 12.0. Results: There was no statistical difference between the overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (SS) rates (OS 78.0%, 95%CI 75.6–80.2; SS 81.0%, 95%CI 78.7–83.2). Women with lower educational levels (OS=58.33%; SS=64.89%) and those without a partner (OS 64.81%; SS 70.41%) exhibited poorer survival. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that educational level and marital status significantly impact both overall and cancer-specific survival rates for female breast cancer. There is a need to propose policies that address the profile of women with lower survival rates.

RESUMEN Introducción: la emergencia y reemergencia de patógenos representan una amenaza constante para la seguridad de la humanidad, con consecuencias sanitarias, sociales y económicas impredecibles. A esto se suma el riesgo biológico presente en instalaciones que utilizan agentes biológicos patógenos para humanos, animales y plantas. Objetivo: explorar información sobre el peligro biológico y la bioseguridad en el panorama sanitario internacional, su vínculo con las emergencias biológicas y la comunicación de riesgos para su prevención. Método: se realizó una revisión sistemática descriptiva, de 5 097 artículos, a partir de un metaanálisis en el período 2000 a 2024 (periodo poscovid). Se empleó la metodología de Sánchez Meca, con el uso del software Harzing´s Publish o Perish 8. Los motores de búsquedas académicas empleados fueron Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar y Crossref. Resultados: se detectó que son escasos los estudios que reflejan la relación entre los peligros y riesgos biológicos, la bioseguridad, las emergencias biológicas y el rol protagónico que puede desempeñar la comunicación de riesgos en el contexto sanitario internacional. Conclusiones: los resultados sugieren la necesidad de conocer los peligros biológicos para implementar medidas de bioseguridad, elaboración e implementación de planes de emergencias biológicas, así como la creación de estrategias y planes de comunicación de riesgos más efectivos y eficaces para la protección de la población expuesta directa o indirectamente al riesgo biológico, así como bienes y servicios socioeconómicos y al medio ambiente en sentido general.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the emergence and re-emergence of pathogens represent a constant threat to the security of humanity, with unpredictable health, social and economic consequences. Added to this is the biological risk present in facilities that use biological agents that are pathogenic to humans, animals and plants. Objective: explore information about biological danger and biosafety in the international health panorama, its link with biological emergencies and risk communication for its prevention. Method: a descriptive systematic review of 5,097 articles was carried out, based on a meta-analysis in the period 2000 to 2024 (post-covid period). The Sánchez Meca methodology was used, with the use of Harzing's Publish or Perish 8 software. The academic search engines used were Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar and Crossref. Results: it was detected that. There are few studies that reflect the relationship between biological hazards and risks, biosafety, biological emergencies and the leading role that risk communication can play in the international health context. Conclusions: the results suggest the need to know biological hazards to implement biosafety measures, preparation and implementation of biological emergency plans, as well as the creation of more effective and efficient risk communication strategies and plans for the protection of the population directly or indirectly exposed to biological risk, as well as socioeconomic goods and services and the environment in general.

RESUMO Introdução: a emergência e reemergência de agentes patogénicos representam uma ameaça constante à segurança da humanidade, com consequências sanitárias, sociais e económicas imprevisíveis. Soma-se a isso o risco biológico presente em instalações que utilizam agentes biológicos patogênicos para humanos, animais e plantas. Objetivo: explorar informações sobre perigo biológico e biossegurança no panorama sanitário internacional, sua ligação com emergências biológicas e comunicação de riscos para sua prevenção. Método: foi realizada revisão sistemática descritiva de 5.097 artigos, baseada em meta-análise no período de 2000 a 2024 (período pós-covid). Foi utilizada a metodologia SánchezMeca, com a utilização do software Publish or Perish 8 de Harzing. Os motores de busca acadêmicos utilizados foram Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar e Crossref. Resultados: detectou-se que existem poucos estudos que reflitam a relação entre perigos e riscos biológicos, biossegurança, emergências biológicas e o papel de liderança que a comunicação de riscos pode desempenhar no contexto de saúde internacional. Conclusões: os resultados sugerem a necessidade de conhecer os riscos biológicos para implementar medidas de biossegurança, elaboração e implementação de planos de emergência biológica, bem como a criação de estratégias e planos de comunicação de riscos mais eficazes e eficientes para a proteção da população direta ou indiretamente exposta ao risco biológico, bem como dos bens e serviços socioeconómicos e do ambiente em geral.

Malawi faces severe climate change impacts, with 30 climate-related disasters recorded in 20 years, causing over 4000 deaths, affecting 2.6 million people and resulting in economic losses of over $1 billion. The southern region, especially Chikwawa District, is hit the hardest, experiencing 40% of these disasters. In light of this, the study aimed to assess organisations' capacity and obstacles to collaborative approaches for adapting and building resilience to climate change-induced extreme weather events. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire distributed among 25 organisations, involving 325 participants. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data analysis, and the analytical hierarchy processing (AHP) method was applied to analyse intra-organisational challenges or obstacles to adopting climate resilience strategies. Alarmingly, 90% of organisations suspended operations because of climate-related disasters, with only 5% engaged in flood mitigation approaches. About 67% lacked flood abatement measures, and only 4% had conducted risk assessments. Most enterprises relied on government (80%) and Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (70%) for resilience. Additionally, 85% of the organisations did not act collectively during extreme weather events, facing challenges such as lack of planning, adaptive capacity, leadership and funding. The results of this research offer a baseline for the organisations within the study area to map the way forward in making sure that the relentless impact of climate change-induced hazards should not always turn into disasters for their livelihoods and also the community at large. CONTRIBUTION: This study provides a methodology for the identification of barriers to fostering a culture of proactive organisational adaptation to the escalating impacts of climate change for safeguarding lives and livelihood within a neighbourhood.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) have long been central to African communities, providing critical solutions to health and disaster challenges. Traditional medicine, a significant component of IKS, continues to play a vital role in addressing health needs, especially in rural areas. AIM: This study sought to gain insights on the use of traditional medicine to address the COVID-19 pandemic in five rural villages in the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa. SETTING: The study was conducted in Joe Morolong Local Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa. METHODS: By adopting a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach, the study investigated participants' lived experiences. Focus group discussions were conducted with 100 participants, conveniently sampled based on availability. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, uncovering key themes and patterns. RESULTS: Findings revealed that most participants and their households relied on traditional medicine to treat COVID-19 symptoms. This study identified seven key medicinal plants commonly used in the community and their detailed preparation and administration methods. The findings demonstrate the essential role of traditional medicine in fostering community resilience during the pandemic, complementing conventional healthcare services. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential of IKS, particularly traditional medicine, in addressing biological hazards such as COVID-19. CONTRIBUTION: The study highlights the importance of integrating traditional practices into disaster risk reduction strategies to enhance health and resilience in vulnerable communities.

The real-time sensing of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) vapor has become urgent due to their widespread hazards. As a sensing platform that combines low energy consumption and high sensitivity, moisture-resistant detection of ppb-level BTEX vapor remains a challenge for quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) based gas sensors. In this work, we employed polyaniline nanofibers as the sensing material, significantly enhancing the QCM sensor’s detection capability for BTEX vapor down to the 50 ppb level. Besides, thanks to the hydrophobicity of polyaniline nanofibers, this sensor shows minimal response fluctuations to BTEX vapor in the relative humidity range of 50-90%. Furthermore, this sensor exhibits a short response time and excellent long-term stability, thereby presenting a broad prospect for future industrial applications in BTEX vapor detection. realtime real benzene toluene ethylbenzene (BTEX hazards sensitivity moistureresistant moisture resistant ppblevel level (QCM sensors work material s 5 Besides 5090%. 5090 90%. 90 50-90% Furthermore longterm long term stability 5090% 509 90% 9 50-90 50-9 50-

Risiko is hedendaags onberekenbaar vermenigvuldig en vererger in vergelyking met wat Ulrich Beck se werk oor "risikosamelewing" aan die hand gedoen het toe dit aanvanklik gepubliseer is, ofskoon 'n mens terugskouend spore van die buitensporige risiko's van die huidige tyd, veral soos in die sogenaamde "Covid-pandemie" beliggaam, in sy verwagtinge kan bespeur. Hierdie artikel konsentreer op Beck se werk, met die doel om dit heuristies te benut ten einde 'n beter begrip ten opsigte van die risiko's wat deur die Covid-19-"pandemie" ontketen is -asook deur verbandhoudende gevolge daarvan - te kan formuleer. Beck se werk word in die raamwerk van 'n Heideggeriaanse refleksie oor menslike temporaliteit en veral die toekoms gesitueer, met die klem daarop dat mense by uitstek tyd-georiënteerde wesens is, en dat wat in die hede gebeur onvermydelik in die lig van toekomsverwagtinge en projeksies verstaan word. Die idee van "vooroordeel" word ook in hierdie konteks bespreek, ten einde die relevansie van die "hermeneutiese sirkel" vir die begrip van gebeure tydens en sedert die Covid-19-"pandemie" te kan begryp, en om aanklagte van vooroordeel ten opsigte van die huidige interpretasie van hierdie gebeure aan die hand van Beck se werk die hoof te bied. Daar word aangevoer dat, ofskoon hulle die kategorie van "tegnologies" met die tipe risiko wat Beck identifiseer deel, die soort risiko wat deur die Covid-"pandemie", inperkings, Covid-"inentings" en gepaardgaande ekonomiese swaarkry na vore gekom het, van 'n volkome ander aard is. Die "risiko-samelewing" was volgens Beck herkenbaar aan die newe-produksie en verspreiding van gevare soos giftige besmetting deur kontaminante, besoedeling en klimaatsveranderende emissies, in teenstelling met die voorafgaande samelewing van welvaartverspreiding. Vandag staar die samelewing egter blykbaar iets veel ergers in die gesig, te wete die produksie van potensieel- en selfs aktueel-dodelike stowwe en toestande. In vergelyking met die gevare van die risikosamelewing, wat as voorkombaar beskou is, sou 'n mens moontlik kon verwag dat dit vandag ook die geval sou wees, maar by nadere ondersoek blyk dit nie so te wees nie, grootliks omdat groeiende getuienis aantoon dat meeste van die huidige "ultra-risiko's" doelbewus geskep is, en dat dit te laat is om die meeste daarvan ongedaan te maak. Hierdie, sowel as andere aspekte van die "pandemie-samelewing" word deur die lens van Beck se "risikosamelewing" onder die loep geneem.

Today, risk has been multiplied and exacerbated beyond anything that even Ulrich Beck's work on "risk society" seemed to suggest when first published, although - with hindsight - one can detect traces of the excessive risks of the present, centred on the Covid-19 "pandemic", in his prognostications. This paper concentrates on the work of Beck, with a view to mining it heuristically for a better comprehension of the risks unleashed by the Covid-19 "pandemic" and everything associated with it. Beck's work is situated within the framework of a Heideggerian reflection on human temporality and particularly the future, emphasising that human beings are time-oriented creatures par excellence, and that therefore what happens in the present is inescapably understood in the light of future expectations and projections. The notion of "prejudice" is also discussed in this context, to reveal the relevance of the "hermeneutic circle" for the understanding of events during and after the Covid-19 "pandemic", and to neutralise accusations of bias in the interpretation of these events offered here in relation to Beck's work on "risk society". It is argued that, despite sharing the denominator of "technological", compared to the kinds of risk distinguished by Beck, those introduced by the "pandemic", lockdowns, Covid "vaccines", and in their wake, economic hardship - to mention only some - are of a different, more deleterious order altogether. If, in contrast with the society of wealth-distribution (through goods), the "risk society" was recognisable by the (by)production and distribution of hazards such as toxic contaminants, pollution and climate-changing emissions, today society seems to be facing something far worse, namely the production of potentially, if not actually, lethal substances and conditions. If the hazards of risk society were seen as preventable (compared to "natural" perils) - after all, they were socially produced and exacerbated (or sometimes moderated) by economic and cultural practices - one might expect that it would be the case with those faced today, too. This, it turns out, is highly improbable, largely because growing evidence suggests that most of the "ultra-risks" that have emerged of late have been produced intentionally, or by design, and that it is too late to undo most of them, although others may be prevented. Specifically, it has now been established that most of these risks, if not outright dangers, were produced intentionally, as part of a depopulation agenda, by a relatively small group of hyper-wealthy, neo-fascist, globalist billionaires. What Beck argued, namely that the potential for cataclysm was increasing, has been exacerbated beyond what could have been expected under "normal" risk-conditions. Ironically, under these conditions the uncertainties of science in the face of unpredictable risk, which were highlighted by Beck, have made way for contrary, ideological claims concerning the "certainties" of "the science" in relation to so-called Covid-19 "vaccines". Insofar as these vaunted "certainties" pertained to the supposed "safety and effectiveness" of these injections, recent evidence in the guise of scientific studies suggests that the opposite is the case, and that millions of the recipients of these "jabs" have died globally since they were administered, in this way confirming the qualitative difference between the kind of risk faced in contemporary "pandemic" society and the risks that Beck perceived in the "risk society" which succeeded the society of "wealth-production". Eight of the risks that Beck associates with this kind of society are discussed, and the differences between those risks - which are generated by science and technology, among other things - and what humanity faces today, particularly since the advent of the Covid "pandemic", are identified and clarified. Importantly, the qualitative differences between risks as understood by Beck - which emerged as side-effects of "normal" scientific, technological and industrial practices and processes - and the risks that have emerged recently, at least since 2020, are emphasised. This amounts to the recognition of not only the risks demonstrably associated with the pseudo-vaccines marketed as "vaccines" against Covid-19, but also, and especially, of the demonstrable dangers that they hold, which could potentially augur the extinction of the human species. These and other aspects of "pandemic" society - such as deliberate economic destruction and geo-engineering - are addressed through the lenses of Beck's work on risk society, raising the fraught question of the possible extinction of humanity.

Resumen El uso indebido de plaguicidas en la agricultura supone un peligro para la salud humana, animal y ambiental. (Objetivo y Metodología) En fincas agrícolas de las provincias de Cartago y Guanacaste, en Costa Rica, se documentaron, a través de entrevistas y fotografías, prácticas inadecuadas de almacenamiento, selección incorrecta de plaguicidas y uso excesivo de formulaciones plaguicidas. (Resultados) Las características de los cuartos de almacenamiento en muchas fincas no siguen las normas de seguridad para estas instalaciones indicadas por el Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería de Costa Rica. Diferentes ingredientes activos con acción herbicida, fungicida, insecticida y bactericida son utilizados en especies de cultivo para las cuales no son recomendados. Entre ellos se encuentran sustancias pertenecientes a los grupos químicos carbamato, piridina, ciclohexanodiona, piretroide, conazol, benzotiazolinona, oxadiazina y ftalimida en la provincia de Cartago; y a los grupos químicos neonicotinoide y piretroide en la provincia de Guanacaste. Muchas formulaciones de plaguicidas se utilizan en cantidades superiores a las recomendadas por sus fabricantes, entre ellas bifentrina, captan, oxamilo, cipermetrina, mancozeb, dimetoato y deltametrina en la provincia de Cartago e imidacloprid en la provincia de Guanacaste. (Conclusiones) Estas sustancias y sus metabolitos secundarios tienen el potencial de desplazarse a través de diferentes matrices ambientales, como el agua, el suelo y el aire, y afectar negativamente la salud de miembros de la comunidad y no solo de quienes las aplican. Los programas de educación basados en visitas in situ pueden mejorar la concienciación en la aplicación de buenas prácticas y garantizar un uso racional de estas sustancias, on resultados positivos en organismos no diana como los seres humanos y los entes proveedores de servicios ecosistémicos, así como en los ecosistemas naturales y antropogénicos.

Resumo O uso indevido de pesticidas na agricultura representa um perigo para a saúde humana, animal e ambiental. (Objetivo e Metodologia) Em fazendas agrícolas das províncias de Cartago e Guanacaste, na Costa Rica, foram documentadas, por meio de entrevistas e fotografias, práticas inadequadas de armazenamento, seleção incorreta de agrotóxicos e uso excessivo de formulações de agrotóxicos. (Resultados) As características dos armazéns de muitas fazendas não seguem os padrões de segurança para estas instalações indicados pelo Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária da Costa Rica. Diferentes princípios ativos com ação herbicida, fungicida, inseticida e bactericida são utilizados em espécies culturais para as quais não são recomendados. Entre eles estão substâncias pertencentes aos grupos químicos carbamato, piridina, ciclohexanodiona, piretroide, conazol, benzotiazolinona, oxadiazina e ftalimida na província de Cartago; e aos grupos químicos neonicotinoides e piretroides na província de Guanacaste. Muitas formulações de pesticidas são utilizadas em quantidades superiores às recomendadas pelos seus fabricantes, incluindo bifentrina, captan, oxamil, cipermetrina, mancozebe, dimetoato e deltametrina na província de Cartago e imidacloprida na província de Guanacaste. (Conclusões) Essas substâncias e seus metabólitos secundários têm o potencial de se mover através de diferentes matrizes ambientais, como água, solo e ar, e afetar negativamente a saúde dos membros da comunidade e não apenas daqueles que as aplicam. Programas de educação baseados em visitas in situ podem melhorar a conscientização na aplicação de boas práticas e garantir o uso racional dessas substâncias, com resultados positivos em organismos não-alvo, como seres humanos e entidades prestadoras de serviços ecossistêmicos, bem como em ecossistemas naturais e antropogênicos.

Abstract Pesticide misuse by farmers poses hazards to human, animal, and environmental health. (Objective) This study aimed to document potential pesticide formulation misuse in agricultural farms. (Methodology) Inadequate storage practices, incorrect pesticide selection, and pesticide formulation overuse were documented through interviews and photographs on 13 agricultural farms from the Cartago and Guanacaste provinces of Costa Rica between August 2022 and April 2023. (Results) Storage room characteristics in many farms do not comply with safety standards prescribed by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Different active ingredients with herbicidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, and bactericidal properties are used in crop species for which they are not recommended. These substances include those from the carbamate, pyridine, cyclohexanedione, pyrethroid, conazole, benzothiazinone, oxadiazine, and phthalimide chemical groups in Cartago province, and from the neonicotinoid and pyrethroid chemical groups in Guanacaste province. Many pesticide formulations are utilized in quantities exceeding the manufacturers’ recommendations. Among these formulations were bifenthrin, captan, oxamyl, cypermethrin, mancozeb, dimethoate, and deltamethrin in Cartago province, and imidacloprid in Guanacaste province. (Conclusions) These substances and their secondary metabolites have the potential to move across different environmental compartments such as water, soil, and air, thereby negatively affecting the health of community members rather than just the farmers applying these formulations. Well-established pesticide education programs based on on-site visits to farmers can enhance awareness about implementing good practices and ensure rational use of these substances, with positive results in non-target organisms such as humans and ecosystem service providers as well as natural and anthropogenic ecosystems.

Resumen Como cualquier actividad en el contexto de la pandemia, el running experimentó en la Argentina fuertes impactos que no sólo se reducen a la interrupción abrupta de la actividad y de sus principales rituales de interacción que son las carreras. Además, los corredores fueron actores de notoria presencia en la agenda pública, sobre todo en los primeros meses de pandemia y el Aislamiento Social Preventivo y Obligatorio (ASPO). Ante la imposibilidad de practicar el running y algunas demandas de aperturas para “salir a correr” que tomaron estado público, circularon discursos que, además de reponer un habitual estereotipo negativo de la clase media, se fortalecieron con el agregado de que los corredores pasaron a ser definidos como una de las principales amenazas para la salud colectiva. En ese contexto se expresaron prejuicios, imposturas y estereotipaciones arraigadas con firmeza en el sentido común pero también en el discurso académico. Por ello es que en este artículo se exponen críticamente esos marcos analíticos y de interpretación que conducen a enfoques que simplifican y hasta moralizan los comportamientos colectivos, en este caso de la “clase media”.

Abstract As any activity in the context of the pandemic, running in Argentina experienced strong impacts that are not only reduced to the abrupt interruption of the activity and its main interaction rituals, which are the races. In addition, runners were social actors of notorious presence in public agenda, especially in the first months of the pandemic and the Social,Preventive and Compulsory Isolation (ASPO). Their public demands “to go running” stimulated the circulation of discourses that reinstated a common negative stereotype of the Argentine middle class, with the addition that runners came to be defined as one of the main hazards to collective health. In this context, prejudices, impostures and stereotypes were expressed that were firmly embedded in common sense but also in academic discourse. This article therefore critically exposes those analytical and interpretative frameworks that lead to approaches that simplify and even moralize collective behavior, in this case that of the “middle class.”

RESUMEN La unidad empresarial de base “Tecnoazucar Villa Clara”, perteneciente a la empresa Tecnoazucar, tiene dentro de su objeto social, la producción de siropes. Este producto que cuenta con una alta demanda de la población, se está viendo afectado por problemas que pueden comprometer su inocuidad. Es por ello que el objetivo de esta investigación se centra en la realización de una propuesta del sistema de Análisis de los peligros y los puntos críticos de control (HACCP). Para el desarrollo de la misma se realizó un diagnóstico a la UEB, basado en la aplicación de una lista de chequeo que responde a los requisitos establecidos en la NC ISO 22000: 2018 Sistema de gestión de la inocuidad de los alimentos. Además, se utilizaron otras técnicas como son: observación directa, consulta a documentos de la entidad, diagrama de flujo de proceso, árbol de decisiones y entrevistas. Como resultado se comprobó que, por la envergadura de las no conformidades detectadas, la fábrica no se encuentra en condiciones de implementar un sistema de gestión de la inocuidad, pero si se puede lograr una mejora del producto accionando sobre la propuesta del sistema HACCP, a través de la cual se identificaron los peligros significativos. Los puntos de control críticos resultantes fueron: pasteurización, envasado y tapado, además se diseñaron medidas preventivas y correctivas que garantizan la producción con mayor inocuidad.

ABSTRACT The base business unit "Tecnoazucar Villa Clara," belonging to the Tecnoazucar company, has as part of its social object the production of syrups. This product, which has a high demand from the population, is being affected by problems that could compromise its safety. Therefore, the objective of this research focuses on proposing the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. For its development, a diagnosis of the base business unit was conducted, based on the application of a checklist that meets the requirements established in the NC ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System. Additionally, other techniques such as direct observation, consultation of entity documents, process flow diagram, decision tree, and interviews were used. As a result, it was confirmed that, due to the magnitude of the non-conformities detected, the factory is not in a position to implement a food safety management system. However, an improvement in the product can be achieved by implementing the HACCP system proposal, through which significant hazards were identified. The resulting critical control points were pasteurization, packaging and sealing, and preventive and corrective measures were designed to ensure production with greater safety.

RESUMEN El plan de análisis de riesgos y puntos críticos de control (HACCP) es un sistema para evaluar los peligros y establecer sistemas para su prevención. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo diseñar un plan de análisis de riesgos y puntos críticos de control en la línea de producción de una bebida láctea fermentada con gel de aloe frutado, para lo cual se realizó un análisis de peligros en las diferentes etapas de elaboración del producto, se identificaron los puntos críticos de control (PCC) y se establecieron de los límites críticos para cada uno. La metodología se basa en la aplicación de los siete principios del HACCP señalados en la norma venezolana COVENIN 3802:2002. El análisis de peligros y la aplicación del árbol de decisión permitieron identificar 5 PCC: recepción de leche cruda, pasteurización, inoculación, recepción de pencas de zábila y almacenamiento final y distribución. Los límites críticos están referidos a temperaturas, tiempo y condiciones microbiológicas. El plan de HACCP contiene el sistema de vigilancia, acciones correctivas y procedimientos de verificación por cada PCC establecido.

ABSTRACT The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan is a system for evaluating hazards and establishing systems for their prevention. This research aimed to design a risk analysis plan and critical control points in the production line of a fermented dairy drink with fruity aloe gel, for which a hazard analysis was carried out in the different stages of product production, the critical control points (CCP) were identified and the critical limits were established for each one. The methodology is based on the application of the seven HACCP principles indicated in the Venezuelan standard COVENIN 3802:2002. The hazard analysis and the application of the decision tree allowed us to identify 5 CCPs: reception of raw milk, pasteurization, inoculation, reception of Aloe vera leaves and final storage and distribution. The critical limits are referred to temperatures, time and microbiological conditions. The HACCP plan contains the surveillance system, corrective actions and verification procedures for each established CCP.