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Wood ash generated as a by-product of biomass combustion can be a sustainable and reasonable approach to counteract acidification and correct nutrient deficiency in forest soils. We investigated the influence of wood ash (WA) and combined WA + N (nitrogen) on soil chemical properties, growth and foliar nutrients of Zelkova serrata and their potential as a soil amender across different soil types. We applied four levels of WA (0, 5, 10, and 20 Mg ha −1 ) and two levels of N fertilizer (0 and 150 kg ha −1 ) across three different soil types: landfill saline (LS) soil, forest infertile (FI) soil, and forest acidic (FA) soil. The WA generally improved soil pH, organic matter, available P, exchangeable cations (K + , Na + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ ), and EC of the three soils, but its ameliorating and neutralizing effects were predominant in FA soil. N fertilizer was more effective in improving plant growth, especially for biomass production in LS and FI soils. WA application significantly increased biomass production when it was applied over 5 Mg ha −1 in FA soil, but higher dose rate of WA (i.e. 20 Mg ha −1 ) seems to pose negative effects. Foliar P, K, and Ca concentrations also tended to increase with the increasing amount of WA. Therefore, lower dosage of WA without N can be applied as a soil amender to counteract forest soil acidity and improve plant growth and foliar nutrient concentration, whereas N fertilizer without WA can be added to correct nutrient soil deficiencies in landfill and infertile soils. This study should enhance our understanding of WA as a sustainable and reasonable approach to counteract acidification and correct nutrient deficiency in forest soils.

Nicotine, the primary component of cigarette smoke, is not only addictive but also indirectly contributes to lung diseases by increasing heart rate and blood pressure upon inhalation. Therefore, managing nicotine content in cigarette smoke necessitates accurate quantitative analysis. Nicotine from cigarette smoke is collected using a Cambridge filter, subjected to solvent extraction, and analyzed using instrumental techniques. However, since nicotine is susceptible to light-induced oxidation, losses may occur during pretreatment, reducing result reliability. This study assesses nicotine loss under various lighting conditions and storage durations. Nicotine collected in Cambridge filters is exposed to dark, visible radiation, and UV radiation (254 nm) for different time intervals (0–48 h), and the nicotine content is analyzed and compared. In dark conditions, a 1.6% decline in nicotine concentration occurs after 48 h. With visible radiation, a 9% reduction is observed, while under UV exposure, the concentration decreases by 16.9%. The UV radiation-associated decrease in nicotine concentration is −0.335% h−1, exhibiting strong linearity (R2=0.9465). Consequently, significant nicotine loss in Cambridge filter-collected samples is influenced by storage duration and lighting conditions. This study’s findings can enhance the accuracy of nicotine quantification in cigarette smoke, thereby improving the understanding of nicotine’s harmful effects in cigarette smoke.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is among the most widely used synthetic phenolic antioxidants. However, BHT and its metabolites have been detected in aquatic ecosystems, posing potential risks to aquatic organisms. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of BHT metabolites on embryonic development in zebrafish. To this end, embryos were exposed to BHT metabolites, including 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4 hydroxybenzaldehyde (BHT-CHO), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-(hydroxymethyl) phenol (BHT-OH), 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4 hydroxybenzoic acid (BHT-COOH), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-P-benzoquinone (BHT-Q), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-4-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one (BHT-quinol), from 1–120 h post-fertilization (hpf). BHT-CHO, -OH, -COOH, -Q, and -quinol were toxic to zebrafish larvae with 96 h LC 50 values of > 0.10, 15.85, 4.51, > 1.30, and 3.46 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the acute toxicity of BHT metabolites to zebrafish larvae was indicated by morphological abnormalities, changes in heart rate, and alterations in locomotory behavior. The results indicated that exposure to BHT-COOH and BHT-OH caused intestinal developmental abnormalities, blood coagulation, tail deformities, and pericardial edema. Exposure to BHT-Q and BHT-quinol resulted in abnormal swim bladder development. Moreover, alterations in heart rate and locomotory behavior were observed in zebrafish larvae exposed to BHT-COOH, BHT-OH, and BHT-quinol. These findings demonstrate that exposure to BHT metabolites significantly affects the early growth and developmental stages of zebrafish larvae.

Pesticides are indispensable tools in modern agriculture for enhancing crop productivity. However, the inherent toxicity of pesticides raises significant concerns regarding human exposure, particularly among agricultural workers. This study investigated the exposure and associated risks of two commonly used pesticides in open-field pepper cultivation, namely, chlorothalonil and flubendiamide, in the Republic of Korea. We used a comprehensive approach, encompassing dermal and inhalation exposure measurements in agricultural workers during two critical scenarios: mixing/loading and application. Results revealed that during mixing/loading, dermal exposure to chlorothalonil was 3.33 mg (0.0002% of the total active ingredient [a.i.]), while flubendiamide exposure amounted to 0.173 mg (0.0001% of the a.i.). Conversely, dermal exposure increased significantly during application to 648 mg (chlorothalonil) and 93.1 mg (flubendiamide), representing 0.037% and 0.065% of the total a.i., respectively. Inhalation exposure was also evident, with chlorothalonil and flubendiamide exposure levels varying across scenarios. Notably, the risk assessment using the Risk Index (RI) indicated acceptable risk of exposure during mixing/loading but raised concerns during application, where all RIs exceeded 1, signifying potential risk. We suggest implementing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application, such as gowns and lower-body PPE, to mitigate these risks.

The anticoccidial agents clopidol is widely used in livestock production to prevent coccidiosis; however, the residues that remain in edible tissues pose a risk to human consumers. This study investigated the residue depletion and metabolism of orally administered radiolabeled [ 3 H]-clopidol (25 mg/kg body weight) in the liver, muscle, kidney, and fat. The analytical methods employed for all tissues were subjected to rigorous validation to ensure their selectivity, linearity (r² ≥ 0.999), system suitability (0.4%), accuracy (89.5–102.5%), and precision (> 5.2%). The validated method using radio-HPLC and liquid scintillation counting indicated that the highest concentrations of clopidol residues were observed 6 h post-administration in the liver (28.81 ± 2.41 mg/kg), muscle (14.31 ± 0.77 mg/kg), kidney (29.22 ± 2.3 mg/kg), and fat (7.26 ± 0.70 mg/kg). Most clopidol levels subsequently decreased and were below the limit of quantification after 3 d in all tissues. The metabolite 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methylpyridin-4-ol was detected in all tissues 6 h after administration using LC–MS (liver: 1.17 ± 0.29 mg/kg, muscle: 0.73 ± 0.15 mg/kg, kidney: 2.76 ± 1.03 mg/kg, and fat: 0.5 ± 0.11 mg/kg). A health risk assessment indicated that the residual concentrations in edible tissues were safe for consumption by all ages and sexes. This study provides a useful framework for monitoring clopidol residues, their depletion, and metabolism in broiler chickens and the by-products.

Diverse harmful compounds can be emitted during the heating of tobacco sticks for heated tobacco products (HTPs). In this study, the generation of harmful compounds from the filter, instead of tobacco in tobacco sticks, was confirmed. The heat of a heated tobacco product device can be transferred to the tobacco stick filter, resulting in the generation of harmful compounds from the heated filter. Since the heating materials (tobacco consumable) of the tobacco sticks evaluated in this study were different depending on the brand, the harmful compounds emitted from the heated tobacco stick filters were examined by focusing on the carbonyl compounds, using three different tobacco stick parts. Acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde exhibited the highest concentrations in HTP aerosols produced by heating the tobacco consumable (conventional case) (63.5 ± 18.4 µg/stick and 1.71 ± 0.123 µg/stick, respectively). The aerosols produced by heating tobacco stick filters had higher formaldehyde and acrolein concentrations (0.945 ± 0.214 µg/stick and 0.519 ± 0.379 µg/stick) than the aerosols generated from heated tobacco consumable (0.641 ± 0.092 µg/stick and 0.220 ± 0.102 µg/stick). As such, formaldehyde and acrolein were produced by heating small parts of the mouthpiece of a tobacco stick, regardless of the heated tobacco product brand. In addition, acetone was only detected in the aerosols generated from heated filters (0.580 ± 0.305 µg/stick). Thus, safety evaluations of heated tobacco products should include considerations of the harmful compounds generated by heating tobacco stick mouthpieces for heated tobacco products in addition to those found in heated tobacco product aerosols.

N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q), a transformation product of the tire rubber antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, has recently been identified as a contaminant of emerging concern due to its acute aquatic toxicity and widespread occurrence. However, its behavior in terrestrial environments remains insufficiently understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the environmental degradation and behavior of 6PPD-Q in three soils with contrasting physicochemical properties through photodegradation, leaching, and adsorption–desorption experiments. Under simulated sunlight, 6PPD-Q exhibited varying degradation kinetics, with sandy soils showing the most rapid photodegradation. Organic- and clay-rich soils demonstrated slower breakdown and greater degradation driven by microbial activity under dark conditions. The soil column leaching test revealed extremely limited vertical mobility, with more than 90% of 6PPD-Q retained within the top 6 cm of soil after artificial rainfall treatment, suggesting a low potential for groundwater contamination. Adsorption–desorption experiments confirmed strong binding to soil organic matter and clay fractions, with less than 10% of the initially sorbed 6PPD-Q desorbed after 48 h. Collectively, these results demonstrate that 6PPD-Q persists primarily in surface soils, where its fate is governed by the interplay between photolytic processes and sorption-driven stabilization. From an applied perspective, the prolonged surface retention of 6PPD-Q raises ecological and agronomic concerns, including chronic exposure risks for soil invertebrates, potential plant uptake, and secondary mobilization during rainfall. This study provides critical mechanistic insights into the environmental fate of 6PPD-Q and highlights the importance of soil-specific assessments for the robust ecological risk evaluation of tire-derived pollutants.

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a patient safety competency self-evaluation (PSCSE) tool. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to investigate the compositions of the PSCSE. The internal structure of the PSCSE was schematized using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Three hundred fifty-four students attending six schools of nursing participated in the study. On the basis of the results of the CFA, the PSCSE consisted of 12 factors (four for attitude, six for skill, and two for knowledge) with a good model fit. It was confirmed that the structures of the PSCSE were identical between EFA and CFA. The PSCSE consisted of multidimensional structures of the 12 factors and hierarchical models of three categories. The PSCSE can be used to assess nursing students’ perception of their own competency regarding patient safety and to develop educational strategies integrating patient safety competency into nursing curricula. [This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a patient safety competency self-evaluation (PSCSE) tool. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to investigate the compositions of the PSCSE. The internal structure of the PSCSE was schematized using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Three hundred fifty-four students attending six schools of nursing participated in the study. On the basis of the results of the CFA, the PSCSE consisted of 12 factors (four for attitude, six for skill, and two for knowledge) with a good model fit. It was confirmed that the structures of the PSCSE were identical between EFA and CFA. The PSCSE consisted of multidimensional structures of the 12 factors and hierarchical models of three categories. The PSCSE can be used to assess nursing students’ perception of their own competency regarding patient safety and to develop educational strategies integrating patient safety competency into nursing curricula. [ J Nurs Educ. 2014;53(10):550–562.]

The need for organic soil amendments is increasing in the Republic of Korea against the backdrop of increased soil acidification and nutrient losses. The pyrolysis of biomass produces biochar which not only increases soil productivity but also provides environmental benefits through carbon sequestration. The portion of the brewer’s spent grain (BSG) recycled is by far less than the amount generated, but pyrolysis can help to reverse this trend by turning BSG waste into a valuable soil amendment. The current study, therefore, evaluated the effects of brewer’s spent grain biochar (BB XXX ) produced at three different temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C on the yield and quality characteristics of the leaf lettuce as well as the effects on soil chemical properties through a pot experiment. Each of the BB XXX and BSG were added to the soil at two rates of 2% and 5% by weight. The pH and carbon content of the BBxxx increased with increasing pyrolysis temperatures and the trend was replicated in the soil upon biochar application i.e. the soil pH and carbon content increased alongside temperatures at which biochar was pyrolyzed. On the other hand, however, the soil electrical conductivity (EC) diminished with the increasing pyrolysis temperatures of the biochar applied. With regards to crop growth, the BB 500 5% amendment produced the highest marketable yield of the leaf lettuce and while the lettuce grown on the control produced leaf lettuce with the lowest content of nitrate nitrogen, BB 500 5% amendment generally produced the highest quality lettuce. The results indicate that BB 500 performed agronomically better than the rest of the amendments and is thus recommended as an effective BSG recycling measure.

Bifenazate is a widely used insecticide for mite control and readily oxidizes to bifenazate-diazene, which can revert to bifenazate under mild reducing conditions. This study aimed to develop a reliable method for quantifying bifenazate in agricultural products by optimizing the reduction conditions for bifenazate-diazene and evaluating the purification efficiency of different sorbents. Ascorbic acid was employed as a reductant, and four sorbents (PSA, PSA + C18, PSA + C18 + GCB, and Z-Sep +) were tested for matrix effects and recovery in pepper, mandarin, and brown rice. The optimal reduction conditions were determined to be 50 °C for 1 h, ensuring nearly complete conversion of bifenazate-diazene. Among the adsorbents, Z-Sep + demonstrated the lowest matrix effect and the highest recovery for bifenazate, followed by PSA + C18 and PSA. Considering the balance between matrix effects and recoveries across the three tested agricultural commodities, we optimized the analytical method using Z-Sep + as the primary purification sorbent. The developed method was validated for selectivity, linearity ( R 2  > 0.999), accuracy, and precision, meeting international regulatory guidelines. While this study primarily focused on common agricultural matrices, future research is needed to evaluate the method’s applicability to a wider range of agricultural products, including those with complex matrices such as high-fat and high-protein foods, as well as its performance in real-world agricultural samples.