The usage of dietary supplements has increased in the last decades and it’s getting more common to sell them online on websites in Sweden. Information about dietary supplements is not allowed to be misleading. Companies that sell them are for example not allowed to say that their products alleviate diseases. This study aimed to find out the health risks with dietary supplements online and see how often medical claims are stated on websites. The method used was controlling websites that sell dietary supplements to find medical claims. Also analyzing reports from a Swedish municipalities control done on companies that sell dietary supplements online. The results showed that medical claims appeared on 73% of the controlled websites. It was not possible to ensure any differences for the study’s selected categories on the websites. It was clear according to the study that consumers can be misled with misleading claims or lacking information, which can lead to health risks. Incorrect information can lead to children ingesting dietary supplements and having allergic reactions, as well as overdosing on dietary supplements, which can lead to liver damage. Medical claims can vary in severity but claims that say to reduce various diseases are considered risky as dietary supplements can be taken instead of medicine. This can make an illness or inflammation worse and cause unnecessary suffering. The result showed that buying dietary supplements online does not lead to such great health risks in general.

No description available.

[pt] Riscos geológicos, tais como os escorregamentos, são os maiores causadores dos desastres naturais em ambientes urbanos. Além dos impactos ambientais negativos, este fenômeno implica em consequências socioeconômicas, uma vez que existe a necessidade de reparos imediatos da área degradada. A avaliação de risco, principalmente em áreas urbanizadas, é necessária para se evitar os possíveis desastres e assegurar a qualidade de vida da população no entorno. No presente trabalho, a avaliação de risco foi realizada em três seções da encosta do Morro Dois Irmãos, localizada na Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, que sofreram sucessivas rupturas após intensas precipitações. A avaliação e classificação do risco pela abordagem qualitativa foi determinada utilizando a metodologia proposta pelo Ministério das Cidades e IPT e do GIDES-CPRM através da realização da vistoria em campo. A encosta foi classificada como de risco alto a muito alto ao escorregamento. Os resultados da abordagem quantitativa, obtidos pelas análises determinísticas de estabilidade com base no método de Morgenstern-Price, evidenciaram que as superfícies de ruptura crítica das seções apresentam fator de segurança menor que 1,5. Já nas análises probabilísticas de estabilidade FOSM, foram obtidas probabilidades de ruptura de 0,19, 0,14 e 0,08 sendo as seções classificadas como Perigoso no que diz respeito ao nível de desempenho esperado. Com isso, o índice de vulnerabilidade local encontra-se na faixa de 0,7 a 0,8. Para as seções analisadas, são necessárias ações como forma de mitigar e recuperar a área ambiental e socialmente. / [en] Geological hazards, such as landslides, are the biggest cause of natural disasters in urban environments. In addition to the negative environmental impacts, this phenomenon implies socioeconomic consequences, since there is a need for immediate repairs to the degraded area. Risk assessment, especially in urbanized areas, is necessary to avoid possible disasters and ensure the quality of life of the surrounding population. In the present work, the risk assessment was carried out in three sections of the slope of Morro Dois Irmãos, located in Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, which suffered successive ruptures after intense rainfall. The assessment and classification of risk by the qualitative approach was determined using the methodology proposed by the Ministry of Cities and IPT and GIDES-CPRM through field inspection. The slope was classified as high to very high slip risk. The results of the quantitative approach, obtained by deterministic stability analysis based on the Morgenstern-Price method, showed that the critical rupture surfaces of the sections have a safety factor lower than 1.5. In the FOSM stability probabilistic analyses, rupture probabilities of 0.19, 0.14 and 0.08 were obtained, with the sections classified as Dangerous with regard to the expected performance level. As a result, the local vulnerability index is in the range of 0.7 to 0.8. For the analyzed sections, actions are needed as a way to mitigate and recover the area environmentally and socially.

Yes / This paper reviews and discusses the recent studies of natural flood management (NFM) and its associated microbial risks in the UK and suggests set of numerical modelling approaches for their respective investigation. This study details the importance of precise numerical representation of the NFM to flood inundations and microbial risks caused by NFM measures. Possible future numerical advancements of the numerical modelling for the NFM and microbial activities are also discussed here.

Yes / In a constantly changing business environment, a systematic approach is needed for risk assessment in order to allow for a more long-term strategic view. The System Dynamics (SD) modelling technique can be applied as an effective approach to understand the dynamic behaviour of a system over time. This understanding can be subsequently explicitly reflected on policies, strategic plans and operational procedures. This paper presents a SD model to assess environmental risks in power plants. The model helps to understand the long-term behaviour of the system under study. A questionnaire and focus group interviews have been conducted to understand the relationship among various risks. The SD model has been validated with two power plants in the Middle East. The developed model highlighted the impact of environmental risks on the performance of power plants. Although the SD model focuses on risk assessment in power plants, it can be easily adapted to other industry sectors.

Yes / Repeated hospital admissions are prevalent in older people. The role of medication in repeated hospital admissions has not been widely studied. The hypothesis that medication-related risk factors for initial hospital admissions were also associated with repeated hospital admissions was generated. To examine the association between medication-related risk factors and repeated hospital admissions in older people living with frailty. A retrospective case-control study was carried out with 200 patients aged ≥75 years with unplanned medical admissions into a large teaching hospital in England between January and December 2015. Demographic, clinical, and medication-related data were obtained from review of discharge summaries. Statistical comparisons were made between patients with 3 or more hospital admissions during the study period (cases) and those with 2 or fewer admissions (controls). Regressions were performed to establish independent predictors of repeated hospital admissions. Participants had a mean age of 83.8 years (SD 5.68) and 65.5% were female. There were 561 admission episodes across the sample, with the main reasons for admissions recorded as respiratory problems (25%) and falls (17%). Univariate logistic regression revealed five medication-related risks to be associated with repeated hospital admissions: Hyper-polypharmacy (defined as taking ≥10 medications) (OR 2.50, p < 0.005); prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) (OR 1.89; p < 0.05); prescription of a diuretic (OR 1.87; p < 0.05); number of high risk medication (OR 1.29; p < 0.05) and the number of 'when required' medication (OR 1.20; p < 0.05). However, the effects of these risk factors became insignificant when comorbid disease was adjusted for in a multivariable model. Medication-related risk factors may play an important role in future repeated admission risk prediction models. The modifiable nature of medication-related risks factors highlights a real opportunity to improve health outcomes.

Yes / Inpatient falls are the most common safety incident reported by hospitals worldwide. Traditionally, responses have been guided by categorising patients' levels of fall risk, but multifactorial approaches are now recommended. These target individual, modifiable fall risk factors, requiring clear communication between multidisciplinary team members. Spoken communication is an important channel, but little is known about its form in this context. We aim to address this by exploring spoken communication between hospital staff about fall prevention and how this supports multifactorial fall prevention practice. Data were collected through semistructured qualitative interviews with 50 staff and ethnographic observations of fall prevention practices (251.25 hours) on orthopaedic and older person wards in four English hospitals. Findings were analysed using a framework approach. We observed staff engaging in 'multifactorial talk' to address patients' modifiable risk factors, especially during multidisciplinary meetings which were patient focused rather than risk type focused. Such communication coexisted with 'categorisation talk', which focused on patients' levels of fall risk and allocating nursing supervision to 'high risk' patients. Staff negotiated tensions between these different approaches through frequent 'hybrid talk', where, as well as categorising risks, they also discussed how to modify them. To support hospitals in implementing multifactorial, multidisciplinary fall prevention, we recommend: (1) focusing on patients' individual risk factors and actions to address them (a 'why?' rather than a 'who' approach); (2) where not possible to avoid 'high risk' categorisations, employing 'hybrid' communication which emphasises actions to modify individual risk factors, as well as risk level; (3) challenging assumptions about generic interventions to identify what individual patients need; and (4) timing meetings to enable staff from different disciplines to participate. / This research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Services and Delivery Research Programme (project number HSDR NIHR129488).

Infrastructure projects frequently fail to meet performance expectations, due to their inherent complexities, leading to delays, cost overruns, and safety concerns. Risk interactions and systemic risks are two key contributors to these challenges. Risk interactions occur when one risk amplifies the magnitude and/or the probability of another, such as extreme weather delaying work progress while also increasing safety incidents. Systemic risks arise from disruptions in one component that can lead to project-wide cascading disruptions, such as delays in excavation work impacting downstream work packages like backfilling and site grading. Previous studies investigated risk interactions and systemic risks separately, which often led to sup-optimal project performance. Additionally, existing models rely on complex simulations and rigid theoretical frameworks, limiting their practicality. In this respect, the research presented in this dissertation is aimed at developing machine learning (ML)- and optimization-based strategies to address both risk interactions and systemic risks in infrastructure projects. The proposed strategies enable practitioners to i) quantify and predict the combined impacts of risk interactions and systemic risks on the project performance, thereby improving the accuracy of risk assessment; and ii) implement adaptive solutions to rapidly restore key project performance targets. The findings of the current research highlight the value of integrating ML and optimization in decision-making, offering practical solutions to enhance project outcomes under the constraints of risk interactions and systemic risks. Importantly, the presented data-driven strategies are not meant to replace the existing project management tools in practice, but rather to complement them. Project managers should continue to exercise their professional judgment alongside these strategies to ensure efficient risk management. Overall, this work advances the understanding of risk management in large-scale infrastructure projects, providing data-driven approaches to improve project performance under complex risk conditions. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Infrastructure projects, such as constructing water networks or railway lines, are inherently complex and often face significant challenges including delays, cost overruns, and safety issues. These challenges are mainly driven by the uncertainties and interdependencies of various project components. Researchers and practitioners rely on different risk assessment and mitigation methods to address these challenges. However, these methods are either impractical or fall short of accurately capturing the full scope of such uncertainties and interdependencies, resulting in a sub-optimal project performance. In this dissertation, machine learning and optimization approaches are used to better assess and mitigate the adverse impacts of these uncertainties and interdependencies on the project outcomes. The overall objectives are to: i) quantify the uncertainties and interdependencies within complex infrastructure projects and their effects on performance; ii) develop reliable and robust models to evaluate such effects; and iii) devise effective relevant mitigation strategies that enhance the project performance. The developed approaches can serve as valuable tools for decision-makers and project managers, improving their ability to assess and manage risks in real-world scenarios.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Software as a Service (SaaS) – which is a deployment model of cloud computing – is a developing trend in technology that brings with it new potential opportunities and consequently potential risk to enterprise. These incremental risks need to be identified in order to assist in risk management and therefore information technology (IT) governance. IT governance is a cornerstone of enterprise-wide corporate governance. For many entities corporate governance has become a statutory requirement, due to the implementation of legislation such as Sarbanes-Oxley Act of the United States of America. The research aims to assist in the IT governance of SaaS, by identifying risks and possible controls. By means of an in-depth literature review, the study identified 30 key risks relating to the use and implementation of SaaS from the user’s perspective. Different governance and risk frameworks were considered, including CobiT and The Risk IT Framework. In the extensive literature review, it was found that CobiT would be the most appropriate framework to use in this study. Mapping the risks and technologies from the user's perspective to one or more of the processes of the CobiT framework, the research found that not all processes where applicable. Merely 18 of 34 CobiT processes where applicable. The study endeavoured to identify possible controls and safeguards for the risks identified. By using the technologies and risks that were mapped to the CobiT processes, a control framework was developed which included 11 key controls to possibly reduce, mitigate or accept the risks identified. Controls are merely incidental if it is not linked to a framework. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Software as a Service (SaaS) – ‘n ontplooiingsmodel van cloud computing – is ‘n ontwikkelende tegnologiese tendens wat verskeie moontlikhede, maar daarby ook verskeie risiko’s vir ondernemings inhou. Hierdie addisionele risiko’s moet geïdentifiseer word om te help met die bestuur van risiko’s en daarom ook die beheer van Informasie Tegnologie (IT). IT beheer is ‘n belangrike deel van die grondslag van ondernemingswye korporatiewe beheer. As gevolg van die implimentering van wetgewing soos die Sarbanes-Oxley wetsontwerp van die Verenigde State van Amerika, het korporatiewe beheer ‘n statutêre vereiste geword vir verskeie ondernemings. Hierdie studie poog om die IT beheer van SaaS by te staan, deur risiko’s en moontlike beheermaatreëls te identifiseer. Deur middel van ‘n indiepte literatuur ondersoek het die studie 30 sleutelrisiko’s geïdentifiseer wat verband hou met die gebruik en implimentering van SaaS vanuit ‘n gebruikersoogpunt. Verskeie korporatiewe- en risiko raamwerke, insluitende CobiT en The Risk IT Framework, was oorweeg. Die literatuur ondersoek het egter bevind dat CobiT die mees toepaslikste raamwerk vir dié studie sal wees. Deur die risiko’s en tegnologieë vanuit ‘n gebruikers perspektief te laat pas met een of meer CobiT prosesse, het die navorsing bevind dat nie alle prosesse in CobiT van toepassing is nie. Slegs 18 van die 34 prosesse was van toepassing. Die studie het ook gepoog om moontlike beheer- en voorsorgmaatreëls vir die risiko’s te identifiseer. Deur die tegnologieë en risiko’s te gebruik wat gepas is teen die CobiT prosesse, is ‘n beheer raamwerk ontwikkel wat 11 sleutel beheermaatreëls insluit, wat die geïdentifiseerde risiko’s kan verminder, temper of aanvaar. Beheermaatreëls is slegs bykomstig as dit nie direk aan ‘n raamwerk gekoppel is nie.

No description available.