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Presentatio

A SIMPLIFIED APPROACH FOR SOLUTION OF TIME UPDATE PROBLEM DURING TOXIC WASTE PLUME SPREADING IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Reliable and up to date information represents principal prerequisite for effective management of intervention operations targeted on emergency situations during accidental releases of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Promising way of this trend insists in development of assimilation techniques for improvement of model prognosis reliability on basis of optimal blending of predictions with observations incoming from terrain. In this paper we are concentrating on the forecast procedure which generates the new state predictions from the initial conditions standing for previous time. Two problems are encountered here. At first, the resulting predictions from the previous time step can be assimilated with incoming data before the next time predictions are evaluated. The initial conditions for the next time are then modified in advance and trajectory information accumulated from the same beginning can become fuzzy. So, the trajectory models can have troubles how to propagate plume in the next time. At second, reliable and up to date information at medium distances from the source of pollution represents basic inevitable conditions for effective management of intervention operations targeted on consequence mitigation during emergency situations. But justifiability of Gaussian plume model application in medium range distances is questionable. A simplified solution offers segmented Gaussian plume model (SGPM) which can account stepwise for the time dynamics of the admixture release and hourly changes of meteorological conditions. The extension of modelling to medium distances is facilitated by availability of the new quality of gridded spatial short-term meteorological forecasts. The Czech meteorological service provides 3-D data in ALADIN format for medium domain 160 km × 160 km around each nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Czech Republic. In the following text we are describing the SGPM application in longer distances taking into account the new gridded meteorological predictions. The comparison with former methodology is illustrated on one real meteorological situation from June 25, 2008

My favourite nematode – Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita

The terrestrial gastropod parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is the only nematode that evolved to infect and kill slugs and snails. Because of this ability it has been formulated into a biological control agent for gardeners. In this Forum article, the author outlines several reasons why P. hemaphrodita is a nematode that is worth studying, including its ability to control the behaviour and kill slug hosts. The author discusses how P. hemaphrodita is being developed as a model nematode to be used to study the genetic evolution of parasitism, as well as potential research ideas for the future

Assessment of the application for renewal of the authorisation of PHYZYME® XP 10000 TPT/L (6-phytase) as a feed additive for all avian species and all swine species

PHYZYME\uae XP 10000 TPT/L is a feed additive that contains 6-phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The applicant requested for the renewal of the authorisation for PHYZYME\uae XP 10000 TPT and L to be used as a feed additive for avian species for fattening/laying, weaned piglets, pigs for fattening and sows and for an extension of use to avian species reared for laying/breeding, suckling piglets and minor porcine species. To support the request or the renewal of the authorisation, the applicant provided evidence that the additive in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. According to the information provided by the applicant, no new evidence has been identified that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsider the previous conclusions regarding the safety for the target species, consumer, user and environment. The application for renewal of the authorisation did not include a proposal for amending the conditions of use in those species for which an authorisation exists that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive. Therefore, there was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation. Regarding the new species/categories, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe and has a potential to be efficacious in avian species reared for laying/breeding at 250 FTU/kg feed and for suckling piglets and minor porcine species at 500 FTU/kg feed

Safety and efficacy of Levucell SC® (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077) as a feed additive for calves and minor ruminant species and camelids at the same developmental stage

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Levucell® SC when used in feed for calves and minor ruminant species and camelids at the same developmental stage. The additive consists of viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This species is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. This approach requires the identity of the strain to be conclusively established. The strain was found to meet the criteria for the QPS approach in the context of previous opinions and since concerns are not expected from other components of the additive, Levucell® SC is presumed safe for all target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and for the environment. The Panel considers these conclusions to apply also in the current assessment. In a previous opinion, the Panel also concluded that the additive is considered an eye irritant but not a dermal irritant or sensitiser and that inhalation exposure is unlikely. Since the use of the additive in calves and minor ruminant species and camelids at the same developmental stage is considered unlikely to introduce hazards for users of the product not already considered as part of the first assessment, these conclusions are still considered valid. Levucell SC® has the potential to be efficacious in calves at the minimum inclusion level of 1 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed. The conclusion on efficacy for calves can be extrapolated to minor ruminant species and camelids at the same developmental stage

Safety and efficacy of FRA® Octazyme C Dry (endo-1,4-β-xylanase, mannan-endo-1,4-β-mannosidase, α-amylase, endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase, pectinase, endo-1,4-β-glucanase, protease, α-galactosidase) as a feed additive for weaned piglets and chickens for fattening

The product FRA® Octazyme C Dry contains eight enzymes and is intended to be used as a zootechnical additive for chickens for fattening and weaned piglets. In a previous opinion of the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), the additive was characterised in full, including the production strains of the enzymes, the safety and the efficacy of the product. In that assessment, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive was safe for the consumers of food products obtained from animals fed with the additive and that the additive would pose no risks to the environment. Regarding the safety for the users, the Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to the skin and eyes or on its skin sensitising properties, but the additive should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. In the trials submitted to support the safety for the target species and the efficacy of the additive, the analytical results of the enzyme activities did not confirm the intended enzyme activities and therefore the FEEDAP Panel could not draw conclusions on the tolerance and the efficacy of the additive. In the current application, the applicant has provided new analysis of the feeds used in the tolerance and efficacy trials. The data have been obtained using a modified extraction procedure which has demonstrated to permit a higher recovery of the enzyme activity in supplemented and non-supplemented feeds. However, the enzyme activities obtained in the experimental diets using the new analytical method showed increases but also decreases of the enzyme activity compared to the previously submitted data. Therefore, the change in the enzyme activities could not be ascribed to the analytical method only. The Panel concluded that the new data cannot be considered as those reflecting the actual supplementation levels of the additive in the diets and therefore could not conclude on the safety and efficacy of the target species

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of GalliPro ® (Bacillus subtilis DSM 17299) for chickens for fattening

GalliPro \uae is the trade name for a feed additive based on viable cells of a strain of Bacillus subtilis intended for use as a zootechnical additive (gut flora stabiliser) in feed for chickens for fattening. The product is currently authorised for use in chickens for fattening. This opinion concerns the renewal of this authorisation. Bacillus subtilis is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to establish the safety for the target species, consumers and the environment. The identity of the strain present in the additive was established and evidence was provided on the lack of toxigenic potential as well as acquired antibiotic resistance determinants to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. Accordingly, this strain is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from other components of the additive, GalliPro \uae is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel confirms its previous conclusions that GalliPro \uae is safe for the target species; consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment. GalliPro \uae should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of GalliPro \uae for skin and eyes irritancy and dermal sensitisation

Efficacy of the feed additive containing Companilactobacillus farciminis (formerly Lactobacillus farciminis) CNCM I-3740 (Biacton\uae) for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens (ChemVet dk A/S)

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of the additive consisting of Companilactobacillus farciminis (formerly Lactobacillus farciminis) CNCM I-3740 (tradename: Biacton\uae) for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens. The additive is a preparation containing viable cells of C. farciminis CNCM I-3740 at the minimum concentration of 1  7 109 CFU/g additive. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel assessed the safety and the efficacy of the product when used in these target species. The Panel concluded that based on the qualified presumption of safety of the active agent, and the lack of concerns deriving from other components of the additive, Biacton\uae was presumed safe for the target animals, consumers and the environment. Regarding the safety for the user, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin and eyes or its dermal sensitisation due to the lack of data. However, it concluded that the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The data provided in the previous assessment to support the efficacy of the additive did not allow drawing conclusions on the efficacy of the additive in any of the target species. The additional information submitted with chickens for fattening and laying hens did not provide sufficient evidence to conclude on the efficacy of Biacton\uae for these target species. No new information was provided that would lead the Panel to reconsider the conclusions already reached on the use of the additive with turkeys for fattening. The FEEDAP Panel, based on the available data, cannot conclude on the efficacy of Biacton\uae in chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens

Assessment of the efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 (PP102I) for dogs (Nestlé Enterprises S.A.)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 (PP102I) as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: physiological condition stabiliser) for dogs. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that PP102I was safe for dogs and the environment. Regarding the safety for the users, the Panel concluded that the additive should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Due to the lack of data, no conclusions could be drawn on the potential for skin/eye irritancy of the additive. Due to the lack of sufficient data, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive for dogs at the proposed conditions of use. The applicant submitted in vitro eye and skin irritation tests and one efficacy trial in dogs to address the inconclusive aspects of the previous assessment. Based on the data provided, the Panel considers that the additive is irritant to the eyes but not to the skin. The additive has the potential to be efficacious when included in feed for dogs at 1 × 109 colony forming unit (CFU)/dog per day (which would correspond approximately to 3.5 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed)

Safety of the feed additives consisting of l-lysine monohydrochloride and l-lysine sulfate produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum CCTCC M 2015595 for all animal species (Kempex Holland B. V.)

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of l-lysine monohydrochloride and l-lysine sulfate produced using Corynebacterium glutamicum CCTCC M 2015595 for all animal species. In 2019, the FEEDAP Panel issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the products. In that assessment, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additives for the target species, the consumers and the environment due to the uncertainties regarding the possible genetic modification of the strain used to obtain the production strain C. glutamicum CCTCC M 2015595 and on the possible presence of viable cells and DNA of the production strain in the final products. Moreover, in the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additives for the users. The applicant provided supplementary data to characterise the strain from which the production strain under assessment was obtained. However, uncertainties remain on its origin and history of modification, including whether it has been genetically modified. The production strain C. glutamicum CCTCC M 2015595 did not show the presence of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes nor of toxin and virulence factors genes. Moreover, as viable cells and DNA of the production strain were not detected in both final formulations, l-lysine HCl and l-lysine sulfate do not raise safety concerns as regards the production strain. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that l-lysine HCl and l-lysine sulfate produced by C. glutamicum CCTCC M 2015595 are safe for the target species, consumers and for the environment. No additional data have been provided on the safety of the additives for users. Therefore, the conclusions from the Panel remained that in the absence of data, no conclusions on the safety of the additives for the user can be drawn