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Sanja Baric - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Molecular Tools Applied to the Advancement of Fruit Growing in South Tyrol: a Review
Erwerbs-Obstbau, 2012Co-Authors: Sanja BaricAbstract:Molecular biology techniques have become indispensable tools in various areas of research and routine applications. In South Tyrol (northern Italy), molecular methods have been applied to the field of Fruit Growing over the last decade, and the main applications have been related to plant pathology and identification of apple cultivars. This review article illustrates how the implementation of existing methods and the development of new assays have contributed to gain more insights about the spread and epidemiology of phytoplasma diseases affecting apple trees and grapevine in South Tyrol, to identify and characterise the causal agents of newly emerging disorders, or to describe the local genetic diversity of the apple.
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Molecular Tools Applied to the Advancement of Fruit Growing in South Tyrol: a Review
Erwerbs-Obstbau, 2012Co-Authors: Sanja BaricAbstract:Molekularbiologische Methoden haben sich zu einem unverzichtbaren Hilfsmittel in verschiedenen Bereichen der Forschung und in Routineanwendungen entwickelt. In Südtirol (Norditalien) werden molekularbiologische Methoden seit einem Jahrzehnt im Bereich des Obstbaus angewandt, mit Schwerpunkt auf Pflanzenkrankheiten und die Identifizierung von Apfelsorten. Dieser Review zeigt den Beitrag der Implementierung bestehender Verfahren und der Entwicklung neuer Methoden zur Gewinnung profunder Erkenntnisse über die Ausbreitung und Epidemiologie von Phytoplasmen-Krankheiten des Apfels und der Rebe in Südtirol, zur Identifizierung und Charakterisierung neuer Schaderreger sowie zur Beschreibung der lokalen genetischen Vielfalt des Apfels. Molecular biology techniques have become indispensable tools in various areas of research and routine applications. In South Tyrol (northern Italy), molecular methods have been applied to the field of Fruit Growing over the last decade, and the main applications have been related to plant pathology and identification of apple cultivars. This review article illustrates how the implementation of existing methods and the development of new assays have contributed to gain more insights about the spread and epidemiology of phytoplasma diseases affecting apple trees and grapevine in South Tyrol, to identify and characterise the causal agents of newly emerging disorders, or to describe the local genetic diversity of the apple.
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Tree Fruit Growing—Research and Production in Germany: A Statistical and Bibliometric Analysis of the Period 1950–2010
Erwerbs-Obstbau, 2012Co-Authors: Josef Dalla Via, Sanja BaricAbstract:Deutschland ist eines der führenden europäischen Baumobstanbau-Länder und die produzierten Baumobstfrüchte stellen einen Produktionswert von 794 Mio. € dar. In dieser Arbeit werden die Produktionsdaten und die international relevanten wissenschaftlichen Originalarbeiten für die Baumobstarten Apfel, Birne, Kirsche, Pflaume, Aprikose und Pfirsich der letzten sechs Jahrzehnte (1950–2010) untersucht. Die bibliographischen und bibliometrischen Analysen basieren auf dem Science Citation Index^®. Die Daten werden in einem europäischen und weltweiten Kontext diskutiert. Der jährliche Pro-Kopf-Verbrauch von Obst aus dem Marktobstanbau beträgt in Deutschland 125,5 kg/a. Darin enthalten sind 71,8 kg/a Frischobst, 48,3 kg/a an Citrus - und tropischen Früchten, 3,8 kg/a Schalenobst und 1,6 kg/a an Trockenobst. Auf rund 25 kg/a pro Einwohner wird der Obstverbrauch aus Streuobstanlagen und Hausgärten geschätzt, die noch zusätzlich zum genannten Pro-Kopf-Verbrauch von 125,5 kg/a aus dem Marktanbau hinzukommen. Der Selbstversorgungsgrad für Obst liegt in Deutschland nur bei 22,4 %. Deutschland liegt innerhalb der EU (2009/2010) an vierter Stelle in der Apfel-, an zehnter Stelle in der Birnen-, an fünfter Stelle in der Kirschen-, an sechster Stelle in der Pflaumen(artigen)-Produktion, und an 15. Stelle in der Aprikosen- und Pfirsich-Produktion. Bezogen auf die Anzahl der wissenschaftlichen Originalarbeiten, die von Autoren aus Deutschland veröffentlicht wurden, können die Baumobstarten folgendermaßen, in absteigender Reihenfolge, gereiht werden: Äpfel, Kirschen, Birnen, Pflaumen, Pfirsiche und Aprikosen. Setzt man die in den letzten sechs Jahrzehnten veröffentlichten wissenschaftlichen Originalarbeiten eines Landes mit den heutigen Produktionsmengen einer Baumfruchtart desselben Landes in Beziehung, so ergibt sich ein Ranking jener Länder, die verhältnismäßig zu ihrer Produktion einen entsprechend großen Forschungs-Output aufzuweisen haben. In einem weltweiten Vergleich liegt hierbei Deutschland an 10. Stelle bei Äpfeln, an 6. Stelle bei Birnen, an 21. Stelle bei Kirschen, an 17. Stelle bei Pflaumen und an 1. Stelle bei Aprikosen und Pfirsichen. Der absolute Output an wissenschaftlichen Originalarbeiten Deutschlands im weltweiten Vergleich liegt beim Apfel an 4. Stelle, bei der Birne an 8. Stelle, bei der Kirsche an 2. Stelle, bei den Pflaumen an 5. Stelle, bei Aprikosen an 9. Stelle und bei Pfirsichen an 14. Stelle. Dies beweist auch, dass Deutschland in der Forschung der Baumobst-Fruchtarten im internationalen Spitzenfeld liegt und mit dieser Forschung die wirtschaftliche Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der deutschen Obstbaugebiete durch fachliche Expertise unterstützen kann. Germany is one of the leading European countries in tree Fruit Growing and the Fruit produced has an actual production value of 794 million €. Six decades, from 1950 to 2010, of Fruit production and internationally relevant scientific output for Fruit crops—apple, pear, cherry, plum, apricot, and peach—were analysed in this study. Bibliographic and bibliometric analyses were based on the Science Citation Index^®. Data were compared and discussed in the European and global context. The German annual per capita consumption of Fruit amounts to 125.5 kg/a originating from commercial intensive Fruit Growing, including 71.8 kg/a of fresh Fruit, 48.3 kg/a of citrus and tropical Fruit, 3.8 kg/a nut Fruit, and 1.6 kg/a dry Fruit. Approximately 25 kg per annum and inhabitant has to be added to the total Fruit consumption, since a conspicuous amount of Fruit originates from meadow orchards and house gardens. Nevertheless, Germany’s self-supply with Fruit is a low 22.4%. Within the EU (2009/2010), Germany ranks fourth in apple production, tenth in pear production, fifth in cherry production, sixth in plum production, and 15th in the production of apricots and peaches. Based on the number of international scientific articles published in Germany, Fruit crops can be ranked in descending order: apples, cherries, pears, plums, peaches and apricots. Relating the scientific output over the last six decades to the production data of the same country nowadays achieved, we obtain an indicator for the scientific impact on the crop production. On a worldwide comparison Germany ranks tenth for apple, sixth for pears, 21st for cherries, 17th for plums and first for apricots and peaches. With regard to the absolute output of scientific original articles Germany ranks fourth worldwide for apples, eighth for pears, second for cherries, fifth for plums, ninth for apricots and 14th for peaches, indicating that research on tree Fruit Growing in Germany supports the economic competitiveness of its production regions with highly specialized knowledge.
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Tree Fruit Growing—Research and Production in Germany: A Statistical and Bibliometric Analysis of the Period 1950–2010
Erwerbs-obstbau, 2012Co-Authors: Sanja BaricAbstract:Germany is one of the leading European countries in tree Fruit Growing and the Fruit produced has an actual production value of 794 million €. Six decades, from 1950 to 2010, of Fruit production and internationally relevant scientific output for Fruit crops—apple, pear, cherry, plum, apricot, and peach—were analysed in this study. Bibliographic and bibliometric analyses were based on the Science Citation Index®. Data were compared and discussed in the European and global context.
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Tree Fruit Growing—Research and Production in Germany: A Statistical and Bibliometric Analysis of the Period 1950–2010
Erwerbs-Obstbau, 2012Co-Authors: Josef Dalla Via, Sanja BaricAbstract:Germany is one of the leading European countries in tree Fruit Growing and the Fruit produced has an actual production value of 794 million €. Six decades, from 1950 to 2010, of Fruit production and internationally relevant scientific output for Fruit crops—apple, pear, cherry, plum, apricot, and peach—were analysed in this study. Bibliographic and bibliometric analyses were based on the Science Citation Index®. Data were compared and discussed in the European and global context. The German annual per capita consumption of Fruit amounts to 125.5 kg/a originating from commercial intensive Fruit Growing, including 71.8 kg/a of fresh Fruit, 48.3 kg/a of citrus and tropical Fruit, 3.8 kg/a nut Fruit, and 1.6 kg/a dry Fruit. Approximately 25 kg per annum and inhabitant has to be added to the total Fruit consumption, since a conspicuous amount of Fruit originates from meadow orchards and house gardens. Nevertheless, Germany’s self-supply with Fruit is a low 22.4%. Within the EU (2009/2010), Germany ranks fourth in apple production, tenth in pear production, fifth in cherry production, sixth in plum production, and 15th in the production of apricots and peaches. Based on the number of international scientific articles published in Germany, Fruit crops can be ranked in descending order: apples, cherries, pears, plums, peaches and apricots. Relating the scientific output over the last six decades to the production data of the same country nowadays achieved, we obtain an indicator for the scientific impact on the crop production. On a worldwide comparison Germany ranks tenth for apple, sixth for pears, 21st for cherries, 17th for plums and first for apricots and peaches. With regard to the absolute output of scientific original articles Germany ranks fourth worldwide for apples, eighth for pears, second for cherries, fifth for plums, ninth for apricots and 14th for peaches, indicating that research on tree Fruit Growing in Germany supports the economic competitiveness of its production regions with highly specialized knowledge.
J.f.m. Huijsmans - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Probabilistic risk assessment for watercourses exposed to spray drift in Fruit Growing in the Netherlands
2020Co-Authors: H.j. Holterman, J.c. Van De Zande, J.j.t.i. Boesten, E.l. Wipfler, J.f.m. HuijsmansAbstract:This is the pre-edited version of the following article: Holterman, H. J., van de Zande, J. C., Wipfler, E. L., Boesten, J. J. T. I., & Huijsmans, J. F. M. (2019). Probabilistic risk assessment for watercourses exposed to spray drift in Fruit Growing in the Netherlands. In Aspects of Applied Biology: International Advances in Pesticide Application (144 ed., pp. 255-262). (Aspects of Applied Biology; Vol. 144). Brighton: Association of Applied Biologists, 2020., which has been published in final form at https://www.aab.org.uk/aspects-of-applied-biology Deposition of spray drift onto surface waters is a major cause for the risk of exposure to pesticides for aquatic organisms. This risk is particularly high for surface waters alongside pome Fruit orchards, where pesticide sprays are applied in a sideways or an upward direction. Recently a spray drift model has been developed to estimate pesticide deposits onto downwind off-target areas next to Fruit orchards. Using this spray drift model, an exposure assessment model has been developed to estimate risk of exposure to pesticides for aquatic organisms in edge-of-field watercourses next to pome Fruit orchards in the Netherlands. For arable crops, typically, the risk of exposure is much less, considering pesticide concentrations in the edge-of-field watercourse. However, the total area for arable crops is much higher than that for Fruit orchards. This paper describes the probabilistic processes concerning the countrywide risk assessment using a exposure model for one field and one ditch. Spatial and temporal variables are distinguished. Spatial variables include regional distributions of orchards and different types of watercourses, various water levels and continuously varying growth stages during the year. Temporal variables include frequency distributions of wind speed and direction and ambient temperature. 90% risk levels of predicted environmental concentrations (PEC) in surface water can be determined for various spray application schemes including multiple spray applications during a year. In an extensive simulation study the PECs in the watercourses were computed for all possible spatial configurations. A spatio-temporal statistical analysis on these simulations resulted in a quantitative risk assessment for a representative set of spray application schemes. Various model features (including drift mitigation, crop-free zones) result in a versatile exposure assessment model with a high level of realism. The spray drift deposits onto the water surface can be used as input for models describing the fate of pesticides in the watercourses. In this way, a realistic simulation study on the exposure to and fate of pesticides in surface waters can be performed to quantify exposure risk levels for aquatic organisms. The countrywide exposure risk model supports higher-tier assessment studies for the authorization of plant protection products.
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Modelling the exposure of water bodies to spray drift for Fruit Growing in the Netherlands
Aspects of applied biology, 2016Co-Authors: H.j. Holterman, J.c. Van De Zande, H.t.l. Massop, J.j.t.i. Boesten, J.f.m. HuijsmansAbstract:This is the pre-edited version of the following article: Holterman, H. J., van de Zande, J. C., Massop, H. T. L., Boesten, J. J. T. I., & Huijsmans, J. F. M. (2016). Modelling the exposure of water bodies to spray drift for Fruit Growing in the Netherlands. 243-248. Paper presented at International Advances in Pesticide Application, Aspects of Applied Biology 132, 2016, Barcelona, Spain, which has been published in final form at https://www.aab.org.uk/aspects-of-applied-biology
J. Burema - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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experts subjective assessment of pesticide exposure in Fruit Growing
Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 1996Co-Authors: J. De Cock, Hans Kromhout, Dick Heederik, J. BuremaAbstract:Objectives Exposure to pesticides in Fruit Growing was estimated by pesticide experts, occupational hygienists, and Fruit Growing experts to determine whether valid subjective assessments can be made by experts. The study objectives were (i) validation of exposure assessment by experts using different sources of information, (ii) assessment of interrater agreement, (iii) measurement of agreement between experts' assessments and actual quantitative exposure data. Methods Three groups with different expertise made four ratings. Three of the ratings were made in three phases in which exposure information was provided. Results The intraclass correlation was high for each subgroup of experts when tasks in Fruit Growing were relatively ranked by increasing exposure level. In general, the interrater agreement on factors influencing the internal dose decreased when more information on exposure was provided. Experts correctly considered dermal exposure as the prominent contributor to internal dose. Results were comparable for the three pesticides under study. The ranking of 15 specific sprayings with a fungicide clearly showed differences between raters according to their expertise. The pesticide experts and occupational hygienists were able to rank daily exposure levels during pesticide spraying in a meaningful way. Conclusions Experts seem to recognize the most important determinants of external exposure and therefore should be able to play a role in evaluating the effectiveness of control measures taken to reduce external exposure and to determine exposure groups in epidemiologic studies. The expert panel should not be too small, and consensus or average estimates should be used because differences within expert groups can be considerable.
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Experts' subjective assessment of pesticide exposure in Fruit Growing
Scandinavian journal of work environment & health, 1996Co-Authors: J. De Cock, Hans Kromhout, Dick Heederik, J. BuremaAbstract:de Cock J, Krornhout H, Heederik D, Burema J. Experts' subjective assessment of pesticide exposure in Fruit Growing. Scand J Work Environ Health 1996;22:425-32. Objectives Exposure to pesticides in Fruit Growing was estimated by pesticide experts, occupational hygienists, and Fruit Growing experts to determine whether valid subjective assessments can be made by experts. The study objectives were (i) validation of exposure assessment by experts using different sources of information, (ii) assessment of interrater agreement, (iii) measurement of agreement between experts' assessments and actual quantitative exposure data. Methods Three groups with different expertise made four ratings. Three of the ratings were made in three phases in which exposure information was provided. Results The intraclass correlation was high for each subgroup of experts when tasks in Fruit Growing were relatively ranked by increasing exposure level. In general, the interrater agreement on factors influencing the internal dose decreased when more information on exposure was provided. Experts correctly considered dermal exposure as the prominent contributor to internal dose. Results were comparable for the three pesticides under study. The ranking of 15 specific sprayings with a fungicide clearly showed differences between raters according to their expertise. The pesticide experts and occupational hygienists were able to rank daily exposure levels during pesticide spraying in a meaningful way. CO~C~US~O~S Experts seem to recognize the most important determinants of external exposure and therefore should be able play a role in evaluating the effectiveness of control measures taken to reduce external exposure and to determine exposure groups in epidemiologic studies. The expert panel should not be too small, and consensus or average estimates should be used because differences within expert groups can be considerable.
H.j. Holterman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Probabilistic risk assessment for watercourses exposed to spray drift in Fruit Growing in the Netherlands
2020Co-Authors: H.j. Holterman, J.c. Van De Zande, J.j.t.i. Boesten, E.l. Wipfler, J.f.m. HuijsmansAbstract:This is the pre-edited version of the following article: Holterman, H. J., van de Zande, J. C., Wipfler, E. L., Boesten, J. J. T. I., & Huijsmans, J. F. M. (2019). Probabilistic risk assessment for watercourses exposed to spray drift in Fruit Growing in the Netherlands. In Aspects of Applied Biology: International Advances in Pesticide Application (144 ed., pp. 255-262). (Aspects of Applied Biology; Vol. 144). Brighton: Association of Applied Biologists, 2020., which has been published in final form at https://www.aab.org.uk/aspects-of-applied-biology Deposition of spray drift onto surface waters is a major cause for the risk of exposure to pesticides for aquatic organisms. This risk is particularly high for surface waters alongside pome Fruit orchards, where pesticide sprays are applied in a sideways or an upward direction. Recently a spray drift model has been developed to estimate pesticide deposits onto downwind off-target areas next to Fruit orchards. Using this spray drift model, an exposure assessment model has been developed to estimate risk of exposure to pesticides for aquatic organisms in edge-of-field watercourses next to pome Fruit orchards in the Netherlands. For arable crops, typically, the risk of exposure is much less, considering pesticide concentrations in the edge-of-field watercourse. However, the total area for arable crops is much higher than that for Fruit orchards. This paper describes the probabilistic processes concerning the countrywide risk assessment using a exposure model for one field and one ditch. Spatial and temporal variables are distinguished. Spatial variables include regional distributions of orchards and different types of watercourses, various water levels and continuously varying growth stages during the year. Temporal variables include frequency distributions of wind speed and direction and ambient temperature. 90% risk levels of predicted environmental concentrations (PEC) in surface water can be determined for various spray application schemes including multiple spray applications during a year. In an extensive simulation study the PECs in the watercourses were computed for all possible spatial configurations. A spatio-temporal statistical analysis on these simulations resulted in a quantitative risk assessment for a representative set of spray application schemes. Various model features (including drift mitigation, crop-free zones) result in a versatile exposure assessment model with a high level of realism. The spray drift deposits onto the water surface can be used as input for models describing the fate of pesticides in the watercourses. In this way, a realistic simulation study on the exposure to and fate of pesticides in surface waters can be performed to quantify exposure risk levels for aquatic organisms. The countrywide exposure risk model supports higher-tier assessment studies for the authorization of plant protection products.
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Modelling the exposure of water bodies to spray drift for Fruit Growing in the Netherlands
Aspects of applied biology, 2016Co-Authors: H.j. Holterman, J.c. Van De Zande, H.t.l. Massop, J.j.t.i. Boesten, J.f.m. HuijsmansAbstract:This is the pre-edited version of the following article: Holterman, H. J., van de Zande, J. C., Massop, H. T. L., Boesten, J. J. T. I., & Huijsmans, J. F. M. (2016). Modelling the exposure of water bodies to spray drift for Fruit Growing in the Netherlands. 243-248. Paper presented at International Advances in Pesticide Application, Aspects of Applied Biology 132, 2016, Barcelona, Spain, which has been published in final form at https://www.aab.org.uk/aspects-of-applied-biology
J. De Cock - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Exposure to fungicides in Fruit Growing : re-entry time as a predictor for dermal exposure
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, 1999Co-Authors: Erik Tielemans, J. De Cock, E. Louwerse, Derk H. Brouwer, G.a. Zielhuis, Dick HeederikAbstract:As part of a European Concerted Action on Male Reproduction Capability an exposure assessment survey was conducted among seasonal workers in the Fruit Growing sector in the Netherlands. Dermal exposure to the fungicides captan and tolylfluanid was measured using cotton gloves (12 persons) and skin pads on several body parts (12 persons). In addition, a set of exposure data was used from a study conducted recently among Dutch Fruit growers. For harvesting activities, re-entry time appeared to be an important determinant of dermal exposure to captan and tolylfluanid. Explained variance of regression models was moderate to high (range 0.30-0.87). For captan, calculated half-life times from the most recent exposure survey were lower (glove data: 5 days; pad data: 6 days) compared with half-life times based on the previously conducted study (11 days). Possible explanations for the discrepancy are discussed. For tolylfluanid, estimated half-life times during harvesting were 2 and 3 days, based on pad and glove data, respectively. Prediction of captan exposure during other crop activities appeared to be far more difficult (explained variance equal to 0.06), although the estimated half-life time was comparable with that for harvesting. The data suggest that re-entry time gives useful information to group workers in broad exposure categories. Nonetheless, it was concluded that large studies are needed to evaluate the importance of re-entry time in more detail.
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Exposure to captan in Fruit Growing
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, 1998Co-Authors: J. De Cock, Hans Kromhout, Dick Heederik, Jan S.m. Boleij, F. Hoek, Hillion WeghAbstract:This study characterized occupational exposure to pesticides in Fruit Growing in The Netherlands to assess determinants of exposure. Large-scale exposure surveys were carried out during application of pesticides and during reentry activities. Data on contamination inside the Fruit growers' homes were obtained, and total potential exposure for the Fruit grower and his family during the Growing and harvesting season was estimated. Repeated measurements on the same subject were collected to study components of exposure variability. Relative contribution of the respiratory route and different skin sites to total exposure were assessed. Captan was used as a marker for exposure. Inhalable dust exposure was measured with a personal monitor and potential dermal exposure with skin pads and hand rinsing. Dislodgeable foliar residue was measured by taking leaf punches. For respiratory exposure and potential dermal exposure, differences were observed between several tasks. Workers were categorized according to tasks ...
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Determinants of Exposure to Captan in Fruit Growing
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, 1998Co-Authors: J. De Cock, Hans Kromhout, Dick Heederik, Jan S.m. Boleij, F. Hoek, Hillion WeghAbstract:A series of studies investigated occupational exposure to pesticides among Fruit growers in The Netherlands during spraying and reentry of orchards between 1990 and 1992 to identify and quantify determinants of exposure. Determinants of exposure are discussed as a starting point for hazard identification and control. Captan was used as a marker for exposure. Cabin use on the tractor was the most prominent determinant of dermal exposure during spraying. For respiratory exposure, factors related to preparation of pesticides were most prominent. A long duration of exposure may reflect a different exposure situation compared with a short duration of exposure. As different determinants of exposure prevailed for each subgroup, consideration should be given to constructing exposure models for each group separately. Dislodgeable foliar residue (DFR) was the most prominent determinant of exposure for both respiratory and dermal exposure during reentry. However, no significant relation between DFR and dermal exposu...
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experts subjective assessment of pesticide exposure in Fruit Growing
Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 1996Co-Authors: J. De Cock, Hans Kromhout, Dick Heederik, J. BuremaAbstract:Objectives Exposure to pesticides in Fruit Growing was estimated by pesticide experts, occupational hygienists, and Fruit Growing experts to determine whether valid subjective assessments can be made by experts. The study objectives were (i) validation of exposure assessment by experts using different sources of information, (ii) assessment of interrater agreement, (iii) measurement of agreement between experts' assessments and actual quantitative exposure data. Methods Three groups with different expertise made four ratings. Three of the ratings were made in three phases in which exposure information was provided. Results The intraclass correlation was high for each subgroup of experts when tasks in Fruit Growing were relatively ranked by increasing exposure level. In general, the interrater agreement on factors influencing the internal dose decreased when more information on exposure was provided. Experts correctly considered dermal exposure as the prominent contributor to internal dose. Results were comparable for the three pesticides under study. The ranking of 15 specific sprayings with a fungicide clearly showed differences between raters according to their expertise. The pesticide experts and occupational hygienists were able to rank daily exposure levels during pesticide spraying in a meaningful way. Conclusions Experts seem to recognize the most important determinants of external exposure and therefore should be able to play a role in evaluating the effectiveness of control measures taken to reduce external exposure and to determine exposure groups in epidemiologic studies. The expert panel should not be too small, and consensus or average estimates should be used because differences within expert groups can be considerable.
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Experts' subjective assessment of pesticide exposure in Fruit Growing
Scandinavian journal of work environment & health, 1996Co-Authors: J. De Cock, Hans Kromhout, Dick Heederik, J. BuremaAbstract:de Cock J, Krornhout H, Heederik D, Burema J. Experts' subjective assessment of pesticide exposure in Fruit Growing. Scand J Work Environ Health 1996;22:425-32. Objectives Exposure to pesticides in Fruit Growing was estimated by pesticide experts, occupational hygienists, and Fruit Growing experts to determine whether valid subjective assessments can be made by experts. The study objectives were (i) validation of exposure assessment by experts using different sources of information, (ii) assessment of interrater agreement, (iii) measurement of agreement between experts' assessments and actual quantitative exposure data. Methods Three groups with different expertise made four ratings. Three of the ratings were made in three phases in which exposure information was provided. Results The intraclass correlation was high for each subgroup of experts when tasks in Fruit Growing were relatively ranked by increasing exposure level. In general, the interrater agreement on factors influencing the internal dose decreased when more information on exposure was provided. Experts correctly considered dermal exposure as the prominent contributor to internal dose. Results were comparable for the three pesticides under study. The ranking of 15 specific sprayings with a fungicide clearly showed differences between raters according to their expertise. The pesticide experts and occupational hygienists were able to rank daily exposure levels during pesticide spraying in a meaningful way. CO~C~US~O~S Experts seem to recognize the most important determinants of external exposure and therefore should be able play a role in evaluating the effectiveness of control measures taken to reduce external exposure and to determine exposure groups in epidemiologic studies. The expert panel should not be too small, and consensus or average estimates should be used because differences within expert groups can be considerable.
