A Randomized Combined Channel Approach for the Quantification of Color- and Intensity-Based Assays with Smartphones.

Quantification of colorimetric assays with smartphones is being increasingly reported. However, a complete characterization of the performance of existing color spaces and single-color channels for optimum color/intensity change quantification is absent. Moreover, it has not been ascertained if it is necessary to utilize existing color spaces to reach optimal assay quantification. In this study, a randomized channel approach was adapted utilizing all single channels from RGB, HSV, and CieLab color space and all nonrepeating random combinations of two and three channels of these color spaces. Assays based on color or intensity change using pH strips and gold or carbon black nanoparticle-containing paper strips were optimized using this approach. Several novel channel combinations showed great promise, in terms of prediction error and interphone variation reduction, outperforming RGB, HSV, and CieLab color spaces. These novel combinations were used in a custom-developed smartphone application that performed automated background subtraction and polynomial regression for the quantification of a lateral flow assay for the detection of goat milk adulteration with cow milk and for pH prediction in soil. For the lateral flow assay the channel combination BSA was found optimum (mean average error = 36% ± 6%; R2 = 0.97). For the soil pH assay the channel combination RLC was found optimum (mean average error = 1.31% ± 0.02%; R2 = 0.997). The study has shown that nonclassical channel combinations for colorimetric quantification of specific assays are very promising and should be considered for smartphone-based analysis.

The Efficiency of Color Space Channels to Quantify Color and Color Intensity Change in Liquids, pH Strips, and Lateral Flow Assays with Smartphones.

Bottom-up, end-user based feed, and food analysis through smartphone quantification of lateral flow assays (LFA) has the potential to cause a paradigm shift in testing capabilities. However, most developed devices do not test the presence of and implications of inter-phone variation. Much discussion remains regarding optimum color space for smartphone colorimetric analyses and, an in-depth comparison of color space performance is missing. Moreover, a light-shielding box is often used to avoid variations caused by background illumination while the use of such a bulky add-on may be avoidable through image background correction. Here, quantification performance of individual channels of RGB, HSV, and LAB color space and ΔRGB was determined for color and color intensity variation using pH strips, filter paper with dropped nanoparticles, and colored solutions. LAB and HSV color space channels never outperformed the best RGB channels in any test. Background correction avoided measurement variation if no direct sunlight was used and functioned more efficiently outside a light-shielding box (prediction errors < 5%/35% for color/color intensity change). The system was validated using various phones for quantification of major allergens (i.e., gluten in buffer, bovine milk in goat milk and goat cheese), and, pH in soil extracts with commercial pH strips and LFA. Inter-phone variation was significant for LFA quantification but low using pH strips (prediction errors < 10% for all six phones compared). Thus, assays based on color change hold the strongest promise for end-user adapted smartphone diagnostics.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, the United Kingdom, for the pesticide active substance Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11 as nematicide on tomato, pepper, aubergine, cucumber, courgette, melon, watermelon, pumpkin (field and greenhouse applications). The reliable endpoints appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IT-45.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IT-45 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IT-45 as a fungicide on citrus (field use, application to soil via drip irrigation systems). The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain PB 54.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Denmark, and co-rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, for the pesticide active substance Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain PB 54 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain PB 54 as an insecticide on stone fruit and ornamentals (field uses) and tomato (field, permanent greenhouse and walk-in tunnel uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance calcium carbonate.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Spain and co-rapporteur Member State Hungary for the pesticide active substance calcium carbonate are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of calcium carbonate as a repellent on deciduous and coniferous trees in forestry. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. No concerns were identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain EG2348.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Denmark, and co-rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, for the pesticide active substance Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain EG2348 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki strain EG2348 as an insecticide on pome fruits (field use), solanaceous fruiting vegetables (uses in permanent greenhouse and walk-in tunnel) and ornamentals (field, permanent greenhouse and walk-in tunnel uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance carbon dioxide.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, France, and co-rapporteur Member State, Austria, for the pesticide active substance carbon dioxide and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of carbon dioxide as an insecticide and acaricide on stored cereal grains, oilseeds, medicinal plants, cereal products, spices, tobacco, tea, dried fruits and other stored plant products (except semolina and oilseed meal) (all indoor uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Straight Chain Lepidopteran Pheromones (SCLPs).

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Italy and co-rapporteur Member State France for the pesticide active substances that are Straight Chain Lepidopteran Pheromones (SCLPs) and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substances in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of representative uses of some SCLPs as semiochemicals used to protect grapes, pome fruits, walnuts, rice and any other crop (where Chilo suppressalis may be a pest) (all field uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substances Pepino Mosaic Virus,EU strain, mild isolate Abp1 and Pepino Mosaic Virus,CH2 strain, mild isolate Abp2.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, Spain, for the pesticide active substances Pepino Mosaic Virus, EU strain, mild isolate Abp1 and Pepino Mosaic Virus, CH2 strain, mild isolate Abp2 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substances in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of Pepino Mosaic Virus, EU strain, mild isolate Abp1 and Pepino Mosaic Virus, CH2 strain, mild isolate Abp2 as an elicitor on tomato (permanent greenhouse production systems). The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance phosmet.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Spain, and co-rapporteur Member State, Greece, for the pesticide active substance phosmet and the assessment of applications for maximum residue levels (MRLs) are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of phosmet as an insecticide on citrus fruits, pome fruits, peaches/nectarines and potatoes (field uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain QST 713 (formerly Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713).

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Germany, and co-rapporteur Member State, Denmark, for the pesticide active substance Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain QST 713, formerly Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713, are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain QST 713 as a fungicide on strawberry (field and greenhouse uses) and grapes (field use). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance potassium hydrogen carbonate.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands and co-rapporteur Member State, Greece, for the pesticide active substance potassium hydrogen carbonate and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of potassium hydrogen carbonate as a fungicide on strawberry, wine and table grapes, pome fruits, stone fruits, ornamentals and cucurbits. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are not identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance clodinafop (variant evaluated clodinafop-propargyl).

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Greece, and co-rapporteur Member State, Germany, for the pesticide active substance clodinafop-propargyl are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of clodinafop-propargyl as a herbicide on wheat, rye and triticale. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified. The European Commission mandated EFSA to reconsider the acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL) setting and to update the non-dietary exposure assessment if needed.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AH2.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State the Netherlands for the pesticide active substance Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AH2 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AH2 as a fungicide on grapes. The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Beauveria bassiana strain 203.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State the Netherlands for the pesticide active substance Beauveria bassiana strain 203 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Beauveria bassiana strain 203 as an insecticide on Phoenix canariensis (field use, indoor and greenhouse applications) and Phoenix dactylifera (field use) in southern Europe. The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Metarhizium brunneum BIPESCO 5/F52.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, and co-rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance Metarhizium brunneum BIPESCO 5/F52 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Metarhizium brunneum BIPESCO 5/F52 as an insecticide and acaricide on meadows, grassland, amenity turf, maize, wine and table grape, potato, allium vegetables (only field uses) and ornamentals (floriculture, tree nurseries and perennials), strawberry, currants and berries, solanaceae fruiting vegetables (field and greenhouse uses) and cucurbit fruiting vegetables (only greenhouse uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai strain ABTS-1857.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State The Netherlands and co-rapporteur Member State Germany for the pesticide active substance Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai strain ABTS-1857 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai strain ABTS-1857 as an insecticide on fruiting vegetables (pepper, field and greenhouse uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai strain GC-91.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State The Netherlands and co-rapporteur Member State Germany for the pesticide active substance Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai strain GC-91 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai strain GC-91 as an insecticide on pome fruits (apple, pear), grapes and sports turf (field uses) and tomato (greenhouse uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Pythium oligandrum strain M1.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Sweden and co-rapporteur Member State Hungary for the pesticide active substance Pythium oligandrum strain M1 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Pythium oligandrum strain M1 as a fungicide on oil seed rape, wheat and spring barley (field use). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.