Collection Zone Research Articles

Analysis DPSIR for the Strategic Environment Assessment in Planning Development in Agropolitan Areas and Minapolitan Areas in East Java

The development plan of Agropolitan and Minapolitan areas in the province of East Java is thought to pose a risk to the environment. Agropolitan/Minapolitan Area development will be followed by industrial sector development, increasing environmental risks such as environmental pollution, both air, soil and water due to waste from agricultural, aquaculture, and/or industrial activities, conversion of agricultural land and ponds, and destruction of other ecosystems. Policies, Plans and Programs (PPPs) Zoning planning and development in Agropolitan Areas and Minapolitan Areas in the form of production center zones, processing industry center zones, collection and distribution center zones is one of the PPPs that requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This research was carried out at the zoning locations in East Java Province’s Agropolitan and Minapolitan areas. The purpose of this study is to determine how environmental influences and impacts are caused by Policies, Plans, and Programs (PPPs) planning and zoning development in Agropolitan Areas and Minapolitan Areas in East Java Province in the form of production center zones, processing industry center zones, collection and distribution center zones. Regional environmental analysis and policy evaluation are carried out using the analysis six contents of SEA and DPSIR (Driving Force – Pressure – State – Impact – Response) approach which it is a framework for organizing information and data on environmental conditions. The research results show that data on environmental conditions from PPPs planning and zoning development in the Agropolitan and Minapolitan Areas of East Java Province in the form of production center zones, processing industry center zones, collection and distribution center zones consist of D3TLH water is exceeded and has not been exceeded, environmental impact and risk, service performance or ecosystem services, level of vulnerability to climate change, resistance level and biodiversity potential, and estimated environmental risk impact. The research’s findings indicate that SEA is a very beneficial and effective ongoing usage of evaluation tools to provide solutions or recommendations based on an in-depth review process that includes mitigation and alternatives.

Genetic analysis of the frozen microbiome at 7900 m a.s.l., on the South Col of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest)

ABSTRACT Microbial communities in alpine environments >7,500 m.a.s.l. have not been well studied using modern cultivation-independent sequencing approaches due to the challenges and danger associated with reaching such high elevations. For this reason, we know little about the microorganisms found in sediments on Earth’s tallest mountains, how they reach these surfaces, and how they survive and remain active at such extreme elevations. Here, we explore the microbial diversity recovered from three sediment samples collected from the South Col (~7,900 m.a.s.l.) of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) using both culturing and next generation sequencing approaches (16S rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer [ITS] region, and 18S rRNA gene sequencing). Both approaches detected very low diversity of bacteria, protists, and fungi that included a combination of cosmopolitan taxa and specialized microorganisms often found at high elevations like those of the genera Modestobacter and Naganishia. Though we managed to grow viable cultures of many of these taxa, it remains likely that few, if any, can be active in situ at the South Col. Instead, these high-elevation surfaces may act as deep-freeze collection zones of organisms deposited from the atmosphere or left by climbers scaling the Earth’s highest mountain.

Optimal deployment of automated external defibrillators in a long and narrow environment.

Public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) plays a key role in increasing survival outcomes for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Based on the concept of maximizing "rescue benefit" of AEDs, we aimed to propose a systematic methodology for optimizing the deployment of AEDs, and develop such strategies for long and narrow spaces. We classified the effective coverage of an AED in hot, warm, and cold zones. The AEDs were categorized, according to their accessibility, as fixed, summonable, or patrolling types. The overall rescue benefit of the AEDs were evaluated by the weighted size of their collective hot zones. The optimal strategies for the deployment of AEDs were derived mathematically and numerically verified by computer programs. To maximize the overall rescue benefit of the AEDs, the AEDs should avoid overlapping with each other's coverage as much as possible. Specific rules for optimally deploying one, two, or multiple AEDs, and various types of AEDs are summarized and presented. A methodology for assessing the rescue benefit of deployed AEDs was proposed, and deployment strategies for maximizing the rescue benefit of AEDs along a long, narrow, corridor-like, finite space were derived. The strategies are simple and readily implementable. Our methodology can be easily generalized to search for optimal deployment of AEDs in planar areas or three-dimensional spaces.

Agro morphological variability of cassava varieties cultivated in five regions of Côte d’Ivoire based on quantitative traits

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the morphological variability of cassava accessions from five regions of Côte d'Ivoire based on quantitative criteria. Methodology and Results: The material used was composed of cuttings from 200 cassava accessions collected in five agro-ecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire. The experimental set-up was a complete block randomised to one factor (accessions), and established on a fallow plot in the Haut Sassandra region (Daloa/Gosea). Fourteen quantitative descriptors were measured at different stages of plant development. The data collected were subjected to statistical tests. The principal component analysis applied to the 200 accessions showed a variability of 37.018 % revealed by the first two axis. The dendrogram produced by the UPGMA method highlighted three groups of accessions based on the 12 characters. These three groups were generally constituted independently of the agro-ecological zones of collection. Conclusion and Application of results: At the end of this study, it should be noted that the 200 cassava accessions collected in the five agro-ecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire are characterised by a strong morphological variability. This variability was structured into three distinct agro morphological groups with the height of the first branching and the number of branches of the plant as distinctive characters. The genetic variability observed between groups constituted by the accessions is important for varietal selection work. Key words: Agronomical, cassava, morphological, variability

Role of hydrophobic fine particles in coarse particle flotation: An analysis of bubble-particle attachment and detachment

It is widely accepted that hydrophobic fine particles improve froth stability and thus increase the recovery of coarse particles in the froth phase. In fact, the presence of fine particles also enhances coarse particle recovery in the collection zone. It is not yet known what causes this, nor is it known how fine particles affect interactions between bubbles and coarse particles (collision, attachment, and detachment). In the present study, the role of hydrophobic fine particles in improving the recovery of coarse particles in the pulp phase was discussed from the perspective of bubble-particle interaction. Flotation tests of coarse particles with different fine particle contents were first carried out. The bubble collision-attachment test, bubble-particle aggregate stability test, and interaction force test were used to further explain the effects of fine particle coverage on bubble-particle interactions. The results show that the recovery of coarse particles increases as the fine particle content in the flotation feed increases. Although the presence of hydrophobic fine particles prevents the rupture of the liquid film and the formation of the contact line between bubble and coarse particle, it can also greatly increase contact angle hysteresis, increasing the maximum force required to pull coarse particle from the gas-liquid interface into the aqueous phase. Furthermore, the coverage of fine particles helps to improve the energy dissipation during the bubble collision and reduce the oscillation of the bubble-particle aggregates. As a result, the increase in coarse particle recovery in the presence of fine particles is due to the decrease in the detachment of the bubble-particle aggregate. The important findings of this study are expected to provide a basis for understanding the interaction between multiple particles and bubbles in actual flotation.

Russia – Saudi Arabia: plight and prospects of cooperation

For Russia, the political situation in the Persian Gulf region is of fundamental importance due to the size of its resource potential, its significant role in the global energy sector, geographical proximity, and the influence of the Arabian countries on the Muslim population of our country. The relative political stability and economic weight of the Arabian monarchies serve as the basis of the new – Arabian vector of Russia's Middle East policy. The influence of the monarchies of the Persian Gulf zone, primarily the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is growing in the region. The author tried to answer the question: what are the opportunities and prospects for establishing partnership relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia? Besides cooperation in the settlement of regional conflicts and the fight against international terrorism, the creation of a collective security zone in the Persian Gulf, coordination of actions in the oil market, bringing economic relations to a new qualitative level, and the development of humanitarian contacts are the most realistic areas of rapprochement.

A LoC-SERS platform based on triple signal amplification for highly sensitive detection of colorectal cancer miRNAs.

In this work, based on a dual signal amplification strategy of enzyme-assisted signal amplification (EASA) and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), combined with the magnetic attraction effect, a capillary pump-driven surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) microfluidic chip (LoC-SERS) platform was developed for the sensitive detection of colorectal cancer-associated (CRC) microRNA (miRNA). During the detection process, the miRNA first undergoes an EASA reaction with hairpin DNA1 (hpDNA1) under the action of endonuclease, which generates a large amount of DNA2 cyclically. After that, DNA2 triggers the CHA reaction to proceed, which leads to the ligation of the SERS nanoprobes and the capture nanoprobes (hpDNA2-hpDNA3 complexes). Finally, as the reactant solution flows through the collection zone, the end products are magnetically attracted by the micro-magnets, generating many "hot spots" and leading to a triple amplification of the SERS signal. By quantitative analysis, the platform achieved ultra-low detection limits of miR-122 (4.26 aM) and miR-192 (4.71 aM) within a linear range of 10 aM-10 pM. In addition, the platform's results for clinical samples are highly consistent with those measured by qRT-PCR methods. Overall, the proposed LoC-SERS platform is expected to be an important tool for the early screening of CRC.

Settlement traps and harvesting methods for spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) puerulus fishery in Palawan Island, the Philippines

The attractive price for spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) puerulus has recently encouraged many fishers to engage in its collection as an alternative livelihood at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This booming fishery prompted the investigation of the settlement traps, luring/shading materials, trap installation and harvesting methods, and problems encountered in the spiny lobster puerulus fishery in Palawan, Philippines. Reviewed videos posted on social media, personal observation, and data gathered from key informants (KIs) revealed the use of various modified and newly developed settlement traps. The most common were the concrete cylindrical and disc-shaped traps used by 63.33% of the KIs. Some KIs (40%) provided the settlement traps with luring/shading materials like Sargassum thalli. Settlement traps were mostly installed using the stake-hanging method. The harvesting season starts in March and ends in August where the daily collection coincides with the moon phase. Fishers collected settled puerulus through diving or pulling the traps out of the water. However, some issues like unstable prices and the absence of fishing regulations threaten the sustainability of pueruli collection. Hence, the establishment of collection zones, issuance of fishing permits, price regulation, and long-term monitoring to maintain this promising fishery industry is suggested in crafting ordinances. Efficiencies of traps may also be investigated as an additional basis for policy recommendations.

Online Superficial Gas Velocity, Holdup, and Froth Depth Sensor for Flotation Cells

In flotation process, the efficiency and selectivity depend on mineralogy, particle size distribution and liberation, reagents added, mixing, and particle coverage. However, the kinetics of particle recovery is highly dependent on cell hydrodynamic and circuit configuration and operational strategy. Controlling froth depth and gas flow rate, measured as superficial gas velocity, is a straightforward alternative related to kinetics in the froth and collection zones. However, these parameters are not measured accurately. Froth depth measurement is based on a floating device coupled with a sonic sensor; this configuration presents hysteresis and deviation due to variation in the gas holdup and pulp density. In self-aspirated machines, there is no technology to measure gas velocity. To address this problem, the intelligent online gas dispersion sensor based on two concentric HDPE cylindres is proposed. The intelligent online gas dispersion sensor is based on two concentric HDPE cylinders. The methodology improves the accuracy of gas velocity calculation with a new algorithm. Froth depth measurement is based on two pressure transducers, reducing the uncertainty of the floating sonic sensor to 1 cm. Pulp bulk density is directly measured, and gas holdup can be estimated. Experimental results and industrial device validation indicate that the new intelligent system can measure superficial gas velocity (Jg) online and self-calibrate, with a 2% error, the froth depth error being ±1 cm. Therefore, a multiparameter sensor for measuring gas dispersion in industrial flotation cells was experimentally designed and validated in an industrial environment (TRL 8). In this context, the proposed online gas dispersion sensor emerges as a robust technology to improve the operation of the flotation process.

Table Mountain Pine (Pinus pungens): Genetic Diversity and Conservation of an Imperiled Conifer

Abstract Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens Lamb.) is an imperiled tree species endemic to the southern and central Appalachian Mountains. Generally reliant on fire for regeneration, its fragmented but widespread distribution has declined in recent decades. We quantified the genetic diversity of 26 populations across the range of the species using data from seven highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. The species was relatively inbred whereas differentiation among populations was relatively low. Differentiation was significantly but weakly associated with geographic distance among populations. We detected minor genetic differences between northern and southern seed collection zones established based on climate similarity. We conducted a series of simulations using SSR data from 498 seedlings, grown from seed collected from five natural stands of Table Mountain pine, to assess the genetic consequences of different strategies for deploying collected seed in ex situ conservation plantings. Results indicated that reducing the number of families in a planting would not substantially affect the conservation of common alleles but would affect the representation of rare alleles and overall allelic richness. These findings add to our limited knowledge of genetic variation across the distribution of this rare conifer and offer some guidance for its effective genetic conservation.

On the issue of increasing the efficiency of the spindles of a vertical-spindle cotton picker

This article is devoted to the issue of increasing the efficiency of vertical-spindle cotton pickers by rational choice of kinematic and geometrical parameters of the main working body – the spindle drum. In particular, in the work, an analysis of the actual operating conditions of the spindles, existing machines, and the results of previous studies in this area indicate the main reasons for the low efficiency of cotton pickers. As a criterion for evaluating the efficiency of the vertical spindles, the “activity” of the spindles and the force that occurs between the cotton boll and the surface of the latter are taken. It is shown that the design features of the existing vertical spindle drums do not allow increasing the active surface of the spindles and their favorable orientation relative to cotton bolls in the collection area. It is substantiated that in order to increase the activity of the spindles in the collection zone, it is necessary to inform them, as they move in this zone, of the variable speed and trajectory of the spindle movement, which improves the conditions for the interaction of the latter with the cotton boll. The obtained results are compared and analyzed with the same results of the existing spindle drums, which showed a significant increase in the activity of the spindles when using elliptical drums as the main working body of the cotton picker.

The Correlation between Macroscopic Image and Object Properties with Bubble Size in Flotation

This paper studies the correlation between different macroscopic features of image regions and object properties with the Sauter diameter (D32) of bubble size in flotation. Bubbles were sampled from the collection zone of a two-dimensional flotation cell using a McGill Bubble Size Analyzer, and photographed bubbles were processed using image analysis. The Sauter mean diameters were obtained under different experimental conditions using a semiautomated methodology, in which non-identifiable bubbles were manually characterized to estimate the bubble size distribution. For the same processed images, different image properties from their binary representation were studied in terms of their correlation with D32. The median and variability of the shadow percentage, aspect ratio, power spectral density, perimeter, equivalent diameters, solidity, and circularity, among other image or object properties, were studied. These properties were then related to the measured D32 values, from which four predictors were chosen to obtain a multivariable model that adequately described the Sauter diameter. After removing abnormal gas dispersion conditions, the multivariable linear model was able to represent D32 values (99 datasets) for superficial gas rates in the range of 0.4–2.5 cm/s, for four types of frothers and surfactant concentrations ranging from 0 to 32 ppm. The model was tested with 72 independent datasets, showing the generalizability of the results. Thus, the approach proved to be applicable at the laboratory scale for D32 = 1.3–6.7 mm.

CMOS Integrated 32 A/W and 1.6 GHz Avalanche Photodiode Based on Electric Field-Line Crowding

This letter presents a new Si CMOS linear-mode avalanche photodiode (APD) based on an electric field distribution formed by field-line crowding. In this structure, a spherical avalanching electric field is enforced by field-line crowding due to the curvature of the half-sphere cathode (n-well). The electric field extends radially and, therefore, the entire low-doped epitaxial layer serves as charge collection zone. This APD can provide high responsivity and bandwidth due to its thick absorption zone and drift-based carrier transport. Measurements using a 675 nm laser source at 200 nW optical power show a maximum bandwidth of 1.6 GHz while the responsivity is 32 A/W. In addition, a maximum responsivity of 3.05 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times \,\,10^{3}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> A/W at 5 nW optical power is achieved. Due to the high avalanche gain, large bandwidth, and CMOS compatibility without any process modification, this APD is a promising optical detector for many applications.

Direct Processing and Storage of Cell-Free Plasma Using Dried Plasma Spot Cards.

Plasma separation cards represent a viable approach for expanding testing capabilities away from clinical settings by generating cell-free plasma with minimal user intervention. These devices typically comprise a basic structure of the plasma separation membrane, unconstrained porous collection pad, and utilize either (i) lateral or (ii) vertical fluidic pathways for separating plasma. Unfortunately, these configurations are highly susceptible to (i) inconsistent sampling volume due to differences in the patient hematocrit or (ii) severe contamination due to leakage of red blood cells or release of hemoglobin (i.e., hemolysis). Herein, we combine the enhanced sampling of our previously reported patterned dried blood spot cards with an assembly of porous separation materials to produce a patterned dried plasma spot card for direct processing and storage of cell-free plasma. Linking both vertical separation and lateral distribution of plasma yields discrete plasma collection zones that are spatially protected from potential contamination due to hemolysis and an inlet zone enriched with blood cells for additional testing. We evaluate the versatility of this card by quantitation of three classes of analytes and techniques including (i) the soluble transferrin receptor by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, (ii) potassium by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and (iii) 18S rRNA by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We achieve quantitative recovery of each class of analyte with no statistically significant difference between dried and liquid reference samples. We anticipate that this sampling approach can be applied broadly to improve access to critical blood testing in resource-limited settings or at the point-of-care.

Dust collection efficiency of commercial gas collection tubes

Gas sampling tubes are essential tools for the evaluation of air quality in work environments. It adsorbs toxic gaseous matters onto the surface of various granular adsorbents, such as silica gel or activated carbon packed in a thin glass tube, for quantitative analysis by gas chromatography. Currently, most of the semi-volatile matters are evaluated via aerosol filtration or solid-phase gas adsorption depending on the main phase of the substances; however, only a few substances have a sampling protocol regarding both solid and gaseous phases. Therefore, semi-volatile components evaluated by the solid-phase adsorption may result in the underestimation of the component concentrations due to particulate components passing through and remaining in the adsorbent. To highlight issues on sampling of semi-volatile matters by the solid-phase adsorption method, the collection efficiency of aerosol particles by 17 commercial gas sampling tubes were measured via pressure drop. To measure the particle collection efficiency of the gas collection tubes, precise control and dilution of the aerosol particle monitors are essential. However, we cannot apply typical filter test methods at a lower filtration flow rate than that of the aerosol particles monitors. Therefore, we developed a new experimental method that considers flow adjustment between the aerosol monitors. By assuming two specific particle size distributions and five inlet conditions, the collection efficiencies of total mass particles are estimated. From the gas-particle partitioning ratio of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a coal tar pitch manufacturing industry, the underestimation of the concentration of semi-volatile matters using the gas collection tubes has been discussed. The aerosol particles were collected in all kinds of layers in the gas sampling tubes, such as in the glass wool cap, gas adsorbent granular bed, and polyurethane foam. Furthermore, the collection efficiency curve of all 17 gas sampling tubes tested showed similar trends; a valley around particle sizes ranging from 0.2-0.3 μm between high collection zones below 0.1 μm and above 1 μm was observed. The observations suggested granular bed filters collection mechanisms such as inertial impaction, Brownian diffusion, gravity, and interception as same as air filters. Solid-phase collection can underestimate the concentrations of multi-phase matters. Thus, we wish to highlight the importance of solid-phase collection methods along with filtration collection methods to collect all phases of semi-volatile matters.

Unpacking capabilities for professional learning: teachers’ reflections on processes of collaborative inquiry in situated teamwork

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to gain insight into and understand the authentic lived experience of the processes of collaborative inquiry in teamwork from the perspective of teachers.Design/methodology/approachData comprises stimulated recall interviews and semi-structured interviews. Seventeen teachers from four different teams in four schools form the empirical basis.FindingsThe analysis reveals that a shared focus on students’ learning in teachers’ processes of collaborative inquiry results in awareness and increased knowledge of what constitutes students’ learning. Thus, teachers are potentially becoming better equipped to facilitate students’ learning by offering them a richer set of learning opportunities. Findings confirm the key role of critical reflection through bringing teachers’ assumptions about teaching and learning to the surface, available for common exploration. When exploring problems of practice and sharing ideas and suggestions for possible solutions, teacher teams operate in a collective zone of proximal development.Practical implicationsThis analysis of teachers’ reflections on the processes of collaborative inquiry supports school leaders and facilitators of school development by revealing fundamental and often hidden characteristics of teamwork collaboration.Originality/valueFindings about teachers’ professional learning through collaborative inquiry in teamwork enhance knowledge about how teachers learn in authentic settings, and unpack the capabilities of teachers to author their own pedagogical changes. This study thus challenges linear models of professional development and the idea of professional development as mainly delivery-based.

Recruitment varies among milkweed seed sources for habitat specialist but not generalist

If sufficient seedling establishment can be achieved, seed‐based restoration provides an affordable, active restoration approach that can be implemented quickly at scale. However, establishment has served as a major restoration bottleneck, highlighting the need for improved understanding of seed germination niche and interactions with site conditions. Germination niche breadth (NB) is expected to increase with gene flow, resulting in broader environmental tolerance range, reduced sensitivity to site conditions, and less variation among seed sources. To investigate how germination NB relates to inter‐ and intraspecific variation in establishment from seed, we compared field recruitment for two milkweeds (Asclepias), the larval host plant of the monarch butterfly and thus a high priority group for habitat creation. Consistent with species‐level NB derived from laboratory trials, there was strong evidence that early life stages of the habitat specialist (Asclepias incarnata) varied among seed collection regions (separated by 423–572 km) but no evidence that the generalist (A. syriaca) varied among seed sources collected across an approximately 750‐km transect. Regeneration trends demonstrate that A. incarnata is significantly more sensitive to seed source and therefore requires more restricted seed zones. However, climate change may necessitate that we separate seed collection zones from seed application zones, upending the traditional framework of seed transfer zones. Until taxon‐specific studies have identified the scale of adaptive, phenotypic variance, restoration practitioners should continue to adjust the scale of seed collection zones for milkweeds and other taxa based on species traits known to influence gene flow, such as abundance and habitat specificity.

Corporations and Health: The Need to Combine Forces to Improve Population Health.

The recent concerns raised about commercial determinants of health (CDoH) are not new. Numerous organizations around the world are working on these issues. These groups have emerged in response to specific issues and contexts and bring with them a diversity of interests, worldviews and strategies for change. In creating the 'Governance, Ethics and Conflicts of Interest in Public Health' network in 2018, our hope was to broaden our engagement with other actors advocating for change and strengthen our collective efforts. For academics, this requires moving further beyond the collective comfort zone of peer-reviewed publications, working with the media and those with political expertise, and learning from and supporting other stakeholders with a common vision.

Using Top-of-Froth Conductivity to Infer Water Overflow Rate in a Two-Phase Lab-Scale Flotation Column

The metallurgical performance of a flotation machine is largely defined by phenomena occurring in the froth zone. The water content in the froth affects recovery by influencing froth stability and mobility and, at the same time, reduces grade by mechanical entrainment of gangue particles in the overflow water. Efficient operation requires a compromise between the water carried by bubbles from the collection zone and that which overflows. It is believed that the most suitable operating strategy could be based on the measurement of froth water content, as a strong correlation with water overflow is anticipated. This work reports the testing results of an in situ electrical conductivity sensor continuously measuring the froth zone water content in a laboratory-scale flotation column. The test program included simultaneous measurement of froth conductivity and water overflow rates for changes in gas flow rate and frother concentration. The results show a stronger dependence of the measured top-of-froth water content on frother concentration than on the gas flow rate. A relatively linear trend was shown between top-of-froth water content and water overflow rate for a given air rate and frother.

Transfer of DNA without contact from used clothing, pillowcases and towels by shaking agitation

DNA is frequently retrieved from commonly used objects or surfaces with no apparent biological stains. This DNA may have come from one or more individuals who directly deposited their DNA, or indirectly transferred the DNA of others, when physically contacting the sampled object or surface. Furthermore, contactless indirect DNA transfer of this ‘touch DNA’ from fabric substrates was recently demonstrated to be possible in a controlled laboratory environment. The circumstances and extent to which this form of contactless DNA transfer occurs are largely unknown. This study investigated indirect DNA transfer without contact by applying a gentle shaking agitation to used clothing, pillowcases and towels, with known usage and history, of 10 volunteers above the collection zone of the secondary surface. DNA transfer frequently occurred and was possible from all three investigated items. It occurred at levels that often produced informative profiles where transferred profiles closely resembled the profiles generated from the primary item. The outcomes of this study contribute to expanding the understanding of indirect DNA transfer without contact. However, this field would benefit from investigating a wider range of agitations and/or item types with various histories of use to determine the level of transfer and its detectability under different conditions.