Daily Disposable Research Articles

Risk Factors for Bacterial Keratitis and Severe Disease in Hydrogel Contact Lens Users: A Multicenter Case-Control Study and Case-Only Analysis.

To assess risk factors for contact lens (CL)-related bacterial keratitis, cases and high-risk controls were enrolled. Using high-risk controls can help elucidate whether certain CL types or modalities are attributable to disease burden if risky wear patterns are similar between the cases and controls. This analysis identified whether such CL factors were associated with the occurrence of bacterial keratitis. In addition, a case-only analysis determined CL factors associated with severe disease. From 2018 to 2021, 158 controls were enrolled at University Hospitals of Cleveland Eye Institute, and 153 bacterial keratitis cases were enrolled across 14 sites in the United States. Cases were soft CL wearers with either culture-proven bacterial keratitis or a corneal infiltrate with an overlying epithelial defect within the central 4 mm of the cornea, uveitis, or significant pain. Fungal, protozoan, or nonsoft CL wear-related microbial keratitis cases were excluded. Controls were recruited from high-risk CL wearers with no history of disease. All participants completed a questionnaire related to demographics, type of CL used, wearing schedule, lens handling practices, and storage case handling. Cases with ulcer/infiltrate size ≥2 mm in size, presence of hypopyon, or had fortified antibiotics prescribed were classified as severe keratitis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess association of CL variables with the occurrence of bacterial keratitis as well as occurrence of severe disease among the cases only. Compared with the control cohort, cases were older (mean age 45.6 vs. 38.9 years), had more males (42.5% vs. 23.6%), and had more current or former smokers (41.7% vs. 12.9%). There were no significant associations between CL material (silicone hydrogel vs. not) or CL type (daily disposable vs. reusable) and occurrence of bacterial keratitis. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of cases were classified as severe. Among cases only, univariate analyses found current smokers to have increased risk of severe disease (OR=2.87; 95% CI 1.13-7.26, P =0.03). Adjusting for age, sex, and smoking among the cases only, daily disposable lenses were protective against severe disease (OR=0.32; 95% CI 0.11-0.89, P =0.03). Reusable lenses increased risk of severe microbial keratitis between 3.0- and 4.4-fold compared with compliant daily disposability. Compared with a high-risk control cohort, no specific lens factors were associated with occurrence of CL-associated bacterial keratitis. Among cases only, current smokers and patients wearing reusable lenses are at increased risk of severe keratitis. Daily disposable lenses were protective even when noncompliance to daily disposability was considered.

Truth or myth

This month, in our series looking at common myths concerning contact lenses, Dr Amir Moezzi and David Ruston daily disposables

Daily disposable soft lens sagittal depth and other lens parameter changes measured at room temperature (20 °C) and on-eye temperature (34 °C)

PurposeTo investigate the differences in contact lens sagittal depth (CL-SAG), base curve (BC), and overall lens diameter (OAD) of daily disposable (DD) SCLs at room temperature (20 °C) and on-eye (34 °C) temperature. MethodsTwelve different spherical daily SCLs were analyzed (labeled power −3.00 D) at 20 °C and 34 °C. The posterior CL-SAG, BC, and OAD were measured directly using a spectral domain OCT-based instrument (Optimec is830). ResultsThe CL-SAG range for the daily disposable lenses measured at 20 °C was 3468–4016 µm. At 34 °C, the DD CL-SAG of all lenses individually decreased compared to 20 °C (t = 7.78, p < 0.001), ranging from 3385 to 3913 µm. On average at the higher temperature, the measured overall lens diameter was smaller (t = 8.18, p < 0.001) and the BC was marginally steeper (t = 2.11, p = 0.058). ConclusionsSoft lens parameters change when equilibrated from room temperature (20 °C) to on-eye temperature (34 °C). All lenses shrink when going to on-eye temperature (both lens diameter and CL-SAG decreases), compared to lenses measured at room temperature by ISO standards. Higher water content materials tend to have greater changes to the lens parameters compared to lower water content material lenses.

Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?

Face masks, a prime component of personal protective equipment (PPE) items, have become an integral part of human beings to survive under the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. The global population requires an estimated 130 billion face masks and 64 billion gloves/month, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the daily disposal of approximately 3.5 billion single-use face masks, resulting in a staggering 14,245,230.63kg of face mask waste. The improper disposal of face mask wastes followed by its mismanagement is a challenge to the scientists as the wastes create pollution leading to environmental degradation, especially plastic pollution (macro/meso/micro/nano). Each year, an estimated 0.15-0.39 million tons of COVID-19 face mask waste, along with 173,000 microfibers released daily from discarded surgical masks, could enter the marine environment, while used masks have a significantly higher microplastic release capacity (1246.62 ± 403.50 particles/piece) compared to new masks (183.00 ± 78.42 particles/piece). Surgical face masks emit around 59g CO2-eq greenhouse gas emissions per single use, cloth face masks emit approximately 60g CO2-eq/single mask, and inhaling or ingesting microplastics (MPs) caused adverse health problems including chronic inflammation, granulomas or fibrosis, DNA damage, cellular damage, oxidative stress, and cytokine secretion. The present review critically addresses the role of face masks in reducing COVID-19 infections, their distribution pattern in diverse environments, the volume of waste produced, degradation in the natural environment, and adverse impacts on different environmental segments, and proposes sustainable remediation options to tackle environmental challenges posed by disposable COVID-19 face masks.

Characteristics of Hazardous Waste and Recovery

Hazardous waste accounts for a small proportion of the total waste, but this waste poses the greatest harm to human health and the living environment. Hazardous waste greatly impacts the whole waste classification and treatment work and has special requirements for putting in and disposal. To understand the current situation of daily disposal of hazardous waste, to clarify the existing problems in the process of hazardous waste disposal and to improve the disposal capacity of hazardous waste, this paper will analyze the characteristics and common recycling methods of three typical hazardous wastes. Each hazardous waste recycling method has a certain negative impact on the environment. The disposal of waste products is easy to cause secondary pollution. Through the analysis of the cost and impact of these treatments, a more complete recovery system is worth promoting. Improving the recycling process helps reduce the negative impact of hazardous waste in the treatment project.

Utilization of plastic bottle waste of polyethylene terephthalate as a low-cost membrane and its modifications for gas separation

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used polymer in packaging products, leading to the daily disposal of millions of PET bottles as waste. 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the sea each year. The environmental challenge of non-biodegradable PET waste can be addressed by utilizing it as a thin-layer membrane for gas separation. This study modified the PET membrane by blending it with Pebax polymer and adding zeolite as a filler to enhance its performance. Characterization techniques, including FTIR, SEM, TGA, tensile strength testing, and contact angle measurements, were performed on all modified membranes. The membranes were prepared using phase inversion via immersion precipitation. The results showed that the PET waste membrane had a denser surface pore morphology and asymmetrical cross-sectional pores than other membranes. Adding Pebax and zeolite resulted in a more regular sponge-like pore structure. The PET, PET-Pebax, and PET-Zeolite NaY-Pebax membranes exhibited hydrophilic properties, as indicated by contact angle values ranging from 48-78°. Regarding CO2/CH4 separation, the 9% PET-Pebax membrane had the highest CO2 permeability, a 21% increase from the original PET waste membrane. Adding zeolite to the 9% PET-Pebax membrane increased CO2 permeability to 1044%.

Potential Environmental Impacts of the Use and Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical step in preventing the spread of COVID 19. It is a relatively new phenomenon in many countries, including Sri Lanka. However, used PPE is classified as hazardous waste due to the possibility of pathogen contamination, and the majority of them are made of PET, making them non-biodegradable waste. This study estimated the daily disposal of PPE waste and gathered data on the disposal techniques used by people, ultimately estimating the environmental impact of this newly added waste stream. Data collection was solely based on a questionnaire circulated online. Almost 12 million face masks, 0.2 million gloves, and 0.3 million face shields are used in a single day in Sri Lanka. In addition, as empty sanitizer bottles, 0.7 million PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are discarded. The estimated annual climate change impact of PPE use across the country was nearly 100 kT CO2 eq. Open burning is the most common method of disposal for face masks and gloves used by households; nearly half of all used face masks and gloves are burned. Transferring waste to municipal solid waste collections also results in waste ending up in open dumps with other waste. As a result of the toxins released into the air during open burning and the release of microplastics during photovoltaic degradation, PPE disposal practices in Sri Lanka have a massive environmental and public health impact. Nevertheless, PPE can be used to generate energy through incineration or pyrolysis, reducing environmental impacts while providing economic benefits if proper plans and policies are in place.

Enhancement of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Hong Kong through Innovative Solutions: A Review

With the world population having reached 8 billion people, waste generation is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. Solid waste management (SWM) is an essential part of sustainable development that aims to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Although waste problems have been monitored for decades, some regions still struggle to achieve their sustainability goals in this area. In particular, Hong Kong is still affected by overloaded landfills, with an average daily disposal of 14,739 tonnes. The major waste category is municipal solid waste (MSW), which originates from households and commercial activities. This paper provides an overview of the current SWM strategies and the advancement of technologies adopted in the SWM industry. Supported by a comprehensive literature review, this paper identifies the challenges of SWM in Hong Kong and suggests possible solutions. The findings lead to the direction of future research, which should include innovative solutions for improving recycling behaviors. Adopting technologies such as virtual reality on education platforms and developing mobile applications with a theme of SWM could promote a stronger awareness of waste reduction and recycling among the public.

Comparative evaluation of microbial activity in the decomposition of organic matter from solid household waste in Guayaquil

The escalating global population and subsequent rise in consumerism underscore the critical need for proper solid waste management, with a specific focus on the daily disposal of organic waste. Inadequate waste management poses direct threats to public health, as uncontrolled fermentation provides a fertile ground for bacterial growth. This study explores the efficacy of employing Microorganisms, specifically comparing Trichoderma to a Microbial Biocatalyst, for the treatment of daily solid organic waste (D.S.O.W.). Following Falconi's (2013a) methodology for the capture, multiplication, and conidial count of microorganisms, a pilot study utilizing a Bioreactor was conducted. The statistical analysis of parameters such as Humidity, Weight, pH leachates, Temperature, Time, and Volume, with corresponding ANOVA significance levels, resulted in the rejection of null hypotheses for most parameters, except pH m.o. The capture and multiplication of Trichoderma spp. microorganisms reached a count 7.6×109 /ml. Treatment 6 (T6) emerged as more effective and efficient in decomposing organic matter (OM), exhibiting distinct stages of psychrophilic, mesophilic (3 days), thermophilic (6 days), psychrophilic (3 days), and cooling (3 days), culminating in the decomposition of OM in 15 days within the bioreactor. The results validate the working hypothesis, affirming the potential of Microorganisms, especially Trichoderma, in enhancing the treatment of daily solid organic waste.

Why are soft contact lens wear discontinuation rates still too high?

ABSTRACT Introduction Notwithstanding continuing improvements in contact lens technology and increasing use of daily disposables, discontinuations from soft contact lens wear remain a significant problem with ‘drop-out’ too often occurring after patients have initially achieved successful routine use. Areas covered This review examines the possibility that the signs and symptoms of discontinuations might, for example be associated with corneal and/or lid wiper neuropathy and/or aqueous, mucin and lipid deficiencies and/or mental health disorders. In addition, this review examines how soft contact lens wear places high demands on tear functions. Expert opinion Limitations in clinically detecting evidence of some adverse responses to soft contact lens wear may explain how discontinuations can sometimes be described as unexplained. Similarly, limitations in clinically determining the significance of different forms of tear dysfunction and their exacerbation by soft contact lens wear may be a barrier to explaining why symptoms of dryness are most commonly associated with discontinuations. The wider experience obtained with cosmetic contact lens fittings that is discussed in this review may be relevant to problems encountered in therapeutic contact lens applications.

Examining daily disposable soft contact lens wearers' attitudes and beliefs using the Health Belief Model.

To use the Health Belief Model (HBM) to understand daily disposable (DD) soft contact lens (SCL) wearers' attitudes and beliefs. A convenience sample of DD SCL wearers (18-33 years) was enrolled at two sites. Participants were queried about demographics, SCL wear and HBM constructs. Rasch analysis was used to assess the psychometric properties of the survey instrument and generate scores for each HBM subscale. ANOVA was used to determine relationships among HBM constructs, subject demographics and DD SCL-related health behaviours. One hundred people participated (mean ± SD), age=24.2 ± 3.9 years, 76% female. Thirty-seven percent reported sleeping in DD SCLs and 25% reported reusing DD SCLs. Self-report of reusing DD SCLs was associated with scores on the benefits: reuse (p=0.02) and barriers (p=0.007) subscales, and sleeping in lenses was associated with scores on the susceptibility (p=0.05), benefits: wear behaviours (p=0.006) and barriers (p=0.01) subscales. Rasch analysis showed some subscales demonstrated multidimensionality. Selected health belief constructs were associated with DD SCL-related behaviours including reusing and overnight wear. Increased understanding of SCL attitudes and beliefs could inform patient education and interventions to decrease risks associated with improper SCL wear.

Evaluation and Obstacle Analysis of Emergency Response Capability in China.

Emergency response capability evaluation is an essential means to strengthen emergency response capacity-building and improve the level of government administration. Based on the whole life cycle of emergency management, the emergency capability evaluation index system is constructed from four aspects: prevention and emergency preparedness, monitoring and early warning, emergency response and rescue, and recovery and reconstruction. Firstly, the entropy method is applied to measure the emergency response capability level of 31 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020. Second, the Theil index and ESDA (Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis) are applied in exploring the regional differences and spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of China’s emergency response capacity. Finally, the obstacle degree model is used to explore the obstacle factors and obstacle degrees that affect the emergency response capability. The results show that: (1) The average value of China’s emergency response capacity is 0.277, with a steady growth trend and a gradient distribution of “high in the east, low in the west, and average in center and northeast” in the four major regions. (2) From the perspective of spatial distribution characteristics, the unbalanced regional development leads to the obvious aggregation effect of “high-efficiency aggregation and low-efficiency aggregation”, and the interaction of the “centripetal effect” and “centrifugal effect” finally forms the spatial clustering result of emergency response capability level in China. (3) Examining the source of regional differences, inter-regional differences are the decisive factor affecting the overall differences in emergency response capability, and the inter-regional differences show a reciprocating fluctuation of narrowing–widening–narrowing from 2011 to 2020. (4) Main obstacles restricting the improvement of China’s emergency response capabilities are “the business volume of postal and telecommunication services per capita”, “the daily disposal capacity of city sewage” and “the general public budget revenue by region”. The extent of the obstacles’ impacts in 2020 are 12.19%, 7.48%, and 7.08%, respectively. Based on the evaluation results, the following countermeasures are proposed: to realize the balance of each stage of emergency management during the holistic process; to strengthen emergency coordination and balanced regional development; and to implement precise measures to make up for the shortcomings of emergency response capabilities.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis Risk Factors for Daily Wear Contact Lens Users: A Case–Control Study

This study was designed to establish risk factors for the development of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) for daily disposable (DD) contact lens (CL) users compared with daily wear (DW) reusable lens users and for risks unique to DD users. This is important because, in many major economies, CL use is the principal cause of microbial keratitis, of which AK accounts for approximately 50% of cases with sight loss. Determining these AK risks informs practitioner advice and consumer behavior. Case-control study. Cases and controls were recruited from an Accident and Emergency Department serving South-East England. Cases were new CL users with AK recruited retrospectively from January 2011 to February 2013 and prospectively thereafter until August 2014. Controls were recruited prospectively from February 2014 to June2015. Analysis of a self-administered questionnaire. Independent risk factors and population attributable risk percentage (PAR%) for AK. A total of 83 AK cases and 122 controls were recruited; DD use was reported by 20 (24%) cases and 66 (54%) controls. In multivariable analyses adjusted for potential confounders, the odds of AK was higher for DW reusable soft lenses (odds ratio [OR], 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-8.43) and rigid lenses (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.03-20.19) than for DD lenses. Within the DD-using subset, AK was associated with the following modifiable risk factors: less frequent professional follow-up visits (OR, 10.12; 95% CI, 5.01-20.46); showering in lenses (OR, 3.29, 95% CI, 1.17-9.23); lens reuse (OR, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.55-18.89); and overnight wear (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.15-13.46). The PAR% estimated that 30% to 62% of cases could be prevented by switching from reusable soft lens to DD lens use. Acanthamoeba keratitis risks are increased > threefold in DW reusable lens users versus DD lens use. Acanthamoeba keratitis risks for DD lens users can be minimized by adherence to safe use guidelines (no reuse, overnight wear, or contamination by water). Safe CL use can be improved by increasing the prominence of risk avoidance information from manufacturers and regulators. Because AK accounts for half of severe keratitis in CL users, these measures can be expected to have public health benefits.

Demographic profiles of contact lens wearers and their association with lens wear characteristics in Trinidad and Tobago: A retrospective study.

Contact lenses (CL) remain a popular mode of refractive error correction globally and in the Caribbean, mostly among young people. However, no data on the characteristics of the CL population wearers in the Caribbean is available. This study reported on the characteristics of CL wearers and the associated factors in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). This retrospective study reviewed the clinical records of 243 CL wearers who attended the University of the West Indies (UWI) optometry clinic between 2017 and 2018. Data on their demographic profiles, CL wearing characteristics including lens type, material, purpose of wear, replacement schedule and lens care systems were extracted and analyzed. The associations between the demographic characteristics and CL wearing characteristics were also determined. About half of the CL wearers used them for fashion (more among those aged 18 to 30 years, 61.0%), therapeutic (more among those <18 years, 43.8%, P = 0.001) and refractive error correction purposes (more in those >40 years, P = 0.001). Females were more likely to use CLs for fashion compared with males (67.0% versus 40.7%). Age (P<0.0005) and gender (P = 0.030) were associated with the lens materials. Those aged 18-30 years were more likely use hydrogels compared with the younger ones (64.1% versus 25.0%). Rigid gas permeable (RGP) CL use was more common in males than females (21.8% versus 10.9%, P = 0.031). Daily disposables were predominantly used by younger respondents (18-30 years old, 31.3%, P < 0.001) and more in females than males (66.7% vs 49.4%, P = 0.040). The study found that the CL appears to be more commonly worn for fashion in younger females and for refractive error correction in older males. Age, gender, and employment status were the main determinants of lens wear among respondents attending the university clinic in T&T.

Young residents’ household waste recycling intentions: extending TPB through place attachment

PurposeThe paper aims to understand the young residents’ household waste intentions through place attachment (PA) approach where place dependency (PD) and place identity (PLI) influence recycling intentions (RIs). Furthermore, the effect of norms (both subjective and moral) on residents’ association with PLI was also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model, including the hypothesized relationship between variables, was established through relevant literature. The study extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) through a place-based approach in young residents’ household waste RIs. The proposed conceptual model also replaced the position of norms (subjective and moral) as antecedents to PLI in the proposed extended and modified TPB model. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been used for the statistical analysis of the data. The questionnaires were distributed digitally. The convenience sampling approach was adopted for collecting data.FindingsThe results tenably billed the inclusion of placed-based approach in the TPB and norms (subjective and moral) in predicting PLI of young residents. All the alternative hypotheses in the proposed model were accepted. The predictive power of RIs was 41.4%.Research limitations/implicationsThe research only considered the educated and financially opulent residents, among whom the waste disposal system was well established and may have led to favorable results. The study only limits to measuring intentions, and its organic nature opens vistas for future research studies where more variables could be agglutinated to achieve pronounced prediction power and also further measure actual recycling behavior and practice.Practical implicationsThe study adds to pragmatic implications for local governments and municipalities where the waste collection apparatuses could capitalize on the findings to achieve efficiency in household waste collection and recycling.Social implicationsWith young generation of residents at the helm for forging a cleaner environment, the study motivates environmental enthusiasts and social scientists to better understand household waste RIs. The study will help young generation to become more sensitized towards the environment by making green changes in daily disposal habits.Originality/valueThe study explored two prospects. First, PA (place dependence and place identity) was added as an external variable and precedent to RIs, and second, the norms (both subjective and moral) were taken as antecedents to place identity.

System development for production of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) in small scale, using wild flies

Technological innovation in rural areas guarantees the maintenance and subsistence of rural producers. Additionally, it is mandatory to use strategies aimed at reducing costs in animal production and reducing the environmental impact involved, making it challenging in the current global scenario. Thus, it is necessary to develop new alternative methods of production aimed at small scales, which can be implemented in small properties with reduced capital investment. In this sense, the objective was to describe the development of a system capable of inducing the production of black soldier fly larvae-BSFL (Hermetia illucens) through the attractiveness of egg laying of wild adults. To make the larvae production system, the following were needed: a plastic drum, with a capacity of 200 liters, 10 meters of 8mm silk rope, 1.5 m2 of wire mesh with 25mm x 20mm mesh, 1 m2 3mm x 2mm nylon mesh, plastic faucet for draining the slurry, one meter of 20mm diameter hose, two plastic containers with capacity of 20 liters for collecting the slurry and pre-pupae; besides equipment for cutting and finishing the drum. The System was supplied with organic plant material from daily household disposal, and other plant residues produced on the property. The development of this System can provide great social and economic viability, as it can be implemented in small rural properties for the treatment of organic waste. The mechanism presented good performance for the recycling of organic waste, and also for the production of BSFL, with satisfactory quantity collected daily.

Bibliometric analysis of the literature relating to silicone hydrogel and daily disposable contact lenses

PurposePublication metrics are derived for the fields of silicone hydrogel (SH) and daily disposable (DD) contact lenses. MethodsA search of the Scopus database for papers in the fields of SH and DD contact lenses found 979 SH and 291 DD papers. Subject-specific h-indices for SH lenses (hSH-index) and DD lenses (hDD-index) were derived, in relation to five categories – authors, institutions, countries and journals – to serve as measures of impact. A short list of the most impactful entities was generated for each of the above five categories in the SH and DD fields. ResultsA paper entitled “Soft contact lens polymers: An evolution” by Nicholson and Vogt was the most highly cited article (495 citations) in both SH and DD fields. The most impactful entities for the SH and DD fields were: authors – Lyndon Jones (hSH = 33) and Philip Morgan (hDD = 15); institutions – the University of Waterloo (hSH = 37) and the University of New South Wales (hDD = 15); countries – the United States (hSH = 45) and the United Kingdom (hDD = 24); and journals – Optometry and Vision Science (hSH = 33) and Contact Lens and Anterior Eye (hDD = 17). Overall, the SH field (hSH = 64) is far more impactful than the DD field (hDD = 34). ConclusionsImpactful papers, authors, institutions, countries and journals in the SH and DD fields are identified. Optometry is revealed as the leading profession in relation to SH and DD publications.

Opportunities and threats to contact lens practice: A global survey perspective

AimTo understand the views of contact lens (CL) practitioners across the globe regarding what they perceive as opportunities and threats in CL practice. MethodsA self-administered anonymised questionnaire, constructed in English and translated in six more languages, was distributed through reputed international professional bodies and academic institutions worldwide. The questionnaire included items on demographic characteristics, type of practice, and questions designed to explore practitioners’ perspective on the future of their CL practice over the next five years. ResultsA total of 2408 valid responses were analysed. Multifocal CLs for presbyopia, CLs for myopia control, use of daily disposable (DD) CLs for occasional wear, and biocompatible materials to improve comfort were identified as promising areas of opportunities by practitioners (all 8/10). Respondents from North America, and Europe valued DDCLs for occasional wear moderately more favourable (Median: 9/10 for all) as compared to colleagues in Asia (Median: 8/10, p < 0.001), South America (Median: 8/10, p < 0.01), and Africa (Median: 8/10p < 0.01). Multifocal CLs for presbyopia was perceived as a better opportunity by practitioners in North America and Europe (Median: 9/10 for both), as well as in Australasia (Median: 8/10), in comparison to Asia, Africa, and Middle East (for all Median: 6/10, p < 0.001). Practitioners expressed concerns about the availability of CLs and CL prescriptions online without direct professional involvement (both 9/10). ConclusionsOverall, the most appealing opportunities for CL practice growth were identified in occasional use of DD CLs, biocompatible materials to reduce CL discomfort, multifocal CLs for presbyopia correction and management of myopia control with CLs. Lack of regulation in CL sales, especially online, seemed to be a constant threat. The insights from this study can be used to design targeted strategies to enhance CL practice across the globe and in specific geographical areas.

Challenges in Solid Waste Management: Insights Into the Disposal Behavior of Suburban Consumers in Guatemala City

Help, I need to get rid of it! In suburban areas of Guatemala City, inhabitants dispose of their household waste by burning it on their private property. Garbage collection coverage in the capital is inadequate, with only 85% of the generated waste being collected and collection rates in suburban areas lag far behind. This study examines the critical events, decisions and emotions linked with the disposition of household items of impoverished consumers living in the suburban area of Cumbre de San Nicolás near Guatemala City. We emphasize the determinants of their behavior, attitudes, and perceptions regarding their daily disposal routines of household possessions. The selected method to describe the poor consumers' experience in the disposition process of their household possessions is that of existential phenomenology. This analysis of 10 in-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews provides new insights into residents' daily disposal routines, social life, and traditions. Results show that religion, social norms, and peoples' relationships are essential for the well-being of those in suburban areas. Moreover, they significantly affect peoples' rationales and reflections on their disposal behavior and are promising factors for controlling suburban resource management of waste. This study's respondents showed a high level of awareness that on-site burning of household waste negatively affects human health and the environment. On the individual level, emotions influence the way of how people dispose of their personal belongings. Based on this study's results, we propose an intervention framework tailored to suburban impoverished citizens.

Challenges in Solid Waste Management: Insights Into the Disposal Behavior of Suburban Consumers in Guatemala City

Help, I need to get rid of it! In suburban areas of Guatemala City, inhabitants dispose of their household waste by burning it on their private property. Garbage collection coverage in the capital is inadequate, with only 85% of the generated waste being collected and collection rates in suburban areas lag far behind. This study examines the critical events, decisions and emotions linked with the disposition of household items of impoverished consumers living in the suburban area of Cumbre de San Nicolas near Guatemala City. We emphasize the determinants of their behavior, attitudes, and perceptions regarding their daily disposal routines of household possessions. The selected method to describe the poor consumers' experience in the disposition process of their household possessions is that of existential phenomenology. This analysis of ten in-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews provides new insights into residents’ daily disposal routines, social life, and traditions. Results show that religion, social norms, and peoples’ relationships are essential for the well-being of those in suburban areas. Moreover, they significantly affect peoples’ rationales and reflections on their disposal behavior and are promising factors for controlling suburban resource management of waste. This study’s respondents showed a high level of awareness that on-site burning of household waste negatively affects human health and the environment. On the individual level, emotions influence the way of how people dispose of their personal belongings. Based on this study's results, we propose an intervention framework tailored to suburban impoverished citizens.