Proper Collection Research Articles

Environmental gains in the collection of packaging waste obtained in Uskudar district by changing the collection type

ABSTRACT The collection of packaging wastes separately from domestic wastes is a legal requirement and has become a necessity due to the need for raw materials today. Due to the legislative requirements, disruptions in practice constitute an obstacle to create a successful waste management policy. The subject of this study is to provide a system that will help the administrators of the district municipalities who want to collect the packaging wastes with their own means. In Uskudar municipality defined as a pilot area, environmental gains have been achieved by collecting packaging wastes separately from domestic wastes in two different days. The results of the collection of packaging wastes from households separately from domestic wastes were analyzed by separate collection days of district municipalities. Waste characterization studies are carried out, and the evaluation is presented. In this study, it was determined that the environmental gains obtained by changing only the packaging waste collection days yielded important results. The classical collection model, Uskudar Model and the effect of not collecting packaging wastes on ecosystem and people were examined by life cycle analysis. Implications: The importance of the environmental contribution of the proper packaging waste collection system. Environmental contributions provided by recycling only by changing the collection system. Revealing the environmental contributions of the packaging waste collection system through life cycle analysis.

Cloud computing approaches in health care

Cloud computing approaches in health care

Understanding technical cleanliness: importance, assessment, maintenance

Development of the automotive industry, including so-called dowsizing and rightsizing, entails the need to ensure, and hence to verify, the stringent cleanliness levels of an increasing number of car components. The assurance of proper cleanliness level requires knowledge of the entire production process and precise information on the contaminants that will allow to identify their sources. Obtaining reliable cleanliness information requires establishing of many different factors, i. a. selection of proper contamination extraction and collection technique, proper parameters of extraction, validation of extraction procedure, methods of particles analysis. Analytical techniques which are implemented include gravimetric, optical microscopy and advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy. This work present’s actual state of knowledge regarding technical cleanliness analysis of components. Important aspects of QA&QC in technical cleanliness assessment are also discussed.

A Systematic Review of Best Practices for UAS Data Collection in Forestry-Related Applications

Recent advancements in unmanned aerial systems and GPS technology, allowing for centimeter precision without ground-based surveys, have been groundbreaking for applications in the field of forestry. As this technology becomes integrated into forest management approaches, it is important to consider the implementation of proper safety and data collection strategies. The creation of such documentation is beneficial, because it allows for those aspiring to create a UAS program to learn from others’ experiences, without bearing the consequences of past blunders associated with the development of these practices. When establishing a UAS program, it is pertinent to deeply research the necessary equipment, create documentation that establishes operational norms, and develop standards for in-field operations. Regarding multispectral vs. RGB sensor payloads, the sensor selection should be based upon what type of information is desired from the imagery acquired. It is also important to consider the methods for obtaining the most precise geolocation linked to the aerial imagery collected by the sensor. While selecting the proper UAS platform and sensor are key to establishing a UAS operation, other logistical strategies, such as flight crew training and operational planning, are equally important. Following the acquisition of proper equipment, further preparations must be made in order to ensure safe and efficient operations. The creation of crew resource management and safety management system documentation is an integral part of any successful UAS program. Standard operating procedure documents for individual tasks and undertakings are also a necessity. Standardized practices for the scheduling, communication, and management of the UAS fleet must also be formulated. Once field operations are set in motion, the continuous improvement of the documentation and best practices is paramount.

Frozen in Translation: Biobanks as a Tool for Cancer Research

In the context of translational cancer research, biobanks are key infrastructures that provide high quality biological samples, coupled with relevant clinical and pathological information. This role can only be successfully accomplished through the implementation of standardized procedures that ensure proper collection, handling, processing, storage and recording of tissue samples, following strict legal and ethical regulations. Biobank networking is fundamental for dissemination of good practices and to help in the establishment of new infrastructures that improve the assessment of heterogeneity among tumor types and across patient cohorts. Growing demands for large number of homogenously preserved tumor tissue samples can only be met through a more intense cooperation among biobanks, facilitated by networks that foster cooperation at international level. The potential of biobanks as fundamental tools for translational cancer research can only be achieved through a concerted effort from biobankers, researchers, legislators and tissue donors that may allow for improved sample exchange.

Heparin Infusion for Central Line Patency and Corrected Gestational Age May Affect Coagulation Studies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Heparin Infusion for Central Line Patency and Corrected Gestational Age May Affect Coagulation Studies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BIO MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

The main purpose of this research is to identify the quantum of the medical waste generated and various methods involved in their disposal. The Indian Government has introduced Bio medical rules and its amendments in 2016 which dictate effective management of waste to prevent the diseases. These wastes have to be collected, segregated and then transported to the common bio medical waste treatment centre or if possible can be reduced at the source itself minimizing the quantity. It should not be dumped, landfilled, mixed with other municipal solid waste thereby creating a menace to the general public. If possible, it is to be considered for recycling or reuse in case of plastic medical waste.The study discusses about the quantity of waste collected in the 4 colour code categories namely yellow, red, blue and white. It also checks whether proper collection and disposal methods are followed thus creating awareness in the management of waste.

Analysis of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract of Marine Mammals: A Multidisciplinary Approach with a New Multi-Sieves Tool.

Simple SummaryCurrently procedures used to obtain samples from the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and protocols used to perform their respective analyses do not allow a multidisciplinary approach of this system. In fact, the investigations applied on the GIT, when performed singularly, could impair or limit the other analyses, because the currently procedures do not consider the needs of other disciplines. This means that the analyses to perform must be selected a priori, sacrificing the collection of other types of data and leads to the risk of losing important information, especially for wildlife species. To solve this conflict, we implement and standardize a new methodological approach to the GIT of marine mammals, which allow the collection of samples for different disciplines at the same time, performing the respective analyses, interpret and compare their results in a multidisciplinary way. The compatibility of multiple analyses allows the gaining of more information about the cause of death of stranded marine mammals and to enhance the knowledge of their biology and ecology.Organs and content of the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) of marine mammals are relevant for a variety of investigations and provide data to researchers from different fields. Currently used protocols applied to the GIT for specific analysis limit the possibility to execute other investigations and important information could be lost. To ensure a proper sample collection and a multidisciplinary investigation of the GIT of marine mammals, a new multi-sieves tool and a specific protocol have been developed. This new device and approach allowed the simultaneous sampling of the GIT and its content for the main investigations concerned. The samples collected during these preliminary trials were suitable to perform all the different research procedures considered in this work. The obtained results show that with a few and easy procedural adjustments, a multidisciplinary sampling and evaluation of the GIT of marine mammals is possible. This will reduce the risk of losing important data aimed at understanding the cause of death of the animal, but also biology and ecology of marine mammals, and other important data for their conservation and habitats management.

USAGE OF CRIMINALISTIC TECHNICAL MEANS, METHODS AND DEVICES IN DETECTING AND INVESTIGATION OF VIOLATION OF THE ANTIMONOPOLY LEGISLATION, WHICH CONCERNED WITH CEASING OF COMPETITION

During detection and investigation of violations, the proper collection of appropriate evidences plays very important role in the detecting of criminal facts. That’s why the obtaining of relevant criminalistic information about the violation of Legislation, such as Cartel Collusions and Ceasing of Competition seems impossible without of using criminalistic technical means, methods and devices. This article reveals the opportunities of using criminalistic technologies which allows to detect and collect criminalistic information about Cartel Collusions. According to the complication of proofing the ceasing of competition facts, it’s very necessary to use certain effective criminalistic facilities in these cases.

Integrating tracking and resight data enables unbiased inferences about migratory connectivity and winter range survival from archival tags

Abstract Archival geolocators have transformed the study of small, migratory organisms but analysis of data from these devices requires bias correction because tags are only recovered from individuals that survive and are re-captured at their tagging location. We show that integrating geolocator recovery data and mark–resight data enables unbiased estimates of both migratory connectivity between breeding and nonbreeding populations and region-specific survival probabilities for wintering locations. Using simulations, we first demonstrate that an integrated Bayesian model returns unbiased estimates of transition probabilities between seasonal ranges. We also used simulations to determine how different sampling designs influence the estimability of transition probabilities. We then parameterized the model with tracking data and mark–resight data from declining Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) populations breeding in the eastern United States, hypothesized to be threatened by the illegal pet trade in parts of their Caribbean, nonbreeding range. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that male buntings wintering in Cuba were 20% less likely to return to the breeding grounds than birds wintering elsewhere in their range. Improving inferences from archival tags through proper data collection and further development of integrated models will advance our understanding of the full annual cycle ecology of migratory species.

Solid Waste Management in Indian Himalayan Region: Current Scenario, Resource Recovery, and Way Forward for Sustainable Development

With the growing population, solid waste management (SWM) is becoming a significant environmental challenge and an emerging issue, especially in the eco-sensitive Indian Himalayan region (IHR). Though IHR does not host high local inhabitants, growing tourist footfall in the IHR increases solid wastes significantly. The lack of appropriate SWM facilities has posed a serious threat to the mountain-dwelling communities. SWM is challenging in the highlands due to the remoteness, topographical configuration, increasing urbanization, and harsh climate compared to plain areas. Difficulty in managing SWM has led to improper disposal methods, like open dumping and open burning of waste, that are adversely affecting the fragile IHR ecosystem. Open dumping of unsegregated waste pollutes the freshwater streams, and burning releases major pollutants often linked to the glacier melt. Processes like composting, vermicomposting, and anaerobic digestion to treat biodegradable wastes are inefficient due to the regions' extreme cold conditions. IHR specific SWM rules were revised in 2016 to deal with the rising problem of SWM, providing detailed criteria for setting up solid waste treatment facilities and promoting waste-to-energy (WtE). Despite governments' effort to revise SWM; measures like proper collection, segregation, treatment, and solid waste disposal needs more attention in the IHR. Door-to-door collection, segregation at source, covered transportation, proper treatment, and disposal are the primary steps to resource recovery across the IHR. Approaches such as waste recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and gas recovery from landfills are essential for waste alteration into valuable products initiatives like 'ban on single-use plastic' and 'polluters to pay' have a potential role in proper SWM in the IHR. Research and technology, capacity building, mass awareness programs, and initiatives like ‘ban on single-use plastic’ and ‘polluters to pay’ have a potential role in proper SWM in the IHR. This review highlights the current status of waste generation, the current SWM practices, and SWM challenges in the IHR. The review also discusses the possible resource recovery from waste in the IHR, corrective measures introduced by the government specific to IHR and, the way forward for improved SWM for achieving sustainable development of the IHR.

Designing an integrated municipal solid waste management system using a fuzzy chance-constrained programming model considering economic and environmental aspects under uncertainty

Designing an integrated municipal solid waste management system using a fuzzy chance-constrained programming model considering economic and environmental aspects under uncertainty

SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid immunoassay for diagnosis of COVID-19 in the emergency department

Background In the emergency department (ED) setting, rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 is likely associated with advantages to patients and healthcare workers, for example, enabling early but rationale use of limited isolation resources. Most recently, several SARS-CoV-2 rapid point-of-care antigen tests (AGTEST) became available. There is a growing need for data regarding their clinical utility and performance in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real life setting EDs. Methods We implemented AGTEST (here: Roche/SD Biosensor) in all four adult and the one paediatric EDs at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in our diagnostic testing strategy. Test indication was limited to symptomatic suspected COVID-19 patients. Detailed written instructions on who to test were distributed and testing personnel were trained in proper specimen collection and handling. In each suspected COVID-19 patient, two sequential deep oro-nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained for viral tests. The first swab was collected for nucleic acid testing through SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcriptase (rt)-PCR diagnostic panel (PCRTEST) in the central laboratory. The second swab was collected to perform the AGTEST. Analysis of routine data was prospectively planned and data were retrieved from the medical records after the inclusion period in the adult or paediatric ED. Diagnostic performance was calculated using the PCRTEST as reference standard. False negative and false positive AGTEST results were analysed individually and compared with viral concentrations derived from the calibrated PCRTEST. Results We included n = 483 patients including n = 202 from the paediatric ED. N = 10 patients had to be excluded due to missing data and finally n = 473 patients were analysed. In the adult cohort, the sensitivity of the AGTEST was 75.3 (95%CI: 65.8/83.4)% and the specificity was 100 (95%CI: 98.4/100)% with a SARS-CoV-2 prevalence of 32.8%; the positive predictive value was 100 (95%CI: 95.7/100)% and the negative predictive value 89.2 (95%CI: 84.5/93.9)%. In the paediatric cohort, the sensitivity was 72.0 (95%CI: 53.3/86.7)%, the specificity was 99.4 (95%CI:97.3/99.9)% with a prevalence of 12.4%; the positive predictive value was 94.7 (95%CI: 78.3/99.7)% and the negative predictive value was 96.2 (95%CI:92.7/98.3)%. Thus, n = 22 adult and n = 7 paediatric patients showed false negative AGTEST results and only one false positive AGTEST occurred, in the paediatric cohort. Calculated viral concentrations from the rt-PCR lay between 3.16 and 9.51 log10 RNA copies/mL buffer. All false negative patients in the adult ED cohort, who had confirmed symptom onset at least seven days earlier had less than 5 × 105 RNA copies/mL buffer. Conclusions We conclude that the use of AGTEST among symptomatic patients in the emergency setting is useful for the early identification of COVID-19, but patients who test negative require confirmation by PCRTEST and must stay isolated until this result becomes available. Adult patients with a false negative AGTEST and symptom onset at least one week earlier have typically a low SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration and are likely no longer infectious.

The Multiomics Analyses of Fecal Matrix and Its Significance to Coeliac Disease Gut Profiling.

Gastrointestinal (GIT) diseases have risen globally in recent years, and early detection of the host’s gut microbiota, typically through fecal material, has become a crucial component for rapid diagnosis of such diseases. Human fecal material is a complex substance composed of undigested macromolecules and particles, and the processing of such matter is a challenge due to the unstable nature of its products and the complexity of the matrix. The identification of these products can be used as an indication for present and future diseases; however, many researchers focus on one variable or marker looking for specific biomarkers of disease. Therefore, the combination of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabonomics can give a detailed and complete insight into the gut environment. The proper sample collection, sample preparation and accurate analytical methods play a crucial role in generating precise microbial data and hypotheses in gut microbiome research, as well as multivariate data analysis in determining the gut microbiome functionality in regard to diseases. This review summarizes fecal sample protocols involved in profiling coeliac disease.

Ulcerative skin lesions among children in Cameroon: It is not always Yaws.

Outbreaks of yaws-like ulcerative skin lesions in children are frequently reported in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The origin of these lesions might be primarily traumatic or infectious; in the latter case, Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, the yaws agent, and Haemophilus ducreyi, the agent of chancroid, are two of the pathogens commonly associated with the aetiology of skin ulcers. In this work, we investigated the presence of T. p. pertenue and H. ducreyi DNA in skin ulcers in children living in yaws-endemic regions in Cameroon. Skin lesion swabs were collected from children presenting with yaws-suspected skin lesions during three outbreaks, two of which occurred in 2017 and one in 2019. DNA extracted from the swabs was used to amplify three target genes: the human β2-microglobulin gene to confirm proper sample collection and DNA extraction, the polA gene, highly conserved among all subspecies of T. pallidum, and the hddA gene of H. ducreyi. A fourth target, the tprL gene was used to differentiate T. p. pertenue from the other agents of human treponematoses in polA-positive samples. A total of 112 samples were analysed in this study. One sample, negative for β2-microglobulin, was excluded from further analysis. T. p. pertenue was only detected in the samples collected during the first 2017 outbreak (12/74, 16.2%). In contrast, H. ducreyi DNA could be amplified from samples from all three outbreaks (outbreak 1: 27/74, 36.5%; outbreak 2: 17/24, 70.8%; outbreak 3: 11/13, 84.6%). Our results show that H. ducreyi was more frequently associated to skin lesions in the examined children than T. p. pertenue, but also that yaws is still present in Cameroon. These findings strongly advocate for a continuous effort to determine the aetiology of ulcerative skin lesions during these recurring outbreaks, and to inform the planned mass treatment campaigns to eliminate yaws in Cameroon.

391 Midwife guidance has a beneficial effect on umbilical cord blood sampling quality

391 Midwife guidance has a beneficial effect on umbilical cord blood sampling quality

Simultaneous Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Cost Optimisation of Municipal Solid Waste Management System in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the rapid growth of population and new consumption trends are causing an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate. To make matters worse, the current MSW handling practices in Malaysia are mostly dumping in open landfills with no proper landfill gas collection and energy recovery system, producing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere. This handling process undoubtedly causes climate change and is economically unfavourable. In this study, a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) approach was simulated using General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) to determine the optimum allocation of MSW on different disposal and treatment facilities (DTF), including sanitary landfills, incineration, recycling, anaerobic digestion, composting, and plasma arc gasification. The mathematical model utilised the augmented e-constraint method to minimise the capital and operational cost, maximise the value of final products, and minimise GHG emissions simultaneously. As compared to the current MSW management situation in Malaysia (total cost: 7.24 M MYR/d, net GHG emissions: 70,465 t CO2-eq/d), the least cost Pareto solution (total cost: 7.23 M MYR/d, net GHG emissions: 24,630 t CO2-eq/d) shows a more than 65 % reduction in GHG emissions without incurring any additional cost. The 9th,10th, and 11th Pareto optimal solutions would be able to achieve the national recycling target of 22 % by 2020 as promulgated by the Malaysia Government. It is hoped that this study can provide guidance on the best allocation of MSW on DTF for decision-makers to plan and design the best in class solution for MSW management not only in Malaysia but also regions that face a similar MSW disposal dilemma.

Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Site Selection Based on Fuzzy-AHP and Geoinformation Techniques in Asir Region Saudi Arabia

One of the main issues with solid waste management is finding appropriate sites for landfill. Non-scientific and inappropriate disposal practices have a negative impact on the environment which affects the quality of life. The study provides an integrated framework with a focus on structuring the decision-making process for the landfill suitability site map. This could be determined by the use of proper data collection, criterion weighting and normalization. In order to understand the procedures that affect the suitability of landfill sites, the integrated GIS-based fuzzy-AHP-MCDA method was implemented to appropriate landfill site for Abha-Khamis-Mushyet located in Aseer region Following the extensive literature review and expert opinion, 10 themes were selected for this study such as drainage density, land use/land cover (LULC), slope, elevation, lineament density, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), rainfall, distance from the airport, distance from road, and geology. These themes have been developed through RS (remote sensing) and conventional data. Subsequently, potential landfill sites were identified and divided into five classes: very low suitable (fuzzy value 0.20–0.45), low suitable (0.46–0.55), moderately suitable (0.56–0.65), high suitable (0.66–0.75), and very high suitable (0.76–0.92). According to the statistical analysis, 23.91% and 3.67% of the total area were within a very good and good landfill area, while 38.14% and 22.84% accounted for the moderate and poor suitable zone, respectively. As a quality-based site, the existing two landfill sites were located over a very low suitable and low suitable potential area while one landfill site was located over the high suitable∙ The spatial variance of high and very high potential landfill site zones found in the north-eastern, east-central and south-eastern parts of the watershed. The sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of each parameter and reveals that the effective weights for each theme differ slightly from the theoretical weight assigned to the landfill site suitability zone. This technique and its findings can provide an appropriate guideline to assist hydrogeologists, engineers, regional planners, and decision-makers in selecting an optimal landfill site in the future.

Pattern of congenital heart disease among Egyptian children: a 3-year retrospective study

BackgroundCongenital heart disease (CHD) is a multifactorial birth defect which has variable demographic characteristics among children in different geographical areas. This study aimed to detect the distribution of demographic data, perinatal risk factors, types, age, and mode of presentation of CHD among Egyptian children.ResultsThe medical records of 1005 patients were included. They were 545 males (54%) and 462 females (46%) with a ratio of 1.2:1. Acyanotic CHD was encountered in 79.2%. Isolated ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot were the most common acyanotic and cyanotic lesions, respectively. The majority was diagnosed within the first year of life (86.7%) and was born to young mothers (91.3%). The accidental discovery of a murmur was the most frequent presentation (35%). Heart failure was detected in 44%, audible murmurs in 74.4%, maternal illnesses in 54%, consanguinity in 44.6%, prematurity in 19.3%, assisted reproduction in 11.7%, family history of CHD in 9.2%, abortions in 7.1%, and extracardiac anomalies in 3.6% of the studied population. Down syndrome (DS) was the most commonly occurring chromosomal anomaly, and the atrioventricular septal defect was the most characteristic cardiac lesion found among them.ConclusionsThere is no sex predilection among Egyptian children with CHD. Most of the cases are diagnosed in early infancy. Accidental discovery of a murmur is the most common mode of presentation. A variety of predisposing risk factors are abundant in the Egyptian population. DS is the most common chromosomal anomaly linked to CHD. Establishment of a national medical birth registry containing all information about all births in Egypt is needed for adequate surveillance and monitoring of perinatal health problems and congenital birth defects so that preventive measures can be early implemented. Proper and detailed data collection should be fulfilled in the medical records of every single patient.

Consumption based on Mindful Mindset: A Solution to Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most visible problems in many regions, especially in developing Asian and African countries, which lack of proper garbage collection systems. Everyone in societies need to work together in dealing with plastic pollution. The purpose of this article is to examine how plastic pollution effects human and environmental well-being, to study the influence of mindfulness on consumption behaviours, and to explore how mindful consumption contributes to the reduction of plastic pollution and brings ecological sustainability. Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. Plastic pollution has become one of the most serious problems around the world, especially during the spread of COVID-19 due to the increase of single-use plastic waste. Results showed that plastic pollution causes many major long-term effects to human and ecosystem including the food chain changes, contagious diseases and respiratory diseases, polluted land, water, and air due to toxic chemicals residue. With mindful mindset, individuals will have a sense of caring and thinking about the future and the consequences of their actions towards themselves, community, and nature, so they behave and make decisions with the aim of increasing a consumer’s personal, economic, and social well-being to an optimal level. Mindful consumption, consciousness in thought and behavior about the implications and consequences of consumption, is a consumption framework guiding consumers to make their choices with the care of self and community while conserving environmental, personal and economic well-being. Thus, mindful consumption can be considered as sustainable consumption pattern and it can make a great contribution to reduction of plastic pollution and sustainable development.