Restrooms Research Articles

Palaeoparasitological evidence for a possible sanitary stone vessel from the Roman city of Viminacium, Serbia

The aim of this research is to determine whether palaeoparasitological analysis of mineralized concretions found within a stone vessel from the Roman city of Viminacium can shed light on its past use. The ruins of Viminacium, the capital of the Roman province of Moesia Superior, are situated 90 km southeast of the Belgrade in Serbia, and about 12 km from the town of Kostolac in the vicinity of villages Stari Kostolac and Drmno. It was established as a military camp in the first century CE with a legion permanently stationed there. The stone vessel was discovered during systematic archaeological excavations of the public bath complex with a public toilet near the amphitheater in Viminacium. The finding is dated by relative chronology in the second half of the third century. The vessel is topologically defined as a mortarium according to shape and size. Mineralized deposits were preserved inside the vessel rim, sides, and base. Microscopic analysis of the mineralized deposit revealed eggs of intestinal nematode roundworms (most likely Ascaris sp., but possibly Pterygodermatites sp.) from the sides and base of the vessel. This is the first time that parasite eggs have been identified from concretions inside a Roman stone vessel, and have strong parallels with a previous finding of parasite eggs in mineralized deposits from a ceramic chamber pot from late antique Sicily. The finding suggests the possible use, or secondary use, and function of the stone vessel as a sanitary item (such as storing wiping implements) for personal hygiene in the public bath of Viminacium. Further paleoparasitological research requires a systematic analysis of calcified deposits from Roman period stone vessels for more clear insights into their function, use and reuse.

Kontinuitas Gambar Adegan Dalam Penyutradaraan Drama Televisi “Kuwi Nggonku”

The television drama “Kuwi Nggonku” is an interesting drama show. This drama applies image continuity in several scenes. There are four types of continuity, namely Content Continuity, Movement Continuity, Position Continuity, and Dialogue Continuity. The television drama “Kuwi Nggonku” tells the story of social conflicts that exist in society, specifically regarding the orderliness in the cleanliness of public toilets. In creating this production work, the method used is 3 stages of production, namely pre-production, production, and post-production (including evaluation). The implementation of image continuity in the television drama Kuwi Nggonku aims to maintain image balance so that it does not jump and convey the character's mood well, supported by cut in and cut away editing techniques. The implementation of image continuity in this production results ; Continuity in the production of “Kuwi Nggonku” makes it easier for the audience to understand the story line, Continuity of the images also supports strengthening the conflict of the story being created, the more the continuity of the images is maintained, the more it will support the audience to be able to focus on the conflict.

Urban Infrastructure Construction Planning: Urban Public Transport Line Formulation

Urban public transport line formulation has its appeal in promoting public convenience and developing environmentally friendly cities. During the bus line planning stage, the line frequency and stop location determination is a key issue for decision makers. Our study focuses on the integrated formulation problem between line frequency and stop planning featuring multi-type vehicles. The multi-type vehicles are able to accommodate the various passenger demands at either peak hours or off-peak hours. The a priori magnitudes of user demands are investigated by drone-based technique methods in the tactical-level plan. The collected geospatial data can assist the public transport user forecast. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is proposed. The objective is to minimize the walking cost of passengers, the building cost of stops, and the operation cost of service frequency. The effectiveness of the model is validated by a real case in Nantong, China. CPLEX is used to resolve the MILP model. Yielding to the budget constraint, in high-price, medium-price, and low-price scenarios, the optimal high-quantity stop scheme can save 3.04%, 3.11%, and 3.38% in overall cost compared with the medium-quantity stop scheme, respectively; their cost savings are 8.53%, 8.70%, and 9.09% more than the costs of the low-quantity stop scheme.

Japanese] toilets are not garbage cans

Abstract Traditional linguistic landscape research focuses on the diversity, vitality, and structure of languages in public spaces. However, this study takes a critical lens and examines how certain multilingual signage reflects the normalised, harmful ideologies which target minorities in Japan. The study reveals examples of punitive multilingualism, highlighting the information disparities between languages in public signage found in Aichi, Hokkaido, and on the Internet. The paper discusses instances of discriminatory public signage, including online advertisements, based on the premise that foreigners are unruly, and official government signage that appears to target foreigners. The study also delves into problematic instructions posted in public restrooms, showing how the presentation of language(s) can reinforce stereotypes and implicit bias. Through a critical analysis of multilingual signage, this study reveals the challenges and consequences of punitive multilingualism in the context of Japanese sociolinguistics.

Solutions for urban sanitation: A case study of Imhoff tank technology in Bandung, Dutch East Indies (1917‒1938)

This research investigates how municipalities managed wastewater in the Dutch East Indies in the early 20th century. We focus on Bandung, one of the most important cities in the Dutch East Indies, which transformed into a modern residential area, economic center, and seat of government. This research combines primary data from written sources and field observations using historical-archaeological methods. The written sources include official reports from the Public Works Department, Civil Health Department, Bandung City Council, old maps, sewer network designs, environmental engineering journals, and newspapers published from 1909 to 1941. Using the techno-environmental approach introduced by Martin V. Melosi, this study considers urban technology as a strategic response by decision-makers to address the challenges faced by developing cities in the early 20th century. The study reveals that Bandung City faced environmental problems, such as the natives' habit of defecating in rivers and open spaces, spreading diseases, and potentially polluting river water. These problems arose due to the lack of sanitation facilities and the densely populated settlements, especially in the native and Chinese residential areas. To address these challenges, policymakers, environmental engineers, and researchers initiated the design and implementation of sewers, public toilets, and wastewater treatment plants in 1917. The Municipality integrated sewers with the Imhoff Tank sewage treatment technology developed by researchers and engineers from 1932 to 1938 to introduce circular sewage treatment. Imhoff Tanks was a significant technological innovation in the Dutch East Indies. In the early 20th century, only a handful of cities in the Dutch East Indies, including Bandung, Medan, and Yogyakarta, had integrated sewer networks. Among the cities that did have sewer networks, Bandung pioneered the implementation of the Imhoff Tank. As a result, it emerged as an important laboratory and development center for Bandung and the entire Dutch East Indies. The Imhoff Tank treatment process, which produces clean water, fertilizer, and methane gas that can be used as vehicle fuel, was part of a proactive strategy pioneered by policymakers in Bandung in the early 20th century, reflecting their vision to create a healthy and sustainable city.

IOT Enabled Smart Washroom

While progress is undoubtedly being made in the cutting-edge globe, our country's cleanliness is in jeopardy. The purpose of this paper is to supply hygienic and clean restrooms. Every public restroom ought to be hygienic and spotless. The government of our nation launched the "Swachh Bharat" (Clean India) program. One of the goals of the Clean India initiative is to maintain uncontaminated toilets. This study has the potential to support the clean India initiative. It may eventually demonstrate the major role in the Clean India Plan. The smart bathroom system integrates features like an automatic water tap for hands-free operation, water leakage detection to prevent waste, and an exhaust fan with odour sensing for improved air quality. It dispenses auto air freshener based on bad smell detection linked to overall air quality monitoring. Users can control and monitor these functions through a mobile app. Additionally, an auto-cleaning mechanism activates after every 10 entries to ensure a hygienic space. This system aims to enhance efficiency and convenience in the bathroom environment.

Public toilets and their potential impact on an individual's health.

In modern society, people engage in social interactions and activities outside their own home. When in public settings people may need to eliminate bodily waste, so public toilets are required. Accessibility, availability and adaptability are essential principles for safe, private, and purposeful visits to public toilets. A diverse range of individuals use public toilets: various age profiles, all gender groups, vulnerable individuals and people with additional needs. Public toilets essentially need to be a place of privacy, safety and cleanliness to facilitate elimination of urine, evacuation of faeces, management of menstruation, and changing/disposing of continence wear products in a secure environment.

Identification of Bacteria from Public Toilets of Modern Market (Goico) in Musanze Town, Rwanda

Background: Bacteria are present on all surfaces, to which they were carried by many direct and indirect methods of transmission. A toilet is simply a receptacle into which both solid and liquid waste of human origin, in the form of urine and excreta are discharged. In public toilets, complete strangers mix and use the same sanitary facilities, with all the related risks of bodily fluid exchange, contamination and organism transmission. Unhygienic use of the toilet’s facilities may cause urine and fecal residues after use to serve as a major reservoir or source of human pathogen, which may in turn bring about disease outbreak. Aim: This study aimed at Identification of Bacteria from Public Toilets of Modern Market (Goico) In Musanze Town, Rwanda Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted to identify bacteria from GOICO market toilets. About 40 samples; 20 from male and 20 from female toilets were collected and transported to INES-clinical microbiology laboratory for microbiological analysis. Laboratory techniques including culture, gram stain, biochemical tests and antibiogram were performed. Results: The most predominant bacteria isolated was S. aureus (31.43%), followed by S. typhi (20%), Streptococcus(15.71%), E. coli(12.86%), P. aeuriginosa(10%), P. mirabilis(7.14%), C. freundi(1.43%), S. epidermidis (1.43%). It was noted that female toilets were more contaminated (51.43%) than male toilets (48.57%). All gram positive and gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to Gentamicin. Almost all bacteria except P. mirabilis were sensitive to Norfloxacin, gram negative showed a resistance to Vancomycin and Novobiocin. Conclusion: These results should alert public toilets users that extreme caution must be executed while using these toilets, as they may be a source of pathogenic bacteria. The best way to keep a toilet and its seat free of bacteria is to clean it with bleach. Otherwise, keep the bacteria at bay by washing your hands, and if you just don't trust that toilet seat, wipe it down with a disinfectant or antibacterial wipe before you sit. Keywords: Bacteria, Public toilets, E. coli, S. typhi, Urinary tract

Dampak Relokasi Pasar Bunga dan Sayur Bandungan Terhadap Peningkatan Daya Tarik Wisata

The development of the Bandungan Flower and Vegetable Market following its relocation presents a phenomenon distinct from other market relocations, even though it occurred during the pandemic. The minimal disputes over stall allocations, effective stakeholder approaches, and the successful alleviation of traffic congestion at the old Bandungan Flower and Vegetable Market contributed to the relative success of this market relocation. This study aims to examine the increase in the number of tourist visits before and after relocation and to examine the changes in facilities and infrastructure that support tourism at the new Bandungan Flower and Vegetable Market location. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method through field observations, interviews, and literature studies. The study reveals that the comprehensive facilities and supporting infrastructure for tourism make the new Bandungan market increasingly conducive and suitable for visitors. The supporting infrastructure includes adequate parking space, clean public restrooms, well-maintained prayer rooms, and an increase in the number of vendor stalls from 454 to 957 at the new market. Additionally, the rapid adaptation process for vendors in the new Bandungan Market environment has resulted in normal market activities, serving tourists and contributing to the economic improvement of Bandungan Market vendors.

Water Sanitation Quality Assessment for Hand-Dug Wells

Purpose: Public toilet sanitation facilities need to be analyzed for water sanitation quality. This research aims to explain the benefits of hand-well water for sanitation in densely populated communal environments. Theoretical framework: This article presents literature support regarding sanitation, water quality, and pollutant index in Indonesia, regarding water sanitation conditions in dense urban organizations. Method: Comprehensive data on the quality of water sanitation used by people in dense settlements. Data was collected in the form of water as a laboratory test from 24 random dug wells in four sub-districts in Bandung City and analyzed by the regulations of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. Results and Discussion: The research results show that an average of 75% of air wells are contaminated based on water sanitation quality and pollutant index based on Minister of Health Regulation Number 32 of 2017 and Number 2 of 2023 concerning Indonesian Environmental Health and Water Health Quality Standards. Research Implications: Our findings are important for policymakers, health workers, public health practitioners, and so that the community provides public toilet facilities that can be monitored and receive government attention to improve their quality. Originality/Value: The novelty of this research lies in that it presents a comprehensive assessment of water quality indices and physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of hand wells in dense urban organizations.

The Relationship of Working Period and Low Back Pain Complaints in Weaning Workers at Ulos Sianipar Gallery

Low back pain in indonesian means lower back pain is a health problem that often occurs in society, especially in weaving workers who carry out repetitive movements. Working for a long period of time is one of the risk factors for low back pain. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between length of service and complaints of low back pain among weaving workers at the ulos sianipar gallery. This research uses quantitative methods with a cross sectional study. Samples were taken using a total sampling technique. The number of samples used in this research was 45 weaving workers at the ulos sianipar gallery. Data analysis was carried out univariate and bivariate using the chi square test. The results of this study show that there is a relationship between length of service and complaints of low back pain in weaving workers with a p Value of 0,002. It is also hoped that business owners can provide rest time for weaving workers and also provide a special rest room for weaving workers which can be used during rest time to reduce lower back pain.

State and Trait Disgust Uniquely Predict Avoidance in Contamination Fear: Specificity of Disease-Specific and Nonspecific Individual Differences

Although behavioral avoidance is observed among those with heightened contamination concerns, the extent to which such avoidance is best predicted by state and/or trait characteristics is unclear. Furthermore, while disgust proneness is a disease-specific trait that has been shown to predict avoidance among those with symptoms of contamination-based obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it is unclear if other disease-specific traits may also serve a similar function. In the present study, contamination-fearful participants (N = 89) first completed self-report measures of disease-specific (disgust proneness, health anxiety, perceived vulnerability to disease) and disease-nonspecific (intolerance of uncertainty, trait anxiety) traits. They then completed a 16-step behavioral approach task (BAT) with increasing likelihood of contagion in a public restroom and provided ratings of state disgust and state anxiety at each step. Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression showed that state disgust, but not state anxiety, at a given step was associated with avoidance on the next step. Furthermore, disgust proneness was the only trait associated with avoidance on the BAT. A significant interaction between disgust proneness and BAT step completed in the public restroom was also found. Examination of this interaction suggests that intermediary, but not initial and latter, steps of the BAT differentiate those high and low in disgust proneness. These findings suggest that state and trait disgust uniquely drive behavioral avoidance among those with contamination concerns commonly observed in OCD.

Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) implementation in West Mamprusi Municipal Assembly in Ghana. What do communities think eleven years on?

ObjectiveAccess to improved sanitation is a fundamental human right and an important aspect of Public Health. However, an estimated thousands of people in Ghana especially, the West Mamprusi Municipal Assembly (WMMA) still have no access to adequate toilet facilities. This has brought untold health repercussions to the inhabitants, the community, and the environment at large. To address this menace, the community-led total sanitation (CLTS) was implemented. This study aimed to assess communities’ perspectives on the implementation of CLTS and to understand the factors influencing its success and failures. MethodsA mixed-method approach involving sequential qualitative and quantitative methods was employed in this study. Participants for the quantitative study were randomly selected and surveyed using questionnaires. The qualitative study employed focus group discussion involving purposively sampled participants including assembly members, opinion leaders, and assembly staff. ResultsThe CLTS program in WMMA realized an apparent use of construction and proper use of household latrines leading to a reduction of open defecation free (ODF) and two communities achieving sanitized status in the history of the study area, enabling the training of latrine artisans and natural leaders to facilitate the CLTS expansion and sustainability, improved sanitation and hygiene, strengthened the enforcement of community rules and regulations and many others. ConclusionThe CLTS program has received more widespread acceptance in the study area than the previous government policy of constructing public toilets, which was greeted with massive failures due to poor implementation. To ensure that gains achieved through CLTS implementation are sustained longer, it is recommended that chiefs and opinion leaders should be involved in the CLTS programs to ensure checks and enforcement. The entrenchment of bylaws and more education to address enduring myths and misconceptions will sustain the program. Subsidies in the form of sanitation loans for latrine construction materials by the government and supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be paramount in sustaining ODF.

Analisis Tingkat Kepuasan Pengunjung Taman Wisata Alam Batu Angus Kota Bitung

This research aims to analyze the level of satisfaction of visitors to the Batu Angus Nature Tourism Park, Bitung City. This research was carried out from March to May 2024. The data collection method used a sample survey method. Data collection techniques involve conducting direct interviews with visitors, and managers use questionnaires as a tool in data collection. The questionnaire contains several questions related to relevant research. The sampling method was by chance (accidental sampling) on ​​91 visitors to the Batu Angus Nature Tourism Park. The analytical method used was Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The results of the research show that the satisfaction level of visitors to the Batu Angus Nature Tourism Park, Bitung City, is 84.01 percent, which is included in the very satisfied category. There are several indicators that need to be improved, namely: environmental cleanliness, roads to tourist locations, suitability of food prices, availability of public toilets, availability of public transportation to tourist locations and distance to tourist locations from the city center.

A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LABOUR WELFARE SCHEMES AND ITS IMPACT ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG WORKERS IN TITAN WATCH COMPANY, HOSUR – A CASE STUDY

In an industrial economy, the workers are subject to periodic unemployment due to cyclical fluctuations in business, sickness, industrial accidents and old age. In India it has the obligation from the Government side to help the labourers and provide them security and adopt labour welfare measures in the form of various schemes such as Workmen’s Compensation Act, Employees’ State Insurance Act, Finances and Contributions, Sickness benefit, Medical benefit, Maternity benefit, Disablement benefit, Dependents’ benefit, Employees’ Provident Fund and Bonus schemes, Gratuity Scheme and Employees’ Pension Scheme. All these welfare schemes have followed and adopted in industries for the welfare of labourers both men and women. So, the present study is done to understand the various labour welfare facilities such as statutory and non-statutory welfare facilities provided by the company to labourers / workers namely TITAN watch company, Hosur, and its impact on job satisfaction. This study shows the positive relation between welfare facilities such as medical facilities, crèche, canteen facilities, recreation, toilet facilities, rest room facilities, reading room, loan facilities for their children’s education, marriage, housing loan, insurance coverage etc. and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is very important to know the level of contribution to workers towards his / her work and how welfare facilities affect. Labour welfare schemes are provided to strengthen man power in both physically and mentally. Thus, these facilities are more effective in improving the performance and building the morale of every worker working in industries, in order to increase the productivity of labourers.

Smart HygineMate Hub: A Smart Vending Machine

Activists and groups concerned with women’s health and hygiene as well as news articles, social media, and discussions have brought attention to the issue of sanitary pads selling machines. The need of convenient access to sanitary pads through vending machines particularly in public locations like schools, colleges, airports, hotels and public restrooms, was made more widely known through the efforts of Women’s Rights Organization, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Government Initiatives. As a part of larger discussion surrounding menstrual hygiene and women’s empowerment this topic attracted attention. By automating inventory management, providing touchless interactions, various payment modes and enhancing security, the model provides a streamlined user experience. This technology also yields a valuable data insight, reduced maintenance efforts and facilitates personalized user profiles. Ultimately it contributes in improving menstrual hygiene and accessibility. The lack of scanner which makes it difficult for people in need of sanitary pads in emergencies, the difficulty of promptly monitoring and replenishing the machines, sanitary pads supply are the two of the main issues with the existing sanitary pad vending machines. Additionally consistent resources and work are needed to maintain and keep sanitary pad vending machines operational. Further issue still exists of affordability of the vending machines particularly in the rural areas due to limited resources. These issues mainly attracted to work and research on making a vending machine which will be cost effective, simplified and user-friendly machines with the use of edge cutting technologies.

Evaluating air pollution exposure among cyclists: Real-time levels of PM2.5 and NO2 and POI impact

Although cycling has numerous health benefits, the increased breathing volume and lack of protection from exposure to the environment while cycling poses health risks that cannot be disregarded. Previous studies evaluating the exposure of cyclists to air pollution have typically focused on assessing exposure to a single pollutant or exposure concentrations on specific urban routes, and have not performed a comprehensive assessment considering the distribution of cyclists. The present study used bicycle-sharing big data to conduct a more comprehensive and refined real-time population weighted exposure risk assessment of pileless bike sharing riders in Beijing. We quantified the spatial distribution of high exposure areas at different times and found that the exposure risk during the evening peak period was significantly higher than that during the morning peak and early morning periods, particularly in the city center and its environs. By establishing stepwise regression models, we identified the significant impact of various urban points of interest (POIs) on exposure risk, with sports venues, public toilets, educational institutions, scenic spots, and financial entities particularly influential at different time periods. Medical institutions and shopping venues have a significant negative impact on the exposure levels of PM2.5 and NO2 among cyclists in most cases. These findings emphasize the need for targeted pollution control strategies. The aim of this study is to mitigate the impact of air pollution on cyclists and create a healthier cycling environment. The research results can provide new ideas for urban health planning and support scientific decision-making for sustainable urban development.

Assessing urban resilience based on production-living-ecological system using degree of coupling coordination: A case of Sichuan.

The issue of urban resilience plays great significance and value for the sustainable development of cities, which has attracted increasing attention from scholars and governments, especially in the western region of China. Based on the Production-Living-Ecological (PLE) system, this study attempts to describe urban resilience by the combination system that contains with P,L,E subsystem. The integrated approach including FAHP-EM,GRA-TOPSIS, CCDM, and ODM is proposed to reveal the urban resilience level and seek out the key constraints' indicators. Then, an empirical analysis of panel data of 18 cities in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021 was conducted to analyze the development process. The valuation results suggested that:(1)for urban resilience level, most cities at the moderate imbalance level and basically maintained at this level, only Chengdu is reaching the basic coordination level since in 2013.(2)The insufficient development of P,L,E subsystem is the reason for the moderate imbalance development, especially the key limiting factor is the P subsystem's low development level.(3)the most prominent obstacle indicators are x1(per capita local financial expenditure on science and technology), x2(per capita of R&D spending), x8(total export-import per capita), x14(number of people with basic medical insurance), x22(length of urban drainage pipeline), x23(number of public toilets per person) and the contribution values reach 7.56%,7.49%,11.02%, 9.14%,12.53%, 12.60% respectively. The detailed reference suggestions and effective measures put forwarded for policy makers and planners to promote urban resilience in Western China.

Low-cost solar septic tanks as sustainable sanitation solution: A case study implemented in Cambodia

ABSTRACT The integration of a solar septic tank (SST) system with an economically viable solar water-heating apparatus comprising polyethylene (PE) and copper (Cu) pipes, as well as a lightweight structural framework, has been conceptualized and implemented. Two variants of low-cost SSTs were subjected to empirical scrutiny within authentic settings, encompassing public toilets and residential establishments in Cambodia. Both the PE pipe and Cu pipe solar water-heating devices demonstrated efficacy in consistently maintaining temperatures within the system above ambient levels. Although the parameters do not conform to Cambodia's effluent requirements, the results of this study suggest that the SST is effective in reducing organic loads and provides a significant improvement over conventional septic tank effluent. This underscores the potential applicability of the developed system for the treatment of toilet wastewater, thereby mitigating pollution concerns and public health risks. Harnessing solar energy to elevate septic tank temperature, this system's cost varies but includes materials, tools, and miscellaneous components, with a total estimated cost ranging from $600 to $2500, depending on size and complexity.

Study on the applicability of free water surface wetland (fws) scale of wastewater treatment laboratory for green rest stops

The Free Water Surface wetland (FWS) has emerged as a promising technological solution for wastewater treatment in natural environments. The study aimed at investigating the performance of a laboratory-scale Free Water Surface wetland (FWS) unit designed to treat domestic wastewater with a daily capacity of 20 liters. This model can be applied at some rest stops towards creating "Green Rest Stops" on highways. The laboratory experiments on bronze banana plants have shown that the model operates effectively under specific settings and with the characteristics of residential wastewater from public toilets, which has undergone pretreatment through septic tanks. These conditions are conducive to promoting healthy growth in the plants. The FWS model for cultivating canna hybrid plants (Canna generalis) has a total surface area of 0.26 square meters and operates based on the principles of free wastewater flow. The model has a water retention duration of 70 hours, approximately three days. The treatment efficiency for TSS, BOD5, NH4+ - N, and Coliform is 37-53%, 73-77%, 41-46%, and 37-54%, respectively. The treated wastewater complies with the National technical regulations on water quality, QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT (B) standards