Safe Environment Research Articles

Phosphorylation-amplified synchronized droplet microfluidics sensitizes bacterial growth kinetic real-time monitoring

The necessity for rapid and accurate bacterial growth monitoring is imperative across various domains, including healthcare and environmental safety. We introduce the self-synchronized droplet-amplified electrical screening cytometry (SYNC) system, a novel meld of droplet microfluidics and electrochemical amplification tailored for precise bacterial growth kinetic monitoring. SYNC encapsulates single bacteria in picolitre droplets, enabling real-time, fluorescence-free electrochemical monitoring. A specially devised phosphorylation-amplified culture medium translates bacterial metabolic activity into discernible electrical impedance changes. The dual-channel design and a rail-based structure in SYNC facilitate parallel screening and self-synchronization of droplets, addressing the limitations of conventional impedance cytometry. SYNC showcases a 5-fold enhancement in detection sensitivity and reduces 50% of the detection time compared to traditional approaches. Notably, SYNC is pioneering in providing exact initial bacterial concentrations, achieve to 104 bacteria/ml, a capability unmatched by existing real-time techniques measuring electrochemical variations. Along with its robust performance, this earmarks SYNC as a powerful tool for applications such as antibiotic susceptibility testing, food quality monitoring, and real-time water bacteria monitoring, paving the way for enhanced microbial process management and infection control.

Digital twin model of a large scale hot molten metal ladle pouring system

AbstractIn steel-making processes, large quantities (frequently exceeding 300 t) of liquid metal are transferred between vessels. In Basic Oxygen Steel (BOS) making process, metal is poured from Hot Metal (HM) ladles, utilising overhead gantry cranes, into furnaces for further processing. Due to the large quantities of liquid metal poured, this operation poses significant safety concerns associated with metal spillage and releases of heat emissions. This can further lead to damage being caused to surrounding infrastructure. Pouring automation can reduce the likelihood of metal spillage, optimising ladle movement for reduction in heat emission releases. Given the hazardous nature of this operation, robust testing and evaluation of automated crane pouring movements is required prior to their application. A digital twin (DT) model of an overhead gantry crane/HM ladle system is presented here, intended to provide a safe testing environment for controlled pouring movement and serve as a testbed for control system design studies. Accurate crane movement is achieved using multi-body dynamics, solving for non-linearities present due to rigid joint frictional components. The flow rate of HM is estimated through the application of a dynamic model, allowing the modelling of system dynamics due to differences in HM pouring weights. The devised DT model is evaluated by simulating real crane movement and making a comparison on the resultant changing HM weight inside the ladle. The devised DT removes the need for construction of a physical model or performing tests directly on the HM pouring system.

Optimizing Indoor Air Quality to mitigate Sick Building Syndrome

- In current scenario, where individuals spend the majority of their time indoors, the quality of the indoor air has become increasingly crucial. This research paper investigates the role of optimizing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as a proactive strategy for mitigating Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) within built environments. It examines the relationship between indoor air quality (IAQ) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in workplace settings and explores strategies for enhancing IAQ to mitigate SBS symptoms. Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly impacts human health and well-being, with implications for productivity, comfort, and overall quality of life. To ensure safe and healthy indoor environments, various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have established IAQ standards and guidelines. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of these standards. Moreover, the multifaceted nature of IAQ management is explored through the inclusion of parameters like radon (Rn), relative humidity (RH), and temperature. These factors not only contribute to indoor air quality but also affect occupants' comfort and well-being. By considering both chemical and environmental factors. Key Words: Indoor air quality, mitigate, policies, Sick building syndrome

Quality improvement initiative: implementing and redefining video review of real-time neonatal procedures using action research

Video review (VR) of procedures in the medical environment can be used to drive quality improvement. However, first it has to be implemented in a safe and effective way. Our...

Economic Methods of Managing the Environmental Safety of Cities Abroad: Tax Aspect

The purpose of the study is to analyze and generalize the economic methods used abroad for managing the environmental safety of a city and to assess the possibility of their use in the practice of Russian cities. The relevance of the work is conditioned by the fact that a significant part of large Russian cities and megalopolises are faced with serious problems in the environmental sphere. Abroad, many years of experience have been accumulated in solving similar issues through the use of methods for managing the environmental safety of the city, which is an argument in favor of its study. The article analyzes the practice of OECD countries in applying economic measures to reduce environmental pollution, ensure environmental balance and comfortable living conditions for the city population. Particular attention is paid to the powers of local governments in the environmental sphere and the degree of their financial autonomy; the benefits of environmental taxation in EU countries, including the transition to a low-carbon economy; organization of ecological cooperation on the principles of the circular economy and within the framework of the model of industrial symbiosis for the processing or use of industrial and household waste. In the course of the work, general scientific and special methods were used, including content analysis of literary sources, comparison, grouping, analogy, systemic and structural analysis, logical generalization. The results of the study consist in assessing the possibilities and determining the conditions for introducing the best foreign practices in environmental safety management in Russian cities; they can be useful to specialists dealing with both the problems of forming management decisions to stabilize the environmental situation in the city, greening the tax system at the local level, and ensuring the rational use of resources in a mobilization economy through cooperative relations in the processing of industrial and household waste through recycling.

Food-Borne Biotoxin Neutralization in Vivo by Nanobodies: Current Status and Prospects.

Food-borne biotoxins from microbes, plants, or animals contaminate unclean, spoiled, and rotten foods, posing significant health risks. Neutralizing such toxins is vital for human health, especially after food poisoning. Nanobodies (Nbs), a type of single-domain antibodies derived from the genetic cloning of a variable domain of heavy chain antibodies (VHHs) in camels, offer unique advantages in toxin neutralization. Their small size, high stability, and precise binding enable effective neutralization. The use of Nbs in neutralizing food-borne biotoxins offers numerous benefits, and their genetic malleability allows tailored optimization for diverse toxins. As nanotechnology continues to evolve and improve, Nbs are poised to become increasingly efficient and safer tools for toxin neutralization, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding human health and environmental safety. This review not only highlights the efficacy of these agents in neutralizing toxins but also proposes innovative solutions to address their current challenges. It lays a solid foundation for their further development in this crucial field and propels their commercial application, thereby contributing significantly to advancements in this domain.

Remediate and sense: alginate beads empowered by portable electrochemical strips for copper ion removal and detection at environmental sites.

The contamination of environmental sites due to the presence of persistent species represents an important issue to be tackled. In particular, the presence of high levels of metals in soil and surface water is more frequent. One of the metals that sometimes exceeds the permissible limit set by regulatory authorities is copper. For instance, copper-based fungicides are widely used in viticulture. However, copper ions remain in soil and can enter the food chain, posing threats to human health and environmental safety. Although the rapid detection of copper ions using portable sensors is effective in enhancing early warning, it sometimes solves only half of the problem as remediation is not considered. In this paper, we present a novel integrated/portable approach that merges the remediation and sensing of metals by proposing a remediate-and-sense concept. In order to realize this concept, alginate beads were coupled with printed electrochemical strips for on-site copper detection. Within the same architecture, alginate beads were used to remove copper ions from the soil, and printed electrochemical strips were used to evaluate the efficacy of remediation at the point of need. The concept was applied towards soil containing copper ions at the parts per billion level; with few alginate beads and in the absence of additional species, copper ions were quantitatively removed from the matrix; and 3D printing allowed us to combine the printed strips and spheres within a unique tool. The architecture was optimized and the results were compared to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements with a recovery percentage of 90%-110%. It should be noted that this novel portable approach may be applied to other pollutants, opening new possibilities for integrated remediation and sensing.

CRIME PREVENTION AND WORK MONITORING IN CROWD USING CCTV NETWORK

In an era where surveillance technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) networks for crime prevention and crowd monitoring has gained significant attention. This research aims to explore the potential of CCTV systems in deterring criminal activities and ensuring public safety in crowded environments. By integrating advanced video analytics and machine learning algorithms, the CCTV network can detect suspicious behavior patterns, identify potential threats, and alert law enforcement in real-time. Moreover, by employing work monitoring features, such as crowd density analysis and traffic flow optimization, the system can enhance operational efficiency and mitigate safety risks in various public spaces, including transportation hubs, shopping malls, and urban centers. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the development of proactive security measures and intelligent surveillance solutions for safer communities. Keywords— Artificial Intelligence, CCTV Network, Crime Prevention, Crowd Monitoring, Surveillance.

Policy brief: Polish LGBTQIA+ students at risk: How can schools protect them?

Recognising and meeting the social and emotional wellbeing needs of LGBTQIA+ students is an essential education policy issue globally. Yet, research suggests that this vulnerable group continues to face challenges to their ability to feel culturally safe at school. Negative experiences include verbal and physical abuse, and this often results in poor outcomes for students. Certain European countries such as Malta and The Netherlands have demonstrated positive progress towards enacting inclusive policy, while others, including Poland, are known to have made little or no development in this area. This paper provides a policy issue analysis on the current situation in Polish schools while considering the added threat of LGBT+ free zones that have plagued the political landscape and exist as a further barrier to tolerance and empowerment. Following this discourse, recommendations for school communities have been provided for the purpose of establishing safe learning environments for LGBTQIA+ students.

Sacred space: a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis of women’s experiences of supportive birthing environments

BackgroundIn the United States there are roughly three million births a year, ranging from cesarean to natural births. A major aspect of the birthing process is related to the healing environment, and how that helps or harms healing for the mother and child. Using the theoretical framework, Theory of Supportive Care Settings (TSCS), this study aimed to explore what is necessary to have a safe and sacred healing environment for mothers.MethodThis study utilized an updated Qualitative Interpretive Meta-synthesis (QIMS) design called QIMS-DTT [deductive theory testing] to answer the research question, What are mother’s experiences of environmental factors contributing to a supportive birthing environment within healthcare settings?ResultsKey terms were run through multiple databases, which resulted in 5,688 articles. After title and abstract screening, 43 were left for full-text, 12 were excluded, leaving 31 to be included in the final QIMS. Five main themes emerged from analysis: 1) Service in the environment, 2) Recognizing oneself within the birthing space, 3) Creating connections with support systems, 4) Being welcomed into the birthing space, and 5) Feeling safe within the birthing environment.ConclusionsProviding a warm and welcoming birth space is crucial for people who give birth to have positive experiences. Providing spaces where the person can feel safe and supported allows them to find empowerment in the situation where they have limited control.

Fluorescent and Colorimetric Dual-Readout Immunochromatographic Assay for the Detection of Phenamacril Residues in Agricultural Products.

The fungicide phenamacril has been employed to manage Fusarium and mycotoxins in crops, leading to persistent residues in the environment and plants. Detecting phenamacril is pivotal for ensuring environmental and food safety. In this study, haptens and artificial antigens were synthesized to produce antiphenamacril monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Additionally, gold nanoparticles coated with a polydopamine shell were synthesized and conjugated with mAbs, inducing fluorescence quenching in quantum dots. Moreover, a dual-readout immunochromatographic assay that combines the positive signal from fluorescence with the negative signal from colorimetry was developed to enable sensitive and precise detection of phenamacril within 10 min, achieving detection limits of 5 ng/mL. The method's reliability was affirmed by using spiked wheat flour samples, achieving a limit of quantitation of 0.05 mg/kg. This analytical platform demonstrates high sensitivity, outstanding accuracy, and robust tolerance to matrix effects, making it suitable for the rapid, onsite, quantitative screening of phenamacril residues.

The Role of Performing Arts in Promoting Valued Communication Outcomes in Individuals With and Without Developmental Disabilities

Purpose: Although not often used in the area of speech and language instruction, performing arts (such as improvisation, instrumental, vocal, and dance performance) provide a context for self-expression that involves both structure and opportunities for self-expression and can offer an opportunity to contribute to a motivating activity in individual, unique ways. Method: We describe a semester-long performing arts class in which students from various majors and with and without developmental disabilities together learn various performing art forms (specifically, improvisation, vocal performance, and diverse forms of dance) for the first half of the semester. The students work together the second half of the semester to create a final performance. Student reflections that were gathered during one semester (with approval from the institutional review board) were examined descriptively to provide student perspectives into the program and to help understand how the structure supported interpersonal relations. Results: Student reflections suggested that the structure of learning the various performing arts resulted in establishment of authentic peer relationships through three pillars of friendship proposed by Finke (2016): (a) the opportunity to engage in fun and motivating activities, (b) the presence of repeated/multiple opportunities to engage in the activities together, and (c) the establishment of a safe environment where each individual's contribution added something of value to the activity. Conclusion: This descriptive analysis identified mechanisms by which performing arts can be a valuable context for supporting important social and communication goals in individuals with and without developmental disabilities.

Replacement of tubular fluorescent lamps with tubular LEDs lamps and daylight integration in classrooms and laboratories

The quality of lighting significantly influences our ability to perform tasks in enclosed spaces, and certain characteristics of lighting sources play a crucial role. Light-emitting diode (tubular LED) lamps offer advantages for both home and office use. Choosing tubular LED lamps over fluorescent ones is beneficial for several reasons. Tubular LEDs are mercury-free, ensuring environmental safety compared to the small amount of mercury present in fluorescent tubes. Furthermore, tubular LEDs provide directional lighting, minimizing light loss in fixtures and unnecessary areas, and offering better efficiency (around 40% more than tubular fluorescent lamps). Also, they produce high-quality light with various color temperatures, eliminating flickering issues that can cause discomfort such as eye strain, headaches, and migraines. Additionally, tubular LEDs have a longer lifespan making them a preferable lighting option. The superior quality of natural light makes it the optimal source of illumination, which matching well with the visual response of the human eyes. Daylight has a positive influence on people, instilling a feeling of vibrancy and brightness within their living environment. The acknowledged benefits of daylight extend to enhancing visual comfort, promoting health, and improving overall performance among building occupants. This paper focuses on the integration of natural daylight with artificial light, particularly through tubular LED lamps, and investigates the daylight factor. Two groups of six tubular LED lamps (60cm with 9 Watt and 120cm with 18 Watt) and another group of six tubular fluorescent lamps (60cm with 18 Watt and 120cm with 36 Watt) were studied. The study involved two sets of six tubular LED lamps (60cm with 9W and 120cm with 18W) and another set with six tubular fluorescent lamps (60cm with 18W and 120cm with 36W). Measurements were conducted using Spectroradiometer Ocean Optics HR 2000 with 4.7% uncertainty and a photometric bench to assess the spectral output. Additionally, UVA/B silicon detector and Luxmeter detector setups with uncertainties of 5.2% and 6%, respectively, were employed for irradiance and illuminance measurements of tubular LEDs and fluorescent lamps. Various parameters, including daylight factor ratio, UVA power to luminous flux (K) for tubular fluorescent lamps, spectral power distribution, and illumination levels were obtained. Integration between daylight and tubular LED lamps was also determined. The maximum detected value lmW /013.0  is less than the safe limit for human health but still there are effects on human health if they use these types of lamps. Therefore, it is advisable to switch from tubular fluorescent lamps to tubular LEDs to mitigate the impact of UVA on human health and the environment.

Global Experience in the Use of Unmanned Aviation Technologies in Public Administration: a Review

TUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), despite their relative novelty, are already an integral component of the general aviation structure, and, based on a number of complex and sophisticated solutions, including those related to artificial intelligence, are part of the spectrum of high technologies. UAS find application not only in the sphere of commerce, but also in the realisation of specific tasks of public administration, such as territory management, healthcare, emergency prevention and elimination, ensuring environmental safety and law and order, nature management. The purpose of the study, the results of which are presented in this publication, is to assess the current state and potential of the use of UAS in these areas based on a review of literature sources on the practice of their application in order to solve the tasks of public administration in different countries of the world. The main conclusion drawn from the analysis and characterising the general scientific novelty of the study is that, despite a significant number of specific examples, the breadth of UAS use range can be characterised as imaginary. The main and the only really significant application is various types of aerial survey in the interests of state control and supervision bodies. In the course of the work, a number of promising directions for the use of UAS have been identified. It is also noted that their wider implementation in the practice of public administration is hindered by the lack and/or imperfection of the relevant legal framework, typical for most legislative systems of the world, and postulates the need to actively address these issues in relation to the classification and certification of UAS, requirements for their operators and software, the procedure and rules of operation, the integration of unmanned aircraft (UAS) into the existing air traffic management system.

Assessment of Dietary and Lifestyle Quality among the Romanian Population in the Post-Pandemic Period.

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated the importance of prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle, the most vulnerable people being those with severe chronic conditions, those who are overweight, and those with an unbalanced immune system. This study aims to examine the nutritional status and lifestyle behaviors of the Romanian population. The evaluation of the eating habits and lifestyle of the Romanian population in the post-pandemic period was carried out based on a cross-sectional observational study with the help of a questionnaire. A total of 4704 valid answers were registered (3136 female and 1568 male respondents). Among the respondents, most of them belong to the young population, 2892 between the ages of 18 and 40, i.e., 61.5%. Most male respondents are overweight (1400) and obese (780). Most respondents indicated a tendency to consume 1-2 meals per day irregularly (p = 0.617). Only 974 respondents adopted a healthy diet, and 578 a healthy lifestyle. The present study reports low adherence to a healthy diet (20.7%) and healthy lifestyle (12.28%), especially among the young population (<30 years). In the current context, it reports a reduced tendency to consume vegetables and fruits among the population, below the daily average recommended by the nutrition guidelines, a tendency towards sedentary behavior, and even deficient hydration of some of the respondents; these negative aspects can create a long-term series of nutritional and psycho-emotional imbalances. Our results evidence that complex surveys among the population are regularly required to investigate nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies; moreover, it could be helpful in further educational measures in nutrition, food, and environmental safety.

Use of Simulation to Teach Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents How to Care for Transgender &amp; Gender Diverse Patients

Abstract Purpose of Review Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals face barriers in access to healthcare and face poorer healthcare outcomes than the cisgender population. Gynecologists provide routine health maintenance and primary care for LGBTQ + patients. Lack of physician knowledge of the unique healthcare considerations of LGBTQ+ patients heightens barriers to care. Healthcare simulation can serve to provide Ob/Gyn residents with practice implementing and strengthening their communication skills and cultural competence with LGBTQ+ patients. There are various simulation modalities, including standardized patients, virtual reality, and high-fidelity manikins, which can be implemented for LGBTQ+ simulation. This article will review implementation of simulation-based training, creating a safe learning environment, and strategies for debriefing and feedback. Recent Findings Various governing bodies of medical education list education on LGBTQ+ care within key learning objectives for medical students and obstetric and gynecologic (Ob/Gyn) residents. However, program directors and residents have identified LGBTQ+ healthcare as a gap in their education, often citing lack of curriculum as an educational barrier. Among Ob/Gyn residents who have participated in healthcare simulation on LGBTQ+ care, there has been a qualitative improvement in comfort with and knowledge of medical care (Ruud et al. in J Midwifery Womens Health 2021;66(6):778–86), (Kreines et al. in J Assist Reprod Genet 2022;39(12):2755–66). Summary Healthcare simulation should be implemented within medical training to improve the care and medical outcomes of LGBTQ+ patients. While some qualitative studies have shown resident self-reported improvement after healthcare simulation with LGBTQ+ patients, longitudinal studies need to be done to assess long-term impact. Additionally, educational grants for simulation equipment and curricula can improve access to healthcare simulation.

Safe Environment for Working Women - A Critical Analysis

Safe Environment for Working Women - A Critical Analysis

Heavy Metals In Bivalves From Coastal Municipalities Of C apiz,P hilippines

This research study is based on the current status of heavy metal contamination in bivalves within the coastal areas of Capiz, Philippines, drawing insights from accessible data. The findings shed light on the contamination’s extent, potential threats to human health, and the pollution’s origins. The researchers acknowledge the study’s limitations. As per the findings, elevated levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium, in bivalves collected from Capiz’s coastal regions. Variations in metal concentrations are observed among different bivalve species and sampling sites, with identified geographical distribution patterns and potential contamination hotspots. An assessment of conformity to regulatory limits and guidance for heavy metal levels in shellfish consumption is conducted, identifying any exceedances or areas of concern. The research aims to establish the extent to which bivalves from Capiz aligns with legal requirements. Potential health risks allied to the bivalve consumption are evaluated based on the detected heavy metal levels, considering various exposure routes, population characteristics, and toxicity reference values. The research scrutinizes the impact of human activities, including industrial discharges, agricultural practices, and urban runoff, on heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems. The ongoing discussion underscores the need for further investigation and underscores the importance of addressing the issue to ensure the environmental sustainability and safety of coastal resources in Capiz.

Sustainable recycling management: configuration of risk factors and resilience strategies

Purpose Recycling is associated with positive social and environmental impact, but previous studies have overlooked the cost of recycling operations. Based on the dynamic capability view, the purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate risk factors and resilience strategies within the recycling industry, prioritize these factors and identify the optimal combination of resilience strategies and risk factors to improve market performance. Design/methodology/approach The research questions were addressed in three subsequent studies. In Study 1, qualitative interviews were conducted to identify risk factors and strategies to mitigate those risks. In Study 2, quality function deployment methodologies were implemented via case studies derived from three different companies. Based on the results of Studies 1 and 2, in addition to the use of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, Study 3 aimed to determine the optimal combination of risk factors and strategies impacting market performance. Findings The results across the three studies revealed a number of risk factors as well as which risk factors and resilience strategies have the greatest impact on market performance. Specifically, it was found that higher levels of readiness, response and recovery strategies lead to greater market performance, whereas weak readiness, response and recovery strategies, along with low societal, environmental and health and safety risk factors, significantly inhibit performance. Originality/value This research extends current understandings of market performance in relation to recycling industry management and offers insight for decision-makers toward combating significant risk factors in business-to-business settings.

Обеспечение канцерогенной безопасности копченой рыбной продукции

The purpose of the study is to develop recommendations for rational smoke generation parameters that ensure the quality and environmental safety of smoked fish products. Objectives: to establish the influence of smoke generation parameters on the assessment of the carcinogenicity of smoked products; to evaluate the quality and safety of smoked products produced under optimal smoke generation parameters; to develop recommendations to ensure the quality and safety of smoked fish products. Research was carried out at the department of Management of Technical Systems at the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Dalrybvtuz (Vladivostok, Primorsky Region). The object of the study is the process of smoke generation. Analytical, physical and chemical methods, and mathematical modeling methods were used. To prepare smoke-drying smoke samples, 10 kg of alder sawdust with a moisture content of 30–35 % was prepared. Hot smoked smelt samples were obtained under optimal smoke generation conditions. The overall organoleptic index was 5. The content of individual polyaromatic hydrocarbons was: chrysene – 71 ng/kg; benz(a)anthracene – 70 ng/kg; benz(b)fluoranthene – 602 ng/kg; benz(a)pyrene – 64 ng/kg; benz(e)pyrene – 667 ng/kg; dibenz(a,c)anthracene – 57 ng/kg; dibenz(a,h)anthracene – 69 ng/kg, which corresponds to a generalized quality index of 0.99 (very good). During the study, the influence of smoke generation parameters on the assessment of the carcinogenicity of smoked fish products was established, and the dependence of the content of individual polyaromatic hydrocarbons on the excess air coefficient in the smoke generation zone was confirmed. Optimal smoke generation modes: smoke generation temperature 475 °C, excess air coefficient – 0.4. Rational smoke generation parameters: smoke generation temperature 450–500 °C, excess air coefficient – 0.3–0.6.