Short-term Contact Research Articles

Comparative of maternal-neonate abdominal contact and kangaroo Short-term skin contact on maternal depression

Comparative of maternal-neonate abdominal contact and kangaroo Short-term skin contact on maternal depression

Scratching the Surface—Person-Centered Knowledge Morally and Professionally Commits Nurses: An Interview Study

BackgroundRegardless of the tight schedule in outpatient settings caring should be based on patients believes of what is important in relation to maintain everyday life. Guided self-determination (GSD) is a method that supports reflection, collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving. PurposeThe purpose was to examine clinical nurses’ and ward managers experience of GSD during radiation or outpatient chemotherapy treatment. MethodA qualitative interview study using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach was used. FindingsTwo overall themes were generated “GSD is meaningful to both clinical nurses, ward managers, and patients” and “GSD creates an extraordinary room for counseling incompatible with clinical practice in a short-term contact but causing moral distress”. ConclusionAll nurses experienced the GSD intervention to be meaningful but difficult to implement in a busy technical field. This created a dilemma in everyday clinical practice with the risk of causing moral distress. The nurses used different strategies to cope with this.

Relationship between corneal tissue and shape in short-term soft contact lens wear.

To investigate which morphometric and ocular surface tissue parameters are affected by short-term soft contact lens (CL) wear and to assess whether they carry related or independent information. Twenty-two healthy participants wore silicone hydrogel (SiHy; MyDay, CooperVision) soft CLs for 8 h in their left eye. Corneal tomography and corneoscleral topography were captured before and immediately after CL wear. Central corneal thickness (CCT), corneoscleral parameters (limbus position and corneoscleral junction [CSJ] angle) and corneal tissue parameters (corneal transparency and homogeneity) were evaluated. Corneoscleral parameters (limbus position and CSJ angle) were independent of corneal tissue parameters (transparency and homogeneity) at baseline and after CL wear. CCT was independent of all the other parameters examined at baseline, but baseline values of corneal tissue parameters were moderately correlated with CCT change (transparency: r = -0.51; p = 0.007), homogeneity: r = -0.46; p = 0.02). A complete characterisation of ocular surface changes following CL wear should consider corneoscleral topography and corneal densitometry simultaneously, since they carry complementary information.

Redefining the human corneal immune compartment using dynamic intravital imaging

The healthy human cornea is a uniquely transparent sensory tissue where immune responses are tightly controlled to preserve vision. The cornea contains immune cells that are widely presumed to be intraepithelial dendritic cells (DCs). Corneal immune cells have diverse cellular morphologies and morphological alterations are used as a marker of inflammation and injury. Based on our imaging of corneal T cells in mice, we hypothesized that many human corneal immune cells commonly defined as DCs are intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). To investigate this, we developed functional in vivo confocal microscopy (Fun-IVCM) to investigate cell dynamics in the human corneal epithelium and stroma. We show that many immune cells resident in the healthy human cornea are T cells. These corneal IELs are characterized by rapid, persistent motility and interact with corneal DCs and sensory nerves. Imaging deeper into the corneal stroma, we show that crawling macrophages and rare motile T cells patrol the tissue. Furthermore, we identify altered immune cell behaviors in response to short-term contact lens wear (acute inflammatory stimulus), as well as in individuals with allergy (chronic inflammatory stimulus) that was modulated by therapeutic intervention. These findings redefine current understanding of immune cell subsets in the human cornea and reveal how resident corneal immune cells respond and adapt to chronic and acute stimuli.

Could facing techniques be compatible with optimal bone preservation surface?

Bone usually requires conservation treatment during excavation. Some of the most common interventions are facing techniques to reinforce the specimens during their extraction in the field. This consists of the attachment of a fine tissue with a reversible adhesive, usually an acrylic resin, directly over the surface of the specimen. This interacts directly with the surface, which might link to the loss of bone surface information. This experiment focuses on the possible modifications that facing techniques could cause on bone surfaces with cut marks. Experimental bones with cut marks were artificially aged to reproduce the decayed process of archaeological bones. Different groups of bone samples were faced and exposed in two contexts for one year: indoors and outdoors. Bone surface and cut marks were documented before and after the facing and storing phases with 3D Digital Microscopy. In the indoor bones, cut marks show abundant traces of resin. Conversely, bones preserved in an outdoor environment displayed a high modification of their colour and an extremely poor state of preservation. Some cut marks disappeared completely or partially. Visual comparison allowed us to evaluate possible loss of archaeological information produced by the treatments. Facing techniques should be carefully monitored to guarantee its short-term contact with the bone surface and avoid these modifications.

Spatial heterogeneity and infection patterns on epidemic transmission disclosed by a combined contact-dependent dynamics and compartmental model.

Epidemics, such as COVID-19, have caused significant harm to human society worldwide. A better understanding of epidemic transmission dynamics can contribute to more efficient prevention and control measures. Compartmental models, which assume homogeneous mixing of the population, have been widely used in the study of epidemic transmission dynamics, while agent-based models rely on a network definition for individuals. In this study, we developed a real-scale contact-dependent dynamic (CDD) model and combined it with the traditional susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) compartment model. By considering individual random movement and disease spread, our simulations using the CDD-SEIR model reveal that the distribution of agent types in the community exhibits spatial heterogeneity. The estimated basic reproduction number R0 depends on group mobility, increasing logarithmically in strongly heterogeneous cases and saturating in weakly heterogeneous conditions. Notably, R0 is approximately independent of virus virulence when group mobility is low. We also show that transmission through small amounts of long-term contact is possible due to short-term contact patterns. The dependence of R0 on environment and individual movement patterns implies that reduced contact time and vaccination policies can significantly reduce the virus transmission capacity in situations where the virus is highly transmissible (i.e., R0 is relatively large). This work provides new insights into how individual movement patterns affect virus spreading and how to protect people more efficiently.

Combination of Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Chlorhexidine Acetate: A Promising Candidate for Rapid Killing of Gram-Positive/Gram-Negative Bacteria and Fungi.

Combined use of the present antimicrobial drugs has been proved to be an alternative approach for antimicrobial agents' development since the co-existed of the drugs working in different mechanism have been demonstrated potentially enhance their antimicrobial activity. In this work, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)/chlorhexidine acetate (CHA) combination was evaluated for the first time, while a universal concentration for the rapid killing of gram-positive/gram-negative bacteria and fungi was also proposed. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of CPC and CHA used alone or in combination were first measured, showing that the combined treatment decreased the MIC against tested gram-positive/gram-negative bacteria and fungi to 1/8-1/2. Growth curve assays demonstrated CPC and CHA had dynamic combined effects against the tested microorganisms at the concentration equal to MIC. Besides, combined use of these two drugs could also enhance their biocidal activity, which was illustrated by fluorescence microscopy and SEM images, as well as soluble protein measurement. More importantly, in vitro acute eye and skin irritation tests showed short-term contact with CPC/CHA combination would not cause any damage to mammalian mucosa and skin. In a word, CPC/CHA combination exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity against tested gram-positive/gram-negative bacteria and fungi while without any acute irritation to mammalian mucosa and skin, providing a new perspective on the selection of personal disinfectants.

Artemisia argyi essential oil exerts herbicidal activity by inhibiting photosynthesis and causing oxidative damage

Aromatic plant extracts, especially essential oils (EOs), can be used as alternatives to synthetic herbicides due to their effectiveness and easy degradation in environment. Rich in essential oils, Artemisia argyi is a plant that is known for both its medicinal and allelopathic properties. In this study, the chemical composition of A. argyi essential oil (AEO) was examined. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GCMS) revealed that relatively high amounts of monoterpenes, including eucalyptol (26.08%), thujone (10.84%), β-caryophyllene (7.46%), borneol (5.09%), and camphor (4.03%), were detected in AEO. Furthermore, AEO was found to inhibit seed germination of Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria viridis, Portulaca oleracea, and Amaranthus retroflexus as well as kill seedlings of these plants in petri dish experiments. The IC50 values of E. crus-galli, S. viridis, P. oleracea and A. retroflexus were 5.51, 1.02, 25.41, and 0.61 μL/dish, respectively. We demonstrated that A. argyi essential oil aqueous emulsion (AEOAE) exhibited broad-spectrum herbicidal activity and significant short-term contact killing effects on weed plants in both pot and field experiments. S. viridis was taken as a model weed and various physiological indicators were assessed. The results showed that AEOAE induced excessive ROS production in the tested samples, producing an imbalance of the antioxidant system and damage to the integrity of cell membranes, which manifests as increased MDA content and electrolyte leakage. Molecular docking experiments indicated all of above components as potential binding sites with 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzymes, which regulate the biosynthesis of plant tocopherols and plastid quinones to ultimately generate carotenoids. Additionally, AEOAE treatment led to the decrease of HPPD, carotenoid and chlorophyll content in target weeds, revealing that AEOAE may act as an HPPD inhibitor to impede photosynthesis in weed species. Hence, AEO has the potential to be utilized as a source for bio-herbicides that could be adapted for industrial-level production in the future, but its long-term effects should be studied further.

Influence of bioactive metal fillers on antimicrobial properties of PA12 composites produced by laser-based powder bed fusion of polymers.

Purpose: This study investigated the influence of three types of metallic microfillers, spherical silver and spherical, and dendritic copper, on the ability of polyamide 12 (PA12) to inhibit microorganism growth on the surfaces of samples produced using laser-based powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF-LB/P). The aim of this study was to initially characterize these materials regarding their potential applicability for parts dedicated to use in the hospitals, where surfaces are periodically disinfected using chemical and/or physical measures. Methods: Composite powders with filler concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2 and 5% by weight were prepared using the mechanical mixing method and processed using PBF-LB/P. Three common hospital pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were tested. Additionally, the safety of the composites was assessed through in vitro tests using human cell lines: keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Results: The research reveals that addition of copper or silver causes decrease in bacterial colony viability compared to the material without a filler, but an insignificant effect on antifungal properties. There was no significant impact within the tested range of filler's content on the antibacterial properties. Furthermore, a strong effect of the microfillers on tested material's toxicity is observed. Conclusions: The addition of metallic microfillers enhances the antibacterial response of polymeric materials processed with PBF-LB/P. Nevertheless, the observed varying levels of cytotoxicity toward eukaryotic cell lines underscore the need for further studies on the analysed materials to unequivocally determine their potential applicability as materials for short-term contact with human skin in a hospital setting.

Evaluation of Corneal Alterations After Short-Term Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Use by Confocal Microscopy.

To evaluate the corneal subbasal nerve morphology, corneal sensitivity, and anterior segment alterations in short-term silicone hydrogel contact lens (SiHCL) users by confocal microscopy. The study included 25 right eyes of 25 male volunteers aged 25-30 years who had never used SiHCLs before. ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time, Schirmer test, tear meniscus area, strip meniscometry tube, corneal sensitivity, and corneal subbasal nerve morphology were evaluated before and after 1 month of CL use. OSDI was 10.6±1.1 before CL use and 17.2±1.2 after 1 month of CL use (p<0.01). Schirmer test distance was 16.3±2.3 mm before and 14.3±1.9 mm after 1 month of CL use (p>0.05). Tear film break-up time was 7.1±0.4 s before and 6.2±0.3 s after CL use (p>0.05). The tear meniscus area was 0.026±0.002 mm2 before and 0.024±0.001 mm2 after 1 month of CL use (p>0.05). Strip meniscometry tube results were 5.4±0.9 mm before and 4.9±0.8 mm after 1 month of CL use (p>0.05). Corneal sensitivity values were 3.2±0.4 mm before and 2.95±0.3 mm after 1 month of CL use (p>0.05). Dendritic cell density evaluated by confocal microscopy was 14.84±3.1 cells/mm2 before and 32.57±4.2 cells/mm2 after 1 month of CL use (p<0.01). Subbasal nerve tortuosity was 0.92±0.2 before and 1.03±0.2 after 1 month of CL use (p>0.05). Subbasal nerve density was measured as 4726±310 pixels/frame before and 4570±272 pixels/frame after 1 month of CL use (p>0.05). After a month of SiHCL use, no significant changes were observed in tear secretion, corneal sensitivity, tear meniscus volume, subbasal corneal nerve density, reflectivity, or tortuosity, while a significant increase was found in OSDI and dendritic cell density.

Corneal tissue changes following short-term soft contact lens wear of different materials.

To study the effect of different soft contact lens (CL) materials during short-term wear on corneal tissue. Twenty-two healthy participants wore both silicone hydrogel (MyDay, CooperVision) and hydrogel soft CLs (Biomedics 1day extra, CooperVision) for 8 h per lens. In each session, Scheimpflug images were captured before and immediately after CL removal. Images were analysed using the densitometry distribution analysis, a technique from which two parameters, α (corneal transparency) and β (corneal homogeneity), were estimated. In addition, the central corneal thickness changes after CL wear and the influence of the CL material on corneal transparency were evaluated. The β parameter (homogeneity) increased by 5% after wearing both CL materials (paired t-test, p< 0.001). However, the α parameter (transparency) only increased in half of the participants. No material was found to be more determinant in causing the corneal densitometry changes. Statistically significant but not clinically relevant changes in corneal thickness were observed. Biomarkers of corneal tissue integrity (α and β) were affected by short-term soft contact lens wear. The observed changes in corneal transparency and homogeneity were not clinically relevant but support the importance of participant-material biocompatibility.

Mechanism of Microbial Detoxification of Heavy Metals: A Review

Heavy metal contamination from anthropogenic activities has an adverse effect on the environment due to its cytotoxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Environment harbours microorganisms, some of which have been found to modify physico-chemical conditions of their surrounding environment through certain processes such as detoxification, metal homeostasis, precipitation, redox transformations etc. Investigations in the past have shown that short term contact with metals of certain bacteria causes the selection of resistant bacteria within weeks, while a prolonged exposure showed selected strains able to thrive better. Hence biotic methods could assist removal of heavy metals based on biosorption or bioaccumulation by microorganisms, which are cost-effective and environmental friendly in the long run. Microbial remediation is influenced by biotic and environmental factors as also the contamination site characteristics. The aim of this paper is to highlight and review some of the mechanisms of microbial remediation through techniques such as biostimulation, bioaugmentation etc.

The short-term effect of contact lens wear on blink characteristics

PurposeThe aim of this pilot study was to investigate the initial effect of contact lens wear on spontaneous blink characteristics. MethodsThis was a randomised, crossover pilot study. Spontaneous blinking was recorded using a high-speed infrared camera in ten subjects with three different soft contact lenses (spherical hydrogel, spherical silicone hydrogel and toric hydrogel), one rigid contact lens and without contact lenses. Custom semi-automated software was used to determine palpebral aperture height, interblink interval (IBI), blink speed, blink completeness and blink duration. ResultsThe IBI was significantly greater for non-lens wear compared with the silicone hydrogel [ratio (95% CI): 1.34 (1.16, 1.55), p < 0.0001], toric hydrogel [1.28 (1.10, 1.48), p = 0.0001] and rigid corneal lenses [1.48 (1.27, 1.73), p < 0.0001]. The spherical silicone hydrogel lens showed greater closing-phase speed than non-lens wear [mean difference (95% CI): 27.4 (5.6, 49.1) mm/s, p = 0.006]. Shorter total blink duration was found for non-lens wear compared with any of the lens types [spherical hydrogel: ratio 0.89 (0.81, 0.98), p = 0.01; spherical silicone hydrogel: 0.87 (0.80, 0.95), p = 0.0001; toric hydrogel: 0.90 (0.83, 0.98), p = 0.004; and rigid corneal: 0.88 (0.82, 0.96), p = 0.0004]. Opening-phase speed (p = 0.12) and blink completeness metrics (all p > 0.5) were not influenced by wearing condition. ConclusionThis work showed that short-term contact lens wear influenced the palpebral aperture height, IBI, speed and duration of the blink, and the effect is dependent on the contact lens type. The completeness of the blink was not altered by contact lens wear. Future work should be conducted to assess the effect of long-term wear of different contact lens types on blink characteristics. The measurement of spontaneous blinking characteristics represents an immediate, sensitive and non-invasive evaluation of the impact of a contact lens on the ocular surface.

Geochemical and Morphological Evaluations of Organic and Mineral Aerosols in Coal Mining Areas: A Case Study of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Numerous researchers have described the correlation between the short-term contact of nano-particulate (NP) matter in diverse coal phases and amplified death or hospitalizations for breathing disorders in humans. However, few reports have examined the short-term consequences of source-specific nanoparticles (NPs) on coal mining areas. Advanced microscopic techniques can detect the ultra-fine particles (UFPs) and nanoparticles that contain potential hazardous elements (PHEs) generated in coal mining areas. Secondary aerosols that cause multiple and complex groups of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) can be collected on dry deposition. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were employed to detect and define the magnitude of particulate matters on restaurants walls at coal mines due to weathering interactions. The low cost self-made passive sampler (SMPS) documented several minerals and amorphous phases. The results showed that most of the detected coal minerals exist in combined form as numerous complexes comprising significant elements (e.g., Al, C, Fe, K, Mg, S, and Ti), whereas others exist as amorphous or organic compounds. Based on the analytical approach, the study findings present a comprehensive understanding of existing potential hazardous elements in the nanoparticles and ultrafine particles from coal mining areas in Brazil.

A research on rigid polyurethane foam resistibility to ignition from an electric arc welding spark

Introduction. A fire investigation assumes that electric arc welding sparks (hereinafter referred to as “sparks”) are effective sources of ignition. However, the spark ignition of a combustible material depends on the contact time. This work has experimentally proven that a smooth vertical wall, made of combustible rigid polyurethane foam (PUF), is not subjected to spark ignition. To explain this fact, the author calculated the time of contact between the spark and the wall τint, and compared it with the minimal estimated contact time τmin required to ignite the wall.The sample and the testing procedure. Sparks (the arc power up to 6 kW, the current up to 160 A) reached the PUF wall located at a distance of 0.1–0.15 m from the arc. An everyone experiment was continued until the electrode was burned down.Research results and discussion. Neither attempt to inflame the PUF sample by a spark was successful. Sparks bounced off the PUF sample and fell down. The characteristic dimensions of cooled iron droplets ranged from 0.2 to 3 mm.An evaluation of τint. The authors applied a model of elastic interaction between a drop of molten iron and a rigid wall, assuming that the sum of the potential energy of the drop, associated with its surface, and the kine­tic energy of a spreading drop, if flattened, is conserved. The longest contact time is achieved for drops, featuring the maximum diameter of 3 mm: τint ≈ 0.004 s.Estimation τmin. The authors applied the experimental modeling of the process, whereby the effect of an iron drop on PUF was replaced by the time-controlled effect, produced by a wooden cylinder (6 mm in diameter), inflamed at one edge. τmin ≈ 0.3 s. The ratio τint &lt;&lt; τmin explains the inability of electric arc welding sparks to ignite the PUF wall.Conclusions. Electric arc welding sparks, having a diameter of up to 3 mm, cannot ignite a vertical wall, made of rigid combustible polyurethane foam, in case of a side impact. The lack of ignition is explained by the short-term contact between the spark and the surface of the polyurethane foam.

Carbon Erosion of a Bulk Nickel\u2013Copper Alloy as an Effective Tool to Synthesize Carbon Nanofibers from Hydrocarbons

Carbon erosion of bulk metals and alloys in a carbon-containing atmosphere can be used as an effective tool for the targeted synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. In this study, a set of bulk Ni0.89Cu0.11 (11 at % Cu) alloys has been synthesized by the mechanochemical alloying of metal powders in an Activator 2S planetary mill. The synthesized samples have been studied as precursors of catalyst for the synthesis of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) from ethylene at 550°C. The effect of the activation time on the particle morphology and phase composition of the alloys, the kinetics of growth, and the carbon product yield in C2H4 decomposition has been studied. For the most active samples, the CNF yield has exceeded 100 g/gcat within 30 min of reaction. The early stage of carbon erosion of a bulk Ni0.89Cu0.11 alloy has been studied by electron microscopy methods. It has been found that the nucleation of carbon fiber growth active sites occurs during a short-term contact of the sample with the reaction mixture (less than 1 min); the complete disintegration of the alloy is observed in a few minutes. The carbon product is represented by nanofibers having a submicrometer diameter and characterized by a dense “stacked” and coaxial-conical packing of graphene layers. The material has a developed specific surface area (140–170 m2/g) and a low bulk density (less than 30 g/L).

Impact of Partitioning in Short-Term Food Contact Applications Focused on Polymers in Support of Migration Modelling and Exposure Risk Assessment.

Food contact materials (FCMs) can transfer chemicals arising from their manufacture to food before consumption. Regulatory frameworks ensure consumer safety by prescribing methods for the assessment of FCMs that rely on migration testing either into real-life foods or food simulants. Standard migration testing conditions for single-use FCMs are justifiably conservative, employing recognized worst-case contact times and temperatures. For repeated-use FCMs, the third of three consecutive tests using worst-case conditions is taken as a surrogate of the much shorter contact period that often occurs over the service life of these items. Food contact regulations allow for the use of migration modelling for the chemicals in the FCM and for the partitioning that occurs between the FCM and food/simulant during prolonged contact, under which steady-state conditions are favored. This study demonstrates that the steady-state is rarely reached under repeated-use conditions and that partitioning plays a minor role that results in migration essentially being diffusion controlled. Domains of use have been identified within which partitioning does not play a significant role, allowing modelling based upon diffusion parameters to be used. These findings have the potential to advance the modelling of migration from repeated-use articles for the benefit of regulatory guidance and compliance practices.

Construction of Rural Left-Behind Children’s Mental Health Mobile Information System Based on the Internet of Things

Left-behind children, as a special phenomenon group stationed in rural areas, lack parents’ education and care for a long time and shoulder the burden of life early. Moreover, in rural areas with relatively closed information, their communication with their parents only relies on short-term telephone contact. If things go on like this, it may lead to mental health problems in children. In recent years, the group of left-behind children began to get the attention of the society. The social people want to help the left-behind children mainly through the information provided by the school, which cannot actually understand the real situation of the left-behind children, and the help to the left-behind children is only a drop in the bucket. Therefore, it is necessary to use the internet as a convenient and fast platform to build a mobile information system for the mental health of rural left-behind children, input the mental health of left-behind children, and pay attention to and track the left-behind children. This paper mainly studies the construction of the rural left-behind children’s mental health mobile information system based on the Internet of Things. This paper expounds the related concepts of the Internet of Things, which has a good connection effect on the construction of the left-behind children’s mental health mobile information system. Then, it analyzes the functional requirements of the rural left-behind children’s mental health mobile information system, in terms of design, the C/S model is used, the database in the data server is designed to analyze the mental health information management needs of left-behind children, and the data model is established by defining the key domains in the system. This paper also collects and sorts out the left-behind children’s mental health data through data mining technology, studies the factors affecting the left-behind children’s mental health, and clarifies the necessity of constructing the rural left-behind children’s mental health mobile information system and focuses on the observation objects. The results show that the evaluation factors of left-behind children’s mental health are significantly higher than those of non-left-behind children, and their mental health needs attention because left-behind children lack the care of their parents for a long time. The mental health status of left-behind children aged 7–12 is the most worrying, which is significantly different from other age groups in obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, hostility, paranoia, and mental illness. It may be because left-behind children aged 7–12 are in the development stage, they are not as ignorant as left-behind children aged 1–6, and they are not as mature as left-behind children aged 13–17.

Effectieve interventies om arbeids-marktdiscriminatie te verminderen tijdens de werving en selectie: een Delphi-studie

SUMMARY Labor market discrimination limits the opportunities of minoritized groups on the labor market. Despite increasing research into labor market discrimination, a shared picture among researchers and policy makers about effective interventions to mitigate labor market discrimination is lacking. This Delphi study aims to come to a shared picture about the most effective interventions to limit labor market discrimination according to nineteen (scientific) experts in the field of discrimination and inclusion in recruitment and selection. Interventions that were judged predominantly positive related to: 1) objectifying the selection procedure via de-identification of CVs, structured interviewing, and selection based on objective criteria; 2) changing and adhering to the social norm of non-discrimination; 3) increasing awareness of stereotypes and prejudices in combination with offering a perspective for action; and 4) long-term contact with the minoritized group through internships. More information about the candidate and short-term contact by means of, for example, speed dates was judged ineffective. Based on the results of the Delphi study, several recommendations are made to practice to reduce labor market discrimination during the recruitment and selection process.

Toxicity of Water after Short-Term Contact with PVC Materials Depending on the Temperature and Components of the Polymer Composition

Toxicity of Water after Short-Term Contact with PVC Materials Depending on the Temperature and Components of the Polymer Composition