Hygiene Standards Research Articles

Food Hygiene and Sanitation at the Jakarta Pondok Gede Hajj Embarkation Dormitory: Food Safety Efforts for the Hajj Pilgrims

Several health risks are associated with performing Hajj pilgrimage. Food poisoning is a major cause of diarrhea and vomiting during Hajj. Food hygiene is an effort to control aspects of food, people, places, and equipment that could cause disease or health problems. This study aimed to describe food hygiene and sanitation efforts implemented in 2023 at the Jakarta Pondok Gede Hajj Embarkation Dormitory in Jakarta, implemented in 2023 to safeguard foods for the Hajj pilgrims. Using a descriptive qualitative design with a document analysis approach, this study examined activities during the pre-embarkation and embarkation periods. Pre-embarkation efforts included inspecting the kitchen environment and coaching the catering team, while during the embarkation period, activities involved checking the hygiene of catering services, inspecting foods brought by pilgrims, and assessing the quality of food and drink. This study found that the dormitory kitchen did not meet the necessary facilities and infrastructure requirements, affecting food safety. Additionally, food handlers did not fully comply with hygiene and sanitation standards. This study emphasized the necessity of meeting hygiene requirements in the kitchen, food handling, equipment, and ingredients since the pre-embarkation period.

REGULATION OF LABOR AS A TECHNOLOGY OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN RESTAURANT INDUSTRY ESTABLISHMENTS

The study indicates that the regulation of labor in restaurants is key to ensuring safety, service quality, and efficiency. It establishes rules regarding working hours, hygiene, food safety, and service standards, contributing to customer satisfaction and providing comfortable conditions for employees. In the scientific literature dedicated to management organization issues, there are no complete classification schemes for labor regulations. The analysis of labor regulation forms proposed in the study encompasses a set of characteristics that correspond to the goals of achieving the most comprehensive coverage of regulation forms, their organization, and the definition of their features. The labor regulation of a restaurant enterprise includes a series of rules, procedures, and requirements regarding the organization of the work process, safety at work, quality control of products, customer service, etc. It may cover aspects such as staff work schedules, procedures for receiving and issuing orders, sanitary standards, staff requirements, labor safety instructions, work safety rules, and other important aspects of restaurant functioning. Given the diversity of restaurant enterprises and the legislative requirements of the country, regulations may vary, but the general principles remain similar. The analysis of the methodology for labor standardization allows for the following conclusions: all methods of labor standardization for managerial staff are based on the study of working time expenditures; the number of managerial staff is calculated according to norms and time standards. Problems in the management organization system are solved using various methods. The functional division of labor in a restaurant is best determined by the expert method, while the parametric approach most fully justifies itself for establishing staff numbers. Orientation towards different approaches allows to a certain extent to determine the desired level and quality of regulatory documentation. The arsenal of methods for quantitative assessment of personnel activity is quite broad. Each of the methods listed above has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method depends on the tasks set, the necessary accuracy, and the possibilities.

Analysis of nickel distribution in soil profiles of sod-podzolic types

The research is aimed at studying the peculiarities of distribution of gross nickel in genetic horizons of soil profile of sod- podzolic sandy loamy and sandy soils of agricultural land in the Ryazan region and determining the current background concentration. To solve the set objectives were laid 10 pits up to 150 cm deep in Kasimovsky, Ermishinsky, Shilovsky, Sasovsky, Klepikovsky, Kadomsky districts of the Ryazan region in the period from 2016 to 2023, analyzed the depth and features of the structure of soil layers, the influence on the conditions of nickel migration. According to the results of nickel content determination the calculation of background concentration was performed. The comparative analysis of the proposed modern regional background value with well-known values of global and domestic researchers: approximate background concentrations for the average strip of Russia, hygienic standards characterizing the approximate permissible concentration of the substance in the soil, soils of the world according to the materials of the international geochemical atlas, soils of the world according to A.P. Vinogradov, global, zonal, regional values of the background according to Y.E. Saet, data of other researchers on the Ryazan land. The structure of soil profiles of soil at a depth of 110-130 cm has the following form: O – A - EL - ELBt - Bt - BtC - C. At the same time weakly noticeable geochemical barriers are noted in horizons A and Bt. Values of gross nickel were located in the concentration range of 3.3 - 16.8 mg/kg. A background concentration of 9.5 mg/kg was proposed, which differs from the generally known values presented in the comparative analysis and gives a modern idea of the regional background content of the gross form of nickel.

Deficiencies in livestock holdings with respect to animal welfare identified as part of cross-compliance checks completed in 2016–2020 in the Czech Republic

Cross-compliance checks are a tool of the Common Agricultural Policy to promote agri-environmental objectives relating to the environment, animal welfare, and food safety. This mechanism consists of paying direct subsidies to farmers who comply with prescribed requirements. Compliance with animal welfare requirements in the Czech Republic is supervised by the State Veterinary Administration. This study aimed to find the main deficiencies identified as part of cross-compliance checks and to assess the trends of the most frequent defects during the period under review, i.e. 2016–2020. The data for the analysis were received from the Central Veterinary Administration of the State Veterinary Administration and included the results of 2,031 checks carried out. Shortcomings were found in 14.52% of cases. Detailed analysis showed that significantly (P < 0.05) the highest frequency of violations was found in the areas of ‘nutrition and watering’ (294; 29.85%) and ‘spatial requirements’ (274; 27.82%). Based on the evaluation of trends, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the frequency of violations in the field of compliance with holder duties and animal hygiene standards of animals was detected. The results of this work show that animal welfare is continuously improving on farms. However, the aim should be to reduce deficiencies to a minimum for all indicators. In view of the results of this study, it is necessary to focus primarily on improving the quality of nutrition, providing better housing standards with emphasis on space and equipment used, and intensifying daily checks of animals.

Особенности разработки нормативов допустимого воздействия на малые реки Севастопольского региона

The aim of the study is the identification of uncertainties to improve information support for the standards of permissible impact (SPI) elaboration for small rivers of the Sevastopol region. Materials and methods. The initial data were the results of surface water bodies monitoring in the Sevastopol region, other materials on the Chernaya River basin, characterizing the conditions for the formation of runoff and the quality of waters of small rivers. Monitoring data has been provided by the territorial bodies of Roshydromet, Rospotrebnadzor, Rosprirodnadzor and State Unitary Enterprise of Sevastopol for Water Use (SUES "Vodokanal"). The shortcomings of information support for the elaboration of SPI are revealed. Pollutants were ranked according to their importance for the ecosystem of the Chernaya River tributaries and distribution in water bodies, the water quality standards are substantiated. The list of pollutants in descending order of importance for the ecosystem includes: phosphates, nitrites, ammonium ion, BOD5, suspended solids, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, nickel, zinc, phenols, sulfates, surfactants, oil products. The most common pollutants (indicators of pollution) in the tributaries of the Chernaya River are BOD5, nitrites, phenols, manganese, iron and copper (excesses of standards are recorded for almost all objects). MPC for objects of fishery importance were adopted as standards for SPI elaboration. The exception was BOD5, for this indicator the hygienic standard was used. Assumptions are proposed that allow solving the problem of elaboration SPI under conditions of incomplete information. The calculations of the runoff volume for the years of 50 % and 95 % security, SPIchem for priority pollutants on the main hydrological seasons were performed. Analysis of the results showed that SPI differ significantly by hydrological seasons (up to 48 times) and by each indicator of pollution for different tributaries, which is especially pronounced (more than 10 times) for the Uzundzha and Kalenda Rivers in terms of BOD5, iron, phenols and phosphates. The results obtained confirms the need for differentiated regulation of the permissible impact on individual tributaries of the Chernaya River. When developing the SPI for the small rivers of the Sevastopol region, normative-methodological, informational, large-scale and target uncertainties were identified. The assumptions proposed in the work make it possible to solve practical problems of management in the field of use and protection of water bodies, but do not reduce the relevance of measures aimed at improving the information support for the SPI elaboration. Measures aimed at improving the information support for the SPI elaboration includes: organizing access to the monitoring data of the territorial body of Roshydromet («Crimean UGMS»), increasing the frequency of observations on tributaries of the Chernaya River, organization of systematic observations in the background sections and in the zones of influence of diffuse sources of pollution.

Non-traditional ways of enriching flour and bread products based on local plant raw materials

This article provides information on measures to prevent micronutrient deficiency, which is one of the important problems of the population. The purpose of the research work is to determine the phytochemical composition of the green peel of locally produced walnuts and justify their use for the enrichment of flour products. Its quality is checked in accordance with the established requirements of state standards. Indicators of the level of toxicological safety of walnut peel greens were determined according to generally accepted methods in accordance with the requirements of Sanitary Rules, Norms and Hygiene Standards of the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to the results of a laboratory study, the amount of toxic heavy metals and pesticides in raw materials did not exceed the normative indicators, no harmful compounds were noted. The data obtained indicate that the studied raw material complies with the regulatory requirements of toxicological safety. The microbiological composition of the studied raw materials was determined by growing substrates on agar media under conditions favorable for the growth of a colony of microorganisms, and then the species composition and amount of microflora were determined by phase-contrast microscopy.

Pathophysiological and pro-inflammatory cytokine surveys on livestock normally infected with Taenia saginata cysticercosis.

Cattle and buffaloes can contract cysticercosis, an infection of the muscles brought on by Taenia saginata larvae. Despite having a global spread, cysticercosis is more prevalent in impoverished nations due to impaired hygiene standards. It has been discovered that Taenia saginata cysticercosis routine visual diagnosis is not very effective, especially in mild infections. Therefore, a more trustworthy in vivo test might be used as an alternative in slaughterhouses and epidemiological studies. Biochemical assays are possibly utilized as an alternative to detect cysticercosis inside a topical environment. Investigating serum biochemical alterations in cattle with cysticercosis was the goal of the current research. As a further method of diagnosis, it was also determined how Cysticercus bovis affected pro-inflammatory cytokines and histopathology. Blood samples from 42 slaughtered cattle (21 healthy and 21 sick animals) were taken from Assiut abattoir. Using an ELISA and spectrophotometer, respectively, their serum's pro-inflammatory cytokines and biochemical profile were evaluated. These cattle were chosen between March 2023 and February 2024. A percentage of 4.6% of the 455 cattle examined after being slaughtered had T. saginata cysticerci infections. All values in the serum biochemistry were considerably different (p < 0.01), whereas the majority of biochemical parameters increased significantly (p < 0.01) in infected animals. In contrast, there was a substantial (p < 0.01) decline in HDL-c, SOD, CAT, and GSH. On the other hand, procytokine inflammatory indices for both TNF-α and IL-1β indicated a substantial increase (p < 0.01) in infected cattle. Additionally, the histological results revealed significant alterations in the tissues of infected livestock. This has been inferred cysticercosis possesses negative impacts on cattle's plasma biochemical profiles, indicating the field applicability of biochemical measures in outbreaks of bovine cysticercosis. Pro-inflammatory cytokine indices and histological changes could be included as further indicators of T. saginata cysticercosis in cattle.

Prevalence, molecular characterization, and antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from Egyptian broiler chicken flocks with omphalitis.

Bacterial Omphalitis has been reported as a significant cause of mortalities in newly hatched broiler chicks. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of omphalitis among broiler chickens in Gharbia governorate in Egypt. In addition, the bacteria associated with the occurrence of omphalitis in broiler chickens were also investigated and characterized. For this purpose, 43 farms in that area were surveyed. The comparative levels of omphalitis caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were screened in 129 chicks. The drug resistance to eight commonly used antimicrobials in Egyptian poultry farms was screened using the disk diffusion method. The overall incidence rate of omphalitis was 37.21%. In birds with omphalitis, the co-prevalence of S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and E. coli was 87.5%. When compared to healthy flocks, broiler chicks with omphalitis caused by Salmonella spp., E. coli, and S. aureus had a greater mortality rate in the first week of life. However, there were no significant differences in the mortality cases caused by these pathogens. Eighty-seven percent of the cases of omphalitis were linked to E. coli and 75% to Salmonella spp. and S. aureus. From the yolk sac of broiler chicks with omphalitis, E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus were isolated at rates of 87.5%, 62.5%, and 45.8%, respectively. The isolates of E. coli and Salmonella spp. exhibited great sensitivity to gentamycin and Tetracycline; however, the strongest drug resistance was observed toward cefpodoxime, sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim, ampicillin, and amoxycillin and clavulanic acid. The recovered isolates of S. aureus showed susceptibility to chloramphenicol (72.37%), oxytetracycline (81.82%), and erythromycin (81.82%). However, every S. aureus isolate that was found resistant to amoxycillin and clavulanic acid, penicillin G and oxacillin. of blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes has been proposed as the genetic cause of β-lactam antibiotic resistance in Salmonella spp. and E. coli. MecA and blaZ; however, were found in every strain of S. aureus. The frequency of omphalitis and its associated mortalities was comparatively high in Gharbia governorate. More efforts should be made to adopt strict hygienic standards for controlling and preventing such disease and this will consequently lead to minimizing the use of antimicrobials in poultry farms.

Solid Waste Challenges and Management in a Traditional Sahelian City: A Case Study of Sokoto, Nigeria

This study assessed the solid waste generation, management, and consequences in the traditional city of Sokoto. The utmost challenges facing this Sahel region include scarcity of modernized and control measures of waste resulting from daily hectic impacts on the community. In this city, solid waste is characterized by inefficient control, insufficient coverage of collection system and improper disposal methods. The increasing population of residents has accelerated more pollution of all categories, and the consequence is a dearth of hygienic standards. This work further sampled different materials from heaps of waste such as; the level of sub-soils at 0-30 cm (at random) from each of the dump sites to determine the extent of heavy metal concentrations and for fertility supplement in comparison with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Fifty structural questionnaires were administered randomly to selected residents around dumping sites and the staff of Sokoto Waste Management &amp;Planning Board to solicit relevant information that can assist the governments, stakeholders, and waste control agencies. Also, Landsat data was utilized to map out the waste sites for spatio-temporal analysis. Results indicated that 89% of respondents agreed that Sokoto metropolis is characterized by untidiness with masquerades of biodegradable wastes, while major streets especially in the congested areas which displayed a lot of drains and channels remain blocked.

ОЦЕНКА БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ КОММЕРЧЕСКИХ ПОЛУФАБРИКАТОВ ИЗ МЯСА КУР ПРИ НАРУШЕНИИ РЕЖИМА ИХ ХРАНЕНИЯ

The situation has been modelling in the article of possible violations of temperature storage regimes minced hen meat and chunks from this meat. These products inconsistency has been found in sanitary and hygienic standards of microbiologic traits in these conditions.

THE DYNAMICS OF ALBANIA'S MEAT SECTOR: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS

Albania's agricultural sector is transitioning from subsistence-based farming to a vibrant commercial industry, significantly contributing 21.3% to the nation's GDP. Within this evolving landscape, animal husbandry, especially the meat industry, has emerged as a cornerstone for both farm revenue and market supply. Nonetheless, the sector faces numerous challenges. This paper offers an in-depth examination of Albania's meat production industry through a rigorous methodological framework involving a blend of primary and secondary data analysis. The results emphasize the critical need for significant enhancements across various facets of primary production. Priorities should include improved feed and forage practices, the introduction of specialized meat breeds for cattle and small ruminants, and the adoption of advanced animal husbandry methods. Additionally, it is essential to address meat hygiene standards, animal health controls, meat safety, quality controls, and the efficiency of slaughtering systems. Furthermore, the country currently depends on net imports for several agricultural goods, including meat, as it strives to comply with EU standards. This dependence underscores the urgent need to enhance both competitiveness and food quality within the meat sector. In summary, this research sheds light on both the challenges and potential within Albania’s meat production sector. However, readers should consider the study's limitations to fully grasp the potential constraints and biases, along with the evolving nature of the industry beyond the scope of this analysis.

CURRENT STATE OF THE 137CS MILK POLLUTION IN SETTLEMENTS OF RIVNE REGION AND VILLAGE NARODYCHI ZHYTOMYR REGION

The article analyses the results of selective monitoring of 137Cs content in milk from private households in the village of Narodychi, Zhytomyr region, and 14 settlements of Rivne region. A total of 213 milk samples were collected and analysed in 2023 in the Rivne region and about 30 in Narodychi. The analysis of the milk samples for 137Cs content showed that the contamination of this livestock product with 137Cs has complex dynamics. In most settlements of the monitoring network, the average values of 137Cs contamination in whole milk exceed the hygienic standards (PL-2006 - 100 Bq/l). 70% of milk samples recorded an exceedance of the permissible level. The highest activity concentration of this radionuclide (350 Bq/l) was observed in Stare Selo. Seasonal changes in the activity concentration of the radionuclide in milk were also observed. During the stall period, the activity concentration of milk with 137Cs ranged from less than 2 to 88 Bq/l. However, during the grazing period, the level of milk contamination with 137Cs increased to 100-350 Bq/l. Recent studies have shown a steady decrease in milk radioactivity. Nevertheless, without countermeasures, the reduction of 137Cs accumulation and transfer to milk will be mainly due to the physical decay of the radionuclide. The mineral part has likely exhausted its absorption capabilities for the natural processes, and therefore, it will not affect the reduction of milk contamination.

Psycho-Social Condition of Elder Persons in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Elder People in Bangladesh

Ageing is basically a biological process that needs continuous health and medical care and other related support services. Unfortunately, older persons (OP) in Bangladesh are suffering very badly in this area due to lack of our national, cultural and even individual farsightedness, prudence, appropriate preparations, balanced initiatives and arrangements. In Bangladesh due to improved quality of life the number of people over 60 years is increasing rapidly. This should be seen as an emerging challenge as the elderly will have special needs and require different care-giving services. Since Bangladesh does not have a social welfare system there will be competition for inadequate resources specially health and medical services. Older persons suffer the cumulative effects of a lifetime deprivation, entering old age in a poor state of health and without savings or material assets. Older persons are always neglected in our society. It is envisaged that due to more elderly population the demographic structure will undergo a slow change from the present pyramid structure. The growing trend towards nuclear family or where children live abroad will put the elderly parents in a dilemma-the financial and social support that is essential for them has not yet emerged. The nutrition and health status of elderly people depend on adequate food safe water, proper sanitation facilities and maintaining hygienic standards. Our new generations have to be responsive, informed and attentive about their duties and responsibilities towards the elderly people. Taking proper care of the elderly is our ethical duty and responsibility.

ҚАЗАҚСТАН РЕСПУБЛИКАСЫНЫҢ СОЛТҮСТІК ӨҢІРІНІҢ ЖОҒАРҒЫ ТОБЫЛ ЖӘНЕ ҚАРАТОМАР СУ ҚОЙМАЛАРЫНЫҢ СУЛАРЫНДА ПЕСТИЦИДТЕР, ХЛОРОРГАНИКАЛЫҚ ҚОСЫЛЫСТАР ЖӘНЕ ОРГАНИКАЛЫҚ ТОКСИКАНТТАРДЫҢ ҚҰРАМЫН КЕШЕНДІ БАҒАЛАУ

The article presents the results of comprehensive studies of the Verkhnetobol and Karatomar reservoirs in Kazakhstan, focusing on the content of pesticides, organochlorides, and organic toxicants such as phenol, petroleum products, and surfactants. Various organochlorine pesticides (alpha, beta, and gamma isomers of HCH, heptachlor, DDT, DDE, DDD, aldrin, hexachlorobenzene, lindane, 2,4-D) were analyzed, as well as levels of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, benz(a)pyrene, atrazine, simazine, phenol, formaldehyde, and surfactants. Laboratory studies were conducted according to state, interstate, and international regulations on water sampling, quality control, and toxicology of drinking and natural waters using physico-chemical methods. There were no exceedances of the MPC standards for the content of pesticides, organochlorides and organic toxicants. According to the requirements of the unified water quality classification system of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the content of the studied toxicants does not exceed the values of the indicators of the first and second classes of water quality. The waters of these water use classes are suitable for all categories of water use. In case of use for household and drinking purposes, simple water treatment methods are required. The legal and regulatory documents governing state environmental water control in Kazakhstan and scientific recommendations on the quality and toxicology of drinking and natural waters, including hygienic standards for economic, drinking, and cultural use, are considered. The results serve as reference data and methodological recommendations for assessing reservoirs in the temperate climatic zone for pesticides and organic toxicants.

Impact of the Evisceration Process on the Hygiene Standards of Carcasses within Slaughterhouses

Impact of the Evisceration Process on the Hygiene Standards of Carcasses within Slaughterhouses

Сравнительная гигиеническая оценка качественного состава питьевой воды централизованной системы водоснабжения в отдельных районах г. Рязани

INTRODUCTION: Providing the population with drinking water that meets national standards is one of the urgent problems. In connection with the use of ground and surface waters for water supply in Ryazan and their different proportions in the water supply system, the quality of drinking water in individual districts of the city may have special features. AIM: Comparative hygienic assessment of the qualitative composition of drinking water of the centralized water supply system in the residential districts of Ryazan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of laboratory quality control of drinking water of central water supply system for the period from 2012–2021 were analyzed according to the monitoring data of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Ryazan Region. The calculation of the average many-year concentrations and the percentage of samples that do not meet hygienic requirements, was carried out. For statistical processing, the method of analysis of variance and Scheffe and Tamhein tests for paired comparisons were used, taking into account the results of Levene test. Statistical parameters were calculated in SPSS Statistics 19 software. RESULTS: Excess hardness of drinking water was recorded in all districts of the city, with the proportion of such samples ranging from 0.8% (Solotcha) to 74.1% (Stroitel). The average value of the total water hardness in Stroitel district was the highest, 7,554 mg-eq./l, exceeding the hygienic norm. In most districts, with the exception of Kanishchevo, Diagilevo, Zheleznodorozhny and Sovetsky, water samples (0.9–2.7%) were recorded that did not meet hygienic requirements for the content of generalized and thermotolerant coliform bacteria. The average many-year concentration of iron (2+) in the drinking water of the centralized water supply system of the village of Solotcha 2.5 times exceeded the MPC (0.3 mg/l) and was significantly higher than in the compared territories, and in 64.6% of samples its one-time concentrations did not correspond to the hygienic norm. In the territories of the districts: Dashkovo-Pesochnya, Kanishchevo, Mirny, Sovetsky and Zheleznodorozhny, the proportions of water samples with one-time concentrations of aluminum exceeding the MPC (0.2 mg/l) ranged from 1.5% (CI 95%; 0.3–8.2%) to 6.1% (CI 95%; 2.4–14.6%). One-time concentrations of boron above the MPC (0.5 mg/l) were recorded in drinking water in all districts of the city with the exception of Diaghilevo and Oktyabrsky, and ranged from 1.0% (CI 95%; 0.2–5.2%) to 1.9% (CI 95%; 0.52–6.68%). The average many-year concentration of cadmium in the drinking water of Dashkovo–Pesochnya residential area was 0.0006 mg/l and 1.9-14 times exceeded that in other districts of the city (p &lt; 0.05), while the proportion of water samples where one-time concentrations of this toxicant exceeded the MPC (0.001 mg/l) was 4.7%. Also, cadmium concentrations exceeded the hygienic standard at the control points of water supply network in Mirny (in 2.9% of samples), Sovetsky and Zheleznodorozhny districts (0.9% of samples in each). One-time concentrations of nickel most often exceeded the respective MPC (0.02 mg/l) in the drinking water of Dashkovo-Pesochnya and Solotcha residential areas making 10.9% (CI 95%; 4.7–23.0%) and 11.1% (CI 95%; 4.8–23.5%), respectively, and least often of Mirny and Moskovsky areas — 2.2% (CI 95%; 0.4–1.3%) (p &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The territorial features of the qualitative composition of drinking water of the centralized water supply system of the city of Ryazan are determined, consisting in higher average values of individual parameters and the percentages of samples that do not meet hygienic standards for hardness in Stroitel, Sovetsky, Zheleznodorozhny and Dashkovo-Pesochnya districts; for the content of sanitary-indicative microorganisms — in Stroitel, Dashkovo-Pesochnya, Mirny and Oktyabrsky; for the iron content (2+) — in Stroitel, Zheleznodorozhny, Oktyabrsky, Kanishchevo and Solotcha; for boron — in Stroitel; for cadmium — in Dashkovo-Pesochna and Mirny; for nickel — in Dashkovo-Pesochna and Solotcha; for lead — in Stroitel and Mirny.

Detection of Salmonella species by Automated Blood Culture Method in Suspected Cases of Enteric Fever

Background: Enteric fever caused by Salmonella species is a systemic febrile illness that can be fatal since its characterization in 1880. Enteric fever may remain asymptomatic carrier and sometimes fatal that it can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone because they are similar to those of other febrile disorders. In developing countries, enteric fever is common global health problem due to poor standard of personal hygiene, contaminated food, inadequate safe water and sanitation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in the Microbiology Department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for one year from January 2021 to December 2021 to identify Salmonella species by Automated Blood Culture (Fastidious Antibiotic Neutralization method) followed by subculture in MacConkey’s agar, Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar, and Salmonella Shigella agar media in suspected enteric fever cases. This study included suspected cases of enteric fever as determined by the physician who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Among 127 suspected cases of enteric fever 64(50.39%) culture positive bacteria isolated by automated blood culture (FAN) method and out of that Salmonella species 38 (59.37%) and others bacteria 26(40.63%) following subculture in MacConkey’s agar, Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar and Salmonella Shigella agar media. Regarding gender, the majorities (61.4%) of culture-positive patients were male, and the majority (65.35%) came from rural areas. Conclusion: Especially for patients who have received antibiotics, we propose that the automated blood culture approach followed by subculture could be employed as a novel diagnostic method for typhoid fever. TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 71-76

수처리용 섬유여과기 성능평가인자 도출 및 평가방법개발에 관한 연구

This study investigated the performance evaluation factors for the fiber filtration process in water treatment and researched the performance evaluation items and methods for assessing these factors. South Korea's water supply and sewage policies focus on modernizing civil structures and networks and introducing advanced treatment facilities. Reflecting these policies, the Waterworks Act describes the minimum requirements that water supply facilities must meet to ensure a consistent quality (water quality) of drinking water. Therefore, the Waterworks Act has introduced usage standards for water treatment processes and materials for water supply to manage the quality of drinking water. Firstly, the Ministry of Environment has issued water supply facility standards, which explain the minimum standards for water supply facilities. Secondly, there are hygiene and safety standards (suitability certification) and group standard certification. Standards and certifications are established to evaluate materials and products suitable for water supply facilities. Thus, two criteria are required to apply them to water supply facilities.&#x0D; In Republic of Korea, a new concept of water treatment process has been developed that can replace traditional water treatment processes. This involves a fiber filtration process that contracts and relaxes fiber strands, removing turbidity and suspended solids. There is a movement to adopt this process. Such fiber filters can provide better treatment efficiency, use smaller sites, and have faster processing speeds. However, the use of different evaluation methods by manufacturers has prevented consumers from accurately understanding the performance and raised doubts about the reliability of the technology.&#x0D; The result of this study is the development of a standardized performance evaluation method, and the derivation of performance evaluation factors for fiber filters. Through standardized performance evaluation factors and methods, an objective performance evaluation of the fiber filtration process can be conducted.

Hand hygiene beliefs and practices and five indications-oriented hand hygiene observation results among healthcare professionals: a retrospective study

Aim: The present study attempted to retrospectively depict hand hygiene beliefs and practices and five indications-oriented hand hygiene observation results among physicians and nurses employed in the internal, surgical, emergency, and intensive care units of a district state hospital. Methods: While the target population consists of healthcare professionals deployed in the internal, surgical, emergency, and intensive care units of a district hospital (n = 426), we carried out this study with 122 nurses and 53 physicians (n = 175). We collected the data using a demographic information form, the Hand Hygiene Beliefs Scale (HHBS), and Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory (HHPI). Results: The findings revealed the participants’ mean scores to be 93.05±13.08 on the HHBS (61.86±9.01 on the hand hygiene importance subscale and 27.18±5.31 on the hand hygiene beliefs subscale) and 68.04±5.01 on the HHPI. We also considered a total of 1,228 notes from hand hygiene observations. While 78.25% of these observations were found to comply with hand hygiene standards, 59.55% (n = 159) of 267 observations regarding non-compliance with hygiene rules were realized to be linked with improper gloves use. Conclusion: Overall, the participating healthcare professionals adopted firmer hand hygiene beliefs and practices, which may be thanks to the achievement of relevant in-service training and the effective planning of the infection control committee. Yet, most of the hygiene non-compliance could be attributed to improper gloves use.

HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF OFF-GRID HEAT SOURCES ON AMBIENT AIR QUALITY AND THE FORMATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS

Background. The study is relevant due to a significant number (more than 74 thousand) of autonomous heat sources (AHS) in the Russian Federation, especially in its eastern regions. Such sources use solid fuels (coal). AHS, along with other heat and power objects, make a considerable contribution to ambient air pollution in the ground layers and consequently produce harmful effects on public health.&#x0D; The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of negative effects produced by autonomous heat sources (AHS) on ambient air quality, health risks and additional associated incidence on the example of a territory included into the Clean Air Federal project.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We calculated dispersion of pollutants in ambient air in residential areas due to AHS; performed hygienic assessment of calculated and instrumental data on ambient air quality; assessed public health risks; identified the number of additional associated diseases in accordance with the conventional established methods and algorithms valid at the present moment.&#x0D; Results. More than 170 AHS are located on the analyzed territory; they all use soli fuel (coal). Hygienic standards are violated in areas influenced by AHS for four out of sever chemicals emitted by chimneys of private houses. Pollutant levels reach 5.1 single maximum MPC for four pollutants according to dispersion calculation; 4.8 single maximum MPC, 38 average daily MPC and 4.7 average annual MPC for four pollutants according to instrumental data; 29.9 single maximum MPC, 3.5 average daily MPC and 7.0 average annual MPC for three pollutants according to verified data. Identified carcinogenic, acute, and chronic health risks are ranked as ‘alerting’ and ‘high’ in areas under direct influence of AHS; these risks reach 13.4 HQ (acute), 7.0 HQ (chronic), CRT 1.19∙10-7 (carcinogenic). AHS create more than 11 thousand additional respiratory diseases (6,379.9 cases per 100 thousand people); of them, 98% cases are registered in children.&#x0D; Conclusion. AHS create high levels of exposure to harmful pollutants and elevated health risks as well as additional incidence associated with ambient air quality. This situation requires immediate attention of the local authorities, control and surveillance organs; it is necessary to develop and implement complex air protection activities as soon as possible.