Washing Technique Research Articles

FOULING BEHAVIOR OF MODIFIED CELLULOSE ACETATE ASYMMETRIC MEMBRANES FOR DIFFERENT BRACKISH WATER TREATMENT

Water treatment technology which is being widely developed is membrane technology as an alternative technology with sieving mechanism principle.The main purposes of this research are to investigate the effects of additives and thermal treatment on the cellulose acetate membrane morphology and performance in treating brackish water.The membrane was fabricated by preparation of dope solution consits of cellulose acetate and acetone. The membrane was casted via NIPS method using mechanic casting knife. Dope solution was prepared by varying the PEG concentration of 1 and 5wt-% and the annealing temperature at 60°C and 25°C for 10 seconds. The backwash technique was used to solve fouling mechanism in this system .The results of SEM and FTIR showed that theb higher PEG addition to the dope solution resulted in larger membrane pore size and increase the hydrophilic properties of membrane. However the higher temperature and the longer annealing timg, the skin layer of membrane become denser. The result was also shown that back wash technique can reduced fouling phenomenon in the membrane.

Assessing the Control Potential of Aldicarb against Grapevine Phylloxera

Aldicarb 15 G soil treatments in vineyards were evaluated for their phylloxera control potential. A post-harvest application was made on single vines and phylloxera populations on roots were quantified using a washing and sieving technique. Natural population fluctuations on control vines were also determined. Data were subjected to a rank sum statistical test to determine the significance of the findings. Results indicated that aldicarb had a definite suppressing effect on all stages of grapevine phylloxera.

Impact of Training on Improving Proper Handwashing Practices among Elementary School Students

Background: Hand washing is among the most effective ways to prevent diseases. In Indonesia, only a quarter of the entire population practice proper handwashing techniques. Of these, children are the most vulnerable group for contracting diseases. Nevertheless, they also are crucial agent for behavior transformation as they are keen and open to new ideas. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine if training would have an improvement on a proper hand washing practices among elementary school students. Methods: An observational descriptive study design using random sampling was conducted from September to November 2013 in Jatinangor Subdistrict, West Java, Indonesia using primary data of one hundred elementary school students from four elementary schools. Questionnaires were given after informed consent. A demonstration on hand washing techniques and education on proper hand washing practices was then given. Two weeks later, the same questionnaire was given to measure the influence of the training. The collected data were presented using frequency tabulation. Results: Before the training on proper hand washing practices was conducted, only 86.9% students were practicing it properly. After the training was given, 90.7% of the students were doing it properly. For the hand washing technique, only 66.8% of students knew the correct steps before the intervention was given and 78.7% students did them correctly after the intervention. Conclusions: The training shows an overall improvement on the students’ hand washing practices. DOI: 10.15850/amj.v4n2.1073

Remediation of Sandy Soil Contaminated with Industrial Wastewater

The present study focuses on measuring the effects of industrial wastewater disposed from thermal electricity power plant as by-product on the geotechnical properties of sandy soil and applying washing process to remediate the contaminated soil samples and measure the efficiency of washing technique. The disturbed sandy soil samples were obtained from Al-Kufa City located to the southwest of Iraq and the industrial wastewater obtained from Al-Musayib thermal electricity power plant. The intact sandy soil was contaminated in the laboratory with four percentages of industrial wastewater (10, 20, 40 and 100%) calculated according to the weight of dry soil. The industrial wastewater is mixed with distilled water to constitute the solution used in the contamination process of soil through soaking the soil by this solution for 30 days. The study results showed that with increasing the percentages of the contaminant, there was a slight increase in both the liquid limit and particle size, while there was a significant increase in the optimum water content. Nevertheless, a slight decrease was observed in the specific gravity, maximum dry unit weight, and void ratio, while, a considerable decrease was noticed in the angle of the internal friction and coefficient of permeability of soil. The proposed remediation technique “soil washing” is efficient, economical, and time saving when used to remediate sandy soils. After remediation, the results showed an increase in the cohesion, angle of internal friction and maximum dry unit weight. Also, a slight increase was observed in the specific gravity, void ratio and permeability coefficient of remediated soil samples when compared with that of contaminated samples. The removal efficiencies of contaminant from soil were (97.63, 96.79, 96.58, and 93.87%) for the soil samples contaminated with industrial wastewater by (10, 20, 40 and 100%), respectively.

Analyzing the effects of special washing processes on characteristics of sewing threads

In recent years, wet (washing, bleaching, etc.) and dry (abrasive, laser shaping, rodeo, etc.) operations applied on fashion denim products have become an important factor to increase the added value. However, these wet and dry processes applied to the denim products may have adverse effects on the strength of the fabric and other supplementary materials of denim products. For example, thread breakages affect the repair ratios and quality of products, which causes time and profitability losses in companies. The main objective of this study is to analyse how the types of washing affect the strength of the sewing threads that are commonly used in the production of denim trousers. In this study, 100% cotton denim fabric with a weight of 11.5 ounces and two different sewing threads were used. The fabrics are sewn as trouser legs with chain and lock stitch. Five different washes were applied to the trouser legs. The obtained data were evaluated in the R statistical program. As a result of the analyses made it is proven that the washing techniques used have an effect on the sewing threads’ tensile strength and elongation at break. The tensile strengths of lock stitch and chain stitch decrease averagely 35% and elongation at break of lock stitch decreases %22 and chain stitch decreases 29.8%.

An optimisation study on biomass delignification process using alkaline wash

A statistical based study employing response surface method (RSM) was conducted to ascertain the optimum pretreatment conditions using an alkaline wash technique i.e. at different temperature, time and base concentration using Malaysian oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) as a model substrate. Strong acid-dilute acid hydrolysis and dietary fibre methods were used in order to determine structural carbohydrates and lignin content of pretreated EFB and analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the RSM model, 17 runs of different pretreatment conditions were carried out. ANOVA analysis on the different techniques yielded an F value of 5.32 leading to the rejection of null hypothesis. As such, both techniques were determined to be statistically different. Response surface model with quadratic function was generated for biomass pretreatment using alkaline wash which has indicated that sodium hydroxide concentration is the most important factor in determining lignin removal, followed by time of reaction. The final lignin content of pretreated biomass shall be 9.04 wt.% which is 62.7% of lignin removal.

Efficacy of washing and disinfection in cattle markets in Ireland

BackgroundFew studies have reported on the effectiveness of the washing and disinfection methods used in cattle markets in Ireland. Purchasing cattle into recipient herds poses a high biosecurity risk due to the possibility of introducing disease. In Ireland, livestock markets are an important intermediary in the movement of cattle to new herds. Thus disease control strategies need to consider the disease risk associated with moving livestock through markets. Some cattle are also moved directly from markets for slaughter at abattoirs. Washing and disinfection at markets is utilised to reduce faecal contamination in markets, thereby reducing the risk of disease spread among animals and carcass contamination at slaughter. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of standard washing and disinfection techniques at markets in Ireland in reducing bacterial contamination on internal structures. Total viable counts (TVC) of colony forming units (CFU) were used as indicators of bacterial contamination, which could include pathogens of public and animal health concern. Four hundred and seventy nine samples were taken mainly from pen floors and the TVC enumerated for each sample.ResultsWashing and disinfection was effective at significantly reducing TVCs on floors and metal bars of market holding pens, but residual contamination remained. Washing market pens only (no disinfection), followed by a rest period between batches of cattle (6.5 days) was as effective at reducing TVCs as washing followed by disinfection and a shorter rest period (5.5 days).ConclusionsMarkets are a potential reservoir for microbial contamination with a resultant increased risk of disease spread by cattle moving through markets into new herds, and carcass contamination for cattle moving directly to slaughter. Therefore, market managers need clear advice and guidance on the development of hygiene programmes that are suitable for use in livestock markets.

An evaluation of different soil washing solutions for remediating arsenic-contaminated soils

Soil washing is a promising way to remediate arsenic-contaminated soils. Most research has mostly focused on seeking efficient extractants for removing arsenic, but not concerned with any changes in soil properties when using this technique. In this study, the removal of arsenic from a heavily contaminated soil employing different washing solutions including H3PO4, NaOH and dithionite in EDTA was conducted. Subsequently, the changes in soil physicochemical properties and phytotoxicity of each washing technique were evaluated. After washing with 2 M H3PO4, 2 M NaOH or 0.1 M dithionite in 0.1 M EDTA, the soil samples’ arsenic content met the clean-up levels stipulated in China’s environmental regulations. H3PO4 washing decreased soil pH, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, and Mn concentrations but increased TN and TP contents. NaOH washing increased soil pH but decreased soil TOC, TN and TP contents. Dithionite in EDTA washing reduced soil TOC, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn and TP contents. A drastic color change was observed when the soil sample was washed with H3PO4 or 0.1 M dithionite in 0.1 M EDTA. After adjusting the soil pH to neutral, wheat planted in the soil sample washed by NaOH evidenced the best growth of all three treated soil samples. These results will help with selecting the best washing solution when remediating arsenic-contaminated soils in future engineering applications.

Removal of heavy metals with sequential sludge washing techniques using saponin: optimization conditions, kinetics, removal effectiveness, binding intensity, mobility and mechanism

Testing of sequential sludge washing in triplicate using typical biosurfactant saponin was conducted to remove heavy metals.

The Effect of Nurses' Implementation of Central Vascular Catheter Maintenance Care Bundle on Bloodstream Infection among ICU Patients in KFGH and KAAUH

Background:Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are the most common type of healthcare-associated infections in clinical settings. Bloodstream infections are a leading known cause to increase the risk of patients' morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay, and additionally, are typically increased in patients with severe underlying diseases.. The study of CVC bundle implementation has not been adequately explored in Saudi Arabia (SA). This study aimed to assess the effect of nurses' implementation of central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle on blood stream infection among intensive care unit patients at King Fahd General Hospital (KFGH) and King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital (KAAUH). Objectives:Assess the effect of nurses' implementation of central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle on blood stream infection. Methods: This study used quantitative research as a cause of defining the relationships between the variables which are the nurses’ implementation of the central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle and the bloodstream infection rate. An observational study were as it enables the researcher to focus on specific behaviours. The tools used in this study were Central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle checklist was used to assess the effect of nurses' implementation of a central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle on blood stream infection. A convenience sample of 63 patients of both sexes with central vascular catheter was selected from the two institutions. Ethical approval was granted from KAUH and KFGH. Data collection was conducted for six months. Results: A total of 63 patients and 37 nurses participated in this study. The average age of the study population was 51 years old (SD score of 51±20 years). The majority of gender were male (65% )of the admitted patients were male (78%) had poor knowledge scores about contraception before counseling. The study reveals that the majority had diploma level education (87%) while(13%) had a bachelor's degree. As the researcher observed the nurses implementation of central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle, the table revealed that there was statistically significant difference between nurses' performing hand washing in relation to patients' bloodstream infection (P-value=0.001). There were (53.9%) of the nurses at both hospitals didn't perform hand washing techniques which lead to exposure of patients to infection. Other influencing factors included misapplication of chlorhexidine antiseptic at KFGH which increased exposure to infection and showed significant statistical difference (P-value = 0.000). The fourth element of proper central vascular catheter site selection indicated the elevation of infection at the jugular vein site in (36.5%) of the cases followed by the femoral site (19%) it was not found at the subclavian vein site as recommended in current evidence. In addition, it was also noted that there was no significant correlation between exposure to infection and the daily review of central vascular catheter necessity Conclusions and Recommendations: The relationship between nurses' implementation of central vascular catheter maintenance care bundle and bloodstream infection has had a positive effect on patients' bloodstream infection rates of intensive care unit As a result, this study recommends sustained efforts to educate the healthcare workers regarding the importance of bundle implementation and central vascular catheter care and provision of prompt feedback on adherence to aseptic technique. Moreover, healthcare providers should be involved in educational sessions on central line insertion, handling and maintenance.

Actual State of Nursing Students’ Attainment Level of the Perineal Washing Technique by Means of Self-evaluation after the Completion of Adult and Elderly Nursing Practices

Actual State of Nursing Students’ Attainment Level of the Perineal Washing Technique by Means of Self-evaluation after the Completion of Adult and Elderly Nursing Practices

Cytological and Bacteriological Evaluation of Tracheal Aspirates for the Diagnosis of Lung Affections in Horses

Transtracheal wash technique is commonly employed for collecting aspirates and determining the bacterial agents involved in lower respiratory tract infections by culture examination. In addition, the cytologic analysis of transtracheal wash is also useful for diagnosis and differentiation of lower respiratory diseases of inflammatory and non-inflammatory origin. In present study four horses (two foals and two adult horses) with frank respiratory signs, inflammatory leukogram and radiologic findings suggestive of respiratory involvement were subjected to transtracheal wash collection. Cytology of the stained smears and culture examination revealed Rhodococcus equi in two horses whereas in other two horses, Staphylococcus spp. was isolated. Isolates of Rhodococcus equi were sensitive to erythromycin, amoxicillin, streptomycin, neomycin, norfloxacin and sulfadiazine, whereas Staphylococcus isolates were found sensitive to amoxicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, gentamicin, neomycin, erythromycin, oxytetracycline, penicillin and streptomycin and resistant to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Two horses (treated with amikacin and penicillin) and one foal (treated with erythromycin and rifampicin) responded to recommended doses of antibiotic therapy and recovered smoothly.

EFFECT OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HAND WASHING TECHNIQUES AMONG STAFF NURSES WORKING IN PEDIATRIC UNITS OF SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITAL, PUNJAB.

30Nov 2016 EFFECT OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HAND WASHING TECHNIQUES AMONG STAFF NURSES WORKING IN PEDIATRIC UNITS OF SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITAL, PUNJAB. Rupinder Deol , Simarjit Kaur and Daljit Singh. Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, AIIMS, Rishikesh. Nursing Supervisor, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. Former Principal & HOD Paediatric Department, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana.

Soil washing optimization by means of attributive analysis: Case study for the removal of potentially toxic elements from soil contaminated with pyrite ash

This paper describes a feasibility study of physical soil washing techniques to separate potentially toxic elements, such as As, Cu, Hg, Pb and Sb, in a brownfield affected by pyrite ash disposal. To this end, complete pedological and geochemical analyses were conducted in order to determine the properties of the soil. Afterwards exhaustive lab-scale soil washing tests were performed with the aim to concentrate most of the contaminants into a small fraction of treated soil. The procedures used included gravity separation–heavy liquid assays–, hydrocycloning and wet and dry magnetic separation.Within this context, grain-size classification proved effective only for the treatment of the sizes below 63 μm. Better results were obtained by heavy liquid separation, which was optimal at most grain sizes, except fractions of the soil between 1000 and 2000 μm, and below 63 μm. As regards magnetic separation, dry high-intensity magnetic separation was suitable for the treatment of grain sizes above 500 μm and gave yields similar to those achieved by heavy liquid assays in most cases. The results of the experiments were compared through the novel approach of attributive analysis, and the findings indicated that the separation procedures for pollutants yielded repeatable results. Moreover, an intuitive method of evaluating the performance of the separation techniques by introducing a “success score” was developed. This procedure takes into account not only the various scenarios contemplated by legislation but also the performance of each washing method for each element.All things considered, in feasibility studies for soil washing methods and also for mineral processing purposes, both attributive analysis and the “success score” may be useful for selecting optimal operating conditions, thus facilitating the scale-up of the results. Moreover, the method presented could be used in any operating plant that aims to reduce emissions while at the same time maximizing product outputs.

Cambios en la composición de la comunidad fúngica de biopelículas sobre roca calcárea a través de una cronosecuencia en Campeche, México

Antecedentes y Objetivos: La colonización de los sustratos líticos por comunidades fúngicas está determinada por las propiedades del sustrato (bioreceptividad) y las condiciones climáticas y microclimáticas. Sin embargo, los efectos del tiempo de exposición de la superficie de la roca calcárea al ambiente sobre la composición de las comunidades fúngicas no se ha investigado. En este estudio, analizamos la composición y estructura de las comunidades fúngicas inmersas en biopelículas asociadas a roca calcárea, en paredes de edificaciones modernas construidas a diferentes tiempos en un ambiente subtropical en Campeche, México.Métodos: Se consideró una cronosecuencia de paredes construidas a uno, cinco y 10 años. Sobre cada pared, se rasparon tres superficies de 3 × 3 cm para cada biopelícula. Los hongos se aislaron por la técnica de lavado y filtración de partículas, posteriormente se inocularon en dos medios de cultivo contrastantes (un medio oligotrófico y uno copiotrófico). Los hongos se identificaron de acuerdo a sus características macro y microscópicas.Resultados clave: Encontramos 73 géneros y 202 especies de 844 aislados. Los resultados mostraron que las comunidades fúngicas son diferentes en las tres biopelículas. En la biopelícula de desarrollo intermedio encontramos un alto número de aislados, pero tanto la riqueza como la diversidad fueron bajas. En contraste, en la biopelícula avanzada, los valores de riqueza de especies y diversidad fueron altos, y las especies abundantes fueron Hyphomycete 1, Myrothecium roridum y Pestalotiopsis maculans. Las especies dominantes en la biopelícula intermedia fueron Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pallescens, Fusarium oxysporum y Fusarium redolens, y en la biopelícula joven fueron Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia clavata, Paraconiothyrium sp. y Phoma eupyrena.Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que la composición de la comunidad fúngica en cada biopelícula cambia de acuerdo al tiempo de exposición de la roca calcárea al ambiente. Además, como parte de la composición de la comunidad fúngica, encontramos un conjunto de especies poco comunes que podrían ser autóctonas en la roca calcárea.

Optimal hand washing technique to minimize bacterial contamination before neuraxial anesthesia: a randomized control trial

IntroductionInfectious complications related to neuraxial anesthesia may result in adverse outcomes. There are no best practice guidelines regarding hand-sanitizing measures specifically for these procedures. The objective of this study was to compare the growth of microbial organisms on the operator’s forearm between five common techniques of hand washing for labor epidurals. MethodsIn this single blind randomized controlled trial, all anesthesiologists performing labor epidurals in a tertiary care hospital were randomized into five study groups: hand washing with alcohol gel only up to elbows (Group A); hand washing with soap up to elbows, sterile towel to dry, followed by alcohol gel (Group B); hand washing with soap up to elbows, non-sterile towel to dry, followed by alcohol gel (Group C); hand washing with soap up to elbows, non-sterile towel to dry (Group D) or hand washing with soap up to elbows, sterile towel to dry (Group E). The number of colonies for each specimen/rate per 100 specimens on one or both arms per group was measured. ResultsThe incidence of colonization was 2.5, 23.0, 18.5, 114.5, and 53.0 in Groups A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Compared to Group A, the odds ratio of bacterial growth for Group B was 1.52 (P=0.519), Group C 5.44 (P=0.003), Group D 13.82 (P<0.001), and Group E 8.65 (P<0.001). ConclusionAlcohol-based antiseptic solutions are superior in terms of reducing the incidence of colonization. The results will enable us to develop guidelines to standardize and improve hand-sanitizing practices among epidural practitioners.

Novel genotype of Tritrichomonas foetus from cattle in Southern Africa.

Bovine trichomonosis caused by Tritrichomonas foetus is a significant reproductive disease of cattle. Preputial samples were collected using sheath washing technique in bulls in Namibia. Thirty-six trichomonad cultures were characterized using the TaqMan-probe commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic assay (VetMAX™-Gold Trich Detection Kit) and CYBR real-time PCR assay based on TFR3/4 primers. Diagnostic real-time PCRs and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed region confirmed presence of T. foetus in 35 out of 36 samples. Multilocus genotyping using cysteine proteases (CP1, CP2, CP4, CP5, CP6, CP7, CP8, CP9) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH1) gene sequences demonstrate that the T. foetus in Namibia are genetically distinct from those characterized elsewhere. We report the discovery of a novel genotype of T. foetus in Namibian cattle, distinct from other T. foetus genotypes in Europe, South and North America and Australia. We suggest recognition of a 'Southern African' genotype of T. foetus. Identification of the new genotype of T. foetus demonstrates the need for wider global sampling to fully understand the diversity and origin of T. foetus causing disease in cattle or cats.

Novel concept of washing for microfluidic paper-based analytical devices based on capillary force of paper substrates.

A novel washing technique for microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) that is based on the spontaneous capillary action of paper and eliminates unbound antigen and antibody in a sandwich immunoassay is reported. Liquids can flow through a porous medium (such as paper) in the absence of external pressure as a result of capillary action. Uniform results were achieved when washing a paper substrate in a PDMS holder which was integrated with a cartridge absorber acting as a porous medium. Our study demonstrated that applying this washing technique would allow μPADs to become the least expensive microfluidic device platform with high reproducibility and sensitivity. In a model μPAD assay that utilized this novel washing technique, C-reactive protein (CRP) was detected with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5μgmL-1. Graphical Abstract A novel washing technique for microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) that is based on the spontaneous capillary action of paper and eliminates unbound antigen and antibody in a sandwich immunoassay is reported.

Washing efficiency and fabric damage by beating and rubbing movements in comparison with a front-loading washer

The objective of this study was to evaluate washing performance by beating and rubbing movements that simulate traditional washing methods. By comparing washing performance between these washing methods and a front-loading washer, we examined the potential of the new washing technique and proposed an efficient washing system. In this study, the new rubbing movement, that mimics a washboard, shows low fabric damage with high washing efficiency. The rubbing movement provides high mechanical force, which allowed easy transfer between soil and the detergent solution on the fabric surface. Thus, efficient washing can be accomplished by rubbing movements which minimize fabric damage and achieve high washing efficiency. A beating movement that copies a laundry bat gave the lowest damage and washing performance, so may be used for delicate textiles. In addition, location changes through flexing enhanced washing efficiency and showed better performance than strong force in a fixed location.

The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers

The human skin microbiome has been suggested to play an essential role in maintaining health by contributing to innate defense of the skin. These observations have inspired speculation that the use of common skin washing techniques may be detrimental to the epidermal antibacterial defense system by altering the microbiome. In this study, several common skin cleansers were used to wash human forearms and the short-term effect on the abundance of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and the abundance and diversity of bacterial DNA was measured. Despite small but significant decreases in the amount of LL-37 on the skin surface shortly after washing, no significant change in the bacterial community was detected. Furthermore, Group A Streptococcus did not survive better on the skin after washing. In contrast, the addition of antimicrobial compounds such as benzalkonium chloride or triclocarban to soap before washing decreased the growth of Group A Streptococcus applied after rinse. These results support prior studies that hand washing techniques in the health care setting are beneficial and should be continued. Additional research is necessary to better understand the effects of chronic washing and the potential impact of skin care products on the development of dysbiosis in some individuals.