Waste Receptacles Research Articles

Assessing the Effect of Toothpastes on Enamel Surface Roughness Using a Custom-Designed and Fabricated Toothbrush Simulator Device for Evaluation.

The primary objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal oral health through regular toothbrushing practices. To achieve this objective, a custom-designed electromechanical toothbrush simulator device was developed. This innovative tool enables researchers to investigate the impact of abrasive-based whitening toothpastes on enamel surface roughness compared to brushing without toothpaste. The device design is composed of multiple systems, including mechanical, motorization, and toothpaste irrigation components. The device incorporates various components, including mechanical, motorization, and toothpaste irrigation systems. Specifically, the mechanical aspect comprises fabricated metal parts, 3D printed elements, and a load cell for measuring brushing force. The motorization section integrates a microcontroller and a stepper motor, allowing for the adjustment of brushing cycles and speed. Furthermore, the toothpaste irrigation system employs a pump with adjustable speed, along with a toothpaste canister and a waste receptacle. By providing a controlled environment for evaluating the effects of different toothpaste formulations on enamel integrity, this simulator device contributes significantly to advancements in oral care research and product development.

Rethinking residential building design in high-density cities for enhancing pandemic resilience: Balancing importance and practicality

The relationship between the built environment and epidemic transmission is particularly pronounced within the context of lockdown policies and high-density urban areas. Non-pharmaceutical interventions have become increasingly important during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposes an evaluation index system for pandemic-resilient residential building designs in high-density cities, covering the entire design process including site planning, architecture design, building equipment and management. The system includes 64 design strategies, categorized into 15 sub-categories and 4 categories. Then, we evaluate the preference of each strategy by synthesizing the dimensions of importance and implementation difficulty. A questionnaire survey was conducted among experts who have experience with pandemic-resilient designs in high-density cities. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation analysis was implemented along with the “preference index” concept to identify the most important and practical interventions during the pandemic outbreak. The results indicate that “service and management” is the category that requires priority, followed by “property management,” “common areas” and “building morphology” in sub-categories. Among the design strategies, “waste receptacle,” “publicity and education,” “floor drain and water seal” and “environmental cleaning and disinfection” are the top four recommended strategies. This study provides policymakers and practitioners with effective and easily implementable prevention measures during an outbreak of respiratory tract infections. It also offers specific policy recommendations and application suggestions for new and existing buildings, contributing to creating a safer and healthier living environment

Microbial source tracking to address of bacterial contamination in recreational waters

Abstract Background Beach closures in the USA are determined by fecal indicator bacteria thresholds, which are insufficient to identify causes of contamination. We use microbial source tracking (MST) to identify the species source of bacteria entering chronically impaired waters. We find canine bacteria is the primary source of high E.coli levels and demonstrate the power of MST for direction of remediation efforts. Methods This environmental sampling study was performed in Short Beach, Branford, Connecticut, USA. Water samples were collected from outfalls under wet and dry precipitation conditions by 10 Citizen Scientist volunteers. The highest E.coli samples were analyzed for avian, human, and canine markers using MST. Results E.coli from 103 samples was tested from April-October 2023. Pearson’s r between average site E.coli and same day precipitation was 0.71 (p-value = 0.006). Among the high E.coli samples, 19 (76%) were low/non detectable, 5 (20%) were moderate, and 1 (4%) were high for human tracers; 10 (50%) were low/non detectable and 10 (50%) were moderate for avian tracers, and 3 (15%) were low/non detectable, 11 (55%) were moderate, and 6 (30%) were high for canine tracers. Conclusions Precipitation is a driver of elevated bacteria levels. Canine bacteria is likely the primary source of elevated bacterial levels in beach waters, while avian contributors are of moderate concern and human contributors are of low concern. As a result, an education campaign and watertight waste receptacles, rather than costly sewer line replacements, are being deployed to improve beach quality. Key messages • Use of microbial source tracking found canine bacteria is the likely driver of elevated E.coli levels in local beaches, initiating a community education campaign rather than costly sewer replacements. • Microbial source tracking technology offers a powerful public health tool for identifying causes of bacterial contamination in chronically impaired recreational waters.

MODELING OF THE AUTOMATED COMPLEX COMPONENTS FOR SEGREGATED RESIDUES GATHERING OF OPERATIONAL PRINTING

Abstract. An overview of the printing industry primary measures regarding the balanced implementation of the sustainable development goals at the regional level was carried out. Based on the latest works analysis in the direction of the enlargement of branch waste management systems, the solutions insufficiency for the limited financial situations of small businesses is revealed, and the relevance of finding optimal means of gathering segregated waste and their temporary storage at the enterprise is shown. The criteria have been established and the stratification of typical categories of orders the operational printing has been carried out according to print run and rest volume. The requirements for the collection and storage of waste raw materials and consumables have been clarified and expanded, in particular regarding the provision of microclimatic conditions. In order to model effective business processes of pro­duction residues management, the construction of a universal complex for target cumulative of pre-segregated substrate scraps in the form of a smart container with a weighing terminal is substantiated. For flexible allocation of corporate flows, the hardware part is implemented from measuring, supervisory and communication blocks depending on their purpose in the automated microprocessor platform. The researched printing waste types the built algorithm of the life cycle of their cumulating made it possible to draw up an architectural diagram of segregator system and determine the main components hierarchy of printing waste receptacle when order manufacturing. As a result, analytical models were built and the modeling of automated complex of segregated residues gathering in operational printing was carried out based on created microcontroller system for monitoring of mass and climate control of cumulated surpluses to maintenance proper conditions their subsequent recycling.

Solid waste characteristics and management strategies at ST Theresa (STT) and Holy Cross (HC) hospitals in Chirumanzu rural District, Zimbabwe

AbstractManagement of solid waste from rural hospitals is among major problems affecting developing countries. This is mostly attributed to inadequate data related to quantity and quality of hospital solid waste. Similarly, information related to rural hospital solid waste characteristics and management is limited in Zimbabwe. However, SDGs complemented by Zimbabwe Vision 2030, NDS 1 advocates for sustainable solid waste management. Hence, enough data related to characteristics of solid waste from rural hospitals are required to attain sustainability. This research focuses on hospital solid waste characteristics and management strategies at STT and HC rural hospitals. Descriptive cross sectional research design which triangulates qualitative and quantitative paradigms was utilized. Interviews, observations, questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Solid waste generated at STT encompasses non-hazardous (77.35%), hazardous waste (22.65%). At HC solid waste consists of non-hazardous (79%) and hazardous waste (21%). Respondents at STT (70.4%) and HC (72.7%) noted that solid waste was increasing. Solid waste was increasing due to various factors namely high use of disposable materials at HC (35.1%), STT (42.5%) and increase of patients at HC (30%) and STT (29.7%). Solid waste was indiscriminately stored in various types of containers although pedal operated bins and sharp containers were highly used at STT (72.4%) and HC (69.1%). Waste receptacles were transported to disposal sites using wheelbarrows and manual handling. Open pits and burning were among disposal strategies but incineration was regarded as the golden approach at STT (44.8%) and HC (41.8%). Inappropriate hospital solid waste management was due to shortage of finance at STT (38.1%) and HC (30.9%) and unawareness among health workers. Although it was worsened by lack of all stakeholder participation at STT (79.0%) and HC (76.4%). Consequently, the study recommended application of strategies which support circular economy, integrated approach, raising awareness of health workers and provision of enough resources to rural hospitals.

Availability of basic infection control items and personal protection equipment in 7948 health facilities in eight low- and middle-income countries: Evidence from national health system surveys.

Hundreds of millions of people become infected globally every year while seeking care in health facilities that lack basic needs like infection control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). We aimed to evaluate the availability of infection control items and PPE in eight low- and middle-income countries and identify disparities in the availability of those items. In this study, we combined publicly available nationally representative cross-sectional health system surveys (Service Provision Assessments by the Demographic and Health Survey Programme) conducted in eight countries between 2013 and 2018: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Malawi, Nepal, Senegal, and Tanzania. The availability of infection control items was evaluated using a list of six items (a waste receptacle, a sharps container, disinfectant, single-use disposable or auto-disposable syringes, soap and running water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, and guidelines for standard precautions). PPE includes four items: gloves, medical masks, gowns, and eye protection. We considered these items available in a facility if they were observed in general outpatient areas or any service-specific area (i.e. delivery room). We analysed data from 7948 health facilities (694 hospitals and 7254 health centres/clinics). Overall, among the infection control items and PPE, most surveyed facilities had high availability of single-use disposable or auto-disposable syringes (91.40%) and latex gloves (92.56%). Of infection control measures, guidelines for infection control were the least available during the survey, with the lowest (6.15%) in Nepal and the highest (68.18%) in Malawi. Of the PPE items, eye protection was the least available during the survey, with the lowest (5.4% in Senegal) and the highest (28.17%) in Haiti. Only 1567 (19.71%) facilities looked to have all the basic infection control materials, and 1023 (12.87%) of the analysed facilities possessed all of the PPE. Within the same country, the availability of items varied more between hospitals and health centres/clinics than between them. All eight of our study countries experience shortages of the most fundamental standard precaution items to avert infection. Steps must be taken in each of these countries to reduce inadequacies and disparities and enhance efficiency in the conversion of health-system inputs into the facility's availability of standard precaution items for infection control - to curb the risk of infectious disease transmission.

Using an extended model of the reasoned action approach to explore individual behavioral intentions regarding litter and plastic pollution prevention in a developing country.

Implementing litter and plastic pollution prevention strategies is essential for cities of developing countries, mainly due to the prevailing high incidence of littering and the urgent need to realize the adverse per capita environmental impact target of the sustainable development goals. In this article, we report the use of the prominent reasoned action approach-in its original state and an extended model with moral norms-for exploring the critical socio-cognitive determinants of individuals' litter prevention intentions in Ghana. By analyzing the valid answers of 447 participants to a structured questionnaire on litter prevention, we found attitudes (β = 0.35, SE = 0.014, p < 0.001) and moral norms (β = 0.57, SE = 0.099, p < 0.001) as the most influencing determinants to individual intentions in the original and the extended models, respectively. The analysis suggests that individuals will stop littering their environments if environmentally friendly interventions are implemented to elicit self-responsibility and moral obligation. Campaigns that demonstrate the effects of littering on drain blockage, flooding, and disease outbreaks may improve individual litter prevention attitudes. Installing waste receptacles in public spaces and communicating persuasive messages may facilitate personal antilittering intentions. Apart from contributing to the implementation of a litter management strategy to reduce the flood risk and enhance the resilience of the Greater Accra region of Ghana, this research helps to close the literature gaps in litter prevention behavior in developing countries, as well as support the implementation of the sustainable development goals and the global plastic action partnership.

Auralocular Autowastebin using IoT

As human intelligence continues to advance, so too does the sophistication of our everyday surroundings. The concept of Smart Cities has given rise to a demand for intelligent waste management solutions. Enter the concept of Smart Dustbins, tailored for deployment in Smart buildings, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and public transit hubs. The Smart Dustbin represents an enhancement of the conventional waste receptacle, elevating it to a smart status through the integration of cutting-edge sensors and logical systems. The innovation behind Smart Dustbins lies in their ability to transform ordinary trash bins into intelligent entities. This is achieved by employing ultrasonic sensors for precise garbage level detection, coupled with a GSM module for real-time status updates to users. When a Smart Dustbin reaches full capacity, it triggers an automated Solid Waste Collection system to take action. One common issue with inadequately maintained traditional dustbins is the unsightly spillage of garbage in their vicinity. Such neglect can foster the proliferation of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, flies, bees, and driver ants. Moreover, the environment surrounding these bins can contribute to elevated levels of air pollution. Airborne pollutants stemming from a neglected dustbin can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, posing severe health risks to humans. In conclusion, the integration of Smart Dustbins not only enhances waste management efficiency but also plays a crucial role in promoting cleaner and healthier urban environments.

Methodology to quantify single-use plastic products in municipal solid waste Part 2: Quantification of tobacco products with filters in Germany.

Discharge from unrestricted tobacco products with filters (TPF) causes environmental damage. To reduce TPF litter quantities, Directive (EU) 2019/904 requires TPF producers to proportionally contribute to the costs of discarding their products in public waste collection systems, including litter waste ones. An appropriate output-based cost model requires assessing TPF quantities in relevant waste streams. Currently, there is no comprehensive data available on TPF quantities in municipal solid waste (MSW). Therefore, a case study was conducted to quantify TPF in MSW. This study aimed to determine TPF quantities (1) in residual waste from four German district types and (2) in waste from public collection systems for three settlement structures within Trier City. Relevant waste streams from public collection systems, namely waste from public waste receptacles, street-cleaning waste and sinkhole residues, were identified. For both sampling campaigns, consideration was given to extrapolating the results to a larger scale. The results showed that the average specific TPF quantities in residual waste were 277.7, 271.8, 193.3 and 204.5 gi- 1a- 1 in the selected city district, urban district, densely populated rural district and sparsely populated rural district, respectively. Extrapolation of these results to Germany yielded a specific TPF quantity in residual waste of 250.3 gi-1a-1. The average specific TPF quantities in waste from public waste receptacles, street-cleaning waste and sinkhole residues were 12.2, 47.4 and 9.9 gi-1a- 1, respectively. The results could contribute to cost model development based on Directive (EU) 2019/904.

Health-care waste management practices: The case of Ho Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Approximately 15% of wastes generated in hospitals is hazardous. Improper handling of this waste renders the remaining fraction infectious which is perilous to the health of hospital workers, patients, visitors and even communities. Sufficient data on medical waste management practices particularly in low-income countries such as Ghana is required for effective monitoring and policy making. This study sought to assess the waste generation rates, waste management practices, frequency of sharp injuries and the knowledge of health-care workers on waste management guidelines in Ho Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Data was collected through observations and questionnaire administration from 100 health-care workers. The results revealed that the total amount of wastes generated was 1.70kg/patient/day (490.62 kg/day) comprising of 57.48%, 33.98% and 8.54% of general, infectious and hazardous wastes respectively. Further investigations showed that 52% of the health-care workers knew about the existence of a hospital waste management policy and 89% attested that they had received training on medical waste management. The existing waste management committee was however, non-functional. Waste segregation at source and the use of color-coded waste receptacles were not strictly followed. Contaminated general wastes were landfilled whiles hazardous wastes were either incinerated or buried. Only 11% of the waste handlers were always completely dressed in personal protective equipment and about 77% of the waste handlers always sustained sharp injuries. Incentivizing the waste management team to ensure strict adherence to a waste management plan would improve waste management at the hospital.

Small Extracellular Vesicles as a New Class of Medicines.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles that are naturally released from cells in a lipid bilayer-bound form. A subset population with a size of 200 nm, small EVs (sEVs), is enticing in many ways. Initially perceived as mere waste receptacles, sEVs have revealed other biological functions, such as cell-to-cell signal transduction and communication. Besides their notable biological functions, sEVs have profound advantages as future drug modalities: (i) excellent biocompatibility, (ii) high stability, and (iii) the potential to carry undruggable macromolecules as cargo. Indeed, many biopharmaceutical companies are utilizing sEVs, not only as diagnostic biomarkers but as therapeutic drugs. However, as all inchoate fields are challenging, there are limitations and hindrances in the clinical translation of sEV therapeutics. In this review, we summarize different types of sEV therapeutics, future improvements, and current strategies in large-scale production.

Analyses of the Effects of Urban Population Growth on the Physical Environment of the Urban Secondary Schools in Anambra State

This study analyzed the effects of urban population growth on the physical environment of the urban secondary schools in Anambra State. The pursued objectives were: to determine the number of schools and staff in each selected school in the study area, determine the effects of urban population growth on the selected secondary schools in the study area and the level of significance of the effects of population growth on the physical environment of the study area. The study adopted descriptive survey research design having two well-structured copies of questionnaire been administered to two sets of the population target. Four hundred (400) copies of the questionnaire were administered and three hundred and eighty-one (381) were returned. The stratified random sampling technique was adopted in the field sampling. The analyses of the responses from the respondents show that the following are the effects of population growth on the physical environment in schools: unplanned de–vegetation occasioned by loitering students; remarkable defacing and deterioration of the school compounds and ecstatic beauty of the landscape; compounds most times littered with wastes; numerous track routes are created to alter the walkways enshrined in the school designs; presence of spillover waste receptacles; among others. The test of hypothesis showed that there is significant effect of population growth on the physical environment of the schools. The study therefore recommended that: more teachers should be employed to stabilize student to teacher ratio; formulation and implementation of legislation on the number of students a class should have and policy to control student’s enrolment in line with the capacity of each school in accordance with UNESCO’s recommendation of 1:25 Teacher and Students ratio. Improved infrastructural facilities to balance population increase within the schools.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Levels in Waste Receptacle Soils in Rukpokwu, Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Heavy Metals Levels in soils used as a waste receptacle in Rukpokwu, Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria were assessed. The heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methods. The mean levels of the heavy metals investigated in the soil of temporary dumpsites of Rukpokwu were; iron (Fe) 256.649±17.533mg/Kg, lead (Pb) 11.984±3.435mg/Kg, copper (Cu) 9.295±2.075mg/Kg, zinc (Zn) 22.268±3.669mg/Kg, cadmium (Cd) 2.897±0.584mg/Kg, manganese (Mn) 6.586±0.654mg/Kg, chromium (Cr) 12.244±1.834mg/Kg, nickel (Ni) 9.185±2.046mg/Kg, arsenic (As) 2.003±0.284mg/Kg and cobalt (Co) 2.042±0.288mg/Kg. The levels of the studied heavy metals were in the order Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Cu &gt; Ni &gt; Mn &gt; Cd &gt; Co &gt; As. The pollution assessment indices used in the evaluation of the heavy metals showed that anthropogenic activities have slightly influenced the concentration of heavy metals in the temporary dumpsites. The indices were contamination factor, which showed low contamination, geo-accumulation indicated not contaminated to moderate contamination, potential ecological risk revealed low risk and potential ecological risk index showed moderate risk. These indices revealed that the studied heavy metals have contaminated the soil slightly but have not reached an alarming level. Keywords: Contamination Indices, dumpsites, heavy metals, pollution, Rukpokwu

At the moment of disposal: how messaging techniques at university public outdoor waste receptacles can improve the solid waste stream

PurposeThis study aims to test how waste disposal behaviors can be changed such as higher recycling diversion and lower contamination rates using signage and messaging techniques at public outdoor waste receptacles on a university campus.Design/methodology/approachThe experiment took place at five public outdoor receptacle stations, each with a landfill and recycling receptacle, which were located in highly trafficked areas on the University of Florida campus. The study consisted of three phases, each lasting for three weeks. During phase one, no signage and messaging were introduced; during phase two, negative and concrete messaging was placed on signs that stood above the two receptacles; and during phase three, positive and abstract messaging was placed above the receptacles. Waste audits were conducted by separating and weighing the waste.FindingsWith signage and messaging implementation, the recycling diversion rates increased and contamination in the recycling receptacles decreased. However, there was not a consistent decrease in contamination in the landfill receptacles. The study also showed that the negative and concrete messaging was more effective at both increasing diversion rates and decreasing contamination rates at the recycling receptacles.Practical implicationsWaste managers on university campuses need to address the purpose and type of messaging being used at waste receptacles to maximize behavior and/or education outcomes.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first time waste disposal behaviors have been analyzed and experimented on at public outdoor receptacles on a university campus.

Cost-effectiveness of incentive schemes for waste material resource recovery

The use of incentives to support positive behaviors in waste separation and recycling has been renowned in the literature. However, empirical literature on waste separation has paid more attention to the characterization of waste and the potential use of incentives, neglecting the cost implications of employing incentives in recycling schemes. Although studies have pined incentives as having the potential to increase recycling rates, their cost implications may also constitute a disincentive for effective recycling schemes. This study was conducted to identify the most cost-effective incentive option for recovering waste materials to inform policy decisions on prioritizing incentive options for efficient recycling. A source separation scheme was piloted in Tamale, where different incentive schemes (bonus, prize and waste receptacles) were given to households. The cost implications of using the incentives were evaluated based on the cost and revenue of recovering separated material resources from households under each of the schemes. This was followed by the use of a cost-effectiveness model to assess the cost-effectiveness of the schemes. The institution of a “prize” as a reward, in addition to the provision of storage facilities to participating households, was identified as the most cost-effective incentive option that generated the highest amounts of separated material resources at a relatively lower cost. Again, the study showed that the cost-effectiveness of the schemes depended on the incentive type and the service zones where the schemes were instituted. • The provision of a prize as an incentive to households was the most cost-effective option for materials recovery. • The cost-effectives depended on the type of incentive provided and the service zone. • The factor to improve revenue in the scheme were service zone, incentive types, time of waste collection and housing types. • Incentives influence separation efficiency of materials.

Sanitation and waste management practices and possible implications on groundwater quality in peri‑urban areas, Doba and Nayagenia, northeastern Ghana

Access to potable water, proper sanitation, and hygiene have become global concerns. The study assessed sanitation and waste management practices and the possible implications on groundwater quality in Doba and Nayagnia. The data were elicited from 240 households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Besides, 10 composite groundwater (boreholes and well) samples were collected for total coliform and E. coli analyses. The data was analyzed using cross-tabulation and descriptive statistical tools using the R software. The study showed that there was a strong relationship (P < 0.001) between the respondents' perceptions of the importance of sanitation and their levels of education. Also, there was a significant relationship (P < 0.001) between the availability of household toilets and income levels. The availability of household waste receptacles was statistically significant with income levels (P = 0.006) and subscriptions for commercial waste collection (P = 0.009). Open defecation was influenced by inconveniently sited (P = 0.004) and poorly maintained public toilets (P = 0.009). About 73% of the households relied on boreholes as their major source of water. However, all the groundwater sources contained loads of enteric bacteria. The results of the Friedman test were significant based on an alpha value of 0.05, χ2 (2) = 8.86, p = 0.012 for total coliform and χ2 (2) = 7.80, p = 0.020 for E. coli. Generally, the communities practiced unimproved sanitation practices which may pose potential effects on public health. Alongside environmental health education, the provision of toilets and waste collection receptacles will address the environmental challenges discussed in this study .

Assessment of Belief Constructs to Support an Intervention in Municipal Solid Waste Separation at the Source in Low–Middle-Income Countries: Observations from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

This article uses a modified model of the theory of planned behaviour to assess salient beliefs of household heads towards the separation of municipal solid waste at its source in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the responses of 598 household heads to a questionnaire in a cross-sectional design. Whilst the default model produced an acceptable fit to the data and explained 37% of the variance in households’ intention to separate waste at its source, the modified model with moral norms as an additional construct fitted the data excellently, explaining 52% of the variance in intention. Moral norms and perceived behavioural control were the predominant latent constructs to influence intentions. Control beliefs related to the availability of waste receptacles, provision of regular waste collection services, and access to knowledge of the separation process had the greatest tendency to facilitate households’ intentions. Pro-environmental interventions designed in a participatory manner to promote moral correctness, responsibility, respect for the environment, and positive affect may empower households to separate waste at its source. This research contributes to the development of a municipal solid waste strategy in the region, and may further support research in waste diversion and the circular economy in other jurisdictions.

Bacteriological Quality of Locally Prepared Fresh Fruit Juice Sold in Juice Houses of Eastern Ethiopia.

Background:Currently, fresh fruit juices are widely consumed as a drink worldwide due to their nutritional values and health benefits. Fresh fruit juices are an important source of nutrients, vitamins, and fibers that are important for human health. Fruit juices are nutritious and perishable food that can serve as an ideal medium for the growth and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality of locally prepared fresh fruit juices sold in juice houses of eastern Ethiopia from 4 April to 12 June 2020.Methods:A cross-sectional study was used that included administrative questionnaires and laboratory-based investigations. A total of 78 fruit juice samples that include mango, avocado, papaya, and mixed juices were collected aseptically from the juice houses. The most probable number method was used to determine the total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli. The pour plate count method was used to determine the total viable bacteria count. Finally, data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests that included analysis of variance, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. A P-value of .05 was considered as a cut-off point for statistical significance.Results:Among the 78 juice samples analyzed, 85.9% of the samples had total viable bacterial count, 64.1% had total coliform count, 60.3% had fecal coliform, and 33.3% of the samples had Escherichia coli higher than the maximum permitted level of Gulf standard 2000. The study found a significant association between bacterial contamination and educational status (χ2 = 31.663), training in food hygiene and safety (χ2 = 23.04), method of fruit preservation (χ2 = 17.98), place to keep the juice (χ2 = 13.7), action done with the juice gone bad (χ2 = 12.78), frequency of cleaning materials used to keep the juice (χ2 = 12.78), type of dish washing (χ2 = 19.75), availability of hand washing equipment (χ2 = 12.78), and types of waste receptacles (χ2 = 26.25) (P-value <.05) (Table 5).Conclusion:In general, majority of fruit juice samples were contaminated with one or more different bacteria species higher than the maximum permitted level. Furthermore, the study found the association between bacterial contamination and other variables such as hygienic and safety conditions. Therefore, the implementation of adequate hygiene and safety practices is very important to prevent the consumption of contaminated fruit juices, which leads to foodborne illness.

Risk factors of adult Dengue Fever in urban community of Nepal

With the objectives of determining the association between risk factors and Dengue Fever (DF), a case-control study with a random sample size of 102:102 in each was conducted at Hetauda and Kamalamai Municipalities, Nepal. The hypothesis of risk factors for DF like low level of knowledge about DF, discarded receptacles, old tires, containers, etc. nearby house, and use of stagnant AC/Coolers was used to conduct the study. Traveling to DF affected areas nearly 2 weeks before the onset of disease was significantly associated with dengue fever (OR= 6.10, 95% cl: 1.31-28.34, p&lt;0.021). Waste disposal of old containers, receptacles, tires during the rainy season were significantly associated with the incidence of DF (AOR= 6.308, 96% cl: 2-751-14.462, p&lt;0.000). The frequency of DF was associated with the middle social class level (p&lt;0.05, d. f. 2). Uncovered water tanks of the household were significantly associated with DF (AOR= 3.78, 95% cl: 1.51-9.45, p&lt;0.0043). As the number of families increases in the household, the number of cases increases with a positive correlation (r = +0.62). Crowded households with more than 2 occupants in one room were at risk of dengue infection. The study concluded that DF was associated with the risk factors of traveling to endemic areas, discarded waste containers, receptacles, tires, and uncovered water tanks, middle social class, and crowded households. Public health managers should prioritize these risk factors while planning for DF control and prevention.

Aesthetics and logistics in urban parks; can moving waste receptacles to park exits decrease littering?

In this paper we test two approaches to reduce littering in urban parks that potentially reinforce each other: Relocating waste receptacles and the presence of watching eyes. Moving waste receptacles from the interior to the exits of a park makes waste collection more efficient, but can have opposing effects: Decreased littering because of greater care inspired by the perception of natural beauty in a park without artifacts like waste receptacles, or increased littering because of the greater distance to waste receptacles. Preceded by an online study (N = 153), three successive field studies showed mixed evidence for increased littering when moving waste receptacles to the exits (Study 2 and 3). However, when additionally attaching pictures of watching animal eyes to trees in the park (Study 4), litter levels seemed to decrease. We conclude that littering is best countered with a combination of persuasive communication and physical measures.