WHO Standards Research Articles

Carbon Emission Pathways of Biodegradable Thermoplastic-based Species in Natural and Simulated Aqueous Conditions

This study assessed the carbon emission pathways of the biodegradation processes of bio-based thermoplastic moieties in two aqueous (surface and simulated marine water) environments and its implications on environmental quality. The physicochemical parameters of the aqueous media were determined using standard methods. The American Society for Testing and Materials’ standard was used to assess amount of CO2 evolved. Cellulose, bioplastic and polyethylene were inserted in two aquatic environments and arranged thrice in a randomized experimental arrangement of 2x4x3. Ultimate biodegradations of the test films were monitored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The amount of CO2 evolved was assayed using the titration method. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. After biodegradation, the initial values of the physicochemical parameters were within recommended values of the WHO standards with slight (less than 2%) differences. Moreover, CO2 captured from the two aqueous conditions were lower than the amount of CO2 evolved in aqueous solution with cellulose which is a natural polymer in this order: 88.725×102 mg from the soaked cellulose samples in marine > 85.215×102 mg of CO2 evolved from cellulose entrenched in surface water > 82.758×102 mg of CO2 evolved from bioplastic soaked in marine water > 82.758×102 mg of CO2 evolved from bioplastic soaked in surface water > 65.046×102 mg of CO2 evolved from polyethylene soaked in marine water > 60.152×102 mg of CO2 evolved from polyethylene soaked in surface water. Moreover, the SEM results revealed high level of biodegradation and growth of biofilm on the biodegradable thermoplastics while the nylon 6 had little or no biofilm growth because of the recalcitrant nature. This study concluded that some biodegradable thermoplastics can biodegrade totally in aquatic environments without the release of greenhouse gases that could threaten the integrity of the aquatic environment as well as the release of toxic residues.

Groundwater in the coastal areas of Ghana: Quality and associated health risks

Self-supply water sources, particularly groundwater sources, play key roles in the water supply ecosystem of developing countries. Recent studies indicate that groundwater sources in coastal communities in Ghana are under threat from improper waste management practices, seawater intrusion and atmospheric aerosol deposition. In this study, Water Quality Index (WQI) and Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI) were employed to assess groundwater quality in four coastal communities of Ghana. The health risks associated with metal pollution of groundwater were investigated using incremental life cancer risk and hazard quotient. pH of groundwater in all the studied communities were acidic during the rainy season. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.44 to 2.61 mS/cm in the rainy season and from 0.43 to 2.45 mS/cm in the dry season for the four studied locations. Results also showed brackish conditions and mineralization of groundwater in Winneba, Accra, and Keta. Mean nitrate concentrations in Winneba and Accra were higher than the WHO standards for both the rainy and the dry season. Arsenic was higher than the acceptable level in Accra and Keta during the dry season, while iron was higher than the acceptable levels in Accra in both the rainy and dry seasons. Principal Component Analyses showed that Pb, As, and Fe had the highest loading in the first component in Essiama, while PO43-and Pb had the highest loading in the second component in Accra. WQI showed that the quality of groundwater in all the studied communities ranged from marginal to poor indicating that groundwater in the coastal communities often or usually departs from desirable quality. NPI revealed that NO3- , As, and Fe contribute to groundwater deterioration. Health risk assessment showed that As posed a high cancer risk in Accra and potential cancer risk in Essiama, Winneba, and Keta during the dry season. As also posed potential cancer risk in Accra during the rainy season. Non-cancer health risk was observed for As in Accra and Keta. The findings of this study suggest urgent regulations and monitoring strategies to improve groundwater quality in the coastal communities of Ghana.

Physico-Chemical, Microbiological and Mineral Quality of Selected Boreholes and Stream Waters in Elele Community, Rivers State, Nigeria West Africa

The analysis of the quality of drinking water from selected boreholes in Elele Community of Rivers State was conducted. The results obtained were compared with WHO standards. The physicochemical parameters values obtained were as follows: colour (all clear), pH (4.09 – 7.04 with mean value of 5.11. which is slightly acidic), temperature (24.5 -32.0 with mean value of 29.2), total dissolved solids (5-180 mg/l with mean value of 46.6 mg/l), conductivity (8-242 μs/cm with mean value of 63μs/cm), chloride (<1.0-24.7 mg/l), total hardness (<0.2 mg/l), calcium (<0.08), magnesium (<0.05mg/l), total alkalinity (4.0 – 8.0mg/l with mean value of 5.0), sulphate (<1.0mg/l), phosphate (<0.05 mg/l), and nitrate (<0.2 – 5.92mg/l), all of which did not exceed WHO standards, except for turbidity values in STN 7and 8 (5.51 and 7.40 NTU) which were slightly above the standard. For mineral analyses, Fe was in compliance with the standards, so also was Mn, except for STN 1 and 2 (2.576 and 0.471ppm) which were slightly above the limits. For microbiological analyses, FCB and TCB were less than detection limit, while THB values (2.4 x 102 – 8.0 x 102 efu/ml) all exceeded the WHO limits for portable water, which is the major source of contamination of the water samples. However, these variations in the results were not too pronounced to cause serious health hazards, since most of the parameters analyzed met the WHO limit and others which did not meet were slightly above the limit. But, this does not rule out completely the need for appropriate treatment of these water sources for portability and safe drinking. Recommendations on the strategies to reduce/eliminate some of the pollutants in the water were made.

Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Malaria Co-Infections among Children in Rural Communities Around Rwasave and Cyarwa Valleys

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis and malaria remain a threat in developing countries, especially to people living in rural areas near large water bodies, valleys or swamps whose daily life activities revolve around those areas. In addition, these parasites affect different groups of people especially those in contact with their breeding sites including children mostly due to their developing immunity compared to that of old people. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural communities near the Rwasave and Cyarwa valleys, with 124 school-aged children participating. Stool samples were tested for the presence of STH eggs and intestinal Schistosoma parasites using the Kato Katz technique, and thick blood smears were made to aid in the identification of plasmodium species in blood. The threshold intensity of infection on STHs and Schistosoma sp. was estimated by counting their eggs microscopically, which aided in classifying infections as light, moderate, or heavy according to WHO standards. Furthermore, Plasmodium species were identified by the presence of schizonts, trophozoites, or gametocytes on Giemsa-stained thick blood smears, and parasitic density was calculated as a result. Results: In this study, the highest prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis was 12.7% in Cyarwa valley compared to 12.5% in Rwasave valley. The highest prevalence of Schistosomiasis was 3.2% in Cyarwa valley compared to 1.3% in Rwasave valley. Prevalence of malaria in Cyarwa valley was 3.3% in 63 children. Where children infected were only males falling in 5-8 age group. Conclusion: Results showed high prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis which was 12.7% in Cyarwa compared to 12.5% in Rwasave valley especially in children aged 5-8, this due to poor sanitation (P<0.001) that have assessed. Surprisingly, Cyarwa valley is located nearby town. Whereas malaria, intestinal schistosomiasis was low and there were not significantly associated with their risk factors with p-values 0.4, 0.092 respectively which can show that, preventive measures that have been established by government of Rwanda have positive impacts. Furthermore, there was a low prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis, intestinal schistosomiasis and malaria co-infection. Keywords: soil transmitted helminthiasis, intestinal schistosomiasis, malaria.

Assessing prescribing practices in a rural hospital: A cross-sectional study using WHO prescribing indicators

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the prescribing practices of physicians at a rural hospital in Western India, focusing on adherence to WHO prescribing indicators. The main research question addressed the extent of alignment with optimal prescribing standards. 1: Evaluate prescribing patterns in a rural hospital using WHO indicators. 2: Assess alignment with WHO standards and identify areas for improvement. 3: Understand demographic influences on prescribing. 4: Provide insights for optimizing rural healthcare delivery.A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional approach was employed in the outpatient department of the rural hospital. A total of 604 prescriptions were sampled over two months, and data were collected using a random sampling method. The study followed ethical standards, and prescriptions were analyzed for demographic characteristics, prescribing patterns, and adherence to WHO indicators. The average number of drugs per prescription was 3.5, indicating a tendency towards polypharmacy. While 86% of drugs were prescribed generically, the study revealed areas of suboptimal adherence to WHO prescribing indicators, including antibiotic prescriptions (29%) and injectable use (50%). The analysis also highlighted disparities in prescribing patterns based on gender and age. The study provides valuable insights into prescribing practices in a rural healthcare setting, emphasizing the need for interventions to streamline prescriptions and enhance adherence to global standards. The identified areas for improvement include addressing polypharmacy, promoting generic prescribing, and optimizing antibiotic and injectable use.

Hydrochemical characteristics and sources of groundwater pollution in Soubré and Gagnoa counties, Côte d’Ivoire

For many years, groundwater has been widely used to meet a variety of human needs. As a result of increased urbanization, industrial use, and agriculture, groundwater is inextricably affected by various threats, resulting in groundwater pollution. This current study was carried out to determine the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in Gagnoa and Soubré counties as well as the main sources of pollution and their impact on groundwater chemistry and quality. A total of thirty (30) groundwater samples were collected from boreholes in September 2020. The following physicochemical and chemical parameters were analyzed: Na, Ca, K, Mg, SO4, NO3–N, HCO3, Cl, pH, EC and TDS. The results showed that groundwater was acidic with a pH range from 5.22 to 6.84, fresh and moderately mineralized with a TDS range from 55.96 to 744.46 mg/l. Hydrogeochemical characterization based on the Piper diagram and Gibbs plot was used to identify the groundwater types and the main mechanism controlling the groundwater mineralization. Five (5) water types were identified with the dominance of hydrogen carbonate facies and showed the presence of silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution in the area. This is consistent with the results inferred from Gibbs plot showing that groundwater chemistry is governed by rock-water interaction. The spatial distribution map of major ions showed the different locations where each ion is dominant.According to WHO standards, the parameters show values within the threshold limit except for some of them of which their values exceed the limit. Principal component analysis and ionic ratio plots showed that the high values of nitrate as nitrogen and sulfate observed are due to the influence of natural sources such as carbonate dissolution and anthropogenic activities such as sewage-manure and chemical fertilizers.Therefore, mitigation measures should be adopted to reduce the impact of human activities contributing to groundwater pollution to protect the groundwater quality and human health.

Development of an Improved Solid Waste Management System in Nigeria Using Smart IOT Devices

Rapid rise in inhabitants across the globe has led to the inadmissible management of waste in various countries, giving rise to various health issues and environmental pollution. Waste management is a daily task in urban areas, which requires a large amount of labour resources and affects natural, budgetary, efficiency, and social aspects. Many approaches have been proposed and implemented in developed countries to optimize waste management, such as smart waste in and route optimization. However, these technologies are still new in developing countries and have been implemented fully. The waste-collecting trucks collect waste just once or twice in seven days. The poor and improper disposal of waste produces toxic gases, and radiation in the environment, which has adverse effects on human health. The agency managing waste in Nigeria lack proper coordination to ensure better result. These challenges motivated this research. The research develop an improved solid waste management system using IoT sensors. The robust web-based system, coordinate and manage all the trucks, drivers and revenue generated from waste disposal to ensure better result when compared with existing method. The methodology adopted for this system is Object Oriented System analysis and designed (OOAD) methodology for the web based system, and Embedded C++ is used for the algorithm that controls the sensor reading. However, the MQ5, MQ7, MQ135 and Load cell sensors were used for dumpsite monitoring. While Ardunino Controller and Sim808 Gate way are used for System connection and transmission. The result from the simulated work, shows that air quality and waste bin level can monitored concurrently, which boost the efficiency of the new system. Moreover, the incorporation of load cell sensor at the dumpsite also help the regulatory body to computing the efficiency of the evacuation process of truck drivers. The readings of gas sensors on air quality from simulated environment were compared with six membership performance index (MID) of WHO air quality standard. The result shows that the simulated dumpsites were able to capture five out of the six MID. This represents 83.33% compliance to the WHO standard. The Improved solid waste management system developed in this work will help for proper coordination of waste collection and disposal, to ensure a clean and healthy environment that provides transparency in the business of waste management upon its implementation Keywords: Development, Solid Waste, Management, Smart and IOT Devices

Stillbirth Risk and Smallness for Gestational Age According to Hadlock, INTERGROWTH-21st, WHO, and GROW Fetal Weight Standards: Analysis by Maternal Ethnicity and Body Mass Index

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023;229:547.e1–13 Fetal growth during pregnancy is an important marker of fetal health, and fetal growth restriction (FGR) is highly correlated with stillbirth. To mitigate this risk, fetal growth must be assessed accurately and appropriately to recognize risk factors that point to FGR versus a normally developing fetus.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene factors associated with nutrition status among children under five years in Ewaso Narok Wetland, Laikipia County, Kenya

Background: Wetlands are known to harbor disease-causing bacteria, posing health risks that can be mitigated through improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. This study aimed to understand the factors affecting nutritional status and its connection to WASH-related diseases among children under five in Ewaso Narok Wetland, Laikipia County. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach, qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Simple random method was used to identify the respondents. Results: Findings revealed that 36% of households surveyed had children with nutritional edema, with mean age, weight, and height at 21 months, 11 kilograms, and 73 centimeters respectively. Using WHO standards, a significant proportion of children were found to be undernourished at 45.3% and stunted at 41.3%. Socio-demographic factors like caregiver education level and marital status were identified as influential on the nutrition status. While 51% of households had unimproved water sources, 86% had access to toilet facilities, predominantly traditional pit latrines. 67% of the respondents were located near a wetland with a proximity ranging from 1km to 5km. Disease prevalence among children included diarrhea (46%), typhoid-related fevers (22%), and malaria (12%), with edema significantly associated with WASH diseases. Conclusions: Factors such as feces disposal, wetland proximity, protective gear use, handwashing, and toilet facilities were linked to child nutrition. Recommendations include implementing WASH programs, improving water and sanitation access, promoting hygiene practices, ensuring safe feces disposal, using protective gear in wetlands, and advocating for improved toilet facilities. Further research is warranted to assess intervention effectiveness and explore additional influencing factors.

Planning for Handling COVID-19: Qualitative Study of COVID-19 at Sukorejo Community Health Center

Background: Health workers at Community Health Centers have an important role as the main guard in preventive and promotive efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyze the existence of planning for handling COVID-19 at the Sukorejo Jember Community Health Center in accordance with the first pillar in the WHO standards for planning for COVID-19. Methods: This research uses a descriptive phenomenological approach aimed at health workers involved in planning the handling of COVID-19 at community health centers. Data has been saturated in 3 health workers. Researchers analyzed the data using Collaizi analysis. Results: The results of the research have obtained three important themes, including team planning (human resources) in dealing with COVID-19, logistical needs, and preparation of activity implementation plans. Conclusion: Therefore, planning for handling COVID-19 is important in identifying and evaluating appropriate planning in infectious disease eradication programs at Community Health Centers. Keywords: COVID-19, planning, health care provider, public health center

Microbiological Quality of Irrigation Water and Leafy Vegetables in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The quality of water used for the irrigation of leafy vegetables in urban settings is in doubt due to contamination associated with poor hygiene and water pollution. This study examined the microbiological quality of irrigation water and leafy vegetables at Chang’ombe in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as well as the perceptions and level of awareness of nearby consumers. Water and leafy vegetable samples were analysed for faecal coliform (FC) using standard techniques. Perception and awareness of consumers were collected using a questionnaire survey. The results showed an average FC count of 406.1 ± 16.40 MPN/100 ml for the irrigation water. The sweet potato leaves and amaranth had FC counts of 11.40 ± 5.220 CFU/g and 17.60 ± 11.98 CFU/g respectively. The levels of FC in irrigation water and leafy vegetables were within the allowed limits by WHO and NAS-USA standards respectively but fall short of some stricter European standards for irrigation water. The household survey showed that consumers perceive irrigation water at Chang’ombe as polluted and may be one of the main sources of food contamination. They minimize associated health risks in various ways such as using clean storage, washing and cooking. It was concluded that the microbial quality of water used for irrigation of leafy vegetables at Chang’ombe poses no risk to public health, but based on tighter standards, improved public awareness of hygienic practices is crucial to address potential risks.

Baobab Leaf Powder Efficacy as Turbid Water Treatment Biocoagulant

The high cost of treated water makes most rural communities resort to readily available sources that are normally of low quality, which exposes them to waterborne diseases in the process. In the present study, various doses of baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaf powder coagulant (i.e., 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3g per 50 mL turbid water) were added to the surface water sample collected. It was found that increasing the coagulant doses results in either a decrease or increase in the measured parameters, such as pH, turbidity, and electrical conductivity (EC). At constant 30 min coagulation time, pH and EC of the turbid water samples taken were within WHO standards. However, the labeled sample fed with 0.3g of baobab leaf powder coagulant gave the lowest turbidity of 78.7 NTU. A reduction in final turbidity is a clear indication of the coagulation capabilities of baobab leave powder. With this study, baobab leave (as a potential coagulant) is a new addition to the literature, apart from its seed and pulp which have been experimented with previously. Natural coagulants contain some chemicals whose effect on the resulting treated water needs to be examined. If need be, an additional treatment unit must be set up to adsorb or remove those contaminants from the water before proper use.

Combined effect of grooves and nanoflower structured Co3O4 coating on bamboo wood for highly efficient solar steam generation at indoor and outdoor conditions.

Currently, interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) in desalinating water has become very popular for obtaining purified water from polluted water. However, finding an efficient evaporator with low cost is a challenging task for researchers. In this work, we introduce natural bamboo wood (BW) that acts as an interfacial evaporator for obtaining purified water. Four different wood evaporators namely, flat wood (BW-FW), two-cut grooved wood (BW-2G), four-cut grooved wood (BW-4G), and four-cut grooved with Co3O4-coated wood (BW-4G/Co3O4) are used to study the mass loss (ML), evaporation rate (ER), and evaporation efficiency (EY). From the observations, BW-4G/Co3O4 gives an admirable ML, ER, and EY of 4.4 g, 3.366 kg m-2 h-1, and 91.34% under 1 sun illumination for 60 min. Also, the BW-4G/Co3O4 evaporator is kept under natural sun illumination. It achieves 17.8 g of ML, 1.92 kg m-2 h-1 of ER, and 76% of EY respectively under 604.762 W/m2 solar illumination for 8 h. The reasons for the observed results are as follows: (i) the presence of grooves increases the exposing area for solar illuminations, (ii) super hydrophilicity nature of wood gives continuous replenishment of water from the bottom to the evaporative surface, (iii) the excellent salt rejection property of wood aids in continuous water transportation without salt accumulations. As a result of the condensed seawater samples, the ion concentrations (zinc, magnesium, cadmium, lead, copper, and sodium) come under WHO standards. Consequently, it gives better dye water separation from polluted water.

Physical quality and antibiotic susceptibility profile of <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolates from roof-harvested rainwater: A microcosm study

Owing to the inadequate supply of potable water in rural settlements in developing countries, roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) has been favoured as an alternative source of water supply. The present study investigated the physical characteristics and microbial quality of 10 RHRW samples collected from storage tanks in Ikwo community of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Triplicate water sampling was performed over a 3-month sampling regime. Onsite determination of odour, colour, pH and temperature, and isolation and enumeration of Escherichia coli were done using standard procedures. The identity of the isolates was confirmed using molecular techniques, and the susceptibility of the isolates to 11 antibiotics was determined following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes and indices (MARPs and MARI) were equally determined. Our findings revealed that the RHRWs had unobjectionable odour and were colourless. Across the 3-month o sampling, the pH ranged from 6.9 to 7.8 while the temperature was between 24 °C and 29 C. While E. coli was absent in samples E (September), H (August and October) and J (August, September, and October), the highest E. coli count in August, September, and October was 37, 32, and 38 cfu/100 mL, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility test on 40 E. coli isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (100%), aztreonam (98%), cefotetan (97%), nitrofurantoin (90%), imipenem (83%), streptomycin (72%), and ertapenem (69%). Interestingly, the ighest MARP, 11 (AK/S/ETP/IMI/OFX/NOR/AMP/CTT/ATM/F/TE) (sample B), and the least, 4 (IMI/AMP/CTT/ATM) were recorded in samples B and D, respectively in September. MARI was from 0.42 to 1.00. The physical parameters conform with WHO standards, on the other hand, detection of E. coli poses risks of water-borne illness(es) and transmission of antimicrobial resistance. Hence stringent measures including proper treatment, sanitation and hygiene are advocated to safeguard the health of dwellers who depend on this water source for daily life activities.

Phenoxazine-based fluorescence chemosensor for selective detection of cyanide

Purpose A highly selective cyanide phenoxazine-based fluorescence chemosensor POH was created to detect cyanide (CN) ions. Design/methodology/approach A malonitrile was added to a phenoxazine fluorophore to make this widely available chemosensor. By fluorescence spectroscopy, the sensor POH showed turn-off fluorescence emission for CN with 2:1 binding stoichiometry in CH3CN/H2O (90:10 v/v) medium. Findings The detection limits for CN were 9.8 × 10−9 M, which were much lower than WHO standards. NMR and FT-IR investigations backed up the suggested sensor POH mechanism. Originality/value The detection CN method should be applicable in a number of situations, where the CN anion for fresh water and drinking water has to be quickly and accurately analyzed. Graphical abstract

Dental caries status and related factors among 5-year-old children in Shanghai.

Dental caries in young children is a difficult global oral health problem. In the last decade, China has put a great deal of effort into reducing the prevalence of dental caries. This study, which is part of the China Population Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance 2021, aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 5 in Shanghai, China, and its associated factors. A total of 1281 children aged 5 years from 6 districts in Shanghai were selected by a stratified sampling method. The survey consisted of an oral health questionnaire and an oral health examination. The questionnaire included questions on oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. The oral health examination used WHO standards. After screening, the data were input and analysed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to study the relevant factors affecting dental caries. The prevalence of dental caries among 1281 children was 51.0%, the dmft index score was 2.46, the Significant Caries Index (SiC) score was 6.39, and the SiC10 score was 10.35. Dental caries experience was related to the frequency of sweet drink consumption, the age of starting tooth brushing, eating habits after brushing, whether the children had received an oral examination provided by the government (p < 0.05), and the mother's education level but was not related to sex, the use of fluoride toothpaste, the frequency of brushing, whether the parents assisted brushing, or the frequency of flossing (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the region of residence, eating after brushing and the age of starting brushing were associated with dental caries. Dental caries remained prevalent among 5-year-old children in Shanghai, China. Prevention strategies that target the associated factors including region of residence, eating after brushing, and the age of starting brushing should be considered.

Mycological Assessment of Selected Swimming Pools of Recreational Centers around the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the physicochemical properties and mycological safety of four swimming pools within and around the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: Random sampling design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, between August and October, 2023. Methodology: A total of 8 samples were collected before and after patronage by patrons from 4 swimming pool. Standard methods were employed for the physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity and residual chlorine as well as the enumeration for fungi using potato dextrose agar. Results: The pH values ranged from 4.50 to 10.00. The Nephelometric Turbidity Unit ranged from 0.45 to 0.90 NTU while the residual chlorine ranged from 0.36 to 355.00 mg/l. The fungal counts ranged from 1 to 9 cfu/ml, while the isolated species on the basis of cultural morphology and microscopic characteristics were identified as species of Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Rhodotorula, Microsporium and Trichophyton. Conclusion: This study has revealed a potential health risk associated with the use of water of the examined recreational facilities due to none compliance with the WHO standard of &lt; 1 cfu/100ml for fungal and the other parameters, suggesting a public health concern and need for effective interventions.

Quality assessments of spring water available in various Districts of Azad Kashmir

The study was conducted to find out the health of spring water available in different districts of Azad Jammu Kashmir. A total of 8 districts (Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Poonch, Sudhanati, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Neelum, and Haveli) were selected where spring water is available and people are using that water for drinking purposes. Physiochemical analysis and microbiological analysis were monitored by using standard methods (PSQCA and WHO). The physiochemical analysis of most samples revealed the range as per the standard of PSQCA and WHO. On the other hand, in microbiological analysis, total plate count, coliform, and E. coli were found higher in districts Bagh and Haveli. The results of the microbiological analysis may be influenced by contamination during sample collection or by environmental circumstances.

Physico-chemical parameters, heavy-metals and soil particle distribution of Liverpool axis of Badagry Creek, Lagos, South-western Nigeria

Heavy metal pollution is a serious issue of concern worldwide because it can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and transferred through the food chain to harm humans. Information on the heavy metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems is essential to protect life. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the physico-chemical parameters of surface water, soil particle distribution (SPD) and heavy metals in two shellfish species in Liverpool axis of Badagry Creek, Lagos State, Nigeria. Twelve physico-chemical parameters and four heavy metals were studied using standard methods. The results showed that maximum temperature was 31.0±1.00˚0C; turbidity, 118.00±50.90NTU; dissolved oxygen (DO), 13.3±3.8mg/l; dissolved carbon dioxide (COD), 67.7±19.1mg/l; total hardness, 173.0±63.1mg/l; conductivity, 39.2±12.2μS/cm and chloride was 2.0±0.7mg/l. Water quality parameters showed significant spatial variations (p&lt;0.05) among sample stations. Pearson’s correction matrices revealed high correlation of DO with nitrate (r = 0.61), total hardness (r=0.62) and COD (r=0.52) at p&lt;0.05. The heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in the shellfishes, Callinectes pallidus and Farfantepenaeus notialis were: lead, 0.05±0.05 and 0.04±0.02; copper, 2.03±0.17 and 0.84±0.18; zinc, 3.51±0.44 and 1.99±0.2 and cadmium, 0.02±0.02 and 0.03±0.04 respectively. These levels were not above the WHO standards (for heavy metals in fish and shell fish). The sediment particle distribution (SPD) showed that Liverpool Jetty had 19.05% coarse sand and 43.91% fine sand, while Apapa Jetty had the highest amount of clay 45.29% in the environment. Heavy metals in shellfishes were above the WHO standards.

Appraising LaQshya’s potential in measuring quality of care for mothers and newborns: a comprehensive review of India’s Labor Room Quality Improvement Initiative

BackgroundPoor intrapartum care in India contributes to high maternal and newborn mortality. India’s Labor Room Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya) launched in 2017, aims to improve intrapartum care by minimizing complications, enforcing protocols, and promoting respectful maternity care (RMC). However, limited studies pose a challenge to fully examine its potential to assess quality of maternal and newborn care. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap and reviews LaQshya’s ability to assess maternal and newborn care quality. Findings will guide modifications for enhancing LaQshya’s effectiveness.MethodsWe reviewed LaQshya’s ability to assess the quality of care through a two-step approach: a comprehensive descriptive analysis using document reviews to highlight program attributes, enablers, and challenges affecting LaQshya’s quality assessment capability, and a comparison of its measurement parameters with the 352 quality measures outlined in the WHO Standards for Maternal and Newborn Care. Comparing LaQshya with WHO standards offers insights into how its measurement criteria align with global standards for assessing maternity and newborn care quality.ResultsLaQshya utilizes several proven catalysts to enhance and measure quality- institutional structures, empirical measures, external validation, certification, and performance incentives for high-quality care. The program also embodies contemporary methods like quality circles, rapid improvement cycles, ongoing facility training, and plan-do-check, and act (PDCA) strategies for sustained quality enhancement. Key drivers of LaQshya’s assessment are- leadership, staff mentoring, digital infrastructure and stakeholder engagement from certified facilities. However, governance issues, understaffing, unclear directives, competency gaps, staff reluctance towards new quality improvement approaches inhibit the program, and its capacity to enhance quality of care. LaQshya addresses 76% of WHO’s 352 quality measures for maternal and newborn care but lacks comprehensive assessment of crucial elements: harmful labor practices, mistreatment of mothers or newborns, childbirth support, and effective clinical leadership and supervision.ConclusionLaQshya is a powerful model for evaluating quality of care, surpassing other global assessment tools. To achieve its maximum potential, we suggest strengthening district governance structures and offering tailored training programs for RMC and other new quality processes. Furthermore, expanding its quality measurement metrics to effectively assess provider accountability, patient outcomes, rights, staff supervision, and health facility leadership will increase its ability to assess quality improvements.