Hygiene

In the Philippine basic education system, particularly in Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Cookery classes, teachers are at the forefront of promoting proper food hygiene. However, systemic challenges such as the absence of standardized policies, outdated training, and lack of resources hinder their effectiveness. To address this gap, this study aimed to assess the food hygiene knowledge and practices of cookery teachers and provides localized evidence to address the lack of division-level hygiene policies. A descriptive research design supported by qualitative interviews was employed. In total, 69 junior and senior high school cookery teachers from three school divisions in Ilocos Norte participated. A researcher-made survey questionnaire and an interview guide were used to gather data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Participant testimonies were integrated to enrich the quantitative findings. Results showed high levels of food hygiene knowledge ($\overline{x}=$ 3.48; Highly Competent) and practices ($\overline{x}=$ 3.80; Highly Competent). Despite these strengths, notable gaps were identified in technical areas such as temperature control, cold storage, and specific aspects of personal hygiene. Interviews highlighted the need for a formal institutional hygiene policy to support teachers’ implementation of safe food-handling practices. All computed p-values were below 0.01, indicating significant correlations between demographic variables and both knowledge and practices. The correlation values ranged from r = 0.039 to r = 0.342, suggesting weak to moderate positive relationships and indicating that hygiene behaviors are influenced by multiple factors rather than demographics alone. Based on the findings, the study recommends institutionalizing the proposed policy brief, providing adequate resources, and implementing continuous professional development for Cookery teachers. The study’s scope is limited to Northern Philippines.

Background: The use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology is rapidly expanding in modern dentistry. However, differences may exist in educational experiences and utilization competencies between dental hygiene and dental technology students. Objectives: This study aimed to assess CAD/CAM educational exposure and competencies by major and grade level. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 464 undergraduate students in Korea. The questionnaire covered general characteristics, CAD/CAM education experience, and competencies in scanning, CAD design, CAM operation, and post-processing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and correlation analysis. Results: A total of 464 valid responses were analyzed. Dental technology students reported significantly higher experience with CAD/CAM education compared with dental hygiene students (p < 0.001). Scanning, CAD design, CAM operation, and post-processing competency were all significantly higher among dental technology students and senior (3–4 year) students compared with dental hygiene and junior (1–2 year) students (p < 0.001). CAD/CAM competencies varied significantly by major and grade level. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need to strengthen CAD/CAM training in dentistry curricula and to promote interdisciplinary digital dentistry education to prepare practice-ready graduates for a digitized clinical environment.

Background: The cysts of the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis, which targets a broad spectrum of hosts including humans, can withstand environmental conditions for months, making effective disinfectant measures crucial for minimizing the infection burden. Previous investigations concerning disinfection efficacy were based on cysts from fecal/water samples or animal models, which are either unfit for standardized procedures or related to ethical concerns. Methods: To perform standardized in vitro disinfectant testing, four different encystation protocols were compared firstly. The protocol with the highest efficacy in our hands (1.7 × 10⁵ cysts per tube) was used for the production of cysts to establish a disinfectant assay. Therefore, it was used for the production of cysts to establish a dis-infectant efficacy assay. After incubation with a commercial disinfectant (ViPiBaX Giardien Ex^®) or 30% hydrogen peroxide solution (H₂O₂) at 10 °C and room temperature, parasite cyst viability was evaluated by the yield of trophozoites obtained by the applied excystation protocol. Results: Only untreated Giardia cysts, which were used as a negative con-trol, released trophozoites. The protocol established for the evaluation of cyst viability delivered reproducible results and appeared suitable for testing the inactivation of cysts by chemical disinfection. Conclusions: Under the given conditions, the disinfectant ViPiBaX Giardien Ex^® and H₂O₂ inactivated Giardia cysts.