Search Results (321)

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) suffers from unpredictable mechanical properties in nominally identical prints. Current quality assurance relies on destructive testing or expensive post-process inspection, while existing machine learning approaches focus primarily on printing parameters rather than real-time thermal environments. The objective of this proof-of-concept study is to develop a low-cost, non-destructive framework for predicting tensile strength during FDM printing by directly measuring convective thermal gradients surrounding the print. To accomplish this, we introduce thermal fingerprinting: a novel non-destructive technique that combines Background-Oriented Schlieren (BOS) imaging with machine learning to predict tensile strength during printing. We captured thermal gradient fields surrounding PLA specimens (n = 30) under six controlled cooling conditions using consumer-grade equipment (Nikon D750 camera, household hairdryers) to demonstrate low-cost implementation feasibility. BOS imaging was performed at nine critical layers during printing, generating thermal gradient data that was processed into features for analysis. Our initial dual-model ensemble system successfully classified cooling conditions (100%) and showed promising correlations with tensile strength (initial 80/20 train–test validation: R² = 0.808, MAE = 0.279 MPa). However, more rigorous cross-validation revealed the need for larger datasets to achieve robust generalization (five-fold cross-validation R² = 0.301, MAE = 0.509 MPa), highlighting typical challenges in small-sample machine learning applications. This work represents the first successful application of Schlieren imaging to polymer additive manufacturing and establishes a methodological framework for real-time quality prediction. The demonstrated framework is directly applicable to real-time, non-contact quality assurance in FDM systems, enabling on-the-fly identification of mechanically unreliable prints in laboratory, industrial, and distributed manufacturing environments without interrupting production. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants, widely distributed from aquatic ecosystems to the terrestrial food chain, and represent a potential route of human exposure. Although several reviews have addressed MP contamination, a critical synthesis focusing on pathways through which consumer goods directly enter food and beverages, along with corresponding industry and regulatory responses, is lacking. This review fills this gap by proposing the direct release of MPs from common sources such as food packaging, kitchen utensils, and household appliances, linking the release mechanisms to human health risks. The release mechanisms of MPs under thermal stress, mechanical abrasion, chemical leaching, and environmental factors, as well as a risk-driven framework for MP release, are summarized. Human exposure through ingestion is the predominant route, while inhalation and dermal contact are additional pathways. In vitro and animal studies have associated MP exposure to inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and genomic instability as endpoints, though direct causal evidence in humans remains lacking, and extrapolation from model systems necessitates caution. This review revealed that dietary intake from kitchen sources is the primary pathway for MP exposure, higher than the inhalation pathway. Most importantly, this review critically sheds light on the initiatives that should be taken by industries with respect to global strategies and new policies to alleviate these challenges. However, while there has been an upsurge in research commenced in this area, there are still research gaps that need to be addressed to explore food matrices such as dairy products, meat, and wine in the context of the supply chain. In conclusion, we pointed out the challenges that limit this research with the aim of improving standardization; research approaches and a risk assessment framework to protect health; and the key differences between MP and nanoplastic (NP) detection, toxicity, and regulatory strategies, underscoring the need for size-resolved risk assessments. Full article

Synthetic surfactants are currently the most commonly used agents in human cosmetics and household chemicals. However, there are increasingly frequent reports of cases showing the negative impact of these surfactants on human skin. Out of concern for users, many companies, including those originating in the automotive chemicals industry, are increasingly turning to surfactants that are more dermatologically friendly and non-toxic to the environment. The following study aimed to examine two custom-developed car shampoo concentrates based on highly biodegradable raw materials and to analyse their impact on selected skin parameters. The research included semi-contact patch tests and in vivo instrumental tests on a group of volunteers, measuring the following parameters: skin moisturising, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, roughness, smoothness, and skin scaliness. Both products showed very good dermatological tolerance, without causing drastic or long-lasting changes in selected skin parameters. The results of the tests confirmed that both car products can represent a safe alternative for everyday use, in accordance with the principles of green chemistry. Full article

Ensuring optimal food hygiene is essential for food safety and preventing foodborne illness, although the importance of food hygiene is often overlooked in the household kitchen setting. Adequate, good hygiene practices in the domestic environment are equally important as their implementation in any other food preparation environment, like in the food industry. The current review encompasses research data on the prevalence and isolation of major foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli pathotypes, and Clostridium perfringens) from household kitchen equipment, as well as food cleaning utensils used in the kitchen, such as sponges, brushes, dishcloths, and hand towels. The most common bacterial pathogen present in the domestic environment is S. aureus. The latter can be transmitted orally, either via direct hand contact with contaminated kitchen surfaces and/or cleaning utensils, or indirectly through the consumption of contaminated food due to cross-contamination during food preparation (e.g., portioning prepared meat on the same cutting board surface and with the same knife previously used to cut fresh leafy vegetables). Moreover, research findings on the hygiene of food cleaning utensils demonstrate that (i) sponges have the highest microbial load compared to all other cleaning utensils, (ii) brushes are less contaminated and more hygienic than sponges, thus safer for cleaning cutlery and kitchen utensils, and (iii) kitchen dishcloths and hand towels positively contribute to cross-contamination since they are frequently used for multiple purposes at the same time (e.g., drying hands and wiping/removing excess moisture from dishes). Finally, the present review clearly addresses the emerging issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens and the role of the domestic kitchen environment in AMR dissemination. These issues add complexity to foodborne risk management, linking household practices to broader AMR stewardship initiatives. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 and long COVID remain prevalent, with household transmission being an important mode of spread. To quantify household transmission of subclinical SARS-COV-2 infection and identify sociodemographic risk factors that may explain disparities in transmission, we conducted a case-ascertained antibody surveillance study of households in Cincinnati, Ohio. Methods: A partnership was formed between the Cincinnati Health Department and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The Health Department identified cases of COVID-19. Infected individuals, along with their household contacts (n = 245), completed multiple questionnaires about symptoms, demographics, psychosocial (Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale and Everyday Discrimination Scale) and social risk factors, and conditions before and during the pandemic. In addition, they completed a non-fasting blood draw for IgG, IgM, IgA, and nucleocapsid protein serology testing. Results: Household contacts experienced few symptoms of COVID-19. However, according to the presence of the nucleocapsid protein, nearly 50% contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This rate was similar by vaccination status but it was higher for household contacts who experienced high levels of early life adversity compared with those with lower levels. Conclusions: Our results confirm the high transmission of subclinical disease among household contacts, which may vary due to psychosocial factors. This reinforces the importance of isolating cases to prevent transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Full article

Systematic screening of household contacts (HHCs) of people with tuberculosis (TB) and starting them on either TB treatment or tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) reduces TB incidence. This project supported HHC management in six health facilities in Zimbabwe through the provision of CXR services, reimbursement of transport costs for HHCs, and provision of fuel and refreshments for healthcare workers involved in contact tracing. We describe TB and TPT cascades among the HHCs of index patients with all forms of TB. We enrolled 251 index patients who listed 794 HHCs: 551 (69%) HHCs of 158 index patients were traced and 520 (94%) screened for TB. Of the 502 who were referred to clinics, 362 (72%) reached the clinic. Among 520 HHCs, 324 (62%) underwent CXR screening and 18 (5%) had CXRs suggestive of TB. The yield of TB was 2.3% (12/520), with CXR detecting eight people who had not reported TB symptoms. Of the 311 who were assessed for TPT eligibility, 126 (41%) started TPT and 119 were assessed for TPT outcomes. Of these, 111 (93%) had successful TPT outcomes. The median times to starting TB treatment and TPT were 7 days and 11 days, respectively. The intervention facilitated timely access to healthcare services and a high yield of TB detection. Full article

Since cats often struggle to acclimate to laboratory settings, a key requirement for effective testing, we adapted Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Test (SST) for use in environments familiar to the cats. We examined 82 cat–caregiver dyads from private households and animal shelters using a standardised five-phase video procedure comprising distinct phases of presence, separation, and reunion between the cats and their human caregivers. Seven attachment-related behaviours were recorded via focal animal sampling and analysed using mixed models. Significant differences were observed in exploratory behaviour, physical contact, play (social, object, and locomotor), passive behaviour, and vocalisation. Cats from private homes exhibited more exploratory and play behaviour, particularly after reuniting with their caregiver, indicating a positive influence of the familiar person’s presence. Cats from animal shelters exhibited reduced play behaviour, more passive behaviour, and more frequent purring, particularly following reunion. Physical contact increased following separations, indicating attachment. Meowing was most frequent during absences and reunions, possibly reflecting stress and renewed social contact. Outdoor access emerged as a potential influencing factor for exploratory behaviour. In summary, attachment behaviours in cats were significantly influenced by the living environment, access to the outdoors, and the presence of familiar or unfamiliar individuals. Certain test phases elicited particularly strong behavioural responses. Full article

Background: Household contacts of smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients face an elevated risk of infection and disease progression, particularly young children and individuals living in overcrowded households. Despite WHO recommendations for systematic contact screening and provision of TB preventive therapy (TPT), implementation remains suboptimal in high-burden rural areas. This study aimed to develop a practical framework for identifying and prioritizing high-risk families by examining demographic predictors, household clustering, and machine learning-based risk models. Methods: A total of 437 household contacts linked to smear-positive index cases were assessed and classified as high or low risk. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, χ² tests, Z-tests for age-group differences, and multivariable logistic regression. Household-level vulnerability patterns were explored using network visualizations, clustered heatmaps, and risk-ranking charts. Three machine learning models, logistic regression, random forest, and gradient boosting, were trained using demographic and household variables with 5-fold cross-validation and an 80/20 hold-out test split. Model performance was evaluated using the AUROC, AUPRC, accuracy, F1-score, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. Results: Of the 437 contacts, 290 (66.4%) were classified as high risk. A younger age was strongly associated with high-risk status (χ² = 16.61, p = 0.005), with children aged 0–4 years being significantly more likely to be in a high-risk category (Z = 2.706). Gender showed no significant association (p = 0.523). Logistic regression identified younger age (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.48–3.94) and larger household size (aOR = 1.12 per additional member, 95% CI: 1.01–1.25) as independent predictors of the outcome. Visual analytics revealed apparent clustering of high-risk individuals within “hotspot families,” enabling prioritization through composite risk scores. Gradient boosting achieved the strongest performance (AUROC = 0.65; AUPRC = 0.76), with acceptable calibration (Brier score = 0.21) and a positive net clinical benefit in the decision curve analysis. Conclusions: TB risk is highly clustered at the household level, with large families and young children carrying disproportionate vulnerability. Combining demographic risk assessment, household-level visualization, and predictive modeling provides a practical, data-driven approach to prioritizing households during contact investigation. These findings support the WHO’s family-centered strategy and underscore the need to strengthen clinical governance and community-engaged education to optimize TB prevention in resource-limited rural settings. Full article

Background: Brazil must make progress toward eliminating tuberculosis as a public health problem and achieving the goal of reducing treatment interruption to below 5%. Improving adherence requires a thorough understanding of the factors that influence this outcome. Objectives: To identify epidemiological, socioeconomic, and health service-related factors associated with tuberculosis treatment interruption in Brazilian municipalities from 2018 to 2022. Methods: This ecological study utilized secondary data from all Brazilian municipalities. Independent variables were organized into three blocks: epidemiological, health service coverage, and socioeconomic. A zero-inflated beta regression model was employed to analyze both the proportion and zero-inflated components. Results: The mean treatment interruption rate was 8.1%. Interruption was associated with the proportion of laboratory-confirmed cases, Family Health Strategy coverage, and the proportion of the population residing in rural areas. Tuberculosis incidence, sputum smear microscopy, molecular rapid tests, contact investigation, directly observed therapy, AIDS detection rate, Gini index, household crowding, and illiteracy were associated with treatment adherence. In the zero-inflated component, directly observed therapy, consultations per inhabitant, illiteracy, and the proportion of the population residing in rural areas increased the probability of a zero-interruption rate, whereas TB incidence, AIDS detection, municipal population, and household crowding decreased that probability. Conclusions: Tuberculosis treatment interruption in Brazil is shaped by socioeconomic, epidemiological, and health service factors, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that combine social protection with strengthened primary care to improve adherence and progress toward elimination goals. Full article

This study examined residents’ perceptions, preferences, and experiences of urban green spaces in four regional units of the Region of Attica—West Athens, Central Athens, South Athens, and Piraeus—demonstrating how demographic diversity, urban morphology, and external stressors—such as extreme heat and the COVID-19 pandemic—shape green space use. The results show that, while green spaces are essential for health, well-being, and social cohesion, their distribution is uneven, which limits their availability (27.3%) and access (21.8%) to residents. Main concerns expressed by residents when visiting green spaces and open green spaces are poor maintenance (50.7%), lack of security (36.7%), and socially irresponsible behaviour (e.g., littering, vandalism) (32.8%). Extreme heat emerged as a major constraint on outdoor activities, particularly affecting women and the elderly. Household-associated outdoor areas (balconies, courtyards, and verandas) were highly valued (59.8%), highlighting the role of private green spaces in dense urban environments. Major metropolitan parks were the most visited and valued by residents for providing contact with nature (23.0%) and benefiting from stress relief (54.0%) while practicing their favourite activity, though their use was limited during heatwaves (30.3% of the residents do not visit). Most activities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were reported unchanged, though reported increases in walking (34.3%) and park visits (28.3%) demonstrate the importance of green spaces in fostering urban resilience. However, the reported lack of engagement in gardening (48.0%), indoor plant care (41.2%) and bird/wildlife watching (58.3%) suggest missed opportunities for ecological and cultural enrichment. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for integrated planning strategies to improve accessibility, maintenance, and equity in green space provision. By aligning with the sustainable development goals, the four regional units of the Region of Attica can transform its green infrastructure into an inclusive, resilient system that supports public health, social inclusion, and climate adaptation. Full article

Background: DNA evidence can play a critical role during the investigation of illicit drugs cases. A key challenge, however, is in determining whether DNA profiles recovered on the evidence items, such as drug packages, arise from direct handling or indirect transfer. Methods: In this respect, we simulated common drug offense scenarios where illicit drugs were discovered inside vehicular or household settings that can be linked to the suspect. DNA transfer was evaluated based on two hypothetical propositions: (1) the individual’s DNA was directly deposited onto the mock drug packages through handling, or alternatively (2) DNA persisting on a particular surface had transferred onto the packages. For the direct transfer scenario, 15 participants were requested to pack the mock drug packages using their bare hands. For the indirect transfer scenario, DNA-free mock drug packages were placed at various locations in 15 vehicles and 15 bedrooms for different time intervals. Following each scenario, DNA samples were collected from multiple areas of the mock drug packages. DNA transfer was assessed based on quantification and profiling results, which were subsequently evaluated within a Bayesian network-based framework. Results: Higher DNA transfer frequencies onto the mock drug packages were observed in the direct-handling experiment compared to those from indirect transfer, suggesting that DNA transfer occurs to a higher degree from active contact. In direct-handling scenarios, the amount of DNA recovered from the handles of the carrier bags was much higher than that from the exterior bodies, indicating preferential DNA deposition at the contact areas. Conversely, the results from indirect transfer scenarios showed similar recovered DNA amounts between the handles and the exterior bodies of the carrier bags, with minimal transfer to the interior surfaces. These findings indicate that the likelihood of recovering DNA from specific areas of evidence items can be linked to the particular activities and transfer mechanisms involved. Conclusions: The findings of this study expand the empirical knowledge of DNA transfer processes across diverse forensic contexts. Full article

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) play a key role in reducing CO₂ emissions and enabling a climate-neutral economy. However, they suffer from reduced range in cold conditions due to electric cabin heating. Electrically heated thermal energy storage (TES) systems can decouple heat generation from demand, thereby preventing a loss of range. For this purpose, a novel concept based on a directly electrically heated ceramic solid media TES is investigated, aiming to achieve high storage density while enabling both high charging and discharging powers. To assess the feasibility of the proposed TES concept in BEVs, a holistic evaluation of central aspects is conducted, including experimental characterization for material selection, experimental investigations on electrical contacting, and simulations of the electrothermal charging and thermal discharging processes under vehicle-relevant conditions. As a result of the material characterization, a promising material—a silicon carbide-based composite—was identified, which meets the electrothermal requirements under typical household charging conditions and allows reliable operation with silver-metallized electrodes. Design studies with this material show gravimetric energy densities—including thermal insulation demand—exceeding 100 Wh/kg, storage utilization of up to 90%, and fast charging within 25 min, while offering 5 kW at flexible temperature levels for cabin heating during thermal discharging. These results show that the basic prerequisites for such storage systems are met, while further development—particularly in terms of material improvements—remains necessary. Full article

The hilly and mountainous regions of Nepal provide a suitable environment for the cultivation of large cardamom, a high-value cash crop with significant global market potential. However, climate change poses significant threats to its production and the livelihoods of farmers dependent on this crop. To cope with these challenges, adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices is essential, particularly among smallholder farmers of rural communities. However, the extent of their implementation remains largely unknown. We surveyed 158 households in Ilam and Tehrathum districts to assess the adoption intensity of climate-resilient practices among large cardamom farmers using the Ordered Probit Model. Findings revealed considerable variation in the adoption intensity of climate-resilient practices. Traditional practices like tillering, weeding, and irrigation were highly adopted, while more innovative, knowledge-intensive methods were less adopted. Education was found to have a positive influence on the high adoption intensity of climate-resilient practices. Each additional unit of year of schooling increases the probability of high adoption of practices by 3.4%. Membership in farmers’ groups increases the likelihood of high adoption by 12.9%, while labor availability and regular extension contact rises by 21.9% and 17.8%, respectively. Similarly, age shows a smaller but significant effect, increasing adoption by 0.5% at p-value = 0.08. The use of traditional practices is common; however, the uptake of scientifically recommended practices for climate resilience remains limited. Policy initiatives focusing on farmer education, promoting farmer organizations, addressing labor shortages, and strengthening extension services are important for enhancing resilience in the large cardamom sector of Nepal. Full article

Background: Mongolia is experiencing a rapid epidemiologic transition in which high burdens of micronutrient malnutrition, infection, and cardiometabolic disease are simultaneously prevalent. This cross-sectional study sought to understand how nutritional, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic risk factors are distributed among a population at high-risk for tuberculosis (TB), comprising household contacts (HHCs) and healthcare workers, (HCWs) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and how these factors are associated with TB infection. Methods: A total of 196 HHCs and 241 HCWs were assessed for latent TB infection (LTBI) using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay and for diabetes using fingerprick samples for fasting blood glucose. Participants also underwent assessments of their diet and physical activity, nicotine dependence, body mass index, and serum 25(OH)D concentration. We examined associations between assessed risk factors and LTBI using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of LTBI was 47% for both HHCs and HCWs. A total of 54% percent of HHCs and 68% of HCWs had low physical activity levels; 63% of HHCs and 95% of HCWs were overweight or obese; 7% of HHCs and 4% of HCWs had impaired or diabetic fasting blood glucose [FBG]; and 49% of HHCs and 70% of HCWs were vitamin D deficient. In a multivariable analysis of HHCs, LTBI was independently associated with lower serum [25(OH)D], and the odds ratio (OR) was 3.18 (95% CI 1.38–7.79; p = 0.009). In contrast, the probability of LTBI did not differ significantly between vitamin D-deficient and non-deficient HCWs, and the OR was 0.89 (95% CI 0.59–1.37; p = 0.42). In a pooled analysis of HHCs and HCWs, the probability of LTBI did not significantly differ between vitamin D-deficient vs. non-deficient participants. The association between serum [25(OH)D] and LTBI among HHCs and HCWs was significantly modified by fasting blood glucose (FBG), such that a lower vitamin D status was significantly more common among those in the highest tertile of FBG than among those in the lowest tertile of FBG. Conclusions: Nutritional, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic risk factors are highly prevalent among HHCs and HCWs with TB in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. These findings underscore the importance of simultaneously controlling TB infection, malnutrition, and cardiometabolic risks among HHCs and HCWs to reduce the disease burden in Mongolia. Full article

This study examined social and physical environmental exposures, health, and healthcare utilization among children aged 0–12 in urban areas. A population-based cross-sectional design was used, incorporating general practitioners’ data (2018–2019, n = 14,547), and societal and environmental data. Latent class analysis identified three distinct classes based on child and family demographics: ‘Dutch-origin two-parent household’ (n = 7267), ‘households with diverse countries of origin’ (n = 4313), and ‘single-parent household’ (n = 2967). Binary and multinomial logistic regression examined associations with environmental factors and child health outcomes. Children from the Dutch-origin class most often had favorable family demographics, neighborhood conditions, and health outcomes. Children from the diverse countries of origin class most often faced adverse neighborhood conditions, had higher rates of physical or somatic health conditions, and higher healthcare costs. Children from the single-parent class more often had less favorable family demographics, a higher likelihood of mental health problems, more frequent general practitioner visits, and were often in contact with youth care. This study highlights how child and family demographics and social and neighborhood conditions impact child health and healthcare utilization. Future approaches should focus on strategies to build and strengthen family and community resilience and adopt family-centered, context-sensitive interventions. Full article