Search Results (108)

Background: The efficient control of hygiene and Campylobacter’s contamination status at various steps of poultry meat production is essential for the prevention of Campylobacter transmission to humans. Microbiological methods are laborious and time-consuming, and molecular methods of detection are often too skill- and infrastructure-demanding. Methods: We have developed CampyTube, a simple and user-friendly format for the integration of isothermal DNA amplification with embedded instrument-free detection on a miniaturized lateral flow test in a single vial. All test components, from the dry amplification reagents to the mini lateral flow tests, are incorporated into a standard single vial, which is closed after the addition of the liquid sample and never has to be opened again. This ensures the absolute prevention of carry-over contamination and makes the system very safe and simple to use in point-of-need settings. Results: As few as 60 Campylobacter genome copies per reaction could be successfully detected with CampyTube. We have primarily developed and evaluated CampyTube for the detection of Campylobacter in chicken neck skin samples and could reach 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the samples exceeding the regulatory limit of 1000 CFU/g confirmed microbiologically, while the sensitivity in all samples that tested positive using qPCR (1.4 × 10²–2.5 × 10⁶ genome copies/g) was 71.1%. We discuss the impact of sample preparation on CampyTube performance and suggest further options for test optimization. Conclusions: CampyTube is a highly versatile and efficient, yet simple, affordable, and material-saving system that can be adapted for other targets and sample types. Full article

Early childhood forest and nature education plays a vital role in shaping values and promoting sustainability throughout life. Conceptualized in Denmark, forest and nature childcare groups have been established in Austria for over 20 years, contributing to mental well-being and supporting both Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). With increasing demand for childcare and a growing disconnect from nature—factors linked to physical and mental health challenges—there is a pressing need to expand these groups and integrate them into formal legal frameworks. This study examines the organization, staffing, infrastructure, risk prevention, and hygiene of 79 Austrian forest and nature kindergarten groups, identifying key areas of improvement to ensure safe access for all children, including those in public childcare. A semi-standardized online survey of 72 groups was analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods, including a Spearman correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA. Results revealed three main infrastructure types—house, container/trailer, and tipi—with houses offering the most comprehensive facilities. The ANOVA indicated significant effects of sponsorship type (p < 0.01), caregiver numbers (p < 0.001), and their interaction (p < 0.05) on half-day care costs. Currently, legal frameworks exist only in Tyrol and Salzburg. Broader access requires standardized infrastructure and risk assessment guidelines, collaboratively developed with stakeholders, to ensure safety and inclusivity in Austrian forest and nature childcare groups. Full article

Many hospitals still lack digital traceability in hygiene and cleaning management, leading to operational inefficiencies and inconsistent quality control. This study aims to establish cleaning and hygiene processes in healthcare services that are planned in accordance with standards, as well as to enhance the traceability and sustainability of these processes through digitalization. This study proposes a Hyperledger Fabric-based blockchain architecture to establish a reliable and transparent quality assurance system in process management. The proposed Quality Assurance Model utilizes digital technologies and IoT-based RFID devices to ensure the transparent and reliable monitoring of cleaning processes. Operational data related to cleaning processes are automatically recorded and secured using a decentralized blockchain infrastructure. The permissioned nature of Hyperledger Fabric provides a more secure solution compared to traditional data management systems in the healthcare sector while preserving data privacy. Additionally, the execute–order–validate mechanism supports effective data sharing among stakeholders, and consensus algorithms along with chaincode rules enhance the reliability of processes. A working prototype was implemented and validated using Hyperledger Caliper under resource-constrained cloud environments, confirming the system’s feasibility through over 100 TPS throughput and zero transaction failures. Through the proposed system, cleaning/hygiene processes in patient rooms are conducted securely, contributing to the improvement of quality standards in healthcare services. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable opportunistic pathogen with significant clinical relevance in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite its well-documented role in hospital-acquired infections in human healthcare settings, its persistence and transmission within veterinary clinics remain underexplored. This review highlights the overlooked status of veterinary facilities as environmental reservoirs and amplification points for multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, emphasizing their relevance to One Health surveillance. We examine the bacterium’s environmental survival strategies, including biofilm formation, resistance to disinfectants, and tolerance to nutrient-poor conditions that facilitate the long-term colonization of moist surfaces, drains, medical equipment, and plumbing systems. Common transmission vectors are identified, including asymptomatic animal carriers, contaminated instruments, and the hands of veterinary staff. The review synthesizes current data on antimicrobial resistance in environmental isolates, revealing frequent expression of efflux pumps and mobile resistance genes, and documents the potential for zoonotic transmission to staff and pet owners. Key gaps in environmental monitoring, infection control protocols, and genomic surveillance are identified, with a call for standardized approaches tailored to the veterinary context. Control strategies, including mechanical biofilm disruption, disinfectant cycling, effluent monitoring, and staff hygiene training, are evaluated for feasibility and impact. The article concludes with a One Health framework outlining cross-species and environmental transmission pathways. It advocates for harmonized surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and intersectoral collaboration to reduce the risk posed by MDR P. aeruginosa within veterinary clinical environments and beyond. By addressing these blind spots, veterinary facilities can become proactive partners in antimicrobial stewardship and global resistance mitigation. Full article

Safe and adequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools are prerequisites within the right to basic education. WASH facilities across schools in developing nations, particularly in Africa, are unsatisfactory and expose children to risks of disease and infection. This study aims to gather insights into the WASH status of secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, to develop a sustainable water management framework for schools. A concurrent mixed-method design (questionnaires and interviews) was adopted to benchmark water management in schools and inform the design of a framework. Results reveal a wealth of issues and concerns that include infrastructure challenges accessing reliable and safe water supplies, rundown and unhygienic toilet/urinal facilities, and dilapidated sinks/taps, plus resource challenges, such as an absence of tissue paper and soap. These issues are exposing schoolchildren to unnecessary health risks, further supported by reported illnesses and reduced school attendance. Based on these findings, and guided by the UN SDG#6 targets, a water improvement framework has been created and validated by school officials. The framework identifies both short-term and long-term guidance/actions to improve water management in schools across Sub-Saharan Africa. These form crucial steps toward better WASH, building healthier communities and enhancing educational environments and outcomes for schoolchildren. Full article

The unprecedented development of coastal cities in West Africa is marked by anarchic urbanization accompanied by ineffective environmental management, leading to water pollution. This study is conducted in the southern districts of Lomé, Togo, an area built on sandbars where inappropriate attitudes, behaviors, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices prevail. The objective of this study is to characterize the quality of groundwater in the study area. Bacteriological and physicochemical analyses were carried out on 11 wells in 10 districts in the southern districts during the four seasons of the year. The analysis shows that the groundwater is polluted in all seasons. Nitrate concentrations exceed 50 mg/L in 65% of the samples, while chloride levels surpassed 250 mg/L in 18% of the cases. Regardless of the season, the dominant facies is sodium chloride and potassium chloride. In all districts, the analysis of microbiological parameters including total germs (30 °C, 100/mL), total coliforms (30 °C, 0/mL), Escherichia coli (44 °C, 2/250 mL), fecal streptococci (0/100 mL), and anaerobic sulfite reducers (44 °C, 2/20 mL) reveals values exceeding the European Union standards (2007). Groundwater contamination is facilitated by the sandy nature of the soil, which increases its vulnerability to various pollutants. Togo continues to experience cholera outbreaks, aggravated by poor sanitation infrastructure and limited vaccination coverage. Public health efforts are directed toward improving sanitation and raising awareness about waterborne and non-communicable diseases. Full article

The global school uniform industry, primarily driven by linear production models, significantly contributes to textile waste and environmental degradation. In Australia, over 2000 tons of school uniforms are discarded annually, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into school uniform systems through a case study of a private school in Victoria. Using a thematic approach, the research involved a parent survey with 106 participants and a focus group with 6 parents. The study identified financial, logistical, and socio-cultural factors influencing uniform consumption and disposal behaviors. Affordability emerged as the primary motivator for adopting second-hand uniforms (86%). However, barriers such as limited sizing, hygiene concerns, quality, and social stigma hinder wider adoption. Parents also expressed dissatisfaction with the current uniform design, material breathability, and durability, particularly in warmer climates. Despite increased awareness of sustainability (61% cited environmental concerns), actionable engagement remains low due to a lack of transparency and infrastructure. The study proposes a replicable circular uniform framework based on stakeholder co-design, reverse logistics, and curriculum-based sustainability education. These findings offer practical implications for policymakers, educators, and manufacturers aiming to reduce textile waste and promote CE adoption within the education sector. Full article

The current technical condition of facilities designated for the technical–hygienic maintenance of railway rolling stock is unsatisfactory, as they are neither technologically nor technically equipped to meet the required quality standards. Maintenance is often carried out in open spaces or directly on the tracks of major railway junctions, which prevents year-round execution of these services and causes operational limitations. This article analyses and proposes solutions for the technical–hygienic maintenance center (THU) of railway rolling stock at the Nové Zámky railway station in Slovakia, focusing on improving the efficiency and quality of the provided services. The analysis includes an assessment of technological procedures, identification of operational deficiencies, and a comparison of current maintenance standards with the requirements for contemporary railway systems, such as automated diagnostic platforms, predictive maintenance modules, and modular cleaning infrastructure. The optimization of THU services considers the average time norms for selected technological procedures and the characteristics of train sets passing through the center. The proposed solution involves a more efficient scheduling of operations in line with the valid railway traffic timetable and train set circulation, utilizing a graphical planning method for modelling and optimizing the facility’s service processes. The implementation of optimization measures can lead to increased capacity and efficiency of maintenance, reduced time required for individual procedures, and lower operational costs. The study’s results provide practical recommendations for improving the quality of technical–hygienic maintenance at railway junction stations, contributing to greater railway transport reliability and an overall improvement in passenger comfort. Additionally, the findings offer a transferable framework that may inform the planning and modernization of maintenance facilities at other regional railway stations facing similar infrastructural and operational challenges. Full article

Artisanal fisheries in southern Chile rely heavily on the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) as a valuable resource, contributing significantly to local economies. This octopus species accounts for 25–40% of Chilean octopus landings. It is a merobenthic species, characterized by a semelparous life cycle and a long brooding period, and it is distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the southern tip of South America, inhabiting holes and crevices in rocky substrates. However, this fishery faces critical challenges to both its ecological sustainability and the food safety of octopus products. The primary fishing method, using hooks, poses a risk to reproductive capacity as it can capture brooding females. Food safety concerns arise from microbial contamination during pre- and post-harvest handling, bioaccumulation of toxins from algal blooms, and the presence of heavy metals in the marine environment. While evisceration effectively reduces the risk of consuming toxins and heavy metals, inadequate hygiene practices and insufficient ice usage throughout the production chain represent significant food safety risks. Chilean fishing Law No. 18892/1989 defines artisanal fishing and establishes territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) to promote sustainable extraction of benthic resources. Integrating training programs on post-harvest handling, hygiene practices, and food safety measures into the TURFs framework, along with targeted investments in infrastructure and technical assistance, is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of the E. megalocyathus fishery, protect consumer health, and maintain the economic viability and environmental sustainability of this vital resource for local communities. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens represents a critical global health challenge, with food handlers serving as key contributors in their transmission. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of three major pathogens, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp., among food handlers worldwide. Analysis of studies across diverse geographical regions reveals considerable variation in colonization rates, with Staphylococcus spp. prevalence ranging from 19.5% to 95.0%, Escherichia coli from 2.8% to 89.3%, and Salmonella spp. from 0.07% to 9.1%. Resistance profiles demonstrate alarming trends, including widespread β-lactam resistance and emerging resistance to last-resort antibiotics like carbapenems. Particularly concerning is the high occurrence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers in low- and middle-income countries. This review identified inadequate handwashing, poor hygiene infrastructure, and asymptomatic carriage as critical factors facilitating the transmission of antimicrobial resistant strains. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance systems, targeted decolonization strategies, improved hygiene protocols, and food handler education to mitigate the spread of resistant pathogens through the food chain. Full article

Since 2019, China has been promoting the renovation of old urban residential areas built in 2000 or earlier. However, older communities surrounding large urban hospitals face unique challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, complex social dynamics, and conflicts between tenants and residents. This study focuses on old communities near Xiangya Hospital in Changsha, Hunan Province, employing questionnaire surveys to analyze residential satisfaction and demands across three dimensions: housing spaces, community public spaces, and social relations. Using multilevel linear regression, structural equation modeling, and moderation effect analysis, this research systematically investigates influencing factors and group heterogeneity. The findings reveal that community greening, recreational facilities, and property management are core drivers of residential satisfaction, while social relationships and public spaces play critical mediating roles. Distinct group-specific needs emerged: elderly residents prioritized greening, security, and property management responsiveness; medical students emphasized sound insulation and tenant management; and patients and their families heavily emphasized ventilation and lighting, hygienic conditions, and infrastructure. To address these issues, the study proposes an integrated renewal strategy emphasizing the integration of physical upgrades and soft governance. The findings provide theoretical and practical insights for the systematic renewal of similar older hospital-adjacent communities. Full article

Background: Current research on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) institutions is limited. Methods: We utilized the Delphi method to evaluate the validity and feasibility of implementing an HAI surveillance system in TKM hospitals. This involved conducting a systematic literature review and focus group interviews with three infection control experts and five TKM doctors experienced in infection control within TKM hospitals. Based on these findings, we developed a Delphi questionnaire. The survey included a total of fifteen participants: ten TKM doctors and TKM-related policy researchers with infection control expertise, two infection control nurses, and three infectious disease doctors. Results: The survey results indicated strong consensus on the necessity of introducing an HAI surveillance system tailored to TKM hospitals, as well as their integration into the Korean National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance (KONIS) system. Since infectious diseases do not differentiate between acute care hospitals and TKM hospitals, it is reasonable for TKM hospitals to participate in infection surveillance systems. However, the feasibility of implementing HAI surveillance in TKM hospitals remains low due to a lack of awareness regarding infection surveillance, insufficient surveillance personnel, inadequate diagnostic and surveillance infrastructure, and limited policy support for infection control. Therefore, this study proposes a phased approach in which hand hygiene surveillance and safe injection practice monitoring, which received relatively higher consensus on feasibility, should be prioritized to establish the necessary surveillance infrastructure. Subsequently, a stepwise implementation of HAI surveillance can be introduced. Conclusions: Although TKM hospitals generally have a lower risk of HAIs compared to acute care facilities, they lack robust infection control systems and support. To address this gap, TKM hospitals should join the KONIS system. Appointing and training dedicated infection control personnel will enable their participation and enhance overall infection management. Full article

This paper examines the financial health risks that private sector water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) businesses in rural Vietnam face. It investigates the challenges faced by water operators and sanitation suppliers involved in donor-funded development projects aimed at supporting poor and vulnerable households. Through surveys and focus group discussions with 15 suppliers who worked in public–private partnerships, this research examines the financial risk factors affecting water and sanitation suppliers and their impact on financial viability through two case studies. For water operators, the risks primarily involve infrastructure management, operational costs, and revenue instability. In the sanitation sector, risks center around fluctuating material prices, limited business expansion capital, and household affordability. This study highlights the dual role of government and donor subsidies, which enhance service accessibility but potentially distort market dynamics. It also underscores the need for targeted financial and policy interventions, including better access to microfinance, regulatory improvements, and human resource development. The findings aim to inform strategies for government, donors, and private sector actors in similar WASH development contexts to enhance financial sustainability, ensuring inclusive WASH services in underserved areas. This paper contributes to policy discussions by proposing mechanisms to balance public–private collaboration while fostering market resilience and equitable access to WASH services in emerging economies similar to that of Vietnam. Full article

This study examines the challenges and opportunities in implementing smart ventilation systems in public and semi-public organizations’ buildings, framing them as transformative for achieving sustainability goals. Public organizations in Lithuania face significant hurdles in maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring suitable indoor environmental conditions. Aging infrastructure further complicates these efforts, requiring substantial investments for adopting smart ventilation solutions. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of solutions, which may lead to sustainability goal implementation in Lithuania. A theoretical framework was constructed, using systemic and comparative literature analysis methods; a quantitative analysis (telephone-based survey with 203 respondents) provided insights into the current state of ventilation systems and the demand for smart solutions. The survey addressed four areas: current ventilation system use, ventilation challenges, awareness of automated systems, and plans for future improvements. The findings reveal widespread dissatisfaction with existing systems, with respondents citing poor air quality, inconsistent temperatures, and inefficiencies as critical challenges. Larger buildings and high-occupancy spaces exhibit the greatest demand for smart solutions, but financial barriers, particularly high initial costs, remain a significant obstacle. This research highlights the potential of automated ventilation systems to address these issues, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainability goals. Tailored financial incentives, educational initiatives, and scalable solutions are essential for enabling the effective implementation of smart ventilation systems in Lithuania’s public organizations. Full article

This study examined the link between traditional practices, water stewardship, and cholera outbreaks in three rural Nigerian communities (Enugu, Delta, and Ondo States) in 2020. A sample of 180 participants, representing different socio-economic backgrounds, was surveyed using a mixed-methods approach. Knowledge-based pre-test and post-test measures were employed to assess changes in the understanding of cholera transmission, prevention, and water infrastructure. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, trust in traditional water sources, and cholera knowledge. Educational seminars were conducted, followed by six months, before administering the post-test to the same population. Key findings revealed that 47% of respondents washed animals in water sources, 42% did not treat their water, and 53% were unaware of cholera-reporting practices. The post-test results showed that 80% of participants could correctly identify cholera symptoms following educational interventions (p < 0.001). Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) program awareness was significantly associated with reduced cholera incidence (p = 0.005), while certain cultural practices, such as washing slaughtered animals in main water sources, were associated with increased cholera (p < 0.002). This study highlights the need for increased awareness of source water quality, better stewardship, and trust-building efforts to provide culturally appropriate interventions in mitigating these outbreaks. Full article