Search Results (39)

The growing demand for sustainable materials in construction and sanitation has increased interest in natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Rice husk, an abundant agricultural by-product, offers a promising alternative as a reinforcing filler in polypropylene (PP) composites. This study aims to assess the suitability of PP composites reinforced with micronised rice husk particles for application in sanitary components. Two formulations containing 20% and 30% rice husk were developed and characterised. Comprehensive analysis included morphological, thermal, rheological, mechanical, hygroscopic, and tribological testing. Results showed that particles incorporation enhanced thermal stability and crystallinity due to a nucleating effect, with the 30% composite showing higher crystallinity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that although the T₅% decreased from 374.1 °C for neat PP to 309.2 °C and 296.2 °C for the 20% and 30% composites, respectively, the DTG peak temperatures increased by 15.9 °C and 17.6 °C, indicating a delayed main decomposition stage of PP matrix and enhanced overall thermal stability. Rheological behaviour revealed increased viscosity and pseudoplasticity at higher particle content Mechanical characterisation showed an increase in Young’s modulus from 1021 MPa for neat PP to 1065 MPa (+4%) and 1125 MPa (+10%) for PP_Rice_20% and PP_Rice_30%, respectively. In contrast, the nominal strain at break dropped sharply from 238% (PP) to 30% (PP_Rice_20%) and 16% (PP_Rice_30%). Shrinkage decreased from 1.31% (PP) to approximately 1.05% in both composites, indicating improved dimensional stability. However, water absorption rose from 0.015% (PP) to 0.111% (PP_Rice_20%) and 0.144% (PP_Rice_30%), accompanied by an increase in surface roughness (Sa from 0.34 µm to 0.78 µm and 1.06 µm, respectively). The composite with 20% rice husk demonstrated better filler dispersion, reduced water uptake, and smoother surfaces, making it more suitable for injection-moulded components intended for use in humid environments. Overall, the study supports the use of agricultural residues in high-performance biocomposites, contributing to circular economy strategies and the development of more sustainable polymer-based materials for technical applications. Full article

The emergence of Candida auris as a disheartening fungal pathogen in healthcare settings has prompted urgent re-evaluation of containment and mitigation strategies. This review critically examines the biological persistence, environmental adaptability, and resistance to standard antifungal therapies of the pathogen, particularly regions with limited surveillance infrastructure. Based on regional experiences, such as those in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in general, the study reveals systemic weaknesses in diagnosis, reporting, and environmental sanitation. Special consideration is paid to the combination of new disinfection technologies, including ultraviolet irradiation systems and hydrogen peroxide vaporisation, with institutional behaviour change strategies. This discussion shows the importance of synchronising technological development with frequent employee contributions and cross-functional planning. It also encourages the international standardisation of diagnostic platforms and the launch of real-time genomic surveillance to reveal evolutionary trends. Finally, the findings justify the shift towards proactive models of infection control that are founded on the resilience of systems and the agility of institutions. This paper is a synthesis of epidemiological patterns, decontamination strategies and behavioural knowledge to contribute to an emerging body of knowledge that can help to fortify healthcare settings against current fungal threats. Full article

Foundational behaviours across health, education, sanitation, and energy use remain suboptimal in Mbire District, Zimbabwe. This qualitative formative study examined drivers of and barriers to five priority behaviours: birth notification and registration (BNR), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), early childhood development education (ECDE), open-defecation-free (ODF) practices, and efficient use of energy (EUE). Between 15 January and 30 March 2023, we conducted 15 focus group discussions (n = 180 participants) and 20 key informant interviews (n = 20 participants). Data were thematically analysed in QDA Miner 6 (Cohen’s κ = 0.82). Drivers of positive behaviours included leadership support, peer networks, and radio/village meetings, while barriers included bureaucratic requirements, cultural norms, and financial constraints. We recommend a multi-sectoral Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) approach integrating community events, subsidies, and culturally sensitive communication. These findings provide actionable evidence to inform district-level programming and contribute to achieving Zimbabwe’s national development targets and relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Women’s reproductive decisions and life trajectories are shaped by an interplay of biological, social, and ecological factors. While Life History Theory (LHT) has traditionally been applied in biological sciences to examine reproductive trade-offs, its integration with Life Course Theory (LCT) and empowerment frameworks offers a novel approach to understanding how structural and environmental conditions shape women’s reproductive behaviours and household roles. This study applies Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) to identify key profiles of women’s lives in two ecologically distinct rural communities in Timor-Leste—Ossu and Natarbora—and examines how these patterns relate to early life conditions. Building on a longitudinal study conducted in these communities, our findings reveal four distinct profiles: (1) Tech and Sanitation, linked to household labour-saving technology and higher education; (2) Traditional, reflecting large household size and livestock ownership; (3) Contraception, associated with fertility control, particularly among younger cohorts; and (4) High Fertility, characterised by more births, greater child mortality, and being born in high-altitude regions. By combining LHT, LCT, and the empowerment framework, this study analyses how reproductive strategies and household ecology intersect with structural inequalities. These findings offer key insights for policies aimed at improving women’s autonomy, access to resources, and reproductive health in rural Timor-Leste. Full article

This study examined the impact of a teacher training programme combining Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Mathematical Modelling (MM) on pre-service primary mathematics teachers’ (PSTs) understanding of sustainability and its integration into mathematics education. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through pre- and post-test questionnaires and qualitative reflections. The results showed a significant improvement in PSTs’ knowledge of sustainability after the training. Key themes included the development of mathematical modelling competence and an increased understanding of sustainability topics and the importance of critical thinking. Participants also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, openness to change, and acquiring the necessary didactic skills for creating ESD–modelling tasks. Additionally, the study found that PSTs’ personal behaviours shifted toward sustainability, with a focus on responsible consumption, water conservation, and climate action, aligning with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The seminar addressed all 17 SDGs, however, in the post-test questionnaire, participants most frequently provided examples related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It recommended a stronger emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, targeting underrepresented SDGs, and challenging existing beliefs that restrict sustainability integration in subjects like mathematics. Mathematical modelling activities were highlighted as a key tool for integrating sustainability concepts into mathematics lessons. Full article

Biodegradable materials are emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics across packaging, sanitation, and agriculture sectors. These materials naturally decompose into harmless substances within a specified period, completing an eco-friendly lifecycle. However, the widespread adoption of biodegradable plastics depends on building confidence among consumers, manufacturers, and regulators regarding their effectiveness. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the key factors influencing biodegradable plastics’ sustainability, integrating theoretical frameworks with survey data collected from Malaysian plastic users aged 15 and above. Results revealed that individual characteristics, particularly environmental self-identity, significantly influence behavioural intentions toward sustainable practices, such as choosing eco-friendly packaging. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of biodegradable plastics adoption in developing markets while providing actionable insights for government and corporate stakeholders. This study recommends targeted awareness campaigns emphasising environmental self-identity to reduce conventional packaging use and promote biodegradable alternatives. By incorporating these identity-focused messages into marketing communications, organisations can enhance public awareness and market perception of biodegradable products. Full article

The mechanical properties of faecal sludge (FS) influence its moisture retention characteristics to a greater extent than other properties. A comprehensive fundamental characterisation of the mechanical properties is scarcely discussed in the literature. This research focused on bulk and true densities, porosity, particle size distribution and zeta-potential, extracellular polymeric substances, rheology and dilatancy, microstructure analysis, and compactibility in the context of using the FS as a substitute for soil in land reclamation and bioremediation processes. FSs from different on-site sanitation systems were collected from around Durban, South Africa. The porosity of the FSs varied between 42% and 63%, with the zeta-potential being negative, below 10 mV. Over 95% of the particles were <1000 µm. With its presence in the inner part of the solid particles, tightly bound extra-cellular polymeric substances (TB-EPSs) influenced the stability of the sludge by tightly attaching to the cell walls, with the highest being in the septic tank with the greywater sample. More proteins than carbohydrates also confirmed characterised the anaerobic nature of the sludge. The results of the textural properties using a penetrometer showed that the initial slope of the positive part of the penetration curve was related to the stiffness of the sludge sample and similar to that of sewage sludge. The dynamic oscillatory measurements exhibited a firm gel-like behaviour with a linear viscoelastic behaviour of the sludges due to the change in EPSs because of anaerobicity. The high-TS samples exhibited the role of moisture as a lubricating agent on the motion of solid particles, leading to dilatancy with reduced moisture, where the yield stress was no longer associated with the viscous forces but with the frictional contacts of solid–solid particle interactions. The filtration–compression cell test showed good compactibility, but the presence of unbound moisture even at a high pressure of 300 kPa meant that not all unbound moisture was easily removable. The moisture retention behaviour of FS was influenced by its mechanical properties, and any interventional changes to these properties can result in the release of the bound moisture of FS. Full article

WHO promotes the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to control and eliminate schistosomiasis through preventive chemotherapy, snail control, clean water supply, improved sanitation, behaviour change interventions, and environmental management. The transmission of schistosomiasis involves infected definitive hosts (humans or animals) excreting eggs that hatch (miracidia), which infect freshwater snail vectors (also referred to as intermediate snail hosts) living in marshlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, or irrigation canals. Infective larvae (cercariae) develop within the snail, which, when released, may infect humans and/or animals in contact with the water. Snail control aims to interrupt the transmission cycle of the disease by removing the vector snails and, by so doing, indirectly improves the impact of the preventive chemotherapy by reducing reinfection. Snail control was, for many years, the only strategy for the prevention of schistosomiasis before preventive chemotherapy became the primary intervention. Snails can be controlled through various methods: environmental control, biological control, and chemical control. The chemical control of snails has proven to be the most effective method to interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis. The current review aims to describe the vector snails of human schistosomiasis, present the chemicals and strategies for the control of snails, the challenges with the implementation, and the future needs. Snail control can play a key role in reducing schistosomiasis transmission and, thus, complements other interventions for disease control. There is a need to develop new molluscicide products or new formulations and methods of applications for existing molluscicides that would target snail vectors more specifically. Full article

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is closely linked to the sustainable management of water resources and sanitation worldwide. SDG 6.4, in particular, aims to significantly improve water-use efficiency across all sectors by 2030. It is important to acknowledge the significant role that behavioural aspects of water users in an agricultural context play in contributing to water-use efficiency. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the current knowledge of water-use behaviours in agriculture to stay on track in achieving SDG 6. This systematic literature review investigates the factors influencing water-use behaviour among agricultural water users globally. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method, we retrieved a total of 867 records, of which 47 matched the eligibility criteria. The 47 relevant studies were primarily conducted in the United States and China with key themes including sustainable agricultural practices, technology adoption for productivity, climate change adaptation, and modelling and uncertainty in water conservation. Additionally, the review identified six distinct water-use behaviours investigated from 2020 to 2024, which were each driven by its unique set of factors. Overall, the findings from the systematic review indicate that there has been a geographical gap in research efforts over the past five years, and it is important for water-use behaviour-related research to be extended to other countries that are water-stressed. Furthermore, the researchers recommend that future studies should develop comprehensive behavioural models and adopt holistic approaches to better understand and promote sustainable water-use behaviours in agriculture. These efforts are vital for achieving sustainable water management and broader SDGs. Full article

Globally, tanks play a major part in the provision of access to clean drinking water to the human population. Beyond aiding in the supply of fresh water, tanks are also essential for ensuring good sanitary conditions for people and for livestock. Many countries have realized that a robust water supply and a robust sanitation infrastructure are necessary for sustainable growth. Therefore, there is large demand for the construction of storage tanks. Further, liquid storage tanks are crucial structures which must continue to be operational even after a catastrophic natural event, such as an earthquake, to support rehabilitation efforts. From an engineering point of view, the various forces acting on the tanks and the behaviour of the tanks under various loads are important issues which need to be addressed for a safe design. Analyses of the tanks are challenging due to the interaction between the fluid and tank wall. Thus, researchers have conducted several investigations to understand the performance of storage tanks subjected to earthquakes by considering this interaction. This paper discusses the historical development of various modelling techniques of storage tanks. The interaction with the soil also influences the behaviour of the tanks, and hence, in this paper, various modelling approaches for soil structure interaction are also reviewed. Further, a brief history of various systems of base isolation and modelling approaches of base-isolated structures are also discussed in this article. Full article

Good access and appropriate use of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is important in the control, elimination and eradication of a number of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Poor WASH access and use may explain continued high trachoma prevalence in Nabilatuk district, Uganda. This study aimed to investigate the level of WASH access and use through different WASH data collection methods and the triangulation of their results. A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 households in Nabilatuk district, from 10 households in each of three nomadic villages. The data collection methods used were: (1) direct observations of routine WASH behaviours; (2) structured quantitative household questionnaires; (3) demonstrations of specific WASH behaviours. With regards to access, observations indicated less WASH access and use compared with questionnaire responses: the questionnaire indicated all households had access to an improved water source, but 70% had a >30-min round-trip, and no households had access to an improved latrine, whereas some observations indicated longer water collection times. In terms of behaviour, there were also differences between the data collection methods, with demonstrations revealing knowledge of good practice, such as thorough handwashing, but this was not routinely observed in the observations. Further systematic investigation of barriers to appropriate WASH access and use in the local context is needed, as is the development of feasible, valid and reliable WASH access and use assessment methods for use in national NTD programmes. Full article

In developing countries such as South Africa, diarrhoeal diseases are reported to be linked to inadequate drinking water quality, sanitation, and hygiene behaviours. The consumption of microbiologically contaminated drinking water has been reported to cause diarrhoea, mortality, and morbidity in children under the age of five years. This study evaluated the microbiological pathogens detected in municipal drinking water and diarrhoea trends for children under 5 years of age in South Africa between 2008 and 2018. A trends analysis study was conducted using secondary data on diarrhoea for children under the age of five years and microbial drinking water quality compliance. A negative correlation was found between the occurrence of microbial pathogens in water, morbidity, and mortality rates of children under the age of 5 years in South Africa. As compliance status improved, the mortality rate among children under 5 years old decreased by 31% over the study period. A conclusion can thus be drawn that the microbiological pathogens detected in drinking water at levels complying with SANS 241:2015 Edition 2 standards and diarrhoea incidences were not the primary cause of the mortality of children under 5 years old in South Africa between 2008 and 2018. Full article

Unsafe child faeces management can lead to adverse health and wellbeing outcomes for children. In Solomon Islands, diarrhoeal disease is a leading cause of under-5 mortality, though there is limited research into CFM practices and promotion of safe behaviours. The formative research applied a Behaviour-Centred Design framework to investigate the habits, motives and settings related to child faeces management in rural Solomon Islands villages. Data were collected through structured recall demonstrations by caregivers (n = 61), household infrastructure observations (n = 57), semi-structured interviews with caregivers (n = 121) and community leaders (n = 30), focus group discussions (n = 26), and three participatory activities with caregivers. The findings identified a range of CFM-related behaviours, some of which would be considered safe and some, such as outside defecation and disposal to a waterway, as unsafe. Convenience is important in shaping CFM practice and may help health benefits to be achieved without women bearing the cost of an increased work burden. Nurture and disgust may provide the basis for behaviour change communication in SI as they have elsewhere. Critically, the participation in and promotion of safe CFM by fathers in households should be promoted, and motivating such behaviours might be achieved through focus on nurture as a motive. Full article

Globally, the use of untreated, often diluted, or partly treated wastewater in agriculture covers about 30 million ha, far exceeding the area under the planned use of well-treated (reclaimed) wastewater which has been estimated in this paper at around 1.0 million ha. This gap has likely increased over the last decade despite significant investments in treatment capacities, due to the even larger increases in population, water consumption, and wastewater generation. To minimize the human health risks from unsafe wastewater irrigation, the WHO’s related 2006 guidelines suggest a broader concept than the previous (1989) edition by emphasizing, especially for low-income countries, the importance of risk-reducing practices from ‘farm to fork’. This shift from relying on technical solutions to facilitating and monitoring human behaviour change is, however, challenging. Another challenge concerns local capacities for quantitative risk assessment and the determination of a risk reduction target. Being aware of these challenges, the WHO has invested in a sanitation safety planning manual which has helped to operationalize the rather academic 2006 guidelines, but without addressing key questions, e.g., on how to trigger, support, and sustain the expected behaviour change, as training alone is unlikely to increase the adoption of health-related practices. This review summarizes the perceived challenges and suggests several considerations for further editions or national adaptations of the WHO guidelines. Full article

According to the United Nations, if measures are not taken by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than there are fish. This work addresses this issue by proposing an adaptation of the CLTS, a methodology used in sanitation to promote behavioural changes, to the waste management sector. The methodology is applied in the Sahrawi refugee camps through two phases: a first one in which the specific context is analysed to achieve a real diagnosis of the problem and a second phase in which the CLTS is adapted proposing the use of various participatory techniques in order to reduce the use of plastic bags. The analysis of the information collected in the first phase shows that plastic bags constitute the highest percentage of waste and that the best solution to reduce the consumption of plastic bags is by actively raising awareness among the community through training and talks. This justifies the second phase where a practical guide is provided on how Sahrawi people themselves can become aware of the problem and triggering the desire for change in the community. Thus, the philosophy of the methodology proposed here is that people are capable of self-organising and solving their own problems. Full article