Search Results (356)

Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to air pollution and respiratory morbidity in Ecuador’s urban centers. Despite increasing evidence of traffic-related health impacts, national research remains fragmented and unevenly distributed. This narrative review synthesizes 26 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 to characterize vehicular air pollution sources, pollutants, and respiratory health effects in Ecuador. The evidence shows a strong geographic concentration, with more than half of the studies conducted in Quito, followed by Guayaquil and Cuenca. National inventories indicate that the transport sector accounts for approximately 41.7% of Ecuador’s CO₂ emissions. Across cities, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, CO, and SO₂ were the most frequently assessed pollutants and were repeatedly reported to approach or exceed international guideline values, particularly during traffic peaks and under low-dispersion conditions. Health-related studies documented substantial impacts, including up to 19,966 respiratory hospitalizations in Quito, with short-term PM_2.5 exposure associated with increased hospitalization risk in children. Among schoolchildren attending high-traffic schools, carboxyhemoglobin levels above 2.5% were linked to a threefold increase in the risk of acute respiratory infections. Occupationally exposed adults, such as drivers, traffic police officers, and outdoor workers with regular exposure to traffic-related air pollution, also showed a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Environmental evidence further highlighted the accumulation of traffic-related heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr) and pronounced spatial inequalities affecting low-income neighborhoods. Overall, the review identifies aging vehicle fleets and diesel-based transport as dominant contributors to observed pollution and health patterns, while underscoring methodological limitations such as the scarcity of longitudinal studies and uneven monitoring coverage. These findings provide integrated and policy-relevant evidence to support sustainable urban planning, cleaner transport strategies, and targeted respiratory health policies in Ecuador. Full article

Background/Objectives: Institutional catering serves vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren. Surfaces in food preparation environments are key control points for food safety and reservoirs and transmission routes for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study characterized the hygienic status of food-contact surfaces (FCS) and non-food-contact surfaces (NFCS) in Hungarian school kitchens, identified contamination hotspots, and examined how routine monitoring can support AMR prevention. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed routine environmental hygiene monitoring records from 96 school kitchens (2019–2024). In total, 8412 swab samples were collected, 8407 had quantifiable counts, 6233 from FCS (e.g., plates, trays, boards, utensils), and 2174 from NFCS (e.g., sinks, fridges, workers’ hands). Total aerobic mesophilic counts were measured with a redox-potential method and expressed as CFU/100 cm²; 250 CFU/100 cm² (2.4 log₁₀) was the hygienic threshold. Results: Overall, 12.4% of surfaces exceeded the threshold. Non-food-contact surfaces were more likely to be non-compliant than food-contact surfaces (OR 2.77, 95% CI 2.43–3.17; p < 0.001). Hotspots included transport-container lids (67.2% non-compliant; OR 43.82), sink basins (32.8%; OR 10.46), and cutting boards (21.6%; OR 5.89). Seasonally, non-compliance was highest in summer (16.5%) and lowest in winter (9.0%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Multi-year monitoring revealed substantial contamination concentrated in a few hotspots that, within a One Health framework—which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—may represent environmental reservoirs and cross-contamination nodes relevant to AMR prevention. Targeted optimization of cleaning and disinfection for these surfaces, combined with trend analysis of indicator data and periodic AMR-focused environmental sampling, could reduce foodborne and AMR-related risks in public catering. Full article

Occupational exposure to sharps waste represents a critical challenge for public health systems, directly affecting healthcare workers’ safety, institutional costs, and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to analyze sharps waste management practices and to structure improvement actions for biosafety governance in Brazilian Emergency Care Units (ECUs) through the application of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and DMAIC method (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). A single multiple-case study was conducted across three public units in different regions of Brazil, combining direct observation, regulatory checklists based on ANVISA Resolution No. 222/2018 (RDC), and cause–and–effect (5M) analysis. The diagnostic phase identified recurrent nonconformities in labeling, documentation, and internal transport routes, primarily due to managerial and behavioral gaps. Based on these findings, the DMAIC framework supported the development of a low-cost, evidence-based action plan that outlined proposed interventions, including visual checklists, standardized internal routes, and key performance indicators (KPIs), intended to strengthen biosafety traceability and occupational safety. The se proposed actions are expected to support continuous learning, staff engagement, and a culture of shared responsibility for safe practices. Overall, the study provides a structured basis for future implementation and empirical validation of continuous improvement initiatives, aimed at enhancing public health governance and occupational safety in resource-constrained healthcare environments. Full article

Background: Solenopsis invicta, commonly known as the red imported fire ant (RIFA), is an important global invasive pest, and its management is challenging because of insecticide resistance and environmental problems. Methods: In this research, we applied transcriptomics to analyze the molecular responses of S. invicta worker ants exposed to different types of pesticides, beta-cypermethrin (BC) and the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps cicadae (CC), as well as to different concentrations of these pesticides. Results: A total of 2727 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified across all samples. The number of DEGs in the BC treatment group was significantly higher than that in the CC treatment group (2520 vs. 433), and higher concentrations resulted in more DEGs (an increase of 47 in the BC group and 229 in the CC group). KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, signal transduction, and membrane transport. Immune-related gene analysis showed more general down-regulation (average FPKM value in BC 741.37 to 756.06 vs. CK 1914.42) of pathogen recognition genes (PGRP-SC2) under BC stress conditions, while CC treatment resulted in increases in expression of important immune effectors such as various serine proteases. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides useful insights into the molecular basis of responses to different pesticides in S. invicta and offers a basis to develop new approaches to control this pest. Full article

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs are evidence-based interventions that improve glycemic control and self-care behaviors, yet their effectiveness may be limited by unaddressed health-related social needs (HRSN) (e.g., food insecurity, housing or utility instability, transportation barriers). This qualitative multiple case study examined the feasibility of integrating HRSN assessments into DSME delivery within three community-based organizations (CBOs) across urban and rural U.S. settings. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 DSME facilitators and program leadership to identify contextual factors influencing implementation. Findings revealed that while DSME’s structured, manualized design promotes fidelity and client autonomy, it constrains responsiveness to the client’s HRSN. Facilitators expressed openness to integrating HRSN screening, particularly during intake, yet cited limited infrastructure, role clarity, and training as key barriers. CBOs were recognized as trusted, accessible spaces for holistic care, but growing expectations to address HRSN without adequate resources for referral created sustainability concerns. Participants recommended a parallel support model involving navigators or community health workers to manage HRSN screening and referrals alongside DSME sessions. Integrating HRSN assessment processes into DSME may enhance engagement, reduce attrition, and extend the reach of diabetes education to populations most affected by HRSN. However, successful implementation requires dedicated funding, workforce development, and cross-sector coordination. Findings underscore the importance of supporting CBOs as critical partners in bridging diabetes education and social care to advance whole-person, chronic disease management. Full article

Drill-and-blast tunnel construction continuously releases high-intensity dust during drilling, blasting, and shotcreting, while conventional forced ventilation is often insufficient to control dust migration and worker exposure. This study develops three-dimensional Euler–Lagrange gas–solid two-phase models for these three typical processes to clarify the spatiotemporal dispersion of polydisperse dust and to explore effective control strategies. The simulations show that all processes generate a persistent high-concentration dust belt near the tunnel face, and a low-velocity recirculation zone at the crown acts as a structural hotspot of dust accumulation that is difficult to purge by longitudinal ventilation. Particle size strongly affects dispersion behaviour: coarse particles rapidly settle near the source under gravity, whereas fine and medium-sized particles remain suspended for long periods and can be transported over long distances, particularly after blasting. Based on these findings, a rail-mounted purification system with a dynamically adjustable position along the tunnel is proposed, and its preferred deployment zones are determined to work synergistically with the main airflow. The system is designed to perform near-source and crown-targeted removal, providing an engineering-oriented “dynamic local purification plus overall ventilation dilution” pathway for improving air quality in drill-and-blast tunnel construction. Full article

Under the dual driving forces of negative population growth and the cross-regional agglomeration of factors, the trend of urban shrinkage in China continues to intensify. This study examines 461 small towns in 26 mountainous counties of Zhejiang Province, constructing a multi-dimensional shrinkage identification model based on “population–economy–land use.” The spatiotemporal patterns of shrinkage were visualized using ArcGIS 10.8, while the driving factors were analyzed using the MGWR method. ① From 2010 to 2020, the shrinkage phenomenon in small towns across the 26 mountainous counties rapidly spread, with medium- and severe-shrinking towns increasing markedly, showing an irreversible trend. ② The spatial evolution pattern shows a phased characteristic, transitioning from “disordered scattered points” to “striped aggregation.” A “V”-shaped shrinkage belt formed along the “Kaihua–Jingning–Yongjia” axis, demonstrating strong spatial aggregation. ③ The shrinkage of small towns is driven by multiple factors. Rugged mountainous terrain constrains development, while urbanization and industrial restructuring, coupled with outmigration of young and middle-aged workers, accelerate aging and limit local specialty industries. Transportation, social services, and policy frameworks further influence shrinkage patterns. In response to the continuous shrinkage trend of small towns in mountainous areas, future efforts should adopt coordinated strategies such as smart shrinkage, industrial restructuring, and institutional innovation to achieve structural and systemic reshaping. Full article

Ensuring worker safety compliance and secure cargo transportation in complex port environments is critical for modern logistics hubs. However, conventional supervision methods, including manual inspection and passive video monitoring, suffer from limited coverage, poor real-time responsiveness, and low robustness under frequent occlusion, scale variation, and cross-camera transitions, leading to unstable target association and missed risk events. To address these challenges, this paper proposes CSPC-BRS, a real-time multi-object detection and tracking framework for open-channel port scenarios. CSPC (Coordinated Spatial Perception Cascade) enhances the YOLOv8 backbone by integrating CASAM, SPPELAN-DW, and CACC modules to improve feature representation under cluttered backgrounds and degraded visual conditions. Meanwhile, BRS (Bounding Box Reduction Strategy) mitigates scale distortion during tracking, and a Multi-Dimensional Re-identification Scoring (MDRS) mechanism fuses six perceptual features—color, texture, shape, motion, size, and time—to achieve stable cross-camera identity consistency. Experimental results demonstrate that CSPC-BRS outperforms the YOLOv8-n baseline by improving the mAP@0.5:0.95 by 9.6% while achieving a real-time speed of 132.63 FPS. Furthermore, in practical deployment, it reduces the false capture rate by an average of 59.7% compared to the YOLOv8 + Bot-SORT tracker. These results confirm that CSPC-BRS effectively balances detection accuracy and computational efficiency, providing a practical and deployable solution for intelligent safety monitoring in complex industrial logistics environments. 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

Blossom-end enlargement (BEE) is a physiological disorder in cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) that affects postharvest quality and results in commercial loss due to reduced product value. Pre-cooling using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been encouraged as a preventive method of BEE; however, BEE can still be observed under actual distribution conditions. This study reexamined the process from harvesting in midsummer to arriving at the market (550 km) and storage, while considering the impact of packaging materials, packaging methods, and human factors on BEE occurrence. More than 18 h were required from harvest to delivery at the pre-cooling warehouse at the common shipping site; however, despite using a refrigerated truck, the temperature inside the packaging increased again during transportation. The temperature then dropped during 24 h of pre-cooling; however, it did not reach 10 °C, the appropriate storage temperature for cucumbers. MAP suppressed the occurrence of BEE compared to conventional film packaging; however, the BEE index varied greatly between individuals who performed the packaging. We determined that tying both ends of the packaging film increases the degree of airtightness as individual differences decrease and is more effective at suppressing BEE. Porous mineral-containing film (PM) packaging, which generates a modified atmosphere (MA), significantly suppressed BEE compared to conventional perforated film (C). In 2019 transport trials, the BEE index at 6 DAH for C film was 77.3, while for PM film it was only 12.0. Furthermore, we found that the effectiveness of PM film was significantly affected by human-related operational factors. The novel packaging method of tying both ends of the film (PM-T) provided the most consistent BEE suppression and lowest BEE index regardless of the packaging worker, demonstrating its superior potential in standardizing airtightness and minimizing human-related operational variability. Full article

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) pose significant health risks through various exposure pathways, including ingestion of contaminated food and water, as well as dermal absorption. Aquatic organisms are especially at risk, as water bodies serve as primary pathways for the transport and transformation of these chemicals. While the biodegradation study was previously performed using a bacterial consortium from the activated sludge compartment at Zeekoegat WWTP, the ecotoxicological implications of the treated effluents remained unclear, particularly given the potential presence of degradation products. To address this gap, the present study used bioassays to evaluate the acute toxicity and endocrine-disrupting potential of PFOS and PFOA. For this purpose, PFOS and PFOA concentrations ranged from 58 ng/L to 1050 ng/L, and two types of bioassays were used: the Daphnia magna acute toxicity test, which examined the short-term lethal effects of the samples on a small freshwater organism (Daphnia magna), and the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES), which measured estrogenic activity, an important indicator of potential endocrine disruption. Results revealed detectable estrogenic activity at environmentally relevant concentrations, with PFOS showing higher activity than PFOA. The estradiol equivalency (EEQ) values in samples containing PFOA ranged from 0.23 ± 0.029 ng/L to 3.15 ± 0.056 ng/L and from 0.43 ± 0.036 ng/L to 1.96 ± 0.086 ng/L in samples containing PFOS. Daphnia magna bioassays showed 100% mortality in samples containing PFOS at concentrations ≥ 62 ng/L and in samples containing PFOA at concentrations ≥ 142 ng/L, classifying them as ‘Very High Acute Hazard’ falling into Hazard Class V (100% mortality) according to the classification system proposed in 2003 by Persoone and co-workers. These bioassays helped to determine whether the degradation products were more toxic compared to the parent compounds, thereby supporting the objective of this study to assess environmental safety post-treatment. Full article

Despite notable progress in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where many children under five die before accessing formal healthcare services. This study explored the roles of the community in the implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) programme from the perspectives of caregivers and professional nurses. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis design, 18 participants were purposively selected from four primary healthcare facilities. Data was collected through audio-recorded interviews, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the IPA framework. The findings underscore the critical role of community health workers (CHWs) within the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) framework, particularly in health promotion, child assessments and follow-up home visits. Support from early childhood development educators and community leaders further enhances these efforts. Nurses highlighted mobile health teams as vital for delivering integrated services, though challenges such as limited transport and inadequate training hinder CHWs’ effectiveness. Community-based care offers a cost-effective, accessible model in low-resource settings by leveraging local structures. Strengthening the connection between communities and formal health systems is essential. To sustain IMCI, investment in CHW-led initiatives, including training and logistical support, is recommended to improve service delivery and child health outcomes. Full article

Background: Modern work environments characterized by high cognitive demand can generate significant mental workload. Studying this phenomenon helps us to understand how cognitive demands affect workers’ performance, health, and well-being. A scientometric analysis of mental workload allows for the identification of trends, gaps, and emerging areas in scientific research. Objective: This study aims to analyze the development of the literature on mental workload in terms of the most relevant studies, main authors and their networks, main journals and keywords, countries and institutions leading research, and main research areas. Methods: A scientometric and bibliometric analysis was conducted through a search of scientific articles published in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 1975 and 2024. Results: Of the total number of publications, 71.2% occurred in the last 10 years. A total of 87.16% of the articles have 0 citations or less than 50. The countries with the greatest production and influence are the United States, China, and Germany. Among the main areas of study were “Engineering”, “Psychology”, “Transportation”, and “Surgery.” Conclusions: Publications and citations on the subject have grown significantly. This justifies the need to study mental workload in other areas and cultural contexts. Full article

Within the innovation-driven development paradigm, transportation infrastructure is playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping innovative activity. This paper examines the impact of transportation infrastructure on firm innovation by exploiting the staggered expansion of China’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network as a quasi-natural experiment. Using a difference-in-differences framework, we show that the introduction of HSR significantly increases firms’ patenting activity, and the effect remains robust across a battery of alternative specifications and checks. Mechanism analyses suggest that HSR alleviates financing constraints, facilitates the mobility of highly skilled workers, and enhances the efficiency of industry-level resource allocation, thereby fostering firm innovation. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the effect is most pronounced among firms with stronger R&D capacity, located farther from banks, non-state-owned enterprises, and SMEs. Finally, we document that the innovation-enhancing effect of HSR translates into higher firm competitiveness and profitability, underscoring the broader economic implications of transportation infrastructure development. This study deepens understanding of the mechanisms through which transportation infrastructure shapes innovation and offers important implications for optimizing the HSR network and enhancing the efficiency of innovation resource allocation. These findings offer valuable insights into how enhancing transportation infrastructure can drive firm innovation, boost corporate competitiveness, and contribute to the coordinated and sustainable development of regional economies. Full article

Construction accidents continue to threaten worker safety despite advances in management systems. Existing research catalogs accident attributes but rarely explains how triggers like human error, equipment failure, or procedural lapses interact with project types and tasks. This limits recognition of high-risk scenarios and hampers targeted prevention. To address this, a two-step framework combining Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Association Rule Mining (ARM) is proposed. Using the Korean Construction Safety Management Integrated Information (CSI) database, MCA reduces dimensionality and clusters similar accident cases, while ARM extracts context-specific rules linking accident types, causes, and activities. The analysis reveals the following key patterns: (i) worker negligence during setup or formwork often leads to tool-related cuts; (ii) poor judgment or inadequate waste removal during excavation heightens hit or stuck incidents; and (iii) negligence frequently triggers hit and fall accidents during transportation, dismantling, and finishing. By mapping causes to operational risk factors, the framework supports actionable guidance for daily risk assessments. Safety professionals can align planned tasks with identified risks, enabling proactive interventions such as focused training, stricter supervision, and engineering controls. Thus, the MCA–ARM method establishes a data-driven foundation for improving safety decision-making and reducing construction accidents. Full article