bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the utilization of nuclear medicine technology in Jamaica: Audit of a private facility
Authors: Kennedy-Dixon Tracia-Gay , McDonnough Karlene , Reid Marvin , Gossell-Williams Maxine
Published: September 2020

This study sought to evaluate the types and frequencies of nuclear medicine studies that were carried out at a privately-run nuclear medicine facility in Kingston, Jamaica. Previous studies of this nature have not been done among this population, therefore the researchers sought to gather data which may prove to be useful for the growth of nuclear medicine practice in Jamaica. The study was a nonexperimental, retrospective study which involved an assessment of the records of all nuclear medicine patients who received a radiopharmaceutical during January 01, 2017, to December 31, 2018. The data extracted included age, gender, radiopharmaceutical administered, indication for study, and impression from scan. The total number of nuclear medicine scans that were carried out at the facility for the 2-year period was 3756. Of this number, 1889 (50.3%) were male and 1866 (49.7%) were female, with the age ranging from 3 months to 100 years. The types and frequencies of the most frequently occurring studies conducted were bone (2116, 56.3%), renal (867, 23.1%), thyroid (307, 8.2%), and lung (254, 6.8%). Patients aged 60 years and over accounted for the majority of the bone scans (1353/2116). The age group 26–59 years accounted for most of the scans of the lung (123/254), thyroid (209/307), parathyroid (34/65), and whole body (26/34). Patients under 12 years of age accounted for the majority of the renal (596/867), gastrointestinal (22/26), and hepatobiliary (16/28) scans. The audit of this private facility reflects the documented demand on the International Atomic Energy Agency database for Latin America and the Caribbean, and demonstrates the need for continuity of this specialized service in our population.
Development of a Tongue Immobilization Device Using a 3D Printer for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ju Sang Gyu , Ahn Yong Chan , Kim Yeong-bi , Park Seung Gyu , Choi Yoo-mi , Na Cho Hee , Hong Chae-Seon , Oh Dongryul , Kwon Dong Yeol , Kim Cheol Chong , Kim Dong Hyeon
Published: September 2020

Purpose This study aimed to reduce radiation doses to the tongue, a patient-specific semi-customized tongue immobilization device (SCTID) was developed using a 3D printer for helical tomotherapy (HT) of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPCa). Dosimetric characteristics and setup stability of the SCTID were compared with those of a standard mouthpiece (SMP).Materials and Methods For displacement and robust immobilization of the tongue, the SCTID consists of four parts: upper and lower tooth stoppers, tongue guider, tongue-tip position guide bar, and connectors. With the SCTID and SMP, two sets of planning computed tomography and HT plans were obtained for 10 NPCa patients. Dosimetric and geometric characteristics were compared. Position reproducibility of the tongue with SCTID was evaluated by comparing with planned dose and adaptive accumulated dose of the tongue and base of the tongue based on daily setup mega-voltage computed tomography.Results Using the SCTID, the tongue was effectively displaced from the planning target volume compared to the SMP. The median mucosa of the tongue (M-tongue) dose was significantly reduced (20.7 Gy vs. 27.8 Gy). The volumes of the M-tongue receiving a dose of 15 Gy, 30 Gy, and 45 Gy and the volumes of the mucosa of oral cavity and oropharynx (M-OC/OP) receiving a dose of 45 Gy and 60 Gy were significantly lower than using the SMP. No significant differences was observed between the planned dose and the accumulated adaptive dose in any dosimetric characteristics of the tongue and base of tongue.Conclusion SCTID can not only reduce the dose to the M-tongue and M-OC/OP dramatically, when compared to SMP, but also provide excellent reproducibility and easy visual verification.
On station maggot production using poultry litter as substrate: assessment on the quantity and the chemical quality of the litter before and after maggot production in Burkina Faso
Authors: Coulibaly Kalifa , Sankara Fernand , Pousga Salimata , Nacoulma Philippe J. , Somé Marc B. , Nacro Hassan B.
Published: September 2020

The maximization of organic substrates production for land sustainable management is a major challenge for agricultural production in countries like Burkina Faso. The objective of this study was to assess the quantity and the quality of organic substrates produced by poultry activity on station. Therefore, 54 local chickens at eighteen months old were allocated to 3 batches (boxes), with 18 chickens per batch. Rice husk was spread on the floor of the 3 boxes as litter for the chickens. The chickens were reared on the litter for 6 months in semi-confinement. Then, the poultry litter (PL) was used as substrate for maggots’ production. The quantities and the chemical characteristics of the raw PL as well as the residues of the litter after maggots’ production (RMP) were determined, and, simulations were done to estimate the quantities of organic substrates and the chemical nutrients that poultry farms can produce. The results show a production of 226.06 kg DM of PL after 6 months of semi- confinement, with a decrease of 30.33% when the PL was used to produce maggots. Carbon and nitrogen contents also registered a decreased of 8.83 and 8.39% respectively when PL was used to produce maggots. However, with phosphorus and potassium contents, an increase of 49.12 and 34.21% were noted, respectively. It was concluded that small poultry farmers with 30 to 100 adult chickens, could produce the equivalence of 100 to 300 kg of fertilizer (NPK (15-15-15)) in semi-confinement condition.Keywords: local poultry, litter, organics substrates, maggot production, fertilizer, small farm.
Socioeconomic factors determining ecosystem services local perceptions in two ecological zones in Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Ahononga Fiacre Codjo , Gouwakinnou Gérard Nounagnon , Biaou Samadori Sorotori Honoré , Biaou Séverin , Sonounameto Roland Christel
Published: September 2020

Forests have been undergoing diverse threats due to human activities and these may affect their role as Ecosystem Services (ES) providers. Therefore, it becomes crucial to undertake some analysis of the current socio-economic context of ES offerings to provide valuable information for the decision-making process and policy regarding sustainable forest management. This study aimed at highlighting the local perception of ES in two contrasting ecological regions. 689 respondents distributed in six districts were interviewed through a semi-structured survey on the various ES and their assessment. The analysis in principal components is used to understand socio-cultural group perception. Then, we used Beta regression to know how socio-economic factors influence the rate of people knowledge of ES. Our results show that provisioning services were more overall perceived, followed by cultural services and regulating services. Youth perceived less regulating and supporting services. Furthermore, cultural services were the most perceived by the seniors. The perception of provisioning and regulating services is influenced respectively by education level and the poverty index. Taking into account the local perception of the different actors and the factors in the decision-making, local development can be improved in compliance with the objectives of biodiversity conservation.Keywords: Local perceptions, Ecosystem Services, environmental education, forest management, Benin Republic.
Acaricidal activity of three plants extracts from the central region of Burkina Faso on adult Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus cattle ticks
Authors: Coulibaly Anass , Bationo Rémy K. , Koala Moumouni , Bazie Valérie B. , Biguezoton Abel S. , Toure Alassane , Zoungrana Sébastien , Ouedraogo Jean Claude W. , Kone Martine , Nebie Roger C.H.R.
Published: September 2020

the most important and harmful tick species in the livestock sector in Burkina Faso today. This tick has developed resistance to most classes of synthetic acaricides. The objective of this work is to assess the efficiency of plant extracts on this tick to find an alternative. Thus, the acaricidal activity of hydroethanolic and hexanic extracts of Ocimum americanum .L, Ocimum gratissimum .L and Laggera oloptera (DC) Adams was evaluated on adults of this tick by the adult immersion method. The mortality, the inhibition of the laying, the hatching rate, and the effectiveness of each extract have been evaluated with concentrations at 100 mg/mL and at 200 mg/mL, respectively. The best mortality rate was 56%, with the hydroethanolic extract of L. oloptera at 200 mg / mL. The hydroethanolic extract of O. gratissimum was most effective with the best rates of egg inhibition and hatching rates at 200 mg / mL. The results of this study could be used for the development of new bio-acaricide formulations to fight against the tick R. (Boophilus) microplus effectively.Keywords: Ticks, O. gratissimum, O. americanum, Laggera oloptera, phytochemical screening
Effect of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) on postprandial glycaemia, body weight and hematological parameters in rats fed a high fat and fructose diet
Authors: Mihafu Fabian Dominicus , Kiage Beatrice Nyanchama , Kimang’a Andrew Nyerere , Okoth Judith Kanensi
Published: September 2020

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are currently consumed by varied populations as superfoods due to their protective, functional and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ground chia seeds/extracts on postprandial glycaemia, body weight, hematological parameters and cellular morphology in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were assigned into three experimental groups and a control (n =5). Each experimental group received 10 g/20 g fructose/lard. Additionally, 90 g rat pellet was fed to group 1 and 3 which was supplemented with 20 g chia seed extract, group 2 received ground chia seeds only. Control group received 90 g rat pellet only for 28 days. The results on body weight changes indicated a gradual increase in body weight of chia seeds/extract fed rats as compared to fructose/lard group. There was an increase in postprandial blood glucose levels in group 1 from week I to IV contrary to groups supplemented with chia seeds/extract. Complete blood counts showed a significant increase (p = 0.008) in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, basophils (p = 0.035), platelets (p = 0.025) and red cell distribution width (p = 0.008) in experimental groups compared to control. These results pinpoint the benefits of chia seeds.Keywords: Blood composition, functional food, glucose concentration, metabolic diseases, omega-3 fatty acids
Development of a low cost household bone-char defluoridation filter
Authors: Djousse Kanouo Boris Merlain , Fru Fonteh Mathias , Ngambo Steve Pindjou
Published: September 2020

Regular intake of drinking water containing fluoride above permissible levels (>1.5 mgl-1) is responsible for dental and skeletal fluorosis. The objective of this study was to develop a low cost and efficient water defluoridation filter using local materials. The filter frame was made from Polyvinyl chloride pipe of 125 mm diameter and 1 m height, with a useful filtration volume of 9.55 l. The filtration layer consisted of a sequence of three strata: gravel, bone-char and sand, giving a total weight of 15 kg. Based on the concentration of fluoride in drinking water in parts of northern Cameroon, three different fluoride ion concentrations (10 mgl-1, 20 mgl-1 and 30 mgl-1) were prepared in the laboratory using distilled water and allowed to flow through the filter at the rate of 3.33 lh-1. High fluoride uptake capacity was observed (94.8% to 99.1%), depicting the suitability of the filter in defluoridation. The constructed filter costed about 17 US$. Based on these results, the filter can be recommended as an appropriate technology to mitigate fluoride health hazards problems in low income families. Although the estimated replacement frequency of biochar was three months, further research is required to optimize the point of use system performances.Keywords: Bone-char, water filter, fluoride.
Genetic diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) accessions from thirteen regions of Burkina Faso
Authors: Nikiema S. Zara , Sanou Jacob , Ouedraogo Banse , Gracen Vernon , Tongoona B. Pangirayi , Kwame Samuel Offei
Published: September 2020

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a staple food crop for West African countries in general and Burkina Faso in particular. It is mainly grown by small holder farmers for their livelihoods. They grow their landraces which is a mixture of more than two varieties. Unfortunately, the yields of farmer varieties are low compared to improved ones bred by sorghum breeders with the potential up to 3t/ha. The objective of the study was to identify the genetic diversity between improved varieties released by research institutions and farmer accessions at the molecular level. DNA sample were collected from hundred and twenty-three accessions collected from thirteen regions of Burkina Faso. DNA samples were successfully genotyped using a multiplexed complex of 28 microsatellites DNA markers for 110 genotypes. The sorghum genotypes comprised of Guinea, Caudatum and Guinea-Caudatum races. Farmer varieties were defined mainly in Guinea and Guinea-Caudatum races while the improved varieties were mainly Caudatum races. The inbreeding level FIS (the inbreeding level within a given population) for each group improved, farmer varieties varied between -1 1. This shows the autogenous nature of sorghum varieties. Breeding schemes can therefore be designed for improvement of farmer preferred varieties.Keywords: Sorghum Microsatellites, Guinea, Caudatum, Yield,  Landraces
Patents and gender: a contextual analysis
Authors: Lai Jessica C
Published: September 2020

Patent law is considered to be an objective law, dealing with the objective subject matter of the ‘technical arts’. Yet, empirical studies show that patenting rates around the world are gendered. This article analyses the roots of the gender patent gap, and how this correlates to the invention and innovation processes. It shows that the gendered nature of the patent-regulated knowledge governance system forces women into traditionally male spaces and fields in order to partake in the extant patent game. Yet, when they enter those spaces and fields, they often find themselves unwelcome and subject to institutional, structural or organizational biases, which impinge upon their ability to invent, patent and commercialize.

This article re-frames the discourse around women inventors. It argues that we have to stop focusing on the ‘women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)’ narrative, because it is a distraction from the underlying problem that the Western knowledge governance system reflects the hegemonic powers at play. Instead, we need to re-think the knowledge governance system and the ecosystem it creates, in order to ensure egalitarian knowledge production and protection.
INVESTIGATION OF CHLOROPHYLL PIGMENT CONCENTRATION AND SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF THE LAKE VAN
Authors: Kavak Mehmet Tahir
Published: September 2020

Current study is investigated chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) pigment concentration and its relationship with Sea Surface Temperature (SST) using cloud-free high resolution 59 Landsat-The Operational Land Imager (OLI) images from May 2013 to September 2018 covering Lake Van of Turkey. In addition, the concentrations of coccolithophore which is a kind of phytoplankton was also studied using the same method.

The fact that Van Lake is extremely rich in terms of aquatic life has led to the investigation of the factors affecting the marine habitat. Therefore, SST, Chl-a concentrations, as well as the relationship between them and coccolithophore concentrations were investigated to evaluate marine life and ecosystem in the Lake. Satellite-generated data can provide information about the marine life in a particular area worldwide. Coccolithophore, SST and Chl-a were obtained from high resolution 59 Landsat OLI using SeaDAS software. Aforementioned parameters were extracted from images using SeaDAS's OCSSW L2GEN module and then output processed by QGIS (Open Source Geographic Information System) to conduct statistical calculation. Negative correlation coefficients of 74% and 73.7% were found for 2014 and 2017, respectively, and these were not statistically significant. Although the information does not give meaningful results, it may be useful in future studies about the effects of global temperature changes and the marine life for particular region.
(Nothing But) Futures
Authors: Kupferman David
Published: September 2020

The year after the journal ACCESS originally launched, Octavia Butler (1983) published a short story titled “Speech Sounds” in the science fiction monthly Asimov’s Science Fiction. The story takes place in the aftermath of a pandemic that seemingly has one of multiple effects: one either loses the ability to speak coherently, or one loses the ability to read and write (but not both). In this paper, I will discuss how this story has utility as an example of future studies. Futures studies is an attempt to game out multiple futures by using our present-day anxieties, institutions, and value systems to consider what is probable, what is possible, and what is preferable. Through future studies, I am looking for a new way for thinking about theory so that we can engage in imagining any number of educational futures, one that takes the scaffolding of futures studies and both looks to science fiction as its object of inquiry and reads educational research and policy as science fiction writing.
Ventilação Oscilatória de Alta Frequência em Neonatologia e Pediatria: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Silva Pedro Ykaro Fialho , Costa Mayara Fabiana Pereira , Bezerra Ingrid Fonsêca Damasceno , Matias Ana Caryne Xenofonte , Pereira Silvana Alves
Published: September 2020

Introdução: Dentre as estratégias de ventilação protetora em Pediatria e Neonatologia, a Ventilação Oscilatória de Alta Frequência (VOAF) tem sido descrita como um modo ventilatório capaz de oferecer ventilação e oxigenação adequadas através de altas frequências oscilatórias. Objetivo: Agregar uma análise robusta sobre as indicações da VOAF nas populações pediátrica e neonatal, através de uma revisão sistemática e descrever seus desfechos analisando também o tempo de instalação da VOAF. Métodos: Revisão sistemática de Ensaios Clínicos Randomizados, publicados entre 2014 e 2018, nas bases de dados PubMED e MEDLINE. A busca foi realizada por dois pesquisadores independentes utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): High-Frequency Ventilation, Neonatology e Pediatrics e suas combinações pelos operadores booleanos AND e OR. A qualidade metodológica foi medida pelo escore da Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Resultados: Foram identificados 307 artigos dentre as diferentes bases de dados e nove (9) cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade. A revisão dos Ensaios Clínicos incluídos abrange a aplicabilidade da VOAF, sua utilização por meio de modalidade não invasiva, desfechos e algumas características a respeito do tempo de indicação da terapêutica. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados abordam a VOAF através de estratégias ventilatórias invasivas e não invasivas, confrontando a VOAF com a Ventilação Mecânica convencional, onde a primeira exerce um efeito importante sobre os níveis de oxigenação e de pressão parcial de gás carbônico. Na forma não invasiva, a VOAF não demonstrou superioridade ao CPAP, porém configura-se como uma modalidade segura de ventilação não invasiva, tanto quanto as modalidades já consolidadas na literatura. A utilização da VOAF como modo de ventilação inicial tem sido questionada ao longo dos anos, porém os estudos mais recentes demonstram que a sua indicação de forma precoce, com os critérios de seleção bem estabelecidos e a adequada monitorização, mostra-se segura e eficaz.
Intervenções de fisioterapia respiratória para crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Valandro Amanda Franciele , Heinzmann-Filho João Paulo
Published: September 2020

Introdução: A fibrose cística é uma doença multissistêmica, sendo as complicações respiratórias, as principais responsáveis pela morbimortalidade da doença. O tratamento envolve equipe multidisciplinar, no qual, a fisioterapia respiratória tem como objetivo otimizar a função pulmonar. Diversas intervenções de fisioterapia respiratória (convencionais, baseadas em volume, instrumentais e exercícios ventilatórios) são utilizadas no tratamento da fibrose cística, e mapear os estudos relacionados a elas contribui no manejo da doença. Objetivo: Revisar as intervenções fisioterapêuticas apresentadas, na literatura indicada, para remoção de secreção das vias aéreas de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, realizada através do Pubmed, LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane e PEDro. Utilizou-se a seguinte estratégia de busca: cystic fibrosis AND physical therapy modalities OR bronchial hygiene. Foram incluídos estudos que utilizaram intervenções fisioterapêuticas para a remoção de secreção das vias aéreas de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. Resultados: De um total de 1.526 artigos, apenas 22 foram incluídos. Os artigos totalizaram 708 participantes, com idades oscilando entre três semanas e 18 anos. As intervenções fisioterapêuticas utilizadas apresentaram variabilidade, sendo, as mais frequentes, as convencionais (drenagem postural, percussão, vibração), em 16/22 estudos, seguidos das instrumentais (dispositivo/máscara de pressão expiratória positiva e Flutter®), em 12/22, dos exercícios ventilatórios (7/22) e das baseadas em volume (ciclo ativo da respiração, drenagem autogênica) em 6/22 artigos. Além disso, conforme ocorre um aumento da faixa etária, há uma redução por intervenções fisioterapêuticas exclusivamente convencionais. Conclusão: Houve grande variabilidade nas intervenções de fisioterapia respiratória utilizadas para a remoção de secreção das vias aéreas nesse mapeamento realizado em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. No entanto, evidenciou-se certo predomínio de intervenções convencionais. A escolha da terapêutica parece ter sido influenciada pela idade dos participantes.
A importância da monitoria acadêmica no ensino superior
Authors: Gonçalves Mariana Fiuza , Gonçalves Alberto Magno , Fialho Beatriz Fiuza , Gonçalves Ilda Machado Fiuza
Published: September 2020

As Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) têm tido a preocupação de organizar projetos educativos e pedagógicos, que desenvolvam uma aprendizagem ativa, construtiva, mediada e autorregulada. As matrizes curriculares são colocadas em prática ampliando o trabalho com diferentes propostas pedagógicas, investindo na ciência e na docência. Dentro desse contexto têm-se os programas de monitoria (FRISON,2016). A monitoria acadêmica define-se como um serviço de apoio pedagógico que visa oportunizar o desenvolvimento de habilidades técnicas e aprofundamento teórico, proporcionando o aperfeiçoamento acadêmico (HAAG,2009). É considerada uma modalidade de ensino aprendizagem que atende às necessidades de formação universitária porque envolve o graduando nas atividades de organização, planejamento e execução do trabalho docente. Os programas de monitoria são importantes no ensino superior de formação de professores por se constituir em mais uma oportunidade de aprendizagem do exercício docente.
Escritos e representações de Jandira Pinto: a reformuladora de Pindobal na Paraíba do século XX
Authors: Nascimento Gabriel Alves do , Machado Charliton José Dos Santos , Almeida Aline Rodrigues de
Published: September 2020

O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar a educadora e assistente social Jandira Pinto no contexto dos anos de 1950, focalizando os discursos vinculados no jornal O Norte relacionado a sua atuação na Escola Profissional Presidente João Pessoa (Pindobal). Utilizamos a abordagem teórico-metodológica da Nova História Cultural, bem como da História da Impressa, focalizando os escritos e as representações sobre Jandira Pinto nas páginas do O Norte. Os resultados estão imersos na afirmação de que Jandira Pinto é apresentada no jornal O Norte, como a reformuladora modelo dos métodos correcionais em Pindobal, suas posições pedagógicas e assistenciais para com os chamados “menores desajustados” da sociedade paraibana são baseadas no humanismo e no sincretismo religioso, desenvolvendo relações de confiança, amorosidade e respeito com os jovens internos de Pindobal.
The CO2 and PM2.5 levels in Downtown Vancouver at peak (5 p.m.) and off-peak (12 a.m.) hours
Authors: Erel Oguz , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen
Published: September 2020

The effects of air pollution and global warming on human health have reached a dangerous level and this situation has become a critical environmental concern all over the world. The aim of the study was to explore levels of PM2.5 and CO2 emitted from the combustion engines of the road vehicles. The reason for choosing PM2.5 as one of the variables in this study is that it easily penetrates the lungs alveoli and is transmitted to other body organs by blood circulation. Exposure to PM2.5 from a few hours to a few weeks can cause serious cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including death. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk for cardiovascular mortality. On the other hand, decrease in PM2.5 levels reduces cardiovascular mortality. Studies also show that PM2.5 is associated with diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. The reason for choosing CO2 was its being as one of the six greenhouse gases leading to the climate change or global warming that threatens human health all over the world. Traffic emissions are the major source for both PM2.5 and CO2. That is why to understand the extent of the PM2.5 and the CO2 emissions from fossil fuel burning and thus their impact on human life is important. Studies show that while air pollution is high during peak hours, it is lower during off-peak hours. Moving from this fact, the discrepancies between peak and off-peak hours readings of the PM2.5 and CO2 levels, which were measured in Vancouver Downtown during 30 consecutive days, were observed. Air particulates PM2.5 were measured with the Dust Trak aerosol monitor and CO2 levels with Q Trak monitor. Results showed a statistically significant difference in the median concentration of PM2.5 between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m. (p=0.018). However there was no statistically significant difference in the median concentration of CO2 between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m. (p=0.84). Measures to reduce air pollution, particularly through reducing PM2.5 and CO2 levels, especially in urban settings, can help reduce the risks of global warming (CO2 effect) and have positive effect on public health issues by preventing or reducing the risks of occurrence of many diseases, and their fatal consequences in some instances, caused or triggered by exposure to air pollution. Both national governments and international agencies should support the scientific research the results of which will inform the public health policies and regulations that will promote cleaner air and thus healthier societies by both implementing some enforcement measures and educating the public on the risks of air pollution and global warming and the relevant and available remedies. This study has been carried out to contribute to the efforts made to this end.
A comparison of recreational water illness awareness and frequency of swimming
Authors: Chan Elden , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , MacLeod Martin
Published: September 2020

Objective: Swimming pools have potential to create health hazards that range from physical, chemical to biological. Biological concerns center on communicable diseases which can be spread through poor hygiene practices. To prevent the spread of disease, swimmers must be informed and practice appropriate hygiene. This study aims to determine whether the frequency of swimming had an influence on swimming pool hygiene knowledge. Method: Survey questions focusing on risk factors for communicable disease spread, and personal hygiene practices were developed using the pool operation handbooks, input from environmental health instructors at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, as well as past surveys from other studies. Pool patrons were surveyed at Hillcrest Community Centre in Vancouver. Scores from these tests were then analyzed in NCSS9 using one-way ANOVA tests and Two-Sample t-tests. Results: 167 validated surveys were analyzed. The most often incorrectly answered questions were in regards to the duration of avoiding swimming after diarrheal illness, pre-swim hygiene, and after bathroom use hygiene. No statistically significant difference in mean test score was found in individuals that swam more than once a week, more than once a month, or less than once a month. Statistically significant differences in mean test scores were found for individuals that read signs, and age group. Conclusion: From the data, it is observed that those who swam more frequently were not more informed on pool hygiene issues than those who swam less. The sample size (n=167) for this conclusion may be too small, since beta value was 87.5%.
Consumer preferences concerning potentially unsafe food
Authors: Chatten Victoria , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby , McIntyre Lorraine
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that the reasons behind consumers’ preferences towards certain food products are extremely dynamic. Organic foods, raw milk products and bottled water are a few products discussed in this paper that have gone under debate regarding their safety versus their perceived health benefits. METHODS: Over 100 people participated in an exclusively online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was publicized through both email and social media. Participants responded to questions regarding their food preferences of a variety of food types. RESULTS: It was found that there was a statistically significant association between education and preferences towards both milk products and organic/non-organic food products. No other demographic (setting, gender, age) were found to be associated with food preferences. It was also found that all food preferences were associated with the reasoning for that specific food preference, with the exception of cut/whole fruit. CONCLUSION: The association between food preferences and its reasoning concludes that consumers who prefer opposing products do so for extremely different reasons. Consumers that prefer the more risky food products mainly do so for taste and potential health benefits. Public health officials need to ensure that consumers that prefer riskier products thoroughly understand the risks, so that they themselves can then truly compare the benefits of taste or perceived “healthiness” with the consequences of potential contamination and illness.
Evaluating the health and safety knowledge of body waxing providers in British Columbia
Authors: Parayno Alicia , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Since the deregulation of the BC Cosmetology Act in 2003, esthetics has become a voluntary-certified trade. Considering the rising popularity of more intimate body waxing services and the potential for infections and injuries associated with these services, there is concern that BC waxing service providers have varying levels of health and safety knowledge. METHODS: The health and safety knowledge of BC estheticians was analyzed by conducting a knowledge assessment survey of body waxing providers from random clusters of 50 beauty salons in Vancouver and Surrey, BC. To evaluate which parameters affected the estheticians’ knowledge scores, ANOVA, t-tests and regression analyses were used. Chi square analyses were used to determine factors associated with the level of esthetics training. RESULTS: Health and safety knowledge scores widely varied (mean = 18.8 ± 5.5 out of 36 points). Estheticians’ qualifications were not significantly associated with whether the esthetician started practicing before or after the BC Cosmetology Act deregulation. 84% held a traditional esthetics certification and 30% had BeautySafe certification; however they did not necessarily score significantly higher on the health and safety knowledge assessment. Estheticians scored higher in Vancouver than in Surrey (p=0.046). The cost of waxing (p=0.0011) and estheticians’ perceptions (p=0.020) of their own knowledge level are also positively related to their knowledge score. Age, alma mater, years of experience, and ethnicity did not show any significant relationship with an esthetician’s qualifications or knowledge scores. CONCLUSIONS: Cost of wax treatment, esthetician’s perception of health and safety knowledge and location were indicators of an esthetician’s health and safety knowledge competency. Consumers should ask the esthetician to rate their own knowledge competency, opt for the more expensive treatment and if they have the option, choose a Vancouver salon over a Surrey salon. The wide range of knowledge scores indicate a gap in health and safety standards and thus, an opportunity for health authorities and the esthetic industry to collaborate to establish such standards.
Testing for presence of radioactivity in BC Pacific Ocean’s seafood supply
Authors: Luan Amy , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby , Zitouni Abderrachid
Published: September 2020

Abstract: Due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant incident in March 2011, large quantities of contaminated water were released to the Pacific Ocean in Japan. The severity of contamination on the marine environment is unclear, therefore, the public is concerned with the possible internal radiation exposure from ingesting contaminated seafood products caught in the Pacific Ocean. This study was aimed to investigate the presence or absence of gamma radioactivity in commonly consumed seafood products from B.C. In total, ten different species of fish and three different species of shellfish were selected for analysis. For each species of fish, two samples were collected and each sample was from a different local seafood market. For each species of shellfish, ten samples were collected from three different sources. Using the portable GR-135 Plus gamma ray spectrometer, the samples were tested and analyzed for the presence of Fukushima radionuclides, particularly Cesium-137 (Cs-137) and Cesium- 134 (Cs-134).Based on the analyzed fish and shellfish, no gamma radiation was detected. The detector did not identify any gamma radiation over the normal background readings.
The effect of Foodsafe Level 1 Training on inspection report results
Authors: Duchen Benjamin , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen
Published: September 2020

Abstract: Food handlers equipped with food safety knowledge prevent foodborne illnesses. This study examined the relationship between worker Foodsafe level 1 training and critical violations reported on inspection results of non-chain restaurants in the Burnaby Fraser Health region. A total of 25 food service establishments with no critical violations on their routine inspections and 25 that had at least one critical violation participated in the telephone survey. Using the Mann-Whitney U two tailed t-test, it was shown that food service establishments with no critical violations on inspections had no significantly (p = 0.72) different proportions of Foodsafe level 1 trained staff than those with at least one critical violations on inspections. This study suggested that having more food handlers with food safety training does not impact how well restaurants score on inspections.
Electronic cigarettes
Authors: Hynes Kelsey , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen , Shaw Fred , Bisente Jaymar , Cen Fiona
Published: September 2020

Background: Since 2011, the popularity of electronic cigarettes in North America has increased dramatically. However, with a lack of scientific data performed on long term health effects and the limited number of short term studies, it is difficult for Environmental Health Officers to effectively educate the public on concerns relating to the health and safety of the general public. The increase of teenage users demonstrates the need for better government legislation and enforcement, in order to prevent the re-glamorization of smoking in younger generations. Therefore, the following study conducted a chemical analysis on artificially inhaled vapor from two different types of e-cigarettes (disposable and rechargeable), to determine if any heavy metal concentrations; specifically cadmium, chromium, lead and arsenic, are detectable. Methods: The vapor from one of two e-cigarette types was artificially inhaled through a cellulose filter cassette by a personal sampling pump. A two tailed t-test was performed to determine if there were any differences between the heavy metals and the type of e-cigarette used in the study. Results: There was no statistical significant difference in heavy metal concentration by the type of e-cigarette used (for cadmium the p-value was 0.00, and power was 0.00, for chromium the p-value was 0.181220, and power was 0.008976342, for lead the p-value was 0.333711, and power was 0.001825742, for arsenic the p-value was 0.00, and power was 0.00). Conclusion: Based on the results, it was determined that there was no statistical significance between disposable e-cigarettes and rechargeable e-cigarettes with respect to concentration of the four heavy metals of interest (eg. cadmium, chromium, lead and arsenic). Although there was no statistical significance between the types of e-cigarettes used, the average concentration of chromium (IV) from the rechargeable e-cigarette was 0.13mg/m3, which is ten times the recommended 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) set by the BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Hence, further studies must be conducted to determine if the average concentration found in this study truly reflects the concentration found in inhaled vapor from rechargeable e-cigarettes. Furthermore, environmental health officers can provide the public with the concentration found in this study and warn of potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes until further studies are released.
Mitigating hand contamination at recycling depots
Authors: Ding Amanda , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose: Although the number of recyclers and amount of accepted materials and their contaminants has increased over the decades, the adequate provision of hand washing equipment to mitigate the transfer of infectious agents at recycling depots has not been well studied. Minimal Standard (MS) depots and STAR-Rated (SR) depots are inspected by Encorp Pacific (Canada) auditors, not health inspectors, and claim to provide adequate hand hygiene equipment. This study compared the adequate provision of essential hand washing equipment at MS and SR depots in Metro Vancouver to determine if they met public health standards. Methods: Inspections of presence/absence of essential hand washing equipment (tap with running water, soap in soap dispenser, hand drying equipment and signage) were carried out at 35 depots throughout Metro Vancouver (Vancouver West End to Abbotsford). Depots recorded with all components were assigned a Pass grade; depots with any one missing component or more were assigned a Fail grade. MS/SR and Pass/Fail grade was analyzed using Chi-squared test on NCSS 9 Statistical Software (NCSS). Results: Of the 35 depots surveyed, fails were present in both MS depots and SR depots. Very few depots had signage. Main reasons for Fails included broken hand dryers and lack of soap. All depots with hand wash stations had running water. Pearson’s Chi-square results for observed Pass/Fail and MS/SR depots compared to expected values were unable to reject null hypothesis (P-value 0.911 > 0.05) even when provision of signage was excluded as a criterion (P-value 0.537 > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no association between depot standard rating and provision of essential hand washing equipment. Lack of signage failed 74.3% of depots but excluding signage from the criteria failed 34.3% of depots. Hand washing is important in mitigating risk of infection from hand contamination from household recyclables and those sorted from waste. Inspecting depots and educating operators from a public health viewpoint may increase provision of essential hand washing equipment and increase hand washing compliance in public users.
Pesticide residues in organic apples
Authors: Tan Ying , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby , Soulsbury Kevin , Bower Bob
Published: September 2020

Objectives: The popularity of organic diets continues to increase even without sound evidence that these diets are healthier than conventional diets. As its popularity increases, organic foods become more readily available and accessible to the public, and genuinity comes into question as farmers and retailers find ways to profit from this trend. Although organic produce will never be completely free of pesticides, they are expected to have considerably lower amounts. In recent years, pesticide residues in organic apples have been found to be at levels higher than normal background levels, indicating intentional application by farmers. Thiabendazole, diphenylamine, and myclobutanil are some of the more common synthetic pesticides that have been found in organic apples; therefore, the following study tested whether or not the levels of thiabendazole, diphenylamine, and myclobutanil in organic apples were below the acceptable organic standards of 5% of their respective Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Methods: A modified QuEChERS method involving juicing and extraction was used to recover pesticides from the organic apples. Two additional samples were spiked with 1 ppm of each pesticide as controls to determine if the method was able to detect the pesticides. One sample was spiked before the juicing step, and the other sample was spiked after the juicing step. Samples were then analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: Thiabendazole, diphenylamine, and myclobutanil were not detected in all 30 organic apple samples. Furthermore, these pesticides were only detected in the one of the spiked samples – the sample which was spiked after it was juiced. Conclusion: Organic apples grown in BC meet the organic standard of containing pesticide residue levels below 5% of the MRL, at least for thiabendazole, diphenylamine, and myclobutanil. However, since pesticides were not detected in the sample which was spiked before juicing, the methodology of this study may require modification. One possible reason for this finding is that pesticides may be concentrated in the pulp that is separated during juicing, therefore suggesting that juicing apples may be a good practice for reducing the consumption of pesticides.
Electronic cigarettes
Authors: Sham Jackie , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Karakilic Vanessa , Soulsbury Kevin , Shaw Fred
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose: Electronic cigarettes are gaining vast popularity because the perceived impression about electronic cigarettes is they are a safer alternative to conventional smoking (Belluz, 2015). As a result, more teenagers are switching to electronic cigarettes either as a smoking cessation tool, or for recreational use. However, it is supported by the evidence review that there is nicotine mislabeling between what the manufacturer has labeled and the actual nicotine content in the liquids (Goniewicz et al., 2012). This is a critical health concern for teenagers and recreational users because they are exposed to nicotine, which is a neurotoxin that creates the addiction for smoking. As a result, over a period of time, recreational electronic cigarette users have a higher chance of switching to conventional smoking (Bach, 2015). Hence, the purpose of this research is to determine whether nicotine can be found in nicotine free electronic cigarette liquids Methods: The nicotine content in the electronic cigarette liquids will be determined using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry. Inferential statistics such as a one tailed t-test will be done using Microsoft Excel and SAS to see if nicotine can be detected in nicotine-free electronic cigarette liquids and if there is a statistically significant difference. Results: The two p-values from the parametric test were 0.2811 and 0.2953. The p-value to reject the null hypothesis was set at 0.05. Because the p-values from the inferential statistics were greater than 0.05, the null hypothesis was not rejected and the actual nicotine content is equal to what the manufacturer had labeled as nicotine free. Discussion: Although the inferential statistics indicated that there was no statistical significance in nicotine concentration, two out of the ten nicotine free electronic cigarette liquids measured nicotine levels above 0 ppm. Conclusion: There was not a significant difference in nicotine concentration found in the electronic cigarette liquids and the actual nicotine concentration is equal to the labeled concentration. However, because the sample size of only ten is too small, there is a potential for type 2 error. Also, the samples came from only two manufacturers. Therefore, the results from this research are not representative for all the electronic cigarette liquids. More research should be conducted to provide scientific evidence to stop recreational electronic cigarette users from the exposure of electronic cigarettes as these could act as a stepping-stone towards smoking conventional cigarettes. Teenagers who start smoking at an early age will be more
Evaluation of the public’s knowledge, attitude, and practice on seafood contaminants
Authors: Loo Matthew , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen , Afshari Reza
Published: September 2020

Background: The public perceives seafood generally as a healthy food. Studies have shown that consumption of fish is associated with healthy heart function. However, the benefits of consuming seafood may also come with some risks, which may not be well-known by the public. Seafood can potentially contain contaminants that originate from the natural environment or pollutants from human activity. The contaminants of interest that were focused on in this study include lead, mercury, organophosphates, and domoic acid. Methods: The study utilized a KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) survey to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding these contaminants between the general public and those working in the seafood industry. Nominal data was analyzed by the chi-square test while numerical data was analyzed by the t-test. Results: The data obtained did not show a statistically significant difference between the general public and the seafood industry (p-values greater than significance level of 0.05 on all parameters) in their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding seafood contaminants. Conclusion: There was no difference between the general public and the seafood industry in their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding seafood contaminants. Although the attitude data was not significant, the effects of some chemical contaminants (organophosphates and domoic acid) were generally incorrectly perceived by both groups unlike biological contaminants. Additional research will be required, but results from this study show that educational intervention by the government or health authorities may be needed.