bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Previous Experiences of University New Entrants’ School Library Usage: with Reference to Veterinary Medical Students, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasinghe S.
Published: September 2020

This study attempted to examine the prior school library experiences of new entrants in the field of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and their pattern of information source usage. Data were gathered by performing a questionnaire-based survey among the study population (N=71) of all the new entrants to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science in 2020.The findings revealed that 93% of the students have been instructed by school teachers to refer additional reading material to complement classroom notes and almost all the students confirmed that they utilized the school library while studying for their GCE A/L exam. It was observed that 73% of the students had visited the school library once a week or few days a week. Regarding the availability of library facilities all the students stated that they had facilities to borrow books while 47% of them had facilities to borrow magazines too. Yet, only 32% of students reported that library catalogs were available in their school libraries. In addition, 90% of the respondents did not have computers as well as internet access in the school library. Findings further demonstrated that most of the students (98%) had borrowed books from the school library while only few students (13%) had used the catalog for information retrieval. It was interesting to note that 95% of the students perceived the need to refer additional material to complement their classroom notes. 95% of the respondents confirmed that other than the school library they gained subject-related material from tuition classes. Inevitably, all the respondents verified that they had an email account and 97% of them stated that they used social media. Moreover, 93% of students ascertained that they preferred to communicate with the library via digital media. This paper renders insight into the adequacy of prior school library usage by university new entrants which can be used as a baseline indicator in designing and planning library instructional programs for students. Library instructional programs could be planned to have more focus on areas (eg. Online catalogs, e-resources) that were revealed to be less experienced by the students.
Overcoming challenges to anatomy education during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Amaratunga Himani
Published: September 2020

No abstract available
Prevalence of primary basilar invagination among asymptomatic Sri Lankan adults - computed tomographic study
Authors: Kodiara I. , Gamage D. , Ilayperuma I.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To evaluated the prevalence and some associated factors of basilar invagination (BI) in a group of Sri Lankan adults. Material and methods: Brain computed tomographic images (CT) of adults admitted to Teaching Hospital Rathnapura, Sri Lanka were studied, excluding subjects with craniofacial syndromes, cerebral or spinal pathologies. The distance between Chamberlain's line (CL) and odontoid process (OP) measured in sagittal CT images (bone window). BI is defined when the OP is 2mm above CL. Results: The study group (n=135; male=67; female=68) was in 20-97 years age range (mean-56±18 years). BI was present in 11.8% (n=16), of which the mean position of OP was 2.33±1.06 cm above CL (range=0.6-4.7 mm). In 13.4%, OP was at the same level as CL. When BI is absent, the mean position of OP was 2.1±1.9 cm below CL. The OP was below CL in 86.6% (n=58) of males and 75% (n=51) of females demonstrating no significant (X2=2.904;p=0.088) gender variation in BI. Internal cranial height (OR=0.823; 95%CI=0.678-0.990; p=0.044) was negatively associated with the incidence of BI. However, age (OR=1.015; 95%CI=0.984-1.047; p=0.341), gender (OR=0.707; 95%CI=0.226-2.218; p=0.553), posterior fossa height (OR=0.912; 95%CI=0.808-1.030; p=0.136), or Klaus' height index (OR=1.099; 95% CI=0.874-1.383; p=0.419) had no significant influence on BI. Conclusion: Current study, for the first time, documents the incidence of BI among asymptomatic Sri Lankans. Since ethnic variation in the incidence of BI is reported, such populationspecific data would be invaluable in diagnosing the asymptomatic BI cohort, which in turn, will facilitate to prevent permanent disability and lifethreatening emergencies.
Volcanic mercury emissions - research in support of the UNEP 2023 Global Mercury Assessment
Authors: Outridge P
Published: September 2020

Goal: Help fill key knowledge gap in natural Hg cycle (volcanic systems' emissions), a weakness in global Hg budget supporting Minamata Convention on Mercury, 2017.
Focus on Icelandic volcanic systems (possible high Hg emitters).
Progress on schedule.
Developing national guidelines for dredge disposal at sea
Authors: Lintern G
Published: September 2020

Coastal energy infrastructure and other port projects require dredging to make the sites suitable for construction. On the west coast of Canada, dredging has been required at many recently proposed port sites. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) licences
disposal of material at several large disposal-at-sea (DoS) sites on the coast. Proponents may also propose a new or temporary DoS site nearer to their development to save enormous shipping time and costs. Depending on the level of contamination of the sediment to be disposed, and the methods used,
the regulation may require sediment to be disposed at either a dispersive or non-dispersive site. In the past several years, 'guidelines for determining dispersivity' have been proposed by NRCan (Lintern)/EC scientists and stipulated to two proponents. The validity of the methodology is being
tested. NRCan is part of a triparty Regional Ocean Disposal Advisory Committee that will investigate several aspects of dredge disposal on the coast, one of which is dispersivity of existing sites. NRCan is tasked with determining dispersivity at existing sites and with conducting sensitivity
analysis of the variables used in the existing guidelines. This requires oceanographic mooring instrumentation, data analysis and modeling.
SOURCES: a geochemical map of an oil sands plume - initial results
Authors: Gammon P
Published: September 2020

SOURCES contains 2 activities (Gammon, Ahad) plus legacy publications (Gammon, Ahad, Savard, Zheng). The externally-funded Ahad activity is scheduled to commence in 2020-21 FY. Two legacy papers were published in 2019-20, with 5 more submitted or in preparation.
The Reactive Transport Model (RTM) activity (Gammon, externally funded) extensively sampled the oil sands tailings-water plume discovered in the previous EGP cycle. Initial data demonstrates a bullseye circular surface-water plume map. The groundwater plume map is more irregular due to subsurface
hydrogeological complexity that forms preferential flow paths. Calculation of boron attenuation factors indicates that there is rapid attenuation at a reaction front, possibly due to sorption processes. Time-consuming organic and eDNA analytical data is ongoing, but will fill in the emerging picture
of this plume. The plume does not seem to reach the Muskeg River.
Induced Seismicity Research Project: a brief summary of 2019-20 accomplishments
Authors: Kao H
Published: September 2020

The Induced Seismicity Research (ISR) project has a national scope with team members from NRCan offices in Sidney, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec City. The Project establishes close collaboration with both public and private sectors, including provincial and local
governments, crown corporations, professional organizations, and research universities, to address critical knowledge gaps in the understanding of induced earthquakes and to provide observation-based science to improve regulations on the development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources.
Accomplishments during 2019-2020 include:
Development of innovative methodologiesfor detection and location of small-magnitude injection-induced earthquakes (IIE);
Delineation of source characteristics of significant IIEin BC and AB;
Enhanced IIE monitoring for major shale gas basins in Canada;
2019 NRCanDepartmental Achievement Award.
Measuring, monitoring and verification of geological carbon storage
Authors: White D
Published: September 2020

Aquistore CO2 storage site: 5 years of monitoring: time-lapse seismic; induced seismicity.
Legacy geophysical and geological data from Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and Lake Michigan, Canada and U.S.A.
Authors: Todd B J , Lewis C F M
Published: September 2020

Some geophysical surveys of the Great Lakes undertaken by the Government of Canada and various scientific partners have been undiscoverable and unavailable to geoscientists and other investigators for up to 60 years. This report presents the descriptive and
administrative metadata for this legacy geoscience information. The information described herein is in printed form but digital versions will be eventually available for download from Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) databases.
COVID-19: Pandemic burden in Sub-Saharan Africa and the right to health – The need for advocacy in the face of growing privatisation
Authors: Sehoole Tshegofatso J.
Published: September 2020

For Africa, the backdrop1 against which COVID-19 emerged is a stark one. Although sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 11% of the world’s population, it bears 24% of the global disease burden. The continent is home to 60% of the people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and over 90% of malarial patients. In this region, infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV cause 69% of deaths. As states respond to COVID-19, we need to keep our eyes open to what effective responses are notifying us about our healthcare systems, so that we can craft sustainable interventions as a result and uphold the right to health. This is especially true in the light of the ongoing nature of pandemics on the continent, making urgent the need to maximise the value of our health system and its resources, as we seek lasting transformation.
Impact of Irrigation Solutions on the Apical Sealing Potential of Different Endodontic Sealers Used with the Continuous-wave Obturation Technique: An In vitro Study
Authors: Sayed Mohamed Abdelaziz Mohamed El
Published: September 2020

Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate the impact of three irrigating solutions on the apical sealing ability of three endodontic sealers. Materials and Methods: One hundred maxillary central incisors were decoronated, and their roots were assigned into three experimental groups (n = 30 each) according to the nature of the irrigating solution and two control groups (n = 5 each). Each experimental group was divided equally into three subgroups (n = 10 each) according to the type of root canal sealer. All root canals were instrumented using ProTaper Universal rotary system and irrigated with 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl/Group 1), 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2/Group 2), and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX/Group 3). The final irrigating solutions for all groups were 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and distilled water. The continuous-wave technique was used to fill the prepared canals with the following materials: MTA-Fillapex/Gutta-percha (Subgroup A), AH Plus/Gutta-percha (Subgroup B), and Realseal SE/Realseal (Subgroup C). The microleakage was assessed after 72 hours using the linear dye penetration method. The results were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. Results: Significant differences were found only between the experimental groups (P < 0.05). All root canal sealers after irrigation with 3% H2O2 showed the lowest amount of leakage. The highest apical leakage was observed when 3% NaOCl and 2% CHX were used. Conclusions: The type of irrigating solution could affect the apical sealing ability of experimental sealers used with the continuous-wave obturation technique. Root canal irrigation with 3% H2O2 +17% EDTA increased the apical sealing ability of all root canal sealers. Root canal irrigation with 3% NaOCl or 2% CHX +17% EDTA decreased the apical sealing ability of all root canal sealers.
Surgery-First Approach in a Case of Mandibular Asymmetry
Authors: Tanaka Orlando Motohiro , Costa Davani Latarullo , Niwa Marcio Furtado , Bastos Susiane Queiroz , Pithon Matheus Melo
Published: September 2020

This case report describes the orthodontic and surgical treatment of an adult patient aged 25 years 10 months, who had a skeletal Class I and Angle Class III subdivision malocclusion, with mild mandibular crowding and facial asymmetry. The chief complaint was a deviated chin to the left. Treatment was performed using a surgery- first approach that included maxillo-mandibular advancement, followed by orthodontic fixed appliances. After 12 months, the treatment has addressed the chief complaint of facial asymmetry and resulted in an attractive smile, functional occlusion, passive lip seal, balanced facial profile, and esthetic improvement. After 2 years 5 months of follow-up, the patient showed a stable surgical-orthodontic outcome with increased airway space.
Orthodontic Smile: A New Categorization of the Perfect Smile
Authors: Dias Maria do Rosário , Ferreira Ana , Pires Maria Calejo , Alves Valter , Delgado Ana
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim: There is a shortage of empirical studies that combine the problem of malocclusion to the importance of the self-perception of the mouth/smile in the mental representation of the self-image of the face, which is the aim of the present qualitative and exploratory study. Subjects and Methods: The convenience sample consisted of 151 children and youngsters of both genders, aged 8–24 years, who used an orthodontic appliance for 6 months to 1 year, and were invited to draw two portraits of their mouth/smile before (M1) and after (M2) the use of an orthodontic appliance. Results: The main reasons that underpin the use of an orthodontic appliance are defined by the crooked teeth correction, malocclusion correction, and interdental spaces categories, in which having the perfect smile was only relevant to preteens. Discussion and Conclusions: In the present study, we have identified the orthodontic smile as a new categorization of a perfect smile associated with the social display of a look with perfect teeth.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with portal cavernoma without portal vein decompression
Authors: Sasturkar Shridhar Vasantrao , Agrawal Nikhil , Arora Asit , Kumar M. P. Senthil , Kilambi Ragini , Thapar Shalini , Chattopadhyay Tushar Kanti
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction causing portal cavernoma (PC) is considered high risk because of portosystemic collateral veins in the hepatocystic triangle. The literature is limited to isolated case reports. We describe our experience of LC in patients with PC.

Patients and Methods:

Data of patients with PC who underwent LC for symptomatic gallstones or related complications was reviewed. Patients with simultaneous cholecystectomy with splenorenal shunt and open cholecystectomy were excluded. Pre-operative evaluation consisted of complete blood count, international normalisation ratio and liver function tests, ultrasound of the abdomen with Doppler, contrast-enhanced computerised tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and esophagogastroscopy as indicated. A standard four-port LC was performed. The technical principles followed were to avoid injury to the collateral veins, liberal use of energy sources and division of dominant collateral veins between clips.

Results:

Seven adult patients including three females underwent LC. Three patients had thrombosis of previous surgical shunt with persistent PC. The remaining four patients did not have any indication for shunt surgery. Successful LC was performed in six patients. The median duration of surgery was 170 (130–250 min). Blood transfusion was not required. All the patients had uneventful post-operative recovery. The histopathology of gall bladder consists of acute cholecystitis in three patients and chronic cholecystitis in four.

Conclusion:

LC is feasible in patients with PC at a centre with experience in both laparoscopic and portal hypertension surgeries. Excellent outcome with low rate of conversion to open surgery can be achieved.
Computed tomography helps pre-operative evaluation before laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst
Authors: Qingyu Ji , Xiaolong Li , Ruohan Zhu , Licong Ma , Zhichao Tang , Qingwei Chen , Yuan Wang , Ying Zhao
Published: September 2020

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital foregut dysplasia that occur mostly in the lungs and mediastinum. Here, we report a rare case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst, the location, relationship to adjacent structures and blood supply of which were determined by computed tomography (CT) recombination technology and resected by laparoscope. The case was a 41-year-old female patient. The patient came to the hospital because of intermittent lumbar back discomfort for 1 month. CT scanning revealed a cystic mass of 3.9 cm × 3.2 cm × 3.0 cm behind the left peritoneum. The mass was close to the left adrenal gland, and a branch artery from the left renal artery was revealed to supply the mass. The cystic mass was excised by laparoscopy and confirmed as bronchogenic cyst on histopathology.
Dynamique de l’involution utérine et de la croissance folliculaire pendant l’anoestrus postpartum chez le zébu peulh d’Afrique
Authors: Yamboue Auguste Tanguy , Zongo Moussa , Traore Boureima , Karimou Boureima Harouna
Published: September 2020

Les perspectives d’une remise en reproduction après vêlage, prennent en compte la durée de l’anoestrus postpartum. Cette durée dépendrait du délai d’involution utérine et du fonctionnement de l’axe gonado-hypothalamo-hypophysaire. L’objectif de cette étude a été d’apprécier les caractéristiques de l’anoestrus postpartum, notamment l’involution utérine complète et la reprise de l’activité ovarienne après la parturition chez la vache zébu Peuhl. Elle a concerné dix femelles (n = 10) d’âge et de poids moyens compris respectivement dans les intervalles [4 – 13] ans et [190 – 250] kg. Elles ont été examinées à partir deJ7 jusqu’à J100 postpartum, au moyen d’un échographe portable muni d’une sonde linéaire de 7,5 Mhz. Les clichés les plus représentatifs des cornes utérines, du cervix et des organites ovariens ont été enregistrés et analysés. La courbe de résorption utérine a montré une phase de régression rapide entre J7 et J16 suivi d’une phase lente entre J17 et J45.Ledélai moyen pour l’involution utérine a été 26,6 ± 2,11jours. La reprise de l’activité ovarienne a été observée dans un délai de 68,5 ± 6,11 jours. Ce délai varie en fonction de la parité (p = 0,04).Mots clés : Involution utérine, activité ovarienne, postpartum, zébu.

English Title: Dynamics of uterine involution and follicular growth during anoestrus postpartum in African zebu Peulh

 

The prospects for rebreeding after calving were strongly influenced by postpartum anestrus duration which depends on the time of complete uterine involution and ovarian activity resumption. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of postpartum anestrus, in particular complete uterine involution and resumption of ovarian activity in the Peuhl zebu. It carried out on ten females (n = 10) which mean age and weight were extended between [4 - 13] years and [190 - 250] kg respectively. They were examined from Day 7 to Day 100 after calving by using a portable ultrasound scanner equipped with a 7.5 Mhz linear probe. The most representative images of uterine horns, cervix and ovarian structures have been frozen, recorded and exported for analyzing. The uterine resorption curve showed a rapid regression phase between Day 7 to 16 followed by a slow phase between D17 and D45. The mean time for uterine involution was 26.6 ± 2.11 days. Resumption of ovarian activity was observed within 68.5 ± 6.11 days. This time varies with parity (p = 0.04).

Keywords: Uterine involution, ovarian activity, postpartum, Zebu cows
Badania nad konfederacją gołąbską we współczesnej historiografii
Authors: Stolicki Jarosław
Published: September 2020

The Gołąb Confederacy in modern historiography In 1972, Adam and Kazimierz Przyboś have published an edited Diariusz kołowania i konfederacji pod Gołębiem i Lublinem w 1672 r. (Diary of Gołąb and Lublin concentration and confederacy of 1672), a work that has provided an impulse for further study of the Gołąb Confederacy. At the time it has been one of the few confederacies with its own monograph, published already in 1936 by A. Przyboś, but since then – and until the 1972 edition of Diariusz – the subject has been mostly neglected, as was the case with the entire unhappy reign of King Michał. For K. Przyboś the said edition has been a starting point for a number of analytical studies of that period, and especially of the confederacy itself. In this research program, he has been followed by several younger historians, whose studies are reviewed in the article. The confederacy has received particular attention in the works of Jarosław Stolicki and Leszek Wierzbicki. Source editions connected to the confederacy, such as personal and public diaries and journals, and especially the 1672 resolutions of the nobles, also play a highly significant role.
Implementation of a Virus with Treatment and Protection Methods
Authors: Asaad Renas Rajab
Published: September 2020

Currently, viruses are the most dangerous things that happens to computers, whether by transferring data or from the Internet cloud. This research paper shows how to implement a virus that has an ability to move and fortify itself from deletion or destroying. A strong virus must have automatic multiplication, automatic transmission between devices, copying itself in important locations on the computer and performing unauthorized actions and instructions in the computer. So in this research paper it will also shows how to get rid of such viruses and ways to prevent them or providing a good security for the users.
ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT OF A BUS FACTORY
Authors: AL Koray
Published: September 2020

Eventhough the production technology and capacity have been improved, manpower is indispensable. Coach production industry is one of the heavy industries. Production processes are mostly manpower in addition to automation and mechanization in these factories. Ergonomics is the one of the most important subject to increase the production efficiency and job security in heavy industry factories which use manpower heavily. Ergonomics is the field which aims to reduce the accidents and job related illnesses, anatomic problems in human body, psychological and physiological fatigue and minimize the workforce loss. Ergonomic statement evaluation is possible with providing ergonomic criteria such as anthrometric, environmental condition, and work place.

 

In this study, some experimental studies are done in order to evaluate the ergonomical conditions in chassis frame production, cataphoresis, paint shop, assembly, and quality inspection processes. The experimental studies include static and dynamic anthrometric measurements on a choosen process and experimental subject workers. The environmental conditions namely, temperature, humudity, lightening, air quality, and noise level are periodicly meausured with proper measuring devices and these data are recorded. The results are used to make an inference with comparing literature. Furthermore, inconvenient results are studied in order to determine the relation with work accidents, work related illnesses and total efficiency parameters in the factory. This study is considered to be a guidance for the effects of ergonomical conditions on workplace safety and health, work accidents and occurences, and production efficiency.
Observing the Transcendent Other: Early Modern Christian Interpretations of a Philippine Religion
Authors: Rath Imke
Published: September 2020

Transcendence and its interrelation with immanence play an important role in all religions. For a believer, the transcendent reveals itself through religious practices and can be communicated to others via various means. But when a religion is extinct, the only way of learning about its transcendence is via remaining sources, which often reveal only a biased image. This article deals with the analysis of the transcendent of an ancient Philippine religion and its distinction to the immanent. This article discusses ways of approaching the transcendent with the help of three examples dealing with the consequences of divergent understandings of transcendence and immanence, with liminality, soul concepts, and death.
Reflections on the Australian Research Council–Special Research Initiative Science of Learning Research Centre: The promise of a new narrative and evidence base for education
Authors: Carroll Annemaree , Nugent Annita , MacMahon Stephanie , Hattie John
Published: September 2020

The Science of Learning (SoL) is fundamental to the renaissance of learning, reinstating learning, and how to promote it as the core business of education. Emerging as a new endeavour of study at the beginning of the 21st century, SoL adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to increase our understanding of learning through the convergence of neuroscience, psychology, and education. While many question the potential for SoL to impact education, arguing the gap between neuroscience and the classroom is ‘a bridge too far’, we suggest a bridge already exists, taking on slightly different forms globally. Here in Australia, the bridge has strong foundations in both research and practice, the product of a collaborative undertaking between academics and educators, and supported by government policy. The triad of academia, education practice, and government policy has worked together to close the divide between research findings and implementation.
Distance Learning at the Hungarian Dance Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Papp-Danka Adrienn , Lanszki Anita
Published: September 2020

The Hungarian government prescribed distance learning for higher education institutions due to the spread of the coronavirus epidemic which was challenging at the Hungarian Dance Academy. The development of
movement skills was difficult without personal presence, no common e-learning practice had existed in the institution before the pandemic. In the research we explored the distance learning and teaching practices developed at the theoretical and dance courses at the Hungarian Dance Academy, as well as the experiences of both teachers and students during the 3 and a half months. Instructors (n=65) and students (n=240) completed an online questionnaire on digital tool use and course management, furthermore 13 of the responding instructors also shared their experiences in a structured interview. Most of the instructors welcomed everything they could benefit from distance learning (e.g. creating new curricula, learning about
new digital tools, improving relationships with students), but understandably, online distance learning of dance was considered impossible by many. Some students enjoyed distance learning because of their own schedule and the convenience of their home, but there were many critical remarks about its methods.
Evaluation of Quitomax® in the production of Cucumis sativus L. in protected culture
Authors: Salgado-Valle Yoan , Henríquez-Díaz Félix Michel , Ramírez-Arrebato Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez-Pedroso Aida Tania , Ruiz-Sánchez Michel , Reyes-Pérez Juan José , Ruiz-Espinoza Francisco Higinio
Published: September 2020

To evaluate the foliar application of the Quitomax® biostimulant in Cucumis sativus crop, an experiment was developed at the municipality of Pinar del Río province, Cuba, under protected crop conditions. The treatments consisted in applying 300 and 500 mg.ha-1 10 and 25 days after transplantation (ddt) and a commercial Bayfolan Forte® control. A randomized design with four long replicates was used and variables such as height and thickness of the plant stem of Cucumis sativus, number of total fruits, fruit mass and number of exportable quality fruits were measured during five harvest times (32, 39, 46, 60 and 67 ddt). The results showed that the higher concentration of Quitomax® applied (500 mg.ha-1) in the two growth moments produces the highest values for the growth variables and the highest exportable quality fruits.
Bluetooth’s impact on radiation emissions
Authors: Nguyen Michael , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Cellphone usage has increased leaps and bounds over the past decade. With the growing popularity of cellphones come numerous studies on the effects of mobile radiation on human health. Cellphone radiation has been associated with many health implications such as: sleep deprivation, hearing loss, slower sperm, cancers and tumors to name a few; however, more research is needed to confirm these claims. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the Bluetooth impact on radiation levels when it is paired with a cellphone. This is a two-fold process: firstly, to determine radiation levels emitted by the pairing of a cellphone and a Bluetooth headset and comparing it to a control group of the cellphone alone and secondly, comparing the radiation emissions of a paired cellphone with the associated paired Bluetooth headset. Methods: An Extech RF EMF strength meter was used to measure the radiation emission levels (μW/cm2) of various phone types by Apple and Samsung when they were unpaired and paired with a LG HBM-220 Bluetooth device. The radiation emissions of the paired Bluetooth were also measured. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in radiation emissions (μW/cm2) observed in a cellphone paired with a Bluetooth when compared to an unpaired cellphone. This was statistically significant as the p-value (0.00026) was less than the 0.05 and 0.01 values and the power was near 100 % (99.8%). When comparing the paired cellphone with the associated paired Bluetooth, the Bluetooth emitted much more radiation than the cellphone. This data was statistically significant as well as the p-value was at 0.00000 and the power at 100%. Discussion: The findings in this study suggest that Bluetooth headsets increase radiation emissions; however, it is important to note that only one Bluetooth headset model (LG HBM-220) was tested. The results also conflict with Health Canada claims that Bluetooth headsets decrease radiation emissions. More research is needed to confirm the results found in this study. A key limitation of this study was that only Samsung and Apple Inc. brands were tested. Additionally, the equipment used to measure radiation levels (Extech RMF meter) was subject to background radiation sources. Conclusion: The pairing of a LG HBM-220 Bluetooth to a cellphone increases radiation emissions in both the cellphone and Bluetooth when compared to an unpaired cellphone. These increases in emissions when paired would results in additive effects to one’s body.
Fitness lunch bag
Authors: Wong Kerrilyn , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen
Published: September 2020

Background: Improper storage of food is one of the top ten food handling practices that cause a foodborne illness. This study assessed whether the Fitness Lunch Bag was able to keep precooked chicken breast cold at below 4°C (40°F) for 8 hours and to determine if the layers of the bag kept food consistent at the same temperature. Methods: Three SmartButtons, continuous temperature data logging devices, were inserted into three precooked and chilled chicken breasts. The three chicken breasts were placed within three trays inside the Fitness Lunch Bag that remained at room temperature for 8 hours. The internal temperatures were logged at one hour intervals. A total of 30 samples were collected. NCSS was used for statistical analysis of the data by regression/correlation and ANOVA. Results: The Fitness Lunch Bag was unable to hold cold food safely, at 4°C (40°F) and below for 8 hours. All three layers were found to exceed 4°C (40°F) within the first hour (p-value of 0.000 by 1 sample t-test). In addition, all three layers of the Fitness Lunch Bag were found to not be equivalent in retaining a consistent temperature throughout the bag (p-value of 0.000000 < 0.05 by regression analysis at the 8 hour mark). Layer 2 was the best at retaining the lowest temperature for the chicken breasts, followed by layer 1. Moreover, layer 3 was found to display the warmest temperatures out of the three layers. Conclusion: The results of the study show that the Fitness Lunch Bag does not have the ability to keep cold foods out of the danger zone, 4-60°C (40 – 140°F), for 8 hours. In addition, the bag was not capable of keeping cold foods safe at the 1 hour mark. Caution should be used with any type of lunch bag, insulated and/or frozen gel packed, especially with the potentially hazardous foods.
Frozen foods and recommended packaging temperatures
Authors: Sudiono Evan , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby , Heacock Helen , McIntyre Lorraine
Published: September 2020

Background: Frozen foods have cooking instructions on their packaging, but due to foodborne illnesses resulting from consuming them, it brings the effectiveness of these instructions into question. The recommended cooking temperature on the packaging is a specific numerical value that is not open to interpretation and can be used to measure effectiveness. Methods: Temperatures were taken from 208 different meat products from different stores. The information recorded include: the store the products were found at, the type of meat, whether the product was uncooked or cooked, and if it had safe handling instructions. The data was compared to 3 different guidelines to see if they met the recommendations or not. The results of the comparison were then analyzed using Chi-squared tests. Results: A majority of T&T products failed in all 3 standards, the majority of products from Superstore passed using all 3 standards, and the majority of products from Costco failed using 2 standards. Conclusion: The amount of products that met recommendations is dependent on the store, the type of meat, the uncooked or cooked status, and the guidelines being used due to the recommended temperature of poultry being vastly different in one of the guidelines. The other products that did not meet recommendations were due to them being cooked products without a recommended reheating.
Investigating the effectiveness of washing cantaloupe melon rind in preventing the transference of surface E. coli into melon flesh
Authors: Chan Adam , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen
Published: September 2020

Cantaloupe melon was the source of a lethal outbreak of Listeria in 2011. This research investigated whether washing a contaminated cantaloupe rind was sufficient in preventing the transferring of Escherichia coli. Hence, the null hypothesis for this study was that there is no association between washing a contaminated cantaloupe melon and the presence of the contamination in the flesh. In this study, 10 cantaloupes were used to produce a sample size of 20 per washed and unwashed treatments. Each of the samples was transferred to EC broth to determine the presence and absence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), the indicator organism that acted as the “outbreak contaminant.” The results showed 100% of the unwashed melons and 80% of the washed melons to have E. coli transferred into the flesh. A Chi Square analysis produced a p-value of 0.035. The study determined that there was a statistically significant association between washing a melon and the presence of E. coli in the melon flesh. The author recommends washing melon rind as a means to prevent foodborne illness caused by surface contaminants.
Safety of Chinese roast pork as determined by the water activity of the skin and cavity
Authors: Lao Winifred , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby , Shaw Fred
Published: September 2020

Objectives: The increase in unfamiliar ethnic foods and the lack of guidelines available to evaluate their safety makes it increasingly challenging for Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) to ensure food safety. Chinese barbecued meats, for example, frequently undergo improper temperature control, causing health concerns for public health authorities. However, due to the limited studies conducted, the health implications associated with temperature abuse of this ethnic food is currently unclear. Hence, the following study assessed the safety of Chinese barbecued meats, specifically roast pork, at ambient temperature (21°C). Methods: The temperature and water activity (aw) of 30 samples of roast pork skin and cavity were measured. A one sample t-test was conducted to assess whether or not the aw of roast pork surfaces are below 0.85, a standard for safe display of food at room temperature. In addition, the paired-sample t-test was conducted to determine whether a difference exists between the aw of roast pork skin and cavity. Results: The mean temperature that roast pork was displayed at in retailers was 30.7°C and the mean skin and cavity aw were 0.70±0.013 and 0.81±0.009, respectively. The aw of the roast pork skin and cavity were found to be statistically lower than the standard, 0.85 (p-value < 0.00001 and at 0.001338, respectively). In addition, statistically significant difference was found between the mean aw of the roast pork skin and cavity (p-value < 0.00001). Conclusion: These results indicate that the whole roast pork can be safely displayed at ambient temperature provided that it adheres to specific food safety and sanitation criteria. These results can aid health authorities with guidelines development to assist PHIs with inspections and educate operators to ensure food safety.
Survey of public knowledge level on the efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizers
Authors: Lu Peter , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have received wide-spread acceptance in many institutions as a form of disinfection. Whether the public truly understands the mode of action of these products and what they are effective and not effective against has not been examined. The goal of this paper is to test the public’s knowledge regarding alcohol-based hand sanitizers and examine if there are any demographic variables that may contribute to differences in knowledge level. Methods: An online survey was created via Survey Monkey and distributed through Facebook, a social media platform. A paper copy of the survey was distributed to participating senior homes in the Lower Mainland. The knowledge scores were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and NCSS to evaluate whether knowledge scores are affected by demographic variables. Incentives such as water bottles and tumblers were used to invite participants to take part in the survey. Results: The knowledge scores from respondents in health-related professions did not differ significantly from respondents in non-health related professions, however both groups differed from those that are not employed (P =0.000060). Differences in ethnicity did not result in a significantly different knowledge scores regarding hand sanitizers (P =0.441511). Respondents who are over the age of 40 (particularly those who are 70 and above) and respondents whose level of education was high school graduation or less lacked knowledge regarding hand sanitizers compared to other demographic groups. The majority of the respondents knew ABHS was effective against influenza virus. Nearly half of the respondents erroneously thought ABHS was effective against Norovirus. Conclusion: Government agencies and public health officials should focus educational efforts on the population who are over the age of 40, particularly the senior population, and whose level of education is high school or less.
Accuracy of swimming pool test kits
Authors: Tsang Frankie , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby
Published: September 2020

Background: Pool Chemistry is important to allow those using it to feel comfortable through pool water being physically clean and biologically safe. Operators and health inspectors use test kits to ensure that pool water chemistry is correct and will not cause irritation or problems to both the patrons and the pool recirculation system. This study investigates the accuracy of the three commonly used pool test kits available in the market (Taylor, HACH, and ColorQ). Parameters tested are Free Available Chlorine (FAC), Total Chlorine (TC), and pH. Methods: Using artificial pool water with known concentrations of FAC, TC, and pH, 30 samples were taken for the three different parameter from the three test kits. The indicated concentrations and pH on the test kits were then recorded and used to compare with the known standards. Results were analyzed using the statistical software NCSS. One sample t-tests were performed to indicate whether or not the test kit as accurate in reading different parameters of pool chemistry. Results: Taylor Test Kit: Readings for FAC (2.6ppm) showed 2.4ppm, TC (2.7ppm) showed 2.43ppm, and pH (7.1) showed 7.1. HACH Test Kit: Readings for FAC (2.8ppm) showed 3.5ppm, TC (3.0ppm) showed 3.5ppm, and pH (7.1) showed 6.97. ColorQ Test Kit: Readings for FAC (2.7ppm) showed 3.0ppm, TC (3.0ppm) showed 3.0ppm, and pH (7.0) showed 6.96. Conclusion: All three test kits have accurate readings for pH levels. However, the test kits do not provide accurate readings for FAC and TC which would make it difficult to calculate CC in pool waters. Although the FAC and TC readings are inaccurate, they are able to provide operators and health inspectors with brief information regarding pool water chemistry.
Consumers knowledge regarding pesticides on apples and effective washing to remove the pesticides
Authors: Brar Arvinder , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Sidhu Bobby
Published: September 2020

Objectives: With the increased health awareness, there is a growing demand of fresh produce in food. Not only is there a possibility of the fresh produce to be contaminated with harmful micro-organisms, but also chemicals such as pesticides that have harmful adverse effects. The effective method of washing the fruit can reduce the level of pesticide residue to a significant amount. The objective of the study is to determine if the general public is aware of washing the produce properly and if knowledge, age, gender, education or concerns have any association with the effectiveness of washing. Methods: The study was done using a survey that was designed using Google Forms. An online survey which was self-administered was sent out using snowball sampling. The survey was publicized through both email and social media Facebook. The survey had 19 questions in total 11 of which were general and 8 were knowledge based. The results were analysed by Chi-square test using NCSS Software Package. Results: It was found that there is a statistically significant association between knowledge level and effective method of washing the apples with a p-value of 0.00082. This means H0 is rejected; hence it means there is an associative between knowledge level and effectively washing the apples. No other demographic factors (age, gender, education, concerns, or having children) were found to be associated with the method of washing the produce effectively. Conclusion: It was found through the study that the people who were aware and had good knowledge about the presence of chemicals (pesticides) on apples would wash their fruit (apples) effectively enough that will reduce the pesticide residue on fruits more than people who aren’t aware of the pesticides on fruits. Other factors such as age, gender, preference for the type of food were not found to have any association with washing of the fruit effectively or higher level of knowledge.
Inspection violations and community care facilities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Yip Tony , BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health  , Heacock Helen , Sidhu Bobby , McIntyre Lorraine
Published: September 2020

Background: In British Columbia, community care facility is a broad term that covers many different type of facilities including residential care and child care facilities. These facilities are inspected and audited by the BC regional health authorities to ensure that they are operating in compliance with the BC Community Care and Facilities Act and its respective regulations. These facilities house population groups that are at higher risk of injury or illness due to their physiology and behaviour. Therefore, it is crucial that these facilities are operating in compliance with the prescribed legislation to minimize the risk of illness and injury to the users of these facilities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences in the number of violations in residential care and child care facilities between the different health authorities in BC. Methods: Inspection data were randomly selected and extracted from each of BC’s five health authority’s websites and assessed for the number of violations found in these inspections. Violations were tallied and an ANOVA analysis was performed to identify if there were any differences in the number of violations between the health authority regions. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and NCSS. There was a statistically significant difference of violations between child care and residential care facilities located in the Interior Health Authority region and Northern Health Authority region. Interior Health Authority child care and residential care facilities have more violations than Northern Health Authority child care and residential care facilities. Conclusion: Violations in child care and residential care facilities varied among the five BC HA region. The IHA facilities were found to have the overall highest number of violations for both child care and residential care facilities whereas the NHA facilities were found to have the lowest number of violations. This suggests that patrons of child/residential care facilities in IHA have a higher potential of getting injured or ill compared to patrons in facilities located in NHA.