Hand washing has been proven to be effective in preventing many serious diseases World Health Organization (WHO, 2009). Nonetheless, both the general public and many healthcare professionals fail to wash their hands. Very little research has been conducted outside of healthcare settings to evaluate the adherence of hand-washing procedures. This study investigated if hand washing adherence in a residential setting can be improved with the use of verbal and graphical feedback a probabilistic bonus. Results suggested that the probabilistic bonus had a substantial impact on hand washing performance: more so than signs, educational in-service, and verbal-graphical feedback alone. Reactivity data were collected and showed performance was weak to non-existent throughout all phases until the probabilistic bonus. This final phase improved performance when staff did not know they were being watched, however, performance was only moderate and variable both within- and between-staff

Integrated evaluation of materials used for cow teats preparation before milking was carried out. To investigate the efficiency of materials (“Trionet”, “Soap”, “Vissi-Tissi”, “Dermisan”, “ProfilacIopre”, “ProfilacHexopre”, chlorine tablets, wood wool, disposable udder and teats wipes) used for cow teats preparation before milking in our republic and their influence on main indicators of quality of milk (total bacterial contamination, somatic cells count, inhibitory substances in milk). Materials recommended for use as remedies for cow teats preparation before milking imported into Lithuania (such as “Trionet”, “Soap”, “Vissi-Tissi”, “Dermisan”, “ProfilacIopre”, “ProfilacHexopre”, chlorine tablets, wood wool, wet udder wipes “Sowotaan wet”) were investigated and efficiency of their usage was determined. Expediency usage of proposed materials for that purpose in Lithuanian market was evaluated.

It is very important to reduce products and facilities costs for companies. The actual washing costs minimization problem is analysed in this work. The main aim of this work – to analyse the washing costs minimization problem and develop the application for minimal washing costs finding. Mathematical model of washing costs was created (for this is statistics experiment planning theory used). This model and results of multiregressional analysis were compared.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 252-266.

Thesis (MSc )--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Washing and cleansing in an aqueous washing solution is a complex process involving the interaction of numerous physical and chemical processes. Investigations indicate that various factors present during repeated laundering might have an adverse effect on textile fabrics. Little is known, however, about the effect of the different mechanical wash actions on the deterioration of textiles. The automatic washing machines commonly used in South African households are often broadly classified as top loaders and front loaders. On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that marked differences exist between the horizontal drum machines (H), vertical drum agitator type (V(A)) and vertical drum impeller type machines (V(/)). The effect of laundering on the wear life of textile fabrics has been extensively investigated, but a serious need for research on the effect of the different mechanical washing actions of the different washing machines on textile fabrics exists on both national and international level. A number of factors have an effect on textile deterioration during washing, e.g. number of washes, temperature of wash liquid, detergent type as well as fabric finishes and water quality. Fabric properties like changes in tensile strength, print deterioration and fraying, as well as electron microscope photographs, were used as indicators of mechanical deterioration to textiles. The broad aim of this exploratory study was firstly, to compare the effect of repeated washing in different domestic automatic washing machines (commonly used in South Africa) on the possible mechanical damage to textile fabrics and, secondly, to compare the soil removal efficiency of the mechanical wash actions of the different machines. An experimental study was therefore decided on. The washing of the test fabrics, as well as the testing, was carried out under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Apart from the different mechanical wash actions of the individual machines, the effect of the variables wash temperature, level of detergent and number of washes, was also investigated. This was done by measuring tensile strength, print deterioration and fraying propensity on samples laundered repeatedly at 40°C or 60°C, with and without detergent in the washing liquid, and comparing the colour change measured on laboratory-soiled test fabrics after washing. Analysis of the mechanical wash actions of the seven washing machines compared in this study indicated conspicuous differences among machines. It can be concluded that the mechanical wash action in the category V(A) machines is the most severe, and causes the highest reduction in tensile strength, the greatest print deterioration and the highest degree of fraying. These machines did not, however, exhibit greater soil removal efficiency than the other two categories of washing machines. The machines from category H did not exhibit a significantly different soil removal efficiency than those from category V(A), but their mechanical wash action proved to be less severe. Category V(/) machines seem to have the most delicate wash action and will probably cause the slightest fabric deterioration over the long term, but unfortunately produces poor soil removal efficiency results. This study also confirmed that washing fabrics in water alone causes more deterioration of tensile strength in fabrics than washing with detergent in the wash solution. Due to the limited scope and exploratory nature of this research/study, certain aspects of automatic washing machine processes could not be tested empirically. Recommendations for future research and implications for consumers were formulated. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Was en skoonmaak in 'n waterige oplossing is 'n komplekse proses wat 'n interaksie tussen verskeie fisiese en chemiese prosesse behels. Ondersoeke dui aan dat verskeie van die faktore teenwoordig tydens herhaalde wasprosesse 'n nadelige effek op tekstielstowwe mag he. Baie min is egter bekend oor die effek van die verskillende meganiese wasaksies op die degenerasie van tekstiele. Die outomatiese wasmasjiene wat algemeen in Suid-Afrikaanse huishoudings gebruik word, word dikwels breedweg geklassifiseer as bolaaiers en voorlaaiers. By nadere ondersoek word dit egter duidelik dat daar opvallende verskille bestaan tussen die horisontale drom masjiene (H), die vertikale drom roerder tipe ((V)A)) en die vertikale drom stuwer tipe (V(/)) masjiene. Die effek van was op die draleeftyd van tekstielstowwe is uitvoerig ondersoek, maar daar bestaan op beide nasionale en internasionale vlak In ernstige behoefte aan navorsing oor die effek van die verskillende meganiese wasaksies van die verskillende wasmasjiene op tekstielstowwe. Faktore 5005 die aantal wasse, temperatuur van die wasoplossing, detergent tipe, water kwaliteit en tekstielstoftipe en -afwerking(s) het In effek of tekstieldegenerasie gedurende was. Tekstielstofeienskappe 5005 veranderinge in die breeksterkte van die tekstielstof of die tekstielstofmassa per eenheidsarea, agteruitgang van bedrukking, rafeling, sowel as elektronmikroskoop foto's word as aanduiding van meganiese degenerasie t.o.v. tekstiele beskou. Die oorkoepelende doe I van hierdie eksploratiewe studie was eerstens, om die effek te vergelyk van herhaalde was in verskillende outomatiese wasmasjiene (algemeen in gebruik in Suid-Afrika) op die moontlike meganiese beskadiging aan tekstielstowwe, en tweedens, om die doeltreffendheid van vuilverwydering op die wasaksies van die verskillende masjiene te vergelyk. Daar is gevolglik op In eksperimentele studie besluit. Die was van die tekstielstowwe, sowel as die laboratoriumtoetse, is onder gekontroleerde atmosferiese toestande in In laboratorium uitgevoer. Afgesien van die verskillende meganiese wasaksies van die individuele masjiene, is die effek van die veranderlikes westemperetuur, detergentv!ak en aanta! wasse ook ondersoek. Dit is gedoen deur die bepaling van breeksterkte en die meting van die mate van agteruitgang van bedrukking en mate van geneigdheid tot rafeling van kledingstowwe na herhaalde was by 40°C en 60°C, met en sonder detergent in die wasvloeistof. Die kleurverandering na was is ook gemeet op laboratorium gevlekte monsters. Die analise van die meganiese wasaksie van die sewe wasmasjiene wat in hierdie studie vergelyk is, het opvallende verskille tussen masjiene uitgewys. Daar kan tot die gevolgtrekking gekom word dat die meganiese wasaksie in kategorie V(A) masjiene die ergste is, wat gevolglik die grootste verlaging in breeksterkte en die meeste afieruitgang van bedrukking en rafeling veroorsaak het. Hierdie masjiene het egter nie meer doeltreffende vuilverwydering tot gevolg gehad in vergelyking met die ander kategoriee van wasmasjiene nie. Die masjiene in kategorie H het nie 'n betekenisvolle verskil in doeltreffenheid van vuilverwydering van die van kategorie V(A) getoon nie, maar die meganiese wasaksie was minder straf. Kategorie V(/) masjiene het blykbaar die mees delikate wasaksie en sal moontlik die minste tekstielstof degenerasie oor die langtermyn toon, maar ongelukkig is die resultate t.o. v. die doeltreffendheid van vuilverwydering swak. Die studie bevestig dat die was van tekstielstowwe in water aileen 'n groter verlaging in breeksterkte van tekstielstowwe veroorsaak as wat die geval is wanneer met 'n detergent in die wasvloeistof gewas word. Weens die beperkte omvang en eksploratiewe aard van die studie kon sekere aspekte van die outomatiese wasprosesse nie empiries getoets word nie. Aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsing en implikasies vir verbruikers is geformuleer.

The following research was conducted to contribute to the greater understanding of the impact that most often utilized methods of public awareness and education have on behaviors relative to sickness and disease for the general public in terms of action toward prevention behaviors within a healthcare setting. The psycho educational approach is often considered an effective means to promote behavior change as it relates to preventative behavior, and in the clinical therapeutic setting has shown some relevance as an effective procedure. Unfortunately, no research as of yet speaks to the comparative effectiveness this approach may have over other approaches often thought to enhance preventative behavior, such as the more empirically based behavior analytic methods. This study provides such an analysis of the effectiveness each methodology has on changing the behavior of the public at large. Based on a study conducted in the academic setting to increase hand-sanitizing behavior of facility patrons (Loukus & Dixon, in review), this study utilizes the most effective form of prompting found to increase sanitizer use in a public facility. Because healthcare facilities often rely on psycho educational methodologies to influence sanitizer use amongst visitors and employees by placing "sanitizing stations" at the main entrance to the facility, this setting provides an appropriate venue for scientific manipulation of prompting variables to determine effectiveness on public preventative behavior towards sickness and disease, while a simple reversal design enhances the comparative value of effects obtained on behavior through observation and implementation of the two approaches within the setting.

Doctor of Philosophy / Food Science - Animal Sciences & Industry / Kelly J. K. Getty / Produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, and cantaloupes have been associated repeatedly with food outbreaks connected to various Salmonella serovars, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The aim of this research was to validate washing solutions and techniques in reducing pathogens on produce surfaces. Lettuce (25 ± 0.3g) and tomatoes were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp., respectively. Samples were treated with tap water (TW) or a chemical wash treatment (CWT; containing citric acid) for 30, 60, or 120 s. Reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. populations on the surface of leaf lettuce and tomatoes, respectively, were greater (P<0.05) for CWT (ca. 3.0 logs) than for TW (ca. 2.3- 2.5 logs). Cantaloupes were washed with TW, 9% vinegar solution, or a commercial antimicrobial for fruit and vegetables treatment (CAFVT; containing lactic acid) for 2 min using a washing system. Cantaloupes were cut into wedges or cubes and stored at 4ºC for aerobic plate counts (APC) on days 0, 1, 3, and 6. APC populations of cubed and wedged cantaloupes were different over time (P=0.00052); cantaloupes washed with 9% vinegar solution showed the lowest APC populations after day 1 and 3 of storage. Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes inoculated cantaloupes were washed with CPW for 30, 60 or 120 s. Washing cantaloupes for 120 s with CPW showed greater (P<0.05) reductions of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes populations (1.26 and 1.12 log₁₀ CFU/cm²) than TW (ca. 0.63 log₁₀ CFU/cm²) on cantaloupe surface. Lettuce leaves were inoculated with rifampicin-resistant E. coli surrogates and then washed with CAFVT, 5% vinegar solution or TW for 2 min with agitation (washing system) or without. Log reductions of CAFVT (2.25 log₁₀ CFU/g) were greater (P=0.0145) than those by tap water (1.34 log₁₀ CFU/g), but similar to 5% vinegar solution (2.09 log₁₀ CFU/g). Washing lettuce with continuous agitation achieved higher (P=0.0072) E. coli reductions (2.26 log₁₀ CFU/g) than without agitation (1.53 log₁₀ CFU/g). Overall, incorporation of wash solutions or agitation (washing system) in the washing process compared to TW alone reduced greater (P<0.05) APC, pathogens, or surrogates populations from lettuce, tomato, and cantaloupe surfaces.

Water is the most important element of the nature, fundamental to all existent life. The possibility of its breakdown has influence upon the urgent necessity of its preservation. Human beings, in their individual existential selfishness, are still indifferent in relation to nature signals of possible damages. It is for sure that socio-economical activities need this resource to develop them, and then they need to know how to use it rationally. In this way, this study aims at studying the washing and disinfection process of hospital clothes in order to minimize water consumption besides proposing improvements at HUSM s laundry, considering the descriptive diagnose carried out in this place from October/2007 to February/ 2008. The methodology used was exploratory descriptive quantitative and qualitative, with a case study technique. The data collection was done through applied questionnaires, forms, inspection log books that were answered by respondents who work in this sector and compose this study sample. Aiming at the validation and confirmation of the provided information, photographic registrations, archives and documents checking, besides observations in the workplace studied were carried out. The collected and analyzed data pointed to improvement possibilities in the washing and disinfection process of hospital clothes and to washing type standardization, resulting in a 21,9% of water volume and products use reduction, increasing the clothes quality. Besides that, this study has contributed to reduce effluent liquids with chemical charges production, pointed out existent deficiencies in the laundry and corrected them and presented the possibility of total types of washing automation, proportioning advantages to internal and external costumers, to the institution and also to the environment. / A água é o elemento mais importante da natureza, fundamental a toda a vida existente. A possibilidade de seu esgotamento repercute na necessidade urgente de sua preservação. O homem em seu egoísmo individual existencial permanece ainda indiferente aos sinais de perigo manifestados pela natureza. É certo que as atividades econômico-sociais necessitam desse recurso para se desenvolverem, por isso precisam saber utilizá-lo racionalmente. Considerando isso este estudo teve como objetivo estudar o processo de lavagem e desinfecção de roupas hospitalares visando à minimização do consumo de água e proposições de melhorias na lavanderia do HUSM, a partir de diagnóstico descritivo realizado na lavanderia nos meses de outubro/2007 a fevereiro/2008. A metodologia utilizada foi do tipo exploratória descritiva quanti-qualitativa, com técnica de estudo de caso. A coleta dos dados se deu mediante aplicação de questionários, formulários, roteiros de inspeção, os quais foram respondidos pelos colaboradores que atuam nesse setor compondo a amostra desse estudo. Visando a confirmação e validação das informações fornecidas, foram realizados registros fotográficos, observações no ambiente estudado, consultas a documentos e arquivos informatizados. Os dados coletados e analisados demonstraram possibilidades de melhorias no processo de lavagem e desinfecção de roupas hospitalares e padronização dos tipos de lavagens, repercutindo em significativa redução do volume de água consumido em 21,9% e de produtos, aumentando a qualidade da roupa. Além disso, esse estudo contribuiu para redução na produção de efluentes líquidos com carga química, apontar deficiências existentes na lavanderia e corrigi-las, apresentar a possibilidade de automação total dos tipos de lavagem; proporcionando vantagens aos clientes externos e internos, à instituição e ao meio ambiente.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:34:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:06:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Sendo o biodiesel um combustÃvel derivado de energia renovÃvel e considerado ecologicamente correto por ser de queima limpa, isto Ã, nÃo libera para atmosfera gases que contribuem para o aumento do efeito estufa, este biocombustÃvel surge como alternativa para substituir aqueles derivados do petrÃleo. As matÃrias-primas utilizadas para produzir o biodiesel podem ser tanto de origem vegetal como origem animal. Ante o impasse e o uso das matÃrias-primas vegetais serem tambÃm utilizadas para outros fins, como, por exemplo, a alimentaÃÃo, as matÃrias-primas derivadas de gorduras de origem animal, como o Ãleo extraÃdo das vÃsceras de peixe, aparece como interessante fonte de pesquisa para o aproveitamento na produÃÃo do biodiesel. No CearÃ, o aÃude CastanhÃo possui um dos maiores criatÃrios de tilÃpia, uma espÃcie de peixe que resiste atà em Ãguas bastante poluÃdas e, por essa razÃo, se reproduzem com facilidade, servindo como alimento, principalmente nas cidades interioranas. Em paralelo a essa vantagem, tambÃm ocorre como desvantagem o descarte das vÃsceras do peixe, uma fraÃÃo que nÃo tem uso, em solos e Ãguas superficiais, ocasionando sÃrios problemas ambientais. Com o intuito de minimizar o citado problema, a AssociaÃÃo dos Pisicultores do AÃude CastanhÃo, em parceria com a FundaÃÃo NÃcleo de Tecnologia Industrial do Cearà (NUTEC) iniciaram uma pesquisa de aproveitamento dessas vÃsceras para a produÃÃo de biodiesel. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida na NUTEC e a produÃÃo de biodiesel de vÃsceras de tilÃpia mostrou ter viabilidade. Durante a produÃÃo de biodiesel, no entanto, sÃo gerados efluentes de elevadas cargas poluidoras, em razÃo dos reagentes usados e da prÃpria composiÃÃo da matÃria-prima. Estes efluentes, chamados Ãguas de lavagem, sÃo provenientes da etapa de purificaÃÃo do biodiesel, a lavagem aquosa. O biodiesel foi obtido por meio de uma reaÃÃo quÃmica de transesterificaÃÃo, isto Ã, a gordura (Ãleo extraÃdo das vÃsceras de tilÃpia) foi convertida em um Ãster (biodiesel) na presenÃa de um Ãlcool (metanol) e um catalisador (hidrÃxido de sÃdio). Em seguida, as Ãguas de lavagem provenientes dessa etapa foram caracterizadas mediante anÃlises fÃsico-quÃmicas dos parÃmetros: pH, amÃnia total, demanda quÃmica de oxigÃnio (DQO), fÃsforo total e teor de metanol, seguindo-se os procedimentos descritos em APHA (1998 e 2005) e (European Standard EN-14110/2001 - VARIAN). Comparando-se os resultados obtidos com os padrÃes estabelecidos para lanÃamento de efluentes da ResoluÃÃo CONAMA N 430, de 13 de maio de 2011, observou que as concentraÃÃes dos parÃmetros analisados nÃo estavam em conformidade com a citada legislaÃÃo ambiental federal. Portanto, conclui-se que as Ãguas de lavagem provenientes da etapa de purificaÃÃo do biodiesel, sÃo efluentes que nÃo podem ser descartados antes de um tratamento adequado para enquadrÃ-las nos padrÃes estabelecidos. / Biodiesel is a fuel derived from renewable energy and considered environmentally friendly for being clean-burning. It means that it does not release into the atmosphere gases that contribute to the increasing of greenhouse effect. It is in fact, an option to replace petroleum fuels. The raw materials used to produce biodiesel may be either of vegetable or animal origins. Facing the dilemma of using vegetable raw materials for other purposes, such as food, the raw materials derived from animal fats, such as the oil extracted from fish viscera, appears as an interesting source of research for the use in biodiesel production. In the state of CearÃ, the CastanhÃo dam has one of the largest farming areas of tilapia, a fish species that resists even in very polluted waters and therefore, is reproduced easily serving as food mainly in inner towns. Parallel to such advantage, there is the disadvantage of the fish viscera disposal. It is a fraction that has no use in soils and surface waters, causing serious environmental problems. Aiming to minimize the aforementioned problem, the association of the CastanhÃo dam fish farmers, in partnership with the Center for Industrial Technology Foundation of Cearà (NUTEC) started a research on the utilization of such visceral material in the biodiesel production. The research was carried out at the NUTEC and the production of biodiesel from viscera of tilapia has shown to have viability. However, during the process of biodiesel production, effluents are generated from high pollution loads due to the reagents used and the very composition of the raw material. Such effluents, called washing water originate from the step of purification of the biodiesel, the aqueous washing. The biodiesel obtained by a chemical reaction of transesterification, ie, fat (oil extracted from the viscera of tilapia), was transformed into an ester (biodiesel) in the presence of an alcohol (methanol) and a catalyst (sodium hydroxide). Then, the washing water from this step was characterized by physical-chemical analysis of parameters: pH, total ammonia, oxygen chemical demand (OCD), total phosphorus and methanol content, following the procedures in (APHA , 1998 and 2005) and (European Standard EN-14110/2001 - VARIAN). Comparing the results with the standards for effluent discharge of CONAMA Resolution n 430, March 22nd, 2011, it was observed that the concentrations of the analyzed parameters were not in accordance with the aforementioned Federal Environmental Legislation. Therefore, we concluded that the washing water from the purification step of biodiesel is an effluent that cannot be rejected before an appropriate treatment to be fit in the established standards.