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DOAJ Open Access 2025
Reusable thiophene-based fluorescent sensor for detection of toxic Au³ ⁺ in real samples: Integrated spectroscopic and computational insight

Hasher Irshad, Katrine Qvortrup

Gold exhibits fascinating photophysical and photochemical properties, making it valuable in various applications, including catalysis, fluorescent porous materials, fluorophores and medicine. However, high concentrations (0.075 and 0.006 mg/L) in fresh water are toxic, posing a threat to human health. Therefore, convenient chemical sensors are required for Au3+ monitoring. In this study, we present a novel carbazole-extended thiophene-containing electron rich organic compound (CT) and studied its interaction with Au3+ along with a range of sulphur containing small organic molecules through fluorescence, UV Vis. and NMR spectroscopy. Strong interaction between CT and Au3+ was further evaluated via SEM and DFT studies. Mechanism of interaction between CT and Au3+ was proposed to be chelation enhancement quenching effect (CHEQ) and the strong interaction explained based on the hard and soft acid and base (HSAB) theory. Interference studies showed highly selective interaction of CT with Au3+ in diverse conditions which makes CT a very promising fluorescent sensor. Therefore, real samples were also analyzed for the trace detection of Au3+ and ultra-fast, reversible and quantitative detection of Au3+ was achieved.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Воздействие La(Ш), Cu(II) и их комбинации на одноклеточную водоросль Scenedesmus quadricauda(Turp.) Breb

Сысолятина, М.А., Шеромов, А.М., Олькова, А.С.

Металлы попадают в окружающую среду совместно. Целью представленной работы была оценка воздействия La(Ш), Cu(II) и их комбинации (1:1) на одноклеточную водоросль Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb при низких концентрациях металлов в водной среде. В воду питьевого качества добавляли соли CuSO4·5H2O и La2(SO4)3·8H2O до достижения концентраций 0,000008‒0,0016 ммоль/л в расчете на ион металла или их сумму (1:1). Проводили биотестирование модельных растворов по методу учета численности клеток водорослей через 72 часа экспозиции. Действие Cu(II) имело слабый стимулирующий эффект: максимально численность клеток увеличилась в растворах с 0,0008 и 0,0016 ммоль/л металла (в 1,2 и 1,3 раза к контролю). La(III) во всем диапазоне тестируемых концентраций значительно стимулировал увеличение численности клеток водорослей (4,2‒11,1 раз). При совместном действии Cu(II) и La(III) гормезис имел среднюю степень по сравнению с эффектами металлов по отдельности (1,8‒2,9 раз к контролю). Таким образом, впервые показано, что витальные концентрации Cu(II), La(III) и их комбинаций в водной среде приводят к увеличению размножения зеленых водорослей, причем эффекты La(Ш) превышают эссенциальное действие Cu(II). Следовательно, даже незначительное поступление металлов в водные экосистемы может приводить к их эвтрофикации.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) management and policy frameworks in the Philippines: A mini review

Ma. Grace Curay Sumaria, Raymond Sumaria

In 2022, the Philippines generated approximately 537,000 metric tons of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), equivalent to 4.7kg per capita, positioning the country among the top e-waste producers in Southeast Asia. This surge is attributed to rapid urbanization, increased consumer demand for electronics, and shorter product life spans. Despite existing policies like the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act (RA 6969), enforcement remains inconsistent, leading to widespread informal recycling practices that pose significant health and environmental risks. This study employed a qualitative and descriptive review method to analyze academic literature, government reports, and international policy benchmarks in assessing the current state of e-waste management in the Philippines. Findings reveal that while 91 Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities were registered as of 2023, their uneven distribution and the lack of infrastructure in many areas hinder effective waste management. Moreover, the continued importation of secondhand electronics further aggravates the e-waste burden. The study concludes that existing efforts are insufficient to address the growing problem and recommends the the enactment of a comprehensive e-waste management law, the prohibition of secondhand electronics importation for disposal, the nationwide expansion of TSD facilities, the development of a centralized e-waste collection system, and the implementation of public education and awareness campaigns. 

Agriculture, Biology (General)
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Зависимость оценок аэрозольного загрязнения мегаполиса на базе напряженности атмосферного электрического поля от невозмущенного профиля проводимости

Крашенинников, А.В., Локтев, Д.Н., Соловьев, С.П.

Взвешенные ультрадисперсные частицы представляют собой большую опасность для здоровья людей, поэтому крайне важно развитие опосредованных методов оценки концентрации аэрозольных частиц размерами до 0,1 мкм. Связь аэрозольных частиц с напряженностью электрического поля атмосферы позволяет использовать его для таких оценок. Значительная сложность проведения измерений высотных зависимостей параметров атмосферы в пунктах наблюдений, в особенности, для функции проводимости, требует проведения исследования по зависимости получаемых результатов от взятого конкретного модельного профиля проводимости. В данном исследовании проанализирована связь параметров модели оценки концентрации аэрозолей в воздухе на базе значений напряженности электрического поля для трех профилей проводимости атмосферы: а) профиля, состоящего из единой экспоненты, б) из трех экспонент и в) для профиля, хорошо отражающего характеристики, влияющие на электрическое поле атмосферы приземного слоя. Показано, что использование близких профилей, отражающих высотную неоднородность профиля проводимости, дает почти одинаковый результат, однако, сильно отличающийся от них профиль значительно изменяет получаемые оценки ‒ концентрация частиц в мегаполисе отличается почти на порядок от наблюдаемых значений.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Мониторинг новых бинарных систем экстракции кофеина из природного сырья

Мельников, А.С., Мещерякова, С.А.

Обобщены результаты мониторинга новых бинарных систем экстракции (методом диспергирования) кофеина из природного сырья на примере листьев чая Camellia sinesis L. и бобов Coffea arabica L. Чай (Camellia sinesis L.) в Российской Федерации выращивают на территории Краснодарского края, поэтому модификация методик мацерации кофеина из данного сырья, безусловно, увеличит потенциальные возможности российского производства данного алкалоида. В свою очередь подобные методики как экологически более безопасные со временем смогут заменить существующие методы конденсации цианосодержащих реагентов и амидов с мочевиной (метод Траубе). В качестве органической фазы новых экономически более выгодных систем использовались бинарные сочетания «этилацетат/алифатический спирт» в различных соотношениях. Методикой сравнения выбрана классическая методика экстракции хлороформом. В данном исследовании в качестве второго компонента органической фазы системы экстракции проанализированы алифатические ациклические предельные спирты в разных структурных формах. В результате доказано, что новые системы экстракции позволяют более полно извлекать кофеин из природных компонентов. Модификация процесса экстракции позволит получать чистый и экологически безопасный кофеин из природного сырья, а также обеспечит экономически подходящий процесс производства кофеина для отечественного производителя.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2025
The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Self-Esteem and Weight: A Pilot Study on Overweight Individuals

Amirreza Soleymani Mazar, Hassan Gharayagh Zandi, Mahboubeh Ghayour Najafabadi et al.

Background: Low self-esteem and overweight are significant factors that can affect mental health and quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as a non-pharmacological method, has the potential to affect physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tDCS on self-esteem and weight reduction in overweight individuals.  Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A total of 24 men aged 20 to 40 years from gyms in Mashhad were selected through purposive sampling in 2024 and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The study utilized the following tools for data collection: demographic form, Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. Both groups participated in standard physical fitness training; however, the experimental group additionally received anodal tDCS (2 mA, 20 minutes per session, for 10 consecutive sessions). The control group received a sham stimulation protocol. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA in SPSS-21.  Results: The findings indicated a significant difference in self-esteem between the two groups after controlling for the pretest effect (P = 0.004, F = 10.39). The effect size of tDCS on self-esteem was 33%, suggesting a moderate impact. However, the effect of tDCS on BMI was minimal and did not lead to significant weight reduction.  Conclusion: The results suggest that tDCS, in combination with physical exercise, can have a positive impact on self-esteem in overweight individuals, but does not significantly contribute to weight loss. Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects of this intervention.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2025
A laser-enabled low carbon emission pyrometallurgical approach to recycle Li-ion batteries via silicothermic reductions

James Chen, Ruby Zhang, Maciej Podlesny et al.

In response to the growing shift from graphite to silicon in Li-ion battery anodes, we propose a novel low-carbon pyrometallurgical recycling method that uses silicon as the reducing agent. Silicon was chosen as the reductant because, as the emerging high-capacity anode material, it not only integrates seamlessly with next-generation battery chemistries but also offers a substantially lower carbon footprint than conventional carbon-based reducing agents. The thermodynamics and reaction mechanism between LiCoO2 and Si are investigated using differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses. The reaction products are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. When heated to 1500 °C, LiCoO2 undergoes simultaneous decomposition and melting, reacting with Si to produce cobalt spheres. Through a laser-enabled recycling process for only 30 s with a laser power of 2 kW, LiCoO2 is reduced via silicothermic reaction to a Co–Si alloy with only a small amount of slag (Li2SiO3 and Li2Co(SiO4)). This successful use of silicon paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable battery recycling strategy.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Physical Activity for the Elderly and Different Ways of Their Participation

Mojtaba Yassini

Physical activity levels have declined in recent decades due to technological advances and the increased use of electronic devices and robots that handle many physical tasks for us. This decrease in physical activity poses health risks for individuals of all ages. For the elderly, engaging in physical activities is important(VaezMousavi et al., 2025), but they often face challenges such as a lack of motivation and insufficient strength to participate in these activities(Izquierdo et al., 2025). It is essential to tailor physical activities to their specific conditions to help improve their overall well-being. Encouraging the elderly to engage in more physical activities presents a significant health challenge, particularly in developing countries(Kohl III et al., 2025). Various solutions have been explored to motivate older individuals to participate in suitable physical activities. Numerous articles have been published on the importance of seeking support and fostering relationships between humans and animals to promote both physical and mental well-being(Kim & Lee, 2025; Martins et al., 2023; Northrope et al., 2025). The relationship between humans and pets varies significantly across cultures and has existed since the dawn of human social life, whether in small or large communities. Coexisting with pets—such as dogs, cats, and birds—is a common practice worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a surge in research focused on using companion animals, particularly dogs, to assist in the physical and mental treatment of the elderly(Friedmann et al., 2025). However, in Iran, cultural beliefs and policies pose challenges to implementing these health-promoting and therapeutic methods for seniors. Despite this, several suggestions can be made to enhance physical activity and overall health for the elderly within this context. Many elderly people may not have the conditions to keep dogs at home, but some solutions can be suggested. For example, we have animal care camps such as dogs in different cities of Iran, which are especially active with the voluntary cooperation of people. By observing cultural and legal issues, it is possible to take the elderly, especially the lonely elderly living in nursing homes, to suitable spaces outside the city and establish contact with dogs that are very social and establish deep and appropriate relationships with humans, and to do attractive walking and physical activity, of course under the supervision and cooperation of family members or volunteers serving in animal protection camps. This activity is a step towards promoting the physical and mental health of the elderly and helping stray dogs by going out and walking in nature, utilizing the effective connection between humans and nature. The current issue features an article discussing the impact of dog walking on the physical activity and health of volunteers at stray dog camps in the United States. Authors interested in this topic are invited to collaborate with us in publishing scientific articles from various perspectives that align with the journal’s mission to promote the health of older adults.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2025
The Effectiveness of Visual-Auditory Perception Training on Working Memory and Attention in Children with Dyslexia

Najmeh Sadat, Mehdi Rezaei, Mohammad Hosien Salarifar

Background: Attention and working memory are impaired as reading correlates in children with dyslexia. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of auditory-visual perception training on attention and working memory in these children. Methods: The present research was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest design. The statistical population consisted of students referred to the learning disorders centers of Afagh, Shahid Hosseinzadeh, and Arvandroud in Birjand during the academic year 2024–2025. A total of 30 dyslexic students were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group participated in 16 sessions of auditory-visual perception training, while the control group received no intervention. To collect data, the Diagnostic Questionnaire for Specific Learning Disorders, the abbreviated form of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (ABIQ), the N-Back test, and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were used. Finally, data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: The results indicated a significant improvement in working memory (F =73.97, p<.001) and attention scores (F=43.61, p< .001) in the experimental group compared to the control group in posttest. Conclusions: These findings suggest that auditory-visual perception training can be effectively used as an intervention method to enhance attention and working memory in children with dyslexia.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish

Yuwei Zuo, Weilan Zhang

Plants, as key components of trophic networks, play a critical role in the bioaccumulation of PFAS and their transfer to higher trophic levels. This study introduces an innovative methodology using timsTOF fleX MALDI-2 to visualize the spatial distribution of PFAS in plant tissues. Radish was selected as the model plant due to its global popularity as a widely consumed vegetable. DAN (1,5-diaminonaphthalene) was used as the MALDI matrix, and the mass spectrometry operating conditions were optimized to acquire the best PFAS signals. The results show that long-chain PFAS predominantly accumulated in the xylem of the edible storage root, where their high hydrophobicity limits upward translocation. In contrast, short-chain PFAS and PFOA exhibited stronger signals in the cortex and periderm, likely due to alternative transport pathways. This differential distribution highlights the significant influence of PFAS physicochemical properties, such as chain length and hydrophobicity, on their in-planta transport mechanisms. By precisely mapping PFAS within plant tissues, this study provides a powerful tool for identifying high-risk edible tissues and assessing human exposure risks through PFAS-contaminated crops. It also reinforces the urgent need for sustainable remediation strategies to reduce PFAS levels in agricultural systems, thereby safeguarding food safety, ecosystem health, and human well-being.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Emerging contaminants in stormwater: Tire-derived chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals detected in a United Arab Emirates extreme weather event

Jonathan Navarro Ramos, Lara Dronjak, Sofian Kanan et al.

Climate change is associated with the intensification of weather patterns, including extreme weather events of historically arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On April 16–17, 2024, the UAE experienced a severe storm with unusually heavy precipitation, which resulted in widespread urban flooding, contaminated floodwaters, and the potential for cross-contamination in water distribution systems. Ten floodwater samples from around the American University of Sharjah, UAE, were analyzed for the presence of emerging contaminants (e.g., tire-derived chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PPCPs)) and selected metals. Tire-derived chemicals were detected at varying concentrations: N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) (<detection limit - 26 ng/L), 6PPD-quinone (20–270 ng/L), 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG) (490–14,340 ng/L), and hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine (HMMM) (70–15,800 ng/L). Four PPCPs (caffeine, cotinine, acetaminophen, and lidocaine) were detected at lower concentrations (42–779 ng/L, 6–179 ng/L, 4–196 ng/L, and 1–7 ng/L, respectively). Significantly higher amounts of all tire-derived chemicals and PPCPs were observed in samples from outside the campus. Metals were also detected: aluminum (92–218 µg/L), iron (49–349 µg/L), potassium (160–3860 µg/L), manganese (3 µg/L), and barium (1–7 µg/L). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between 6PPD-quinone and HMMM (r = 0.893, p = 0.000507), and among acetaminophen, caffeine, cotinine, and lidocaine (r = 0.501–0.980, and p < 0.05), suggesting shared sources stemming from high vehicular activity and raw wastewater overflow. These findings emphasize the need for arid regions to implement targeted stormwater management and monitoring strategies during extreme weather events to address floodwater-driven mobilization of environmental contaminants.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2024
Assessment of Two-Phase Dissolution System as a Guide in Drug Formulation: The Furosemide Case

Abd-ul Munaf Mohammed, Fadya Al-Hamadani

Inadequate knowledge regarding the appropriate methods for disposing of unused medicines can lead to substantial consequences, such as the accumulation of chemicals and hazardous substances derived from the pharmaceuticals in the surrounding environment. Additionally, for the public's health, pharmacies must be aware of proper methods to eliminate expired medications. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge among community pharmacies regarding the suggested strategies for drug disposal and the potential hazards associated with improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the attitudes and practices of community pharmacies toward the appropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste. The study utilized an observational cross-sectional design, conducted within the timeframe of February 28th to May 11th, 2023. The data were acquired through the implementation of a web-based questionnaire. The study included 385 Iraqi pharmacists. On average, the participants obtained a below-average score of 2.49 out of 8 in the knowledge section. A significant proportion, specifically 91%, of the pharmacists who took part in the study acknowledged employing improper methods for disposing of expired medications within their respective community pharmacies. However, it is worth noting that the majority of these participating pharmacists exhibited a favorable disposition toward recognizing the importance of implementing appropriate disposal practices for expired medication within community pharmacy settings. A significant proportion (86-87%) of the participants exhibit favorable intentions regarding their involvement in the awareness/educational program concerning the tack-back program and the safe disposal of materials. Community-based pharmacies lack expertise and skills regarding drug disposal. However, most pharmacists acknowledge the environmental damage caused by medication disposal. They also showed a willingness to learn about safe medicine disposal. A proper strategy for collecting and disposal of outdated, unused, and expired pharmaceuticals should be implemented.

Pharmacy and materia medica
DOAJ Open Access 2024
Relationship between Strategic Management of Human Resources and the Culture of Organizational Fallibility with the Mediating Role of Information Technology

Mojdeh Mirzayi, Monika Motaghi

Background: Strategic human resource management is the process of linking the human resource function with the strategic objectives of the organization to improve performance. This research aims to investigate the relationship between strategic human resource management and the culture of organizational fallibility with the mediating role of technology. Methods: The current study is descriptive-analytical. The information was obtained from the staff of Isfahan Health Center in 2022. The final sample of 120 health center personnel was recruited in this study by the total research method. The data was collected through a standard questionnaire and summarized through SPSS ver26 software. For statistical analysis, one-sample t-tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. Results: Out of 120 people in the statistical population, 31.9% were men. The correlation coefficient between strategic management of human resources and the culture of organizational fallibility was significant and p = 0.043, which shows the significance of this relationship. Conclusion: In the strategic management of human resources based on the culture of fallibility and information technology, a direct and meaningful relationship was observed between the culture of organizational fallibility and the strategic management of human resources. It is possible to improve the organization's performance by increasing the culture of error tolerance and its positive impact on the strategic management of human resources.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2023
Corrigendum to "Investigating the Correlation between Shift Work and Job Commitment and the Mediating Role of Work-Life Balance among Emergency Medical Personnel" [SBCH 2023; 7(1): 1009-1017]

Monika Motaghi, Lida Gholizade, Mehdi Eslami

The mistake made in Article 7 is that the name of the Corresponding Author is "Monika Motaghi" and the correct name is "Lida Gholizade" with the affiliation "Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Gachsaran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gachsaran, Iran". The publisher apologizes on behalf of the author for this error. The online version of the article was updated on 2023 and can be viewed at https://sbrh.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-202-en.html

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2023
Advances in sewage sludge application and treatment: Process integration of plasma pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion with the resource recovery

Abdulmoseen Segun Giwa, Ndungutse Jean Maurice, Ai Luoyan et al.

Sewage sludge (SS) is an environmental issue due to its high organic content and ability to release hazardous substances. Most of the treatments available are biological, thermal hydrolysis, mechanical (ultrasound, high pressure, and lysis), chemical with oxidation (mainly ozonation), and alkali pre-treatments. Other treatment methods include landfill, wet oxidation, composting, drying, stabilization, incineration, pyrolysis, carbonization, liquefaction, gasification, and torrefaction. Some of these SS disposal methods damage the ecosystem and underutilize the potential resource value of SS. These challenges must be overcome with an innovative technique for the improvement of SS's nutritional value, energy content, and usability. This review proposes plasma pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion (AD) as promising SS treatment technologies. Plasma pyrolysis pre-treats SS to make it digestible by AD bacteria and immobilizes the heavy metals. The addition of Char to the upstream AD process increases the quantity and quality of biogas produced while enhancing the nutrients in the digestate. These two processes are integrated at high temperatures, thus creating concerns about their energy demand. These challenges are offset by the generated energy that can run the treatment plant or be sold to the grid, generating additional cash. Plasma pyrolysis wastes can also be converted into biochar, organic fertilizer, or soil conditioner. These combined technologies' financial sustainability depends on the treatment facility's circumstances and location. Plasma pyrolysis and AD can treat SS sustainably and provide nutrients and resources. This paper explains the co-process treatment route's techno-economic prospects, challenges, and recommendations for the future application of SS valorization and resource recovery.

Science (General), Social sciences (General)
DOAJ Open Access 2022
Factors Contributing to the Married Men’s Attitudes Towards Wife-beating in Indonesia

Dyah Hapsari Ekonugraheni, Eva Lydia, Yusnaini Yusnaini et al.

Background: Domestic violence is a common problem in Indonesia, especially intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aims to analyze the predictors of attitudes of married men towards wife-beating (WB) for neglecting their children. Methods: The research data comes from the 7th Demography and Health Survey collected by the U.S. Agency for International Development in 2017. The respondents were 10,009 married male respondents aged 15-54 and responded to question 618 (Do you agree WB by husband for neglecting their children?). Results: The results showed that of the ten independent variables identified as predictors of married men’s attitude towards WB for neglecting their children, only six independent variables had a significant relationship, including adultery, age, smoking habit, location of residence, education level, and polygamy. Of these six independent variables, two independent variables (level of education and age) had a negative relationship, and four variables had a positive relationship with dependent variable significantly, p <0.01, with respective contributions of 82% (adultery), 121% (smoking habit), 125% (location of residence), and 233% (polygamy). The final logistic regression model can explain dependent variable of 2.06% significantly, X2 (6) = 170.43, p <0.01. Conclusion: This study suggests government institutions to make policy change in several sectors, such as education, social, information, tourism, health, economic, and regional development policy.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2022
The Predication of Marital Adjustment based on Mindfulness among Infertile Couples in Iran

Samira Roosta, Javad Molazade, Mohammad Ali Goodarzi

Background: Infertility and its treatment cause psychological effects, such as confusion, frustration, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and worthlessness in life. Mindfulness reduces negative emotions and increases people's adjustment when faced with stressful life tasks. Therefore, this study aims to predict marital adjustment based on mindfulness in infertile couples. Methods: The present descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 122 infertile couples referred to Mother and Child Hospital in Shiraz selected by convenience sampling method in summer of 2013. After obtaining consent form, demographic questionnaire, dyadic adjustment scale (DAS), and five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed by SPSS 23 using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis (P=0.05). Results: Seventy-four couples had been married for less than five years and 48 couples had been married for more than five years with a mean age of 32±5 years. The results indicated that all mindfulness components except non-judgmental inner experience predict marital adjustment (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that mindfulness technique is very effective and has positive influence on improving marital adjustment between infertile couples. Massive mental health education is recommended to educate the infertile couples and governmental and non-governmental agencies are required to help this group of people for effective prevention, treatment, and control of this problem. This treatment can affect marital adjustment in both groups of men and women.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
DOAJ Open Access 2021
Pollution in rainwater harvesting: A challenge for sustainability and resilience of urban agriculture

Yang Deng

Water plays a pivotal role in urban agriculture. Although rainwater harvesting (RWH) is viewed as a sustainable route for crop irrigation at an urban setting, rainwater contaminants challenge the RWH practices due to potential threats to the health of crops, soil, and human (i.e., farm workers and food consumers). This frontier review article first recognized principal pollutants of irrigation concern in harvested rainwater based on literature data and crop irrigation demands. Major traditional pollutants, likely exceeding irrigation quality criteria, include particles, some toxic metals (e.g., Cd, Cu, and Zn), certain synthetic organic chemicals (e.g., agrochemicals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and waterborne pathogens. Recent concerns have also been directed toward contaminants of emerging concern, such as per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, though the information regarding their occurrence and impacts on urban farming remains limited. This study subsequently identified challenges, knowledge gaps, and research needs for RWH irrigation at urban farms. Five aspects are highlighted, including the role of roof, nutrient management, development of RWH treatment tailored for urban crop irrigation, water quality monitoring, and the interactions between water, crops, and soil. The information and perspectives offer a basis to explore technical strategies of RWH irrigation for supporting sustainable and resilient urban agriculture.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2021
Combined toxicity of soil antimony and cadmium on earthworm Eisenia fetida: Accumulation, biomarker responses and joint effect

Zhinan Xu, Zaifu Yang, Wenjun Shu et al.

Antimony (Sb) and cadmium (Cd) coexisted in urban contaminated soil due to textile printing and dyeing waste water, but the environmental risks and ecotoxicological effects they caused are poorly understood. In this study, earthworm Eisenia fetida was exposed into soil spiked with Sb, Cd and their mixture, and multiple biomarker responses (protein, malonaldehyde (MDA), metallothionein (MT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferasesase (GST)) were measured to evaluate biological health status and joint effect via Biomarker rResponse Index (BRI) and Effect Addition Index (EAI). The results showed that earthworm could not accumulate Sb effectively, but Cd accumulation by earthworm indicated a well dose-response relationship between issue content and treatment level. Secondly, the protein content was overall decreased, and the contents of MDA, MT and ROS as well as the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, GST and ROS were increased, suggesting membrane lipid peroxidation and waken-up antioxidant capacity, among which GST was the most sensitive. Furthermore, severe alterations for health status were always found except under the antimony dosage of 5 mg/kg, and earthworm health status was more sensitive in presence of single Cd. According to EAI, a clear joint effect of antagonism was observed at whole range of combined treatment levels. This is a key study providing biomarker responses of soil Sb and evaluating the joint effect of Sb and Cd at different contents using earthworm Eisenia fetida, BRI and EAI.

Hazardous substances and their disposal
DOAJ Open Access 2021
Meaning and Interpretations of Child Abuse by Abuser Parents: A Qualitative Study

Nahid Heidari, Hossein Afrasiabi, Seyed Reza Javadian

Background: Child abuse has destructive consequences for the abused and the abuser which can launch a cycle of inter-generational violence. Our aim was to understand the constructions of child abuse by adult parents. Methods: The research was carried with generic (basic) qualitative research method. Participants included 12 adults who abused their children during the recent year (2020) at Yazd City. The adult participants were selected by snowball-purposeful sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with grounded theory analysis method. Results: After analyzing transcribes, 6 main categories were constructed: abuse transmission, suffered self, normative violence, relationship problems, institutional inefficiency and pressured family. Life world of harassment emerged as the core category. Conclusion: The findings presented the cycle of abuse created through learning and transmitting.

Communities. Classes. Races, Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology

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