scholarly journals Comparison of Filters for Concentrating Microbial Indicators and Pathogens in Lake Water Samples

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 1342-1352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna S. Francy ◽  
Erin A. Stelzer ◽  
Amie M. G. Brady ◽  
Carrie Huitger ◽  
Rebecca N. Bushon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Bacterial Indicators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Filter Performance ◽  
Dead End ◽  
Field Deployment ◽  
Norovirus Gii

ABSTRACTBacterial indicators are used to indicate increased health risk from pathogens and to make beach closure and advisory decisions; however, beaches are seldom monitored for the pathogens themselves. Studies of sources and types of pathogens at beaches are needed to improve estimates of swimming-associated health risks. It would be advantageous and cost-effective, especially for studies conducted on a regional scale, to use a method that can simultaneously filter and concentrate all classes of pathogens from the large volumes of water needed to detect pathogens. In seven recovery experiments, stock cultures of viruses and protozoa were seeded into 10-liter lake water samples, and concentrations of naturally occurring bacterial indicators were used to determine recoveries. For the five filtration methods tested, the highest median recoveries were as follows: glass wool for adenovirus (4.7%); NanoCeram for enterovirus (14.5%) and MS2 coliphage (84%); continuous-flow centrifugation (CFC) plus Virocap (CFC+ViroCap) forEscherichia coli(68.3%) andCryptosporidium(54%); automatic ultrafiltration (UF) for norovirus GII (2.4%); and dead-end UF forEnterococcus faecalis(80.5%), avian influenza virus (0.02%), andGiardia(57%). In evaluating filter performance in terms of both recovery and variability, the automatic UF resulted in the highest recovery while maintaining low variability for all nine microorganisms. The automatic UF was used to demonstrate that filtration can be scaled up to field deployment and the collection of 200-liter lake water samples.

scholarly journals Occurrence, Source, and Human Infection Potential of Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. in Source and Tap Water in Shanghai, China

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (11) ◽  
pp. 3609-3616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaoyu Feng ◽  
Xukun Zhao ◽  
Jiaxu Chen ◽  
Wei Jin ◽  
Xiaonong Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Sample ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Source Water ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Method 1623

ABSTRACTGenotyping studies on the source and human infection potential ofCryptosporidiumoocysts in water have been almost exclusively conducted in industrialized nations. In this study, 50 source water samples and 30 tap water samples were collected in Shanghai, China, and analyzed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1623. To find a cost-effective method to replace the filtration procedure, the water samples were also concentrated by calcium carbonate flocculation (CCF). Of the 50 source water samples, 32% were positive forCryptosporidiumand 18% forGiardiaby Method 1623, whereas 22% were positive forCryptosporidiumand 10% forGiardiaby microscopy of CCF concentrates. When CCF was combined with PCR for detection, the occurrence ofCryptosporidium(28%) was similar to that obtained by Method 1623. Genotyping ofCryptosporidiumin 17 water samples identified the presence ofC. andersoniin 14 water samples,C. suisin 7 water samples,C. baileyiin 2 water samples,C. meleagridisin 1 water sample, andC. hominisin 1 water sample. Therefore, farm animals, especially cattle and pigs, were the major sources of water contamination in Shanghai source water, and most oocysts found in source water in the area were not infectious to humans.Cryptosporidiumoocysts were found in 2 of 30 tap water samples. The combined use of CCF for concentration and PCR for detection and genotyping provides a less expensive alternative to filtration and fluorescence microscopy for accurate assessment ofCryptosporidiumcontamination in water, although the results from this method are semiquantitative.

scholarly journals Dead-End Ultrafiltration and DNA-Based Methods for Detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis in Agricultural Water

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Durigan ◽  
Helen R. Murphy ◽  
Alexandre J. da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
Agricultural Water ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cyclospora Cayetanensis ◽  
Dead End ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Surface Water Samples

ABSTRACT Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that causes foodborne and waterborne diarrheal illness outbreaks worldwide. Most of these outbreaks are associated with the consumption of fresh produce. Sensitive and specific methods to detect C. cayetanensis in agricultural water are needed to identify the parasite in agricultural water used to irrigate crops that have been implicated in outbreaks. In this study, a method to detect C. cayetanensis in water by combining dead-end ultrafiltration (DEUF) with sensitive and specific molecular detection was developed and evaluated. Triplicates of 10-liter agricultural water samples were seeded with 200, 100, 25, 12, and 6 C. cayetanensis oocysts. Surface water samples were also collected in the Mid-Atlantic region. All water samples were processed by DEUF and backflushed from the ultrafilters. DNA was extracted from concentrated samples and analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the C. cayetanensis 18S rRNA gene. All water samples seeded with 12, 25, 100, and 200 oocysts were positive, and all unseeded samples were negative. Samples seeded with 6 oocysts had a detection rate of 66.6% (8/12). The method was also able to detect C. cayetanensis isolates in surface water samples from different locations of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) in Maryland. This approach could consistently detect C. cayetanensis DNA in 10-liter agricultural water samples contaminated with low levels of oocysts, equivalent to the levels that may be found in naturally incurred environmental water sources. Our data demonstrate the robustness of the method as a useful tool to detect C. cayetanensis from environmental sources. IMPORTANCE Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that causes foodborne and waterborne outbreaks of diarrheal illness worldwide. These foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh produce and agricultural water could play a role in the contamination process. In this study, a method to detect C. cayetanensis in agricultural water by combining a robust filtration system with sensitive and specific molecular detection was developed and validated by the FDA. The results showed that this approach could consistently detect low levels of C. cayetanensis contamination in 10 liters of agricultural water, corresponding to the levels that may be found in naturally occurring environmental water sources. The method was also able to detect C. cayetanensis in surface water samples from a specific location in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our data demonstrate the robustness of the method to detect C. cayetanensis in agricultural water samples, which could be very useful to identify environmental sources of contamination.

scholarly journals Real-Time PCR and Sequencing Assays for Rapid Detection and Identification of Avian Schistosomes in Environmental Samples

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (12) ◽  
pp. 4207-4215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narayanan Jothikumar ◽  
Bonnie J. Mull ◽  
Sara V. Brant ◽  
Eric S. Loker ◽  
Jeremy Collinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
28S Rdna ◽  
Taqman Assay ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cercarial Dermatitis ◽  
Rdna Sequencing ◽  
Avian Schistosomes

ABSTRACTCercarial dermatitis, also known as swimmer's itch, is an allergenic skin reaction followed by intense itching caused by schistosome cercariae penetrating human skin. Cercarial dermatitis outbreaks occur globally and are frequently associated with freshwater lakes and are occasionally associated with marine or estuarine waters where birds reside year-round or where migratory birds reside. In this study, a broadly reactive TaqMan assay targeting 18S rRNA gene (ribosomal DNA [rDNA]) sequences that was based on a genetically diverse panel of schistosome isolates representing 13 genera and 20 species (the 18S rDNA TaqMan assay) was developed. A PCR assay was also developed to amplify a 28S rDNA region for subsequent sequencing to identify schistosomes. When applied to surface water samples seeded withSchistosoma mansonicercariae, the 18S rDNA TaqMan assay enabled detection at a level of 5S. mansonicercariae in 100 liters of lake water. The 18S rDNA TaqMan and 28S rDNA PCR sequencing assays were also applied to 100-liter water samples collected from lakes in Nebraska and Wisconsin where there were reported dermatitis outbreaks. Avian schistosome DNA was detected in 11 of 34 lake water samples using the TaqMan assay. Further 28S rDNA sequence analysis of positive samples confirmed the presence of avian schistosome DNA and provided a preliminary identification of the avian schistosomes in 10 of the 11 samples. These data indicate that the broadly schistosome-reactive TaqMan assay can be effective for rapid screening of large-volume water samples for detection of avian schistosomes, thereby facilitating timely response actions to mitigate or prevent dermatitis outbreaks. Additionally, samples positive by the 18S rDNA TaqMan assay can be further assayed using the 28S rDNA sequencing assay to both confirm the presence of schistosomes and contribute to their identification.

The cost-effectiveness of insulin analogs and regular insulin for diabetes control: a case study in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 323-331
Author(s):  
Mohsen pakdaman ◽  
Raheleh akbari ◽  
Hamid reza Dehghan ◽  
Asra Asgharzadeh ◽  
Mahdieh Namayandeh
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Regular Insulin ◽  
Diabetes Control ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Insulin Analogs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

PurposeFor years, traditional techniques have been used for diabetes treatment. There are two major types of insulin: insulin analogs and regular insulin. Insulin analogs are similar to regular insulin and lead to changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The purpose of the present research was to determine the cost-effectiveness of insulin analogs versus regular insulin for diabetes control in Yazd Diabetes Center in 2017.Design/methodology/approachIn this descriptive–analytical research, the cost-effectiveness index was used to compare insulin analogs and regular insulin (pen/vial) for treatment of diabetes. Data were analyzed in the TreeAge Software and a decision tree was constructed. A 10% discount rate was used for ICER sensitivity analysis. Cost-effectiveness was examined from a provider's perspective.FindingsQALY was calculated to be 0.2 for diabetic patients using insulin analogs and 0.05 for those using regular insulin. The average cost was $3.228 for analog users and $1.826 for regular insulin users. An ICER of $0.093506/QALY was obtained. The present findings suggest that insulin analogs are more cost-effective than regular insulin.Originality/valueThis study was conducted using a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate insulin analogs versus regular insulin in controlling diabetes. The results of study are helpful to the government to allocate more resources to apply the cost-effective method of the treatment and to protect patients with diabetes from the high cost of treatment.

Job crafting, workplace civility and work outcomes: the mediating role of work engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Gupta ◽  
Pankaj Singh
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Intention To Quit ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Life Satisfaction ◽  
Workplace Civility

Purpose The antecedents and consequences of work engagement have been extensively discussed and analyzed in the previous literature; however, identifying cost-effective measures that can sustain work engagement to boost work outcomes has received sparse attention in the Indian information technology (IT) context. This study aims to provide new insights concerning the associations of job crafting and workplace civility with work engagement and its corresponding outcomes, such as change perception, general life satisfaction and intention to quit. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling on data obtained from 369 software developers in India using questionnaire surveys. Findings Results confirmed that work engagement partially mediated the association of job crafting and workplace civility with the perception of change and general life satisfaction. The negative associations of job crafting and workplace civility with the intention to quit were also partially mediated by work engagement. The findings can be used to inform human resources strategies to boost work engagement and subsequent work outcomes. Research limitations/implications The results of this empirical work will offer insights to managers who are looking for cost-effective interventions and behaviors aimed at increasing work engagement and, consequently, achieving effective work outcomes. Originality/value This study contributes by empirically testing the application of novel employee-driven practices in improving work engagement and work outcomes, particularly in the context of IT companies in India.

A revised FMEA application to the quality control management

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 788-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Paciarotti ◽  
Giovanni Mazzuto ◽  
Davide D’Ettorre
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Weight Functions ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complete Procedure ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Control Management ◽  
Critical Situations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a cost-effective, time-saving and easy-to-use failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) system applied on the quality control of supplied products. The traditional FMEA has been modified and adapted to fit the quality control features and requirements. The paper introduces a new and revised FMEA approach, where the “failure concept” has been modified with “defect concept.” Design/methodology/approach – The typical FMEA parameters have been modified, and a non-linear scale has been introduced to better evaluate the FMEA parameters. In addition, two weight functions have been introduced in the risk priority number (RPN) calculus in order to consider different critical situations previously ignored and the RPN is assigned to several similar products in order to reduce the problem of complexity. Findings – A complete procedure is provided in order to assist managers in deciding on the critical suppliers, the creation of homogeneous families overcome the complexity of single product code approach, in RPN definition the relative importance of factors is evaluated. Originality/value – This different approach facilitates the quality control managers acting as a structured and “friendly” decision support system: the quality control manager can easily evaluate the critical situations and simulate different scenarios of corrective actions in order to choose the best one. This FMEA technique is a dynamic tool and the performed process is an iterative one. The method has been applied in a small medium enterprise producing hydro massage bathtub, shower, spas and that commercializes bathroom furniture. The firm application has been carried out involving a cross-functional and multidisciplinary team.

Changes in Nutrient Levels of Lake Water Stored at 4 °C

1984 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 985-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. El-Shaarawi ◽  
M. A. Neilson
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Lake Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Lake Ontario ◽  
The Other ◽  
Nutrient Levels ◽  
Glass Bottles ◽  
Reactive Phosphorus

Water samples were collected on Lake Ontario during April and November, filtered (0.45 μm), and immediately analyzed onboard ship for the nutrients soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate-plus-nitrite, and ammonia. Replicates were stored in glass bottles at 4 °C and reanalyzed within 8 d. Statistical analysis showed that soluble reactive phosphorus decreased by 11 and 13% and nitrate-plus-nitrite by 7 and 6%, whereas ammonia increased by 75% on one cruise and decreased by 37% on the other.

scholarly journals ERP benefits capability framework: orchestration theory perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 266-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amgad Badewi ◽  
Essam Shehab ◽  
Jing Zeng ◽  
Mostafa Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Erp Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Financial Perspective ◽  
Complementary Resources ◽  
Benefits Realization ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Right

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer two research questions: what are the ERP resources and organizational complementary resources (OCRs) required to achieve each group of benefits? And on the basis of its resources, when should an organization invest more in ERP resources and/or OCRs so that the potential value of its ERP is realised? Design/methodology/approach Studying 12 organizations in different countries and validating the results with 8 consultants. Findings ERP benefits realization capability framework is developed; it shows that each group of benefits requires ERP resources (classified into features, attached technologies and information technology department competences) and OCRs (classified into practices, attitudes, culture, skills and organizational characteristics) and that leaping ahead to gain innovation benefits before being mature enough in realising a firm’s planning and automation capabilities could be a waste of time and effort. Research limitations/implications It is qualitative study. It needs to be backed by quantitative studies to test the results. Practical implications Although the “P” in ERP stands for planning, many academics and practitioners still believe that ERP applies to automation only. This research spotlights that the ability to invest in ERP can increase the innovation and planning capabilities of the organization only if it is extended and grown at the right time and if it is supported by OCRs. It is not cost effective to push an organization to achieve all the benefits at the same time; rather, it is clear that an organization would not be able to enjoy a higher level of benefits until it achieves a significant number of lower-level benefits. Thus, investing in higher-level benefit assets directly after an ERP implementation, when there are no organizational capabilities available to use these assets, could be inefficient. Moreover, it could be stressful to users when they see plenty of new ERP resources without the ability to use them. Although it could be of slight benefit to introduce, for example, business intelligence to employees in the “stabilizing period” (Badewi et al., 2013), from the financial perspective, it is a waste of money since the benefits would not be realised as expected. Therefore, orchestrating ERP assets with the development of organizational capabilities is important for achieving the greatest effectiveness and efficiency of the resources available to the organization. This research can be used as a benchmark for designing the various blueprints required to achieve different groups of benefits from ERP investments. Originality/value This research addresses two novel questions: RQ1: what are the ERP resources and OCRs required to achieve the different kinds of ERP benefits? RQ2: when, and on what basis, should an organization deploy more resources to leverage the ERP business value?

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