Identifying Local Realities and Anticipating Challenges in Building Capacity of Ontario Municipal Wastewater Systems in Tracking for SARS-CoV-2

One of the biggest challenges that public health experts have ever faced is detecting and mitigating the community spread of COVID-19. Current clinical testing of COVID-19 patients is limited in terms of testing kits available, cost logistics, and detecting individuals that are mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic. False positives and false negatives also cloud the true picture of the pandemic. Ontario municipalities’ wastewater systems can provide new testing opportunities for a non-invasive approach in tracking and monitoring the community spread of COVID-19 through sampling raw sludge or untreated wastewater to test for SAR-CoV-2 RNA fragments. Current global and domestic research confirms the effectiveness of wastewater epidemiology surveillance of SAR-CoV-2 and can be detected even before individuals experience symptoms providing a real-time indicator for appropriate public health interventions. In collaboration with the COVID-19 Wastewater Consortium of Ontario (CWCO), an initiative of McMaster University, the objective of this research is to determine the means to optimize the current infrastructure capacity of municipal wastewater systems as an opportunity to monitor and track COVID-19 spread in the community by identifying local realities and risks. To identify local challenges, we distributed a survey amongst Ontario municipalities regarding wastewater treatment plants’ characteristics, held focus group discussions, and implemented an eight-week sampling program with CWCO’s partners. This report focuses on municipal wastewater treatment plants with in-house laboratory facilities to analyze the current capacity and limitations associated with their sampling and analysis programs. Drawing from survey responses and focus group discussions, we revealed gaps for municipalities to move forward with sample testing and data processing as well as governance challenges.

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Occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Six Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants at the Early Stage of COVID-19 Pandemic in The United States

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10070798 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 798

Author(s):

Samendra P. Sherchan ◽

Shalina Shahin ◽

Jeenal Patel ◽

Lauren M. Ward ◽

Sarmila Tandukar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Municipal Wastewater ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

The United States ◽

Secondary Effluent ◽

Untreated Wastewater ◽

Treatment Processes ◽

Wastewater Samples

In this study, we investigated the occurrence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in primary influent (n = 42), secondary effluent (n = 24) and tertiary treated effluent (n = 34) collected from six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs A–F) in Virginia (WWTP A), Florida (WWTPs B, C, and D), and Georgia (WWTPs E and F) in the United States during April–July 2020. Of the 100 wastewater samples analyzed, eight (19%) untreated wastewater samples collected from the primary influents contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA as measured by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. SARS-CoV-2 RNA were detected in influent wastewater samples collected from WWTP A (Virginia), WWTPs E and F (Georgia) and WWTP D (Florida). Secondary and tertiary effluent samples were not positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA indicating the treatment processes in these WWTPs potentially removed SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the secondary and tertiary treatment processes. However, further studies are needed to understand the log removal values (LRVs) and transmission risks of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through analyzing wastewater samples from a wider range of WWTPs.

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Persepsi Ibu Terhadap Iklan Vaksin Measles Rubella (MR)

Hasanuddin Journal of Midwifery ◽

10.35317/hajom.v1i1.1788 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Muslimah Muslimah ◽

Dian Ayubi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Focus Group ◽

Data Collection ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Electronic Media ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Data Collection Process ◽

Depth Interviews

Measles and Rubella (MR) is a disease that is highly contagious and usually occurs in children aged 9 months until the age of 15 years. One effort that can be done to reduce the incidence of the disease is through health promotion about the importance of immunization. Purpose the promotion was packaged in the form of advertisements on electronic media with the aim of building perceptions that the importance of immunization for public health. Methods this research was a qualitative study with a method of collecting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The number of informants in this study was 19 mothers who had children aged 0.9 to 15 years in one of the Puskesmas work areas in Merangin District, Jambi Province. Before the data collection process, all informants were asked to see two MR immunization advertisements. Results that immunization advertisements are interesting and contain humor. Meanwhile, informants who did not give MR immunization to their children tended to be negative towards MR immunization advertisements and tended to ignore the effects that arose if they did not give immunizations to their children. The recommendation that MR immunization advertisements should avoid using the fear arousal method and use the pay off idea method in those ads

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Building the hospital event-based surveillance system in Viet Nam: a qualitative study to identify potential facilitators and barriers for event reporting

Western Pacific Surveillance and Response ◽

10.5365/wpsar.2019.10.1.009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 10-20

Author(s):

Hien Do ◽

Hien T Ho ◽

Phu D Tran ◽

Dang B Nguyen ◽

Satoko Otsu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Focus Group ◽

Preventive Medicine ◽

Health Sector ◽

Viet Nam ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Event Reporting ◽

Facilitators And Barriers

Introduction: Hospitals are a key source of information for the early identification of emerging disease outbreaks and acute public health events for risk assessment, decision-making and public health response. The objective of this study was to identify potential facilitators and barriers for event reporting from the curative sector to the preventive medicine sector in Viet Nam. Methods: In 2016, we conducted 18 semi-structured, in-depth interviews, as well as nine focus group discussions, with representatives from the curative and preventive medicine sectors in four provinces. We transcribed the interviews and focus group discussions and used thematic analysis to identify the factors that appeared to affect public health event reporting. Results: We identified five major themes. First, the lack of a legal framework to guide reporting meant hospital staff relied on internal procedures that varied from hospital to hospital, which sometimes delayed reporting. Second, participants stated the importance of an enabling environment, such as leadership support and having focal points for reporting, to facilitate reporting. Third, participants described the potential benefits of reporting, such as support provided during outbreaks and information received about local outbreaks. Fourth, some challenges prohibited timely reporting such as not perceiving reporting to be the task of the curative sector and hesitancy to report without laboratory confirmation. Finally, limited resources and specialist capacities in remote areas hindered timely detection and reporting of unusual events. Discussion: This study identified potential opportunities to promote the detection and reporting of unusual events from health-care workers to the public health sector, and thus to improve the overall health security system in Viet Nam.

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SARS-CoV-2 in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant, Collection Network and Hospital Wastewater

10.21203/rs.3.rs-508758/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chiman Karami ◽

Abdollah Dargahi ◽

Mehdi Vosoughi ◽

Ali Normohammadi ◽

Farhad Jalali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plant ◽

Municipal Wastewater ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Hospital Wastewater ◽

Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽

Plant Collection ◽

Sampling Duration

Abstract The current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to creating a public health emergency conditions since 2019. COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spread via human-to-human transmission by direct contact or droplets. Through conducting this study, we were looking for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater produced in Iran country (Ardabil, Nir, Khalkhal and Givi) (wastewater collection network, wastewater treatment plant and hospital wastewater). In this research, samples (n = 76) were collected from influent and effluent of municipal and hospital wastewater treatment plants and some samples were also collected from Ardabil municipal wastewater manholes. The sampling duration included the white (lower risk of covid-19) and red (high risk of covid-19) conditions. Samples were stored at -20°C for further diagnostic tests. Out of 76 samples, a total of 16 samples (21.05%) collected from wastewater in Ardabil province (Ardabil, Nir, Khalkhal, and Givi), were positive in terms of SARS-CoV-2. Wastewater epidemiology can facilitate detection of the incidence of pathogens through metropolises, measurement of population prevalence without direct testing, and provision of information to public health system about the efficiency of intervening efforts.

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Issues raised by nurses and midwives in a post-disaster Bantul community

Disaster Prevention and Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/dpm-05-2013-0086 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 420-436 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mire Sugino ◽

Elsi Dwi Hapsari ◽

Ema Madyaningrum ◽

Fitri Haryant ◽

Sri Warsini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Focus Group ◽

Health Centers ◽

Local Health ◽

Health Providers ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Content Type ◽

Nurses And Midwives ◽

Post Disaster

Purpose – Bantul in Central Java was the most severely damaged area by a devastating earthquake in May 2006. Even after being victims themselves, nurses and midwives at public health centers worked devotedly. The purpose of this paper is to identify the nurses’ and midwives’ perceptions and understanding of their roles, as well as the needs of training in disaster preparedness and management. Design/methodology/approach – Focus group discussions and questionnaire survey were conducted with 11 nurses and 11 midwives of public health centers in Bantul. Content analysis was applied to analyze transcripts of the focus group discussions and the responses to questionnaire. Findings – Health care for survivors and community were provided by highly committed health professionals supported in strong community resilience. Donors driven relief programs tended to be unorganized and insensitive for local health providers. Besides, organized disaster management trainings are strongly needed to develop disaster nursing and preparedness. Research limitations/implications – Embedded problems of local health system and current nursing practice were highlighted. Originality/value – Focus group discussions provided vital information that can and must be used to improve disaster response capabilities. Moreover, it was equally it is crucial to examine carefully what unfolded during post-disaster intervention.

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Ethical challenges experienced by public health nurses related to adolescents’ use of visual technologies

Nursing Ethics ◽

10.1177/0969733018779179 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 1822-1833 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hilde Laholt ◽

Kim McLeod ◽

Marilys Guillemin ◽

Ellinor Beddari ◽

Geir Lorem

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Focus Group ◽

Child Neglect ◽

Ethical Issues ◽

Public Health Nurses ◽

Ethical Challenges ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Ethical Concerns ◽

Visual Technologies

Background: Visual technologies are central to youth culture and are often the preferred communication means of adolescents. Although these tools can be beneficial in fostering relations, adolescents’ use of visual technologies and social media also raises ethical concerns. Aims: We explored how school public health nurses identify and resolve the ethical challenges involved in the use of visual technologies in health dialogues with adolescents. Research design: This is a qualitative study utilizing data from focus group discussions. Participants and research context: We conducted focus group discussions using two semi-structured discussion guides with seven groups of public health nurses (n = 40) working in Norwegian school health services. The data were collected during January and October 2016. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded into themes and subthemes using systematic text condensation. Ethical considerations: The leader of the public health nursing service who agreed to provide access for the study and the Norwegian Center for Research Data that reviewed and approved the study. All participants gave informed consent. Findings: In adolescents’ use of visual materials with public health nurses, ethical concerns were raised regarding suicide ideations, socially unacceptable content, violation of privacy, and presentations of possible child neglect. The nurses utilized their professional knowledge and experience when identifying and navigating these ethical dilemmas; they resolved ethical uncertainties through peer discussion and collaboration with fellow nurses and other professionals. Discussion: We discussed the findings in light of Annemarie Mol’s interpretation of the ethics of care. Mol expands the notion of ethical care to include the action of technologies. Conclusion: Although the increasing use of visual technologies offered benefits, school nurses faced ethical challenges in health dialogues with adolescents. To address and navigate these ethical issues, they relied on their experience and caring practices based on their professional ethics. Uncertainties were resolved through peer dialogue and guidance.

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Uganda’s response to sexual harassment in the public health sector: from “Dying Silently” to gender-transformational HRH policy

Human Resources for Health ◽

10.1186/s12960-021-00569-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Constance Newman ◽

Alice Nayebare ◽

Stella Neema ◽

Allan Agaba ◽

Lilian Perry Akello

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Focus Group ◽

Sexual Harassment ◽

Health Sector ◽

Depth Information ◽

Second Phase ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Public Health Sector ◽

Key Informant

Abstract Introduction Sexual harassment is a ubiquitous problem that prevents women’s integration and retention in the workforce. Its prevalence had been documented in previous health sector studies in Uganda, indicating that it affected staffing shortages and absenteeism but was largely unreported. To respond, the Ministry of Health needed in-depth information on its employees’ experiences of sexual harassment and non-reporting. Methods Original descriptive research was conducted in 2017 to identify the nature, contributors, dynamics and consequences of sexual harassment in public health sector workplaces and assess these in relation to available theories. Multiple qualitative techniques were employed to describe experiences of workplace sexual harassment in health employees’ own voices. Initial data collection involved document reviews to understand the policy environment, same-sex focus group discussions, key informant interviews and baseline documentation. A second phase included mixed-sex focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and follow up key informant interviews to deepen and confirm understandings. Results A pattern emerged of men in higher-status positions abusing power to coerce sex from female employees throughout the employment cycle. Rewards and sanctions were levied through informal management/ supervision practices requiring compliance with sexual demands or work-related reprisals for refusal. Abuse of organizational power reinforced vertical segregation, impeded women’s productive work and abridged their professional opportunities. Unwanted sexual attention including non-consensual touching, bullying and objectification added to distress. Gender harassment which included verbal abuse, insults and intimidation, with real or threatened retaliation, victim-blaming and gaslighting in the absence of organizational regulatory mechanisms all suppressed reporting. Sexual harassment and abuse of patients by employees emerged inadvertently. Discussion/conclusions Sex-based harassment was pervasive in Ugandan public health workplaces, corrupted management practices, silenced reporting and undermined the achievement of human resources goals, possibilities overlooked in technical discussions of support supervision and performance management. Harassment of both health system patients and employees appeared normative and similar to “sextortion.” The mutually reinforcing intersections of sex-based harassment and vertical occupational segregation are related obstacles experienced by women seeking leadership positions. Health systems leaders should seek organizational and sectoral solutions to end sex-based harassment and make gender equality a human resource for health policy priority.

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Monitoring and evaluation of removal of pathogens at municipal wastewater treatment plants

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2010.757 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 61 (6) ◽

pp. 1589-1599 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

C. Y. Fu ◽

X. Xie ◽

J. J. Huang ◽

T. Zhang ◽

Q. Y. Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Municipal Wastewater ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽

Primary Treatment ◽

Fecal Coliforms ◽

Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽

Tertiary Treatment ◽

Somatic Coliphages ◽

Untreated Wastewater ◽

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

The concentrations and removal of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and microbial indicators, including somatic coliphages and fecal coliforms were investigated through the wastewater treatment processes at three municipal wastewater treatment plants in Beijing, China. The experimental results showed that the concentrations of Cryptosporidium in untreated wastewater, primary treatment effluent, secondary treatment effluent, tertiary treatment effluent were 33–600, 67–333, 0–9 and 0–0.4 oocysts L−1, and that of Giardia were 130–3,600, 533–2,033, 0–32 and 0–2.1 cysts L−1, respectively. The reduction ratios of Cryptosporidium and Giardia by the primary treatment process were 0.12 log and 0.18 log, respectively. Oxidation ditch process had higher reduction efficiency to Cryptosporidium and Giardia than anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process and conventional activated sludge process, probably because of longer retention time and higher sludge concentration. Membrane ultrafiltration had a notably better efficiency to reduce microorganisms, especially Cryptosporidium and Giardia, than conventional flocculation sedimentation and sand filtration process, as the tertiary treatment. Comparing with total coliforms, fecal coliforms and heterotrophic bacteria, concentration of somatic coliphages was correlated better with that of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in untreated wastewater and secondary treatment effluent.

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Dari Idealisme ke Pragmatisme: Pergeseran Paradigma dalam Pengembangan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah di Indonesia

Al-Manahij Jurnal Kajian Hukum Islam ◽

10.24090/mnh.v14i2.3408 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 191-210

Author(s):

Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽

Illy Yanti

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Business World ◽

Key Informants ◽

The Public ◽

Financial Products ◽

Legal Consideration ◽

Economic Law ◽

Islamic Economic

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).

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