Editorial

3 pages, 419 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue—“Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns”

by Rok Fink

Processes 2023, 11(5), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051378 - 03 May 2023

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The environment consists of living and inanimate elements that mutually interact and affect each other’s health and lifespan [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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Research

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12 pages, 3639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adversarial Training Collaborating Multi-Path Context Feature Aggregation Network for Maize Disease Density Prediction

by Wei Yang, Peiquan Shen, Zhaoyi Ye, Zhongmin Zhu, Chuan Xu, Yi Liu and Liye Mei

Processes 2023, 11(4), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11041132 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1123

Abstract

Maize is one of the world’s major food crops, and its yields are closely related to the sustenance of people. However, its cultivation is hampered by various diseases. Meanwhile, maize diseases are characterized by spots of varying and irregular shapes, which makes identifying [...] Read more.

Maize is one of the world’s major food crops, and its yields are closely related to the sustenance of people. However, its cultivation is hampered by various diseases. Meanwhile, maize diseases are characterized by spots of varying and irregular shapes, which makes identifying them with current methods challenging. Therefore, we propose an adversarial training collaborating multi-path context feature aggregation network for maize disease density prediction. Specifically, our multi-scale patch-embedding module uses multi-scale convolution to extract feature maps of different sizes from maize images and performs a patch-embedding operation. Then, we adopt the multi-path context-feature aggregation module, which is divided into four paths to further extract detailed features and long-range information. As part of the aggregation module, the multi-scale feature-interaction operation will skillfully integrate rough and detailed features at the same feature level, thereby improving prediction accuracy. By adding noise interference to the input maize image, our adversarial training method can produce adversarial samples. These samples will interfere with the normal training of the network—thus improving its robustness. We tested our proposed method on the Plant Village dataset, which contains three types of diseased and healthy maize leaves. Our method achieved an average accuracy of 99.50%, surpassing seven mainstream models and showing its effectiveness in maize disease density prediction. This research has theoretical and applied significance for the intelligent and accurate detection of corn leaf diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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16 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Indoor Air Quality Factors in Slovenian Schools: National Cross-Sectional Study

by An Galičič, Jan Rožanec, Andreja Kukec, Tanja Carli, Sašo Medved and Ivan Eržen

Processes 2023, 11(3), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11030841 - 11 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1594

Abstract

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is associated with impacts on pupils’ health and learning performance. We aimed to identify the factors that affect IAQ in primary schools. The following objectives were set: (a) to develop a questionnaire to assess the prevalence [...] Read more.

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is associated with impacts on pupils’ health and learning performance. We aimed to identify the factors that affect IAQ in primary schools. The following objectives were set: (a) to develop a questionnaire to assess the prevalence of factors in primary schools, (b) to conduct content validity of the questionnaire, and (c) to assess the prevalence of factors that affect the IAQ in Slovenian primary schools. Based on the systematic literature review, we developed a new questionnaire to identify factors that affect the IAQ in primary schools and conducted its validation. The questionnaires were sent to all 454 Slovenian primary schools; the response rate was 78.19%. The results show that the most important outdoor factors were the school’s micro location and the distance from potential sources of pollution, particularly traffic. Among the indoor factors, we did not detect a pronounced dominating factor. Our study shows that the spatial location of schools is key to addressing the problem of IAQ in schools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

11 pages, 2199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Terpenoids as Natural Agents against Food-Borne Bacteria—Evaluation of Biofilm Biomass versus Viability Reduction

by Rok Fink

Processes 2023, 11(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11010148 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1361

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the antibacterial potential of limonene, terpineol, and eugenol for the biofilm reduction of food-borne E. coli, S. aureus and S. typhimurium. A microdilution test with resazurin application was used for the minimum inhibitory concentration and a colony [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyse the antibacterial potential of limonene, terpineol, and eugenol for the biofilm reduction of food-borne E. coli, S. aureus and S. typhimurium. A microdilution test with resazurin application was used for the minimum inhibitory concentration and a colony plate count was used for the minimum bactericidal concentration. Biofilm biomass was quantified using the crystal violet assay, while biofilm viability was determined using the plate count method. The results show the highest antibacterial potential among terpenoids for eugenol, followed by terpineol and limonene. Both biomass reduction and viability are strongly dependent on the concentration of all terpenoids tested (p < 0.05). Moreover, eugenol reduced biofilm biomass most effectively (67% for E. coli), while viability was reduced most by terpineol (3.8 log CFU cm⁻² for E. coli and S. aureus). The correlation coefficient for the reduction in biomass and viability was highest for eugenol (0.9) and chlorhexidine for all bacteria tested, while the lowest correlation was found for limonene (0.6). Results also demonstrate that tested terpenoids are effective as standard antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine. This suggests that eugenol has potential against food-borne biofilms as it simultaneously reduces both biomass and viability of biofilms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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18 pages, 3978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Environmental Effects and Their Driving Factors of Land Use/Cover Change: The Case Study of Baiyangdian Basin, China

by Boyu Xia and Linchang Zheng

Processes 2022, 10(12), 2648; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10122648 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1020

Abstract

Due to the combined effects of the natural environment, climate change and human activities, profound changes have occurred in terms of the eco-environmental effects of land use/cover change (LUCC) in the Baiyangdian basin. Therefore, based on land remote sensing monitoring data from 2000 [...] Read more.

Due to the combined effects of the natural environment, climate change and human activities, profound changes have occurred in terms of the eco-environmental effects of land use/cover change (LUCC) in the Baiyangdian basin. Therefore, based on land remote sensing monitoring data from 2000 to 2020, the Eco-environmental Quality Index (EQI) was introduced in this study to measure the eco-environmental effects of land use change in the Baiyangdian basin. Subsequently, the GeoDetector model was applied to detect the formation mechanism of the eco-environmental effects in the Baiyangdian basin from 2000 to 2020. The results of the study showed that cropland, woodland and grassland were the most widely distributed land use types in the Baiyangdian basin. The area of cropland declined the most and was mostly converted to construction land. The EQI increased slightly during the study period. The eco-environment of the mountainous areas in the western part of the basin and in Baiyangdian Lake was better than that of other areas. Land use intensity had a significantly stronger influence on the quality of the eco-environment than other factors. The interaction between the influencing factors was mainly a non-linear enhancement and a two-factor enhancement, with non-linear enhancement dominating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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17 pages, 8653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Beetle Colony Optimization Based on Improvement of Rebellious Growth Characteristics in PM_2.5 Concentration Prediction

by Yizhun Zhang and Qisheng Yan

Processes 2022, 10(11), 2312; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112312 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Aiming at the shortcomings of the beetle swarm algorithm, namely its low accuracy, easy fall into local optima, and slow convergence speed, a rebellious growth personality–beetle swarm optimization (RGP–BSO) model based on rebellious growth personality is proposed. Firstly, the growth and rebellious characters [...] Read more.

Aiming at the shortcomings of the beetle swarm algorithm, namely its low accuracy, easy fall into local optima, and slow convergence speed, a rebellious growth personality–beetle swarm optimization (RGP–BSO) model based on rebellious growth personality is proposed. Firstly, the growth and rebellious characters were added to the beetle swarm optimization algorithm to dynamically adjust the beetle’s judgment of the optimal position. Secondly, the adaptive iterative selection strategy is introduced to balance the beetles’ global search and local search capabilities, preventing the algorithm from falling into a locally optimal solution. Finally, two dynamic factors are introduced to promote the maturity of the character and further improve the algorithm’s optimization ability and convergence accuracy. The twelve standard test function simulation experiments show that RGP–BSO has a faster convergence speed and higher accuracy than other optimization algorithms. In the practical problem of PM_2.5 concentration prediction, the ELM model optimized by RGP–BSO has more prominent accuracy and stability and has obvious advantages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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12 pages, 2375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Analysis of Implementation Effects of Construction Waste Reduction Policies

by Qiufei Wang, Siyu Li and Ye Yang

Processes 2022, 10(11), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112279 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1172

Abstract

The development of the construction industry generates construction waste which could contribute to environmental issues. Construction waste reduction management plays an important role in directly reducing emissions and solving the environmental pollution caused by construction waste. The limited rationality hypothesis and an evolutionary [...] Read more.

The development of the construction industry generates construction waste which could contribute to environmental issues. Construction waste reduction management plays an important role in directly reducing emissions and solving the environmental pollution caused by construction waste. The limited rationality hypothesis and an evolutionary game model are used to construct a simulation model for the effects of environmental policies’ influences on the behavior of government and construction enterprises in construction waste reduction activities. Simulation results show that: (1) The government and enterprises evolve in the same direction under the sewage fees system or the subsidy system. The relationship between the initial ratio of the two sides and the position of the saddle point determines the evolution direction of the system. (2) The government could adjust the sewage fees rate, the penalty ratio, and the upper limit of construction waste emission to obtain a superior effect under the sewage fees system. As the subsidy system, the government could adjust the unit subsidy and the upper limit of construction waste emissions by enterprises. (3) The evolution times of the different systems are different. The time required to evolve to a stable state is shorter under the sewage fees system. Under the subsidy system, the time to evolve to a non-reduced state is longer, and the time to evolve to a reduced state is about the same as the time for the government to evolve to a checked state. The time required to evolve to the reduced state is about the same as the time required for the government to evolve to the checked state. This study develops an evolutionary game model between the government and construction enterprises in construction waste reduction activities. This study helps the government analyze the influence of various policies on enterprises’ reduction behaviors. The findings could help the government formulate appropriate policies to guide enterprises in waste reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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15 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Multimethod Study on Kitchen Hygiene, Consumer Knowledge and Food Handling Practices at Home

by Mojca Jevšnik, Lucija Pirc, Andrej Ovca, Marina Šantić, Peter Raspor and Karmen Godič Torkar

Processes 2022, 10(10), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102104 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify consumers’ food safety knowledge, practices, and hygiene status in the observed home kitchens. The results provide the starting point for evaluating progress or regression in this area compared to the past statewide study. Food safety [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to identify consumers’ food safety knowledge, practices, and hygiene status in the observed home kitchens. The results provide the starting point for evaluating progress or regression in this area compared to the past statewide study. Food safety knowledge was analyzed among 380 consumers with an online questionnaire. Additionally, 16 consumers were observed during their preparation of specified foods. The hygiene conditions in the kitchens were microbiologically examined using contact agar plates, while the cleaning adequacy was determined by measuring the ATP bioluminescence. A lack of knowledge on certain topics regarding food safety was established; the consumers aged from 36 to 55 in general and women demonstrated the highest level of knowledge. In some cases, the observed consumers did not take proper action when preparing the food. Increased total bacteria, coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli counts were detected in 12.7% of the consumers’ kitchens observed here. Eighty-three (74.1%) out of 112 surfaces examined with either hygiene test sheets or ATP swabs met the standards and were adequately or acceptably cleaned. The kitchen surfaces exceeded the recommended limits for 25% of consumers. Statistical differences in RLU and TCC levels on surfaces between older and younger consumers were not observed, although all (25%) inadequately cleaned kitchens belonged to older consumers. The greatest emphasis has to be put on the cleaning of home kitchens and personal hygiene. Even though consumers have some knowledge on food safety, they often fail to put that knowledge into daily practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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10 pages, 868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Educational Settings by Level of Education, Taking into Account the Predominant Virus Variant

by An Galičič, Natalija Kranjec, Jan Rožanec, Ivana Obid, Eva Grilc, Branko Gabrovec and Mario Fafangel

Processes 2022, 10(10), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10101947 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1468

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected educational settings (ES) in Slovenia. To effectively limit the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections in ES, it is important to identify the pathways of introduction and transmission of infection. This study aims to analyse the spread [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected educational settings (ES) in Slovenia. To effectively limit the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections in ES, it is important to identify the pathways of introduction and transmission of infection. This study aims to analyse the spread of infections in ES according to the level of education, taking into account the predominant variant of the virus in Slovenia in order to advise on public health action. We calculated the incidence rate of infection by age group, according to the level of the ES. Additionally, we analysed data on the reported outbreak criteria in ES. In Slovenia, SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents (1–18 years) accounted for 16.8% of all confirmed infections. The incidence and leading outbreak criteria differed according to the level of the ES and predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. The occurrence of cases in ≥3 different “bubbles” was the most common outbreak criteria (59%). A high number of employee-imported outbreaks was observed in pre-school settings (44%). As countries move away from widespread nonpharmaceutical interventions, the focus should be on vaccination promotion among teaching staff in pre-school settings and systemic solutions, such as self-testing and ventilation, to enable safe educational environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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15 pages, 3597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of UV Light and Sodium Hypochlorite on Formation and Destruction of Pseudomonas fluorescens Biofilm In Vitro

by Melani Sigler Zekanović, Gabrijela Begić, Silvestar Mežnarić, Ivana Jelovica Badovinac, Romana Krištof, Dijana Tomić Linšak and Ivana Gobin

Processes 2022, 10(10), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10101901 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

Pseudomonas fluorescens is one of the first colonizers of bacterial biofilm in water systems and a member of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of UV light and sodium hypochlorite on the formation and [...] Read more.

Pseudomonas fluorescens is one of the first colonizers of bacterial biofilm in water systems and a member of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of UV light and sodium hypochlorite on the formation and destruction of mature P. fluorescens biofilm on ceramic tiles. Planktonic bacteria or bacteria in mature biofilm were exposed to UV light (254 nm) for 5, 20 s. and to 0.4 mg/L sodium hypochlorite for 1 min. Mature biofilm was also exposed to increased concentration of sodium hypochlorite of 2 mg/L for 0.5, 1 and 2 h and combined with UV. Prolonged action of sodium hypochlorite and an increase in its concentration in combination with UV gave the best results in the inhibition of biofilm formation after the pre-treatment and destruction of mature biofilm. The effect of hyperchlorination in combination with UV radiation shows better results after a long exposure time, although even after 120 min there was no completely destroyed biofilm. Furthermore, the mechanism of the effect of combined methods should be explored as well as the importance of mechanical cleaning that is crucial in combating bacterial biofilm in swimming pools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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15 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hygiene and Food Safety Habits among Slovenian Mountaineers

by Damjan Slabe, Eva Dolenc Šparovec and Mojca Jevšnik

Processes 2022, 10(9), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10091856 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1234

Abstract

The study provides a deeper insight into Slovenian mountaineers’ and excursionists’ habits regarding food safety knowledge, food handling practices, and hygiene on expeditions. The objective of the study is to identify gaps in food safety knowledge and food handling practice at home and [...] Read more.

The study provides a deeper insight into Slovenian mountaineers’ and excursionists’ habits regarding food safety knowledge, food handling practices, and hygiene on expeditions. The objective of the study is to identify gaps in food safety knowledge and food handling practice at home and during mountaineers’ activities. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire (n = 330) and eight semi-structured interviews. The research participants take most of their food with them when they set off, mountaineers more often than excursionists (p < 0.05, p = 0,000). Few interviewees indicated that it is important to them that food is safe while consuming it. Almost 90% of mountaineers and excursionists believe they can identify food safety by smell and taste. Significantly more mountaineers prioritise food enjoyment over hygiene compared to excursionists (p < 0.05, p = 0.001). Mountaineers also feel that they are more resistant to foodborne diseases and are much less concerned about foodborne disease than excursionists (p < 0.05, p = 0.011). The respondents highlighted the need for the Alpine Association of Slovenia to organise food safety education for its members. The greatest emphasis has to be put on food safety education material that has to be put in general training programme for mountaineers. Informing mountaineers and excursionists about food safety requirements needs to be improved with target strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

15 pages, 4776 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Combined Biocidal Effect of Gaseous Ozone and Citric Acid on Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formed on Ceramic Tiles and Polystyrene as a Novel Approach for Infection Prevention and Control

by Kaća Piletić, Bruno Kovač, Matej Planinić, Vanja Vasiljev, Irena Brčić Karačonji, Jure Žigon, Ivana Gobin and Martina Oder

Processes 2022, 10(9), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10091788 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2373

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is a prominent emerging pathogen responsible for a variety of hospital-acquired infections. It can contaminate inanimate surfaces and survive in harsh environmental conditions for prolonged periods of time in the form of biofilm. Biofilm is difficult to remove with only one [...] Read more.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a prominent emerging pathogen responsible for a variety of hospital-acquired infections. It can contaminate inanimate surfaces and survive in harsh environmental conditions for prolonged periods of time in the form of biofilm. Biofilm is difficult to remove with only one method of disinfection, so combined disinfection methods and biocidal active substances are needed for biofilm eradication. Additionally, having in mind ecological demands, legislators are more prone using fewer toxic substances for disinfection that produce less solid waste and hazardous disinfection byproducts. Gaseous ozone and citric acid are natural biocidal compounds, and the purpose of this study was to determine their combined biocidal effects on A. baumannii biofilm formed on ceramics and polystyrene. Twenty-four-hour A. baumannii biofilm formed on ceramic tiles and polystyrene was exposed to different combinations of disinfection protocols with 25 ppm of gaseous ozone for 1 h exposure time and 15% citric acid for 10 min exposure. The total number of bacteria was counted afterwards and expressed as CFU/cm². The determined disinfection protocols of A. baumannii biofilm with combined citric acid and gaseous ozone caused reduction of 2.8 to 5.89 log₁₀ CFU (99.99% inhibition rate) of total viable bacteria for each method, with the citric acid–ozone–citric acid disinfection protocol being most successful in eradication of viable bacteria on both ceramics and polystyrene. In conclusion, gaseous ozone and citric acid showed good combined biocidal effects on A. baumannii biofilm and successfully reduced early A. baumannii biofilm from ceramic and polystyrene surfaces. The given combination of active substances can be a good option for eco-friendly disinfection of hospital inanimate surfaces from A. baumannii biofilm contamination with prior mechanical cleaning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sanitary and Environmental Engineering: Relevance and Concerns)

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