The Experts below are selected from a list of 1782 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Carla Viegas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cytotoxic effect of filtering respiratory protective devices from the Waste Sorting industry: is in vitro toxicology useful for risk characterization?
    Environmental research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Liliana Aranha Caetano
    Abstract:

    The use of Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices (FRPD) is mandatory in Portugal to protect workers from the Waste industry of harmful exposures. Deleterious health effects of exposure to bioburden via inhalation and/or ingestion include respiratory symptoms and nephrotoxicity. Between January and February 2019, 118 FRPD samples were collected in one Waste Sorting industry and characterized regarding microbial contamination and cytotoxicity, defined as cell metabolic activity, through the MTT colorimetric assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Cytotoxic effect was classified according to percentage of extinction values with respect to the control group, as follows: absent (≥90); low (80%-90%, +); medium (60%-79%, ++); and high (below 60%, +++). For 113 samples the MTT assay revealed a cytotoxic effect in A549 cells, of which 81 presented high cytotoxicity. In SK cells, a cytotoxic effect was observed in 56 samples, of which five displayed a high cytotoxic effect. Several moderate (p 

  • Assessment of the microbial contamination of mechanical protection gloves used on Waste Sorting industry: a contribution for the risk characterization
    Environmental Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Jan Grajewski, Susana Viegas
    Abstract:

    Abstract In Portugal, mechanical protection gloves (MPG) are of mandatory use and during their use sweat is released and, consequently, the humidity of the material increases leading to conditions favorable to the growth of microorganisms. However, no studies have been conducted in MPG to assess the bioburden. This study intended to determine the bioburden present in MPG and their biological effects, and to discuss the possibility to use MPG as a passive method to assess occupational exposure to microbial contamination. Fungal burden was characterized through molecular tools for fungal toxigenic species, and antifungal resistance and mycotoxins profiles were determined. Cell viability was determined in swine kidney (SK) monolayer and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cell lines. All MPG samples presented Gram-negative bacteria. The fungal contamination ranged from 0 CFU.m-2 in both MEA and DG18, to 5.09×106 and 2.75×106 and the most commonly fungi found was Aspergillus spp. (50.46%). Azole resistant Aspergillus sections were found in azole supplemented media. Aspergillus sections (Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati and Versicolores) were detected by molecular tools in 66 out of 67 samples. The most reported mycotoxin was mycophenolic acid (89.6%). HepG2 cells appear to be more sensitive to MPG contamination, with high cytotoxicity (IC50 MPG can be used in passive sampling to assess occupational exposure to bioburden in Waste Sorting industries and contribute for risk characterization. Some contaminants of MPG had cytotoxic potential and affected the biology of hepatic cells more than renal cells.

  • the effects of Waste Sorting in environmental microbiome thp 1 cell viability and inflammatory responses
    Environmental Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Merja Korkalainen, Sarah R Haines, Karen C Dannemiller, Tiina Reponen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Workers in the Waste Sorting industry are exposed to diverse bioaerosols. Characterization of these bioaerosols is necessary to more accurately assess the health risks of exposure. The use of high-throughput DNA sequencing for improved analysis of microbial composition of bioaerosols, in combination with their in vitro study in relevant cell cultures, represents an important opportunity to find answers on the biological effects of bioaerosols. This study aimed to characterize by high-throughput sequencing the biodiversity present in complex aerosol mixtures retained in forklift air conditioning filters of a Waste-Sorting industry and its effects on cytotoxicity and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro using human macrophages derived from monocytic THP-1 cells. Seventeen filters from the filtration system from forklifts operating in one Waste Sorting facility and one control filter (similar filter without prior use) were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and toxicological tests in vitro. A trend of positive correlation was seen between the number of bacterial and fungal OTUs (r = 0.47, p = 0.06). Seven filters (39%) exhibited low or moderate cytotoxicity (p  The data obtained stress the need of thorough exposure assessment in Waste-Sorting industry and to take immunomodulatory properties into consideration for bioaerosols hazard characterization. The broad spectrum of microbial contamination detected in this study demonstrates that adequate monitoring of bioaerosol exposure is necessary to evaluate and minimize risks. The combined techniques can support the implementation of effective environmental monitoring programs of public and occupational health importance.

  • A new approach to assess occupational exposure to airborne fungal contamination and mycotoxins of forklift drivers in Waste Sorting facilities
    Mycotoxin Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Tiago Faria, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Magdalena Twarużek, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Ana Cebola Oliveira, Anita Quintal-gomes, Susana Viegas
    Abstract:

    The Waste management industry is an important employer, and exposure of Waste-handling workers to microorganisms is considered an occupational health problem. Besides fungal contamination, it is important to consider the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in this setting. Forklifts with closed cabinet and air conditioner are commonly used in Waste industry to transport Waste and other products within the facilities, possibly increasing the risk of exposure under certain conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the fungal contamination and mycotoxin levels in filters from the air conditioning system of forklift cabinets, as an indicator to assess occupational exposure of the drivers working in a Waste Sorting facility. Cytotoxicity was also assessed to understand and characterize the toxicity of the complex mixtures as present in the forklift filters. Aqueous extracts of filters from 11 vehicles were streaked onto 2% malt extract agar (MEA) with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/L) media, and in dichloran glycerol (DG18) agar-based media for morphological identification of the mycobiota. Real-time quantitative PCR amplification of genes from Aspergillus sections Fumigati , Flavi , Circumdati , and Versicolores was also performed. Mycotoxins were analyzed using LC-MS/MS system. Cytotoxicity of filter extracts was analyzed by using a MTT cell culture test. Aspergillus species were found most frequently, namely Aspergillus sections Circumdati (MEA 48%; DG18 41%) and Nigri (MEA 32%; DG18 17.3%). By qPCR, only Aspergillus section Fumigati species were found, but positive results were obtained for all assessed filters. No mycotoxins were detected in aqueous filter extracts, but most extracts were highly cytotoxic ( n  = 6) or medium cytotoxic ( n  = 4). Although filter service life and cytotoxicity were not clearly correlated, the results suggest that observing air conditioner filter replacement frequency may be a critical aspect to avoid worker’s exposure. Further research is required to check if the environmental conditions as present in the filters could allow the production of mycotoxins and their dissemination in the cabinet during the normal use of the vehicles.

  • Prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus complex in Waste Sorting and incineration plants: an occupational threat
    International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2016
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Anita Quintal Gomes, Tiago Faria, Raquel Sabino
    Abstract:

    Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the major ubiquitous saprophytic fungi and it is considered one of the fungal species with higher clinical relevance. This study aimed at characterising the prevalence of A. fumigatus complex in one Waste-Sorting plant and also in one incineration plant. Conventional and molecular methodologies were applied in order to detect its presence. Aspergillus fumigatus complex was the second most frequently found in the air from the Waste-Sorting plant (16.0%) and from the incineration plant (18.0%). Regarding surfaces, it ranked the third species most frequently found in the Waste-Sorting plant (13.8%) and the second in the incineration plant (22.3%). In the Waste-Sorting plant, it was possible to amplify by qPCR DNA from the A. fumigatus complex in all culture-positive sampling sites plus one other sampling site that was negative by culture analysis. Considering the observed fungal load, it is recommended to apply preventive and protective measures in order to avoid or minimise worker's exposure.

Susana Viegas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cytotoxic effect of filtering respiratory protective devices from the Waste Sorting industry: is in vitro toxicology useful for risk characterization?
    Environmental research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Liliana Aranha Caetano
    Abstract:

    The use of Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices (FRPD) is mandatory in Portugal to protect workers from the Waste industry of harmful exposures. Deleterious health effects of exposure to bioburden via inhalation and/or ingestion include respiratory symptoms and nephrotoxicity. Between January and February 2019, 118 FRPD samples were collected in one Waste Sorting industry and characterized regarding microbial contamination and cytotoxicity, defined as cell metabolic activity, through the MTT colorimetric assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Cytotoxic effect was classified according to percentage of extinction values with respect to the control group, as follows: absent (≥90); low (80%-90%, +); medium (60%-79%, ++); and high (below 60%, +++). For 113 samples the MTT assay revealed a cytotoxic effect in A549 cells, of which 81 presented high cytotoxicity. In SK cells, a cytotoxic effect was observed in 56 samples, of which five displayed a high cytotoxic effect. Several moderate (p 

  • Assessment of the microbial contamination of mechanical protection gloves used on Waste Sorting industry: a contribution for the risk characterization
    Environmental Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Jan Grajewski, Susana Viegas
    Abstract:

    Abstract In Portugal, mechanical protection gloves (MPG) are of mandatory use and during their use sweat is released and, consequently, the humidity of the material increases leading to conditions favorable to the growth of microorganisms. However, no studies have been conducted in MPG to assess the bioburden. This study intended to determine the bioburden present in MPG and their biological effects, and to discuss the possibility to use MPG as a passive method to assess occupational exposure to microbial contamination. Fungal burden was characterized through molecular tools for fungal toxigenic species, and antifungal resistance and mycotoxins profiles were determined. Cell viability was determined in swine kidney (SK) monolayer and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cell lines. All MPG samples presented Gram-negative bacteria. The fungal contamination ranged from 0 CFU.m-2 in both MEA and DG18, to 5.09×106 and 2.75×106 and the most commonly fungi found was Aspergillus spp. (50.46%). Azole resistant Aspergillus sections were found in azole supplemented media. Aspergillus sections (Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati and Versicolores) were detected by molecular tools in 66 out of 67 samples. The most reported mycotoxin was mycophenolic acid (89.6%). HepG2 cells appear to be more sensitive to MPG contamination, with high cytotoxicity (IC50 MPG can be used in passive sampling to assess occupational exposure to bioburden in Waste Sorting industries and contribute for risk characterization. Some contaminants of MPG had cytotoxic potential and affected the biology of hepatic cells more than renal cells.

  • the effects of Waste Sorting in environmental microbiome thp 1 cell viability and inflammatory responses
    Environmental Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Merja Korkalainen, Sarah R Haines, Karen C Dannemiller, Tiina Reponen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Workers in the Waste Sorting industry are exposed to diverse bioaerosols. Characterization of these bioaerosols is necessary to more accurately assess the health risks of exposure. The use of high-throughput DNA sequencing for improved analysis of microbial composition of bioaerosols, in combination with their in vitro study in relevant cell cultures, represents an important opportunity to find answers on the biological effects of bioaerosols. This study aimed to characterize by high-throughput sequencing the biodiversity present in complex aerosol mixtures retained in forklift air conditioning filters of a Waste-Sorting industry and its effects on cytotoxicity and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro using human macrophages derived from monocytic THP-1 cells. Seventeen filters from the filtration system from forklifts operating in one Waste Sorting facility and one control filter (similar filter without prior use) were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and toxicological tests in vitro. A trend of positive correlation was seen between the number of bacterial and fungal OTUs (r = 0.47, p = 0.06). Seven filters (39%) exhibited low or moderate cytotoxicity (p  The data obtained stress the need of thorough exposure assessment in Waste-Sorting industry and to take immunomodulatory properties into consideration for bioaerosols hazard characterization. The broad spectrum of microbial contamination detected in this study demonstrates that adequate monitoring of bioaerosol exposure is necessary to evaluate and minimize risks. The combined techniques can support the implementation of effective environmental monitoring programs of public and occupational health importance.

  • A new approach to assess occupational exposure to airborne fungal contamination and mycotoxins of forklift drivers in Waste Sorting facilities
    Mycotoxin Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Tiago Faria, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Magdalena Twarużek, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Ana Cebola Oliveira, Anita Quintal-gomes, Susana Viegas
    Abstract:

    The Waste management industry is an important employer, and exposure of Waste-handling workers to microorganisms is considered an occupational health problem. Besides fungal contamination, it is important to consider the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in this setting. Forklifts with closed cabinet and air conditioner are commonly used in Waste industry to transport Waste and other products within the facilities, possibly increasing the risk of exposure under certain conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the fungal contamination and mycotoxin levels in filters from the air conditioning system of forklift cabinets, as an indicator to assess occupational exposure of the drivers working in a Waste Sorting facility. Cytotoxicity was also assessed to understand and characterize the toxicity of the complex mixtures as present in the forklift filters. Aqueous extracts of filters from 11 vehicles were streaked onto 2% malt extract agar (MEA) with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/L) media, and in dichloran glycerol (DG18) agar-based media for morphological identification of the mycobiota. Real-time quantitative PCR amplification of genes from Aspergillus sections Fumigati , Flavi , Circumdati , and Versicolores was also performed. Mycotoxins were analyzed using LC-MS/MS system. Cytotoxicity of filter extracts was analyzed by using a MTT cell culture test. Aspergillus species were found most frequently, namely Aspergillus sections Circumdati (MEA 48%; DG18 41%) and Nigri (MEA 32%; DG18 17.3%). By qPCR, only Aspergillus section Fumigati species were found, but positive results were obtained for all assessed filters. No mycotoxins were detected in aqueous filter extracts, but most extracts were highly cytotoxic ( n  = 6) or medium cytotoxic ( n  = 4). Although filter service life and cytotoxicity were not clearly correlated, the results suggest that observing air conditioner filter replacement frequency may be a critical aspect to avoid worker’s exposure. Further research is required to check if the environmental conditions as present in the filters could allow the production of mycotoxins and their dissemination in the cabinet during the normal use of the vehicles.

  • Occupational exposure to particulate matter in 2 Portuguese Waste-Sorting units
    International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2014
    Co-Authors: Susana Viegas, Marina Almeida-silva, Carla Viegas
    Abstract:

    Objectives This study intended to characterize work environment contamination by particles in 2 Waste-Sorting plants.

Xingchen Shen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • a comparison study of motivation intention behavior model on household solid Waste Sorting in china and singapore
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019
    Co-Authors: Wenting Yang, Xingchen Shen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Economic growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in various urban problems related to sustainable development. The continuous increase in household solid Waste has become a significant concern worldwide, while Waste Sorting has been regarded as an effective method for Waste reduction. However, the low recycling rates of household solid Waste are common in many countries. Accordingly, our study used theory of planned behavior (TPB) to construct a “motivation–intention–behavior” theoretical model for the systemic illustration of the antecedents of household solid Waste Sorting behavior. A comparative study was performed to explore the similarities and differences between the determinants of Sorting behavior in Shanghai and Singapore. A survey of 1100 urban residents from these two places was conducted to validate our model by using structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that general and specific environmental motivations substantially influenced behavioral intention. Moreover, the direct influence and moderating effect of contextual factors on Waste Sorting behavior are significant. Habitual factors also have a significant effect on behavior. Our study enhanced the understanding of the determinants of household solid Waste Sorting behavior and improved TPB by simultaneously adding motivation, contextual, and habitual factors. Moreover, our study used theory of environmental interventions as basis to provide several suggestions that will improve existing policies. These suggestions can be valuable references for Waste management in megacities.

  • A comparison study of ‘motivation–intention–behavior’ model on household solid Waste Sorting in China and Singapore
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019
    Co-Authors: Wenting Yang, Xingchen Shen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Economic growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in various urban problems related to sustainable development. The continuous increase in household solid Waste has become a significant concern worldwide, while Waste Sorting has been regarded as an effective method for Waste reduction. However, the low recycling rates of household solid Waste are common in many countries. Accordingly, our study used theory of planned behavior (TPB) to construct a “motivation–intention–behavior” theoretical model for the systemic illustration of the antecedents of household solid Waste Sorting behavior. A comparative study was performed to explore the similarities and differences between the determinants of Sorting behavior in Shanghai and Singapore. A survey of 1100 urban residents from these two places was conducted to validate our model by using structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that general and specific environmental motivations substantially influenced behavioral intention. Moreover, the direct influence and moderating effect of contextual factors on Waste Sorting behavior are significant. Habitual factors also have a significant effect on behavior. Our study enhanced the understanding of the determinants of household solid Waste Sorting behavior and improved TPB by simultaneously adding motivation, contextual, and habitual factors. Moreover, our study used theory of environmental interventions as basis to provide several suggestions that will improve existing policies. These suggestions can be valuable references for Waste management in megacities.

Liliana Aranha Caetano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cytotoxic effect of filtering respiratory protective devices from the Waste Sorting industry: is in vitro toxicology useful for risk characterization?
    Environmental research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Liliana Aranha Caetano
    Abstract:

    The use of Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices (FRPD) is mandatory in Portugal to protect workers from the Waste industry of harmful exposures. Deleterious health effects of exposure to bioburden via inhalation and/or ingestion include respiratory symptoms and nephrotoxicity. Between January and February 2019, 118 FRPD samples were collected in one Waste Sorting industry and characterized regarding microbial contamination and cytotoxicity, defined as cell metabolic activity, through the MTT colorimetric assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Cytotoxic effect was classified according to percentage of extinction values with respect to the control group, as follows: absent (≥90); low (80%-90%, +); medium (60%-79%, ++); and high (below 60%, +++). For 113 samples the MTT assay revealed a cytotoxic effect in A549 cells, of which 81 presented high cytotoxicity. In SK cells, a cytotoxic effect was observed in 56 samples, of which five displayed a high cytotoxic effect. Several moderate (p 

  • Assessment of the microbial contamination of mechanical protection gloves used on Waste Sorting industry: a contribution for the risk characterization
    Environmental Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Jan Grajewski, Susana Viegas
    Abstract:

    Abstract In Portugal, mechanical protection gloves (MPG) are of mandatory use and during their use sweat is released and, consequently, the humidity of the material increases leading to conditions favorable to the growth of microorganisms. However, no studies have been conducted in MPG to assess the bioburden. This study intended to determine the bioburden present in MPG and their biological effects, and to discuss the possibility to use MPG as a passive method to assess occupational exposure to microbial contamination. Fungal burden was characterized through molecular tools for fungal toxigenic species, and antifungal resistance and mycotoxins profiles were determined. Cell viability was determined in swine kidney (SK) monolayer and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cell lines. All MPG samples presented Gram-negative bacteria. The fungal contamination ranged from 0 CFU.m-2 in both MEA and DG18, to 5.09×106 and 2.75×106 and the most commonly fungi found was Aspergillus spp. (50.46%). Azole resistant Aspergillus sections were found in azole supplemented media. Aspergillus sections (Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati and Versicolores) were detected by molecular tools in 66 out of 67 samples. The most reported mycotoxin was mycophenolic acid (89.6%). HepG2 cells appear to be more sensitive to MPG contamination, with high cytotoxicity (IC50 MPG can be used in passive sampling to assess occupational exposure to bioburden in Waste Sorting industries and contribute for risk characterization. Some contaminants of MPG had cytotoxic potential and affected the biology of hepatic cells more than renal cells.

  • the effects of Waste Sorting in environmental microbiome thp 1 cell viability and inflammatory responses
    Environmental Research, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Merja Korkalainen, Sarah R Haines, Karen C Dannemiller, Tiina Reponen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Workers in the Waste Sorting industry are exposed to diverse bioaerosols. Characterization of these bioaerosols is necessary to more accurately assess the health risks of exposure. The use of high-throughput DNA sequencing for improved analysis of microbial composition of bioaerosols, in combination with their in vitro study in relevant cell cultures, represents an important opportunity to find answers on the biological effects of bioaerosols. This study aimed to characterize by high-throughput sequencing the biodiversity present in complex aerosol mixtures retained in forklift air conditioning filters of a Waste-Sorting industry and its effects on cytotoxicity and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro using human macrophages derived from monocytic THP-1 cells. Seventeen filters from the filtration system from forklifts operating in one Waste Sorting facility and one control filter (similar filter without prior use) were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and toxicological tests in vitro. A trend of positive correlation was seen between the number of bacterial and fungal OTUs (r = 0.47, p = 0.06). Seven filters (39%) exhibited low or moderate cytotoxicity (p  The data obtained stress the need of thorough exposure assessment in Waste-Sorting industry and to take immunomodulatory properties into consideration for bioaerosols hazard characterization. The broad spectrum of microbial contamination detected in this study demonstrates that adequate monitoring of bioaerosol exposure is necessary to evaluate and minimize risks. The combined techniques can support the implementation of effective environmental monitoring programs of public and occupational health importance.

  • A new approach to assess occupational exposure to airborne fungal contamination and mycotoxins of forklift drivers in Waste Sorting facilities
    Mycotoxin Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Carla Viegas, Tiago Faria, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Magdalena Twarużek, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Ana Cebola Oliveira, Anita Quintal-gomes, Susana Viegas
    Abstract:

    The Waste management industry is an important employer, and exposure of Waste-handling workers to microorganisms is considered an occupational health problem. Besides fungal contamination, it is important to consider the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in this setting. Forklifts with closed cabinet and air conditioner are commonly used in Waste industry to transport Waste and other products within the facilities, possibly increasing the risk of exposure under certain conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the fungal contamination and mycotoxin levels in filters from the air conditioning system of forklift cabinets, as an indicator to assess occupational exposure of the drivers working in a Waste Sorting facility. Cytotoxicity was also assessed to understand and characterize the toxicity of the complex mixtures as present in the forklift filters. Aqueous extracts of filters from 11 vehicles were streaked onto 2% malt extract agar (MEA) with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/L) media, and in dichloran glycerol (DG18) agar-based media for morphological identification of the mycobiota. Real-time quantitative PCR amplification of genes from Aspergillus sections Fumigati , Flavi , Circumdati , and Versicolores was also performed. Mycotoxins were analyzed using LC-MS/MS system. Cytotoxicity of filter extracts was analyzed by using a MTT cell culture test. Aspergillus species were found most frequently, namely Aspergillus sections Circumdati (MEA 48%; DG18 41%) and Nigri (MEA 32%; DG18 17.3%). By qPCR, only Aspergillus section Fumigati species were found, but positive results were obtained for all assessed filters. No mycotoxins were detected in aqueous filter extracts, but most extracts were highly cytotoxic ( n  = 6) or medium cytotoxic ( n  = 4). Although filter service life and cytotoxicity were not clearly correlated, the results suggest that observing air conditioner filter replacement frequency may be a critical aspect to avoid worker’s exposure. Further research is required to check if the environmental conditions as present in the filters could allow the production of mycotoxins and their dissemination in the cabinet during the normal use of the vehicles.

Wenting Yang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • a comparison study of motivation intention behavior model on household solid Waste Sorting in china and singapore
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019
    Co-Authors: Wenting Yang, Xingchen Shen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Economic growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in various urban problems related to sustainable development. The continuous increase in household solid Waste has become a significant concern worldwide, while Waste Sorting has been regarded as an effective method for Waste reduction. However, the low recycling rates of household solid Waste are common in many countries. Accordingly, our study used theory of planned behavior (TPB) to construct a “motivation–intention–behavior” theoretical model for the systemic illustration of the antecedents of household solid Waste Sorting behavior. A comparative study was performed to explore the similarities and differences between the determinants of Sorting behavior in Shanghai and Singapore. A survey of 1100 urban residents from these two places was conducted to validate our model by using structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that general and specific environmental motivations substantially influenced behavioral intention. Moreover, the direct influence and moderating effect of contextual factors on Waste Sorting behavior are significant. Habitual factors also have a significant effect on behavior. Our study enhanced the understanding of the determinants of household solid Waste Sorting behavior and improved TPB by simultaneously adding motivation, contextual, and habitual factors. Moreover, our study used theory of environmental interventions as basis to provide several suggestions that will improve existing policies. These suggestions can be valuable references for Waste management in megacities.

  • A comparison study of ‘motivation–intention–behavior’ model on household solid Waste Sorting in China and Singapore
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019
    Co-Authors: Wenting Yang, Xingchen Shen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Economic growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in various urban problems related to sustainable development. The continuous increase in household solid Waste has become a significant concern worldwide, while Waste Sorting has been regarded as an effective method for Waste reduction. However, the low recycling rates of household solid Waste are common in many countries. Accordingly, our study used theory of planned behavior (TPB) to construct a “motivation–intention–behavior” theoretical model for the systemic illustration of the antecedents of household solid Waste Sorting behavior. A comparative study was performed to explore the similarities and differences between the determinants of Sorting behavior in Shanghai and Singapore. A survey of 1100 urban residents from these two places was conducted to validate our model by using structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that general and specific environmental motivations substantially influenced behavioral intention. Moreover, the direct influence and moderating effect of contextual factors on Waste Sorting behavior are significant. Habitual factors also have a significant effect on behavior. Our study enhanced the understanding of the determinants of household solid Waste Sorting behavior and improved TPB by simultaneously adding motivation, contextual, and habitual factors. Moreover, our study used theory of environmental interventions as basis to provide several suggestions that will improve existing policies. These suggestions can be valuable references for Waste management in megacities.