Added value recyclability of glass fiber waste as photo-oxidation catalyst for toxic cytostatic micropollutants

There is an increased interest in recycling valuable waste materials for usage in procedures with high added values. Silica microparticles are involved in the processes of catalysis, separation, immobilization of complexants, biologically active compounds, and different nanospecies, responding to restrictive requirements for selectivity of various chemical and biochemical processes. This paper presents the surface modification of accessible and dimensionally controlled recycled silica microfiber with titanium dioxide. Strong base species in organic solvents: methoxide, ethoxide, propoxide, and potassium butoxide in corresponding alcohol, activated the glass microfibres with 12-13 µm diameter. In the photo-oxidation process of a toxic micro-pollutant, cyclophosphamide, the new composite material successfully proved photocatalytic effectiveness. The present work fulfills simultaneously two specific objectives related to the efforts directed towards a sustainable environment and circular economy: recycling of optical glass microfibers resulted as waste from the industry, and their usage for the photo-oxidation of highly toxic emerging micro-pollutants.

[Dental educational level of teachers in three primary schools in Iaşi]

METHOD

We assessed the level of dental education of 120 teachers from 3 primary schools using a 13 question interview.

RESULTS

The information on the etiology of dental decay is more accurate in female than in male teachers (53.15% vs 47.56%). Knowledge of prevention is also better in female teachers. Nutrition information level is average, older teaching staff possesses a higher level of knowledge. The main sources that are used in order to access the information are represented by television, books and journals. The teaching staff's involvement in dental education varies widely, from non-involvement to almost 80%.

CONCLUSION

The level of teaching's staff dental education is average and a greater involvement is needed in order to improve the dental health of school children.

[Alcohol intake in young adults]

Even if chronic alcohol consumption in our group of young adults is under 10% (7.8%) we must take into account that another 30% are circumstantial alcohol users. The alcohol intake is more frequent in males and in young adults with academic degree. In order to rehabilitate an alcoholic, all the factors (medical, social and economic) must be addressed. Many people consider at this moment that alcoholism is no longer just a behaviour problem, but a disease that must be diagnosed and treated properly.

[Cognitive level and behaviour in nutritional health education in a group of parents]

In the last years, the education for health developed itself rapidly, due to the close relationship between scientific development and social life dynamics. The relation between the cognitive level, behaviour and nutrition was assessed in a group of parents with children 9 to 12 years of age. The majority of the parents, and also of children, have an adequate cognitive level, knowing very well the basic principles of a sanogenic diet. Many parents give as their information source the mass-media, and especially the television, the education for nutritional health must be reconsidered, in order to have a greater impact in preserving the health status of the individual.