Biosorption of different gadolinium (Gd) complexes from water by Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth).

Many studies have demonstrated the Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) potency in removing heavy metals, but the plant's potential for sorption of gadolinium (Gd) has not yet been investigated. In this study, water hyacinth was grown in a glass container for 30 days with either GdCl3 or Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA; gadoterate) with water obtained from the Tone River. On the day 30, the Gd concentration in both the water and the plants was measured by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). After 30 days, 98.5% of GdCl3 in the water had been absorbed by the roots, and 3.5% of Gd was transferred to the leaves. On the other hand, the water hyacinth roots absorbed only 12% of the gadoterate. When exposed to 5 mg/L of GdCl3, the roots of water hyacinth may effectively remove Gd ions in the aquatic environment, with no visible effect on the general health of the plant. However, the water hyacinth roots did not absorb GBCA. This may result in higher accumulation of Gd in the aqueous environment. The GBCA may be broken down by environmental factors and negatively affect the marine ecosystem.

This study highlights the potential capability of water hyacinths in reducing the increasing gadolinium in the environment, which may be of value in optimizing the phytoremediation of medical waste.

Social cohesion and quality of life in Bandung: A cross sectional study.

In Bandung, Indonesia, urban expansion, rapid economic growth, and population increase present enormous challenges to the maintenance of a high quality of life (QOL) for its citizens. Moreover, income distribution in the city has become more unequal, thereby threatening social cohesion. Such situations led us to investigate the states and correlation of social cohesion and QOL in Bandung. In 2018, we conducted a questionnaire survey of social cohesion and QOL using 13 and 18 question items, respectively. We employed the Rasch model analysis to analyze the logit measures of 752 responses. The results revealed that the population of Bandung has high social cohesion and decent QOL. Our findings suggest that in Bandung QOL is significantly correlated with social cohesion, therefore strategies that seek to enhance social cohesion may be beneficial to improve the QOL.

Factors Influencing Disability Inclusion in General Eye Health Services in Bandung, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study.

The Inclusive System for Effective Eye-care (I-SEE) is a pilot project for disability inclusion in eye health in Bandung district of Indonesia. The aim of this research was to investigate factors influencing the introduction, i.e., adoption, implementation and continuation of I-SEE. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted by interviewing relevant stakeholders (n = 27) and users with disabilities (n = 12). A theoretical framework on the introduction of innovations in health care was used to guide data collection and thematic analysis. Factors related to the characteristics of the innovation (I-SEE) (e.g., infrastructure, equipment, engagement of people with disabilities, inclusive communication), service provider characteristics (e.g., motivation, attitudes, training), organizational characteristics (e.g., supervision, indicators, data), and the socio-political context of I-SEE (policy, motivation of users, family support, costs, transport) were essential for supporting the introduction process. Additionally, stakeholders proposed strategies for enhancing the introduction of I-SEE (e.g., awareness, collaborations). While there are specific disability related factors, most factors influencing the introduction of disability inclusive eye health were similar to introducing any innovation in general health care. Strategies for disability inclusion should be included from the planning phase of an eye health program and are reasonably simple to adapt.