Cost-Effective Synthesis of MXene Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) for Heavy Metal Removal.

Background Environmental contamination resulting from the release of untreated industrial wastewater has emerged as a critical worldwide issue. These effluents frequently have high levels of heavy metals and antibiotics, which are bad for aquatic ecosystems and human health. Oftentimes, conventional wastewater treatment techniques fall short of effectively eliminating these pollutants.

Three new female condoms: which do South-African women prefer?

Background: The widespread distribution of female condoms (FCs) in developing countries has been hindered by high unit cost, making new less expensive devices a priority for donor agencies.

Study Design: Randomized, crossover study assessing product preference, safety, acceptability and function of three new FCs (PATH Woman's Condom, FC2 and V-Amour) among 170 women in Durban, South Africa. A subsequent "simulated market" study provided participants with free choice of FCs and assessed condom uptake over 3 months.

Male partner involvement and assistance in female condom use.

Objective: To investigate how males assist their partners in using the female condom.

Methods: A multi-site, randomized, cross-over trial was conducted to test the performance and acceptability of the Reality female condom compared to a prototype similar in design and appearance but made of synthetic latex (FC2). In this study women were asked about male partner assistance in FC use.