scholarly journals Ozone potential to fight against SAR-COV-2 pandemic: facts and research needs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeles Blanco ◽  
Francisco de Borja Ojembarrena ◽  
Bernardino Clavo ◽  
Carlos Negro
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Contact Time ◽  
High Humidity ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Enveloped Virus ◽  
The World ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Ozone Levels

AbstractThe greatest challenge the world is facing today is to win the battle against COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible. Until a vaccine is available, personal protection, social distancing, and disinfection are the main tools against SARS-CoV-2. Although it is quite infectious, the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself is an enveloped virus that is relatively fragile because its protective fatty layer is sensitive to heat, ultraviolet radiation, and certain chemicals. However, heat and liquid treatments can damage some materials, and ultraviolet light is not efficient in shaded areas, so other disinfection alternatives are required to allow safe re-utilization of materials and spaces. As of this writing, evidences are still accumulating for the use of ozone gas as a disinfectant for sanitary materials and ambient disinfection in indoor areas. This paper reviews the most relevant results of virus disinfection by the application of gaseous ozone. The review covers disinfection treatments of both air and surfaces carried out in different volumes, which varies from small boxes and controlled chambers to larger rooms, as a base to develop future ozone protocols against COVID-19. Published papers have been critically analyzed to evaluate trends in the required ozone dosages, as a function of relative humidity (RH), contact time, and viral strains. The data have been classified depending on the disinfection objective and the volume and type of the experimental set-up. Based on these data, conservative dosages and times to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 are estimated. In small chambers, 10–20 mg ozone/m3 over 10 to 50 min can be sufficient to significantly reduce the virus load of personal protection equipment. In large rooms, 30 to 50 mg ozone/m3 would be required for treatments of 20–30 min. Maximum antiviral activity of ozone is achieved at high humidity, while the same ozone concentrations under low RH could result inefficient. At these ozone levels, safety protocols must be strictly followed. These data can be used for reducing significantly the viral load although for assuring a safe disinfection, the effective dosages under different conditions need to be confirmed with experimental data.

scholarly journals Removal of Phosphate Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption onto Leftover Coal

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1381
Author(s):  
Dereje Tadesse Mekonnen ◽  
Esayas Alemayehu ◽  
Bernd Lennartz
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Contact Time ◽  
Aqueous Media ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Phosphate Adsorption ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Solution Ph ◽  
Retention Efficiency ◽  
Set Up

High loadings of wastewater with phosphors (P) require purification measures, which can be challenging to realize in regions where the technical and financial frame does not allow sophisticated applications. Simple percolation devices employing various kinds of adsorbents might be an alternative. Here, we investigated the application of leftover coal, which was collected from Ethiopian coal mining areas, as an adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions in a classical slurry batch set-up. The combined effects of operational parameters such as contact time, initial concentration, and solution pH on P retention efficiency was studied employing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The maximum phosphate adsorption (79% removal and 198 mg kg−1 leftover coal) was obtained at a contact time of 200 min, an initial phosphate concentration of 5 mg/L, and a solution pH of 2.3. The Freundlich isotherm was fitted to the experimental data. The pseudo second-order equation describes the experimental data well, with a correlation value of R2 = 0.99. The effect of temperature on the adsorption reveals that the process is exothermic. The results demonstrate that leftover coal material could potentially be applied for the removal of phosphate from aqueous media, but additional testing in a flow-through set-up using real wastewater is required to draw definite conclusions.

scholarly journals Discrepancy of particle passage in 101 mask batches during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas T. Hirschwald ◽  
Stefan Herrmann ◽  
Daniel Felder ◽  
Anna M. Kalde ◽  
Felix Stockmeier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Initial Phase ◽  
High Variability ◽  
First Year ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Aerosol Generator ◽  
Large Particles ◽  
The World ◽  
Production Capacities ◽  
Very High

AbstractDuring the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention> 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks’ retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.

scholarly journals Some Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. p20
Author(s):  
Amb. John O. Kakonge
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
The World ◽  
Participation In Decision Making ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus early in 2020, many lessons have been learned, both positive and negative. This paper considers some general lessons that can be drawn and the implications for future health crises. Specifically, it considers the need for preparedness of countries, the necessity of having available Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), the value of nurses, and the importance of scientist participation in decision-making. The article draws from examples across the world but pays special attention to Africa.

scholarly journals Makers against Covid-19: Face shields as the international solidarity KPI

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-537
Author(s):  
César García Sáez ◽  
David Cuartielles
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Object ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
International Solidarity ◽  
Specific Category ◽  
The World ◽  
Traditional Production ◽  
Global Stock

At the first signs of the Covid-19 pandemic, the uncertainty around the global stock of medical supplies sparked a response in the DIY communities around the world. In the case of Spain, a community called Coronavirus Makers (CVM) emerged to supply ventilators and personal protection equipment (PPE) to hospitals and people in need. This paper explores the evolution of this community-driven development, detailing the patterns proposed by members of the group acting as design experts to tackle different problems. More specifically the paper uses face shields, the most produced PPE in Spain, as a boundary object to highlight the relationships amongst individuals, institutions, and companies. The objects of design, since they fall in the specific category of devices for medical use, have to overcome validation at the technical level. Authors will also explore some of the controversies surrounding the transfer of these products from horizontal innovation networks to traditional production companies.

scholarly journals Planning and Setting Up of a Communication Program for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Challenges and Potential Solutions in Resource Constrained Setting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samridhi Nanda ◽  
Sudip Kumar Datta ◽  
Prem Sagar ◽  
Mona Sharma ◽  
Ranjan Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Time ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Family Satisfaction ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Communication Program ◽  
The Family

Abstract Background The recent onset of COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated many patients to be hospitalized in the COVID-19 treating centers. Owing to the need for isolation of these patients and minimizing the risk of transmission to healthy people, COVID-19-positive patients are completely restricted from meeting their friends and families. This gives rise to anxiety amongst the patients' relatives as they are not able to monitor the progress of the patients and have to depend entirely on the healthcare staff for any updates regarding the patient. In contrast, the treating doctors are undergoing severe stress due to the unknown nature of the virus and the risks involved in treating patients. They are thoroughly exhausted after the long hours donning the personal protection equipment (PPE). Objective To structure and form an interface for communication between the treating physician and the families, as a “communication team,” to decrease the workload on the treating physicians and minimize their contact time in a COVID-19 setting. Results The addition of a communication team improved the physicians' efficiency of patient management and family satisfaction. Several challenges were faced during the setting up of this interface effectively. However, most of these were dealt with along the way. The communication team was instrumental in allaying the anxiety of the family with respect to their patients' clinical condition. This also ensured engagement of doctors from non-clinical and laboratory-based departments in the COVID-19 treatment process. Conclusion Adding up a communication team for communicating clinical updates to the family in a resource-limited scenario greatly improved communication and thus family satisfaction of the COVID-19-positive patients.

scholarly journals 101 Filtering Face Mask Batches – A Comprehensive Study on Particle Passage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Tobias Hirschwald ◽  
Stefan Herrmann ◽  
Daniel Felder ◽  
Anna Maria Kalde ◽  
Felix Stockmeier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Aerosol Generator ◽  
Large Particles ◽  
The World ◽  
Production Capacities ◽  
Very High ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Abstract During the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention > 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but the quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks' retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study, we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.

Outbreak Of Nipah Encephalitis In Greater Faridpur District

1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-65
Author(s):  
MY Ali ◽  
SA Fattah ◽  
MM Islam ◽  
MA Hossain ◽  
SY Ali
Keyword(s):  
Health Personnel ◽  
Viral Encephalitis ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Medical College ◽  
History Of ◽  
Deadly Disease

Nipah viral encephalitis is one of the fatal re-emerging infections especially in southeast Asia. After its outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore; repeated outbreaks occurred at western part of Bangladesh especially in Faridpur region. Besides, sporadic attacks appear to occur in the country throughout the year. Here two Nipah outbreaks in greater Faridpur district in 2003 and 2004 are described along with brief review on transmission of the virus. Where the history of illness among patients are very much in favour of man to man transmission. Moreover the death of an intern doctor from Nipah encephalitis who was involved in managing such patients in Faridpur Medical College Hospital strongly suggests man to man transmission of this virus. So, aim of this review article to make the health personnel and general people be aware about man to man transmission of virus, so that they can adapt personal protection equipment (PPE) for their protection against this deadly disease. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v5i2.6825Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2010;5(2):63-65

Eye in COVID-19: A Brief Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Mohsin Ali ◽  
Qudsia Anwar Dar ◽  
Zahid Kamal ◽  
Alishba Khan
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Transmission Route ◽  
Ocular Manifestation ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Infection Control Measures

This is a brief review covering the currently available literature on ocular manifestations of COVID-19, andprevention strategies for ophthalmologists. A literature search was carried out of Pubmed, Google Scholar andWHO database of publications on COVID. Keywords used in the search were eye, ocular manifestations,ophthalmology, COVID-19, nCoV-2019, and coronavirus disease. All available articles were reviewed and thosepertinent to the study topic were included. Considering the dearth of information available, ophthalmology journals were also searched separately for relevant articles. Major ocular manifestation of COVID reported in literature is red eye, which usually presents before the onset of respiratory symptoms. Since the eye can be a possible transmission route for SARS-CoV-2, infection control measures should be undertaken by ophthalmologists, including use of personal protection equipment and eye/face covering. A framework for structuring ophthalmological services during the COVID pandemic is also presented in this review.

The World Underfoot

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hallie M. Franks
Keyword(s):  
The Political ◽  
Classical Period ◽  
Social Fabric ◽  
Physiological Reaction ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
Foreign Land ◽  
Social Gathering ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Ideal

In the Greek Classical period, the symposium—the social gathering at which male citizens gathered to drink wine and engage in conversation—was held in a room called the andron. From couches set up around the perimeter of the andron, symposiasts looked inward to the room’s center, which often was decorated with a pebble mosaic floor. These mosaics provided visual treats for the guests, presenting them with images of mythological scenes, exotic flora, dangerous beasts, hunting parties, or the specter of Dionysos, the god of wine, riding in his chariot or on the back of a panther. This book takes as its subject these mosaics and the context of their viewing. Relying on discourses in the sociology and anthropology of space, it argues that the andron’s mosaic imagery actively contributed to a complex, metaphorical experience of the symposium. In combination with the ritualized circling of the wine cup from couch to couch around the room and the physiological reaction to wine, the images of mosaic floors called to mind other images, spaces, or experiences, and, in doing so, prompted drinkers to reimagine the symposium as another kind of event—a nautical voyage, a journey to a foreign land, the circling heavens or a choral dance, or the luxury of an abundant past. Such spatial metaphors helped to forge the intimate bonds of friendship that are the ideal result of the symposium and that make up the political and social fabric of the Greek polis.

scholarly journals Income, wealth and use of personal protection equipment in the Mekong Delta

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Migheli
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Developing And Developed Countries

AbstractBoth in developing and developed countries, farmers often do not protect themselves adequately, especially when applying agrochemicals that are dangerous for their health. The issue is relevant because insufficient protection is between the causes leading to intoxication of farmers and workers who handle these products. The literature suggests that both lack of training and information and low income may explain why, especially in developing countries, protective equipment is under-used. Using data from the Mekong Delta, this study addresses the issue of whether income and household wealth may help explaining the use of incomplete protections against pesticides. The results suggest that income, more than wealth, is a reason why Vietnamese farmers operating in the Mekong Delta fail in using adequate protections. In particular, the data suggest that they may prefer to divert resources to increasing the production of their fields or to buying goods that may be used both as protection and as everyday garments. This behaviour leads to underinvestment in some important protective goods. Possible public interventions to mitigate the problem are suggested; in particular, the promotion of integrated pest management techniques could be useful.

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