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Kuruca T, Akarsu E. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity testing of quaternary ammonium silane compounds. Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107614. [PMID: 39002512 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
With increasing health awareness of the pathogenic effects of disease-causing microorganisms, interest in and use (of medical textiles, disinfectants in medical devices, etc.) of antimicrobial substances have increased in various applications, such as medical textiles and disinfectants (alcohol-based and nonalcoholic), in medical devices There are several concerns with alcohol-based disinfectants, such as surface deformation of medical devices due to high alcohol content and damage to skin tissue caused by lipid and protein denaturation of cell membranes. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) were preferred because they have the potential to prepare water-based disinfectants. In this study, novel (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane (CPTMO) and (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane (CPTEO) based quaternary ammonium silane compounds (silane-quats) were developed using quats with carbon chain lengths of C12, C14, C16 and C18. Titration (ASTM D2074) was used to calculate the yield of the synthesis and the structures of the products were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR, 1H NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesized samples was evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Enterococcus hirae (E. hirae)) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)) bacteria and fungi (Candida albicans (C. albicans), Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis)) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. According to MIC tests, the silane-quats with the highest antimicrobial effects were dimethylhexadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride (SQ3), which had an MIC of < 16 μg/ml (ppm) against E. coli, S. aureus, E. hirae, C. albicans, and A. brasiliensis and 32 μg/ml against P. aeruginosa. The MIC test results also showed antimicrobial activity at least 2 times greater than that of the commercially available disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Findings suggest that SQ3 (C16) holds promise as an effective medical disinfectant, presenting a novel approach to combating microbial infections in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğçe Kuruca
- Science Faculty of Akdeniz University, 07058 Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Esin Akarsu
- Science Faculty of Akdeniz University, 07058 Antalya, Türkiye.
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2
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Xu Z, Zhang H, Zhu M, Ji Y, Xue P, Xie J, Li Y, Zhang N. Human behavior-based COVID-19 transmission in two dining spaces. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135820. [PMID: 39298960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly disseminated globally, posing significant threats to the world. The dining spaces are high-risk indoor environments for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, posing challenges for intervention and control. This study, based on surveillance videos from two COVID-19 outbreak cases in restaurants, obtained real data on human behaviors of close contact and surface touch. A respiratory infectious disease transmission model was developed, incorporating four transmission routes: short-range airborne, long-range airborne, fomite and large droplet. The results indicate that diners and staff spent 21.9 %-28.7 % and 17.5 %-27.8 % of their time on speaking, respectively, while spending 85.9 %-90.7 % and 83.4 %-87.6 % of their time on surface touching. The primary transmission routes were short-range (contributing 5.8 %-70.9 %) and long-range airborne (contributing 28.4 %-93.0 %), with fomite and large droplet routes contributing less than 12.0 %. Staff-only mask wearing reduced infection risk by 12.8 %-31.8 %. It is recommended that mandatory mask wearing for staff is necessary, while diners should wear masks as much as possible, and that the equivalent ventilation rate of clean fresh air is suggested to 30.0 m3/ (h·person). This study provides a scientific support to make non-pharmaceutical interventions in dinning spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikang Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haochen Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhu
- 6th Medical Center of General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingchao Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China.
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3
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Ma MZ, Chen SX, Wang X. Collective pronouns, collective health actions: Predicting pandemic precautionary measures through online first-person plural pronoun usage across U.S. states. Soc Sci Med 2024; 357:117167. [PMID: 39116701 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the role of group identification in shaping collective health behaviors. Using the novel Pronoun-Influenced Collective Health Model - an integrated framework combining elements from health and social psychology theories - we investigated the relationship between online first-person plural pronoun usage and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures across the United States. Analyzing weekly Google Trends data on English (Study 1) and Spanish (Study 2) first-person pronoun searches, alongside data on adherence to pandemic precautionary measures from early 2020 to late 2022, we found significant positive associations between relative first-person plural pronoun search volumes and adherence to social distancing, stay-at-home orders, vaccination rates, and proactive disease prevention information seeking. These associations remained robust after adjusting for potential confounding factors. A mini meta-analysis (Study 3) confirmed the consistency of our findings, revealing no significant moderation effects by language context or ecological-socio-cultural factors, suggesting broad generalizability. The implications of this research highlight the potential for tracking online collective language as a valuable indicator of and proxy for societal-level health engagement during crises. This novel digital linguistics approach, synergistically combining applied health and social psychology with big data from digital platforms such as Google, offers powerful tools for monitoring collective health actions across linguistic and cultural boundaries during large-scale health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mac Zewei Ma
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
| | - Sylvia Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Xijing Wang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Yang R, Xu H, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Zhao R, Zheng G, Wu X. The Epidemiology of Pathogens in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Among Children in Southwest China Before, During and After COVID-19 Non-pharmaceutical Interventions: A Cross-Sectional Study. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13361. [PMID: 39145530 PMCID: PMC11325253 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the pathogen epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children in Southwest China before, during and after the COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). METHODS Pathogen data of hospitalised children with CAP, including multiple direct immunofluorescence test for seven viruses, bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, were analysed across three phases: Phase I (pre-NPIs: 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019), Phase II (NPI period: 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020) and Phase III (post-NPIs: 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023). RESULTS A total of 7533 cases were enrolled, including 2444, 1642 and 3447 individuals in Phases I, II and III, respectively. M. pneumoniae predominated in Phases I and III (23.4% and 35.5%, respectively). In Phase II, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) emerged as the primary pathogen (20.3%), whereas detection rates of influenza A virus (Flu A) and M. pneumoniae were at a low level (1.8% and 9.6%, respectively). In Phase III, both Flu A (15.8%) and M. pneumoniae epidemic rebounded, whereas RSV detection rate returned to Phase I level, and detection rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae decreased significantly compared to those in Phase I. Detection rates of adenovirus and parainfluenza virus type 3 decreased phase by phase. Age-stratified analysis and monthly variations supported the above findings. Seasonal patterns of multiple pathogens were disrupted during Phases II and III. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 NPIs exhibited a distinct impact on CAP pathogen epidemic among children, with post-NPIs increases observed in M. pneumoniae and Flu A prevalence. Continuous pathogen monitoring is crucial for effective prevention and control of paediatric CAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruling Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Quanbo Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruiqiu Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaihuan Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
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Ma MZ, Chen SX, Wang X. Looking beyond vaccines: Cultural tightness-looseness moderates the relationship between immunization coverage and disease prevention vigilance. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:1046-1072. [PMID: 38105555 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in vaccination technologies mitigate disease transmission risks but may inadvertently suppress the behavioral immune system, an evolved disease avoidance mechanism. Applying behavioral immune system theory and utilizing robust big data analytics, we examined associations between rising vaccination coverage and government policies, public mobility, and online information seeking regarding disease precautions. We tested whether cultural tightness-looseness moderates the relationship between mass immunization and disease prevention vigilance. Comprehensive time series analyses were conducted using American data (Study 1) and international data (Study 2), employing transfer function modeling, cross-correlation function analysis, and meta-regression analysis. Across both the US and global analyses, as vaccination rates rose over time, government COVID-19 restrictions significantly relaxed, community mobility increased, and online searches for prevention information declined. The relationship between higher vaccination rates and lower disease prevention vigilance was stronger in culturally looser contexts. Results provide initial evidence that mass immunization may be associated with attenuated sensitivity and enhanced flexibility of disease avoidance psychology and actions. However, cultural tightness-looseness significantly moderates this relationship, with tighter cultures displaying sustained vigilance amidst immunization upticks. These findings offer valuable perspectives to inform nuanced policymaking and public health strategies that balance prudent precautions against undue alarm when expanding vaccine coverage worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mac Zewei Ma
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sylvia Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xijing Wang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Wan AWL, Hagger MS, Zhang CQ, Chung JSK, Lee K, Bautista A, Chan DKC. Protecting children from COVID-19: examining U.S. parents motivation and behaviour using an integrated model of self-determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour. Psychol Health 2024; 39:765-785. [PMID: 35975585 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This longitudinal study applied the integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explain COVID-19 preventive behaviours among parents of young children in the United States. DESIGN The study adopted a two-wave longitudinal study design. Parents (N = 681) completed self-report questionnaires related to measures of SDT and the TPB constructs and behavioural adherence at baseline and after one month. We used standardised residual change scores to test the structural relationships of the integrated model. RESULTS The parameter estimates of the model (CFI > .96, TLI > .86, RMSEA = .05, SRMR = .03) fit acceptably well to the data. Psychological need support was positively and significantly linked to autonomous and controlled motivation and amotivation. Autonomous motivation was positively and significantly correlated with TPB factors, and intention. Intention was a significant and positive predictor of behavioural adherence. CONCLUSION The integrated model of SDT and the TPB appeared to be applicable to the explanation of COVID-19 prevention among the U.S. parents. Longitudinal data showed that a psychological need supportive social environment was related to favourable motivation, social cognition beliefs, intention and behavioural adherence to the preventive behaviours of parents protecting their young children from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison W L Wan
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin S Hagger
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, USA
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Chun-Qing Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joan S K Chung
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kerry Lee
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfredo Bautista
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Derwin K C Chan
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Gomes M, Zuchi IDP, Pavi CP, Fongaro G, da Silva IT, Pezzini BR. Skin- and Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer: A Novel Composition of Natural Extracts to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:98. [PMID: 38714600 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases caused by viruses are a serious global health threat. Although the use of hand sanitizers containing alcohol and synthetic antiseptic agents is recognized as an effective, simple, and low-cost measure to combat viral transmission, they can harm human health and the environment. Thus, this work aimed to study the efficacy of combining Camellia sinensis and Chamomilla recutita extracts in a skin- and eco-friendly leave-on hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. An oil-in-water emulsion containing C. recutita oily extract (5.0%), C. recutita glycolic extract (0.2%) and C. sinensis glycolic extract (5.0%) showed virucidal activity against HAdV-2 (respiratory virus) and two surrogate viruses of SARS-CoV-2 (HSV-1 and MVH-3), showing great potential to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These natural extracts combined are also promising to combat a broad spectrum of other viruses, in the form of antiseptic mouthwashes or throat sprays, surface disinfectants, and veterinary products, among others. Complementally, the developed hand sanitizer demonstrated efficacy against bacteria and fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Isabella Dai Prá Zuchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Catielen Paula Pavi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Izabella Thaís da Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Ramos Pezzini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
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Chereka AA, Demsash AW, Butta FW, Shibabaw AA, Gebeyehu CD, Adane D, Limeneh WD, Fentahun AD, Tadesse MN, Kitil GW. Examining students' level of understanding toward COVID-19 and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369738. [PMID: 38721537 PMCID: PMC11076840 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and identify associated factors. The primary goal is to pinpoint key contributors shaping students' perception and comprehension of the virus. The study aims to offer valuable insights for developing targeted educational interventions, ultimately enhancing students' overall knowledge and awareness of the pandemic in the specific context of Ethiopia. Methods The study adhered rigorously to PRISMA criteria, ensuring a standardized methodology. Data from reputable databases like Google Scholar and PubMed were systematically collected. Ten relevant articles were meticulously analyzed using STATA version 11, with heterogeneity assessed by the I2 test. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. The determination of the pooled effect size utilized a random-effect model meta-analysis, offering a robust 95% confidence interval. Results This meta-analysis, based on 10 articles, reveals an overall prevalence of 61.58% (95% CI: 47.26-75.89). Significant contributors to students' comprehension include Social media users (AOR) = 2.38, urban residence AOR = 3.31, news media followers AOR = 2.51, fathers' educational status AOR = 2.35, watching television AOR = 4.71, and health science students AOR = 4.21. These findings underscore crucial elements shaping students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Conclusion Our analysis indicates that 61.58% of Ethiopian students possess a good understanding of COVID-19. Factors such as active social media engagement, geographic location, frequency of news consumption, father's level of education, television viewing habits, and enrollment in health science programs significantly influence their comprehension. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to enhance health literacy and education among students, thereby facilitating a more effective response to pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Ayenew Chereka
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Fikadu Wake Butta
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | - Adamu Ambachew Shibabaw
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Daniel Adane
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Wubalem Dilie Limeneh
- Department of Tourism Management, College of Business and Economics, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Dagnew Fentahun
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Mathias Nega Tadesse
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Technology, Kebri Dehar University, Kebri Dehar, Ethiopia
| | - Gemeda Wakgari Kitil
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
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Lieberthal B, Jackson S, de Urioste-Stone S. Risk perceptions and behaviors concerning rural tourism and economic-political drivers of COVID-19 policy in 2020. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299841. [PMID: 38593149 PMCID: PMC11003693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
When COVID-19 was first introduced to the United States, state and local governments enacted a variety of policies intended to mitigate the virulence of the epidemic. At the time, the most effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 included stay-at-home orders, closing of nonessential businesses, and mask mandates. Although it was well known that regions with high population density and cold climates were at the highest risk for disease spread, rural counties that are economically reliant on tourism were incentivized to enact fewer precautions against COVID-19. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the multiple policies to reduce transmission, and the changes in outdoor recreation behavior had a significant impact on rural tourism destinations and management of protected spaces. We utilize fine-scale incidence and demographic data to study the relationship between local economic and political concerns, COVID-19 mitigation measures, and the subsequent severity of outbreaks throughout the continental United States. We also present results from an online survey that measured travel behavior, health risk perceptions, knowledge and experience with COVID-19, and evaluation of destination attributes by 407 out-of-state visitors who traveled to Maine from 2020 to 2021. We synthesize this research to present a narrative on how perceptions of COVID-19 risk and public perceptions of rural tourism put certain communities at greater risk of illness throughout 2020. This research could inform future rural destination management and public health policies to help reduce negative socioeconomic, health and environmental impacts of pandemic-derived changes in travel and outdoor recreation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Lieberthal
- College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
| | - Sarah Jackson
- College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
| | - Sandra de Urioste-Stone
- College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
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Ganesh PS, Elugoke SE, Lee SH, Kim SY, Ebenso EE. Smart and emerging point of care electrochemical sensors based on nanomaterials for SARS-CoV-2 virus detection: Towards designing a future rapid diagnostic tool. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141269. [PMID: 38307334 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In the recent years, researchers from all over the world have become interested in the fabrication of advanced and innovative electrochemical and/or biosensors for respiratory virus detection with the use of nanotechnology. These fabricated sensors demonstrated a number of benefits, including precision, affordability, accessibility, and miniaturization which makes them a promising test method for point-of-care (PoC) screening for SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. In order to comprehend the principles of electrochemical sensing and the role of various types of sensing interfaces, we comprehensively explored the underlying principles of electroanalytical methods and terminologies related to it in this review. In addition, it is addressed how to fabricate electrochemical sensing devices incorporating nanomaterials as graphene, metal/metal oxides, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), MXenes, quantum dots, and polymers. We took an effort to carefully compile current developments, advantages, drawbacks, possible solutions in nanomaterials based electrochemical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattan Siddappa Ganesh
- Interaction Laboratory, Advanced Technology Research Center, Future Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-708, Republic of Korea.
| | - Saheed Eluwale Elugoke
- Centre for Material Science, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa; Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
| | - Seok-Han Lee
- Interaction Laboratory, Advanced Technology Research Center, Future Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-708, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Youn Kim
- Interaction Laboratory, Advanced Technology Research Center, Future Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-708, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eno E Ebenso
- Centre for Material Science, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa; Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa.
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Cobb CL. International Responses to Prevention Intervention Research During Human Ecosystem Disruptions: A Commentary on the Special Issue of Prevention Science. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:291-295. [PMID: 38340235 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-024-01651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this commentary on the special issue of Prevention Science, "International Responses to Prevention Intervention Research During Human Ecosystem Disruptions," is to review the six target articles included in this issue, evaluate their results, and highlight the myriad ways in which diverse teams of prevention scientists mobilized to conduct rigorous scientific research during major human ecosystem disruptions (HEDs). The articles included in this issue consider both the etiology of mental and behavioral health challenges (i.e., substance use, mental health, behavioral problems) during HEDs and preventive intervention efforts aimed at addressing these challenges (i.e., adaptation and implementation of evidence-based interventions in novel contexts). This commentary discusses each article with emphasis on the respective contributions that prevention science teams have made to public health during major HEDs. Even in the most challenging contexts, prevention scientists have been at the forefront of public health efforts and have evidenced the vital role of prevention science for public health during HED events. The commentary concludes by highlighting the critical roles that prevention scientists can play in addressing critical public health issues during large-scale HEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory L Cobb
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU 212 Adriance Lab Rd., Suite 362, College Station, TX, 77843-1266, USA.
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12
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Zhang X, Du L, Huang Y, Luo X, Wang F. COVID-19 information seeking and individuals' protective behaviors: examining the role of information sources and information content. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:316. [PMID: 38287265 PMCID: PMC10823630 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17770-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seeking COVID-19 information promotes individuals to adopt preventive behaviors, including wearing a mask, social distancing, staying away from risky places, and washing hands. This study aims to investigate which information and sources individuals relied on in seeking COVID-19 information and further examine their roles in individuals' adoption of preventive behaviors. METHODS Through a statistical analysis of 1027 valid responses from citizens in different Chinese cities in 2022 to the self-designed items in an online survey, this study identified individuals' preferred information sources and content on COVID-19. Regarding the information sources and content, the study used multiple regression analysis to examine their associations with individuals' preventive behaviors, and further applied fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore their configurations that increase the likelihood of individuals adopting preventive behaviors. RESULTS Individuals preferred information about the newest prevention and control policies, precautions and treatment, and symptoms from the sources of workplace and community, social media, and social live streaming services. Additionally, individuals' preventive behaviors were positively related to the workplace and community (β = 0.202, p <.001), social live streaming services (β = 0.089, p <.01), government department websites (β = 0.079, p <.05), television (β = 0.073, p <.05), and online news media (β = 0.069, p <.05), but were negatively associated with newspapers (β=-0.087, p <.05). Regarding information content, precautions and treatments (β = 0.211, p <.001), the newest prevention and control policies (β = 0.173, p <.001), symptoms (β = 0.152, p <.001), and official rumor-dispelling information (β = 0.082, p <.05) had a positive relationship with individuals' preventive behaviors. In addition, fsQCA results presented eight configurations that promote individuals to adopt preventive behaviors. The total coverage and solution consistency values were 0.869 and 0.987, respectively. Furthermore, COVID-19 information content, the sources of social media and interpersonal sources, and official news media played an essential role in increasing the likelihood of individuals adopting preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that individuals seek various COVID-19 information from multiple sources. The direct and degree of association of information sources and content with individuals' preventive behaviors vary from source to source and from content to content. Information sources and content could combinatorially promote individuals to adopt preventive behaviors through several configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China
| | - Lin Du
- School of Economics and Management, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China
| | - Yelin Huang
- School of Economics and Management, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- School of Humanities, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China
| | - Fenglian Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China.
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13
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Ogbonna O, Bull F, Spinks B, Williams D, Lewis R, Edwards A. Interventions to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 for people experiencing homelessness and their effectiveness: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1286730. [PMID: 38239803 PMCID: PMC10794490 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1286730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives People experiencing homelessness also experience poorer clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Various interventions were implemented for people experiencing homelessness in 2020-2022 in different countries in response to varied national guidance to limit the impact of COVID-19. It is important to understand what was done and the effectiveness of such interventions. This systematic review aims to describe interventions to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 in people experiencing homelessness and their effectiveness. Methods A protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO. Nine databases were searched for studies on interventions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on people experiencing homelessness. Included studies were summarised with narrative synthesis. Results From 8,233 references retrieved from the database searches and handsearching, 15 were included. There was a variety of interventions, including early identification of potential COVID-19 infections, provision of isolation space, healthcare support, and urgent provision of housing regardless of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion The strategies identified were generally found to be effective, feasible, and transferable. This review must be interpreted with caution due to the low volume of eligible studies and the low quality of the evidence available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obianuju Ogbonna
- Health and Care Research Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Bull
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Spinks
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Denitza Williams
- Health and Care Research Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Lewis
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Health and Care Research Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Hussain MS, Sharma G. The Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases Due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 72:40-50. [PMID: 35987194 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that produces respiratory symptoms and has serious consequences for people's cardiovascular systems (CVS). It is a severe issue and a major task not only for health care experts but also for governments to contain this pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh member of the human coronavirus family to be implicated in this zoonotic outbreak. COVID-19's CV interactions are comparable to those of SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and influenza. Those who have COVID-19 and underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are at a higher risk of serious illness and mortality, and disease has been linked to several direct and indirect CV consequences. COVID-19 causes CVDs such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, myocarditis, stress-cardiomyopathy, and acute myocardial damage (AMD) as a consequence of acute coronary syndrome. The provision of CV care may expose health care professionals to risk as they become hosts or vectors of viral transmission. It binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor, causing constitutional and pulmonary signs in the beginning, and then as the infection advances, it affects other organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, CVS, neurological system, and so on. COVID-19 mortality is increased by underlying CVDs comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sadique Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ganesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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15
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Baytuğan NZ, Kandemir HÇ, Bezgin T. In-Hospital Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in COVID-19 Positive Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Intervention. Arq Bras Cardiol 2024; 121:e20230258. [PMID: 38324859 PMCID: PMC11098568 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concomitant coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are associated with increased adverse in-hospital outcomes. OBJECTIVES This study aimded to evaluate the angiographic, procedural, laboratory, and prognostic differences in COVID-19-positive and negative patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted between November 2020 and August 2022 in a tertiary-level hospital. According to their status, patients were divided into two groups (COVID-19 positive and negative). All patients were admitted due to confirmed STEMI and treated with primary PCI. In-hospital and angiographic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Two-sided p-values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS Of the 494 STEMI patients enrolled in this study, 42 were identified as having a positive dagnosis for COVID-19 (8.5%), while 452 were negative. The patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had a longer total ischemic time than did those who tested negative for COVID-19 (p=0.006). Moreover, these patients presented an increase in stent thrombosis (7.1% vs. 1.7%, p=0.002), length of hospitalization (4 days vs. 3 days, p= 0.018), cardiogenic shock (14.2% vs. 5.5 %, p= 0.023), and in-hospital total and cardiac mortality (p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients with STEMI with concomitant COVID-19 infections were associated with increased major adverse cardiac events. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of adverse outcomes in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nart Zafer Baytuğan
- Gebze Fatih State HospitalGebzeTurquia
Gebze Fatih State Hospital
– Cardiology,
Gebze
–
Turquia
| | - Hasan Çağlayan Kandemir
- Kocaeli Devlet HastanesiKocaeliTurquia
Kocaeli Devlet Hastanesi
– Cardiology,
Kocaeli
–
Turquia
| | - Tahir Bezgin
- Gebze Fatih State HospitalGebzeTurquia
Gebze Fatih State Hospital
– Cardiology,
Gebze
–
Turquia
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16
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Chair SY, Ng ST, Chao CYH, Xu JF. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in healthcare: a scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:33-40. [PMID: 37640266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems have been developed for different settings. However, there is a lack of up-to-date evidence providing concrete recommendations for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems of an isolation room, which is essential to appropriately guide infection control policies. To highlight the guidelines for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in isolation rooms to inform relevant stakeholders and policymakers. A systematic search was performed based on Joanna Briggs Methodology using five databases (CINAHL, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute, Medline, and Web of Science) and websites. Eight articles published by government departments were included in this review. Most studies recommended controlled airflow without recirculation, 12 air changes per hour, high-efficiency particulate air filtrate to exhaust contaminated air from the airborne isolation room, humidity ≤60%, and temperature in the range of 18-30 °C. This review provides further evidence that there is a need for interdisciplinary collaborative research to quantify the optimum range for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system parameters, considering door types, anterooms, and bed management, to effectively reduce the transmission of infection in isolation rooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Chair
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - S T Ng
- Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C Y H Chao
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J F Xu
- Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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17
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Miguez FGG, Oliveira G, Enriquez-Martinez OG, Fonseca MDJMD, Griep RH, Barreto SM, Molina MDCB. [Factors associated with adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors in ELSA-Brasil participants]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39:e00188322. [PMID: 37820234 PMCID: PMC10566559 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xpt188322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study is to assess the adherence to recommended prevention measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the factors associated with this adherence in the adult population. This study has a cross-sectional design and used data from the complementary study Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) - COVID, conducted from 2020 to 2021. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression. The sample consisted of 5,440 participants. The preventive measure with the highest adherence was the use of a face mask (95.5%). There was greater adherence by females and lower chance of adherence by white people, by those who consume alcoholic beverages, people who were retired, as well as for those who live alone or who have family members who did not follow the recommendations to stay at home. Greater adherence to preventive behaviors was observed in only one third of the participating population, which demonstrates that there was a need for greater awareness of the risks in specific populations. The findings contribute to improving our understanding about health promotion and COVID-19 prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sandhi Maria Barreto
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
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18
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Gessi A, Formaglio P, Semeraro B, Summa D, Tamisari E, Tamburini E. Electrolyzed Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Aqueous Solution as Low-Impact and Eco-Friendly Agent for Floor Cleaning and Sanitation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6712. [PMID: 37754572 PMCID: PMC10530460 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the use of disinfectants has been becoming a diffused and sometimes indiscriminate practice of paramount importance to limit the spreading of infections. The control of microbial contamination has now been concentrated on the use of traditional agents (i.e., hypochlorite, ozone). However, their prolonged use can cause potential treats, for both human health and environment. Currently, low-impact but effective biocides that are prepared in a way that avoids waste, with a very low toxicity, and safe and easy to handle and store are strongly needed. In this study, produced electrochemically activated hypochlorous (HOCl) acid solutions are investigated and proposed, integrated in a scrubbing machine for floor cleaning treatment. Such an innovative machine has been used for floor cleaning and sanitation in order to evaluate the microbial charge and organic dirt removal capacity of HOCl in comparison with a machine charged with traditional Ecolabel standard detergent. The potential damage on floor materials has also been investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis has been carried out for evaluating the sustainability of the use of the HOCl-based and detergent-based machine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gessi
- ENEA Research Center, SSPT-MET-DISPREV, Via Martiri di Montesole, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Paolo Formaglio
- GATEGREEN Srl, Via Armari 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.F.); (B.S.)
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agrarian Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Bruno Semeraro
- GATEGREEN Srl, Via Armari 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Daniela Summa
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agrarian Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elena Tamisari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elena Tamburini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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19
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Ahmadinejad N, Ayyoubzadeh SM, Zeinalkhani F, Delazar S, Javanmard Z, Ahmadinejad Z, Mohajeri A, Esmaeili M. Discovering associations between radiological features and COVID-19 patients' deterioration. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1257. [PMID: 37711676 PMCID: PMC10497911 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Data mining methods are effective and well-known tools for developing predictive models and extracting useful information from various data of patients. The present study aimed to predict the severity of patients with COVID-19 by applying the rule mining method using characteristics of medical images. Methods This retrospective study has analyzed the radiological data from 104 COVID-19 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in a hospital in Iran. A data set containing 75 binary features was generated. Apriori method is utilized for association rule mining on this data set. Only rules with confidence equal to one were generated. The performance of rules is calculated by support, coverage, and lift indexes. Results Ten rules were extracted with only X-ray-related features on cases referred to ICU. The Support and Coverage index of all of these rules was 0.087, and the Lift index of them was 1.58. Thirteen rules were extracted from only CT scan-related features on cases referred to ICU. The CXR_Pleural effusion feature has appeared in all the rules. The CXR_Left upper zone feature appears in 9 rules out of 10. The Support and Coverage index of all rules was 0.15, and the Lift index of all rules was 1.63. the CT_Adjacent pleura thickening feature has appeared in all rules, and the CT_Right middle lobe appeared in 9 rules out of 13. Conclusion This study could reveal the application and efficacy of CXR and CT scan imaging modalities in predicting ICU admission to a major COVID-19 infection via data mining methods. The findings of this study could help data scientists, radiologists, and clinicians in the future development and implementation of these methods in similar conditions and timely and appropriately save patients from adverse disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Ahmadinejad
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR)Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Radiology Department, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical ScienceTehranIran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ayyoubzadeh
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fahimeh Zeinalkhani
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR)Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Radiology Department, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical ScienceTehranIran
| | - Sina Delazar
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR)Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zohreh Javanmard
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zahra Ahmadinejad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Marzieh Esmaeili
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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20
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Wang X, Wang X, Lu Q, Sun X, Han Q. Hypochlorous acid-activated near-infrared fluorescent probe for in vivo/exogenous detection and dairy toxicity evaluation. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 296:122661. [PMID: 37037175 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.122661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been reported to be closely associated with many diseases, and an excessive overdose of hypochlorite (ClO-) can also induce stress-related diseases. In this study, we designed and synthesized a NIR probe, named W-1a based on computational analysis of DCM (4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran) derivatives for specific detection of ClO-. The probe exhibited dual fluorescence and colorimetric sensing with a response time of <1 min and a detection limit of 0.15 μM. Additionally, the probe was successfully applied for fluorescence imaging of ClO- at the cellular level and ebrafish endogenous/exogenous ClO- assay and dairy toxicity assessment. Thus, we present a potential method for developing an efficient and reliable detection of ClO- in early stage using near-infrared dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science &Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Xuechuan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science &Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China; College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China.
| | - Qiangqiang Lu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
| | - Qingxing Han
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China.
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21
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Cubas ALV, Moecke EHS, Provin AP, Dutra ARA, Machado MM, Gouveia IC. The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3151. [PMID: 37571045 PMCID: PMC10421242 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The period from 2019 to 2022 has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented demand for and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the disposal of PPE without considering its environmental impact and proper waste management practices has become a growing concern. The increased demand for PPE during the pandemic and associated waste management practices have been analyzed. Additionally, the discussion around treating these residues and exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable PPE, is crucial. The extensive use of predominantly non-degradable plastics in PPE has led to their accumulation in landfills, with potential consequences for marine environments through the formation of microplastics. Therefore, this article seeks to establish a connection between these issues and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of efficient management aligned with sustainable development objectives to address these emerging challenges and ensure a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Elisa Helena Siegel Moecke
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Ana Paula Provin
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Marina Medeiros Machado
- Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35402-163, Brazil;
| | - Isabel C. Gouveia
- FibEnTech R&D—Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
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22
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Mugo SM, Lu W, Robertson S. Anthraquinone-Polyaniline-Integrated Textile Platforms for In Situ Electrochemical Production of Hydrogen Peroxide for Microbial Deactivation. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2859. [PMID: 37447504 PMCID: PMC10361206 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a versatile and effective disinfectant against common pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). Electrochemical H2O2 generation has been studied in the past, but a lack of studies exists on miniaturized electrochemical platforms for the on-demand synthesis of H2O2 for antibacterial applications. In this article, a chemically modified cotton textile platform capable of in situ H2O2 production is demonstrated for E. coli deactivation. The cotton textile was modified by layer-by-layer coating with conductive carbon nanotubes/cellulose nanocrystals (CNT/CNC) and a polymer of polyaniline (PANI) decorated with anthraquinone (AQ), designated as the AQ@PANI@CNT/CNC@textile antibacterial patch. The AQ@PANI@CNT/CNC@textile antibacterial textile patch H2O2 production capabilities were evaluated using both electrochemical and colorimetric methods. The AQ@PANI@CNT/CNC@textile antibacterial patch electrochemically produced H2O2 concentrations up to 209 ± 25 µM over a 40 min period and displayed a log reduction of 3.32 for E. coli over a period of 2 h. The AQ@PANI@CNT/CNC@textile antibacterial patch offers promise for use as a self-disinfecting pathogen control platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Mugo
- Physical Sciences Department, MacEwan University, 10700-104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Weihao Lu
- Physical Sciences Department, MacEwan University, 10700-104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Scott Robertson
- Physical Sciences Department, MacEwan University, 10700-104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
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Ghavamabadi LI, Shabab M, Dehaghi BF, Hoveizi F. Compliance with health protocols in the banking sector facing Covid-19. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1129578. [PMID: 37441640 PMCID: PMC10333689 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1129578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The spread of the coronavirus has become one of the current challenges in the world. Implementing health protocols in the workplace along with informing people who face them, has become a vital issue. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the level of compliance with health protocols and measure the level of awareness, attitude and performance of bank employees while facing Covid-19. Materials and methods The data collection tool included a checklist and two questionnaires (demographic information and the other on the awareness, attitude and performance of bank staff) regarding the coronavirus. Results A total of 199 bank employees from 25 bank branches participated in the study. The results showed that in 24% of the bank branches, the staff did not use face masks. And 100% of the studied bank branches lacked proper ventilation. The mean awareness scores of female employees (94.3) were significantly higher than those of male employees (87.7). Also, the performance of female employees (93.2) was significantly better than male employees (87.2). Conclusion The results showed that to achieve proper performance in controlling and reducing the covid-19 disease among bank employees and other workers, these items are noteworthy: (1) Providing and training the correct use of protective equipment including face masks. (2) Monitoring for strict implementation of health protocols. Therefore, it is necessary to keep training and information up-to-date due to the new phenomena of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitra Shabab
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Hoveizi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Wang X, Du G, Qiao Z, Yang Y, Shi H, Zhang D, Pan X. Environmental concentrations of surfactants as a trigger for climax of horizonal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17034. [PMID: 37484423 PMCID: PMC10361096 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a significant global human health concern. Surfactants have been extensively used worldwide, and the consumption of surfactants containing hygiene, cleaning agents and disinfectants was multiplied during COVID-19 pandemic, which have caused significantly increased pollution of surfactants in aquatic environment. Whether such ever-increasing surfactant concentration boost dissemination risk of ARGs still remains unknown. Here the effects of three typical surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and benzalkonium chloride on the transformation of pUC19 plasmid (2686 bp)-borne ARGs to recipient bacteria E. coli DH5ɑ were investigated. It was found that these surfactants at environmental concentrations facilitated horizonal gene transfer (HGT) via transformation. The transformation triggering concentrations for the three surfactants were 0.25-0.34 mg/L with a maximum increased transformation frequency of 13.51-22.93-fold. The mechanisms involved in activated HGT of ARGs via transformation triggered by surfactants could be mainly attributed to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, which further enhanced cell membrane permeability. These findings provide new sights for understanding of ARG propagation and also imply that the drastic rise of surfactant concentration in aquatic environment may significantly increase the dissemination risk of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
- School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310015, China
- Shaoxing Research Institute of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Gaoquan Du
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Zhuang Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yixuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Huimin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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Lai GL, Wen IJ, Chien WL. The Affective Domain, Safety Attitude, and COVID-19 Prevention of Employees in the Petrochemical Industry. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:380. [PMID: 37232617 PMCID: PMC10215474 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The petrochemical industry is relatively strict regarding safety rules in the workplace. The workplace involves high-risk categories that are intolerant of human error. Especially in the current situation with COVID-19, concerns regarding prevention and safety in the workplace have increased. In light of this pandemic, the company must know whether all employees recognize the implementation of COVID-19 prevention. In addition, employee awareness of safety grounded in the affective domain of human thought is lacking. This study investigates the safety attitudes and COVID-19 prevention in the workplace based on the affective domain of employees. A survey questionnaire based on the Likert scale was utilized to collect data from 618 employees in the petrochemical industry. Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance were used to examine the data. The results reveal that employees in the petrochemical industry have a positive degree of responses to COVID-19 prevention, safety attitudes, and the affective domain, regardless of employment characteristics such as gender, age, position, and work experience. This study concludes that a positive affective domain of employees is followed by a positive safety attitude; thus, effective COVID-19 prevention was established in the workplace based on the perspectives and attitudes of the employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwo-Long Lai
- Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu 640301, Taiwan
| | - I-Jyh Wen
- Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu 640301, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Chien
- Graduate School of Engineering Science and Technology, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu 640301, Taiwan
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Wijayanti SPM, Rejeki DSS, Rizqi YNK, Octaviana D, Nurlaela S. Assessing the user satisfaction on COVID-19 vaccination service in Indonesia. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231181852. [PMID: 37361237 PMCID: PMC10285437 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231181852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination is still being carried out in Indonesia to enhance immunity against SARS Cov-2 infection. However, the information about vaccination service satisfaction is still very limited. This study aims to assess how satisfied Covid-19 vaccination service users are in Indonesia. Design and methods This is an analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted through an online survey in the third week of June 2022. People with a minimum age of 17 years, having received at least one COVID-19 vaccination, and residing in Indonesia were allowed to participate in this study. We used the SERVQUAL model as an instrument, measuring five aspects covering tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy. The analysis carried out included univariate analysis and bivariate test using chi-square statistical test. Results A total of 509 respondents were included in this study. The findings of this study revealed that there was not much of a difference between the satisfied (50.1%) and dissatisfied categories (49.9%) of vaccination users. Of the five dimensions measured, the highest level of dissatisfaction is in tangibility particularly on facility (48.7%), while the highest level of satisfaction is in reliability (the vaccination service following applicable procedures; 59.7%). We find out that vaccination location (p = 0.038), provision of refreshment/reward/incentives (p = 0.001), providing emergency contact post-vaccination (p = 0.000), and observation time post-vaccination (p = 0.000) were associated with the satisfaction of users. Conclusion Many respondents in this study are still dissatisfied with the COVID-19 vaccination services, so it is necessary for taking continuous efforts to raise the quality of vaccination services to increase user satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwi Pramatama Mars Wijayanti
- Siwi Pramatama Mars Wijayanti, Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University, B Building, Jl. Dr. Soeparno, Karangwangkal, Purwokerto 53123, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia.
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Santos VRDS, Damasceno AWC, Silva MJGD, Cabral DLF, Oliveira ACAD. Characteristics and effects of physical exercise programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review. REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE 2023. [DOI: 10.21876/rcshci.v13i1.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of physical exercise programs for older adults and their effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An integrative review was conducted between January and March 2022. A search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Lilacs via BVS, PEDro, and Cochrane Library. Experimental articles (randomized clinical trials, non-randomized trials, or quasi-experimental studies) published from 2019 to 2021, with no language restriction, and that used physical exercise programs for older adults (> 60 years) in their intervention were included. The studies were selected by reading the title, abstract, and full text. The selected articles had their results extracted using an online form, tabulated using an electronic spreadsheet, and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: 113 studies were identified; 7 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review, all randomized controlled trials. The multi-component exercise programs were more frequent (resistance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic), delivered remotely and performed 2 to 7 times a week, lasting between 30 and 50 minutes. Significant effects were observed on physical function, body composition, blood triglycerides, the incidence of falls, physical activity, and functional capacity. Conclusions: The physical exercise programs used during the COVID-19 pandemic showed promising results for older adults. The programs proved to be a viable alternative for maintaining the physical, mental, and cognitive functions of older adults in times of public calamity.
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Khadka S, Saleem M, Usman M, Hashmi FK, Tariq F, Zaheer W, Imon S, Inam A, Gupta RP, Aryal P. Qualitative exploration of perspectives of the pharmacists working in public-sector hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:45. [PMID: 36932458 PMCID: PMC10022563 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00549-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, a serious global health threat, has excruciating social and economic implications given its transmissibility, lack of therapy, and severity. In such a situation, pharmacists as frontline healthcare professionals hold a significant position to tackle. This study was designed to explore the perception and preparedness of pharmacists working in public sector hospitals amid such a pandemic in Pakistan. METHODS A total of 11 pharmacists were interviewed for this qualitative study design through a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. RESULTS The thematic content analysis yielded six major themes; understanding of COVID-19, perceptions towards COVID-19, preventive aspects, management aspects, changes to lifestyle, and psychological aspects. Though efficient preparedness and approach to fighting against such pandemics were reported, pharmacists were found susceptible to infection and psychological stress. They also expressed lockdown as an effective measure to prevent the disease from spreading but still were concerned about its economic and social impact. CONCLUSIONS Adequate planning and facilities from the national level should be made available for strengthening the hospital pharmacy service that helps improve the overall healthcare system of low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. The provision of a protective facility, incentives, and occupational health surveillance packages are deemed necessary to boost the self-esteem and morale of hospital pharmacists that safeguard the early and effective management of such disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitaram Khadka
- Level One Plus Hospital, Golan Heights, Syria. .,Shree Birendra Hospital, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Mohammad Saleem
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Furqan K Hashmi
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Tariq
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Warda Zaheer
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sabahat Imon
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Inam
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ravi Prasad Gupta
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Pallav Aryal
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Anand S, Cao E, Kimura R, Guo W, Bassi N. Asian American Vaccination, Testing, and Other Healthcare Knowledge & Behaviors during COVID-19, A Systematic Review. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:120-133. [PMID: 35892162 PMCID: PMC9970223 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2106110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel COVID-19 variants continue to endanger global public health. Increasing COVID-19 vaccination, healthcare-related preventative behaviors, and general knowledge rates are all critical in halting COVID-19 spread. We evaluated Asian American COVID-19 healthcare-related behaviors and knowledge, due to the dearth of knowledge in this area and the unique social factor of COVID-19 related discrimination; discriminatory acts during the pandemic may play a role in COVID-19 related behavior adherence. Following PRISMA-P protocol, we conducted a systematic review. The search strategy combined synonyms of health-care behaviors and knowledge. Reviewers synthesized key themes across articles and assessed studies utilizing modified Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. Of the 2,518 articles, 32 were selected. Asian Americans reported greater COVID-19 vaccination willingness and decreased COVID-19 testing relative to other racial groups. Common COVID-19 vaccination concerns included vaccination side effects, long-term safety, and distrust of COVID-19 information sources. Asian Americans had high COVID-19 preventative behavior rates including mask-wearing, handwashing, and social isolation compared to other ethnic groups. Asian Americans, conversely, had lower COVID-19-related healthcare knowledge and telemedicine adoption levels relative to other participants. This systematic review informs public health officials and clinicians of COVID-19 related healthcare knowledge and behaviors in the Asian American population. Equipped with this knowledge, public health officials can better target messaging about vaccine safety concerns to the Asian American community and recognize the importance of tailoring COVID-19 educational materials to the heterogeneous Asian American subpopulations. This systematic review also provides insight into the unique telemedicine challenges physicians may face when engaging with Asian American patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Anand
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evan Cao
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Reona Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - William Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Naresh Bassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Anaam MS. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the General Population in Yemen Regarding COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study. Diseases 2023; 11:17. [PMID: 36810531 PMCID: PMC9944951 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the World Health Organization declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, Yemen has taken preventive and precautionary measures against COVID-19 to control its spread. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Yemeni public regarding COVID-19. METHODS A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted during the period from September 2021 to October 2021. RESULTS The mean total knowledge score was 9.50 ± 2.12. The majority of the participants (93.4%) were aware that to prevent infection by the COVID-19 virus, going to crowded places and gatherings should be avoided. Approximately two thirds of the participants (69.4%) believed COVID-19 is a health threat to their community. However, in terms of actual behavior, only 23.1% of the participants reported that they did not go to any crowded places during the pandemic, and only 23.8% had worn a mask in recent days. Moreover, only about half (49.9%) reported that they were following the strategies recommended by the authorities to prevent the spread of the virus. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the general public has good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding COVID-19, but that their practices are poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Saif Anaam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 999088, Saudi Arabia;
- Al-Rowaad Medical College, Sana’a 5696, Yemen
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31
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Wali AA. Relationship between the government implemented protective measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic and the understanding of religious evidence in Muslim community: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia. J Family Community Med 2023; 30:23-29. [PMID: 36843870 PMCID: PMC9954432 DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_125_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has swept across the Middle East has ignited religious tensions. Although the implementation of effective preventive measures is the best way to control the spread of COVID-19, in such countries as Saudi Arabia, these restrictions have sometimes been viewed as violations of religious practice. The present study explores the reasons for ignoring the authorities' recommendations, and the inability of the authorities to create a sense of inclusion in the protective measures they introduce against the COVID-19 outbreak. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and data were collected from 922 participants. The questionnaire contained 17 questions on personal characteristics, compliance with governmental protective measures, and participants' understanding of religious evidence. The SPSS was used for data analysis. Categorical data was presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between people's compliance to the protective measures and their understanding of religious evidence. RESULTS The age of the study participants ranged between 17 to 68 years with a mean age of 43.9 (±12.69) years. About half of the participants reported always complying to Mosque precautions (49.9%) and keeping distance (53.7%). However, only 34.3% participants always maintained social distancing while visiting relatives; about 25.2% often kept a social distance. We found that an adequate understanding of religious principles was significantly associated with accepted overall commitment, and inadequate understanding was significantly associated with lack of commitment. An adequate understanding of religious principles was significantly associated with a positive attitude toward future commitment and inadequate understanding was significantly associated with a negative attitude. CONCLUSION We recommend that the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia solicits the support of religious scholars to give a proper explanation of the religious evidence and eliminate misconceptions to promote compliance with the protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alzubair A. Wali
- Head of Orthopedic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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32
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Occurrence, effects, and ecological risks of chemicals in sanitizers and disinfectants: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND ECOTOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:62-78. [PMCID: PMC9911856 DOI: 10.1016/j.enceco.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
In response to the novel coronavirus referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – a virus that causes COVID-19 disease has led to wide use of sanitizers and disinfectants. This, in turn, triggered concerns on their potential deleterious effects to human health and the environment due to numerous chemicals incorporated in both product categories. Here, the current state of science regarding the occurrence and ecological effects of different classes of chemicals in these products (e.g., ultraviolent filters, fragrances, etc.) are summarized in different natural (e.g., rivers) and engineered (e.g., wastewater treatment plants) systems. Data collected in the literature suggests chemicals incorporated in sanitizers and disinfectants are present in the environment, and a large portion are toxic to fish, algae, and daphnia. Using the risk quotient approach based on occurrence data, we found eight chemicals that posed the highest risk to aquatic organisms in freshwater systems were benzalkonium chloride, 4-chloro-m-cresol, sodium ortho phenyl phenate, hydrogen peroxide, 1, 2-propanediol, 4-Methyl-benzilidine-camphor, ethylhexyl methoxy cinnamate, and octocrylene. Considering limited occurrence and effects information for most chemicals, further studies on environmental monitoring and potential consequences of long-term exposure in aquatic ecosystems are recommended.
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Ghosh S, Ahmad HA, Akil L, Tchounwou PB. COVID-19 Progression: A County-Level Analysis of Vaccination and Case Fatality in Mississippi, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16552. [PMID: 36554432 PMCID: PMC9779808 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a severe upheaval in the U.S., with a particular burden on the state of Mississippi, which already has an exhausted healthcare burden. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to analyze the county-level COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccine distribution and (2) to determine the correlation between various social determinants of health (SDOH) and COVID-19 vaccination coverage. We analyzed COVID-19-associated data and county-level SDOH factors in 82 counties of Mississippi. The cumulative COVID-19 and socio-demographic data variables were grouped into feature and target variables. The statistical and exploratory data analysis (EDA) was conducted using Python 3.8.5. The correlation between the target and feature variables was performed by Pearson Correlation analysis. The heat Map Correlation Matrix was visually presented to illustrate the correlation between each pair of features and each target variable. Results indicated that people of Asian descent had the highest vaccination coverage of 77% fully vaccinated compared to 52%, 46%, 42% and 25% for African Americans, Whites, Hispanics, and American Indians/Alaska Natives, respectively. The county-level vaccination rate was significantly higher among the minority populations than the White population. It was observed that COVID-19 cases and deaths were positively correlated with per capita income and negatively correlated with the percentage of persons without a high school diploma (age 25+). This study strongly demonstrates that different SDOH factors influence the outcome of the COVID-19 vaccination rate, which also affects the total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Vaccine promotion should be given to all populations regardless of race and ethnicity to achieve uniform acceptance. Therefore, statewide policy recommendations focusing on specific community needs should help achieve health equity in COVID-19 vaccination management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinjita Ghosh
- Department of Biology, NIH-RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Hafiz A. Ahmad
- Department of Biology, NIH-RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Luma Akil
- Department of Behavioral and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Paul B. Tchounwou
- Department of Biology, NIH-RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
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Pınarbaşı A, Vizvári B. A deterministic model for the inventory policy of countries for procurement of vaccines. CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH 2022; 31:1-13. [PMID: 36531520 PMCID: PMC9734365 DOI: 10.1007/s10100-022-00831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The countries are the units that procure the vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The delivered quantities are huge. The countries must bear the inventory holding cost according to the variation of stock quantities. This cost depends on the speed of the vaccination in the country. This speed is time-dependent. The vaccinated portion of the population can be approximated by the cumulative distribution function of the Cauchy distribution. A model is provided for determining the minimal-cost inventory policy and its optimality conditions are provided. The model is solved for 20 countries for different numbers of procurements. The results reveal the individual behavior of each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Pınarbaşı
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Eastern Mediterranean University, Mersin 10, IE-C105 Famagusta, North Cyprus Turkey
| | - Béla Vizvári
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Eastern Mediterranean University, Mersin 10, IE-C105 Famagusta, North Cyprus Turkey
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35
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Srivastava SR, Meena YK, Singh G. Forecasting on Covid-19 infection waves using a rough set filter driven moving average models. Appl Soft Comput 2022; 131:109750. [PMID: 36345324 PMCID: PMC9628244 DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2022.109750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the Coronavirus 2 disease in 2019, also known as SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19, has claimed over 5.6 million lives till now. The highly infectious nature of the Covid-19 virus has resulted into multiple massive upsurges in counts of new infections termed as 'waves.' These waves consist of numerous rising and falling counts of Covid-19 infection cases with changing dates that confuse analysts and researchers. Due to this confusion, the detection of emergence or drop of Covid waves is currently a subject of intensive research. Hence, we propose an algorithmic framework to forecast the upcoming details of Covid-19 infection waves for a region. The framework consists of a displaced double moving average ( δ DMA) algorithm for forecasting the start, rise, fall, and end of a Covid-19 wave. The forecast is generated by detection of potential dates with specific counts called 'markers.' This detection of markers is guided by decision rules generated through rough set theory. We also propose a novel 'corrected moving average' ( χ SMA) technique to forecast the upcoming count of new infections in a region. We implement our proposed framework on a database of Covid-19 infection specifics fetched from 12 countries, namely: Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Australia, Cuba, Jamaica, Belgium, Croatia, Libya, Kenya, Iran, and Myanmar. The database consists of day-wise time series of new and total infection counts from the date of first case till 31st January 2022 in each of the countries mentioned above. The δ DMA algorithm outperforms other baseline techniques in forecasting the rise and fall of Covid-19 waves with a forecast precision of 94.08%. The χ SMA algorithm also surpasses its counterparts in predicting the counts of new Covid-19 infections for the next day with the least mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 36.65%. Our proposed framework can be deployed to forecast the upcoming trends and counts of new Covid-19 infection cases under a minimum observation window of 7 days with high accuracy. With no perceptible impact of countermeasures on the pandemic until now, these forecasts will prove supportive to the administration and medical bodies in scaling and allotment of medical infrastructure and healthcare facilities.
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Hsu HT, Huang FL, Ting PJ, Chang CC, Chen PY. The epidemiological features of pediatric viral respiratory infection during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2022; 55:1101-1107. [PMID: 34756671 PMCID: PMC8501510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to prevent the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have shown various levels of impact on common respiratory pathogens. We aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes seen in certain common respiratory viruses found in Taiwanese children (e.g., influenza virus, enterovirus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)) after the implementation of public health measures, as well as interpret the possible meaning of these changes. METHODS This retrospective observational study examined the viral isolation from children younger than 18 years at a medical center in central Taiwan during the period January 2015-December 2020, a time frame of six years. Viral isolations prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2015-December 2019), along with those during the post-COVID-19 period (January-December 2020) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS A total of 6899 throat swab samples were collected during the pre-pandemic period of 2015-2019, with 2681 of them having a positive result (38.86%). There were a total of 713 samples collected in 2020, with 142 of them showing positive results (19.92%). The overall positive rate of viral isolates significantly decreased in 2020 (p < 0.001). Declines in the isolation of the influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and enterovirus were observed. The RSV surprisingly became the leading isolate, with up to 47 (6.59%) instances in 2020, and showing an unusual peak in the winter of 2020. The rise began in September of 2020 and reached its plateau in November of that year. CONCLUSIONS Most respiratory viruses decreased under NPIs regarding SARS-CoV-2. However, the RSV outbreak in the winter of 2020 had shown the limitation of current NPIs. Possible explanations have been discussed in details and public preventive measures should be reinforced for RSV, particularly amongst people having young children both at home and in care centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ting Hsu
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Liang Huang
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ju Ting
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chih Chang
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yen Chen
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Anupriya, Bansal P, Graham DJ. Modelling the propagation of infectious disease via transportation networks. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20572. [PMID: 36446795 PMCID: PMC9707165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24866-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of human mobility have been known to play a critical role in the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. In this paper, we present a simple compact way to model the transmission of infectious disease through transportation networks using widely available aggregate mobility data in the form of a zone-level origin-destination (OD) travel flow matrix. A key feature of our model is that it not only captures the propagation of infection via direct connections between zones (first-order effects) as in most existing studies but also transmission effects that are due to subsequent interactions in the remainder of the system (higher-order effects). We demonstrate the importance of capturing higher-order effects in a simulation study. We then apply our model to study the first wave of COVID-19 infections in (i) Italy, and, (ii) the New York Tri-State area. We use daily data on mobility between Italian provinces (province-level OD data) and between Tri-State Area counties (county-level OD data), and daily reported caseloads at the same geographical levels. Our empirical results indicate substantial predictive power, particularly during the early stages of the outbreak. Our model forecasts at least 85% of the spatial variation in observed weekly COVID-19 cases. Most importantly, our model delivers crucial metrics to identify target areas for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupriya
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Transport Strategy Centre, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Prateek Bansal
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 119077 Singapore
| | - Daniel J. Graham
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Transport Strategy Centre, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
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Yuan Q, Chen Y, Wan J, Zhang R, Liao M, Li Z, Zhou J, Li Y. Developing a conceptual framework for the health protection of United Nations peacekeepers against the COVID-19 pandemic from global health perspectives. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:45. [PMID: 36443874 PMCID: PMC9702626 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed particular health risks to United Nations peacekeepers, which require prompt responses and global attention. Since the health protection of United Nations peacekeepers against the COVID-19 pandemic is a typical global health problem, strategies from global health perspectives may help address it. From global health perspectives, and referring to the successful health protection of the Chinese Anti-Ebola medical team in Liberia, a conceptual framework was developed for the health protection of United Nations peacekeepers against the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this framework, the features include multiple cross-borders (cross-border risk factors, impact, and actions); multiple risk factors (Social Determinants of Health), multiple disciplines (public health, medicine, politics, diplomacy, and others), and extensive interdepartmental cooperation. These strategies include multiple phases (before-deployment, during-deployment, and post-deployment), multi-level cooperation networks (the United Nations, host countries, troop-contributing countries, the United Nations peacekeeping team, and United Nations peacekeepers), and concerted efforts from various dimensions (medical, psychological, and social).
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Yuan
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Chen
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiqing Wan
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Miaomiao Liao
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaogang Li
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiani Zhou
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Li
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Ganesh PS, Kim SY. A comparison of conventional and advanced electroanalytical methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus: A concise review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135645. [PMID: 35817176 PMCID: PMC9270057 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are a serious threat to human wellbeing that can cause pandemic disease. As a result, it is critical to identify virus in a timely, sensitive, and precise manner. The present novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) disease outbreak has increased these concerns. The research of developing various methods for COVID-19 virus identification is one of the most rapidly growing research areas. This review article compares and addresses recent improvements in conventional and advanced electroanalytical approaches for detecting COVID-19 virus. The popular conventional methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), serology test, and computed tomography (CT) scan with artificial intelligence require specialized equipment, hours of processing, and specially trained staff. Many researchers, on the other hand, focused on the invention and expansion of electrochemical and/or bio sensors to detect SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating that they could show a significant role in COVID-19 disease control. We attempted to meticulously summarize recent advancements, compare conventional and electroanalytical approaches, and ultimately discuss future prospective in the field. We hope that this review will be helpful to researchers who are interested in this interdisciplinary field and desire to develop more innovative virus detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattan-Siddappa Ganesh
- Interaction Laboratory, Advanced Technology Research Center, Future Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education (KoreaTech), Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-708, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Youn Kim
- Interaction Laboratory, Advanced Technology Research Center, Future Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education (KoreaTech), Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-708, Republic of Korea.
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Anand B, Kim KH, Sonne C, Bhardwaj N. Advanced sanitation products infused with silver nanoparticles for viral protection and their ecological and environmental consequences. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2022; 28:102924. [PMID: 36186919 PMCID: PMC9514001 DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2022.102924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus ailments (COVID-19) in 2019 resulted in public health crisis leading to global pandemonium. In response to the high prevalence of disease transmission, governments all around the globe implemented emergency measures in various routes (e.g., social distancing, personal hygiene, and disinfection of public/private places) to curb/contain COVID-19 infections. The social media infodemic, released as uncensored publishing and/or views/recommendations, also triggered large-scale behavior changes such as the overuse of advanced sanitation products (ASPs) containing nanomaterials. The majority of these ASPs contain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an active ingredient to enhance their antimicrobial potential. Ecotoxicological concerns such as the transformation and degradation of these AgNP-infused products in terrestrial or aquatic environments are under the jurisdiction of the EPA. However, they are not considered in the FDA approval process. In light of excessive consumption of ASPs, it is time to consider their ecotoxicological screening prior to market approval jointly by the FDA and EPA, along with the implementation of post-market surveillance strategies. At the same time, efforts should be put into running awareness programs to prevent the overuse of ASPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Anand
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Neha Bhardwaj
- Department of Nanomaterials and Application Technology, Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Sector 81 (Knowledge City), S.A.S. Nagar 140306, Punjab, India
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Liu M, Zhou S, Jin Q, Nishimura S, Ogihara A. Effectiveness, Policy, and User Acceptance of COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Apps in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Experience and Comparative Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e40233. [PMID: 36190741 PMCID: PMC9616021 DOI: 10.2196/40233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, many countries have launched apps to trace contacts of COVID-19 infections. Each contact-tracing app (CTA) faces a variety of issues owing to different national policies or technologies for tracing contacts. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to investigate all the CTAs used to trace contacts in various countries worldwide, including the technology used by each CTA, the availability of knowledge about the CTA from official websites, the interoperability of CTAs in various countries, and the infection detection rates and policies of the specific country that launched the CTA, and to summarize the current problems of the apps based on the information collected. METHODS We investigated CTAs launched in all countries through Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed. We experimented with all apps that could be installed and compiled information about apps that could not be installed or used by consulting official websites and previous literature. We compared the information collected by us on CTAs with relevant previous literature to understand and analyze the data. RESULTS After screening 166 COVID-19 apps developed in 197 countries worldwide, we selected 98 (59%) apps from 95 (48.2%) countries, of which 63 (66.3%) apps were usable. The methods of contact tracing are divided into 3 main categories: Bluetooth, geolocation, and QR codes. At the technical level, CTAs face 3 major problems. First, the distance and time for Bluetooth- and geolocation-based CTAs to record contact are generally set to 2 meters and 15 minutes; however, this distance should be lengthened, and the time should be shortened for more infectious variants. Second, Bluetooth- or geolocation-based CTAs also face the problem of lack of accuracy. For example, individuals in 2 adjacent vehicles during traffic jams may be at a distance of ≤2 meters to make the CTA trace contact, but the 2 users may actually be separated by car doors, which could prevent transmission and infection. In addition, we investigated infection detection rates in 33 countries, 16 (48.5%) of which had significantly low infection detection rates, wherein CTAs could have lacked effectiveness in reducing virus propagation. Regarding policy, CTAs in most countries can only be used in their own countries and lack interoperability among other countries. In addition, 7 countries have already discontinued CTAs, but we believe that it was too early to discontinue them. Regarding user acceptance, 28.6% (28/98) of CTAs had no official source of information that could reduce user acceptance. CONCLUSIONS We surveyed all CTAs worldwide, identified their technological policy and acceptance issues, and provided solutions for each of the issues we identified. This study aimed to provide useful guidance and suggestions for updating the existing CTAs and the subsequent development of new CTAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- MingXin Liu
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - SiYu Zhou
- School of Public Health, HangZhou Normal University, HangZhou, China
| | - Qun Jin
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Shoji Nishimura
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ogihara
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
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Li H. Normal lark, deviant owl: The relationship between chronotype and compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures. Chronobiol Int 2022; 39:1524-1532. [PMID: 36221303 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2123276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that preventive measures, such as social distancing and wearing face masks, are critical to contain the spread of COVID-19. The recent burgeoning literature has empirically examined how a wide range of facet-level personality and individual-differences variables are associated with people's adherence to COVID-19 regulations. However, there lacks direct evidence regarding the role of chronotype in compliance with pandemic safety measures. According to the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis, people of later chronotype are more likely to breach COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this hypothesis shedding considerable light on the potential role of chronotype in the abidance of the virus-mitigating measures, it has not been rigorously tested using empirical data. To fill this gap, the present research investigated the link between morningness-eveningness and compliance with COVID-19 containment policies in Chinese samples. Two studies using multiple populations (students and community adults) and diverse measures of adherence to public health guidelines (self-report and actual behavior) consistently show that individuals who orient towards morningness display a higher level of compliance with COVID-19 prevention than people who orient towards eveningness. Overall, these findings present the first empirical confirmation of the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis, highlighting the role of chronotype in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Center for Linguistics, Literary & Cultural Studies, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, Sichuan, China
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Odebunmi CA, Adetunji TL, Adetunji AE, Olatunde A, Oluwole OE, Adewale IA, Ejiwumi AO, Iheme CE, Aremu TO. Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of COVID-19 and Related Respiratory Infections in Ogbomosho South and North Local Government Areas, Oyo State, Nigeria. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11192667. [PMID: 36235532 PMCID: PMC9573491 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has extensively spread worldwide with high mortality. Besides vaccination, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved only one oral medication as a treatment. Medicinal plants with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties could be explored as complementary treatments for COVID-19. Ogbomosho is home to such plants traditionally used to treat infectious diseases in Nigeria, making it relevant in complementary medicine. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19 and related ailments, including cough and flu in Ogbomosho South and North Local Government Areas, Nigeria, was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information was obtained from 56 participants, consisting of different groups of individuals with native knowledge of medicinal plants, and ethnobotanical indices, including the frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and fidelity level (FL) were computed. Twenty-six medicinal plants (17 families) were used to treat COVID-19, 31 (20 families) for cough, and 29 (19 families) for flu. The most cited plant was Zingiber officinale (FC = 10; RFC = 0.18; FL = 18%) for treating COVID-19, Citrus limon (FC = 13; RFC = 0.23; FL = 23%) for cough, and Zingiber officinale (FC = 9; RFC = 0.16; FL = 16%) for flu. Leaves were the most used plant part for treating COVID-19 and flu, while the bark was the most used for cough. Trees and herbs were the most cited plant growth forms. The herbal remedies were mostly prepared by decoction and infusion and were mainly administered orally. Further research should be conducted on the identified species for the scientific validation of their antiviral and immunomodulatory efficacies and safety for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Adeyinka Odebunmi
- Derived Guinea Savannah Research Station, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Oke-Aduin, Ogbomosho P.O. Box 164, Nigeria
| | - Tomi Lois Adetunji
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatosin Esther Oluwole
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Idowu Ayodeji Adewale
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Old Jebba Road, Oke Ose, Ilorin 240001, Nigeria
| | - Abdulrasak Opeyemi Ejiwumi
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, 3rd Floor Sherrod Library, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Chinwenwa Esther Iheme
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Taiwo Opeyemi Aremu
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems (PCHS), College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Delclòs-Alió X, Gutiérrez A, Miravet D, Tomàs-Porres J, Vich G, Clavé SA. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourist public transportation use and on its determinants: Evidence from a Catalan coastal destination. TOURISM MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES 2022; 44:101003. [PMID: 35999955 PMCID: PMC9388448 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2022.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the key importance of public transportation for the accessibility, attractiveness, and sustainability of tourist areas, little is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted its use among tourists. In response, we compared the likelihood of using transit among visitors in a Catalan coastal area based on surveys conducted in 2019 (n = 1493) and 2020 (n = 1465). The pandemic caused a significant decline in tourists' use of public transportation, from 54.5% in 2019 to 34.6% in 2020, and in mobility at the destination. Results from a set of bivariate probabilistic models revealed that though most of the traditional determinants of visitors' use of transit remained unaltered, pandemic-related factors were associated with its decline. For the tourism sector and for local authorities and transit agencies, those results characterize the crucial challenge of ensuring the use of public transit among visitors in consideration of its many environmental and social benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Delclòs-Alió
- Research Group on Territorial Analysis and Tourism Studies (GRATET), Department of Geography, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Carrer Joanot Martorell, 15, 43480 Vila-seca, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Aaron Gutiérrez
- Research Group on Territorial Analysis and Tourism Studies (GRATET), Department of Geography, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Carrer Joanot Martorell, 15, 43480 Vila-seca, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Miravet
- Consortium of Public Transport of Camp de Tarragona, 43004 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Josep Tomàs-Porres
- Research Centre on Economics and Sustainability (ECO-SOS), Department of Economics, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda de la Universitat, 1, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Guillem Vich
- Research Group on Territorial Analysis and Tourism Studies (GRATET), Department of Geography, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Carrer Joanot Martorell, 15, 43480 Vila-seca, Catalonia, Spain
- Barcelona's Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Carrer Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Anton Clavé
- Research Group on Territorial Analysis and Tourism Studies (GRATET), Department of Geography, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Carrer Joanot Martorell, 15, 43480 Vila-seca, Catalonia, Spain
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Department of Tourism Innovation, Carrer Joanot Martorell, 15, 43480 Vila-seca, Catalonia, Spain
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A Quantitative ELISA to Detect Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG Antibodies in Infected Patients and Vaccinated Individuals. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091812. [PMID: 36144414 PMCID: PMC9502828 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing need for high-precision serological assays for the quantitation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Here, a trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein was used to develop an ELISA to quantify specific IgG antibodies present in serum, plasma, and dried blood spots (DBS) collected from infected patients or vaccine recipients. The quantitative S-ELISA was calibrated with international anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin standards to provide test results in binding antibody units per mL (BAU/mL). The assay showed excellent linearity, precision, and accuracy. A sensitivity of 100% was shown for samples collected from 54 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection more than 14 days after symptom onset or disease confirmation by RT-PCR and 58 vaccine recipients more than 14 days after vaccination. The assay specificity was 98.3%. Furthermore, antibody responses were measured in follow-up samples from vaccine recipients and infected patients. Most mRNA vaccine recipients had a similar response, with antibody generation starting 2-3 weeks after the first vaccination and maintaining positive for at least six months after a second vaccination. For most infected patients, the antibody titers increased during the second week after PCR confirmation. This S-ELISA can be used to quantify the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the population exposed to the virus or vaccinated.
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Liu X, Kortoçi P, Motlagh NH, Nurmi P, Tarkoma S. A survey of COVID-19 in public transportation: Transmission risk, mitigation and prevention. MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION 2022. [PMCID: PMC9174338 DOI: 10.1016/j.multra.2022.100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is posing significant challenges to public transport operators by drastically reducing demand while also requiring them to implement measures that minimize risks to the health of the passengers. While the collective scientific understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 pandemic are rapidly increasing, currently there is a lack of understanding of how the COVID-19 relates to public transport operations. This article presents a comprehensive survey of the current research on COVID-19 transmission mechanisms and how they relate to public transport. We critically assess literature through a lens of disaster management and survey the main transmission mechanisms, forecasting, risks, mitigation, and prevention mechanisms. Social distancing and control on passenger density are found to be the most effective mechanisms. Computing and digital technology can support risk control. Based on our survey, we draw guidelines for public transport operators and highlight open research challenges to establish a research roadmap for the path forward.
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Ling FYY, Tam JY. Agility of facilities management organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learnt for future pandemics. FACILITIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/f-02-2022-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how agile facilities management (FM) organizations were during the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, examine the agile strategies adopted and extracted lessons learnt for managing facilities in future pandemics.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using a questionnaire coupled with in-depth interviews with FM professionals.
Findings
The FM sector experienced significant challenges such as increased operating cost and shortage of FM staff. FM organizations were assessed to be agile as they overcame challenges swiftly, made rapid changes to their service offerings as the situation evolved, engaged facility owners actively and adopted strategies that were flexible and responsive. They also adopted health-centric employee care.
Research limitations/implications
The research was conducted during the pandemic. The final verdict of FM organizations’ agility and the most effective practices may only be known when the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
Practical implications
Lessons learnt for FM to manage future pandemics were crystalized. These include reducing reliance on manpower, boosting technology adoption and personalized employee engagement.
Originality/value
This study added to knowledge by testing and confirming that the agility theory and its six metrics of agility comprising flexibility, velocity, responsiveness, collaboration, visibility and competence may be used by FM organizations to be agile in a crisis or disruption. Its originality is the discovery of a new construct – health-centric employee care – that is needed to further boost FM organizations’ agility performance in a pandemic. Health-centric employee care involves practices to reduce intra-staff transmission of the virus and individualized employee support to build resilience.
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Singh BP, Kumari S, Nair A, Kumari S, Wabaidur SM, Avtar R, Rahman S. Temporary reduction in VOCs associated with health risk during and after COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India. JOURNAL OF ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY 2022; 80:53-76. [PMID: 35992767 PMCID: PMC9382016 DOI: 10.1007/s10874-022-09440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus has affected almost all countries and impacted the economy, environment, and social life. The short-term impact on the environment and human health needs attention to correlate the Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and health assessment for pre-, during, and post lockdowns. Therefore, the current study demonstrates VOC changes and their effect on air quality during the lockdown. The findings of result, the levels of the mean for total VOC concentrations were found to be 15.45 ± 21.07, 2.48 ± 1.61, 19.25 ± 28.91 µg/m3 for all monitoring stations for pre-, during, and post lockdown periods. The highest value of TVOCs was observed at Thane, considered an industrial region (petroleum refinery), and the lowest at Bandra, which was considered a residential region, respectively. The VOC levels drastically decreased by 52%, 89%, 80%, and 97% for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene, respectively, during the lockdown period compared to the previous year. In the present study, the T/B ratio was found lower in the lockdown period as compared to the pre-lockdown period. This can be attributed to the complete closure of non-traffic sources such as industries and factories during the lockdown. The Lifetime Cancer Risk values for all monitoring stations for benzene for pre-and-post lockdown periods were higher than the prescribed value, except during the lockdown period. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10874-022-09440-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhupendra Pratap Singh
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability (Institute of Eminence) & Department of Environmental Studies, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Saumya Kumari
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability (Institute of Eminence) & Department of Environmental Studies, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Arathi Nair
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability (Institute of Eminence) & Department of Environmental Studies, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sweety Kumari
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability (Institute of Eminence) & Department of Environmental Studies, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ram Avtar
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Shakilur Rahman
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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Habte S, Debella A, Abdeta T, Birhanu A, Balis B, Eshetu B, Bekele H. Food handler's level of COVID-19 prevention practice and preparedness of food and drinking establishments to combat the pandemic in Eastern Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:912077. [PMID: 36052003 PMCID: PMC9426340 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.912077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Food and drinking establishments are potential hotspots for the spread of coronavirus. Food handler's have a higher risk of contracting the disease and transmitting it to others. The aim of this study was to assess the food handler's level of preventive practices toward COVID-19 and the preparedness of food and drinking establishments to tackle the pandemic in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods The cross-sectional study design was conducted from September 1 to 30, 2020. A stratified sampling technique was used to select 276 licensed public food and drinking establishments and a simple random sampling technique was employed to select 422 food handlers from the selected establishments. A face-to-face interview and checklist-based observation were used to collect data. The collected data were entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to STATA version 16 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with COVID-19 preventive practice. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results About 406 food handler's participated in this study, making the response rate 96.2%. The study showed that 38.4% of study participants (95% CI: 33.5, 43.1) had good preventive practices for COVID-19. Only 10.5% of food and drinking establishments fulfilled all requirements to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Being male [AOR = 0.61, 95% CI(0.61, (0.39, 0.93)], attending secondary education [AOR = 2.20, (95% CI: 1.37, 3.53)], having a favorable attitude toward COVID-19 [AOR = 1.89, (95% CI: 1.22, 2.95)], and having good knowledge about COVID-19 [AOR = 1.78, (95% CI: 1.13, 2.81)] were significantly associated with the level of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion The level of good COVID-19 preventive practice was found to be low among the food handler's. Only one in ten food and drink establishments fulfilled the national guideline for preventing COVID-19 transmission. Being male, attending secondary education, having knowledge about COVID-19, and having a favorable attitude toward COVID-19 were significantly associated with good COVID-19 preventive practices. A vibrant guideline on prevention practices should be in place at all establishments, and compliance should be monitored. Local health office experts should take comprehensive measures to make all food and drinking establishments accountable for practicing all preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisay Habte
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Adera Debella
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tilahun Abdeta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdi Birhanu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikila Balis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bajrond Eshetu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Bekele
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia,*Correspondence: Habtamu Bekele
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Andalib E, Faghani M, Heidari M, Tabari Khomeiran R. Design of vestibules as transitional spaces in infection control: Necessity of working space changes to cope with communicable infections. Work 2022; 72:1227-1238. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-210216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: After the spread of infectious diseases, people stay at home as a shelter space to be safe and sound. Current homes and work spaces have shown not to be a good environment for health and hygiene. During different crises of infectious diseases, architects and designers analyze the needs for change and evolve of environments to achieve a suitable design that prevents the spread of pathogens. OBJECTIVES: This proper design should help improve people’s living standards and mental health in terms of functionality and environmental psychology. METHODS: In the traditional architecture of some countries, such as Canada, Japan, and Iran, the vestibule has provided some possibility of separating the external and internal space. The design of the intermediate space with the appropriate scale of today’s buildings at the entrance can create a filter between the indoor and outdoor environments by dividing these spaces. RESULTS: The use of intermediate space by modern technology can prevent the transfer of viral infection into the interior of the building. This can be done by removing the virus from clothes, changing or covering shoes, disinfecting equipment, separating infected items, and creating proper ventilation in the intermediate space so that microorganisms cannot be transferred into the safe environment. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we looked at the architectural design in a new light to have a healthier life and more security, by inspiration of the patterns in traditional architecture and the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Andalib
- Research Center of Health and Environment, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Design, Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Masoumeh Faghani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Heidari
- Research Center of Health and Environment, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health and safety Engineering, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Rasoul Tabari Khomeiran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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