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Cerev G, Sarıipek DB, Elçi E. Life satisfaction and occupational safety relationship: Research on motorcycle couriers in Turkey. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2024; 25:156-164. [PMID: 37910010 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2023.2272007] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rising e-commerce trend with Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased the need for motorcycle-couriers. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction and occupational safety and health (OSH) of motorcycle-couriers and to evaluate the opinions of OSH specialists about the importance of motorcycle-couriers' life satisfaction and OSH perception levels. METHODS The relationship between life satisfaction and perception of OSH of 750 motorcycle-couriers was addressed using quantitative research methods through two different scales (Life Satisfaction Scale and Occupational Safety Perception Scale). The views of 20 OSH specialists about the importance of motorcycle-couriers' perception of life satisfaction and OSH levels were addressed using qualitative research methods. RESULTS There was a negative linear relationship between perception of OSH and life satisfaction levels of motorcycle-couriers. All OSH specialists evaluated the level of life satisfaction as an important factor in OSH practice of motorcycle-couriers and all were of the opinion that the job was quite risky and adequate OSH measures were not sufficiently guaranteed. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that there is a need for some legal regulation of this occupation and ensuring necessary occupational standards are applied. This could include increased responsibility of companies/employers and could provide training programs to improve OSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökçe Cerev
- Labour Economics and Industrial Relations, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Doğa Başar Sarıipek
- Labour Economics and Industrial Relations, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ebru Elçi
- Social Services, Beykent University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Whitfield CA, van Tongeren M, Han Y, Wei H, Daniels S, Regan M, Denning DW, Verma A, Pellis L, Hall I. Modelling the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on workplace transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the home-delivery sector. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284805. [PMID: 37146037 PMCID: PMC10162531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to use mathematical models of SARS-COV-2 to assess the potential efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions on transmission in the parcel delivery and logistics sector. METHODS We devloped a network-based model of workplace contacts based on data and consultations from companies in the parcel delivery and logistics sectors. We used these in stochastic simulations of disease transmission to predict the probability of workplace outbreaks in this settings. Individuals in the model have different viral load trajectories based on SARS-CoV-2 in-host dynamics, which couple to their infectiousness and test positive probability over time, in order to determine the impact of testing and isolation measures. RESULTS The baseline model (without any interventions) showed different workplace infection rates for staff in different job roles. Based on our assumptions of contact patterns in the parcel delivery work setting we found that when a delivery driver was the index case, on average they infect only 0.14 other employees, while for warehouse and office workers this went up to 0.65 and 2.24 respectively. In the LIDD setting this was predicted to be 1.40, 0.98, and 1.34 respectively. Nonetheless, the vast majority of simulations resulted in 0 secondary cases among customers (even without contact-free delivery). Our results showed that a combination of social distancing, office staff working from home, and fixed driver pairings (all interventions carried out by the companies we consulted) reduce the risk of workplace outbreaks by 3-4 times. CONCLUSION This work suggests that, without interventions, significant transmission could have occured in these workplaces, but that these posed minimal risk to customers. We found that identifying and isolating regular close-contacts of infectious individuals (i.e. house-share, carpools, or delivery pairs) is an efficient measure for stopping workplace outbreaks. Regular testing can make these isolation measures even more effective but also increases the number of staff isolating at one time. It is therefore more efficient to use these isolation measures in addition to social distancing and contact reduction interventions, rather than instead of, as these reduce both transmission and the number of people needing to isolate at one time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A. Whitfield
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Yang Han
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Hua Wei
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Sarah Daniels
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Martyn Regan
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- National COVID-19 Response Centre, UK Health Security Agency, London, England
| | - David W. Denning
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Arpana Verma
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Lorenzo Pellis
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Ian Hall
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Public Health Advice, Guidance and Expertise, UK Health Security Agency, London, England
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Huang HL. Challenges for contactless online food delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan: Moderating effects of perceived government response. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2023; 97:102249. [PMID: 36773538 PMCID: PMC9886568 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected numerous industries worldwide, altered consumer behavior, and increased demand for contactless online food delivery (OFD) services. COVID-19 information from the government may influence the public's information-seeking behavior regarding OFD services. Thus, exploring the relationship between contactless OFD and consumer perceptions of the government response during the pandemic is essential. This paper probed the effects exerted by three behavioral beliefs, namely health consciousness, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits, on consumers' intention and attitude toward contactless online food delivery (OFD) services. This study explored the moderating impact exerted by perceived government response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between attitude and intention toward OFD services. The study results indicated that self-efficacy and perceived benefits positively influenced the respondents' attitude toward contactless OFD services. Health consciousness negatively influenced their attitude toward these services. The respondents' attitude toward contactless OFD services to be positively related to their behavioral intention toward such services. Perceived government response to COVID-19 moderated the relationship between respondents' attitude and behavioral intention toward contactless OFD services. Based on the study findings, some suggestions are provided for governments, other relevant agencies, and OFD service providers herein.
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Nguyen MH, Pojani D, Nguyen-Phuoc DQ, Nguyen Thi B. What if delivery riders quit? Challenges to last-mile logistics during the Covid-19 pandemic. RESEARCH IN TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT 2023; 47:100941. [PMID: 38013801 PMCID: PMC9763215 DOI: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2022.100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Notoriously precarious, hazardous, and stressful, delivery jobs became even more onerous and dangerous during the pandemic. In this study, set in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we applied Structural Equation Modelling to a large sample of primary data to measure delivery riders' intention to quit their jobs at the height of the pandemic. We found that job burnout was the key trigger to the intention to quit whereas the risk of Covid-19 infection did not directly affect this behavioral intention. Female riders, migrants, persons living with chronic diseases, and those who had seen their income decimated during the pandemic were more likely to want to quit their job. But if a mass of delivery drivers or riders had failed to show up for work, the last-mile delivery sector would have become paralysed, leaving individuals in various states of lockdown or isolation without food and supplies. As the sector is poised to retain its importance in the post-pandemic period, we recommend a number of approaches for both private companies and public policy makers to persuade riders to stay in their jobs. First and foremost, strategies to prevent and mitigate job burnout should be formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Hieu Nguyen
- Faculty of Transport - Economics, University of Transport and Communications, No. 3 Cau Giay Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dorina Pojani
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Duy Quy Nguyen-Phuoc
- Faculty of Road and Bridge Engineering, The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Lien Chieu District, Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Binh Nguyen Thi
- School of Economics and International Business, Foreign Trade University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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Morales-Jadán D, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Bastidas V, Paredes-Espinosa MB, Freire-Paspuel B, Rivera-Olivero I, Ortiz-Prado E, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and viral loads in community-dwelling individuals from rural indigenous and mestizo communities from the Andes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1001679. [PMID: 36844208 PMCID: PMC9949717 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1001679] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neglected indigenous groups and underserved rural populations in Latin America are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to poor health infrastructure and limited access to SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. The Andean region in Ecuador includes a large number of isolated rural mestizo and indigenous communities living under poverty conditions. Objective We herein present a retrospective analysis of the surveillance SARS-CoV-2 testing in community-dwelling populations from four provinces in the Ecuadorian Andes, carried out during the first weeks after the national lockdown was lifted in June 2020. Results A total number of 1,021 people were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR, resulting in an overall high infection rate of 26.2% (268/1,021, 95% CI: 23.6-29%), which was over 50% in several communities. Interestingly, community-dwelling super spreaders with viral loads over 108 copies/mL represented 7.46% (20/268, 95% CI: 4.8-11.1%) of the SARS-CoV-2 infected population. Conclusion These results support that COVID-19 community transmission in rural communities from the Andean region was happening at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador and point out the weakness of the COVID-19 control program. Community-dwelling individuals in neglected rural and indigenous communities should be considered for a successful control and surveillance program in future pandemics in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Morales-Jadán
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,“UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alexander Paolo Vallejo-Janeta
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,“UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Vanessa Bastidas
- “UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Tannya Lozada
- “UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,*Correspondence: Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain ✉
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Li Z, Bo X, Qian C, Chen M, Shao Y, Peng Y, Cai R, Huang X, Wei L, Zhao J, Shi J. Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among takeaway riders: Up-to-date evidence in Shanghai, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:988724. [PMID: 36478725 PMCID: PMC9720113 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.988724] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common occupational diseases. However, the influencing mechanisms were not clear in the new emerging takeaway rider occupation in the catering industry in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a takeaway rider sample from one of the largest e-platforms, the Mei Tuan Company in Shanghai. The chi-square test was used to compare the sex differences in MSDs according to various factors. Binary logistic regressions were then performed to explore the potential risk factors for the occurrence and severity of MSDs adjusted by age, sex and vehicle type. Crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors were reported. Results The prevalence of MSDs was found to be 54.9% (n = 361). Shoulders (joint pain: 24.5%, n = 154/629 cases; muscle pain: 29.0%, n = 183/632 cases; muscle numbness: 31.7%, n = 120/379 cases) and neck (joint pain: 17.0%, n = 107/629 cases; muscle pain: 14.1%, n = 89/632 cases; muscle numbness: 15.3%, n = 58/379 cases) were the most affected regions. Irregular meals (often having regular meals: p = 0.03, AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05-3.39; sometimes: p < 0.01, AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.49-4.34 and seldomly: p < 0.01, AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.28-7.91) were positively associated with the occurrence of MSDs. Work-related factors, including working over 5 years (p = 0.02, AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.10-3.17) and over 51 km of food delivery distance per day (51-75 km: p = 0.02, AOR = 2.13, 95CI%:1.13-4.01; ≥76 km: p < 0.01, AOR = 3.12, 95CI%: 1.44-6.77), were strongly associated with severity. Conclusion MSDs were common among takeaway riders. Personal lifestyles (meal irregularity) were found to predict the occurrence, while work-related factors (longer years of employment and prolonged food delivery distance) were positively associated with severity. Public health efforts should be made to prevent MSDs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyun Li
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Qian
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyue Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Shao
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxun Peng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruian Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Huang
- School of Management, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Xiaojing Huang
| | - Lijun Wei
- Shanghai Minhang Wujing Community Healthcare Center, Shanghai, China,Lijun Wei
| | - Jinzhong Zhao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Jinzhong Zhao
| | - Jianwei Shi
- Department of General Practice, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jianwei Shi
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Ortiz-Prado E, Vásconez JE, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Morales-Jadán D, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Rivera-Olivero IA, Andrade F, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in funeral home workers in Ecuador: Is it an occupational risk for COVID-19? Front Public Health 2022; 10:1012434. [PMID: 36438256 PMCID: PMC9692081 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1012434] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The COVID-19 outbreak has already caused more than 6.5 million deaths, overwhelming health systems worldwide. The unusual demand for funeral home services could make these workers a potential risk group for occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 associated with corpses management for COVID-19 patients. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study aimed to describe the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in funeral home staff by testing them with RT-qPCR in Quito, Ecuador. A total of 232 funeral home workers, representing more than 40% of funeral home personnel in Quito, were included in the study, in June 2020, immediately after the population lockdown was lifted in Ecuador. Results A total of 48 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, yielding an infection rate of 20.7%. The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was 18.1 and 20.0% among personnel managing corpses or not managing corpses, respectively. Among the SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 81.3% reported no symptoms related to COVID-19, and 3 individuals had high viral loads over 108 copies/ml. Conclusion The high SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in funeral home staff suggested a potential occupational risk for COVID-19 but not related to corpses management. Public health guidelines for safe corpses management for COVID-19 victims and safe funeral services should be reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica,*Correspondence: Esteban Ortiz-Prado
| | - Jorge Eduardo Vásconez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Diana Morales-Jadán
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Ismar A. Rivera-Olivero
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Felipe Andrade
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Tannya Lozada
- Decanato de Investigación y Vinculación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica,Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
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Jandee K, Thanapop C. Food Delivery Drivers' Health Literacy Regarding COVID-19 Prevention and Protective Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey in Southern Thailand. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e37693. [PMID: 36227652 PMCID: PMC9566821 DOI: 10.2196/37693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2019, COVID-19 spread worldwide, causing a pandemic that has posed unprecedented challenges and pressure for health systems and economies. Food delivery services have become an important medium for consumer food purchases to limit human-to-human contact. Thus, delivery drivers are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection at work. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have analyzed the dimensions of health literacy (HL) regarding COVID-19 prevention in this population. Objective This study aims to explore the HL status toward COVID-19 prevention and its associated factors among food delivery drivers in southern Thailand. Methods Following a cross-sectional survey from July to August 2021, Thai food delivery drivers in the upper-south and lower-south regions of southern Thailand were recruited to participate during the compulsory COVID-19 lockdown. An online structured questionnaire was administered verbally and recorded by the interviewer. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to explore independently associated factors. Results Of 401 drivers, 291 (72.6%) were men. The median age was 31 years (range 19-64 years). The median number of months working as a driver was 12 months, and the median number of working hours was 9 hours per day. The median number of daily food orders was 20, while the median daily income was Thai baht (THB) 600 (US $15.90). Social media (Facebook and Line) was a common source of health information. The most common information required was about the COVID-19 vaccine, medications, and treatment. Most drivers (285/401, 71.1%) had excellent HL levels regarding COVID-19 prevention. Only the practical application of information was statistically correlated with behavior (r=0.38, P<.001). Drivers in the lower south of Thailand were more likely to have excellent HL than other drivers (β=7.03, P<.001). Those who frequently accessed information through YouTube (β=–2.17, P=.01) and relatives (β=–4.19, P<.001) were less likely to have excellent HL levels. Conclusions Understanding HL among food delivery drivers would be useful for planning effective interventions that target this population. Conventional health education through social media alone may not be effective at educating people about COVID-19 prevention. Information literacy skills could determine individuals’ HL and drivers’ behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasemsak Jandee
- Department of Community Public Health, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Data Science for Health Study, Walailak University, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chamnong Thanapop
- Department of Community Public Health, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Data Science for Health Study, Walailak University, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Thailand
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Ferrari A, Mangano G, Cagliano AC, De Marco A. 4.0 technologies in city logistics: an empirical investigation of contextual factors. OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH 2022. [PMCID: PMC9382012 DOI: 10.1007/s12063-022-00304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Industry 4.0 technologies, originally developed in the manufacturing sector, can be purposefully implemented to improve City Logistics (CL) processes by automatizing some of their operational tasks and enabling real-time exchange of information, with the ultimate goal of providing better interconnection among the actors involved. This work aims to identify the main social and economic contextual drivers for investing in the application of Industry 4.0 technologies to urban logistics. To this end, a dataset based on the primary collection of 105 CL projects exploiting the main 4.0 technologies has been built. After that, a regression model has been completed including potential economic, strategic, and demographic determinants of investments in CL 4.0. According to the obtained outcomes, Gross Domestic Product, Foreign Direct Investments, Research and Development Expenditure, Employment Rate, and Number of Inhabitants are significant contextual factors for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in last mile logistics. The study might support academicians to investigate novel application fields of Industry 4.0 technologies. Also, it can serve as a roadmap for orienting the investments of private organizations and public entities to promote CL innovation and digitalization. Moreover, Industry 4.0 technology providers might find this study interesting to uncover prospective business sectors and markets. Future research efforts will analyse the impacts of internal business factors on CL 4.0 and the satisfaction levels of urban logistics stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrari
- Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, 10129 Italy
| | - Giulio Mangano
- Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, 10129 Italy
| | - Anna Corinna Cagliano
- Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, 10129 Italy
| | - Alberto De Marco
- Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, 10129 Italy
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Li Z, Jiang J, Tong Y, Ruan X, Xu J. COVID-19 is a natural infectious disease. JOURNAL OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY 2022; 4:38-42. [PMID: 34927018 PMCID: PMC8664692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobb.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiafu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiangdong Ruan
- Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing 100714, PR China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, PR China
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Tran NAT, Nguyen HLA, Nguyen TBH, Nguyen QH, Huynh TNL, Pojani D, Nguyen Thi B, Nguyen MH. Health and safety risks faced by delivery riders during the Covid-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2022; 25:101343. [PMID: 35194551 PMCID: PMC8853807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2022.101343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Delivery riders have been front-line workers throughout the pandemic but little is known about their own health and safety during this time. This study explores the health and safety issues facing delivery riders in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular during the second lockdown (May-October 2021). METHOD A web-based survey of more than 800 riders was conducted in August-September 2021. Following descriptive statistics, four logit models were fitted to examine the factors associated with (a) sanitizing one's hands, (b) using a face shield, (c) contracting a new health issue, and (d) engaging in riskier traffic behaviors during the lockdown. RESULTS The riders who were less consistent in adopting health and safety measures tended to be male, older, less-educated, and vaccinated. Also, they were under greater financial pressure and had suffered a larger loss of income during the pandemic. To recover the loss, they worked longer hours and felt under more intense pressure at work. The job pressure, long working hours, and financial burdens led many drivers to adopt risky traffic behaviors, such as speeding. Conversely, where the companies and co-workers were more supportive, riders tended to adopt health prevention measures more often. Fear of Covid-19 also acted as a facilitator. Job and financial pressure combined with the fear of contracting the virus contributed to the occurrence of new heath issues during the pandemic. Again, support from the company and co-workers helped to reduce the risk of new health problems emerging. CONCLUSION In Ho Chi Minh City and other Global South megacities that employ tens of thousands of riders, ensuring their health and safety is important to support both private businesses and public health. Overall, companies should assume a much larger responsibility here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Anh Thuy Tran
- Campus in Ho Chi Minh City, University of Transport and Communications, No. 450-451 Le Van Viet Street, Tang Nhon Phu A Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ha Lan Anh Nguyen
- Campus in Ho Chi Minh City, University of Transport and Communications, No. 450-451 Le Van Viet Street, Tang Nhon Phu A Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Bich Ha Nguyen
- Campus in Ho Chi Minh City, University of Transport and Communications, No. 450-451 Le Van Viet Street, Tang Nhon Phu A Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Quang Huy Nguyen
- Campus in Ho Chi Minh City, University of Transport and Communications, No. 450-451 Le Van Viet Street, Tang Nhon Phu A Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Ngoc Lan Huynh
- Campus in Ho Chi Minh City, University of Transport and Communications, No. 450-451 Le Van Viet Street, Tang Nhon Phu A Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dorina Pojani
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Binh Nguyen Thi
- School of Economics and International Business, Foreign Trade University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Minh Hieu Nguyen
- Faculty of Transport - Economics, University of Transport and Communications, No. 3 Cau Giay Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
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12
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Wei H, Daniels S, Whitfield CA, Han Y, Denning DW, Hall I, Regan M, Verma A, van Tongeren M. Agility and Sustainability: A Qualitative Evaluation of COVID-19 Non-pharmaceutical Interventions in the UK Logistics Sector. Front Public Health 2022; 10:864506. [PMID: 35719658 PMCID: PMC9198245 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.864506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 triggered a chain of public health responses that radically changed our way of living and working. Non-healthcare sectors, such as the logistics sector, play a key role in such responses. This research aims to qualitatively evaluate the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented in the UK logistics sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted nine semi-structured interviews in July-August 2020 and May-June 2021. In total 11 interviewees represented six companies occupying a range of positions in the UK's logistics sector, including takeaway food delivery, large and small goods delivery and home appliance installation, and logistics technology providers. Thematic analysis was completed using NVivo12. Codes relevant to NPIs were grouped into themes and mapped deductively onto an adapted Hierarchy of Control (HoC) framework, focusing on delivery workers. Codes relevant to the implementation process of NPIs were grouped into themes/subthemes to identify key characteristics of rapid responses, and barriers and facilitators. Results HoC analysis suggests the sector has implemented a wide range of risk mitigation measures, with each company developing their own portfolio of measures. Contact-free delivery was the most commonly implemented measure and perceived effective. The other implemented measures included social distancing, internal contact tracing, communication and collaboration with other key stakeholders of the sector. Process evaluation identified facilitators of rapid responses including capacity to develop interventions internally, localized government support, strong external mandates, effective communication, leadership support and financial support for self-isolation, while barriers included unclear government guidance, shortage of testing capacity and supply, high costs and diversified language and cultural backgrounds. Main sustainability issues included compliance fatigue, and the possible mental health impacts of a prolonged rapid response. Conclusions This research identified drivers and obstacles of rapid implementation of NPIs in response to a respiratory infection pandemic. Existing implementation process models do not consider speed to respond and the absence or lack of guidance in emergency situations such as the COVID-19. We recommend the development of a rapid response model to inform the design of effective and sustainable infection prevention and control policies and to focus future research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wei
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Daniels
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Carl A. Whitfield
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Han
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Evolution, Infection & Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Hall
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Public Health, Advice, Guidance and Expertise, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn Regan
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- National COVID-19 Response Centre, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arpana Verma
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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13
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Wind Characteristics and Wind Energy Potential in Andean Towns in Northern Peru between 2016 and 2020: A Case Study of the City of Chachapoyas. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14105918] [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
Currently, climate change and population growth have a significant impact on human beings. Furthermore, these factors are generating a great need for energy to sustain present-day pace of life. For this reason, this research aims to determine the wind potential of the city of Chachapoyas, through the study of wind direction and speed using a wind rose. Data were obtained from the Metrological Station located on the University Campus of the National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (UNTRM) for developing this diagram. The mentioned station had 15% of missing data, therefore a quality control of the data and multiple imputations was carried out to fill in any missing data. The results obtained show that the winds in this area are mostly weak (from 0 to 3 m/s) with an East-Northeast (ENE) and Northeast (NE) direction for both the studied period and for each year of the period. It has also been determined that there is a difference between the wet and dry seasons in terms of wind frequency. Finally, we conclude that, in the city of Chachapoyas, it is possible to generate wind energy by using low-power vertical axis wind turbines.
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14
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Soon JM, Vanany I, Abdul Wahab IR, Abdullah Sani N, Hamdan RH, Jamaludin MH. Protection Motivation Theory and consumers’ food safety behaviour in response to COVID-19. Food Control 2022; 138:109029. [PMID: 35449723 PMCID: PMC9009582 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The threat of COVID-19 has altered consumers shopping behaviour and increased consumers' willingness to purchase food using online food delivery services. Consumers were more likely to practice strict hand hygiene measures and were concerned with food safety. Such behaviours were likely driven by the fear and threat of contracting COVID-19. This study aims to use Protective Motivation Theory (PMT) to investigate how COVID-19 affects food shopping and food safety behaviour. An online, cross-sectional study was conducted in Indonesia and Malaysia to determine the protective motivation to engage in three food shopping and hygiene practices such as i) Safe food shopping behaviour; ii) Hand hygiene and avoiding cross contamination; and iii) Use of online food delivery services. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman rho's correlation and binary logistic regression. A total of 1180 responses were received of which 1129 were valid. Gender was identified as a significant predictor across all food safety behaviours during COVID-19. Response efficacy and self-efficacy were significant predictors for food shopping behaviour while perceived severity significantly predicted hand hygiene practices after shopping. Age, frequency of food preparation and shopping, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy and self-efficacy were significant predictors for use of online food delivery services. Our findings suggest that women were more likely to engage in protective measures during food shopping, carry out hand hygiene practices after shopping and use online food delivery services during COVID-19. Participants with higher response and self-efficacy scores were more likely to shop from markets or shops with high hygiene standards while participants who perceived COVID-19 as a serious threat were more likely to clean and sanitise their hands after shopping. Participants also believed that the use of online food delivery services helps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, foods should be purchased from trusted restaurants or takeaways. This is the first study to use Protection Motivation Theory to explore consumers' food shopping, hand hygiene and online food delivery practices during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mei Soon
- Faculty of Allied-Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Iwan Vanany
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia
| | | | - Norrakiah Abdullah Sani
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruhil Hayati Hamdan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 16100, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Jamaludin
- Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 17600, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
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15
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Freire-Paspuel B, Morales-Jadan D, Zambrano-Mila M, Perez F, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. Analytical sensitivity and clinical performance of "COVID-19 RT-PCR Real TM FAST (CY5) (ATGen, Uruguay) and "ECUGEN SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR" (UDLA-STARNEWCORP, Ecuador)": High quality-low cost local SARS-CoV-2 tests for South America. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010082. [PMID: 35417456 PMCID: PMC9037941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dozens of commercial RT-qPCR kits for SARS-CoV-2 detection are available with or without Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA or other regulatory agencies. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the clinical performance of two SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits designed and produced in South America, "COVID-19 RT-PCR Real TM FAST (CY5)" (ATGen, Uruguay) and "ECUGEN SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR" (UDLA-STARNEWCORP, Ecuador), for RT-qPCR SARS-CoV2 detection using "TaqMan 2019-nCoV Assay Kit v1" (Thermofisher, USA) as a gold standard technique. RESULTS We report a great clinical performance and analytical sensitivity for the two South American kits with sensitivity values of 96.4 and 100%, specificity of 100% and limit of detection in the range of 10 copies/uL of RNA extraction. CONCLUSIONS "COVID-19 RT-PCR Real TM FAST (CY5)" and "ECUGEN SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR" kits are reliable SARS-CoV-2 tests made in South America that have been extensively used in Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador. These locally produced SARS-CoV-2 tests have contributed to overcome supply shortages and reduce diagnosis cost, while maintaining the high quality standards of FDA EUA commercially available kits. This approach could be extended for other diagnostic products to improve infectious diseases surveillance at middle and low income countries beyond COVID-19 pandemic.
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16
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Sansone NMS, Boschiero MN, Ortega MM, Ribeiro IA, Peixoto AO, Mendes RT, Marson FAL. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome by SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Other Etiologic Agents Among Brazilian Indigenous Population: An Observational Study from the First Year of Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 Pandemic. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 8:100177. [PMID: 35018359 PMCID: PMC8739500 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Indigenous peoples are vulnerable to pandemics, including to the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, since it causes high mortality and specially, the loss of elderly Indigenous individuals. Methods The epidemiological data of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by SARS-CoV-2 infection or other etiologic agents (OEA) among Brazilian Indigenous peoples during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic was obtained from a Brazilian Ministry of Health open-access database to perform an observational study. Considering only Indigenous individuals diagnosed with SARS by COVID-19, the epidemiology data were also evaluated as risk of death. The type of sample collection for virus screening, demographic profile, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical evolution were evaluated. The primary outcome was considered the death in the Brazilian Indigenous individuals and the secondary outcome, the characteristics of Brazilian Indigenous infected by SARS-CoV-2 or OEA, as the need for intensive care unit admission or the need for mechanical ventilation support. The statistical analysis was done using Logistic Regression Model. Alpha of 0.05. Findings A total of 3,122 cases of Indigenous individuals with SARS in Brazil were reported during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these, 1,994 were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 730/1,816 (40.2%) of them died. The death rate among individuals with SARS-CoV-2 was three-fold increased when compared to the group of individuals with OEA. Several symptoms (myalgia, loss of smell, and sore throat) and comorbidities (cardiopathy, systemic arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) were more prevalent in the COVID-19 group when compared to Indigenous individuals with OEA. Similar profile was observed considering the risk of death among the Indigenous individuals with COVID-19 who presented several symptoms (oxygen saturation <95%, dyspnea, and respiratory distress) and comorbidities (renal disorders, cardiopathy, and diabetes mellitus). The multivariate analysis was significant in differentiating between the COVID-19-positive and non-COVID-19 patients [X2(7)=65.187; P-value<0.001]. Among the patients’ features, the following contributed in relation to the diagnosis of COVID-19: age [≥43 years-old [y.o.]; OR=1.984 (95%CI=1.480-2.658)]; loss of smell [OR=2.373 (95%CI=1.461-3.854)]; presence of previous respiratory disorders [OR=0.487; 95%CI=0.287-0.824)]; and fever [OR=1.445 (95%CI=1.082-1.929)]. Also, the multivariate analysis was able to predict the risk of death [X2(9)=293.694; P-value<0.001]. Among the patients’ features, the following contributed in relation to the risk of death: male gender [OR=1.507 (95%CI=1.010-2.250)]; age [≥60 y.o.; OR=3.377 (95%CI=2.292-4.974)]; the need for ventilatory support [invasive mechanical ventilation; OR=24.050 (95%CI=12.584-45.962) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; OR=2.249 (95%CI=1.378-3.671)]; dyspnea [OR=2.053 (95%CI=1.196-3.522)]; oxygen saturation <95% [OR=1.691 (95%CI=1.050-2.723)]; myalgia [OR=0.423 (95%CI=0.191-0.937)]; and the presence of kidney disorders [OR=3.135 (95%CI=1.144-8.539)]. Interpretation The Brazilian Indigenous peoples are in a vulnerable situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and presented an increased risk of death due to COVID-19. Several factors were associated with enhanced risk of death, as male sex, older age (≥60 y.o.), and need for ventilatory support; also, other factors might help to differentiate SARS by COVID-19 or by OEA, as older age (≥43 y.o.), loss of smell, and fever. Funding Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo; #2021/05810-7).
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Key Words
- %, Percentage
- 95%CI, 95% Confidence Interval
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease (2019)
- Ethnicity
- H1N1, H1N1 Strain of the Flu (Influenzae) virus
- HRCT, High-Resolution Computed Tomography
- ICU, Intensive Care Unit
- Indigenous
- Intensive Care Unit
- MV, Mechanical Ventilation
- NA, Not Applicable
- OEA, Other Etiologic Agents
- OR, Odds Ratio
- Pandemic
- RT-PCR, Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Race
- Respiratory Disease
- SAH, Systemic Arterial Hypertension
- SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- SARS-CoV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
- SARS-CoV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
- SIVEP-Gripe, Information System for Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza (Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe)
- SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde (Brazilian Public Health System)
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- Virus
- y.o., Years Old
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália M S Sansone
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus N Boschiero
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Manoela M Ortega
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora A Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Andressa O Peixoto
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas. Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Mendes
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas. Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A L Marson
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
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17
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Zambrano-Mila MS, Freire-Paspuel B, Orlando SA, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. SARS-CoV-2 infection in free roaming dogs from the Amazonian jungle. One Health 2022; 14:100387. [PMID: 35402682 PMCID: PMC8979833 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were several reports of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from human to animals, mostly to companion cats and dogs but also to free ranging wild species like minks and deers. Under this scenario, SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in domestic animals to assess the risk of transmission between species have been suggested by the OIE. Here we present a case report of SARS-CoV-2 infection in free roaming dogs, found at a rural indigenous community from the Ecuadorian Amazonia. Oral and nasal swabs samples were collected from three dogs found during a COVID-19 surveillance intervention in Amazonian indigenous communities where severe COVID-19 outbreaks were suspected. Total RNA was extracted from dog samples and detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene targets N, ORF1ab and S was performed. The three dogs tested positive for at least two SARS-CoV-2 viral targets. Moreover, there was a high SARS-CoV-2 infection rate of 87.2% within this community. Given that 17.1% of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals had an ultra high load greater than 108 copies/ml, transmission from humans to dogs likely occurred. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 positive free roaming dogs. Also, as those animals were found in the Amazonian forest, SARS-CoV-2 transmission to wild mammals is a potential concern. Given the high presence of free roaming dogs associated to rural and indigenous communities in South America, the potential role of these domestic animals on COVID-19 spread would deserve further surveillance studies involving SARS-CoV-2 detection by PCR and molecular epidemiology based on genome sequencing to confirm human to dog transmission.
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18
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Ortiz-Prado E, Andrade F, Vasconez E, Escobar-Espinosa C, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Freire-Paspuel B, Coronel B, Galvis H, Morales-Jadan D, Rivera-Olivero IA, Lozada T, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rates Among Special Forces Police Units During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ecuador. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:735821. [PMID: 35295184 PMCID: PMC8918664 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.735821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers and first-responders, such as police officers, were in charge of trying to contain a disease that was unknown at that time. The lack of information and the tremendous need to contain new outbreaks put police officers at higher risk. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among Police Special Forces Officers in Quito, Ecuador. In this study, 163 community-dwelling police officers from elite divisions voluntarily participated in our SARS-CoV-2 detection program using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results A total of 20 out of 163 police officers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, yielding an infection rate of 12.3%. Within this cohort, 10% (2/20) of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals were potentially super spreaders with viral loads over 108 copies/ul. About 85% of the SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals were asymptomatic and 15% reported mild symptoms related to COVID-19. Conclusions We found a high SARS-CoV-2 infection rate within the special forces police officers that, beyond a high health risk for themselves, their families, and coworkers. Our results point out the need for permanent SARS-CoV-2 testing among asymptomatic essential workers and first-responders to avoid local outbreaks and to prevent work-place absenteeism among police special units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,*Correspondence: Esteban Ortiz-Prado
| | - Felipe Andrade
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Eduardo Vasconez
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristina Escobar-Espinosa
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alexander Paolo Vallejo-Janeta
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Barbara Coronel
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Heberson Galvis
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diana Morales-Jadan
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ismar A. Rivera-Olivero
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Tannya Lozada
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
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19
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Airoldi C, Calcagno A, Di Perri G, Valinotto R, Gallo L, Locana E, Trunfio M, Patrucco F, Vineis P, Faggiano F. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Workers in Northern Italy. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:224-232. [PMID: 34365502 PMCID: PMC8385866 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among active workers is poor known. The aim of our study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) among a convenience sample of workers and to identify high-risk job sectors during the first pandemic way. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among workers tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 28 March and 7 August 2020, recorded by a private healthcare center located in North-West Italy. Association among seroprevalence and demographic and occupational variables was evaluated using chi square test and the seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS We collected the results for 23568 serological tests from a sample of 22708 workers from about 1000 companies. Median age was 45 years and about 60% of subjects were male. The overall seroprevalence was 4.97% [95%CI 4.69-5.25]. No statistical difference was found among gender while seroprevalence was associated with subjects' age, geographical location, and occupational sector. Significantly higher values of positivity were observed for the logistics sector (31.3%), weaving factory (12.6%), nursing homes (9.8%), and chemical industry (6.9%) workers. However, we observed some clusters of cases in single companies independently from the sector.Then, a detailed focus on 940 food workers shown a seroprevalence of 5.21% [95%CI 3.79-6.63] and subjects who self-reported COVID-19 symptoms and who worked during lockdown had a higher probability of being infected (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Data obtained might be useful for future public health decision; more than occupation sector, it seems that failure on prevention system in single companies increase the SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Airoldi
- Department of Translation Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17 Novara, 20100, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino at Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL TO2, C.so Svizzera 164 Torino 10149, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino at Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL TO2, C.so Svizzera 164 Torino 10149, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Gallo
- DC, Centro Diagnostico Cernaia (Gruppo C.D.C), Torino, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Trunfio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino at Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL TO2, C.so Svizzera 164 Torino 10149, Italy
| | - Filippo Patrucco
- Department of Translation Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17 Novara, 20100, Italy
| | - Paolo Vineis
- MRC, Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1 PG, UK
| | - Fabrizio Faggiano
- Department of Translation Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17 Novara, 20100, Italy.,Osservatorio Epidemiologico, ASL Vercelli, Italy
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20
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Santander-Gordon D, Iturralde GA, Freire-Paspuel B, Zambrano-Mila MS, Morales-Jadan D, Vallejo-Janeta PA, Coronel B, Galvis H, Jaramillo-Vivanco T, Bilvao CD, Paredes-Espinosa MB, Rodriguez AS, Laglaguano JC, Herrera H, Tito-Alvarez AM, Ortiz-Prado E, Rivera-Olivero IA, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. Crucial contribution of the universities to SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Ecuador: Lessons for developing countries. One Health 2021; 13:100267. [PMID: 34056057 PMCID: PMC8146272 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has challenged public health systems worldwide, particularly affecting developing countries in Latin America like Ecuador. In this report, we exposed the fundamental role of the Ecuadorian universities to improve COVID-19 surveillance in the country, with an overall contribution over 15% of the total SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests done. We highlight the role of our university during the first semester of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a massive free SARS-CoV-2 testing up to almost 10% of the total diagnosis completed in the country, mainly focus on underserved urban, rural and indigenous communities. Finally, we described our contribution to a high quality and low-cost SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR diagnostic in Ecuador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Santander-Gordon
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel A. Iturralde
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Byron Freire-Paspuel
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Marlon S. Zambrano-Mila
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diana Morales-Jadan
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Paolo A. Vallejo-Janeta
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Barbara Coronel
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Heberson Galvis
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Tatiana Jaramillo-Vivanco
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Christian D. Bilvao
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maria Belen Paredes-Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Angel S. Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan C. Laglaguano
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Henry Herrera
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ana M. Tito-Alvarez
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Carrera de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - Tannya Lozada
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2, Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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21
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Figueroa S, Freire-Paspuel B, Vega-Mariño P, Velez A, Cruz M, Cardenas WB, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High sensitivity-low cost detection of SARS-CoV-2 by two steps end point RT-PCR with agarose gel electrophoresis visualization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21658. [PMID: 34737323 PMCID: PMC8568942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00900-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
More than one year since Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, the gold standard technique for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection is still the RT-qPCR. This is a limitation to increase testing capacities, particularly at developing countries, as expensive reagents and equipment are required. We developed a two steps end point RT-PCR reaction with SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid (N) gene and Ribonuclease P (RNase P) specific primers where viral amplicons were verified by agarose gel electrophoresis. We carried out a clinical performance and analytical sensitivity evaluation for this two-steps end point RT-PCR method with 242 nasopharyngeal samples using the CDC RT-qPCR protocol as a gold standard technique. With a specificity of 95.8%, a sensitivity of 95.1%, and a limit of detection of 20 viral RNA copies/uL, this two steps end point RT-PCR assay is an affordable and reliable method for SARS-CoV-2 detection. This protocol would allow to extend COVID-19 diagnosis to basic molecular biology laboratories with a potential positive impact in surveillance programs at developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Figueroa
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Patricio Vega-Mariño
- Agencia de Regulación y Control de la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Alberto Velez
- Agencia de Regulación y Control de la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Marilyn Cruz
- Agencia de Regulación y Control de la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Washington B Cardenas
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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22
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Zanetta LD, Hakim MP, Gastaldi GB, Seabra LMJ, Rolim PM, Nascimento LGP, Medeiros CO, da Cunha DT. The use of food delivery apps during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: The role of solidarity, perceived risk, and regional aspects. Food Res Int 2021; 149:110671. [PMID: 34600673 PMCID: PMC8436220 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the use of food delivery apps (FDA) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. A total of 950 questionnaires were collected, covering four Brazilian regions: Southeast, Central-West, Northeast, and South. The data was collected during the peak of the second wave of the pandemic. A questionnaire with 39 measurement items was applied using an online survey. These items were evaluated using a five-point Likert scale covering the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). The data was analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. About 47% of consumers use FDA weekly. The continuance intention of FDA during the pandemic in Brazil was affected by performance expectancy (β = 0.496; p < 0.001), social influence (β = 0.094; p < 0.001), hedonic motivation (β = 0.068; p = 0.026), price value (β = 0.103; p < 0.001), habit (β = 0.305; p < 0.001), frequency of using FDA (β = 0.051; p = 0.039), and solidarity with the foodservice sector (β = 0.090; p < 0.001). It was also observed that the continuance intention reduces risk perception (β = −0.403; p < 0.001), and risk perception reduces the frequency of using FDA (β = −0.178; p < 0.001). The results indicate that the UTAUT2 strongly explains consumers’ continuance intention. Differences in path estimates among Brazilian regions were observed, indicating some regional differences. It was possible to observe a tendency of using FDA during and after the pandemic, motivated by several factors. The FDA developers and foodservice managers could use this data to improve their services. Policies must be established to increase consumer and employee safety during the delivery service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis D'Avoglio Zanetta
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - Mariana Piton Hakim
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Barbosa Gastaldi
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Diogo Thimoteo da Cunha
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil.
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Wendling JM, Saulnier A, Sabatier JM. Shared Food, Meals and Drinks: 10 Arguments Suggesting an Oral Transmission Route of SARS-CoV-2. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:e160721194830. [PMID: 34279208 DOI: 10.2174/1871526521666210716110603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Numerous observational, epidemiologic data have suggested that the risk of COVID19 is related to shared meals or drinks. The presence of ACE2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract supports this hypothesis. Furthermore, several patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms without any respiratory disease. The SARS-CoV-2 found on food and packaging in China and the epidemic resurgence attributed to foods are also strong indications of an oral transmission route. Unprecedented biopersistence on skin, food, and beverages supports this theory. Finally, animal models reproducing the disease by oral inoculation are additional arguments in favor of an oro-digestive route of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Wendling
- ACST - Strasbourg - Occupational health - 37 avenue de Colmar - 67100 Strasbourg. France
| | | | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Université Aix-Marseille - Institut de Neuro-Physiopathologie (INP) - UMR 7051, Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex. France
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24
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Vallejo-Janeta AP, Morales-Jadan D, Freire-Paspuel B, Lozada T, Cherrez-Bohorquez C, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. COVID-19 outbreaks at shelters for women who are victims of gender-based violence from Ecuador. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 108:531-536. [PMID: 34119677 PMCID: PMC8191306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the constraints in containing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador is limited testing capacity, especially in high-risk populations such as people living in humanitarian shelters. OBJECTIVES The "United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees" office in Ecuador in collaboration with "Universidad de Las Américas" performed surveillance screening at shelters for women victims of gender-based violence. They had been granted access to RT-qPCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis since July 2020, a few weeks after the general population lockdown was lifted. RESULTS From 411 people tested, 52 tests were SARS-CoV-2 positive, yielding an overall high attack rate of 12.65%. Moreover, COVID-19 outbreaks were found in nine of 11 shelters that were included in the study. While attacks rates varied among shelters, no association was found with occupancy. CONCLUSION This study is key to clarifying the epidemiological situation in this highly vulnerable population in Latin America. It highlights the importance of mass testing beyond the symptomatic population to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tannya Lozada
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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25
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Freire-Paspuel B, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of "AccuPower SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex RT-PCR kit (Bioneer, South Korea)" and "Allplex 2019-nCoV Assay (Seegene, South Korea)" for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Diagnosis: Korean CDC EUA as a Quality Control Proxy for Developing Countries. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:630552. [PMID: 34178716 PMCID: PMC8223252 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.630552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple RT-qPCR kits are available in the market for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, some of them with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA or their country of origin agency, but many of them lack of proper clinical evaluation. Objective We evaluated the clinical performance of two Korean SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits available in South America, AccuPower SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex RT-PCR kit (Bioneer, South Korea) and Allplex 2019-nCoV Assay (Seegene, South Korea), for RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis using the CDC protocol as a gold standard. Results We found strong differences among both kits clinical performance and analytical sensitivity; while the Allplex 2019-nCoV Assay has sensitivity of 96.5% and an estimated limit of detection of 4,000 copies/ml, the AccuPower SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex RT-PCR kit has a sensitivity of 75.5% and limit of detection estimated to be bigger than 20,000 copies/ml. Conclusions AccuPower SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex RT-PCR kit and Allplex 2019-nCoV Assay are both made in South Korea but EUA by Korean CDC was only granted to the later. Our results support that Korean CDC EUA should be considered as a quality control proxy for Korean SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits prior to importation by developing countries to guarantee high sensitivity diagnosis.
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Epidemiological feature, viral shedding, and antibody seroconversion among asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers and symptomatic/presymptomatic COVID-19 patients. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:845-851. [PMID: 34118734 PMCID: PMC8154191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pandemic. However, data concerning the epidemiological features, viral shedding, and antibody dynamics between asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers and COVID-19 patients remain controversial. Methods We enrolled 193 SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects in Ningbo and Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China, from January 21 to March 6, 2020. All subjects were followed up to monitor the dynamics of serum antibody immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 using colloidal gold-labeled and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Of those, 31 were asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers, 148 symptomatic COVID-19 patients, and 14 presymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Compared to symptomatic COVID-19 patients, asymptomatic carriers were younger and had higher levels of white blood cell and lymphocyte, lower level of C-reactive protein, and shorter viral shedding duration. Conversion of IgM from positive to negative was shorter in asymptomatic carriers than in COVID-19 patients (7.5 vs. 25.5 days, P = 0.030). The proportion of those persistently seropositive for IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was higher in COVID-19 patients than in asymptomatic carriers (66.1% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.037). Viral load was higher in symptomatic patients than presymptomatic patients (P = 0.003) and asymptomatic carriers (P = 0.004). Viral shedding duration was longer in presymptomatic COVID-19 patients than in asymptomatic carriers (48.0 vs. 24.0 days, P = 0.002). Asymptomatic carriers acquired infection more from intra-familial transmission than did COVID-19 patients (89.0% vs. 61.0%, P = 0.028). In 4 familial clusters of SARS-CoV-2 infection, asymptomatic carriers were mainly children and young adults while severe COVID-19 was mainly found in family members older than 60 years with comorbidities. Conclusion Asymptomatic carriers might have a higher antiviral immunity to clear SARS-CoV-2 than symptomatic COVID-19 patients and this antiviral immunity should be contributable to innate and adaptive cellular immunity rather than humoral immunity. The severity of COVID-19 is associated with older age and comorbidities in familial clustering cases.
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A Survey of Technologies and Recent Developments for Sustainable Smart Cycling. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13063422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Among the problems resulted from the continuous urbanization process, inefficient urban mobility and high pollution levels have been complex challenges that have demanded a lot of public investments and research efforts. Recently, some alternative transportation means have been leveraged as sustainable options for such challenges, which has brought bicycles to a more relevant setting. Besides the sometimes obvious benefits of adopting bikes for transportation, technologies around the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm have been advocated as important supportive tools to boost smart cycling initiatives. Actually, new technologies can be exploited to improve the efficiency of bike paths and parking spots, while reducing accidents and enhancing the cycling experience of the users. Therefore, in this highly vibrating scenario, this article facilitates the understating of current research trends and promising developments, surveying and classing recent works. Since there is a global interest for the promotion of cleaner and more sustainable solutions in large cities, this survey can be valuable when supporting new developments in this highly relevant research area.
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