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Rodriguez Morris MI, Kontar W, Hicks AL. Use, reuse, and waste management of single-use products associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:1736-1746. [PMID: 38353376 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4895] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Single-use product usage is not a new concern. However, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and disposal of single-use products, especially those related to managing the pandemic, rose to prominence. Reports of shortages-and at the same time litter formation arising from improper disposal of various pandemic-related materials such as gloves, masks, wipes, and food takeout containers-were frequently relayed. To address shortages, it was recommended that single-use products be reused in some instances. As these recommendations were widely adopted, it became essential to assess consumer preferences regarding single-use product usage. Aiming to fill that void, a survey was distributed to learn about single-use product usage, possible reuse of single-use products, and waste-management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Respondents preferred reusable fabric masks followed by disposable surgical masks. A significant percentage of respondents answered that they would reuse a disposable mask and mostly selected rotating masks as the preferred "disinfection" method in between the reuse of single-use masks. Gloves were not used by most respondents whereas wipes and/or paper towels were used by more than half of respondents. Free-response answers were analyzed for common themes. Concerns related to pandemic-related product use and disposal, and food packaging or food preparation were observed in the free-response answers. This survey reveals that respondents perceived changes in their consumption and waste generation or perceived a change in the type of products consumed and discarded due to the pandemic. Overall, respondents expressed a preference for reuse and a concern over the increase in single-use products. Results of this study can be used to make projections on the consumption and reuse of single-use products in crisis scenarios. In addition, the data can be used to model the use and disposal phase in single-use product life-cycle assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1736-1746. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica I Rodriguez Morris
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Wissam Kontar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrea L Hicks
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Arbaein TJ, Alharbi KK, Alfahmi AA, Alharthi KO, Monshi SS, Alzahrani AM, Alkabi S. Makkah healthcare cluster response, challenges, and interventions during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:975-985. [PMID: 38631067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.007] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 crisis has underscored the critical role of effective decision-making in healthcare systems. Saudi Arabia has shown resilience by implementing comprehensive testing, tracing, and vaccination measures. Given the unique cultural and religious characteristics of Makkah, specific challenges have prompted efforts to uncover local pandemic responses. This qualitative assessment aims to delineate the challenges faced by decision-makers during COVID-19 in Makkah and identify key interventions implemented by the Makkah healthcare cluster to manage and coordinate care. METHOD Utilizing a purposive sampling approach, executive leaders within the Makkah Healthcare Cluster were invited for semi-structured interviews during the COVID-19 period. Thematic analysis was carried out in five steps, ensuring rigor and trustworthiness through multiple checks, and employing a critical and collaborative approach. RESULT Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak in Makkah, participants revealed Several factors that have hindered healthcare organizations' ability to effectively manage the pandemic, including testing difficulties, resource shortages, vaccination misconceptions, continuity of care issues, infections among healthcare workers, and the need for consistent protocols. The participant leaders in Makkah's healthcare cluster specified implemented strategies that helped in overcoming the encountered challenges, such as adopting new technologies, enhancing communication, managing supply and demand, and improving workforce adaptability and development. Their experience in managing Hajj and Umrah provided valuable insights for handling the pandemic effectively. CONCLUSION The study emphasizes the significance of technology adoption, effective communication, supply management, workforce development, and lessons from managing religious events. Its findings have implications for healthcare systems globally, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, response, and resilience in diverse cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turky J Arbaein
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Khulud K Alharbi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah A Alfahmi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawlah O Alharthi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah S Monshi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Alzahrani
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanaa Alkabi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Sleator RD, Smith N. COVID-19: did the masks work? Future Microbiol 2024; 19:997-1002. [PMID: 39109652 PMCID: PMC11318738 DOI: 10.1080/17460913.2024.2343558] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we called for mandatory public masking to 'flatten the curve'. We helped formulate a national standard (SWiFT 19) for barrier facemasks, and, using a novel laser-based approach, we determined that mask efficacy is dependent on both fabric and fit; with both variables being inversely related. Herein, we take a retrospective view of the role of masks during the pandemic and surmise that, on the balance of evidence to date, masks were effective at stemming the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and may well be an effective early control strategy for potential future respiratory pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy D Sleator
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928, Cork, Ireland
| | - Niall Smith
- Research Office, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928, Cork, Ireland
- Blackrock Castle Observatory, Munster Technological University, T12 YW52, Cork, Ireland
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Jack KM, Kulick NK. Primate field research during a pandemic: Lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23551. [PMID: 37706674 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23551] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted most primate field research in early 2020. While international travel bans and regional travel restrictions made continuing primate field research impossible early on in the pandemic, ethical concerns of transmitting the virus from researchers to primates and surrounding human communities informed decisions regarding the timing of resuming research. Between June and September 2020, we surveyed field primatologists regarding the impacts of the pandemic on their research. We received 90 completed surveys from respondents residing in 21 countries, though most were from the United States and Canada. These data provide a valuable window into the perspectives and actions taken by researchers during the early stages of the pandemic as events were still unfolding. Only 2.4% of projects reported continuing research as usual, 33.7% continued with some decrease in productivity, 42.2% reported postponing research projects, and 21.7% reported canceling projects or postponing research indefinitely. Respondents most severely impacted by the pandemic were those establishing new field sites and graduate students whose projects were postponed or canceled due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Fears about increased poaching, the inability to pay local assistants, frozen research funds, declining habituation, disruptions to data collection, and delays in student projects were among the top concerns of respondents. Nearly all the projects able to continue research in any capacity during the early months of the pandemic were run by or employed primate habitat country primatologists. This finding is a major lesson learned from the pandemic; without habitat country scientists, primate research is not sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M Jack
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nelle K Kulick
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Guarneri F, Belloni Fortina A, Corazza M, Cristaudo A, Foti C, Parodi A, Pigatto P, Stingeni L, DE Pità O. Topical non-pharmacological treatment of eczema: an Italian consensus. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2022; 157:402-413. [PMID: 36213968 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.22.07283-8] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Eczematous diseases (contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hand eczema) are among the most frequent findings in dermatological clinical practice. A large body of evidence exists on structural and functional skin barrier damage in eczematous diseases, and on the importance of interventions aimed to repair such damage. While there is substantial agreement on pharmacological treatment, more sparse data are available on role, indications and usefulness of topical non-pharmacological treatments, despite significant research and progress in the composition and technology of emollients, cleansers and barrier creams significantly changed and expanded the functional activities of these products. This often leads to inadequate prescription and/or use, which increase individual and social costs of the disease and make the products useless or, in some cases, even counterproductive. This consensus document, discussed and compiled in a series of meetings by a group of Italian dermatologists experienced in the field of eczematous diseases, summarizes epidemiology and clinical features of the nosological entities of the "eczema family", illustrates the chemical/biochemical structure of emollients, cleansers and barrier creams, and aims to help physicians to exploit the full potential of available products, by providing a detailed but practical guide on characteristics, indications and correct use of non-pharmacological treatments currently available for eczematous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Guarneri
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy -
| | - Anna Belloni Fortina
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Monica Corazza
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Foti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Aurora Parodi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pigatto
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Surgical and Odontoiatric Biomedical Sciences, Galeazzi IRCCS Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Stingeni
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ornella DE Pità
- Unit of Clinical Pathology, Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Diseases, Cristo Re Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Lim C, Kim J, Kim J, Kang BG, Nam Y. Estimation of respiratory rate in various environments using microphones embedded in face masks. THE JOURNAL OF SUPERCOMPUTING 2022; 78:19228-19245. [PMID: 35754514 PMCID: PMC9206076 DOI: 10.1007/s11227-022-04622-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wearable health devices and respiratory rates (RRs) have drawn attention to the healthcare domain as it helps healthcare workers monitor patients' health status continuously and in a non-invasive manner. However, to monitor health status outside healthcare professional settings, the reliability of this wearable device needs to be evaluated in complex environments (i.e., public street and transportation). Therefore, this study proposes a method to estimate RR from breathing sounds recorded by a microphone placed inside three types of masks: surgical, a respirator mask (Korean Filter 94), and reusable masks. The Welch periodogram method was used to estimate the power spectral density of the breathing signals to measure the RR. We evaluated the proposed method by collecting data from 10 healthy participants in four different environments: indoor (office) and outdoor (public street, public bus, and subway). The results obtained errors as low as 0% for accuracy and repeatability in most cases. This research demonstrated that the acoustic-based method could be employed as a wearable device to monitor RR continuously, even outside the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhayly Lim
- Department of ICT Convergence, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538 South Korea
| | - Jungyeon Kim
- ICT Convergence Research Center, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538 South Korea
| | - Jeongseok Kim
- Department of ICT Convergence, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538 South Korea
| | - Byeong-Gwon Kang
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538 South Korea
| | - Yunyoung Nam
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538 South Korea
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Bhattacharjee S, Bahl P, Chughtai AA, Heslop D, MacIntyre CR. Face masks and respirators: Towards sustainable materials and technologies to overcome the shortcomings and challenges. NANO SELECT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Technology Noakhali Science and Technology University Noakhali Bangladesh
| | - Prateek Bahl
- School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Abrar Ahmad Chughtai
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
| | - David Heslop
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
| | - C. Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
- College of Public Service and Community Solutions and College of Health Solutions Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
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Reusable respirators as personal protective equipment in clinical practice : User experience in times of a pandemic. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2022; 134:522-528. [PMID: 35412049 PMCID: PMC9001817 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-022-02022-1] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background The novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is highly contagious; therefore, special emphasis must be given to personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Reusable elastomeric respirators were previously used in intensive care units (ICU). These respirators include full or half masks and devices modified to accommodate a filter. Although the general comfort of masks used in the ICU has been studied, data comparing multiple types of masks during a pandemic are missing. Methods A prospective randomized trial was conducted in an ICU. After standardized training, participants were randomized to use one of three mask types (full, half or snorkelling mask), each fitted with a filter equivalent to a class 3 particle-filtering half mask (FFP3) during one shift. The main outcomes were characteristics of using the mask itself (donning/doffing, quality of seal, cleaning), working conditions with the mask (vision, comfort, perceived safety, communication) and a subjective comparison to single-use FFP2/3 masks. Results A total of 30 participants were included in the trial, randomized to 10 participants per group. The masks were worn 6.4 (4.5) times (mean SD) for a total duration of 132 (66) min per shift. The tested masks were rated 7 (2.6) (mean SD) in comparison to FFP2/3 on a Likert scale (0: worst, 10: best). Significant differences between the masks were found in respect to comfort (7/4/8), donning (8/7/9), overall rating (8/5/8) and comparison to single-use FFP2/3 masks (9/7/9; full-, half, snorkelling mask). Conclusion Using reusable elastomeric masks is feasible in clinical practice. Full face masks were significantly better in terms of comfort, donning, overall rating and in comparison to single-use FFP2/3 masks.
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Research on Supplier Collaboration of Daily Consumer Goods under Uncertainty of Supply and Demand. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13105683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper establishes the decentralized decision-making model of consumer goods, the active collaboration model of consumer goods suppliers, and the decentralized decision-making model of customized consumer goods. Through formula derivation and simulation, the benefit and influence differences of the three modes are compared. This paper studies the influence of supplier’s active collaboration on the supply and demand instability of consumer goods and discusses the ideal value of supply chain inventory control. In China’s modern circular economy, the inventory control of the consumer goods supply chain is unscientific and nonstandard. We discuss a new inventory control method and study the ideal value of supply chain inventory control. It helps reduce the inventory shortage loss caused by the uncertainty of daily consumer goods, improve the efficiency of the supply chain, enhance the liquidity of supply chain inventory to achieve the purpose of increasing economic value. It has reference value for the inventory control of consumer goods in other countries and regions. The results show that under certain conditions, the horizontal collaboration between suppliers can improve the completeness of consumer goods. The collaboration between suppliers can reduce the hidden dangers caused by the uncertainty of supply and demand and significantly reduce the total inventory cost of manufacturers and improve profits.
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Rooney CM, McIntyre J, Ritchie L, Wilcox MH. Evidence review of physical distancing and partition screens to reduce healthcare acquired SARS-CoV-2. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100144. [PMID: 34316581 PMCID: PMC8081747 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the evidence base for two newly introduced Infection prevention and control strategies within UK hospitals. The new standard infection control precaution of 2 metres physical distancing and the use of partition screens as a means of source control of infection for SARS-CoV-2. Following review of Ovid-MEDLINE and governmental SAGE outputs there is limited evidence to support the use of 2 metres physical distancing and partition screens within healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Rooney
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, UK.,Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, UK
| | - J McIntyre
- Infection Prevention and Control, NHS England and NHS Improvement, UK
| | - L Ritchie
- Infection Prevention and Control, NHS England and NHS Improvement, UK
| | - M H Wilcox
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, UK.,Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, UK
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Ko PS, Lee JY. Analysis of Taiwan's Mask Collection and Plan Evasion during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4137. [PMID: 33919812 PMCID: PMC8070768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study established a two-stage dynamic game strategy to analyze how the planned quota and price of masks were set and why mask manufacturing firms on the national mask team (NMT) in Taiwan evaded the plan. Plan evasion occurred when the NMT decided to produce less than the quota set by the government, even though they were incentivized and able to produce more. Taiwan's experience shows that through the collection of masks and the Name-Based Mask Rationing System, the people's right to procure masks can be guaranteed; however, to promote market transaction efficiency, the government should adopt a lower quota for the collection of masks and allow firms to freely sell them in the market after they complete their plans. The self-interest of the government played a key role in inducing plan evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Sheng Ko
- Department of Public Finance and Taxation, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 80778, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Yao Lee
- Department of International Business, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 80778, Taiwan
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