scholarly journals The properties of hot household hygroscopic materials and their potential use for non-medical facemask decontamination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Line Andreola ◽  
Frederic Becquart ◽  
Wahbi Jomaa ◽  
Paul O. Verhoeven ◽  
Gerard Baldacchino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
General Public ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Facial Mask ◽  
Potential Use

The wide use of facemasks through the population to prevent SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission, and its resulting mis- or even non-decontamination are challenging the management of the epidemic at a large scale. As a complement to machine-wash that wastes significant amount of water and energy, hot hygroscopic materials could be used to decontaminate non-medical facemasks in household settings. We report the inactivation of a viral load on a facial mask for an exposure of 15 minutes, with the combined effect of heat and humidity under a decaying pattern suggesting straight-forward general public deployment towards a reliable implementation by the population.

scholarly journals The properties of hot household hygroscopic materials and their potential use for non-medical facemask decontamination

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0255148
Author(s):  
Marie-Line Andreola ◽  
Fréderic Becquart ◽  
Wahbi Jomaa ◽  
Paul O. Verhoeven ◽  
Gérard Baldacchino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
General Public ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Public Acceptance ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Facial Mask ◽  
The World ◽  
Transmit Disease ◽  
Potential Use

The widespread use of facemasks throughout the population is recommended by the WHO to reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As some regions of the world are facing mask shortages, reuse may be necessary. However, used masks are considered as a potential hazard that may spread and transmit disease if they are not decontaminated correctly and systematically before reuse. As a result, the inappropriate decontamination practices that are commonly witnessed in the general public are challenging management of the epidemic at a large scale. To achieve public acceptance and implementation, decontamination procedures need to be low-cost and simple. We propose the use of hot hygroscopic materials to decontaminate non-medical facemasks in household settings. We report on the inactivation of a viral load on a facial mask exposed to hot hygroscopic materials for 15 minutes. As opposed to recent academic studies whereby decontamination is achieved by maintaining heat and humidity above a given value, a more flexible procedure is proposed here using a slow decaying pattern, which is both effective and easier to implement, suggesting straightforward public deployment and hence reliable implementation by the population.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Passport and International Traveling: The Combined Effect of Two Nudges on Americans’ Support for the Pass

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8800
Author(s):  
Chiara Sotis ◽  
Miriam Allena ◽  
Renny Reyes ◽  
Alessandro Romano
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Online Experiment ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Negative Spillover

Immunity passports have the potential to allow large-scale international traveling to resume. However, they can only become an effective tool if they are widely supported by the general public. We carry out a double blind randomized online experiment with a sample of N=4000 Americans to study (i) whether two nudges can increase the level of support for a COVID pass for international traveling, (ii) the relationship between the effects of the nudges, and (iii) if these nudges have a negative spillover on the intention to get vaccinated. We find that both nudges increase the support for the COVID pass and that their impact is stronger when they are used together. Moreover, we find that the two nudges do not negatively affect intentions to get vaccinated. Our findings have important implications for policymakers and for the nascent literature on the interaction between multiple nudges.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Low-Cost Commercial Actigraph and Its Potential Use in Detecting Cultural Variations in Physical Activity and Sleep

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3774
Author(s):  
Pavlos Topalidis ◽  
Cristina Florea ◽  
Esther-Sevil Eigl ◽  
Anton Kurapov ◽  
Carlos Alberto Beltran Leon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Scale Step ◽  
Potential Use

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a low-cost commercial smartwatch, the Xiaomi Mi Band (MB), in extracting physical activity and sleep-related measures and show its potential use in addressing questions that require large-scale real-time data and/or intercultural data including low-income countries. We evaluated physical activity and sleep-related measures and discussed the potential application of such devices for large-scale step and sleep data acquisition. To that end, we conducted two separate studies. In Study 1, we evaluated the performance of MB by comparing it to the GT3X (ActiGraph, wGT3X-BT), a scientific actigraph used in research, as well as subjective sleep reports. In Study 2, we distributed the MB across four countries (Austria, Germany, Cuba, and Ukraine) and investigated physical activity and sleep among these countries. The results of Study 1 indicated that MB step counts correlated highly with the scientific GT3X device, but did display biases. In addition, the MB-derived wake-up and total-sleep-times showed high agreement with subjective reports, but partly deviated from GT3X predictions. Study 2 revealed similar MB step counts across countries, but significant later wake-up and bedtimes for Ukraine than the other countries. We hope that our studies will stimulate future large-scale sensor-based physical activity and sleep research studies, including various cultures.

scholarly journals A new pest management research facility Scions largescale precision track sprayer

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 ◽  
pp. 267-273
Author(s):  
S.F. Gous ◽  
T.M. Withers ◽  
A.J. Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Application Research ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Research Facility ◽  
Liquid Pressure ◽  
Plant Canopies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Use

A new large scale precision track sprayer has been developed and evaluated for spray deposition and pesticide application research under controlled conditions The spray room is fitted with a 4 m wide electrically driven boom suspended 4 m above ground running on a 12 m long Ibeam It is fitted with 9 independently controlled shut off valves and nozzles Sprays can be applied to live plant canopies up to 3 m tall within a 2 m times; 3 m sample area The number location and type of nozzle on the boom can be altered as can spray liquid pressure and boom speed in order to simulate a wide range of spray application scenarios Calibration of the largescale precision track sprayer has been undertaken for a range of droplet spectra from extremely coarse to very fine This paper documents the calibration results and discusses the potential use of this facility for pesticide application research

scholarly journals Citizen workshops in public libraries to disseminate and discuss primary care research results: a scaling-up study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Massougbodji ◽  
Hervé Tchala Vignon Zomahoun ◽  
Evehouenou Lionel Adisso ◽  
Jasmine Sawadogo ◽  
Valérie Borde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
General Public ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Knowledge Gain ◽  
Research Results

Abstract Background Little is known about engaging patients and stakeholders in the process of scaling up effective knowledge translation interventions targeting the general public. Using an integrated knowledge translation approach, we aimed to scale up and evaluate an effective pilot program of disseminating research results in public libraries. Methods We conducted a scaling-up study targeting the general public. Based on our successful pilot project, we co-developed and implemented a larger-scale program of free citizen workshops in public libraries, this time in close research partnership with stakeholders and patient representatives. Citizen workshops, each facilitated by one participating physician and one science communicator, consisted of a 45-min computer-assisted presentation and a 45-min open exchange. Additional scale-up costs included offering financial incentives to stakeholders involved and the purchase of audio-visual equipment. The intervention outcome was knowledge gained. Scale-up outcomes were satisfaction, appropriateness, coverage, time and costs. An evaluation questionnaire was used to collect data of interest. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Results The workshop theme chosen by patient and stakeholder representatives was the high prevalence of medication overuse among people over 65 years of age. From April to May 2019, 26 workshops were given in 25 public libraries reaching 362 people. Eighteen participating physicians and six science communicators facilitated the workshops. Participants reported significant knowledge gain (mean difference 2.1, 95% CI 2.0–2.2, P < .001). Median score for overall public satisfaction was 9/10 (IQR 8–10). A high level of appropriateness of the workshops was globally rated by the public participants Coverage was 92.6% of the total number of public libraries targeted. Costs were $6,051.84 CAD for workshop design and $22,935.41 CAD for scaling them up. Conclusion This project successfully established a large-scale and successful KT bridge between researchers, clinicians, and citizens via public libraries. This study provides a model for a dissemination practice that benefits the general public by both engaging them in the dissemination process and by targeting them directly.

The Use of Microbial Coatings, Nutrients and Chemical Defense Systems in Oyster Restoration

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 39-54
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Manning ◽  
Weldon Lane ◽  
Richard Darren Williams ◽  
Matt Cowan ◽  
Marcus Diaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Defense ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bulk Material ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Oyster Spat ◽  
Marine Life ◽  
Defense Systems ◽  
Improve Water Quality ◽  
Oyster Restoration ◽  
Potential Use

AbstractMany oyster species are keystone species that help mitigate shoreline erosion, provide habitats for juvenile fishes, and improve water quality. A number of human-driven factors have led to a decline in their populations worldwide. This article focuses on the chemistry of a novel substrate (nutrient-enriched concrete, or NEC) used to induce settlement and colonization of wild diploid oyster spat and is divided into four sections: (1) composition of the bulk material used for oyster restoration, (2) nutrients added to stimulate growth of bacterial and or algal biofilms, (3) nutrients included for the recently settled oyster spat, and (4) the potential use of natural chemical defense systems to control predators and competing marine life. The goal is to develop a material that can be manufactured and used on a large scale.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera: A short review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-132
Author(s):  
I.A. Raubilu ◽  
U. Isah ◽  
M.A. Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Pathogenic Microbes ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Moringa Oleifera Lam

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Family Moringaceae) is well – known for its various medicinal properties. It grows wild in the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Nigeria, Moringa oleifera trees are planted at a large scale especially in the northern part of the country. It has been widely used in the treatment of certain diseases as a traditional medicinal herb. Antimicrobial activity is the most studied property of Moringa oleifera. Many studies have shown that nearly all types of Moringa oleifera tissues exhibit antimicrobial activity including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti parasitic property. This review describes progress on research conducted to understand the antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera and discusses the potential use of Moringa oleifera in the control of pathogenic microbes. Key words: Antimicrobial activity; Moringa oleifera; pathogenic microbes, control.  

scholarly journals Chromosomal Abnormalities in Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Rebuzzini ◽  
Maurizio Zuccotti ◽  
Carlo A. Redi ◽  
Silvia Garagna
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
In Vitro Model ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Chromosomal Abnormalities ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Vitro Model ◽  
Induced Pluripotent ◽  
Potential Use

The potential use of stem cells (SCs) for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, disease modeling, toxicological studies, drug delivery, and as in vitro model for the study of basic developmental processes implies large-scale in vitro culture. Here, after a brief description of the main techniques used for karyotype analysis, we will give a detailed overview of the chromosome abnormalities described in pluripotent (embryonic and induced pluripotent SCs) and somatic SCs, and the possible causes of their origin during culture.

scholarly journals Construction of a database for the correct and incorrect use of considerate expressions, for the formation of a Japanese considerate expression dictionary

Impact ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-64
Author(s):  
Masaki Yamaoka
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Actual Situation ◽  
Actual Usage ◽  
The World ◽  
Humanities Faculty ◽  
Japanese Learners ◽  
Public Laboratory ◽  
Incomplete Picture

Professor Masaki Yamaoka, based at the Department of Humanities, Faculty of Letters, Soka University in Japan is leading a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team that features researchers from academic institutions around the world, with a view to clarifying the actual situation of considerate expressions. It is hoped that this will make real contributions to anthropological fields that provide a more complete picture of what it means to be human.<br/> Some considerate expressions are common to all languages, while others are unique to a specific language. One that is common to many languages is the use of 'maybe' and 'may' which have the effect of making what is said less forceful or certain. By being less emphatic, it is thought that a consideration for the other person's feelings is sometimes part of the language process. It is a usage called 'hedge' in linguistics. For example, in English, 'it might be better to' is a kind of hedge. We can use this phrase as a considerate expression like that 'it might be better to leave here' instead of 'Leave here.'<br/> It is worth bearing in mind that, until now, research into considerate expressions has almost exclusively been conducted with researchers rather than the general public. Laboratory conditions can have the effect of providing an incomplete picture, so Yamaoka wants to make the research more reliable by collecting data on the actual usage of considerate expressions by members of the general public. A large-scale corpus of written and spoken language has already been developed in Japanese, Professor Yamaoka in the process of collecting as many examples of considerate expressions as possible and storing them in the database. The Japanese considerate expression dictionary can be composed by selecting information which is beneficial to Japanese learners from the database. In addition, Professor Yamaoka would also like to publish this database among researchers for the convenience of those who are engaged in research on considerate expressions in the future.

scholarly journals Paying Attention to the Fact That the Constructive Solution of the Cultural and Educational Centers Indicated In the Project Idea Depends On the Sketch Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Qodirova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Urban Population ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Constructive Solution ◽  
Main Building ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Project Idea

The buildings of the cultural and educational center are intended to promote large-scale cultural and educational programs among the general public. At the same time, it plays a dominant role as a main building in rural and urban population centers, as it unites and brings together all segments of the population.

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