scholarly journals The impact of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus: a systematic review of filtration

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian A Fleck ◽  
Gail M. Thornton ◽  
Lexuan Zhong ◽  
Lisa A Hartling ◽  
Dhyey Dandnayak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Airborne Transmission ◽  
Virus Removal ◽  
Filter Efficiency ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Historically, viruses have demonstrated airborne transmission. Emerging evidence suggests the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 may also spread by airborne transmission. This is more likely in indoor environments, particularly with poor ventilation. In the context of potential airborne transmission, a vital mitigation strategy for the built environment is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC features could modify virus transmission potential. A systematic review following international standards was conducted to comprehensively identify and synthesize research examining the effectiveness of filters within HVAC systems in reducing virus transmission. Twenty-three relevant studies showed that: filtration was associated with decreased transmission; filters removed viruses from the air; increasing filter efficiency (efficiency of particle removal) was associated with decreased transmission, decreased infection risk, and increased viral filtration efficiency (efficiency of virus removal); increasing filter efficiency above MERV 13 was associated with limited benefit in further reduction of virus concentration and infection risk; and filters with the same efficiency rating from different companies showed variable performance. Increasing filter efficiency may mitigate virus transmission; however, improvement may be limited above MERV 13. Adapting HVAC systems to mitigate virus transmission requires a multi-factorial approach and filtration is one factor offering demonstrated potential for decreased transmission.

scholarly journals The impact of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19): a systematic review of humidity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail M. Thornton ◽  
Brian A Fleck ◽  
Dhyey Dandnayak ◽  
Emily Kroeker ◽  
Lexuan Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Medium Temperature ◽  
Complex Approach ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Virus Survival ◽  
The Impact

The aerosol route has been a pathway for transmission of many viruses. Similarly, recent evidence has determined aerosol transmission for SARS-CoV-2 to be significant. Consequently, public health officials and professionals have sought data regarding the role of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) features as a means to mitigate transmission of viruses, particularly coronaviruses. Using international standards, a systematic review was conducted to comprehensively identify and synthesize research examining the effect of humidity on transmission of coronaviruses and influenza. The results from 24 relevant studies showed that: increasing from mid (40-60%) to high (>60%) relative humidity (RH) for SARS-CoV-2 was associated with decreased virus survival; although SARS-CoV-2 results appear consistent, coronaviruses do not all behave the same; increasing from low (<40%) to mid RH for influenza was associated with decreased persistence, infectivity, viability, and survival, however effects of increased humidity from mid to high for influenza were not consistent; and medium, temperature, and exposure time were associated with inconsistency in results for both coronaviruses and influenza. Adapting HVAC humidity to mitigate virus transmission is a complex approach due to difficulties of humidity control; humidity is a feature to be considered in conjunction with other HVAC features.

scholarly journals The impact of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus: a systematic review of ultraviolet radiation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail M. Thornton ◽  
Brian A Fleck ◽  
Natalie Fleck ◽  
Emily Kroeker ◽  
Dhyey Dandnayak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Features ◽  
Survival Fraction ◽  
Uv Dose ◽  
The Impact

Respiratory viruses are capable of transmitting via an aerosol route. Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 can be spread through airborne transmission, particularly in indoor environments with poor ventilation. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can play a role in mitigating airborne virus transmission. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature examining the effectiveness of HVAC design features in reducing virus transmission; here we report results for ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Following international standards for systematic reviews, we conducted a comprehensive search and synthesized findings from 32 relevant studies published between 1936 and 2020. Research demonstrates that: viruses and bacteriophages are inactivated by UV radiation; increasing UV dose is associated with decreasing survival fraction of viruses and bacteriophages; increasing relative humidity is associated with decreasing susceptibility to UV radiation; UV dose and corresponding survival fraction are affected by airflow pattern, air changes per hour, and UV device location; and UV radiation is associated with decreased transmission in both animal and human studies. This comprehensive synthesis of the scientific evidence examining the impact of UV radiation on virus transmission can be used to guide implementation of systems to mitigate airborne spread and identify priorities for future research.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on community health: A systematic review of a population of 82 million

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
Brijesh Sathian ◽  
Mohammad Asim ◽  
Ahammed Mekkodathil ◽  
Edwin R. Van Teijlingen ◽  
Supram Hosuru Subramanya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Community Health ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Current Systematic Review ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is exponentially spreading across the globe. As there is paucity of published literature, the influence of COVID-19 on community health remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the impact of COVID-19 on community health. The current systematic review was performed utilizing electronic databases, i.e., PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. We searched for the keywords "COVID-19" AND "community health" between January 1, 2020, until May 10, 2020. Although, limited evidence is available regarding quarantine to prevent COVID‐19, most studies considered quarantine as an essential public health measure to minimize rate of infection and mortality. Under these circumstances, people should focus on maintaining personal hygiene, proper nutrition, and extreme social distancing to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Besides, that there is a need to provide professional psychological support to reduce mental ill-health. We have highlighted two different public health approaches in South Asian countries, namely Nepal and India.

scholarly journals Impact of Climate Variables on COVID-19 Pandemic in Asia: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoerdy Agusmal Saputra ◽  
Dewi Susanna ◽  
Vernonia Yora Saki
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Climate Variables ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and threatens public health systems worldwide. Virus transmission can be influenced by several factors, one of which is climatic conditions. Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and solar radiation play an important role in the transmission of infectious diseases and are variables that can determine the resistance of the SARS virus. This paper aimed to critically assess and provide evidence-based on the impact of climate variables on COVID-19 cases in Asia based on current knowledge to form the basis of guidelines for health care and prevention efforts. This systematic review used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The articles were searched from ProQuest, Scopus, PubMed, and Springerlink databases. It has been screened 2.784 abstracts, 103 full-text publications, and ultimately included 11 systematic reviews. The review found a consistently positive relationship between climate variables and COVID-19. Average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and humidity (r = 0.83, 0.94, 0.93, 0.30) were significantly correlated with COVID-19 cases. Temperature, maximum humidity, and population density (adjusted R2 = 0.53, p < 0.05), can be used as references in planning interventions during potential future pandemics. Linear regression framework, high humidity, and high temperature (p < 0.05) significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This systematic review shows that climate plays a role in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.

scholarly journals Brief Report of Guidelines and Protocols for the Management of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-133
Author(s):  
Fabricia Oliveira Oliveira ◽  
Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca ◽  
Roberto Badaró ◽  
Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Data Flows ◽  
The World ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Guidelines And Recommendations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Coordinate Data

In less than a year, the novel coronavirus rapidly changed the world scenario. To dealing with the fast spread of the disease, health associations coordinate data flows and issue guidelines to better mitigate the impact of the threat. Also, scientific groups around the world are working to ensure that all information about the mechanisms of the virus, transmission, and disease clinics is updated as the disease progresses. The objective of this study was to present the guidelines and recommendations for preventing, management strategies, clarifications about pandemics disinformation, and diagnosing COVID-19 infection in human specimens adopted from the main health centers and institutions in the world, such as WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to highlight that the rapid and effective enforcement of existing international and national action plans, as well as parallel review and improvisation, is facilitating the affected countries to contain transmission and possibly delay the peak of outbreak and mortality.

scholarly journals The impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on drug overdose-related deaths in the United States and Canada: a systematic review of observational studies and analysis of public health surveillance data

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Imtiaz ◽  
Frishta Nafeh ◽  
Cayley Russell ◽  
Farihah Ali ◽  
Tara Elton-Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Drug Overdose ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There are preliminary indications that the trajectory of drug overdose-related deaths in North America has been exacerbated due to the novel coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). As such, the impact of COVID-19 on drug overdose-related deaths was examined through a systematic review of the literature and percentage change analyses of surveillance data. Methods Systematic searches in electronic databases were conducted, a topical issue brief and bibliography were reviewed, reference lists of included studies were searched and expert consultations were held to identify studies (Registration # CRD42021230223). Observational studies from the United States and Canada were eligible for inclusion if drug overdose-related deaths were assessed in quantitative or qualitative analyses onwards from at least March 2020. In addition, percentage changes comparing drug overdose-related deaths in the second annual quarter (Q2 2020 [April to June]) with the first annual quarter (Q1 2020 [January to March]) were generated using national and subnational data from public health surveillance systems and reports from jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Results Nine studies were included in the systematic review, eight from the United States and one from Canada. The maximum outcome assessment period in the included studies extended until September 2020. Drug overdose-related deaths after the onset of COVID-19 were higher compared with the months leading up to the pandemic in 2020 and the comparative months in 2019. In additional percentage change analyses, drug overdose-related deaths increased by 2 to 60% in jurisdictions in the United States and by 58% in Canada when comparing Q2 2020 with Q1 2020. Conclusions Drug overdose-related deaths increased after the onset of COVID-19. The current situation necessitates a multi-pronged approach, encompassing expanded access to substance use disorder treatment, undisrupted access to harm reduction services, emphasis on risk reduction strategies, provision of a safe drug supply and decriminalization of drug use.

scholarly journals The Role of Machine Learning Techniques to Tackle COVID-19 Crisis: A Systematic Review.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsa Bareen Syeda ◽  
Mahanazuddin Syed ◽  
Kevin Wayne Sexton ◽  
Shorabuddin Syed ◽  
Salma Begum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Data Types ◽  
Detection And Diagnosis ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: The novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has caused havoc with patients presenting a spectrum of complications forcing the healthcare experts around the globe to explore new technological solutions, and treatment plans. Machine learning (ML) based technologies have played a substantial role in solving complex problems, and several organizations have been swift to adopt and customize them in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review on the role of ML as a comprehensive and decisive technology to fight the COVID-19 crisis in the arena of epidemiology, diagnosis, and disease progression. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify all potentially relevant studies published and made available between December 1, 2019, and June 27, 2020. The search syntax was built using keywords specific to COVID-19 and ML. A total of 128 qualified articles were reviewed and analyzed based on the study objectives. Results: The 128 publications selected were classified into three themes based on ML applications employed to combat the COVID-19 crisis: Computational Epidemiology (CE), Early Detection and Diagnosis (EDD), and Disease Progression (DP). Of the 128 studies, 70 focused on predicting the outbreak, the impact of containment policies, and potential drug discoveries, which were grouped into the CE theme. For the EDD, we grouped forty studies that applied ML techniques to detect the presence of COVID-19 using the patient's radiological images or lab results. Eighteen publications that focused on predicting the disease progression, outcomes (recovery and mortality), Length of Stay (LOS), and number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) days for COVID-19 positive patients were classified under the DP theme. Conclusions: In this systematic review, we assembled the current COVID-19 literature that utilized ML methods to provide insights into the COVID-19 themes, highlighting the important variables, data types, and available COVID-19 resources that can assist in facilitating clinical and translational research.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities: An antagonistic relationship. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Phiri ◽  
Gayathri Delanerolle ◽  
Ayaat Al-Sudani ◽  
Shanaya Rathod
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Social Risk Factors ◽  
The Government ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Uk National Health Service ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
General Wellbeing

UNSTRUCTURED Emerging evidence illustrate a negative and disproportionate impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, although, in comparison to previously reported studies, biological and social risk factors would increase the risk of contracting Covid-19 amongst BAME groups in comparison to the non-BAME population. Despite ethnic minorities standing on the frontline to quell the impact of the pandemic within the United Kingdom’s (UK) National Health Service (NHS), disproportionate amounts of BAME doctors and other healthcare workers have died from covid-19. This unprecedented situation raises ethical and moral implications that could further raise the mental health crises this pandemic has raised. While the government attempts to mitigate the rate of virus transmission using a variety of methods, this does not reduce the impact on mental health and general wellbeing. This analysis considers available literature to explore the association between and the wider impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BAME communities in order to raise awareness and add a further facet to the current scientific discussions.

scholarly journals The impact of 2019 novel coronavirus on heart injury: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing-Wei Li ◽  
Tian-Wen Han ◽  
Mark Woodward ◽  
Craig S. Anderson ◽  
Hao Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Heart Injury ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact
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