COVID-19 and indirect health implications in Africa: Impact, mitigation measures, and lessons learned for improved disease control

BackgroundAccording to the Belgian Hospital Disaster Planning Act, all hospitals are required to have written disaster plans and to routinely conduct annual disaster drills. In 2010, the management of the Military Hospital decided to organize an evacuation exercise of the newly built 24-bed BU.AimTo evaluate this new BU's evacuation plan and drills and the overall hospital emergency incident response and command system.Methods and ResultsIt was decided to conduct a simulated evacuation exercise following an internal fire, before the BU effectively was put into use, thereby deploying fashioned simulated patients and visitors but bringing into action the regular attending medical, nursing and logistic staff. A multidisciplinary design and organizing team was launched, consisting of the hospitals disaster preparedness coordinator, the EMS-staff, external burn care, emergency incident management and operational engineering experts. The appointed objectives for evaluation were the knowledge of the regular evacuation drills, especially the clearance of an intensive care room; access to evacuation routes; visibility of safety guidelines; mission and tasks of the hospital's first response team and the medical incident manager; communication and information flow and the establishment of the hospital's coordination committee. In the mean time and following lessons learned, a number of mitigation measures have been instituted: adequate identification of evacuated rooms, new configuration of the fire detection alarm, optimized access to stairwells and elevators, adjustment of action cards and specific fire fighting training for hospital staff. Finally the decision was made not to purchase specific evacuation equipment for the movement of patients.ConclusionTaking advantage of the BU's provisional vacancy, a simulated hospital evacuation exercise increased the hospital emergency preparedness, awareness and response to disasters within the hospital, in particular in a critical care department, otherwise difficult to assess.

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Identification of Failure Modes Under Design Extension Conditions

Volume 1B: Codes and Standards ◽

10.1115/pvp2015-45381 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Naoto Kasahara ◽

Izumi Nakamura ◽

Hideo Machida ◽

Hitoshi Nakamura ◽

Koji Okamoto

Keyword(s):

High Temperature ◽

Nuclear Power ◽

Failure Modes ◽

Low Cycle Fatigue ◽

External Pressure ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Local Failure ◽

Severe Accident ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Loading Mode

As the important lessons learned from the Fukushima-nuclear power plant accident, mitigation of failure consequences and prevention of catastrophic failure became essential against severe accident and excessive earthquake conditions. To improve mitigation measures and accident management, clarification of failure behaviors with locations is premise under design extension conditions such as severe accidents and earthquakes. Design extension conditions induce some different failure modes from design conditions. Furthermore, best estimation for these failure modes are required for preparing countermeasures and management. Therefore, this study focused on identification of failure modes under design extension conditions. To observe ultimate failure behaviors of structures under extreme loadings, new experimental techniques were adopted with simulation materials such as lead and lead-antimony alloy, which has very small yield stress. Postulated failure modes of main components under design extension conditions were investigated according three categories of loading modes. The first loading mode is high temperature and internal pressure. Under this mode, ductile fracture and local failure were investigated. At the structural discontinuities, local failure may become dominant. The second is high temperature and external pressure loading mode. Buckling and fracture were investigated. Buckling occurs however hardly break without additional loads or constraints. The last loading is excessive earthquake. Ratchet deformation, collapse, and fatigue were investigated. Among them, low-cycle fatigue is dominant.

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The unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures matter: practical guidance for investigating them

BMC Medical Research Methodology ◽

10.1186/s12874-020-01200-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anne-Marie Turcotte-Tremblay ◽

Idriss Ali Gali Gali ◽

Valéry Ridde

Keyword(s):

Unintended Consequences ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

World Health ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Extensive Experience ◽

Systematic Assessment ◽

Practical Guidance ◽

Conducting Research ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Background COVID-19 has led to the adoption of unprecedented mitigation measures which could trigger many unintended consequences. These unintended consequences can be far-reaching and just as important as the intended ones. The World Health Organization identified the assessment of unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures as a top priority. Thus far, however, their systematic assessment has been neglected due to the inattention of researchers as well as the lack of training and practical tools. Main text Over six years our team has gained extensive experience conducting research on the unintended consequences of complex health interventions. Through a reflexive process, we developed insights that can be useful for researchers in this area. Our analysis is based on key literature and lessons learned reflexively in conducting multi-site and multi-method studies on unintended consequences. Here we present practical guidance for researchers wishing to assess the unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures. To ensure resource allocation, protocols should include research questions regarding unintended consequences at the outset. Social science theories and frameworks are available to help assess unintended consequences. To determine which changes are unintended, researchers must first understand the intervention theory. To facilitate data collection, researchers can begin by forecasting potential unintended consequences through literature reviews and discussions with stakeholders. Including desirable and neutral unintended consequences in the scope of study can help minimize the negative bias reported in the literature. Exploratory methods can be powerful tools to capture data on the unintended consequences that were unforeseen by researchers. We recommend researchers cast a wide net by inquiring about different aspects of the mitigation measures. Some unintended consequences may only be observable in subsequent years, so longitudinal approaches may be useful. An equity lens is necessary to assess how mitigation measures may unintentionally increase disparities. Finally, stakeholders can help validate the classification of consequences as intended or unintended. Conclusion Studying the unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures is not only possible but also necessary to assess their overall value. The practical guidance presented will help program planners and evaluators gain a more comprehensive understanding of unintended consequences to refine mitigation measures.

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The Ebola outbreak, 2013–2016: old lessons for new epidemics

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.2016.0297 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 372 (1721) ◽

pp. 20160297 ◽

Cited By ~ 114

Author(s):

Cordelia E. M. Coltart ◽

Benjamin Lindsey ◽

Isaac Ghinai ◽

Anne M. Johnson ◽

David L. Heymann

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

West Africa ◽

Disease Control ◽

Ebola Virus ◽

Case Fatality ◽

West African ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Haemorrhagic Fever ◽

Chronological Order ◽

Epidemiological Parameters

Ebola virus causes a severe haemorrhagic fever in humans with high case fatality and significant epidemic potential. The 2013–2016 outbreak in West Africa was unprecedented in scale, being larger than all previous outbreaks combined, with 28 646 reported cases and 11 323 reported deaths. It was also unique in its geographical distribution and multicountry spread. It is vital that the lessons learned from the world's largest Ebola outbreak are not lost. This article aims to provide a detailed description of the evolution of the outbreak. We contextualize this outbreak in relation to previous Ebola outbreaks and outline the theories regarding its origins and emergence. The outbreak is described by country, in chronological order, including epidemiological parameters and implementation of outbreak containment strategies. We then summarize the factors that led to rapid and extensive propagation, as well as highlight the key successes, failures and lessons learned from this outbreak and the response. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The 2013–2016 West African Ebola epidemic: data, decision-making and disease control’.

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Deployment of State-of-the-Art Horizontal Pumping System HPS Technology in Two Water Wells to Avoid ESP Workovers

10.2118/207781-ms ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Majed Nahed Alrabeh ◽

Zulkiflie Bin Samsudine ◽

Salvador Alejandro Ruvalcaba Velarde ◽

Faisal Mohammed Alhajri

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Water Production ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Artificial Lift ◽

Cooling Unit ◽

Trial Test

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present the findings obtained from a detailed engineering evaluation resulting from trial testing two state-of-the-art surface horizontal pumping systems (HPS's) in two water supply wells. The two horizontal pumping systems were deployed as an alternative to downhole electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) to provide the benefits of eliminating ESP workover costs, modularity regarding wellsite deployments, and enhanced maintenance operations. For this trial test evaluation method, two HPS's were deployed to boost water production to the water injection plant (WIP). To ensure a thorough evaluation, the trial test well candidates were designed to accommodate both a subsurface ESP as well as a surface HPS to provide an accurate comparison, and representation, between the different artificial lift methods. The trial test and comparison method described in this paper focused primarily on the following items; maintenance and well intervention requirements, evaluation of operational availability, including potential for cavitation and effects of interference, maximum production rates, as well as root cause engineering evaluations for mechanical seals and cooling unit auxiliary motors. Various best practices and mitigation measures were identified and are presented in this paper. With regard to the results, it was observed that each artificial lift method comprised a set of advantages and disadvantages. The decision on which type of technology to use can be dependent on several factors. Overall, the HPS's demonstrated the ability to supply water production to the WIP. The HPS did experience operational challenges in providing higher production requirements. Additional challenges were also observed in the sealing mechanism as well as the auxiliary cooling unit. Precautionary pump tripping automated protocols were taken to prevent pump cavitation due to sub-optimal intake pressure resulting from possible interference. The HPS, unlike the ESPs, did not require any workover as it is located at the wellsite and therefore resulted in substantial cost savings and was easy to maintain due to its surface application. In summary, this paper adds a new and very beneficial evaluation of HPS's, and highlights best practices and lessons learned to the existing body of literature. The new information discussed in this paper is highly beneficial to engineering selections of artificial lift methods and to the successful implementation of HPS's in the industry.

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Mitigation of the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic

International Journal of Risk and Contingency Management ◽

10.4018/ijrcm.2021040104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 39-52

Author(s):

Jan Folkmann Wright

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Biases ◽

Data Gathering ◽

Mitigation Strategy ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Collateral Damage ◽

Health Issues ◽

Virus Dissemination ◽

Differential Equation Models ◽

Interlocking Contingencies

The mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic has so far revealed large variations regarding reported infectives and fatalities from different countries and regions. The differential equation models used to simulate virus dissemination and the data gathering of infectives and diseased are however susceptible to a range of observational and cognitive biases. The high initial fatality risk reported may have motivated very radical lockdown mitigation measures. The virus mitigation strategy was also influenced by interlocking contingencies between politicians and media. The effects of the mitigative measures should however be evaluated due to their potential collateral damage to the economy as well as on public health issues not directly related to the pandemic. Lessons learned from combatting the COVID-19 pandemic should be utilized to develop knowledge and contingency preparedness to meet global tragedies and new virus pandemics, including our ability to mitigate observational and cognitive biases and to respect the habitats of wildlife.

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Lessons Learned as a Result of Terrorist Attacks * *The material in this chapter reflects solely the views of the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the policies or recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1016/b978-0-323-03253-7.50060-1 ◽

2006 ◽

pp. 335-346

Author(s):

Mark E. Keim

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Human Services ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Terrorist Attacks ◽

Health And Human Services ◽

Department Of Health ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Centers For Disease Control ◽

The U.S

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The natech events during the 17 August 1999 Kocaeli earthquake: aftermath and lessons learned

Natural Hazards and Earth System Science ◽

10.5194/nhess-11-1129-2011 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1129-1140 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

S. Girgin

Keyword(s):

Lessons Learned ◽

Emergency Planning ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Production Plant ◽

Effective Response ◽

Acrylic Fiber ◽

Industrial Facilities ◽

Kocaeli Earthquake ◽

The Public ◽

Emerging Risk

Abstract. Natural-hazard triggered technological accidents (natechs) at industrial facilities have been recognized as an emerging risk. Adequate preparedness, proper emergency planning, and effective response are crucial for the prevention of natechs and mitigation of the consequences. Under the conditions of a natural disaster, the limited resources, the possible unavailability of mitigation measures, and the lack of adequate communication complicate the management of natechs. The analysis of past natechs is crucial for learning lessons and for preventing or preparing for future natechs. The 17 August 1999, Kocaeli earthquake, which was a devastating disaster hitting one of the most industrialized regions of Turkey, offers opportunities in this respect. Among many natechs that occurred due to the earthquake, the massive fire at the TUPRAS Izmit refinery and the acrylonitrile spill at the AKSA acrylic fiber production plant were especially important and highlight problems in the consideration of natechs in emergency planning, response to industrial emergencies during natural hazards, and information to the public during and following the incidents. The analysis of these events shows that even the largest and seemingly well-prepared facilities can be vulnerable to natechs if risks are not considered adequately.

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The effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of urgent surgery: a perspective from the USA

Journal of Surgical Case Reports ◽

10.1093/jscr/rjaa109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Abhiman Cheeyandira

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Surgical Care ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

World Health ◽

Urgent Surgery ◽

The World ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

The Usa ◽

Health Organization ◽

Made In

Abstract Corona virus pandemic has affected all the 50 states in the USA. States such as NY, CA and WA being the most affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, as of 28 March 2020, the total number of cases in the USA is over 103 300 and number of deaths to 1668. In the coming weeks, COVID-19 rates are expected to begin skyrocketing and hit a peak in late April/May/June given lessons learned from China, Italy and others. COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as confirmed cases approach 575 444 patients with 26 654 deaths across over 160 countries, as of 28 March 2020. There is a lot of impact on management of the urgent and emergent cases. This article highlights the changes that are being made in delivering urgent and emergent surgical care during the pandemic.

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THE PERFORMANCE OF DAMS DURING THE WENCHUAN 5-12 EARTHQUAKE AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE EVENT

Journal of Earthquake and Tsunami ◽

10.1142/s179343111100111x ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 05 (04) ◽

pp. 309-327

Author(s):

CHUHAN ZHANG

Keyword(s):

Seismic Design ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Hydraulic Structures ◽

Triggered Earthquakes ◽

Design Specifications

The performance of dams and hydropower structures during the Wenchuan 5-12 Earthquake is reviewed. Experiences and lessons learned from the seismic catastrophe of the earthquake are summarized and comments and discussions are forwarded, on the following subjects: (1) current seismic design specifications for hydraulic structures; (2) reservoir triggered earthquakes; (3) effects of secondary earthquake disasters, especially landslides and barrier lakes; and (4) mitigation measures and facilities especially for rescue activities.

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