Mask material: challenges and virucidal properties as an effective solution against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Open Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-50
Author(s):  
Deepayan Gope ◽  
Aditya Gope ◽  
Prakash Chandra Gope
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cellulosic Biomass ◽  
Number Of Layers ◽  
Mask Material ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Materials Used

AbstractCOVID-19 viruses are primarily transmitted between people via respiratory droplets generated from an infected person while coughing, sneezing, exhaling or close contact. Hence, the use of masks are part of prevention and control measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. A comprehensive study on various materials used in masks is required. The filtration efficiency of cotton masks increases with increase in thread count and number of layers, but breathability is affected and therefore a risk for longer durations. Cotton-based masks have filtration efficiency ranging from 5% to 80% depending on the number of layers. Combinations of different hybrid fabric materials and design have an efficiency ranging from 37% to 97%. Bio-cellulose, which is derived from cellulosic biomass by synthesis techniques involving various physical and chemical processes followed by refining techniques, possesses remarkable properties including biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, etc., making it the most suitable mask material. Masks made of bio-cellulose have an important property of hydrophilicity which makes it adhere to the face tightly, giving a cooling effect to the face. Use of nanocellulose masks can help attaining filtration efficiency up to 99.9980–99.9995% along with other desirable properties. Hence, there is an immediate need to address the issues and challenges of mask materials and work towards the design and development of low cost masks to overcome these shortcomings by the researchers and manufacturers.

scholarly journals N95 respirators, disposable procedure masks and reusable cloth face coverings: total inward leakage and filtration efficiency of materials against aerosol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Duncan ◽  
Paul Bodurtha ◽  
Syed Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Protection Factor ◽  
Protection Level ◽  
Aerosol Emission ◽  
Mask Material ◽  
Preventive Health Measure ◽  
The Face ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Penetration Tests

AbstractHumans expel physiological particles continuously through normal respiratory activities such as breathing, talking, coughing and sneezing; a portion of these are aerosol in the size range <5.0 µm. Misconceptions exist on how to best implement face coverings as an effective preventive health measure against potentially infectious respiratory generated aerosol. The aim of this study was to characterise the performance of face coverings against aerosol when worn by individuals, and to quantify the maximum aerosol penetration through the material used in the construction of each mask. The former addresses their use as a means of possible protection against aerosol present in the environment and the latter having relevance to filtration and reducing human generated aerosol from reaching the environment. Face covering performance was assessed by measuring the total inward leakage of aerosol through the mask material and face seal. Aerosol penetration was measured on swatches of material taken from the face covering. An inert polydisperse charge-neutralized NaCl aerosol, with a distribution ranging from 0.023 µm to 5 μm in diameter, was used for the experiments.Total inward leakage tests were completed to assess the protection factor for nine variations of face coverings, including seven reusable cloth masks, of which six were homemade and one was commercially manufactured, and two styles of disposable procedure masks, one with ear loops and one with ties. Our results have shown that face coverings in general provide the wearer only limited protection against aerosol in the environment. All reusable cloth face coverings obtained a practical protection level of less than 2. The performance of the disposable procedure masks varied from 1.7 to 3.6. The mean practical protection level for the nine face coverings was 1.95 with a standard deviation of 0.89. Comparatively, a N95 respirator achieved a protection factor of 166. We have further shown that aerosol readily penetrates through most materials used in face coverings. Aerosol swatch penetration tests were completed on six different fabrics commonly available for reusable homemade face coverings, four different material systems comprised of multiple material types, eight different disposable procedure masks and the filtering material from three different N95 respirators. Maximum aerosol penetration through the six common fabrics varied from 39% to 91%; for systems comprised of multiple types of materials 4% to 23%; for materials used in disposable procedure masks 16% to 80%; and for filtering materials used in N95 respirators 1.0% to 1.9%. We also highlight that with the exception of some of the reusable cloth materials, penetration of particulates at 5 µm diameter, representing the minimum filtration efficiency that could be achieved against droplets, was insignificant; the six common fabrics showed penetration from 1% to 44%; the fabric systems comprised of multiple types of materials <0.9%; the materials used in disposable procedure masks <0.9% to 6%; and the filtering materials used in three different N95 respirators <0.9%. The observations from this study directly demonstrate that face coverings may be optimized by incorporating high filtration efficiency materials in their construction. Face coverings with an enhanced level of filtration would be of benefit in circumstances where SARS-CoV-2 may be present in the aerosol of infected individuals to reduce aerosol emission from respiratory activities penetrating through into the environment.

An evaluation model of 2019-nCoV prevention effectiveness based on immigration data in China (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiangsheng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Related Data ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Best Fit

BACKGROUND As of the end of February 2020, 2019-nCoV is currently well controlled in China. However, the virus is now spreading globally. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of outbreak prevention and control measures in a region. METHODS A model is built for find the best fit for two sets of data (the number of daily new diagnosed, and the risk value of incoming immigration population). The parameters (offset and time window) in the model can be used as the evaluation of effectiveness of outbreak prevention and control. RESULTS Through study, it is found that the parameter offset and time window in the model can accurately reflect the prevention effectiveness. Some related data and public news confirm this result. And this method has advantages over the method using R0 in two aspects. CONCLUSIONS If the epidemic situation is well controlled, the virus is not terrible. Now the daily new diagnosed patients in most regions of China is quickly reduced to zero or close to zero. Chinese can do a good job in the face of huge epidemic pressure. Therefore, if other countries can do well in prevention and control, the epidemic in those places can also pass quickly.

Mass SARS-CoV-2 Testing in a Dormitory-Style Correctional Facility in Arkansas

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e10
Author(s):  
Lindsay K. Tompkins ◽  
Jayleen K. L. Gunn ◽  
Blake Cherney ◽  
Jason E. Ham ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Correctional Facility ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Strict Enforcement ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Respiratory Specimens

Objectives. To assess SARS-CoV-2 transmission within a correctional facility and recommend mitigation strategies. Methods. From April 29 to May 15, 2020, we established the point prevalence of COVID-19 among incarcerated persons and staff within a correctional facility in Arkansas. Participants provided respiratory specimens for SARS-CoV-2 testing and completed questionnaires on symptoms and factors associated with transmission. Results. Of 1647 incarcerated persons and 128 staff tested, 30.5% of incarcerated persons (range by housing unit = 0.0%–58.2%) and 2.3% of staff tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among those who tested positive and responded to symptom questions (431 incarcerated persons, 3 staff), 81.2% and 33.3% were asymptomatic, respectively. Most incarcerated persons (58.0%) reported wearing cloth face coverings 8 hours or less per day, and 63.3% reported close contact with someone other than their bunkmate. Conclusions. If testing remained limited to symptomatic individuals, fewer cases would have been detected or detection would have been delayed, allowing transmission to continue. Rapid implementation of mass testing and strict enforcement of infection prevention and control measures may be needed to mitigate spread of SARS-CoV-2 in this setting. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print March 18, 2021: e1–e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306117 )

An evaluation model of 2019-nCoV prevention and control effectiveness based on immigration data in China (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiangsheng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Control Effectiveness ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Best Fit

BACKGROUND As of the end of February 2020, 2019-nCoV is currently well controlled in China. However, the virus is now spreading globally. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of outbreak prevention and control measures in a region. METHODS A model is built for find the best fit for two sets of data (the number of daily new diagnosed, and the risk value of incoming immigration population). The parameters (offset and window) in the model can be used as the evaluation of effectiveness of outbreak prevention and control. RESULTS Through study, it is found that the parameter offset and window in the model can accurately reflect the prevention effectiveness. Some related data and public news confirm this result. And this method has advantages over the method using R0 in two aspects. CONCLUSIONS If the epidemic situation is well controlled, the virus is not terrible. Now the daily new diagnosed patients in most regions of China is quickly reduced to zero or close to zero. Chinese can do a good job in the face of huge epidemic pressure. Therefore, if other countries can do well in prevention and control, the epidemic in those places can also pass quickly.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the awareness level of Healthcare workers toward NCOVID-2019 in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Imdad ◽  
Uzair Abbas ◽  
Ambrina Qureshi ◽  
Sehrish Mohsin ◽  
Amna Shireen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
And Control ◽  
Awareness Level

AbstractBackgroundNovel Coronavirus infection disease 2019 (NCOVID-19), caused by the corona virus, was first spotted in Wuhan, city of China, December 2019. The NCOVID-19 virus is spread among individuals through close communication in the form of droplets, not via airborne. Those individuals are at risk of infection who are in close contact with a NCOVID-19 patient or who take care of NCOVID-19 patients. Infection prevention and control measures are critical to prevent the possible spread of any infection in healthcare facilities. Therefore, healthcare workers should be aware of basic knowledge and all procedures concerning prevention and protection from NCOVID-19.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the awareness level of healthcare workers toward NCOVID-2019 in Pakistan.Material and MethodsA questionnaire was generated according to WHO information that was circulated among the healthcare workers of different hospitals and medical institutes of Pakistan. Calculated sample size was 650.ConclusionHealthcare workers have insufficient knowledge of preventive measures and infection control. The authorities must take initiatives on urgent basis to increase the awareness among the healthcare workers and general public also so that the drastic circumstances can be avoided in the developing country like Pakistan.

scholarly journals The belief in health in the adoption of COVID-19 prevention and control measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khelyane Mesquita de Carvalho ◽  
Cynthia Roberta Dias Torres Silva ◽  
Sarah Giulia Bandeira Felipe ◽  
Marcia Teles de Oliveira Gouveia
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Communication Processes ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
False News ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
The Health Belief Model

ABSTRACT Objective: Reflect, in the light of the Health Belief Model, on the adoption of behavioral measures in the context of COVID-19. Methods: Theoretical-reflective essay, based on the Health Belief Model, to reflect on adherence to preventive behaviors in the pandemic of COVID-19. Results: Adherence to preventive behaviors is strongly influenced by socioeconomic, territorial, political and individual factors in the face of critical health situations. In addition, the spread of false news modulates the thinking and execution of behavioral actions in the population. Final Considerations: It is necessary to understand the importance of health communication processes and the use of tools aimed at responsible human behavior and engaged in the adoption of a preventive posture.

scholarly journals The selection of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control programs based on group decision-making

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunsheng Cui ◽  
Baiqiu Li ◽  
Liu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Integration Scheme ◽  
Control Effect ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Control Scheme ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

AbstractCOVID-19 has been wreaking havoc on the world for close to two years. As the virus continues to mutate, epidemic prevention and control has become a long and experienced war. In the face of the sudden spread of virus strains, how to quickly and effectively formulate prevention and control plans are essential to ensuring the safety and social stability of cities. This paper is based on the characteristics, namely, its persistence and the high transmissibility of mutated strains, as well as the database of epidemic prevention and control plans formed as part of the existing prevention and control measures. Then, epidemic prevention experts select effective alternatives from the program database and rank their preferences through the preliminary analysis of the local epidemic situation. The process of the integration scheme aims to minimize the differences in an effort to maximize the needs of the local epidemic. Once the consensus ranking of the scheme is obtained, the final prevention and control scheme can be determined. The proposed method of this paper can optimize the opinions of the epidemic prevention expert group and form a consensus decision, whilst also saving time by carrying out the work effectively, which is of certain practical significance to the prevention and control effect of local outbreaks.

scholarly journals Recomendaciones para el cuidado y la atención de los recién nacidos prematuros en tiempos de la pandemia de COVID-19: Revisión integrada de la literatura.

2021 ◽  
Vol 81 (03) ◽  
pp. 262-272
Author(s):  
Adriana Matos Ferraz Florindo ◽  
Giovanna Campos Gavasso ◽  
Jaqueline Pereira Lopes ◽  
Júlia Oliveira Gomes Vieira ◽  
Rafael de Melo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Neonatal Nursing ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Initial Care ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Neonatal Population

Objective: To describe recommendations for the care and handling of preterm infants in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Methods: Integrated Literature Review (ILR) conducted in 2020 in databases in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) by extracting scientific productions from the databases: MEDLINE, SCIELO, PUBMED and LILACS, with a final sample of 14 publications. Results: Among the recommendations found in the studies analyzed, regarding childbirth, it is recommended to choose the best time, route and place, prioritizing the use of a negative pressure room. After delivery, newborns should have the umbilical cord clamped, be cleaned and dried as soon as possible, and isolated and tested early. After initial care, the use of a mask and hand hygiene is recommended before each meal or other close contact with the newborn. Ideally, suspected or contaminated RN should be kept in isolation and constantly monitored, with a quarantine period of at least 14 days. Conclusions: The knowledge of nurses and other health care professionals about prevention and control measures for newborn infection with COVID-19 is critical to the prevention, control, and reduction of the impact of the pandemic on the neonatal population. Keywords: Coronavirus infections, COVID-19, Nursing Care, Neonatal Nursing and Premature Birth Infections

scholarly journals Nosocomial Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in a “non-COVID-19” Hospital Ward: Virus Genome Sequencing as a Key Tool to Understand Cryptic Transmission

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 604
Author(s):  
Vítor Borges ◽  
Joana Isidro ◽  
Filipe Macedo ◽  
José Neves ◽  
Luís Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Virus Genome ◽  
Hospital Ward ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures

Dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in healthcare institutions affects both patients and health-care workers (HCW), as well as the institutional capacity to provide essential health services. Here, we investigated an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in a “non-COVID-19” hospital ward unveiled by massive testing, which challenged the reconstruction of transmission chains. The contacts network during the 15-day period before the screening was investigated, and positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples were subjected to virus genome sequencing. Of the 245 tested individuals, 48 (21 patients and 27 HCWs) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. HCWs were mostly asymptomatic, but the mortality among patients reached 57.1% (12/21). Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that all cases were part of the same transmission chain. By combining contact tracing and genomic data, including analysis of emerging minor variants, we unveiled a scenario of silent SARS-CoV-2 dissemination, mostly driven by the close contact within the HCWs group and between HCWs and patients. This investigation triggered enhanced prevention and control measures, leading to more timely detection and containment of novel outbreaks. This study shows the benefit of combining genomic and epidemiological data for disclosing complex nosocomial outbreaks, and provides valuable data to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities.

Knowledge and Awareness of Dengue Fever

2018 ◽  
pp. 219-222
Author(s):  
Y. Arockia Suganthi ◽  
Chitra K. ◽  
J. Magelin Mary
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Transmission ◽  
Standard Guideline ◽  
The World ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Dengue Prevention ◽  
And Control

Dengue fever is a painful mosquito-borne infection caused by different types of virus in various localities of the world. There is no particular medicine or vaccine to treat person suffering from dengue fever. Dengue viruses are transmitted by the bite of female Aedes (Ae) mosquitoes. Dengue fever viruses are mainly transmitted by Aedes which can be active in tropical or subtropical climates. Aedes Aegypti is the key step to avoid infection transmission to save millions of people in all over the world. This paper provides a standard guideline in the planning of dengue prevention and control measures. At the same time gives the priorities including clinical management and hospitalized dengue patients have to address essentially.

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