scholarly journals Pandemic, but Make It Fashion: Ukrainian Embroidered PPE in the Time of COVID-19

Folklorica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 27-50
Author(s):  
Katya Chomitzky
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Preventative Measure ◽  
Cultural Symbols ◽  
Cultural Traditions ◽  
Common Purpose ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Health Organization

Embroidered pandemic wear has become one of the newest cultural fashion trends to emerge in Ukraine and within its Canadian diaspora. This article explores the ways in which embroidery as a traditional form of culture retains meaning within modern contexts, while also serving as a vehicle for experimenting with atypical applications of cultural symbols and representations. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, cloth masks have been recommended by public health officials, including the World Health Organization, as a preventative measure to limit the spread of the virus. On the basis of digital fieldwork, I discuss the meanings and inspirations behind these embroidered masks, while conducting a material culture analysis of the objects themselves. I argue that, through a subversion of their common purpose— to hide one’s identity— masks have been used in the pandemic as an open/performative display of culture. I contend that this display acts as a means to promote tradition through ephemera and assert cultural importance. This, coupled with the personal/private use of embroidery as a protective talisman, has fueled a trend of embroidered personal protective equipment in popular culture. In this article, I examine the purpose, use, and form of these masks in order to bring light to the ways in which cultural traditions and objects act (and developed prevalence) as a form of pandemic response.

Recomendações de equipamentos de proteção individual no combate ao COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (31) ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
Nicole Maria Miyamoto Bettini ◽  
Fabiana Tomé Ramos ◽  
Priscila Masquetto Vieira de Almeida
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

A Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS confirmou a circulação internacional do novo Coronavírus em janeiro de 2020, nomeando-o como COVID-19 e, declarando uma pandemia. É de extrema importância que durante a pandemia, os profissionais de saúde tenham acesso e conhecimento sobre o uso correto dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) e suas indicações, tomando assim, as devidas precauções na prevenção de infecções. O presente estudo buscou identificar a padronização mundial quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a pacientes suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil, EUA, China, Espanha, Itália e demais países europeus. Os guidelines apresentam a padronização quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19, indo ao encontro das recomendações fornecidas pela OMS. Até o momento, o uso de EPIs é sem dúvida a estratégia mais importante e eficaz para proteger os profissionais de saúde durante a assistência ao paciente com COVID-19.Descritores: Infecções por Coronavírus, Equipamento de Proteção Individual, Pessoal de Saúde, Enfermagem. Recommendations for personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19Abstract: The World Health Organization - WHO confirmed the international circulation of the new Coronavirus in January 2020, naming it as COVID-19 and declaring a pandemic. It is extremely important that during the pandemic, health professionals have access and knowledge about the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its indications, thus taking appropriate precautions to prevent infections. The present study sought to identify the worldwide standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, USA, China, Spain, Italy and other European countries. The guidelines present a standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed with COVID-19, in line with the recommendations provided by WHO. To date, the use of PPE is undoubtedly the most important and effective strategy to protect healthcare professionals during care for patients with COVID-19.Descriptors: Coronavirus Infections, Personal Protective Equipment, Health Personnel, Nursing. Recomendaciones para el equipo de protección personal para combatir COVID-19Resumen: La Organización Mundial de la Salud - La OMS confirmó la circulación internacional del nuevo Coronavirus en enero de 2020, nombrándolo COVID-19 y declarando una pandemia. Es extremadamente importante que durante la pandemia, los profesionales de la salud tengan acceso y conocimiento sobre el uso correcto del Equipo de Protección Personal (EPP) y sus indicaciones, tomando así las precauciones adecuadas para prevenir infecciones. El presente estudio buscó identificar la estandarización mundial con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para atender a pacientes sospechosos y/o confirmados con COVID-19 en Brasil, Estados Unidos, China, España, Italia y otros países europeos. Las pautas presentan la estandarización con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para cuidar COVID-19 sospechoso y/o confirmado, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones proporcionadas por la OMS. Hasta la fecha, el uso de EPP es, sin duda, la estrategia más importante y efectiva para proteger a los profesionales de la salud durante la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.Descriptores: Infecciones por Coronavirus, Equipo de Protección Personal, Personal de Salud, Enfermería.

Skull Base Aerosol Generating Cases Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experience from the Epicenter

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosef Dastagirzada ◽  
Olga Klauberg ◽  
Kathleen Sheerin ◽  
Seth Lieberman ◽  
Richard Lebowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Preoperative Testing ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Theoretical Risk

AbstractSoon after the World Health Organization declared the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 a global health emergency on January 30, 2020, New York City was plagued by the virus and its health system and economy pushed to their limits. The majority of the limited neurosurgical data in relation to COVID-19 is anecdotal and the higher theoretical risk of transmission of the virus among skull base aerosol generating (SBAG) cases has not been investigated or discussed in a neurosurgical population. We discuss a series of 13 patients who underwent 15 SBAG surgical procedures during the peak of COVID-19 in our hospital system and the protocols use perioperatively for their procedures. Our data support that with proper preoperative testing, a well-delineated surgical algorithm, and appropriate personal protective equipment, emergent/urgent cases can be done safely in hospitals that are currently experiencing high volumes of COVID-19 cases as we did in March to May of 2020.

scholarly journals Clinical Considerations in Otorhinolaryngology Practice in COVID-19 Pandemic Era

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 297-303
Author(s):  
Soo Ah Son ◽  
Se Hwan Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Upper Aerodigestive Tract ◽  
The World ◽  
Clinical Considerations ◽  
Health Organization

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic originated in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly worldwide, leading the World Health Organization to declare an official global COVID- 19 pandemic in March 2020. The upper aero-digestive tract is known to be the highest viral load reside. The infection spreads via droplets or direct contact with contaminated surfaces via aeorsol. The otolaryngologists deal with diseases of the upper-aerodigestive tract and routinely are engaged in respiratory droplet and aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). In particular, because airborne transmission occurs during examination and AGP, otolaryngologists are considered to be at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 during this pandemic. Therefore otolaryngologists need to do precautions to protect staff and patients and minimize transmission of the disease. We also need to wear adequate personal protective equipment according to the examination and procedure. This article discusses the disease transmission and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 as well as precaution guidelines in outpatient clinics of otorhinolaryngology.

A Qualitative Comparison of the Covex Respirator with Face Shield Versus the N95 Respirator

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reid Mimmack ◽  
Elijah Germo ◽  
Garrett Augustine ◽  
Kumar Belani
Keyword(s):  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Current Medical ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Qualitative Comparison ◽  
Medical Standard ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic led to concerns of shortages regarding healthcare-related resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and more. The uniquely designed COVEX respirator with face shield was engineered and manufactured by Augustine Surgical, Inc. to combat the PPE shortage. The novel COVEX mask is an “all-in-one” face shield and filter with a Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) greater than 99%. A standard respirator qualitative fit test was completed on the COVEX respirator as well as the current medical standard 3M N95 respirator. Fit test studies comparing the two masks yielded similar outcomes. The COVEX respirator had a qualitative fit test pass rate of 96.6% and the 3M N95 respirator had a pass rate of 93.3% (n=30). Participants also reported other variables comparing the comfort and fit of each mask, which is described further in the discussion. The COVEX respirator with face shield passed a standardized qualitative fit test at a rate similar to the current medical standard N95 respirator. Our results suggest that the COVEX mask may be a viable PPE option in the future.

scholarly journals The Inadequacy of Regulatory Frameworks in Time of Crisis and in Low-Resource Settings: Personal Protective Equipment and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1375-1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Pecchia ◽  
Davide Piaggio ◽  
Alessia Maccaro ◽  
Claudio Formisano ◽  
Ernesto Iadanza
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
International Standards ◽  
National Standards ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
The World ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic is plaguing the world and representing the most significant stress test for many national healthcare systems and services, since their foundation. The supply-chain disruption and the unprecedented request for intensive care unit (ICU) beds have created in Europe conditions typical of low-resources settings. This generated a remarkable race to find solutions for the prevention, treatment and management of this disease which is involving a large amount of people. Every day, new Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions regarding personal protective equipment and medical devices populate social media feeds. Many companies (e.g., automotive or textile) are converting their traditional production to manufacture the most needed equipment (e.g., respirators, face shields, ventilators etc.). In this chaotic scenario, policy makers, international and national standards bodies, along with the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientific societies are making a joint effort to increase global awareness and knowledge about the importance of respecting the relevant requirements to guarantee appropriate quality and safety for patients and healthcare workers. Nonetheless, ordinary procedures for testing and certification are currently questioned and empowered with fast-track pathways in order to speed-up the deployment of new solutions for COVID-19. This paper shares critical reflections on the current regulatory framework for the certification of personal protective equipment. We hope that these reflections may help readers in navigating the framework of regulations, norms and international standards relevant for key personal protective equipment, sharing a subset of tests that should be deemed essential even in a period of crisis.

scholarly journals Between art and information: communicating world health, 1948–70

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Medcalf
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Public Information ◽  
World Health ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
The World ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Health Situation ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWith the advent of new media technologies and approaches in the twentieth century, public health officials became convinced that health needed mass media support. The World Health Organization believed that educating people, as well as informing them about the health situation around the world, could assist in the enduring fight against disease. Yet in an increasingly competitive media landscape, the agency recognized the need to persuade people and hold their attention through attractive presentation. Public information, the name given to the multiple strategies used to communicate with the public, was rarely straightforward and required the agency not only to monitor the impact of its own efforts but also to identify opportunities to further enhance its reputation, especially when this was in danger of damage or misappropriation. The WHO’s understanding of public information provides insights into the development of international information, communication, and education networks and practices after 1945, as well as the increasingly central position of these processes in generating support for and evincing the value of international organizations.

scholarly journals An Explainable approach to Deep Learning from CT-scans for Covid Identification

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Soares ◽  
Plamen Angelov ◽  
Ziyang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
World Health ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Heat Map ◽  
Algorithm Performance ◽  
Decision Mechanism ◽  
The World ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Decision Structure ◽  
Health Organization

The Covid-19 disease has spread widely over the whole world since the beginning of 2020. Following the epidemic which started in Wuhan, China on January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency and a pandemic. Researchers of different disciplines work along with public health officials to understand the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and jointly with the policymakers urgently develop strategies to control the spread of this new disease. Recent findings have observed specific image patterns from computed tomography (CT) for patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 which are distinct from the other pulmonary diseases. In this paper, we propose an explainable-by-design that has an integrated image segmentation mechanism based on SLIC that improves the algorithm performance and the interpretability of the resulting model. In order to evaluate the proposed approach, we used the SARS-CoV-2 CT scan dataset that we published recently and has been widely used in the literature. The proposed Super-xDNN could obtain statistically better results than traditional deep learning approaches as DenseNet-201 and Resnet-152. Furthermore, it also improved the explainability and interpretability of its decision mechanism when compared with the xDNN basis approach that uses the whole image as prototype. The segmentation mechanism of Super-xDNN favored a decision structure that is more close to the human logic. Moreover, it also allowed the provision of new insights as a heat-map which highlights the areas with highest similarities with Covid-19 prototypes, and an estimation of the area affected by the disease.

scholarly journals Routine personal protective equipment in COVID-19 pandemic: What dentists need to know

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 102-106
Author(s):  
Ankita Kar ◽  
Udayan Bhaumik ◽  
Vineeth Kumar ◽  
V. Shwetha ◽  
Shruthi Nagaraja
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Outpatient Procedures ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Health Organization

The coronavirus pandemic of 2019 has increased the risk of occupational cross infections among dentists. Dental procedures are inherently risky in this scenario due to the need for close proximity with patients and generation of aerosols and splatters. Regulatory dental health bodies, including World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, and American Dental Association, have devised guidelines for various forms Personal protective equipment for routine outpatient procedures during this pandemic and in the post-COVID-19 world. Stringent regulations are also advisable to conserve these resources at a time when the threat of COVID-19 is likely to persist indefinitely.

scholarly journals Biomedical engineering and ethics: reflections on medical devices and PPE during the first wave of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Maccaro ◽  
Davide Piaggio ◽  
Concetta Anna Dodaro ◽  
Leandro Pecchia
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The World ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Clinical Engineers

AbstractIn March 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that humanity was entering a global pandemic phase. This unforeseen situation caught everyone unprepared and had a major impact on several professional categories that found themselves facing important ethical dilemmas. The article revolves around the category of biomedical and clinical engineers, which were among those most involved in dealing with and finding solutions to the pandemic. In hindsight, the major issues brought to the attention of biomedical engineers have raised important ethical implications, such as the allocation of resources, the responsibilities of science and the inadequacy and non-universality of the norms and regulations on biomedical devices and personal protective equipment. These issues, analyzed one year after the first wave of the pandemic, come together in the appeal for responsibility for thought, action and, sometimes, even silence. This highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity and the definitive collapse of the Cartesian fragmentation of knowledge, calling for the creation of more fora, where this kind of discussions can be promoted.

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