scholarly journals Citizen science highlights litter associated with COVID-19 as a potential threat on the island of Mindanao, Philippines: a marine biodiversity hotspot

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Angelo Abreo ◽  
Vladimer Kobayashi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspot ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Negative Interaction ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Marine Litter

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic is expected to exacerbate the marine litter problem. The use of disposable personal protective equipment (e.g., facemasks) will result to increase in marine plastics pollution. Here we explored the potential of citizen science to determine the distribution of marine litter associated with COVID-19 in Mindanao, Philippines. Volunteers were invited through social media, contributing geotagged photographs of marine litter associated with COVID-19. Although the information is limited, results showed the possible pervasiveness of marine litter associated with COVID-19. Since the waters surrounding the Southern Philippines is known to host high marine biodiversity, the potential negative interaction of marine litter associated with COVID-19 and marine species is inevitable. The contribution of citizen science to address some of the limitations on marine litter research is highlighted and is recommended to be explored further.

scholarly journals Development of Tribo-Electroceutical Fabrics for Potential Application in Self-sanitizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayan Bayan ◽  
Aniruddha Adhikari ◽  
Uttam Pal ◽  
Ria Ghosh ◽  
Susmita Mondal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Optimum Structure ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Mechanistic Pathway ◽  
Microbial Infections ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Functional Prototype

AbstractAttachment of microbial bodies including coronavirus on the surface of personal protective equipment (PPE) is found to be potential threat of spreading infection. Here, we report the development of a novel tribo-electroceutical fabric (TECF) consisting of commonly available materials namely Nylon, and Silicone Rubber (SR) for the fabrication of protective gloves on Nitrile platform, as a model wearable PPE. A small triboelectric device (2 cm × 2 cm) consisting of SR and Nylon on Nitrile can generate more than 20 volt transient or 41 µW output power, which is capable of charging a capacitor up to 65 V in only ∼50 sec. The novelty of the present work relies on the TECF led anti-microbial activity through the generation of an electric current in saline water. The fabrication of TECF based functional prototype gloves can generate hypochlorite ions through the formation of electrolysed water upon rubbing them with saline water. Further a computational modelling has been employed to reveal the optimum structure and mechanistic pathway of anti-microbial hypochlorite generation. Detailed anti-microbial assays have been performed to establish effectiveness of such TECF based gloves to reduce the risk from life threatening pathogen spreading. The present work provides the rationale to consider the studied TECF, or other material with comparable properties, as material of choice for the development of self-sanitizing PPE in the fight against microbial infections including COVID-19.

scholarly journals Global shifts in species richness have shaped carpet shark evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bret M. Boyd ◽  
Jason C. Seitz
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetics ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspot ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Evolutionary Processes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Subsequent Loss ◽  
Shallow Seas

Abstract Background The evolutionary processes that shape patterns of species richness in marine ecosystems are complex and may differ between organismal groups. There has been considerable interest in understanding the evolutionary processes that led to marine species richness being concentrated in specific geographical locations. In this study we focus on the evolutionary history of a group of small-to-medium sized sharks known as carpet sharks. While a few carpet shark species are widespread, the majority of carpet shark species richness is contained within a biodiversity hotspot at the boundary of the Indian and Pacific oceans. We address the significance of this biodiversity hotspot in carpet shark evolution and speciation by leveraging a rich fossil record and molecular phylogenetics to examine the prehistoric distribution of carpet sharks. Results We find that carpet sharks species richness was greatest in shallow seas connected to the Atlantic Ocean during the Late Cretaceous, but that there was a subsequent loss of biodiversity in Atlantic waters. Fossil evidence from sites in close geographic proximity to the current center of carpet shark diversity are generally restricted to younger geologic strata. Conclusions From this data we conclude that (1) center of carpet shark biodiversity has shifted during the last 100 million years, (2) carpet sharks have repeatedly dispersed to nascent habitat (including to their current center of diversity), and (3) the current center of carpet shark biodiversity conserves lineages that have been extirpated from this prehistoric range and is a source of new carpet shark species. Our findings provide insights into the roles of marine biodiversity hotspots for higher-tropic level predators and the methods applied here can be used for additional studies of shark evolution.

scholarly journals #Caremongering: A community-led social movement to address health and social needs during COVID-19

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245483
Author(s):  
Hsien Seow ◽  
Kayla McMillan ◽  
Margaret Civak ◽  
Daryl Bainbridge ◽  
Alison van der Wal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Movement ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Entire Nation

Background To combat social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions due to COVID-19, Canadian communities began a Facebook social media movement, #Caremongering, to support vulnerable individuals in their communities. Little research has examined the spread and use of #Caremongering to address community health and social needs. Objectives We examined the rate at which #Caremongering grew across Canada, the main ways the groups were used, and differences in use by membership size and activity. Methods We searched Facebook Groups using the term “Caremongering” combined with the names of the largest population centres in every province and territory in Canada. We extracted available Facebook analytics on all the groups found, restricted to public groups that operated in English. We further conducted a content analysis of themes from postings in 30 groups using purposive sampling. Posted content was qualitatively analyzed to determine consistent themes across the groups and between those with smaller and larger member numbers. Results The search of Facebook groups across 185 cities yielded 130 unique groups, including groups from all 13 provinces and territories in Canada. Total membership across all groups as of May 4, 2020 was 194,879. The vast majority were formed within days of the global pandemic announcement, two months prior. There were four major themes identified: personal protective equipment, offer, need, and information. Few differences were found between how large and small groups were being used. Conclusions The #Caremongering Facebook groups spread across the entire nation in a matter of days, engaging hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Social media appears to be a useful tool for spreading community-led solutions to address health and social needs.

scholarly journals Characterization of community-based donation of personal protective equipment to an academic health center during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Ronda S. Farah ◽  
James T. Pathoulas ◽  
Nathan Rubin ◽  
Lisa M. Hursin ◽  
Molly A. Wyman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Building Community ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Objective: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) early in the pandemic. Healthcare systems asked for public donations of PPE and established community drop-off sites. Herein, we aim to profile community PPE donors at one large academic medical center including evaluation of donor industry, public messaging, and psychosocial aspects of donation.Methods: A survey was created and distributed to donors at two urban PPE drop-off sites between March and April 2020. Targeted donors and drop-off sites were located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area (approximate population of 3.5 million people).Results: A total of 486 surveys were completed. Nearly half (47.3%) of PPE donated was initially intended for personal use. Donors primarily learned of PPE collection efforts through word of mouth (23.2%) and social media (22.7%). The most frequently reported barrier to donation included distance between donors and drop off sites or location (27.8%). Donors rated the severity of the PPE shortage in the state as a 7.8 ± 1.7 out of 10. There was a slight correlation between donors assessment of COVID-19 severity and feeling that their donation was a meaningful contribution against COVID-19 (r = 0.21, p = .00).Conclusions: Future community collection campaigns during widespread disasters should prioritize mobilizing privately held goods from individuals rather than small businesses. Public messaging around donation should utilize simple narratives that are easily shareable via social media and evoke donation as a means of building community.

scholarly journals #Caremongering: A community-led social movement to address health and social needs during COVID-19 (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsien Seow ◽  
Kayla McMillan ◽  
Margaret Civak ◽  
Daryl Bainbridge ◽  
Alison van der Wal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Movement ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Entire Nation ◽  
Large Groups

BACKGROUND To combat social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions due to COVID-19, Canadian communities began a Facebook social media movement, #Caremongering, to support vulnerable individuals in their communities. Little research has examined the spread and use of #Caremongering to address community health and social needs. OBJECTIVE We examined the size and speed at which #Caremongering spread across Canada, the main ways the groups were used, and differences in use by membership size and activity. METHODS We searched Facebook Groups using the term “Caremongering” combined with the names of the largest population centres in every province and territory in Canada. We extracted available Facebook analytics on all the groups found, restricted to public groups that operated in English. We further conducted a content analysis of themes from postings in 30 groups using purposive sampling. Group content was qualitatively analyzed to determine consistent themes across the sites and between small and large groups. RESULTS The search of Facebook sites across 185 cities yielded 130 unique groups, including groups from all 13 provinces and territories in Canada. Total membership across all groups as of May 4, 2020 was 194,879. The vast majority were formed within days of the global pandemic announcement, two months prior. There were four major themes identified: personal protective equipment, offer, need, and information. Few differences were found between how large and small groups were being used. CONCLUSIONS The #Caremongering Facebook groups spread across the entire nation in a matter of days, engaging hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Social media appears to be a useful tool for spreading community-led solutions to address health and social needs.

scholarly journals Characterization of community-based donation of personal protective equipment to an academic health center during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Alexandra N. Fuher ◽  
James T. Pathoulas ◽  
Nathan Rubin ◽  
Lisa M. Hursin ◽  
Molly A. Wyman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Building Community ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Objective: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) early in the pandemic. Healthcare systems asked for public donations of PPE and established community drop-off sites. Herein, we aim to profile community PPE donors at one large academic medical center including evaluation of donor industry, public messaging, and psychosocial aspects of donation.Methods: A survey was created and distributed to donors at two urban PPE drop-off sites between March and April 2020. Targeted donors and drop-off sites were located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area (approximate population of 3.5 million people).Results: A total of 486 surveys were completed. Nearly half (47.3%) of PPE donated was initially intended for personal use. Donors primarily learned of PPE collection efforts through word of mouth (23.2%) and social media (22.7%). The most frequently reported barrier to donation included distance between donors and drop off sites or location (27.8%). Donors rated the severity of the PPE shortage in the state as a 7.8 ± 1.7 out of 10. There was a slight correlation between donors assessment of COVID-19 severity and feeling that their donation was a meaningful contribution against COVID-19 (r = 0.21, p = .00).Conclusions: Future community collection campaigns during widespread disasters should prioritize mobilizing privately held goods from individuals rather than small businesses. Public messaging around donation should utilize simple narratives that are easily shareable via social media and evoke donation as a means of building community.

scholarly journals How 3D Printing and Social Media Tackles the PPE Shortage during Covid – 19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Vordos ◽  
Despoina A. Gkika ◽  
George Maliaris ◽  
Konstantinos E. Tilkeridis ◽  
Anastasia Antoniou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Additive Technology ◽  
The Web

AbstractDuring the recent Covid-19 pandemic, additive Technology and Social Media were used to tackle the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment. A literature review and a social media listening software were employed to explore the number of the users referring to specific keywords related to 3D printing and PPE. Additionally, the QALY model was recruited to highlight the importance of the PPE usage. More than 7 billion users used the keyword covid or similar in the web while mainly Twitter and Facebook were used as a world platform for PPE designs distribution through individuals and more than 100 different 3D printable PPE designs were developed.

Curating the Evidence on Role of Personal Protective Equipment in COVID-19: A Review of Scientific Publications and Social Media Recommendations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zainab Bhuriwala ◽  
Asma Akbar Ladak ◽  
Hussain Ahmed Raza ◽  
Muhammad Ibrahim Habib ◽  
Kaleem Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Scientific Publications

scholarly journals ‘COVID waste’ and social media as method: an archaeology of personal protective equipment and its contribution to policy

Antiquity ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
John Schofield ◽  
Estelle Praet ◽  
Kathy A. Townsend ◽  
Joanna Vince
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Protective Equipment

Abstract

Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Medicine in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: An International Survey in April 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (04) ◽  
pp. 294-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutz S. Freudenberg ◽  
Ulf Dittmer ◽  
Ken Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Medicine ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Public Versus Private ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Preparations of health systems to accommodate large number of severely ill COVID-19 patients in March/April 2020 has a significant impact on nuclear medicine departments. Materials and Methods A web-based questionnaire was designed to differentiate the impact of the pandemic on inpatient and outpatient nuclear medicine operations and on public versus private health systems, respectively. Questions were addressing the following issues: impact on nuclear medicine diagnostics and therapy, use of recommendations, personal protective equipment, and organizational adaptations. The survey was available for 6 days and closed on April 20, 2020. Results 113 complete responses were recorded. Nearly all participants (97 %) report a decline of nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures. The mean reduction in the last three weeks for PET/CT, scintigraphies of bone, myocardium, lung thyroid, sentinel lymph-node are –14.4 %, –47.2 %, –47.5 %, –40.7 %, –58.4 %, and –25.2 % respectively. Furthermore, 76 % of the participants report a reduction in therapies especially for benign thyroid disease (-41.8 %) and radiosynoviorthesis (–53.8 %) while tumor therapies remained mainly stable. 48 % of the participants report a shortage of personal protective equipment. Conclusions Nuclear medicine services are notably reduced 3 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic reached Germany, Austria and Switzerland on a large scale. We must be aware that the current crisis will also have a significant economic impact on the healthcare system. As the survey cannot adapt to daily dynamic changes in priorities, it serves as a first snapshot requiring follow-up studies and comparisons with other countries and regions.

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