scholarly journals COVID-19 Generated Personal Protective Equipment: Sources of Microplastics and Pathogen Vectors in Marine Environments?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Abu Noman ◽  
Jun Sun ◽  
Mohammad Belal Hossain

The world has already experienced the severe adverse effects of COVID-19 at every level. When it became understood that the COVID-19 infection is spread in the community via respiratory transmission from humans, then the widespread use of plastic-made personal protective equipments (PPEs) like face masks and hand gloves tremendously increased throughout the world. Although it has reduced the spreading of virus, however, careless disposal or mismanagement of these single use PPEs has created another major concern for the environment, as plastics are a known source of environmental contamination. On one hand, they are infected with SARS-CoV-2, while on the other, they act as a carrier or vector or pathway for other pathogens or diseases, and hence can increase the degree of continuing the pandemic. Besides, there might be a chance that plastics or microplastics may be responsible for introducing new pathogenic viruses or bacteria to humankind. As such, it is clear that more research needs to be conducted to clarify this fact, and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, we briefly explored how PPE used in the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated existing microplastic pollution, how they could act as disease routes or vectors, and how they could introduce new pathogens to the terrestrial and marine environment. Addressing these questions may create awareness of plastic use, waste management, and enact relevant policy which may protect our environment and health.

1975 ◽  
Vol 189 (1096) ◽  
pp. 479-483

If there is one thing above all else that this meeting has established it is surely that most of the questions that one may ask regarding organic pollutants and their behaviour in the sea cannot be satisfactorily answered at present. It is only, perhaps, in regard to the persistent organohalogen pesticides, DDT and dieldrin in particular, and PCBs, that one can speak with any assurance. We were persuaded by Professor Goldberg and Dr Portmann that, although the peak input to the oceans in the northern hemisphere may have passed in respect of both DDT and dieldrin, this is not so for the equatorial region and the southern hemisphere; the problem has moved southward and the world production and use of organochlorine pesticides is still increasing. Vigilance must therefore be maintained. The use of PCBs, on the other hand, is being generally phased out.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. e1222
Author(s):  
Arni S. R. Srinivasa-Rao ◽  
Steven G. Krantz

Face coverings, especially cloth masks, were the critical personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advantages of such masks were well understood and widely used across the world. With this idea in mind, we have reviewed the available data and literature to identify whether masks exert an untoward effect on lung function in otherwise healthy persons. Interestingly enough, we have found no well-designed studies to assess whether masks have an unintended negative consequence on healthy lung function. Moreover, we are also aware that there could exist a differential impact of facial coverings depending on the type of masks exposed to. In addition, there could also be some ethical challenges in order to implement these cohort studies. We are recommending the need for thorough evaluations of long term mask utilization.


2009 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Rezaeian

Islamic countries display lower suicide rates compared to the other countries of the world. Since most studies dealing with the relationships between Islam and suicide have focused on the extent of the problem and not the underlying mechanisms, the focus of this brief communication is to provide a rather more in-depth discussion regarding the mechanism of this relation. It also covers issues which may have an adverse effect on suicide within Islamic countries and consequently tries to sketch a path ahead in the area of suicide research within the Islamic countries.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahesh Ramanan ◽  
Alexis Tabah ◽  
Kevin Laupland

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Healthcare workers (HCW) have comprised a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases in many countries. The PPE-SAFE survey was conducted to study current practices, availability, shortages, training and confidence in PPE amongst intensive care HCWs around the world. Herein, we describe the results of the Australian respondents to the PPE-SAFE survey. 29% of respondents reported that at least one item of usually available PPE was missing, and 12% reported reuse of single-use items. Only 40% felt that the PPE available to them offered adequate protection. Fit-testing of respirators had never been performed for 47% of respondents, and 49% reported at least one adverse effect from the use of PPE.


2019 ◽  
pp. 20-25
Author(s):  
Akhila B ◽  
George MK Mallela ◽  
Mettu Shanthan ◽  
Srinivas Nallanchakrav

Brief Background: The main requisites for an endodontic treatment to succeed are adequate cleaning and shaping of the root canals. Several conventional root canal irrigants are in use to decrease the number of microbes in the root canal system. Enterococci are the most frequently isolated organisms in failed root canals. Aim: To compare the anti-bacterial efficacy of herbal root canal irrigating solutions with conventional irrigants. Materials and Methods: The test solutions and tooth samples were prepared. The sectioned tooth samples were inoculated in the bacteria, incubated for 24 hours and biofilm collected. Another sample of biofilm was collected after delivering of the irrigating solutions. Bothe the biofilm samples were checked for the reduction in the bacterial growth. Results: The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-microbial efficacy of herbal irrigating solutions and compare them with the conventional irrigating solutions. Chlorhexidine (CHX), Ocimum sanctum (OS) and Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) showed no statistical significance whereas the other intergroup differences were statistically significant. Summary and Conclusion: OS showed a similar anti-bacterial efficacy to CHX and NaOCl, however, further research needs to be conducted in the area. The use of herbal alternatives may prove to be advantageous given the several unfavourable adverse effects of NaOCl and CHX. Key Words: Antibacterial, Chlorhexidine, Herbal irrigants, Ocimum, Root canal irrigants.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S315-S316
Author(s):  
Christopher L Truitt ◽  
Wesley Goldwater

Abstract Background The use of disposable or single-use filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), like N95s, are an important component of personal protective equipment for healthcare personnel in treating patients with a respiratory virus and not approved for reuse. The current pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in the limited availability of respirators. As a result, the decontamination of FFRs is a potential solution for reuse in order to conserve supplies. However, the efficacy of disinfection for a contaminated FFR needs to be evaluated. This experiment examined the effectiveness of a targeted ultraviolet C (UVC) device for the decontamination of a single-use respirator. Methods To mimic an aerosolized droplet contaminating a cellulose based respirator, a 6 mm cotton disk was inoculated with a 10 μL aliquot of Bacillus subtilis endospores. The disks were placed directly under the UVC light with 6 inches between the bulb and disk. The samples were then exposed for 90 seconds, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes, respectively. After specified exposure time, the disks were turned over, and the other side was exposed for the same time interval as the previous side. Disks were placed in a 10 mL nutrient broth and incubated at 30°C for 48 hours. Lastly, the serially diluted specimens were plated onto nutrient agar, incubated for 48 hours, and the log10 colony forming units (CFU) reductions were enumerated by comparing disks after decontamination versus untreated controls. Results The log10 CFU reduction of B. subtilis spores over all time intervals were significant when compared to controls. The mean reduction of spores on the cotton disks were 2.5 log after 90 seconds, 4 log after 3 minutes, and >6 log for both 5 and 10 minutes with no measurable recovery of spores for the last two exposures. Conclusion The use of targeted UVC was very successful in reducing the B. subtilis spores from a cotton disk within 90 seconds, and the 100% elimination of the spores after 5 minutes. Even though a pandemic virus was not used, the sporicidal efficacy suggests this device could be effective at inactivating SARS-CoV-2. Based upon these findings, a targeted UVC device could be utilized for the decontamination of a single-use respirator needed during times of shortages. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-55
Author(s):  
Gracia Victoria Souisa ◽  
Claudya A Lekatompessy ◽  
Adriana Ritje Nendissa

Farmers in the processing of land and plants need pesticides to eradicate pests and weeds. Pesticide is a material that has many benefits for the sustainability of the world of agricultural production. Many plant destruction organisms that can reduce yields can be minimized with pesticides, but on the other hand, pesticides can harm the health of the farmers. To prevent the danger of using pesticides against self-purification, one must use personal protective equipment (PPE) in a complete and precise manner. The purpose of this research is to determine what are the factors related to the use of personal protective equipment on pesticide user farmers in Taeno village in 2019. This research is analytical research with a cross-sectional approach. This research sample amounted to 105 farmers—data collection using questionnaires, interviews, and observation. The data obtained is then processed with a statistical test of chi-square. Based on statistical test bivariate of knowledge variables associated with APD, the attitude variables are not associated with the use of the PPE, and the action variables are associated with the use of the PPE. The results showed that the variables associated with PPE use are variable knowledge (ρ = 0.025) and action variables (ρ = 0.015). The unrelated variables are the attitude variables (ρ = 0.137)—knowledge and action variables associated with PPE use.


TEKNOSASTIK ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Dina Amelia

There are two most inevitable issues on national literature, in this case Indonesian literature. First is the translation and the second is the standard of world literature. Can one speak for the other as a representative? Why is this representation matter? Does translation embody the voice of the represented? Without translation Indonesian literature cannot gain its recognition in world literature, yet, translation conveys the voice of other. In the case of production, publication, or distribution of Indonesian Literature to the world, translation works can be very beneficial. The position of Indonesian literature is as a part of world literature. The concept that the Western world should be the one who represent the subaltern can be overcome as long as the subaltern performs as the active speaker. If the subaltern remains silent then it means it allows the “representation” by the Western.


Author(s):  
Iia Fedorova

The main objective of this study is the substantiation of experiment as one of the key features of the world music in Ukraine. Based on the creative works of the brightest world music representatives in Ukraine, «Dakha Brakha» band, the experiment is regarded as a kind of creative setting. Methodology and scientific approaches. The methodology was based on the music practice theory by T. Cherednychenko. The author distinguishes four binary oppositions, which can describe the musical practice. According to one of these oppositions («observance of the canon or violation of the canon»), the musical practices, to which the Ukrainian musicology usually classifies the world music («folk music» and «minstrel music»), are compared with the creative work of «Dakha Brakha» band. Study findings. A lack of the setting to experiment in the musical practices of the «folk music» and «minstrel music» separates the world music musical practice from them. Therefore, the world music is a separate type of musical practice in which the experiment is crucial. The study analyzed several scientific articles of Ukrainian musicologists on the world music; examined the history of the Ukrainian «Dakha Brakha» band; presented a list of the folk songs used in the fifth album «The Road» by «Dakha Brakha» band; and showed the degree of the source transformation by musicians based on the example of the «Monk» song. The study findings can be used to form a comprehensive understanding of the world music musical practice. The further studies may be related to clarification of the other parameters of the world music musical practice, and to determination of the experiment role in creative works of the other world music representatives, both Ukrainian and foreign. The practical study value is the ability to use its key provisions in the course of modern music in higher artistic schools of Ukraine. Originality / value. So far, the Ukrainian musicology did not consider the experiment role as the key one in the world music.


CounterText ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-113
Author(s):  
Shaobo Xie

The paper celebrates the publication of Ranjan Ghosh and J. Hillis Miller's Thinking Literature across Continents as a significant event in the age of neoliberalism. It argues that, in spite of the different premises and the resulting interpretative procedures respectively championed by the two co-authors, both of them anchor their readings of literary texts in a concept of literature that is diametrically opposed to neoliberal rationality, and both impassionedly safeguard human values and experiences that resist the technologisation and marketisation of the humanities and aesthetic education. While Ghosh's readings of literature offer lightning flashes of thought from the outside of the Western tradition, signalling a new culture of reading as well as a new manner of appreciation of the other, Miller dedicatedly speaks and thinks against the hegemony of neoliberal reason, opening our eyes to the kind of change our teaching or reading of literature can trigger in the world, and the role aesthetic education should and can play at a time when the humanities are considered ‘a lost cause’.


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