Makers against Covid-19: Face shields as the international solidarity KPI

At the first signs of the Covid-19 pandemic, the uncertainty around the global stock of medical supplies sparked a response in the DIY communities around the world. In the case of Spain, a community called Coronavirus Makers (CVM) emerged to supply ventilators and personal protection equipment (PPE) to hospitals and people in need. This paper explores the evolution of this community-driven development, detailing the patterns proposed by members of the group acting as design experts to tackle different problems. More specifically the paper uses face shields, the most produced PPE in Spain, as a boundary object to highlight the relationships amongst individuals, institutions, and companies. The objects of design, since they fall in the specific category of devices for medical use, have to overcome validation at the technical level. Authors will also explore some of the controversies surrounding the transfer of these products from horizontal innovation networks to traditional production companies.

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The Disruption of Personal Protection Equipment Supply Chain: What Can We Learn from Global Value Chain in the Time of Covid-19 Outbreak?

Global South Review ◽

10.22146/globalsouth.63287 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 171

Author(s):

Annisa Kirana Andaneswari ◽

Qonitah Rohmadiena

Keyword(s):

Medical Devices ◽

Value Chain ◽

Qualitative Methodology ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Global Value Chain ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Medical Supplies ◽

State Actors

Abstract The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspect of life and it has sought to multifaceted crisis in a global scale. With the continued of health crisis caused by this communicable disease, medical device and personal protection equipment become precious commodity for the general public and healthcare professionals. Therefore, there is a growing demand of Personal Protection Equipment especially face mask and N95 respirators in all over countries. Unfortunately, the decade of expansive trade had been distorted by pandemic of Covid-19 that made the medical supplies cannot meet the global demand. Prior to the outbreak of covid-19, there was an interdependency of medical supplies trade through Global Value Chain. GVC had made the production of medical supplies are effectively fragmented and globally integrated. This article tries to examine the architecture of global medical supply through the lens of Global Value Chain (GVC) before and after pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology this article tries to provide analytical descriptive on global medical devices fragmentation. We use the full UN Comtrade data from 1990 to 2018, Foreign Direct Investment Data from OECD and mass media news to track the shifting of medical devices production during pandemic. The main results indicate that the worsening situation of Pandemic Covid-19 has brought state actors and non-state actors to create new pattern in GVC to provide medical devices worldwide. Finally, this article aims to cast a light on the importance of global cooperation and trade interdependency during crisis.

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Ozone potential to fight against SAR-COV-2 pandemic: facts and research needs

Environmental Science and Pollution Research ◽

10.1007/s11356-020-12036-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Angeles Blanco ◽

Francisco de Borja Ojembarrena ◽

Bernardino Clavo ◽

Carlos Negro

Keyword(s):

Experimental Data ◽

Contact Time ◽

High Humidity ◽

Research Needs ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Enveloped Virus ◽

The World ◽

Set Up ◽

Ozone Levels

AbstractThe greatest challenge the world is facing today is to win the battle against COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible. Until a vaccine is available, personal protection, social distancing, and disinfection are the main tools against SARS-CoV-2. Although it is quite infectious, the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself is an enveloped virus that is relatively fragile because its protective fatty layer is sensitive to heat, ultraviolet radiation, and certain chemicals. However, heat and liquid treatments can damage some materials, and ultraviolet light is not efficient in shaded areas, so other disinfection alternatives are required to allow safe re-utilization of materials and spaces. As of this writing, evidences are still accumulating for the use of ozone gas as a disinfectant for sanitary materials and ambient disinfection in indoor areas. This paper reviews the most relevant results of virus disinfection by the application of gaseous ozone. The review covers disinfection treatments of both air and surfaces carried out in different volumes, which varies from small boxes and controlled chambers to larger rooms, as a base to develop future ozone protocols against COVID-19. Published papers have been critically analyzed to evaluate trends in the required ozone dosages, as a function of relative humidity (RH), contact time, and viral strains. The data have been classified depending on the disinfection objective and the volume and type of the experimental set-up. Based on these data, conservative dosages and times to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 are estimated. In small chambers, 10–20 mg ozone/m3 over 10 to 50 min can be sufficient to significantly reduce the virus load of personal protection equipment. In large rooms, 30 to 50 mg ozone/m3 would be required for treatments of 20–30 min. Maximum antiviral activity of ozone is achieved at high humidity, while the same ozone concentrations under low RH could result inefficient. At these ozone levels, safety protocols must be strictly followed. These data can be used for reducing significantly the viral load although for assuring a safe disinfection, the effective dosages under different conditions need to be confirmed with experimental data.

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Discrepancy of particle passage in 101 mask batches during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-03862-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lukas T. Hirschwald ◽

Stefan Herrmann ◽

Daniel Felder ◽

Anna M. Kalde ◽

Felix Stockmeier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Initial Phase ◽

High Variability ◽

First Year ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Aerosol Generator ◽

Large Particles ◽

The World ◽

Production Capacities ◽

Very High

AbstractDuring the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention> 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks’ retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.

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Some Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis

Communication Society and Media ◽

10.22158/csm.v3n4p20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. p20

Author(s):

Amb. John O. Kakonge

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

The Novel ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Future Health ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

The World ◽

Participation In Decision Making ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus early in 2020, many lessons have been learned, both positive and negative. This paper considers some general lessons that can be drawn and the implications for future health crises. Specifically, it considers the need for preparedness of countries, the necessity of having available Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), the value of nurses, and the importance of scientist participation in decision-making. The article draws from examples across the world but pays special attention to Africa.

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101 Filtering Face Mask Batches – A Comprehensive Study on Particle Passage

10.21203/rs.3.rs-608685/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lukas Tobias Hirschwald ◽

Stefan Herrmann ◽

Daniel Felder ◽

Anna Maria Kalde ◽

Felix Stockmeier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Face Mask ◽

High Variability ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Aerosol Generator ◽

Large Particles ◽

The World ◽

Production Capacities ◽

Very High ◽

Comprehensive Study

Abstract During the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention > 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but the quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks' retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study, we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.

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Outbreak Of Nipah Encephalitis In Greater Faridpur District

Faridpur Medical College Journal ◽

10.3329/fmcj.v5i2.6825 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 63-65

Author(s):

MY Ali ◽

SA Fattah ◽

MM Islam ◽

MA Hossain ◽

SY Ali

Keyword(s):

Health Personnel ◽

Viral Encephalitis ◽

Review Article ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Emerging Infections ◽

College Hospital ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Medical College ◽

History Of ◽

Deadly Disease

Nipah viral encephalitis is one of the fatal re-emerging infections especially in southeast Asia. After its outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore; repeated outbreaks occurred at western part of Bangladesh especially in Faridpur region. Besides, sporadic attacks appear to occur in the country throughout the year. Here two Nipah outbreaks in greater Faridpur district in 2003 and 2004 are described along with brief review on transmission of the virus. Where the history of illness among patients are very much in favour of man to man transmission. Moreover the death of an intern doctor from Nipah encephalitis who was involved in managing such patients in Faridpur Medical College Hospital strongly suggests man to man transmission of this virus. So, aim of this review article to make the health personnel and general people be aware about man to man transmission of virus, so that they can adapt personal protection equipment (PPE) for their protection against this deadly disease. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v5i2.6825Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2010;5(2):63-65

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Eye in COVID-19: A Brief Review

Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.36351/pjo.v36i3.1040 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Mohsin Ali ◽

Qudsia Anwar Dar ◽

Zahid Kamal ◽

Alishba Khan

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Literature Search ◽

Control Measures ◽

Transmission Route ◽

Ocular Manifestation ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Ocular Manifestations ◽

Infection Control Measures

This is a brief review covering the currently available literature on ocular manifestations of COVID-19, andprevention strategies for ophthalmologists. A literature search was carried out of Pubmed, Google Scholar andWHO database of publications on COVID. Keywords used in the search were eye, ocular manifestations,ophthalmology, COVID-19, nCoV-2019, and coronavirus disease. All available articles were reviewed and thosepertinent to the study topic were included. Considering the dearth of information available, ophthalmology journals were also searched separately for relevant articles. Major ocular manifestation of COVID reported in literature is red eye, which usually presents before the onset of respiratory symptoms. Since the eye can be a possible transmission route for SARS-CoV-2, infection control measures should be undertaken by ophthalmologists, including use of personal protection equipment and eye/face covering. A framework for structuring ophthalmological services during the COVID pandemic is also presented in this review.

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Income, wealth and use of personal protection equipment in the Mekong Delta

Environmental Science and Pollution Research ◽

10.1007/s11356-021-13449-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Matteo Migheli

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Mekong Delta ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Household Wealth ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Management Techniques ◽

Using Data ◽

Developing And Developed Countries

AbstractBoth in developing and developed countries, farmers often do not protect themselves adequately, especially when applying agrochemicals that are dangerous for their health. The issue is relevant because insufficient protection is between the causes leading to intoxication of farmers and workers who handle these products. The literature suggests that both lack of training and information and low income may explain why, especially in developing countries, protective equipment is under-used. Using data from the Mekong Delta, this study addresses the issue of whether income and household wealth may help explaining the use of incomplete protections against pesticides. The results suggest that income, more than wealth, is a reason why Vietnamese farmers operating in the Mekong Delta fail in using adequate protections. In particular, the data suggest that they may prefer to divert resources to increasing the production of their fields or to buying goods that may be used both as protection and as everyday garments. This behaviour leads to underinvestment in some important protective goods. Possible public interventions to mitigate the problem are suggested; in particular, the promotion of integrated pest management techniques could be useful.

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Self-Collection of Saliva Specimens as a Suitable Alternative to Nasopharyngeal Swabs for the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10020299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 299

Author(s):

Camino Trobajo-Sanmartín ◽

Marta Adelantado ◽

Ana Navascués ◽

María J. Guembe ◽

Isabel Rodrigo-Rincón ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Conditions ◽

Saliva Sample ◽

Virus Detection ◽

Kappa Coefficient ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Lysis Buffer ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

A nasopharyngeal swab is a sample used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Saliva is a sample easier to obtain and the risk of contagion for the professional is lower. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of saliva for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This prospective study involved 674 patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Paired nasopharyngeal and saliva samples were processed by RT-qPCR. Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficient were used to evaluate the results from both samples. We considered the influence of age, symptoms, chronic conditions, and sample processing with lysis buffer. Of the 674 patients, 636 (94.4%) had valid results from both samples. The virus detection in saliva compared to a nasopharyngeal sample (gold standard) was 51.9% (95% CI: 46.3%–57.4%) and increased to 91.6% (95% CI: 86.7%–96.5%) when the cycle threshold (Ct) was ≤ 30. The specificity of the saliva sample was 99.1% (95% CI: 97.0%–99.8%). The concordance between samples was 75% (κ = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.45–0.56). The Ct values were significantly higher in saliva. In conclusion, saliva sample utility is limited for clinical diagnosis, but could be a useful alternative for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in massive screening studies, when the availability of trained professionals for sampling or personal protection equipment is limited.

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From the Field to the Laboratory: Quantifying Outdoor Mosquito Landing Rate to Better Evaluate Topical Repellents

Journal of Medical Entomology ◽

10.1093/jme/tjaa298 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mara Moreno-Gómez ◽

Rubén Bueno-Marí ◽

Andrea Drago ◽

Miguel A Miranda

Keyword(s):

World Health ◽

Asian Tiger Mosquito ◽

Personal Protection ◽

Evaluation Standards ◽

Testing Conditions ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Asian Tiger ◽

The World ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Vector-borne diseases are a worldwide threat to human health. Often, no vaccines or treatments exist. Thus, personal protection products play an essential role in limiting transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) arm-in-cage (AIC) test is the most common method for evaluating the efficacy of topical repellents, but it remains unclear whether AIC testing conditions recreate the mosquito landing rates in the field. This study aimed to estimate the landing rate outdoors, in an area of Europe highly infested with the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894, Diptera: Culididae)), and to determine how to replicate this rate in the laboratory. To assess the landing rate in the field, 16 individuals were exposed to mosquitoes in a highly infested region of Italy. These field results were then compared to results obtained in the laboratory: 1) in a 30 m3 room where nine volunteers were exposed to different mosquito abundances (ranges: 15–20, 25–30, and 45–50) and 2) in a 0.064 m3 AIC test cage where 10 individuals exposed their arms to 200 mosquitoes (as per WHO requirements). The highest mosquito landing rate in the field was 26.8 landings/min. In the room test, a similar landing rate was achieved using 15–20 mosquitoes (density: 0.50–0.66 mosquitoes/m3) and an exposure time of 3 min. In the AIC test using 200 mosquitoes (density: 3,125 mosquitoes/m3), the landing rate was 229 ± 48 landings/min. This study provides useful reference values that can be employed to design new evaluation standards for topical repellents that better simulate field conditions.

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