Mitigation of the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Jan Folkmann Wright
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Mitigation Strategy ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Collateral Damage ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Virus Dissemination ◽  
Differential Equation Models ◽  
Interlocking Contingencies

The mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic has so far revealed large variations regarding reported infectives and fatalities from different countries and regions. The differential equation models used to simulate virus dissemination and the data gathering of infectives and diseased are however susceptible to a range of observational and cognitive biases. The high initial fatality risk reported may have motivated very radical lockdown mitigation measures. The virus mitigation strategy was also influenced by interlocking contingencies between politicians and media. The effects of the mitigative measures should however be evaluated due to their potential collateral damage to the economy as well as on public health issues not directly related to the pandemic. Lessons learned from combatting the COVID-19 pandemic should be utilized to develop knowledge and contingency preparedness to meet global tragedies and new virus pandemics, including our ability to mitigate observational and cognitive biases and to respect the habitats of wildlife.

scholarly journals Community-driven citizen science approach to explore cardiovascular disease risk perception, and develop prevention advocacy strategies in sub-Saharan Africa: a programme protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kufre Joseph Okop ◽  
Kathy Murphy ◽  
Estelle Victoria Lambert ◽  
Kiya Kedir ◽  
Hailemichael Getachew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which experiences a disproportionately high cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, population-based screening and prevention measures are hampered by low levels of knowledge about CVD and associated risk factors, and inaccurate perceptions of severity of risk. Methods This protocol describes the planned processes for implementing community-driven participatory research, using a citizen science method to explore CVD risk perceptions and to develop community-specific advocacy and prevention strategies in the rural and urban SSA settings. Multi-disciplinary research teams in four selected African countries will engage with and train community members living in rural and urban communities as citizen scientists to facilitate conceptualization, co-designing of research, data gathering, and co-creation of knowledge that can lead to a shared agenda to support collaborative participation in community-engaged science. The emphasis is on robust community engagement, using mobile technology to support data gathering, participatory learning, and co-creation of knowledge and disease prevention advocacy. Discussion Contextual processes applied and lessons learned in specific settings will support redefining or disassembling boundaries in participatory science to foster effective implementation of sustainable prevention intervention programmes in Low- and Middle-income countries.

scholarly journals (P2-17) “Burning Valentine,” a Simulated Evacuation Exercise of a Burn Unit (BU)

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s141-s141
Author(s):  
E.L. Dhondt ◽  
T. Peeters ◽  
L. Orlans
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Fire Detection ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
Hospital Emergency ◽  
Burn Care ◽  
Evacuation Drills

BackgroundAccording to the Belgian Hospital Disaster Planning Act, all hospitals are required to have written disaster plans and to routinely conduct annual disaster drills. In 2010, the management of the Military Hospital decided to organize an evacuation exercise of the newly built 24-bed BU.AimTo evaluate this new BU's evacuation plan and drills and the overall hospital emergency incident response and command system.Methods and ResultsIt was decided to conduct a simulated evacuation exercise following an internal fire, before the BU effectively was put into use, thereby deploying fashioned simulated patients and visitors but bringing into action the regular attending medical, nursing and logistic staff. A multidisciplinary design and organizing team was launched, consisting of the hospitals disaster preparedness coordinator, the EMS-staff, external burn care, emergency incident management and operational engineering experts. The appointed objectives for evaluation were the knowledge of the regular evacuation drills, especially the clearance of an intensive care room; access to evacuation routes; visibility of safety guidelines; mission and tasks of the hospital's first response team and the medical incident manager; communication and information flow and the establishment of the hospital's coordination committee. In the mean time and following lessons learned, a number of mitigation measures have been instituted: adequate identification of evacuated rooms, new configuration of the fire detection alarm, optimized access to stairwells and elevators, adjustment of action cards and specific fire fighting training for hospital staff. Finally the decision was made not to purchase specific evacuation equipment for the movement of patients.ConclusionTaking advantage of the BU's provisional vacancy, a simulated hospital evacuation exercise increased the hospital emergency preparedness, awareness and response to disasters within the hospital, in particular in a critical care department, otherwise difficult to assess.

Identification of Failure Modes Under Design Extension Conditions

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoto Kasahara ◽  
Izumi Nakamura ◽  
Hideo Machida ◽  
Hitoshi Nakamura ◽  
Koji Okamoto
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
External Pressure ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Local Failure ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Loading Mode

As the important lessons learned from the Fukushima-nuclear power plant accident, mitigation of failure consequences and prevention of catastrophic failure became essential against severe accident and excessive earthquake conditions. To improve mitigation measures and accident management, clarification of failure behaviors with locations is premise under design extension conditions such as severe accidents and earthquakes. Design extension conditions induce some different failure modes from design conditions. Furthermore, best estimation for these failure modes are required for preparing countermeasures and management. Therefore, this study focused on identification of failure modes under design extension conditions. To observe ultimate failure behaviors of structures under extreme loadings, new experimental techniques were adopted with simulation materials such as lead and lead-antimony alloy, which has very small yield stress. Postulated failure modes of main components under design extension conditions were investigated according three categories of loading modes. The first loading mode is high temperature and internal pressure. Under this mode, ductile fracture and local failure were investigated. At the structural discontinuities, local failure may become dominant. The second is high temperature and external pressure loading mode. Buckling and fracture were investigated. Buckling occurs however hardly break without additional loads or constraints. The last loading is excessive earthquake. Ratchet deformation, collapse, and fatigue were investigated. Among them, low-cycle fatigue is dominant.

scholarly journals The unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures matter: practical guidance for investigating them

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Turcotte-Tremblay ◽  
Idriss Ali Gali Gali ◽  
Valéry Ridde
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Practical Guidance ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background COVID-19 has led to the adoption of unprecedented mitigation measures which could trigger many unintended consequences. These unintended consequences can be far-reaching and just as important as the intended ones. The World Health Organization identified the assessment of unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures as a top priority. Thus far, however, their systematic assessment has been neglected due to the inattention of researchers as well as the lack of training and practical tools. Main text Over six years our team has gained extensive experience conducting research on the unintended consequences of complex health interventions. Through a reflexive process, we developed insights that can be useful for researchers in this area. Our analysis is based on key literature and lessons learned reflexively in conducting multi-site and multi-method studies on unintended consequences. Here we present practical guidance for researchers wishing to assess the unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures. To ensure resource allocation, protocols should include research questions regarding unintended consequences at the outset. Social science theories and frameworks are available to help assess unintended consequences. To determine which changes are unintended, researchers must first understand the intervention theory. To facilitate data collection, researchers can begin by forecasting potential unintended consequences through literature reviews and discussions with stakeholders. Including desirable and neutral unintended consequences in the scope of study can help minimize the negative bias reported in the literature. Exploratory methods can be powerful tools to capture data on the unintended consequences that were unforeseen by researchers. We recommend researchers cast a wide net by inquiring about different aspects of the mitigation measures. Some unintended consequences may only be observable in subsequent years, so longitudinal approaches may be useful. An equity lens is necessary to assess how mitigation measures may unintentionally increase disparities. Finally, stakeholders can help validate the classification of consequences as intended or unintended. Conclusion Studying the unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures is not only possible but also necessary to assess their overall value. The practical guidance presented will help program planners and evaluators gain a more comprehensive understanding of unintended consequences to refine mitigation measures.

scholarly journals Effect of Personality, Power, and Emotion on Developing the 2017-2022 Philippine Health Research Agenda: A Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra M. Libunao ◽  
Reneepearl Kim P. Sales ◽  
Jaifred Christian F. Lopez ◽  
Ma. Rowena H. Alcido ◽  
Lester Sam A. Geroy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Research ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Smooth Flow ◽  
Process Documentation ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

Background. Social dynamics, specifically personalities, power dynamics, and emotions, have been shown to influence the methods, outputs, and quality of multi-stakeholder processes, especially the development of a national health research agenda. Objective and Methods. Using a case analysis approach utilizing related conceptual frameworks, the paper determined how personalities, power dynamics, and emotions affected the research priority-setting exercise, identified lessons learned, and recommended how to effectively manage these social dynamics in consultations. Data gathering methods were participant observation and process documentation, results of which were codified and analyzed. Results. Dominant personalities, stakeholders with power, and stakeholders that openly expressed dissatisfaction were most likely to attempt to change the methods and final outputs of the consultation, with varying level of success. Other dominant personalities used their power constructively for a smooth flow of generating and agreeing on ideas. Conclusion. In this case, social dynamics was shown to heavily influence the decision-making process, thus underlining its importance in organizing multisectoral representation. Effectively managing social dynamics may thus have to consider building trust and respect between participants, mediating discussions, reaching a mutually beneficial solution, and establishing and implementing mutually agreed house rules. The significant role of facilitators in developing a climate for truly inclusive participation must also be recognized.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction sector: a systemized review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ayat ◽  
Malikah ◽  
Chang Wook Kang
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Mitigation Strategy ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Improvements ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Safety Guidelines

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought profound changes to all sectors of society including the construction sector. The main purpose of this study is to explore and provide insights into the impact and changes that have occurred in the construction sector due to COVID-19 and to present a mitigation framework to minimize the effects.Design/methodology/approachThe scope of this study is limited to peer-reviewed articles in Scopus or Web of Science indexed journals. A systemized review was performed with bibliometric and content analyses of articles related to the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector.FindingsThrough content analysis, the main topics discussed in the selected articles were grouped into 10 categories. Most of these studies were found to have focused on the challenges, impact, and health and safety at construction sites resulting from the pandemic. The study further identified 39 subtopics through detailed content analysis and organizes them into the categories of negative impacts, positive impacts and opportunities and barriers to COVID-19 safety guidelines in the construction sector. Moreover, the study developed a systematic mitigation strategy based on the recommendations of the literature review to reduce the impact of the current pandemic on the construction sector. The mitigation strategy presents separate set of measures regarding safety guidelines, process improvements, government intervention, psychological support and technology adoption.Originality/valueThe research insights provided in this study are useful for practitioners in guiding them to design effective strategies for addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and future crises. Furthermore, a systematic presentation of the impacts, challenges and mitigation measures in this study will help researchers to identify existing gaps in the literature and explore other aspects of the impact of the pandemic on the construction sector.

Deployment of State-of-the-Art Horizontal Pumping System HPS Technology in Two Water Wells to Avoid ESP Workovers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majed Nahed Alrabeh ◽  
Zulkiflie Bin Samsudine ◽  
Salvador Alejandro Ruvalcaba Velarde ◽  
Faisal Mohammed Alhajri
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Water Production ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Artificial Lift ◽  
Cooling Unit ◽  
Trial Test

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present the findings obtained from a detailed engineering evaluation resulting from trial testing two state-of-the-art surface horizontal pumping systems (HPS's) in two water supply wells. The two horizontal pumping systems were deployed as an alternative to downhole electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) to provide the benefits of eliminating ESP workover costs, modularity regarding wellsite deployments, and enhanced maintenance operations. For this trial test evaluation method, two HPS's were deployed to boost water production to the water injection plant (WIP). To ensure a thorough evaluation, the trial test well candidates were designed to accommodate both a subsurface ESP as well as a surface HPS to provide an accurate comparison, and representation, between the different artificial lift methods. The trial test and comparison method described in this paper focused primarily on the following items; maintenance and well intervention requirements, evaluation of operational availability, including potential for cavitation and effects of interference, maximum production rates, as well as root cause engineering evaluations for mechanical seals and cooling unit auxiliary motors. Various best practices and mitigation measures were identified and are presented in this paper. With regard to the results, it was observed that each artificial lift method comprised a set of advantages and disadvantages. The decision on which type of technology to use can be dependent on several factors. Overall, the HPS's demonstrated the ability to supply water production to the WIP. The HPS did experience operational challenges in providing higher production requirements. Additional challenges were also observed in the sealing mechanism as well as the auxiliary cooling unit. Precautionary pump tripping automated protocols were taken to prevent pump cavitation due to sub-optimal intake pressure resulting from possible interference. The HPS, unlike the ESPs, did not require any workover as it is located at the wellsite and therefore resulted in substantial cost savings and was easy to maintain due to its surface application. In summary, this paper adds a new and very beneficial evaluation of HPS's, and highlights best practices and lessons learned to the existing body of literature. The new information discussed in this paper is highly beneficial to engineering selections of artificial lift methods and to the successful implementation of HPS's in the industry.

Refugee Families and Undergraduate Nursing Service-Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 248-265
Author(s):  
Ruby K. Dunlap ◽  
Emily A. Morse
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
School Of Nursing ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing ◽  
Refugee Families ◽  
Problem Solve ◽  
Future Work

This chapter describes a service-learning partnership between two refugee resettlement agencies and a school of nursing. The partnership has successfully completed its goals of both service and learning over many semesters to the present. This community-based learning opportunity has entailed a variety of health interventions with refugee families while the learning has involved essential competencies of cross-cultural nursing, insights into social determinants of health, and developing confidence in being able to problem solve in a complex mix of health, social systems, poverty, language, and cultural barriers. In addition, assignments connected with this community engagement have encouraged students to develop an awareness of global health issues while intervening locally with their assigned refugee family, thus thinking and acting globally. The authors will discuss lessons learned from this long-term relationship and suggested directions for future work.

Sustainability Through Accountability: The Accountable Community for Health Model

2019 ◽  
pp. 149-158
Author(s):  
Marion Standish ◽  
Bonnie Midura ◽  
Barbara Masters ◽  
Patricia Powers ◽  
Laura Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Systems Change ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Community Collaboratives ◽  
Health Model

This chapter opens by posing the issue that public and private funders have long supported community collaboratives to address a wide range of health issues. Although these collaboratives accomplish important goals, they rarely continue beyond the funding stage or yield lasting systems change. The chapter describes the Accountable Community for Health Model as a model for sustaining community collaborations. The chapter identifies seven key elements for success. The Wellness Fund is a unique component, though many of the success factors and lessons learned are in alignment with other models.

scholarly journals The natech events during the 17 August 1999 Kocaeli earthquake: aftermath and lessons learned

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1129-1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Girgin
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Emergency Planning ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Acrylic Fiber ◽  
Industrial Facilities ◽  
Kocaeli Earthquake ◽  
The Public ◽  
Emerging Risk

Abstract. Natural-hazard triggered technological accidents (natechs) at industrial facilities have been recognized as an emerging risk. Adequate preparedness, proper emergency planning, and effective response are crucial for the prevention of natechs and mitigation of the consequences. Under the conditions of a natural disaster, the limited resources, the possible unavailability of mitigation measures, and the lack of adequate communication complicate the management of natechs. The analysis of past natechs is crucial for learning lessons and for preventing or preparing for future natechs. The 17 August 1999, Kocaeli earthquake, which was a devastating disaster hitting one of the most industrialized regions of Turkey, offers opportunities in this respect. Among many natechs that occurred due to the earthquake, the massive fire at the TUPRAS Izmit refinery and the acrylonitrile spill at the AKSA acrylic fiber production plant were especially important and highlight problems in the consideration of natechs in emergency planning, response to industrial emergencies during natural hazards, and information to the public during and following the incidents. The analysis of these events shows that even the largest and seemingly well-prepared facilities can be vulnerable to natechs if risks are not considered adequately.

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