Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Solar Radiation Exposure and COVID-19 Cases in Jakarta 2020

To date, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still a threat to public health systems around the world. As of July 25, 2021, the numbers were still increasing in most countries, and the total confirmed cases reached 194,582,750 with 4,171,672 deaths (CFR 2.1%). In Indonesia, 3,166,505 cases were reported with 83,279 deaths (CFR 2.7%) in all provinces and dominated by cases from Jakarta. Therefore, this study aimed to find a correlation and the duration of solar radiation exposure spatially on the pattern of COVID-19 cases. An ecological design was used based on time and place with the integration of geographic information systems and statistical techniques. The correlation test results between solar radiation exposure and COVID-19 cases in Jakarta showed a significant relationship (p = 0.000) with a strong closeness and positive pattern (r = 0.666). Furthermore, the spatial map overlaying solar radiation exposure and COVID-19 cases showed urban villages with high radiation tend to increase in cases earlier than areas with moderate and low. The differences in geographical and temporal conditions are a concern for the Provincial Health Office. This can be a consideration in strengthening more specific prevention and control programs according to the risk level and characteristics of each region.

Zn(ferulate)-LSH Systems as Multifunctional Filters

Excessive UV solar radiation exposure causes human health risks; therefore, the study of multifunctional filters is important to skin UV protective ability and also to other beneficial activities to the human organism, such as reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for cellular damages. Potential multifunctional filters were obtained by intercalating of ferulate anions into layered simple metal hydroxides (LSH) through anion exchange and precipitation at constant pH methods. Ultrasound treatment was used in order to investigate the structural changes in LSH-ferulate materials. Structural and spectroscopic analyses show the formation of layered materials composed by a mixture of LSH intercalated with ferulate anions, where carboxylate groups of ferulate species interact with LSH layers. UV-VIS absorption spectra and in vitro SPF measurements indicate that LSH-ferulate systems have UV shielding capacity, mainly UVB protection. The results of reactive species assays show the ability of layered compounds in capture DPPH•, ABTS•+, ROO•, and HOCl/OCl− reactive species. LSH-ferulate materials exhibit antioxidant activity and singular optical properties that enable their use as multifunctional filters.

Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being.

A One-Month Monitoring of Exposure to Solar UV Radiation of a Group of Construction Workers in Tuscany

Solar radiation exposure at work is a relevant heath risk in the construction sector. Our objective was to monitor for a full month the individual solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of a group of three construction workers active in Siena (latitude = 43°19′ N), a town in Tuscany (Italy). We used personal electronic dosimeters “X-2012-10” (Gigahertz, Turkenfeld, Germany) to register the UV irradiance in the UVA and UVB/C regions separately and we consulted a specific database to retrieve the corresponding ambient erythemal UVR dose (cloud-free conditions). In spring, construction workers from central Italy received a quite variable UVR dose, between 0.9 standard erythemal doses (SED) and 15.6 SED/day, 5.7 on average. Considering the proportion with respect to the potential environmental exposure, personal exposure resulted between 2.7% and 31.2% of the ambient erythemal dose, with a mean value of 12.5%. Cumulatively, the three construction workers received in one working month a UVR dose of more than 120 SED. In a year, we estimated that a construction worker from Tuscany region is exposed to about 750 SED. This data demonstrates that construction workers in Italy are exposed to extremely high levels of solar UVR, with a relevant risk of developing adverse health effects related to the potential accumulation of UVR-induced damage in susceptible biological tissues, such as the skin and the eyes.

Effect of Individual Environmental Heat-Stress Variables on Training and Recovery in Professional Team Sport

Context: Exercise in hot environments increases body temperature and thermoregulatory strain. However, little is known regarding the magnitude of effect that ambient temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), and solar radiation individually have on team-sport athletes. Purpose: To determine the effect of these individual heat-stress variables on team-sport training performance and recovery. Methods: Professional Australian Rules Football players (N = 45) undertook 8-wk preseason training producing a total of 579 outdoor field-based observations with Ta, RH, and solar radiation recorded at every training session. External load (distance covered, in m/min; percentage high-speed running [%HSR] >14.4 km/h) was collected via a global positioning system. Internal load (ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate) and recovery (subjective ratings of well-being and heart-rate variability [root mean square of the successive differences]) were monitored throughout the training period. Mixed-effects linear models analyzed relationships between variables using standardized regression coefficients. Results: Increased solar-radiation exposure was associated with reduced distance covered (−19.7 m/min, P < .001), %HSR (−10%, P < .001) during training and rMSSD 48 h posttraining (−16.9 ms, P = .019). Greater RH was associated with decreased %HSR (−3.4%, P = .010) but increased percentage duration >85% HRmax (3.9%, P < .001), ratings of perceived exertion (1.8 AU, P < .001), and self-reported stress 24 h posttraining (−0.11 AU, P = .002). In contrast, higher Ta was associated with increased distance covered (19.7 m/min, P < .001) and %HSR (3.5%, P = .005). Conclusions: The authors show the importance of considering the individual factors contributing to thermal load in isolation for team-sport athletes and that solar radiation and RH reduce work capacity during team-sport training and have the potential to slow recovery between sessions.

Characterization of Bacteriophages against Pseudomonas Syringae pv. Actinidiae with Potential Use as Natural Antimicrobials in Kiwifruit Plants

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is the causal agent of a bacterial canker in kiwifruit plants and has caused economic losses worldwide. Currently, the primary strategies to control this pathogen include the use of copper-based compounds and even antibiotics. However, the emergence of isolates of Psa that are resistant to these agrochemicals has raised the need for new alternatives to control this pathogen. Bacteriophages have been proposed as an alternative to control bacterial infections in agriculture, including Psa. Here, we show the isolation and characterization of 13 phages with the potential to control Psa infections in kiwifruit plants. The phages were characterized according to their host range and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern. Four phages were selected according to their lytic effect on the bacteria and their tolerance to different environmental conditions of pH (4–7), temperature (4–37 °C), and solar radiation exposure (30 and 60 min). The selected phages (CHF1, CHF7, CHF19, and CHF21) were sequenced, revealing a high identity with the podophage of Psa phiPSA2. In vitro assays with kiwifruit leaf samples demonstrated that the mixture of phages reduced the Psa bacterial load within three hours post-application and was able to reduce the damage index in 50% of cases. Similarly, assays with kiwifruit plants maintained in greenhouse conditions showed that these phages were able to reduce the Psa bacterial load in more than 50% of cases and produced a significant decrease in the damage index of treated plants after 30 days. Finally, none of the selected phages were able to infect the other bacteria present in the natural microbiota of kiwifruit plants. These results show that bacteriophages are an attractive alternative to control Psa infections in kiwifruit plants.

Impact of thermal behaviour of different environmental conditions on ambient environment and thermal discomfort in Malaysia

Thermal behaviour of various urban environments may increase the surrounding temperature and induce the urban heat island phenomenon. This study carried out local climatic measurements on different urban environments and evaluated their thermal comfort performance. The monitoring sites were selected on the basis of the characteristics of vegetated area, built-up environment and open space areas. Results showed that the temperature variations between vegetated areas and open spaces were lower on average at about 5°C and 3.5°C, respectively. The higher temperatures in built-up areas may be due to higher solar radiation exposure and reflection of long wave radiation from adjacent buildings. Meanwhile, the open space faced the sky with no building obstructions and allowed a free flow of wind to cool down the surface temperature through convection and radiation. Furthermore, the discomfort index was calculated and its value lay within the category of ‘partially comfortable’ where people have adjusted to the local climate. Thus, urban greenery, the use of high albedo surface materials and proper implementation of urban geometry are important elements for a sustainable urban development with improved thermal comfort.

Analysis of optimum insulation thickness for external walls at different orientations based on real-time measurements

In this study, the optimum insulation thickness was calculated for the heating season for external walls in the different directions of a building. For this reason, a building used for housing in Istanbul, Turkey was taken as model. The indoor and outdoor temperatures, along with the interior and exterior surface temperatures of the building?s external walls, were continuously measured using thermocouples and recorded in four different directions throughout the year. The effects of solar radiation, which vary based on the direction, were assessed for the heat transfer through the external walls. The results of this study indicate that the optimum insulation thickness for the north, south, west, and east facing walls should be 6.47, 2.87, 6.97, and 6.98 cm, respectively, based on the differences in the amount of solar radiation exposure of the walls in the different directions. The optimum insulation thickness of the building?s external wall was calculated as 5.25 cm, regardless of its direction. An economic analysis of the thermal insulation cost was conducted using the P1-P2 method, and then the payback periods were calculated. The heating energy consumption of the building designed using the optimum insulation thicknesses, as identified separately based on the direction, decreased by 17%, compared to the present building with 3 cm of thermal insulation.