ABSTRACT
Background: Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, identifying the COVID-19 pathophysiology not only has been addressed to applying diagnostic tests or preventing through vaccines, but also to the timely detection, especially of patients in risk groups such as those in transplants areas (renal, hematology, etcetera). In the case of these patients, using RT-PCR tests avoids putting them at risk by subjecting them to states of immunosuppression that could aggravate their situation if they were faced with an onset of a COVID-19 infection.
ABSTRACT
For decades, the field of psychology has been calling for culturally responsive interventions, developed with and for diverse populations. COVID-19 has highlighted the utility of digital and scalable minimally guided mental health interventions for helping individuals who lack access to or desire traditional face-to-face services. However, many of these interventions lack research that supports their efficacy. Moreover, the interventions with empirical support tend to derive that support from studies with small sample sizes and limited diversity. These limitations may lend to more cultural mistrust regarding mental health services in communities that are already underserved. In this paper we argue for specific considerations when developing and adapting minimally guided digital scalable mental health interventions as well as propose some frameworks that may be helpful for those developing and adapting these interventions.
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Introduction: Intensive care nursing staff are exposed to different biological risk factors from the care of patients with COVID-19, therefore biosafety acquire special importance in these units. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing intervention in intensive care on biosafety for the care of patients with COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive and observational study, at the “Enrique Cabrera” General Teaching Hospital in Havana, between April 1 and June 30, 2020. The study population consisted of 60 nurses, to whom a questionnaire was applied and performance observation. Absolute and relative frequency distribution were used, in the case of quantitative variables the mean and standard deviation were used. To assess the results before and after the nursing intervention, Pearson's Chi-square test of independence was applied. Results: The female sex and the ages between 20 to 29 years prevailed. Once the overcoming actions were carried out, positive changes were evidenced in the level of knowledge about COVID-19 and biosafety standards. The most difficult aspects in the initial observation of performance were: use of personal protection equipment, hand washing, precautions in techniques and procedures, handling of biological waste. Conclusions: The nursing intervention was effective and responded to the learning needs about biosafety for the care of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care.
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The appearance of the Covid-19 since the beginning of the year 2020 has involved changes in many aspects of daily life in the world. Thus, it has impacted the university in its three dimensions: humanistic, research, and interaction with the company and the community. Particularly in teaching that has varied substantially. In this context, the teaching, and results in courses in some Peruvian universities will be compared during the 2019-2 semesters (eminently face-to-face) and the 2020-1 semester (necessarily virtual). The results and their analysis lead to a proposal of pedagogical innovations in teaching and its extrapolation to the research and interaction of the university with companies and communities. © 2021 Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions. All rights reserved.
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This research article addresses one of the main problems in the footwear industry, namely the high order non-fulfillment rate. The case study suggests that the main causes of this problem are the increasing rate of defective goods, delays in the production process, and excessive time consumption in the movement of staff and materials. To face this issue, a proposal focused on the use of Lean Manufacturing, such as Systematic Design Planning (SLP) and Andon, is developed to increase productivity, as well as optimize and streamline production processes, considering Covid-19-related safety protocols.To validate the effectiveness of the proposal, an ARENA simulation system was used to establish a new scenario where the defective product indicator decreases by 3.13% and productivity improves by about 38%. In turn, the resulting increase in the number of orders enhances company sales and profits, as well as the ability to meet the customer demand in a timely manner. © 2020 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
The evolution of respiratory capacity in convalescent Covid-19 patients must be monitored over time, which is not feasible due to the lack of personal, portable and low cost spirometers that prevent contamination. Here, we propose the design of a portable and personal spirometer, that uses the parabolic movement of a drop of fluid, driven by exhaled air, to measure respiratory capacity. The distance traveled by the drop is correlated with the air and thus, the exhaled air volume. The mechanical design does not require an external energy source and instead relies on the force of the patient's exhalation. The position of the drop can be measured directly using an interchangeable ruler within the spirometer. The research methodology consists in three stages: idea generation, concept definition (patent), and concept feasibility. In this third stage a simulation with Modellus X.04.05 is realized. We have patented the conceptual design of the spirometer, and additionally present a simulation and feasibility determination of the environmentally friendly and low-cost design. The novelty of this patented spirometer is the use of a simple physical principle to solve a complex problem, without using external energy. Therefore, this artifact can be implemented and widely used in the prevention and control of bronchopulmonary diseases. © 2020 The Authors