Computational optimization of delivery parameters to guide the development of targeted Nasal spray.

Airborne transmission by droplets and aerosols is known to play a critical role in the spread of many viruses amongst which are the common flu and the more recent SARS-CoV-2 viruses. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the nasal cavity not only constitutes an important viral entry point, but also a primary site of infection (Sungnak W. et al. Nat. Med. 26:681-687. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0868-6 , 2020).. Although face masks are a well-established preventive measure, development of novel and easy-to-use prophylactic measures would be highly beneficial in fighting viral spread and the subsequent emergence of variants of concern (Tao K. et al. Nat Rev Genet 22:757-773. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-021-00408-x , 2021). Our group has been working on optimizing a nasal spray delivery system that deposits particles inside the susceptible regions of the nasal cavity to act as a mechanical barrier to impede viral entry. Here, we identify computationally the delivery parameters that maximize the protection offered by this barrier. We introduce the computational approach and quantify the protection rate obtained as a function of a broad range of delivery parameters. We also introduce a modified design and demonstrate that it significantly improves deposition, thus constituting a viable approach to protect against nasal infection of airborne viruses. We then discuss our findings and the implications of this novel system on the prevention of respiratory diseases and targeted drug delivery.

Does COVID-19 Fear Induce Employee Innovation Performance Deficiency? Examining the Mediating Role of Psychological Stress and Moderating Role of Organizational Career Support.

With the immense, short/long-term, and multidirectional effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on work performance, industry activities, and the national/global economy, it has adversely affected employees' psychological well-being due to its elevated stress and anxiety that have substantially affected employee innovation performance (deficiency) (EIP(D)). The goal of this empirical paper is to identify how COVID-19 induces EIPD by examining the mediating role of psychological stress (PS) on the relationship between fear of infection with COVID-19 (FIC) and EIPD based on affective events theory (AET) and the moderating effect of organizational career support (OCS) on the relationship between PS and EIPD. Based on 865 survey responses provided by mid-level managers from Chinese manufacturing firms and the covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using AMOS 25, we identified that FIC has a positive relationship with EIPD while PS can fully mediate the link between FIC and EIPD and OCS weakens the positive relationship between PS and EIPD (that is, in the presence of OCS, EIPD decreases despite the presence of PS among the employees). The findings of our empirical study will theoretically and practically contribute to the pandemic-related existing literature by providing an in-depth understanding of these variables. Furthermore, policymakers can also benefit by boosting their EIP from the outcomes revealed and suggestions provided.