ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiance (UVGI) is the effective technique of inactivating disease-causing bacteria, mould spores, fungi, and viruses using ultraviolet radiation. In this study, we seek to quantify the efficacy and COVID-19 infection risk reduction achieved by UVGI in the upper unoccupied zone of a room so that we may specify the type and placement of UVGI emitters optimally. We present a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based approach to model disinfection of aerosolized pathogens in a non-uniform ultraviolet field with mixing driven by air exchange and temperature gradients. We validate our CFD against simple calculation methods for UVGI effectiveness in well mixed spaces, and we integrate it with the Wells-Riley model of airborne infection risk to assess the relative benefit of UVGI with and against other measures. We demonstrate an order of magnitude reduction in infection risk as a result of applying UVGI, as well as the ability to quantify infection risk in non-well-mixed settings where simplified calculations methods do not apply. © International Building Performance Simulation Association, 2022
ABSTRACT
Covid-19 has led to unparalleled school closures and bought about extraordinary and unique challenges to ensuring continuity of learning for children across countries. This paper focuses on the educational experiences of children with disabilities in Malawi. Using a telephone survey, 99 parents/carers were interviewed about the impact of school closure on them and their child with disabilities. Parents reported as being overwhelmingly dissatisfied with the educational experiences of their child with disabilities, with a significant number reporting that they had no contact with the school or the teachers during closures. Children with disabilities were reported as spending very little time on formal learning activities. Nonetheless, parents were confident that their child with disabilities would return to school once these re-opened, as parents noted the loss of structure for their child's day and increased loneliness arising from lack of contact with their friends. As schools reopen, the mental health of children with disabilities, alongside their learning, will need to be a priority. Finally, parents highlighted the need for more active involvement in their child's schooling, so that they are able to support them better when they are at home.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how healthcare services are provided. In order to comply with public health recommendations, the multidisciplinary team (MDT) network of the South East Cancer Centre at University Hospital Waterford made a transition to a virtual meeting format. The centre coordinates a network of eight individual cancer MDTs with three satellite hospitals. Following adaptation to virtual format, remote participants now join by videoconference, telephone call, or by phone application. Methods: A 30-part questionnaire was developed in electronic format and distributed to consultants who comprise the senior membership of the cancer MDTs. The objectives were to investigate experience of the virtual meetings post-implementation, and assess preference regarding the future of the meetings. Results: Among 36 respondents, surgeons accounted for 38.9%, medical oncologists (22.2%), pathologists (13.9%), radiologists (11.1%), haematologists (5.6%) and radiation oncology, palliative care and physicians for 2.8% each. The most common means of joining the meeting included videoconference (61.1%), physical attendance at MDT room (19.4%), telephone (11.4%) and by phone application (8.3%). 67% experienced difficulties using the technology including issues connecting (67%) and screen-sharing (50%). 78% reported that the virtual format did not affect their attendance at MDT, with 11% reporting increased attendance. 56% thought the case discussion at the virtual MDT was not as in-depth as the conventional MDTs, but a majority (81%) believe that decisions made are not impacted by the virtual format. 71% believe it has negatively impacted on education. Most respondents (40%) preferred the traditional face-to-face format, with 37% preferring a combination of virtual and face-to-face. The majority of consultants determine that virtual MDTs should continue past social distancing guidelines. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that virtual MDT meetings can be implemented into routine MDT practice. Although challenges are encountered, transition to a virtual format enables continuation of MDT meetings in uncertain times and may become a lasting legacy of COVID-19. Legal entity responsible for the study: C.M. Goggin. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.