ABSTRACT
Novel cloth face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have been developed and tested for particle (0.1 mu m in size) filtration efficiency, bacterial filtration efficiency, breathability, leakage, heart rate, and blood oxygen level, and then compared with the available N95 masks and surgical masks. It was found that this novel mask had better filtration efficiency than that of surgical masks and was very close to that of N95 masks. The breathability was also improved and was in the range of the designated levels for barrier face coverings. The flow visualization technique was utilized to study the leakage of the mask and it was found to have significantly lower leakage as compared to surgical masks. Heart rate and blood oxygen level tests were performed by wearing the mask during 10-minute walking sessions and it was found that wearing the mask did not adversely affect heart rate or blood oxygen levels or add any other strain on the wearer. It is believed that this novel face mask would reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well as provide an environmentally and economically conscious alternative to the N95 respirators for the public. The mask developed in this study can be washed, reused, and therefore worn for longer periods of time.
ABSTRACT
Air circulation in transportation vehicles is already set to ventilate adequately. However, the potential and fear of cross-contamination between passengers aggravates constraints on the transport system. We propose immediate and long-term solutions by removing and sanitizing the exhaled air from each person securely. This system also senses any pathogen, identifying the source uniquely and unambiguously, enabling prompt attention and infection control. The system can be used to diagnose a variety of present, endemic, and future pathogens. A simple embodiment is presented, with assessment of requirements on an example transport aircraft to install and operate it. Features to detect pathogens, to collect, separate and sanitize water from collected air, may be added. A secondary intake accommodates small children and removes air from lower spaces. Requirements are seen to be moderate and feasible with small modifications to seats of present airliners. Similar systems may be developed for buses, theaters and auditoria among other uses. Modified versions can be used in conference rooms. Extensions to efficient future airliner design are considered. © 2021 IEEE.