ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology is widely used to reduce microorganisms that may remain on the surfaces after a standard cleaning to the minimum number. In this chapter we have proposed a robot named for disinfection, which consists of the UV light and hence the robot is a disinfection robot. It can be deployed at a variety of locations, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our UV bot has six 15W of UV lamps mounted on top of the UV bot platform covering 360 degrees. Our UV bot employs an embedded system based on a Raspberry Pi to aid in navigation and obstacle avoidance. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Dementia is the most common pre-existing condition related to coronavirus deaths. COVID-19 itself causes high rates of neuropsychiatric co-morbidities, including delirium. In addition, infection control measures in hospitals and changes in patient flow have drastically altered the care provided to patients with dementia. Some of the emergency measures mainly affected COVID-19 positive patients, whereas others had an impact on all. The difference in dementia care and health outcomes between patients with and without coronavirus is not well characterised. Methods: This project examined these differences by leveraging the National Audit of Dementia (NAD) data framework. A tailor-made questionnaire was composed of the relevant items from the NAD and additional items - demographic data, details of care provided, health and discharge outcomes. The sample included 100 patients with dementia admitted to the Stoke Mandeville Hospital during April-July 2020. This was composed of all dementia patients who tested positive for COVID-19 during admission (n=25) and a control sample of those who did not (n=75). Statistical analysis: Analysis involved a combination of student's t, binomial, and Chi-squared statistical tests, applied to numerical, two-answer categorical, and multiple-answer categorical data respectively. Where appropriate, false discovery rate correction was applied to account for multiple comparisons. P-values of <0.05 were treated as representing significant differences between the groups. Results and Conclusions: Demographics of COVID-positive dementia inpatients were different, with more males (48% vs. 27% of COVID-negative) and more patients coming from residential care (40% vs. 19%). During admission, COVID-positive patients experienced higher rates of new neurological signs and delirium, but fewer formal assessments of cognition were carried out. On the other hand, COVID-positive inpatients received better functional assessments and comprehensively documented ward-care. While the mortality rate for these patients was much higher (48% vs. 8%), if discharged, this was better coordinated. Distinct clinical needs of COVID-19 dementia inpatients need to be taken into account in the planning of routine, and crisis, hospital care.