Blue Light and Eye Damage: A Review on the Impact of Digital Device Emissions

The pandemic and lockdown caused by COVID-19 accelerated digitalization. Personal digital devices, emitting high-energy light, namely in the blue wavelength, have raised concerns about possible harmful effects on users' eyes. Scientific research history has shown a relationship between exposure to blue light and changes in ocular structures. The main goal of this review is to examine frequent and prolonged exposure to blue radiation from computers, tablets and smartphones and its consequences on vision and ocular structures. Bibliographic research was carried out on changes induced by blue light in ocular structures, the cornea, the crystalline lens and the retina based on the following scientific databases: BioOne Complete™;Google Scholar™;Paperity™;PubMed™;and ScienceOpen™. The most significant studies on blue light and ocular damage were selected and reviewed. The most relevant bibliographic data were analyzed and summarized and some gaps in the theme of blue light from digital devices were identified. The experimental need to acquire additional new data is suggested. The hypothesis that continued use of digital devices enriched with blue light may interfere with the biological tissues of the cornea, crystalline lens, or retina is not clarified in the available scientific evidence. Therefore, additional studies are needed to answer this problem. © 2023 by the authors.

The inhibitory and inactivating effects of visible light on SARS-CoV-2: A narrative update.

Prior to the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the germicidal effects of visible light (λ = 400 - 700 nm) were well known. This review provides an overview of new findings that suggest there are direct inactivating effects of visible light - particularly blue wavelengths (λ = 400 - 500 nm) - on exposed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virions, and inhibitory effects on viral replication in infected cells. These findings complement emerging evidence that there may be clinical benefits of orally administered blue light for limiting the severity of COVID-19. Possible mechanisms of action of blue light (e.g., regulation of reactive oxygen species) and important mediators (e.g., melatonin) are discussed.

The impact of blue light and digital screens on the skin.

INTRODUCTION: The skin is frequently subjected to a variety of environmental trauma and stress. It is unavoidably subjected to blue light due to the increased use of electronic equipment, including indoor lighting and digital gadgets like smartphones and laptops, which have a range of detrimental effects. The method of action and numerous harmful consequences of blue light on the skin are the main subjects of this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search has been performed using PubMed, GoogleScholar and EmBase databases and an updated review on the topic has been presented. RESULTS: Numerous studies have shown that being exposed to blue light accelerates the aging process and produces cutaneous hyperpigmentation. It also modifies the circadian rhythm. The two main molecules that mediate cellular responses to blue light are nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species. However, the precise process is still not fully known. CONCLUSION: These negative consequences may eventually cause more general skin damage, which may hasten the aging process. At times, skin protection may be crucial for protection against blue light.

Prevalence of Ophthalmic Manifestations in COVID-19 Positive Indoor Patients during Second Wave at Rural Tertiary Care Hospital of Gujarat: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) can affect multiple system of body including eye. In eye, it can cause mild conjunctivitis, posterior segment involvement, neurosensory involvement and lethal opportunistic infection like mucormycosis. Associated co-morbidities, severity of COVID-19 infection and corticosteroids used in its management can affect ophthalmic involvement. Aim(s): To determine the frequency and various types of ophthalmic manifestation of patients with COVID-19. Material(s) and Method(s): This prospective observational study was conducted on indoor patients of Shree Krishna Hospital, a rural, tertiary care hospital affiliated with Pramukh Swami Medical College, Karansad, Gujarat, India, from 1st May 2021 to 1st January 2022. Second wave of COVID-19 was from 13th March 2021 to 19th June 2021. Patients' demographic data, details of COVID-19 infection severity score, oxygen requirement, use of corticosteroids, history of various co-morbidities and stages of Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) (if present) were noted. Bedside ophthalmic examination was done with torch light, fluorescent strip, cobalt blue light of direct ophthalmoscope and fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy under institutional COVID-19 guidelines. Descriptive Statistics {Mean, (SD), Frequency, (%)} were used for analysis of the collected data. Result(s): Out of 649 COVID-19 patients, 368 were male and 281 were female with mean age of 52.58 (+/-15.38) years. All over prevalence of ophthalmic manifestations was 9.86% (n=64 out of 649 patients). A total of 63 patients (9.71%) did not require any oxygen supplement, 352 patients (54.24%) required nasal prongs, 201 patients (30.97%) required non invasive ventilator support and 33 patients (5.08%) required mechanical ventilation. The 378 patients (58.24%) received cortico-steroids in oral or intravenous form. A total of 325 patients (50.1%) had diabetes,267 patients (41.1%) had hypertension, 29 patients (4.5%) had chronic kidney disease and 15 patients (2.3%) had thyroid disease. A total of 52 patients (8.01%) had conjunctivitis. Mean age of patients with conjunctivitis was 50.04 (+/-15.28) with male preponderance (n=30, 57.7%). Most common systemic presentation was fever (n=29,55.8%). Patients with conjunctivitis had high D-dimer (>500 ng/mL) (n=42;80.8%) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) values (>3 mg/L) (n=39;75%). A total of 144 patients (22.2%) were vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine first dose while ten patients (19.23%) out of 52 patients having conjunctivitis were vaccinated. Out of 649 patients, prevalence of ROCM was 1.85% (n=12) with mean age 58.58 years (+/-9.71 years) and male preponderance (n=8, 66.66%). Nine out of twelve patients had high blood sugar levels (mean level 340 mg/ dL) at the time of admission. Out of twelve, eight patients had received corticosteroids for management of COVID-19 infection. Six patients of ROCM (50%) did not require any oxygen support while two patient (16.7%) required nasal prongs for mean 7.50 days and four patient (33.3%) required non invasive ventilator support for mean 7.33 days (+/-2.5 days). One patient had stage 2C disease, one had stage 3B, five patients had stage 3C while five patients had stage 4C disease. Conclusion(s): Ocular manifestations of COVID-19 range from conjunctivitis to ROCM. Conjunctivitis has mild and self-limited course while ROCM is sight threatening and life-threatening condition, if not treated appropriately.Copyright © 2023 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.

Blue, rather than red light can nudge employees to choose delayed but larger wage payment

Most businesses have been severely affected during the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as they lack sufficient cash reserves for turnaround in this devastated business environment. This study presents a nudge-based approach for encouraging employees to choose delayed but larger wage payment. Through two laboratory experiments and one field experiment, we found that blue light more likely promotes individuals choosing the farsighted intertemporal option (i.e., delayed but larger payment) than red light. We further investigated why blue light can promote such a farsighted decision and found that the intradimensional difference comparison-that is, comparing the difference between the two options in the time dimension (time A,B) and the difference in the payoff dimension (payoff A,B)-mediates the effect of blue (vs. red) light on intertemporal choice. The current study demonstrates the effectiveness of light color and provides a solution to nudge people to make farsighted choices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Comparison of oxidative stress response of in vitro retinal cells exposed to blue light from emissive versus reflective displays

During COVID-19, there was increased use of handheld displays in educational settings. There is growing concern that eye health may be affected by prolonged exposure to the light-emitting diodes used as frontlights or backlights in handheld displays. The potential impact of light exposure from tablet-sized devices with different display technologies and various spectral outputs was assessed in an in vitro model using human retinal epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. Cellular response was quantified by measuring reactive oxidative species (ROS) and by analyzing mitochondrial morphology. Control experiments established a baseline ROS response to hazardous blue light exposure and also that red light resulted in no detectable ROS response. Under identical conditions, ROS response increased with time for all devices. However, different device spectra caused ROS to accumulate at different rates. When operating the devices in the same mode (day or night), cells accumulated ROS two to three times more slowly on exposure to frontlit electronic paper displays compared to backlit liquid crystal displays. With increasing ROS accumulation, mitochondrial morphology shifted from elongate interconnected features typically observed under normal conditions to rounded disconnected features associated with oxidative stress response. © 2023 E Ink Corporation. Journal of the Society for Information Display published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Information Display.

Advance Eye wear with warm white LEDs: A Preventive Approach Against Asthenopia in Post-covid Era

"Eyes are windows to the soul" - we can smell a rose but cannot see the immense beauty of it without eyes. Dramatic increase in asthenopic symptoms in the students and workers caused by electricity outage is common ocular problem in the rural areas of India. Moreover, Computer vision syndrome (CVS) has extended their deteriorative arms worldwide in post-COVID era due to increased screentime by extensive use of digital gadgets. Blue light released from digital gadgets causes macular degeneration through various factors including oxidative stress. Thus, there is a dire need of mitigative measures against CVS and electricity outage mediated asthenopic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to develop a preventive measure against asthenopia induced mental and ocular disorder. A spectacle frame having blue light blocking glasses along with strip of warm white LED was taken. The hollow temples of spectacles had a wire which was connected to LED strip on one end and another end was connected with neck band having rechargeable battery and intensity regulator feature. A prototype of advance eyewear was developed and patent was published (IPR Application no. 202211006479). Product of this prototype will be developed and commercialized through optical agencies (under discussion with Lenskart & Royal son). First 1 00 samples of the product will be distributed to the students of rural areas under community services. Therefore, it's most plausible applications may be Used as a preventive approach against asthenopia caused by electricity outage and CVS.Useful for the professionals working in dark areas (mechanic, Plumber, Electrician etc).

The growth, adventitious bud formation, bioactive flavonoid production, antioxidant response, and cryptochrome-mediated light signal transduction in Isatis tinctoria L. hairy root cultures exposed to LED lights

The root of Isatis tinctoria L. is highly appreciated as a Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases caused by coronaviruses viruses such as SARS and COVID-19. I. tinctoria hairy root cultures (ITHRCs) provide a better alternative to field cultivation for the production of antiviral flavonoids. For the first time, ITHRCs were exposed to different colors of LED lights i.e., red, green, blue, red/green/blue (1/1/1, RGB), and white, in an attempt to promote the root growth and enhance the production of bioactive flavonoids. Results revealed that the biomass productivity (7.15 ± 0.63 g/L) in ITHRCs with an initial inoculum size of 0.2% cultured for 50 days under blue light increased by 1.86-fold relative to that under dark (control), and yields of rutin (320.49 ± 27.56 μg/g DW), quercetin (388.75 ± 9.17 μg/g DW), kaempferol (787.90 ± 83.43 μg/g DW), and isorhamnetin (269.11 ± 20.08 μg/g DW) increased by 4.15-fold, 9.31-fold, 9.09-fold, and 2.88-fold as compared with control, respectively. Interestingly, the emergence of adventitious buds was noticed in ITHRCs under all light treatments. Additionally, the enhanced densities of chloroplasts and root hairs were found in blue-light grown ITHRCs as against control, which might account for the elevated biomass productivity. Moreover, blue light induced oxidative stress in ITHRCs in terms of the overproduction of oxidation products and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, blue light significantly activated photoreceptor (CRY1) and key regulator of light signaling (HY5), thus leading to the up-regulated expression of MYB4 and structural genes (such as CHS and FLS) responsible for flavonoid biosynthesis. And, the transcriptional activation of CUC1 was likely related to the formation of adventitious buds in ITHRCs. Overall, the simple supplementation of blue LED light makes ITHRCs more attractive as plant factories for obtaining higher productivity of biomass and medicinally important flavonoids. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Blue Light Exposure and Exposure Duration Effects on Rats' Puberty Process

Introduction: In the last 10 years, blue light (BL) sources such as tablets and phones has increased in every age group. Especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, screen exposure has also increased in childhood. However, the effects of BL exposure in the puberty process aren't clear. We aimed to examine the effect of BL exposure and exposure time on puberty Methods: Immature eighteen 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups consisting of six rats in each group: Control Group (CG), Experiment Group-1 (EG-1), Experiment Group-2 (EG-2). CG rats were maintained under standard conditions with 12/12-hour light-dark cycles. The rats of EG-1 and EG-2 were exposed to BL (450-470 nm / irradiance level 0.03 uW/cm2) for 6 hours and 12 hours, respectively. Rats were exposed to BL until the first signs of puberty and then they were euthanasiad. Serum FSH, LH, Estrodiol, testosterone, DHEA-S, leptin, melatonin were studied by ELISA method. Ovaries and uterus were dissected for histomorphological examination Results: The medians of the pubertal entry days of the CG, EG-1 and EG-2 were 38th, 32th, and 30th days, respectively. (p: 0.001) A negative correlation was found between the puberty entry day of the groups and the exposure to BL and the duration of exposure. (r:-0.910, p<0.001) The FSH, testosterone, DHEA-S, leptin levels of all groups were similar. (p> 0.05) However, LH and estradiol levels of EG-1 were higher compared CG. (p:0.027) There was a negative correlation between BL exposure, exposure time and melatonin levels (ro:- 0.537, p: 0.048) Ovarian tissue was compatible with pubertal period in all groups. As the BL exposure time increased, capillary dilatation and edema in the over tissue increased. Prolonged exposure caused polycystic over like (PCO-like) morphological changes and apoptosis in granulosa cells. Conclusion(s): Our study is the first to show the effects of BL exposure on puberty. In our study, we showed that exposure of BL and the duration of exposure lead to early puberty. PCO-like, inflammation and apoptosis were detected in the ovaries with the increase in BL exposure time. There are studies showing that there is an increase in cases with precocious puberty and acceleration in puberty pace during the closure period compared to the pre-pandemic period. In our study, we experimentally demonstrated the effects of BL exposure on puberty and the relationship between increased exposure time.

Generation of a photocontrollable recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus type 3.

Bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) is a promising vaccine vector against various respiratory virus infections, including the human PIV3, respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 infections. In this study, we combined the Magnet system and reverse genetic approach to generate photocontrollable BPIV3. An optically controllable Magnet gene was inserted into the H2 region of the BPIV3 large protein gene, which encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The generated photocontrollable BPIV3 grew in specific regions of the cell sheet only when illuminated with blue light, suggesting that spatiotemporal control can aid in safe clinical applications of BPIV3.

Adverse Effect of Blue Light on DNA Integrity Is Accelerated by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid in HaCaT Human Keratinocyte Cells and B16F1 Murine Melanoma Cells.

Several studies have suggested the potential benefits of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT). 5-ALA is a precursor of heme, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) following photoirradiation. Some reports indicate that blue light induces intracellular ROS production. In the present study, we elucidated the effects of blue light and 5-ALA on DNA integrity in B16F1 murine melanoma and human keratinocyte HaCaT cells using a variety of comet assay techniques. Co-treatment with blue light and 5-ALA significantly decreased cell viability in both cell lines. A neutral comet assay was performed to assess DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and blue light and 5-ALA caused DSBs. We also performed an alkali comet assay to detect single-strand breaks (SSB) and alkali labile sites (ALS). The results indicated that 5-ALA accelerated blue light-induced SSB formation. In addition, modified comet assays were done using two types of enzymes to evaluate oxidative DNA damages. The results indicated that blue light and 5-ALA generated oxidized purine and pyrimidines in both cell lines. In summary, co-treatment with 5-ALA and photoirradiation may cause unexpected DNA damage in cells and tissues.

Blue light irradiation exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiviral and anti-inflammatory functions of blue light (BL) in cutaneous viral infections. Previously, we examined the photo-biogoverning role of 450 nm BL in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, which showed that photo-energy could inhibit viral activation depending on the number of photons. However, the communication network between photo-energy irradiation and immune cells involved in viral infections has not been clarified. We verified viral activation, inflammatory responses, and relevant downstream cascades caused by human simplex virus type I (HSV-1) after BL irradiation. To examine the antiviral effect of BL, we further tested whether BL could disturb viral absorption or entry into host cells. The results showed that BL irradiation, but not green light (GL) exposure, specifically decreased plaque-forming activity and viral copy numbers in HSV-1-infected cells. Accumulated BL irradiation inhibited the localization of viral proteins and the RNA expression of characteristic viral genes such as UL19, UL27, and US6, thus exerting to an anti-viral effect. The results also showed that BL exposure during viral absorption interfered with viral entry or destroyed the virus, as assessed by plaque formation and quantitative PCR assays. The levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1ß in M1-polarized macrophages were increased by HSV-1 infection. However, these increases were attenuated by BL irradiation. Importantly, BL irradiation decreased cGAS and STING expression, as well as downstream NF-κB p65, in M1-polarized HSV-1-infected macrophages, demonstrating anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that BL could serve as an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory therapeutic candidate to treat HSV-1 infections.

Covid-19 and Its Derivatives: A Relation with Light for Health

Light now has many applications in life and plays a vital role in therapeutic and protective fields. In the recent era, many light sources are considered for prevention, sterilization, and curing, especially with artificial lamps. Since the coronavirus pandemic appeared in 2019, the world has been interested in sterilization by light rays from a physical and applied point of view. In this work, the authors focus on definite spectral bands and their direct effects on the current COVID-19 pandemic for a prevention spreading purpose. According to the light use results, until now, the most useful method for decontamination against COVID-19 is ultraviolet C. The other spectral bands like UVA, UVB, and violet-blue show that they have a more negligible effect on the deactivation of the COVID-19 virus. The UVA and UVB help increase vitamin D in the human body, reflecting positively on the immunity system and increasing the recovery rate. The violet-blue band is helpful in decontamination against bacteria microorganisms. As for the IR band, the studies are still recent, and until now, there is no recommendation to use this band in sterilization against this pandemic. Studies continued on UV utilization because the world urgently needs industrial and domestic disinfection systems and sterilization. The other bands have another substantial practical effect on health improvement so any people can survive and overcome different diseases.

Is Melatonin the "Next Vitamin D"?: A Review of Emerging Science, Clinical Uses, Safety, and Dietary Supplements.

Melatonin has become a popular dietary supplement, most known as a chronobiotic, and for establishing healthy sleep. Research over the last decade into cancer, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, fertility, PCOS, and many other conditions, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to greater awareness of melatonin because of its ability to act as a potent antioxidant, immune-active agent, and mitochondrial regulator. There are distinct similarities between melatonin and vitamin D in the depth and breadth of their impact on health. Both act as hormones, affect multiple systems through their immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory functions, are found in the skin, and are responsive to sunlight and darkness. In fact, there may be similarities between the widespread concern about vitamin D deficiency as a "sunlight deficiency" and reduced melatonin secretion as a result of "darkness deficiency" from overexposure to artificial blue light. The trend toward greater use of melatonin supplements has resulted in concern about its safety, especially higher doses, long-term use, and application in certain populations (e.g., children). This review aims to evaluate the recent data on melatonin's mechanisms, its clinical uses beyond sleep, safety concerns, and a thorough summary of therapeutic considerations concerning dietary supplementation, including the different formats available (animal, synthetic, and phytomelatonin), dosing, timing, contraindications, and nutrient combinations.

Towards a high-precision contactless fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.

The raging COVID-19 pandemic accentuates the urgent and compelling need for non-contact fingerprinting biometric authentication devices to mitigate the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other contagious infections. Current approaches to contactless fingerprinting scanners suffer limitations ranging from poor compatibility with two-dimensional equivalent touch-based fingerprint images to perspective distortions, inconstant resolution, motion blur images and low correlation factors. Herein, these constraints are tackled by implementing a system that enables the positioning of the target finger(s) at fixed vertical and horizontal distances away from the camera lens without the physical contact of the fingers with the device framework during scanning. A high-precision fingerprint pattern recognition of up to 97.51% correlation factor has been achieved, using this contactless method, by varying the background illuminating light and implementing two-dimensional imaging techniques and near-constant resolution. Additionally, a convenient contactless fingerprint acquisition process is reinforced through a unique architectural design.

Validated method for assessing the effects of blue light on human skin

The COVID pandemic caused an increase in virtual meetings & work from home scenarios that resulted in people spending increased time in front of computer screens & electronic devices. Studies have shown that blue light can produce cytotoxic effects, primarily through the production of reactive oxygen species & increased inflammation. However, the topic has been controversial with some studies claiming no adverse effects of blue light on the skin. Methods for testing the effects of blue light using in vitro testing models are lacking. Our work was conducted in order to develop a reproducible, validated testing method for assessing the effects of blue light on the skin. We designed a custom blue-light box that can be used to generate blue light at 460 nm wavelength. We performed a series of studies to optimize the dose and timing of the exposure & skin-culture conditions. Our work demonstrates that 6 hours of daily blue light for 5 consecutive days (total 30 J/cm2) produced a dose-and-time dependent decrease in skin health in 3D full thickness in vitro skin tissues. In addition, gene expression data showed an increase in the expression of genes that regulate inflammation and oxidative stress pathways (IL1A, IL6, CXCL8, COX2, CYP1B1, & NQO1) & a decrease in the expression of genes that maintain skin barrier and integrity (KRT1, KRT10, LOR, DSC and Collagen). Genes regulating skin aging & hydration including MMP1 & FLG were also regulated by exposure to blue light. Enzyme-linked immunoassays were performed to confirm changes in specific proteins. Exposure to blue light significantly increased 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine, a marker for oxidative stress, & MMP1, markers for photoaging. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to confirm changes in Collagen, Filaggrin & NQO1 protein expression in skin tissue. Our results showed that consistent blue light exposure produced skin damage via alterations in key biological pathways. This work provides a new, reproducible in vitro testing method for assessing the effects of blue light on human skin using gene expression, protein ELISA and IHC staining.

Sleep quality, alertness and mood state of day-night-shift university students during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The sleep-wake rhythm irregularities can cause poor sleep quality and mood changes, such as increased fatigue and sleepiness in the students in consequence of the academic tasks and social life. Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the sleep quality, sleepiness, alertness state and mood state of the university students prior to the day-night-shift classes (online) during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: One hundred sixty-eight university students of both sexes, with a mean age of 23.8±5.4 years, registered from the 2nd to the 7th period in three courses (Medicine, Nursing and Physiotherapy) of the two Brazilian private university in the day (n=90) and night-shift (n=78) were participated of this study. The measurements of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI), sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), alertness state (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale), mood state (Brazil Mood Scale - BRAMS), fatigue (FB) and vigor BRAMS domains (VB) were performed immediately prior to the classes online (day shift = 7h00;night shift = 19h00). The normality of the data was verified using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The Mann-Whitney U test of independent samples was used to compare the variables between day-shift and night-shift university students. The size of the Cohen effect (ES) was estimated. The α-level for all analysis was set at ≤0.05. Results: The results showed there was a significant difference in sleep quality, fatigue mood domain, and alertness state between university students in the day and night shifts: sleep quality - PSQI (U= 2789.5;p=0.02;ES=0.46), alertness state - KSS (U= 2933.0;p=0.04, ES=0.48) and FB mood domain (U= 2877.0;p=0.05;ES=0.31). However, there was no difference in sleepiness (ESS) and Vigor mood domain (BRAMS) between day-shift and night-shift students. Therefore, the night-shift university students showed a significant worsening of the sleep quality, fatigue mood and alertness state compared to the day-shift students prior the classes. Conclusion: The results indicated that night-shift students were inattentive, fatigue, and sleepy prior to their academic activities (classes), in addition to presenting poor sleep quality (IQSP>5). Thereby, strategies implementation such as naps, restorative sleep, blue light therapy, and sleep hygiene are important to improve the alertness, attention, general health, and academic performance of the university students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A Solution for Monitoring the Eye's Viewing Distance from Electronical Displays

Recent working environment due to pandemic covid 19 leads to numerous medical ailments for those who sits in front of the Computer Display for a longer duration. This type of activity leads to two types of eye strains such as Radiation Strain and Proximate Strain. Out of the two, proximate strain is the more potent cause of eye defects. There are proximity sensors in many devices, but their function is to turn off the display when kept in proximity to any surface. This has been done to prevent any mis-clicks on the display. There also exist many measures of safety to the eye by the use of blue light filters, dark mode, focus modes, etc. The proposed work focuses on monitoring the proximity of the eyes of the user to display with the use of the inbuilt device camera. The proposed algorithm maps the user's face and prevents them from using their devices too close to their eyes. Built on Python, OpenCV and MediaPipe, this project aims to do this using the camera on a device, it is very affordable and does not require any proprietary sensor or powerful and expensive hardware. Being very light, this algorithm can even run smoothly on a Raspberry Pi4. © 2022 IEEE.

PaLS Study of Sleep Deprivation and Mental Health Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many people live. To assess its impact on sleep quality and quantity, blue light exposure, and the mental health of Polish university students, a cross-sectional survey was conducted. Almost half of the participants were medical students (47.62%; n = 630). The majority of students were suffering from insomnia (58.13%, n = 769). Almost every third student was sleeping less than 7 h a day (30.39%, n = 402). Our study showed that a short sleep duration correlates with poorer mental health outcomes. Respondents who declared sadness and depression were more likely to suffer from insomnia (OR = 5.6997, 95% CI: 4.3641-7.4441). Difficulty with tasks was also more likely to co-occur with insomnia (OR = 5.4723, 95% CI: 4.3007 to 6.9630). The results of this study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the deterioration of sleep quality and quantity as well as the psychological well-being of Polish students. It is important to take steps to promote proper sleeping habits to alleviate the risk of mental health disorders in this group of people.

Surface disinfection with white-violet illumination device

The spread of infections, as in the coronavirus pandemic, leads to the desire to perform disinfection measures even in the presence of humans. UVC radiation is known for its strong antimicrobial effect, but it is also harmful to humans. Visible light, on the other hand, does not affect humans and laboratory experiments have already demonstrated that intense visible violet and blue light has a reducing effect on bacteria and viruses. This raises the question of whether the development of pathogen-reducing illumination is feasible for everyday applications. For this purpose, a lighting device with white and violet LEDs is set up to illuminate a work surface with 2,400 lux of white light and additionally with up to 2.5 mW/cm2 of violet light (405 nm). Staphylococci are evenly distributed on the work surface and the decrease in staphylococci concentration is observed over a period of 46 hours. In fact, the staphylococci concentration decreases, but with the white illumination, a 90% reduction occurs only after 34 hours;with the additional violet illumination the necessary irradiation time is shortened to approx. 3.5 hours. Increasing the violet component probably increases the disinfection effect, but the color impression moves further away from white and the low disinfection durations of UVC radiation can nevertheless not be achieved, even with very high violet emissions.