ABSTRACT
Ozone-based technologies have been evaluated to inactivate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces. However, the vast diversity of information makes it difficult to establish common ground for determining the best practices for using this technology. The objective of this work is to evaluate the success of N95 mask decontamination by ozonation, determining the specific parameters for process control. To quantify the effectiveness of the process, a disinfection protocol was initially developed based on two bacterial species (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius), followed by another disinfection assay using the murine hepatitis coronavirus (MHV-3), in a laboratory-scale prototype. Ozone is an effective candidate for use against SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses to disinfect personal protection equipment (PPE). © 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
ABSTRACT
Covid 19 is a highly infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can spread from an infected person’s nose, mouth during coughing & sneezing. One of the warriors against Covid-19 is personal protection equipment (PPE), which is indispensable for everyone working closely with Covid-19 patients. The kits are made of different types of plastics and their disposal is going to be a serious menace, if not taken care of properly. The sustainable alternative to handle cast-off PPE kit is to convert them into pyrolysis oil using a thermochemical process. In the present paper, pyrolysis of PPE kit is done in a lab scale reactor to get the pyrolysis oil that has the potential to be used as alternate fuel in the neat or in blended form with conventional fuels. GC-MS of the obtained oil shows the presence of (C-7 to C-32) hydrocarbon fraction. FTIR analysis of the oil is also done for functional group composition. The results obtained also support the application of pyrolyisis oil as an alternate fuel. Physico-chemical characteristics of the pyrolysis oil sample are also comparable to the commercially available fuel with exception of viscosity as the fuel obtained has not been fractionated and has both light and heavy naphtha. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic affected societies worldwide, compromising socio-technical systems across geographical, judicial, and administrative borders. It therefore a cross-border, transboundary crisis. It also exposed the global medical supply chain's vulnerability. Authorities' inability to restore it quickly caused serious problems in crisis response, but private initiatives provided unexpected bottom-up solutions. How social entrepreneurs respond to a crisis alongside the formal crisis governance system and generate resources related to product development and logistics deserves more attention. We therefore present a case study about a Dutch social enterprise (Refugee Company) engaged with the cross-border dimension of the COVID-19 crisis. We show it is possible to establish a supply chain and domestically produce personal protection equipment using a bottom-up approach. Policy and crisis governance should not overlook the potential of entrepreneurial activities to strengthen supply chains during crises, as they make supply chains more sustainable and crisis-resilient. © 2021 Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
It is inevitable that some patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 may require urgent surgical procedures. The objective of this review was to discuss the modifications required in the operating room during COVID-19 times for minimal access, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery, especially with regard to minimally invasive surgical instruments, buffalo filter, trocars with smoke evacuator, and special personal protection equipment. We have discussed the safety measures to be followed for the suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient. In addition to surgical patients, health care workers should also protect themselves by following the guidelines and recommendations while treating these patients. Although there is little evidence of viral transmission through laparoscopic or open approaches, we recommend modifications to surgical practice such as the use of safe smoke evacuation and minimizing energy device use to reduce the risk of exposure to aerosolized particles to the health care team. Therefore, hospitals must follow specific protocols and arrange suitable training of the health care workers. Following well-established plans to accomplish un-deferrable surgeries in COVID-19-positive patients is strongly recommended.