Application of transparent microperforated panels to acrylic partitions for desktop use: A case study by prototyping.

There are various measures currently in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19); however, in some cases, these can have an adverse effect on the acoustic environment in buildings. For example, transparent acrylic partitions are often used in eating establishments, meeting rooms, offices, etc., to prevent droplet infection. However, acrylic partitions are acoustically reflective; therefore, reflected sounds may cause acoustic problems such as difficulties in conversation or the leakage of conversation. In this study, we performed a prototyping of transparent acrylic partitions to which a microperforated panel (MPP) was applied for sound absorption while maintaining transparency. The proposed partition is a triple-leaf acrylic partition with a single acrylic sheet without holes between two MPP sheets, as including a hole-free panel is important to prevent possible droplet penetration. The sound absorption characteristics were investigated by measuring the sound absorption in a reverberation room. As the original prototype showed sound absorption characteristics with a gentle peak and low values due to the openings on the periphery, it was modified by closing the openings on the top and sides. The sound absorption performance was improved to some extent when the top and sides were closed, although there remains the possibility of further improvement. For this study, only the sound absorption characteristics were examined in the prototype experiments. The effects during actual use will be the subject of future study.

Pandemic Democracy in Manipur: By Elections and Covid-19

This article provides an initial assessment of the many risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the conduct of genuine and transparent elections in Manipur. It begins with explaining why elections are a vital part of democracy and then using the notion of the electoral cycle, constructs a risk matrix that assesses the relative impact and likelihood of risks to the cycle, as well as proposes a number of potential mitigations to these risks. The root cause of the by-elections in Manipur is to be the election of the Rajya Sabha which held on June 19, 2020 by indulging in cross voting in favour of BJP candidate. There is a clear that the rise of Covid-19 cases be increased during the democratic process of by-elections such as, mass rallies, congregation etc. without maintaining SOPs. The number of elections dimensions of the electoral cycle that can be disrupted and the need for solution raises significant questions about the future of democracy itself.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Explicable AI for surveillance and interpretation of Coronavirus using X-ray imaging

Explainable AI (XAI) is one of the disciplines being investigated, with the goal of improving the transparency of black-box systems. XAI is such a technology that could assist to alleviate the black-box system by providing new ways of understanding the core thinking process of AI systems. Conside ring the healthcare domain, doctors are still not able to explain why certain decisions or forecasts had been predicted by a particular system. As a result, it imposes limitations on how and where AI technology can be implemented. And to address this problem, a taxonomy of model interpretability is framed for conceptualizing the explainability. Also, an approach with the baseline system is created which could firstly differentiate in the Covid-19 positive and Covid-19 negative chest X-ray images and an automated explainable pipeline is designed using XAI technique. This technique shows that the model is interpretable, that is the achieved results are easy to understand and can encourage medicians and patients with transparent and reliable medical journey. This article aims to help people comprehend the necessity for Explainable AI, as well as the methodological approaches used in healthcare. © 2023 IEEE.

Guiding employees through the COVID‐19 pandemic: An exploration of the impact of transparent communication and change appraisals

Against the backdrop of the COVID‐19 pandemic and drawing on literature from change management, internal communication and cognitive appraisal theory, this study provided accounts of how transparent communication during organizational change affects employees' cognitive appraisals of the change, behavioural reactions to the change, and subsequently, turnover intentions. Our findings of 414 full‐time US employees revealed that transparent internal communication is positively related to employees' challenge appraisal of the change, which, in turn, is related to change compliance and championing. In addition, transparent communication is negatively associated with threat appraisal of the change, which in turn is connected to lower change compliance. Further, employees' turnover intention was negatively associated with their compliance and championing for the change. This study has made several contributions to internal communication scholarship, appraisal theory and change management literature. We also offer several suggestions to improve communication during organizational change periods. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Contingencies & Crisis Management is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

High-Performance Flexible Humidity Sensor Based on MoOX Nanoparticle Films for Monitoring Human Respiration and Non-Contact Sensing

Flexible humidity sensors with high sensitivity, fast response time, and outstanding reliability have the potential to revolutionize electronic skin, healthcare, and non-contact sensing. In this study, we employed a straightforward nanocluster deposition technique to fabricate a resistive humidity sensor on a flexible substrate, using molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoOx NPs). We systematically evaluated the humidity-sensing behaviors of the MoOx NP film-based sensor and found that it exhibited exceptional sensing capabilities. Specifically, the sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (18.2 near zero humidity), a fast response/recovery time (1.7/2.2 s), and a wide relative humidity (RH) detection range (0-95%). The MoOx NP film, with its closely spaced granular nanostructure and high NP packing density, exhibited insensitivity to mechanical deformation, small hysteresis, good repeatability, and excellent stability. We also observed that the device exhibited distinct sensing kinetics in the range of high and low RH. Specifically, for RH > 43%, the response time showed a linear prolongation with increased RH. This behavior was attributed to two factors: the higher physical adsorption energy of H2O molecules and a multilayer physical adsorption process. In terms of applications, our sensor can be easily attached to a mask and has the potential to monitor human respiration owing to its high sensing performance. Additionally, the sensor was capable of dynamically tracking RH changes surrounding human skin, enabling a non-contact sensing capability. More significantly, we tested an integrated sensor array for its ability to detect moisture distribution in the external environment, demonstrating the potential of our sensor for contactless human-machine interaction. We believe that this innovation is particularly valuable during the COVID-19 epidemic, where cross-infection may be averted by the extensive use of contactless sensing. Overall, our findings demonstrate the tremendous potential of MoOx NP-based humidity sensors for a variety of applications, including healthcare, electronic skin, and non-contact sensing.

When less is not more: the effect of transparent masks on facial attractiveness judgment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been widely used in daily life. Previous studies have suggested that faces wearing typical masks that occlude the lower half of the face are perceived as more attractive than face without masks. However, relatively little work has been done on how transparent masks that reveal the lower half of the face affect the judgment of facial attractiveness. To investigate the effect of transparent masks on the perceived attractiveness, in the current study, we asked participants to rate the attractiveness of faces without masks and with a typical opaque mask and a transparent mask. The results showed that faces wearing opaque masks were evaluated as more attractive than those wearing transparent masks or no masks. The benefit of opaque masks was more pronounced in faces that were initially evaluated as unattractive. Interestingly, wearing transparent masks decreased the perceived attractiveness of faces but only for the faces initially rated as attractive, possibly because of the visual distortion of the lower half of the face by transparent masks. In summary, we found that opaque and transparent masks have different effects on perceived attractiveness, depending on the attractiveness of faces. Given benefits of transparent masks in socio-emotional and cognitive processing, it would be important to further understand the effect of transparent masks on face information processing.

Evidence-based policies in public health to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

A fundamental basis for effective health-related policymaking of any democratic nation should be open and transparent communication between a government and its citizens, including scientists and healthcare professionals, to foster a climate of trust, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign. Since misinformation is a leading cause of vaccine hesitancy, open data sharing through an evidence-based approach may render the communication of health strategies developed by policymakers with the public more effective, allowing misinformation and claims that are not backed by scientific evidence to be tackled. In this narrative review, we debate possible causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and links to the COVID-19 misinformation epidemic. We also put forward plausible solutions as recommended in the literature.

Refractive index based optically transparent biosensor device design for early detection of coronavirus.

For the quick detection of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), a highly sensitive D-shaped gold-coated surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor is presented. The COVID-19 virus may be quickly and accurately identified using the SPR-based biosensor, which is essential for halting the spread of this excruciating epidemic. The suggested biosensor is used for detection of the IBV i.e. infectious bronchitis viruses contaminated cell that belongs to the family of COVID-19 having a refractive index of - 0.96, - 0.97, - 0.98, - 0.99, - 1 that is observed with the change in EID concentration. Some important optical parameter variations are examined in the investigation process. Multiphysics version 5.3 with the Finite element method is used for the proposed biosensor. The proposed sensor depicts maximum wavelength sensitivity of 40,141.76 nm/RIU. Some other parameters such as confinement loss, crosstalk, and insertion loss are also analyzed for the proposed sensor. The reported minimum insertion loss for the refractive index (RI) - 1 is 2.9 dB. Simple design, good sensitivity, and lower value of losses make the proposed sensor proficient for the detection of infectious bronchitis viruses belonging to COVID-19.

Electrospun transparent nanofibers as a next generation face filtration media: A review.

The development of fascinating materials with functional properties has revolutionized the humankind with materials comfort, stopped the spreading of diseases, relieving the environmental pollution pressure, economized government research funds, and prolonged their serving life. The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has triggered great global public health concern. Face masks are crucial tools to impede the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from human to human. However, current face masks exhibit in a variety of colors (opaque), like blue, black, red, etc., leading to a communication barrier between the doctor and the deaf-mute patient when wearing a mask. High optical transparency filters can be utilized for both personal protection and lip-reading. Thus, shaping face air filter into a transparent appearance is an urgent need. Electrospinning technology, as a mature technology, is commonly used to form nanofiber materials utilizing high electrical voltage. With the alteration of the diameters of nanofibers, and proper material selection, it would be possible to make the transparent face mask. In this article, the research progress in the transparent face air filter is reviewed with emphasis on three parts: mechanism of the electrospinning process and light transmission, preparation of transparent face air filter, and their innovative potential. Through the assessment of classic cases, the benefits and drawbacks of various preparation strategies and products are evaluated, to provide general knowledge for the needs of different application scenarios. In the end, the development directions of transparent face masks in protective gear, particularly their novel functional applications and potential contributions in the prevention and control of the epidemic are also proposed.

How do face masks impact communication amongst deaf/HoH people?

Face coverings have been key in reducing the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, they have hindered interpersonal communication, particularly for those who rely on speechreading to aid communication. The available research indicated that deaf/hard of hearing (HoH) people experienced great difficulty communicating with people wearing masks and negative effects on wellbeing. Here we extended these findings by exploring which factors predict deaf/HoH people's communication difficulties, loss of information, and wellbeing. We also explored the factors predicting perceived usefulness of transparent face coverings and alternative ways of communicating. We report the findings from an accessible survey study, released in two written and three signed languages. Responses from 395 deaf/HoH UK and Spanish residents were collected online at a time when masks were mandatory. We investigated whether onset and level of deafness, knowledge of sign language, speechreading fluency, and country of residence predicted communication difficulties, wellbeing, and degree to which transparent face coverings were considered useful. Overall, deaf/HoH people and their relatives used masks most of the time despite greater communication difficulties. Late-onset deaf people were the group that experienced more difficulties in communication, and also reported lower wellbeing. However, both early- and late-onset deaf people reported missing more information and feeling more disconnected from society than HoH people. Finally, signers valued transparent face shields more positively than non-signers. The latter suggests that, while seeing the lips is positive to everyone, signers appreciate seeing the whole facial expression. Importantly, our data also revealed the importance of visual communication other than speechreading to facilitate face-to-face interactions.

Acoustic analysis of professional singing masks

Wearing face coverings became one essential tool in order to prohibit virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison to speaking and breathing, singing emits a much higher amount of aerosol particles. Therefore, there are situations in which singers can perform or rehearse only if they are using protective masks. However, such masks have a more or less adverse effect not only on the singer's comfort and tightness of the mask but also on the radiated sound. For this reason, the spectral filtering and directivity of masks designed specifically for professional singing was measured. The tests were performed with a head phantom. Over most of the spectrum, attenuation is observed, although amplification happens at some low frequency bands for different mask types and directions. Especially singing masks with a plastic face shield showed partial amplification of up to +10 dB below a frequency of 2 kHz, while only slight significant attenuation and no amplification (minimal acoustic loss) were seen for woven fabric masks. Above 2.5 kHz, the transparent masks showed the greatest sound attenuation up to -30 dB, while woven fabric masks produced an overall lower sound attenuation of up to -5 dB. In addition at low frequencies, the sound was amplified or attenuated equally in all directions for masks with a stiff plastic face shield. At higher frequencies, the attenuation is higher to the frontal than to the backward direction.

Internal crisis communication and Nordic leadership: the importance of transparent and participative communication in times of crisis

This multiple case study investigates internal crisis communication in Finnish and Norwegian hotels and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing a Nordic leadership perspective to the research area. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, a qualitative research design was chosen, and 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospitality leaders, middle managers, and employees. The multilevel analysis revealed that existing internal communication practices were challenged due to the urgency and uncertainty of the crisis. The findings show that managerial transparency and presence facilitated sensemaking processes and contributed to trust in the managers. Yet, limited autonomy among middle managers and lack of employee consultation when communicating about decision-making indicated a conflict between internal crisis communication and aspects of Nordic leadership such as cooperation, consensus-seeking, and delegation of responsibility. However, the findings suggest that the openness and transparency of Nordic leadership prevailed in the crisis and contributed to managerial learning and solution-finding through crisis communication and management. Furthermore, leaders should find a balance between control and participation when communicating about internal decision-making during a crisis. We conclude that transparency and participative communication are essential when striving for effective internal crisis communication, facilitating employees' sensemaking, and building trust relationships during a crisis.

Graphene-Induced Performance Enhancement of Batteries, Touch Screens, Transparent Memory, and Integrated Circuits: A Critical Review on a Decade of Developments.

Graphene achieved a peerless level among nanomaterials in terms of its application in electronic devices, owing to its fascinating and novel properties. Its large surface area and high electrical conductivity combine to create high-power batteries. In addition, because of its high optical transmittance, low sheet resistance, and the possibility of transferring it onto plastic substrates, graphene is also employed as a replacement for indium tin oxide (ITO) in making electrodes for touch screens. Moreover, it was observed that graphene enhances the performance of transparent flexible electronic modules due to its higher mobility, minimal light absorbance, and superior mechanical properties. Graphene is even considered a potential substitute for the post-Si electronics era, where a high-performance graphene-based field-effect transistor (GFET) can be fabricated to detect the lethal SARS-CoV-2. Hence, graphene incorporation in electronic devices can facilitate immense device structure/performance advancements. In the light of the aforementioned facts, this review critically debates graphene as a prime candidate for the fabrication and performance enhancement of electronic devices, and its future applicability in various potential applications.

In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of a SARS-CoV-2 Biomarker Using Flexible and Transparent Polydimethylsiloxane Films with Embedded Au Nanoplates

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an ongoing issue worldwide and continues to disrupt daily life. Transmission of infection primarily occurs through secretions when in contact with infected individuals, but more recent evidence has shown that fomites are also a source of virus transmission, especially in cold-chain logistics. Traditional nucleic acid testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contamination in cold-chain logistics is time-consuming and inaccurate because of the multiplex sampling sites. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) provides a rapid, sensitive, and label-free detection route for various molecules, including viruses, through the identification of the characteristic peaks of their outer membrane proteins. In this study, we embedded arbitrarily orientated gold nanoplates (Au NPLs) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer and used it as biosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in cold-chain logistics. This transparent and flexible substrate can be wrapped onto arbitrary surfaces and permits light penetration into the underlying contact surface, enabling in situ and point-of-care SERS diagnostics. The developed assay displayed high reproducibility (8.7%) and a low detection limit of 6.8 x 10(-9) g mL(-1), indicating its potential to serve as a promising approach with increased accuracy and sensitivity for the detection of the S protein.

Guiding employees through the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploration of the impact of transparent communication and change appraisals

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and drawing on literature from change management, internal communication and cognitive appraisal theory, this study provided accounts of how transparent communication during organizational change affects employees' cognitive appraisals of the change, behavioural reactions to the change, and subsequently, turnover intentions. Our findings of 414 full-time US employees revealed that transparent internal communication is positively related to employees' challenge appraisal of the change, which, in turn, is related to change compliance and championing. In addition, transparent communication is negatively associated with threat appraisal of the change, which in turn is connected to lower change compliance. Further, employees' turnover intention was negatively associated with their compliance and championing for the change. This study has made several contributions to internal communication scholarship, appraisal theory and change management literature. We also offer several suggestions to improve communication during organizational change periods.

Investigation and Development of Transparent Online Assessment: A Case Study at DPU

The unprecedented COVID-19 incident created many challenges for higher education institutions. This case brought online examinations and E-learning to the spotlight after many universities refuged to e-assessment and online teaching. However, one of the main obstacles with online teaching and learning is the e-assessments transparency especially in Iraq universities and Kurdistan Region universities. Thus, the aim of the paper is to understand the experiences of students and lecturers in Duhok Polytechnic University (DPU) situated at KRG Iraq with online assessment. The paper investigates via questionnaire designed for this purpose the DPU participants with online assessments to show how are they are familiar with online exams, determine the most important problems that appeared during online examinations. The results from the questionnaire are analyzed and assessed determine factors affecting the quality of online learning and e-assessment transparency. Finally, solutions suggestions with best measures to assure the transparency and quality of online examination are recommended. © 2022 IEEE.

Transparent Polyurethane Coating with Synergistically Enhanced Antibacterial Mechanism Composed of Low Surface Free Energy and Biocide

Recently, antibacterial coatings have gained great attention after the outbreak of COVID-19, thus durable transparent polyurethane (PU) coatings with anti-bacterial and anti-fingerprint performances are highly desired. In this work, the low surface free energy enables the hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxanes modified with quaternary ammonium salts (PQMS) enriched on the surface. The optimal PU-PQMS-40% coating with the thickness of 15 μm displayed 96% light transmittance and can be adopted to diverse substrates. This resultant coating exhibits excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli (99.2%) and Gram-positive S. aureus (98.6%) because of the synergistically enhanced antibacterial mechanism of both low surface free energy (27.54 ± 0.75 mJ·m−2) and quaternary ammonium salts (QAs). It is noteworthy that this antibacterial PU coating is capable of retaining its properties even after being subjected to 210 cycles of abrasion tests, manifesting a superior self-renewability. This coating system with combined features of transparency, antibacterial performance, chemical resistance, and durability make it a promising candidate for applications in the fields of electronic devices, automobile interiors, intelligent glass, and marine antifouling.

Transparent glass coated with silver colloid nanoparticles candidate as an anti-Coronavirus surface - Perspective

Silver nanoparticles have a wide range of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral effects due to their unique properties. In this work, citrate reduction has been employed to fabricate silver colloidal nanoparticles with 12 nm. The plasmon resonance spectra of nanoscopic silver particles adsorbed onto transparent electrodes in contact with various electrolyte solutions and concentrations of NaClO4, KPF6, and NaCl were studied. Potentials were controlled with a galvanostat, and UV/visible spectrophotometer was employed to obtain the optical spectra. The results showed the electrolyte identity, potential-induced redshifts, and damping is most pronounced for NaCl, whereas spectral changes are weaker in the cases of NaClO4 and KPF6 solutions. Hence, due to the noble physical and biological properties of silver colloid nanoparticles, it becomes a great candidate and promising in the future to be used as an anti-coronavirus surface.

Highly Transparent Nanofibrous Membranes Used as Transparent Masks for Efficient PM0.3 Removal.

Currently, the quest for highly transparent and flexible fibrous membranes with robust mechanical characteristics, high breathability, and good filtration performance is rapidly rising because of their potential use in the fields of electronics, energy, environment, medical, and health. However, it is still an extremely challenging task to realize transparent fibrous membranes due to serious surface light reflection and internal light scattering. Here, we report the design and development of a simple and effective topological structure to create porous, breathable, and high visible light transmitting fibrous membranes (HLTFMs). The resultant HLTFMs exhibit good optical performance (up to 90% transmittance) and high porosities (>80%). The formation of such useful structure with high light transmittance has been revealed by electric field simulation, and the mechanism of fibrous membrane structure to achieve high light transmittance has been proposed. Moreover, transparent masks have been prepared to evaluate the filtration performance and analyze their feasibility to meet requirement of facial recognition systems. The prepared masks display high transparency (>80%), low pressure drop (<100 Pa) and high filtration efficiency (>90%). Furthermore, the person wearing this mask can be successfully identified by facial recognition systems. Therefore, this work provides an idea for the development of transparent, breathable, and high-performance fibrous membranes.

Adopting Intrinsic Hydrophilic Thermoplastic Starch Composites to Fabricate Antifogging Sustainable Films with High Antibiosis and Transparency

Fogging on transparent surfaces such as goggles causes a series of hazards to users. To fabricate antifogging and low-haze transparent renewable polymer materials, intrinsic hydrophilicity with high water adsorption capability of thermoplastic starch (TPS) had been adopted. Strikingly, when benzoic acid (BA) was blended with thermoplastic starch (TPS-BA), the haze of TPS-BA was only 7.8% when it suffered the cold and warm method of antifogging measurement with 87% transmittance. Simultaneously, TPS-BA achieved an 18 mm inhibition zone for Staphylococcus aureus. To reveal the antifogging mechanism of TPS-BA films, the surficial and interior structure features were evaluated by three-dimensional optical scanner, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle testing, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-dependent Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and so on. The incorporation of BA resulted in the roughness (Rq), water contact angle (WCA), and crystallinity of the TPS-BA film decreasing from 6.5 to 0.68 μm, 65.1 to 39.9°, and 13.6 to 6.3%, respectively. The amorphous matrix and smooth surface reduced the scattered light, allowing the TPS-BA film to achieve low haze performance and high transmittance. Importantly, the diversified and weakened hydrogen bonds formed among starch, BA, and glycerol could inhibit the formation of starch crystalline regions and allowed hydroxyl groups to quickly bond with water. Thus, when TPS-BA is placed in a high-humidity surrounding, an "expressway"is constructed for water molecules diffusing into the TPS-BA matrix. This novel low-haze, antifogging, sustainable, and facilely fabricated TPS with antibacterial properties is a promising candidate in disposable medical goggles to fight against COVID-19. © 2021 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.