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Using climate-optimized flight trajectories is one essential measure to reduce aviation's climate impact. Detailed knowledge of temporal and spatial climate sensitivity for aviation emissions in the atmosphere is required to realize such a climate mitigation measure. The algorithmic Climate Change Functions (aCCFs) represent the basis for such purposes. This paper presents the first version of the Algorithmic Climate Change Function submodel (ACCF 1.0) within the European Centre HAMburg general circulation model (ECHAM) and Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model framework. In the ACCF 1.0, we implement a set of aCCFs (version 1.0) to estimate the average temperature response over 20 years (ATR20) resulting from aviation CO2 emissions and non-CO2 impacts, such as NOx emissions (via ozone production and methane destruction), water vapour emissions, and contrail cirrus. While the aCCF concept has been introduced in previous research, here, we publish a consistent set of aCCF formulas in terms of fuel scenario, metric, and efficacy for the first time. In particular, this paper elaborates on contrail aCCF development, which has not been published before. ACCF 1.0 uses the simulated atmospheric conditions at the emission location as input to calculate the ATR20 per unit of fuel burned, per NOx emitted, or per flown kilometre.In this research, we perform quality checks of the ACCF 1.0 outputs in two aspects. Firstly, we compare climatological values calculated by ACCF 1.0 to previous studies. The comparison confirms that in the Northern Hemisphere between 150–300 hPa altitude (flight corridor), the vertical and latitudinal structure of NOx-induced ozone and H2O effects are well represented by the ACCF model output. The NOx-induced methane effects increase towards lower altitudes and higher latitudes, which behaves differently from the existing literature. For contrail cirrus, the climatological pattern of the ACCF model output corresponds with the literature, except that contrail-cirrus aCCF generates values at low altitudes near polar regions, which is caused by the conditions set up for contrail formation. Secondly, we evaluate the reduction of NOx-induced ozone effects through trajectory optimization, employing the tagging chemistry approach (contribution approach to tag species according to their emission categories and to inherit these tags to other species during the subsequent chemical reactions). The simulation results show that climate-optimized trajectories reduce the radiative forcing contribution from aviation NOx-induced ozone compared to cost-optimized trajectories. Finally, we couple the ACCF 1.0 to the air traffic simulation submodel AirTraf version 2.0 and demonstrate the variability of the flight trajectories when the efficacy of individual effects is considered. Based on the 1 d simulation results of a subset of European flights, the total ATR20 of the climate-optimized flights is significantly lower (roughly 50 % less) than that of the cost-optimized flights, with the most considerable contribution from contrail cirrus. The CO2 contribution observed in this study is low compared with the non-CO2 effects, which requires further diagnosis.
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Satellite remote sensing has advantages in monitoring environmental changes during the global pandemics such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS) and the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this paper, the variations of atmospheric environment during SARS and COVID-19 pandemics were calculated and analyzed based on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Atmosphere Monthly Global Product. Preliminary results show that: (1) aerosol optical depth is most affected by the pandemics, especially the duration and prevention and control measures;(2) the correlations between the variables of aerosol optical depth, cloud fraction, total column ozone and precipitable water vapor were not very strong during the two pandemics.
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Aim: To evaluate the effect of decontamination and reuse on N95 masks. Background(s): The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has strained the global availability of masks. Such shortage represents a threat to healthcare workers (HCWs). Mask reprocessing and reuse may alleviate the shortage. Many laboratory studies have proven the effectiveness and feasibility of decontaminating N95 masks. However, very few had HCWs wearing them between cycles of decontamination. Our study evaluated mask integrity (assessed by qualitative mask fitting [QMF], as well as technical measures like bacterial filtration efficacy [BFE]) through five cycles of decontamination using four different modalities - steam, moist heat (MH), UV-C irradiation (UVCI), and hydrogen peroxide vaporization (HPV). Method(s): Each study cycle involved a HCW wearing a N95 mask for two hours, followed by the assigned decontamination process, and then a QMF. This was repeated for a maximum of 5 cycles, as long as the wearer passed QMF. 40 HCWs were recruited for each of the four decontamination modalities. The technical measures of mask integrity assessed were: BFE, Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE), Pressure Drop and Splash Resistance. Result(s): 60.6% (HPV) to 77.5% (MH) of the masks passed five cycles of wear and decontamination, as assessed by the wearers passing QMF all five times. MH-decontaminated masks retained all technical measures of integrity through all 5 cycles. HPV reduced masks' BFE after the fourth cycle while UVCI tended to increase the Pressure Drop. Conclusion(s): The results suggest that MH is a promising method for decontaminating N95 masks without compromising fit and integrity. [Figure presented] [Table presented]Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.
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December 2019 has become one of the most surprising days in the whole world in light of the flare-up of a most infectious sickness brought about by novel Covid or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is conducted to assess the benefits of the use of home remedies to prevent the cause of Covid-19 and evaluate the assessment of dietary changes and physical activity in the prevention of Covid-19. A questionnaire-based online survey is conducted using Google forms consisting of multiple-choice questions about home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes made by the people during this pandemic. These home remedies included using different types of herbal preparations, steam inhalation, physical exercise and OTC medications for prophylaxis. Questions likewise included about being infected by Coronavirus-19(during first wave or second) and their recovery period, additionally collected their viewpoint for changes made, for example how much they are useful in the prevention of the attack and whenever encountered any undesirable impacts. Total responses were 210, among which 121(57.6%) responses were from females and 89(42.4%) from males. 65 people tested Covid positive (42 during the first wave and 23 during the second wave). 118(56.2%) of people think these changes are very beneficial. (Rated 4 and 5 out of 5 points). From our survey, we concluded that different herbal preparations of their composition, which they thought are helpful, and steam inhalations have been used. Rating regarding the use and effectiveness was also found to be average. Further studies are needed to prove and provide clear evidence about adverse and side effects associated with the use of herbal products.Copyright © 2022 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. All rights reserved.
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Commercial masks have significant drawbacks, including low water vapor transmission efficiency and limited ability to inhibit harmful microorganisms, whereas in this contribution, a series of Janus microsphere membranes are developed with hierarchical structures by quenching and crystallizing 12-hydroxystearic acid and halicin layer-by-layer on a polypropylene non-woven fabric, laminating them with hydrophilic cotton fibers in a one-pot process, and further demonstrate the potential of this composite system as masks. Through further optimization, excellent superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic properties (contact angle 157.1°/0°), superior filtering effects (93.54% for PM2.5 and 98.35% for PM10 ), with a low-filtration resistance (57 Pa) and a quality factor of up to 0.072 Pa-1 are achieved, all better than that of commercial N95 masks. In addition, the membrane allows for the directional transport of water vapor from the inside out, increasing the water vapor transmission rate by more than 20% compared with the monolayer hydrophobic microsphere membrane. It also has a bactericidal capacity of over 99.9999% against Escherichia coli and is tested for robustness and stability in various extreme environments. This work may shed light on designing novel filter media with versatile functions, meanwhile, the materials can also be used in protective equipment against the new coronavirus.
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Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of modified housing on fogging of reusable wide angle contact lens during vitreoretinal surgery Methods : Wide angle contact lens provides panoramic view of retina and enables successful vitreoretinal surgery in complex retinal detachments through improved visualization of vitreoretinal periphery upto and beyond ora serrata. However frequent steam sterilization erodes the glue that holds lens elements, allows fogging due to migration of steam in between lens elements and result in poor visualization of the fundus. In this study, we altered the housing and evaluated its effectiveness. Modified housing has two modes;open mode during sterilization and closed mode after completion of sterilization (Figs 1&2). The lens system has two lens groups. The first group has a concave posterior surface [Radius of curvature (ROC) = 7.8 mm], for placement on the patient's cornea. This group acts to direct light rays originating from the posterior chamber towards the second lens group II for focusing. The group I lens system collimates the light rays. Group II is located in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to first lens group I. This allows an air space between them. The group II focuses the light rays and provides panoramic visualization of retina. Housing that holds the two lens systems has a rotational window that is open during steam sterilization and closed during surgery Results : The lens system provided real and inverted panoramic image of the fundus. The lens system is configured to minimize chromatic aberration and provide improved image as compared to the other lens systems. It provides 160 degrees of fundus view during static viewing and 170 degrees during dynamic view with excellent depth of focus. Modified housing has facilitated fog free visualization of retina during surgery while allowing effective steam sterilization compliant with standard operating room regulations. Conclusions : This modified wide angle contact lens provides a real inverted panoramic fog free view of the retina and allow repeated usage without deterioration of image and prolonged the life of wide angle contact lens system. It has added significance in covid era, as stringent sterilization is essential for prevention of disease.
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Blended learning can createlearning skills and solve teachingproblems of high school students in the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Students can manage active learning manual by themselves to study the basic physics content by science technology engineering art and mathematic applied inthe young physicists’ tournament andphysics project at regional and national levels. The student target has higher learning skills and teamwork outcomes than before use blended the activities and best practise. The learning achievement was significantly higher than before at the .05 level. Students can improve their learning skills and teamwork applied in physics project to get many awards and publications at high level.
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December 2019 has become one of the most surprising days in the whole world in light of the flare-up of a most infectious sickness brought about by novel Covid or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is conducted to assess the benefits of the use of home remedies to prevent the cause of Covid-19 and evaluate the assessment of dietary changes and physical activity in the prevention of Covid-19. A questionnaire-based online survey is conducted using Google forms consisting of multiple-choice questions about home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes made by the people during this pandemic. These home remedies included using different types of herbal preparations, steam inhalation, physical exercise and OTC medications for prophylaxis. Questions likewise included about being infected by Coronavirus-19(during first wave or second) and their recovery period, additionally collected their viewpoint for changes made, for example how much they are useful in the prevention of the attack and whenever encountered any undesirable impacts. Total responses were 210, among which 121(57.6%) responses were from females and 89(42.4%) from males. 65 people tested Covid positive (42 during the first wave and 23 during the second wave). 118(56.2%) of people think these changes are very beneficial. (Rated 4 and 5 out of 5 points). From our survey, we concluded that different herbal preparations of their composition, which they thought are helpful, and steam inhalations have been used. Rating regarding the use and effectiveness was also found to be average. Further studies are needed to prove and provide clear evidence about adverse and side effects associated with the use of herbal products.
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A membrane-based enthalpy exchanger is a device used for heat and humidity recovery in ventilated buildings. The energy-saving potential of such a device is dependent on the parameters responsible for heat and moisture recovery. The trend is toward composite membranes, which are custom produced, and their parameters can be adjusted for a given application;therefore, the diffusion and sorption characteristics of such membranes are unknown. In order to obtain the values of the water vapor diffusivity of three investigated handmade membranes, a serial resistance model using a Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) is proposed. Experiments were conducted to identify the resistance in each step of the moisture transfer process to extract the moisture diffusivity in the membranes. The calculated moisture diffusivities in the membranes were 8.99 × 10−12 (m2/s) for the membranes from cellulose acetate, 1.9 × 10−10 (m2/s) for the microporous PE/PUR membranes, and 1.53 × 10−11 (m2/s) for the PET/PUR microfibrous membranes. The obtained membrane diffusivities were then used in the proposed effectiveness-NTU-based model of an exchanger with a cross-flow arrangement to predict performance under various operating conditions. The results show that the highest latent effectiveness was found for the exchanger core made from the PE/PUR membrane and the lowest was for the one with the PE/PUR membrane core.
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During the 2020 Chinese Spring Festival extended holidays and the COVID-19 period in Wuhan, the “quasi-zero emissions increase” occurred due to the human activities have a considerably lower impact on air quality. A new scientific question of concern: Why has high of O3 and PM2.5 still been observed? The comparative analysis of the influences of anomalous atmospheric circulation and weather conditions during this special period in 2019–2020 with those in the historical years can be useful. The results in the study were as follows: (1) Even during this “quasi-zero emissions increase” period, the concentrations of O3 and PM2.5 are higher than normal, with O3 being significantly higher in Wuhan. Which is associated with a anomaly large-scale humid/warm water vapor transport in the Northern Hemisphere which is significantly different from that of the same period with historical more-haze years. (2) In this scenario, the large-scale humid/warm water vapor transport brings sustained high-humidity water vapor lifting conditions to north China. The daily cycling change of the sun's zenith angle to support the high-humidity and high-condensation condition are conducive to the elevation of high condensation (fc) and degree of super-saturation (S) going up to the peak of S >10%. Under the condition driven by high fc, it causes the power exponent law to be followed converting NO2 to O3, thereby resulting in an increase in O3 concentration. This additional contribution to O3 concentration is as high as 37% than those from pure chemical process. (3) An objective quantitative reversal method for calculating the monthly threshold in fc is given based on the power exponential conversion law by the observed data. It can be prospectively applied to assess the feedback on the impact of pollution on urban climate.
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Introduction & Objectives: Minimally invasive transurethral therapies for benign prostatic hypertension are becoming increasingly common in Europe and America. They may be performed under local anaesthetic and provide a good alternative to invasive procedures in a COVID era. REZUM, a minimally invasive transurethral water-vapor therapy, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH, especially where preserved sexual function is a priority. Although short-term clinical outcomes are promising, long-term data from robust studies is lacking. In Australia, there are few providers of REZUM, which utilises steam injections to reduce prostatic tissue. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of REZUM in an Australian cohort. Methods: A clinical audit was conducted of 50 patients who underwent REZUM to treat symptoms of BPH over a 12-month period. Procedures were performed under general anaesthetic. Demographics, comorbidities, sexual function, prostate volume, PSA, voiding flow rate, post-void residual volume and International Prostate Symptom Score were extracted from medical records, in addition to patient's reasons for seeking minimally invasive treatment. Corresponding post-operative data was collected. Descriptive statistics of the cohort were obtained using Stata 16.0. Paired t-test was used to identify if there was a significant difference between IPSS scores pre- and postprocedure Results: Patients accessing treatment ranged from 48 to 84 years (mean 64.6). Median prostate volume was 55mL (inter-quartile range 45-78mls) and mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 20.3. 28% of the cohort cited concern for ejaculatory function, either from medication side effects or TURP, as their primary reason for seeking minimally invasive treatment. A further 25% of the cohort was additionally concerned about other side effects from medications and/or TURP or had experienced medication failure. The mean follow up period was 6 months (range 6-weeks-26 months). 69% of men were satisfied with their symptom improvement at the time of review, with the expectation of ongoing improvement in men who had attended a 6-week post-operative review only. Postprocedure mean IPSS was 7.9 (range 2-33). Mean reduction in IPSS score post-procedure was 12.7 points (p<0.001). 3 men experienced complications (retention, infection, bulbar stricture). Conclusions: REZUM provides a safe alternative to traditional invasive prostatic treatments. It may be performed under local anaesthetic, providing an effective alternative in a COVID era. Men concerned about medications, more invasive treatments and ejaculatory dysfunction are increasingly seeking relief from this minimally invasive option and experiencing good outcomes including significant symptom improvement sustained over medium-term follow up.
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Given recent worldwide environmental concerns, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and healing properties around the wound area are vital features that should be taken into consideration while preparing biomedical materials such as wound dressings. Some of the available wound dressings present some major disadvantages. For example, low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), inadequate exudates absorption, and the complex and high environmental cost of the disposal/recycling processes represent such drawbacks. In this paper, starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material with inserted nano-sized zinc-oxide particles (nZnO) (average size ≤ 100 nm) was made and altered using citric acid (CA). Both ensure an efficient antibacterial environment for wound-dressing materials. The film properties were assessed by UV–Vis spectrometry and were validated against the UV light transmission percentage of the starch/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/ zinc-oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) composites. Analyses were conducted using X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the structure and surface morphology of the materials. Moreover, to validate an ideal moisture content around the wound area, which is necessary for an optimum wound-healing process, the water vapor transmission rate of the film was measured. The new starch-based materials exhibited suitable physical and chemical properties, including solubility, gel fraction, fluid absorption, biodegradability, surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy imaging), and mechanical properties. Additionally, the pH level of the starch-based/nZnO film was measured to study the prospect of bacterial growth on this wound-dressing material. Furthermore, the in vitro antibacterial activity demonstrated that the dressings material effectively inhibited the growth and penetration of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus).
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Featured ApplicationIn recent decades, the importance of wood has also been increasing for outdoor intended use. A more sustainable approach has turned the attention from faraway tropical forests to local wood, that is, European species. Unfortunately, most of the species are not durable;thus, in order to utilize them in outdoor conditions, protection must be provided. Stone pine (Pinus pinea) is one of the most common tree species in the Mediterranean region, with a great potential in applications with higher added value, instead of being used only for burning or packaging. This investigation explores methods for an improvement of the service life of stone pine sapwood using impregnation and modification techniques.The sudden availability of Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) wood due to the infestation of pathogenic fungi and insects highlighted the need to promote its use as a short supply chain resource in Italy and other Mediterranean countries. However, the durability of stone pine sapwood must be enhanced if outdoor use is to be considered. The impregnability of stone pine wood was studied following the standard EN 351-1:2008, using immersion, vacuum, and high-pressure methods with natural waxes and organic solvent-based and copper-amino-based preservative solutions. The efficacy of the impregnation was determined by calculating the kilos of preservative absorbed per cubic meter of wood and by measuring the penetration depth of the preservative. Thermal modifications were carried out using five different maximum temperatures, and their efficacy was determined by measuring the mass loss and color change. Subsequent to thermal treatments, the wood was exposed to a water-vapor-saturated atmosphere, and the increase in mass was calculated for different periods. Stone pine and Scots pine sapwoods showed similar response to the treatments with the exception of soaking impregnation methods where stone pine showed higher uptake, in particular when Silvanolin was used. Our investigation shows that stone pine can be a suitable short supply chain resource in Italy that, when impregnated, could be tested for outdoor use, exactly as is the case with Scots pine.
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90% of all e-cigarette users use tobacco cigarettes instead of quitting smoking and, due to sweet-flavored liquids and advertising as a lifestyle product, young never-smokers are increasingly using these new products. Even though e-cigarettes may also contain lower levels of harmful substances, no e-cigarette was free from potentially toxic and carcinogenic substances, and there is also evidence that e-cigarettes contain new toxic substances;in 2019, they led to EVALI in the USA with 68 deaths. In the steam from tobacco heaters, 295% increased amounts of carcinogenic acenaphthene compared to tobacco cigarettes were found. The use of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters did not reduce tobacco-related diseases. Shisha lead to a similar nicotine addiction potential, a considerably higher pollution, and carbon monoxide exposure. Shiazzo steam stones have a significantly lower health risk than shishas with the same risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The consumption of e-cigarettes by adolescents and young adults led to a 5-fold increased risk of contracting COVID-19, in combination with tobacco cigarettes even to a 7-fold increased risk. The new tobacco or nicotine-releasing substances are neither harmless to health nor suitable for smoking cessation.
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When using the extracorporeal capillary membrane oxygenator (sample A) for ECMO treatments of COVID-19 severely ill patients, which is dominantly used in Japan and worldwide, there is a concern about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 scattering from the gas outlet port of the membrane oxygenator. Terumo has launched two types of membranes (sample A and sample B), both of which are produced by the microphase separation processes using polymethylpentene (PMP) and polypropylene (PP), respectively. However, the pore structures of these membranes and the SARS-CoV-2 permeability through the membrane wall have not been clarified. In this study, we analyzed the pore structures of these gas exchange membranes using our previous approach and verified the SARS-CoV-2 permeation through the membrane wall. Both have the unique gradient and anisotropic pore structure which gradually become denser from the inside to the outside of the membrane wall, and the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane have completely different pore structures. The pore structure of sample A is also completely different from the other membrane made by the melt-extruded stretch process. From this, the pore structure of the ECMO membrane is controlled by designing various membrane-forming processes using the appropriate materials. In sample A, water vapor permeates through the coating layer on the outer surface, but no pores that allow SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate are observed. Therefore, it is unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 permeates through the membrane wall and scatter from sample A, raising the possibility of secondary ECMO infection. These results provide new insights into the evolution of a next-generation ECMO membrane.
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COVID-19 has rapidly spread across the globe and has been declared a pandemic. Presently, drugs or vaccines are unavailable, and patients are treated on a symptomatic basis. Traditional healthcare can contribute to theprevention of infection in healthy individuals as well as in the treatment of infected patients. Ayurvedic medicines have become even more relevant in the present context, as there is a descriptive illustration of causation and management of diseases similar to COVID-19 under Janapadodhwamsa in ancient text. Meanwhile, the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India has recommended herbal remedies for the prevention of COVID-19 infection. These remedies include consumption of herbal tea (twice a day), consumption of golden milk for immunity boosting measures, steam inhalation, and medicated honey as a remedy against sore throat, etc. In this review, we have tried to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommended Indian remedies in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 conditions with available scientific literature. The literature search was carried out in electronic databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, Clinicaltrials.gov, Springer, and Google Scholar. COVID-19, being primarily a respiratory disease, 9 herbs with proven benefit in the management of COVID-19 were selected and analysed for their immunomodulatory, anti-viral, antibacterial, and other activities. Further literature pertaining to their constituents was also evaluated for the in silico effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 targets. The scientific evaluation revealed that the recommended Indian remedies might be useful in tackling the COVID-19 situation, though more scientific interventional studies will be required to forti-fy the claimed benefits.
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Face coverings such as a face mask are one of the important preventive measures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, by limiting exhaled particles and reducing expiratory droplet spread. Adding a filter to face masks may offer extra protection against the virus. Nevertheless, there remains a significant concern where thicker, tightly woven materials of masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably, due to inadequate moisture management properties of woven fabric in existing disposable surgical face masks. Therefore, the study on the properties of air permeability, water vapor permeability, and flexural rigidity of a face mask fabric is highly essential. This study is aimed at analyzing the potential application of electrospun nanofibers fabricated from electrospinning technique, as filter inserts in commercial surgical face masks. The function of electrospun nanofiber filter (NF) inserted in commercial surgical face masks was introduced in the study. The results indicated the significant reduction in air permeability and water vapor permeability along with the additional usage of electrospun NF within the surgical face masks, due to the smaller fiber size and interspaces in the filter layer as analyzed from FESEM analysis. The percentage of air permeability value was slightly decreased by 15.9%, from 339.5 to 285.5 mm/s, whereas the value of flexural rigidity of surgical face masks with and without electrospun NF insert is 0.1358 and 0.1207 mg/cm, respectively. Hence, the NF inserts are recommended as the potential core component in a face mask. © 2022 Fatirah Fadil et al.
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This work aims to evaluate the possible relations between the confirmed daily cases of COVID-19 and the environmental parameters for the Cuiaba-Varzea Grande conurbation in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The data sets used to cover the rainy-dry periods, from January to December 2020, were achieved from a database of government institutions, and processed through the Spearman correlation test. Our results showed that atmospheric pressure and fire radiative power has a significant positive correlation, suggesting that these parameters favor the transmission of COVID-19. On the other hand, the relative humidity of the air and the total column of water vapor showed a significant negative correlation with the number of confirmed daily cases of COVID-19, which indicates that the water vapor present in the atmosphere acts in the regulation of virus transmission. Thus, taking into account the results obtained, there is a need for collaborative policies and measures among the three spheres of executive power in Brazil, to act in the surveillance of fire cases, which can favor the transmission of COVID-19. In addition, prevention and protection measures aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus continue to be indispensable.
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Camphor (C10H16O) is a white crystalline solid exist in enantiomeric form R and S camphor. It is a terpenoid obtained from turpentine oil. Synthetically it is synthesized by catalytic process as alpha pinene. Naturally camphor is obtained by steam distillation of woods of Cinnamomum camphora tree, also known as Camphor tree, camphor laure and camphor wood. Camphor has many pharmacological properties. It acts as antiviral, anticancerous, antimicrobial, insecticidal, anticoccidial, anti-nociceptive and antitussive drug. In addition, it can be used as skin penetrating enhancer. Camphor gives a soothing and cooling effect, which helps to reduce pain. The reason behind its soothing effect is camphor act as a counter-irritant by activating heat sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 3 receptors and inhibits the transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 8 receptor. As a result, these receptors provide a sensation of scalding heat and pain (nociception) and could be used to treat neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy, or amputation, as well as pain associated with the inflammatory response of damaged tissue such as in osteoarthritis. Camphor has a history of epidemics cure. During leishmaniosis (kala-azar) pandemic in 14th century, camphor was used as fumigant to control the spread of plague in European countries. In 19th century when cholera, small pox and influenza spreads, camphor was used as mothballs in Indian subcontinent as a (cough reliever) agent. During 18th century Russian influenza “flu pandemic” founder of Homeopathy Hahnemann in 1831, published his research work on camphor and suggested camphor as a “divine remedy” for influenza given in extremely small doses. In the same year, several companies launched to sell menthol rub as natural rub ointment consisting camphor as prevention measures for spread of influenza. As the recent epidemic of COVID-19 arises, prevention and control of spread of disease is an alarming issue. This article covered the glimpse of uses and importance of camphor in the history of epidemic cure.
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The outbreak of SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) has posed a serious threat to human beings, society, and economic activities all over the world. Worldwide rigorous containment measures for limiting the spread of the virus have several beneficial environmental implications due to decreased anthropogenic emissions and air pollutants, which provide a unique opportunity to understand and quantify the human impact on atmospheric environment. In the present study, the associated changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST), aerosol, and atmospheric water vapor content were investigated over highly COVID-19 impacted areas, namely, Europe and North America. The key findings revealed a large-scale negative standardized LST anomaly during nighttime across Europe (-0.11 °C to -2.6 °C), USA (-0.70 °C) and Canada (-0.27 °C) in March-May of the pandemic year 2020 compared to the mean of 2015-2019, which can be partly ascribed to the lockdown effect. The reduced LST was corroborated with the negative anomaly of air temperature measured at meteorological stations (i.e. -0.46 °C to -0.96 °C). A larger decrease in nighttime LST was also seen in urban areas (by â¼1-2 °C) compared to rural landscapes, which suggests a weakness of the urban heat island effect during the lockdown period due to large decrease in absorbing aerosols and air pollutants. On the contrary, daytime LST increased over most parts of Europe due to less attenuation of solar radiation by atmospheric aerosols. Synoptic meteorological variability and several surface-related factors may mask these changes and significantly affect the variations in LST, aerosols and water vapor content. The changes in LST may be a temporary phenomenon during the lockdown but provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the effects of various forcing controlling factors in urban microclimate and a strong evidence base for potential environmental benefits through urban planning and policy implementation.