Different Types Of Face Research Articles

Hearing What You Can't See: Influence of Face Masks on Speech Perception and Eye Movement by Adults With Hearing Loss.

The aim of the study was to analyze how face masks influence speech perception and time spent looking at the speaker's mouth and eyes by adults with and without hearing loss. Twenty participants with hearing loss and 20 without were asked to repeat Spanish words presented in various conditions, including different types of face masks (no mask, transparent window mask, and opaque mask FFP2) and presentation modes (audiovisual, video only, and audio only). Recognition accuracy and the percentage of time looking at the speaker's eyes and mouth (dwell time) were measured. In the audiovisual condition, participants with hearing loss had significantly better word recognition scores when the speaker wore no mask compared to when they wore an opaque face mask. However, there were no differences between the transparent mask and no mask conditions. For those with typical hearing, the type of face mask did not affect speech recognition. Audiovisual presentation consistently improved speech recognition for participants with hearing loss across all face mask conditions, but for those with typical hearing, it only improved compared to video-only mode. These participants demonstrated a ceiling effect in audiovisual and audio-only modes. Regarding eye movement patterns, participants spent less time looking at the speaker's mouth and more time at the eyes when the speaker wore an opaque mask compared to no mask or a transparent mask. The use of transparent face masks (ClearMask-type model) is recommended in contexts where face masks are still used (hospitals) to prevent the hindering effect of opaque masks (FFP2-type model) in speech perception among people with hearing loss, provided that any fogging of the window of the transparent mask is controlled by wiping it off as needed and the light is in front of the speaker to minimize shadows.

Effect of Wearing a Face Mask on the 6-Minute Walk Test in Healthy Volunteers

Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of wearing different types of face masks on the results of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in a cohort of healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: Volunteers were partitioned into three groups (each comprising 36 individuals) with different mask-wearing conditions: NIOSH-approved N95 mask, and double-mask scenarios featuring two layers of surgical mask, and a combination of a surgical mask covered by a cloth face mask. Each participant performed two rounds of the 6MWT, one while wearing a mask and another without. Various metrics, such as the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and dyspnea and fatigue scores, were measured. Results: No significant differences were found in the 6MWD results between the mask-wearing and non-mask-wearing scenarios across all the mask types.Strong positive correlations were also established between the 6MWD results in the mask-wearing and non-mask-wearing conditions. However, a small cohort experienced dyspnea significantly more when wearing double surgical masks compared to not wearing a mask. Additionally, there were no major deviations in SpO2 levels or fatigue scores regardless of the type of mask used. Conclusion: The study indicated that wearing an N95 mask, or double surgical masks, or cloth-over-surgical face masks did not significantly influence the outcomes of the 6MWT in healthy individuals. However, caution is advised in the case of wearing double surgical masks, as this may induce a greater sense of dyspnea. This suggests that face masks can be worn safely during physical fitness and pulmonary function assessments, aligning with their essential role in viral spread prevention in daily life.

The Impact of Wearing Different Face Masks on Vigorous Physical Exercise Performance and Perceived Exertion among COVID-19 Infected vs. Uninfected Female Students.

Under certain circumstances, masks are an effective and immediate solution to reduce the spread of viral infection. However, the impact of masks on the ability to perform vigorous exercise remains an area of concern. Primarily, this impact has been explored in healthy subjects, yielding contradictory findings, and little is known of it among COVID-19-infected individuals. This study examined the effects of surgical masks, N-95 masks, and unmasked conditions on the performance and perceived exertion (RPE) of infected vs. non-infected young women during high-intensity, repeated sprint exercise (5mSRT). Following a familiarization session, eighty-three (42 COVID-19-previously infected (PIG) and 43 non-infected (NIG)), female participants (age 20.02 ± 1.05 years, BMI 21.07 ± 2.1 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of three mask conditions: unmasked, surgical mask, or N95 mask. All participants attended three test sessions (i.e., one session for each mask condition) at least one week apart. At the beginning of each test session, data related to participants' physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviours during the previous week were collected. In each test session, participants performed the 5mSRT, during which performance indicators (best distance (BD), total distance (TD), fatigue index (FI) and percentage decrement (PD)) were collected, along with RPE. ANOVA indicated no significant main effects of Groups and Masks, and no significant interaction for Groups × Masks for BD, FI, PD, RPE and most sleep and PA behaviours (p > 0.05). For TD, the Groups × Mask interaction was significant (p = 0.031 and ƞp2 = 0.042). Posthoc analysis revealed, in the unmasked condition, there was no difference in TD between PIG and NIG (p > 0.05). However, when wearing a surgical mask, PIG covered lower TD compared to NIG (p < 0.05). Additionally, different types of masks did not affect TD in NIG, while PIG performed the worst using the surgical mask (p < 0.05). These results suggest post-COVID-19 individuals can maintain physical fitness through regular exercise (i.e., sport science curricula) in unmasked conditions, but not when wearing a surgical mask. Furthermore, the impact of different types of face masks on physical performance seems to be minimal, particularly in uninfected populations; future research is warranted to further explore this impact in post-COVID conditions.

Face masks against the background of the COVID 19 pandemic: legal considerations about their use

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to review the quality requirements and recommended uses of the different types of face masks with a view to helping optimize their use and facilitating identification of nonconforming products. MethodA literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Spanish Official State Gazette and Eudralex. The websites of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and of the Ministry of Health, as well as the relevant UNE standards were also reviewed. ResultsThe different types of face masks available on the market meet different regulatory requirements. Community masks are not considered medical devices or personal protective equipment and do not require marketing authorization. They do not carry a CE mark and need not comply with the general regulations applicable to consumer products. Surgical masks, for their part, must meet the quality criteria defined in UNE-EN standard 14683: 2019. According to Regulation (EU) 745/2017 they are class I devices, subject to an EU declaration of conformity, and must bear a CE mark. Filtering masks are considered category III personal protective equipment, regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, and must also bear a CE mark. In spite the abundant regulations in place, market control instruments have detected counterfeit face masks, which means that public authorities and users should ask manufacturers or suppliers for additional information in case of doubt. ConclusionsThe legal and quality requirements of the masks are sufficient for their safe use. It is necessary for the general public to know these requirements to avoid the fraudulent use of high consumption products.

The Effects of Face Mask Types, Athletic Levels, and Caffeine Intake on Employee Performance, Productivity, and Perception

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been a standard part of our daily lives. Many continue to wear face masks to this day, and some even double up on their face masks. This research is a continuation of a previous investigation of the effect of face mask types, athletic levels, and caffeine intake on retail employees' performance, productivity, and perception. Findings showed that face mask types significantly affected the feeling of unfit and odor. In addition, the kind of face mask had a significant effect on the body temperature ratings. Also, employees who considered themselves to be athletic gave lower ratings of overall discomfort than other employees. The interaction of different types of face masks with the wearing of eyeglasses has been demonstrated to have a significant effect on the stress levels of workers and the amount of time it takes for them to comprehend others.

Challenges for Children with Cochlear Implants in Everyday Listening Scenarios: The Competitive Effect of Noise and Face Masks on Speech Intelligibility

Speech intelligibility (SI) tests under realistic acoustic scenarios are complex tasks to perform. Optimal acoustics, in terms of reverberation and noise, are thus needed. This is particularly true in the presence of young hard-of-hearing (HoH) children equipped with cochlear implants who need speech to be highly intelligible to learn. During the COVID-19 pandemic starting in early 2020, wearing face masks became common to avoid the spread of infection, mainly impacting the increasingly challenging task of listening for HoH listeners. This study investigated the influence of different types of face masks on speech intelligibility and listening difficulty under competitive noise scenarios. Fourteen children with cochlear implants were involved, as well as six children with typical hearing. Three types of face masks with different acoustic, filtration, and breathability characteristics were considered; three signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of +10 dB, +5 dB, and 0 dB were used. As expected, lower SNRs corresponded to lower speech intelligibility, and SI without a mask was similar to that obtained with a mask at the lowest acoustic attenuation, albeit with a low filtration efficiency. These preliminary outcomes help improve speech communication strategies in classrooms to support optimal listening conditions.

Face masks provide high outward protection despite peripheral leakage: Insights from a reduced-order model of face mask aerodynamics

A reduced-order model of face mask aerodynamics and aerosol filtration is introduced. This model incorporates existing empirical data on filtration efficiency for different types of face masks, as well as the size distribution of exhaled aerosol particles. By considering realistic peripheral gap profiles, our model estimates both the extent of peripheral leakage and the fitted filtration efficiency of face masks in terms of outward protection. Simulations employing realistic peripheral gap profiles reveal that, for surgical masks, 80% or more of the total exhaled airflow could leak through the mask periphery, even when the average peripheral gap measures only 0.65 mm. However, the majority of exhaled aerosol particles do not follow the flow path through the peripheral gaps but, instead, impact directly on the mask fabric. As a result, these face masks can filter out approximately 70% of the exhaled particles despite the significant peripheral leakage. To validate our model, we compare its predictions with experimental data, and we find a reasonable agreement in estimating the outward protection provided by surgical masks. This validation underscores the reliability of our model in assessing the efficacy of surgical masks. Moreover, leveraging the insights gained from our model, we explore the impact of mask usage on the transmission of respiratory viruses within communities. By considering various scenarios, we can assess the potential reduction in viral spread achieved through widespread mask adoption.

Face mask use to prevent COVID-19 in clinical practice. Using a review of reviews to improve decision-making and transparency.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of transparency and scientific rigour in the development of clinical guidance. Rapid review methodologies were widely used in the development of guidance, and in the United Kingdom, COVID-19 guidance was criticized for methodological inadequacy and erroneous conclusions. To summarize the evidence looking at the use of face masks to prevent COVID-19 infection in clinical practice areas, and to show how this can be used in decision-making. Overview of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews which included meta-analyses were sought, and data on the protective effect of face masks on COVID-19 transmission were extracted. A total of 15 papers yielded 44 effect sizes suitable for quantitative presentation, which showed wide variation in effect depending on the outcome and intervention chosen. Guideline development groups need to take care to choose outcomes that are of most importance to those who are the target of guidance. Quantification of the protective effect of interventions such as different types of face mask will help nurses and others decide on the utility of their use, alongside consideration of the other factors that go into informing clinical recommendations. COVID-19 has been an unprecedented public health issue, but much clinical guidance was lacking in transparency. Nurses and other healthcare professionals have often expressed a lack of confidence in guidance. Systematic reviews reported a wide range of effect sizes. However, there was a high degree of indirectness and heterogeneity in methods and findings. To produce transparent guidance, those for whom guidance is intended should have evidence of effect where this is available. Guideline authors should reflect these outcomes in their recommendations, clearly balancing both the benefits and harms of recommending face masks to prevent COVID-19.

Effect of Various Types of Face Masks on Oxygen Saturation, Heart Rate &amp; Respiratory Rate in Health Care Workers of Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Raipur (C.G.)

Background: Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of having Covid infection than other professionals. Thus, it is more important for them to wear face masks for themselves and for the sake of their co-workers and public health. The use of face masks is mainly limited by their perceived discomfort and concerns regarding inadequate gas exchange. Still, there are serious concerns about the use of masks over a long period. Aims: This study aimed to study the effects of different types of face masks on clinical parameters like oxygen saturation, Respiratory rate, and pulse rate. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 218 subjects from March 2021 to April 2021. They used different types of masks-like cloth masks, surgical masks, N95 masks, and double masks. A pulse oximeter applied to the index finger was used for the non-invasive determination of clinical parameters like oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Results: There was a significant decrease in oxygen saturation seen in subjects using the surgical mask and N-95 mask, but there was no change in oxygen saturation in participants who wore cloth masks. In our study, heart rates increased significantly at the end of the study in all groups irrespective of the mask they wore. However, the respiratory rate increased significantly only in those participants who wore N-95 masks. Results: There was a significant decrease in oxygen saturation seen in subjects using the surgical mask and N-95 mask, but there was no change in oxygen saturation in participants who wore cloth masks. In our study, heart rates increased significantly at the end of the study in all groups irrespective of the mask they wore. However, the respiratory rate increased significantly only in those participants who wore N-95 masks. Conclusion: Our study concludes that wearing a face mask for a long period induces an increase in heart rate and shortness of breath along with a significant reduction in oxygen saturation.

Face masks while exercising trial (MERIT): a cross-over randomised controlled study

ObjectivesPhysical exertion is a high-risk activity for aerosol emission of respiratory pathogens. We aimed to determine the safety and tolerability of healthy young adults wearing different types of face mask...

Speech handicap and vocal tract discomfort with different types of face masks in the COVID-19 era

Purpose: Compulsory use of masks is recommended to prevent droplet infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can alter optimal communication in daily life. This study compared the self-perceived speech handicap and vocal tract discomfort when wearing and not wearing a face mask and different types of face masks in a healthy population.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted via an online questionnaire. Speech Handicap Index (SHI) and Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) scores were collected via Google forms (Google, Mountain View, California) from 128 healthy Korean populations with and without face masks and different types of face masks.Results: While speaking with a face mask, subjects were identified with a significant lack of air, unclear articulation, and reduced speech intelligibility in a noisy situation. Although total SHI and VTDS scores exhibited slightly higher with a face mask, no significant differences were found between with and without mask conditions. For mask type, individuals who frequently wore KF94 masks subjectively perceived significantly higher speech handicap and vocal tract discomfort than surgical or fabric masks.Conclusions: In the current study, wearing a face mask did not have a significant impact on speech handicap and vocal tract discomfort in a healthy adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic period, implying people already adapted to wearing a face mask. In terms of speech problems and frequency, the severity of sensation or symptoms of vocal discomfort significantly differed depending on which face mask type they used. Future research should address self-evaluation of their feeling or experience due to face mask use, considering the elderly and patients with communication disorders who suffer more with communication in daily life.

Validation of a method to elute viruses from different types of face masks

Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is crucial to study the efficiency of face masks in retaining viruses for the upcoming years. The first objective of this study was to validate a method to elute viruses from polyester and cotton face masks. We observed that deionized water followed by 3% beef glycine (pH 9.5 or pH 7.2) was significantly more efficient (p &lt; 0.05) in eluting the bacteriophage phiX174 virus from polyester (4.73% ± 0.25% to 28.67% ± 1.89%), polyester/cotton (3% ± 0.33%), and cotton (1.7% ± 0.21%) face masks than 3% beef glycine only (pH 9.5 or pH 7.2) as a single eluent (3.4% ± 0.16% to 21.33% ± 0.94% for polyester, 1.91% ± 0.08% for polyester/cotton, and 1.47% ± 0.12% for cotton face masks). Also, deionized water was significantly less efficient as a single eluent for eluting bacteriophage phiX174 from all the studied face mask types. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method was substantially more efficient (p &lt; 0.05) as a second step concentration method for the viruses in the eluates than the organic flocculation (OF) method. Higher viral loads were eluted from polyester face masks than cotton ones. We also found varying viral loads in the eluate solutions from different commercial polyester face masks, with the highest percentage seen for the N95 face mask. The second objective was to apply the validated method to study the effect of autoclaving on the different face mask materials. Results of the study did not show any significant differences in the viral loads eluted from the studied face masks before and after one and five autoclaving cycles. Moreover, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed no changes in the yarns, elongation, tensile strength, and contact angle measurements of the polyester or cotton materials after one or five autoclaving cycles.

PP72 SARS-CoV-2: A Rapid Review On The Effectiveness Of Face Coverings To Reduce Transmission

IntroductionAt various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings have been recommended and encouraged as one of the interventions to reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, in the earlier stages of the pandemic, decisions on face coverings relied primarily on evidence based on other viral respiratory infections. More direct evidence on the use of face coverings with COVID-19 developed in tandem with the pandemic.Health Technology Wales undertook an ultra-rapid review to inform national guidelines, the work assessed the evidence on the effectiveness of face coverings to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We also reviewed evidence on the efficacy of different types of face coverings.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search for evidence to address (i) the effectiveness of face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community, and (ii) the efficacy of different types of face coverings designed for use in community settings. We identified a rapid review in 2021 by Public Health England that closely aligned with our review questions. This provided the main source for identifying relevant studies, supplemented by a search for publications following their search date.ResultsWe identified two evidence reviews (including the Public Health England review) that examined the effectiveness of face coverings on reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2; reporting on 31 and 39 studies, respectively. Two further primary studies were published after the two evidence review searches were included. Overall, the evidence suggested that face coverings may provide benefits in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, although the higher-quality studies suggested that these benefits may be modest. Medical masks appeared to have higher efficacy than fabric masks, although the evidence was mixed.ConclusionsAt the time of this review, evidence on the effectiveness of face coverings remains limited and conclusions rely on low-quality sources of evidence with high risk of bias, although higher-quality evidence points to some benefit. Face coverings may play a role in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, particularly as part of a bundle of other preventative measures.

Influence of short-term face mask wear on semiautomatically measured tear film parameters in dry eye patients and healthy volunteers

PurposeThe use of face masks has been proposed to cause or exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), which has been widely discussed under the term mask-associated dry eye (MADE). However, no studies have systematically investigated tear film parameters during the use of different face masks. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate clinically relevant parameters of the tear film before and during the short-time use of face masks in dry and normal eyes.MethodsIn a prospective study, the tear film parameters of 42 DED patients and 42 healthy volunteers were examined while wearing different types of face masks in a randomized order. This included measurements of non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, and bulbar redness after 30 min of wearing no mask, a surgical face mask or an FFP2/K95 mask. The equivalence of the means was assessed using the two one-sided t-test (TOST) method.ResultsIn healthy volunteers’ lipid layer thickness, NIBUT and tear meniscus height were not significantly altered by 30 min of surgical or FFP2 mask wear (p > 0.016). The use of either type of mask was significantly associated with decreased bulbar redness (p < 0.001) in healthy eyes. In patients with DED, none of the tear film parameters or bulbar redness were significantly altered by 30 min of mask wear (p > 0.016).ConclusionsBased on these results, the short-term wearing of face masks, regardless of type, did not produce a significant difference in tear film parameters of lipid layer thickness, NIBUT, and tear meniscus in healthy or dry eyes, while bulbar redness was reduced after mask wear only in healthy volunteers.

The Effect of Different Surface Treatments to Reduce Surface Roughness Before PVD Coatings

Abstract: Titanium and its compounds are used in aerospace, automotive, and chemical but currently it's considerably used in biomedical usages due to its excellent combination of low viscosity, high strength to weight rate, high erosion resistance, and biocompatibility, still, the main limit is poor tribological parcels therefore it can not be successfullyused.Wide range of face treatments disposition of shells similar as scraping and melting of face and cumulative processes similar as plating. For essence, face variations are plating or sheeting processes. There are different types of face coatings charging, electrochemical coatings, vapor deposit, conversion coatings, and thermal spraying among them PVD is vapor deposit which the coatings are hard and thin film. In PVD coatings Nitrides and carbide coatings are classified. In which nitride coatings TiN, TiAlN, and duplex TiAlN and drum were deposited on a substrate( Ti6Al4V). But for deposit, the face roughness should be0.08 µm. Thin hard coatings have good wear and tear resistance only when they've good adhesion and certain face roughness. To reduce face roughness different face treatments are acclimated similar as shot firing, sandblasting, drawing, ray figure, grinding and polishing, etc. Sandblasting was done but the face roughness didn't drop to0.08 µm. so required face roughness was attained by grinding and polishing with sandpaper, and it was diamond polished

Determination of cephalometric parameters according to the COGS method, which characterize the position of individual teeth relative to cranial structures depending on the types of faces in Ukrainian young men and young women with an orthognathic bite

An aesthetically pleasing face is one of the main goals of orthodontic treatment. However, in the case of severe pathology, in order to achieve the harmony of the complex of soft and hard tissues of the face, it is necessary to carry out not only orthodontic but also surgical intervention, i.e. orthognathic surgery. A cephalometric analysis for orthognathic surgery (COGS) is an effective element necessary for planning such treatment. The purpose of the study is to establish the peculiarities of cephalometric parameters that characterize the position of individual teeth relative to cranial structures according to the COGS method in Ukrainian young men and young women with an orthognathic bite, depending on the type of face. 46 young men (aged 17 to 21) and 72 young women (aged 16 to 20) who belonged in three generations to residents of Ukraine of the Caucasian race and had an orthognathic bite, underwent cephalometry according to the COGS method. OnyxCeph³™ software, version 3DPro, Image Instruments GmbH, Germany, was used for cephalometric analysis of indicators characterizing the position of individual teeth relative to cranial structures. According to the value of Garson's morphological index, the type of face was determined. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out in the license package “Statistica 6.0” using non-parametric estimation methods. Between young women with different types of face, the following reliable or trends of differences in linear and angular indicators, which characterize the position of individual teeth relative to cranial structures according to the COGS method, were established: in young women with a very wide face type, smaller values of the distances 1u-NF, 1l-MP, 6u-NF and the OP-HP angle (compared to medium and narrow face types), as well as the 6l-MP distance (compared only to the medium face type); young women with an average face type have larger values of the 6l-MP distance (compared to narrow face types), as well as the OP-HP angle (compared to wide and narrow face types). Between young men with different types of faces, there are practically no reliable or trends of differences in linear and angular indicators that characterize the position of individual teeth relative to cranial structures according to the COGS method. Manifestations of sexual dimorphism of linear and angular indicators, which characterize the position of individual teeth relative to cranial structures according to the COGS method, have been established: in young men, the values of most linear dimensions are higher in representatives with very wide, wide and narrow face types; young women with different types of faces have larger values of the OP-HP angle. The obtained results will allow dentists to provide the necessary assistance to the patient at a modern level, taking into account not only the age, sex and ethnic characteristics of a person, but also the type of his face.

CO2 Levels Behind and in Front of Different Protective Mask Types.

Many individuals have difficulty adapting to face mask use and report symptoms while using masks. Our primary objective was to determine whether continuous mask-wearing causes elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) behind the facemasks. CO2 concentrations were measured behind 3 different types of face masks and were compared to CO2 concentrations at the mask front in 261 subjects who continuously wore masks for at least 5 minutes. These CO2 concentrations were also measured in several randomly selected subjects after a 5-minute walk. There were significantly higher CO2 concentrations behind the mask (3176 ppm) compared to the front (843 ppm) with an average of 49 minutes of continuous mask use. Of all the subjects, 76.6% had a behind-the-mask CO2 concentration of more than 2000 ppm (the threshold for clinical symptoms), and 12.2% had a CO2 concentration of at least 5000 ppm (occupational health exposure limit). The CO2 level behind the N-95 masks was highest (especially after exertion) and was lowest behind cloth masks. The combination of warm ambient temperature, an N-95 mask, exercise, and young age appeared to induce exceedingly high CO2 levels that should be avoided. Although masks might be necessary for healthcare workers or to lessen the spread of airborne disease, we found that elevated CO2 concentrations were present while wearing them. Elevated CO2 concentrations have historically caused symptoms of CO2 toxicity. Periodic mask breaks in designated areas may be needed to avoid adverse effects. The use of masks increased the CO2 concentration in the air behind them to levels historically associated with toxicity.

Effects of Wearing a Mask During Exercise on Physiological and Psychological Outcomes in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundWearing face masks in public is an effective strategy for preventing the spread of viruses; however, it may negatively affect exercise responses. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the effects of wearing different types of face masks during exercise on various physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy individuals.MethodsA literature search was conducted using relevant electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on April 05, 2022. Studies examining the effect of mask wearing (surgical mask, cloth mask, and FFP2/N95 respirator) during exercise on various physiological and psychological parameters in apparently healthy individuals were included. For meta-analysis, a random effects model was used. Mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to analyze the total effect and the effect in subgroups classified based on face mask and exercise types. The quality of included studies was examined using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.ResultsForty-five studies with 1264 participants (708 men) were included in the systematic review. Face masks had significant effects on gas exchange when worn during exercise; this included differences in oxygen uptake (SMD − 0.66, 95% CI − 0.87 to − 0.45), end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen (MD − 3.79 mmHg, 95% CI − 5.46 to − 2.12), carbon dioxide production (SMD − 0.77, 95% CI − 1.15 to − 0.39), and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (MD 2.93 mmHg, 95% CI 2.01–3.86). While oxygen saturation (MD − 0.48%, 95% CI − 0.71 to − 0.26) decreased slightly, heart rate was not affected. Mask wearing led to higher degrees of rating of perceived exertion, dyspnea, fatigue, and thermal sensation. Moreover, a small effect on exercise performance was observed in individuals wearing FFP2/N95 respirators (SMD − 0.42, 95% CI − 0.76 to − 0.08) and total effect (SMD − 0.23, 95% CI − 0.41 to − 0.04).ConclusionWearing face masks during exercise modestly affected both physiological and psychological parameters, including gas exchange, pulmonary function, and subjective discomfort in healthy individuals, although the overall effect on exercise performance appeared to be small. This review provides updated information on optimizing exercise recommendations for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.Systematic Review Registration NumberThis study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) database (registration number: CRD42021287278).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40279-022-01746-4.

Effective inactivation of Bacillus atrophaeus spores and Escherichia coli on disposable face masks using ultraviolet laser irradiation

Due to the widespread emergence of COVID-19, face masks have become a common tool for reducing transmission risk between people, increasing the need for sterilization methods against mask-contaminated microorganisms. In this study, we measured the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) laser irradiation (266 nm) as a sterilization technique against Bacillus atrophaeus spores and Escherichia coli on three different types of face mask. The UV laser source demonstrated high penetration of inner mask layers, inactivating microorganisms in a short time while maintaining the particle filtration efficiency of the masks. This study demonstrates that UV laser irradiation is an efficient sterilization method for removing pathogens from face masks.

Deep transfer learning for the recognition of types of face masks as a core measure to prevent the transmission of COVID-19

The use of face masks in public places has emerged as one of the most effective non-pharmaceutical measures to lower the spread of COVID-19 infection. This has led to the development of several detection systems for identifying people who do not wear a face mask. However, not all face masks or coverings are equally effective in preventing virus transmission or illness caused by viruses and therefore, it appears important for those systems to incorporate the ability to distinguish between the different types of face masks. This paper implements four pre-trained deep transfer learning models (NasNetMobile, MobileNetv2, ResNet101v2, and ResNet152v2) to classify images based on the type of face mask (KN95, N95, surgical and cloth) worn by people. Experimental results indicate that the deep residual networks (ResNet101v2 and ResNet152v2) provide the best performance with the highest accuracy and the lowest loss.