Transmission Measures Research Articles

Allocating transmissivities from constant head tests for the development of DFN models

Constant head tests are commonly used for field measurements of fracture transmissivity. As a bulk transmissivity is measured for each test section, it is frequently unclear how this transmissivity relates to the hydraulic properties of individual fractures. The goal of this study is to determine if constant head tests conducted at scales larger than the average fracture spacing can be used to generate discrete fracture network (DFN) models that describe transport. The methodology involved generating DFNs using measurements from constant head tests conducted at lengths both above and below the average fracture spacing at a site in Ontario, Canada. Transport predictions from DFNs produced from different scales of hydraulic tests were compared to determine if a method for proportioning larger-scale test results to obtain a DFN representative of the smaller-scale tests could be established. The results of this study indicate that the choice of method used to apportion bulk transmissivities has a significant impact on transport simulations, with a difference in mass arrival of over a factor of two at travel distances less than 50 m. While the most appropriate method is case specific, the error resulting from the choice needs to be considered when using DFN models.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice about rabies prevention and control: A community survey in Nepal.

Background and Aim:Rabies is a fatal zoonosis caused by RNA virus belonging to genus Lyssavirus. Nepal is one of the endemic countries in South Asia for rabies. This study was conducted to better understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Nepalese community toward rabies across five developmental zones of the country.Materials and Methods:The cross-sectional study was carried out by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires among 5000 respondents of five cities representing each of the five developmental regions of Nepal by adopting random cluster sampling procedure. The respondents were classified into four categories, including gender, age, education, and social status. The responses for KAP variables were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square test.Results:The male and younger age respondents with higher education and social status were found more knowledgeable than their counterparts in terms of knowledge variables, including cause of rabies, mode of transmission, clinical signs, treatment, and preventive measures of this fatal disease. Similar findings were observed for attitude and practice variables such as vaccination practice, dog sterilization, health-seeking behavior, first aid practice, and use of first aid materials after dog bites. Some respondents in elderly age group still preferred to use traditional and local methods, which were application of turmeric powder and shrubs to cure dog bites rather than seeking medical facilities.Conclusion:There is a strong need for rabies awareness programs in the community targeting females, school, and college-level students, older age groups, and economically marginalized communities. The awareness materials need to focus on particular topics such as the risk of rabies, modes of transmission, the importance of first aid, health-seeking behavior following dog bite injuries, and practice preventive measures for their pets and community dogs.

Containment of varicella outbreak in intensive care unit of a tertiary level hospital.

Background:Varicella–Zoster virus (VZV) infection in healthcare organizations, especially in intensive care units (ICU), having admitted immunocompromised patients, is of serious concern as well as poses threat to healthcare workers working in such critical areas. The present report defines the transmission and infection control measures initiated to curtail VZV infection spread in the trauma ICU of a tertiary care hospital of North India.Outbreak Report:At the infection outset, there were 12 patients admitted in ICU and 54 healthcare workers were posted to manage these critical patients. After confirmation of VZV infection, all susceptible patients as well as healthcare workers were quarantined and fresh intake of patients was restricted. Out of the total healthcare workers, 14 (25.92%) were found susceptible (as per protective VZV IgG titers) and were vaccinated. Of the 12 patients admitted in the ICU, six patients were discharged and sent home directly, four patients expired due to their critical disease state, one patient left against medical advice, and one patient remained admitted in ICU till the incubation period was over. Epidemiologically, line listing for index case reporting was done. The efficacy of control measures was re-evaluated to strengthen existing infection control practices and general measures viz. strict hand washing, adherence to aseptic protocols and intensification of environmental cleaning.Conclusions:Established varicella surveillance measures ensure VZV outbreaks are identified in a timely manner and control measures implemented to prevent further transmission. Also, vaccination policy among HCWs is the utmost requirement despite having huge financial implications.

Hand-arm vibration transmissibility measurement from the petrol driven motorboat engine

Petrol driven motorboat engine consisted of direct handle-engine mounting mechanism which exposed the operators to the high level of vibration and can lead to the Hand-arm Vibration syndrome (HAVs). The transmitted vibration from the engine to the handle with natural frequency excitation making the transmitted vibration worsen. This study is focusing on the vibration analysis of the 3.3 HP motorboat engine and the transmitted vibration to the operator handle in specific directions and frequency ranges. A lab-scale experimental rig with motorboat engine is set-up to represent the actual operation of the motorboat engine. Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) is conducted at the motorboat handle to obtain the natural frequencies in y and z axis directions. Two levels of engine speed (Speed 1: Low and Speed 2: High) are taken into consideration for the vibration measurement of both engine and handle in x, y and z axis directions. From this study, the natural frequencies of the handle are determined within 75 – 80 Hz. For the vibration spectral measurement, the engine has produced high vibration in x and y axis directions, whereby the transmitted vibration to the handle is worst in y axis direction. At Speed 1, the engine excited the vibration within frequency range of 45 – 50 Hz while by increasing the engine to Speed 2, the vibration peak shifted to 95 – 100 Hz with higher vibration amplitude. In overall, the vibration transmissibility at the handle are significant between the frequency range of 0 – 100 Hz (above 1) which can result the HAVs among the operators if no necessary action been taken.

Investigation of an additively manufactured pentamode material using non-contact vibration transmissibility measurements

Pentamodal (PM) metamaterials are one potential means to enable concepts from transformation acoustics in underwater applications because they can be designed to support anisotropic longitudinal wave motion over wide frequency bands while simultaneously being impedance matched to water [Su et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 141(6), (2017)]. In three dimensions, PM materials can be fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) to create elastic lattice structures whose microstructure can be tailored to produce the desired anisotropic sound speed and impedance in a target frequency band. This work presents measurements of the vibrational response of a PM block designed to display anisotropic stiffness. The sample measures approximately 100x100x85 mm and is constructed from titanium using direct metal laser sintering. Measurements were made on a sample mounted on an electro-dynamic shaker providing base excitation between 0.05 and 20i kHz. A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer measured out-of-plane surface velocity with normals both parallel and orthogonal to the excitation axis. The finite extent of the sample introduces geometric asymmetry associated with domain truncation, which is observable in the vibrational modes. Measurements were made for various sample orientations and compared to full-featuredfinite element models. Simulation-experiment comparisons and other findings will be presented and discussed. [Work supported by ONR.]

Exposure to gamma tACS in Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover, pilot study

ObjectiveTo assess whether exposure to non-invasive brain stimulation with transcranial alternating current stimulation at γ frequency (γ-tACS) applied over Pz (an area overlying the medial parietal cortex and the precuneus) can improve memory and modulate cholinergic transmission in mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD). MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, sham controlled, crossover pilot study, participants were assigned to a single 60 min treatment with exposure to γ-tACS over Pz or sham tACS. Each subject underwent a clinical evaluation including assessment of episodic memory pre- and post-γ-tACS or sham stimulation. Indirect measures of cholinergic transmission evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pre- and post-γ-tACS or sham tACS were evaluated. ResultsTwenty MCI-AD participants completed the study. No tACS-related side effects were observed, and the intervention was well tolerated in all participants. We observed a significant improvement at the Rey auditory verbal learning (RAVL) test total recall (5.7 [95% CI, 4.0 to 7.4], p < 0.001) and long delayed recall scores (1.3 [95% CI, 0.4 to 2.1], p = 0.007) after γ-tACS but not after sham tACS. Face-name associations scores improved during γ−tACS (4.3 [95% CI, 2.8 to 5.8], p < 0.001) but not after sham tACS. Short latency afferent inhibition, an indirect measure of cholinergic transmission evaluated with TMS, increased only after γ-tACS (0.31 [95% CI, 0.24 to 0.38], p < 0.001) but not after sham tACS. Conclusionsexposure to γ-tACS over Pz showed a significant improvement of memory performances, along with restoration of intracortical connectivity measures of cholinergic neurotransmission, compared to sham tACS.

Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana.

ObjectiveTo assess adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study conducted in the Nabdam district, Ghana. Data were collected from 527 pregnant women randomly selected from antenatal care clinics from 16 healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with COVID‐19 preventive measures, whilst adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe prevalence of wearing a face mask 18.0% (95% CI: 14.73%, 21.32%); of handwashing/hand sanitising 31.7% (95% CI: 27.70%, 35.67%), and of social distancing, 22.0% (95% CI: 18.46%, 25.56%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms [Adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.86, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.89] and knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 4.60, 95% CI: 1.23, 17.18) were associated with wearing a face mask. Pregnant women who knew that avoiding the touching of eyes, nose and mouth can prevent COVID‐19 (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.28), and knowledge of the virus being transmitted via contaminated objects/surfaces (aOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.42, 11.76), were associated with handwashing/hand sanitising. Knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 15.27, 95% CI: 1.87, 124.43) was also associated with social distancing.ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms, transmission and preventive measures may play an important role in the practice of preventive measures against COVID‐19 among pregnant women.

A Cross Sectional Study to Evaluate Awareness About Hepatitis A &amp; E Among Students in Lahore

Background: The aim and objectives of the study were to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices among biological and non-biological students regarding Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Methods: The present study was conducted by the Department of Microbiology, Pakistan kidney &amp; liver institute and research center (PKLI &amp; RC) at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan. The study was conducted in November, 2019 to January, 2020. A total of 326 respondents (students) participated in the present study. Respondents filled a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The variables accessed were knowledge of the diseases including etiology, mode of transmission, and prevention and control measures. Results: Most 81.56% of respondents from biological sciences (B-S) group and 51.70% from non-biological sciences (N-B-S) had awareness about HAV/HEV. Furthermore, 72.06% of respondents from BS group and 13.60% of respondents from NBS group had knowledge about the mode of transmission and spread of HAV and HEV infection. Only 16.20% of students from B-S group were aware about importance of vaccination against HAV/HEV. While a very low prevalence was found about vaccination in N-B-S group that is only 4.76%. Conclusion: The study shows significance difference in the awareness level among students from biological sciences and non-biological sciences background. Respondents were found to misunderstand the hepatitis A &amp; E infections with hepatitis B &amp; C, which suggests that there is need to spread awareness about the differences in their spread and severity of these infections. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to make people aware of the ways HAV/HEV spreads, its mode of transmission, severity of infection and preventive measures to minimize its spread as well as chances to acquire HAV/HEV infections.

Effect of Auger recombination on transient optical properties in XUV and soft X-ray irradiated silicon nitride

Spatially encoded measurements of transient optical transmissivity became a standard tool for temporal diagnostics of free-electron-laser (FEL) pulses, as well as for the arrival time measurements in X-ray pump and optical probe experiments. The modern experimental techniques can measure changes in optical coefficients with a temporal resolution better than 10 fs. This, in an ideal case, would imply a similar resolution for the temporal pulse properties and the arrival time jitter between the FEL and optical laser pulses. However, carrier transport within the material and out of its surface, as well as carrier recombination may, in addition, significantly decrease the number of carriers. This would strongly affect the transient optical properties, making the diagnostic measurement inaccurate. Below we analyze in detail the effects of those processes on the optical properties of XUV and soft X-ray irradiated Si{_3}N_4, on sub-picosecond timescales. Si{_3}N_4 is a wide-gap insulating material widely used for FEL pulse diagnostics. Theoretical predictions are compared with the published results of two experiments at FERMI and LCLS facilities, and with our own recent measurement. The comparison indicates that three body Auger recombination strongly affects the optical response of Si{_3}N_4 after its collisional ionization stops. By deconvolving the contribution of Auger recombination, in future applications one could regain a high temporal resolution for the reconstruction of the FEL pulse properties measured with a Si{_3}N_4-based diagnostics tool.

Prevention measures for vertical HIV transmission: monitoring infected pregnant women and exposed children

Abstract Objectives: to present an analysis of the follow-up of exposed children and pregnant women living with HIV who are assisted in a reference public healthcare service of a Brazilian capital. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study with sociodemographic and clinical data obtainedfrom physical and electronic medical records of women living with HIV and exposed children, treated between 2000 and 2018, in a secondary healthcare service. For associations, the chi-square test at 5% significance was used. Results: the data about 183 pregnancies and 214 children from the capital or other municipalities in the state were analyzed. The women have low schooling, are brown or black, single, multiparous, diagnosed with HIV during prenatal care, with the start of follow-up from the third trimester of pregnancy and the use of prophylaxis during childbirth. As for children, the associations were significant for notification on SINAN, admission to the health service, use of prophylaxis indicating better monitoring for those who live in the state capital. Conclusions: the prevention measures recommended by the Ministry of Health, in general, were followed, but children and pregnant women who live in other cities were worse off than those ones in the capital. Unnotified cases were identified on SINAN. These issues may contribute to new cases of vertical transmission of HIV.

Simulation of aerosol transmission on a Boeing 737 airplane with intervention measures for COVID-19 mitigation.

Identifying economically viable intervention measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission on aircraft is of critical importance especially as new SARS-CoV2 variants emerge. Computational fluid-particle dynamic simulations are employed to investigate aerosol transmission and intervention measures on a Boeing 737 cabin zone. The present study compares aerosol transmission in three models: (a) a model at full passenger capacity (60 passengers), (b) a model at reduced capacity (40 passengers), and (c) a model at full capacity with sneeze guards/shields between passengers. Lagrangian simulations are used to model aerosol transport using particle sizes in the 1–50 μm range, which spans aerosols emitted during breathing, speech, and coughing. Sneeze shields placed between passengers redirect the local air flow and transfer part of the lateral momentum of the air to longitudinal momentum. This mechanism is exploited to direct more particles to the back of the seats in front of the index patient (aerosol source) and reduce lateral transfer of aerosol particles to other passengers. It is demonstrated that using sneeze shields on full capacity flights can reduce aerosol transmission to levels below that of reduced capacity flights without sneeze shields.

Energy Efficient of IDS Using Fuzzy Logic for Lifetime Improvement in Wireless Sensor Network

The Wireless Sensor Network (W.S.N.) comprises little batteries fueled sensor gadgets with restricted energy assets. The Sensor hubs used to monitor the physical screen or conditionsbased on normal, theinformation must be private organization to primary area. The Most significant obstacles in a sensing the remote in the particular network which used to make an efficient energy framework. Clustering is the one of the major process in the sensor network based on wireless which used to drag out the life time of an organization lifetime which in turn reduce the energy utilization of the network. It includes gathering hubs into groups and choosing bunch heads (CH) for all the groups. CH gather information from separate group hubs and forward the collected data to the fundamental corner. This paper proposes novel fluffy various dynamic methodology measures: “Energy Efficient Optimal Cluster Head Selection utilizing Fuzzy Logic (EEOCH-FL)” for Wireless Sensor Network. Fluffy different boundary dynamic methodology is used to choose C.H.s utilizing three standards: leftover energy, fixation, the right ways from the principle hubs, and base station. The life cycle of Clustering hub and Clustering Head are grouped, clustering hub which transmitted all data to the Cluster Header Leader (CHL). The bunch head pioneers sent collected information to the Base Station (B.S.) from that point forward. The determination of bunch heads, group head pioneers is controlled and monitored by utilizing a fluffy rationale. The information transmission measure is per-shaped by the briefest energy way chosen to apply Dijkstra Algorithm. The reenactment results show that this methodology is more potent in boosting the availability inside each bunch. Furthermore, the reproduction aftereffects of this examination are contrasted and different conventions LEACH and CEELRP to assess the proposed steering convention's presence. The assessment reasons that convention of steering of this proposed work proved to be an effective in utilization of an energy.

A comparison of quasar emission reconstruction techniques for z ≥ 5.0 Lyman α and Lyman β transmission

ABSTRACT Reconstruction techniques for intrinsic quasar continua are crucial for the precision study of Lyman α (Ly α) and Lyman β (Ly β) transmission at z &amp;gt; 5.5, where the λ &amp;lt; 1215 Å emission of quasars is nearly completely absorbed. While the number and quality of spectroscopic observations have become theoretically sufficient to quantify Ly α transmission at 5.0 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 6.0 to better than $1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, the biases and uncertainties arising from predicting the unabsorbed continuum are not known to the same level. In this paper, we systematically evaluate eight reconstruction techniques on a unified testing sample of 2.7 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 3.5 quasars drawn from the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. The methods include power-law extrapolation, stacking of neighbours, and six variants of principal component analysis (PCA) using direct projection, fitting of components, or neural networks to perform weight mapping. We find that power-law reconstructions and the PCA with fewest components and smallest training sample display the largest biases in the Ly α forest (${-}9.58{{\ \rm per\ cent}}/{+}8.22{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, respectively). Power-law extrapolations have larger scatters than previously assumed of ${+}13.1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}/{-}13.2{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ over Ly α and ${+}19.9{{\ \rm per\ cent}}/{-}20.1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ over Ly β. We present two new PCAs that achieve the best current accuracies of $9{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for Ly α and $17{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for Ly β. We apply the eight techniques after accounting for wavelength-dependent biases and scatter to a sample of 19 quasars at z &amp;gt; 5.7 with IR X-Shooter spectroscopy, obtaining well-characterized measurements for the mean flux transmission at 4.7 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 6.3. Our results demonstrate the importance of testing and, when relevant, training, continuum reconstruction techniques in a systematic way.

Risk Assessment of Urban Rail Transit Project Using Interpretative Structural Modelling: Evidence from China

Public-private partnership (PPP) projects require comprehensive risk assessment and management, including Urban Rail Transit (URT). A more effective risk management can benefit from an accurate understanding of the two-way influence of PPP project risk factors. This paper uses the content analysis method to filter out, compare, and analyze PPP-related literature; 12 categories of 22 PPP risk factors are extracted and identified, and the possible correlations between these risk factors are judged preliminarily. With the knowledge and advice provided by PPP experts, the initial risk relationships are adjusted and supplemented, which then help to determine a reasonable logical relationship among risk factors. The logical relationship helps analyze the risk factors based on the ISM model analysis method and builds a hierarchical structure relationship of risk factors including 6 levels. Finally, the direct, intermediate, and autonomous factors that lead to problems or failures in PPP projects are analyzed which explains in detail the paths of risk transmission and risk prevention measures of PPP companies operating URT. It lays a foundation for PPP project companies operating URT to recognize, manage, and control risks in a targeted and systematic manner.

Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis and Its Zoonotic Implication in Addis Ababa Milkshed, Central Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) continues to be one of the most widely distributed chronic infectious diseases of zoonotic importance, which causes a significant economic loss in animal production. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bTB and its associated risk factors and type the Mycobacterium bovis isolated in central Ethiopia. A total of 65 dairy farms and 654 cattle were tested for bTB using a single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test. Data on farm management, animal-related characteristics, and the owner's knowledge of the zoonotic importance of bTB were collected using a structured questionnaire. In addition, a total of 16 animals from different farms were identified for postmortem examination. Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) culture was also conducted, and spoligotyping was used to type the M. bovis strains isolated. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were used to analyze the herd- and animal-level risk factors. Herd- and animal-level prevalence rates of bTB were 58.5% (95% CI: 46.2%−69.2%) and 39.3% (95% CI: 35.5%−43.5%), respectively. At the herd level, poor farm management was the predictor for bTB positivity (p < 0.05). Animal breed, poor BCS, farm type, and poor farm management conditions were significant predictors of bTB positivity (p < 0.05) at an individual animal level. All animals identified for postmortem examination were found to have gross TB-like lesions. A total of 14 M. bovis strains were identified from 12 animals that were positive for LJ culture. The strain with the largest number of clusters (five isolates) was SB1176, followed by SB0134 (three isolates), SB0192 (two isolates), and SB2233 (two isolates), and two new strains, each consisting of only one isolate. The majority (58.5%) of the respondents did not know the zoonotic importance of bTB. The result of this study showed a high prevalence of bTB in the Addis Ababa milkshed and a low level of consciousness of the owners on its transmission to humans. Therefore, the launching of acceptable control measures of bTB and the creation of public awareness about its zoonotic transmission and prevention measures are required.

Lumpy skin disease, an emerging transboundary viral disease: A review.

Lumpy skin disease is an emerging bovine viral disease, which is endemic in most African countries and some Middle East ones, and the elevated risk of the spread of disease into the rest of Asia and Europe should be considered. The recent rapid spread of disease in currently disease‐free countries indicates the importance of understanding the limitations and routes of distribution. The causative agent, Capripoxvirus, can also induce sheeppox and goatpox. The economic significance of these diseases is of great concern, given that they threaten international trade and could be used as economic bioterrorism agents. The distribution of capripoxviruses seems to be expanding due to limited access to effective vaccines and poverty within farming communities. This is largely due to the economic effects of the Covid‐19 pandemic and the imposition of crippling sanctions in endemic regions, as well as an increase in the legal and illegal trade of live animals and animal products, and also global climate change. The present review is designed to provide existing information on the various aspects of the disease such as its clinicopathology, transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and control measures, and the potential role of wildlife in the further spread of disease.

Graft-Transmissible Diseases of Ribes - Pathogens, Impact, and Control.

This article provides an up-to-date review of disease-causing viruses and phytoplasmas of currants including symptoms, transmission, detection, economic impact, and control measures. Currants are widely cultivated in more than 30 countries in the temperate zones of Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Ribes spp. can be infected by more than 20 virus species and four Candidatus Phytoplasma species, with more to be described in the future. High-throughput sequencing opened a new era of deciphering virus variants and mixed infections, leading to the characterization of several new species. The use of clean propagation material is the basis for control of Ribes graft-transmissible diseases, but this has become a challenging task given the ever-growing number of newly discovered pathogens.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of adult patients seen in ENT consultation facing COVID-19 in Lomé, Togo

Introduction: The objective of this study was to verify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients received in an ENT consultation in Lome in the face of COVID-19 in order to better guide information, education and communication campaigns. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place from May 4 to June 5, 2020, in the ENT department of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lome, the country´s leading reference hospital center. An anonymous questionnaire with open and closed questions was given during the first 5-10 minutes of a regulatory ENT consultation. Only patients 15 years of age and older who gave their consent were included in the study. The consent of patients aged 15 to 18 was confirmed by their parent or guardian accompanying them. Results: A total of 166 patients were enrolled in the study and one interviewee was not aware of the presence of COVID-19 on Togolese territory. Radio and TV programs and newspapers were the main source of information for the respondents (86.14%). Patients´ overall knowledge of COVID-19 in terms of symptoms, routes of transmission and barrier measures was rated as good. More than 79% of respondents reported being afraid of COVID-19. The attitudes and practices of those surveyed were diverse and varied. Respondents who thought they had been infected tended to take preventive self-medication (p = 0.0003). Low education was been associated with fear of COVID-19 (p = 0.0112).Conclusion: Further awareness-raising and with the right explanations, is still necessary to ensure what has been learned and avoid fear, stigma and bad practice when faced with COVID-19.

Effects of Demographic and Weather Parameters on COVID-19 Basic Reproduction Number

It is hard to overstate the importance of a timely prediction of the COVID-19 pandemic progression. Yet, this is not possible without a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors that may affect the infection transmissibility. Studies addressing parameters that may influence COVID-19 progression relied on either the total numbers of detected cases and similar proxies (which are highly sensitive to the testing capacity, levels of introduced social distancing measures, etc.), and/or a small number of analyzed factors, including analysis of regions that display a narrow range of these parameters. We here apply a novel approach, exploiting widespread growth regimes in COVID-19 detected case counts. By applying nonlinear dynamics methods to the exponential regime, we extract basic reproductive numberR0(i.e., the measure of COVID-19 inherent biological transmissibility), applying to the completely naïve population in the absence of social distancing, for 118 different countries. We then use bioinformatics methods to systematically collect data on a large number of potentially interesting demographics and weather parameters for these countries (where data was available), and seek their correlations with the rate of COVID-19 spread. While some of the already reported or assumed tendencies (e.g., negative correlation of transmissibility with temperature and humidity, significant correlation with UV, generally positive correlation with pollution levels) are also confirmed by our analysis, we report a number of both novel results and those that help settle existing disputes: the absence of dependence on wind speed and air pressure, negative correlation with precipitation; significant positive correlation with society development level (human development index) irrespective of testing policies, and percent of the urban population, but absence of correlation with population densityper se. We find a strong positive correlation of transmissibility on alcohol consumption, and the absence of correlation on refugee numbers, contrary to some widespread beliefs. Significant tendencies with health-related factors are reported, including a detailed analysis of the blood type group showing consistent tendencies on Rh factor, and a strong positive correlation of transmissibility with cholesterol levels. Detailed comparisons of obtained results with previous findings, and limitations of our approach, are also provided.

Knowledge, attitude and practice survey of COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Nigeria.

BackgroundA pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged and affected most of the world in early 2020. To inform effective public health measures we conducted a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey among a Hausa Muslim society in Nigeria in March 2020.MethodsThe study is an analytic cross-sectional survey with questionnaires administered to the general population including Health Care Workers (HCW) in Kano, Nigeria. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling following informed consent. The percentage of KAP scores were categorized as good and poor. Independent predictors of good knowledge of COVID 19 were ascertained using a binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe questionnaire was administered among urban 32.8%, peri-urban dwellers 32.4%, and to online participants 34.8%. The peri-urban and urban participants were given paper questionnaires. There were 886 study participants with mean age 28.58yrs [SD:10.25] (Interquartile range [IQR]:22yrs–32yrs), males 55.4% with 57.3% having had or were in tertiary education. Most participants were students 40% and civil servants 20%. The overall mean [standard deviation (SD)] for knowledge, attitude and practice scores expressed in percentage was 65.38%[SD15.90], 71.45% [SD14.10], and 65.04% [SD17.02] respectively. Out of the respondents, 270(30.47%) had good knowledge (GK), 158(17.8%) had good attitude (GA), and 230(25.96%) had good practice (GP) using cut-off scores of 75%, 86.5%, and 75% respectively. Over 48% did not agree COVID-19 originated from animals while 60% perceived the pandemic to be due to God’s punishment. Also, 36% thought it was a man-made virus. When rating fear, most respondents [63.5%] had marked fear i.e. ≥ 7 out of 10 and 56% admitted to modifying their habits recently in fear of contracting the virus. As regards attitude to religious norms, 77.77% agreed on cancellation of the lesser pilgrimage as a measure to curb the spread of the disease while 23.64% admitted that greater pilgrimage (Hajj) should proceed despite the persistence of the ongoing pandemic. About 50% of the respondents insisted on attending Friday congregational prayers despite social distancing. One in four people still harbored stigma towards a person who has recovered from the virus. 28% felt some races are more at risk of the disease though 66% mentioned always practicing social distancing from persons coughing or sneezing. Almost 70% of respondents said they were willing to accept a vaccine with 39% saying they would be willing to pay for it if not publicly funded. In univariate analysis increasing age and having been ever married were associated with GK while tertiary education was associated with GA [Odds Ratio; 95% Confidence Interval] 2.66(1.79–3.95). Independent positive predictors of GK were those who were or had ever been married, those who had marked fear of COVID-19, and had modified their habits in the last three months. Those who had non-tertiary education and had the questionnaire administered as paper rather than online version had GK but age was not a predictor.ConclusionKnowledge of transmission and preventive measures should be improved in the general population cognizant of cultural norms and Islamic practices. The study highlights the importance of considering belief systems and perception in developing control measures against COVID-19.