Safety Guidelines Research Articles

A Triple-Band Broadband Miniature Antenna Design for Implantable Continuous Glucose Monitoring

This paper presents a miniaturized triband implantable planar antenna that covers the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band and the Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) band which can be used in a continuous blood glucose monitoring device. The antenna consists of a slotted radiating patch and a ground plane with a cross slot to miniaturize its size. The overall antenna size is only 51.35 mm3 (7.6 × 7.6 × 0.889 mm3) due to the reduced size by the slotting technique. Compared to other implantable antennas with similar performance, the proposed antenna is smaller in size, simple in construction, and easy to be fabricated. By cutting a cross slot in GND, impedance matching is improved, especially at the two higher frequency bands. We have fabricated the prototype and carried out measurements. The results show its gains are −32.2 dBi, −18.8 dBi, and −19.1 dBi at 0.9 GHz, 1.4 GHz, and 2.45 GHz, respectively. Its radiation patterns have good symmetry in the two lower operating frequency bands. In addition, the maximum SAR values comply with the IEEE standard safety guidelines (IEEE C95.1-2019).

Levels and safety assessment of pesticide residues in selected vegetables and fruits sold in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria

Pesticides are widely used to boost agricultural output, thus making food consumption a major route of human pesticide exposure. This study was aimed at determining the safety of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits sold in Ikorodu Markets, Lagos, Nigeria. The vegetables analyzed were lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and onion (Allium cepa), while the fruits were orange (Citrus aurantium), mango (Mangifera indica), and guava (Psidium guajava). Samples of the vegetables and fruits were subjected to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and the values obtained were compared with the minimum risk levels (MRLs) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thereafter, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and health risk index (HRI) of the detected pesticide residues were calculated and compared with the acceptable daily intake. The GC-MS analysis of the vegetables detected chlorepyrifos-ethyl beyond the MRLs in lettuce, spinach, and cucumber; metalaxyl exceeded the MRLs in cabbage; while cyhalothrin, emamectin, acetaprid, carbendazime, and cypermethrin were detected within the MRLs. The analyses of the fruits revealed non- tolerable levels of chlorepyrifos-ethyl in orange; imidacloprid exceeded the MRLs in mango; and carbon disulfide was above the MRLs in guava. The EDI and HRI of the pesticides were within acceptable limits, but the HRI of cyhalothrin in lettuce and carbon disulfide in mango were not. The results suggest that the vegetables and fruits may predispose consumers to health hazards, with spinach and mango posing the greatest risk. Farmers need to comply with safety guidelines on pesticide use.

Data-driven control of airborne infection risk and energy use in buildings

The global devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to calls for a revolution in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), due to the dominant role of airborne transmission in disease spread. While simple guidelines have recently been suggested to improve IAQ mainly by increasing ventilation and filtration, this goal must be achieved in an energy-efficient and economical manner and include all air cleaning mechanisms. Here, we develop a simple protocol to directly, quantitatively, and optimally control transmission risk while minimizing energy cost. We collect a large dataset of HVAC and IAQ measurements in buildings and show how models of infectious aerosol dynamics and HVAC operation can be combined with sensor data to predict transmission risk and energy consumption. Using this data, we also verify that a simple safety guideline is able to limit transmission risk in full data-driven simulations and thus may be used to guide public health policy. Our results provide a comprehensive framework for quantitative control of transmission risk using all available air cleaning mechanisms in an indoor space while minimizing energy costs to aid in the design and automated operation of healthy, energy-efficient buildings.

Awareness and practice of nine life-saving patient safety solutions among healthcare workers

Millions of people die or are injured each year due to unsafe patient care at a huge human cost. Healthcare workers play a pivotal role in reducing errors, enhancing safety, and ensuring high-quality patient care. There are a number of ways in which patient safety can deteriorate in healthcare. Some important factors include a lack of patient safety research, inadequate training of healthcare professionals, and lack of patient safety guidelines in hospitals. There are nine life-saving patient safety solutions that, combined, can have an immediate, significant, and measurable impact. It is critical that healthcare workers are aware of the nine life-saving patient safety solutions and adopt them into their daily practice. Patient safety is one of the most important characteristics of good care, measured by clinically effective care. It is primarily the safety of patients in hospitals but also covers the continuum of care. Can it be implemented in non-institutional care? Adopting each of these solutions will not only reduce many common medical errors such as medication and medication errors, surgical site infections, bed sores, and hospital-acquired delirium, but will also significantly meet most international quality standards.

Opening the “black box” of food safety policy implementation: The efficiency-enhancing role of a private meso-institution

There is continuing interest in how rules created at the “institutional environment” level influence the performance of food safety policies. The influence of institutional rules on the behavior of farms and firms may vary widely depending on how strongly incentives reach potential users. This article assesses how the creation of a private meso-institution (i.e., Conseleite) affects the implementation of food safety guidelines in the Brazilian dairy industry. We use a dataset that has laboratory analyses of milk from 18 out of the 27 Brazilian states over a period that goes from 2006 to 2014. We show that the creation of Conseleite has led to an increased effectiveness of implementation of the Normative Instruction 51, which sets indicators and basic parameters of milk quality in Brazil. Specifically, the creation of Conseleite in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul led to a decrease in the low-quality index related to the bacterial contamination of milk. In turn, we find that Conseleite played a limited role in raising the values of the high-quality milk index. Our conclusions highlight the fundamental role of meso-institutions in bridging the gap between the “institutional environment” level and the “governance” level. This study sheds light on a potential policy implementation path for other developing and emerging countries in the dairy industry, which is marked by frequent food safety scandals.

Occupational characteristics and risk factors associated with endometriosis among Korean female workers.

Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects daily working life. Characterization of the factors associated with endometriosis in the working population can facilitate the development of prevention and intervention strategies for those at risk of endometriosis. This population-based retrospective study was conducted using the 2007-2015 National Health Insurance Service-Female Employees database. Overall, 151,386 female workers aged 15-64 years were included in the study. Participants with endometriosis were identified using the diagnosis codes in the claims data. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic, lifestyle, health, and occupational factors on endometriosis risk. Of the 151,386 participants, 4,457 were diagnosed with endometriosis. The risk of endometriosis was significantly higher in 41-60 years group (HR = 1.47 (95% CI, 1.06-2.04)) and in those with body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 (HR = 1.16 (95% CI, 1.05-1.27)) than 15-20 years group and those with normal BMI, respectively. According to the international standard industrial classification, occupational groups with financial and insurance activities, public administration and defence, compulsory social security, and manufacturing were at a higher risk of endometriosis. Although there was no significant association between the risk of endometriosis and type of work, the cumulative prevalence of endometriosis from 2007 to 2015 continued to rise in office workers, manual workers, and both types of workers together. The risk of endometriosis was closely linked to the occupational characteristics of female workers. This study provides a foundation for developing occupational safety and health guidelines for female workers.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Implementation in On-Board Blending of Pertalite (RON90)

The high public demand for Pertalite (RON90) has significantly increased, causing Indonesia should choose to import, one from Jamnagar Sikka Marine Terminal, India. In application, the loading port uses the onboard blending technique of mixing cargo with additives to achieve the desired octane number. According to the International Safety Guides for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) 6th edition chapter 12.1.6.15, the ship is not designed as a blending instrument, which in its operation experiences several incompatibilities that pose a risk of danger. As mitigation, cargo manufacturers include Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or work safety guidelines before operations begin to be understood and realized by all parties involved. The research method used in this research is a qualitative method with an explanative pattern. The unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the MSDS, the lack of blending facilities from the terminal and skilled personnel, lack of awareness and familiarization with the MSDS itself cause several impacts during its operation, including health threats, environmental stability, and even material losses that will be obtained by the company. So it is necessary to apply and actualize the implementation of MSDS on board, as well as create good harmonization between the company and the terminal so that this blending procedure can run optimally and produce fuel products that are by specifications.

Impact of Radiotherapy on Malfunctions and Battery Life of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Cancer Patients.

This study analyses a large number of cancer patients with CIEDs for device malfunction and premature battery depletion by device interrogation after each radiotherapy fraction and compares different guidelines in regard to patient safety. From 2007 to 2022, a cohort of 255 patients was analyzed for CIED malfunctions via immediate device interrogation after every RT fraction. Out of 324 series of radiotherapy treatments, with a total number of 5742 CIED interrogations, nine device malfunctions (2.8%) occurred. Switching into back-up/safety mode and software errors occurred four times each. Once, automatic read-out could not be performed. The median prescribed cumulative dose at planning target volume (PTV) associated with CIED malfunction was 45.0 Gy (IQR 36.0-64.0 Gy), with a median dose per fraction of 2.31 Gy (IQR 2.0-3.0 Gy). The median maximum dose at the CIED at time of malfunction was 0.3 Gy (IQR 0.0-1.3 Gy). No correlation between CIED malfunction and maximum photon energy (p = 0.07), maximum dose at the CIED (p = 0.59) nor treatment localization (p = 0.41) could be detected. After excluding the nine malfunctions, premature battery depletion was only observed three times (1.2%). Depending on the national guidelines, 1-9 CIED malfunctions in this study would have been detected on the day of occurrence and in none of the cases would patient safety have been compromised. Radiation-induced malfunctions of CIEDs and premature battery depletion are rare. If recommendations of national safety guidelines are followed, only a portion of the malfunctions would be detected directly after occurrence. Nevertheless, patient safety would not be compromised.

The antidepressant effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS): study protocol for a randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial

BackgroundIntermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) when applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to be equally effective and safe to treat depression compared to traditional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paradigms. This protocol describes a funded single-centre, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled, clinical trial to investigate the antidepressive effects of iTBS and factors associated with an antidepressive response.MethodsIn this trial, outpatients (N = 96, aged 22–65 years) meeting the diagnostic criteria for at least moderate depression (Montgomery and Aasberg Depression Rating Scale score ≥ 20) will be enrolled prospectively and receive ten, once-a-day sessions of either active iTBS or sham iTBS to the left DLPFC, localized via a neuronavigation system. Participants may have any degree of treatment resistance. Prior to stimulation, participants will undergo a thorough safety screening and a brief diagnostic assessment, genetic analysis of brain-derived neurotropic factor, 5-HTTLPR and 5-HT1A, and cerebral MRI assessments. A selection of neuropsychological tests and questionnaires will be administered prior to stimulation and after ten stimulations. An additional follow-up will be conducted 4 weeks after the last stimulation. The first participant was enrolled on June 4, 2022. Study completion will be in December 2027. The project is approved by the Regional Ethical Committee of Medicine and Health Sciences, Northern Norway, project number 228765. The trial will be conducted according to Good Clinical Practice and published safety guidelines on rTMS treatment.DiscussionThe aims of the present trial are to investigate the antidepressive effect of a 10-session iTBS protocol on moderately depressed outpatients and to explore the factors that can explain the reduction in depressive symptoms after iTBS but also a poorer response to the treatment. In separate, but related work packages, the trial will assess how clinical, cognitive, brain imaging and genetic measures at baseline relate to the variability in the antidepressive effects of iTBS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05516095. Retrospectively registered on August 25, 2022.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trends of Deliberate Self-Harm in Indonesian Adolescents

Introduction: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) refers to a purposeful and intentional act of self-injury that individuals engage in as a means to regulate their emotions. This phenomenon is frequently observed throughout the period of adolescence, characterized by the onset of both physical and psychological transformations. There are multiple factors that contribute to the emergence of deliberate self-harm (DSH), with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) being one of them. Method: The primary objective of this study was to examine the correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the inclination towards deliberate self-harm (DSH) among adolescents in Indonesia. Results: The study employed a correlational quantitative methodology, and a accidental sampling was used to recruit 397 adolescent participants from Indonesia. The instruments employed in this study included the Indonesian version of the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire (ACE.Q) with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.817, and the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI) with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.769. The data was analyzed to analysis using descriptive statistics and the Chi Square correlation test. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and deliberate self-harm (DSH), with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusions: Further investigation aims to reveal additional variables that lead to the initiation of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACE)-related problems. Parents, educational institutions, government entities, child protection organizations, and medical professionals are obligated to consistently comply with child safety legislation and guidelines.

Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in dried fruits from Morocco: Monitoring, regulatory aspects, and exposure assessment

The present study aims to investigate the presence of Aflatoxins (AF) in 180 samples dried fruits and Ochratoxin A (OTA) in 210 samples dried fruits and grape juices collected in Morocco. Mycotoxins were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detection and immunoaffinity columns (IAC) cleanup. Contamination levels were compared with the maximum regulatory limits (MRL) recently adopted in the country, and mycotoxin exposure of adult consumers was assessed. Results showed that 13.8% of samples were contaminated with AF, with incidences of 23.3, 23.3, 20, 13.8, and 3.3%, in raisins, figs, nuts, peanuts and pistachio, respectively. There were 12 samples (6.6%) that exceeded the MRL of 2–12 ng/g set for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). While OTA was detected in 17.1% of samples, with incidences of 3.3, 3.3, 30, 30, and 53.3% in walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, raisins and figs, respectively, and a maximum value of 99.1 in dried raisins, that exceeded the MRL (10 ng/g) set for OTA. The co-occurrence of OTA and AF was observed in 4.7% of total samples. Dietary intake showed that the OTA exposure level was lower than safety guidelines set by The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) at 100 ng/kg b.w./week.

Nature and City Sounds Influence Physiological and Psychological Markers in College Students

Worldwide, human population growth has led to a higher demand for urbanization. While this development is in accordance with our gregarious lifestyles, our availability and contact with nature has consequentially been minimized. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether sounds from nature versus urban environments affect vital signs (i.e., heart rate and respiration rate) and mood states of female college students. Emotional states were assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaire. While nature sounds included a mixture of birdsongs and water sounds, urban sounds included traffic, construction, and sirens. Following a within-subject design, each participant listened to a 7-minute segment of nature sounds and a 7-minute segment of city sounds in a randomized order. Sounds were played through each participant’s own headphones and devices at a conversational volume of approximately 70 decibels. All dependent variables were recorded before and after listening to each type of sound. This study was performed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (April-August 2020). To comply with health and safety guidelines, each participant met with the experimenter through a WebEx virtual conference, and variables were self-recorded by each of the participants. Exposure to 7-minutes of sounds from a natural environment resulted in statistically significant decreases in both respiration rate and negative affect schedule score when compared to the same time exposure to urban sounds. Furthermore, participants had a significantly higher preference for natural over urban environments according to a survey performed prior to listening to both types of sounds. Future research could help to better understand causes for variability in human responses to sound stimuli.

Radiation exposure in spine surgeries

Radiation exposure is a significant concern in spine surgeries due to the extensive use of fluoroscopic imaging. This review aims to evaluate the risks, consequences, and prevention strategies associated with radiation exposure in spine surgeries. The risks of radiation exposure include potential biological damage to patients and surgical staff, such as skin burns, cataracts, and an increased risk of developing cancer. The consequences of radiation exposure can have long-term health implications and may result in substantial healthcare costs. To mitigate the risks, various prevention strategies are recommended. These include optimizing the use of fluoroscopy by adopting low-dose imaging techniques, minimizing the duration of exposure, and ensuring proper shielding of personnel. Additionally, the use of alternative imaging modalities, such as intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) navigation systems, can reduce reliance on fluoroscopy and subsequently decrease radiation exposure. Furthermore, implementing a culture of radiation safety through education, training, and awareness programs is crucial. This involves educating surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals about the potential risks, proper use of equipment, and radiation protection measures. Strict adherence to radiation safety guidelines and continuous monitoring of radiation doses are essential to ensure the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. In short, radiation exposure in spine surgeries poses significant risks and potential consequences. However, with the adoption of appropriate prevention strategies, such as optimizing imaging techniques, implementing alternative modalities, and fostering a culture of radiation safety, the potential risks can be mitigated. By prioritizing radiation safety, healthcare facilities can provide better outcomes for patients and minimize the long-term health implications associated with radiation exposure in spine surgeries.

Effects of empathy and egoism on CSR perceptions and consumer buycotts: Lessons learned during global crisis in support of equitable business practices

ABSTRACT Consumer polarization leading to buycotts and boycotts was magnified by the global crisis of 2020–2021 which changed consumer priorities and business practices: in-person shopping decreased, while social distancing, remote work, and media consumption increased. In this context, we examined the relationships among egoism, empathy, and consumer interest in social topics. These topics included employee treatment, social justice, and the environment. We highlighted aligning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts with consumer values. Using a survey method and structural equation modeling, we found such efforts increased consumer buycott. In this research we addressed whether consumers were motivated by empathy or egoism to engage in buycotting during global crisis. Consumers reacted to a firm’s adherence to health and safety guidelines, respect for human rights, and engaged in environmental protection. This study contributes to the literature on CSR and prosocial behavior. It examined the relationships among key consumer characteristics and corporate behavior in times of crisis and expands the existing literature on psychological factors that play a role in buycotting. The findings are applicable to policy makers, academic literature, and practice as it offers practical recommendations on how companies might consider realignment of CSR activities during crisis. It also suggests directions for future research.

Environmental Health and Safety Practices in Petrol Stations in Nairobi County, Kenya

Globally, the effects of human activity on the physical environment have become more pronounced, especially in metropolitan areas, as a result of population growth and the expansion of businesses like petrol stations. In Nairobi, petrol stations are being built close to one another in populated locations and some cases, adjacent to residential areas, which is against the law and the recommended health and safety guidelines. The paper sought to assess the environmental health and safety practices in petrol stations in Nairobi County. Primary data was collected from questionnaires and key informant interviews based on purposive sampling, whereas secondary data was obtained from reports. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of data was done. SPSS and Excel were used to code and analyse quantitative data. Relative frequencies were determined through descriptive statistics of data. Utilising percentages and frequency, data was compared and corroborated. Fisher’s exact test and the chi test were used in inferential statistics to determine relationships between connected variables. The results indicate that the majority of employees undergo training regardless of their position within the organisation and have knowledge of safety awareness measures. Although the majority (90%) of the petrol stations provided employees with full protective gear, several station facilities provided their employees with footwear alone, exposing employees to the risk of injury. In addition, the majority of the petrol stations had a minimum of at least a fire extinguisher in readiness to handle fire emergencies. Some employees are not aware of the OSHA policies, fire extinguisher use, safety measures, safety standards and what to do in case of emergencies. This study recommends that EPRA should increase the inspections and ensure that petrol stations adhere to the recommended level of health and safety standards

Perspectives and institutional policies on patient safety and image quality regarding the use of knee-spanning external fixators in MRI: A survey study of the Society of Skeletal Radiology.

Concerns regarding patient safety and image quality have made the use of knee-spanning external fixators in MRI a challenging clinical scenario. The purpose of our study was to poll practicing musculoskeletal radiologists on their personal experiences regarding the use of knee-spanning external fixators in MRI in an effort to consolidate practice trends for the radiologists' benefit. A 27-item survey was created to address the institutional use, safety, adverse events, quality, and perspectives of the radiologist related to MRI of an externally fixated knee. The survey was distributed to 1739 members of the Society of Skeletal Radiology. A total of 72 members of the Society of Skeletal Radiology completed the survey. Most notably, 40 of 72 (55.56%) respondents are permitted to place a knee-spanning external fixator inside the MR bore at their institution, while19 of 72 (26.39%) respondents are not permitted to do so. Fourteen of 32 (43.75%) respondents have institutional guidelines for safely performing an MRI of an externally fixated knee. Twenty-five of 32 (78.13%) respondents are comfortable permitting an MRI of an externally fixated knee. We found a general lack of consensus regarding the decision to scan a patient with a knee-spanning external fixator in MRI. Many institutions lack safety guidelines, and providers rely upon a heterogeneous breadth of resources for safety information. A re-examination of the FDA device labeling nomenclature and expectations of the individual manufacturers may be needed to bridge this gap and help direct management decisions placed upon the provider.

Investigation of the risk of thermal runaway in a pouch-type lithium-ion battery with an internal short based on a multiphysics simulation

Most safety accidents involving lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are caused by internal short circuits (ISCs). If ISCs occur for various reasons, the temperature in a small region near the short circuit can increase to a critical threshold, leading to accelerated heat generation and resulting in thermal runaway. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the internal phenomena preceding thermal runaway to prevent or mitigate associated risks. In this study, an electrochemical-electrical-thermal model was employed to simulate a 22Ah pouch cell with ISCs. We examined the electrical-thermal behaviors of the LIB cells under different conditions, including various sizes, shapes, and locations of ISCs. Our study revealed several significant findings regarding factors influencing thermal runaways. We found that the size of the ISC was a critical factor determining the initiation of thermal runaway. As the radius of ISC increased from 0.25 mm to 1.25 mm, the amount of generated heat energy dramatically increased from 4.1 kJ to 85.4 kJ. When the radius of ISC was 0.35 mm or greater, the local temperature of the LIB cell exceeded the trigger temperature of thermal runaway (150℃). Additionally, we found that the perimeter of the ISC also affected heat generation, even when the area of ISC remained constant. With a maintained ISC area of 1 mm2, the heat generation increased from 17.2 kJ to 28.3 kJ as the perimeter increased from 4 mm to 32.125 mm. However, the location of the ISC had minor effects on the short current and the amount of heat generated. These crucial findings from our study can serve as safety guidelines for estimating the risk of thermal abuse associated with ISCs.

Access to medication for opioid use disorder supported by telemedicine and healthcare coverage: A web-based survey during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and AimsMedications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are highly effective in improving treatment outcomes and reducing overdose. Concerns about interrupted access to critical MOUD services led to expansion of telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The current study tested the hypothesis that telemedicine usage and healthcare coverage would be significantly associated with access to MOUD in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA cross-sectional online survey was administered to a non-probability sample from June 18-July 19, 2020 using the Amazon Mechanical Turk platform. SettingNortheastern United States during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of the survey, federal regulators had waived the longstanding requirement for in-office visits for MOUD prescription receipt and provided guidance on increasing third-party payer reimbursement rates for telehealth visits in order to mitigate barriers to care associated with COVID-19 safety guidelines. ParticipantsIndividuals 18 years or older residing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island were eligible to complete the survey. The analytic sample was participants who reported using opioids not as prescribed by a physician in the past seven days. MeasurementsDemographics, telemedicine usage, and healthcare coverage were assessed as explanatory variables. The primary outcome was whether participants reported ability to access MOUD in the past four weeks. FindingsIn this sample of individuals who used illicit opioids in the past week (N = 191), one in two individuals who utilized telehealth or had healthcare coverage were able to access MOUD, whereas only one in five of their respective counterparts who did not have telehealth access or healthcare coverage were able to access these medications. ConclusionsTelemedicine and healthcare coverage were associated with greater MOUD access early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when barriers to care were high. Such findings speak to the importance of not only extending but also formalizing temporary policy changes instituted during the pandemic to allow MOUD prescribing via telemedicine.

Coping strategies and belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories.

Conspiracy beliefs have been related to aversive emotional experiences often accompanying major world events and have also been linked to maladaptive ways of coping with stress. In this research, we examined how different coping strategies (i.e. self-sufficient, social-support, avoidance and religious) predicted the adoption of COVID-19 conspiracy theories. In two studies (Study 1, n = 1000 and Study 2, n = 616) conducted among Polish participants, we found that avoidance and religious coping were positively linked to COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs. In Study 1, conspiracy beliefs also mediated the positive relationships between avoidance and religious coping and adherence to safety and self-isolation guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 2 additionally showed that the relationship between fear, induced by reading threatening news on COVID-19, and conspiracy beliefs was the strongest among those high in avoidance coping. These studies highlight the role of coping strategies in the adoption of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs.

Corneal damage threshold induced by supercontinuum source: A further study.

Previous report shows that corneal spot size is an important influence factor on damage threshold induced by supercontinumm (SC) source. However, damage thresholds were determined for the spot size of only 0.37 mm due to the low output of the employed SC source at that time. The objectives of this study are to determine the lowest possible corneal damage threshold at a large corneal spot size using a more powerful SC source and provide data for the future possible refinements of laser safety standards. A series of experiments was conducted in the New Zealand white rabbit model to determine the corneal damage threshold induced by a 900-2000 nm SC source, with corneal 1/e beam diameter of about 1.2 mm. Slit-lamp biomicroscope was employed to reveal the corneal damage characteristics. By employing the action spectra determined through the analysis of current laser safety guidelines and standards, the effective damage threshold could be calculated. The determined damage threshold given in terms of the peak radiant exposure for the exposure duration of 0.14 s was 44.3 J/cm2 . At threshold level, corneal damages involved the epithelium and the shallower stroma. The safety factor between the effective damage threshold and the corresponding maximum permissible exposure (MPE) was about 45. Present corneal MPEs in the wavelength range of 700-1200 nm may be conservative and corneal damage thresholds for the infrared A wavelengths should be determined in future studies.