Transmission Of COVID-19 Virus Research Articles

Who Stays at Home? The Politics of Social Distancing in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Reductions in population mobility can mitigate COVID-19 virus transmission and disease-related mortality. But do social distancing policies actually change population behavior and, if so, what factors condition policy effects? We leverage subnational variation in the stringency and timing of state-issued social distancing policies to test their effects on mobility across 109 states in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. We also explore how conventional predictors of compliance, including political trust, socioeconomic resources, health risks, and partisanship, modify these policy effects. In Brazil and the United States, stay-at-home orders and workplace closures reduced mobility, especially early in the pandemic. In Mexico, where federal intervention created greater policy uniformity, workplace closures produced the most consistent mobility reductions. Conventional explanations of compliance perform well in the United States but not in Brazil or Mexico, apart from those emphasizing socioeconomic resources. In addition to new directions for research on the politics of compliance, the article offers insights for policy makers on which measures are likely to elicit compliance. Our finding that workplace closure effectiveness increases with socioeconomic development suggests that cash transfers, stimulus packages, and other policies that mitigate the financial burdens of the pandemic may help reduce population mobility.

Investigation of the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on employees' psychological symptoms and nutritional habits

Background: It is anticipated that the fear caused by the possible consequences of Covid-19 virus transmission and the sense of restraint caused by control applications such as quarantine may affect individuals', especially employees' psychological parameters and change their habits. Objectives: The aim of this study is explaining the effect of pandemic conditions and precautionary practices on the psychological parameters and nutritional habits of employees. Methods: In this direction, The SCL-90-R test, which was applied to 400 office workers before the pandemic, was reapplied during the pandemic period and the differences between the psychological symptoms were evaluated statistically. In addition, a mini questionnaire was applied on the change of daily nutritional habits after the pandemic. Results: In the period of pandemic compared to before the pandemic;a definite statistical difference was determined in somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, paranoid, and general symptom index symptoms. In addition, an acceptable difference was found for the increase in symptoms of paranoid ideation and obsessive-compulsive, and there was no statistical difference only in symptoms of hostility and psychoticism. In addition, it was found that the majority of the participants experienced a change in their daily eating methods. Conclusion: The increase in almost all of the psychological parameters is not evidence of psychological diseases. However, according to the average results, the parameters closest to evaluation as a problem comply with the observed behaviors in pandemic conditions. The change in nutrition methods is also thought to be a reflection of the psychological factors that changed during the pandemic period. © 2021 Mattioli 1885. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric conditions affecting the transmission of COVID-19 virus

The physical environment plays an important role in the transmission of respiratory infections like COVID-19. Atmospheric conditions associated to diseases like influenza, adenovirus infections, parainfluenza, common cold viruses and so on. But we are still lacking in evidence to support the influence of meteorological conditions in spreading COVID-19. We have discussed air pollution, smoking, low air temperature, and proximity to equator, low humidity and air velocity as contributing factors in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through this narrative synthesis. Bio-aerosol or ultra-fine particulate matter seems to be the most promising mode of transmission of COVID-19. Other methods are direct contact and droplet infection. Air pollution control can prevent priming of respiratory system which shall further protect from pulmonary infections. Air sanitization and humidifiers can be considered to modify the indoor air and prevent contracting infection at workplaces, schools and other gatherings.

Bronchoscopy Safety Box and its Utility as a Barrier in Spread of COVID-19 Infection

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions with a high mortality rate. Thousands of frontline health-care workers (HCWs) have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Protecting HCWs is important. Aim: We sought to develop an innovative barrier to prevent COVID-19 virus transmission while performing bronchoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Settings and Design: We have designed and developed a barrier called bronchoscopy safety box (BSB). Materials and Methods: BSB is made up of acrylic and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets. We have designed two prototypes of BSBs, namely Prototype 1 and Prototype 2. We performed bronchoscopy procedures and intubation procedures with BSBs. Advantages and limitations were noted and analyzed. Results: The advantages of BSB include the additional presence of the bronchoscopy aperture and an assistant aperture. All the apertures are covered by PVC sheets or hand gloves, thus minimizing risk of aerosol coming out of these apertures. The presence of PVC sheet fixed at the patient's end restricts the amount of aerosol coming out while the presence of a negative suction port is important in reducing the aerosol content inside the BSB. The BSB is a multi-utility box which can be used by clinicians for endotracheal intubation or bronchoscopy as the need arises. The BSB can be effectively used for the treatment of suspected as well as confirmed COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: We conclude that the BSB is a reusable, multipurpose aerosol safety barrier which can be utilized for multiple procedures of bronchoscopy as well as intubation to help protect HCWs against COVID-19.

Transmission of COVID-19 Virus in the Presence of Neurologic Manifestations

COVID-19 is a viral disease with a different set of manifestations. However, all clinical manifestations are not occurring at the same time and some patients present the disease with an isolated or even without any specific symptoms. This disease besides neurologic symptoms in rare cases even presents itself with other symptoms such as cardiac failure. In this case, a health care provider may not aware of this situation. In these situations, the transmission of the virus to individuals remains and people may not be aware of the high-risk situation. It is suggested to be aware of different clinical manifestations of COVID-19 disease and preventive strategies keep for all patients.

Viability of SARS-CoV-2 and Sanitization Methods

Aerosol transmitted COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is infectious causing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. The viable COVID-19 virus transmission via air has occurred. Therefore, methods must be established to determine the viability of the virus and to disinfect it in air, surfaces, and on foodstuff. In this review article, we have discussed the pattern virus spread in bus, hospital, and cruise ship. The methods of reducing and eliminating the infection in household and public places have been suggested. The safety, efficacy, and phase 3 trials data published by major vaccine candidates Russian Gamaleya’s “Sputnik V”, Oxford University –AstraZeneca, CanSino Biologics, and Moderna Therapeutics have been included. The article is very useful to stop the COVID-19 pandemic spread and finally ending the pandemic.

Policing COVID-19 physical distancing measures: managing defiance and fostering compliance among individuals least likely to comply

ABSTRACT Physical distancing measures have become the first line of defence for slowing COVID-19 virus transmission. However, studies have demonstrated that compliance with physical distancing restrictions has not been uniform. Police have also encountered widespread resentment of the restrictions, defiance, and people purposefully flouting restrictions. In this study, we examined factors associated with compliance with COVID-19 restrictions among those who held defiant attitudes toward police during the early stages of the pandemic in Australia. The study draws on survey data collected from 1595 Australians during the initial lockdown period in Australia. Regression analysis was applied to determine if two forms of defiance toward police (resistance and disengagement) were associated with reduced compliance with restrictions while controlling for other known correlates of compliance. We also identified factors that were associated with compliance among highly resistant and disengaged individuals. Findings indicate that defiant individuals were significantly less likely to comply with physical distancing restrictions. Among highly resistant and disengaged individuals, recent police-initiated encounters that were deemed to be procedurally unjust were also associated with reduced compliance. In addition, highly disengaged individuals were less likely to comply if they were concerned about ongoing loss of freedoms post-COVID-19. The implications of the findings for defiance and compliance research, as well as for COVID-19 policing strategies, are discussed.

A Framework for the Community Psychiatrist's Role in the COVID-19 Response.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted community mental health center (CMHC) operations by limiting in-person access to patients and contributing to staff absenteeism. States adjust social distancing levels over time in response to changes in economic needs, healthcare system utilization, and COVID-19 virus transmission levels. Community mental health centers also need to balance service needs with infection risk, which requires adjusting social distancing levels in response to changes in the local conditions. This article will: (1) briefly describe epidemiological indicators most useful for judging the local infection trends, (2) describe a strategy for organizing specific agency clinical functions on a social distancing level scale, (3) propose a set of agency phases to inform administrative responses to changes in the risk to operations, and (4) discuss the role of psychiatrists as physicians in a mental health agency during a pandemic.

Transmission of COVID-19 virus by cough-induced particles in an airliner cabin section

With airborne transmissions found as one of the major transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2, its transmission in airliner cabin environments drew special attention due to high number of imported cases and in-cabin transmissions. This study numerically investigated the transmission of COVID-19 by cough-induced particles in a cabin section of Boeing 737 model. One passenger was coughing in each case, while cough particles with measured size distributions were released during coughs and were tracked using the Lagrangian framework. Outcomes revealed that cough flow released by passengers could develop rapidly into a strong turbulent cough jet, breaking up the local airflow field. The released cough particles were largely dominated by the cough jet within 5 s, especially the first 1.5 s. Deposition of particles under 100 µm were relatively delayed when released from a window-seat location. Small particles (under 50 µm) released by a window-seat passenger were more likely to spread widely in the studied cabin section, which could lead to the highest exposure risks to nearby passengers. Also, due to ventilation design and seating arrangement, cough particles released by the middle-seat passenger were found easily trapped in his/her own local environment. Cough particles released from aisle-seat passengers had the least exposure risk to adjacent passengers.

The effect of occupant distribution on energy consumption and COVID-19 infection in buildings: A case study of university building

The occupant density in buildings is one of the major and overlooked parameters affecting the energy consumption and virus transmission risk in buildings. HVAC systems energy consumption is highly dependent on the number of occupants. Studies on the transmission of COVID-19 virus have indicated a direct relationship between occupant density and COVID-19 infection risk. This study aims to seek the optimum occupant distribution patterns that account for the lowest number of infected people and minimum energy consumption.A university building located in Tehran has been chosen as a case study, due to its flexibility in performing various occupant distribution patterns. This multi-objective optimization problem, with the objective functions of energy consumption and COVID-19 infected people, is solved by NSGA-II algorithm. Energy consumption is evaluated by EnergyPlus, then it is supplied to the algorithm through a co-simulation communication between EnergyPlus and MATLAB. Results of this optimization algorithm for 5 consequent winter and summer days, represent optimum occupant distribution patterns, associated with minimum energy consumption and COVID-19 infected people for winter and summer.Building air exchange rate, class duration, and working hours of the university, as the COVID-19 controlling approaches were studied, and promising results have been obtained. It was concluded that an optimal population distribution can reduce the number of infected people by up to 56% and energy consumption by 32%. Furthermore, it was concluded that virtual learning is an excellent approach in universities to control the number of infections and energy consumption.

Protecting perioperative patients and personnel in the era of COVID-19.

Protecting perioperative patients and personnel in the era of COVID-19.

Experimental visualization of sneezing and efficacy of face masks and shields.

In the present work, we propose and demonstrate a simple experimental visualization to simulate sneezing by maintaining dynamic similarity to actual sneezing. A pulsed jet with Reynolds number Re = 30 000 is created using compressed air and a solenoid valve. Tracer particles are introduced in the flow to capture the emulated turbulent jet formed due to a sneeze. The visualization is accomplished using a camera and laser illumination. It is observed that a typical sneeze can travel up to 25 ft in ∼22 s in a quiescent environment. This highlights that the present widely accepted safe distance of 6 ft is highly underestimated, especially under the act of a sneeze. Our study demonstrates that a three-layer homemade mask is just adequate to impede the penetration of fine-sized particles, which may cause the spreading of the infectious pathogen responsible for COVID-19. However, a surgical mask cannot block the sneeze, and the sneeze particle can travel up to 2.5 ft. We strongly recommend using at least a three-layer homemade mask with a social distancing of 6 ft to combat the transmission of COVID-19 virus. In offices, we recommend the use of face masks and shields to prevent the spreading of droplets carrying the infectious pathogen. Interestingly, an N-95 mask blocks the sneeze in the forward direction; however, the leakage from the sides and top spreads the sneeze in the backward direction up to 2 ft. We strongly recommend using the elbow or hands to prevent droplet leakage even after wearing a mask during sneezing and coughing.

Incidence of COVID-19 Virus Transmission in Three Dental Offices: A 6-Month Retrospective Study.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has shown the ability to become aerosolized with a potential airborne route of transmission. Dentists and dental hygienists are listed as two of the occupations in a nonhospital setting with the greatest risk of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as routine dental procedures involve aerosol generation. In a statement on interim guidance, WHO recommended that all routine dental procedures be delayed until COVID-19 transmission rates decrease from community transmission to cluster cases and until the risk of transmission in a dental office can be studied and evaluated. This prospective study involves 2,810 patients treated over a 6-month period (March 15 to September 15, 2020) in three different dental offices by two dentists and three hygienists during and shortly after the height of the pandemic in New York. By utilizing screening questionnaires, performing enhanced infection control, and having appropriate personal protective equipment, these dental offices were able to record no transmission of COVID-19 to the dental healthcare workers or patients during the study. In addition, 69% of the patients treated in these dental offices were recorded as having one or more high-risk comorbidities related to COVID-19 severity.

AKSESIBILITAS MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 BAGI DIFABEL NETRA DI PERPUSTAKAAN MARDI WUTO YOGYAKARTA

This research discusses the accessibility for people with visual impairments in using libraries during the Covid-19 pandemic. The formulation of the problem in this study is that the reality of the blind with disabilities when they need information in the library will be different to with the times before the pandemic. Researchers try to describe how a library imposes regulations on accessibility for persons with visual disabilities who visit and need access to the library safely and comfortably. This research is a field research with the method used is qualitative research methods. To get information about this research, researchers used the method of involved observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation methods. The results of the study showed that Mardi Waluyo Library when Covid-19, effectively carried out activities to facilitate access for blind people with disabilities, including: transfer of digital collections, online services, intensive collaboration, rearranging rooms, limiting visits and education on prevention and Covid-19 virus transmission.

Human animal interface of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission: a critical appraisal of scientific evidence.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to infect both humans and animals. However, the evidence of inter-transmission of coronavirus between humans and companion animals is still a debatable issue. There is substantial evidence that the virus outbreak is fueled by zoonotic transmission because this new virus belongs to the same family of viruses as SARS-CoV associated with civet cats, and MERS-CoV associated with dromedary camels. While the whole world is investigating the possibility about the transmission of this virus, the transmission among humans is established, but the interface between humans and animals is not much evident. Not only are the lives of human beings at risk, but there is an equal potential threat to the animal world. With multiple reports claiming about much possibility of transmission of COVID-19 from humans to animals, there has been a significant increase in the number of pets being abandoned by their owners. Additionally, the risk of reverse transmission of COVID-19 virus from companion pets like cats and dogs at home is yet another area of concern. The present article highlights different evidence of human-animal interface and necessitates the precautionary measures required to combat with the consequences of this interface. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have suggested various ways to promote awareness and corroborate practices for helping people as well as animals to stay secure and healthy.

Pembekalan Teknis Pelayanan Online Administrasi Kependudukan Bagi Relawan Milenial Melawan Pandemi Covid 19

Coronavirus pandemic in Indonesia has not subsided yet. There are around 100,303 cases suspected to coronavirus during the five months outbreak. in order to deal with the epidemic, volunteers are needed to help media personnel to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 virus. it is done not only by distributing masks or spraying disinfectant but also by preventing the community from gathering at the public administration services. as a millennial volunteer who understands technology, we try to provide an understanding of the public regarding the administration of online documents. the purpose of this activity is to share knowledge to COVID-19 volunteers while taking care of population data such an e-KTP, birth certificates, and others because it can be done by accessing the DINDUKCAPIL Banyumas website. it is implemented by making presentations and exposure through video conferences via the Cisco Webex Meeting application. the result is the volunteers understand how to handle the population of the online document so that they can share it with their community.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Domestic Violence-Psychological Consequences, the Legal Framework and its Treatment in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract In this paper the authors present the psychological consequences of social isolation on domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the legal framework in the RNM on addressing the phenomenon of domestic violence. In this age of globalization and drive for material conformity, family life is quite difficult to cope with. This “war” for material comfort during the pandemic, has strained and stressed many families as a result of the created circumstances. Public safety measures, including physical distance and social isolation, which have also been implemented in the RNM have contributed in making family problems even more pronounced. Social distance and staying at home are very effective in reducing the transmission of Covid-19 virus, but these safeguards disrupt the routines of spouses and families. Domestic violence affects a large number of families, and it is estimated that in times of social isolation, all forms of violence have been inflicted against family members regardless of their gender and age. The most common forms of domestic violence during Covid-19 pandemic in our country are psychological, physical and economic violence. Some countries affected by Covid-19 have seen increases in levels of domestic violence, including violence against children, violence against partners, and violence against the elderly. This paper presents the results of research conducted which highlight the fact that during the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in levels of domestic violence in the Republic of North Macedonia in the first six months of 2020. The authors give their recommendations on the need for action by state institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to adapt methods and circumstances towards the protection of victims of domestic violence.

Effects of ambient temperature and humidity on droplet lifetime - A perspective of exhalation sneeze droplets with COVID-19 virus transmission.

A one-dimensional droplet evaporation model is used to estimate the droplet lifetime from evaporation in air. The mathematical model invokes assumptions of spherical symmetry, ideal gas mixture, binary diffusion, no re-condensation on droplet surface, and constant properties. Four initial droplet diameters (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mm), two ambient temperatures (20 and 30 oC) and a range of ambient relative humidity are considered. For the conditions studied, the results show that the ambient relative humidity plays an important role in the droplet lifetime calculation. Increasing the ambient temperature does not necessarily decrease the droplet lifetime; it occurs only when the ambient relative humidity is set below 37%. When the ambient relative humidity is higher than 37%, the higher ambient temperature (30 oC) results in a longer droplet lifetime for the same initial droplet diameter considered. The results also suggest that there may exist a critical ambient relative humidity; beyond which, the droplet lifetime will increase exponentially. For ambient temperature at 30 oC, the critical ambient relative humidity is around 55.7%. It must be mentioned that the results of this study do not imply that the COVID-19 virus will be deactivated at the end of the droplet lifetime. The study simply shows the potential effects resulting from the ambient temperature and ambient relative humidity on virus carrying drops.

Beware the Trojan horse

Introduction: In this era of social distancing, dependence on electronic gadgets and devices is ever increasing. Possibility of transmission of COVID -19 from these devices cannot be ruled out. Currently, prevention is the only antidote; considering the mounting evidence of transmission of COVID-19 virus primarily through respiratory droplets and fomites. Gadgets are one of the most frequently touched appliances; being often used during or after patient examination, while handling specimens or during various patient procedures. Collecting data regarding mobile sanitization is prudent at these times. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize published evidence on mobile sanitization in these COVID times.Methods: PubMed search on “COVID and mobile phone” revealed only 4 articles related to this topic; therefore we have assimilated data from various organizations, websites and articles and have suggested methodology for sanitization of mobile phones and other gadgets.Results: Infection control practices which include information, communication, education and evaluation are the pre-eminent weapons in the fight against hospital transmitted SARS-CoV-2. Minimizing mobile phone usage, sanitizing them with endorsed biocidal agents and advancements in the field of ultraviolet cabinets is a priority.Conclusion: At the same time we shouldn’t forget that sanitization is only one aspect of prevention of this disease; maintaining hand hygiene, use of masks and social distancing must be followed at all times.

Literature Review : Transmisi Covid-19 dari Manusia ke Manusia di Asia

Introduction: The latest corona virus (Covid-19), centered in one of the provinces in China, has spread to various countries. World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Committee declared a global health emergency. Covid-19 virus based on several studies can be transmitted from human to human. Knowing the ways and media of transmission of Covid-19 is crucial so that transmission prevention can be done immediately. Objective: The purpose of the study to know the specific transmission of Covid-19 virus and how to prevent it that can be done. Method: The research was conducted using two databases, namely: Google scholar and Pubmed 2019-2020. Articles that meet the inclusion criteria namely methods, media of transmission and management of prevention of Covid-19 transmission are then reviewed. Results: Covid-19 transmission from human to human can be caused by close relationships such as family, close relatives, close friends, contact with people who are already infected. Transmission occurs through coughing, sneezing and aerosols. Transmission by air contributed to the Covid-19 outbreak. Less than one meter distance from an infected person has the potential for transmission. In the mechanism of infectious disease, transmission through vomiting plays a greater role than droplets. Discussion: Covid-19 virus has spread to more than 100 countries. Appropriate measures must be taken immediately to prevent the spread of the epidemic. The main purpose of prevention is to break the chain of transmission from human to human by separating people who have the potential to transmit it to others. One effort to achieve these goals is self-isolation at home or in health services. Social restrictions are also important to prevent spread in people who have not been detected by Covid-19. Conclusion: Because of its rapid and wide spread, it is important to prevent proper transmission to avoid threats to health, and the spread of this virus. By knowing Covid-19 transmission can be used as a guide for prevention and control both at home, and in health care.