• Title/Summary/Keyword: COVID-Pandemic

Search Result 1,926, Processing Time 0.03 seconds

Fit Testing for Domestic N95 Medical Masks (일개 국내산 의료용 N95 마스크의 밀착도 분석)

  • Seo, Hyekyung;Kang, Byoung-kab;Kwon, Young-il
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
    • /
    • v.30 no.2
    • /
    • pp.124-133
    • /
    • 2020
  • Objectives: Mask fit is a crucial factor in preventing respiratory infections among healthcare workers. The current coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic calls for the replacement of imported N95 medical masks with domestic N95 versions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether these masks provide proper protection. Methods: Thirty-five participants from three healthcare institutions donned four types of masks and Quantitative Fit Tests(Portacount, USA) were performed. The order of fit test for the four types of masks was randomized, and a three-minute washout period was applied between test times(2 min 29 sec) to reduce potential error stemming from physical exhaustion. Results: There were no significant differences in the Fit Factor for the four types of masks, and there were no gender differences. However, the Fit Factor significantly differed across the three healthcare institutions (p=0.007). With eight of the 35 participants passing, the pass rate with the criteria of 100 or higher was 21%. Conclusions: The mask used in this study was a new domestic N95 medical mask, and the participants were unfamiliar with how to wear it. They reported difficulties with mask fitting. In light of a previous finding that mask fit improved with frequently used masks, wearer preferred masks, or when masks that are regularly worn are used during fit training, the fact that participants were unfamiliar with the mask used in this study is a limitation that should not be overlooked.

Economics During Global Recession: Sharia-Economics as a Post COVID-19 Agenda

  • ARFAH, Aryati;OLILINGO, Fahruddin Zain;SYAIFUDDIN, S.;DAHLIAH, D.;NURMIATI, N.;PUTRA, Aditya Halim Perdana Kusuma
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
    • /
    • v.7 no.11
    • /
    • pp.1077-1085
    • /
    • 2020
  • This research is a literacy study regarding the implementation and management of the economic role of haria as a new strategy in overcoming the problem of the global financial crisis that has hit the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research method comes from previous studies to compare the capitalist, socialist, and sharia economic systems. In response to various economic uncertainties, both internal and external, the ability to seize opportunities and transform has become the key to economic resilience. Islamic economics can be an alternative in responding to the dynamics of the global and national economy. Several things need to be taken into consideration in fulfilling the sharia economy and the primary strategy chosen must come from the inputs given by the stakeholders, including business actors, associations, regulators as well as experts, and academicians. The primary strategy in implementing the sharia economy also requires the support of various parties in order to develop sustainability. Strengthening regulation and governance is one of the fundamental factors. Optimization of the sharia economy based social sector such as Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah, and Waqaf can be optimized both for collection and distribution so that the concept of sharing can certainly support the development and the economy both nationally and globally.

Medical Educators' Response to Changes in Medical Education due to COVID-19

  • Lee, I Re;Jung, Hanna;Lee, Yewon;Kim, Hae Won;Shin, Jae Il;An, Shinki
    • Korean Medical Education Review
    • /
    • v.23 no.3
    • /
    • pp.168-175
    • /
    • 2021
  • To analyze medical professors' evaluation of their online education experiences in an attempt to support faculty members and indicate the future direction of medical education. Faculty members who taught online in the first semester of 2020 at Yonsei University College of Medicine in South Korea were surveyed. The results of the survey were analyzed in June 2020. There were 88 respondents (35.1% of 251): 59 professors (67.0%), 16 associate professors (18.2%), and 13 assistant professors (14.8%). Their specialties lay in basic medicine (25.0%), clinical medicine (65.9%), and research and special purposes (9.1%). Sixteen participants (18.2%) had previous experience in online lectures; 23 (26.1%) reported that preparation time for online lectures was the same as before; 65 (73.9%) reported that the preparation time had increased; 38 (43.2%) faced difficulties in preparation and lecturing online, and among them 16 (42.1%) indicated inadequate interaction with students; 11 (28.9%) needed extra preparation time; and 11 (28.9%) attributed their difficulties to technical issues with the online platform. Participants' satisfaction with online lectures was low (p<0.001). In the free response question on overall experience with online education, 38.3% mentioned the need for an instructional design that allows students to actively participate and interact with professors, 29.5% mentioned the need for the establishment of an information & communications technology system, and 17.0% mentioned the necessity of faculty development. To prepare for the current pandemic and more in the long term, an appropriate educational support system must be constructed, and a learner-centered instructional design that enables wider interactions and active learning is needed.

Enhancing on Security Monitoring & Control Redundancy Facilities Config uration & Operation in the COVDI-19 Pandemic Environment (코로나19 환경에서 무중단 보안관제센터 구성 및 운영 강화 연구)

  • Kang, Dongyoon;Lee, Jeawoo;Park, Wonhyung
    • Convergence Security Journal
    • /
    • v.21 no.1
    • /
    • pp.25-31
    • /
    • 2021
  • The purpose of this study was to keep the Security Control Center, which operates under a shift system, uninterrupted during the COVID-19 virus epidemic. Security facilities responding to cybersecurity threats are essential security facilities that must be operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a day in real time, and are critical to security operations and management. If security facilities such as infectious disease epidemic, system failure, and physical impact are closed or affected, they cannot respond to real-time cyberattacks and can be fatal to security issues. Recently, there have been cases in which security system facilities cannot be operated, such as the closure of facilities due to the COVID-19 virus epidemic and the availability of security systems due to the rainy season, and other cases need to be prepared. In this paper, we propose a plan to configure a security system facility as a multiplexing facility and operate it as an alternative in the event of a closed situation.

A Study on Factors Affecting Learner Satisfaction in Real-time Distance Video Lecture

  • Noh, Young;Lee, Kyeong-Keun
    • Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
    • /
    • v.26 no.12
    • /
    • pp.299-307
    • /
    • 2021
  • As the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, more and more universities are conducting real-time distance video lectures using ZOOM, Webex, and MS Teams. This study attempts to identify the factors influencing learner satisfaction of real-time distance video lectures. Based on the existing research, it was composed of five elements (system factor, content quality, interaction, self-direction, and learning motivation) as learner satisfaction elements of real-time distance video lectures. As a result of analyzing the structural equation model of 160 effective questionnaires by conducting a survey of college students in the metropolitan and Chungcheong areas, it was found that three factors (interaction, self-direction, and learning motivation) influence learner satisfaction. Real-time distance video lectures are expected to continue to expand in the future. Therefore, universities should continuously increase learner satisfaction through the development and evaluation of real-time distance video lecture satisfaction models.

A Study on Acting Approaches based on Characteristics of Zoom Theater - Focused on the Production Process of Project, Hong-Do 2020 (줌(Zoom)연극의 특성에 따른 배우의 연기 접근 방법 연구 - 프로젝트, 홍도(2020)의 제작 과정을 중심으로)

  • Jung, Eunyoung
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
    • /
    • v.21 no.12
    • /
    • pp.842-854
    • /
    • 2021
  • Performing industries in Korea and abroad have been attempting a wide range of artistic experiments utilizing online platforms ever since the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, this study will shed light on the functional characteristics of Zoom, which was used as a creative tool for theater performances. At first, after examining theater performances presented in Korea and abroad using Zoom and their characteristics, the production stage of the Zoom play will be analyzed by dividing it into following stages; a research-based pre-production stage, a scene workshop stage that composes each scene based on the script, a recording stage filming each scene on Zoom, and Streaming stage for presenting the show. Furthermore, the actor's approaches to acting in this production process was presumed to be separation of gaze, re-recognition of space, utilization of expressive gestures, and reaction as an active action. As a result, it proposes the possibility of ongoing development of theatrical work using Zoom and the evolutionary aspect of actor's acting approaches in accordance with theatrical work via Zoom.

A Study on the Perceptions of Professors and Students of Engineering Colleges on Online Classes for Spring Semester 2020 (2020년 1학기 공과대학 교수와 학생의 온라인 수업에 관한 인식 연구)

  • Kang, So Yeon
    • Journal of Engineering Education Research
    • /
    • v.24 no.2
    • /
    • pp.20-28
    • /
    • 2021
  • In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic changes in the field of engineering education. Contrary to the traditional engineering education emphasis on content-oriented, design-based, hands-on, experimental, and field experience, most of engineering classes in 2020 had to be undertaken remotely online. However, it has not been explored how professors and students perceive about such a shift in engineering education. The aim of the current study was to investigate the perceptions of professors and students on online classes in engineering colleges during spring Semester 2020. Questionnaire data were collected from 100 professors and 4,152 students in the college of engineering. The results of this study were as following: Students were less satisfied with the online classes than professors. The online lecture method that students were most satisfied with was the recorded lecture. This is likely due to the fact that the recorded lectures can be repeated multiple times anytime, anywhere. Moreover, the experimental classes, which conventionally has more of an emphasis on the hands-on experience, also had to be conducted remotely, showing even lower satisfaction among students. Most of professors reported that the average hours they spent on preparing for online lecture increased compared to face-to-face class. Both professors and students preferred in-person exam as a desirable method of end-of-semester assessment for grading. The results of the current study have important implications for the improvement of online course environments. It is important for professors to design a structured class suitable for online education and understand the challenges students encounter during online classes. Also, professors should communicate more openly about their expectations and rubrics for class goals and assignments. Schools also needs to make effort to provide the support for the internet environment of students.

Particle Filtration Efficiency Testing of Sterilization Wrap Masks

  • Chau, Destiny F.;O'Shaughnessy, Patrick;Schmitz, Michael L.
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.54 no.1
    • /
    • pp.31-36
    • /
    • 2021
  • Objectives: Non-traditional materials are used for mask construction to address personal protective equipment shortages during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Reusable masks made from surgical sterilization wrap represent such an innovative approach with social media frequently referring to them as "N95 alternatives." This material was tested for particle filtration efficiency and breathability to clarify what role they might have in infection prevention and control. Methods: A heavyweight, double layer sterilization wrap was tested when new and after 2, 4, 6, and 10 autoclave sterilizing cycles and compared with an approved N95 respirator and a surgical mask via testing procedures using a sodium chloride aerosol for N95 efficiency testing similar to 42 CFR 84.181. Pressure testing to indicate breathability was also conducted. Results: The particle filtration efficiency for the sterilization wrap ranged between 58% to 66%, with similar performance when new and after sterilizing cycles. The N95 respirator and surgical mask performed at 95% and 68% respectively. Pressure drops for the sterilization wrap, N95 and surgical mask were 10.4 mmH2O, 5.9 mmH2O, and 5.1 mmH2O, respectively, well below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health limits of 35 mmH2O during initial inhalation and 25 mmH2O during initial exhalation. Conclusions: The sterilization wrap's particle filtration efficiency is much lower than a N95 respirator, but falls within the range of a surgical mask, with acceptable breathability. Performance testing of non-traditional mask materials is crucial to determine potential protection efficacy and for correcting misinterpretation propagated through popular media.

Evaluation of the Filtration Efficiency and Facial Inhalation Resistance of Various Commercial Masks (시중에 판매되는 다양한 비인증 마스크의 분진 포집효율과 안면부 흡기저항 평가)

  • Kang, Sohyun;Kim, Soomin;Yoon, Chung Sik;Lee, Kiyoung
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
    • /
    • v.47 no.3
    • /
    • pp.292-301
    • /
    • 2021
  • Objectives: Wearing medical masks has been recommended since the declaration of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) as a pandemic disease. Certified medical masks are evaluated according to filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance. However, some people use non-certified common masks. This study aimed to evaluate various non-certified commercial masks based on the certification criteria for medical masks. Methods: Twenty mask products (three anti-droplet, three disposable dental, eight fashion, three cotton, and three children's masks) were selected. For performance evaluation, filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance tests were conducted. The evaluation method followed the certification method for KF-certified masks of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the N95 respirator of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Results: None of the 20 masks met the KF94 certification standard set by the MFDS. Four and three masks respectively met the KF80 certification standard and the N95 standard of NIOSH. Filtration efficiency was significantly higher in three-layer masks than in single layer masks. Pleated-type masks had higher filtration efficiency than cone-type masks. There was no correlation between the structure of masks and facial inhalation resistance. Conclusion: While no masks complied with the KF94 certification standard, a few masks met the KF80 and the N95 certification standards of NIOSH. Although some people wear non-certified commercial masks, protection from aerosols is not guaranteed by such masks. Evaluation of the protection efficiency of non-certified mask against microbiological infection is needed for the prevention of infectious disease.

Causal relationship between exercise commitment and exercise continuation intention according to the use of mobile home training : Changes in fitness after Covid-19 (모바일 홈트레이닝 활용에 따른 운동몰입과 운동지속의도 인과관계 : 코로나19 이후 피트니스 변화)

  • Kim, Ji-Sun
    • Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
    • /
    • v.38 no.3
    • /
    • pp.860-869
    • /
    • 2021
  • This study tried to provide basic data for predicting consumers by applying the structural analysis method (SEM) to the causal relationship model that applied the technology acceptance theory for mobile home training, exercise commitment, and continuous intention. Therefore, in order to identify the strategic tools due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was conducted using the mobile program "Survey Monkey" according to the sampling plan from February 1, 2021 to May 21, 2021, and a total of 287 valid samples. people were used in the final analysis of consumers. As a result of the study, it was found that the acceptance model had a significant effect(+) on exercise commitment, and the acceptance model had a significant effect(+) on the exercise continuation intention. Finally, it was found that exercise commitment had a significant(+) effect on exercise continuity intention.