Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hyang Soon Oh, Youngran Yang, Sun Young Jeong, Mikyung Ryu
Summary: The study analyzed hand-to-environment contact behavior in Korean older adults in senior welfare centers, finding that furniture surfaces, tableware, phones, and door handles were the most commonly touched items. Contact frequency and density were highest for personally used equipment, while contact duration was highest for commonly used equipment. Older adults should be educated on the importance of hand hygiene and regular disinfection to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Michael Lommel, Vera Froese, Moritz Sieber, Marvin Jentzsch, Tim Bierewirtz, Uemit Hasirci, Tim Rese, Josef Seefeldt, Sebastian Schimek, Ulrich Kertzscher, Christian Oliver Paschereit
Summary: A novel measurement system has been developed to simulate virus emissions and quantify airborne virus transmission probabilities. The study demonstrates the accuracy of the system and its ability to assess the impact of aerosol reduction measures on infection risks.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hyang Soon Oh, Mikyung Ryu, Youngran Yang
Summary: The study revealed that the mouth and nose were the most common exposure sites for HFC. To prevent the spread of infections, efforts should be made to strengthen awareness of self-inoculation through HFC, avoid habitual HFC, and practice rigorous hand hygiene.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Haley Wienkes, Kelley Vilen, Alexandra Lorentz, Daniel Gerlach, Xiong Wang, Amy Saupe, Richard Danila, Ruth Lynfield, Kirk Smith, Carlota Medus
Summary: This cohort study investigated transmission and infection of SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinated and unvaccinated attendees at an indoor wedding reception, identifying a Delta variant outbreak despite a high proportion of vaccinated attendees and finding that vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of infection.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhitao Zhong, Zhenyu Pan, Haida Tang, Junjie Wang, Fang Liu, Jingwei Wang
Summary: This study proposes a framework for real-time assessment of infection risk based on occupant behavioral trajectories captured by cameras, aiming to improve the accuracy of transmission risk assessment. The study analyzes the impact of short-range and long-range exposure on infection risk and conducts on-site measurements and numerical modeling. The results show that individual movement is diverse, and infection risk varies with the occupied space, behavioral patterns, and exposure time.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cheng Zhang, Zhendong Guo, Nan Li, Huan Cui, Keyin Meng, Lina Liu, Li Zhao, Shanshan Zhang, Chengfeng Qin, Juxiang Liu, Yuwei Gao, Chunmao Zhang
Summary: Prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 reduces viral replication in Syrian hamsters but does not provide complete sterilizing immunity. It blocks airborne transmission between previously infected and uninfected hamsters, as well as reduces efficiency of direct contact transmission. However, prior infection has limited impact on transmission to naive hamsters via direct contact in the early stage of infection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Houda Ajabli, Amine Zoubir, Rabie Elotmani, Mohamed Louzazni, Khalid Kandoussi, Abdelmajid Daya
Summary: Since the 1930s, thermal comfort has been a crucial topic in the construction industry. The use of natural materials, including vegetal fibers or recycled waste products, is being explored to enhance thermal comfort in buildings. This study examines the origins and progression of thermal comfort concepts and evaluates the potential of integrating bio-based materials in building envelopes for maintaining thermal comfort. The findings suggest that alternative insulation materials made from unusual sources can compete with conventional materials and offer good thermal conductivity.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Alison J. Robey, Laura Fierce
Summary: In temperate climates, the peak in infection rates of enveloped viruses during the winter is likely heightened by seasonal variation in relative humidity within indoor spaces. Relative humidity impacts the seasonal transmission via inactivation rates rather than particle removal.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jacqueline Horne, Nicholas Dunne, Nirmala Singh, Md. Safiuddin, Navid Esmaeili, Merve Erenler, Ian Ho, Edwin Luk
Summary: This paper investigates the relationship between indoor building parameters and the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, providing key recommendations for controlling the spread of the virus. Understanding this information is crucial for developing effective preventive measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul N. Zivich, Will Huang, Ali Walsh, Prabal Dutta, Marisa Eisenberg, Allison E. Aiello
Summary: The study investigated person-to-person contacts and hand hygiene in office-based workplaces using two different sensors. It found that face-to-face contacts and proximity contacts have different characteristics, and there are differences in interactions between supervisors and non-supervisors. The study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing sensor technologies in offices to track interactions and behaviors, providing new insights into real-world social networks and hygiene practices.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jeanne Goupil de Bouille, Liem Binh Luong Nguyen, Pascal Crepey, Ronan Garlantezec, Veronique Dore, Audrey Dumas, Mohamed Ben Mechlia, Pierre Tattevin, Jean Gaudart, Bruno Spire, France Lert, Yazdan Yazdanpanah, Constance Delaugerre, Marion Noret, Jeremy Zeggagh
Summary: The ITOC study aims to determine the relative risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during an indoor clubbing event among a fully vaccinated population. It also aims to assess the transmission of other respiratory viruses, risk exposure, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, health pass, and psychological impact of indoor club closing.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Juquan Wang, Dun Han
Summary: This article proposes an epidemic model based on a metapopulation network, combining direct and indirect transmission of diseases. Theoretical analysis and simulations show that indirect contact can significantly promote disease spread. In the case of a heterogeneous population distribution, the mobility rate affects the epidemic threshold. This study provides a new perspective and theoretical reference for the study of indirect contact propagation.
PHYSICA A-STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. R. Rowe, A. Canosa, J. M. Drouffe, J. B. A. Mitchell
Summary: The paper develops a simple model to assess the inhaled flow rate of aerosol particles of respiratory origin and its connection to the probability of developing airborne diseases. It demonstrates that outdoor contamination risk is generally significantly lower than indoor risk, except for specific meteorological and topographical situations. The research sheds light on COVID19 spreading patterns in mountain valleys with temperature inversions compared to other less impacted areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Joseph Wilson, Shelly Miller, Debanjan Mukherjee
Summary: The study introduces a Lagrangian computational approach for quantifying human-to-human infection risks, focusing on pathogen transmission in indoor air flows. Through parametric studies on the dynamics and transport of pathogen-laden respiratory particles, hidden patterns of transmission pathways and exposure risks can be understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yasuhiro Okada, Kenji Manabe, Kenichi Nagano, Maki Sakamoto, Atsuko Hayase, Takuya Mori, Risa Bandou, Hiroshi Ikegaya, Yoshito Itoh, Takaaki Nakaya, Ryohei Hirose
Summary: An antipathogenic coating agent containing lactic acid (LA) and hexa-oxyethylene lauryl ether (C12EO6) was developed to reinforce the hand barrier and create an unsuitable skin environment for pathogen survival. Tests showed that it significantly reduced the survival time of Serratia marcescens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and influenza virus. It also displayed strong antibacterial activity and low skin irritation.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
C. T. Wang, S. C. Fu, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: Experimental investigation on bioaerosol deposition and distribution on surfaces showed that droplets directly impinge upon the surface and then spread out, with unimodal distribution of droplet volume and viable microorganisms.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jingcui Xui, Sauchung Fu, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: This study found that personalized ventilation systems can effectively protect users from exposure to aerosols from infected individuals, but proper design considering relative positions and distances is crucial for optimal performance.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Li, Chongjia Lin, Zuoxu Wu, Zhongying Chen, Cheng Chi, Feng Cao, Deqing Mei, He Yan, Chi Yan Tso, Christopher Y. H. Chao, Baoling Huang
Summary: The study has developed a high-performance plasmonic metamaterial selective absorber with high solar absorption efficiency, low infrared emission, and excellent temperature stability. Compared to vacuum-deposited absorbers, this solution-processed absorber has lower cost and performs exceptionally well in both low- and high-temperature solar thermal applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
J. C. Xu, C. T. Wang, S. C. Fu, K. C. Chan, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the deposition and inhalation of bioaerosols from cough droplets in a short distance between healthy and infected persons, finding that personalized ventilation can significantly reduce the deposition and inhalation of pathogens.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Farooq Riaz Siddiqui, Chi Yan Tso, Sau Chung Fu, Huihe Qiu, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: This paper investigates the evaporation process of Cu-Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid droplets, revealing the significant impact of critical residue size on the evaporation rate. The results show a sharp increase in evaporation rate of Cu-Al2O3 HNF droplets on residue surfaces, but a negligible effect when the residue size exceeds the critical value.
JOURNAL OF HEAT TRANSFER-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Cunteng Wang, Jingcui Xu, Sau Chung Fu, Ka Chung Chan, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: The study found that the height of the seat backrest and the presence of a gasper jet above the infected passenger can significantly reduce the deposition of viruses on nearby seats, thus mitigating the risk of contact transmission in public transport cabins.
Article
Thermodynamics
Ross Y. M. Wong, C. Y. Tso, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: A radiative cooler uses reflection and radiation to maintain low temperature, with cooling power being a key indicator but heavily influenced by atmospheric transparency. Experimental results show that cooling powers exceed theoretical values, indicating potential application in examining performances of derivative radiative cooling devices and systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yi Zhang, Thilhara Tennakoon, Yin Hoi Chan, Ka Chung Chan, Sau Chung Fu, Chi Yan Tso, Kin Man Yu, Bao Ling Huang, Shu Huai Yao, Hui He Qiu, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: The study proposes a passive hybrid system involving thermochromic smart windows and radiative coolers, showing potential in energy savings. Among cities with various climates, thermochromic smart windows and radiative coolers perform best in cities where cooling demand is significant.
Article
Thermodynamics
F. R. Siddiqui, C. Y. Tso, S. C. Fu, H. H. Qiu, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: This study investigates the evaporation and boiling performance of silver-graphene hybrid nanofluid (SGHF) droplets with different mixing ratios and sizes on heated copper and residue surfaces. It is found that low mixing ratio SGHF droplets exhibit the highest evaporation rates at substrate temperatures between 25 degrees C and 100 degrees C, while high mixing ratio droplets perform best in the nucleate boiling regime. Additionally, all SGHF droplets exhibit similar evaporation rates in the film-boiling regime, regardless of their mixing ratio.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
X. L. Zhong, S. C. Fu, K. C. Chan, G. Yang, H. H. Qiu, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: The study presents a design approach to enhance the performance of a heat sink by splitting the flag into multiple strips. The results indicate that a split flag outperforms a full flag in reducing pressure drop and improving heat dissipation effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ross Y. M. Wong, C. Y. Tso, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: The passive radiative cooling process relies on a sky-facing surface emitting thermal radiation within a specific bandwidth to maintain a temperature below ambient. This surface can serve as a building block for energy conversion, with efficiency being a key factor in converting enthalpy from the working fluid into usable cooling effects. Cooling performance is influenced by interfacial heat transfer characteristics, with efficiency and cooling capacity showing an inverse correlation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi Zhang, Sau-Chung Fu, Ka Chung Chan, Dong-Myeong Shin, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: This study demonstrates how to enhance the output performance of an FTENG by replacing the rigid flagpole with a flexible one, increasing fluttering mechanical energy and contact area. The improved FTENG has the potential to be applied in smart cities as a power source for IoT WSNs.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kishor T. Zingre, D. E. V. S. Kiran Kumar, Man Pun Wan, Christopher Y. H. Chao
Summary: The concept of 'effective' thermal resistance is a useful tool to understand the impact of passive substrate properties on heat transfer. A simple performance factor has been developed to quantify this effective thermal resistance in terms of enhanced radiative and thermo-physical properties. The behavior of effective thermal resistance varies with solar properties, weather parameters, and transient conditions, providing more information than traditional R-values. Increasing roof surface reflectance reduces heat gain significantly, while adding insulation or thermal mass only benefits daytime heat transfer in hot climates.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Long Zhang, Mengjie Song, Christopher Yu Hang Chao, Chaobin Dang, Jun Shen
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the localized condensation frosting characteristics in the edge region of a cold plate, revealing the significant effects of edge on the water droplet condensation, frozen, and frost layer growth characteristics. The results contribute to a better understanding of the condensation frosting mechanism on a cold plate, providing guidelines for optimizing heat exchanger design and system control strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Ma, Yang Li, Christopher Y. H. Chao, Chi Yan Tso, Baoling Huang, Weihong Li, Shuhuai Yao
Summary: This study presents a novel icephobic surface combining superhydrophobicity and photothermal effect, achieving outstanding anti-icing performance at extremely low temperatures by enhancing solar-thermal conversion. Additionally, the simple, scalable fabrication method of this surface provides great potential for diverse applications.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
