Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ki Joon Heo, Hyun Sik Ko, Sang Bin Jeong, Sang Bok Kim, Jae Hee Jung
Summary: A novel method for obtaining enriched bioaerosol samples with high efficiency and concentration enhancement ratio has been developed through unique aerosol-liquid interaction. This method shows significant potential for air monitoring in occupational and public-health applications with low detection limit and high collection efficiency.
Article
Environmental Studies
Shaun Tyan Gin Lim, Francesco Perono Cacciafoco
Summary: This study analyzes the toponyms of Singapore's MRT stations and their relationship with public transport use and encounters. By examining the languages used in MRT stations, it explores the connection between place names and the sights and sounds of the MRT. Additionally, it critically examines the linguistic, socio-political, and policy-making considerations behind the MRT stations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Lopez, Esther Fuentes, Vicent Yusa, F. Xavier Lopez-Labrador, Marisa Camaro, Cristina Peris-Martinez, Martin Llacer, Susana Ortola, Clara Coscolla
Summary: This study investigated the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in indoor air through three sampling methodologies. Although SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the indoor environment, another respiratory virus was found, illustrating the suitability of the methodology used. Indoor air quality parameters were examined, with acceptable values observed in certain areas of the hospital but higher levels of VOCs and HCHO in the doctor's consultation room. The methodological approach combining IAQ assessment and bioaerosol analysis can be used for research and control programs to promote a healthy indoor environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yile Tao, Xiaole Zhang, Guangyu Qiu, Martin Spillmann, Zheng Ji, Jing Wang
Summary: This study reveals the risk of respiratory viruses in outdoor air, particularly related to COVID-19 cases and enterovirus concentration. The findings emphasize the importance of outdoor air surveillance, especially at transportation hubs and traffic arteries.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Michael Martello, Andrew J. Whittle, Jesse M. Keenan, Frederick P. Salvucci
Summary: A general framework of engineering resilience is proposed to assess the impacts of climate change on the rail rapid transit network in Boston. The resilience of the rail transit network decreases with projected sea level rise, highlighting the importance of considering passenger flows in assigning relative importance to links.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun-Hyung Lim, Sang Hwan Nam, Jongwoo Kim, Nam Hoon Kim, Gun-Soo Park, Jin-Soo Maeng, Se-Jin Yook
Summary: A three-stage high-volume bioaerosol sampler was developed for size-selective sampling of bioaerosols at a high flow rate of 1000 L/min, enabling detection of viruses in crowded public places. The sampler collects bioaerosols in different size ranges, allowing for analysis via polymerase chain reaction to confirm the presence of viruses.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sydonia Manibusan, Gediminas Mainelis
Summary: Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin that have important environmental and health effects. Passive bioaerosol samplers, although less commonly used, offer advantages such as simplicity, low cost, and long sampling duration. This review discusses different types of passive samplers, their collection mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, and sample analysis methods. Gravity-based and electrostatic-based samplers are explored, along with passive opportunity samplers using preexisting airflow. Passive sampling technologies are inexpensive and provide valuable information about bioaerosol presence and diversity over extended time scales. The use of passive samplers alongside active collection devices can provide a more comprehensive understanding of biological presence and dynamics.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guohao Fan, Ruiqing Zhang, Xiaozhou He, Fengyu Tian, Mingzhu Nie, Xinxin Shen, Xuejun Ma
Summary: RAP is a novel nucleic acid detection method that combines RAA and qPCR, offering rapid, specific, and highly sensitive detection of pathogens within an hour. The method demonstrates superior sensitivity and specificity compared to qPCR, with results showing 100% consistency with qPCR detection.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Prosha Rahman, Boris Beranger, Scott Sisson, Matthew Roughan
Summary: This article introduces a likelihood-based analysis method that fully incorporates packet thinning and flow aggregation, enabling inference on individual packet-level models while only observing thinned flow summaries.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SIGNAL AND INFORMATION PROCESSING OVER NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jongseo Mo, Christopher B. Stephens, Brian Jordan, Casey Ritz, David E. Swayne, Erica Spackman
Summary: Viral respiratory diseases have negative economic implications for poultry. This study identifies optimal sample collection devices and locations within poultry housing for efficient respiratory virus sample collection.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
David Schmaranzer, Roland Braune, Karl F. Doerner
Summary: The study introduces a simulation-based headway optimization method for complex urban mass rapid transit systems, which combines a two-phase algorithm and multi-objective covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy, demonstrating superior performance in terms of spread and accuracy compared to other approaches.
ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Wang, Fengmin Lan, Zijing Lin, Lian Lian
Summary: Bus rapid transit (BRT) is characterized by higher speed, comfort level, and capacity compared to conventional bus service. This paper focuses on developing an optimization model for BRT network planning, utilizing an integer programing model to identify station locations and route layout with the objective of maximizing trips served by the network. A heuristic method is used to generate optimal solutions, with a case study in Luoyang, China showing the validity and applicability of the method for improving BRT network planning and sustainable transportation system development.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yinghan Chan, Sin Wi Ng, Sachin Kumar Singh, Monica Gulati, Gaurav Gupta, Sushil Kumar Chaudhary, Goh Bey Hing, Trudi Collet, Ronan MacLoughlin, Raimar Lobenberg, Brian G. Oliver, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, Kamal Dua
Summary: Viral respiratory tract infections have a significant impact on global health and socio-economic growth, with vaccination being the primary method of prevention. However, traditional vaccines have limitations, prompting the need for novel vaccine delivery vehicles to enhance immune responses. This review explores how polymer-based nanoparticles can be integrated with vaccine development to effectively combat viral respiratory tract infections.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Kaushal Baid, Arinjay Banerjee
Summary: A recent study published in Nature identified bat ACE2 as the cellular entry receptor for NeoCoV and PDF-2180, revealing the ability of coronaviruses to utilize multiple entry receptors.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Danwen Bao, Shijia Tian, Rui Li, Tianxuan Zhang, Ting Zhu
Summary: This study proposes a multi-objective transit network design model, formulated as an equivalent integer programming problem, with a branch-and-cut algorithm to find a non-inferior solution set. Trade-off analysis between efficiency, effectiveness and equity under different deployment strategies is conducted.
NETWORKS & SPATIAL ECONOMICS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sean Wei Xiang Ong, Kristen K. Coleman, Po Ying Chia, Koh Cheng Thoon, Surinder Pada, Indumathi Venkatachalam, Dale Fisher, Yian Kim Tan, Boon Huan Tan, Oon Tek Ng, Brenda Sze Peng Ang, Yee-Sin Leo, Michelle Su Yen Wong, Kalisvar Marimuthu
Summary: This review summarises the available evidence on the transmission modes of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the importance of infection control policies and outlining future research directions. Environmental contamination and airborne transmission are both potential modes of transmission, but decontamination protocols and personal protective equipment have been effective in reducing the risk.
SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
William G. Lindsley, Francoise M. Blachere, Brandon F. Law, Donald H. Beezhold, John D. Noti
Summary: The translation discusses the importance of face masks in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and presents experimental results of different types of face coverings. The study found that N95 respirators and cotton masks were more effective at blocking cough aerosols compared to face shields, which had lower efficacy.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sean Wei Xiang Ong, Yian Kim Tan, Kristen Kelli Coleman, Boon Huan Tan, Yee-Sin Leo, Dong Ling Wang, Ching Ging Ng, Oon-Tek Ng, Michelle Su Yen Wong, Kalisvar Marimuthu
Summary: Although SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid can be readily detected in aerosols, virus culture remains challenging, despite optimized sampling methodologies for preserving virus viability. Further studies are needed to determine the best strategies for aerosol-based transmission and control of SARS-CoV-2.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kristen K. Coleman, Emily R. Robie, Anfal Abdelgadir, Arthi S. Kozhumam, Raquel A. Binder, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: A systematic review found that HAdV-E4 has caused thousands of infections worldwide, predominantly leading to respiratory and ocular diseases. The majority of deaths were reported in the United States, China, and Singapore. There has been an increase in the number of civilian infections reported over the past decade, with recent epidemics among US college students.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dylan T. Neu, Kenneth R. Mead, Tia L. McClelland, William G. Lindsley, Stephen B. Martin, Graeham Heil, Mitch See, H. Amy Feng
Summary: The study found that color-changing labels can be a qualitative alternative to radiometry for determining the minimum UV-C energy dosage received on surfaces in clinical settings. Deploying these labels with careful protective techniques can provide inexpensive, easy, and accurate verification of effective UV-C dosing.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sreekumar Othumpangat, William G. Lindsley, Donald H. Beezhold, Michael L. Kashon, Carmen N. Burrell, Samira Mubareka, John D. Noti
Summary: miRNAs play key roles in cell survival and virus replication, while exosomes are important for intercellular communication. Studies show that miRNAs are involved in regulating influenza virus replication. Analysis of circulating serum miRNAs and cytokines in influenza patients revealed differences in expression patterns, suggesting potential biomarkers for early infection detection.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
William G. Lindsley, Francoise M. Blachere, Donald H. Beezhold, Brandon F. Law, Raymond C. Derk, Justin M. Hettick, Karen Woodfork, William T. Goldsmith, James R. Harris, Matthew G. Duling, Brenda Boutin, Timothy Nurkiewicz, Theresa Boots, Jayme Coyle, John D. Noti
Summary: Universal mask wearing is recommended to control the spread of COVID-19, as masks reduce the expulsion of aerosols and offer some protection. However, different types of masks have varied source control performance, with cloth masks showing lower collection efficiencies for blocking aerosols compared to medical masks and N95 respirators. The study suggests that there is not a strong correlation between filtration efficiency, airflow resistance, fit factor, and source control performance, indicating a need for further understanding of these relationships.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kristen K. Coleman, Douglas Jie Wen Tay, Kai Sen Tan, Sean Wei Xiang Ong, The Son Than, Ming Hui Koh, Yi Qing Chin, Haziq Nasir, Tze Minn Mak, Justin Jang Hann Chu, Donald K. Milton, Vincent T. K. Chow, Paul Anantharajah Tambyah, Mark Chen, Kwok Wai Tham
Summary: The study found that fine aerosols generated during talking and singing contain more SARS-CoV-2 copies than coarse aerosols, potentially playing a key role in virus transmission. Patients in earlier stages of illness were more likely to emit detectable RNA, highlighting the importance of addressing fine aerosol exposure, especially in indoor settings. Challenges remain in isolating viable SARS-CoV-2 from respiratory aerosol samples, prompting the need for larger-scale studies on emerging variants.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Oluwasanmi O. Adenaiye, Jianyu Lai, P. Jacob Bueno de Mesquita, Filbert Hong, Somayeh Youssefi, Jennifer German, S-H Sheldon Tai, Barbara Albert, Maria Schanz, Stuart Weston, Jun Hang, Christian Fung, Hye Kyung Chung, Kristen K. Coleman, Nicolae Sapoval, Todd Treangen, Irina Maljkovic Berry, Kristin Mullins, Matthew Frieman, Tianzhou Ma, Donald K. Milton
Summary: Exhaled SARS-CoV-2 aerosols are infectious and the virus is evolving to generate more efficient aerosols. Loose-fitting masks can moderately reduce viral aerosol release, but to protect vulnerable individuals in public-facing jobs and indoor spaces, ventilation, filtration, UV air sanitation, and tight-fitting masks are needed.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
William G. Lindsley, Donald H. Beezhold, Jayme Coyle, Raymond C. Derk, Francoise M. Blachere, Theresa Boots, Jeffrey S. Reynolds, Walter G. McKinney, Erik Sinsel, John D. Noti
Summary: This study demonstrates that wearing face masks significantly reduces the exposure of individuals to respiratory aerosols produced during coughing and breathing. Regardless of the orientation and separation distance between the source and recipient, universal mask-wearing is effective in reducing the transmission of aerosol particles.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jayme P. Coyle, Raymond C. Derk, William G. Lindsley, Theresa Boots, Francoise M. Blachere, Jeffrey S. Reynolds, Walter G. McKinney, Erik W. Sinsel, Angela R. Lemons, Donald H. Beezhold, John D. Noti
Summary: To limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, CDC recommends universal masking indoors, maintaining physical distancing, ventilation, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces. A study showed that universal masking with 3-ply cotton masks can significantly reduce exposure to respiratory droplets and aerosol particles. Physical distancing affects exposure to coughed particles but not exhaled aerosols. The effectiveness of ventilation depends on respiratory activity and exposure time.
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
William G. Lindsley, Stephen B. Martin, Kenneth R. Mead, Duane R. Hammond
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xinye Wang, Leshan Xiu, Raquel A. Binder, Teck-Hock Toh, Jeffrey Soon-Yit Lee, Jakie Ting, Son T. Than, Wenhao Qi, Kristen K. Coleman, David Perera, Maijuan Ma, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: Through using a new panspecies coronavirus molecular assay, this study examined animal, human, and environmental samples, detecting various coronaviruses. The RT-PCR assay showed potential as a screening diagnostic for early detection of coronavirus incursions or prepandemic virus emergence in animal or human populations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
William G. Lindsley, Francoise M. Blachere, Raymond C. Derk, Theresa Boots, Matthew G. Duling, Brenda Boutin, Donald H. Beezhold, John D. Noti
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 spreads through respiratory tract aerosols and droplets. Masks and respirators can reduce transmission by collecting these aerosols at the source. The study measured the collection efficiencies for exhaled aerosols from different source control devices using both constant and cyclic airflows, and found that the collection efficiency measurements were comparable and the potential for aerosol rebreathing should be considered.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Raymond C. Derk, Jayme P. Coyle, William G. Lindsley, Francoise M. Blachere, Angela R. Lemons, Samantha K. Service, Stephen B. Martin Jr, Kenneth R. Mead, Steven A. Fotta, Jeffrey S. Reynolds, Walter G. McKinney, Erik W. Sinsel, Donald H. Beezhold, John D. Noti
Summary: Many respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, can be spread by aerosols expelled by infected people. Homemade air filtration units are a popular alternative to commercially produced devices, but their performance can vary. Our study examined the efficacy of two popular types of DIY air filtration units in reducing exposure to simulated respiratory aerosols. Results show DIY units can effectively reduce aerosol exposure, but their performance depends on design, construction, and positioning.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)