Sunlight and Protection Against Influenza

Annual Transmittance Behavior of Light-Transmitting Concrete with Optical Fiber Bundles

This study characterizes the transmittance behavior of structural light-transmitting concrete under natural sunlight. The experimentation involves the use of a novel test setup and a detailed analysis considering the variation and dependence on time of day, month of the year and seasonal variations. The test set consisted of 28 variations of fiber configurations, with two different diameters, spacing and bundling techniques used to increase the area of fibers while maintaining spacing to aid the placing of concrete without compromising on transmittance. The study provides a real-time observational understanding of the behavior of light-transmitting concrete, a result usually obtained by modelling and simulation. The statistical analysis helps in understanding the impact of various variables as well as their interrelationships, which can help in design optimization. Based on the behavior as well as the stipulations of standards, the applicability of the material to various structural applications has been identified.

COVID-19 and the city: Did urbanized countries suffer more fatalities?

In this paper we derive a theoretical model of the spread of a viral infection which we use as basis for an estimation strategy to test four interrelated hypotheses on the relationship between country-level COVID-19 mortality rates and the extent of urban development. Using data covering 81 countries we find evidence that countries with a higher population density, a higher share of the urban population living in the largest city, and countries with a higher urbanization rate had on average the same or fewer COVID-19 fatalities compared to less urbanized countries in 2020. Even though COVID-19 spreads faster in cities, fatalities may be lower, conditional on economic development, trust in government, and a well-functioning health care system. Generally, urbanization and city development are associated with economic development: with the resources urbanized countries have, it is easier for them to manage and maintain stricter lockdowns, and to roll out effective pharmaceutical interventions.

Lifestyle Changes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Java Province, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: West Java is ranked 4th as the province with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia up to December 1, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on human health, lifestyle changes, and economic life. AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes among the community of West Java. METHODS: The study was conducted in September 2020 using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 2502 people aged ≥12 years living in West Java were involved in this study as a sample, willing to fill out a questionnaire in the form of a Google form that was distributed online through social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram). RESULTS: The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on lifestyle changes in the people of West Java. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of West Java became more frequent to wash their hands, do regular exercise, sunbathe in the morning, consume more vegetables and fruits, and consume vitamins or supplements to increase endurance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the result, the community should continue to improve the COVID-19 prevention practices in breaking the chain of transmission.