Learning from SARS

Learning from SARS

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-04-26

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 0309182158

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The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in late 2002 and 2003 challenged the global public health community to confront a novel epidemic that spread rapidly from its origins in southern China until it had reached more than 25 other countries within a matter of months. In addition to the number of patients infected with the SARS virus, the disease had profound economic and political repercussions in many of the affected regions. Recent reports of isolated new SARS cases and a fear that the disease could reemerge and spread have put public health officials on high alert for any indications of possible new outbreaks. This report examines the response to SARS by public health systems in individual countries, the biology of the SARS coronavirus and related coronaviruses in animals, the economic and political fallout of the SARS epidemic, quarantine law and other public health measures that apply to combating infectious diseases, and the role of international organizations and scientific cooperation in halting the spread of SARS. The report provides an illuminating survey of findings from the epidemic, along with an assessment of what might be needed in order to contain any future outbreaks of SARS or other emerging infections.


Aerosol Filtration

Aerosol Filtration

Author: Dominique Thomas

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2016-11-30

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 008102116X

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Filtration of aerosols is omnipresent in our daily lives, in areas as diverse as health, the protection of people and the environment, and air treatment inside buildings. However, the collection of particles within a filter media is not, contrary to popular belief, linked to a simple screen effect. The phenomena involved are much more complex and require the consideration of aerosol interactions, filter media and process conditions to select the best fiber filter for a given application. Aerosol Filtration, book for students, hygiene or process engineers, fibrous media manufacturers, designers, and filtration system suppliers or users addresses the filtration of aerosols in six chapters. These chapters cover physics and aerosol characterization, the fibrous media, and efficiency and filter clogging by solid or liquid aerosols, with special attention to the filtration of the nanoparticles. - Analyses the behavior of fibrous media against solid and liquid aerosols - Presents models of efficiency and pressure drop - Introduces computing elements for estimating the lifetime of filters - Provides guidance for designing filters and predicting their behavior over time


Fundamentals of Air Cleaning Technology and Its Application in Cleanrooms

Fundamentals of Air Cleaning Technology and Its Application in Cleanrooms

Author: Zhonglin Xu

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-10-10

Total Pages: 885

ISBN-13: 3642393748

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Fundamentals of Air Cleaning Technology and Its Application in Cleanrooms sets up the theoretical framework for cleanrooms. New ideas and methods are presented, which include the characteristic index of cleanrooms, uniform and non-uniform distribution characteristics, the minimum sampling volume, a new concept of outdoor air conditioning and the fundamentals of leakage-preventing layers. Written by an author who can look back on major scientific achievements and 50 years of experience in this field, this book offers a concise and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of air cleaning technology and its application. The work is intended for researchers, college teachers, graduates, designers, technicians and corporate R&D personnel in the field of HVAC and air cleaning technology. Zhonglin Xu is a senior research fellow at China Academy of Building Research.


Microbiomes of the Built Environment

Microbiomes of the Built Environment

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2017-10-06

Total Pages: 318

ISBN-13: 0309449839

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People's desire to understand the environments in which they live is a natural one. People spend most of their time in spaces and structures designed, built, and managed by humans, and it is estimated that people in developed countries now spend 90 percent of their lives indoors. As people move from homes to workplaces, traveling in cars and on transit systems, microorganisms are continually with and around them. The human-associated microbes that are shed, along with the human behaviors that affect their transport and removal, make significant contributions to the diversity of the indoor microbiome. The characteristics of "healthy" indoor environments cannot yet be defined, nor do microbial, clinical, and building researchers yet understand how to modify features of indoor environmentsâ€"such as building ventilation systems and the chemistry of building materialsâ€"in ways that would have predictable impacts on microbial communities to promote health and prevent disease. The factors that affect the environments within buildings, the ways in which building characteristics influence the composition and function of indoor microbial communities, and the ways in which these microbial communities relate to human health and well-being are extraordinarily complex and can be explored only as a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem by engaging the fields of microbial biology and ecology, chemistry, building science, and human physiology. This report reviews what is known about the intersection of these disciplines, and how new tools may facilitate advances in understanding the ecosystem of built environments, indoor microbiomes, and effects on human health and well-being. It offers a research agenda to generate the information needed so that stakeholders with an interest in understanding the impacts of built environments will be able to make more informed decisions.


Low-temperature Technologies

Low-temperature Technologies

Author: Tatiana Morosuk

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2020-06-10

Total Pages: 278

ISBN-13: 1838806660

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Low-temperature technologies include the area of refrigeration and cryogenics. Since the beginning of theoretical developments and practical application, these technologies become a part of our life. Low temperatures have found application in almost all branches of industries as well as in households. These systems can be of very small capacity (few watts) up to hundreds of megawatts. In order to develop any of the technologies for successful practical application, very intensive theoretical and experimental research should be conducted. This book provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, perspectives, and feasibility of new low-temperature technologies and improvements of existing systems, equipment, and evaluation methods.


Russell, Hugo & Ayliffe's Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization

Russell, Hugo & Ayliffe's Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization

Author: Adam P. Fraise

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2008-04-15

Total Pages: 691

ISBN-13: 0470755067

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Highly respected, established text – a definitive reference in its field – covering in detail many methods of the elimination or prevention of microbial growth "highly recommended to hospital and research personnel, especially to clinical microbiologists, infectioncontrol and environmental-safety specialists, pharmacists, and dieticians." New England Journal of Medicine WHY BUY THIS BOOK? Completely revised and updated to reflect the rapid pace of change in this area Updated material on new and emerging technologies, focusing on special problems in hospitals, dentistry and pharmaceutical practice Gives practical advise on problems of disinfection and antiseptics in hospitals Discusses increasing problems of natural and acquired resistance to antibiotics New contributors give a fresh approach to the subject and ensure international coverage Systematic review of sterilization methods, with uses and advantages outlined for each Evaluation of disinfectants and their mechanisms of action


Endotoxins: Structure, Function and Recognition

Endotoxins: Structure, Function and Recognition

Author: Xiaoyuan Wang

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-06-30

Total Pages: 419

ISBN-13: 9048190789

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Endotoxins are potentially toxic compounds produced by Gram-negative bacteria including some pathogens. Unlike exotoxins, which are secreted in soluble form by live bacteria, endotoxins are comprised of structural components of bacteria. Endotoxins can cause a whole-body inflammatory state, sepsis, leading to low blood pressure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. This book brings together contributions from researchers in the forefront of these subjects. It is divided into two sections. The first deals with how endotoxins are synthesized and end up on the bacterial surface. The second discussed how endotoxins activate TLR4 and, in turn, how TLR4 generates the molecular signals leading to infectious and inflammatory diseases. The way endotoxins interact with the host cells is fundamental to understanding the mechanism of sepsis, and recent research on these aspects of endotoxins has served to illuminate previously undescribed functions of the innate immune system. This volume presents a description of endotoxins according to their genetic constitution, structure, function and mode of interaction with host cells.


Health Risks of Indoor Exposure to Particulate Matter

Health Risks of Indoor Exposure to Particulate Matter

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-10-26

Total Pages: 159

ISBN-13: 0309443628

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines PM as a mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets comprising a number of components, including "acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens (such as fragments of pollen and mold spores)". The health effects of outdoor exposure to particulate matter (PM) are the subject of both research attention and regulatory action. Although much less studied to date, indoor exposure to PM is gaining attention as a potential source of adverse health effects. Indoor PM can originate from outdoor particles and also from various indoor sources, including heating, cooking, and smoking. Levels of indoor PM have the potential to exceed outdoor PM levels. Understanding the major features and subtleties of indoor exposures to particles of outdoor origin can improve our understanding of the exposureâ€"response relationship on which ambient air pollutant standards are based. The EPA's Indoor Environments Division commissioned the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to hold a workshop examining the issue of indoor exposure to PM more comprehensively and considering both the health risks and possible intervention strategies. Participants discussed the ailments that are most affected by particulate matter and the attributes of the exposures that are of greatest concern, exposure modifiers, vulnerable populations, exposure assessment, risk management, and gaps in the science. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.


Russell, Hugo and Ayliffe's Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization

Russell, Hugo and Ayliffe's Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization

Author: Adam P. Fraise

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2013-02-18

Total Pages: 626

ISBN-13: 1444333259

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The new edition of this established and highly respected text is THE definitive reference in its field. It details methods for the elimination or prevention/control of microbial growth, and features: New chapters on bioterrorism and community healthcare New chapters on microbicide regulations in the EU, USA and Canada Latest material on microbial resistance to microbicides Updated material on new and emerging technologies, focusing on special problems in hospitals, dentistry and pharmaceutical practice Practical advice on problems of disinfection and antiseptics in healthcare A systematic review of sterilization methods, with uses and advantages outlined for each Evaluation of disinfectants and their mechanisms of action with respect to current regulations The differences between European and North American regulations are highlighted throughout, making this a truly global work, ideal for worldwide healthcare professionals working in infectious diseases and infection control.