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Simulated exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the environment was demonstrated based on the actual coronavirus disease 2019 cluster occurrence in an office, with a projected risk considering the likely transmission pathways via aerosols and fomites. A total of 35/85 occupants were infected, with the attack rate in the first stage as 0.30. It was inferred that the aerosol transmission at long‐range produced the cluster at virus concentration in the saliva of the infected cases on the basis of the simulation, more than 108 PFU mL−1. Additionally, all wearing masks effectiveness was estimated to be 61%–81% and 88%–95% reduction in risk for long‐range aerosol transmission in the normal and fit state of the masks, respectively, and a 99.8% or above decline in risk of fomite transmission. The ventilation effectiveness for long‐range aerosol transmission was also calculated to be 12%–29% and 36%–66% reductions with increases from one air change per hour (ACH) to two ACH and six ACH, respectively. Furthermore, the virus concentration reduction in the saliva to 1/3 corresponded to the risk reduction for long‐range aerosol transmission by 60%–64% and 40%–51% with and without masks, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High ozone concentrations often exist under the reduced pressure conditions observed in aircraft cabins during flight. In this study, we measured the concentrations of the products obtained from the reaction of ozone with limonene in a simulated aircraft cabin environment (i.e., vacuum chamber at approximately 70 kPa). The concentration of total volatile organic compounds increased under reduced pressure when compared to that under atmospheric pressure, whereas the ozone concentration decreased during the hour after limonene was injected into the chamber. These changes can be partially explained by the increased evaporation of limonene under reduced pressure. With respect to secondary products, a decrease in particulate matter was observed under reduced pressure for an initial ozone concentration of 0.4–0.5 mg/m3. In contrast, the effects of reduced pressure on the concentrations of gaseous products, such as formaldehyde and limonene oxide, were small when the initial ozone concentration was approximately 0.3 mg/m3. These results indicate that the reaction between limonene and ozone under reduced pressure is similar to that occurring under atmospheric pressure. Image 1 • In aircraft cabins during flight, ozone often exists under the reduced pressure. • We simulated ozone and limonene reaction under reduced pressure in a chamber. • Particulate matter generation inhibited under reduced pressure. • Effects of reduced pressure on the concentration of gaseous products were minor. • Ozone/limonene reaction was similar under atmospheric and reduced pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulated exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the environment was demonstrated based on the actual coronavirus disease 2019 cluster occurrence in an office, with a projected risk considering the likely transmission pathways via aerosols and fomites. A total of 35/85 occupants were infected, with the attack rate in the first stage as 0.30. It was inferred that the aerosol transmission at long-range produced the cluster at virus concentration in the saliva of the infected cases on the basis of the simulation, more than 10 8  PFU mL -1 . Additionally, all wearing masks effectiveness was estimated to be 61%-81% and 88%-95% reduction in risk for long-range aerosol transmission in the normal and fit state of the masks, respectively, and a 99.8% or above decline in risk of fomite transmission. The ventilation effectiveness for long-range aerosol transmission was also calculated to be 12%-29% and 36%-66% reductions with increases from one air change per hour (ACH) to two ACH and six ACH, respectively. Furthermore, the virus concentration reduction in the saliva to 1/3 corresponded to the risk reduction for long-range aerosol transmission by 60%-64% and 40%-51% with and without masks, respectively., (© 2023 The Authors. Risk Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Risk Analysis.)

Japan is currently one of the countries with a long life expectancy, in which a great number of older people need care for their daily living. Japan has become increasingly internationalized due to an increase in foreigners and international marriages. As the number of elderly foreigners and foreign-born Japanese increase, older adults who do not use Japanese as their first language will need more opportunities to receive care.　We examined characteristics such as country of origin, language spoken, lifestyle, living environment, and cultural background of elderly people who were either foreign permanent residents living in Japan or foreign-born Japanese (hereinafter referred to as elderly with an international background, in short, EIB) receiving care support. Ichushi-web, a medical literature database, was used [last search date: June 2, 2018]. These searches extracted 205 papers. After the first and second extraction procedures, only two papers matched this theme. These two reports were for Korean residents in Japan, so-called special permanent residents, and repatriates from China and their spouses, many of whom were aged 75 years old and above.　The number of permanent residents in Japan who speak a foreign language as their first language is increasing. Inhibition of communication between EIB and healthcare welfare service providers is expected to be an obstacle while accessing care support services. For this reason, we must provide them with information related to Japanese healthcare services. Medical interpretation efforts are scattered and the response to EIB in the event of disasters has been discussed. From the perspective of multicultural coexistence, it is necessary to provide long-term care insurance services and medical services to EIB. Such efforts may include development and sharing of tools and the placement of staff who can communicate with non-Japanese speakers. Staff must also understand various illness- and health awareness-related issues.　In the future, considering the increasing number of EIB who may require care services, we must consider cultural backgrounds and language diversification for EIB. These issues require clarification and development of acceptable solutions.