#new guidelines on lockdown

[pandemic-info]

Web App: A guideline to limit indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19

This web app is based on this 2021 study: A guideline to limit indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19

The Six-Foot Rule is a social distancing recommendation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on the assumption that the primary vector of pathogen transmission is the large drops ejected from the most vigorous exhalation events, coughing and sneezing (5, 19). Indeed, high-speed visualization of such events reveals that 6 ft corresponds roughly to the maximum range of the largest, millimeter-scale drops (20). Compliance to the Six-Foot Rule will thus substantially reduce the risk of such large-drop transmission. However, the liquid drops expelled by respiratory events are known to span a considerable range of scales, with radii varying from fractions of a micron to millimeters (11, 21).

There is now overwhelming evidence that indoor airborne transmission associated with relatively small, micron-scale aerosol droplets plays a dominant role in the spread of COVID-19 (4, 5, 7, 17–19, 22), especially for so-called “superspreading events” (25–28), which invariably occur indoors (29).

...

Finally, the fact that face mask directives have been more effective than either lockdowns or social distancing in controlling the spread of COVID-19 (22, 33) is consistent with indoor airborne transmission as the primary driver of the global pandemic.

This won't be news to anyone who already understands that COVID is airborne, and that minimizing viral load as much as possible via layered protection (vax + ventilation & filtration + well-fitted masks (n95)) is key to avoiding the worst possible outcomes — severe acute disease and post-acute damage.

Nevertheless it might be interesting to see it spelled out. With the IMPORTANT caveat that it shouldn't be taken too literally: i.e. you're neither perfectly safe nor totally at risk if the numbers are above or below these thresholds.

[philaet0s]

It's not an ask, but someone replied to the WIP folder post asking about Check Your Connection or Try Again, so here's what it is!

So it's set during the Covid lockdown (dreadful thing to think about, I know, but there are so many interesting things to explore!). Baz is a secondary school teacher, so he's working from home giving lessons to the few very unmotivated students who still bother to follow online classes. Ruth is his neighbour, and they haven't really interacted much so far but one day, Baz is leaving his house to get the mail and he meets Ruth outside. She's coming after her cat who has escaped her house. They start chatting like that, because they're both dying for any interaction with another person -that Covid loneliness yk. It's not *technically* permitted under Covid guidelines, but Ruth doesn't care about them and Baz is too lonely to care, so Ruth offers that they could sometimes visit each other so they can be alone together. That becomes their new routine, Ruth comes to Baz's in the morning -before his class starts so she doesn't interupt him in the middle of them- and they just exist in the same room. They chat when Baz isn't working, or while making lunch. Baz also helps Ruth with using Zoom. She explains to him that at the beginning of lockdown, her grandson helped her install it and showed her how it works so that they can video call during lockdown, but that she hasn't really gotten the hang of it

And here's a little extract:

Baz

I check my watch. It’s only been five minutes since I sent the email. My next class is in an hour and a half, and I’ve run out of unnecessary tasks to pass the time. All of my students’ works are graded. I’ve reread and perfected all my lesson plans. Prepared all the exercises I was going to give my kids. I even chose the topic of their next paper. Selected an adequate passage from Tess of the d’Urbervilles I want them to write a literary commentary on. I was so bored I typed out all the text myself instead of copying and pasting it. Reread the entire chapter the extract was from. Then the rest of the book. Marked more passages I find interesting, scribbling notes in the margins. Occupied myself. Tried to pass the time.

Couldn’t this lockdown have happened when I had a thesis to write? I might not have written my thesis any faster, but at least, I would have found distractions easily. I discovered that my brain had endless resources when it came to avoiding such dreadful work.

12:21.

Just kill me already.

Oh! The mail! I didn’t check the mail today!

[elintseeker]

elintseeker - Life Without Dreams.

After seven years of silence, elintseeker returns with a new album titled Life Without Dreams. In this release, he ventures into the many faces of pop music, looking inwards for musical highlights he is fond of from eras past that shaped both his life and musical journey in the period between childhood and adolescence.

Originally an album of slow, beatless ambient pieces composed from moments of hypnagogia during sleepless and dreamless nights, the atmospheric and melancholic aspects were retained but the songs were given a structural makeover with an eye to the guidelines of pop music: a comfortable groove, predictable structures and progression, melody and accessibility.

The album features some guest appearances. Most notably, the Greek flautist Stelios Romaliadis (of Lüüp) returns for another performance and the Japanese singer and musician Piana lends her voice to most of the songs, fulfilling elintseeker’s longtime wish to work with her. Some of the songs in the album like East Side Life and City Horizons were written during the mid-to-late 2000s specifically with Piana’s voice in mind and with her participation in the album, the songs could finally be realised the way he envisioned it many years ago.

Journeying in between the fringes of jazzy ambient prog rock, hazy AOR and balearic, reverb-heavy new romantic, new wave and art pop, Life Without Dreams is an album that celebrates the power of pop music at its most dreamy, romantic and evocative, as well as creating a sense of music born from, or made for, the city after dark. It’s also a documentation of the musical reaction that started from the forced stillness and uncertainty in his life and around the world during the initial months of Covid lockdown. A desire to suggest ‘motion’ and ‘urgency’ in the musical sense was the preferred and appropriate response, instead of the usual calm and stillness of the ambient route. It also served as an opportunity for him to fully revisit the art of song crafting and execute much loved musical clichés that have been replaying in his head for a long time, of styles and sounds that are fading into oblivion as the years go by.

Artwork by Kohta Tomita

[silmarillionwritersguild]

Ah, 2019. That hopeful year when we all looked forward to a second go at the Roaring Twenties, before 2020 sent us all into lockdown to doom-scroll news about covid outbreaks, rising fascism and nationalism across the globe, increasingly terrifying climate change, and ever-more-bizarre (and believed) disinformation.

For this challenge, we're going to do our best to put all of that our of our minds for a grand episode of escapism to the Roaring Twenties with a bingo challenge. After all, Tolkien defended escapism and used his Roaring Twenties to do major reworking on the tale of Beren and Lúthien, an escapist text worthy of the optimism of the 1920s if ever there was one. Bingo cards are loaded with prompts from the 1920s, and you may pick your card(s), and use one prompt, complete rows or lines on the cards, or fill an entire card. We do not call numbers as part of regular bingo challenges, so choose the prompts you want and skip the ones you don't. If you choose multiple prompts, you can incorporate them into one or multiple fanworks.

Remember that if you need assistance in putting together rows or other patterns using the text prompts, you can contact the mods and we're happy to help.

In order to receive a stamp for your fanwork, your response must be posted to the archive on or before 15 September 2023. For complete challenge guidelines, as well as the bingo boards, see the Challenges page on our website.

Many thanks to Grundy for designing this month's bingo cards, banner, and stamps!

[foxsoulcourt]

Foxy, a villainess' 007 Fest 2023 masterpost

REFLECTION

One word: community

Everywhere I looked this year I saw community: the challenges + joys of participation; how much we learn from one another when we're in one; what it takes to be a beneficial participant; the value of structures + guidelines to keep them moving forward; appreciating stepping back to look at what's working well + what needs fine-tuning; learning how to clean up when there's conflict; holding one another accountable with compassion while navigating that conflict; the importance of honouring one who left the earth this year; and --ALWAYS!!!-- celebrating one another's joys + concerns along the way.

At the end of my second Fest I'm mulling on these questions: 

What are the qualities + experiences which draw people into Fest? Which aspects cause people to step back from it?

.

How do we-as-a-fandom support a more sustainable Fest in our post-lockdown lives? Could two weeks twice a year work better for more people than four weeks once a year?  

.

How might we stretch our ability + capacity to incorporate + support newcomers into the experience + the fandom? How about support for those who have been around for a longer time + could use a boost underneath their wings?

.

For some people earning points is a huge motivation. For others, not so much. How do we balance + reward time spent bEiNg ToGeThEr during Fest with creating + sharing fancreations?

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How might team configurations + calculating points equitably support all types of fan creations? 

GRATITUDE

. . . Thanks to the many hands + hearts + brains who made this year's event run smoothly: @castillon02 , @spiritofcamelot for hosting Fest! All the mods of the 00Q Slack holding us steady during it! @teamofvillains for making room for me in the collective lair + to @3nigm4art for captaining us! . . .

PARTICIPATION

POINTS (specifics below the cut) : 743

THE NON-POINTS POINT : Last year I said I wanted to Be braver: collaborate w/team-mates + create some of my own content in 2023. Guess what? Yes, yes + and, thanks to @ato-the-bean, yes! This year Watch Parties were a shining star. LoVeD chatting w/people while watching old favourites + new shows. Thanks to: @wambold for hosting weekly Bond content all year long! @anyawen for so.many.weekday parties! @kmk1701d for hosting The Hour! and @lapsang-and-earlgrey for answering m a n y of this US citizen’s questions about UK + European history!

2024 goals are simple:  host 1 watch party + post 1 gif + collaborate on something.

SPECIFICS

COMMENTS: 626 Fics commented on AO3 + Tumblr  -  456  Bonus points - 170

EVENT PARTICIPATION:  Productivity hour: 1 Watch Parties: 26

WRITING The Island (collab with @ato-the-bean​)

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

OTHER FANCREATIONS The Island moodboards - 6

SCAVENGER HUNT  #2 Create a code #48 Collaborate with team-mate @eleanor-is-fine on Ch 6 of The Island

WORDS READ ON AO3: 316,468

[abbatoirablaze]

Racing Stripes, Chapter 1

Word Count: 1.6k

Warnings:  sexual situations, dark! Valtteri Bottas, smut, oral (m receiving), mentions of cheating.

“It’s been months since testing and still, nothing.”

Hanna looked down the table towards one of the F2 girls who was upset that the season hadn’t started.  Meanwhile, the women in her group, the F1 girls, had a little more patience.

“We are going through a pandemic!” La la, the French woman said, her sultry, heavily accented voice starting, “maybe you should have some patience, no?”

“La La is right,” Mon ami joined in, the Canadian quick to agree with her friend, “people are dying and all you are thinking about is getting some dick.”

“Mon ami, no need to be vulgar!” La la replied, sending her friend a look, “she’s just upset because we get more accessibility than they do.”

“And it’s not fair,” the woman growled, shooting the girls at the F1 table glares, “you girls get things paid for in the off-season.  You all spent time with drivers in the off-season.  We were forced to wait at home until the could get guidelines in place.”

“Some of us wished we could have been on lockdown at home, Charlotte!” Sugar said quickly, muttering the response beneath her face mask, “if we were picked by one of the top five in the season, we spent our time with them.”

“What I wouldn’t give to spend the off season with Valtteri Bottas,” one of the girls dreamily sighed, “you’re lucky you don’t have to waste time on some of the guys in our league.  Tsunoda is weird.  All he talks about is racing and food.  Like I wanted to travel.”

“If you don’t like your contract, terminate it!” Hanna shrugged, “we’re all here because some part of us likes the lifestyle and the paycheck that comes with it.”

“You just like that you get paid to bang your husband!” Bebe pointed out.  Hanna blushed at the mention of it, “how are the kids, by the way?  The new baby good?”

She smiled, “yes…the baby’s good.  Nearly eight months old now and doing great…and Emilie was excited to be in grade one, but we’ve been getting notes from the school about online education.  Who would have thought I’d have to send my child to online schooling when she got to that age?”

“Your kids are so cute!” Sheila sighed, “they give me such baby fever.”

“Right?” Bella sighed, “gosh, they’re so beautiful.”

“Oh I think Sainz would love to put a few in you!” Hanna smirked, nudging the Russian. 

“No,” she giggled, blushing as she looked away, “Carlos-he doesn’-“

“Girl, if you say Carlos doesn’t like you one more year…” Sheila smirked, “we might have to fight!”

“He doesn’t!”

A few of the girls rolled their eyes, knowing how the Spaniard had pined over the soft-spoken Russian since she became one of them. 

“Well, I know what it’s like to be ignored in the off-season,” La La sighed, “all Max does is play on his sim.”

“I am calling lies, La La!” Mon ami added, “how many times did I call, asking to see you, only for you to say that Max had you busy in the bedroom.”

“You only called for a month…after the first month he got most of it out of his system!”

“At least you got a break…I swear, Leclerc is insatiable!”

A few of the F2 girls stopped their chattering at the table beside them, “is he really?”

“Tell us?”

“Well you would know…Charlotte…you know, had you not been picked by Schumacher and banged him the whole break!”

“Maybe you should mind your business, Sheila.”

“Maybe I would…if I didn’t have to bang your boyfriend.  All.  Break!”

Charlotte stood up, clearly angry over what was going down.  But the hard-headed Englishwoman stood up just as quickly and glared at the Monegasque woman.

“Ladies, ladies, take your seats!” the stewards started as the team principals walked in and sat at their individual tables, “now, I’m sure that everyone is excited to get back on with the season.  As you know, race week is upon us.  However, there are limits to what we are and aren’t allowed to do.  You women will be contained to your hotels during the week if you are not chosen by the drivers.  There will not be any going out or shopping.  Because of the Covid restrictions, we must remain vigilant.  Which means no extra fraternization if it’s not necessary.”

“But isn’t that…like…our jobs?”

“Your job is to keep the drivers as relaxed as possible.  You women are incentives for them,” another steward continued, “on race day the chosen women from the previous week will be allowed to be in the garages of their teams.  They will see the race from there while maintaining social distance.  Any woman not chosen from the previous week will be in a specific room set up in the paddocks, and from there, the top ten winners will have their choice of women.  At the beginning and middle of week you will each be tested for Covid.  If at any time you fail the tests, we will quarantine you to the bus.  If you have Covid after two weeks, you will be sent home and your contract will be put on break until you test without it.  If you test positive for two months in a row, we will rescind your contract.”

A few of the women looked around, unsure of what to make of it. 

“Do any of you have questions?”

“How is this going to work?” Sugar asked quickly, “in the past years, we’ve been at the driver’s side the whole week!  Does this change now that the pandemic is happening?  Some of us have been with the same driver all break.”

“Yes and no.  If you’ve been picked by a driver, you will indeed remain by their side, unless one or both of you test positive,” the first steward answered, “you’ll still partake in all of the activities you had before.  You’ll still reside in their rooms for the week that they’ve won you…but the only difference will be that when in the garage on race day you will be assigned someone to be with so that you are out of the way.”

“And who might that be?” Bebe asked quickly.

“Our team principals have stepped in to be the men you are with while your driver is racing.  Wherever you are, they are…they are to be your guides if you will.  You will not be allowed to roam as you have in the past.”

“Any other questions?”

“When do we start?”

“That’s stupid!  You should be allowed to remain with me at all times, just as you have in the past!” he growled.  Sugar bit her lip watching how the Finnish driver paced his room.  While he was typically a lone wolf, when he had Sugar, he clung to her, “did they test you yet?”

“Yes.  They tested me when they tested you.”

He chuckled, coming up to her.  She stood stock-still as he reached up and gently stroked her cheek, “I don’t know why I asked.  You undoubtedly passed.  Neither of us have it.”

“Because we did what you said,” she said quickly, knowing the right answer, “we followed what you said and stayed home during the beginning of it.  You protected us because you care, Valtteri.”

“You are smart, sugar,” he smiled.  He leaned in and pressed a firm kiss to her lips.  She barely reacted as he pulled away, his hand traveling down her cheek and stopping on the column of her neck, “you are always listening to me, like a good girl.  My good girl.”

“Because that’s what you told me to do, Valtteri.”

He smiled a little bit more and his hand flexed over her throat, “what do you say we enjoy the calm of not having to deal with anyone today?  We cannot go to explore since everyone is locked down.”

“Whatever you want to do!” she said softly. 

“Oh…I think you know just want I want to do,” he said seductively, guiding her backwards towards the bed, “there’s only one place I can truly relax, and it’s inside of you!”

“Max…”

“One moment, La La…I am almost done!”

She sighed from her spot on the soft, king-sized bed, watching the driver playing on his sim.  She lifted her phone and scrolled through the contacts.  Smiling to herself, she pressed the call button, knowing that it would go unanswered yet again. 

“I’ll show her!” she giggled as the line began to ring.

“Who are you showing?” Max asked curiously.

“Sheila was mad I didn’t answer all break because you kept us busy!”

“She’s one to talk,” he scoffed, “Charles has been stuffing her almost as much as I’ve been stuffing you!”

“Oh, fuck…right there,” he groaned.  His head fell back against the edge of the couch and his hips flexed; the gap between them widening as her head dipped and bobbed on his cock.  His fingertips flexed as well, hands entangling in the soft curls, “Sheila…that feels-oh…so perfect.  Don’t stop.  Please!”

“Like that?” she whimpered softly as she pulled up off his shaft.  His eyes lazily opened as she opened her mouth, her tongue peeking out so that she could slide it along his hardened length.  His jaw parted and he sighed heavily, the moan coming from the back of his throat.

“Just like that!” he purred.  His head lulled back and forth.  His abs tensed beneath the free hand that she’d placed low on his stomach.  Her nails slid along the ridges and down his v-line until she slid between his thighs to massage his balls, “Sheila….”

A buzzing sound came up behind her, somewhere on the floor and she knew that it was her phone. 

“Don’t stop baby!”

“Not until you say so!” she replied, ignoring the phone.

Chapter 2

[taito-division]

Since you've pretty much asked this of every other division, we only feel it's right for you to answer it, as well. So...

With the COVID numbers slowly rising again (unfortunately), that's got me thinking of a question I wanted to ask...

If COVID took place in the HypMic universe, how would your OC's handle it? Would they slowly go insane from being trapped indoors? Would they develop an unhealthy drinking/smoking habit? Or would they be perfectly fine?

(😒 Darn you, Alex. But I suppose I had this coming...)

If he was back in America, Ace would be worried about COVID. And seeing as how it came from a foreign country, it would only redouble his hatred for Asian countries, specifically. But seeing as how he is stuck here in Japan as a diplomat... well, he's not too bothered. His job involves him traveling all the way from Okinawa to Tokyo to meet with the Prime Minister and other officials. But seeing as how the whole country is in lockdown and safety regulations are in place, he basically has a free vacation. He'll spend his time in Eagle's Nest on his phone on PROFILE, or playing pool on Rashaad's new pool table that he got for his birthday.

Of course, he'd keep up to date with the virus. He'd also call his family back in the States and make sure all of them are safe. Though he is worried, he knows that there is little that can be done about it.

Evelyn... this girl is going to lose her freaking mind. She is an extrovert to the umpth degree. It is not right to keep her confined indoors for too long! She needs to be outside, either on the beach, soaking up some rays from the sun, or in a nightclub, dancing the night away! She loves Eagle's Nest, and she loves Ace and Rashaad, but she can't stand being indoors forever! So whenever a chance to go outside comes, even if it's just to buy groceries, this California girl is going to take it. She'll keep up with safety regulations cause she doesn't want to get sick. But knowing her, she'll probably spend more time than is required outside. It'll take Ace calling her to get her to come back, which she will, begrudgingly.

Like Ace, she is also going to be worried for her family back in the States. She'd call them like five times a week, just to make sure they are all okay. She'd be worried sick for all of them and hope that they make it out of this alright.

Rashaad is going to be the one most hurt by this financially. He relies on customers to keep his bar going, but due to the pandemic, nobody's going to be stopping by Eagle's Nest for a drink anytime soon. He'll still keep the place open, but he'll definitely have to make some changes. For example, he'll have to change his hours: no more opening and closing at 6 or 7. Plus, he can only allow a certain number of patrons. And those he does allow in will have to either be vaccinated or must be following safety guidelines. Plus, when the bar is closed, he'll have to sanitize it from top to bottom. So yeah, things are definitely going to be tight for awhile for Japan's favorite bartender.

On the bright side, this pandemic will allow the bar owner to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Plus, with all the free time, he'll have more time to practice with his saxophone and start working on putting together his jazz band for when the pandemic is over.

Azusa... this pandemic is going to be a challenge for her, financially, physically, and mentally. She was barely making enough money as it was with her dojo. But with the pandemic, fewer and fewer students are going to be showing up for classes, putting the dojo in jeopardy. What's more, her father, who is already sick, is obviously going to be in even more danger because of COVID, since it is detrimental to the elderly and the weak. Azusa will stress to her father not to move much and to always call on her should he need anything. Though he doesn't agree, he knows that his daughter is just trying to take care of him, so he reluctantly agrees.

Meanwhile, Azusa is going to try to find other ways to make some wealth. She'll search for odd jobs around Taitō with limited success. If all fails, she'll have no choice but to ask her teammates for a short loan for a while. She will insist on paying back once the pandemic is over, despite her teammates telling her not to worry about it. All in all, Azusa just hopes and wishes that the pandemic ends soon before it takes anything else of value away from her.

Fleuret, like Azusa, will unfortunately be out of work since the museum will be temporarily closed due to the pandemic. Thankfully, this won't bother her family none since her father receives a stipend due to his time in the service. So in the meantime, the museum curator will be taking care of the household. She'll do the cooking, cleaning, etc. So really it is no different than before. However, she hopes and prays that the pandemic will be over soon and won't harm or kill too many people. She'd be worried for her mother, who is over in the States. She'd call her frequently, making sure she is okay. She'd also have her boyfriend, Rio, come live with her and her family, since she is absolutely not allowing her boyfriend to live in the woods during a plague. She knows he may not be comfortable living indoors, but she would do her best to accommodate him.

Meanwhile, with all her free time, Fleuret would spend it either practicing her art or music, or spending time with Rio. She'd also be a stickler for safety and cleanliness, making sure that every time one of her family members steps out of the house, they immediately head to the shower upon re-entering.

Despite the pandemic, Eldrid, surprisingly, wouldn't be out of work. She and the other MMA fighters would still be allowed to compete, but they'd have to do it in empty arenas for a while. This would obviously bother the MMA champion, as she needs to hear the roar of a crowd when she fights. Fighting in an empty arena with only the officials would be boring. Still, she'd be making money and doing what she loves, so she can't complain too much. Still, she wishes this stupid pandemic would hurry up and be over with so things can go back to normal.

She'd be a worrywart when it comes to her younger brother. She'd make sure he masks up and is sanitized before he leaves the house. She'd also be the one making supply runs and would tell her brother not to let anyone in the house or open the door for anyone. Though Yuma would get a bit annoyed with his big sister's over worrying, he knows she's doing it out of love.

Kotan is going to have a lot of pressure, due to both his role as leader of his tribe and the pandemic. His tribe lives on the outskirts of the city of Hakodate and keeps much to themselves, so they wouldn't have to fear the pandemic much. Plus, due to their skill as hunters, they wouldn't have to worry about food much, either. However, their main concern is the fact that they live outdoors in the wilderness, which doesn't protect them should anyone with COVID come near them. Therefore, Kotan will encourage the tribe to mask up and social distance, even with other tribe members just to be safe. He'd also encourage them to get vaccinated, just to be safe. He would also have to quarantine off part of the camp should anyone get sick, unfortunately. He doesn't want to, but he knows that his father would have done the same. As stated, the young tribal chief would be under a lot of pressure, but with the help of his grandmother, he would persevere.

It isn't often that Ted gets sick, but he'd still take the pandemic seriously for the safety of his son. He'd encourage Aiden to be careful on his way to school and don't touch or talk to anyone if he doesn't have too. As for himself, he'd follow safety guidelines, but he wouldn't be too worried about getting sick, since, as stated, he doesn't get sick often.

As for how he would feel, Ted wouldn't really notice the pandemic happening until Kotan, Kokomi, or his son told him. He spends his time up in the mountains away from civilization, so he isn't fully aware of what is going on in the city below. He'd feel sorry for those who may get sick, or have already gotten sick. But as long as he, his son and his friends are okay, then he is content.

Kokomi would notice the pandemic a lot earlier than Ted, but would still not be fully bothered by it since she lives up in the mountains with the woodsman. She'd be worried for those who may get sick, but there is little she could do about it. Her thoughts would turn to her father, and she would debate between calling him or leaving him to wonder about her. Though he is family, Kokomi still cannot forgive him for ruining snowboarding for her, so she'd be confused about what to do.

As for guidelines, the snowboarder would mask up and sanitize, but only because Ted advised her to. Otherwise, she wouldn't be too bothered by guidelines. Not many people come to the mountains anyway, so she has more free range to ski and snowboard. Though she knows the pandemic is bad, she'd look at it as a blessing of sorts.

Thanks for the ask! (<_< Even though it took me a while...)

[ruthannabelleckl]

Is social media useful in spreading information on Covid-19 in Malaysia?

Covid-19 is claimed to have originated in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019 and ultimately expanded to 200 nations globally (Salman, 2021). Social media, with over billion users, is vital for Malaysia’s government to spread Covid-19 awareness timely and educate the public on precautionary conduct. Social media enables people to generate and share information while socializing, enabling the flow of opinions, notions, and insights in online communities (Hussin et al., 2021). Governmental initiatives to enhance public health via social media have sprouted in the last several years (Dawi et al., 2021).

Navigating the Pandemic Wave: How Social Media Amplified COVID-19 Response in Malaysia

Malaysian citizens have access to Covid-19 updates through social media, including the official Facebook page, YouTube channel, and Twitter account of the Ministry of Health Malaysia, known as “Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM)”. Besides, the Director-General of Health live-streams Covid-19 information on Facebook (Hussin et al., 2021). Notably, the Malaysian Ministry of Health and National Security Council reported Covid-19 cases on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Twitter when Covid-19 initially affected Malaysia. This move was made because social media can approach individuals quickly with crucial information and updates.

Twitter represents one of the social media channels that the Malaysian government has selected in providing updates on the Covid-19 situation to alert people about maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the virus and to share dos and don'ts during the outbreak (Hussin et al., 2021). It was overwhelming when users gave input, participated in online conversations, commented on status or live video broadcasting, tweeted the news, and shared within communities. Public questions, complaints, and misunderstandings can be published on government official pages for speedy replies. Social media content can change people's behavior and reduce the efficacy of government remedies. The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) tweeted Covid-19 information, covering daily cases, deaths, new patients, discharges, hospitalization, and verified cases to caution the citizens (Hussin et al., 2021). Roughly 20 posts on SOP reminded Twitter users of SOPs such as business operations, purchasing processes, or social events daily. Additionally, MOH published 164 Covid-19 instructions and precautions. For instance, postings mentioned the red zone, where numerous cases were found, and special precautions. Notably, hashtags are frequently included to prioritize Covid-19 information from reliable organizations to make it easy for individuals for browsing later.  

Empowering Malaysia’s COVID-19 Response: MySejahtera

In April 2020, the government launched the MySejahtera mobile application to assist individuals in tracking their health status and registering their locations, allowing authorities to collect timely information in fighting Covid-19 which had a positive impact on people's inclination to be involved in protective behaviours (Dawi et al., 2021). Public health guidelines were more probable to be followed when citizens realized the scenario and government response. The COVID-19 epidemic is updated daily by MySejahtera. For instance, this includes the cumulative confirmed cases and the daily new cases.

Dangers of Social Media Reliance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dissemination of False Information

Social media during the Covid-19 epidemic has enabled a rapid dissemination of unverified content, potentially deceiving and perplexing a considerable segment of the public. This encompasses misinformation about drinking warm salts or lemon water and taking hydroxychloroquine for curation (Balakrishnan, 2022). In Malaysia, a notable occurrence was the rise in the dissemination of false information pertaining to the lockdown measures and Covid-19-related information. This surge prompted Malaysian government to establish the Rapid Response Troop as a means to combat the proliferation of fake news, namely sebanarnya.my. Several instances of false information being spread in the country can be observed, such as the circulation of a compilation of locations within the Klang Valley that purportedly have a significant concentration of Covid-19 cases (Balakrishnan, 2022). Relying extensively on social media might increase dread, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and paranoia. Disinformation was spread in Malaysia by locals using fake or anonymous accounts (Salman, 2021). Many people detect deceptive information poorly, particularly on social media. Following the MCO's adoption, people panic-purchase and buy vast amounts of items and non-essentials at supermarkets (Ngadiron et al., 2021).

Disseminating false information is akin to spreading the Covid-19 virus. The battle against fake information persists, and the community requires daily education via diverse platforms. Social media platforms have a significant impact on fostering societal awareness and enhancing interpersonal connections within Malaysian communities.  However, individuals should be cautious, as the proliferation of fabricated information on these platforms is intended to captivate netizens and generate sensationalized or trending discussions.

In my opinion, social media is useful in spreading essential COVID-19 information in Malaysia. It enables the government to swiftly provide updates, guidance, and safeguards to Malaysians. The MySejahtera mobile app, Facebook, and Twitter have allowed direct interaction with individuals, encouraging safety and behavioural alterations. Nevertheless, fighting disinformation is vital. Overall, social media is useful, but it demands careful scrutiny to guarantee information authentication.

List of References

Balakrishnan, V. (2022). COVID-19 and fake news dissemination among Malaysians – motives and its sociodemographic correlates. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 73, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102900

Dawi, N. M., Namazi, H., Hwang, H. J., Ismail, S., Maresova, P., & Krejcar, O. (2021). Attitude toward protective behavior engagement during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: The role of e-government and social media. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.609716

Hussin, R., Rahman, S. H. A., & Azudin, N. (2021). Social media approach to crisis communication during COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis from Malaysian perspective. Ulum Islamiyyah, 33(S5), 77–88. https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.vol33nos5.404

Ngadiron, S., Aziz, A. A., & Mohamed, S. S. (2021). The spread of COVID-19 fake news on social media and its impact among Malaysians. International Journal of Law, Government and Communication, 6(22), 253–260. https://doi.org/10.35631/ijlgc.6220024

Salman, A. (2021). Knowledge, curiosity, communication channels and panic during COVID-19 movement control order. International Journal of Media and Communication Research (IJMCR), 2(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.25299/ijmcr.v2i1.6205

Statista. (2022). Distribution of main news sources during MCO COVID-19 Malaysia 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118979/malaysia-main-news-sources-during-covid-19/

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Published: 28th May 2023 05:00 AM | Last Updated: 26th May 2023 08:48 AM

Actor Sam Heughan

No no, that's a no. How can Sam say this Nonsense? SH has a different reckless self-entitled air to himself.

Is anyone surprised?

Did the journalist in this interview forget about the “Stay at home” campaign during Covid-19?

The UK 🇬🇧 was in Tier 3 - Very High Alert: what it means for them?

UK police forces across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic 😷 had to break up illegal parties that were breaking lockdown rules. Here in this video the proof they violated the Covid-19 law the parties were indoors not outdoors because it was during the winter and Christmas season.

The UK put strict guidelines in place to ensure everyone remained safe during filming – but that didn’t mean everyone respected the law. Apparently, those in the Love Again film Covid bubble were treated to ‘indoor parties’ hosted by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and his husband Nick Jonas, Both were guests in the country, many a night with actors and the director propping up the bar off the set. Resulting in a breach of the British Film Commission’s obligations and guidance of the UK government.

Love Again had been filming in London, with people in a Covid-safe bubble, including, cleaning staff, medics, security guards and cameramen. But, SH and Love Again’s companions breached the lockdown rules. Covid rule breach. One rule for them: meantime Britons were Locked-down.

#Covidiot #Katie Ellis #TheNewIndianExpress

[always-rolling-my-eyes]

Honestly......good for him for getting out and about if he had the means to during lockdown. There's plenty of pictures of him outdoors during that period, he did a lot of hiking and exploring. Considering the way an actors schedule can get without restrictions, that would have been the best time for it. If he was safe about it and following guidelines....I really don't think there is an issue with him exploring when and where he could and making the best of a really shitty period in time.

Yeah, if he was safe and following guidelines and restrictions, there’s nothing wrong with it, maybe just don’t advertise the flying yourself around because that’s a whole new level of privileged 😂

[authordallassmith]

Queried Sick Blurb 📖

Social distance makes the heart grow fonder…

Ezra Beaumont never felt like New York was truly his home, which is why he’s spent the last seven years studying abroad at university and backpacking across Europe. Some may say he’s running from his problems, but he just hates feeling stuck.

Then COVID-19 starts ripping its way through Europe. Within weeks, Ezra is back in New York and on lockdown for the foreseeable future. And to make matters worse, the person training him at his new job seems to hate him.

Oliver Wheeler used to love his job at Coleman Press. But starting to train a new hire at the onset of a worldwide health crisis when he’s already overworked is enough to make him snap—especially since that new hire has no prior publishing knowledge.

Yet, somehow, even without experience, Ezra proves not to be as bad as Oliver initially thought. Through a constant stream of bad literature quotes, text exchanges about Oscar Wilde, and Zoom dates to watch television, Oliver and Ezra find themselves falling for each other.

But can a relationship work when CDC guidelines require you to keep your distance?

Available now in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited. You can also get signed copies on my website along with other merch!

[chemanalystdata]

Vitamin D Prices 2025, Size, Trend, Graph, News and Forecast

The global vitamin D market has seen notable fluctuations in prices over recent years, driven by a combination of supply chain dynamics, shifting consumer demand, raw material availability, and regulatory influences. Vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness, is increasingly being recognized for its health benefits, which has fueled demand across the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. As consumer awareness continues to rise, the market for vitamin D—particularly D2 and D3 variants—has experienced both growth in volume and volatility in pricing, making it an important area of analysis for manufacturers, distributors, and investors alike.

One of the primary drivers of vitamin D pricing is the cost and availability of raw materials. Most commercially produced vitamin D3 is derived from lanolin, a substance extracted from sheep’s wool, or from fish liver oil. Changes in the availability or cost of these inputs directly impact the price of the final product. For instance, disruptions in wool supply due to weather events or geopolitical tensions in key exporting countries like China and New Zealand can lead to cost hikes. Moreover, strict regulations surrounding animal welfare and sustainability practices are adding pressure to sourcing processes, thus affecting production costs and ultimately influencing market prices.

Get Real time Prices for Vitamin D: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/vitamin-d-1259

Global supply chain disruptions also play a significant role in shaping vitamin D prices. Transportation delays, shipping container shortages, and elevated freight costs have all contributed to upward price trends in the vitamin D market. Additionally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can affect import and export dynamics, especially for countries that rely heavily on international suppliers for their raw materials or finished products. The global nature of the vitamin D supply chain makes it susceptible to macroeconomic shifts, trade policies, and regional lockdowns, all of which can cause prices to fluctuate rapidly.

Another influencing factor in the vitamin D market is the regulatory landscape. Regulatory approvals, certifications, and compliance with food and drug safety standards add layers of complexity and cost to the production process. Changes in guidelines for recommended daily intake, labeling requirements, or fortification rules can drive shifts in demand, affecting pricing structures. For instance, if a country mandates vitamin D fortification in staple foods, manufacturers may face higher input costs to meet these requirements, thereby passing on the cost to consumers. Conversely, favorable regulations can help stabilize prices by encouraging more widespread use and balanced supply planning.

Technological advancements in production methods have the potential to influence the cost-efficiency of vitamin D manufacturing. Innovative extraction and synthesis techniques, particularly for vegan and plant-based sources of vitamin D2 and D3, are gaining traction. As these methods become more scalable, they could help moderate prices by reducing reliance on traditional sources like lanolin. However, such transitions take time and investment, which means short-term pricing may still reflect the higher costs of current production processes.

Market segmentation also plays a role in the pricing of vitamin D products. Different end-use sectors such as dietary supplements, functional foods, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals have varying quality standards and pricing thresholds. High-purity pharmaceutical-grade vitamin D typically commands a premium price compared to food-grade or feed-grade alternatives. As demand from the pharmaceutical sector grows due to increased clinical applications of vitamin D in managing chronic diseases and immune health, prices may trend higher due to the strict quality and regulatory requirements associated with this segment.

Seasonal trends and regional factors can create additional price variability. For example, demand for vitamin D often increases during winter months in regions with limited sunlight exposure, which can lead to seasonal spikes in pricing. Furthermore, consumer preferences and healthcare policies differ across countries, influencing how vitamin D is distributed and priced in local markets. In developing economies, government initiatives aimed at addressing widespread vitamin D deficiencies can drive demand at a scale that challenges local supply chains, thus impacting prices.

In the long term, the outlook for vitamin D prices is expected to remain moderately volatile, influenced by the interplay between demand growth, supply chain adaptability, and regulatory evolution. While investments in production capacity and technological improvements may help stabilize the market, continued attention to environmental, economic, and geopolitical factors is essential for stakeholders looking to manage risk and make informed decisions. As the global focus on preventive healthcare and nutrition continues to grow, vitamin D will remain a vital component of the health and wellness industry, ensuring that its market and pricing trends will be closely watched by analysts and participants alike.

Get Real time Prices for Vitamin D: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/vitamin-d-1259

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[aarav-beyondicelebrities]

week 10

As I walked from 7th Street and 2nd Avenue to Ralph’s ice cream, Tompkins Square Park, and StuyTown, I noticed the vibrant layers of history in the East Village. The Greek Revival architecture, remnants of immigrant communities, and bustling energy of Second Avenue stood out. At Tompkins Square Park, the soothing sound of rustling trees and chirping birds offered a brief escape from the city’s intensity. I spotted squirrels darting between branches and admired the budding flowers—signs of spring. The walk felt grounding, inspiring a sense of connection to nature amidst urban life. It reminded me to slow down and observe.

One quote from the book that I found particularly meaningful is: “It is with acts of attention that we decide who to hear, who to see, and who in our world has agency. In this way, attention forms the ground not just for love, but for ethics.” This quote is impactful because it highlights the profound role of attention in shaping our relationships and ethical frameworks. By choosing where we focus our attention, we effectively decide whose voices are amplified and whose are marginalized. This concept underscores the power of attention as a form of resistance and ethical practice, emphasizing that how we allocate our attention can have significant social and moral implications. I think that this idea resonates deeply in today's world, where the attention economy often dictates what we see and hear, influencing our perceptions and interactions. 

Jenny Odell's How to Do Nothing became an unexpected bestseller during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its timely resonance with the global experience of isolation and disruption. Released in 2019, the book's critique of the attention economy and its advocacy for slowing down and reconnecting with nature and community found new urgency as people were forced into "doing nothing" during lockdowns. The pandemic created a moment of collective reflection on productivity, social connection, and the rhythms of daily life, aligning perfectly with Odell’s themes. I think the readers sought solace in her ideas about resisting the pressures of constant productivity and finding meaning in simple, intentional acts like bird-watching or noticing their surroundings. 

I think that the attention economy profits from our social media activity and media streaming consumption by commodifying human attention and monetizing it. Social media platforms use algorithms to maximize engagement, keeping users scrolling while collecting data for targeted ads, which generate significant revenue. User-generated content further drives engagement at minimal cost to the platforms. Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube employ personalized recommendations to retain viewers, boosting subscription fees or ad-supported revenue. Both industries thrive on capturing scarce attention, fostering dependency and prolonged consumption. While profitable for companies, I believe that this model often harms users’ mental health, shortening attention spans and increasing anxiety.

Jenny Odell's How to Do Nothing indirectly critiques celebrity culture by addressing the broader issue of personal branding and the commodification of identity within the attention economy. Odell highlights how individuals are encouraged to cultivate a "consistent and recognizable pattern of habits, desires, and drives" that can be easily marketed and monetized—essentially turning themselves into brands, much like celebrities do. This mirrors the dynamics of celebrity culture, where public figures are often reduced to curated personas for consumption.

I don't often take digital detoxes, but when I do, it's a refreshing break from the constant stream of information. However, during the quarantine era, it was particularly challenging. With increased reliance on technology for work and social connections, disconnecting felt isolating. The need for updates on health guidelines and news kept me tied to my devices. Despite these challenges, I found that occasional breaks helped reduce stress and improve focus. 

I admit to sleeping with my phone nearby, a habit I've grown accustomed to. While I'm aware of the potential impacts on my sleep cycles and relaxation, it's hard to break the habit. The constant proximity can disrupt my rest, but I often find myself checking notifications before bed or using it as an alarm.

Jenny Odell’s concept of “doing nothing” in How to Do Nothing is not about literal idleness or passivity but rather a deliberate act of resistance against the attention economy and capitalist notions of productivity. It involves disengaging from frameworks that prioritize constant output and efficiency, instead redirecting attention toward meaningful activities like observing nature, fostering community, or simply being present. Odell argues that “nothing” appears as such only from a productivity-driven perspective, as these restorative actions are difficult to commodify. In How to Do Nothing, Jenny Odell uses nature, particularly birds, as a metaphor and tool for redirecting attention away from the demands of the attention economy. Birds play a central role in her philosophy of "doing nothing" because observing them fosters mindfulness, presence, and connection to the environment. Odell emphasizes bird watching as an act of listening rather than pursuit, allowing birds to "find you" rather than actively seeking them. This practice contrasts sharply with the hyper-productivity and constant stimulation of modern life, offering a contemplative space for reflection and resistance.

[researchyblog]

Global Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Market 2025: Key Trends, Growth Drivers, and Regional Analysis

Market Overview

The global Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) market is expanding due to the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes, growing adoption of industrial automation in both process and discrete industries, and the importance of regulatory compliance. Additionally, the integration of MES with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions, along with rising MES applications in the pharmaceutical industry, are expected to present significant opportunities for market players. However, challenges such as the complexities of MES deployment in various industries and the need for substantial capital investment, along with ongoing maintenance costs, may hinder market growth.

Get Sample Copy @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5446

Impact of COVID-19 on the MES Market

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted multiple sectors, leading to temporary shutdowns or reduced operations for many manufacturers. The lockdowns and supply chain disruptions created uncertainties, making it difficult for businesses to predict market recovery. The pandemic led to structural shifts with lasting implications for the MES market. Due to halted manufacturing activities and reduced productivity, several market players experienced significant losses. Many manufacturing facilities closed, particularly in sectors like power generation, oil and gas, and automotive. As industries adapted to new operational guidelines post-pandemic, the demand for MES is expected to rise to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Key Market Drivers and Opportunities

Pharmaceutical Industry Adoption The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly adopting MES to manage evolving trends, reduce production costs, and comply with regulatory standards. MES systems help improve product traceability, manage quality through barcodes and RFID tags, and meet global track and trace regulations. Compliance with the European Union's Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) and the U.S. FDA's Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) is driving this demand. These systems ensure safe manufacturing processes, reducing risks associated with counterfeit drugs.

Service Segment Growth The MES market is divided into software and services based on the offering. The services segment is expected to record the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. The post-implementation services, including software upgrades, training, and ongoing support, are crucial for maintaining MES systems' efficiency. Improved manufacturing processes, reduced waste, and shorter output times are contributing to this segment's growth.

Hybrid Deployment Gaining Traction MES deployment modes include on-premise, on-demand, and hybrid models. The hybrid deployment model is projected to see the fastest growth, particularly in oil & gas and energy & power industries. Hybrid models offer real-time monitoring capabilities and additional storage capacity, enhancing data protection and operational efficiency.

Quality Management as a Leading Application Among MES applications, quality management is set to achieve the highest growth. MES systems are used extensively in regulated industries like food & beverages and pharmaceuticals to monitor and control production processes, ensuring high-quality outputs. The ability to integrate MES with quality control systems allows manufacturers to maintain compliance with stringent quality standards.

Process Industry to Lead Market Growth The market is categorized into process and discrete industries. The process industry segment, including sectors like food & beverages, oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and energy, is expected to grow the fastest. The need for adaptable manufacturing processes to meet dynamic consumer demands is a key growth driver in this segment.

Get Full Report @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/manufacturing-execution-systems-market-5446

Regional Market Insights

The global MES market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by:

Technological investments in industrial tools and machinery production.

Growth in the semiconductor industry.

Increasing MES adoption in chemical and automotive industries.

Expanding R&D investments in countries like China and India.

China's significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) for the pharmaceutical sector are also boosting the MES market. The rising number of manufacturing facilities across various industries, such as automotive, textiles, power, and pharmaceuticals, further supports market expansion.

Segment Analysis

1. By Offering:

Software: Core MES solutions enabling real-time production management and control.

Services: Implementation, software upgrades, training, and other support services, ensuring MES systems' effective operation.

2. By Deployment Mode:

On-Premise: MES software hosted on local servers, providing control over data but requiring higher initial investment.

On-Demand (Cloud-Based): Offers scalability and reduced infrastructure costs but depends on internet reliability.

Hybrid: Combines on-premise and cloud benefits, preferred for critical industries needing robust data management and flexibility.

3. By Application:

Monitoring: Real-time tracking of production processes.

Production Control & Documentation: Streamlines production workflows and maintains accurate records.

Inventory & Maintenance Management: Enhances supply chain efficiency and equipment reliability.

Quality Management: Critical for maintaining product standards, particularly in highly regulated sectors.

4. By End-use Industry:

Process Industries: Includes food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, and water & wastewater.

Discrete Industries: Encompasses automotive, aerospace, consumer packaged goods, and medical devices.

Leading Market Players

The MES market features several key players focusing on product innovation and strategic expansions. Notable companies include:

Siemens AG (Germany)

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.)

SAP SE (Germany)

ABB Ltd (Switzerland)

Dassault Systèmes S.A. (France)

AVEVA Group Plc (U.K.)

Applied Materials Inc. (U.S.)

Oracle Corporation (U.S.)

General Electric Company (U.S.)

Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.)

Epicor Software Corporation (U.S.)

Infor Equity Holdings LLC (U.S.)

Eyelit Inc. (Canada)

Aegis Industrial Software Corporation (U.S.)

Critical Manufacturing, S.A. (Portugal)

These companies are adopting strategies like mergers, acquisitions, and new product launches to enhance their market share.

Future Market Trends

Increasing Use of AI and IoT: Enhancing MES functionalities, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.

Growing Demand in the Automotive Sector: MES helps manage complex production lines and supports the industry's shift towards electric vehicles.

Adoption in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Cloud-based MES solutions are making advanced manufacturing capabilities accessible to smaller players.

The MES market is poised for robust growth, driven by advancements in industrial automation, regulatory pressures, and the need for efficiency in manufacturing processes. As industries continue to digitize and streamline operations, MES systems will play a crucial role in achieving operational excellence. Asia-Pacific presents significant growth opportunities due to its expanding industrial base and increasing technological investments. Overcoming challenges related to deployment complexities and high costs will be critical for market players to fully capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Get Sample Copy @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5446

[industrynewsupdates]

Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market: A Comprehensive Overview of Growth and Innovation

The global near-infrared spectroscopy market size is expected to reach USD 806.4 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing implementation of an analytical technique for raw materials in numerous sectors, such as oil & gas and agriculture, coupled with their increasing applications is anticipated to spur industry growth. For instance, various herbs and plants with therapeutic and medicinal properties are analyzed through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to assess the bio-active components. The industry has witnessed considerable growth in 2021 and is expected to have similar developments during the forecasted period.

The demand for the products from the material science sector is a substantial contributor to the revenue. NIR spectrometry provides significant advantages as a process analytical technology over other techniques including wet chemical methods, resulting in increasing preference from manufacturers. Other determinants, such as rapid advancement in the workflows of material verification, as well as improving risk management in the supply chain by manufacturers to fulfill the GMP criteria, are also contributing to the growth. The major 20 pharmaceutical manufacturers employ portable NIR analyzers to authenticate either raw materials or finished products to comply with GMP guidelines. Similarly, regulatory bodies in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia have purchased the product to strengthen their counterfeiting efforts.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the demand from pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, the disruptions in industries, such as electronics & semiconductors, food & beverages, and chemical, are projected to have an adverse impact on the growth rate. For instance, in February 2021, the U.S. government reviewed the supply chain of pharma and semiconductors to strengthen the domestic investment and process of manufacturing. The imposed lockdown norms across the globe created shortages in supplies and inflated the cost of raw materials, this affected the profitability of the players. Similarly, the capability of NIR spectroscopy to identify the polymers that are used in the packaging of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products is anticipated to be another determinant of industry growth.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market

Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market Report Highlights

• The Fourier Transform-based (FT-NIR) spectrometers product segment held the major revenue share owing to the high accuracy in the material testing and verification

• The particle measurement application segment had a substantial share in 2022 due to strict measures by emerging countries for dealing with counterfeited medicines

• The portable near-infrared spectroscopy type segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecasted period

• MicroPHAZIR RX analyzer by Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the portable NIR spectrometry that can analyze various applications

• Europe dominated the global industry in 2022 due to the establishment of a large number of pharmaceutical manufacturers and strict regulations for quality-check as a part of GMP compliance

• Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecasted period owing to the expansion of the semiconductors industry in emerging regions, such as India

Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global near-infrared Spectroscopy market based on product, type, application, and region:

NIR Spectroscopy Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy

• Fourier Transform-Based (FT-NIR) Spectrometers

NIR Spectroscopy Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Benchtop

• Portable

NIR Spectroscopy Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Medical Applications

• Astronomical Spectroscopy

• Remote Monitoring

• Agriculture

• Particle Measurement

• Material Science

• Industrial Use

NIR Spectroscopy Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

• Europe

o U.K.

o Germany

o France

o Italy

o Spain

• Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o South Korea

o Australia

• Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

o Argentina

• Middle East & Africa

o South Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

Order a free sample PDF of the Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[bookswithpurride]

Another one of my all time favorite books. According to storygraph, I've read this one four times + partially annotated my physical copy (and annotating a physical copy is like my peak love language for a book). This book happens during the 2020 lockdown, which sometimes makes people I tell about it a little dubious about how romcomy and non-stressful it can be. I promise it's all good! Every single friend who has read this book has devoured it in less than three days and loved it soooooo 🤷

blurb

Social distance makes the heart grow fonder…

Ezra Beaumont never felt like New York was truly his home, which is why he’s spent the last seven years studying abroad at university and backpacking across Europe. Some may say he’s running from his problems, but he just hates feeling stuck.Then COVID-19 starts ripping its way through Europe. Within weeks, Ezra is back in New York and on lockdown for the foreseeable future. And to make matters worse, the person training him at his new job seems to hate him.

Oliver Wheeler used to love his job at Coleman Press. But starting to train a new hire at the onset of a worldwide health crisis when he’s already overworked is enough to make him snap—especially since that new hire has no prior publishing knowledge.

Yet, somehow, even without experience, Ezra proves not to be as bad as Oliver initially thought. Through a constant stream of bad literature quotes, text exchanges about Oscar Wilde, and Zoom dates to watch television, Oliver and Ezra find themselves falling for each other.

But can a relationship work when CDC guidelines require you to keep your distance?

For fans of Casey McQuiston and Always Only You, Queried Sick is a slow-burn romance about two bisexual disasters finding love while working at a publishing company during the pandemic—complete with grumpy/sunshine vibes, found family, and an attention-seeking cat. 

review

I  loved  this book! I read it, and then immediately reread it – that's how much I loved it. It's got great characters, a sweet romance, and wonderful representation. Also, the characters work in publishing, so there are lots of bookish jokes, including horrible lines from manuscripts that will make you comedically remind you of some of the worst books you've read (or not read). I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, but especially to my fellow bookish folks! 

Here are some of my specific likes:

This book has really unique pacing of the relationship and it works well, I think partially because time felt so different in quarantine and the pacing reflects that.

Speaking of, the pandemic setting really works! I was a bit nervous about how it would feel reading a book — especially a romance — set during the pandemic, but the author did such a great job. Covid is clearly present and affects all the characters' interactions, but mercifully no one actually gets covid. Setting this book in 2020 allowed the romance to have a different pace than most romances, and explored the interpersonal difficulties of quarantine, like working from home, having to be careful (and extra careful, in Oliver’s case since he is high-risk), and being lonely while quarantining alone.

Ezra totally obliterates the typical trust-fund-kid stereotype. He’s not entitled, he’s thoughtful and considerate, he’s a hard worker, and he clearly cares deeply for the people in his life

I really liked the disability rep. Oliver has rheumatoid arthritis, and it’s a prominent part of the book, without being his defining characteristic. We hear Oliver’s thoughts on living with this autoimmune disease, especially during the height of the pandemic, we see him experience flares, and we see him take care of his body and meet his own needs.

The author does SUCH a good job of slowly unraveling the character's backstories, in both big and small ways. (Like, in ways that are core to their characters, and just fun details)

Oliver’s cat, Fiona, is a whole-ass character. I love when books have cats with proper personalities. And I adore that, while she’s apathetic to antagonistic with most of Oliver’s friends, she loves Ezra.

Great supporting cast! I love that both Ezra and Oliver have several people they’re close to in their lives, with some overlap of shared friends. The background characters are well developed and present throughout the entire book — they don’t only appear when relevant for plot reasons, which I always appreciate because it makes friendships feel more authentic.

They’re SO CUTE. Ezra speaks FRENCH. Oliver COOKS. They power through tv and romcoms together. They work in publishing and share gripes over bad writing (like breasts that are capable of independent movement). The author describes Oliver as "a cinnamon roll and a librarian who had a baby but swears like a sailor" at one point, and honestly, that's so on point and he's such a wonderful character.

Rep: MLM; bi MCs, MC with rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety disorder

Tags: pandemic, workplace romance, willingly quarantining together (sort of forced proximity???), slow burn, strangers to friends to lovers, mutual pining, bisexual disasters, epistolary

bonus review from my first reread: A reread! I loved this book just as much, maybe even more, this time around ❤️.  Such funny characters, Oliver is so sarcastic I love him. Ezra radiated gender envy, and is such a sweet, caring guy. The disability rep is SO GOOD. Hits all the right beats, I’ll always recommend this book to anyone who will listen.

((Cross posting some older posts from my insta (same username) because I’m not sure about the future of meta platforms/my use of meta platforms & I don’t want my content to be lost.))