surgical masks and microplastics in our airways
The surgical mask has been our daily companion since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic. The nonwovens (outer layers, not the filter membrane) from which the surgical mask is constructed consist of very long and thin polypropylene fibers. This leads to the question of whether microplastics are released during breathing through the surgical mask, which could enter the respiratory tract or the lungs. This would have a negative impact on our health, depending on the size of the detached fiber fragments - the smaller the worse because they can enter much deeper in our respiratory tract. In order to investigate the question of whether fiber fragments are released during breathing through a surgical mask, a filtration device was built. The filters were examined under an optical microscope after filtration. If fiber fragments would detach from the surgical mask, they would be found on the filter. Different surgical masks were tested, those that were not worn at all to surgical masks that were worn all day. It was found that fiber fragments were coming off the surgical masks. There were different fiber fragment types. Some fiber fragments were still undamaged (exhibited nice fractures), while others were frayed. Clump-like fragments occurred, but also smaller fine fiber fragments. All these different fiber fragments had a certain size, so that they could be called microplastics. The remarkable result of the whole study is that there is a direct correlation between the wearing time of the surgical mask and the number of detaching fiber fragments. In the case of the unworn surgical masks, 10 times fewer fiber fragments occurred during filtration than in the case of the surgical masks that were worn all day.
THIRD-LIFE: Real Life Accident Alerting, Live Locations and Notifications to Emergency Service
The country of Nepal, although beautiful, is facing many challenges due to its geography, lying between the towering Himalayas and the vast plains of Terai. The narrow mountain roads, prone to landslides and poor infrastructure, often result in frequent accidents. This situation is worsened by the delayed emergency response, as accidents are often reported much later than the time they occur. In the past ten years, over 15 major bus accidents have killed hundreds of people, and in 2024 alone, more than 80 deaths were reported. In response, the "Third Life" project was developed to improve emergency response time and save lives.The project has two main components: first, a device equipped with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), a GPS module (Global Positioning System), a gyroscopic sensor, and a microcontroller to detect accidents in real-time within seconds of the incident. Second, once an accident is detected, live coordinates are sent directly to emergency services and police stations for immediate assistance.This project is not only vital for Nepal but also for countries with similar terrain and infrastructure challenges. The "Third Life" project aims to save many lives that are lost due to delayed reporting, ensuring quicker emergency responses.A tragic example of this was the 2024 Trishuli bus accident, where many lives were lost when the bus plunged into the river. To date, the bus has not been recovered. Our project aims to create a waterproof device that, when connected to a satellite, will send live coordinates to emergency services, ensuring 100% reliability. This device could help locate the bus, which is still missing, within seconds.Ultimately, this initiative offers more than just safety it restores peace of mind and hope for the families of victims, providing them with a chance for a better future despite the tragedy.
Safe CrossWalk (SCW)
Safe CrossWalk (SCW) is an innovative solution designed to enhance pedestrian safety at crosswalks, addressing the alarming issue of 270,000 pedestrian fatalities worldwide each year. By integrating advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and real-time communication, SCW creates safer and more efficient urban environments. The system comprises three key components: SCW Strisce, a smart crosswalk device that detects pedestrian movement; SCW Car, a vehicle-integrated system that alerts drivers; and SCW AI, which processes data to optimize traffic flow and safety measures. SCW offers a proactive approach to reducing accidents through detection, alerts, and data-driven optimization. The solution not only improves safety but also supports urban planning by providing valuable insights into pedestrian and vehicle behavior. SCW aligns with the growing demand for AI-driven technologies in Smart Cities, presenting a scalable and cost-effective model for implementation. By fostering collaboration with municipalities and insurance companies, Safe CrossWalk aims to transform urban mobility, saving lives and creating smarter, safer cities.