New Delhi, 14^th May, 2021: Astute Outsourcing Services Pvt. Ltd. (AOSPL), one of India’s most well-renowned service outsourcing organizations has recently entered into a joint venture with the Australian organization Healthy Environments to launch SAFE SPACE MANAGEMENT, a comprehensive biological defense system against infections and pathogens.

The program has been launched under AOSPL’s E-Commerce Division. During this pandemic, in a short span of 10 months, Astute Care has developed an exquisite suite of services and solutions that cater to all customers’ needs efficiently, economically and effectively. The organization has also launched an app under the name “Astute Care” to make it easier for their potential customers to avail themselves of their services.

Astute Care is an ISO-certified on-demand concierge service. This business division focuses on providing services that cater to residential as well as commercial needs. It provides a plethora of hygiene and sanitization services including:

• Sanitization
• Deep Cleaning
• Car Dry Cleaning
• Car Sanitization
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Pest Control
• Post Renovation/ Construction Cleaning
• Pre-Housewarming Cleaning
• Pre/Post Tenancy Cleaning
• Pre/Post-Event Cleaning
• Society Common Area Cleaning (RWA/ Townships)
• Kitchen Cleaning
• Bathroom Cleaning
• Clean Solar Solutions
• Water Tank Cleaning

Under the SAFE SPACE MANAGEMENT program, all the cleaning and sanitization activities are carried out using a revolutionary new disinfectant – Bio Protect. It is a unique film-forming disinfectant that kills pathogens on contact and creates an antimicrobial barrier that stays active for 28 days and with residual activity up to 90 days, preventing the transmission of germs. The tried-and-tested disinfectant has proven itself effective against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) and kills 99.9% of harmful germs. It is a non-toxic, eco-friendly disinfectant, free from chemicals like bleach and chlorine. It is also non-corrosive, non-flammable, and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.

However, when it comes to creating a “safe space”, cleaning and sanitization is only half the work; the other half is testing. It is why Astute Care conducts ATP testing post-cleaning. ATP or Adenosine Tri-Phosphate is the energy molecule found in all organic material, especially bacteria. ATP is an objective measurement of surface cleanliness that provides on-the-spot feedback on cleaning effectiveness. The test delivers quantitative results within 15 seconds and allows the service professionals to take immediate corrective action.

Arvind Verma, Vice President – Marketing, Red Tape Shoes, a beneficiary of the Safe Space Management Program said, “Once the lockdown was lifted, we contacted Astute Care for sanitizing our offices and we were very pleased with the quality of service that they offered. They were thorough professionals – they came on time, coordinated with our schedule, and answered all our queries. We couldn’t have asked for a better customer experience. I would recommend them to all my peers.”

Customer satisfaction is something that AOSPL always emphasizes, and they’re constantly innovating new strategies to make the process as convenient for customers as possible, which is perhaps the reason for their high customer retention rate of over 40%. The organization has also launched an app under the name “Astute Care” to make it easy for people to avail themselves of their services.

Also, unlike aggregators who have no control over the service quality and personnel, Astute Care has its fleet of service professionals. The organization predominantly recruits its potential employees from the underprivileged sections. These candidates are then trained and certified at the Astute Learning and Training Academy (ALTA). Once they complete their training, they become a part of the elite team of Astute service professionals. This way, the organization not only ensures the highest quality standards and 100% workmanship guarantee but also generates employment opportunities in the process.

“Our Safe Space Management initiative is all about introducing world-leading Products and Processes in the hygiene service industry to create safer and healthier spaces.​ It is why we have conducted thorough R&D to come up with a disinfectant that is not only effective against germs – especially Covid-19 – but is also safe and eco-friendly. The growth trajectory of the hygiene industry has risen sharply since the pandemic hit our shores as people have become more conscious about the hygiene of the places they dwell in,” said Capt. Shaji Kumar, Chairman, Astute Outsourcing Services Pvt. Ltd.

“Compared to the other developed countries of the world, our per capita consumption of hygiene products is quite low. It should be somewhere near $1 to $1.2 but it is 20 cents. Hence, our focus is to spread awareness regarding the importance of hygiene in people’s day-to-day lives to create safer living environments and contribute to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We’re on the leading edge of innovation in the hygiene industry, and in the coming 5 years, we plan to establish a strong pan-India presence with an estimated 200% jump in the revenue,” he further added.

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New Delhi/Jaipur, 13th May 2021: With the Covid-19 pandemic at its peak and the number of cases on the rise, face mask is one of those precautions which can save us from this deadly virus. Even after getting vaccinated, wearing a mask alongside following the social distancing norms is mandatory. But not every mask can assure your protection against SARS-CoV-2 due to their poor filtration quality. Thus, combating this issue, Jaipur-based startup Nanomatrix Materials, which specializes in R&D of graphene and a pioneer in integration of the wonder material into different applications, has launched the first range of masks in the world that has Graphene Membrane inside which has the potential to not just prevent but kill coronavirus. Named ‘G1 Wonder’ this newly introduced range of masks introduced by the company derives its power from a membrane that is infused with graphene-silver layered membrane (patent applied). Tested at government-approved laboratories as per ISO 18184 standard, the graphene-silver composite is a collection of millions of microscopic razor-sharp blades with electric charges that rip apart bacterial and virus cells.

The graphene-silver NM membrane used in G1 Wonder mask is breathable, washable, reusable, pollution resistant, anti-odour and destroys 99% virus and bacteria in just seconds of contact. The membrane continuously inactivates inhaled viruses, ensuring adequate safeguard for those venturing out of their homes. The mask also comes with the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency  >99%. These are the only masks available that have the capability of absorbing harmful Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) as well.

Considering the current scenario Nanomatrix has developed the face mask for two particular segments of the society, the community mask and N95 mask range. Under the community mask which is for the general public, they have introduced washable antimicrobial masks known as Stylo and Eleganz which are reusable upto 30-50 times. These masks range between Rs. 299 – Rs. 399.

Another revolutionary development is in the domain of medical N95 face masks. This is the first N95 mask in the world that has two antimicrobial layers making the only N95 mask that stops as well as kills the microbes instantly upon contact. This newly developed mask can  increase the safety level especially for front liners who are exposed directly to the infected patients. This N95 mask can be used for 6-7 days or 30 hours and is priced at MRP Rs. 199.

Performance: The mask has a layer of Graphene-Silver Membrane. When tested against the COVID-19 virus, this membrane showed, kill rate of >99% within 15s of contact and >4log reduction was observed for the H1N1 influenza virus. Further, the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of > 99% has also been observed for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Nanomatrix Materials founder Vikas Bardiya said, “NM graphene-silver technology that powers the mask destroys viruses, bacteria and also filters harmful gases from the atmosphere. The alternatives  currently available in the market merely filter viruses and do not destroy them, which is essential if we want to stop community transmission. Our team understands the subject deeply and have conducted thorough research along with third-party test works before developing the G1 Wonder masks.” He further added, “Our company has decided on the pricing in accordance with India’s sensibility. We wanted these masks to be affordable to all, so that everyone can live safely.”

The masks are available on the company’s website and are also available on Amazon and Flipkart. The company is also in the process to set the distribution network across the country as there is a need for these types of masks across the country. The company is set to launch a series of products made using their proprietary graphene technology. They plan to  launch Air Conditioner filters that can filter airborne viruses and bacteria.

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The magic of social life depends on meeting people, greeting, smiling, exchanging views, speaking, shaking hands and even being  physically close and dining together.  Such exchanges are common place in sales, marketing and social life – but this does open a window to transmission of disease causing germs.  The complexity of germ transmission has increased with changing food habits, people movement and animal-human conflict.

With expanding human population, traditional animal territory is being encroached on.  Animal and human contact increases probability of novel germs being transferred from animals to humans.  And  if food consumption patterns change, with it comes the problem of zoonotic infections or disease causing microbes being transferred from animals including non-veg food to humans.

Corona virus refers to a big family of viruses – there are approx. 200 types of corona virus – many cause routine common cold infection.  Similarly, rhinoviruses are also a cause of the common cold infection in humans.  However, the recent corona virus from epicenter Wuhan, Hubei province, China is a sub-type apart from all other corona viruses.  Various theories are afloat as to the origin of this virus in humans:

 1.Consumption  of  bat soup and other forms of wild animal food (there are bat corona viruses)

2.This novel new corona virus may have come from the wet non-veg wildlife food market of Wuhan where snakes, bats and other wildlife meat (including live animals such as dogs too) is sold in the open.

3.Or it could be a leak from the Wuhan National Biosafety Lab level 4 (where a novel bioengineered virus could have escaped).

None  of  above points are proven, however, the danger of this novel corona virus 2019 nCoV or Covid-19 infection has caused economic spasm, human tragedy and social paralysis in China and now rest of world. Wuhan corona virus 2019 nCoV or Covid-19 causes death mainly through respiratory collapse including due to lung infection or pneumonia.  Other common cold infection symptoms such as sneezing, headache, fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough and nasal congestion may occur.

Some patients did not show any initial respiratory symptoms, only gastrointestinal symptoms diarrhea and nausea – so by the time they were diagnosed and quarantined they had already infected many people including medical professionals.  The corona virus infection is a droplet infection, spreads through casual contact, and air borne droplets.  As per WHO release of 27.2.2020, ‘when someone who has Covid-19 coughs or exhales they release droplets of infected fluid’.   Hence, in prone areas it is a good idea to wear face or mouth masks, the best bet is the N95 mask – however, ordinary face masks will also do.

The other important take-care precautions are:

1. It is also important to wash hands with disinfectant, avoid touching the face frequently as also casual inter-personnel contact and other commonsensical approaches of hygiene and personal safety.

2. Drinking water (preferably warm) on and off to ensure oral cavity and throat is not parched helps as secretions are continuously drawn towards acidic stomach where germs die.

3. If you see someone coughing, sneezing or looking sick, keep a distance of minimum 1 m from them.

4. In places suspected to have corona virus patients, it is better to avoid crowds since  infected carriers do not show symptoms but may be in the crowd and can spread the germ easily.

5. Invisible corona virus infected droplets present on door knobs, outside of face mask, desk surfaces, cups, digital devices etc definitely are sources of contamination and spread of infection. When people touch such surfaces and then their face or eyes there is sure shot transmission of infection.

6. The contaminated surfaces may have live corona viruses for upto 48 hours. Regular hand wash and not sharing towels is vital for safety.

The maximum vulnerable population includes those above 40 years, patients with weak immunity and conditions like diabetes, heart and lung disease.It is important that  workplace and in public places like metro trains and malls people  follow various guidelines like propagating  safety information to prevent spread of Covid-19 virus.  This includes poster display, use of face masks, and tissues for use by those suffering runny nose and cough.  It is generally advised that only essential travel domestic and international – be taken up.  Following travel advisories from various governments is important.

 Zoonotic infections not new to India:  

Zoonotic infections that have origin in animals and wildlife are not new to India.  The list is big: major public health zoonotic diseases in India include Rabies, Brucellosis, Toxoplasmosis, Cysticercosis, Echinococcosis, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Plague, Leptospirosis, Scrub typus, Nipah, Trypanosomiasis, Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

Helminthiasis or worm  infestation  happens through  improperly cooked food – including  non-veg food, and is sourced from contaminated  water and food.  Worm infestation is commonly understood to be an intestinal infestation.  However, worms can break through the intestine; enter blood stream and cause fatal or life threatening situations.  These include cysts in the brain and other organs:

1. Neurocysticercosis due to pork tapeworm larvae in brain

2. Cystic hydatid disease in liver and lung due to dog tapeworm larvae

3. Eye cysticercosis – cysts or swellings due to larvae in eye

4. Generalised muscular and submucous and cutaneous infestation

Thus, zoonotic infections like the Covid-19 viral infection, worm infestations and other animal to human infections, pose a potential or actual threat to health and social life.  It is imperative we take adequate care – avoid possible contamination through impure water and food.  Once health is lost, wealth loss is inevitable; hence, prevention is better than cure.  In active social life, eating out at hygienic joints manned by trained service personnel and cooks is critical.  Do not go only by the restaurant’s presentation – hygiene in kitchen, processing of the procured raw materials and hygiene practices of cooks and workers are vital to quality of food.

How to avod zoonotic infections?

To summarize, zoonotic infections like communicable coronavirus infection (requires upto 14 days to 28 days to cause symptoms), require us to practice good hygiene, cleanliness habits, reduce unnecessary human to human contact and other useful practices:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

3. Stay home when you are sick

4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

6. Use face mask if recommended by doctor

7. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

8. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

It is better to practice prevention, wish you good health, and an active great social life!

Sunil S Chiplunkar
B Pharm M Pharm (Pharmacology) MBA (Marketing) PGDHRM (PhD – Pharmaceutical Sciences)
VP – Business Development, Group Pharmaceuticals, Bangalore-560055
Ph: 080 2337 6766 Mob: 6364578669
Email: 1969sunilchiplunkar@gmail.com

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Various industry players like TradeIndia.com, Pee Safe, Dettol have cited the rise in the manufacturing and export of Mask, sanitizer & gloves. As people rush to medical stores to get their hands on either N95 or surgical face masks to protect themselves from the threat of coronavirus, the major demand is witnessed from Indian Cities and mostly for reselling purpose. Also there is increase in demand of mask making machine by 250%. 

Mr. Vishal Kaushik, Company’s Founder and Managing Director, Upakarma Ayurveda says, “Coronavirus is a  serious concern and we are very sensitively approaching this as a brand. Regular consumption of the powerful Ayurvedic herbs boosts the human body’s immune system, the foremost requirement to help keep even the most dreaded communicable diseases at bay. In the last two months, we have witnessed a 15% hike in demand for medicinal herbs Shilajit and Ashwagandha. Nowadays, people are opting for various precautionary measures for a healthier lifestyle and are taking Ayurveda very seriously. Consumers are shifting towards organic and Ayurvedic help as a precautionary measure.  As a brand, we also recommend other Ayurvedic Herbs Tulsi ark, Geloy, etc to boost immunity”.

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