Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with visual impairment

We present a comprehensive review of the various challenges that individuals with visual impairment (VI) face during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured review was done using online databases PubMed, EMBASE, and grey literature databases between 19 April 2021 and 4 August 2021, using search terms ‘COVID-19', ‘SARS-CoV-2', ‘Coronavirus', or ‘pandemic' combined with ‘visually impaired', ‘visual impairment', or ‘Blind'. Studies included were written in English, published after the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic (11 March 2020), and focused on the VI population during the pandemic. The initial search yielded 702 publications, of which 20 met our inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. Emotional distress from deteriorating mental health and social isolation were considerably higher in the VI population. For a community that relies on spatial awareness and touch, regulations related to social distancing and avoiding contact were considerable barriers. Further challenges were noted in accessing healthcare, care, receiving timely health information and changes in regulations, adequately sanitizing, using technology, and completing activities of daily living. In the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VI community has faced unique challenges. A more holistic and inclusive approach needs to be adopted to ensure that more vulnerable populations are adequately cared for. © The Author(s) 2023.

The Effect of Ivermectin on Reducing Viral Symptoms in Patients with Mild COVID-19

Ivermectin is widely prescribed as a potential treatment for coronavirus disease 2019, despite uncertainty about its clinical benefit. To determine whether ivermectin is an efficacious treatment for mild coronavirus disease 2019 is the objective of the study. A total of 476 adult patients with mild symptoms for 7 d or fewer in Jinan, China, were enrolled and followed up. Patients were randomly selected to receive ivermectin, 300 μg/kg body weight per day for 5 d or placebo. The median time to resolution of symptoms was 10 d (interquartile range, 9-13) in the ivermectin group whereas it was 12 d (interquartile range, 9-13) in the placebo group (hazard ratio for resolution of symptoms, 1.07 [95 % confidence interval, 0.87 to 1.32];p=0.53 by log-rank test). By d 21, 82 % in the ivermectin group and 79 % in the placebo group had resolved symptoms. The most common solicited adverse event was headache, reported by 104 patients (52 %) who received ivermectin and 111 patients (56 %) who received placebo. The most serious adverse event was multiorgan failure. Among adults with mild coronavirus disease 2019, a 5 d course of ivermectin, compared with placebo, did not significantly improve the time to resolution of symptoms. The findings do not support the use of ivermectin for treatment of mild coronavirus disease 2019. © 2022 Indian Pharmaceutical Association. All rights reserved.

Covid-19 Vaccination Concerns and its way out in Rustic Zones

The world is experiencing Covid-19. As the pace of rate of Covid infection 2019 (COVID-19) is quickly expanding in various pieces of world, a dependable conjecture for the aggregate affirmed cases and the quantity of passing can be useful for policymakers in settling on the choices for using accessible assets in the country. The widespread of Covid 19 spoilage the world, with the highest loss of lives in US. To reduce the number of Covid-19 affected population, Vaccine are available in public domain. Some Covid 19 Vaccines are currently in human trials. For the effective result of Covid 19 Vaccine, it must be accepted by maximum number of population. A survey was conducted to analyze the health effect of the vaccine in different category of people. Information was collected such as demographic data (age, sex, gender, marital status), mental condition of people before vaccination, tobacco/smoking, alcohol consumption, people suffering from any prior disease, labour group, people taking precaution medicine after vaccination, prepare for second dose of vaccination. Using these given information we have applied machine learning algorithms to predict if the individual will take the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine or not. © 2022 IEEE.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment and socioeconomic viability: a sustainable production chain alternative

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address the global COVID-19 pandemic related to its sustainability, such as environmental, economic and social concerns. The short study also examined how various innovative approaches can help promote sustainable production. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology examines hypothetical scenarios of the current pandemic and tries to describe the quality of evidence to facilitate careful, critical engagement by readers. Secondary data is used to identify sustainability challenges, such as environmental, social and economic viability challenges. The information in this report was gathered from numerous media outlets, research agencies, policy papers, newspapers and other sources to gain a better knowledge of the issue. Findings: As a result, most industry executives and policymakers are looking for appropriate strategies and policies to improve their practices and meet consumer demand. The outcomes explore that the COVID-19 pandemic is a central factor in changes in people’s behavior, reflecting sustainability such as environmental, social and economic responsibility. The COVID-19 outbreak, surprisingly, had a bigger effect on sustainable consumption, accompanied by environmental sustainability, and, to a lesser extent, social and economic viability. Research limitations/implications: Limited secondary evidence and data could not scrutinize the study’s actual problem statements. Hence, it is recommended that the gap in research be fulfilled by conducting a primary survey among various groups of economists, environmentalists and industrialists using the cluster sampling technique by validating the questionnaire of the total sustainable production system. Proposing frameworks for improving the resilience of production and a systematic possible upgraded manufacturing system by using the Industry 4.0 technology during operational processes could advance market demand. Practical implications: The COVID-19 scenario has compelled manufacturing firms to put their production systems on hold for an extended period while they seek long-term solutions to assure simple delivery and cooperation from both business and consumer standpoints. Various aspects of supply and demand are discussed in the referendum, as well as production and consumption challenges during the COVID-19 era. There is a need to restore the production system and find the right source of raw materials. This work focuses on commodity inventory management systems due to mass production, but due to pandemics, it is not in demand and vice versa. The researcher made comprehensible remarks on the use of digitization in the pandemic, which improves social distancing and social well-being and promotes the production system as well. Besides, manufacturing plants should switch to digital manufacturing to reduce the number of workplaces and hence the risk of an outbreak. Therefore, a better supply chain network is needed to supply more manufacturing units. Social implications: There is a bright side of coronavirus that the public health crisis raised worldwide has brought many opportunities for governments and society to make eternal reforms in the public health sector door. During restricted movements for fulfilling market demand, the Industry 4.0 technologies for automation, mechanization and digitalization can help significantly advance a company. This technological advancement and computer digitization for the perspective people may improve the environment, economic and social sustainability also increase social media adoption, which can be crucial for agri-businesses to evaluate customers’ behavior and consumption trends. Originality/value: The paper also instructed to identify critical success factors, barriers and drivers for dealing with the pandemic situation and to develop a strategic policy framework to improve production and process flexibility through the remarkable introduction of digital manufacturing. Before it is too late to stop the spread, producers and consumers must grasp the limits to which suppliers might drive nature. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Prolonged of non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19 patient: Intubate or not - A case report

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is one of the alternative therapies for patients with respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome to avoid endotracheal intubation and its adverse effects. COVID-19 is a disease attacking respiratory system, inducing hypoxic-type respiratory failure. This case report describes that NIV application is somewhat useful in a number of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia suffering from respiratory failure. Nevertheless, in some cases, endotracheal intubation was done. Meticulous observation on deteriorating clinical and laboratory signs is required to make an immediate decision to switch into invasive ventilator to avoid further worsening. © 2020 Bali Journal of Anesthesiology. All rights reserved.

Basrah Preliminary Experience With COVID-19: A Report on 6404 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported in Basrah was in early March 2020. This study aimed at assessing some of the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Basrah during the period from March 4th to September 8th, 2020. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the University of Basrah database on COVID-19. All patients with positive COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test during the study period were enrolled. RESULTS: Of 6404 patients included (males 54.8% and females 45.2%), healthcare workers constituted 11.4%. Physicians represented 16.1% of health care workers. The mean age was 39±16.7 years, those aged 61 years or more constituted 9.8%. The case fatality rate was 3% (males 55.2% and females 44.8%). No deaths were reported in adolescents or children. The highest death rate was among those aged 61 years or more. CONCLUSION: The situation of COVID-19 infection in Basrah, Iraq is evolving similar to other countries. Studies are needed to assess the influence of associated comorbidities, results of treatment regimens used and variables associated with high mortality.

The importance of supplementary immunisation activities to prevent measles outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine measles immunisation and supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs) in most countries including Kenya. We assessed the risk of measles outbreaks during the pandemic in Kenya as a case study for the African Region. METHODS: Combining measles serological data, local contact patterns, and vaccination coverage into a cohort model, we predicted the age-adjusted population immunity in Kenya and estimated the probability of outbreaks when contact-reducing COVID-19 interventions are lifted. We considered various scenarios for reduced measles vaccination coverage from April 2020. RESULTS: In February 2020, when a scheduled SIA was postponed, population immunity was close to the herd immunity threshold and the probability of a large outbreak was 34% (8-54). As the COVID-19 contact restrictions are nearly fully eased, from December 2020, the probability of a large measles outbreak will increase to 38% (19-54), 46% (30-59), and 54% (43-64) assuming a 15%, 50%, and 100% reduction in measles vaccination coverage. By December 2021, this risk increases further to 43% (25-56), 54% (43-63), and 67% (59-72) for the same coverage scenarios respectively. However, the increased risk of a measles outbreak following the lifting of all restrictions can be overcome by conducting a SIA with ≥ 95% coverage in under-fives. CONCLUSION: While contact restrictions sufficient for SAR-CoV-2 control temporarily reduce measles transmissibility and the risk of an outbreak from a measles immunity gap, this risk rises rapidly once these restrictions are lifted. Implementing delayed SIAs will be critical for prevention of measles outbreaks given the roll-back of contact restrictions in Kenya.

Novel COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Global Health Care Providers

Background: Covid-19, a highly infectious disease was first reported in Wuhan. China on 31 December, 2019. It was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization on 11 March, 2020 when 118,326 cases were reported globally. The present study was designed to determine the knowledge, practices, availability of personal protective equipment to health care providers and hindrance to delivering health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted with 217 health care workers serving in different hospitals/departments across the globe. Sample size was calculated by using Open EPI software and data was analysed by using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Knowledge of many 152(73.4%) participants regarding guidelines for isolation of suspected cases and recommendations for wearing a mask in a community setting was not satisfactory. About 51(24.63%) did not receive any personal protective equipment. Inadequate provision of personal protective equipment was reported by 78(37.7%) participants as the most common factor that might impede their willingness to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. About half. 98(47.3%) of the participants admitted that they are not well prepared/trained in handling COVID-19 cases. PCR was correctly reported as diagnostic test for SARS CoV-2 by 136(65.7%) respondents. Conclusions . Our study recorded lack of knowledge about newly emerged COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers. Shortage of ventilators, testing kits and personal protective equipment was noted in many hospitals and departments. Lack of personal protective equipment and insufficient training in infection control management may act as barriers in delivering health care during COVID-19.

Basrah experience among 6404 patients with COVID-19 (preprint)

Background: The first case of COVID-19 report in Basrah was in early March 2020. This study aimed to assess some of the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Basrah for the period from March ,4th to September ,8th 2020. Methods: Retrospective database analysis of the University of Basrah database. All RT-PCR positive patients during the study period were enrolled. Results: Of 6404 patients included , male constituted 54.8%. Healthcare workers constituted 11.4% of the infected people. Of health care workers 16.1% were physicians . The mean age for the whole cohort was 39{+/-}16.7 years; adolescents and children younger than 20 years constituted 12.4%. The peak age was 31-40 years, those aged 61 years or more constituted 9.8% only. The case fatality rate was 3% (males 55.2% and females 44.8%) . No death was reported in adolescents or children. The highest death rate was among those age 61 years or more. Conclusion: The situation of COVID-19 infection in Basrah is evolving like other countries. Furthers studies are needed to assess associated comorbidities, treatment lines, outcomes and variables associated with mortality.