New Control Chart Based On Neutrosophic Maxwell Distribution with Decision Making Applications

The neutrosophic approach is a potential area to provide a novel framework for dealing with uncertain data. This study aims to introduce the neutrosophic Maxwell distribution (M̃D) for dealing with imprecise data. The proposed notions are presented in such a manner that the proposed model may be used in a variety of circumstances involving indeterminate, ambiguous, and fuzzy data. The suggested distribution is particularly useful in statistical process control (SPC) for processing uncertain values in data collection. The existing formation of VSQ-chart is incapable of addressing uncertainty on the quality variables being investigated. The notion of neutrosophic VSQchart (Ṽ SQ) is developed based on suggested neutrosophic distribution. The parameters of the suggested Ṽ SQ-chart and other performance indicators, such as neutrosophic power curve (P̃C), neutrosophic characteristic curve (C̃C) and neutrosophic run length (R̃L) are established. The performance of the Ṽ SQ-chart under uncertain environment is also compared to the performance of the conventional model. The comparative findings depict that the proposed Ṽ SQ-chart outperforms in consideration of neutrosophic indicators. Finally, the implementation procedure for real data on the COVID-19 incubation period is explored to support the theoretical part of the proposed model © 2023,Neutrosophic Sets and Systems. All Rights Reserved.

Biologic Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exposed to Maternal Smoking and Active Sars-Cov-2 Infection at Delivery

Purpose of Study: COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to a worldwide pandemic with cytokine storm as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is known that pregnant women are at higher risk of viral infections given an alteration in immune response. Mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy are even at higher risk. The infection varies from asymptomatic to severe disease in pregnant women depending upon the degree of inflammation and cytokine storm. At present, limited data are available to show the effects of simultaneous maternal smoking and SARS-CoV-2 infection on the biologic efficacy of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 infection in combination with smoking of the pregnant mother at the time of delivery will lead to an alteration in the growth and differential potential of cord-derived MSCs. Our aims included collection, isolation and growth of human umbilical cord derived MSCs followed by assessment of their differentiation potential. Methods Used: The study was approved by the Institutional IRB. The umbilical cords were collected from the following groups of pregnant mothers at the time of delivery: Normal (non-smoking and negative SARS-CoV-2 infection), Smoker (smoking with negative SARS-CoV-2), Covid Smoker (smoking with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection) and Covid non-smoker (non-smoking with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection). Plastic adherent cells were harvested from 3 pooled human umbilical cords from each group. These cells were cultured and underwent immunodepletion per International Society for cellular therapy guidelines to isolate MSCs. MSCs were cultured in MSC-culture media to assess the duplication time. Similarly, MSCs were cultured in differentiation media (adipocytes and osteocytes) to assess differentiation time. Summary of Results: Picture shows the duplication and differentiation time from each group. Smoker group showed the longest duplication and differentiation time. Covid non-smoker group showed the shortest duplication and differentiation time. Covid Smoker group showed similar duplication and differentiation time as normal controls. All these results were statistically significant (T-test). Conclusion(s): Maternal smoking and active SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of delivery alters the growth and differentiation potential of cord-derived MSCs. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are currently in progress to determine how this change effects the biological potential of these cells.

Neutrosophic statistical analysis of changes in blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature of human body due to COVID-19

COVID-19 affects the human body badly;especially, body temperature shoots up even though it is hard for humans to survive. In this work, we have studied the statistical changes in the body temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure due to COVID-19 and used neutrosophic statistics to analyze the data. We collected data samples of 150 patients aged from 20 to 40 years twice, that is, the first time when they suffered from COVID-19 and the second time when they recovered. We have statistically analyzed the collected data through classical and neutrosophic statistics. As a result, it is found that the temperature of the human body increased which caused an increase in pulse rate and decrease in blood pressure. Also by comparing the analysis results of both statistics, it is observed that neutrosophic statistics is more informative, flexible, and adequate than classical statistics. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using the four-valued Rasch model in the preparation of neutrosophic form of risk maps for the spread of COVID-19 in Turkey

This paper aims to create a neutrosophic risk map of COVID-19 cases in Turkey based on the quantum decision-making model by the qudit states. First, we generate COVID-19 data for Turkey based on real-world values and an estimate of R (reproduction number). In this paper, we try to propose four-valued logic based on the square of opposition to assess the COVID-19 data in Turkey. We analyze the data in terms of the general structure of the Rasch model. Second, we find the cumulative probabilities based on real data;the lowest is 1.30 for Turkey, and the highest is 2.21 for Turkey based on the following formulas representing the possible scenarios given to determine the range and upper and lower boundaries in our cognitive scheme. Finally, we can produce a risk map based on the upper and lower boundaries of the cumulative probabilities at the end of the march of events. Additionally, scalar data are often used in the production of visuals. The descriptive analysis of scenarios that are more strongly related to cognitive and semantic aspects in the context of vectors may provide more in-depth and detailed conclusions than the descriptive analysis of scenarios that are more directly associated with scalar data. Thus we show that the analysis of COVID-19 spreads may be carried out using the four-valued vectorial form of probability functions. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Multifaceted Role of Glutathione S-Transferases in Health and Disease.

In humans, the cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of proteins is encoded by 16 genes presented in seven different classes. GSTs exhibit remarkable structural similarity with some overlapping functionalities. As a primary function, GSTs play a putative role in Phase II metabolism by protecting living cells against a wide variety of toxic molecules by conjugating them with the tripeptide glutathione. This conjugation reaction is extended to forming redox sensitive post-translational modifications on proteins: S-glutathionylation. Apart from these catalytic functions, specific GSTs are involved in the regulation of stress-induced signaling pathways that govern cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recently, studies on the effects of GST genetic polymorphisms on COVID-19 disease development revealed that the individuals with higher numbers of risk-associated genotypes showed higher risk of COVID-19 prevalence and severity. Furthermore, overexpression of GSTs in many tumors is frequently associated with drug resistance phenotypes. These functional properties make these proteins promising targets for therapeutics, and a number of GST inhibitors have progressed in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Tocilizumab in severe COVID-19 – A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: The therapeutic effectiveness of interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor in critically ill hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is uncertain. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the outcome as recovery or death of tocilizumab for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in critically ill COVID-19 adult patients. The patients were randomly assigned in a 4:1 ratio to receive standard medical treatment plus the recommended dose of either tocilizumab or the placebo drug. Randomization was stratified. The primary outcome was the recovery or death after administration of tocilizumab or a placebo drug. The secondary outcomes were clinical recovery or worsening of the patients' symptoms and inflammatory markers and discharge from the hospital. Results: Of 190 patients included in this study, 152 received tocilizumab, and 38 received a placebo. The duration of hospital stay of the interventional group was 12.9 ± 9.2, while the placebo group had a more extended hospital stay (15.6 ± 8.8). The mortality ratio for the primary outcome, ie, mortality or recovery in the tocilizumab group was 17.8%;p = 0.58 by log-rank test). The mortality ratio in the placebo group was 76.3%;p = 0.32 by log-rank test). The inflammatory markers in the tocilizumab group significantly declined by day 16 compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: The use of tocilizumab was associated with decreased mortality, earlier improvement of inflammatory markers, and reduced hospital stay in patients with severe COVID-19. © 2022 The Author(s)

Insights from Government Officials on Strategies and Practices for Managing the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background: The study focuses on the challenges faced by government officials in implementing public health interventions to control the spread of COVID-19 in the Lahore District, Pakistan. Material(s) and Method(s): This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to collect data from 45 government officials involved in implementing COVID-19 control measures in Lahore District. Result(s): The study identified several themes related to the challenges faced by government officials, including contact tracing and coordination, disease management and vaccination, public perception and engagement, international travellers management, and implementation strategies. Strategies implemented to address the challenges posed by the pandemic included the utilization of technology, provision of training to staff, coordination with other organizations, identification of high transmission areas, and targeting specific communities or populations at higher risk of infection. Conclusion(s): The effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a coordinated and multi-faceted response that incorporates various strategies and practices aimed at controlling the spread of the disease and mitigating its impact on communities. The authors recommend prioritizing clear and consistent communication, community engagement, and capacity building in pandemic management strategies.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

The benefits of index telephone consultations in patients referred on the two-week wait colorectal cancer pathway.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to hospitals in the UK substituting face-to-face (FtF) clinics with virtual clinic (VC) appointments. We evaluated the use of virtual two-week wait (2-ww) lower gastrointestinal (LGI) clinic appointments, conducted using telephone calls at a district general hospital in England. METHODS: Patients undergoing index outpatient 2-ww LGI clinic assessment between 1 June 2019 and 31 October 2019 (FtF group) and 1 June 2020 and 31 October 2020 (VC group) were identified. Relevant data were obtained using electronic patient records. Compliance with national cancer waiting time targets was assessed. Environmental and financial impact analyses were performed. RESULTS: In total, 1,531 patients were analysed (median age=70, male=852, 55.6%). Of these, 757 (49.4%) were assessed virtually via telephone; the remainder were seen FtF (n=774, 50.6%). Ninety-two (6%, VC=44, FtF=48) patients had malignant pathology and 64 (4.2%) had colorectal cancer (CRC); of these, 46 (71.9%, VC=26, FtF=20) underwent treatment with curative intent. The median waiting times to index appointment, investigation and diagnosis were significantly lower following VC assessment (p<0.001). The cancer detection rates (p=0.749), treatments received (p=0.785) and median time to index treatment for CRC patients (p=0.156) were similar. A significantly higher proportion of patients were seen within two weeks of referral in the VC group (p<0.001). VC appointments saved patients a total of 9,288 miles, 0.7 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and £7,482.97. Taxpayers saved £80,242.00 from VCs. No formal complaints were received from patients or staff in the VC group. CONCLUSION: Virtual 2-ww LGI clinics were effective, safe and were associated with tangible environmental and financial benefits.

Immunotherapeutic and immunomodulatory potentials of Antigen-Antibody complex vaccines

Immune system battles with deadly pathogens that mostly deteriorate health and cause morbidity and mortality. Antibodies are considered great players in the elimination of pathogens and hence, provide a shield against the future onset of various diseases. The immune complex, also known as an antigen–antibody (Ag-Ab) complex, exhibits the immunomodulatory potential leading to enhanced vaccine efficacy. A deeper understanding of Fc receptors (FcRs) and the interaction of the Fc part of an antibody with the different immune cells lead to in-depth knowledge of using this strategy for the development of immune complex vaccines. The concept of the Ag-Ab complex has been used in the prevention and therapy of various viral and bacterial diseases. Ag-Ab complex is gaining attention in COVID-19 vaccine development too, due to their greater immunoregulatory potential. The present literature highlights the importance of the Ag-Ab complex, the role of Fc receptors in immunomodulation, and their success as vaccines in viral and bacterial diseases of human and animal origin. Moreover, potential areas and lapses are explored to make better use of this prospect as a vaccine candidate. Studies revealed that the immunogenic and immunomodulatory potential of Ag-Ab complex can lead to greater protection. However, there is a dire need of establishing a link between laboratory and clinical findings to make it effective and safe tool for in vivo treatments. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Modeling and analysis of recovery time for the COVID-19 patients: a Bayesian approach

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has changed every aspect of life. Most of the people who become a victim of COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms, but some people may become seriously ill. This illness, sometimes, may lead to a very painful death. The Fréchet distribution is one of the flexible distribution for survival time. Hence, in this article, the recovery time of COVID-19 patients is modeled by a new Fréchet-exponential (FE) distribution, and the parameters of the distribution are estimated in the classical and Bayesian paradigms. Since the Bayes estimators using informative priors are not in the closed form, the Lindley and Tierney–Kadane approximation methods are used for their evaluation. The results obtained through simulation studies and the COVID-19 data set assess the superiority of the Bayes estimators over the classical estimators in terms of minimum risks. Mathematically and graphically, it is shown that our proposed model appropriately fits the data set. The minimum values of Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, corrected Akaike information criterion, and Hannan-Quinn information criterion proves that the FE distribution better fit than the competitors' distribution for the data set about the recovery time of COVID-19 patients. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group on behalf of the University of Bahrain.

COVID-19 in South, West, and Southeast Asia: Risk and response in the early phase

Aslam and Gunaratna bring together a broad analysis of the responses of states in Asia to the threats presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in its early phase. While the impact of the pandemic has undoubtedly been disastrous, it has also taught many lessons about social, political, economic, and security norms in modern civilization. The contributors to this book look at how these lessons have been learned-often the hard way-by a range of states including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and Jordan, as well as by international organizations including ASEAN. They look at a range of issues, going beyond the most apparent healthcare concerns to also look at challenges such as the gig economy, terrorism, extremism, religious identity, and cybersecurity. Using these country-based case studies, this book establishes a framework for understanding these challenges and establishing best practice and scalable solutions for addressing them. A valuable resource for scholars and practitioners trying to understand how the world will and won't be changed by the impact of COVID-19, especially in the realms of security, society, and economy. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Mohd Mizan Aslam and Rohan Gunaratna;individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.

IMPACT OF THE ONLINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES ON STUDENTS' CUMULATIVE GRADE POINTS

When COVID-19 prevailed, the educational system was shifted to online rather than traditional to facilitate the learning process. This study aimed at exploring the impacts of online learning techniques on the students' Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). A total of 155 randomly selected students currently studying M. Phill education at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan participated in this study. Data were collected through validated, pre-tested and reliable questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings unveiled that online learning techniques improved the learning abilities, personality traits and teaching styles as perceived by the respondents which further improved the CGPA of students. Within the effects on learning abilities, enabling students to judicious use of technology, multimedia, observation and clearing the concepts were major improvements which helped students to attain an increase in CGPA. As for as effects on personality traits were concerned, social interaction enhanced communication skills and improvement in understanding, social skills and confidence led the students to get high CGPA. Moreover, online learning improved the teaching styles by integrating video lectures, immediate results assessment and easy access to the technology were key drivers of the increase in CGPA. This study suggested a hybrid educational system at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad for effective learning in students.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Early Childhood Education in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Pakistan: Perspectives of Pre-primary School Teachers

School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected teachers and changed their role significantly. This chapter explores the extent to which early childhood education (ECE) teachers were engaged in children’s early learning during school closure through communication with their parents and families in three countries: Ethiopia, Liberia, and Pakistan. Using mobile phone surveys and key informant interviews, we investigate the support pre-primary teachers received during school closures and how they were able to support children’s home-based learning and prepare for school reopening. In all three countries, many teachers were in contact with children and families during school closures, yet the percentage varies by country, from 33% in Ethiopia to 64% in Liberia and 100% in Pakistan. Teachers in Ethiopia and Pakistan reported that children from disadvantaged backgrounds were missing out on essential support, but about 70% of ECE teachers sought to accommodate their learning needs or support psychosocial well-being. We discuss policy implications to support ECE teachers and children in the current and future crises in order to improve responsiveness and resilience in ECE systems. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

The Effects of Online Supervisory Feedback on Student-Supervisor Communications during the COVID-19

This study focuses on online supervisory written feedback on PhD supervisees’ performance, given explicitly through online communication, particularly during the first wave of COVID-19. This unusual situation has brought many different effects on students’ academic lives. This scenario has influenced both students’ and teachers’ mutual communication. A directed qualitative content analysis (DQCA) approach was adapted from previous research and modified for the present context. The current study planned to bring forth the supervisee and supervisors’ perception of the communication and feedback process, considering that online feedback and communication has been a new experience for most students. According to the findings, teachers/supervisors give feedback on students’ production, whereas teacher-student communication also seemed crucial for the performance improvising of learners. The result brought forth a wide range of social, educational, and surprisingly psychological issues both supervisees and supervisors faced during online communication during COVID-19. © 2022 The Author(s).

Renal Profile of patients Diagnosed with Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) admitted in Tertiary Care Hospital

Aim: To assess the baseline renal profile of patients with COVID-19. Methods: It was a cross sectional study, conducted in hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University from March to August 2020. Consecutive 169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were enrolled. Patients with history of kidney disease were not included. Peripheral blood samples were analysed for renal functions on fully automated chemistry analyser. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for every patient was calculated using two equations for chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD). Results: Out of total 169 COVID-19 patients, 97(57%) were males 72(43%) were females. The mean age was 54.1±16.30 (18 to 92) years. A total of 96(57%) patients were below 60 years of age. Mean Urea, serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were found to be elevated in this study cohort with no statistically significant difference with respect to age and gender (P value >0.05). Scr was raised in 46(27%) while 113(67%) and 103 (62%) patients had elevated serum Urea and BUN respectively. eGFR of <60mL/min/1.73m2 was observed in 50(30%) of patients. Conclusion: Elevated mean Urea, Scr and BUN were observed in COVID 19 patients without any significant difference according to age and gender. Moderate to severe derangement in eGFR was noted in one third of COVID 19 patients.

Student's Satisfaction with Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the level of student's satisfaction with online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study was conducted in Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore from 10th June to 10th July 2020. It was a cross-sectional survey in which MBBS and BDS students were consecutively enrolled in the study. An online survey was carried out after the completion of 6 weeks of online classes through the Zoom application. A self-designed questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale was given to the students to grade the effectiveness of learning through e-classes and their satisfaction level on various parameters. On the Likert scale, 1 & 2 were taken as highly dissatisfied (strongly disagree, & disagree) and 4 & 5 being satisfied (strongly agree, & agree) and 3 was considered as uncertain. Percentages of the respondents in each domain of the questionnaire were calculated. Results: Out of 470 participants, only 72(15.32%) students already had an experience of e-classes. Among the study participants, 327(69.57%) were of MBBS and 143(30.43%) were of BDS. The majority of the students 291(61.91%) were not satisfied with online classes, 99(21.06%) of students were uncertain and only 80(17.02%) of the students were satisfied. Conclusion: The majority of the students 291(61.91%) were not satisfied with online classes in terms of learning environment, technological characteristics, and course management.

Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Water and Environment-A Scoping Review.

A pneumonia outbreak was primarily reported in the fall of 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, with the identity SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. It quickly grew from a local epidemic to a global pandemic and was declared a public health emergency by the WHO. A total of three prominent waves were identified across the globe, with a slight temporal variability as per the geographical locations, and has impacted several sectors which connect the world. By March 2022, the coronavirus had infected 444.12 million people and claimed 6.01 million human lives worldwide, and these numbers have not yet stabilized. Our paper enlightens readers on the seven strains of human coronaviruses, with special emphasis on the three severe deadliest outbreaks (SARS-2002, MERS-2012, and COVID-19). This work attempts a comprehensive understanding of the coronavirus and its impact on the possible sectors that link the world through the economic chain, climate conditions, SDGs, recycling of the event, and mitigations. There are many points that are raised by the authors in the possible sectors, which are emerging or are as yet unnoticed and thus have not been taken into consideration. This comprehension will leave sets of new challenges and opportunities for the researchers in various streams, especially in earth sciences. Science-integrated research may help to prevent upcoming disasters as a by-product of (existing) epidemics in the form of coronavirus.

Index telephone two-week wait lower gastrointestinal clinics as a substitute to face to face outpatient appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose/Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to hospitals in the United Kingdom substituting face-to- face (FtF) clinics with virtual clinic (VC) appointments. We evaluated the impact of virtual two-week wait (2-ww) lower gastrointestinal (LGI) consultations on stakeholders at a district general hospital in England. Methods/Interventions: Patients undergoing index outpatient 2-ww LGI clinic assessment between 01/06/2019-31/ 10/2019 (FtF group) and 01/06/2020-31/ 10/2020 (VC group) were identified. Relevant data were obtained using electronic patient records. Compliance with national cancer waiting time targets (WTT) was assessed. Environmental and financial impact analyses were performed. Results/Outcomes: In total, 1531 patients were analysed (median age = 70, male = 852, 55.6%). Of these, 757 (49.4%) were assessed virtually via telephone;the remainder were seen FtF (n = 774, 50.6%). Ninety two (6%, VC = 44, FtF = 48) patients had malignant pathology and 64 (4.2%) had colorectal cancer (CRC);of these, 46 (71.9%, VC = 26, FtF = 20) underwent treatment with curative intent. The median waiting times to index appointment, investigation and diagnosis were significantly lower following VC assessment (p < 0.001). The cancer detection rates (p = 0.749), treatments received (p = 0.785) and median time to index treatment for CRC patients (p = 0.156) were similar. A significantly higher proportion of patients were seen within two weeks of referral in the VC group (p < 0.001). VC appointments saved patients a total of 9288 miles, 0.7 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and £7482.97. Taxpayers saved £80,242.00 from VCs. No adverse events or complaints were reported in the VC group. Conclusion/Discussion: Virtual 2-ww LGI clinics were effective, safe and were associated with tangible environmental and financial benefits for stakeholders. (Figure Presented).