A comparison of the clinical performance of two commercially available SARS- CoV-2 antibody assays among Japanese healthcare workers (2020–2022) (preprint)

Antibody tests are used as surveillance tools for informing health policy making. However, results may vary by type of antibody assay and timing of sample collection following infection. Long-term longitudinal cohort studies on antibody assay seropositivity have remained limited, especially among Asian populations. Using blood samples obtained at health physicals (2020–2022) of healthcare workers (mass vaccinated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) at a Japanese medical center, we measured N-specific antibodies using two commercially available systems. Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 measures total antibodies and Abbott AlinityⓇ SARS-CoV-2 IgG measures only IgG. Among 2,538 participants, 16.6% tested positive via total antibody assay versus 12.9% by IgG-only (including grayzone) by mid-June 2022. For 219 cases with a previous PCR-confirmed infection, positivity was 97.3% using total antibody assay versus 76.3% using IgG-only assay. During the first 16 weeks after infection, both assays demonstrated high positivity. However, while positivity of the total antibody assay was retained for the entire study period (until week 113 post-infection), IgG-only assay positivity declined after week 16. Our study found significant differences in the performance of total antibody versus IgG-only assays, suggesting an optimal assay for retaining sensitivity over the entire infection period when designing seroprevalence studies.

Mucormycosis-a Fungal Infection in Patient Recovered from COVID-19

Recently, a fungal disease, "Mucormycosis,” has created a huge fury in everybody's mind. It is prevalent in immunocompromised individuals, such as people suffering from Covid 19, cancer, HIV, prolonged use of steroids, immunomodulators, and diabetes. It is caused by a group of molds called mucoromycetes found in damp soil, bread, decaying fruits and vegetables, compost piles, animal waste, and moist, dusty construction sites. It can invade the human body through several routes, such as inhalation, injury site, or food/water intake. The ICMR recommends wearing a mask while visiting dusty construction sites, wearing shoes, long trousers, a full sleeve shirt, and gloves when handling soils, moss, or manure, and maintaining personal hygiene, including a good scrub bath. This article further covers the history, pathogenesis, role of Iron, GRP78, and CotH, pathophysiology, geographical spread, and treatment of this rare but fatal disease. Overall, the mortality rates account for 54%, which is further varied depending upon the patient condition, type of fungus & body site infected, speaking of which, as reported, 96% mortality rate alone accounts for the disseminated Mucormycosis. © 2021 by the authors.

Domestic Violence- A Crying Call for Change

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence, can be defined as a pattern of behaviors which could be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate weaker partner that influence another person. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or socioeconomic background and education levels. It can occur within a range of relationships and not just those who live with us in our homes. These incidents are seldom isolated and escalate in frequency and severity if not opposed initial stage itself and may harm physically as well as emotionally and at times even endangers lives. Statistics for this is grave be it our country be it abroad and it became more grim covid times when staying home was not always safe. There are various factors involved from genesis to the maintainence of this menace medicolegal aspects and many more. Multidisciplinary approach for awareness that one needs to seek help, that one is not alone and various measures for curbing this grave issue is required at all levels. Domestic violence is the outcome of cumulative irresponsible behaviour which a section of society demonstrates. It is also important to note that solely the abuser is not just responsible but also those who allow this to happen and act as mere mute spectators. In this era of rights-based mental health services, such 'hidden shades' of mental wellbeing form potent challenges, which face unique conditions of demographics, prevalence of mental disorders and awareness related to this grave issue of domestic violence. Human rights are universal and are vital for promoting mental health and dignity. With this premise, this symposium intends to unfold the various factors involved and highlight the intersections of Domestic volence and approaches required to bring about and discuss strategies to curb it in light of the lessons learnt from experiences across the globe.

Non Suicidal Self Injury and Suicidal Behaviour: Indian Perspective

The major risk factor for suicide is mostly an untreated and frequently undiagnosed mental disorder. Dr Anitha Gautam will be talking about hidden epidemiology of suicide in India during COVID -19 pandemic. In India, for the past 5 years the number of deaths due to suicide has increased from approximately 1.3 lakhs in 2017 to 1.65 in 2021 (Suicide rate increasing from 9.9 to 12 per 1,00,000 population). Hence, there is need for developing a cost effective module which can address individual specific psychological stressors which are prevailing in Indian context. These psychological aspects can be delivered by non-specialist trained person. Dr.Hemendra Singh will discuss about association of Non- Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts among psychiatric patients based on his research and also need of developing a brief suicide prevention module for suicide attempters. As history of past suicide attempt is an important risk factor for future suicide, it is high time that the various factors associated with suicide attempt are to be identified to prevent future suicide. Dr Manaswi Gutam discusses on various strategies for suicide prevention along with highlights on NSSI. Dr Swati C would be discussing her experience of delivering brief intervention module for suicide prevention at a tertiary care hospital. Key Words: Non -Suicidal Self Injury, Suicide attempts, Psychiatric patients, Suicide Prevention.

Telenephrology: Managing Chronic Kidney Disease during Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The management of kidney diseases is challenging in areas where discrepancy exist between number of nephrologist and patient with kidney disease. COVID-19 pandemic added to these challenges. We initiated a tele-nephrology service in 2020 with primary aim of education, targeted screening and treatment of kidney diseases focusing where there was no nephrologist. Method(s): In this study locally available paramedics were mobilized for information dissemination and follow up of index patient population. The consultation was performed by internists and nephrologist. After initial registration in telemedicine service, social media apps were used for communication. The mode of communication used was audio, text, photography, and video call when needed. Follow-up consultation was done as required and in 3 months which involved review of reports and medical advised as needed including medication. We analyzed the data from the records of tele-nephrology service provided from April 2020 to April 2021 and who has completed at least 6 months of follow up. Result(s): A total of 266 participants who were known to have chronic kidney disease and hypertension were enrolled and followed up. The mean age of the participant was 54.21 + 17 years. Females constitute 53% (n=141). The most common mode of communication was WhatsApp (86.5%), followed by Viber (5.6%). Patients were advised to undergoes investigations in nearby health care facilities as needed. Most of the participants (88.0%, n=232) were managed without need for physical hospital visit. Physical visit to hospital was needed in 84 patients (17%) and 4.1% (n=11) needed hospital admission. During follow up, half of the participants (n=134) had performed tests as advised and 44.4% (n=118) followed the treatment advised, in initial consultation and needed further advice to do so. Five persons died during follow-up (1.9%). Few participants 1.1%(n=3) said that they don't want to use the telemedicine service again. Conclusion(s): Tele-nephrology services can bridge the gap in care in nephrology where access to nephrologists is limited. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023

Emissions of black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Potential implications of cultural practices during the Covid-19 pandemic

Emissions of black carbon (BC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various anthropogenic activities are often reported, yet cultural practices such as the multi-day Diwali festival and its influences on the emissions of these compounds are often overlooked. Major activities during this festival include burning rows of oil-filled earthen lamps (diyas) and fireworks (bursting of crackers). A comprehensive field investigation was conducted to document the role of Diwali celebrations on the releases of BC and PAHs during the ongoing Covid pandemic. The results show that large-scale releases of BC and PAHs were observed on the first day of Diwali compared to the remaining four days. BC and PM2.5 mass concentrations throughout the monitoring period ranged from 3.24 to 27.64 µg m−3 and 83.33 to 288.13 µg m−3, respectively. The source apportionment was performed based on the calculated backward trajectories. The results show that the contribution of fossil fuel emission at Adityapur (ADP), Sakchi (SAK), and Gamharia (GMA) was approximately 36.1 %, 34.4 %, and 55.56 %, while biomass burning contribution was approx. 56.9 %, 59.9 %, 41.67 %, respectively. The result showed that fossil fuel emissions were lower compared to biomass combustion during Diwali. Simultaneously, PAHs diagnostic ratio showed that vehicular discharge and coal burning significantly contributed to PAHs at these study sites. © 2022 The Author(s)

Central Vein Stenosis in Hemodialysis Patients during COVID Pandemic: A Case Series Analysis

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients who were on maintenance hemodialysis require a stable, permanent vascular access as a lifeline. Venous mapping during prearteriovenous fistula (AVF) construction does not include central vein assessment. The guidelines on angiographic assessment of central veins during pre-AVF construction are yet to be streamlined. Moreover, during COVID pandemic, assess difficulty in catheterization laboratory and interventional radiology created devastating situation. We report 15 ESKD cases of central venous stenosis presented during the COVID pandemic time from February 2020 to July 2021. Patients' basic details were collected and initial clinical examination findings were recorded;they were subjected to Doppler and fistulogram. After the combined decision of nephrologist, interventional cardiologist, and vascular surgeon, the management (fistula closure/repair) was planned. Of 15 patients, 13 were males. Basic disease is chronic glomerulonephritis in 9, diabetic nephropathy in 4, and chronic interstitial nephritis in 2. Average number of central vein cannulation prior to AVF creation was 2.6. The median time to the development of symptoms after fistula creation was 13 months. Major initial symptoms were swelling of the upper limb in 4, dilatation of outflow veins in 5, swelling and dilatation in 2, poor flow during dialysis in 3, and dilatation of neck and chest vein in 1. Arm elevation test was positive in most of the cases. On Doppler assessment, dilated veins (> 12 mm) with high outflow (> 2000 ml/min) in 5, 4 patients showed low flow (< 400 ml/min), and six patients showed normal findings. In fistulogram, the common location of stenosis/thrombosis was brachiocephalic vein (BV) in 5 and subclavian vein (SC) in 3, BV vein + SC vein in 4, and superior vena cava in 3. Out of 15, 3 underwent balloon dilatation, 7 underwent fistula closure, 1 no intervention done, 3 lost to follow-up, and 1 expired. This is the first case series of central vein stenosis (CVS) brought in light during COVID pandemic. CVS is a serious issue, which might result in permanent vascular access failure. Further study is needed on impact of previous central vein catheterization leading to stenosis and role of pre-AVF creation angiographic assessment to avoid this type of devastating AVF complication.

Interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research: a panacea to efficient research output during the global pandemic

Biomedical research is rapidly growing due to inventions and developments in science and technology. Several interdisciplinary fields should be combined to find the remedy of diseases including pandemics. To accomplish this, interdisciplinary research is a prerequisite. Using improved techniques in microscopy and genetic engineering, the systemic perspective of the human body and related diseases can be found. Recent genetic-based inheritance studies of diseases, understanding various omics, stem cell systems, and gene editing tools including CRISPR relevant to biomedical research require multidisciplinary approach. Improvements in the field of bioinformatics and efficient use of model organisms in clinical testing including drug assessment are important disciplines common in different researches. The merging of different closely related areas of medical research will produce suitable changes in diagnosis and treatment. In the present scenario of increased global pandemic hits like COVID-19, an understanding on the interdisciplinary approach is needed for controlling the spread and finding vaccines. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acharya Balkrishna: Dhanwantari of Modern Era, Father of Evidence-Based Ayurveda Revolution with a Multifaceted Research Perspective

Ayurveda is an ancient traditional medicinal system that has gained widespread acceptance, however, its ancient wisdom still needs in-depth investigation. Acharya Balkrishna is a prominent scholar and expert in Ayurveda, Sanskrit, yoga, and the Vedas. His efforts led to the acceptance of Ayurveda and yoga practices by millions of people worldwide. His team is presently working on the World Herbal Encyclopedia, a massive compendium that includes descriptions of 50,000 medicinal plants from around the globe and is intended to boost the traditional medicine system. His continued attempts to save traditional knowledge from extinction have resulted in the digitization of 60 lakh pages of ancient manuscripts. Together with his intellectual partner Swami Ramdev, a well-known yoga guru, he successfully treated millions of patients with a variety of severe ailments over the last two decades to achieve a better universal health. In the service of humanity, both laid the foundation for the herbal and yoga empire. Acharya Balkrishna’s research team developed various evidence-based ayurvedic medications, including Acidogrit, Bronchom Cardiogrit Gold, Madhugrit, and the most popular Coronil, an anti- COVID-19 herbal remedy. He is the recipient of several prestigious accolades, including the Bharat Gaurav and the UNSDG 10 most influential people in healthcare award. He has done extensive research in several areas such as herbal research, the revival of traditional literature, agriculture, organic farming, information technology, and tribal welfare. He has authored more than 150 books, and 200 research articles, and also filed 41 patents. He is an outstanding visionary with a dynamic personality, multifaceted skills, with a commitment to serve the humanity. This article commemorates about Acharya Balkrishna’s revolutionary life and discusses his brief journey from an innocent child to a renowned Ayurvedacharya.

RADIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF SINONASAL MUCORMYCOSIS IN COVID POSITIVE PATIENTS

Rationale and Objectives-At present, sinonasal mucormycosis is most worrisome COVID-19 related complication in India while western countries have relatively stayed aloof. But given the pervasive nature of fungi and presence of all predisposing conditions even in western countries, it is imperative to have knowledge about the imaging patterns and staging of the disease. In this study, we try to single out factors responsible for the sudden increment in the incidence of sinonasal mucormycosis among covid-19 patients and discuss their imaging features. Patients and Methods-The case records of 30 patients, between January to May, 2021, with positive RT-PCR for COVID-19 and biopsy proven sinonasal mucormycosis were retrospectively evaluated. Results – Out of 30 patients, 28 had raised random blood glucose level and 24 had raised ferritin level. On imaging, nasal cavity involvement was seen in 18 patients. Paranasal sinuses were involved in 28 patients. The disease process also showed involvement of orbit, neck spaces and intracranial extension. We divided sinonasal mucormycosis into four groups and mortality was seen in patients of stage 3 and 4 (total mortality was 26.7%). Conclusion-MRI played an important role in diagnosis and staging of sinonasal mucormycosis as well as determining the extrasinus extent of disease. Mortality was seen in patients presenting in advanced stage of the disease, with orbital or intracranial extension. Thus, it is imperative that high index of suspicion, early imaging with diagnosis and aggressive management protocol needed to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Leukemoid reaction in a patient with COVID-19 infection: A case report

Rationale: COVID-19 usually presents with flu-like symptoms and signs, but some rare presentations like leukemoid symptoms cannot be ignored. Patient's concerns: A 37-year-old female presented to the outpatient department with flu-like symptoms. Diagnosis: The RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection was positive, while complete blood cell and peripheral blood smear showed leukemoid reaction. Intervention: Paracetamol and fexofenadine for flu-like symptoms and leukemoid presentation. Outcomes: On the 10th day, the patient was asymptomatic and RT-PCR was negative. So the patient was discharged and leukemoid presentation subsided after clearance of viral disease. Lessons: COVID-19 has a myriad of presentations, and unusual symptoms/signs especially in this pandemic could be induced by COVID-19 infection.

Online cross-sectional survey to assess the mental health and coping strategies used by health professionals during covid-19 pandemic

Background: COVID-19 poses a great challenge to the global health Care system all over the world. The contribution of your frontline worker toward defeating the pandemic is immeasurable on the other hand the health care professional also burdens up and faces disturbance in the mental and physical health. Methodology: Study was conducted with an objective to assess the mental health and coping strategies used by health professionals during COVID-19 Pandemic. A cross sectional survey design was used and sample was collected by Snowball sampling technique from different state and union territories of India. A total 106 healthcare professionals responded and enrolled themselves in the study. Result: in present study most of the participants 53(50.0%) reported moderate depression, 53(50.0%) moderate anxiety and 49 (46.2%) had mild stress. The data analysis reported that maximum numbers of participants had access to psycho-educational material like leaflet, brochure and books provided by the institution (60.4%) compared to (39.6%) who did not get this privilege, next, majority of the participant (76.4%) had availability of resources like internet, TV, newspaper, social media etc. More than half of the participants were able to avail counselling services (55.7%), psychotherapy (63.2%) etc. Conclusion: This pandemic has led to anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health issues among the people especially in health care profession. Mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression can adversely affect the physical health of the health professionals as well as their competency to care for sick.

TOCILIZUMAB (BIOSIMILAR) USE in CYTOKINE STORM of SEVERE COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

Background: Tocilizumab is an IgG1 class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). IL-6 is a key cytokine involved in cytokine storm of severe COVID-19. Tocilizumab down-regulates IL-6 preventing fatal and permanent damage to vital organs, significantly preventing COVID-19 related mortality and morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Tocilizumab (biosimilar) developed by Hetero Biopharma Ltd, India vs reference medicinal product (RMP)-Tocilizumab manufactured by Roche in cytokine storm of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study enrolled patients aged 18 to 65 years, with laboratory-confirmed, hospitalized, severe COVID-19 disease with elevated inflammatory markers not on mechanical ventilation. Patients were randomized (3:1 ratio) to receive either Test-Tocilizumab (Test) 8 mg/kg or RMP-Tocilizumab 8mg/kg, maximum 800mg, administered once on day 1. The primary endpoint was the cumulative proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation by Day 14. Secondary endpoints included 28 day mortality rate, proportion of patients with a 2-point decrease in WHO ordinal scale, time to clinical failure (death or required mechanical ventilation or withdrawn), change in inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, Ferritin and D-dimer) and duration of hospital stay in days. Safety endpoints included the incidence of adverse events;the proportion of patients discontinued the study due to adverse events and the incidence of any post-treatment bacterial and/or fungal infection. Results: Out of 211 patients screened, 172 patients were randomized (131 to Test and 41 to RMP) to receive Tocilizumab 8mg/kg. Patients were similar in both groups at baseline in terms of age, gender, weight etc. Fourteen (10.69%) patients in Test and 5 (12.20%) patients in RMP progressed to mechanical ventilation by Day 14 (p=0.7789). Overall, 9 (7.83%) patients died in Test vs 5 (13.16%) in RMP during 28 days follow up (p=0.3382). Clinical improvement was seen 62.60% and 77.10% vs 53.66% and 73.17% in Test vs RMP at day 14 and 28 respectively. The time to clinical failure was 6 vs 5 days and time to clinical improvement was 11 vs 11.5 days. Hospitalization duration was 12.9 versus 13.8 days in the Test and RMP. ARDS, Insomnia and Pain were most commonly reported adverse events. Conclusion: Tocilizumab biosimilar is comparable with RMP-Tocilizumab in preventing mechanical ventilation in severe COVID19 pneumonia patients.

Study Of Public Awareness About Immunity and Immunity Boosters Against Covid-19 In India

Since December 2019, the world has been under emergency due to novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Due to a lack of powerful preventative strategies (such as vaccinations) and pharmaceutical treatments, various preventive techniques have been implemented worldwide. Boosting the immune system is one of the most popular tools which has gained worldwide attention. However, the general public's impression is tainted by a lack of understanding of immune-boosting strategies and timetables. We carried out questionnaire-based research in India to assess people's actual knowledge of immunity and immunity-boosting techniques. The data analysis highlighted the idiographic convolutions in comprehending the various essential aspects affecting these people's immunity perception. The findings show that the general population understands the need to have a healthy immune system to combat any disease. More focus, however, is needed on false immunity-boosting claims and the careful implementation of immunity-boosting methods with professional advice. The study has the potential to address bottlenecks in reaching sustainable development objectives, notably United Nations' sustainable development goal three, which is Health and Well-being. Ensuring healthy lifestyles and encouraging well-being at all ages is critical to long-term development. The world is currently experiencing a global health catastrophe causing human distress, undermining the global economy, and upending the lives of billions of people worldwide. © The Electrochemical Society

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine and its self-reported adverse events: a cross-sectional study from Western Nepal

Background: There are various COVID-19 vaccines launched in different parts of the world. As the vaccination drive is increasing, the reports of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are increasingly reported. Therefore, this research aims to document the adverse events and their determinants following COVID-19 vaccination.

Prospective Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study to Assess the Effects of Nano-ozonized Hydrogen Peroxide Nebulization on Results of RTPCR for Novel Coronavirus thus Infectivity and Clinical Course among Moderately Sick COVID-19 Patients Hope in COVID-19 (Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation)

Importance: Given the high mortality and cost of health care, especially in isolation settings, the idea of using nebulized hydrogen peroxide may play a very significant role in inactivation of coronavirus, thus reducing the infectivity period leading to reduced requirement of isolation and improving morbidity and mortality in people suffering with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-2019). Aim and objective: Objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of nebulized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in reducing the viral load and disease severity of patients suffering with COVID-19. Design: Double-blinded randomized control trial. HOPE in COVID-19 study. Setting: Tertiary care COVID hospital (single center). Participants: Moderate sick COVID-19-positive patients were included in the study after they qualified the inclusion criteria. Intervention: Patients were nebulized using 1 mL of ozonized 3% H2O2 after diluting with 4 mL of normal saline three times a day for 5 days. The control group was nebulized with normal saline only. Main outcome: Outcome was assessed for reduction in oxygen requirement (number of days on oxygen), symptoms resolution (dyspnea, cough, and fever), and number of days it took to be RT-PCR negative for COVID-19. Results: The early data from trial showed promising trends toward a better outcome. The study showed that in the case group who were nebulized with hydrogen peroxide resulted in better outcome in terms of parameters assessed in the study and the differences from the control group were statistically significant (p ≤0.001, CI 95%). Outcome in the form of mortality (odds ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.02–3.14, p = 0.31, z = 1.007) was statistically insignificant. The number needed to treat for our study was 10.

Sustainable utilization of natural resources for socio-environmental resilience and transformation in the mountains of Nepal

Mountains of Nepal are rich in natural resources as well as shelter for many ethnic group and indigenous community. Mountain people depend on natural resources and unique landscapes to survive, to preserve a unique sense of identity, and to provide livelihoods for centuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented damage to the mountain economy given the immediate effect on ecotourism and remittance, which are the main source of income for communities in the mountains. People in mountains have been using indigenous and local knowledge for utilization of natural resources for their survival. Skilled manpower returning home from abroad can be beneficial and with the use of appropriate technology will be beneficial for those returning from the abroad due to various reasons. Sustainable harvesting of natural resources and various micro/small enterprises can be developed using the appropriate technology. These enterprises not only creates jobs but also can contribute to improve the local to national level economy. A new approach is required combining the science and engineering aspect with local communities contributing their local knowledge and practices, which can develop socio-environmental resilience-building and transformation in mountains of Nepal. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.

Increased delta variant SARS-CoV-2 infections in a highly vaccinated medical center in Japan.

The Delta variant has dominated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Tokyo, Japan from June 2021 to date. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness during the surge in Delta among 3,911 healthcare workers (HCWs) at a medical center of Tokyo with a high vaccination rate of 84.1%. With strict infection control protocols including universal masking, only a small number of cases among vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs were identified before June. As Delta spread in Tokyo, 16 cases among 3,289 fully vaccinated HCWs and 11 cases among 574 unvaccinated HCWs were reported in July and August (case rate in August: 4.0 vs. 19.2 per 1,000). All breakthrough cases were confirmed as Delta. While our study confirms a robust vaccine effectiveness of BNT162b2 vaccine against Delta, rising breakthrough cases suggest that continued infection control measures are warranted in higher risk environments, even when high rates of vaccination coverage are achieved.

Proactive Operation Strategy to enhance resiliency of Indian Power System during Super Cyclone Amphan

Power systems are designed to be operated under expected weather conditions. Unexpected weather conditions sometimes create widespread damage to the power system. The failure rate of equipment in power system along with redundancy and accuracy of forecasting decide the scope of damage. Eastern coast of Indian sub-continent experiences cyclones of varying intensity every year. These cyclones have severe impact on the infrastructure including the power infrastructure. The proactive operation strategy to counter each stage of uncertainty helps not only in managing the power system but also in early restoration. Amid the NCOVID-19 pandemic, Indian power system witnessed super cyclone named 'AMPHAN' which originated in the Bay of Bengal. The cyclone, after landfall passed through densely populated regions affecting the load centers. Cyclone of matching severity was last witnessed by India in the year 1999. The landfall of cyclone started during afternoon hours of 20th May 2020. The proactive action strategy based on past experience resulted in minimization of loss to electrical system and power supply outage. This paper presents the proactive measures taken by POSOCO and power utilities across all key sectors, viz., generation, transmission, distribution, during different phases of cyclone trajectory and the impact of cyclone on Indian power system. © 2021 IEEE.

The Future of Care Work: Towards a Radical Politics of Care in CSCW Research and Practice

Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Human- Computer Interaction (HCI) have long studied how technology can support material and relational aspects of care work, typically in clinical healthcare settings. More recently, we see increasing recognition of care work such as informal healthcare provision, child and elderly care, organizing and advocacy, domestic work, and service work. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored long-present tensions between the deep necessity and simultaneous devaluation of our care infrastructures. This highlights the need to attend to the broader social, political, and economic systems that shape care work and the emerging technologies being used in care work. This leads us to ask several critical questions: What counts as care work and why? How is care work (de)valued, (un)supported, or coerced under capitalism and to what end? What narratives drive the push for technology in care work and whom does it benefit? How does care work resist or build resilience against and within oppressive systems? And how can we as researchers advocate for and with care and caregivers? In this one-day workshop, we will bring together researchers from academia, industry, and community-based organizations to reflect on these questions and extend conversations on the future of technology for care work. © 2021 ACM.