Clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of severe COVID-19 ARDS patients supported by ECMO and triaged for lung transplantations

Objectives: More than 200 patients have benefited from lung transplantation who failed to recover from COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress (ARDS) with conventional ventilatory support and/ or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (ECMO) in USA. We aim to share our experience and lessons learned at our institute through this case series. Method(s): After IRB approval, we performed a retrospective chart review and identified 37 patients who received ECMO for COVID-19 induced ARDS between May 2020 through January 2022. Out of these, 12 received a formal consultation from the transplant team. We studied patient characteristics, interventions during ECMO support, and evaluation outcomes. Result(s): Most of our patients had single organ failure i.e., lung, except for two who required dialysis after ECMO initiation. Six out of the 12 patients received bilateral lung transplant. One patient received the transplant before ECMO initiation. However, the patient required two runs of ECMO after the transplant due to postop complications from suspected COVID19 reinfection and deceased on postoperative day 101. All the patients after transplant had an expedited recovery except one who required prolonged hospitalization before starting physical therapy. The median length of hospital stay for the transplant group was 148 (89- 194) days and for the non-transplant group was 114 (58-178) days. The 30-day survival rate was 100% for the transplant group. At a median follow-up of 207 (0- 456) days after discharge, 5(83.3%) patients in the transplant group and 3(50%) patients in the nontransplant group were alive. In the non-transplant group, 4 patients received ECMO support for more than 75 days and at last follow-up 2 were alive and functioning well without needing new lungs. This asks for an objective prospective study to define the timeline of irreversibility of the lung injury. Conclusion(s): Lung transplantation is a viable salvage option in patients with COVI-19 induced irreversible lung injury. However, the irreversibility of the lung injury and the timing of lung transplant remains to be determined case-by-case. (Figure Presented).

Computerized Face Mask Detection System Using Deep CNN and Transfer Learning

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is on the rise again with hazardous effects in China, it has become very crucial for global individuals and the authorities to avoid spreading of the virus. This research aims to identify algorithms with high accuracy and moderate computing complexity at the same time (although conventional machine learning works on low computation power, we have rather used CNN for our research work as the accuracy of CNN is drastically greater than the former), to identify the proper enforcement of face masks. In order to find the best Neural Network architecture we used many deep CNN Methodologies to solve classification problem in regards of masked and non masked image dataset. In this approach we applied different model architectures, like VGG16, Resnet50, Resnet101 and VGG19, on a large dataset to train on and compared the model on the basis of accuracy in which VGG16 came out to be the best. VGG16 was further tuned with different optimizers to determine the one best fit of the model. VGG16 gave an ideal accuracy of 99.37% with the best fit optimizer over a real life data set. © 2023 IEEE.

Linking Workplace Ostracism to Job Performance: A Conceptual Framework Considering the ‘New Normal' Situation

Workplace ostracism is a ubiquitous phenomenon that is present across the majority of organizations. However, it is often ignored, which results in dire consequences for the employees as well as the organizations. Workplace ostracism directly affects the job performance of employees. Also, after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are still adjusting to the "new normal.” As this situation has never been foreseen before, at this point in time, workplace ostracism is becoming an emerging issue across organizations today. This short communication aimed to delve deeper into the phenomenon of workplace ostracism, find out the relationship between workplace ostracism and the employees' job performance, and develop a conceptual model. This conceptual model has been developed with the help of extensive current literature review. The findings revealed that workplace ostracism had an impact on the employees' personal and professional facets, leading to the variation of employee performance. Also, moderating variables like external support, culture, and religiousness remarkably impacted the relationship between workplace ostracism and different facets. As a result, this study can be used as a reference for HR managers to develop strategies to impede the growth of workplace ostracism in their respective organizations. © 2023, Associated Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Farm sector financial ratios: pre-COVID forecasts and pandemic performance for 2020

This study compares 2020 values for farm sector financial ratios before and after the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Forecasts from the February 5, 2020, release of the USDA Economic Research Service's Farm Income and Wealth Statistics data product represent the pre-pandemic (before) forecasts. Those forecast values are compared to the data released on February 4, 2022, which represent the realized values for 2020 and include pandemic impacts on commodity demand and the policy response to the economic shock. Solvency ratios (which are indicators of the sector's ability to repay financial liabilities via the sale of assets) worsened in 2020 relative to pre-pandemic expectations. Efficiency ratios (which evaluate the conversion of assets into production and revenue) and liquidity ratios (which are indicators of the availability of cash to cover debt payments) showed mixed outcomes for the realized results in 2020 relative to the pre-pandemic forecasts. Four profitability ratios were stronger in 2020 relative to pre-pandemic expectations. All solvency, liquidity, and profitability ratios plus 2 out of 5 efficiency ratios for 2020 were weaker than their respective average ratios obtained from 2000 to 2019 data.

‘Buy Luxury’: Adapting the SHIFT Framework to Explore the Psychological Facets Enabling Consumers for Sustainable Luxury Consumption

This era of the global market is witnessing a new look for luxury products and services. There has been an accelerating shift in consumption patterns and consumer preferences for sustainable luxury products. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for changes in consumer behavior and adapting to a new way of living. Consumer trends have revealed that sustainability has become a key consideration in varied consumer segments when making their purchase decisions. Consumers’ drive for environmental stability, social responsibility, and ethical practices has well been reflected in their lifestyles today. Thus, companies are re-evaluating their products’ sustainability credentials and adopting a new paradigm of value creation to meet the changing psychological approach of consumers. This short communication delved into consumers’ psychological aspects that drive momentum towards sustainable luxury consumption. Here, the SHIFT framework (White et al., 2019) was adopted to highlight the subtle psychological facets of consumers that trigger them to embrace sustainable luxury consumption. The perspective presented a conceptual framework that indicated various psychological facets (atypicality, social desirability, life changes, need for uniqueness, self benefits, sense of accomplishment, pro-environment nature, personal experience of others, and consideration of legacy) of a consumer, which influence sustainable luxury consumption. © 2022, Associated Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Intrusion Detection System for Local Networks - A Review Study

Cyber security is the implementation of smart technologies to safeguard computer systems, mobile devices, communication networks or most importantly the sensitive and confidential data saved in those systems or devices from various types of cyber-attacks, unauthorized access, hackers or intruders. Cyber security can also be considered as a subset of information security because information security is a general term. It aims to protect a wider domain which includes all kinds of information assets either hard copy or soft copy. The recent accelerating rise in digitalization due to Covid-19 has brought in many new challenges. The amount of personal data present on the web due to the same has raised concerns among users. However, it's not only the personal data that is a matter of concern but also the dataset which is given as input to numerous machine learning and deep learning models. Local networks are prone to attacks and intrusion activities now more than ever. As a result, cyber security experts have been working on the development of more complex monitoring systems and algorithms for the detection and prevention of such activities. Various technologies like machine learning and deep learning might play a significant role in improving cyber security. It can help in analyzing patterns and improving the models for recognizing similar attacks in future. This research work aims to study intrusion detection systems in detail and differentiate between intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems and firewalls as IDS and IPS are commonly regarded as the same thing. It also highlights the previous works related to this subject along with their suggested methods. © 2022 IEEE.

A Metaheuristic Approach to Emergency Vehicle Dispatch and Routing

Accidents and emergency situations have been on a constant rise, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, the emergency vehicle dispatch and routing problems involve various dynamic factors which make them very different from conventional vehicle routing problems. This paper presents a metaheuristic approach to emergency vehicle dispatch and routing. Dispatching aims at allotting and sending the nearby available vehicle to the location of emergency and routing deals with selecting the ideal route to reach the destination. The objective is to minimize incident response time and the total time travel for the vehicle from the dispatch point to the destination. This usually depends on the emergency service vehicle availability and other dynamic factors such as traffic, number of turns in the route, etc. Three different bio-inspired algorithms, namely, ant colony optimization, adaptive ACO and firefly algorithm are investigated. Performance evaluation shows that firefly algorithm outperforms the other algorithms in terms of cost, number of turns, and run time for the given data set. However, in case of larger datasets and multiple variables if involved, adaptive ACO gives better results but takes longer time.

Economic losses due to meat processing plants shutdown/slowdown

Temporary closure and slowdown of US meat processing plants due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in euthanasia or depopulation of livestock. This article outlines the methods of depopulation, and the federal programs to offset the associated costs and lost production value;and estimates the economic losses in 2020.

Immunity boosting functional foods to combat COVID-19

In this book, several functional foods or food ingredients, their mechanism of immune enhancing properties and use in food products have been discussed through seventeen chapters written by eminent authors. There are several medicinal plants which have significant role for immunity boosting such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Shatavari, Giloy, Aloe vera, Amla, Neem, licorice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, black cumin, cinnamon, sage, thyme,fenugreek, peppermint, black pepper, clove etc. These have been discussed in detail. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Narendra Publishing House;individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.

Potential use of curcumin to combat COVID-19

In recent time's novel corona virus (CoV) have created an emergency throughout the world. It periodic transmission of CoV introduces the current risk to human health and global economy. Since no fruitful treatment for this infection has not introduced yet. Present review study is carried out to deliver the health promoting effect of curcumin including its activity as an antiviral agent. Curcumin, the pigment present in turmeric has tremendously studied by the researcher from various aspects. It can be extracted from turmeric by several processes. The corona virus provoke pneumonia is connected with unreasonable inflammatory response. In the lung the inflammatory response is known as cytokine storms. Acute Lung Injury (ALI), and Pulmonary oedema are the consequences of the cytokine storms. Curcumin have antiviral, anti-inflametory activity andantioxidant properties that also used as a therapy of ALI/ acute respiretory distress syndrome (ARDS). Due to lower water solubility and biological availability researchers are developing various biocompatible formulations like liposome, cellulose, non emulsionetc. As a nutritional supplement curcumin with vitamin c and zinc could be a powerful weapon against corona virus infection. However, to prove the fact a large amount of clinical trials is required. © 2021, Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, India.

Tulsi-A potential immune boosting functional food ingredient to combat COVID-19

Now a days coronavirus is the most discussed topic in everywhere and recent outbreak in the worldwide. At first it was found in Wuhan city, China and then spreaded every corner of the world like a wildfire and finally it becomes pandemic. Coronavirus is basically RNA strands which creates acute respiratory problem. It spreads from human to human which is known as zoonotic transmission. The only way to break the spreading of this chain is social distancing and takes some important precautions like wearing face musk, frequent washing hands by soap etc. Till now there is no vaccine or medicine available, only symptomatic treatment is the only way to cure. Immunity boosting is the most important way to combat COVID-19. Even health experts also revealed that poor immunity is the reason to death by this virus. So, balanced diet, therapeutic diet, adequate sleep, meditation and yoga plays important role to improve immunity power of the human body system. In this regards, Tulsi (Ociumsanetum) also plays an important role to boost immunity system as it has many important medicinal properties. This article shows the medicinal importance and characteristics of Tulsi to combat COVID-19 by immunity boosting. © 2021, Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, India.

Boosting immunity by Liquorice (Yashtimadhu) in COVID-19 pandemic situation

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused due to corona virus that spreaded world-wide and became a pandemic. Currently several studies are going on to search appropriate drugs or vaccine to prevent these disease. To search the plant based medicines which have antiviral and Immunomodulatory properties that prevent the viral infected disease. Liquorice root is used worldwide as an herbal medicine. This root commonly known as sweet wood, Mulethi or Yashtimadhu. Various active components like glycyrrhizin, isoflavonoids, triterpenoids, sterol, amino acid etc that have antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Liquorice has the ability to reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin, TNFa, and stimulate the secretion of lymphocyte. SARS-CoV2 and SARS-CoV have the same receptor ACE2. Glycyrrhetinic acid helps to down regulate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in lungs and prevent the entry of virus. Liquorice polysaccharide helps to modulate our immune system by the activation of CD4 T cell. In this present study we reviewed about the Immunomodulatory effect of liquorice that helps in healthy living in pandemic situation. © 2021, Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, India.

Use of ashwagandha to boost immunity to combat COVID-19

The use of Ashwagandha plant extracts may be helpful due to its defensive antibody against virus like corona virus. In this time world is suffering from COVID-19. It has become crucial to keep ourself safe and healthy. Ashwagandha may be recommended for use as positive immunomodulator and it can also be used to destroy the COVID-19 virus. Despite, the ambiguity, it can be said that Ashwagandha is safe enough to use as an herbal remedy for COVID-19 prevention. Now the Ashwagandha food products (Ashwagandha tea, coffee, moonmilk, honey etc) may control the COVID-19 disease. © 2021, Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, India.

Antiviral drugs prioritization for COVID-19 management based on rational selection

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has resulted in COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. It has infected around 0.1 billion individuals and caused 2 million fatalities across the globe till mid-January 2021. Drug repurposing has been utilized as the most preferred therapeutic intervention for COVID-19 mitigation due to its necessity and feasibility. To prioritize therapeutic regime against COVID-19, we used 61 antiviral drugs and their combinations. Selected molecules were subjected to virtual screening against: (i) human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor binding domain (hACE-2) which serves as an anchor for virus attachment and entry, (ii) SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) responsible for viral RNA replication, and (iii) SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M-Pro) needed for viral polyprotein slab proteolytic processing. Based on docking score, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters, combinations of Daclatasvir, Elbasvir, Indinavir, Ledipasvir, Paritaprevir and Rilpivirine were analysed further. Our analysis suggested Sofosbuvir in combination with Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir as potential therapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2. The combined score suggests that these combinations have superior anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential than Remdesivir and other investigational drugs. The present work provides a rationale-based approach to select drugs with possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity for further clinical evaluation.