Review on Signal Generation for Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (NF) is a scientific method that alters the brain states to improve mental disorders. Neurofeedback can perform through Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) which involves hardware, and software to communicate with the outside environment using the brain's thoughts. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has shown a substantial influence on mental health symptoms because individuals are working from home (WFH). However, A brain condition known as Mental Fatigue (MF) is induced by continuous cognitive work and lowers mental attentiveness as well as negatively affects performance. There are different approaches to address different mental states and Neurofeedback strategies to change mental states. Thus, Neurofeedback can be an Intervention technique to reduce mental fatigue and improve cognitive task performance. Furthermore, it is proven by researchers that Machine Learning Technique can successfully detect Mental Fatigue through electroencephalography (EEG). Currently, there is no BCI that integrated Mental Fatigue detection and applies Neurofeedback strategies to reduce Mental Fatigue. This review identified a neurofeedback process that includes signal acquisition, signal pre-processing, feature extraction, classification and generation of feedback signals. This review aims to develop a general architecture of mental fatigue intervention through BCI. © 2022 IEEE.

Ethnography of community governance: a case of COVID-19 response of an urban slum in Bangladesh

Although COVID-19 cases and deaths in different clusters of Bangladesh were increasing rapidly for most of the year 2020, surprisingly very few cases were reported in the urban slums, identified as the potential hotspots of Coronavirus. While the epidemiological puzzle of the low incidence of COVID-19 in slums remains unresolved, an ethnography in an urban slum in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, reveals how, in the context of indifference from the state, the slum dwellers themselves initiated several informal but robust interventions to tackle the pandemic. This study reveals the power of community governance from below, which we understand using ) concept of 'quiet encroachment' and ) argument about the role of informality in urban governance. To adapt to the pandemic situation, we applied an innovative 'peer research' approach for data collection.

Is Surgical Training Prepared for the "second Wave" of COVID-19? A Collaborative Perspective

Restructuring of surgical services during the 'first wave' of the coronavirus-disease 2019 pandemic led to significant disruption in surgical learning opportunities provided to junior surgeons. Recent challenges faced by trainees have never been faced before. These include disruption to surgical opportunities available, completing assessments and attending educational events. With a 'second wave' now upon the United Kingdom it is vitally important we reflect upon the 'first wave' to ensure junior surgeons are able to achieve appropriate surgical case numbers, complete assessments and progress to the next stage of training. Alternate assessment methods in the United Kingdom need to be considered should the pandemic continue and clear information should be provided to surgical trainees regarding career progression. These are difficult times for surgical training and we need to endeavor that trainees are provided with opportunities similar to their predecessors albeit in difficult circumstances. This is to ensure the future standard of surgical patient care remains of the highest standard.

Evidence-based review of safe theatre practice during the COVID-19 pandemic beyond personal protective equipment.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 remains a threat for a fear of a second pandemic. Emergency orthopaedic operations are still among the most commonly performed procedures with increased risk of transmission of SARS CoV-2 to the patients and the healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to present the evidence available into best practices limiting the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare setting during current and future pandemics. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed in multiple databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control), using 'COVID-19' with other relevant keywords in different combinations. Owing to the limited and heterogenous evidence available, data were presented in a narrative manner. FINDINGS: From the evidence gathered it was noted that a multimodal approach to minimising pathogen transmission is required. This primarily comprises the wider engineering and administrative controls to reduce the concentration of the pathogen and to separate staff and patients from it. Theatre isolation and traffic control bundling, theatre flow and logistics, ventilation and waste management form a pivotal role in the environmental/engineering controls. Administrative measures include policies for both patients and staff. For patients, isolation and preoperative screening are of utmost value. For staff, testing for COVID-19, risk assessment, redeployment and provision of persona; protective equipment, together with the necessary training are important administrative controls. CONCLUSION: We believe these measures are likely to improve the sustainability of resources and can be carried to elective settings in order to return to some form of normality and help to mitigate the effects of future pandemics.