Urban Green Space for Sustainable Environmental Health in Relation to Pandemic Crises

Trace the timeline of a pandemic such as Ebola, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2. All these extremely infectious viruses led to a worldwide pandemic starting in 2002. All these three viruses are transmitted to humans by animals from the jungle. The novel human coronavirus COVID-19 is now the fifth documented pandemic since the 1918 influenza pandemic. Questions about pandemics are on the rise these days, and it is widely discussed in the media. Recently, awareness about urban green spaces is rising in this era, and numerous researchers claim that appropriate landscape planning and design with the conception of sustainability able to produce a beneficial and responsive environment for healthy urban improvement in relation to pandemic crises. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of urban green spaces for sustainable environmental health. The result shows that the role of urban green spaces improves immune system function, increases social capital and cohesion, reduces mortality, and increases life expectancy, reduces potential negative health impacts, and makes urban beautification healthier. In addition, the finding shows the benefits of urban green spaces in pandemics, for example improving mental health and stress reduction, improving physical health, decreasing the risk of disease transmission, and improving social cohesion.

PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS: A FOCUSED REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS IN RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

The principal function of food is to provide sufficient nutrients to achieve healthy diets and give a sense of fulfillment and health to people. The prevalence, seriousness, predicted patterns and economic effects of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, COVID-19, and other such diseases pose a serious public health challenge. The use of, among many other therapies, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and radiation can induce alterations and influence the gastrointestinal biome. Therefore, it would be a very enticing choice to re-establish microbial balance and avoid disease if favorable microorganisms are introduced in the GIT. Probiotic and prebiotic ingredients have been the focus of substantial studies in recent decades in human nutrition with therapeutic potentials. The number of studies on possible health advantages that come via the use of probiotics and prebiotics has improved dramatically in the last few years. The concept of probiotic products has emerged from a live active culture that enhances the balance of the intestinal microbiota composition and the immunomodulatory capacity of clearly specified strains, to specific results. Prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates that beneficially alter the composition or metabolism of intestinal microbiota. Therefore, prebiotics is supposed to improve wellness like probiotics but at the same time are economic, less toxic, and easier to introduce into the diet than probiotics. These are used to prevent and cure different medical problems and to encourage general well-being. © 2023,Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology. All Rights Reserved.

Informal collaborative learning (ICL)–student perspectives on the role of informal collaborative learning ICL in higher education

The Covid 19 pandemic requires critical re-evaluation of the way Higher Education can help students maximise their learning to adjust and adapt to a new reality. This requires a holistic approach which extends beyond consideration of student learning in formal settings to understanding the role informal learning can play. Whilst research exists on informal independent learning, less focus has been placed on how students collaborate informally as part of their learning process. In this study interviews with HE students in Spain and the UK offer insight into variable but beneficial informal collaborative learning (ICL) practices. The value attributed to ICL emphasises its potential contribution to the current educational landscape and the merit of recognising it as a distinct concept. Further, uneven access and the role of learner maturity signal the potential for universities to enhance learning and increase access by playing an active a role in developing ICL skills and personal networks. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Experimental analysis of machine learning methods to detect Covid-19 from x-rays

To automate the detection of covid-19 patients most have proposed deep learning neural networks to classify patients using large databases of chest x-rays. Very few used classical machine learning methods. Machine learning methods may require less computational power and perform well if the data set is small. We experiment with classical machine learning methods on three different data sources varying in size from 55 to almost 4000 samples. We experiment with four feature extraction methods of Gabor, SURF, LBP, and HOG. Backpropagation neural networks and k-nearest neighbor classifiers are combined using one of the four combining methods of bagging, RSM, ARCx4 boosting and Ada-boosting. Results show that using the proper feature extraction and feature selection methods very high performance can be reached using simple backpropagation neural network classifiers. Regardless of combiner method used, the best classification rate achieved was 99.06% for the largest data set, and 100% for the smallest data set.

IoT based Conveyor belt design for contact less courier service at front desk during pandemic

During pandemic different kind of virus is spread through contact. Exchange of different goods, documents and different components need to be transfer from one place to other place or country to country through courier / postal service. For the protection of front desk or office people from the pandemic, we can design a conveyor belt at front desk of courier offices. In this conveyor belt we can arrange barcode readers, microcontroller interface actuators, and GSM shields. Such that at front office employees need not to touch the objects. They generate a barcode for customer, customer need to place the barcode sheet on their consignment and keep on the conveyor belt. This conveyor belt will guide the consignment based on barcode reader and it can separate the consignments for local and international transfer. And any objection for the consignment an SMS will be sent to correspondent customer. © 2022 IEEE.

The Sustainability of Urban Green Space during Pandemic Crises

The pandemic issue is frequently discussed in the news or mass media. In 2002, Ebola, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2 were highly infective viruses that caused a global pandemic, according to the pandemic chronology. Animals in the forest spread each of these viruses to people. Since the 1918 influenza pandemic, the unique human coronavirus COVID-19 has caused the fifth documented pandemic. In this era, there has been an increase in public awareness about urban green spaces. Many studies suggest that proper landscape planning and design with a sustainable mindset may provide a helpful and responsive environment for healthy urban improvement during pandemic crises. Thus, this study aims to look into the functions of urban green spaces for long-term environmental health, especially during pandemic crises. The research revealed that urban green spaces improve immune system performance, promote social capital and cohesiveness, reduce mortality, lengthen life expectancy, and potential adverse health impacts. The findings also emphasised various advantages of urban green spaces during pandemics, such as enhanced mental and physical well-being, less risk of disease transmission, and enhanced social cohesion. In summary, urban green space sustainability may support a healthy environment and lifestyle in metropolitan areas amid pandemic crises. © 2023 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved.

Dynamical characteristics of Amphan and its impact on COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh

In May 2020, a category-5 tropical cyclone (TC) Amphan formed in the Bay of Bengal and struck the coasts of India and Bangladesh. In this study, the relevant dynamic characteristics and aftermaths of Amphan are documented. Through detailed investigation of the reanalysis and observation data, spatiotemporal varying characteristics of the atmospheric and oceanic parameters during the Amphan propagation process were analyzed. Due to a wide range of high sea surface temperature anomaly, Amphan developed rapidly and ultimately led to the local heavy precipitation and strong winds in the coastal areas during its passage. It is also noted that the recorded wave height, wave period, and current speed all amplified when Amphan passed by and the characteristics of wave and current directions are also consistent with the temporal variation of the corresponding wind field. Meanwhile, Amphan occurred in accompany with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In Khulna Division of Bangladesh, the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases increased rapidly after Amphan landing, which however was almost nil before the event, indicating there might exist a possible correlation between Amphan and the intensive outbreak of the local COVID-19, and particular attentions should be paid to deal with the multi-type, coexisting disasters if different or even conflicting measures are required. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.

Management of Urogynaecological Problems in Pregnancy and Postpartum Period during Covid

Background: Urogynaecological problems are the gynae related disorders of urinary system which affect women during pregnancy and postpartum period. Covid-19 also had an impact on these disorders. Objective(s): The main objective of this study is to find out how urogynaecological problems occur in pregnancy and postpartum period and how these problems were managed during covid 19. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration: Gynaecology and Obstetrics department of Al-Nafees Medical College and Hospital, Islamabad, from 5th February 2020 to 6th August 2021. Method(s): We included 220 pregnant women in our study. Their age, body mass index, gestational age, mode of delivery, fetal age at the time of delivery were measured. Prevalence of urogynaecological problems in pregnant women was also noted. Among these 220 females, 50 females got infected with covid. We compared their complications with complications of pregnant women who weren't infected with covid. Result(s): Body mass index of pregnant women with urogynaecological problems was 22 to 36 kg/m2. 12 to 14 kg weight increased during pregnancy. Gestational age at delivery was 38 to 42 weeks. Fetal weight was 2 to 4 kg at the time of birth. 62% women had vaginal mode of delivery while 38% had cesarian. Prevalence of urinary tract infections was 7%, stress urinary incontinence was 18 to 70%, uterine prolapse was 5 to 8% in pregnant women. 45% pregnant women had increased micturition frequency. Their were also some chances of formation of renal stones during pregnancy. Pregnant women who got infected with covid -19 had to face several other complications as well. These complications were managed with hygiene behaviour, balanced diet, exercise and medications. Conclusion(s): Urogynaecological problems are commonly found in pregnant women due to enlargement of kidneys and increased GFR during pregnancy. During pregnancy, uterus size increases which leads to compression of ureters and increased bacterial growth. Increased growth of bacteria causes urinary tract infections. Vaginal mode of delivery increases the risk of uterine prolapse. Covid-19 also had an impact on urogynaecological problems. These problems were managed during pandemic by avoiding direct contact. Copyright © 2022 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Perception of Medical Students towards online Teaching During the Covid-19 Pandemic from M.R Medical College, Kalaburgi, Karnataka

Introduction: The nationwide lockdown restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 disease have impacted all aspects of life wherein medical education has also been affected. Such measures have resulted in a sudden shift in teaching methods towards online teaching. Timely feedback from the students and faculty and analysis of the feedback will improve the effectiveness of online teaching and learning. Aim(s): 1. To assess the barriers and benefits that students found during online classes. 2. To assess the challenges faced by the students in transition from traditional to online learning. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross sectional study for 2 months (July 2021-August 2021) at Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburgi. among 150 Students from the 3rd year MBBS, Data was collected from a Questionnaire in google form format from the students. Result(s): 20% of participants found online learning was not effective for medical subjects. 60% found it to be stressful. 76% of students had device of their own and 14% had to share with others. Conclusion(s): It is important therefore that medical colleges are aware of the barriers and provide appropriate solutions to the development of this type of learning and support the use of online learning amongst staff and students. Timely feedback from the students and faculty and analysis of the feedback will improve the effectiveness of online teaching and learning. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.

Development of functional cotton fabric by simultaneous dyeing and finishing with a novel bioactive reactive dye

Bioactive textiles garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic owing to their antimicrobial properties. However, the fabrication and utilization of bioactive textiles have had a toxic impact on the environment due to the leaching of bioactive agents during laundering. In this study, a novel functional bioactive reactive dye was synthesized using an antibacterial agent covalently linked to a triazine reactive group for the simultaneous dyeing and finishing of cotton fabric. The molecular structure of the synthesized dye was characterized using FTIR, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, MS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The dye was applied to the cotton fabric using the exhaust dyeing method. The antibacterial efficacy of the powder dye and dyed fabric against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was estimated according to standard test protocols. The color strength (K/S), colorimetric data (L*, a*, b*, C*, H*) measurement, ultraviolet protection, and colorfastness properties of the dyed fabric were also evaluated. The synthesized powder dye revealed an outstanding antibacterial activity and killed 99.99% of bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus). The dyed fabric showed excellent antibacterial activity before washing as well as after 20 industrial laundry cycles and showed that there was no significant reduction in antibacterial activity, establishing non-leaching of the antibacterial agent into the environment. The dyed fabrics before and after washing showed excellent ultraviolet protection values (>50), better dye fixation, and fastness properties. The current study has established a sustainable process to develop bioactive textiles that do not leach bioactive agent into the environment.

The Efficacy of Conservative Management in Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis - A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background Acute appendicitis remains the most common cause of lower abdominal pain leading to emergency visits. Even though the standard treatment of acute appendicitis remains appendectomy, in recent times, multiple randomized control trials and meta-analyses have deduced conservative treatment as a successful alternative treatment. During the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic, with a shortage of staff and resources, treatment with conservative management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis became very beneficial under certain circumstances and conditions. This study aimed to assess whether it is effective to manage patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis with antibiotic therapy. Methodology This was a single hospital based retrospective, cross-sectional study from Jan 2015 to May 2020. Patients with clinical and radiological features of uncomplicated acute appendicitis with Alvarado's score >6 were included in the study. Patients were kept on antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and analgesia as part of a conservative regime. Those who failed to respond to conservative therapy were managed surgically. The follow-up period was six months. Results One hundred eighty-two cases of uncomplicated acute appendicitis were included and managed conservatively, of which 52.2% were males while 47.8% were females. The median age of the patients was 26 years. Conservative treatment was successful in 26.2% of the patients, with a recurrence of 5.5% in the six-month follow-up period. The mean number of days of hospital stay was three days in patients treated with conservative or surgical treatment. Conclusion Conservative management is gaining popularity, and many centers are inclined towards non-operative management; however, appendectomy remains the gold standard treatment for appendicitis.

Assessing the impacts of local intention on community-based wildlife ecotourism in Tangkahan, Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) and the development strategy in the post- COVID-19 outbreak

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been implemented to evaluate the structure of behavioral change of the local communities in the forest and wildlife conservation program in Tangkahan, the eastern part of GLNP. This study has the purpose to reveal the determinant factors of local community behavior to support forest and wildlife conservation through ecotourism activities and to formulate a strategy to recover wildlife ecotourism in the post-COVID-19 outbreak. The study was conducted in Tangkahan through a survey method to collect the data. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. This study found that the determinant factors of behavioral intention are the conservation attitude and perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention significantly affects the behavior to participate in conservation activities. To improve the visiting number and the ecotourism service in Tangkahan in the post-COVID 19 outbreak, the community should transform and develop the management system from a conventional to virtual/digital method, develop and follow the COVID-19 protocol of ecotourism, re-arrange the ticket fee and the tour packages to cope with domestic visitors and improve the access to the area by constructing the roads and provision of transportation services.

Impact Of Different Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies For Reducing Antimicrobial Resistance And Antimicrobial Uses - A Systematic Literature Review

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global warning to social wellbeing. Antimicrobial stewardship Intervention is evident to provide a good effect on AMR. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) have been established to minimize the usage of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, and healthcare expenditure. Prospective audits with feedback, formulary restriction/preauthorization along with many other supportive elements are found effective techniques of antimicrobial stewardship programme. However, the proportional effect of different techniques is unclear. This ASP strategies utilization is compared in hospital setting and adult hospital units implementing ASP have provided much evidence demonstrating their value. This study includes the effectiveness of various explicit AMS strategies, measuring the outcome in various clinical setups such as reducing antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use.The death toll from COVID-19 is the highest of any other respiratory virus outbreak but Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) and deadly resistant pathogens outbreaks could be at any point of time.Even in this present antibiotic era required primarily require combat it andstrong vigilance is also desired. The primary objective of this study is to enhance patient care and to lower medical expenses, but the ultimate objective is to safeguard already available and newly developed antibiotics against the threat of AMR. It has been noted that Prospective Audit and Feedback (PAF) intervention is one of the most often employed strategies among all other interventions of AMS. Although this is time-taking, it is accepted by physicians for more than formulary restrictions and pre-authorization procedures. There have been several digital initiatives to support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), while they have been concentrated on individual interventions.Pre-authorization or recommended formulary limitation was found in 31% of all trials. 20% of these studies implemented this intervention independently, and many trials were also undertaken in conjunction with other interventions mostly in addition to training and education. Using the available pool information, we observed in various strategies a significant reduction in antimicrobial resistance and a reduced Days of Therapy (DOT)/Length of Treatment (LOT) ratio. Formulary restriction limited the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics without any major causality. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Investigating levels of inflammatory biomarkers between SARS-CoV- 2 vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects

Background: To curb the threat of COVID-19, vaccines of different forms and shape have been developed and assessed for their efficacy in the last one and a half year. Amongst those Inactivated viral vaccines developed in China, Sinopharm and Sinovac are the most frequently employed vaccines in Pakistan. It has been established that natural infection and certain forms of SARS-CoV- 2 vaccine alters the clinical picture of blood. Aim(s): In this study we have compared the levels of three inflammatory biomarkers namely PAI-1, D-Dimer and HAI-IgG in the sera collected from SARS-CoV- 2 Vaccinated and unvaccinated Subjects. Method(s): Briefly, 80 individuals, each as a cohort of SARS-CoV- 2 vaccinated and unvaccinated were recruited with written consent after ethical approval for the study. From each subject 2 ml blood was drawn and plasma was separated to assess inflammatory biomarkers like PAI-1, D-Dimer and HIA IgG by ELISA. Additionally, platelets count were also monitored using automated counter. Result(s): Our data show difference in the level of PAI-1, D-Dimer and HIA-IgG between SARS-CoV- 2 Vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects. However, the difference was found statistically in significant. Nevertheless, segregating the data based on the nature of vaccination, age and gender of the subjects shows interesting pattern that could be insightful in relation to the clinical outcome of the vaccine efficacy. Conclusion(s): The findings in this regard could well be of clinical value, especially when the data is stratified with reference to different variables. Therefore, large scale studies are warranted with same, and few additional biomarkers would be of more resolving in relation to the host response against SARS-CoV- 2 vaccination.

Abridging molecular system network of COVID-19 and thrombosis

Background: The advance pathology of SARS-CoV- 2 infection entails engagement of blood related ailment including thrombosis as secondary clinical manifestation. SARS-CoV- 2- Human protein-protein interactome has been explored. Dysregulation of the several proteins and mutations in the genes have been linked with the incidence and progression of thrombosis. Aim(s): Aim of the investigation is to develop and functionally analyze a combine molecular network of SARS-CoV- 2- Human and Thrombosis to delineate candidate molecule that could later be used for the prognosis and therapeutic intervention. Method(s): Briefly, two separate system networks were developed, one for over 500 humans protein that have shown to interact with the viral genome and 26 different proteins encoded by SARS-CoV- 2 genome. The second network is based on the genes tagged for being aberrated genetically and/or in terms of expression in thrombosis. Both networks were combined as a singular entity after removing the redundant repetition and orphans' nodes and edges by selective enrichment. The network then be dissected in different modules primarily based on the promiscuity of the nodes. Complete network and each module were assessed for in betweenness and shortest path length of edges. Result(s): The data shown over 700 genes could be coalesced as a single network providing a molecular interplay that may underpin SARS-CoV- 2 associated thrombosis. Over 16 modules were observed in the network with important candidate genes of thrombosis have been identified as hub due to the inter modular abridging potential. Identification of hub genes was further substantiated with the pathlength distance, lack of orphan edges and partner protein promiscuity. Biological functions and KEGG analysis of the holistic network and modular compartment further strengthen the predicted candidate gene status as central to the disease biology. Conclusion(s): Candidate genes identified in the study could later be used as markers for prognosis of the pathology of COVID-19 for thrombosis and/or developing therapeutic intervention.

Association OF ACE2, AT1R genes with COVID-19 and diabetes Mellitus

Covid-19 Coronavirus has the highest transmission rate and mortality risk compared to other pandemic illnesses. Diabetes, on the other hand, was one of the most common disorders among people. As a result, diabetes patients infected with covid-19 are the persons who are most afflicted by the condition when compared to others. The present study was aimed to elucidate the association between covid-19 infection and type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients. The findings of thisstudy referto the association between Covid-19 patients with diabetes and patients with Covid-19 only. A case study was conducted between October-December (2021) on samples of COVID-19 and COVID-19+ diabetes. cases were collected in Babylon from Marjan Medical Hospital and Turkish Teaching Hospital. The number of samples was 92 samples, 31 blood samples from healthy people (3 females, 28 males), 30 samples infected with COVID19 (16 females, 14 males), and 31 samples infected with COVID-19+ diabetes mellitus (16 females, 14 males). The results showed the distribution of ACE2, AT1R genes of control, covid-19 patients, and diabetes mellitus patients infected with covid-19. where the ACE2 (ID;DD) group showed significant differences in three groups while the II and I groups don’t show any significant differences, the statistical analysis was made according to qi-square at (p-value≤ 0.05). The ACE2 D genotype was the dominant genotype (72.6%, 85%, and 54%) for the control, covid-19, and diabetes with covid-19 respectively, followed by DD, ID and I genotypes. And in the AT1R gene showed that DNA polymorphism between control and patientsthe findingsshow that there is no link between DNA polymorphisms and the number of bands in patients as compared to the control groups. There were significant differences (P-value ≤ 0.01) between control, COVID-19 patients, and COVID-19 diabetic patients in terms of AT1R polymorphism frequencies We observed that diabetes mellitus patients infected with Covid-19 had a much higher level of inflammatory proteins and diabetes-related parameters than patients infected with Covid-19 alone, rendering them more prone to illness and mortality. © 2022, ResearchTrentz Academy Publishing Education Services. All rights reserved.