ABSTRACT
The study aimed to explore the problems of teachers in teaching mathematical contents through the online mode during COVID-19 in Nepal. A cross-sectional survey study was carried out among 415 mathematics teachers from basic school to the university level. A self-constructed questionnaire was administered online, and the data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and the hierarchical multiple regression. The result shows that Algebra, Statistics, Vectors, Geometry, and Analysis are problematic areas for teachers teaching mathematics online. The institution types, ICT training status, and years of using the laptop by teachers at the secondary level were found to be the key factors determining the problem of mathematical content teaching during online instruction although the level of problems varied with respect to the teachers' age and experience at the university level. Copyright © 2022, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.
ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explores the implementation and adoption process of the use of digital devices and tools in teaching and learning before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Using Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory as a framework, the study examines the adoption and adaptation of digital devices by in-service secondary mathematics teachers (n = 62) and the teachers' perceptions of and preferences for instructional modalities. The findings suggest that, despite the increased reliance on digital devices during the pandemic, there is a lower likelihood of them being used in face-to-face classrooms in developing countries, such as Nepal. The adoption of online learning had not yet reached the adoption stage, even after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, online learning was not widely adopted by teachers in developing countries societies. The study also provides important insights into the challenges of and opportunities provided by using digital devices in post-COVID-19 classrooms, and its implications for policymakers and educators in Nepal. © 2023 by the authors.
ABSTRACT
Objective: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) omicron variant emerged as the third wave of concern for the entire world. In this study, we aimed to study the level of the understanding, awareness and perception of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and their caregivers (CG) regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19 disease using a self-reported survey questionnaire. Background(s): The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was reported after almost 2 years of COVID-19 emergence. Attempts to control COVID-19 infection have resulted in countries being placed under lockdown, with a focus on self-isolation. These factors have complicated the situation of patients with serious chronic conditions like Parkinson's disease, which are dependent on their caregivers and doctors for their checkups, activities of daily living and and drug administrations & dose adjustments. Further patients of PD with cognitive impairment, are particularly vulnerable to these social restrictions and potential loss of access to usual support systems. Method(s): We conducted a prospective study using a structured questionnaire involving patients with Parkinson's disease who visited and following treatment in our outpatient department of Neurology before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research was conducted from February 2022 to August 2022. Result(s): A total of 134 patients with the disease and 114 caregivers were assessed. Approximately, 4.5% of the patients and 1.8% of the CG got infected with Omicron-Covid 19. Almost 77% of the patients and CG were having knowledge about the omicron variant but nearly half (59.7%) of them did now knew the symptoms. Approximately, 95% of the patients did not experienced worsening of their symptoms after Covid vaccination. Majority of patients (95.5%) and their CG (98.2%) neither got any symptoms suggestive of Omicron, nor opted for testing. Approximately, 95% of patients opted physical medicine as preferable choice for consultation, and accuracy of assessment and treatment/ medicines were the reasons behind. Conclusion(s): Omicron variant came and went unknown to many people. According to the current observations from this study, no strong relation between the Covid vaccination, pandemic, omicron variant infection and symptoms of PD could be established. Further research on large number of patients should be planned and executed.
ABSTRACT
To keep up with the pace of renewable energy, PV Emulators are encouraged during the design and installation stages. Short circuit current, maximum power point and open circuit voltage are required to analyze the complete characteristic plot of PV panel.This paper focuses on the modeling and control of PV Emulators, as well as the comparison of the results obtained by implementing P,PI, PID and FOPID as conventional controllers with AI-based PSOPI, PSOPID and ANFIS controllers. This work will aid in minimizing time, cost and on-site constraints, allowing timely installation of PV panels after covid. Another distinguishing feature of this paper is the comparative analysis of designed models with various control strategies and their associated performance indices over complete range of PV characteristics. © 2023, National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The supply chain in the construction industry faces numerous constraints such as a lack of coordination, communication, collaboration, and technological advancement. Supply chain management is critical when products are transferred from one organization to another until they reach end users or consumers without being damaged, counterfeited, or delayed. Despite extensive research, little is known about the factors that will lead to better construction supply chain management. The reason for this examination is to make a bibliometric investigation in light of the verifiable solidification of distributions and branches of knowledge. It intends to recognize research trends, authers, nations, and organizations utilizing VOSviewer. The construction project all over the world have been uncovered in different manner by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper makes sense of how it is feasible to proceed with development work in this present circumstance. The relevant literature in the field of Blockchain in construction supply chain management is retrieved using the Scopus, Web of Science database as the research object. If the construction work carry on, the economic downturn will be decreased and unemployment will also be decreased. The mapping of Blockchain Construction Supply Chain Management scientific production enabled the visualization of networks of co-occurrence of keywords. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
This study explored the academic activities of academicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. An online questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 361 academicians about changes in academic and extracurricular activities. The findings showed that the majority of participants (69% and 72%) agreed that both academic and extracurricular activities, respectively, were adversely affected by the lockdown during the pandemic. The results also showed that the study hours, sleeping hours, and social networking increased while concentration on academic activities decreased during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The COVID-19 global pandemic had resulted in a rise in a spike of Mucormycosis (black fungus) in COVID-19 individuals and diabetes is a standalone risk factor for both severe COVID-19 and black fungus, especially in India. We sought to find out how often CAM (Covid 19-associated Mucormycosis) was among both diabetes and non-diabetic individuals. Method(s): The data was gathered from Kaushik pathology Lab, Barara, Ambala, Haryana. The study includes 300 patients divided into 2 groups. Both the groups comprise of 150 patients each. Group 1 consist of patients with diabetes whereas group 2 comprise of non-diabetic patients. Prevalence of CAM was then noted in both the groups. Result(s): The study showed that in group 1, 74.4% cases were reported as CAM and 25.6% cases were identified as non-CAM whereas in group 2, only 38.4% CAM cases were reported in non-diabetic patients and majority of them (61.6%) were evaluated as non-CAM. A significant difference was also observed between the prevalence rate of both the groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion(s): A significant difference in the CAM cases of both the groups was observed. Interestingly diabetic patients were found to be more prevalent to be infected with CAM. Further, it was concluded that New-onset diabetes was the predominant risk factor for CAM in our study. COVID-19 being other important ones for Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Many ocular manifestations such as conjunctival congestion and central retinal artery occlusion were noticed in covid and post-covid patients, ut a case of bilateral symmetrical intermediate uveitis in post covid patient has been very rarely reported till date. A 62-year old hypertensive female who suffered from COVID 19 illness complained of diminution of vision for both distance and near along with complaints of floaters in both the eyes three months after covid recovery. After carrying out detailed systemic and ophthalmic evaluation, she was diagnosed with bilateral symmetrical intermediate uveitis which responded very well to tapering doses of oral and topical steroids. Early diagnosis and intervention is very essential to treat a y ocular symptoms in post-covid patients to regain normal visual acuity. Key Messages: This is a very rare case of bilateral symmetrical intermediate uveitis in post-covid Indian patient which is responsive systemic and topical steroids. © 2022 Innovative Publication, All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction &Objective: In the ongoing Covid-19 era where physical distancing is utmost important, we assessed the feasibility of ambulatory tubeless supine mini-PCNL under spinal anaesthesia for stone size between 1.5 - 3 cm to minimise hospitalisation. Method(s): Between June 2020 to August 2021, total 284 patients underwent PCNL out of which 122 underwent ambulatory tubeless mini-PCNL. The inclusion criteria were those consented for study, size of the stone 1.5 - 3 cm, pre-operative Covid-19 negative test (CT-chest and RT-PCR). Those excluded were with solitary kidney, morbidly obese, active UTI, congenital abnormalities. Patient's demographics, peri-operative parameters, stone free rate, blood loss, pleural complications and requirements of auxiliary procedures were prospectively evaluated Results: All the patients underwent supine mini-PCNL in FOSML (Flank-Oblique Supine Modified Lithotomy) position through a single tract of size 14/16 Fr. In, 18 (15%) patients' additional tracts were made for inaccessible secondary stones. Holmium laser and pneumatic source of energy were used for fragmentation of stones. Supra 12th rib tracts were made in 23 (19%) patients while in remaining 99 (81%) had infra-costal tracts. Complete SFR (stone-free rate) was achieved in 112 (92%) under fluoroscopy and the remaining 10 (8%) needed auxiliary procedure to render stone free. Average total operative time was 44 +/- 15 minutes and no nephrostomies were placed. All patients were discharged within 24 hours of operation with only 7 (6%) patients required readmission within 48 hours of discharge with hematuria and were managed conservatively. No other major complications occurred except for mild fever in few. Conclusion(s): Ambulatory supine tubeless mini-PCNL under spinal anaesthesia is safe and effective in this uncertain rapidly spreading COVID-19 era to minimise hospitalisation. It should be recommended whenever feasible, and it is easy to adapt to this newer approach especially for urologist already performing supine PCNL.
ABSTRACT
Online teaching became an alternative approach for the teacher to run the teaching-learning activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, this study aimed to identify the issues of mathematics teachers in teaching mathematics through online mode during the pandemic where issues represented the problems and challenges. Altogether 415 mathematics teachers from different levels participated in this cross-sectional survey. A self-constructed tool consisting of six categories of problems as Skills and training related problems (STP), learner related problems (LRP), course management and evaluation related problems (CMERP), resource using skills and infrastructure related problems (RUSIP), teaching related problem (TRP), and support and collaboration related problem (SCP) was employed in the study. T-test, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regression were the major statistical techniques used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the technical skills and digital resources with the learners and teaching figures and curves were major challenges of mathematics teachers in online mode of instruction. Additionally, gender, number of available devices, institute types, teaching levels, ICT training, and types of job were explanatory factors to determine the challenges of mathematics teachers in online teaching during the pandemic. © 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
The nasal breathing parameters have shown promising applications in hyperventilation, Kussmaul breathing, sleep apnea, shortness of breath in the COVID-19, bradypnea, sinus arrhythmia, and breathing pranayama. However, a wearable setup, which is affordable, aesthetic, and accurate in real-time during various physical activities, is not available currently. The present work developed a novel, low-cost and wearable instrumented Nasal Temperature Sensing (NTS) device for measuring various breathing parameters. The proposed device was tested during controlled breathing exercises in seated position at three ambient temperature settings (18°C, 28°C, and 38°C). The device was further tested for standing and walking at various speeds including slow (1.5 km/h), medium (3.5 km/h), and fast (5.5 km/h). The NTS device is compared against a commercially available respiration belt (gold standard). The mean absolute error (averaged across subjects and ambient temperature settings) was 0.09±0.05 breaths per minute (bpm), 0.17±0.10 bpm, and 0.13±0.13 bpm for controlled breathing at 6 bpm, 12 bpm, and 18 bpm, respectively. The Root-mean-square between the NTS device and respiration belt across the subjects at the normal standing-position was 1.13±0.39 bpm. The results suggest that the proposed NTS device is accurate for real-time applications with the potential advantage of being robust enough to motion artifacts. IEEE
ABSTRACT
Learner-centered instruction is very important concept in virtual and face-to-face classes for enhancing academic performance of students. This research aims to study the status of learner-centered instructions followed by the teachers in online classes during the pandemic and its effectiveness on the mathematics achievement of the learners. The cross-sectional survey design was used by taking 2273 students by convenient sampling from basic to university level of Nepal. The t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression techniques were used to analyze the data. The finding of the study indicates that the learning-centered role of teachers was found to be high in mathematics teaching during the pandemic situation in Nepal however teachers are not habituated to give extra time in learning difficulties whereas the problem solving and creative role of teachers were found better as compared to other. Types of the institutions, teaching level, access to the internet, and having tablet are the determinants for the learner-centered instruction in teaching whereas availability of laptop and computer, types of institutions, and access to the internet have significant roles to determine the mathematics achievement. The findings of this research suggest that practice of learner-centered instruction would be useful and beneficial for the learners in online classes. © 2022 Eskisehir Osmangazi University. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to provide a low-cost technique for virus detection in wastewater by improving an aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation method. The releasing efficiency of viruses trapped by the aluminum hydroxide precipitates was improved by adding ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na) to dissolve the precipitates at a Na(2)EDTA center dot 2H(2)O:AlCl3 molar ratio of 1.8-3.6. The recovery rates of the improved method for seven viruses, including SARS-CoV-2-abEN pseudovirus and six animal viruses, were 5.9-22.3% in tap water and 4.9-35.1% in wastewater. Rotavirus A (9.0-4.5 X 10(3) copies/mL), porcine circovirus type 2 (5.8-6.4 X 10(5) copies/mL), and porcine parvovirus (5.6-2.7 X 10(4) copies/mL) were detected in China's pig farm wastewater, while rotavirus A (2.0 X 10(3) copies/mL) was detected in hospital wastewater. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in hospital wastewater (8.4 X 10(2) to 1.4 X 10(4) copies/mL), sewage (6.4 X 10 to 2.3 X 10(3) copies/mL), and river water (6.6 X 10 to 9.3 X 10 copies/mL) in Nepal. The method was automized, with a rate of recovery of 4.8 +/- 1.4% at a virus concentration of 10(2) copies/mL. Thus, the established method could be used for wastewater-based epidemiology with sufficient sensitivity in coping with the COVID-19 epidemic and other virus epidemics.
ABSTRACT
Objective: NA Background: COVID-19 associated thromboembolism has attained considerable interest in recent times. However, most studies focus on venous and pulmonary embolism only. We present a case of COVID-19 associated massive aortic thrombosis which presented as paraparesis mimicking transverse myelitis. Design/Methods: NA Results: This is a case of 42-year-old female presented with acute onset paraparesis with paraesthesia and back pain. She was provisionally diagnosed as a case of acute transverse myelitis. During evaluation she developed fever with respiratory distress. Her COVID RTPCR came positive, along with HRCT thorax showing evidence of viral pneumonia with severity score 13/25. She was shifted to COVID-19 facility and managed as per standard protocol. After stabilization, a repeat examination revealed discoloration in left lower limb which was also cold to touch. CT angiography revealed a massive thrombus in distal abdominal aorta extending up to left common iliac artery, while MRI Spine was normal. Patient was transferred to vascular surgery department for further management. To best of our knowledge this is first case reporting arterial thrombosis mimicking myelitis in COVID-19. Conclusions: To conclude, COVID-19 patients are susceptible to thrombosis and aortic thrombosis can mimic transverse myelitis in presentation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. We plan to assess the psychological impact of this pandemic in different groups of HCWs including female community health volunteers (FCHVs) at various types of health facilities in Nepal, factors associated with it and the degree of satisfaction with the ongoing mental health support system. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey with an option of telephone interview was conducted from June 20 to July 7, 2020. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, work related characteristics, substance use history, and degree of satisfaction with family, society and institutional support. Depression, anxiety, and stress scales (DASS-21) and the impact of events scale-revised (IES-R) tool were used to access the level of psychological impact. Linear regression was used to analyze factors associated with psychological outcome. RESULTS: Out of 608 respondents, the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 20.89%. 24.18%, 13.82%, and 15.46% respectively. Nurses had higher depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD scores while FCHVs had high depression and PTSD compared to doctors. For various types of health facilities, HCWs working in provincial-level hospitals had high-stress level. Similarly, "have to go into quarantine" and increased level of substance abuse were directly associated with poor psychological impact. Finally, 62% of HCWs did not have any institutional mental health support system. Among those who had institutional mental health support, 39.4% were not satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: We found mild to extremely severe level of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD among HCWs in Nepal. Urgent plans are required to mitigate the mental health risk caused by this current pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Zirconium alloys are used in various components of a nuclear fuel due to its irradiation strength and very less neutron absorption, these are used for production of clad tubes, end caps, end plates, spacer pads and bearing pads which are used in nuclear fuel cladding which are further used in the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) and Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). The rods before going for production of end caps should undergo swaging in order to reduce the diameter from 24mm to 16 mm. Swaging process includes the reduction of cross section of zirconium rods with annealing process at regular intervals to relieve stresses, so the operation is performed in a number of passes. It is preferred for production of rods over the other cold working process such as wire drawing and pilgering due to its unique advantages over crack formation and line defects. The rod which is being swaged undergoes centrifugal force due to the roller action and hammers in radial direction so force analysis is done in CATIA V5 R19. Apart from centrifugal action the rod undergoes various other forces which constitute to the production of rod by swaging, so in order to calculate the total load suitable practical measurements are suggested and one method is specified due to the constraint nature of the machine. Patient lines are frequent in medical care, and one indicator of access to healthcare is waiting time. We explain queuing theory - an empirical method that provides service providers with a lot of experience in the design and management of existing services. This paper focuses on the pattern of arrival and the facilities available in the hospital in Vijayanagara District. The most important purpose of this research was to provide policymakers with knowledge to contribute to the well-being of the population by reducing waiting time for service, in this study, the waiting time of patients in the ambient department was first analyzed with the M / M/ 1 queuing method. The entire world is spreading of coronavirus-COVID-19 has increased exponentially across the globe, and still, no vaccine is available for the treatment of patients. The crowd has grown tremendously in the hospitals where the facilities are minimal. The queue theory is applied for the Single-server system and its self-similarity existence in a queue used to identify the queue time, waiting time, and Hurst parameter by different patient arrivals methods Health care center in our local area located in Hospet, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. © 2022 Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the psychosocial health, to identify coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) specific concerns in people with diabetes and to analyze the changes in the management of diabetes during the corona crisis. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted for a period of 6 months among the South Indian diabetes population. A validated questionnaire containing socio-demographics, general health status, the diabetes distress scale 17, and the 3-itemUCLA loneliness scale was sent to 600 people, out of which 226 participants were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Responses were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: Among the participants, females had moderate to high diabetes distress (54.4%). The subjects in the age group of 40–59 years felt lonely and had more diabetes distress. The two major worries among the participants were that “they are labeled as a risk group” and that “they might be overly affected.” Participants with gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), DM duration of 7 months to 1 year, taking both medications (oral antidiabetic medication and insulin), HbA1c level of more than 8%, infected with coronavirus or having someone close to them infected with coronavirus, were more concerned about taking medication daily, and those who changed their meal plan during the corona period had the greatest concerns. Conclusion: People who participated in the survey were more worried about the COVID-19 situation and were very disturbed. Psychosocial consequences of COVID-19 were more prevalent in diabetes patients, including diabetes distress, loneliness, and changes in daily diabetes management.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has had a rapid impact on people's lives, affecting global trade and transportation. Protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a face mask has become the new normal. Many public service providers will need clients to wear masks to access their services in the near future. As a result, in today's culture, face mask detection is essential. This study proposes attaining the aim by utilizing some basic platforms such as Machine Learning packages such as TensorFlow, Keras, and OpenCV libraries. The goal of this project is to reliably detect the face in an image and then determine whether or not the individual is wearing a mask. In addition, the model can detect the existence of a mask in real time. The mask detection dataset was compiled using Internet resources, and a Google form was constructed to collect photographs with and without masks. We examine optimum parameter values for the Sequential Convolutional Neural Network model in order to correctly detect the presence of masks without causing over-fitting. On camera or in real time, we want to see if a person wearing a face mask is actually wearing one. © 2021 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectioncaused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). Since there is activation of both inflammatory and thrombotic pathways in this disease, indices derived from routinelymeasured blood parameters, whose role is established in severe sepsis,are being evaluated worldwide as potential prognostic markers.Aims &Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate the role ofAbsolute Neutrophil count (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Count(ALC), Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width(PDW), Plateletcrit (PCT), Platelet-large cell ratio(P-LCR), Neutrophil Platelet ratio (NPR) and Platelet Lymphocyte ratio (PLR) inpredicting survival amongst patients admitted with COVID-19infection.Materials &Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review ofall moderate to severely ill adult patients admitted with COVID-19pneumonia admitted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences,Bhopal, a tertiary care hospital in Central India from April 2020-November 2020. Information about their demography, clinical features, laboratory investigations and in-hospital survival were collectedfrom charts.Result: The study included 1331 patients, out of these 1181 weresurvivors (389 females;792 males) and 150 were non survivors (35females;115 males). Amongst the various parameters studied ANC,NPR and PCT were found to be significantly lower amongst thesurvivors as compared to the non survivors whereas ALC was significantly higher amongst the survivors.Conclusions: The results of the current study showed that ANC,ALC, NPR and PCT can be used as useful cost-effective prognosticmarkers in patients with COVID-19 infection.
ABSTRACT
The entire instructive framework from rudimentary to tertiary level has been imploded during the lockdown time of the novel Covid 2019 (COVID-19) in India as well as the entire world. This investigation is a depiction of online learning modes implemented by the Thakur College of Engineering and Technology for the measurement of learning and examination assessments. It anticipates a mentally enhanced chance for additional future scholastic dynamic during any affliction. The planned motivation behind this paper looks to address the necessary essentialities of internet/online instructing in training in the midst of the pandemic and how might existing assets of instructive foundations adequately change formal schooling into online schooling with the assistance of virtual classes and other significant online devices in this constantly moving instructive scene. The paper utilizes both quantitative and subjective way to deal with study the impression of instructors and understudies on web based educating learning modes and furthermore featured the execution cycle of web based educating learning modes. The estimation of this paper is to draw an all encompassing image of progressing midst of the pandemic flare-up in order to beat the persevering scholastic aggravation and thus guarantee the resumption of instructive exercises and talks as an ordinary course of method in the schooling framework. © 2021, Rajarambapu Institute Of Technology. All rights reserved.