Comparison of Knowledge and Practices among University Students of Allied Health Sciences and Engineering Departments in University of Lahore, Pakistan about Corona Virus Disease

Background: Corona Viruses is a group of viruses that cause diseases in both humans and mammals and are known to cause chronic respiratory diseases. The viruses among them include SARS, MERS and COVID-19. The most recent pandemic was a result of COVID-19. Older people and those with underlying medical problems are more likely to develop serious illness. Objective(s): To compare the knowledge and practices of Allied Health and Engineering students of the University of Lahore about Corona Virus Disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted on 326 students studying in Allied health Sciences and Engineering departments of UOL. The data was compiled in SPSS, version 24 for analysis. Result(s): The students of Allied Health Sciences had a better understanding and were more aware of COVID-19, its percussions and the methods to prevent its spread than of the Engineering Students. More than half of the Engineering students have found to have less understanding about the causative agent of the COVID-19 and similar trend was found in other categories. Health sciences students showed higher tendency towards hands hygiene practices than engineering students. Practical implication: Lessons learned from different outbreaks of infectious diseases suggested that knowledge and practices towards infectious diseases are associated with level of panic emotion among the population, which can further complicate attempts to prevent the spread of the disease. To facilitate outbreak management of COVID-19 in Lahore, Pakistan, there is an urgent need to understand the public's awareness of COVID-19. Keeping these considerations in mind this research was kicked-off to gauge the knowledge and practices of these medical and engineering students about Corona virus disease. Conclusion(s): The study shows that educational background plays a vital role in disease control and it will help in successful uptake of control interventions for prevention of COVID-19.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

TiO2 based Photocatalysis membranes: An efficient strategy for pharmaceutical mineralization.

Among the various emerging contaminants, pharmaceuticals (PhACs) seem to have adverse effects on the quality of water. Even the smallest concentration of PhACs in ground water and drinking water is harmful to humans and aquatic species. Among all the deaths reported due to COVID-19, the mortality rate was higher for those patients who consumed antibiotics. Consequently, PhAC in water is a serious concern and their removal needs immediate attention. This study has focused on the PhACs' degradation by collaborating photocatalysis with membrane filtration. TiO2-based photocatalytic membrane is an innovative strategy which demonstrates mineralization of PhACs as a safer option. To highlight the same, an emphasis on the preparation and reinforcing properties of TiO2-based nanomembranes has been elaborated in this review. Further, mineralization of antibiotics or cytostatic compounds and their degradation mechanisms is also highlighted using TiO2 assisted membrane photocatalysis. Experimental reactor configurations have been discussed for commercial implementation of photoreactors for PhAC degradation anchored photocatalytic nanomembranes. Challenges and future perspectives are emphasized in order to design a nanomembrane based prototype in future for wastewater management.

COVID-19 via intrauterine transmission in a critically ill preterm infant: A case report.

A preterm infant was born emergently at 29 weeks gestation to a mother with active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Clinical presentation and evaluation were consistent with in utero transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The neonate experienced progressive, refractory respiratory failure and catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage which ultimately led to limitation of care.

THE ILLINOIS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ACTION COLLABORATIVE TEAM (IMPACT): REDEFINING CONNECTIVITY BY LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA TO RAPIDLY IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS VACCINE ACCESS AND HESITANCY

BACKGROUND: The Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team (IMPACT), a non-profit coalition of health professionals, used social media to improve COVID-19 vaccine access by 1) identifying vaccine access disparities for HCWs not affiliated with a large hospital systems and then creating vaccine clearinghouses/social media campaigns 2) identifying reasons for vaccine hesitancy and addressing them via infographics 3) connecting volunteers with local neighborhood/mobile events serving at-risk communities in the Chicagoland area. In January 2021, many large health systems were vaccinating employed HCWs (COVID-19 vaccine rollout Tier 1a). However, many HCWs not affiliated with large systems were unable to access the vaccine. Many of Chicago's hardest-hit communities were receiving vaccines at much lower rates than neighborhoods less burdened by COVID-19. METHODS: We created online clearinghouses with links to vaccine event sign-ups/waitlists and partnered directly with a local primary care organization to link HCWs to vaccines on Facebook. We partnered with health systems, community organizations, pharmacies and professional organizations to organize, promote, and staff community-based vaccine clinics/mobile vaccine units to a. To address vaccine hesitancy, we collected data on common myths using Facebook groups. We created 5 “debunking” infographics in both English and Spanish using climate science principles and also held 4 Facebook Live Q&As with Chicago-based Bump Club and Beyond. RESULTS: The HCW-specific vaccine information clearinghouse went live 1/4/2021 and had 7,829 views during the first 6 months. The general public vaccine clearinghousewent live on 1/25/2021 and had 21,279 views during the first 6 months. Facebook posts disseminating the HCW vaccination events reached >1650 HCWs within 7 days, and open/public Facebook group posts reached > 3.2K in 7 days. In the first 7 days of the campaign, >1800 HCWs were vaccinated. We registered >1700 volunteers to help staff 316 vaccination events in the Chicago-land area. Our COVID-19Myth Debunkers were shared over 200 times for >80K impressions. Our four vaccine-focused Facebook lives reached over 1000 people per session. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals can strategically leverage social media to identify public health challenges (vaccine hesitancy/vaccine access disparities) and address these challenges in real-time by disseminating tailored, high-quality information (ie. debunking infographics, Facebook Live Q&As, vaccine clearinghouses) and connecting community members and partner organizations with resources (ie. vaccination resources and volunteers).

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON TELE DENTISTRY IN PUBLIC ORAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19

Providing medical care over long distances using communication systems and advanced technologies is called "telemedicine." In recent years, dentistry has witnessed a substantial amount of technological advancement. The utilization of computers, telecommunication technology, digital diagnostic imaging services, equipment, and software for analysis and follow-up have all seen significant advancements in recent years because of developments in information technology. The field of dentistry has progressed to a point where it can now cover far greater distances than it was previously capable of. In 1997, "TD" was coined to describe "the practice of employing video conferencing technologies to diagnose and provide advice regarding treatment across a distance." It provides consultations over long distances using electronic medical records, the internet, information, and communication technology. TD has four potential applications. These are teleconsultation, Tele-education, telemonitoring, and telesurgery. TD can also be used to monitor patients remotely. A general dentist in a rural region can communicate with a specialist for advice through teleconsultation by sending either live patient data or patient medical records to the specialist. This allows the dentist to provide better care for their patients. Remote rural practitioners can acquire continuous medical education using interactive video conferencing and web-based self-instruction. In telemonitoring, patients record and send data to doctors via phone, fax, or the internet. Continuous data collection and automated transmission of that data to another physician involved in the care of the patients is another method that may be used to assess the condition of the patients. Telesurgery allows experts in metropolitan regions to assist surgeons located in rural or distant places through the use of video and audio links made possible by the internet. This ensures that patients receive the best possible surgical care. This technology makes it possible for multiple dental practitioners to work together to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan for patients who are seen in locations with a shortage of dentists or dental specialists or where dental specialists are not readily available. As a result, the objective of this study is to explore the development of tele dentistry and how it might be used in practice to address the disparities in oral health care between rural and urban areas.

Is blended learning the future of education? Students perspective using discrete choice experiment analysis

This is the first study to use discrete choice experiment in exploring the stated choice preference of blended learning preference among the university students in the context of Bangladesh. As a prerequisite in developing student engagement learning strategies, we investigate the choice preference of university students towards different types of blended learning to explore relevant concerns and challenges in order to plan for successful implementation of this option. Around 306 responses from the students belonging to Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and North South University (NSU) are considered representing both public and private universities in Bangladesh. Conditional logit model is used to explore the choice preference of the respondents based on the attributes. We find that university students explicitly dislike recorded videos as the primary mode of instruction as there is minimum human interaction using this method. Students with mobile internet also prefer offline classes to online classes, whereas students with broadband internet prefer the opposite choices. The policy implications of these findings hold global relevance in devising student engagement strategies towards blended learning such as for other developing economies in South Asia which were forced to transition to online learning as an adaptation response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioner Notes 1. This is the first study to use discrete choice experiment in exploring the stated choice preference of blended learning preference of the university students in the context of Bangladesh. 2. We apply Conditional logit model is used to explore the choice preference of the respondents based on the attributes. 3. Our sample includes 306 responses belonging to Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and North South University (NSU). 4. We find that university students explicitly dislike recorded videos as the primary mode of instruction as there is minimum human interaction using this method. 5. Students with mobile internet also prefer offline classes to online classes, whereas students with broadband internet prefer the opposite choices.

A hard rain's a-gonna fall? New insights on water security and fragility in the Sahel

Do Sahelian countries face specific risks of water-related conflict Sahelian countries face growing fragility and climate challenges-especially those belonging to the Group of Five Sahel States (known as the G5 Sahel)-Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. This study examines how their relation to water availability and irrigation infrastructure factors in. It documents that the G5 Sahel countries, given their high baseline water scarcity and state fragility, face a higher risk of conflict over water resources compared to the rest of Africa. This is demonstrated through empirical analyses using geospatial data and exploiting (i) climate-induced variation in water availability, and (ii) an event study analysis of conflict trends, which sharply increased post-2010 in the region following the Arab Spring and the rise of the Boko Haram. Irrigated areas are found to be important for buffering against weather shocks but are also more prone to targeting during conflict events compared to non-irrigated regions. The evidence suggests that this reflects increased competition for scarce (fertile) resources between state and rebel groups on this climate frontier with a well-documented history of agropastoral conflict. Other regions of Africa are not found to experience similar conflict related to water resources. These findings are especially pertinent for informing projects and policy interventions in fragile countries as post-COVID-19 recovery and climate action plans are rolled out.

Ensuring availability of food for child nutrition amidst the COVID - 19 pandemic: Challenges and way forward. (Special Issue: The epidemiologist and the pandemic.)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spread in India is steeply rising. A 21-day lockdown has been imposed by the Government of India, to curtail its spread. This has impacted all walks of life, including availability of food and nutrition related services which would affect nutritional status of children throughout India. The two major schemes, i.e. Integrated Child Development Services Scheme and Mid-day Meal Scheme have been affected leading to risk of worsening of child nutrition. Some states have evolved their own strategies to mitigate the effect of lockdown. Here we discuss the challenges and way forward for ensuring availability of food for child nutrition during this health crisis. No single, optimal response to a public health emergency exists. The government and non-government partners must coordinate and scale up child nutrition services in the community through strengthening of public distribution system and home delivery of food parcels wherever feasible for beneficiaries of child nutrition programs.

Routine immunization services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (Special Issue: The epidemiologist and the pandemic.)

Routine immunizations (RI) keep the infectious diseases under control in the community. However, during the coronavirus pandemic, to prevent the associated exponential rise in the number of cases, it became necessary to stop routine health services across the country. Routine Immunization also had to be discontinued. It is to be realized however that the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases is gradually increasing in direct proportion to the delay in administering vaccinations to eligible children. It's likely that we will face outbreaks of VPD if we keep RI halted for weeks together. Various dimensions of RI need to be examined from the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic ranging from vaccine hesitancy to operationalization of services. In this article, we highlight this hidden problem, which has the potential to further challenge our already challenged health and healthcare-related situation. The domains which deserve careful consideration are discussed to supporting policymakers in making informed decisions in this regard.

Antenatal care, care at birth, and breastfeeding during the coronavirus (COVID - 19) pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization after it has gripped many countries of the world. The exponential increase in the number of cases has resulted in panic and confusion among healthcare workers and the vulnerable population. Pregnant and lactating mothers are a vulnerable group and need evidence-based advice to protect the health of the mother and the child. Healthcare workers can play an important role in dispelling the myths and misconceptions among pregnant and lactating mothers regarding COVID-19, if they are equipped with scientific information on antenatal care, care at birth, and breastfeeding. This review attempts to summarize the published evidence related to antenatal care, care at birth and breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 impacts on small-scale tuna fisheries operation in eastern Indonesia: a preliminary snapshot study of Pole-and-line and handline tuna fishers' perceptions

This paper is a study of the Covid-19 pandemic impact on the small-scale tuna fisheries in eastern Indonesia. This is an important and on-going global problem because the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the entire normal life of human habits. The researchers surveyed 118 fishers as research respondents to investigate their perceptions of the way the Covid-19 pandemic affected their fishing efforts. The results indicate there are changes in fishing efforts and livelihood of tuna fishers in eastern Indonesia.

Additive manufacturing is sustainable technology: citespace based bibliometric investigations of fused deposition modeling approach

Purpose Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has a huge influence on the real world because of its ability to manufacture massively complicated geometrics. The purpose of this study is to use CiteSpace (CS) visual analysis to identify fused deposition modeling (FDM) research and development patterns to guide researchers to decide future research and provide a framework for corporations and organizations to prepare for the development in the rapid prototyping industry. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is defined to budget minimize manufactured input and output for aviation and the medical product industrial sectors. 3DP has implemented its potential in the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) reaction. Design/methodology/approach First, 396 original publications were extracted from the web of science (WOS) with the comprehensive list and did scientometrics analysis in CS software. The parameters are specified in CS including the span (from 2011 to 2019, one year slice for the co-authorship and the co-accordance analysis), visualization (show the merged networks), specific criteria for selection (top 20%), node form (author, organization, region, reference cited;cited author, journal and keywords) and pruning (pathfinder and slicing network). Finally, correlating data was studied and showed the results of the visualization study of FDM research were shown. Findings The framework of FDM information is beginning to take shape. About hot research topics, there are "Morphology," "Tensile Property by making Blends," "Use of Carbon nanotube in 3DP" and "Topology optimization." Regarding the latest research frontiers of FDM printing, there are "Fused Filament Fabrication," "AM," in FDM printing. Where "Post-processing" and "environmental impact" are the research hotspots in FDM printing. These research results can provide insight into FDM printing and useful information to consider the existing studies and developments in FDM researchers' analysis. Research limitations/implications Despite some important obtained results through FDM-related publications' visualization, some deficiencies remain in this research. With >99% of articles written in English, the input data for CS was all downloaded from WOS databases, resulting in a language bias of papers in other languages and neglecting other data sources. Although, there are several challenges being faced by the FDM that limit its wide variety of applications. However, the significance of the current work concerning the technical and engineering prospects is discussed herein. Originality/value First, the novelty of this work lies in describing the FDM approach in a Scientometric way. In Scientometric investigation, leading writers, organizations, keywords, hot research and emerging knowledge points were explained. Second, this research has thoroughly and comprehensively examined the useful sustainability effects, i.e. economic sustainability, energy-based sustainability, environmental sustainability, of 3DP in industrial development in qualitative and quantitative aspects by 2025 from a global viewpoint. Third, this work also described the practical significance of FDM based on 3DP since COVID-19. 3DP has stepped up as a vital technology to support improved healthcare and other general response to emergency situations.

VICTORS, VICTIMS, AND VECTORS

COVID-19 has plunged us into times of loss-loss of friends and family, loss of purpose, and loss of a sense of certainty about the immediate future. As we traverse this time of anomie and loss between pre- and post-COVID-19 times, through pandemic surges that threaten to exhaust our resources and seemingly endless troughs of calm, we need to care for each other. Care provided to those in need of hospitalization due to COVID-19 should undoubtedly be prioritized, but we should not forget to care for those who are physically well but suffering, by recognizing the fear and sorrow that flavor changed experiences due to COVID-19. Narratives that reveal challenges and triumphs are central to this kind of care. Frank (2007) argues that care is about "helping people find their stories." We find comfort in telling these stories and in hearing them;recognizing ourselves in another's tale allows us to find meaning in our own suffering. This paper tells the narratives of three health professionals on the COVID-19 frontline.

Pulmonary Function at 1- and 2.5-Months Following Hospital Discharge in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019. A Preliminary Study Investigating the Effect of Albuterol Sulfate with or Without Inhaled Corticosteroids

Rational: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a growing public health concern, with over 18 million cases reported to-date in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that up to 15% of COVID-19 cases warranted hospitalization between March and December 2020 due to symptom severity. With significant respiratory manifestations, there has been increased interest in the characterization of pulmonary function following recovery from COVID-19 and the potential role of inhaled medications. The following represents a single-center study investigating the pulmonary function of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at 1- and 2.5-months following discharge. Methods: Patients without prior pulmonary pathology (n= 25, mean age= 59.28 ±2.07 years, 52% male) hospitalized for COVID-19 (mean hospitalization= 8.32 ±0.93 days) underwent pulmonary function testing 1-month (27.23 ±2.67 days) following hospital discharge using the Platinum Elite body plethysmograph (MGC Diagnostics, Minnesota, USA). Patients were prescribed albuterol with or without an inhaled corticosteroid according to symptom severity on the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale. Subsequent pulmonary testing was conducted at 2.5-months (76.45 ±11.68 days) postdischarge using the EasyOne Plus Spirometer (NND Medical Technologies, Zurich, Switzerland). Results: At 1-month post-discharge, characterization of pulmonary function noted moderately-severe restrictive lung disease (FEV1= 64.36 ±2.86%, FVC= 59.36 ±2.71%, FEV1/FVC= 92.40 ±3.10%) with reduced total lung capacity (TLC= 79.68 ±6.84%) and preserved diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide divided by alveolar volume (DLCO/VA= 97.50 ±8.89%). At 2.5-months post-discharge, significant improvement of FEV1 (+13.82%, p<0.001) and FVC (+13.16%, p<0.001) was found, with an overall restrictive lung disease pattern of mild severity and near-normalization of FEV1 (FEV1= 78.19 ±2.78%, FVC= 72.52 ±2.46%, FEV1/FVC= 95.82 ±4.32%). At 2.5-months post-discharge, patients prescribed albuterol sulfate with an inhaled corticosteroid were found to have a tendency for greater improvement of pulmonary function (n= 12, FEV1= +15.73%, FVC= +12.75%, p<0.01 and p<0.01 respectively) compared to patients prescribed albuterol sulfate alone (n= 11, FEV1= +12.36%, FVC= +10.64%, p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively). However, this improvement difference did not reach significance. Conclusions: The current study aimed to characterize the pulmonary function of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at 1- and 2.5-months following hospital discharge. At 1-month post-discharge, patients were found to have moderately-severe restrictive lung disease with reduced total lung capacity and preserved diffusion capacity. Significant improvement in pulmonary function was noted at 2.5-months postdischarge, with FEV1 nearing normalization. Pulmonary function improvement did not differ significantly between patients prescribed albuterol sulfate versus albuterol sulfate with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Policy paper on the post COVID-19 sustainable energy options for power generation in Bangladesh

The central role of electricity in shaping the worldwide economy is broadly acknowledged in the energy literature. Having identified the then ongoing crisis of the electricity sector, the present Awami League government initiated restructuring the energy sector since 2009 to quicken the pace of the developmental activities. All these efforts resulted in landmark achievements in the Bangladesh energy sector, especially in increasing the electricity generation capacity. However, the global Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath effects on the Bangladesh economy require a policy revision in Bangladesh's energy sector and electricity generation mix. To our knowledge, there is no study to analyse the adverse consequences of the Covid-19 in Bangladesh energy sector. By employing a SARIMA forecasting model, we reveal that electricity demand will remain less than the actual generation in the upcoming two years. Also, the DGE model finds that due to Covid-19, the economic growth rate will be around 4.5 percent in the long-run. We further simulate that the steady-state electricity demand and standard consumption values would fall by 8-10 percent and 6 percent, respectively. We recommend that a review of the power sector master plan is needed for future energy security and economic stability in Bangladesh. © 2021 Published by RERIC in International Energy Journal (IEJ).

Pathogenesis of dysgeusia in COVID-19 patients: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic had intense social and economic effects. Patients infected with COVID-19 may present with a series of conditions. A considerable number of patients express taste and smell disturbances as a prodromal, coexistent, or as the only manifestation of COVID-19 infection. The objective of the present review is to review the hypothetical mechanisms of action and etiopathogenesis of dysgeusia in COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple scientific databases were explored, including PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane-library, LILACS, Livivo and OpenGrey. All types of articles that discussed the pathogenesis of dysgeusia were included, while articles that described dysgeusia without detail about its mode of action were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 47 articles, with different designs, were included in this review. These articles suggested direct viral neural invasion to olfactory and gustatory nerves, viral cytotoxicity to taste buds, angiotensin II imbalance, augmented pro-inflammatory cytokines, and disturbances in salivary glands and sialic acid. COVID-19 induced-dysgeusia was also associated with systemic diseases, medications, zinc, chemicals, and disinfectants. CONCLUSIONS: The most likely cause of transient dysgeusia in COVID-19 is peripheral neurotropism and direct toxicity to taste buds or olfactory epithelium. Other factors may also play a contributory role in dysgeusia, such as a defect in the quality and quantity of saliva, pro-inflammatory cytokines, angiotensin II accumulation, systemic diseases, hypozincemia, and excessive use of chemicals.

Dental faculty’s knowledge and attitude regarding covid 19 disease in qassim university, saudi arabia

Background: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty at Qassim University, regarding novel COVID 19 disease. Method: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on the faculty at undergraduate dental school. The self-designed e-survey was administered to 78 faculty members to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the COVID-19 disease. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was utilized to identify the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U test) were utilized for assessing the significance between study variables. The association between knowledge and attitude was evaluated by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 55 faculty members (70.5%) responded. Mean knowledge score was 10± 2.71. 37 (67.3%) respondents showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 while 18(32.7%) displayed negative attitude. The mean attitude score was 4.08±0.50. Significant difference was found in knowledge (p-value=0.04) and attitude (p-value=0.015) of dental faculty based on designation. Conclusions: Qassim University dentists were mindful of the COVID-19 symptoms, means of transmission, Cross-infection control and operative protocols practiced within dental clinics. However, dentists exhibited inadequate knowledge about the specific dental procedures that safeguard the dental staff and patients from COVID-19 in context of current outbreak.

A Bumpy Road to Online Teaching: Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Education

Objective: With sudden onset of online teaching and learning after the lockdown, this study aims to explore how COVID-19 has impacted medical education in Pakistan. Methods: A survey-based research with open versus closed questions format was conducted from April-May 2020. Respondents were medical teachers from private and public-sector medical and dental colleges of Pakistan, An adequate and representative sample was intended therefore data were collected until relevance of the participants, time and data saturation were reached. Closed-ended questions employed descriptive statistics. Whereas, qualitative data was thematically analyzed by all authors independently to ensure analytical triangulation, Results: Responses from one hundred and twenty-five medical teachers highlighted an impact on the stakeholders, assessments, and educational environment. The transition from face-to-face to online teaching went hasty and haphazard therefore, stakeholders found difficulty in adapting. Factors such as rudimentary system, inefficient internet, lack of previous experience further accelerated the situation. It was difficult to teach Anatomy and clinical skills online. Teachers were not satisfied and preferred actual classrooms. Students were non-serious owing to didactic lectures with no interaction. There was uncertainty about online assessments, The climate was too robotic without emotions, eye contact and physical presence. Conclusion: COVID-19 has impacted medical education at different levels. This study has revealed institutional unpreparedness regarding stakeholders training with online modalities. We need to train stakeholders to let them cope well with the present situation. It is therefore suggested to introduce user friendly online teaching modalities in new medical curricula.

Knowledge and attitude of pakistani dentists regarding COVID-19

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the knowledge, and attitude of Pakistani dentists, regarding novel COVID-19 disease. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Conservative Dental Sciences and Endodontics, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia and Department of Oral Pathology, Frontier Medical and Dental College Abbottabad from 15th to 31st March, 2020 in Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A self-designed e-questionnaire was administered through e-mail to 500 dentists. SPSS version 23 was used to analysis data. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequency and percentages. The association between the dependent and independent variables was determined by utilizing Chi-square test and the level of significance was set at p value <0.05. Moreover, the inferential statistics (Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests, p-value<0.05) were used for determining the significance among study variables. The correlation between the attitude and knowledge scores was assessed by utilizing Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 306 dentists responded. Participants' mean knowledge score was 10.69± 2.14, with 91.5 % participants having sufficient knowledge. 242 (79.1%) respondents showed positive attitude (>4) towards COVID- 19. The mean attitude score was 4.28±0.61. The results of current study showed a significant correlation of knowledge with both designation (p-value=0.002) and gender (p-value=0.04). Conclusion: Pakistani dentists have exhibited adequate awareness about general symptoms, transmission mode, cross-infection control and dental practice management in perspective of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, their understanding to protect dental professionals from this highly contagious disease during specialized dental procedures was unsatisfactory.