An approach for Face Detection and Face Recognition using OpenCV and Face Recognition Libraries in Python

With the extraordinary growth in images and video data sets, there is a mind-boggling want for programmed understanding and evaluation of data with the assistance of smart frameworks, since physically it is a long way off. Individuals, unlike robots, have a limited capacity to distinguish unexpected expressions. As a result, the programmed face proximity frame- work is important in face identification, appearance recognition, head-present evaluation, human-PC cooperation, and other applications. Software that uses facial recognition for face detection and identification is regarded as biometric. This study converts the mathematical aspects of a person's face into a face print, which is then stored in a database to verify an individual's identification. A deep learning system compares a digital image or an image taken quickly to a previously stored image(which is saved in the database). The face has a significant function in interpersonal communication for identifying oneself. Face recognition technology determines the size and placement of a human face in a digital picture. Facial recognition software has a wide range of uses in the consumer market and in the security and surveillance sectors. The COVID pandemic has brought facial recognition into greater focus lately than ever before. Face detection and recognition play a vital part in security systems that people need to interact with without making physical contact. The pattern of online exam proctoring is employing face detection and recognition. Facial recognition is used in the airline sector to enable rapid, accurate identification and verification at every stage of the passenger trip. In this research, we focused on image quality because it is the major drawback in existing algorithms and used OPEN CV, Face Recognition, and designed algorithms using libraries in python. This study discusses a method for facial recognition along with its implementation and applications. © 2023 IEEE.

Impact of microfiber pollution on aquatic biota: A critical analysis of effects and preventive measures.

The widespread use of Personal protective equipments (PPEs) by the healthcare professionals and public due to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become a new source for MFs pollution. Mismanaged plastic wastes and random dispose of used surgical face mask end up in large aquatic bodies via small waterways and waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). Microplastics/Microfibres (MPs/MFs) have recently been reported in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including water, deep sea sediments, air and soil. Natural components like UV radiation and temperature play a major role in weathering of surgical masks. High loads of MPs/MFs emitted into the aquatic environment are easily consumed by organism's habitat in such ecosystem by disrupting the food chain and causing chronic health problems in the organisms including humans. The aim of this review article is to shed light on these issues and compile the most recent information available regarding the deterioration of surgical face masks in the environment as well as other contaminants and their presence in various environments, particularly with regard to methods that make use of exposure models, biomarkers of exposure, and their limitations. Along with this, the study focuses on identifying gaps in current understanding and highlighting prospective research directions. The literature on surgical face mask pollution and its effects on the biological and physiological systems of various organisms and ecosystems is critically analysed in this review. It also raises awareness of how to properly dispose of used surgical face masks and other PPEs.

An Overview of Telepractice Applications for Comprehensive Cochlear Implant Service Delivery

Purpose: Numerous follow-up appointments are required to program a cochlear implant (CI) sound processor and monitor the patient's progress over time, particularly within the first year of implantation. This, coupled with the specialty nature of CI service delivery and sparsely located clinics, can pose burdens on recipients' time and access to necessary resources for consistent follow-up. Advances in the application of telepractice for CI service delivery have evolved and expanded over recent years, with further utilization spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in late 2019. This review article provides a summary of telepractice applications for adult and pediatric CI processor programming, impedance, and electrically evoked compound action potential testing, speech-perception testing, evaluations of patient and clinician experiences, troubleshooting, and aural rehabilitation for CI recipients. Future directions and opportunities for further implementation of telepractice for CI service delivery are discussed. Conclusions: Studies to date suggest that telepractice can be reliably used for remote sound processor programming for both children and adults, impedance and evoked compound action potential measures, speech-perception testing in adult CI users, and self-monitoring. However, further technological advancements are needed to make remote speech-perception testing more easily implemented, and well-controlled studies are needed to better evaluate the efficacies of aural rehabilitation through teletherapy, particularly for children.

Immunogenetic perspective of inflammatory disorders

Understanding of the genetic basis underlying inflammatory disorders has progressed in recent years. Contribution of proinflammatory cytokines, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), and non-HLA polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and immune-mediated inflammatory disorder is critical. HLA plays a central role in disease pathology. Harmful stimuli triggering the signaling mechanisms including nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway results in the release of inflammatory mediators. From acute to chronic inflammation, the etiology of various inflammatory disorders is poorly understood. Inflammatory disorder such as COVID 19 is a devastating havoc to the world. As we reach the end of 2020, >1 million people have succumbed to death worldwide. Disease-manifesting clinical features include mild to severe pneumonia, loss of respiratory function progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome with occasional multiorgan failure. Cytokine storm, decreased T cell count, and insufficient immune response are conducive issues to COVID 19 pandemic. Varied immune responses to the same antigen across different individuals determine the genetic perspective of disease susceptibility. Through genome-wide association studies, next-generation sequencing and other genetic techniques, several genetic risk loci associated with various inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been identified. Dysregulated inflammatory pathways, gene mutation, or elevated cytokine level may lead to the disease progression. However, the production of autoantibodies against the nuclear antigens is a hallmark of diseases like SLE and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, environmental factors like smoking also increase the risk of inflammatory disorders. Understanding the functional aspects of casual genetic factors underlying the disease pathogenesis greatly facilitates the ability to identify the therapeutic targets relevant to disease. The current chapter deals with the idea of genetic perspective associated with various inflammatory disorders and their potential therapeutic targets along with the factors contributing to disease susceptibility. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Security Access Control System Enhanced with Face Mask Detection and Temperature Monitoring for Pandemic Trauma

COVID-19 has affected the livelihood of millions around the world. Pass-infection of the virus between the personnel is a large threat factor. During this pandemic, it's mandatory to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the COVID19. Biometrics and face detection are commonly used to track individual employees' attendance but face recognition methods are ineffective because wearing mask obscures a portion of the face. This biometric can be a medium for the transmission of viruses. The proposed system implements COVID preventive measures such as mask detection and monitors body temperature. In addition, the proposed system checks for authorized persons using RFID technology and employs fingerprint verification application via individual mobile phones for attendance purposes. The system predominantly inspects presence of face masks, then keeps track of body temperature and ultimately controls the automatic door associated with it using RFID technology and android app based fingerprint recognition to allow access to people with authorization. © 2022 IEEE.

COVID-19 and precarious housing: paying guest accommodation in a metropolitan Indian city

Paying guest accommodations are an informal, yet organically organised, segment of the rental housing market in India. Offering inexpensive housing, paying guest accommodations mainly cater to young adults who migrate to cities, primarily for education or employment. However, this affordability and viability often comes at the cost of decent living conditions. The COVID-19-induced lockdown has exacerbated the precariousness of such accommodation at a time when adequate housing can play a pivotal role in mitigating the spread of infection. Based on qualitative research conducted in Bengaluru, India, this article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tenant well-being and the shifting relationship between tenants and operators in paying guest accommodations. The analysis of narratives collected from the tenants and operators of paying guest accommodations reveals the following: first, in addition to the closures of paying guest accommodations and evictions of tenants, the lockdown led to a deterioration in the overall living conditions in these accommodations;second, in many cases, tenants had to compromise on adequacy and safety for affordability and viability, which exacerbated the negative effects on their well-being;third, the operators of paying guest accommodations faced severe economic and psychological stress during the lockdown, partly as a result of being invisible to policy;and, fourth, the relationships between the tenants operators of paying guest accommodations – a key factor shaping the overall experience of living in a paying guest accommodation – took a largely negative turn during the pandemic. This article brings to light an under-studied but important form of affordable rental housing, and serves as a much-needed starting point for future research. © Bristol University Press 2022.

Assessment of Effects on Prolonged Usage of Face Mask by ENT Professionals During Covid-19 Pandemic.

The protection efficacy of face masks during this covid 19 pandemic has been well documented. The changes in human nasal functions after wearing facemask for prolonged period is not known. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of prolonged usage of facemask by ENT professionals during covid 19 pandemic. It is a cross sectional study conducted in department of ENT in Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam. A self-constructed questionnaire containing 21 queries regarding the effects of prolonged use of face mask, after being analysed by the experts of our institution were distributed to 124 ENT professionals all over India. People who are ENT by professionals can participate in this study. Participation is voluntary. Study period was from March 2020 to December 2020. All answered questionnaires were sent for statistical analysis. 63.71% experienced difficulty in breathing while wearing face mask, 37.10% experienced dry nose, 46.77% experienced dry mouth. The most common modality of prevention in an OPD setup was face mask with face shield (31.45%). About 80.65% people believed there are side effects due to wearing mask. Since facemasks are essential to protect us from COVID-19, certain strategies can be followed to reduce the discomfort due to its prolonged usage such as encouraging nasal breathing, taking short breaks from wearing mask in a safe environment and to maintain hydration.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of COVID 19 and the factors influencing them among a Rural Population in South India

Background: Mitigation measures to control the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) depends on the public adherence to preventive measures which is influenced by their knowledge and attitude. Aim: To find the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the rural population toward COVID-19 and to establish its socio-demographic influencing factors. Material and methods: KAP study regarding Covid-19 was done among the rural population during August 2020 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Among 500 participants, the mean knowledge, attitude and practice score was 21.55 +/- 2.9 ( Range 0- 30), 30.0 +/- 2.88 ( Range 12- 36) 9.4 +/- 1.25 ( Range 0-13) respectively. Higher knowledge was associated with higher education and employed individuals. Favourable attitude was among those aged <35 years and having higher education. Optimistic practices were exhibited by employed individuals and when children <12 years are present in their home. Conclusions: Study participants preceded good knowledge, positive attitude towards COVID-19 but practice is not sufficient enough to win the battle against the dreadful disease due to considerable knowledge- practice gap.

Customized Data Extraction and Effective Text Data Preprocessing Technique for Hydroxychloroquin Related Twitter Data

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant worldwide issue with a rising the number of infected people and increases in mortality. Among every single helpful methodologies, contentions have raised about hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) viability in the treatment of COVID-19. The utilization of hydoxychloroquine is acknowledged as commonly accepted for patients with malaria and autoimmune diseases, however its utilization where not demonstrated and without clinical management can cause genuine results and ought to be maintained a strategic distance. This research carried out a sentiment analysis regarding the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19. Sentimental Analysis is the way toward recognizing concept from text written based on Natural Language Processing the element it is alluding to. Twitter is an informal community that allows clients to post their suppositions about current issues, share their get-togethers, and associate with others. Twitter has now gotten probably the biggest wellspring of information, with more than 200 million dynamic clients month to month. The technique concentrates and investigations sentimental data from microblogs to forecast the patient's assessment of hydroxychloroquine. In this work, a pre-handling strategy for assessment mining is executed and will be used for examining patients' remarks on Twitte' social media about hydroxychloroquine. The different content pre-handling strategies have been used on the dataset to accomplish a sufficient standard text.

Effect of preventive measures in the containment of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic: a comparative study.

From the time when the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019, strict regulations are being implemented by policy makers to contain the spread of the virus. The measures taken in different countries spanned from complete isolation and lockdown to different degrees of restrictions to people's movement, contact between people, hygiene and sanitation. Accordingly, the success in containing the virus also differed. Italy was one among the worst-affected countries in the world despite the lockdown measures adopted. A combination of lockdown and Level-3 State of Emergency measures were adopted in Portugal and South Africa, which helped to delay and flatten the epidemic curve. The timely application of Level-3 State of Emergency in Mozambique resulted in recording low infection rates. Above all the tripod, orderly movement of people, social distance and hygiene and sanitation is the keystone measure to prevent spread of the virus. However, for successful outcome, the measures have to be tailored to the local context.

Aerosols in dentistry – microbes, disease transmission and infection control

Aerosol formation in dental practice is almost inevitable and the potential risk of acquiring an infection due to airborne pathogens is very high. Dental procedures involving use of ultrasonics, air polishing, use of airotors and micromotors, air-water syringes and lasers emit large amount of aerosol and microbial pathogens from saliva, dental unit waterlines and respiratory tract. Depending on the nature of the bacteria/virus/fungi in the aerosol and its pathogenic nature, the microbe travels through the lung alveoli and affects the upper/lower respiratory system. The recent episode of COVID has driven further fear among dental professionals, as the virus sheds into air and transmits the disease. As dental professionals, it is essential that we take steps to prevent transmission by following universal precautions and social precautionary measures. This review revisits on the physics of aerosol formation, spatial microbiome in aerosol, the types of pathogens associated with dental procedures, risk of disease getting transmitted to dental healthcare workers and infection control.

Awareness on the diet plan in covid-19 among college students - A survey

Coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) is caused by SARS-CoV2 and is a great global public health concern. The zoonotic origin of COVID-19 is likely to be the wet animal market in Wuhan city, China. The transmission of COVID-19 can be from person-to-person and this leads to the isolation of patients. Extensive measures were taken to reduce person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 and to control the current outbreak. So it is necessary and important to know the dietary patterns which play an important role in the prevention of COVID-19. This study involves college students in the age group of 12-40 years. A well structured questionnaire was prepared comprising 15 questions covering socio-demographic information, knowledge , attitude, perceptions was framed and administered to the participants through an online google forms link. A total of 116 responses were collected out of which 42.6% were male and 57.4% were female. 80% of the total population were aware that diet patterns play an important role in COVID-19. Pearson Chi square value= 0.61, p=0.89 ( p>0.05 indicating statistically not significant. 73% of the total population were aware that an increase in immunity of our body prevents COVID-19. Pearson Chi square value=5.88, p=0.11 ( p>0.05 indicating statistically not significant). It may be concluded that most of the students are aware of the diet pattern in COVID-19. Awareness may be created to have an intake of balanced diet during the pandemic period. © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Animatronic Hand for Collecting Samples from Human-Corona Test

Human-origin corona viruses have proved to be a possible source of acute respiratory tract disease in humans. Their function in the upper respiratory aetiology of kids is not so sure. At least 412 medical professionals were exposed to these diseases. As of April 22For COVID-19, at least 96 physicians & 156 nursing staff in the whole of India positively identified. As at least 826 hospital professionals who had interaction with infectious employees at least 20 hospitals were able to pass much of this virus to patients in the hospital had to avoid these transmissions, we developed an animatronics hand to sample a human. Animation uses mechatronics to create machines that seem to move rather than mechanize. Since the robot body would cost so much, we opted for a shadow hand instead. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

Pediatric and geriatric immunity network mobile computational model for COVID-19

PurposeThe computational model proposed in this work uses the data's of COVID-19 cases in India. From the analysis, it can be observed that the proposed immunity model decides the recovery rate of COVID −19 patients;moreover, the recovery rate does not depend on the age of the patients. These analytic models can be used by public health professionals, hospital administrators and epidemiologists for strategic decision-making to enhance health requirements based on various demographic and social factors of those affected by the pandemic. Mobile-based computational model can be used to compute the travel history of the affected people by accessing the near geographical maps of the path traveled.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors developed a pediatric and geriatric person’s immunity network-based mobile computational model for COVID-19 patients. As the computational model is hard to analyze mathematically, the authors simplified the computational model as general COVID-19 infected people, the computational immunity model. The model proposed in this work used the data's of COVID-19 cases in India.FindingsThis study proposes a pediatric and geriatric people immunity network model for COVID- 19 patients. For the analysis part, the data's on COVID-19 cases in India was used. In this model, the authors have taken two sets of people (pediatric and geriatric), both are facing common symptoms such as fever, cough and myalgia. From the analysis, it was observed and also proved that the immunity level of patients decides the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients and the age of COVID-19 patients has no significant influence on the recovery rate of the patient.Originality/valueCOVID-19 has created a global health crisis that has had a deep impact on the way we perceive our world and our everyday lives. Not only the rate of contagion and patterns of transmission threatens our sense of agency, but the safety measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus also require social distancing. The novel model in this work focus on the Indian scenario and thereby may help Indian health organizations for future planning and organization. The factors model in this work such as age, immunity level, recovery rate can be used by machine leaning models for predicting other useful outcomes.

COVID-19: mental healthcare without social justice?

Mental health is not just about absence of mental illness. It is critical that the government takes long-term economic and mental health policy measures to ensure employment, basic amenities and public health, without which mental healthcare cannot address the debilitating effects of ongoing structural violence on a majority of citizens.