Modeling and Prediction of COVID-19 in India Using Machine Learning

The inculcation of efficient forecasting and prediction models may assist the government in implementing better design strategies to prevent the spread of the virus. However, most of the machine learning methods along with SEIR models have failed to predict the outcome valid for a longer duration. In this paper, we propose a simple yet effective method for modeling COVID19 like pandemic based on a non-linear regression curve. With the help of machine learning tools like recurrent neural networks and artificial neural networks, we predict the values of the regression coefficient and regression power. We also evaluate the effectiveness of different measurements taken to combat the pandemic situation in India. The proposed method outperforms the existing techniques for prediction. This, alongside giving an overview and prediction of the COVID19 in India, would help to model future pandemics. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Assessment of online learning procedure through the eyes of medical students in COVID-19 scenario

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated closure of physical classroom for maintaining social distancing norms, prompting learning environment to shift from offline to online. Medical education has also undergone similar changes, and online education and assessment methods had to be implemented. Student's perception regarding the same was assessed through this study. Aim: To assess the perception of first year MBBS students about the online education and assessment during the lockdown period of two months. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on the first year MBBS students of North Bengal Medical College (NBMCH) during the COVID-19 Lockdown period. All first year MBBS students of NBMCH were added in WhatsApp groups created for academic purposes by Department of Anatomy, NBMCH during the lockdown period. Respective teachers in the academic groups carried out sharing of Digital Education Material (DEM), holding Online Interaction (OI) and correspondence with students, and taking Online Assessments (OA) through sharing questions framed in Google Forms. After two months, the perception of the students was assessed through a voluntary participation based online survey designed in google forms, the results of which were tabulated later and analysed. Results: A total 95 students (54 Male, 41 Female) out of 200 had participated in the survey. Most students were reliant on smartphones (n=90, 94.7%) and mobile internet (n=78, 82%). Most agreed on DEM being relevant (83.2%) and informative (80.7%) but showed diverging opinion on ease of understanding, revision and overall fulfillment of learning objective. On OI majority students responded positively on promptness, relevancy, informative and helpfulness but only 46.8% considered DEM and OI fulfilled the overall learning objective. Regarding OA students had an overall positive opinion. Comparing the online mode with offline, students mostly preferred the latter, though agreeing that online method of education was effective and it was easier to score in OAs. Conclusion: While most students accepted online education, interaction and assessment positively, at the end most of them still preferred offline mode of education and assessment. This could reflect lack of student-student interaction and indicated need of further studies to explore the matter, to help us approach online education better.

IOT based corona preventive polycoat with automatic sanitization system

Nowadays, due to the pandemic situation people are stressful. They are fighting against this virus by launching various preventive measures such as “PPE kit”, “Sanitizer Machine”, “ELISA test”, etc. with the help of which India recovered 54% from this virus. At the mean time all the workers are highly at risk for the huge amount of economic loss. Focusing on their situation, a new kit model will be generated in India. To bulwark from COVID-19, preventive measures are employed, which is developed cost-effective and medicated fabric-based full body-cover protective sanitizer polycot. In this research paper, we have proposed an IOT based sanitizer polycot in which Sanitizer Fogging Machine using timer will be fixed. As laminated polyester non-woven fabric with polycot found as the material to get the best product, so the sanitize machine will be automatically connected to the polycot. At the mean time timer will help to sanitize it for particular time. So, that the solution does not get wasted. This will not only help the doctors, nurses to protect themselves but also everyone can use it. It can be easily affordable and also hygienic to use. © 2021 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved.