Acknowledgment of patient in sense behaviors using bidirectional ConvLSTM

Recognizing patient activity in real-time from video or images collected by a CCTV camera available in the hospital during a Covid-19 situation has proven challenging. The dilemma of patient activity recognition is identifying and recognizing a patient's various actions in a series of videos. The process presented in our paper needs to achieve unrestricted, generic behavior in videos. Detecting events in any video is often difficult because we use Bidirectional ConvLSTM to create a robust patient in the sense behaviors (PSB) framework capable of eliminating certain barriers. To begin this paper by proposing a new Bidirectional ConvLSTM for establishing a stable PSB scheme. Our proposed model is capable of accurately predicting patient's behaviors like seated, standing, and so on. Using Bidirectional ConvLSTM, learning information from a pre-trained model is an excellent place to start for rapidly developing a new PSB system using a current PSB database, as both the source and target datasets are critical. All parameters are frozen in a pre-trained PSB device. Then, using the UCI and HMDB51 dataset to train the model, variables and local relations are progressively fixed. A novel PSB framework is developed using the target dataset. Relevant tests are conducted using commonly used research indices to assess prediction precision accuracy. They acknowledge six patient's behavior with a weighted accuracy rate of 92%. For recognizing novel activity, laying, the precision of a corresponding prediction is the best, 91%, of all six test results. The proposed work uses bidirectional ConvLSTM with modified activation layers to sense the patients' behavior. This article may be a patient activity recognition system to identify an individual. It takes a clip of COVID-19 patients as input and looks for matches inside the hold-on images.

Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis—The Bane of the ‘Black Fungus'

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is an infection of the nasal passages and orbit caused by ubiquitous fungi of the order Mucorales. These fungi are known to affect patients with phagocyte and neutrophil dysfunction. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, solid-organ, haematological malignancies and organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy are especially susceptible. The disease is being seen with alarming frequency in patients with COVID-19 infection or those who have recently recovered from it. Poor glycaemic control due to the indiscriminate use of steroids has been strongly implicated. Patients present with periocular pain, oedema, numbness or skin discoloration along with symptoms of the nasal blockade. Direct microscopy of a deep nasal swab taken from the involved mucosa reveals broad aseptate or pauci-septate fungal hyphae, clinching the diagnosis. CT scan of the paranasal sinuses and orbit would reveal a hyperdense lesion involving the nasal turbinates and sinuses with extension into the orbit. Lack of contrast enhancement indicates necrosis of the tissues. The treatment involves administration of systemic antifungals (Amphotericin B, Posaconazole and isavuconazole) and aggressive surgical debridement of involved tissues. In spite of all measures, the mortality rate is about 46% in these patients. Strict diabetic control and judicious prescription and monitoring of systemic steroids in the setting of COVID-19 infection, keeping a high index of suspicion with early detection of the disease can go a long way in improving the prognosis. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF INHALED INTERFERON-beta1A (SNG001) IN OUTPATIENTS WITH COVID-19

Background: SARS-CoV-2 variants resistant to monoclonal antibodies, and drug-drug interactions and potential mutagenicity of direct acting antivirals, heightens the need for additional therapeutics to prevent progression to severe COVID-19. Exogenous interferon beta is a promising therapeutic option against SARS-CoV-2 given its broad-spectrum antiviral activity and data suggesting impaired endogenous IFN production in individuals with severe disease. Method(s): The safety and efficacy of orally inhaled nebulized interferon-beta1a (SNG001) was evaluated in a Phase II randomized controlled trial on the ACTIV-2/ A5401 platform (NCT04518410). Adult outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 days of symptom onset were randomized to SNG001 once daily for 14 days or blinded pooled placebo. Primary outcomes included treatment-emergent Grade >=3 adverse event (TEAE) through day 28;time to symptom improvement of 13 targeted COVID-19 symptoms collected by daily study diary through day 28;and SARS-CoV-2 RNA < lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) from nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs at days 3, 7, and 14. All-cause hospitalization or death through day 28 was a key secondary outcome. Result(s): Of 221 participants enrolled at 25 US sites between February and August 2021, 220 (110 SNG001, 110 placebo) initiated study intervention, with a median age of 40 years, 55% female, and 20% SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated. There was no significant difference between SNG001 and placebo in Grade >=3 TEAEs (4% vs 8%, Fisher's exact test p=0.25). Median time to symptom improvement was 13 days for SNG001 and 9 days for placebo (Gehan-Wilcoxon test p=0.17). There was no difference in the proportion of participants with SARS-CoV-2 RNA < LLoQ at day 3, 7 or 14 (SNG001 vs placebo, Day 3: 28% vs. 39%;Day 7: 65% vs. 66%;Day 10: 91% vs. 91%;joint Wald test p=0.41). There were fewer hospitalizations with SNG001 (n=1;1%) compared with placebo (n=7;6%), but this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test p=0.07;Figure). All hospitalizations were due to COVID-19 and occurred among unvaccinated participants without protocol-defined high-risk factors. Conclusion(s): Inhaled nebulized SNG001 was safe and well tolerated but did not reduce SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in the nasopharynx nor decrease time to improvement of COVID-19 symptoms in outpatients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The non-statistically significant decrease in hospitalizations among SNG001 participants warrants further investigation in a phase 3 clinical trial. Cumulative incidence of hospitalization or death comparing SNG001 vs. placebo.

Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of 2019-Novel Coronavirus in India: A Review

Purpose: As of, from 30th Jan to 31st May, 2020, more than 182,143 confirmed cases were reported in India along with 86,984 recovered cases and 5164 deceased cases of COVID-19. More than 53 countries are also affected with this pandemic virus. However, the lack of specific drugs to prevent/treat this pandemic disease is a major problem in this current scenario. In this re-gard, this systemic review was conducted to identify the therapeutic approaches and researches, which are ongoing in India against COVID-19. Method(s): We had screened Google Scholar database with the keywords nCoV, corona virus in In-dia, effect of SARS-CoV-2 in India, 2019-nCoV, treatment pattern in India for nCoV and therapy used to treat nCoV in India. In the final review, we had included a total of 49 articles. Result(s): As a result we had found that the Indian Council of Medical Research and NIH have giv-en a standard guideline of Hydroxychloroquine and other antiviral drugs for nCoV, and also there are various researches going on related to nCoV treatment like, chemicals from natural products, herbs and spices commonly used in India, combination therapy of lopinavir and ritonavir, ultra-vio-let radiation therapy, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of molecules for vaccine preparation, Convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT) therapy and many more. Conclusion(s): New drugs and therapy are in the premature stage for this hazardous pandemic. We need more time to gain the detailed knowledge of the life cycle of the nCoV, which can speed up the drug/vaccine development process against nCoV.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

Fiji albinism project: raising awareness and destigmatizing albinism in Fiji

In 2020, there were reports of people with albinism being branded as 'Corona' and 'COVID-19', using individuals as scapegoats and further ostracizing them from communities. People with albinism are vulnerable to human rights' violations and suffer with skin and eye health. Albinism is increasingly recognized in the Pacific Region, particularly in the Polynesian community in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tuvalu. A register has been created for Fijians with albinism, with the objective of understanding the scale and health needs of the population. In 2014, The Fiji Albinism Project was established through charity funding in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health. The aim is to improve the quality of life of people living with albinism in Fiji. Proformas are completed by Fijians with albinism and their details are collated into an Excel spreadsheet, including name, gender, date of birth, ethnicity, contact details, address, nearest health centre, school, date of entry and additional comments. The database currently holds the details of 172 people with albinism (aged 9 months-77 years), with 161 self-reporting as iTaukei. There are 88 females and 82 males registered (two do not have gender documented). Sixty-four participants are < 18 years of age. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas have been seen among adults, with one incidence of clinical Bowen disease in a child. Similar numbers of people attended the national skin clinic in 2020 vs. nonpandemic times. However, uptake of outreach clinics was reduced and fewer people with albinism are collecting free sunscreen. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first virtual International Albinism Awareness Day was held in 2020, with participants from Fiji. In 2020, a 5-year National Strategic Plan for Dermatology, Leprosy and Albinism was submitted and reviewed by the Minister of Health and Permanent Secretary of Health in Fiji. The plan includes proposals for continued free sunscreen and formalizing of referral pathways to Tamavua Twomey Hospital and The Pacific Eye Institute. This incorporation of albinism care within the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education provides a model for other pacific islands and developing countries to follow.

Enhancing Education Experience using Augmented Reality

This study examines the application of augmented reality across numerous academic fields. The COVID-19 pandemic shows how distance learning must change to endure a wave of tragedy and maybe adapt to the new normal. The ongoing increase in student interest in school remains a significant issue for children's education. While augmented reality (AR) has many benefits for students, it also makes it simpler for teachers to clarify ideas and make sure that pupils understand them, especially when the subject is more challenging. Two significant technologies for creating augmented reality (AR) apps are unity and Vuforia. We built the Android app ARLearn using the above tools as a base. Students will be more interested and engaged in lessons that use augmented reality software. The use of AR in education has the potential to be a very interesting and practical strategy that changes how education is provided in the next years. As part of our ARLearn initiative, we are looking into several industries for the AR learning approach. © 2022 IEEE.

A Web-based Cross-sectional Survey to Assess the Effect of Pandemic on Medical Education of Surgery Residents in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Aim: Effect of pandemic on medical education of surgical residents in a tertiary care hospital in Bihar Methods: A web-based survey was conducted to assess the effect of COVID-19 on the residents in various surgical specialties in our institute. The "open epi" software was used to calculate the sample size. The interview questions were generated through focus group discussions with five surgery residents from various specialties. Maslach burnout index (MBI) was used to assess burnout experienced by surgical residents. It was modified such that each of the individual components was asked as a yes or no question. Yes, was considered as 1 point and not as 0 points. The score of 22 questions was simply added. Result(s): A total of 100 surgical residents completed the survey out of 130 residents who received it (response rate 76.9%). Of the 100 respondents, 58(58%) were male, and 86 (86%) residents were less than 30 years of age. 24 percent of respondents were in the first year of their residency, 43% in their second year, and the remaining in the final year. Residents from 8 surgical specialties participated in the survey 85(85%) surgical residents felt the reduction in bed strength, and 83(83%) felt reduction in the number of patients seen by a resident in the outpatient clinic had impacted their learning. The amount of time spent on research work, however, increased by 66(66%). The 76(76%) residents efficiently utilized telemedicine for outpatient care, and 69(69%) residents felt telemedicine had improved patient care. There was a significant (paired t test;p<0.05) reduction in working hours since the pandemic began (8.45+/-2.15 hours) when compared to pre-pandemic time (13.55+/-2.03 hours). Hands-on surgical training was significantly affected. MBI was modified for the sake of simplicity. The average score before pandemic was 13.78+/-2.56, and after the pandemic, it was reduced to 7.63+/-2.35, showing a statistically significant reduction in burnout among residents (p<0.001). Conclusion(s): Surgical trainees played a significant role in taking care of many COVID-19 patients at the cost of their training. The decrease in working hours due to the pandemic has provided more time for research work and reduction in burnout. Copyright © 2021, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Face Mask Identification System based on the Internet of Things and Machine Learning for Detecting Covid-19

An appropriate mask protects individuals from infectious illness and greatly minimises the spread of COVID-2019 in public spaces like institutions and temples. This needs surveillance technology capable of detecting persons wearing correctly fitted masks. However, this is not the purpose of the face detection algorithms that are currently in use.The researchers suggest a two-stage technique for identifying mask wear using hybrid machine learning algorithms in this paper. The first step involves identifying as many possible candidate locations for wearing masks as possible employing Faster RCNN and ResNet V2 structures.In comparison, the second step entails employing a massive learning system to validate the real face masks. It is achieved by the training of a model with two classes. Additionally, this article describes a data collection conducted during the Market, Malls and contains 2804 realistic images. The suggested method exceeds all other techniques that are already in use, with an accuracy rate of 99.2 percent for straightforward circumstances. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Covid-19 Fake News on Indian Dataset Using Logistic Regression and Decision Tree Classifiers

Since the approach of the internet, many fake news and fabricated articles/contents observed widely. With the growing utilization of advancement and social media, buyers are making and sharing more information than some other time in recent memory. However, some individuals distributed counterfeit news with no significance to reality just to build the readership. Gossip distinguishing on social media is an essential issue. This paper talks about the methodology of machine learning and natural language processing to solve this problem. Use of TF-IDF (TermFrequencyInverse Document Frequency) and trained the data on four classifiers to explore which amongst them works well for this Indian dataset (https://github.com/Aks121/Fake-News-Analysis-on-Indian-Dataset ).The recall, precision and F1 scores help us figure out which model works best. The accuracy achieved so far is 95 on the ratio of 70:30 split dataset. The reason for this work is to approach the mechanized arrangement of the news stories utilizing machine learning. This can be used by the users to identify through the locales containing fake news. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An African Perspective

The COVID pandemic raises several questions in terms of the adaptability of the higher education sector and its readiness to act, while providing the same quality of delivery as face-to-face classes. This mixed method study investigated academic perceptions of the forced change of delivery and the effects on the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment. This study identified that many African academics, though not having formal training in digital pedagogy, rated themselves as more than average in their ability to adopt technology for the online environment. The most effective online tools adopted during this crisis was Zoom and WhatsApp with the LMS tools mostly adopted for assessment purposes. The major factors that affected African students' ability to engage online included lack of access to connectivity and devices, technological competency, and emotional and social factors. The study reinforced the need to consider all the pillars proposed by the Khan framework.

A Study on Neonatal Outcome Due to Placental Infection during Severe COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has severe consequences for the whole world. Each age group has been affected. Both the pediatric and geriatric populations have been worst affected by COVID-19. Even pregnant females were affected much and especially the neonates of pregnant women with COVID-19. The vulnerability increases in neonates of mothers with COVID-19. There is less literature and guidelines available which discussed the outcomes of neonates of mothers who had COVID-19 during gestation. Aims and Objectives: To find out the effect on the fetus of mothers, who were infected with COVID-19 during gestation. Method(s): This is a retrospective study which considered 120 pregnant women, comprising 60 pregnant females with COVID-19 (study group) and another 60 pregnant females without COVID-19 (control group). The baseline characteristics were obtained from the hospital in both groups and the outcomes were evaluated and analyzed. Result(s): The study found that there are significant differences between the two groups in gestational age at the time of delivery, premature delivery occurred and neonatal death (p<0.05). Conclusion(s): The study has concluded that the presence of COVID-19 in pregnant females caused placental infection affecting the fetus significantly, as evidenced by premature birth and neonatal deaths among the COVID-19 group. Copyright © 2022, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.

Academic Voices: A Conversation on New Approaches to Teaching and Learning in the post-COVID World

Academia's Digital Voice: A Conversation on 21st Century Higher Education provides critical information on an area that needs particular attention given the rapid introduction and immersion into digital technologies that took place during the pandemic, including quality assurance and assessment. Sections discuss the rapid changes called into question as student mobility, pedagogical readiness of academics, technological readiness of institutions, student readiness to adopt online learning, the value of higher education, the value of distance learning, and the changing role of administration and faculty were thrust upon institutions. The unprecedented speed of international lockdowns caused by the pandemic necessitated HEIs to make rapid changes in both teaching and assessment approaches. The quality of these and sacrosanctity of the academic voice has long been the central tenet of higher education. While history is replete with challenges to this, the current, rapid shift to online education may represent the greatest threat and opportunity so far. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative reflections on the transition to online delivery in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unplanned shift to online teaching and assessment in Higher Education (HE). The chapter commences by highlighting selected results from a survey of comparative research conducted, over an initial short-term period of online course delivery, among the academic staff in two HE institutions in the United Kingdom and South Africa, University of Huddersfield—HUD, and University of KwaZulu-Natal—UKZN. Thereafter, the chapter describes the initiatives that these two institutions implemented to support staff in this sudden shift to online delivery and assessment. Finally, the chapter presents case studies of each of the authors which describe their journey in the forced move to the online space. In order to put the case studies in this chapter into the context of the pandemic emergency online teaching, we refer to the results of the survey conducted among academics at both institutions in May 2020. The case studies blend both technology implementation and the student experience. While our individual journeys echoed some of the sentiments expressed by the general survey, what is clearly highlighted in our individual experiences is that despite being based at two Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), thousands of miles apart, opportunities and challenges the authors faced in the transition to the online environment were fairly similar. Through the description of two case studies, this chapter aims to document a practical journey through the experience of teaching in the past year, in particular, moving from face-to-face to online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Teaching adaptability in higher education institutions: A case study of a private Indian university

COVID-19 caused a major disruption in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the world. It transformed how students across the world are educated. In India, as a consequence of the lockdown, the HEIs swiftly adapted to the online mode of education. The chapter analyses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of academics at a leading private university in India. This study aimed at understanding how the transformation to online teaching impacted these academics, especially in the forced work from home (WFH) environment. To understand the impact, a survey was disseminated by direct email invitation to academic staff from the selected HEI. The key findings suggest that academics had high proficiency levels in adopting online teaching and assessment. The results provide an understanding of how teaching adaptability due to COVID-19 has helped institutions to be more resilient in their approach to teaching online and what effect the pandemic will have in shaping the way HEIs will operate in the future. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human Face Mask Identification using Deep Learning with OpenCV Techniques

According to the WHO, COVID 19 virus is spread by respiratory droplets and personal contact. To prevent the transmission of this virus, the use of masks and social isolation is recommended. Because COVID 19 virus droplets may fall on any surface, the more crucial of the two measures is to wear a mask. It is vital to keep track of who is and is not wearing a mask. To comply with regulatory requirements, a mask recognition system capable of recognizing any kind of mask as well as masks in a variety of configurations inside video streams has been developed. To detect masks from images/video streams, a deep learning approach and the Python TensorFlow, Keras, and Pytorch packages are utilized. The suggested technology is capable of distinguishing persons who use masks from those who do not. © 2022 IEEE.

The COVID-19 and TB syndemic: the way forward.

Together, SARS-CoV-2 and M. tuberculosis have killed approximately 5.7 million people worldwide over the past 2 years. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate COVID-19 transmission (including social distancing regulations, partial lockdowns and quarantines), have disrupted healthcare services and led to a reallocation of resources to COVID-19 care. There has also been a tragic loss of healthcare workers who succumbed to the disease. This has had consequences for TB services, and the fear of contracting COVID-19 may also have contributed to reduced access to TB services. Altogether, this is projected to have resulted in a 5-year setback in terms of mortality from TB and a 9-year setback in terms of TB detection. In addition, past and present TB disease has been reported to increase both COVID-19 fatality and incidence. Similarly, COVID-19 may adversely affect TB outcomes. From a more positive perspective, the pandemic has also created opportunities to improve TB care. In this review, we highlight similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases, describe gaps in our knowledge and discuss solutions and priorities for future research.

The South African Public School System, Education In Crisis: A Review of Our COVID19 Response

COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the world's poorest communities and highlighted several systemic imbalances, leaving nations vulnerable and destitute. Taking a worldwide perspective on the influence on the right to education, this article analyzes how the South African education systems responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we swiftly transition to distance education, we must also ensure that we are not caught off guard again. Education systems worldwide must begin long-term planning and construction of distance education systems in order to be prepared for the inevitable next emergency. If COVID-19 teaches us anything, it is that distance education cannot be a 'nice to have' supplement to the existing educational system;it must be a 'must have,' integrated, and indispensable component of the total educational system. The findings indicated that governments have an uneven capacity for responding to and preparing for the learning losses associated with school closures. We concluded that it is critical to articulate inclusive educational policies that support strengthening the government's response capacity, particularly in terms of access to technology, electricity, connectivity, ICT devices, learning materials and technology adapted curriculum and educator training all in addressing the countries response to educational crisis and eventually embracing the opportunity of stirring the education sector into the fourth industrial revolution. © 2021 IEEE.

Experiences of female academics in Australia during COVID-19: Opportunities and challenges

An online survey collected data on a range of female academic experiences globally gaining 260 responses with 144 Australian specific academics' responses (55% of total responses). The pandemic has highlighted positive opportunities such as online teaching and skill development, flexibility, time efficiency, increased collaboration, and time for research. In terms of challenges identified responses indicate an increased workload, less motivation for career progression, and perceptions of greater and obvious gender disparity and bias against female academics. Australia is often referred to as a 'lucky country' which can further be enriched though fostering its rich and diverse female academic community into the future. Rapid measures to support women immediately and with a longer-term solutions that address gender equity is critical for female academics to ensure future engagement of female academics for positive economic and social growth as a nation.

Clinical Associations and Trajectory of "long COVID"

Background. Persistent symptoms after acute COVID-19 are being increasingly reported. To date, little is known about the cause, clinical associations, and trajectory of "Long COVID". Methods. Participants of an outpatient clinical trial of Peginterferon-Lambda as treatment for uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection were invited to long term follow-up visits 4, 7, and 10 months after initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Ongoing symptoms and functional impairment measures (work productivity and activity index (WPAI), NIH toolbox smell test, 6-minute walk test) were assessed and blood samples obtained. "Long COVID" was defined as presence of 2 or more typical symptoms (fatigue, hyposmia/hypogeusia, dyspnea, cough, palpitations, memory problems, joint pain) at follow up. Associations between baseline characteristics, initial COVID-19 clinical course, and presence of "Long COVID" during follow-up were assessed using generalized estimating equations accounting for repeated measurements within individuals. Results. Eighty-seven participants returned for at least one follow-up visit. At four months, 29 (34.1%) had "Long COVID";19 (24.7%) met criteria at 7 months and 18 (23.4%) at 10 months (Figure 1). Presence of "Long COVID" symptoms did not correlate significantly with functional impairment measures. Female gender (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.37-6.61) and having gastrointestinal symptoms during acute COVID-19 illness (OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.02-28.18) were associated with "Long COVID" during follow-up (Figure 2). No significant associations with baseline immunologic signatures were observed. Conclusion. "Long COVID" was prevalent in this outpatient trial cohort and had low rates of resolution over 10 months of follow up. Female sex and gastrointestinal symptoms during acute illness were associated with "Long COVID". Identifying modifiable risk factors associated with the development of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a critical need.