Is credit default swap spread a leading indicator of bank default risk? Evidence of Indian banks during the COVID-19 pandemic

The paper investigates whether credit default swaps (CDSs) spread of Indian banks is a leading indicator for bank default risk. The paper uses Merton-type models to estimate theoretical CDS spread of the sample of Indian banks and then compares it to their balance sheet ratios. Though theoretically, higher CDS spreads indicate higher default risk, the paper finds that in times of shocks, like the present COVID-19 crisis, it becomes difficult to isolate the spread movements due to true default risk versus those based on panic and speculation. The paper then correlates equity premiums and CDS premiums and finds negative correlation. The equity market returns lead the CDS market returns in capturing default risk. As default risk is priced better in equity markets, it is preferable for institutional investors to trade default risk of Indian banks in the stock markets rather than the CDS markets.

New Marketing Perspective in Post-Covid Era with the Application of Business Intelligence

People in the post-Covid situation consider this as a challenge for personal, social, and organisational goals. The pandemic due to Covid-19 has brought in a drastic change in the attitude preferences and expectations of consumers. To meet the changes in the expectations of consumers, the businesses are forced to bring changes in marketing strategies using the business intelligence (BI) tools. This chapter explores how BI tools can capitalise this social distancing environment into opportunities for holistic growth of organisations, societies, and individuals. It explores the theoretical and pragmatic perspectives of marketing strategies in the post-Covid Era that can be developed using the BI tools. Considering the advancement due to BI, the chapter gives a workable marketing model to help business organizations attain their goals. The research methodology adopted is exploratory in nature, which identifies the need for marketing activities of corporates. The research maps available BI tools and techniques to execute marketing activities more effectively in this virtually connected business environment. The findings disclosed the successful application of BI tools for developing marketing strategies according to the changing business environment and identifying the role of BI in developing marketing strategies accordingly. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Deepmala Singh, Anurag Singh, Amizan Omar & S.B Goyal.

High speed and secured network connectivity for higher education institutions using software defined networks

During coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), there was a demand for high data throughput and connectivity from higher education institutions. The Covid-19 pandemic has in fact exposed some of these institutions when it comes to high-speed connectivity. This chapter proposes a model for deploying a software defined network (SDN), which helps to increase productivity and reduces the cost. It discusses the existing work and brief history of the open systems interconnection model and its layers. The chapter presents a new SDN architecture and its benefits through three layers, namely application, control and data. The SDN is a network where control and data planes are decoupled and programmable through a software running on top of the network operating system on the controller. The SDN works very well with cloud networking and artificial intelligence networks. It is the future of secured and reliable communication networks. © ISTE Ltd 2022.

Controlling of Fake Information Dissemination in Online Social Networks: An Epidemiological Approach

Due to the fast advancement of Internet technology, the popularity of Online Social Networks (OSN) over the Internet is increasing day by day. In the modern world, people are using OSN to communicate with others around the world who may or may not know each other. OSN has become the most convenient means to transmit media (news/content) and gather or spread information in the world. The posts (contents) on OSN affect and impact people, and minds at least for some time. These contents are important because they play a crucial role in taking the decision. The posts which are available on the OSN may be information or just misinformation. The misinformation may be a type of fake news or rumour. This is very difficult for people to differentiate whether the posts are information or rumour. Therefore, the development of techniques that can prevent the transmission of false information or rumours that might harm society in any way is critical. In this paper, a model is developed based on the epidemic approach, for examining and controlling fake information dissemination in OSN. The proposed model illustrates how different misinformation debunking measures impact and how misinformation spreads among different groups. In this article, we explain that the proposed model will be able to recognize and eradicate fake news from OSN. The model is written as a system of differential equations. Its equilibrium and stability are also carefully examined. The basic reproduction number $(R_{0})$ is calculated, which is an important parameter in the study of message propagation in OSN. If $R_{0} < 1$ , the propagation of rumor in the OSN will be minimal;nevertheless, if $R_{0} > 1$ , the fake information/rumor will continue in OSN. The effects of disinformation of rumours in OSN in the real world are explored. In addition, the model covers the fake information/rumour dissemination control mechanism. The comparative study shows that the proposed model provides a better mechanism to prevent the dissemination of fake information in OSN in comparison to other previous models Extensive theoretical study and computation analysis have also been used to validate the proposed model © 2013 IEEE.

Methodology of Teaching and Learning for Micro-and Nano-Electronics During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Online Educational Tools

Worldwide students are having their education disrupted by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to this, numerous contact courses have recently been moved to the online format in academic reforms. Microelectronics, Nanoelectronics, Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), in general, become challenging to educate and learn for both lecturers and students, respectively in this pandemic scenario. The epidemic has also offered a stimulus to increase the use of educational tools. The primary goal is to use Project-Based Learning (PBL) to explore conceptual online tools and generate attention in the field of MEMS and NEMS. This research describes a teaching style that combines PBL with NEMS and MEMS online courses for undergraduate students. This research work delves into the principles and ideas of Micro- and Nano-electronic models. Teaching styles develop understanding, skills, and values relative to the subject. The basics of MOSFETs, cantilever beams, biosensors, comb drive, piezoelectric devices, etc. are also examined clearly through assignments. The online platform is designed to develop creative concepts and model devices for future applications. Using the PBL technique, this research work fosters both academics and students' self-learning, resulting in more sophisticated studies on subjects such as NEMS, MEMS, and Bio-MEMS. This work displays its text description as well as numerical simulations. In a controlled experiment, two sets of pre- and post-evaluation analyses have been conducted to look at the impact of PBL utilizing numerical simulation tools on fundamental theory learning. The analytical assessment demonstrates that combining numerical simulation with PBL results in more efficient understanding of fundamental MEMS and NEMS ideas. It will be a potential teaching modality for the development of online courses in this area. © 2022 IEEE.

A Novel Convolutional Neural Network-Based Segmentation Model for Lung CT Scan Images Affected by COVID-19

In recent times, the detection of COVID by lung CT scan images has become an active field of research due to the increase in the number of COVID cases worldwide. COVID causes lesion-based damage in the lungs which can be easily analyzed by a CT scan image. The proposed methodology uses a publicly available database of lung computed tomography (CT) scan images collected from 297 subjects having 8739 scans and thereby apply a Covi-Net model for lesion-based segmentation and thereby COVID detection. The Covi-Net model is an extension of U-Net model used for biomedical image classification. The model outperformed related algorithms with a dice value of 0.886. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Evaluation of hand hygiene practices among patients visiting dental college of purvanchal region - A cross-sectional study

Background: Effective hand hygiene is one of the most cost-efficient means of preventing infectious diseases in the community. Studies conducted to assess the hand hygiene practices of the general population in India are relatively limited. The present study was conducted with the aim to assess hand hygiene practices among the participants visiting the outpatient department (OPD) of a dental institute in the Purvanchal region in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 880 participants visiting the OPD of a dental college in the Purvanchal region. The data were collected using a pretested questionnaire focusing on the hand hygiene practices of the participants. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and the level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Results showed that 98.5% of the respondents used soap/antiseptic liquid soap or hand sanitizer. The frequency of handwashing increased with the improvement in socioeconomic status, with almost 70% of upper-class participants washing their hands daily 5-6 times or more (P = 0.001). A significant association was seen between education and extension of handwashing (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Majority of the population were using soap and water for handwashing which shows that people are aware that proper hand hygiene is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially COVID-19. However, more work is needed to educate people from lower socioeconomic status about good hand hygiene practices.

A Review of E-Training and Development Practices Implemented by Government for Healthcare Sector and their Impact during COVID 19 (With Special Reference to Uttrakhand)

The sudden outbreak of Corona virus disease popularly known as Covid 19 has drastic impact on all over the world. It especially shattered the whole healthcare sector. As on June 2022 the world health organisation reported 6320599 Corona virus deaths since the epidemic began. The whole world faces the covid crisis as the most dangerous and unfortunate after the World War II. As the study focuses the Uttrakhand state and we all know the geographical and climatic conditions of this state. More than 70% of the state is hill and the extreme climatic condition even makes the health sector more prone to shattered. The study analysed state Covid 19 data, taken from an authenticated Uttrakhand government sites. Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and National Skill Development Corporation(NSDC),supported by healthcare sector skill,council,have designed various courses as part of the Covid response program which support the adequate number of healthcare provider in the country. The Covid 19 not only brought the serious challenge to the government but also opened the eyes of every policy maker and business organisation to rethink about the skills, abilities and knowledge of their workforce to tackle such kind of unforeseen situations. To cope with manpower shortage in hospitals which is always prevailing in Uttrakhand state but Covid 19 makes it more vulnerable and make the whole Indian government to think on such kinds of training programmes which help the citizens to overcome from this situations. © 2022. Specialusis Ugdymas. All Rights Reserved.

EFFICACY OF YOGA-BASED BREATHING INTERVENTION IN COVID-19 POSITIVE, POST-COVID AND HEALTH CARE WORKERS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and has ability to mutate into newer, more contagious, and lethal strains. Moreover, presence of comorbidities and low immunity increases the COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Thus, COVID-19 is challenging to treat and eradicate globally. This increase stress and anxiety among the patients, worsening their condition. Even health care workers (HCWs) are distressed and anxious while managing the COVID-19. Mental stress and depression increases risk of COVID-19. Yogic breathing techniques may be beneficial in improving immunity and reducing stress and anxiety. The present study investigated the effectiveness of short and controlled Yoga-based breathing protocols in COVID-positive, COVID-recovered and HCWs. Study subjects were recruited from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India from 13th October, 2020 to 7th January 2021. Each group was randomly divided into intervention or yoga group and non-intervention or control group. COVID-positive practiced a 5-min routine and COVID-recovered and HCW practiced 5-min and 18-min routines for 15 days. Pre-post estimation of neuropsychological parameters and heart rate variability and baseline, 7th and 15th day estimation of biochemical parameters, 6-minute walk and 1-minute sit-stand tests were conducted. Based on Ayurveda, Prakriti-type was assessed. WBC count was elevated in COVID-positive intervention (p<0.001) and control groups (p=0.003). WBC count (p=0.002) and D-dimer (p=0.002) was decreased in COVID-recovered intervention. A non-significant reduction in perceived stress and tension was noted in COVID-positive intervention. Tension was reduced and quality of life improved in HCW intervention (p>0.05). The Kapha Prakriti (48.9 %) was dominant among COVID-19 infected (positive and recovered) subjects. Distance covered in 6-min increased after intervention in COVID-positive (p=0.01) and HCW (p=0.002). The covered distance was more after intervention in all groups than control sub-group. COVID-positive intervention group shows reduced heart rate (p>0.05) and high-frequency power (p=0.01). The interventions were capable of improving exercise capacity in patients and HCW and reduced cardiovascular risk in COVID-19. The studied breathing protocol can be integrated for the management of COVID-19 and is beneficial to HCWs.

Diagnosing Covid-19 using AI based Medical Image Analysis

The pandemic of COVID-19 is currently one of the most significant problems being dealt with, all around the world. It mainly affects the lungs of the infected person which can further result in serious threats. So to avoid this life threatening condition, we have used chest radiological images for COVID-19 detection. This infectious disease is communicable and is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Hence, fast and accurate detection of COVID-19 is mandatory, so one can be given proper treatment well before time. In this paper, the proposed work aims to develop a web application, namely CovSADs(Covid-19 Smart A.I. Diagnosis System), using deep learning approach for faster and efficient detection of COVID-19. This web application uses X-ray and CT scan images for the evaluation. Here, we have developed DeepCovX and DeepCovCT models by incorporating Transfer Learning (TL) approach for COVID-19 detection via chest X-ray and CT scan images respectively. Further, we have used GradCam in case of X-ray to make sure our model is looking at relevant information to make decisions and image-segmentation is used in case of CT scan to extract and localize Region-of-interest (ROI) from binary image. Our proposed models show the accuracy of 95.89% and 98.01% for X-ray and CT scan images respectively. We have obtained specificity of 99.57%, sensitivity of 100%, and AUC of 0.998 in case of X-ray and specificity of 98.80%, sensitivity of 97.06%, and AUC of 0.9875 in case of CT scan images. F1-score is obtained as 0.98 for COVID-19 and 0.98 for Non-COVID-19 in case of CT scan images. Both quantitative and qualitative results demonstrate promising results for COVID-19 detection and extraction of infected lung regions. The primary objective of the web application is to assist the radiologists not only for mass screening but also to help in planning treatment process. © 2022 ACM.

An overview of novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spanning around the past, present and future perspectives. (Special Issue: Coronaviruses and COVID-19- Past, Present, and Future.)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new enveloped RNA virus known as Coronavirus (COVID-19) are most prevalent in humans and wild animals. All four species that is alpha, beta, delta and theta have been identified till date and are responsible for human disease;causing influenza like illness (ILI). This virus has similar lineage of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This outbreak initially presented as pneumonia-like illness in a group of people in Wuhan, China. The infection was said to be caused by seafood and unusual animals in the wholesale markets of this city. SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and has resulted in a rapid pandemic. As of now it has spread to 197 countries with total no of cases in the world being 3.76 million as of early march. The mortality till now is 7.11%. The cases have been increasing since its first discovery in China. In India also the number has been increased. Till now India has total of 39,980 cases and mortality is attributed to be 3.26%. As per data from Ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) death is more commonly seen in males with age > 60 years. Among these most of the deaths were related to other co-morbid conditions. This article will help the readers with an overview of novel Coronavirus spanning around the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies and infection control measures. It will also help in raising awareness among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 and aid in early recognition of these patients. Moreover, this review will also focus on the most recent information for the effective management, prevention, and treatment of patients worldwide.

Gene influencing in COVID-19 infection, disease severity and its pharmacotherapy

Current pandemic COVID-19 has severely affected the world, having a mortality rate ranging from 1 to 10% which is different for many countries. The time interval from symptoms to clinical recovery is 6–8 weeks and to death is 2 to 8 weeks. The increase in severity and fatality in COVID 19 is primarily due to the presence of comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, pre-existing lungs disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cancer. As we already know that humans show the difference in drug responses because of their varied genetic make-up. Therefore, Population genomics gives an insight into the genetic characteristic of a population and it is critical in determining susceptibility, severity and natural protection against infectious diseases. Hence, this study was done to evaluate the population genetic makeup which is necessary to identify those who are at risk or protection from disease and develop genomics information, that would be useful in providing insight about COVID-19 disease severity or outcomes. Some of the proposed genetic gateways in COVID 19 pathogenesis are mentioned in this review that includes roles of ACE2 gene, HLA gene, Chromosome 3P21.31, ABO locus, genes responsible for cytokine storm, TLR-pathway, Family Mediterranean fever and G6PD deficiency. This review also emphasises the current treatment available in COVID-19 like hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, RNA polymerase inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors, antivirals, ivermectin, doxycycline and their pharmacogenomics viewpoint. Such Pharmacogenomic studies are very helpful for physicians to choose and give accurate first-line therapy for COVID 19 patients. © IJCRR.

Management of COVID-19: Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurveda, a branch of AYUSH system of health care in India is considered as alternative/complementary of medicine (CAM) in WHO. Here, its products are covered under “drug and cosmetics” act but in abroad they are supplements or functional foods. The aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the wellness of a healthy person and to treat a patient. For treatment, Ayurveda adopts 3 approaches i.e., (1) Daivavyapasharya chikitsa) (ypareht enivid 2 ( Yuktivyapashraya chikitsa (Rational therapy) 3 Satvavajaya chikitsa (Psychotherapy) and focuses to enhance the Vyadhikshmatwa (capacity to fight against spread of pathogenesis by strengthening all 7 dhatus (rasa, rakta, meda, mansa, asthi, majja and shukra). The disease COVID-19 falls under “Bhootvidya (GrahaVidya)", which is one of the 8 branches of “Astanga Ayurveda”. It is an “Agantuja” disease, where the disease symptoms appear in 1st stage followed by its spread in the body. Thus, progress of disease (Samprapti) has been considered under concept of shatkriyakala (6 stages of disease development), which has been given high importance for deciding the stage of disease progress and its treatment protocol. Here, we have described the introduction to Astang Ayurveda, concept of disease pathogenesis and holistic approach of treatment in respect to management of COVID-19. It specifically covers symptom based stage of disease progress and its targeted treatment guideline by including all 3 approaches of treatment, described above. Here, the current line of diagnosis, treatment and research related to COVID-19 management has been included, which are reported by basic scientists and physicians of allopathic system. These are indexed in Pubmed and web of science and also described in classical text books of Ayurveda. The same has been reviewed and summarized here, with an objective of possible correlation between the 2 languages of science of health care. © 2020, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources. All rights reserved.

A review on the covid-19 (Novel coronavirus) – characteristics, evaluation, and treatment

In December 2019, there was a flare-up of the unidentified reason for pneumonia that overwhelmed the vast majority of the world. This infection has a place with β-corona virus, an enormous class of infections common in nature. On the 11th of February 2020, W.H.O named this disease as COVID-19 (Corona virus Disease 2019). This novel corona virus is to be believed to get spread from the bat and later on a human to human transmission. These patients gave indications of extreme pneumonia including fever, weakness, dry cough and respiratory trouble. Still, the exact mechanism of its approach has not been cleared yet. But it’s said to be the same as the previous strain of it like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It has been affirmed that the COVID-19 also uses the cell section receptor i.e.;ACE2 as the SARS-CoV. The COVID-19 said to transmit starting with one then onto the next individual, so it is important to totally intrude on human-to-human transmission. Another method to control the spread is to avoid the diligence of corona viruses on inanimate surfaces because of various kinds of materials it can stay irresistible for 2 hours as long as 9 days. The typical standards are keeping up hydration and sustenance and controlling fever and cough. The typical standards are keeping up hydration and sustenance and controlling fever and cough. But still, the previously used antiviral drugs as well as like antibody and convalescent plasma as a potential therapy were used in the treatment.

An Overview of Novel Coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 Spanning around the Past, Present and Future Perspectives

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new enveloped RNA virus known as Coronavirus (COVID-19) are most prevalent in humans and wild animals. All four species that is alpha, beta, delta and theta have been identified till date and are responsible for human disease;causing influenza like illness (ILI). This virus has similar lineage of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This outbreak initially presented as pneumonia-like illness in a group of people in Wuhan, China. The infection was said to be caused by seafood and unusual animals in the wholesale markets of this city. SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and has resulted in a rapid pandemic. As of now it has spread to 197 countries with total no of cases in the world being 3.76 million as of early march. The mortality till now is 7.11%. The cases have been increasing since its first discovery in China. In India also the number has been increased. Till now India has total of 39,980 cases and mortality is attributed to be 3.26%. As per data from Ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) death is more commonly seen in males with age >60years. Among these most of the deaths were related to other co-morbid conditions. This article will help the readers with an overview of novel Coronavirus spanning around the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies and infection control measures. It will also help in raising awareness among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 and aid in early recognition of these patients. Moreover, this review will also focus on the most recent information for the effective management, prevention, and treatment of patients worldwide.