Compounded Bell-G class of statistical models with applications to COVID-19 and actuarial data

The compounded Bell generalized class of distributions is proposed in this article as an alternative to the compounded Poisson generalized family of distributions. Some properties and actuarial measures are presented. The properties of a special model named Bell Weibull (BellW) are obtained such as the linear representation of density, rth moment, incomplete moment, moment generating function using Wright generalized hypergeometric function and Meijer's G function, the pth moment of order statistics, reliability, stochastic ordering, and residual and reversed residual life. Moreover, some commonly used entropy measures, namely, Rényi, Havrda and Charvat, and Arimoto and Tsallis entropy are obtained for the special model. From the inferential side, parameters are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation. The simulation study is performed to highlight the behavior of estimates. Some actuarial measures including expected shortfall, value at risk, tail value at risk, tail variance, and tail variance premium for the BellW model are presented with the numerical illustration. The usefulness of the proposed family is evaluated using insurance claims and COVID-19 datasets. Convincing results are obtained. © 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.

A study of collective psychological ownership predicted by work environment and mediating role of employee self-efficacy among nursing staff in Oman

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthcare staff and as a result, there is renewed interest in the management of healthcare staff. One concept which can perform a central role in managing healthcare staff is psychological ownership which is investigated in the current study. The study is based on three literature gaps including foci of psychological ownership, its measurement level, and the process approach of understanding antecedents of psychological ownership. Based on these literature gaps, the objectives of the study were to measure the effects of the work environment on nursing staff collective-psychological ownership and test the mediating role of self-efficacy. Data was collected through a survey from nursing teams from selected private hospitals in the Sultanate of Oman. The result indicates that work environment dimensions have a significant influence on nursing staff collective-psychological ownership. Additionally, we found support for self-efficacy as a mediator in this relationship.

Examining Employee Performance During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study of Aerospace Manufacturing Industry in Malaysia

During Covid-19 pandemic situation, a lot of company facing problem in sustaining their businesses. Most organization has response to the current situation in maintaining the business sustainability. Unfortunately, the changes have been made by management has given significant impact on employee performance. This quantitative study is to examine the relationship between motivation, work environment and work from home towards employee performance. The target respondents of this study are among employee in an aerospace manufacturing company in Malaysia during Covid-19 pandemic situation. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) and Analysis of a Moment Structures AMOS will be used in analyzing the data that has been collected to get the accuracy of result. The finding shows that motivation, work environment and WFH have a significant relationship with employee performance. The finding of this study is to provide insights to manufacturing company in managing strategic change management during Covid-19 pandemic as well as for future studies in revealing the factors that influence employee performance. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Tocilizumab in severe COVID-19 – A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: The therapeutic effectiveness of interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor in critically ill hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is uncertain. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the outcome as recovery or death of tocilizumab for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in critically ill COVID-19 adult patients. The patients were randomly assigned in a 4:1 ratio to receive standard medical treatment plus the recommended dose of either tocilizumab or the placebo drug. Randomization was stratified. The primary outcome was the recovery or death after administration of tocilizumab or a placebo drug. The secondary outcomes were clinical recovery or worsening of the patients' symptoms and inflammatory markers and discharge from the hospital. Results: Of 190 patients included in this study, 152 received tocilizumab, and 38 received a placebo. The duration of hospital stay of the interventional group was 12.9 ± 9.2, while the placebo group had a more extended hospital stay (15.6 ± 8.8). The mortality ratio for the primary outcome, ie, mortality or recovery in the tocilizumab group was 17.8%;p = 0.58 by log-rank test). The mortality ratio in the placebo group was 76.3%;p = 0.32 by log-rank test). The inflammatory markers in the tocilizumab group significantly declined by day 16 compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: The use of tocilizumab was associated with decreased mortality, earlier improvement of inflammatory markers, and reduced hospital stay in patients with severe COVID-19. © 2022 The Author(s)

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 among populations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi during lockdown: A cross-sectional survey

In Pakistan, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported on 26 February 2020, having the travel history from Iran. Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been affected by COVID-19 epidemic. On 23 March 2020, the Government of Pakistan has declared smart lockdown all over the country including Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The aim of the study was to identify the status of the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among the general population of the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) in Pakistan during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from 5 to 19 May 2020, the week during smart lockdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Demographic characteristics were compared with independent-samples t-test, one-way, or Chi-square test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with low knowledge score. Data analyses were conducted with SPSS version 21.0. A total of 1,282 participants completed the questionnaire. Among this final sample, the average age was 30.65 years. Among the survey respondents, 680 (53%) were women, 1096 (86%) held a bachelor's degree or above, 634 (50%) were engaged with the government and private sector and 606 (47%) were married. The overall correct rate of knowledge was 70%. The majority of the respondents agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled (59%). Most of the participants had not visited any crowded place (74%) and 95% responded that they have reduced their outdoor activities. In response to precaution measures, 86% stated that they would isolate themselves if they ever felt a fever or cough. The study findings suggest that residents of the two cities have reasonable levels of knowledge on COVID-19. However, it is necessary to launch health education and awareness campaigns to improve the knowledge and practices about COVID-19, to control its transmission. © 2022 The Author(s).

A Novel Oral Antiviral Drug for COVID-19. Can It Make a Difference?

Countries across the world are striving to vaccinate their citizens against the virus that brings about COVID-19. Not only developed countries but also developing ones have had success in vaccinating a huge number of people. Advance and improved treatments are still required to reduce hospitalizations and deaths. They also aid in the prevention of virus propagation. It is important to recognize that, despite being vaccinated, there is still a need for alternative and more effective COVID treatment options. In the quest to create a solution for battling COVID-19, antiviral medicine was developed. The good thing about this solution is that it can be taken orally rather than intravenously which can be provided outside of a hospital setting before COVID-19 has progressed to a critical level. © 2023, Army Medical College. All Rights Reserved.

Don't Cop Out: Fulminant Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia Following Methamphetamine Inhalation

INTRODUCTION: Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) accounts for 5% of all ILD cases. Due to a low incidence rate of 1 case per 100,000 persons per annum, it is often misdiagnosed as bacterial pneumonia, but when timely managed, it has an excellent prognosis. We discuss Methamphetamine, a commonly abused stimulant that has unfortunately not yet garnered enough notoriety as a respiratory toxidrome for causing inhalation injury, potentially leading to fulminant COP. DESCRIPTION: A 44-year-old male presented to ED with fevers, cough, and dyspnea gradually worsening over the past two weeks. Of note, he smoked ten cigarettes/day and relapsed to methamphetamines inhalation, the latest use being two weeks prior. On physical exam, oxygen saturation was 70% on RA and had significant bilateral inspiratory crackles. The respiratory Viral Panel, including COVID-19, was negative. Drug screens were negative. Chest X-Ray and CTA showed bilateral ground glass opacities concerning multifocal pneumonia but no pulmonary embolism. Broadspectrum antibiotics were started. For worsening Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory failure (AHRF) on Day 3, he underwent intubation and mechanical ventilation. Further workup for infectious etiologies like S. pneumoniae and Legionella, HIV-1, and sputum and blood cultures were all negative. Initial autoimmune and connective tissue disease workup was within normal limits. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis did not yield an infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic source. On day 7, he underwent an open lung biopsy which confirmed COP, with histological features of toxic injury. IV glucocorticoids were started, with gradual improvement noticed in AHRF. DISCUSSION: Respiratory failure within 30 days of hospitalization is the most common cause of mortality in fulminant COP.If a patient's history suggests exposure to inhaled amphetamine and have no response to antibiotics for supposed pneumonia, physicians should consider COP to make a timely diagnosis and initiate glucocorticoid treatment to warrant rapid clinical improvement, often seen as early as 72 hours, and prevent future relapses.With Substance use continuing to be a major healthcare problem, now more than ever, healthcare providers must be familiar with respiratory toxidrome to provide timely diagnosis and treatment.

Development of functional cotton fabric by simultaneous dyeing and finishing with a novel bioactive reactive dye

Bioactive textiles garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic owing to their antimicrobial properties. However, the fabrication and utilization of bioactive textiles have had a toxic impact on the environment due to the leaching of bioactive agents during laundering. In this study, a novel functional bioactive reactive dye was synthesized using an antibacterial agent covalently linked to a triazine reactive group for the simultaneous dyeing and finishing of cotton fabric. The molecular structure of the synthesized dye was characterized using FTIR, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, MS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The dye was applied to the cotton fabric using the exhaust dyeing method. The antibacterial efficacy of the powder dye and dyed fabric against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was estimated according to standard test protocols. The color strength (K/S), colorimetric data (L*, a*, b*, C*, H*) measurement, ultraviolet protection, and colorfastness properties of the dyed fabric were also evaluated. The synthesized powder dye revealed an outstanding antibacterial activity and killed 99.99% of bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus). The dyed fabric showed excellent antibacterial activity before washing as well as after 20 industrial laundry cycles and showed that there was no significant reduction in antibacterial activity, establishing non-leaching of the antibacterial agent into the environment. The dyed fabrics before and after washing showed excellent ultraviolet protection values (>50), better dye fixation, and fastness properties. The current study has established a sustainable process to develop bioactive textiles that do not leach bioactive agent into the environment.

Patient Experience With Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Therapy in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A Multinational Survey

Objectives: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is efficacious for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). However, the frequent treatment and monitoring required for optimal real-world outcomes can be burdensome to patients and can impact adherence to treatment. This study aimed to understand patient treatment experience with anti-VEGF standard of care. Method(s): A cross-sectional survey was employed comprising de novo questions, patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and medical chart extraction. Adult patients with nAMD or DME treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for >=12 months were recruited via 38 clinical sites (6 Canada, 6 France, 4 Italy, 7 Spain, 6 United Kingdom, 9 United States). Result(s): Surveys were completed by 391 patients with nAMD and 183 patients with DME. PRO scores indicated that patients across both conditions had relatively high vision-related functioning and were generally satisfied with their current treatment. Mean number of anti-VEGF injections over 12 months across countries ranged from 6.3-9.7 for nAMD and 4.3-8.0 for DME. Nineteen patients with nAMD (19/391;5%) and 27 patients with DME (27/183;15%) missed >=1 injection or examination visit in the past 12 months. Reported barriers were mainly related to treatment (eg, pain and discomfort during/after anti-VEGF injection), clinic (eg, not having someone to accompany them to appointments) and, to a lesser extent, the COVID-19 pandemic. After treatment, the majority recovered in <=1 day;however, 24% (139/574) needed >1 day to recover. Impairment in daily activities due to treatment was reported by 45% (258/574) of patients. Among working patients 62% (41/66) reported productivity impairment from absenteeism. Conclusion(s): Patients reported impairment of daily activities, burden and barriers related to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, despite high adherence and treatment satisfaction levels. More durable therapy options, requiring less frequent treatments may be able to reduce treatment-related burden and barriers. Copyright © 2022

Acute Pericarditis in ESRD due to COVID-19 Despite Vaccination

Introduction: - Myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure;common cardiac manifestations of Coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19).1-3 - Acute pericarditis is rare.4 - We report a case of a new-onset pericardial rub diagnosed as acute pericarditis due to COVID-19 in a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) despite vaccination. Case Description: - A 61-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) approaching dialysis, status post renal transplant twice (first in 1997 and second in 2010) presented with dyspnea of a few days' duration. - Medications: amlodipine, atorvastatin, calcitriol, clonidine patch, hydralazine, sevelamer, tacrolimus, and tamsulosin. - Physical examination: 2+ pitting edema and rales over bilateral lung fields. - Laboratory tests: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine (Cr) of 154/13.6, respectively. Initial COVID-19 serologies were negative. - Electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram (ECHO) at admission were unremarkable. - Received seven hemodialysis sessions that improved his symptoms. - Subsequently, he spiked a fever with a recurrence of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. - Auscultation: New onset pericardial rub. - Laboratory test: BUN/Cr of 54/5.3. Tested positive for COVID-19. - Repeat ECHO: Pericarditis and moderate-sized pericardial effusion with normal left ventricular systolic function and ejection fraction. - Treated with heparin-free intensive hemodialysis and colchicine. Discussion(s): - Acute pericarditis presentation;Two or more of the following symptoms: chest pain, friction rub, diffuse ST-elevations, PR depressions on EKG, and new or worsening pericardial effusion.5 - Can lead to cardiac tamponade if left untreated.6 - In ESRD, important to consider differential diagnoses of pericarditis;uremia, and fluid overload causing effusion. Due to the recent pandemic, COVID-19 must be taken into consideration irrespective of vaccination status.

Personal Beliefs and Attitudes of Covid-19 Infecetd People with About Thecovid-19 Vaccination

"Background: The opinions of those who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 about vaccination are not well studied. Given the ongoing need to increase uptake of both the initial vaccine series and booster doses, as well as the various ways that such an experience could impact attitudes, it is crucial to investigate this, especially among those who are suffering from mild-to-moderate illness. Material(s) and Method(s): It was a cross-sectional observational survey methodology conducted at Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur between September 3 and November 12, 2021. Study participants were invited to take part in an online survey that asked about their level of immunization as well as their attitudes and opinions toward COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines. Regarding a question about whether COVID-19 vaccination is compatible with religious views as well personal views, participants were asked to explain their beliefs and how they correspond to taking/not taking the vaccine. Result(s):3242 (40.2%) of the 8,075 patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis who were invited to participate in the survey and who were older than 18 years old were fully immunized. But of the 149 people who responded to the survey, 95 (or 63.8%) said they had received all the recommended vaccinations. Between the vaccination groups, responses varied considerably. The vaccinated group was unanimous in their agreement that COVID-19 is a serious public health issue, the vaccines are secure and reliable, and they decided to get vaccinated after taking into account the potential benefits to the community. While the unvaccinated group disagreed vehemently with claims regarding vaccine effectiveness and other preventative public health measures, they responded neutrally to the majority of questions addressing vaccine safety and public health issues. In contrast to the unvaccinated group, which was unconvinced, the vaccination group firmly agreed that receiving the vaccine was consistent with their personal and/or religious beliefs. The qualitative analysis of the free text responses revealed that ""risk perception/calculation"" and ""no impact"" of religious/personal beliefs on vaccination decisions were frequent themes/subthemes in both groups. However, among the vaccinated, beliefs related to the ""greater good"" were a strong driver, while statements highlighting ""individual choice"" were a third frequent theme for the unvaccinated. Conclusion(s): According to our findings, unvaccinated adults who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 exhibit two of the three factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy (complacency and lack of faith in the vaccines). They also demonstrate that attitudes that emphasize the significance of the greater good encourage participation in public health initiatives. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved."

THAT BLOODY CLOT DOES NOT ALWAYS NEED A TUNNEL TO MIGRATE: A CASE OF MULTIPLE ARTERIAL AND VENOUS THROMBOSIS IN A COVID-19 PATIENT

SESSION TITLE: Rare Cases of Nervous System and Thrombotic Complication Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Covid 19 virus has impacted nearly 450 million people across the globe;ranging from an asymptomatic carrier state to respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, hematologic manifestations and multiorgan failure to death. Thrombotic events are one of its devastating complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66 year old man with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and 30 pack years smoking history presented to the emergency room with hypoxia and altered mental status. On exam, his GCS was 8/15 and oxygen saturation was 85% on room air. He was subsequently intubated. CTA chest demonstrated bilateral diffuse ground glass opacities and left pulmonary embolism (PE). CT abdomen and pelvis showed multifocal infarcts in the right kidney with findings suggestive of renal artery thrombosis. Initial platelet count was 80,000/ul with creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl and creatine kinase (CK) of 3977 u/l. His INR was 1.4. Patient was not a candidate for thrombolysis given his thrombocytopenia. He was started on intravenous (IV) heparin and given IV hydration. On day 3 of his admission, he developed dry gangrene of the toes. Ankle brachial index of the right lower extremity (LE) was 1.16 and left LE was 0. Duplex ultrasonography of left LE showed mid to distal popliteal artery thrombus occluding below knee popliteal and tibial arteries. Echocardiogram showed ejection fraction of 55% and bubble study was negative for any intra atrial or pulmonary shunting. On day 4 of his admission, he developed oliguria and his gangrene got worse. His platelet counts decreased to 36,000/ul. Other pertinent labs showed INR 1.2, PT 15.3, PTT 34, D dimer 14.82, fibrinogen 498, CK 6434 mg/dl, hemoglobin 13.2 g/dl, haptoglobin 243 mg/dl and LDH 1041 U/l. Given his poor prognosis in the setting of ventilator dependent respiratory failure, multiple thrombosis and kidney failure requiring hemodialysis, the family decided to withdraw care. DISCUSSION: There are multiple hypotheses of thrombus formation in Covid 19 infection such as interleukin 6 and other cytokines induced endothelial injury, angiogenesis and elevated prothrombotic factors such as factor VIII and fibrinogen. Our patient had PE, renal artery thrombosis and popliteal artery thrombosis. Despite being on full dose anticoagulation, he developed gangrene of the toes. His lab results were not consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and he was not known to have any baseline hypercoagulable disorder. He did not have any intra cardiac shunts. Hence, it is most likely Covid 19 induced multiple arterial and venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of Covid 19 related thrombosis has become very challenging especially in the setting of multiple clots. It is crucial to have large multicenter studies to investigate vascular complications of Covid-19 and to formulate management strategies to ensure good patient outcomes. Reference #1: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2015432 Reference #2: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(21)01126-0/fulltext DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Devashish Desai No relevant relationships by Swe Swe Hlaing no disclosure on file for Jean Marie Koka;No relevant relationships by Hui Chong Lau No relevant relationships by Subha Saeed No relevant relationships by Anupam Sharma No relevant relationships by Muhammad Moiz Tahir

DIEULAFOY LESION CAUSING LOWER GI BLEEDING: A CASE OF COVID-19 CRITICAL ILLNESS PROMPTING UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF A MORE RARE CONDITION

SESSION TITLE: COVID-19 Case Report Posters 1 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Dieulafoy lesions are abnormally dilated submucosal vessels remain uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, accounting for approximately 1.5% of all GI bleeds [1]. Although the exact etiology remains unknown, multiple co-morbid conditions have been attributed to this condition, including heart diseases, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or excessive alcohol use [2].In our case, it was identified as a cause of lower GI bleed in a critically ill Covid patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old male with a history of diabetes, internal hemorrhoids, and diverticulosis was admitted to the hospital due to hypoxic respiratory failure from COVID pneumonia with characteristic CT findings of bilateral ground-glass opacification. On admission, the patient was afebrile, normotensive, tachypneic with a respiratory rate of 34.The physical examination was unremarkable except for coarse crackles in upper and middle lung zones. We treated patient with Dexamethasone and Remdesivir. His hypoxia deteriorated, and he was eventually intubated. On admission patient hemoglobin was within normal range. During the patient's hospital course, he had a significant drop in hemoglobin, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Blood clots were found on perianal examination. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed blood in the rectosigmoid colon. A visible vessel without apparent ulcer was seen in the rectum, which was actively oozing blood. It was determined to be a Dieulafoy lesion. The affected area was injected with epinephrine for hemostasis, and subsequently, hemostatic clips were placed. After the procedure patient did not have any repeat episodes of hematochezia or drop in hemoglobin. DISCUSSION: Dieulafoy lesions are an uncommon cause of GI bleeding and are usually present in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, they caused hemodynamically significant bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract in our case. Dieulafoy lesions can be asymptomatic or may bleed intermittently to cause severe hemodynamic compromise. They may be missed on endoscopy due to the small size and intermittent bleeding [2]. In up to 9-40% of the cases, these lesions tend to rebleed. Therefore the patients need close monitoring [3]. In our case, after the intervention with the clips, the patient's bleeding stopped, and he had no further blood loss from the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Dieulafoy's lesion is an infrequent cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, and it is challenging to diagnose [3]. It is a rare cause of GI bleeding, and even in those instances, it is found chiefly in upper GI bleed cases but can also be the cause of lower GI bleeding. Knowing that GI bleeding in Covid patients leads to worse outcomes, it is prudent to account for rare causes of GI bleed during the work-up. Reference #1: Van Zanten SV, Bartelsman J, Schipper M, Tytgat G. Recurrent massive haematemesis from Dieulafoy vascular malformations–a review of 101 cases. Gut. 1986;27(2):213. Reference #2: Shin HJ, Ju JS, Kim KD, et al. Risk factors for Dieulafoy lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Clinical Endoscopy. 2015;48(3):228. Reference #3: Baettig B, Haecki W, Lammer F, Jost R. Dieulafoy's disease: endoscopic treatment and follow up. Gut. 1993;34(10):1418-1421. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Swe Swe Hlaing No relevant relationships by Joyann Kroser No relevant relationships by Hui Chong Lau No relevant relationships by Sze Jia Ng No relevant relationships by Subha Saeed No relevant relationships by Muhammad Moiz Tahir

The use of Google Classroom among Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

COVID-19 outbreak has tremendously impacted education by implementing online learning in schools and universities worldwide. Google Classroom (GC) is one of the online learning platforms favored by educators in facilitating online learning due to its various benefits. Due to its significance, there has been a growing trend in examining its users' perception of using GC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this review investigates the students' perception of using GC during the pandemic. Relevant articles for this review were identified from two leading databases: Scopus and Web of Science. Three main steps were involved in this review method: identification, screening, and eligibility processes. The selected articles revealed that the use of GC allows the students to acquire new knowledge and language skills due to its ease of use, usefulness, flexibility, and accessibility. Meanwhile, among the challenges the students face in using GC during the COVID-19 period involved device and connection issues, their readiness to use the platform, and the inability to receive instant instructor feedback. Educational institutions are then encouraged to improve their e-learning infrastructure and knowledge to accommodate the use of GC. Conversely, teachers should also optimise both asynchronous and synchronous learning through GC and anticipate their students' general limitations in using GC and online learning. © 2022 IJETAE Publication House. All Rights Reserved.

Short Text Classification Using TF-IDF Features and Fast Text Learner

The spread of the COVID-19 is a challenge for the health sector. This pandemic created health and financial issues for the whole world. The medical experts are working for the diagnostics and reasons behind the COVID-19 disease and its spread. Some conspiracies are being spread related to the COVID-19 disease and its spread. Such conspiracies can be seen on social media including Twitter. In this research, the conspiracies of the COVID-19 have been analyzed from the public tweets. The tweets of the conspiracies have been filtered from the tweets of the COVID-19 disease, symptoms, and other discussions related to the disease. The analysis of the COVID-19 related tweets resulted into three conspiracy classes, the COVID-19 tweets without any conspiracy and the conspiracies. A model is presented for the classification of tweets into three conspiracy classes with the Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.294. Copyright 2021 for this paper by its authors.

Atypical Presentation of Cocaine-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Cocaine is one of the most used illicit drugs. Cocaine induced toxicity can result in hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and renal dysfunction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an emergent complication in cocaine abusers. Rhabdomyolysis and vasoconstrictions mechanism are well known cause of AKI, cocaine induce thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is rarely reported. Cocaine is widely used in the United States, we report a case of Cocaine induced TMA in a cocaine abuser. We chronicle a case of a 42-Year-old male cocaine abuser, who presented to ED with complaints of Dyspnea, cough, anorexia and chest tightness for two days. He attributed to inhaling ammonia from cat urine along with cocaine abuse. No prior history of kidney disease or any other chronic illness. On examination, the patient appeared malnourished and cachectic. He was normotensive, lethargic and oriented. There were crackles at the lung bases. Blood tests revealed serum creatinine 18.0 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen 150 mg/dL, hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL, platelets 173000/mm3, Retics count 8 %, LDH 1120 (84–246 IU/L) and haptoglobin < 8 (30–200mg/dL). A blood film revealed occasional schistocytes. Urinalysis showed proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Urine toxicology revealed cocaine. Routine blood and urine cultures showed no growth. Serologic tests showed reduced complement C3 level of 40 (82-185 mg/dL) and normal C4 level of 32 (10–53mg/dL). There were no antibodies against HIV 1/2 and Covid 19. His ADAMTS-13 results showed 0.61 and 0.63 (0.68 to 1.63). Renal Ultrasound was unremarkable. Patient was intubated and ventilated in ICU;he was initiated on hemodialysis. He was provided four sessions of plasma exchanges till his ADAMTS-13 result came back near normal that was indicative of Cocaine induce TMA. Cocaine abuse is a global issue with increasing number of cases in the USA. It can cause AKI due to well-known etiologies like Rhabdomyolysis, Vasculitis, Acute interstitial Nephritis and Renal Infarction. However, Clinicians and nephrologists should also consider rare causes like TMA as a possible differential cause of AKI in the setting of cocaine abuse.

Awareness of Preventive Measures, Knowledge and Attitude of Affected People Visiting COVID-19 Suspected Unit in Nishtar Hospital Multan the Tertiary Care Hospital, Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the awareness of preventive measures, knowledge and attitude of the suspected, documented cases of covid-19 or their close family members also, admitted through corona filter counter in corona suspected units in a tertiary care hospital of Multan (Pakistan). Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the suspected wards of Pandemic Corona Virus, Nishtar hospital-Multan from December, 2020 to December, 2021. Materials and Methods: Patients or their attendants admitting through corona filter counter for the suspicion of corona virus infection on the basis of history like cough, shortness of breath, fever from last two weeks, infiltrates on X-ray chest or HRCT sent through corona filter to corona suspected wards were included in the study. Main variables of study were use of preventive measures, knowledge about disease and attitude. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Results: Most of the patients 52.2%, arrived from Multan. 33.3% patients had travel history. Only thirteen patients traveled to abroad and 49.1% had family contact. It was seen that preventive measures, knowledge and attitude were associated with Covid-19 effected patients. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practice of preventive measures was not good in Pakistani population, factors which are influencing good practice were area of living and family contact. Most of infective patients in our study were those who travel recently in high infective areas.

Factors Influencing Secondary English as a Second Language Teachers' Intentions to Utilize Google Classroom for Instructions during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Google Classroom (GC) is a technical innovation that allows English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers and students to meet remotely to create a more engaging teaching and learning experience. This study investigated factors influencing ESL teachers' intentions to utilize GC for instructions during the Covid-19 pandemic. An exploratory sequential technique was implemented as part of a mixed-methods research design. Eleven prior studies on educators' views toward the use of GC were evaluated for the qualitative data analysis. The data from these investigations were analysed and categorized into topics and categories. The findings revealed that ESL teachers had a positive attitude toward utilizing GC with their pupils. For the quantitative data analysis, a research survey was performed. Technical support, attitude, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and technological knowledge were studied as factors that impacted ESL teachers' intentions to use GC. The sample includes 216 government secondary schools in the Kinta Selatan District of Perak. The outcomes of the study revealed that attitude, perceived usefulness, and technological knowledge all influenced the desire to use GC. The link between technical support and perceived ease of use, as well as the desire to use GC, was found to be negative. In linking the factors that determine GC intention, future research might incorporate a variety of moderating variables. The study's findings might assist educators to understand the challenges of online learning in Malaysian education, as well as how to overcome them.

Virtual learning environment factors as predictors of students' learning satisfaction during COVID-19 period in Nigeria

Purpose: The onus of this study was to find out the role played by virtual learning environment factors on students' satisfaction during the COVID-19 period in Nigeria. A survey was carried out on students in higher education institutions in Nigeria to actualize this purpose. Design/methodology/approach: Simple random sampling techniques with the aid of Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) sample determinant and the Snowball sampling technique were adopted to sample 270 students in higher education institutions in Nigeria. An adapted questionnaire was used. Cronbach alpha coefficients were calculated for the two sections of the independent and dependent variables. Virtual learning environment factors yielded 0.89, while students' satisfaction yielded 0.87. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, two-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis. Findings: The results of the ANOVA, F (df 4, 265) = 50.905, p < 0.000, indicate a statistically significant relationship (stronger than 0.05) between the independent variables (virtual learning environment factors) and the dependent variable (students' satisfaction). It was found among others that instructors' support and collaboration factors predicted students' satisfaction with virtual learning experiences during the COVID-19 period. Originality/value: Virtual learning during COVID-19 caught both lecturers and students unprepared. Most developing countries especially Africans were used to the traditional face-to-face learning, more so, the use of virtual means to learn was still at a nascent stage. This study, therefore, contributed to the role of the learning environment in virtual learning satisfaction. © 2022, Sulaimon Adewale and Muyideen Babatunde Tahir.

Statistical Analysis of COVID-19 Data: Using A New Univariate and Bivariate Statistical Model

In this paper, a new distribution named as unit-power Weibull distribution (UPWD) defined on interval (0,1) is introduced using an appropriate transformation to the positive random variable of the Weibull distribution. This work offers quantile function, linear representation of the density, ordinary and incomplete moments, moment-generating function, probability-weighted moments, L -moments, TL-moments, Rényi entropy, and MLE estimation. Additionally, several actuarial measures are computed. The real data applications are carried out to underline the practical usefulness of the model. In addition, a bivariate extension for the univariate power Weibull distribution named as bivariate unit-power Weibull distribution (BIUPWD) is also configured. To elucidate the bivariate extension, simulation analysis and application using COVID-19-associated fatality rate data from Italy and Belgium to conform a BIUPW distribution with visual depictions are also presented. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Function Spaces is the property of Hindawi Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)