Contactless non-invasive method to identify abnormal tongue area using K-mean and problem identification in COVID-19 scenario

Due to the spread of COVID-19 all around the world, there is a need of automatic system for primary tongue ulcer cancerous cell detection since everyone do not go to hospital due to the panic and fear of virus spread. These diseases if avoided may spread soon. So, in such a situation, there is global need of improvement in disease sensing through remote devices using non-invasive methods. Automatic tongue analysis supports the examiner to identify the problem which can be finally verified using invasive methods. In automated tongue analysis image quality, segmentation of the affected region plays an important role for disease identification. This paper proposes mobile-based image sensing and sending the image to the examiner, if examiner finds an issue in the image, the examiner may guide the user to go for further treatment. For segmentation of abnormal area, K-mean clustering is used by varying its parameters.Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

A Study of Cryptographic Primitives in the context of Blockchain's Data Integrity and Privacy

In Today's World, Blockchain is a promising Technology in all areas;things have also been drastically changed after COVID-19;challenges surfaced for implementing blockchain technology in the context of its computational complexity and security. After invention of it in 2008, cryptocurrency applications, i.e., Bitcoin it also getting introduced in Different applications. One of the Major Building blocks of Blockchain is Cryptography techniques. This paper discusses Cryptographic primitives used in different phases of Blockchain implementation and the challenges of implementing these cryptographic primitives. Bitcoin uses Cryptographic primitives to generate public-private key pairs and mining, while Ethereum uses Elliptic curve cryptography to create public-private keys and digital signatures. This paper divided uses of cryptographic primitives into three categories used in Blockchains, i.e., key generation Hashes, signature generation hashes, and proof hashes. © 2022 IEEE.

Social determinants of health in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients in the United States: Clinician perspective and health policy implications.

Social determinants of health (SDoH) can impact the vulnerable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers' understanding of SDoH at the point of care and their impact is unknown. We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with US clinicians at 17 pulmonary hypertension (PH) centers and one patient advocate from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. We sought participants' perspective on SDoH in PAH and their impact. Transcripts were developed and analyzed for key themes to assess potential policy implications. Participants served a large PAH population and demonstrated high awareness of SDoH and its impact on treatment and outcomes. They reported that patients' SDoH, including socioeconomic status, health insurance, access to health care, education levels, health literacy, employment status, and insecurities associated with housing, food, transportation, and family support, impacted health and well-being. COVID-19-related social isolation, mental health, and substance abuse contributed to significant inequities in care provision and outcomes. While telemedicine helped clinicians manage patients remotely during the pandemic, there was a concern for patients with limited access to this medium. Participants reported no formal screening for SDoH at the point of care. With the recognition and the desire to act upon health inequities associated with SDoH, participants felt that it was vital for their centers to have a dedicated PH social worker and support staff to optimize care and outcomes. An approach that integrates SDoH in PAH care management, streamlined through institutional policy, could address health disparities leading to improved healthcare access, outcomes, and quality of care.

HbA1c range determination for diabetes treatment in Google Cloud Compute Engine and SerpAPI (preprint)

In this paper, we have taken a use case in the healthcare domain for the determination of factors for an accurate range of HbA1c in diabetics’ treatment. Google Search Engine Application Program Interface (API), SerpAPI@ is evaluated for the execution of Compute engine in Google cloud. As a service in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the Compute Engine gives the accurate value in HbA1c in the work orchestration in Airflow (astronomer) of Apache and Cloud Composer. We have also developed the application layer for every work stream in python and application output is stored in Google Cloud Storage. The accuracy of diabetic range determination is calculated in python as a measure for the healthcare practitioner to provide the right line of treatment for diabetic patients. A python program is developed to connect to the Google Search with a wrapper of SerpAPI in the Google Cloud Scheduler and create the JSON file schema for parameterization of Search Engine API. The results are shared with customers in the healthcare domain. We have also addressed the challenges of diabetic treatment during long-term Covid-19. 

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) ecosystem for life- saving mission for millions on Covid-19 vaccination (preprint)

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) ecosystem helps in the vaccination drive for World Health Organization (WHO) for stakeholders. The Covid-19 vaccination dataset is available in the WHO portal and refreshed every day. In this paper, the pain area of collecting the source of data and the region or location of the data collection is addressed. A python program is developed to connect to the WHO portal with the help of GCP Scheduler, and process comma-separated variable (CSV) data on daily basis. The parameter of the location of data ingestion is parsed by GCP Big Query by the data analytics and Log Analytics for capturing the location of the data ingestion. An ecosystem developed in GCP Big Query for data analytics and Google Data Studio for data visualization is key for decision-makers of vaccination drive. In the process of access to the WHO dataset available in the WHO, the portal helps the researchers and stakeholders and vision the data visualization in the design and development. Also helps the researchers to give insight into the vaccination data and add value to the beneficiary.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on festival celebrations and noise pollution levels

India is a country where every religion and community celebrates their culture. Festivals have an important role in Indian culture and are celebrated whole-heartedly by the citizens. Most of these celebrations culminate to causing pollution especially noise pollution due to festivities and rituals. One such festival is Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav which is magnificently celebrated in Maharashtra state of India. In the present study, noise pollution levels during Ganeshotsav at famous community pandals in Mumbai city were monitored in the year 2020. Noise level data was analyzed based on indices such as L-10, L-50, L-90, noise pollution level (L-NP) and noise climate (NC). Comparison of noise levels was carried out for the collected data during Ganesh Chaturthi in the previous years of 2018 and 2019. The city witnessed simple festival celebration in eco-friendly manner leading to significant decrease in noise levels due to CoVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic situation is an eye-opener for the city administration with demonstration in reduction of noise pollution. Many aspects of the pandemic can be carried forward in making new guidelines and policies to curtail pollution and eco-friendly celebration of festivals.

Systemic corticosteroids in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related smell dysfunction: an international view.

The frequent association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and olfactory dysfunction is creating an unprecedented demand for a treatment of the olfactory loss. Systemic corticosteroids have been considered as a therapeutic option. However, based on current literature, we call for caution using these treatments in early COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction because: (1) evidence supporting their usefulness is weak; (2) the rate of spontaneous recovery of COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction is high; and (3) corticosteroids have well-known potential adverse effects. We encourage randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating the efficacy of systemic steroids in this indication and strongly emphasize to initially consider smell training, which is supported by a robust evidence base and has no known side effects.

Clinical Olfactory Working Group consensus statement on the treatment of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory tract viruses are the second most common cause of olfactory dysfunction. As we learn more about the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with the recognition that olfactory dysfunction is a key symptom of this disease process, there is a greater need than ever for evidence-based management of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to provide an evidence-based practical guide to the management of PIOD (including post-coronavirus 2019 cases) for both primary care practitioners and hospital specialists. METHODS: A systematic review of the treatment options available for the management of PIOD was performed. The written systematic review was then circulated among the members of the Clinical Olfactory Working Group for their perusal before roundtable expert discussion of the treatment options. The group also undertook a survey to determine their current clinical practice with regard to treatment of PIOD. RESULTS: The search resulted in 467 citations, of which 107 articles were fully reviewed and analyzed for eligibility; 40 citations fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 11 of which were randomized controlled trials. In total, 15 of the articles specifically looked at PIOD whereas the other 25 included other etiologies for olfactory dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The Clinical Olfactory Working Group members made an overwhelming recommendation for olfactory training; none recommended monocycline antibiotics. The diagnostic role of oral steroids was discussed; some group members were in favor of vitamin A drops. Further research is needed to confirm the place of other therapeutic options.

Frontline Healthcare Workers' Knowledge, Perception and Risk Prevention Practices Regarding COVID-19 in Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: As of 13 December 2020, Afghanistan reported around 48,952 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1960 deaths. Lack of knowledge and perceptions among healthcare workers (HCWs) can pose challenges to disease control. Therefore, targeted, timely assessment of knowledge and perceptions are needed to address practices that might hinder efforts to stop the spreading of COVID-19 in Afghanistan. This study aimed to assess COVID-19-related knowledge, perceptions, and risk prevention practices (KPP) among frontline HCWs in Afghanistan; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the support of field teams who were deployed in Afghanistan, surveyed from 14 to 22 April 2020 in eight provinces in Afghanistan with varying cumulative incidence of COVID-19 cases. A 28-item KPP survey instrument was adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires related to COVID-19. (3) Results: The survey was conducted among 213 frontline HCWs engaged in screening and treating COVID-19 patients. Survey results indicated that basic awareness of COVID-19 was 100% across all the participants. Knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, incubation period and complications associated with COVID-19 are comprehensive and high (>90%), except available treatment for COVID-19 (84%). HCWs' perceptions towards the prevention and control of COVID-19 were positive. However, only 63% believed that the use of N-95 face masks and disposable and fluid-resistant gowns (76%) could prevent COVID-19 transmission. This survey showed high knowledge and positive perception (72%), and only 48% of frontline HCWs had shown risk prevention practices. Addressing their perceptions and placing additional focus on practices across all health facilities is recommended as a preparedness measure.

Fight Against COVID-19: ARCI’s Technologies for Disinfection

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a huge concern to the global population due to its highly contagious properties. The SARS-CoV-2 is a new variant in the coronavirus family. The world is focussing on several methods to battle against this novel corona virus, including control of its spread. In this context, ARCI has quickly made efforts to develop disinfection systems including a UVC-based disinfection trolley, honeycomb air heater and a fogging chamber using UVC germicidal lamps, dry heat sterilization and HOCl-based chemical disinfectant to provide rapid and effective inactivation of microorganisms causing the pandemic. These systems have been successfully deployed at different hospitals for their validation.

Transcriptional profiling reveals TRPM5-expressing cells involved in viral infection in the olfactory epithelium (preprint)

BackgroundUnderstanding viral infection of the olfactory epithelium is essential because the olfactory nerve is an important route of entry for viruses to the central nervous system. Specialized chemosensory epithelial cells that express the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) are found throughout the airways and intestinal epithelium and are involved in responses to viral infection. ResultsHerein we performed deep transcriptional profiling of olfactory epithelial cells sorted by flow cytometry based on the expression of mCherry as a marker for olfactory sensory neurons and for eGFP in OMP-H2B::mCherry/TRPM5-eGFP transgenic mice (Mus musculus). We find profuse expression of transcripts involved in inflammation, immunity and viral infection in TRPM5-expressing microvillous cells. ConclusionOur study provides new insights into a potential role for TRPM5-expressing microvillous cells in viral infection of the olfactory epithelium. We find that, as found for solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) and brush cells in the airway epithelium, and for tuft cells in the intestine, the transcriptome of TRPM5-expressing microvillous cells indicates that they are likely involved in the inflammatory response elicited by viral infection of the olfactory epithelium.

IoT role in prevention of COVID-19 and health care workforces behavioural intention in India-an empirical examination

Purpose This paper aims to address the role of Internet of Things (IoT) in preventing COVID-19. The IoT devices can be used in various ways to track the patients and suspected person. Remote data collection can be done with the help of IoT and sensors. Later, the data can be analyzed with the help of data science engineers and researchers to predict and prevent the COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach IoT is a creative mean of amalgamating clinical gadgets and their applications to associate with the human services and data innovation frameworks. An investigation on the conceivable outcomes of defying progressive COVID-19 pandemic by implementing the IoT approach while offering treatment to all classes of patient without any partiality in poor and rich. The information sharing, report checking, patient tracking, data social affair, investigation, cleanliness clinical consideration and so forth are the different cloud-based administrations of IoT. It can totally change the working format of the medical services while rewarding the huge volume of patients with a predominant degree of care and more fulfilment, particularly during this pandemic of COVID-19 lockdown. Health workers can quickly focus on patient zero and identify everyone who has come into contact with the infected person and move these people to quarantine/isolation. As COVID-19 has emerged from the Wuhan province of China, IoT tools such as geographic information system could be used as an effective tool to curb the spread of pandemics by acting as an early warning system. Scanners at airports across the world could be used to monitor temperature and other symptoms. This paper addresses the role of IoT in preventing COVID-19. Findings In the period of continuous pandemic of COVID-19, IoT offers many propelled cloud-based administrations and offices to serve a greater number of patients effectively. The remote medicinal services framework provides a lot of significance in such a crucial time of lockdown. The powerful interconnected arrangement of gadgets, applications, Web, database and so on encourages the consumers to benefit the administrations in smart way. IoT additionally advances its administrations by building up the quality culture of perceptive medicinal services or portable centre. It is a "distinct advantage innovation," which may totally change the practices universally. Indeed, even its quality administrations in this extreme time make this methodology progressively productive and beneficial. IoT helps in observing and tracking more recognized people and patients in remote areas for their human service prerequisites. The customary medicinal services are probably going to observe a huge change in perspective sooner rather than later, as the computerized revolution would place cutting-edge innovation and its associated items in the possession of the patients and give both patients and doctors in remote areas better access to quality clinical services. Originality/value The contemporary exploration study focuses on the proposed IoT system for the treatment of patients in this progressing COVID-19. The working principle of IoT approach incorporates the mix of human services apparatuses, clinical treatment framework, Web organize, programming and administrations. IoT framework empowers the information assortment, report observing, understanding database, testing pictures and investigation and so forth. Data has been collected through online mode;in this study, the authors adopted empirical research design. Total 150 (118/150 = 78. 66% respondent response ratio) online questionnaires were sent in the Chennai city of Tamilnadu, India. The participated nature of work is clinical examination in critical care division.