Smart Watch to Avoid Face Touching During Pandemic Condition

The most dangerous Coronavirus, COVID-19, is the source of this pandemic illness. This illness was initially identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and currently sweeping the globe. The virus spreads quickly because it is so simple to transmit from one person to another. Fever is one of the obvious signs of COVID-19 and is one of its prevalent symptoms. The mucosal areas, such as the nose, eyes, and mouth, are among the most significant ways to catch this virus. In order to prevent and track the corona virus infection, this research suggests a face-touching detection and self-health report monitoring system. Their hygiene will immediately improve thanks to this system. In this pandemic circumstance, people use their hands in dirty environments like buses, trains, and other surfaces, where the virus can remain active for a very long time. With an accelerometer and a pulse oximeter sensor, this system alerts the user when they are carrying their hands close to their faces. © 2023 IEEE.

Pandemic Asteroid Defense: DART Integration and Test in the time of COVID-19

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) successfully intercepted the asteroid Didymos on September 26th of 2022, potentially changing its orbital period with a deflection by kinetic impact. The spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on November 24th, 2021. DART's Integration and Test (I&T) campaign was scheduled to commence in April of 2020 at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) in Laurel, Maryland. In March of that year, one month prior to beginning I&T, the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) forced JHU/APL to rethink how to assemble, test and deliver a spacecraft on schedule during a very challenging period of time. This paper will discuss the details of the successful I&T strategy used by the DART team during the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent return to post-lockdown life. The team learned how to effectively meet virtually, how to integrate hardware, and how to operate the spacecraft with the least amount of people required. Communication was key in keeping the various DART team members, who were located across the country, connected and safe. The team had also moved documentation online for the first time, which turned out to be very instrumental in keeping everyone on track. A variety of tools to collaborate and document test procedures and results proved valuable for record keeping. Creative solutions were implemented during the test campaign for scheduling both remote and in person monitoring. This paper will conclude with DART lessons learned and recommendations for future I&T programs. © 2023 IEEE.

Managing systemic risk in emergency management, organizational resilience and climate change adaptation

PurposeThis paper applies the theory of cascading, interconnected and compound risk to the practice of preparing for, managing, and responding to threats and hazards. Our goal is to propose a consistent approach for managing major risk in urban systems by bringing together emergency management, organisational resilience, and climate change adaptation.Design/methodology/approachWe develop a theory-building process using an example from the work of the Greater London Authority in the United Kingdom. First, we explore how emergency management approaches systemic risk, including examples from of exercises, contingency plans and responses to complex incidents. Secondly, we analyse how systemic risk is integrated into strategies and practices of climate change adaptation. Thirdly, we consider organisational resilience as a cross cutting element between the approaches.FindingsLondon has long been a champion of resilience strategies for dealing with systemic risk. However, this paper highlights a potential for integrating better the understanding of common points of failure in society and organisations, especially where they relate to interconnected domains and where they are driven by climate change.Originality/valueThe paper suggests shifting toward the concept of operational continuity to address systemic risk and gaps between Emergency Management, Organizational Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation.

The Dissemination and Implementation of Recess Guidelines, Policies, and Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: There are limited school physical activity policy dissemination and implementation studies. This is a concern given the adverse mental, physical, and socio-emotional effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and adolescents. This study explored New Jersey school administrators' experiences in disseminating recess guidelines, procedures, and policies as well as implementation strategies in their schools during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 29 elementary school administrators participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed inductively using a conventional approach to qualitative content analysis. Results: In analyzing the data, five themes were identified: (a) adjustments for recess, (b) communications about recess, (c) successes and challenges of recess, (d) health and well-being among children, and (e) recommendations for recess postpandemic. Discussion/Conclusion: When planning, organizing, and implementing a recess in a postpandemic era, school leaders may want to consider establishing cohorts, developing a handbook, creating a rotation schedule (i.e., blacktop, field, playground), developing a recess committee, utilizing the physical education teacher for staff development, assigning recess equipment and bags, offering a variety of activities, and teaching children how to play.

Analysis of e-Employee Discipline Implementation during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Workplace

e-Employee Discipline is the electronic and remote conduction of employee discipline procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is a quantitative descriptive study that focused on assessing and analyzing the implementation of e-Employee Discipline Procedure. Convenient purposive sampling technique was assigned to 150 employees who were employed during COVID-19 pandemic in Metro Manila as the respondents in this study. Furthermore, a survey was utilized to gather quantitative data. Moreover, a one-on-one interview using the data gathered in the statistical result was utilized to gather qualitative data. The demographic profile, majority are male (60%) who age 22 to 25 years old (34%), who are college graduates (48.7%), having an entry level job position (46.7%) and working in art/media/communication industry (35.3%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents find that the implementation of the e-Employee Discipline Procedure as fair and effective in terms of proper documentation procedures, handling of confidentiality, safety and security ( = 4.64;σ = 0.68). However, the challenge is that the respondents moderately agree that the procedure of employee discipline that is conducted remotely is somehow a bit far off with what is usually done in the office (face-to-face) ( = 4.38;σ = 1.30). The absence of physical touch and non-verbal cues like tone of voice, body language and hand gesture are something that the respondents are longing for. Pandemic really detached people from the warmth of each other. Conducting employee discipline which oftentimes has dealt with emotions remotely finds the respondents longing for the physical presence of being heard. © 2023 ACM.

Spectator Awareness and Support of Safety and Security Practices and Technologies During COVID-19

This study examined spectators' awareness of safety and security policies, procedures, and measures at events they attended in the US and their support of safety and security measures, including COVID-19-spe-cific policies, as they returned to live events in the spring and summer of 2021. Understanding spectators' sense of safety and their support of safety and security measures and related technologies while attending events can help venue and event directors plan accordingly to ensure the optimal spectator experience.

IoT enabled Covid Standard Operating Procedure system

COVID-19, is caused by the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through direct or indirect contact with infected people though respiratory droplets has transitioned from a pandemic to an endemic but is still regarded as active by WHO. Restrictions and lockdowns were lifted as the situation became endemic, but the previous measures had to be kept in place. By developing a module that includes temperature monitoring, face mask detection, a non-contact sanitizer dispenser, and door automation that operates based on the number of individuals inside a closed area in order to maintain social distance, our project aims to incorporate these precautions into our everyday language. As a part of making the new normal easily adaptable, we also introduce a webpagebased reservation system, which wm essentially display the current count and also help in reducing the waiting periods. © 2023 IEEE.

RECOMMENDATIONS ON HANDLING MEDICINE SHORTAGE: LEARNING FROM HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE 2020 CRISIS FOR SLE PATIENTS

BackgroundEarly 2020, short supply of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) – then claimed as effective for treatment of COVID-19 in several countries - raised significant concerns for those who use HCQ for chronic diseases including SLE. In April 2020, Lupus Europe launched a survey to quantify the access gap, as well as the anxiety expressed by patients confronted with this outage. 2422 patients responded with an average level of anxiety about access to HcQ of 6.45 on a maximum of 10. After supply issues were resolved, a follow up survey (Aug-Sept 2020 – 1854 answers) showed a significantly reduced anxiety of 4.15. A second follow up survey (Nov 2021 -Feb 2022 - 2255 answers) showed a further reduction to 3.54. Importantly, a core group of 6.2-13.7% of patients remains extremely anxious (scoring 9 or 10) about supply of their medication, substantially more than in Portugal (3.5%) and Finland (0%), where supply remained fair at the heat of the crisis.ObjectivesTo provide consensus on how communication should be conducted to minimize the impact of medicine shortages on patient anxiety.MethodsThe Patient Advisory Network (PAN) of Lupus Europe established an extensive list of potential elements of a more effective communication on shortages, that could help reduce patient anxiety. 20 statements were derived from those elements and proposed to PAN members and Lupus Europe member organisations. 101 answers were collected from 17 countries. For each country, the individual ratings of all participants were averaged to assign an individual vote for each country on each statement. Consensus amongst the 17 countries was then considered as obtained if 14 or more of the 17 countries agreed or strongly agreed with statements.Results9 out of the 20 statements reached consensus:1. Lupus specialists should (a) clarify alternative medication existing and its difference versus current treatments, (b) clarify appropriate emergency procedures and (c) clarify to the patients how to handle a short supply.2. Specialists and Hospitals should establish alternative supply mechanisms to guarantee minimum availability.3. pharmaceutical industry should (a) provide all information to all stakeholders and (b) help create emergency supply routes to ensure that no patient is left without his/her medication for a sustained period of time.4. National authorities should help patients with demonstrated need have priority access to limited supply quantities through a simple process.5. Hospitals should communicate (by email or postal mail) information on the shortage, how to handle it and how to access emergency supply routes. The same number agreed with Health authorities performing that same communication.6. pharmaceutical industry should avoid diverting products from one country to another if that would reduce supply below normal consumption level.7. Patient organisations should stop the rumors that can quickly spread though social media.8. pharmacists should be better equipped in terms of data (on the reasons and clear timelines for resolution as well as alternatives or recommendations for patients facing shortages)9. GP's should clarify alternative medication and appropriate emergency procedures.ConclusionShortages of medicine create an anxiety that can be long lasting. Even when supply is re-established, the fear remains. For this reason, establishing an effective communication system is necessary to reassure patients when short term shortages are taking place, and is key to avoid fast spreading anxiety relating to this concern. In this process, patient associations, physicians, industries and all the stakeholders should be involved.Reference[1]Cornet A, Andersen J, Tani C, Mosca M. Hydroxychloroquine availability during COVID-19 crisis and its effect on patient anxiety. Lupus Sci Med. 2021 Apr;doi: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000496Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

Sequence of actions for visualization of soft tissue hemorrhages/hematomas in elderly patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Aim. To determine ultrasound, computed tomography and angiographic image characteristics for soft tissue hemorrhages/hematomas, the sequence of using imaging methods in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, to study the morphology of changes in soft tissues, to determine the essence of the concept and to develop treatment tactics for this complication of COVID-19. Material and methods. During 4 months of treatment of elderly patients (+60) infected with SARS-CoV-2, 40 patients were identified with soft tissue hemorrhages/hematomas, of which 26 (65%) patients with large hematomas (>10 cm in size and > 1000 ml in volume). The analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters, methods of instrumental diagnostics (ultrasound - 26 patients, CT - 10 patients, angiography - 9 patients, punctures - 6 patients) was carried out;autopsy material was studied in 11 cases. Results. Image characteristics of hemorrhages/hematomas of soft tissue density were obtained using modern instrumental methods, and the sequence of application of visualization methods was determined. A tactic for managing a patient with stopped and ongoing bleeding has been developed. The morphological substrate of hemorrhagic complications in a new viral infection was studied. All patients were treated with conservative and minimally invasive procedures (embolization, puncture with pressure bandage). 15 patients (57.7%) recovered, 11 patients (42.3%) died from the progression of COVID-19 complications. Conclusion. Comprehensive clinical and laboratory sequential instrumental diagnosis of soft tissue hemorrhages in COVID-19. Treatment should be conservative and significantly invasive. The use of the term "soft tissue hematoma" in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is not a natural quality of the normal pathological process and should not be observed from our point of view.Copyright © 2022 Rostovskii Gosudarstvennyi Meditsinskii Universitet. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and laboratory diagnosis / Características del SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 y su diagnóstico en el laboratorio

La enfermedad COVID­19 es causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, descrito por primera vez en diciembre del 2019 en Wuhan, China, y declarada en marzo del 2020 como una pandemia mundial. Actualmente existen diversos métodos diagnósticos para COVID-19, siendo el estándar de oro la detección del material genético mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), en su variante, la RT-PCR, que detecta el material genético de tipo ARN presente en el virus. Sin embargo, es necesario disponer de pruebas rápidas con alta sensibilidad y precisión para realizarlas a gran escala y brindar un diagnóstico oportuno. Adicionalmente, se debe disponer de otras herramientas que, si bien no van a establecer un diagnóstico, le van a permitir al profesional brindar un mejor manejo clínico y epidemiológico que ayuden a predecir el agravamiento del paciente y su posible ingreso a UCI, destacando entre estas los niveles de dímero D, linfocitos, ferritina, urea y creatinina, entre otras. En esta revisión se evalúa la utilidad y limitaciones de los diferentes métodos diagnósticos para COVID-19, al igual que las características, fisiopatología y respuesta inmune al SARS-CoV-2, así como algunos aspectos preanalíticos de importancia que ayudan a minimizar errores en el diagnóstico como consecuencia de procedimientos incorrectos en la toma, transporte y conservación de la muestra, y que permiten al profesional emitir resultados veraces y confiables. Lo anterior se realizó basado en artículos originales, revisiones y guías clínicas

COVID­19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first described in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and declared a global pandemic in March 2020. Currently there are various diagnostic methods for COVID-19, the gold standard is the detection of genetic material through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in its variant, RT-PCR, which detects RNA-type genetic material present in the virus. However, it is necessary to have rapid tests with high sensitivity and precision to be performed on a large scale and provide timely diagnosis. Furthermore, other tools must be available, and although they will not establish the diagnosis, will allow the professional to provide better clinical and epidemiological management that will help predict the worsening of the patient and possible admission to the ICU. Among these, levels of D-dimer, lymphocytes, ferritin, urea and creatinine. In this review, the usefulness and limitations of the different diagnostic methods for COVID-19 are evaluated, as well as the characteristics, pathophysiology and immune response to SARS-CoV-2, and some important preanalytical aspects that allow minimizing diagnostic errors as a consequence of incorrect procedures in the collection, transport and conservation of the sample, that allow the professional to yield accurate and reliable results. This article was completed based on original articles, reviews and clinical guidelines

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and procedural volume of fellows in critical care medicine - a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way medical education is delivered. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and procedural volume of critical care and pulmonary critical care fellows. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, internet-based, voluntary, anonymous, national survey of adult critical care fellows and academic attending physicians in critical care and pulmonary critical care fellowship programs in the United States between December 2020 and February 2021. Survey questions covered both didactic and non-didactic aspects of education and procedural volumes. Answers were ranked on a 5-point Likert scale. Survey responses were summarized by frequency with percentage. Differences between the responses of fellows and attendings were assessed with the Fisher's exact or Chi-Square test, using Stata 16 software (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). RESULTS: Seventy four individuals responded to the survey; the majority (70.3%) were male; less than one-third (28.4%) female. Respondents were evenly split among fellows (52.7%) and attendings (47.3%). 41.9% of survey respondents were from the authors' home institution, with a response rate of 32.6%. Almost two-thirds (62.2%) reported that fellows spend more time in the ICU since the onset of the pandemic. The majority noted that fellows insert more central venous catheters (52.7%) and arterial lines (58.1%), but perform fewer bronchoscopies (59.5%). The impact on endotracheal intubations was mixed: almost half of respondents (45.9%) reported fewer intubations, about one-third (35.1%) more intubations. Almost all respondents (93.0%) described fewer workshops; and one-third (36.1%) fewer didactic lectures. The majority (71.2%) noted less time available for research and quality improvement projects; half (50.7%) noted less bedside teaching by faculty and more than one-third (37.0%) less fellow interaction with faculty. Almost one-half of respondents (45.2%) reported an increase in fellows' weekly work hours. CONCLUSION: The pandemic has caused a decrease in scholarly and didactic activities of critical care and pulmonary critical care fellows. Fellows spend more time in ICU rotations, insert more central and arterial lines, but perform fewer intubations and bronchoscopies. This survey provides insights into changes that have occurred in the training of critical care and pulmonary critical care fellows since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency Urology procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: A 3-month prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 resulted in Regional tiered restrictions being introduced across the UK with subsequent implications for planned and emergency surgical care. Specific to Merseyside, Tier 4, Tier 2 and Tier 5 restrictions were introduced in late 2020 and early 2021. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and workload of emergency urological procedures during three different national lockdown Tiers in the North West of England. METHOD: A 3-month prospective study examining all emergency urological activity was conducted from November 2020 when Tier 4 restrictions were introduced and included Tier 2 restrictions in December and then concluded at the end of January 2021 when Tier 5 restrictions were in place. Data was obtained by identifying patients using the electronic theatre listing system. RESULTS: A total of 71 emergency cases were performed (24 in November (Tier 4), 28 in December (Tier 2), 19 in January 2021 (Tier 5)) with 15 different types of procedures performed. The most frequently performed procedure was stent insertion (36), followed by scrotal exploration (10). The least commonly performed procedure was suprapubic catheter insertion under general anaesthesia (1). One patient required transfer to a different hospital. In total 6 calls were made by general surgery and 3 by gynaecology for urgent urological assistance in theatre. Three urology patients returned to the theatre as emergencies following elective procedures. CONCLUSION: Unlike the Spring lockdown, acute urological presentations requiring operative intervention still presented daily. Of the 71 cases performed, most occurred in Tier 2. Stent insertion was the most commonly performed procedure, with the majority of the cases performed by registrars.

Management of Hand Surgery Services during the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Introduction The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an international public health emergency. Health systems must plan for the increasing requirements for critical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this article is to offer strategies for hand surgeons to planning and implementing their response during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the subsequent phases to preserve health care system functioning. Materials and Methods Assessment of the principles of management related to COVID-19 management to develop pandemic preparedness and response protocols pertinent to patients, health care workers, and health systems. Results Strategies for the reorganizing hand surgery practice and a set of recommendations that should facilitate the process of rescheduling both out-patient service and surgical activities during the COVID-19 and its subsequent phases are suggested. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, management of patients requiring specialist care for hand conditions should be adapted to limit the risks associated with the virus without jeopardizing outcomes. These expedient recommendations during extraordinary circumstances are a foundation for further discussion on the topic as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

Spinal fusion is an aerosol generating procedure.

BACKGROUND: Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can occur during aerosol generating procedures. Several steps in spinal fusion may aerosolize blood but little data exists to quantify the risk this may confer upon surgeons. Aerosolized particles containing infectious coronavirus are typically 0.5-8.0 µm. AIM: To measure the generation of aerosols during spinal fusion using a handheld optical particle sizer (OPS). METHODS: We quantified airborne particle counts during five posterior spinal instrumentation and fusions (9/22/2020-10/15/2020) using an OPS near the surgical field. Data were analyzed by 3 particle size groups: 0.3-0.5 µm/m3, 1.0-5.0 µm/m3, and 10.0 µm/m3. We used hierarchical logistic regression to model the odds of a spike in aerosolized particle counts based on the step in progress. A spike was defined as a > 3 standard deviation increase from average baseline levels. RESULTS: Upon univariate analysis, bovie (P < 0.0001), high speed pneumatic burring (P = 0.009), and ultrasonic bone scalpel (P = 0.002) were associated with increased 0.3-0.5 µm/m3 particle counts relative to baseline. Bovie (P < 0.0001) and burring (P < 0.0001) were also associated with increased 1-5 µm/m3 and 10 µm/m3 particle counts. Pedicle drilling was not associated with increased particle counts in any of the size ranges measured. Our logistic regression model demonstrated that bovie (OR = 10.2, P < 0.001), burring (OR = 10.9, P < 0.001), and bone scalpel (OR = 5.9, P < 0.001) had higher odds of a spike in 0.3-0.5 µm/m3 particle counts. Bovie (OR = 2.6, P < 0.001), burring (OR = 5.8, P < 0.001), and bone scalpel (OR = 4.3, P = 0.005) had higher odds of a spike in 1-5 µm/m3 particle counts. Bovie (OR = 0.3, P < 0.001) and drilling (OR = 0.2, P = 0.011) had significantly lower odds of a spike in 10 µm/m3 particle counts relative to baseline. CONCLUSION: Several steps in spinal fusion are associated with increased airborne particle counts in the aerosol size range. Further research is warranted to determine if such particles have the potential to contain infectious viruses. Previous research has shown that electrocautery smoke may be an inhalation hazard for surgeons but here we show that usage of the bone scalpel and high-speed burr also have the potential to aerosolize blood.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty proficiency during a residency program after adoption of a standardized simulation training program is maintained during the COVID pandemic despite reduced surgery volume.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the standardized laparoscopic simulation training program in pyeloplasty, following its implementation and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, a tertiary referral center in south Brazil, in which 151 patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty performed by residents between 2006-2021. They were divided into three groups: before and after adoption of a standardized laparoscopic simulation training program and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main outcome was a combined negative outcome of conversion to open surgery, major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III or higher) or unsuccessful procedure, defined as need for redo pyeloplasty. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the combined negative outcome (21.1% vs 6.3%), surgical time (mean 200.0 min vs 177.4 min) and length of stay (median 5 days vs 3 days) after the adoption of simulation training program. These results were maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic (combined negative outcome of 6.3%, mean surgical time of 160.1 min and median length of stay of 3 days) despite a reduction in 55.4% of the surgical volume. CONCLUSION: A structured laparoscopic simulation program can improve outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty during the learning curve.

The Art of Stem Cell-Based Therapy.

Potency assays represent crucial experiments at the hub of the comprehensive complexity surrounding cell therapy. Moreover, numerous factors beyond biological and scientific considerations are involved in achieving successful potency assays that fulfil regulatory authority approval for a new advanced therapy medicinal product. Though this can mean a frustratingly long period of discovery and development, progress in cell therapy is nowadays proceeding remarkably quickly, assisted by the potency assay rigorously placing emphasis on the need to critically analyse the key factor/s responsible for the therapeutic mechanism of action. History has shown that it can take many decades for there to be an improved understanding of a mechanism of action. Yet the chasing of precise targets has revolutionised medicine, with no clearer example than approaches to viral pandemics. The centuries involved in the eradication of smallpox have paved the way for an unprecedented pace of vaccine development for the Covid-19 pandemic. Such extraordinary accomplishments foster encouragement that similarly for stem cell-based therapy, our scientific knowledge will continue to improve apace. This chapter focuses on the art of experimentation and discovery, introducing potency assay requisites and numerous factors that can influence potency assay outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of potency assays and their development can hasten the provision of new cell therapies to help resolve burdensome diseases of unmet medical need.

Technology-Driven Implementation of Smart Entrances in Public Places during the COVID-19

This research proposes a smart entrance system to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in public places. The system can help automate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for checking. The paper focuses on exploring the problem context related to the COVID-19 SOPs for public places. The research on technologies involves using thermal cameras, fingerprint recognition, face recognition, iris recognition, object detection and cloud computing. These technologies can be integrated to provide a more versatile and effective solution. The technological solutions proposed by contemporary researchers are also critically analysed by investigating their advantages and disadvantages. © 2023 IEEE.

IOT based Temperature and Oxygen level monitoring and Data visualization

The Covid-19 pandemic that hit us in 2020 changed our lifestyle in every way. There was tremendous damage to people's lives. It is now predicted that other variants of Coronavirus are affecting people's health throughout the world. We must remain vigilant against upcoming dangers. The Indian health ministry has also advised people to take the necessary precautions. In this paper, we will focus on automating temperature and oxygen monitoring using the Internet of Things. According to our proposed model, data generated by the temperature sensor (MLX90614) and oxygen saturation sensor (MAX30102) will be stored in a relational database. Using this data, future data analyses can be conducted. We are also going to visualize the data by building an interactive dashboard using Power BI. Overall, health monitoring will become much more convenient and speedier. © 2023 IEEE.

The Impact of the Scientific Metaverse on the Biotech Industry: How Virtual Reality Helped Researchers Fight Back Against COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic not only precipitated a digital revolution but also led to one of the largest scientific collaborative open-source initiatives. The EXaSCale smArt pLatform Against paThogEns for CoronaVirus (EXSCALATE4CoV) consortium, led by Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., brought together 18 global organizations to counter international pandemics more rapidly and efficiently. The consortium also partnered with Nanome, an extended reality software company whose software facilitates the visualization, modification, and simulation of molecules via augmented reality, mixed reality, and virtual reality applications. To characterize the molecular structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to identify promising drug targets, the EXSCALATE4CoV team utilized methods such as homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, high-throughput virtual screening, docking, and other computational procedures. Nanome provided analysis of those computational procedures and supplied virtual reality headsets to help scientists better understand and interact with the molecular dynamics and key chemical interactions of SARS-CoV-2. Nanome's collaborative ideation platform enables scientific breakthroughs across research institutions in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and other diseases. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Comparison of T-cell immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) protein using an in-house flow-cytometric assay in laboratory employees with and without previously confirmed COVID-19 in South Africa: nationwide cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To compare specific T-cell responses between laboratory employees in South Africa with and without previously diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Employees at a private pathology laboratory in South Africa were invited to participate in a nationwide cross-sectional study. T-cell proliferation to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N)-proteins and spike (S)-proteins was measured by flow cytometry and compared between participants. RESULTS: Based on classification according to SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription (RT)-PCR results, a total of 81% (42/52) of positive participants demonstrated T-cell proliferation to SARS-CoV-2 N-proteins or S-proteins (95% CI 67.5% to 90.4%), while 62% (68/110) of negative participants also had detectable T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 proteins (95% CI 52.1% to 70.9%). When classified according to SARS-CoV-2 serology results, 92.6% (50/54) of positive participants demonstrated T-cell proliferation to SARS-CoV-2 proteins (95% CI 82.1 to 97,9 %), while 56% (60/108) of negative participants demonstrated T-cell proliferation (95% CI 45.7% to 65.1%). The magnitude of the T-cell responses as determined by a stimulation index, was significantly higher in the group previously infected by SARS-CoV-2 than in the negative group. A statistically significant difference in T-cell proliferation was noted between high risk and low risk groups for exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within the negative group, but no significant difference in magnitude of the response. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of South African laboratory employees who were not previously diagnosed with COVID-19 demonstrated T-cell reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 N-proteins and S-proteins. The pre-existing T-cell proliferation responses may be attributable to cross-reactive immune responses to other human coronaviruses, or possibly asymptomatic infection.