COVID-19 vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy in Indian patients with cancer: A questionnaire-based survey

Background: Patients with cancer are at a higher risk of severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mortality. Therefore, widespread COVID-19 vaccination is required to attain herd immunity. Objective(s): We aimed to evaluate the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Indian patients with cancer and to collect information regarding vaccine hesitancy and factors that contributed to vaccine hesitancy. Material(s) and Method(s): This was a questionnaire-based survey conducted between May 7, 2021 and June 10, 2021 in patients aged 45 years and over, with solid tumors. The primary end points of the study were the proportion of Indian patients with cancer aged 45 years and older who had not received the COVID-19 vaccine, and the reasons why these patients had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Our secondary end points were the proportion of patients with a history of COVID-19 infection, and the proportion of the patients who had vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, we attempted to assess the factors that could impact vaccine hesitancy. Result(s): A total of 435 patients were included in the study. Of these, 348 (80%) patients had not received even a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine;66 (15.2%) patients had received the first dose, and 21 (4.8%) had received both the doses. Approximately half (47.1%) of the patients reported that they took the COVID-19 vaccine based on the advice from a doctor. The reasons for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine could be considered as vaccine hesitancy in 259 (77%) patients. The two most common reasons were fear in 124 (38%) patients (fear of side-effects and of the impact of the vaccine on the cancer/therapy) and lack of information in 87 (26.7%) patients. On the multivariate analysis, the two factors found to be significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy were a lower educational level (OR, 1.78;95% CI, 1-3.17;P = 0.048) and a lack of prior advice regarding the COVID-19 vaccine (OR, 2.80;95% CI, 1.73-4.53;P < 0.001). Conclusion(s): Vaccine hesitancy is present in over half of our patients, and the most common reasons are a fear of the vaccine impacting the cancer therapy, fear of side-effects, and lack of information. Widespread vaccination can only be attained if systematic programs for education and dissemination of information regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine are given as much importance as fortification of the vaccination supply and distribution system.Copyright © 2021 Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

Blockchain Technology in Construction Supply Chain Management During Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review

The supply chain in the construction industry faces numerous constraints such as a lack of coordination, communication, collaboration, and technological advancement. Supply chain management is critical when products are transferred from one organization to another until they reach end users or consumers without being damaged, counterfeited, or delayed. Despite extensive research, little is known about the factors that will lead to better construction supply chain management. The reason for this examination is to make a bibliometric investigation in light of the verifiable solidification of distributions and branches of knowledge. It intends to recognize research trends, authers, nations, and organizations utilizing VOSviewer. The construction project all over the world have been uncovered in different manner by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper makes sense of how it is feasible to proceed with development work in this present circumstance. The relevant literature in the field of Blockchain in construction supply chain management is retrieved using the Scopus, Web of Science database as the research object. If the construction work carry on, the economic downturn will be decreased and unemployment will also be decreased. The mapping of Blockchain Construction Supply Chain Management scientific production enabled the visualization of networks of co-occurrence of keywords. © 2022 IEEE.

An affordable, intelligent, and fully functional smart ventilator system

Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic scenario that the world is going through right now, there has been a surge in the requirement for emergency life support systems like ventilators. Conventional ventilators used in intensive care units (ICUs) tend to be bulky and expensive and demand high power consumption and trained experts to operate. The aim of the project is to deliver a solution for the growing demand for portable ventilators and a viable replacement for nurse assisted artificial resuscitation. Mechanical ventilation is the process of supplying scheduled breaths to a patient who lacks the ability to do the work of breathing (WOB) himself/herself. The pattern of breathing for every patient is identified using sensor(s) and the required volume of air is supplied by compressing a bag valve mask (BVM) device. A machine learning algorithm learns the pattern of breathing and adjusts the pressure and volume controls specific to every patient. All operations and control mode switching for the device can be done using an Android app, hence making it user friendly. Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

A study on impact of COVID 19 on street vendors

The deep roots of street vending as a profession run deep in our society. The recent COVID 19 outbreak has caused the majority of street vendors' businesses to be disrupted. They are suffering from poverty and unemployment and Seeking for a better life, people migrate. These sellers, who are from the lower rungs of society, do a variety of tasks. unable to work in the formal sector due to a lack of opportunity, education, or skill, and hence ended up working in the shadow economy in the informal sector with no job stability and a constant sense of insecurity. The goal of this research study is to focus on the effects of nationwide lockdown on street vendors and the adverse effect on their lifestyle. The study emphasises the importance of understanding their problems and how to tackle problems, as well as their socioeconomic level, in order to improve the economy's cause. The study conducted on 100 street vendors by Survey method used structured questionnaire and interview schedule and used statistical tools like Descriptive Statistics, Independent sample T-test, one way Anova, Percentage analysis the study revealed that there is a high adverse effect of Covid-19 on street vendors and low level of cope up strategy used and there is a high adverse effect on female street vendors compared to male street vendors during pandemic. And more awareness should be given to street vendors about Registration under NASVI.

Urinary Transcriptomics Identified Inflammatory Signals Associated With COVID-19-Related AKI

Background: SARS-CoV-2, associated with COVID-19, can include dysfunction in many organs including the kidney. Early in the pandemic, a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), with an associated increase in mortality, was observed, particularly in those with severe respiratory failure. Given the effect on the kidney and limited availability of biopsied tissue, we designed a non-invasive protocol to isolate and sequence renal cells from the urine of patients with COVID-19 to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms of COVID-19-related AKI, and the impact of immunomodulatory treatment. Method(s): Three groups of hospitalized patients, AKI with and without COVID-19 and COVID-19 without AKI, were recruited at Michigan Medicine (N=48). We documented >90 clinical parameters, including serum creatinine trends, treatment exposure to IL-6 inhibitors, and patient outcomes. Urine samples near peak AKI were collected and immediately processed for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq);profiles were generated on the 10x Genomics platform and clustered using Seurat. Differentially expressed gene profiles were generated in a cell type selective manner. Result(s): Urine scRNAseq profiles from 44,440 cells clustered into 5 major celltypes, based on cell marker assignment. Renal cells comprised 12% of the recovered cells. Comparing renal cells from COVID-19-related AKI group to either of the two other groups identified 129 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated genes in common (q<0.05). The COVID-19-related AKI renal cell profile was consistent with activation of one or more inflammatory cytokines including IFN-gamma, IL-6, and IL-1beta. Conversely, patients exposed to IL-6 inhibitors had a reduced expression of inflammatory marker genes. Conclusion(s): This study demonstrates the successful isolation and generation of cell type transcriptional profiles of renal cells in the urine of patients with COVID-19, with or without AKI, and non-COVID-19 AKI. Expression profiles in renal cells were consistent with intra-renal inflammatory activation in COVID-19-related AKI. Association of profiles with renal function and patient outcomes may identify predictive markers of COVID-19-related AKI and potential targets for therapeutic modulation.

Real work experiences, practices, and adverse events associated with long term usage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic - A cross-sectional survey amongst Indian physicians

Introduction: Doctors are at increased risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the use of N95 respirators has emerged as a critical preventive measure. We studied the real-world experiences, practices, and adverse effects of N95 respirator usage amongst Indian physicians. Methods: We conducted an analytical, cross-sectional online survey between November 2020 and January 2021. Real-world usage characteristics of N-95 respirators were collected via a pre-validated questionnaire and compared amongst different sub-cohorts. Results: A total of 453 responses from physicians were analyzed. The most important adjunct to the N95 respirator perceived by the respondents was the full-face shield (81.9%). Most doctors had to purchase extra masks per month (median = 5 ± 8), which was more among the medical specialties (p = 0.006). The highest mean VAS scores for adverse events reported were for breathing on exertion (6.62 ± 2.25) and ear pain (6.34 ± 2.69). VAS ear pain was higher in ages < 40 and doctors working in the public sector (p = 0.017 and p = 0.019 respectively). Conclusion: Despite many inadequacies regarding proper mask removal, doffing techniques, and multiple reported prolonged mask usage-related adverse effects, there is generally good adherence to protocols and good practices of mask usage amongst physicians in the hospital setting. This journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License.

Service Supply Chain Fit: Consistency Between Operant Resources and Service Supply Chains

Firms are grappling with multiple challenges because of COVID-19, such as supply discontinuity, disruptions, irregular demand patterns, and service delivery issues, among others. The disruption brought by the pandemic has highlighted the relevance of responsiveness and agility in service chains in particular. The unprecedented nature of the pandemic, however, has made design of agile and responsive supply chains difficult, especially for services that draw on intangible, unique resources. In this paper, we develop relevant-and thus far largely absent-theory for the design of service supply chains through a model of service supply chain fit that will guide service firms to prepare better for COVID and future threats. Our model guides the identification of the right supply chain (responsive, efficient, or agile) for services based on their operant resources, which are the intangible resources that act on other resources. Using a qualitative study, we first draw on service-dominant logic and supply chain fit framework to develop the concept of service supply chain fit;that is, the strategic consistency between a service firm's operant resources and its supply chain. We then validate our model using survey data. The results indicate that service supply chain acts as both moderator and mediator for the relationship between operant resources and firm performance. Our findings indicate that, unless managers view service supply chain fit strategically and invest in developing operant resources for the right supply chain, future COVID-like disruptions may continue to severely impact firm performance.

A Pragmatic Approach in Enhancing Health Care Industry Using Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

The paper presents how we are involved in making Augmented Reality more interactive in the medical sciences, thereby preserving the patient's safety and reducing the recovery time. Our main focus is on anatomy and detailing every stage of medical treatment, such as overlaying of X-rays objects, Training of healthcare workers and medical students in Anatomy. Anatomy is a field in medical science for studying the organized parts of living organisms, especially the human body.. This paper also describes our take on AR Rehab. Rehabilitation in medical treatment is crucial for recovery we tend to provide solutions to make the process more effective by Virtual Reality medication procedures for recovery and AR medication. © 2021 IEEE

IOT based Temperature Monitoring System

Internet of Things (IOT) refers to all the devices which are present in the world and connected to the Internet. The aim of IOT is to collect and share data between two devices using the Internet. IOT is making tremendous progress in the past few years, and has proved itself very useful in many real life applications. It is very useful in applications which need both hardware and software. In this paper we will be introducing an IOT based Temperature monitoring system which is built using Raspberry pi computer, camera and sensors on the hardware side and python running in the backend. Temperature monitoring systems is a real time system which stores the data on a firebase cloud based realtime database. The paper will first start introducing the Temperature monitoring system and how it can be useful in covid-19 situation. Then it will give a brief idea of the components used along with its technical specifications. Moving forward, the paper will explain why cloud services are necessary in IOT. It will then give a brief introduction of the firebase cloud based realtime database and end that section explaining where and how we will use firebase cloud based realtime database in Temperature monitoring system. Then the paper will show a block diagram where all the input-output components are shown. It will be followed by a flowchart which will give a clear idea of how the system will work. © 2021 IEEE.

X-ray Machines integration with AI

Artificial Intelligence is making tremendous progress in the past few years, Especially in the Medical Sector. The paper mainly focuses on the ways X-ray machines have been integrated with AI and how AI detects the X-rays and predicts the results correctly. The paper will begin with a brief introduction of why this is the right time to try hands in AI and how it will help the radiologists in easing their lives. The paper will then explain how Artificial Intelligence can be implemented in X-rays using Machine learning techniques and Deep learning algorithms. Moving forward, the paper will then explain about the existing systems made by companies or universities where each system has their own unique speed, features and advantages/disadvantages. Further the paper will inform how AI can help and reduce the risk of social contacting while testing for the COVID test.

Case of pneumothorax on high-flow nasal cannula in COVID-19

Introduction: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is used as alternative respiratory support in hypoxemic respiratory failure. A study on HFNC has shown a linear relationship between flow and airway pressure and delivers PEEP of 3 to 7 cm H2O. This peep effect can lead to barotrauma with high-flow nasal oxygen. Materials and methods: A 60-year-old man presented with a 1-week history of cough breathlessness and myalgia. No other significant past medical history SARS-CoV-2 positive status confirmed by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Initial arterial blood gas showed hypoxic respiratory failure. He was put on HFNC on day 2 with oxygen flows at 40 L/minute gradually increased to 50 L/ minute. Results: On day 8 diagnosed with right pneumothorax, a water seal drain was placed. Serial chest radiographs showed resolution of pneumothorax. The water seal drain was removed. The patient was sent to the ward on a face mask. Discussions: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. In the present case, the pneumothorax is due to positive pressure generated by high-flow nasal cannula therapy combined with underlying lung injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We successfully removed the water seal drain following the resolution of pneumothorax. Conclusion: This case highlights HFNC therapy with high oxygen flow rates can cause pneumothorax in COVID-19 patients with underlying lung inflammation.

SARS-CoV-2 and oral health: Implications and recommendations for dental practice reformation post pandemic

Dental clinics can play a crucial role in spreading the SARS-CoV-2 infections because of the nature of close contact with the patient’s oral cavity and aerosol generating essential dental procedures. Dental practices in regions affected with SARS-CoV-2 are needed to take utmost precautions and follow strict effective infection control protocols even when the movement control/lockdown is gradually lifted post pandemic. Thus, we aim to summarise the current research findings on SARS-CoV-2 in dental settings and relevant international guidelines and recommended management protocols for the dental clinica. The knowledge on the viral properties of SARS-CoV-2 and epidemiologic characteristics are essential to implement proper mitigation strategies against transmission of Covid-19 infections via dental clinics. © 2020, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.

Comparative Study of Privacy Preserving-Contact Tracing on Digital Platforms

The rapid development in digital infrastructure such as computing power and less expensive mobile devices and explosive growth of the internet has made an impact on digital processing. This revolution has bought many new applications and new technologies, now aiming at replacement with improving effectiveness and efficiency of manual contact tracing with new approaches with maintaining user privacy. The successful containment of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) depends on the ability to identify quickly and reliably those who have been in close proximity to a contagious positive-tested individual. This can be made possible with contact tracing method. The information about interaction which happens between two users should be revealed only to themselves to maintain privacy of individuals. Users which are detected positive should not share any of their contact details or personal information or history with the authority or any other party but pass the anonymous IDs and help in tracing out the contacted people. This paper presents the most popular contact tracing data privacy techniques. © 2020 IEEE.

SARS-CoV-2 receptor networks in diabetic kidney disease, BK virus nephropathy, and COVID-19 associated AKI

Background: COVID-19 shows increased disease burden in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for host cell entry, so ACE2 levels may influence SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. We investigated how pre-existing conditions and drug treatments alter receptor expression in kidney cells (Figure 1). Methods: Single cell RNA profiling of 7 healthy living donor kidneys, 44 DKD, 3 BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) and a urine COVID19 patient with acute kidney injury (COV-AKI) revealed ACE2 expression primarily in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC). Results: ACE2 mRNA expression levels were higher in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTEC) in DKD versus LD, but unaltered by exposures to renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors. Bayesian integrative analysis of public -omics datasets identified molecular network modules induced in ACE2 positive versus negative PTEC in DKD and BKVN (hb.flatironinstitute.org/COVID-kidney), that were linked to viral entry, immune activation, endomembrane reorganization, and RNA processing. Similar programs were seen in COV-AKI ACE2-positive PTEC, and overlapped with programs in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Conclusions: A consistent ACE2-coregulated expression program in PTEC may interact with SARS-CoV-2 infection processes. These networks can seed further research into developing therapeutic strategies and assessing risk in patients with COVID-19. (Figure Presented).