The Psychological Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as one of the most dreadful nightmares which humanity had to witness in the recent times. The pandemic has affected every human being in one way or the other. The psychological impact of COVID-19 on general public includes uncontrolled fear and pervasive anxiety of getting infected and getting quarantined or admitted in COVID care facilities alone, leading to disabling loneliness, frustration, and boredom due to reduced socialization, monotonous daily routine, and worries related to income and livelihood. The pandemic has led the healthcare workers to work beyond normal working hours for months together. They have been going through the feelings of anxiety, and fear of getting infection from the patients while discharging their duties. The frontline healthcare workers are also facing issues like remaining isolated during their duty periods, undergoing quarantine for several weeks, remaining away from their families, and staying alone in hotels/accommodation provided by the employers. Similarly the pandemic has led to significant negative impact on the life of women, children and adolescents, elderly, and persons with various illnesses. As the pandemic is about to stay for a while, it is expected that there can be more long-standing mental health effects of the pandemic on human beings in the near future. Therefore, strengthening mental health resources, taking timely mental health support and help from mental health professionals, destigmatizing mental illnesses, and implementing the awareness programs of mental health are the need of the hour. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.

Biomedical waste plastic: bacteria, disinfection and recycling technologies—a comprehensive review

Plastic recycling reduces the wastage of potentially useful materials as well as the consumption of virgin materials, thereby lowering the energy consumption, air pollution by incineration, soil and water pollution by landfilling. Plastics used in the biomedical sector have played a significant role. Reducing the transmission of the virus while protecting the human life in particular the frontline workers. Enormous volumes of plastics in biomedical waste have been observed during the outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19. This has resulted from the extensive use of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, face shields, bottles, sanitizers, gowns, and other medical plastics which has created challenges to the existing waste management system in the developing countries. The current review focuses on the biomedical waste and its classification, disinfection, and recycling technology of different types of plastics waste generated in the sector and their corresponding approaches toward end-of-life option and value addition. This review provides a broader overview of the process to reduce the volume of plastics from biomedical waste directly entering the landfill while providing a knowledge step toward the conversion of "waste” to "wealth.” An average of 25% of the recyclable plastics are present in biomedical waste. All the processes discussed in this article accounts for cleaner techniques and a sustainable approach to the treatment of biomedical waste. Graphical

Novel Coronavirus in India and Outbreaks Around World: A Statistical Analysis of Odisha, India and the World

Background: The Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) declared novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019) outbreaks in 2019 as pandemic. Method(s): This research work made an analysis of the nCoV-2019 outbreak in India solely based on a mathematical model. Result(s): The historical epidemics in the world are plague, AIDS, Swine flu, ebola, zika virus, Black Death and SARS. Considering the model used for SARS 2003, the present research on COVID-2019 estimates characteristics of the rate of infections (I) and rate of recovery(R), which leads to the estima-tion of the I and R leading to predict the number of infections and recovery. Through ruling out the un-predictable and unreasonable data, the model predicts that the number of the cumulative 2019-nCoV cases may reach from 3398458 (mid of May) to 15165863, with a peak of the unrecovered infection (2461434-15165863) occurring in late April to late July. In this paper, we predicate how the confirmed infected cases would rapidly decrease until late March to July in India. We also focus on how the Gov-ernment of Odisha (a state of India) creates history in the protective measures of COVID-19. Conclusion(s): The growing infected cases may get reduced by 70-79% by strong anti-epidemic measures. The enforcement of shutdown, lockdown, awareness, and improvement of medical and health care could also lead to about one-half transmission decrease and constructively abridge the duration of the 2019 n-CoV.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

A Case Study of an Effective Approach to Utilize the Active Learning for Virtual Basic Electrical Engineering Laboratory in Covid-19

In this paper, through the use of laptop/desktop, web-portal, and internet, we have developed and created an environment for implementation of a virtual BEE laboratory and their effectiveness for our 1st year engineering students during Covid-19. The development of a virtual BEE laboratory is not intended to replace the existing physical laboratory rather it is a supplement to it during this pandemic and also proper exploration of the ICT tool. The student's outcome of this virtual lab is elaborated in terms of assessment and examination marks. It is observed from the outcome that the student's performance is enhanced in terms of efficiency and efficacy, when they are taught through the virtual laboratory during the pandemic. © 2022 IEEE.

Use of fuzzy logic for psychological support to migrant workers of Southern Odisha (India)

People migrate with lot of ambitions to turn their economic status around. In Odisha, particularly in the southern part of the Odisha state, there are many families where the migrant worker is the only earning member in the family and also migration is the only option to choose. Even if the government and NGOs have taken so many steps for the betterment of the migrant workers, improper way of working continues and also migrant workers are being taken for granted. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has shattered the dreams of migrant workers as they have been the hardest hit of the virus both from lives and livelihoods fronts. This paper is to present the psychological status of migrant workers during COVID-19 and for the purpose, the migrant workers of two southern districts (Khurdha and Gajapati) of Odisha have been considered. Moreover, how fuzzy logic can be of help in improving the psychological state of such migrants has also been highlighted in this paper. © 2023 Scrivener Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

Magnetic hydrogel particles improve nanopore sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.

Presented here is a magnetic hydrogel particle enabled workflow for capturing and concentrating SARS-CoV-2 from diagnostic remnant swab samples that significantly improves sequencing results using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing platform. Our approach utilizes a novel affinity-based magnetic hydrogel particle, circumventing low input sample volumes and allowing for both rapid manual and automated high throughput workflows that are compatible with Nanopore sequencing. This approach enhances standard RNA extraction protocols, providing up to 40 × improvements in viral mapped reads, and improves sequencing coverage by 20-80% from lower titer diagnostic remnant samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this approach works for contrived influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus samples, suggesting that it can be used to identify and improve sequencing results of multiple viruses in VTM samples. These methods can be performed manually or on a KingFisher automation platform.

Play Therapy via Telemedicine in a Child with Sudden-onset Emotional Disorder During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period: A Case Report

The mental health of children and adolescents has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent data suggests there had been an upsurge of psychiatric morbidity in this subgroup of population. Nonpharmacological behavioral intervention in the form of play therapy has been regarded as one of the best treatment strategies in children with emotional disorders. During lockdown, we attempted a play therapy via telemedicine. In this case report, we describe the case of a four-year-old girl who had sudden-onset behavioral problems following an unplanned hair cut during the lockdown, which was managed with teleplay therapy. Copyright © 2022, Matrix Medical Communications. All rights reserved.

Impact of Sars Covid-19 on the Living of Security Guards in Bhubaneswar City-a Cross Sectional Study

Aim: The devastating consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak have forced security personnel to alter their methods and behaviors. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, functioning and future implications of COVID-19 on the lives of security guards. Methodology: A cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among the 296 security guards of Bhubaneswar city. A 18-item, closed-ended, self-structured questionnaire was designed to gather data. The questionnaire was designed on a 2 point likert scale. Data were analysed using IBM's SPSS version 26.0 for the Social Sciences. The frequency and percentages were used to describe categorical values. Chi-Square test and ANOVA were employed. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05. Result(s): The majority of participants were between the ages of 31 and 40 (n=132, 44.6%) and that between 13,000 and 15,000 was the average monthly income for the security guards. All the participants were aware about the COVID-19 pandemic and its affect on human body. Sixty three personnel had been detected positive for COVID-19 and none of them used any preventive measures. About 97% of the guards agreed that the pandemic had an influence on their work. Only 3% of the guards had taken on other jobs as a secondary source of income. Conclusion(s): Security guards are an essential group of front-line healthcare providers offering additional services in the management of COVID-19.COVID-19 had a great impact on the economic lives of the security guards. Copyright © 2023 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in Health care workers due to COVID-19 pandemic in hospitals of Odisha: A Cross-sectional survey

Background: COVID-19, an unprecedented pandemic significantly affects psychologically healthcare workers (HCWs). The World Health Organization has also announced the pandemic as a Global Public Health Crisis. Priority to observe psychological effects was critical to understanding the various factors and delivering a tailored approach to treatment. This study aims to analyse the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress amongst HCWs in Odisha during the pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire-based online study was conducted. A total of 300 HCWs participated. The collection of data was done online through a self-administered validated depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) questionnaire designed in Google form. The questionnaire has three sections, consent form, demographic characteristics, and DASS-21. For analysis of categorical variables descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Binomial test were used, and for continuous variables, Kruskal Wallis test & Mann-Whitney test were used and ‘p’<0.05 was considered significant. Results: In this study, respondents were young (63.7%) and the majority were females (61.7%). Doctors constitute 57%, nurses 35%, dentist 17.7% and pharmacists 7% (p<0.001). The majority work in non-government sectors (p<0.001), having 1-5 years of experience (p<0.001). As many as 42.7% of HCWs have depression, 53.7% anxiety, and 13.3% stress. The professional category has a significant association with depression, anxiety, stress, and overall, DAS score (p<0.01). Doctors have the highest level of depression, anxiety, stress, and overall, DAS score, followed by nurses, dentists, and pharmacists. Gender played a significant association with anxiety and stress. Females have a significantly higher level of anxiety and stress (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed a higher proportion of depression, anxiety, and stress in HCWs. Early screening for detecting mental health issues should be initiated for HCWs who are being exposed repeatedly. Hence, group-specific need-based psychotherapy is critical during the pandemic. © 2023, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University. All rights reserved.

Mental health concerns in outpatients during COVID-19 pandemic: Comparison between psychiatric and general hospital clinics in an Indian population

We intended to compare mental health concerns in patients attending a general hospital clinic with that of patients attending a psychiatric clinic during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We specially wished to know about the perceived stress, worries, possibility of anxiety and depression, and the quality of life (QOL) of the patients. In a cross-sectional study, we used two screening questions for depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) scale for anxiety, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for stress, nature and degree of worries in a 0–10 scale, and QOL in a 1–10 scale. Majority (75.5 percent) of outpatients had moderate to high level of stress, 76.5 percent were screen positive for depression, and 42 percent for anxiety. Psychiatric patients had significantly higher perceived stress, level of worry, and lower QOL to those with physical illness and were screen positive for depression (99 percent v 54 percent) and anxiety (68 percent v 16 percent), respectively. Patients with major physical illnesses had significantly higher stress levels and anxiety compared with those without. Fear of getting the infection, loss of job, and financial issues were the major worries along with social stigma. The results highlighted the need for screening mental health concerns in general hospital and psychiatric outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate appropriate interventions. © 2022 Weston Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Repatriated Migrants in Re-engineering Supply Chain of Agricultural Produce of Rural Odisha

Agricultural produce does not get the apt recognition so far as the pricing and match between the supply and demand forces of it are concerned. In fact, the supply chain of the agricultural produce in India, particularly in the state of Odisha, is very weak. The supply chain of agricultural produce, i.e. the flow of agricultural produce from the farmers to the end-users, i.e. consumers, is not a smooth one for which the farmers receive a very less price, whereas the consumers pay exorbitant prices for the agricultural produce. Sometimes, the farmers fail to sell their produce owing to the unavailability of buyers, particularly for perishable produce during harvesting season. It happens for two things: (1) because the supply chain of agricultural produce is not scientific, and (2) because the farmers don’t have enough man-hours during harvesting season to sell their products directly to the consumers in the local markets. However, the insertion of some productive manpower in the existing supply chain of the agricultural produce may solve the purpose. The current pandemic owing to Covid-19 has caused an inflow of out-migrant people to their native places, i.e. repatriated migrants or returnee migrants. Since those returnee migrants are having the threat of life in migrated place for the on-going pandemic, their inclusion in the supply chain of agricultural produce may solve the problems of pricing and mismatch of demand and supply forces of agricultural produce. Against this backdrop, this paper is to design a framework to make use of the repatriated migrants in upgrading the supply chain of the agricultural produce. The methodology adopted for this paper is content analysis from the existing literature and secondary data. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Comparison of Machine Learning Approaches for Anticipating of COVID-19 Active, Recovered and Death Cases in India

Outbreaks of the COVID-19 that emanated in Wuhan city of China have been causing worldwide health concerns since December 2019 resulting in a global pandemic declared by World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. It has highly affected social, financial matters and health too. In the study, COVID-19 affected people’s statistics are taken into account for predicting the upcoming day’s movement in a total count of infected cases in India. Regression models especially multiple linear regression, support vector regression are implemented on the dataset for observing the curve of the infected cases and forecast the total active, total deaths and total recovered cases for next coming days. The usefulness of regression techniques is studied. These techniques analyze and predict the rise and spread of COVID-19. We investigate how well mathematical modeling can forecast the rise using datasets from https://covid19india.org. Here, a comparison of multiple regression and support vector regression is done. It can be concluded that these models acquired remarkable accuracy in forecasting COVID-19. We also want to compare the distribution of COVID-19 in different nations and try to predict potential instances as soon as possible. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

CPD: ADAPTING TO COVID-19

Background: During 2020, continuing professional development (CPD) was not mandatory for doctors in Australia and New Zealand. However, a substantial number of psychiatrists continued to participate in CPD activities, particularly their peer review groups (PRGs). PRGs have been a cornerstone of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) CPD programme since the 1980s. Objectives: To illustrate how psychiatrists participated in CPD when completion was not compulsory, and how PRGs adapted to the COVID-19 environment during 2020. Methods: The annual survey of PRGs, conducted to meet the reporting requirements for qualified privilege, was adjusted to include questions relating to the conduct of PRGs during 2020. Qualitative and quantitative questions were included, and the results analysed. The activity data from My CPD were analysed to determine the proportion of members who participated in CPD activities during 2020, including the proportion of members meeting the usual minimum requirement of 10°hours per year of formal peer review. Findings: More than 70% of all participants enrolled in the CPD programme registered participation in the Formal Peer Review section of their CPD records. The hours recorded ranged from 1 hour to 20.25°hours. Qualitative analysis revealed that the importance of the PRG during COVID-19 was enhanced for members. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of PRGs to psychiatrists, and the flexibility demonstrated to continue with this activity during the restrictions of 2020.

PRACTICE PEER REVIEW: A NOVEL CPD ACTIVITY

Background: Regular practice review - commonly practice visits - is encouraged as a continuing professional development (CPD) activity by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA). Traditional practice visits are better suited to interventional medical practitioners rather than psychiatrists and have presented significant logistical challenges to implement in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) programme. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to redesign regular practice review by psychiatrists for psychiatrists, resulting in a pilot of a programme known as Practice Peer Review (PPR). Objectives: To explore a novel approach to regular practice review for psychiatrists. Methods: Psychiatrists were invited to participate in a pilot of the PPR. Following an application process, psychiatrists were matched using two methods: (1) self-pairing and (2) pairing by RANZCP staff using criteria including career stage, area of practice and individual's preferences. Each pair was assigned a facilitator, a Fellow with training in the principles of coaching. Pairs undertook a series of structured discussions, with the facilitator assisting the pair in the final session to reflect on the activity and applications to their practice. Data collected included quantitative measures (e.g. the period over which the meetings occurred) and qualitative measures (e.g. satisfaction with the matching process and learning outcomes). Findings: Evaluation is underway and will be concluded by the end of March 2022. Initial analysis indicates that the activity has been considered valuable by participants, but there have been some challenges particularly with scheduling. Conclusion: PPR shows promise as an alternative to the 'traditional' practice visit.

Identification of people affected from Corona virus using artificial intelligence

Diagnosis Covid-19 had used machine learning and artificial intelligence education that accurately identifies the Covid-19's probability. The suggested method is aimed of measuring the probability of respiratory illnesses, the oxygen levels and the sufferer's temp. Several of its aims is to verify the Covid-19 patient (e.g. symptoms such as pneumonia). The structure integrates a sample position consisting of an ATS, an ATS, an IR temperature control device and a computer consisting of a data object. The digital sound unit incorporates stethoscopes that are placed on the inside of a mattress on a test facility and attached to a transmitter device that is attached by a sound chord to the machine. The pulses oxygen concentrator is supplied with an oxygen saturation sensor mounted on the right shoulder of a test facility and attached to the OLED monitor, buzzer and computer. The IR temperatures inspector consists of an IR temperature sensor that is housed in an OLED monitor, bell chimes and monitor mostly on upper arms of the test facility. It should be remembered that perhaps the level of the patient will be changed in both units. A machine learning algorithm is included within the specific element. Covid-19 diagnosis device, accessible on a device attached to all the methods mentioned earlier. © 2022 Author(s).

Big Data Management Activities for Sustainable Business Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Indian Pharmaceutical Sector

Grounded on resource-based view and dynamic capability perspectives, this research aims to explore linkages between the firm's big data management activities (BDMA), green manufacturing (GM) practices, and sustainable business performance (SBP). The research model was empirically evaluated using data collected from 248 pharmaceutical manufacturers in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis was performed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling using AMOS 20. The results indicate that GM activities impact SBP directly. Further results imply the mediating role of GM practices on the relationship between BDMA and SBP. The analysis reveals that senior management's resource commitment in pharmaceutical firms is a moderating mechanism in strengthening the association between BDMA and GM practices. This study is significant as it provides key theoretical and managerial implications for pharmaceutical sectors during emergent situations.

A Comparative Analysis of Regression Approaches for Prediction of COVID-19 Active, Recovered, and Death Cases in India

Outbreaks of the COVID-19 which originated in Wuhan city of China have been causing worldwide health concerns since December 2019 resulting in a global pandemic. In the study, COVID-19-concerned people’s statistics are taken into account for predicting the upcoming day’s movement in total count of infected cases in India. The dataset is subjected to regression models, particularly multiple linear regression and random forest regression, in order to observe the curve of infected cases and anticipate the total active, total fatalities, and total recovered cases for the days ahead. The utility of regression approaches is investigated by studying COVID-19’s rise and spread using datasets from https://covid19india.org. This article compares multiple regression to random forest regression. It may be argued that these models forecast COVID-19 with amazing precision. Future work will entail comparing COVID-19 distribution across countries and identifying probable outbreaks as soon as possible. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Managing a COVID-Positive Health-Care Worker with Recent Suicide Attempt through Telepsychiatry

COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major problem for the health-care workers (HCWs). Many HCWs are facing adverse psychological outcomes, during the COVID pandemic. HCWs are not only expected to carry out duties in COVID areas but are also expected to stay in isolation during the period of quarantine. Various models have been proposed to address the psychological issues in HCWs using telepsychiatry. However, there are no clear-cut guidelines, for managing people with suicidal behavior. In this report we present a HCW, diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder, current episode severe depression without psychotic symptoms, who attempted self-harm and was shortly diagnosed with COVID-19 infection leading her to getting admitted in the COVID-19 ward. She was managed with supportive psychotherapy during her COVID ward stay through telepsychiatry. We discuss the challenges faced and how these were handled.

A qualitative study of the impact of COVID 19, on health care providers for cancer patients: An original research

Introduction: In the challenging times of the COVID-19, the care of individuals with the debilitating diseases such as cancers has been an additional burden to the medical team. We aim to find out about the obstacles for the clinical care of the patients in the COVID, the questions frequently asked by cancer patients, and the medical care and support teams' general experience in taking care of cancer patients during the times of the pandemic. Materials and Methods: We conducted a Qualtrics survey that was developed by Cancer and Aging Research Group among 275 health care providers to cancer patients during. There were twenty questions in the survey. Of these 20, three open-ended questions were included that inquired about the barriers to the clinical care of cancer patients during COVID-19;the questions asked to the health care team by cancer patients or the attendants;health care teams general experience in the situations of the COVID-19. Two different reviewers performed the quality analysis for the open-ended questions after they were assigned a code. SPSS ver-23 was used for the descriptive statistics. Results: Medical services organizational difficulties and addressing necessities and support were generally reported. Hindrances to the medical health teams included the included administrative difficulties, access of the patient to the support and basic resources, uncertainties for patients' psychological and physical well-being, and teleconsultation challenges. The most common concern of the patients was the safety and the need for the treatment. Medical health care teams were seen to worry for the mental and the physical health of cancer patient. There was also reported concern for the medical team's own safety, obstruction in multi-level establishments;also the health team was seen feeling positive leadership and communications. Conclusion: The medical health provider teams felt a need for thorough support at the organizational level for cancer patients. Medical teams were expected to comprehend the short-Term and long-Term impact of the COVID-19 on cancer patients. It was accepted that there has been an increased workload and mental stress among the providers. Appreciating the experiences of the medical teams during the pandemic may help in the future guidance in the care of cancer patients.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health: A Global Analysis of Publications

Covid-19 infection, which emerged in late 2019, spread across the world rapidly and was declared as a pandemic on 24th March 2020 by the World Health Organization. Besides other implications, Covid-19 pandemic led to significant mental health issues in the general public, those infected with the virus and the health care workers. Over the period of 15-16 months, a significant amount of literature has emerged on the mental health issues in the context of Covid-19 pandemic. This paper aims to evaluate the research trends in mental health related to Covid-19 infection by using the bibliometric analysis. Using the Scopus database, as on 21st of March 2021, 15,223 records focusing on "Covid-19 and Mental Health" were identified. The research on this theme averaged 8.90 citations per paper with 13.77% publications supported by funding agencies from global research agencies/firms were published. Researchers from 158 countries participated in mental health research on Covid-19, with top 12 countries accounting for 95.91% share of the global output and a major share of global citations in the subject. Although researchers from USA, U.K. and China led the global publication share (ranging from 10.40% to 26.56%), but researchers from China, France and Australia registered higher relative citation index (ranging from 1.19 to 2.31). Researchers from Harvard Medical School, USA, University of Toronto, Canada, and King's College, London, U.K. were the most productive (with 299, 270 and 222 papers). Researchers from the National University of Singapore (51.84 and 5.83), King's College, London, U.K. (27.23 and 3.06), Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China (23.65 and 2.66) were most impactful in terms of citation per paper and relative citation index. To conclude, this bibliometric analysis provides an overview of the extent of research activities in Covid-19 and mental health.