scholarly journals Perspective: Covid-19; emerging strategies and material technologies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jubair Ahmed ◽  
Hussain Alenezi ◽  
Ursula Edirisinghe ◽  
Mohan Edirisinghe
Keyword(s):  
National Health Service ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
The World ◽  
Technology Strategies ◽  
Uk National Health Service ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Consultant Doctor

AbstractIt will be remembered in history as the event that brought the world together with science and technology; the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for decades worth of progression in both healthcare policies and technology development. It has been a show of unprecedented global health policies ranging from the legal requirement for public facemask use to the use of tough movement restrictions that has bought the world’s economy to its knees. Here, we observe the impact of national lockdowns, facemask usage, and their effect on infection rates. It is clear that healthcare policies alone cannot tackle a pandemic. There is a huge pressure to develop personal protective equipment that not only has the capacity to prevent transmission but also has the ergonomics to be worn for long durations. In this work, we reveal our views and thoughts on the healthcare policies and developing materials and technology strategies that have contributed to reduce the damage of the pandemic, coming from the perspectives of materials scientists and a UK National Health Service consultant doctor.

scholarly journals The Effect of Vaccination Rates on the Infection of COVID-19 under the Vaccination Rate below the Herd Immunity Threshold

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7491
Author(s):  
Yi-Tui Chen
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The World ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Although vaccination is carried out worldwide, the vaccination rate varies greatly. As of 24 May 2021, in some countries, the proportion of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has exceeded 50%, but in many countries, this proportion is still very low, less than 1%. This article aims to explore the impact of vaccination on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the herd immunity of almost all countries in the world has not been reached, several countries were selected as sample cases by employing the following criteria: more than 60 vaccine doses per 100 people and a population of more than one million people. In the end, a total of eight countries/regions were selected, including Israel, the UAE, Chile, the United Kingdom, the United States, Hungary, and Qatar. The results find that vaccination has a major impact on reducing infection rates in all countries. However, the infection rate after vaccination showed two trends. One is an inverted U-shaped trend, and the other is an L-shaped trend. For those countries with an inverted U-shaped trend, the infection rate begins to decline when the vaccination rate reaches 1.46–50.91 doses per 100 people.

scholarly journals Retrospective Study on Personal Protective Equipment During Pandemic Link to Outbreak of Carbpenem-Resistant Enterobacteriace

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s9-s10
Author(s):  
Kenisha Evans ◽  
Jennifer LeRose ◽  
Angela Beatriz Cruz ◽  
Lavina Jabbo ◽  
Teena Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The Impact

Background: In 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), had cost the lives of >35,000 patients, particularly the most virulent plasmid-mediated New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM). Although healthcare systems normally have strict surveillance and infection control measures for CRE, the rapid emergence of novel SAR-CoV-2 and COVID-19 led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies. As a result, routine infection practices, such as contact precautions, were violated. Studies have shown this depletion and shift in resources compromised the control of infections such CRE leading to rising horizontal transmission. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare system in Detroit, Michigan, to determine the impact of PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic on NDM infection rates. The following periods were established during 2020 based on PPE availability: (1) pre-PPE shortage (January–June), (2) PPE shortage (July–October), and (3) post-PPE shortage (November–December). Rates of NDM per 10,000 patient days were compared between periods using the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Isolates were confirmed resistant by NDM by molecular typing performed by the Michigan State Health Department. Patient characteristics were gathered by medical chart review and patient interviews by telephone. Results: Overall, the average rate of NDM infections was 1.82 ±1.5 per 10,000 patient days. Rates during the PPE shortage were significantly higher, averaging 3.6 ±1.1 cases per 10,000 patient days (P = .02). During this time, several infections occurred within patients on the same unit and/or patients with same treating team, suggesting possible horizontal transmission. Once PPE stock was replenished and isolation practices were reinstated, NDM infection rates decreased to 0.77 ±1.1 per 10,000 patient days. Conclusion: Control of CRE requires strategic planning with active surveillance, antimicrobial constructs, and infection control measures. The study illustrates that in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden of effective infection control requires much more multidisciplinary efforts to prevent unintentional lapses in patient safety. A swift response by the state and local health departments at a tertiary-care healthcare center conveyed a positive mitigation of the highest clinical threats and decreased horizontal transmission of disease.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals General aspects of COVID-19 and its handling by anesthesiologists

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Túlio Barroso Vilarinho ◽  
Clara Oliveira e Souza ◽  
Juliana Schvartz ◽  
Kylza Azevedo ◽  
Noeli Mofati Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Orotracheal Intubation ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Rapid Response Teams ◽  
The World ◽  
General Aspects ◽  
The Impact

Anesthesiologists play a crucial role in the management of critically ill patients, both in the leadership of rapid response teams for orotracheal intubation, and in the operating room. Therefore, they become extremely exposed. Discussing preventive strategies and conducting team training, with emphasis on paramentation of personal protective equipment and airway algorithms, are fundamental to improve outcomes. This study addresses the main characteristics of the COVID-19 with focus on the handling of the disease by anesthesiologists, bringing epidemiologic data from Brazil and the world, as well as the impact this new virus might have on the health system.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiologists

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 177-180
Author(s):  
Ganesh Hegde ◽  
Christine Azzopardi ◽  
Patrick Hurley ◽  
Harun Gupta ◽  
Naga Varaprasad Vemuri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Radiology Workflow ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
The World ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest crises faced by health-care systems in the recent times. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiology workflow, working pattern, training and continuing professional development (CPD) activities, as well as personal well-being of the radiologists during the pandemic. Material and Methods: Questionnaire designed to gather the opinions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was distributed to radiologists throughout the world in electronic format. Anonymized responses were obtained and analyzed. Two hundred radiologists, working in 17 different countries, responded to our questionnaire. Majority of the respondents were from India (72.8%) and 70% of the them were in the age group of 25–45 years. About 80% of respondents felt that they were well protected or moderately well protected in terms of the personal protective equipment (PPE), however, most of them felt that the use of PPE had affected their ability to work. Similar number of radiologists felt that there was significant reduction in the radiology workload. More than half of the respondents felt that their working patterns were altered by the pandemic with drastic impact on teaching, CPD activities, and personal well-being. COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impact on the radiologists all over the world. Learning from the experiences of the first wave should be used to provide innovative solutions to some of the challenges posed to provide better radiology services, training, and improve the well-being of radiologists if we encounter a similar situation in the future. COVID-19 pandemic had significant impact on radiologists. Radiologists felt that they were well or moderately well protected with PPEs; however, PPEs affected their ability to work. Radiology workflow was significantly reduced in the pandemic with more radiologists working from home. COVID-19 pandemic had deleterious effect on radiologist’s well-being, education, and CPD activities.

The impact of COVID-19 on the Chinese tourism industry

2021 ◽  
pp. 135481662110412
Author(s):  
Can Wang ◽  
Xianming Meng ◽  
Mahinda Siriwardana ◽  
Tien Pham
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world hard, costing more than three and half million lives. Governments around the globe are not in a consensus position on the most appropriate response to the pandemic. This study utilizes an economic model to assess choices and compare outcome of public health policies using China as a case study. A lax policy could have costed the country up to 97% of inbound tourism revenue; reduced real gross domestic product by 11% and decreased employment by 15%. Analysis shows that the appropriate prevention and control policy of the Chinese Government have mitigated the impact of COVID-19 significantly for both tourism and non-tourism sectors. Importantly, the article highlights that the substantial negative impact on investment in tourism will slow down the sector’s recovery. The article calls for strong tourism-focused response policies for a speedy recovery.

scholarly journals Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on ENT clinical practice and training: the resident's perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
D Kapoor ◽  
A S Ramavat ◽  
M Mehndiratta ◽  
A Agrawal ◽  
V Arora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Planning Service ◽  
The World ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training

Abstract Background The arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted life suddenly and forcefully, and healthcare systems around the world are still struggling to come to terms with it. This paper reviews the impact of the pandemic on ENT practice and training. Methods The present manuscript was developed as a narrative review to examine the role of otorhinolaryngologists in the management of the pandemic, and assess its impact on practice and training in the specialty. Results Otorhinolaryngologists handle secretions of organs implicated in disease transmission, leaving them particularly vulnerable even while performing simple procedures. Although the pandemic increased skill expectations, it simultaneously reduced learning opportunities for trainees. In addition, attention to emergencies has been delayed. Further, the suspension of elective procedures has affected patients with malignancies. Conclusion While planning service resumption, provisions need to be made for protective equipment and training; improving teleconsultation services will help provide sustainable care during further waves.

scholarly journals Scaling-up Health-Arts Programmes: the largest study in the world bringing arts-based mental health interventions into a national health service

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Carolina Estevao ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Paola Dazzan ◽  
K. Ray Chaudhuri ◽  
Nick Sevdalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
National Health ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
The Arts ◽  
The World ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Summary The Scaling-up Health-Arts Programme: Implementation and Effectiveness Research (SHAPER) project is the world's largest hybrid study on the impact of the arts on mental health embedded into a national healthcare system. This programme, funded by the Wellcome Trust, aims to study the impact and the scalability of the arts as an intervention for mental health. The programme will be delivered by a team of clinicians, research scientists, charities, artists, patients and healthcare professionals in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and the community, spanning academia, the NHS and the charity sector. SHAPER consists of three studies – Melodies for Mums, Dance for Parkinson's, and Stroke Odysseys – which will recruit over 800 participants, deliver the interventions and draw conclusions on their clinical impact, implementation effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. We hope that this work will inspire organisations and commissioners in the NHS and around the world to expand the remit of social prescribing to include evidence-based arts interventions.

scholarly journals High-tech cities of the world: problems of use of artificial intelligence

E-Management ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 49-54
Author(s):  
K. Komulainen
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Human Power ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The World ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

The goal of the thesis is to highlight the main uses and impacts of artificial intelligence to consumers’ life in high-tech cities such as Singapore. The different ways to exploit artificial intelligence in consumers daily life is explored and the overall impact to society as a whole. Current technology development is substantially rapid which affects various aspects of societies. The article considers advantages and disadvantages of the artificial intelligence to consumers, especially the ethical consideration of artificialintelligence which is becoming increasingly powerful issue. However, artificial intelligence’s development has started with momentum that is challenging to halt, thus, the question is whether we are able to maintain superior control over artificial intelligence.The importance of in-depth understanding of high-tech societies such as Singapore under the impact of artificial intelligence. This type of exploration can suggest various different changes in close future, for instance, concerning economy, transportation, healthcare and communication. Globally, these are issues that are intensely linked to the people’s daily lives affecting substantially to societies, for instance, economical algorithms are carried out already by the artificial intelligence which creates opportunities and threats. Artificial intelligence’s opportunities and threats are still under control, but great number of scholars have been arguing the moment the artificial intelligence is able to begin thinking about its strengths and weaknesses itself. Also, multiple societies and countries have been considering heavily investing into artificial intelligence which can provide substantial advantages to different aspects of society. In addition, greater and growing dependency on artificial intelligence will create vacuum of real human power in societies. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence carries disadvantages for societies too which needs to be scrutinized.

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