Coronavirus Pandemic Research Articles

Assessment of antibiotic resistance patterns in Central Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing worldwide public health issue due to the overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics. AMR has been more prevalent during the coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) compared to previous periods. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the AMR profile of common bacteria that were isolated for routine analysis during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Central Taiwan. The main goal of this study was to examine and analyze the AMR patterns both before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical samples collected from two different time periods: the 1-year period before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2019 to December 2019) and the 2-year period following the start of the pandemic (September 2020 to September 2022). The data for this study were obtained from clinical records, and both bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the Phoenix identification system. ResultsAmong the 8152 bacterial isolates obtained during the study period from September 2020 to September 2022, 4022 (49.3%) were Escherichia coli, 1346 (16.5%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae, 1156 (14.2%) were Staphylococcus aureus, 887 (10.9%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 376 (4.6%) were Enterococcus faecium, and 365 (4.5%) were Acinetobacter baumannii. The overall prevalence of resistant bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic was as follows: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, 69%; carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, 65%; methicillin-resistant S. aureus, 49%; carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, 29%; carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa, 17%; and carbapenem-resistant E. coli, 2%. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, and carbapenem-resistant E. coli increased by 19%, 10%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. On the other hand, carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant S. aureus decreased by 6%, respectively. ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive assessment of AMR during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Taiwan. Understanding the prevalence of AMR is crucial for preventing infection and formulating disease prevention policies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the correlation between AMR and the severity of infection in COVID-19 patients.

The Effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Indicators of the End Tuberculosis Strategy: A Literature Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had severely taken a toll on the health system in all nations from the wealthiest to the poorest countries. The disruption to the health system was not only due to the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also the pressure it caused to stretch the health systems beyond their capability indirectly. The purpose of this review was to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the indicators of the end tuberculosis strategy. Methods: Articles were searched from scientific search engines such as CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, ProQuest, APA Psych, INFO as well as manual searches through Google and Google Scholar search engines. Both quantitative and qualitative studies that showed the impact or effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB diagnosis, TB patient management, treatment initiation, treatment adherence, patients’ loss to follow up were included. A total of 375 articles were screened, and 12 full-text articles were ultimately included in the review. Findings: The extracted impact were synthesized thematically into three indicators of the end TB strategy: impact on TB incidence rate; impact on TB deaths; Impact on catastrophic costs due to TB. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the three indicators of the end TB strategy and has significantly reversed the global TB progress in the fight to end TB epidemic. This has increased the risk of TB incidence, deaths, and the severity of economic impact on TB-affected households. Therefore, there is a need for countries to take step forward and develop intervention strategies that will help them to resolve the damage caused by the pandemic on the achieve the targets to end TB. This study could improve strategies implementation regarding the management of TB disease.

Teaching English amidst Coronavirus Pandemic in Bangladesh: Technological Adaptations and Pedagogical Modifications

This research intended to explore what novel adaptations to the existing technological devices and applications, and what changes to the already-practiced pedagogy the English language teachers of Bangladesh made and implemented to continue teaching English amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilized the qualitative methodology applying an open-ended questionnaire on 12 English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers from across the country, who taught English language to various levels of students through online mode during the impasse. The findings of the research demonstrated that ELT teachers effectuated dramatic changes and improvisations to the existing technological devices, programs and applications to respond to the new mode of teaching, and exert the best of it. Simultaneously, the results presented that most of the ELT teachers had to inculcate dramatic modifications to the habituated pedagogical practices, a major portion of which was psychological shift and support.

COVID-19

When a country is faced with a crisis, the President, as the chief policy maker and Head of State, is the first person expected to act. With the power vested in him by the Namibian constitution in the article 26 (1), Hage Geingob, the President of Namibia declared a State of emergency on 17 March 2020 in response to the global pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19). A national crisis is one of the important occasions of a presidency as a rhetorical institution. In this regard, words are an important source of power. Therefore, this paper analysed the language and rhetoric of emergency used by Geingob as his political tool to respond to this pandemic. The analysis is guided by the rhetorical theory (Bitzer, 1968) and Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs of ethos, pathos and logos. It is important to note that national crises such as COVID 19 are linguistic constructions in the sense that it is largely through presidential rhetoric that the country deals with them.

Educational Technology with Relationship to the Quality Performance During the (COVID-19) Pandemic

The study aimed to identify educational technology and its relationship to the quality of performance in light of the Coronavirus pandemic from educational counselors in secondary schools in the Karak governorate, and the study sample, which amounted to (171) counselors, was chosen. The results indicated educational technology was moderate, and the degree of quality of performance was high. A presence of statistically significant differences in the reality of using educational technology due to the variable of gender in favor of females, and to the variable of experience in favor of experienced (5-10). A statistically significant differences in the performance of educational counselors due to the variable of experience and in favor of experienced (more than 10). A statistically significant differences in the relationship between the reality of using educational technology and the degree of performance.
 
 Keywords: Educational Technology, Quality of Performance, Coronavirus Pandemic, Educational Counselors, Karak Governorate,

High Fatality Rates in Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome: A Multicenter Experience From the Epicenter of Brazil's Coronavirus Pandemic.

Brazil´s case fatality rate (CFR) of pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents (MIS-C) is among the highest worldwide. Despite these concerns, limited hospital-based and comprehensive pediatric data have been published on MIS-C in Brazilian children. We performed a descriptive analysis of the MIS-C scores in 16 public and private hospitals providing secondary and tertiary care in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and demographic information were systematically extracted from the electronic medical records of each patient. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the combined effects of MIS-C phenotype, disease severity and comorbidity as dependent variables. A total of 101 patients met the MIS-C criteria and were evaluated. The median age was 67 months, 60% were male, 28.7% were black or afrodescendant and 62.3% were admitted to public hospitals. Underlying medical conditions were observed in 16.8% of patients and were associated with a longer duration of hospitalization. A Kawasaki disease-like phenotype was observed in 43.5% of patients, and they demonstrated a trend of lower median age. Children with severe MIS-C were older (median age 91 months vs. 36 months) and had a nonspecific phenotype, more cardiovascular and respiratory involvement and kidney injury; 73.3% required intensive care, 20.8% required mechanical ventilation and 35.6% required inotropic support. Four deaths occurred (CFR = 3.9%), three of which were in healthy participants. We identified a lower median age, particularly among children with Kawasaki disease-like phenotypes, those with a significant need for intensive care, and a high CFR in MIS-C. Our findings confirmed the increased severity of the disease in the selected Brazilian population.

Programmable modulation of ribosomal frameshifting by mRNA targeting CRISPR-Cas12a system

Minus 1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) is a conserved translational regulation event essential for critical biological processes, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication. Efficient trans-modulation of the structured RNA element crucial to -1 PRF will endow the therapeutic application. Here, we demonstrate that CRISPR RNA can stimulate efficient -1 PRF. Assembled CRISPR-Cas12a, but not CRISPR-Cas9, complex further enhances -1 PRF efficiency through its higher capacity to stall translating ribosomes. We additionally perform CRISPR-Cas12a targeting to impair the SARS-CoV-2 frameshifting pseudoknot structure via a focused screening. We demonstrate that targeting CRISPR-Cas12a results in more than 70% suppression of -1 PRF invitro and about 50% suppression in mammalian cells. Our results show the expanded function of the CRISPR-Cas12 system in modulating -1 PRF efficiency through stalling ribosomes and deforming frameshifting stimulatory signals, which could serve as a new strategy for future coronavirus pandemics.

Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) of Groundwater Prospect and Vulnerability Index Mapping from Second-Order Geo-Electric Indices: A Case Study of Coastal Environments

Exploration, management, and conservation of groundwater resources are critical stages toward potable water supply, driven by an expanding populace and the threat of a new norm posed by the distinctive coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. An in-depth assessment of the potential of groundwater reserves and susceptibility, using a multi-criteria evaluation, is required to aid in the planning of exploration programs for groundwater well location. Thirty (30) vertical electrical soundings (VES) were collected in Okerenkoko, Warri-Southwest, Delta State, to assess groundwater potential and vulnerability indicators. The VES data were used to obtain the first-order geoelectric variables, which were further exploited to calculate the geo-hydraulic parameters (hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity) and the vulnerability indices of the aquifer. For aquifer vulnerability appraisal, the AVI (aquifer vulnerability index), GOD (groundwater occurrence, overlying lithology, and depth to the aquifer), and GLSI (geoelectric layer susceptibility index) models were used. The groundwater characteristics in the area were evaluated using the aquifer resistivity, thickness, transmissivity and coefficient of anisotropy values of the aquifer layers defined from VES 1-30. The results show that aquifer layers with low resistivity favor more saturation due to immense porosity and therefore have greater groundwater potential than aquifers with high resistivity. The geoelectric structures defined by VES 1, 2 and 4 were consistent in their groundwater potential and yield judging from the multi-criteria assessments. The estimation of AVI, GOD, and GLSI models for aquifer threat assessment was facilitated by the multi-criteria evaluation of vulnerability indices utilizing hydro-geophysical parameters and index-based approaches. The models depend on the symbiotic effects of geologic array and thickness as the basis for the magnitude of conservation imparted to any particular aquifer involved. The AVI model map depicts that most of the VES locations were rated high (C between 1 and 2) to extremely high (C < 1), indicating that the aquifers at these locations are vulnerable to pollution. However, the extent of vulnerability observed in the GOD model is less than in the AVI model, as GOD accords much more inclination to the inherent properties of geologic entities. The GOD model map categorized the vulnerability index ratings in the area as negligible (0.0-0.1), low (0.1-0.3) and moderate (0.3-0.5), with most VES locations ranked low to moderate, which indicates that these locations are susceptible to vulnerability. In the GLSI model, individual overlying layer thicknesses were prioritized. The GLSI model map shows that the vulnerability index ratings in the area are ranked as moderate (2.00-2.99), high (3.00-3.99) and extremely high (≥ 4.00) with most of the VES locations ranked moderate to high with the exception of VES 27, which ranked extremely high in both AVI and GLSI indices. By correlating the results of vulnerability index valuation for the AVI, GOD and GLSI models, more correlation was observed between the AVI and GLSI models. These findings validate the adoption of a multi-criteria evaluation methodology for groundwater potential and aquifer vulnerability studies and are strongly recommended as practical criteria for locating subsurface aquifers and their protective measures for groundwater prospect development planning and management.

Teleconsultation for Children With Developmental Disabilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Caregivers' Experience.

Background The unprecedented situation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown necessitated the need for teleconsultations with caregivers of children with disabilities. The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability, satisfaction, perceived relevance, and barriers to teleconsultation from a caregiver's perspective. Methodology This was a descriptive qualitative study (telephonic interviews) involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) with the caregivers of children with developmental disabilities who received teleconsultations. Manual content analysis of transcripts of IDIs was done. Results Eight IDIs were conducted with the caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delay. The respondents expressed increased challenges in managing their children during the pandemic and the need for professional consultation. They also expressed difficulty in accessing professional help during the pandemic due to poor healthcare access and fear of getting COVID-19. The following responses were noted: "For almost a year we couldn't take her for the therapy," "We were unable to take him to therapy which resulted in an increase in tightness of his limbs, and he became more irritable." All respondents preferred video teleconsultations during lockdown due to flexible timings, ease of communication, and no travel restrictions; "I can benefit from teleconsultation because she does not have any physical problem." However, caregivers of children with physical ailments preferred face-to-face consultation. Conclusions Teleconsultation was found to effectively support the treatment and rehabilitation of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 lockdown, although direct face-to-face consultation was preferred by caregivers of children with physical ailments. The use of modern mobile/digital technologies creates new opportunities to improve the quality and accessibility of such services.

Wildfire and smoke association with COVID-19 cases in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil

ObjectivesIn 2020, Brazil experienced two concurrent public health challenges related to respiratory disease: wildfires and increased mortality due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Smoke from these wildfires contributed to a variety of air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The present study aims to investigate the effects of environmental and socio-economic factors on COVID-19 hospitalisation in the Pantanal. Study designEcological retrospective study. MethodsWe applied a multilevel negative binomial model to relate monthly hospitalisation data with environmental variables. ResultsWe showed that monthly PM2.5 concentration levels had the greatest influence on the increase in hospitalisations by COVID-19 in the elderly (23 % increase). The Gini index, a coefficient that reflects income inequalities, also had a positive association with COVID-19 hospitalisations (18 % increase). Higher temperatures and humidity were protective factors, showing a 15 % and 14 % decrease in hospitalisations, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that high PM2.5 exposure contributed to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations, as did the social inequalities of each municipality. ConclusionsThe present study highlights the importance of gathering evidence supported by multiple information sources to guide decision-making and identify populations needing better public health systems.

Protecting the vulnerable during a crisis - TAVR during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been challenging for healthcare systems globally. Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis awaiting transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are a vulnerable, elderly subset of patients often with multiple comorbidities. Untreated severe aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with a poor prognosis. It is uncertain if population-based strategies to mitigate COVID-19 spread such as delaying elective procedures and virtual consultations have resulted in increased morbidity or mortality in this subset of patients. Position statements guiding TAVR during the COVID-19 pandemic have suggested fewer and shorter hospital admissions. We evaluated the available literature and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referral times, hospital stays and mortality in patients awaiting TAVR. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022379840) is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy with computer- based search was performed using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. No time limit to start date was applied, and the search was conducted up to 28 November 2022. Only studies with available comparative data to pre-COVID 19 cohorts were included. Results Eleven studies satisfied our inclusion criteria, with a pooled analysis of 79785 TAVR patients. Patients undergoing TAVR in the COVID-19 era were associated with a modest risk of all-cause mortality (unadjusted RR: 1.41, 95% CI 0.97-2.06) however this was not statistically significant (Figure 1) and substantial heterogeneity was observed (p<0.01 and i2 = 84%). Patients undergoing TAVR in the COVID-19 cohort trended towards shorter average lengths of stay and time from referral to procedure than TAVR patients prior to the pandemic (mean difference -0.37, 95% CI -0.93 – 0.19 and mean difference -25.43, 95% CI -52.31 to 1.44 respectively), however this was not significant. Conclusion This systematic review suggested a trend towards increased all-cause mortality in TAVR patients in the COVID-19 era. Furthermore, the available data trended towards shorter times from referral to TAVR and a shorter average length of stay, consistent with published recommendations from European and Asian expert consensus papers. Our data did not reach statistical significance and showed significant heterogeneity, likely reflecting widespread institutional variations during the pandemic. As the COVID-19 dynamic changes, further data is required to help characterise and optimise patient care in this vulnerable patient group.

Willow (Salix spp.) bark hot water extracts inhibit both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses: study on its anti-coronavirus and anti-enterovirus activities.

Recurring viral outbreaks have a significant negative impact on society. This creates a need to develop novel strategies to complement the existing antiviral approaches. There is a need for safe and sustainable antiviral solutions derived from nature. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of willow (Salix spp.) bark hot water extracts against coronaviruses and enteroviruses. Willow bark has long been recognized for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines. However, its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent remains relatively unexplored. Cytopathic effect inhibition assay and virucidal and qPCR-based assays were used to evaluate the antiviral potential of the bark extracts. The mechanism of action was investigated using time-of-addition assay, confocal microscopy, TEM, thermal, and binding assays. Extracts were fractionated and screened for their chemical composition using high-resolution LC-MS. The native Salix samples demonstrated their excellent antiviral potential against the non-enveloped enteroviruses even at room temperature and after 45 s. They were equally effective against the seasonal and pandemic coronaviruses. Confocal microscopy verified the loss of infection capacity by negligible staining of the newly synthesized capsid or spike proteins. Time-of-addition studies demonstrated that Salix bark extract had a direct effect on the virus particles but not through cellular targets. Negative stain TEM and thermal assay showed that antiviral action on enteroviruses was based on the added stability of the virions. In contrast, Salix bark extract caused visible changes in the coronavirus structure, which was demonstrated by the negative stain TEM. However, the binding to the cells was not affected, as verified by the qPCR study. Furthermore, coronavirus accumulated in the cellular endosomes and did not proceed after this stage, based on the confocal studies. None of the tested commercial reference samples, such as salicin, salicylic acid, picein, and triandrin, had any antiviral activity. Fractionation of the extract and subsequent MS analysis revealed that most of the separated fractions were very effective against enteroviruses and contained several different chemical groups such as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and procyanidins. Salix spp. bark extracts contain several virucidal agents that are likely to act synergistically and directly on the viruses.

Self-endangering Work Behaviour of Polish School Principals During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Self-endangering Work Behaviour of Polish School Principals During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Analysis of the Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to the GRDP of the Tanimbar Islands Regency

The agricultural sector plays an important role in the economic growth of a region. The Tanimbar Islands Regency has the potential to contribute to the agricultural sector. This research aims to analyze the contribution of the agricultural sector to the PDRD of the Tanimbar Islands Regency which includes the development of the GDP growth rate, the role of the agricultural sector in regional economic development of the Tanimbar Islands Regency, problems and agricultural development systems in the Tanimbar Islands Regency. In this research, generally the data used is secondary data, namely ready-to-use data that has been processed by other parties, in the form of reports/documents obtained from related agencies, so the data source in this writing is the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Maritime Affairs and BPS KKT. The analytical method is useful for determining the contribution of the agricultural sector to the KKT GRDP in 2015-2020. The analytical method used is a descriptive method with a contribution approach. The results of this research show that the GDP growth rate of the Tanimbar Islands Regency for the 2016-2020 period, both based on Current Prices and Constant Prices, always experiences very good upward fluctuations (2016-2019), but this is different in 2020, experiencing slow economic growth, namely above The applicable price base is 1.05%. Meanwhile, based on constant prices, the rate of economic growth experienced stagnation, namely - 0.02%. This happened due to a non-natural global phenomenon, namely the Covid'19 (Corona Virus) Pandemic. The contribution of the Agricultural sector to the GRDP of the Tanimbar Islands Regency for the period 2016 - 2020 averaged above 20%, this shows that the Agricultural sector is one of the sectors with quite large potential to have dominant value (added) for the formation of income (GRDP) in the Tanimbar Islands Regency.

Influence of Vitamin D Level on Inflammatory and Prognostic Markers in COVID-19 - A Retrospective Study.

The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an immense public health crisis worldwide. Emerging evidence has suggested that inflammatory response plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of the disease. As vitamin D can modulate the immune system, this study has been designed to correlate vitamin D with inflammatory and prognostic markers in COVID-19 patients. The present study is a retrospective study examining the relationship between vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers in the COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 patients who were investigated for vitamin D, ferritin, D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) level were only included. The patients were divided into hypovitaminosis D, and normal vitamin D. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the strength and association of hypovitaminosis D with inflammatory markers in COVID-19 disease. The hypovitaminosis D group had significantly higher inflammatory markers compared to the normal vitamin D group. The correlation between hypovitaminosis D and procalcitonin was negative (r = -0.433), with a strong and significant association (p = 0.002). The correlation between hypovitaminosis D, CRP, and ferritin was weak and insignificant. The logistic regression between hypovitaminosis D and procalcitonin established a significant regression equation, leading to a significant linear model. This study concludes that patients with hypovitaminosis D should be treated with vitamin D therapy to reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease.

A regulatory analysis of digital financial services and the adoption of central bank digital currencies in Zimbabwe and South Africa

The use of digital financial services such as mobile money has created new frontiers for more people, especially the poor, to participate in the formal payment systems in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Individuals who do not have bank accounts are now able to access financial services and products using technological devices such as mobile phones. In this regard, digital financial services have broadened financial inclusion allowing the poor to participate in financial markets and other formal economic activities which they were unable to access before. In addition, digital financial services represent a broad range of emerging financial technology (fintech) products which could lead to the adoption of digital currencies in many countries, including Zimbabwe and South Africa. These fintech products have been useful channels for the poor to transact and receive money since the outbreak of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. However, the regulation of digital financial services and their products remains problematic in South Africa and Zimbabwe owing, in part, to the absence of statutes that expressly and robustly regulate these services. Furthermore, there is no sufficient policy clarity on the adoption of central bank digital currencies in the aforesaid countries. Accordingly, this article explores the adequacy of the regulatory frameworks and robustness of the enforcement approaches adopted in Zimbabwe and South Africa. This is also done in the context of the African Union (AU)’s Agenda 2063 goal of enabling trade linkages amongst African countries.

Mental Health Needs in COVID and Post-COVID Era-How Far Can Telepsychiatry Address the Challenges?

Abstract: The coronavirus pandemic of 2019 has resulted in extensive social regulations and affected many aspects of life. It has led to significant stress and adversely impacted mental health across the globe. The virus has been found to directly increase neuropsychiatric sequelae in those affected. Various psychosocial factors have also increased the incidence and prevalence of mental health problems worldwide. There was a need for a ramp-up of psychiatric services to support individuals in such a situation. Even after the pandemic, there is a need for improving access to mental health services for the mentally ill as well as those affected by the regulations brought about to tackle the pandemic. Telepsychiatric services are in place throughout the world in different forms and are the answer to bridging the mental health gap during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Hence, it is important to continue developing and enhancing tele psychiatric services in different countries for supporting and treating individuals affected by the pandemic.

Design of Automated Walk-Through Sanitizing Booth: A Preventive Measure Against Re-Emergence and Spread of COVID-19 Related Diseases

Considering the alarming rate with which the Corona-virus spread around the globe and its devastating effect on the economic, social and psychological well-being of the people worldwide, it is necessary to take measures that may prevent such re-occurrence in the nearest future. The impact of the virus was quite severe, indicating the importance of taking precautions. Realizing the gravity of the situation, governments all over the world, imposed a nationwide lockdown early on, which helped to decrease the possibility of community transmission. However, even after the lockdown, the risk of cross-contamination continues to be a significant concern. This risk was particularly high with asymptomatic individuals who can unknowingly spread the virus without exhibiting serious symptoms. Even now, that clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of some vaccines in reducing mild, moderate, and severe cases of COVID-19. It is necessary to set up preventive measures in combating the occurrence or re-emergence of such pandemic Corona-virus related diseases in the nearest future. A full body sanitizing machine which can be easily constructed was designed in this work. This machine takes the form of a door and tunnel structure, with two sides enclosed by Chaka Plates and two sides open for entry and exit purposes. When a person enters the tunnel, a sensor located at the top center detects its presence and activates the motor, which initiates the entire system. A total of 8-10 sprayers are activated and spray the person's body, automatically stopping after 4 seconds. This machine is capable of sanitizing fifteen people per minute. The discharged fluid and the temperatures of ten individual samples were tested and analyzed in order to ensure that the booth is working effectively. The tested samples confirmed that the tested samples have not been previously infected with the COVID-19 virus.

The Potential of Smart City Management to Overcome the Limitations of the Pandemic

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to find effective tools to overcome the negative effects of a pandemic coronavirus infection at the urban level. The purpose of the study is to explore the potential of smart city management to overcome the constraints caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and to identify areas for its use to accelerate post-coronavirus recovery. The objectives of the study are to analyse the constraints on society caused by the coronavirus pandemic; to systematise the benefits of smart city management; and to identify directions for harnessing the potential of smart city management to accelerate post pandemic recovery. Methodology. The research is based on the method of theoretical analysis, systematization of data, methods and techniques of economic analysis to investigate the dynamics of indicators, graphical method to present the results of the analysis, and logical method to formulate the author's recommendations. Results. The authors have systematised the restrictions on the life activity of society, which emerged in the period of the pandemic. It was substantiated that during a pandemic, the advantages of digital technologies and "smart" governance enable the implementation of governance models which can flexibly adapt to changing conditions. The analysis of basic conditions for the implementation of the model of "smart" city management has been carried out. Identified areas for harnessing the potential of smart city governance to accelerate post-pandemic recovery. Conclusions. Conclusion. Comparison of the limitations of city life during the pandemic with the possibilities of "smart" city management based on the creation of the system of digital monitoring of the epidemiological situation, "smart" health care, development of urban digital cultural and leisure environment, the use of the principles of "smart" waste management will allow in a short time to overcome the negative covid footprint for the economic system of the city.

Urinary Detection of COVID-19 Virus and its Implication in Urology Practice

Background: More than 25 crores of world population is affected by the pandemic corona virus SARS-CoV-2 since its first detection from Wuhan, china on December 2019. The widely accepted routes of human to human transmission for COVID-19 are through respiratory droplets and direct contact, however viral shedding in urine has been reported and infection transmission through infected urine remains a possibility. Objective of the study: To investigate the presence of COVID-19 virus in urine of infected patients and evaluate the probability of infection transmission through urine in different urological procedure. Methodology: After obtaining approval from institutional review board (IRB) of BSMMU this prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of urology BSMMU from September 2020 to august 2021. Informed written consent was taken from the patients, the patients who are in ventilators legal guardian signed the consent form. After taking relevant history from the patients admitted in covid dedicated unit of BSMMU urine of the patients was collected in sterile container and with appropriate labeling and it was sent in virology department to detect the presence of SARS-COV-2 by quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The date of covid 19 infection, date of urine sample collection, previous renal status, present renal function all were recorded. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled for investigation for detection of covid 19 virus in urine who were infected with SARS-COV-2. Thirty patients were male and Twenty were female. Male and female sex ratio was 3:2. We found the presence of SARS-COV-2 in urine of 2 patients, one male and one female. The rate of detection of SARS-COV-2 virus in urine of patients infected by covid 19 virus was 4%. Conclusion: Urinary detection of COVID-19 Virus was lower than oropharyngeal and rectal samples. Urological surgical intervention should be performed with caution considering the possibility of urine infection and possibility of COVID-19 transmission through this route. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 116-119