Tag: COVID-19

Health

Sakra World Hospital helps 56-yr-old on immunosuppressants overcome Covid-19 infection post renal transplant

Mar 16, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #COVID-19, #Sakra World Hospital

Bengaluru: Covid-19 had been a bane for patients with multiple comorbidities and those on immunosuppressants were no exception. 56-year-old Sreenivasan (name changed) who had recently undergone renal transplant at one of the hospitals in Bengaluru contracted Covid-19. He was admitted at Bengaluru based Sakra World Hospital, one of the city’s leading healthcare institutions and was on immunosuppressants, had to bear the severe impact of Coronavirus during the pandemic times until the excellent coordination and support the team of doctors from Sakra World Hospital became his saviour.

When Sreenivasan contracted Covid-19 virus and developed fever along with chills and shortness of breath, it was rather impossible to get an emergency bed in any city hospitals at that time. With a majority of hospitals being hesitant to take up such cases, his family was left helpless when Sakra decided to admit him for further observation. To make it worse, his wife too was not well and could not accompany him to the hospital during his treatment. He was left solely on the care of the doctors and hospital staff who were made aware of his medical history, condition and the renal transplant that he underwent earlier.

The 56-year-old was admitted in an isolation ward and was consulted under Dr Sushma Rani R, Senior Consultant – Nephrology and a team of doctors at Sakra World Hospital. He was found to have low oxygen saturation – abnormal breath sounds indicating inflammation, fluid, or infection in the air sacs of the lung. He was immediately put on antiviral medications and covid infection specific targeted treatment. When his oxygen saturation level worsened, Sreenivasan was shifted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), his antibiotics were escalated and he was put on Non-Invasive Ventilation support. His family was constantly kept updated on the guarded prognosis.

The patient responded to the treatment, showed signs of gradual improvement, his breathing difficulty reduced, saturation improved and blood and urine culture were negative. He was shifted back to the isolation ward, monitored for vitals and a repeat Covid-19 test conducted appeared negative.

Efficient infrastructure and effective care helped Sreenivasan overcome an acute emergency at a difficult time within minimal days and he is doing perfectly well now.

Upon understanding the seriousness of the situation during the initial days of the outbreak of the pandemic, Sakra Hospital was one of the first movers amongst the other hospitals in Bengaluru to initiate the process of combating the deadly coronavirus by converting its ER Dept into an isolation centre along with setting up the Porta cabins/Fever clinic for touch-free consultation for OPD patients with COVID like symptoms. These dedicated isolation rooms are equipped with all basic facilities such as oxygen support and have been designed at par with international standards. The hospital announced 5 fully-equipped ambulances to bring in patients to the hospitals whenever the team receives a confirmation on a positive case. Recently, Sakra has also introduced its Home Healthcare Services with specially trained doctors, nurses and pandemic staff to take care of home isolated patients.

Health

Sleep Management Program for improving Sleep quality in the post-Covid era by Morpheus Healthcare

Feb 18, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #COVID-19, #Mr. Aprameya Rajput, #Sleep Management Program

COVID-19 has impacted sleep-health in many ways. There is a massive increase in the number of people complaining of sleep-related issues with the major complaints being of delayed sleep onset, fragmented sleep, or poor-quality sleep in general. With the changes in lifestyle, work-from-home and less exposure to the outdoors – a significant spike in sleep disorders is now being observed especially in the age group of 25-35 years.

Aprameya Rajput, a Certified Clinical Sleep Health Counsellor certified by BRPT, USA, and accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine; has recently developed a Sleep Management Program for improving Sleep quality in the post-Covid era. Aprameya is the founder of Morpheus Healthcare, a company that provides diagnostic, consultation as well as therapeutic services across all disorders related to Sleep and Respiratory Medicine.

According to Mr. Aprameya Rajput, “there is nearly a 40% increase in the number of people visiting us for Insomnia now. Social isolation, financial/job insecurity, stigmatization of individuals with COVID-19, the constant media exposure to reports of rising infections and deaths, and stories of near and dear ones succumbing to the disease all lead to a sense of helplessness, anxiety, and stress which may trigger sleep concerns”.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder condition in which one experiences an inability to fall asleep, stay asleep or maintain sleep for an adequate number of hours. Poor quality of sleep for a consistent period of time leads to low productivity, excessive tiredness, and fatigue and significantly impacts work and social life. There are two kinds of insomnia condition first related to life events and lifestyle such as a job loss or change, death of loved one, stress, change in sleeping time, etc and the second is related to health issues like asthma, arthritis, cancer, heartburn or any health issue. The impact of this insomnia condition could last for the short term as well as long term, which later could become chronic and disturb your quality of life and productivity.

The Sleep Management Program introduced by Morpheus Healthcare for Insomnia and Other Sleep-Related Disorders helps the patients to identify and treat the problem at ease. The medical team at Morpheus consists of experts and medical professionals who can assess the patient’s condition, lifestyle, sleep behavior, and medical history and start the recovery management program. Certain examinations followed with medical consultation along with advice on lifestyle changes are recommended with regular guided counseling sessions to manage and improve sleep quality.

A holistic treatment approach included advising certain behavioral changes to align the body’s circadian rhythm. Some of the suggestions include fixed timings of wake up and sleep time on all days including Sundays; getting sunlight exposure immediately after waking up for 60-90 mins, avoid consumption of caffeine after 5 pm, and establishing a strong sleep ritual which could include light reading and calming music. Additionally, the program covers the impact of nutrition, exercise, and aromatherapy on sleep. The Program also educates about the link between sleep and the immune system

“There is a bidirectional link between sleep and the immune system. Sleep is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic because of its vast benefits for both physical and mental health, which include strengthening the immune system, improves brain function, enhances mood & improves mental health. Good sleep is considered as the best medicine to overcome any infection and particularly seen in the Covid cases”, says Aprameya Rajput.

Health, News

How healthcare practices will change post Covid-19

Jan 25, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #COVID-19

– Tanay Tulsaney, Co-Founder & CEO of DigiLantern

COVID-19 has affected all lives across the globe. There is no industry that didn’t witness its impact. Thanks to our ‘Healthcare Heroes – The COVID Warriors’ who are trying to save lives from this deadly virus, day and night. With endless work hours and usage of protective gear i.e. PPE kits their job has become much difficult now. Besides the physical discomfort, these healthcare workers are also facing social discrimination.

Even those who are not working in COVID-wards and belong to other medical specialties like dermatology, dentistry, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, urology, neurology, etc. are witnessing major challenges to run their individually owned practices.

The effects that one can observe in the healthcare sector today and will continue to see for at least a couple of years include:

  • No Long Queues

Before COVID-19, the long queues of the patients for OPD and consulting at least 200-250 patients a day were usual for any good healthcare practice. But unfortunately, similar practices will notice a drastic change post-COVID-19 and these practices will be affected the most.

Practices with a large number of patients will require to replace their old operational methods. Adapting to the tele-counseling/ consultation is one such example.

  • Time will be given more importance than before

Adherence to the consultation/appointment timings has always been a major challenge, especially in India. Now, the clinics and hospitals will have to be strict about the consultation timings. They will have to discourage walk-in patients (unless an emergency case).

Since this pandemic has hit at a time when most practices are still dependent on manual operations, this has become a challenging situation. Many practices have still not digitalized themselves and are not using any secured software solutions to manage their practice. As the virus can spread through the infected objects, it is the need of the hour to minimize the paper-work.

In the (very few) clinics/hospitals where the software solutions are installed, due to the lack of training and efficiency of the staff, they are not able to utilize them successfully. Machines and digital means are of no use unless we learn to feed proper information and store it for future reference.

  • Infrastructure & Technology implementation in the clinic

Now, most of the time and energy will go towards managing the safety of patients. Practices will require quick technical solutions to collect the information to save time and effort.Manual monitoring of patient data, billing, appointments, and other clinical records has become more difficult. Only those who quickly adapt to the changes in their day to day operations will be able to run profitably.

Single specialty, multispecialty, and polyclinics would require secure and custom software solutions for managing operational needs.

  • Online visibility will be more important

Digitalization is more crucial now than ever before!

Traditional means of healthcare marketing like word of mouth will eventually vanish. Walk-ins will also be discouraged.

So, now the digital media will play a rather more important role in connecting with prospective patients & clients. One needs to get more visibility across different platforms on the internet. The clients need to know everything about you and your brand. Going online (especially social media) may seem to be easy but it is not so easy. Building a brand identity and reputation needs the right strategy from the start. So, one might need to take help from digital marketing companies.

Now, it is high time to utilize whatever free time you have to brainstorm on future strategies to upscale your healthcare brand. The current COVID-19 situation will not change overnight but it will change for sure. So, you will have to have your plans in place.

Nothing can be achieved overnight. Create your exclusive digital marketing strategies and execute them one after another.

These action points will help you get started:

  • Start by updating your CV first.
  • Write about yourself and practice.
  • Find a digital marketer to help you with the strategy.
  • Build a website that describes you and your services.
  • Improve your visibility on search engines including Google.
  • Create social profiles and update everything

 

  • Doctor-Patient Relationship

The doctor-patient relationship has always been very important. But, now because of the COVID-19 outbreak, everyone is feeling more vulnerable. So, the doctors must show genuine concerns and understand their patients’ needs/concerns. They should help the patients in understanding the services offered at the clinic/hospital and create custom treatments based on their needs. The ’emotional connect’ is the need of the hour.

  • Change in the process – Holistic Approach

Individuals are now prioritizing internal health & fitness. Clinics and hospitals will implement a holistic approach to healthcare in the near future to be able to cater to all the needs under one roof.

  • Window Shopping

Many patients visit multiple clinics and hospitals to gather information and ensure the lowest cost and services that are being provided. Now, patients will start enquiring more online and discuss most of the information online.

Hence, given the present status of financial motion, there are tremendous difficulties in revitalizing the economy, getting the medical care framework into post-emergency mode, and using scant assets all the more effectively.

 

Health, News

As the nation launches the world’s largest preventive-health vaccine, Apollo Hospitals begins vaccinating healthcare workers

Jan 16, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Hospitals Group, #Chairman, #COVAXIN, #COVID-19, #Covishield, #Dr Prathap C. Reddy

Hyderabad: After a long year spent fighting the COVID pandemic, hope and positivity was palpable in the air as the COVID vaccination program began at the Apollo Vaccination Centre in Chennai today. The Apollo Vaccination Centre is one of the 3000 sites across the country selected to vaccinate over 3 lakh healthcare workers on the first day of the national COVID vaccination drive. The vaccination program saw the vaccine being administered to healthcare workers at the COVID frontlines beginning with Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group who received the first dose.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “The vaccine marks the turning of the tide in the fight against the novel corona virus that brought the world to its knees for almost a year. The launch of the vaccination program is a critical event, as the last few months have seen a second wave of infections sending many countries in Europe into a fresh series of lockdowns, and a vaccine is the need of the hour to prevent and reduce new infections. I commend the Government for taking bold steps and fast tracking the vaccine approval to ensure that India’s citizens are safe and armed with a vaccine to fight the virus.”

He added, “For India, this is a landmark moment as the vaccines are being manufactured in the country itself, with one a product of indigenous R&D. This is a proud moment and a milestone in our efforts to become self-reliant or atma nirbhar in the field of healthcare. I am privileged to be the first person in Apollo Hospitals to receive the vaccine dose here today. I am sure that this will strengthen the resolve of our frontline workers to continue to serve patients and win the battle against COVID-19.”

The immunization programme at the Apollo Vaccination Centre abided by the recommended Government protocols. The healthcare workers scheduled to receive their first vaccine dose followed proper physical distance. There was proper checking of identities before administration of the vaccine shots with cold chain maintenance, proper biomedical waste management, validation of data in Co-WIN app, observation for 30minutes post vaccination, AEFI (adverse effects following immunization) management and above all a comforting and reassuring environment to reassure those present for the vaccine shots. During vaccination, the entire process of infection control practices were followed including screening of all beneficiaries for fever, physical distance, hand hygiene, universal masking, and safe injection practices.

The launch of the vaccination programme was the culmination of months of preparation that included preparing the infrastructure, planning the distribution, training programs, dry runs, and ensuring that both the public and private healthcare work together in this mammoth task.The Tamil Nadu government had received 5,56,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines including 5,36,500 doses of Covishield and 20,000 doses of Covaxin for today’s vaccination drive held at 307 locations across the state.

At Apollo Hospitals, the work began in October itself to strengthen the vaccine cold chain and gear up the facilities for efficient and fast administration by trained healthcare personnel with the highest safety standards, for up to 1 million doses per day. Over the next weeks, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the country will cover 30 million frontline healthcare workers across over 3,000 sites, and Apollo Hospitals is ready to play an integral role in the vaccination process. The vaccination of the healthcare workers is to be followed by vaccination of other frontline workers such as police, local administration and revenue officials, and later persons above the age of 50, and then, those aged below 50 but with co-morbidities.

Business World

Indifi Technologies and PayU address weekend working capital woes faced by merchants with its one-of-a-kind product “Early Credit”

Nov 26, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Alok Mittal, #COVID-19, #Indifi Technologies, #Noopur Chaturvedi, #PayU India, #SMB Businesses

Festivals are the peak time when businesses experience a tremendous spike in sales. However, not every player has access to sufficient funds essential for addressing numerous challenges associated with the efficient management of working capital. This is where the latest innovation developed by Indifi and promoted through their partnership with PayU, India’s leading online payments solutions provider, comes into the picture.

Businesses witness high growth in sales, especially over the weekends. But due to the fact that payment settlements don’t occur during this period, most merchants remain out of cash for 3-4 days (mainly Friday-Monday), making it difficult for them to make payments to concerned people – suppliers, manufacturers, or staff – and meet other fixed expenses, too. But not anymore!

The early credit product is a short-term credit solution designed to address this particular need. It is a short-term fund that small merchants can avail and is credited to their account every Friday based on the anticipation of the previous weekend sales. PayU’s 4.5 lakh merchants can avail credit amount starting from Rs. 25k up till Rs 50Lacs. Once credited, these merchants can ensure that all their weekend operations are managed without any hassle. PayU will process and facilitate transactions for this 100% contactless and digital solution.

Indifi is the first player who has come out with such a breakthrough solution when businesses have merely started seeing signs of revival but haven’t gotten back to normalcy like pre-COVID times. According to a recent survey by Indifi in the last few months, 34% of retailers and 38% of e-commerce players found accessibility to credit a challenge in August compared to 58% of retailers and 30% of e-commerce players in June. Although businesses have recovered a bit, it is a clear indication that it will take more time to revive completely compared to pre-COVID days.

Apart from managing operations during the weekend, the latest early credit product can also be used during bank holidays when businesses don’t get paid, causing further delay in their operations. Not only is it providing a fillip to them during these pressing times, but it is also helping them maximize sales by improving their cash flows. The innovative product has gained significant traction since its recent launch, with 20% of merchants already leveraging it for running their businesses seamlessly.

Alok Mittal, CEO, and Co-founder, Indifi Technologies, said, “The core objective behind this product is to accelerate the revival process of small and medium businesses while also boosting their sales during weekends, without worrying about payment delays, even during holidays. The disruptive solution will further act as a robust support system for merchants to ensure smooth sailing to their sluggish operations without any shortage of credit. The new development is already working as a game-changer for businesses and we are sure that it will help them drive more sales in the coming months.”

Noopur Chaturvedi, Country Head – SMB Businesses, PayU India, said, “Working capital and credit has traditionally been a constraint for small and medium businesses as they are often unable to access formal channels for loans. The pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. Working with Indifi, we will offer our merchants seamless digital credit solutions to tackle a major issue in their day to day operations and to help stimulate growth.”

COVID-19 has significantly affected retail and e-commerce businesses, mainly in the form of extensive lockdowns, ceasing operations of shops and companies across India. This has also resulted in the growing reluctance of formal lenders against weak and slowly-reviving players. However, with Indifi’s unique early credit solution, every business – be it small, medium, or large – can ensure operational continuity and continue to serve customers seamlessly, even during a crisis like this.

Business World

Contribution of solar energy sector in the revival of Indian economy during ongoing pandemic Covid-19

Nov 20, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, #COVID-19, #Indian economy, #International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA), #solar energy, #solar plant, #Solar rooftop

Puneet GoyalCOVID-19 pandemic has caused direct or indirect effects on every industry. It has brought the world to a standstill and has impacted our lives deeply. The solar energy sector has been highly affected in these unprecedented times. With the prevailing uncertainties in the industry, the solar energy sector is trying to bounce back in business to achieve the renewable energy target of 100 GW by 2022 set by the Government.

Solar rooftop sector has been badly affected because of two reasons: one is its labour cost and another one is its dependence on the country’s commercial and industrial sectors. Today in India the present power demand has reduced by 25-30 per cent. This decline in demand with the reduced collection and slow recovery will adversely impact stressed distribution companies a cash gap of approx. Rs. 40,000 cr.

Impact of Covid -19 on Solar Energy Sector

Due to covid-19 and nationwide lockdown, ongoing Solar projects in the country have been completely shut, power companies are facing disruption and installations companies are concerned about the delays in their projects because of the production slowdown in China. In India, the solar industry is relying on China for around 80% of its requirement of solar supply. Due to lockdown, top Industry players have been facing delays in procurement of modules, solar cells, and other components.

About most of the labourers who are associated with the solar energy sector are migrants, many of which have returned to their villages due to job loss and nationwide lockdown so there is no workforce available in the market. Even though force majeure conditions will enable the extension for completion period; migrant labours will take quite some time to reach project sites due to fear of covid.

Revival strategy of the solar energy sector

The solar capacity addition in India in the first quarter of 2020 was the lowest since 2016. According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), In 2021, the solar energy sector is expected to spring back up again as currently delayed projects start to come back online. In 2021, it expects to reach the same level of renewable capacity additions globally as in 2019. The solar energy sector is at the cusp of this opportunity as it delivers cheaper, cleaner electricity – with the right regulatory and policy framework. Moreover, the number of direct and indirect jobs that will be created as a result of the construction and maintenance of solar rooftop plants will be an added advantage post the lockdown will be lifted to revive the economy.

After lockdown, we expect all incremental power capacity addition to be from renewable energy, especially solar energy. Thus, investment in, and capacity roll-out of the solar sector is a precursor to the health of the economy. This pandemic is also a lesson for most of the Companies to not rely solely on one country for their technical equipment and move towards being more diversified and domestic production of commodities. The construction phase of solar, however, is very employment-intensive and, to some extent, operation and maintenance of solar generate significant employment in our communities. Thus, Job security and job creation in the solar sector will probably be the most important factors to revive the economy of the country post-COVID-19.

Government’s boost to the solar energy sector

The Government of India has also taken measures to help the solar energy companies such as cut in repo rate to 4.4 per cent, three months moratorium on principal and interest repayment for term loan and working capital facilities to revive the solar energy sector. The solar industry is seeking some respite from the government so that they can work towards meeting the long-term renewable energy targets of the country. More targeted policy introductions need to be done to support decentralized projects such as Rooftop Solar and provide an incentive to domestic production of Solar cells, modules, and other equipment.

Recently, the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) Coalition for Action comprising over 100 companies in the renewable energy industry from across the world wrote to their governments putting forth recommendations on how governments can ensure a speedy recovery of the economy of the solar rooftop sector. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of building local manufacturing capacity while launching a 750-MW solar plant in Madhya Pradesh.

His statement of a liquidity injection package of Rs 90,000 crore to power distribution companies as part of the Centre’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ economic stimulus. Once the lockdown will be completely lifted, more financial aid is required to boost local manufacturing. The government should grant more financial aid to the solar energy sector and decentralised model of solar energy development that does not endanger grasslands and desert ecosystems.

Puneet Goyal

Co-Founder of SunAlpha Energy

Business World

Panasonic India introduces nanoe™ X technology that inhibits 99.99% of adhered COVID-19 virus*

Nov 19, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID-19, #Mr. Manish Sharma, #nanoe™ X technology, #Panasonic Air Conditioners, #Panasonic India and South Asia, #Suguru Takamatsu

Expanding on its solutions approach and offering viable and secure resolutions against COVID-19, Panasonic India, a leading diversified technology company, introduced “nanoe™ X” technology – an advanced purification technology that is capable of inhibiting 99.99% bacteria and viruses, including the novel coronavirus. The technology, developed by Panasonic Corporation, has received verification from a global contract research organisation in France, Texcell, for the inhibitory effects of the nanoe™ X technology with the benefits of hydroxyl radicals on the novel coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2)*. This technology will shortly be available with Panasonic Air Conditioners.

The nanoe™ X technology, also known as nature’s detergent, cleans and deodorises the air by producing nano-sized hydroxyl radicals (also known as OH radicals). These effectively inhibit the growth of certain pollutants such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, moulds, odours, and certain hazardous substances. The technology addresses possible risks associated with pathogenic microorganisms, intending to create cleaner and safer environments for people around the world. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of the current global pandemic is one such new type of virus, and testing with Texcell has now confirmed that the nanoe™ X has an inhibitory effect on the adhered SARS-CoV-2*.

Commenting on the launch of the new technology, Mr. Manish Sharma, President and CEO, Panasonic India and South Asia said, “Panasonic has been developing advanced technologies over the years to deliver the best to our consumers across the globe. Our nanoe™ X technology demonstrates the commitment of making products that have been effective and efficient, especially when every country worldwide is reeling under the disruption caused by the COVID-19. In the coming time, this technology will be launched in our Air Conditioners aiding consumers in attaining an active defence against bacteria and viruses. At Panasonic, we, are driven by the vision of creating healthy indoor spaces and environments, and the development of nanoe™ X is a breakthrough innovation that is setting new benchmarks towards this endeavour.”

Suguru Takamatsu, Divisional Head – Consumers Sales Division, Panasonic India said, “We are really excited about this breakthrough. We are in the final stage of rolling out our new range of Air Conditioners with nanoe™ X technology. Along with COVID 19, this technology will also help inhibit the growth of certain pollutants such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, moulds, odours, and certain hazardous substances. With deteriorating air quality we hope to help our consumers live healthier and better lives with Panasonic.”

Texcell is a global contract research organization that specializes in viral testings, viral clearance, immunoprofiling and R&D or GMP cell banking, for your R&D, GClP, GLP and GMP projects. With more than 30 years of experience and roots within the Pasteur Institute in Paris, Texcell has long-recognized expertise in viral testing with a broad range of protocols for the detection of adventitious agents. Texcell is the first spin-off of the Pasteur Institute of Paris created in 1997.

The testing on nanoe™ X  was carried out in a closed environment containing the adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with and without exposure to nanoe™ X. The results have verified that the adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity is inhibited to the extent of 99.99% in two hours when exposed to nanoe™ X device installed at 15cm from the floor in the 45L enclosed test box

Panasonic has been conducting research on this technology over the past 20 years since 1997, and has verified its effectiveness in a variety of areas, including inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and allergens, breaking down PM 2.5 components that have adverse effects on the human body*1.

Panasonic will continue to pursue the potential of nanoe™ X technology to address possible risks associated with air pollution such as new pathogenic microorganisms, with the aim of creating healthy environments for people around the world.

 *For reference :

Testing of the inhibitory effect of nanoe™ X on the adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

Overview

A comparative verification was conducted in a 45L test space containing the adhered novel coronavirus

(SARS-CoV-2) with and without exposure to nanoe™ X.

Results

Over 99.99% of the adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity was inhibited within 2 hours.

Note: This verification was designed to generate basic research data on the effects of nanoe™ X on adhered novel coronavirus in laboratory conditions different from those found in living spaces. It was not designed to evaluate product performance. NanoeTM- X inhibits activity or growth of viruses but does not prevent infection.

Methodology and data

Organisation      ：Texcell (France)

Subject                 ：Adhered Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2）

Device                  ：nanoe™ X device

Test Volume : 45L enclosed box (400mm×350mm×350mm)

Method：

– nanoeTM X device is installed at 15cm from the floor in the 45L test space.

– A piece of gauze saturated SARS-CoV-2 virus solution was placed in a petri dish and exposed to nanoeTM X for a predetermined time.

– The virus infectious titer was measured and used to calculate the inhibition rate.

Results data

Test subject Inhibition rate* Capacity Hours
SARS-CoV-2 99.99% 45L 2 hours

Notes:

 *1: Main releases on verification cases

– May 12, 2009：Positive effects of charged water particles on viruses, bacteria, and agricultural chemicals have been verified.

– October 20, 2009： The new influenza virus inhibition effect of charged water particles has been verified.

– February 20, 2012：Supression effect of charged water particles on pet-related allergens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses have been verified.

– January 16, 2014：Nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles effectively breaks down PM2.5 components and inhibits the growth of fungi attached to Yellow Sand.

 *2: January 26, 2012: Virus suppression effect of charged water particles has been verified by the virus clearance test. Co-verified with Charles River Biopharmaceutical Services GmbH, a German testing organization.

Health

Celebrating festivals during COVID-19: an insightful session with Dr K K Aggarwal on the 3rd day of 27th Perfect Health Mela

Nov 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID-19, #Dr. K. K. Aggarwal, #festivals, #Perfect Health Mela

The third day of the 27th Perfect Health Mela 2020 was an eye-opener on celebrating festivals during the current pandemic. An insightful Q and A session with Padma Shri Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and CMAAO was the highlight of the day. Apart from explaining how to celebrate this year in the new normal, it also focused on dispelling myths and answering pertinent questions around things.

HCFI’s Perfect Health Mela is a flagship health education and awareness event held annually and this year, it began on 1st November 2020 to go on till 8th November 2020. The event is digital this year in view of the pandemic but with more engaging and informative content. The theme this year is Safeguarding from COVID-19.

Speaking at the event, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, said, “Diwali is a festival of cleanliness and it is important that we take this aspect very seriously this year. It is a good time to discard what is not needed in the house and avoid the spread of any kind of infection or disease. Celebrations with family are fine this year but if you decide to involve people from outside, make sure that you follow the safety protocols well. While it is better to avoid crowding, in cases where you need to call people over, remember the two keywords: wear a mask and maintain a distance.”

The third day of the Mela also saw several other interesting sessions. Some of these focused on managing garbage with vermicomposting, low-cost teaching aids, hydroponics, etc. There was a very engaging discussion between acclaimed actor Ashish Vidyarthi. The day also saw various competitions for school and college children such as mono act, qawwali, solo dance, etc.

Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela caters to people from all age groups and all walks of life. It showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars, check-ups, entertainment programmes, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. Over 200 organizations attend the event each year including state and central government entities, PSUs, and leading corporates. This one-of-its-kind event is supported this year by patrons like LIC, and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Drug controller Delhi and jan Aushadhi Dept.

Some key takeaways from the session on celebrating festivals are as follows.

• About 15 minutes of cumulative meetings can spread infections. Maintain physical distance and wear a mask at all times. Winters freeze the lipid layer of viruses. If they get into the nose, they can get stuck there and give infection.

• Those who wish to apply mehndi can be innovative this year and only do so on the feet. In case you are getting married and also want to apply on your hands, make sure you keep them on both sides. There should a distance of at least 3 feet between the applier’s mouth and the client’s to avoid face to face transmission.
• For Diwali pooja, it is good to place the Diyas outside the house to reduce the rate of transmission. Do not send mithai and chocolate. Send educational links or a packet of masks since most of those available in the market are not the right ones.
• Avoid crackers completely. They can lead to the pollution which can further increase CRP. In case the person gets COVID-19, the severity will increase because of pollution.
• Do not consume alcohol since it can increase the chances of fatty liver. About 18 ml of whiskey is harmless but anything over and above can be detrimental.
• Open-air parties are better. To prevent any kind of infection, cross ventilation is very essential which cannot happen in a room with just one window or none at all.

Business World

2020 Top Five Financial Sector Security Challenges

Nov 2, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #App Developments, #COVID-19, #Financial Sector, #Internal Threats, #Ransomware, #Security Challenges, #SecurityHQ, #Third-Party Risks

Security measures within the financial sector have evolved dramatically, with regards to combining elements such as key codes, two-factor authentication, voice ID, behavioural analysis, one-time passcodes, protective messaging, digital fingerprinting, and so on. But, with more security measures in place, there are arguably more elements to infiltrate.

This week SecurityHQ released a white paper on the ‘Financial Sector, Threat Landscape 2020’. In this paper, and through an analysis of a real-life threat to a large financial client, their findings revealed the five top security challenges that the financial sector is currently facing, the risks of future threats, and how to spot these risks before it is too late.

Among other elements, five of the top challenges to the financial industry include ransomware attacks, internal threats, issues in app developments, changes in working due to COVID-19, and third-party risks.

Ransomware
In the three years since the term was added to the dictionary, ransomware has increased dramatically both in terms of the number of attacks, but also in terms of the range of methods used to conduct said attacks. Attackers are extremely sophisticated. Once they have your data, there is no guarantee that if you pay them, that your data will be given back or decrypted. There is also no guarantee that you will not be a target a second time around. Often, once an attack is made, the bad actor will sell the details on to their associates to go after the victim again after deployment, because the payload can still be there, activated and deactivated.

Internal Threats
According to the Verizon, 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) ‘employees’ mistakes account for roughly the same number of breaches as external parties who are actively attacking’ the organisation. In fact, misdelivery within the company, by which information has inadvertently been sent to the wrong person, appears to be the most common issue within insider threats. Misdelivery can occur via emails forwarded or sent to the wrong person/recipient, or by incorporating the wrong mailing list, or via the wrong address on a paper document. Misdelivery is, more often than not, accidental and non-malicious, but the effects can be devastating. Especially if sensitive data is inadvertently shared to the wrong recipient.

App Developments
Apps surrounding investment and finance have grown substantially in 2020. This, in part, is a good thing, as the ability to invest online is quick and easy, and accessible to all. But due to the demand, many of these apps were developed quickly and are underprepared for cyber-attacks. Many do not provide two-factor authentication, are not supported by the appropriate regulations, are not patched or maintained properly, and do not have contingency plans in place to mitigate the effects of a cyber-attack. As a result, personal information of app users is relatively easy to steal and sell. This can be done by creating duplicate fraudulent apps to trick the user. On these duplicate apps, the imagery and language of the genuine app is mirrored. And, once the personal information is supplied, both real and virtual money is then accessible. Thus, the circle of ransomware ensues.

Third-Party Risks
These days, few organisations work on their own. The majority use third parties, including vendors, partners, e-mail providers, service providers, web hosting, law firms, data management companies, subcontractors and so on. With regards to many of these, from IT systems to sensitive information shared with legal teams, these third parties could easily be a backdoor into your financial systems for attackers to infiltrate.

COVID-19
Cybercriminals are continuing to target the financial sector amidst the pandemic. As a result, we have seen a spike in attacks on banks, financial organisations and the third parties connected to them. Before COVID-19, if an attacker wanted to sabotage a company or steal data, they would target the business itself. The website, the social accounts, the logins and all their vulnerabilities. In response, organisations had parameters set up for this. But now, you just need to target a single remote worker.

In response to these five threats, banks and financial institutions require tailored and sophisticated security to support their systems and people and to defend against an onslaught of complex and aggressive cyber-attacks. Not only must security compliance within the financial sector by tenfold, but it is essential that security precautions evolve, to mirror the growing threat landscape.

To read more about these threats, to explore a real-life analysis within the financial sector, and to learn how to mitigate your industry-specific threats, download the white paper here.

Business World

PR 24×7 embark 9% growth story during COVID 19

Oct 23, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID-19, #Mr. Atul Malikram, #PR 24x7

PR 24×7, India’s leading Regional PR agency survived the utmost challenging 2020 with the mantra of “Reimagining branding is the next Normal”. Since the beginning of the year 2020 has been full of mishaps and the novel COVID-19 virus, due to which nothing has fared for most business and has also impacted the economy drastically.

Wherein, PR 24×7 in these times became one of the first Public Relations agencies to mark 9% profit from Q1 19-20 vis-à-vis Q1 20-21. PR 24×7 added 15+ new employees, 7+ new clients and managed zero lay-offs during this pandemic.

PR 24×7 is known for its 24×7 working culture across the PR industry and thus we are always available for guidance and consultation 24×7. Time-bound delivery is our priority and focus and hence PR 24×7 is never off work. With this mentality and growth policy PR 24X7 has achieved the heights in the past 2 decades and is growing stronger as an agency by the day.

During COVID-19 most business along the economy witnessed an unmatched downfall, clients reduced and delayed paycheck and alongside multiple challenges, however, where on one-hand PR 24×7 managed client retention on the other-hand added more employees for Business growth & development and client strategic planning & consultation.

Commenting on the agencies growth and success Mr. Atul Malikram, Founder, PR 24×7 said; “It has been a difficult year, but by god’s grace and the hard work put in by our employees we have been able to achieve these heights. We have not only added employee and clients but we have had 100% client retention with no layoffs.

We have built PR 24×7 over the past 21 years and our success stories are narrated by the capacity of clients we have serviced in the past or the once we are currently servicing. Our unmatched presence across the length and breadth of the country is a testimony of the hard work that our employees put in 24×7.

With strategic planning and thoughtful steps, PR 24×7 is making its way and creating a growth story for itself. In the endeavour to achieve the desired results, the agency had also introduced additional services benefiting the clients through Media Monitoring, online media traction, coverage in Troopel.com and social media audit with basic PR mandates.

Some of the key clients with successful coverage stories during lockdown include brands like: Adani Group, TAFE, Metro Cash & Carry, Glenmark Pharma, Neuberg Diagnostics, AMAZON India, &TV and Sony SAB and many more.