- Do you know how your cell phone’s sensor can calculate the alcohol percentage present in your body? It calculates the percentage by monitoring the way you are walking.
Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Pittsburgh completed this study on 18th August. In a sample of 17 participants, they could calculate the intoxication amount with 92% accuracy. The study focuses on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). They published the study in Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. - Can we treat dementia and Alzheimer’s with sound waves? A team of Doctors led by Cardiologist Hiroaki Shimokawa recently experimented and discovered that applying low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to the entire brain of a mouse improved blood vessel formation and nerve cell regeneration without having apparent side effects. “The LIPUS therapy is non-invasive physiotherapy which could apply to high-risk elderly patients with no surgery or anesthesia, and could be used repeatedly,” says Shimokawa. See the study here.
- Scientists solve mystery behind body odour! This is not our fault. Researchers at the University of York found out that there is a special microbe which lives in the human armpits. This odour is called thioalcohol, which gets released when these microbes feed on other compounds on our skin. The study is published in Nature journal.
- Coronavirus: Filter “paper” made from titanium oxide nanowires can trap pathogens and destroy them with light. This is a discovery by an EPFL laboratory which can be put to use in personal protection equipment, in ventilation and air conditioners. Although experiments are still under process, they say that it be equally successful on a wide range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus.
Category: Health
SLEEP
Sleep is the natural state of mind which is followed by reduce muscle activity and to react to stimuli. Sleep disorders are common nowadays due to increase of work stress and instability of mental health. It is said that a better way of living life is to maintain your sleep cycle. A person can not live without sleeping, it is an important process of life. Sleep helps your brain to detoxify and think calmly and clearly.
Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night, but after age 60, nighttime sleep tends to be shorter, lighter, and interrupted by multiple awakenings. Elderly people are also more likely to take medications that interfere with sleep. Research shows that a chronic lack of sleep, or getting poor quality sleep, increases the risk of disorders including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
Dreaming is the part of sleeping. It help you to recollect the happenings related to your life. It is said that when your brain is completely unconscious or you said it as a deep sleep you do not dream. Some people dream in color, while others only recall dreams in black and white, it is completely based on individual.
A self written poem relating to sleep-
Sleep does not come early nowadays, maybe because we are too much engaged. Drugs, alcohol had caught us, and we are just been caged. We even make tea and coffee our best friend these days, due to which we are getting more aged. Maybe it is due to earning more wage. At the end maybe because we are far away from beautiful morning gusty waves…
sleeping is an essential part of body and life. Sleep tight and stay healthy!
Motivation:Cause of all actions
Why have i written this blog?why are you reading this blog?Why do you eat?Why do you love?
The answer to all of these actions is MOTIVATION!Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes you to act, whether it is reading this article, getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge.So this blog will critically analyse the concept of motivation and help all of you to understand the reasons behind your actions.So lets get started!
Motivation describes the wants or needs that direct behavior toward a goal. It is an urge to behave or act in a way that will satisfy certain conditions, such as wishes, desires, or goals. Older theories of motivation stated that rational thought and reason were the guiding factors in human motivation; however, psychologists now believe that motivation may be rooted in basic impulses to optimize well-being, minimize physical pain, and maximize pleasure.
Motivation involves the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term “motivation” is frequently used to describe why a person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions.
So lets analyse the mechanism of motivation
Drives and motives
Motivations are commonly separated into drives and motives.
Drives are primarily biological, like thirst, hunger, sleepiness, and the need to reproduce—all of which lead us to seek out and take part in certain activities. Drives are believed to originate within a person and may not require external stimuli to encourage behavior.
Motives, on the other hand, are primarily driven by social and psychological mechanisms, such as work, family, and relationships. They include factors like praise and approval.
INtrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Motivation can be intrinsic (arising from internal factors) or extrinsic (arising from external factors).
Intrinsic:arise from within the individual, such as doing a complicated crossword puzzle purely for the personal gratification of solving a problem.
Extrinsic:arise from outside of the individual and often involve rewards such as trophies, money, social recognition, or praise.
In reality, our motivations are often a mix of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and the nature of the mix can change over time.Sometimes, intrinsic motivation can diminish when extrinsic motivation is given—a process known as the overjustification effect. This can lead to extinguishing the intrinsic motivation and creating a dependence on extrinsic rewards for continued performance.
Motivation v/s emotion
While motivation and emotion can be intricately linked, they are two fundamentally different things. Motivation describes the wants or needs that direct behavior toward a goal; in contrast, an emotion is a subjective state of being that we often describe as a feeling. Emotion and motivation are linked in several ways: both influence behavior and can lead us to take action, and emotion itself can act as a motivator.
The need to understand motivation
So at the end of this article,lets see what is the use of understanding the concept of motivation.Understanding motivation can:
- Help improve the efficiency of people as they work toward goals
- Help people take action
- Encourage people to engage in health-oriented behaviors
- Help people avoid unhealthy or maladaptive behaviors such as risk-taking and addiction
- Help people feel more in control of their lives
- Improve overall well-being and happiness
If you all liked this article,please do like it!
Thankyou!
MEDITATION
Meditation is an very effective exercise which help you to make your mind healthy and fresh. Everyone has a different technique of doing meditation. It does not require knowledge of skill and training. There are no rules for doing meditation, you can do meditation according to your preference. It had originated from Buddhist teachings.
Meditation can be done in starting of the day/ early morning or at the end of night. Meditation can be done while keeping your back straight or just by lying down. It is fine if you fall asleep. Meditation do not require to go blank with your thoughts.
Important things to keep in mind while doing meditation-
i) focus on your breath. keep track of your exhale or inhale process
ii) feel your body parts, the eyes, hands, pumping of heart, motion of lungs, etc.
iii) start meditation on thinking things you are grateful for.
iv) if you feel difficulty in concentrating choose a mantra for yourself example- OM
v) focus on personal fulfillment.
vi) think about what inspires you the most.
vii) feel the essence of nature.
BENEFITS- Meditation help to heal you from internal pain and sorrows.
It help to maintain a sleep cycle,and ideal routine of your day.
It help to deal with depression and anxiety, Delete psychosomatic disorders caused by tension.
It lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. It slows the aging process.
It helps to be more tolerant and sensitive. It help to control anger and stress.
Meditation is the art of focusing your attention on a single point is hard work, and you must be committed intentionally!
HOW IS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ?
WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST OF 2020 , STILL ALIVE AND KICKING AGAINST THE COVID – 19 PANDEMIC . IN DELHI CASES ARE SHOOTING UP DAY BY DAY , BUT , THE RECOVERY RATE IS ALSO HIGH COMPARED TO ALL OTHER STATES OF INDIA . IT WAS EVENING , I WAS DRINKING COFFEE AND MY DAD WATCHING NEWS . I USUALLY DON’T WATCH AND BELEIVE IN NEWS , SPECIALLY IN THEESE DAYS , RATHER THAN LOWERING OUR STRESS , THEY BOOST UP OUR STRESS BY COMMUNICATING US FALSE NEWS . ALEARDY WE ARE FACING VERY DIFFICULT TIME AND THEY ARE ADDING FUEL TO IT , IT IS VERY DEPRESSING FOR PEOPLE. I HAVE HEARD PEOPLE SHARING THAT THEY ARE CHILL AND HAPPY BEFORE WATCHING THE NEWS , AND AFTER WATCHING THE NEWS , THEY FEEL HEAVINESS IN THEIR MINDS , THIS IS ONE OF THE REASON BEHIND MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG US.
AS WE ALL KNOW , IT IS A DISEASE TO BE CURED BY VACCINATION AND COUNTRIES ARE EXPERIMENTING THE VACCINES . THE NEWS BUZZ IS AROUND THAT RUSSIA HAS INVENTED THE VACCINATION TITLED “SPUTNIK” AND IT IS GONNA DISTRIBUTE IN COMING DAYS . UNTIL THEN , THE ONLY WEAPON TO FIGHT THIS PANDEMIC IS ‘ SOCIAL DISTANCING ‘ . PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWING IT RELIGIOUSLY , BUT IT IS ALSO IMPACTING OUR HEALTH . WE ARE LOCKED IN OUR HOUSES FROM PAST SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS , NOT MEETING ANYONE . EVERYTHING IS WORK FROM HOME , WHICH IS MAKING US BUSY AND OCCUPIED . STILL , SOMETHING IS VOID IN OUR LIFE AND THAT IS LACK OF COMMUNICATION , HEAVING US UP WITH THE BUNDLE OF MENTAL STRESS . PEOPLE ARE NOT COMMUNICATING EVEN AFTER SITTING AT HOME , THEY ARE BUSY SO MUCH IN THEIR WORK , NOT MAKING TIME FOR FAMILIES , FRIENDS AND FOR FEW ” MINUTES OF HAPPINESS” .
THOSE PEOPLE WHO DON’T EVEN HAVE WORK FROM HOME ARE FEARING TO BE HAPPY DUE TO THEIR VULNERABLE SITUATION AND HEADING TOWARDS DEPRESSION THROUGH THIS WAY. IT IS BECOMING A HUGE THREAT MORE THAN CORONA , AS IN DEPRESSION , YOU CAN’T JUDGE THE ILLNESS OF THE PERSON WHEREAS IN CASE OF CORONA , YOU CAN ATLEAST SEE THE SYMPTOMS.
HERE I AM GOING TO SHOW THE POINTERS ON HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF STRESS FREE.
- READ BOOKS . THEY ARE THE BEST STRESS BUSTER , WHENEVER YOU HAVE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND STRESS IN YOUR MIND . JUST READ , IT WILL HEAL YOUR MIND BY RELAXING IT FIRST AND INCREASE YOUR FORESIGHT GIVING YOU IDEAS HOW TO WORK TO INCREASE YOUR WORTH.
- HAVE A HABBIT OF WAKING UP EARLY IN THE MORNING AND BREATH FRESH AIR , GAZE AT THE NATURE FOR FEW GOOD MINUTES . IT WILL DEFINITELY GIVE YOU POSITIVE VIBES.
- MEDITATE , CLOSE YOUR EYES AND FOCUS ON EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY FROM THE NAIL OF YOUR LEG TO THE CENTRE OF YOUR HEAD . IT WILLL GIVE GOOD ENERGIES TO YOUR SOUL.
- EXERCISE . IN EXERCISE , I WILL SUGGEST YOU TO DO YOGA , IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A FEATHER BY POLISHING YOU FROM YOUR BREATHING TO YOUR BODY TRIMMING . IT WILL MAKE YOU ACTIVE.
- LISTEN TO OPTIMISTIC VOICES , IT WILL MAKE YOU MOTIVATED AND ACT AS A DRIVING FORCE FOR YOUR LITTLE POSITIVITY INSIDE YOU . JUST STAY MOTIVATED.
- SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY , PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN . CERTAINLY , IT’S GONNA BE BEST STRESS BUSTER FOR YOU .
- TALK TO YOUR CLOSE ONES , SHARE YOUR BADS AND GOODS WITH THEM . DO SOCIAL DISTANCE BUT NOT SOCIALLY DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM YOUR CLOSE ONES .
- AND THE LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANT ONE , PRAY . TALK TO GOD , SHARE YOUR PROBLEMS WITH HIM , HAVE FAITH IN HIM AND PRAY HIM TO GUIDE TO GUIDE IN YOUR EVERY PATH . DO THIS AND I AM CENT PERCENT SURE WHATEVER PROBLEMS COMES YOUR WAY , YOU WILL FIND YOUR HEARTY AND MIND IN PEACE , WITH THE SOLUTIONS TO ALL YOUR PROBLEMS. SPRITIUALITY IS THE EQUATION WHICH DIRECTLY CONNECTS DIRECTLY YOU TO THE GOD WHO IS THE PLANNER , THE SUPREME AND KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR US , HE HAS PLANNED ALEARDY.
DON’T TRY TO BE STRESS – FREE ! TRY TO FREE YOURSELF FROM STRESS , BECAUSE LIFE CAN NEVER BE VOID .
HEALTH AND COVID-19
“The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses on the body.” – Harry J. Johnson
Coronavirus has become a worldwide concern for everyone. The virus not only demands to stay indoors but also to take precautionary measures related to hygiene and sanitation.
Added to the fear of contracting the virus in a pandemic such as COVID-19 are the significant changes to our daily lives as our movements are restricted in support of efforts to contain and slow down the spread of the virus. Faced with new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends, and colleagues, we must look after our mental, as well as our physical, health.
But every coin has two faces, if we consider the positive aspects of this virus we will find out that people nowadays are more health-conscious. Many people by standing indoors had started doing exercises and yoga. Cycling also had become a good pass time for people.
Regardless of the precautions, we need to take it had made us develop some good and essential habits like washing hands-on regular intervals, washing vegetables and fruits before cooking, and much more which was not kept in mind precisely before.
COVID-19 had increased us to risk of getting infected and sick but at the same time had taught us important things to make our immune system much stronger than before. We are getting to understand the importance of good health which we had forgotten due to work stress and restless manpower.
This pandemic had made us stronger than before both mentally and physically we can appreciate the healthy homemade food and its importance now. Fast food is missed though but this time had told us that we can survive to live a healthy and peaceful lifestyle.
If considered this hard time had made us realize the essence of a healthy body and a subtle mind.
New Cases of Covid-19 Break Out Again in New Zealand
On Tuesday, New Zealand announced that Auckland, its largest city, would be shutting down since 4 new cases has been found in the city. It is the first case of domestic transmission for the nation after remaining covid free for 102 days.
New Zealand’s fight against Covid was recognised across the world. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was congratulated for her effective method and governance. A vigorous and decisive response to the pandemic had effectively curbed down the rates of infection. The Pacific island nation of 5 million citizens was considered to be the safest place as it remained Covid free for 100 days at a stretch. It had made a record of zero new cases of community transmission of Covid-19. From a first case on Feb 26 to the last one recorded on May 1st, the whole process of elimination took about 65 days. The nation was placed under lockdown for weeks when the virus first broke out and it had achieved a milestone of 100 days. The last case was recorded on May 1st. The government had warned from before as countries like Australia and Vietnam which were once free from the virus are now fighting a second battle.
The Director General of Health had said that the 4 new cases are from a single family in South Auckland. It is the first local case in 102 days. The patients had no international travel history and contact tracing has been started.
With the announcement of shutdown, media reports suggested that people have started panic buying. The Prime Minister has made a surprise news conference and announced that Auckland will have Level 3 restriction from Wednesday as a “precautionary approach”. According to it, people should be staying at home, away from work, school or any social gathering. Any gathering of more than 10 people will not be allowed. This restriction would be applicable for 3 days, until Friday. This was done to assess the situation and gain further information about contact tracing. Immediate steps have been taken to find the source of the infection and to prevent further spread. There is an added concern because the source of the virus is not known this time. Travelling to Auckland, on North Island, would be restricted for people other than the ones who live there. The rest of New Zealand would go into Level 2 restriction from Wednesday for 3 days. Social gatherings would be restricted and mass gatherings over 100 people would not be allowed. Since sources are unknown for the new cases, it is expected that there could be a rise in numbers in the coming few days.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has said, “I am urging Aucklanders to come together like we did last time to stamp out community transmission. Please remain calm, please do not panic buy and please follow the lockdown rules.” People have been instructed to use masks and to avoid all kinds of social gathering. Jacinda Ardern has told reporters, “No other country in the world was free of community transmission as long as New Zealand. Together we have beaten the virus before. We can do so again.”
New Zealand elections are scheduled to happen on September 19. The break of new cases was unexpected. Till now, the government has fought against the situation and done quite well as a result Ardern’s Labour Party has got a lot of support before the elections.
PERSONALITY THEORIES
According to the American Psychological Association,Personality refers to an individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. The study of personality focuses on two broad areas: One is understanding individual differences in particular personality characteristics, such as sociability or irritability. The other is understanding how the various parts of a person come together as a whole.
So this blog will introduce the readers to some important theories used to describe personality.Let’s get started!
1) FREUD PSYCHOANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE:
According to Sigmund Freud Father of Psychoanalysis, an adult personality generally has three determinants: Id, Ego and Super Ego.The outcome of the combination of all the three determinants shapes an adult personality. Freud believed than an individual’s personality has three parts and thus is often called as tripartite personality.
- Id:Irrational demands and urge.
- Ego:Helps in fulfillment of Id after taking into consideration the reality.
- Superego:Moral constraints of the individual.
Defense mechanisms play an important role in pushing unrealistic thoughts out of awareness. Stressful thoughts which are threatening to an individual’s survival should be pushed into unconscious mind to reduce anxiety through them.
2)ERIK ERIKSON:PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY:-
Erikson believes there are 8 stages in a person’s life and to enter into the next stage,a virtue has to be learnt from the previous stage and this leads to personality development.He focuses on different identity crisis in a person’s lifespan.As in
STAGE 1:Trust v/s Mistrust;Virtue:Hope
STAGE 2:Autonomy v/s Doubt;Virtue:Will
STAGE 3:Initiative v/s Guilt;Virtue:Sense of Purpose.
STAGE 4:Industriousness v/s Inferiorty;Virtue:Competence
STAGE 5:Identity cohesion v/s Role confusion;Virtue:Fidelity
STAGE 6:Intimacy v/s Isolation;Virtue:Love
STAGE 7:Generativity v/s Stagnation;Virtue:Care
STAGE 8:Ego Integrity v/s Despair;Virtue:Wisdom
3)CARL JUNG:INTOVERSION V/S EXTRAVERSION
Carl Jung established a theory, which saw universal types in human personality. The types categorized by Carl Jung are present in all of us. But, certain types are predominant over the normal mode of organizing our experience.Carl Jung also developed a theory of personality. His theory is one of the type theories of personality, as it involved typology of introversion and extraversion.There are 4 functions :Sensing,intuiting,thinking and feeling.
4)JULIAN ROTTER-LOCUS OF CONTROL
“Locus of Control.” For many people, their only exposure to the ideas of Julian B. Rotter is his concept of generalized expectancies for control of reinforcement, more commonly known as locus of control. Locus of control refers to people’s very general, cross-situational beliefs about what determines whether or not they get reinforced in life. People can be classified along a continuum from very internal to very external.
People with a strong internal locus of control believe that the responsibility for whether or not they get reinforced ultimately lies with themselves. Internals believe that success or failure is due to their own efforts. In contrast, externals believe that the reinforcers in life are controlled by luck, chance, or powerful others. Therefore, they see little impact of their own efforts on the amount of reinforcement they receive.
Thus we come to the end of the blog.This blog is aimed at introducing the readers to the world of personality analysis.However one must remember that human beings are complex and not one theory explains all the human behavior.The readers are requested to read more articles about the same and fill themselves with knowledge.
Give a like,if you all felt this article was informative and interesting.
Thankyou!
Different Kinds of Face Masks to Protect Yourself from Covid-19
Since the beginning of this year, “masks” have been one of the top searches across Google. One common query which everybody has is that whether masks are effective and which is the most effective kind of mask.
Face masks are generally of 3 types: Cloth masks, Surgical masks & N95 Respirators
Cloth masks When people are in public places, along with distancing and hygiene, it is advised that they wear a mask since it is not possible to maintain a 6 feet distance always. Cloth masks prevent the spread of the virus to a considerable extent. These masks are recommended for the public rather than N95 respirators which are needed for frontline health workers. Cloth masks can be easily made at home at a low cost. Take two rectangular pieces of cloth and place them together. Insert elastic or rubber bands in both the sides and stitch the cloth on the sides. Remember to change a cloth mask once it gets wet. While wearing and removing them, make sure to not touch the area which covers the mouth and nose. Wash your hands before and after wearing them. Although they provide less protection than surgical or n95 masks, it is known that they reduce the risk of transmission by some degree. Cloth masks can also be used in combination with a face shield for better protection. The Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has suggested any covering and advised everyone to wear cloth masks for protection from asymptomatic patients. So these are probably the most advisable for the public till now.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are disposable ones which protect us from sprays, large particle droplets and prevent the transmission of potentially infectious respiratory secretions. Surgical masks vary in design but usually they are rectangular in shape and blue in colour. The masks have a metal strip to adjust over the nose and are tied to the face with elastics at both sides. Although they are useful in protecting from the virus, there is an environmental hazard attached to it because these are disposable single use masks. So they contribute to landfill medical waste.
N95 Respirators
N95 respirators are found to be the most effective in protecting against the virus since it can prevent the transmission of small particles by 95 percent. This includes virus and bacteria. The masks are usually circular or oval in shape and fit to the face very tightly. They must have the right fit because if they do not fit properly they can’t give full protection. These do not fit properly on people with facial hair and children. In a recent study it has been found that the masks can be re used after heating them in a covered pot or rice cooker for 30 minutes at 65 degree Celsius. The use of N95 is usually not very advisable to the public because of some reasons. First of all its not very comfortable to wear for a longer period of time. Secondly it is required for medical and frontline workers. So its very important that they remain in stock. A recent factor which emerged is that the valves on these respirators can be a risk factor and may not prevent the transmission of droplets entirely.
Apart from masks one needs to follow basic hygiene rules. Washing hands with a soap for at least 20 seconds in a correct manner is extremely important as suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The use of hand rubs and sanitizers with alcohol content is also advisable. Physical distancing of 6 foot is to be maintained. The most effective way to prevent oneself is to avoid any kind of gathering or crowds.
Coronavirus and Social Responsibilities
Coronavirus pandemic is not ending anytime soon. Cases are rising everywhere, with the USA being on top. With many people suffering and being cautious, many other people are ignorant, misinformed, and hostile. Community spread of the virus is increasing in the USA and India. Medical staff, scientists, and police are giving their best to control the spread of coronavirus. It is also the duty of all the citizens to help in controlling the spread of coronavirus. All the capable citizens should come forward in this devastating pandemic situation and lend a helping hand in contributing to treatment, vaccine preparation, manufacture, and distribution. Governments should plan and execute smart measures for the same, but only a handful of countries, including New Zealand, are seen coping effectively with the community spread of coronavirus. Let’s look at the latest coronavirus scenarios around the world, keeping in view the social responsibility, awareness, and control measures.
Schools to reopen in the USA
The USA has the highest number of coronavirus cases and the rate of spread is increasing day by day with 55,196 fresh cases on August 8. A high school in Indiana had to shift to online learning just two days after reopening. Students in Mississippi had to quarantine after classmates tested positive for coronavirus within the first week of reopening. Teachers and parents protesting, scientists forecasting and young kids being at high risk of infections, reopening schools in the USA is under discussion. What did the US president say on August 4?
Anti -mask protests in Japan and USA
- Approximately 150 demonstrators gathered held an anti-mask rally in Salt Lake City on August 5, carrying posters that read “Don’t smother the children” and “Let kids be kids. No masks!”
- A grilled-cheese shop owner in Windermere, Florida, announced that she wouldn’t require face masks inside her restaurant and promised “100 free meals for patrons who come with no masks.” Many anti-mask protesters gathered outside her shop in her support.
- Today, in Shibuya, Japan, a cluster festival, which deliberately spreads coronavirus without wearing masks, held a cluster demo and roamed around the Yamanote Line. The organizer of the demo calls himself “cluster jack” and seems to have a bad throat.
Source: Channel3000.
Look at the Cluster demo.
Bill Gates and Serum Institute of India
Bill gates tie-up with the Serum Institute of India in the speedy manufacture and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. Serum Institute is one of the vaccine developers in the world. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will provide at-risk funding of USD 150 million to Gavi, the vaccine alliance, via its Strategic Investment Fund, which is to get used by the Serum Institute to manufacture the coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine is likely to be available to at least 92 countries.
New Zealand: 100 days without community spread
New Zealand gets praised internationally for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The government has lifted almost all of its lockdown restrictions, first imposed in March. The last case of community transmission in New Zealand got reported on May 1, days after the government started lifting its lockdown. August 9 is the fourth day in a row that no fresh coronavirus cases got reported and the total number of active cases in the country is 23, all in managed isolation. The country of 5 million people sought control measures like immediate lockdown, tough border restrictions, effective communication and high testing and link tracking program.
Russia to launch the first coronavirus vaccine next week
Russia is all set to register the first coronavirus vaccine on August 12. Currently, the vaccine is at the third stage of testing and will get tested on 1600 people after registration to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The vaccine trials began on June 17 among 76 volunteers. The fast-track testing of the vaccine by Russia is worrying the scientists, activists and lawmakers and is being questioned. We hope that the vaccine is being tested rightfully and does not have any side-effects.
Things to Do When You Are Bored
- Start and Complete a puzzle
- Start a Journal
- Start a Blog
- Start a Youtube Channel
- Start a new hobby
- Cook
- Bake
- Try your hand at Poetry
- Learn another language
- Read books
- Write a Book
- Start Painting
- Take on a photography challenge
- Meditate
- Start Exercising
- Write letters
- Put on a show
- Declutter your Wardrobe
- Declutter your home
- Online Shopping
- Catch up on TV Shows
- Watch Movies
- Connect with your friends
- Feed your neighbourhood stray dogs
- Take on 30 day challenges
- Do an Internship
- Discover much more about the Word and Social Issues
- Try Colouring
- Try New Recipes
- Play Board Games
- Host Family Game Nights
Non Vegetarian Indian Recipes – Tried and Tested
Indian Sweet Recipes – Tried and Tested
0:02 / 2:08
Coconut laddoo | Easy 3 step recipe
Easy and Tasty Vegetarian Indian Recipes On YouTube – Tried and Tested
I spent my time this last few months becoming an amazing cook.
Here’s a list of videos that show beautiful recipes that I’ve made and can vouch for.
0:04 / 7:37
Cajun Spiced Potatoes – Barbeque Nation Style Recipe – CookingShooking
Travelling after corona
We will travel again, but it will not be the same. Even if borders reopen, travellers must trust that boarding a plane is safe and that they will be able to enter the destination country. New health safety protocols and systems will need to be in place, and these have yet to be defined. As governments and industry plan for recovery in this new context and adapt to changing traveller behaviour, the use of digital identity and biometrics technologies could restore trust while also ensuring a seamless journey. However, these tools will only be effective if users feel that their data is protected. Privacy, consent and transparent data governance must be at the heart of any technical solution.
1. The queue at immigration will be longer than ever before
We’re already seeing with China, Singapore, and South Korea, countries that feel like they are on top of their outbreaks, that the biggest worry now is new infections coming from outside. Korea is ordering all persons entering from the US and Europe to isolate for two weeks, even if they test negative for COVID-19. Those without a permanent residence are being sent directly to an isolation ward. Manufacturers of heat cameras are seeing a spike in demand. Even when lockdowns in Europe are over and we start to travel again, countries will test at the border. If you thought the line at JFK immigration control was torturous before, now consider what it’ll be like as you line up, take a swab test, and wait for the results.
2. You’ll need more than a passport
Some countries will not even take the chance of testing at the border. Especially if you’re coming from an outbreak hotspot. Entrance will be refused unless you have a certificate of immunity since you’ve recovered from an infection or because you’ve been vaccinated (once there are vaccines available). Wristbands with barcodes like those in the movie Contagion are a very real prospect. Certainly in the short-term, travel will become more defined by purpose. Any business travel will need to be strictly validated as an economic activity, with companies tightening the numbers of employees who travel for them. Countries will likely only open their borders where there is merit and it’s safe to let travellers through. This may mean temporary visas and more documentation that you’ll need to take with you when travelling.
3. Travel will have different (expensive) seasons
A very influential paper from Imperial College London speculates that governments will need to turn lockdown measures on and off to keep demands on healthcare systems at a manageable level. This means there will be windows of opportunity to travel that last only weeks or even days. Even with airlines desperate to get airborne again, seats will be limited and we could see dramatic increases in pricing during those windows.
4. Recovery will be uneven
We’re seeing already that the factors influencing this pandemic are numerous. Strictness and timing of lockdown measures, robustness of healthcare systems, the weather, luck, and other factors are all at work. Meaning some countries and regions will recover first. We will see corridors of recovery open back up one by one.
5. You’ll pack differently
We may well see the relaxing of liquid carry-on restrictions as travellers want to take more than 100ml, especially on long-haul flights. Along with hand sanitizer travel packs, it’s a pretty easy prediction to make that a lot more people will travel with masks. In the same way that companies like Away have made luxury, fashionable travel baggage, we will most likely see “desirable” travel masks worn by Instagram influencers.
6. You’ll tick that little box every time
We’re all very used to aeroplane bookings coming with tens of add-ons once we’ve chosen our flight. Let’s be honest, most of us skip past speedy boarding, extra baggage, car rental, and even seat selection. One box that we won’t be skipping past as much as the one asking us if we want to ensure the flight. Be careful though, often this “insurance” doesn’t cover you for many things, including the outbreak of a pandemic. Either airline providers or insurance companies are going to have to change to accommodate our new reality.
7. Society won’t like you when you’re sick
Even those who have recovered from COVID-19, and have built up immunity (if the virus doesn’t mutate too much) won’t want to travel with a cold. The current situation and the conviction with which the world is adopting social distancing will make it socially unacceptable to travel with a cold or any symptoms. The looks you will get if you cough or sneeze at an airport or on a plane will be scathing.
8. You’ll take the train before the plane
Domestic travel will recover first (there’s no border control) and for most countries that means taking a train. Not only will we be able to get back on tracks (ha, a pun) first, we’ll also be more secure about it. Trains are less crowded, have windows that open, and also are much more environmentally friendly. Once the lockdowns we see in Europe now are lifted, I predict people will rush to take a train, just because they can.
9. Air quality will be an advertised feature
Any idea what grade air filter Lufthansa uses on their flights? How about British Airways? Korean Air? Which Airbus model has the cleanest air? Do Boeing planes have fewer microbes in the air? No idea? Well, you may not know now, but once we’re flying again, airlines will start boasting about their filtration systems. Some have already started emailing customers about their current systems in a bid to stop people cancelling. By the end of the year, it’ll be a question many people will be asking—how safe is the air onboard?
Touchless travel
The most immediate and perhaps most visible change will be a shift to touchless travel from airport curbside to hotel check-in. Even with strict cleaning protocols in place, exchanging travel documents and touching surfaces through check-in, security, border control, and boarding still represent a significant risk of infection for both travellers and staff.
Automation across the entire sector will become the new norm. Biometrics is already a widely accepted solution for identity verification, and their use will become more widespread as physical fingerprint and hand scanners are phased out. More touchless options will come into play including contactless fingerprint, as well as iris and face recognition. Moreover, technology for touchless data-entry such as gesture control, touchless document scanning and voice commands are already being tested. Care must be taken to ensure these technologies are inclusive and to eliminate the risk of potential biases.
Eduindex 
You must be logged in to post a comment.