Preface to the Special Issue

AIUB Journal of Science and Engineering (AJSE) is passing the glorious 20^th year of publications. The scope of the journal includes basic and natural science, mathematics, computer science along with engineering and technologies. At present manuscripts are published online quarterly and all the issues are printed together at the end of each year as a volume.

Due to the COVID-19 situation the world is going through unprecedented lock down. Numerous complex problems have been observed in every sector of society, education, industry and technology. As a commitment toward promoting novel research on contemporary issues AJSE has decided to publish a special issue on COVID-19 related research.

The pandemic has hit the world community both physically and mentally. Lockdown and uncertainty related stress are impacting the quality of life. Hence, early diagnosis of mental stress based on biomedical signal processing may help in assuring quick intervention. Early detection of damaged lungs will allow the healthcare professionals to save lives. Virtual class has impacted teaching, learning and assessment techniques. Teachers and students are coping with the new normal and solving many unforeseen issues everyday. However, teachers are becoming innovative to achieve the program outcomes and coming up with new ways of assessments.

This special issue of AJSE presents a collection of eleven research papers directly addressing issues related to COVID-19. The scope of this issue includes biomedical solutions, telemedicine, mental stress detection, sustainable design, education management and impact on program outcome of virtual classrooms. The papers are carefully selected from regular submissions to cover a wide range of problems in the education, science and engineering domains closely related to COVID-19 pandemic. As per AJSE policy, every paper has been peer reviewed by experts in the related fields.

We hope that the readers enjoy this special issue.

Regards,

Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna
Editor, AJSE
Vice Chancellor, AIUB