scholarly journals Universities and COVID-19 Growth at the Start of the 2020 Academic Year

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Penuliar ◽  
Candice Clark ◽  
Debbie Curti ◽  
Cathy Hudson ◽  
Billy Philips
Keyword(s):  
Research University ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Public Research University ◽  
Epidemiological Tool ◽  
Texas Tech University ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Year

The global pandemic of 2020 caused by the novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) has uprooted the education system of the United States. As American colleges and universities try to resume regular instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year, outbreaks have begun to emerge and university towns across the country are now virus hotspots. The current paper provides two studies. First, the current work investigates how the growth of COVID-19 compares in areas with large universities against those without. Results showed markedly increase case growth in counties with large universities at the start of the fall 2020 semester. Secondly, this work provides a highly accessible and modifiable epidemiological tool known as a susceptible-infected-removed model for educational administrators that will allow users to see the impact of COVID-19 historically and predictively. The results of an exemplar model using a large public research university, Texas Tech University, are discussed.

scholarly journals Covid-19 and food security: Jeopardy management and posterity deliberations

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-05
Author(s):  
Augustine Owusu-Addo ◽  
Atianashie Miracle A ◽  
Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi ◽  
Larissa Agbemelo-Tsomafo
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Food Borne Infections ◽  
Safety Guidelines

COVID-19, also known as the ‘novel coronavirus disease 2019’, is a respiratory illness and the causative pathogen is officially named as ‘SARS-CoV-2’. Infections with SARS-CoV-2 have now been amplified to a global pandemic – as of April 3, 2020, nearly 1,018,000 cases have been confirmed in more than 195 countries, including more than 300,000 cases within the United States. Public safety guidelines are followed worldwide to stop the spread of COVID-19 and stay healthy. Despite COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with mode of invasion through the respiratory tract, not the gastrointestinal tract, an average food consumer is anxious and concerned about the food safety. Could an individual catch the deadly contagious COVID-19 from groceries brought home from the supermarket – or from the next restaurant takeout order? This brief review elucidates the epidemiology and pathobiological mechanism(s) of SARS-CoV-2 and its implications in food-borne infections, transmission via food surfaces, food processing and food handling.

scholarly journals The Impact of Armed Conflict on the Epidemiological Situation of COVID-19 in Libya, Syria and Yemen

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Daw
Keyword(s):  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Public Data ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: Since the Arab uprising in 2011, Libya, Syria and Yemen have gone through major internal armed conflicts. This resulted in large numbers of deaths, injuries, and population displacements, with collapse of the healthcare systems. Furthermore, the situation was complicated by the emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which made the populations of these countries struggle under unusual conditions to deal with both the pandemic and the ongoing wars. This study aimed to determine the impact of the armed conflicts on the epidemiology of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) within these war-torn countries and highlight the strategies needed to combat the spread of the pandemic and its consequences.Methods: Official and public data concerning the dynamics of the armed conflicts and the spread of SARS-COV-2 in Libya, Syria and Yemen were collected from all available sources, starting from the emergence of COVID-19 in each country until the end of December 2020. Datasets were analyzed by a set of statistical techniques and the weekly resolved data were used to probe the link between the intensity levels of the conflict and the prevalence of COVID-19.Results: The data indicated that there was an increase in the intensity of the violence at an early stage from March to August 2020, when it approximately doubled in the three countries, particularly in Libya. During that period, few cases of COVID-19 were reported, ranging from 5 to 53 cases/day. From September to December 2020, a significant decline in the intensity of the armed conflicts was accompanied by steep upsurges in the rate of COVID-19 cases, which reached up to 500 cases/day. The accumulative cases vary from one country to another during the armed conflict. The highest cumulative number of cases were reported in Libya, Syria and Yemen.Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that the armed conflict provided an opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 to spread. The early weeks of the pandemic coincided with the most intense period of the armed conflicts, and few cases were officially reported. This indicates undercounting and hidden spread during the early stage of the pandemic. The pandemic then spread dramatically as the armed conflict declined, reaching its greatest spread by December 2020. Full-blown transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in these countries is expected. Therefore, urgent national and international strategies should be implemented to combat the pandemic and its consequences.

scholarly journals The impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on drug overdose-related deaths in the United States and Canada: a systematic review of observational studies and analysis of public health surveillance data

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Imtiaz ◽  
Frishta Nafeh ◽  
Cayley Russell ◽  
Farihah Ali ◽  
Tara Elton-Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Drug Overdose ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There are preliminary indications that the trajectory of drug overdose-related deaths in North America has been exacerbated due to the novel coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). As such, the impact of COVID-19 on drug overdose-related deaths was examined through a systematic review of the literature and percentage change analyses of surveillance data. Methods Systematic searches in electronic databases were conducted, a topical issue brief and bibliography were reviewed, reference lists of included studies were searched and expert consultations were held to identify studies (Registration # CRD42021230223). Observational studies from the United States and Canada were eligible for inclusion if drug overdose-related deaths were assessed in quantitative or qualitative analyses onwards from at least March 2020. In addition, percentage changes comparing drug overdose-related deaths in the second annual quarter (Q2 2020 [April to June]) with the first annual quarter (Q1 2020 [January to March]) were generated using national and subnational data from public health surveillance systems and reports from jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Results Nine studies were included in the systematic review, eight from the United States and one from Canada. The maximum outcome assessment period in the included studies extended until September 2020. Drug overdose-related deaths after the onset of COVID-19 were higher compared with the months leading up to the pandemic in 2020 and the comparative months in 2019. In additional percentage change analyses, drug overdose-related deaths increased by 2 to 60% in jurisdictions in the United States and by 58% in Canada when comparing Q2 2020 with Q1 2020. Conclusions Drug overdose-related deaths increased after the onset of COVID-19. The current situation necessitates a multi-pronged approach, encompassing expanded access to substance use disorder treatment, undisrupted access to harm reduction services, emphasis on risk reduction strategies, provision of a safe drug supply and decriminalization of drug use.

scholarly journals Maternal Adverse Childhood Experience Exposure and Resilience During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 104438942110023
Author(s):  
Catherine A. LaBrenz ◽  
Philip Baiden ◽  
Erin Findley ◽  
Patrick S. Tennant ◽  
Sreyashi Chakravarty
Keyword(s):  
Child Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Since March 2020, families across the United States have faced challenges due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its subsequent restrictions. Although some experts have voiced concern over the impact of COVID-19 on family well-being, few studies have been conducted thus far. This study utilized n = 250 responses from an online survey that was administered between May and June 2020 to gauge family stress and resilience among mothers of children ages 0 to 5 during the pandemic. Adverse childhood experiences were negatively associated with parental resilience among this sample. Furthermore, frequency of child care was positively linked to protective factors and resilience. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed, with a particular focus on the role of child care and school openings during the pandemic.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on College Student Mental Health: A Longitudinal Examination of Risk and Protective Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Zimmermann ◽  
Casandra Bledsoe ◽  
Anthony Papa
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
The Novel ◽  
College Student Mental Health ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Year

The spread of the novel coronavirus has led to unprecedented changes in daily living. College students may face unique challenges associated with these changes. In the present study, college students (N = 205) completed a battery of questionnaires in April of 2020, after having completed similar measures 8, 5, and 2 months prior as part of a larger study. A repeated measures ANOVA suggested significantly greater depression and anxiety symptom severity during the pandemic than at any other time during the 2019-2020 academic year. Static and modifiable factors associated with psychological distress and controlling for pre-existing psychological distress were examined. Cognitive and behavioral avoidance was the most consistent predictor of psychological distress during the pandemic. Online social engagement and problematic Internet use also conferred greater risk. Women and Latinx participants were more likely to experience elevated distress during the pandemic, even when controlling for distress prior to the pandemic.

scholarly journals The impact of digitization on economy in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. 01018
Author(s):  
Crina Ionescu ◽  
Mihaela Iordache ◽  
Emilia Țițan
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
National Level ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Face ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Research background: As COVID-19 is posing unprecedented challenges, the governments as well as the individuals have to adapt to the shift towards a new lifestyle. The preventing measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus has important consequences on economy sectors both at global and national level. In this regard, it is the right time to accelerate the development of the digital tools and technologies that can help neutralize or at least mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19. Purpose of the article: Therefore, the aim of this paper is to evaluate the current situation of digitization, focusing on the main transformations in recent months. Methods: Throughout the paper, there can be distinguished both qualitative and quantitative approach. The methods used include a secondary research from official information and primary quantitative research obtained from a conducted survey that explains the importance and the impact of digitization on economy in the face of a global pandemic. Findings & Value added: The article highlights the impact of digitization on the economy by comparing the findings from Romanian economy with other EU countries. It is noted that in areas where the digitization was more developed or where the adaptation to the new conditions imposed by the crisis generated by COVID-19 has been faster, the impact was significantly lower as well.

scholarly journals Pediatric Emergency Department Responses to COVID-19: Transitioning From Surge Preparation to Regional Support

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Emily A. Hartford ◽  
Ashley Keilman ◽  
Hiromi Yoshida ◽  
Russell Migita ◽  
Todd Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Pediatric Emergency Department ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

ABSTRACT In the midst of a global pandemic, hospitals around the world are working to meet the demand for patients ill with the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. As the crisis unfolds, several countries have reported lower numbers as well as less morbidity and mortality for pediatric patients. Thus, pediatric centers find themselves pivoting from preparing for a patient surge to finding ways to support the regional response for adults. This study describes the response from 2 West Coast freestanding academic children’s hospitals that were among the first cities in the United States impacted during this pandemic.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (COVID19-S4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Ijaz Haider ◽  
Farah Tiwana ◽  
Sania Mumtaz Tahir
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Adult Mental Health ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Status ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Open Access Article

The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in December 2019 has progressed to the status of a global pandemic, with countries across the seven continents adversely affected and the number of human cases exceeding two million. With no available vaccine, the treatment is primarily symptomatic for those affected and preventative for those at risk. Most countries have taken action to curtail the spread of COVID-19 through measures such as lockdowns, social distancing and voluntary self-isolation. Whilst necessary, such measures and the disease itself, may have an adverse impact on mental health. In view of research from previous pandemic crises, it is known that such situations are likely to increase stress levels and have negative psychiatric effects. The impact is likely to be felt by the general public, sufferers of COVID-19, their families and friends, persons with pre-existing mental health conditions and healthcare workers. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2756 How to cite this:Haider II, Tiwana F, Tahir SM. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Mental Health. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2756 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

scholarly journals Clinical utility of cardiac troponin measurement in COVID-19 infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C Gaze
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Troponin ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease COVID-19, a severe acute respiratory syndrome. COVID-19 is now a global pandemic and public health emergency due to rapid human-to-human transmission. The impact is far-reaching, with enforced social distancing and isolation, detrimental effects on individual physical activity and mental wellbeing, education in the young and economic impact to business. Whilst most COVID-19 patients demonstrate mild-to-moderate symptoms, those with severe disease progression are at a higher risk of mortality. As more is learnt about this novel disease, it is becoming evident that comorbid cardiovascular disease is associated with a greater severity and increased mortality. Many patients positive for COVID-19 demonstrate increased concentrations of cardiac troponin, creating confusion in clinical interpretation. While myocardial infarction is associated with acute infectious respiratory disease, the majority of COVID-19 patients demonstrate stable cTn rather than the dynamically changing values indicative of an acute coronary syndrome. Although full understanding of the mechanism of cTn release in COVID-19 is currently lacking, this mini-review assesses the limited published literature with a view to offering insight to pathophysiological mechanisms and reported treatment regimens.

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