scholarly journals Stakeholders perspective of, and experience with contact tracing for COVID-19 in Ghana: A qualitative study among contact tracers, supervisors, and contacts

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247038
Author(s):  
Nashira Asiimwe ◽  
Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong ◽  
Stanley Amogu Iro ◽  
Charles Lwanga Noora ◽  
Kwabena Opoku-Mensah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Topic Guide ◽  
Professional Background ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Effective Contact ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
The Government

Background Ghana confirmed the first two cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) infection on 12th March 2020. Following this, the government introduced routine and enhanced contact tracing to identify, quarantine, and test contacts for COVID-19. This study, therefore, intends to document the experiences of contact tracers, their supervisors, during COVID-19 containment in Ghana. Methods Purposive sampling was used to select twenty-seven (27) participants; sixteen contact tracers, six supervisors, and five contacts of COVID-19 cases for an in-depth interview using a topic guide. These interviews were conducted on a phone or face-to-face basis whilst maintaining physical distancing protocol. All these were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Then, QSR NVivo 12 was used to analyse the data thematically. Results Contact tracers were selected based on their professional background and surveillance experience with other infectious diseases. They were trained before the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country and before deployment. Deployment of contact tracers was in pairs to monitor contacts daily through physical visits or over the phone. Their activities included educating contacts about the condition, filling the symptoms diary, and providing psychological support. Contacts for COVID-19 were identified through case investigation, and their monitoring is done once a day despite the twice-daily requirement. Wherever a case was confirmed, enhanced contact tracing within a 2km radius was done. Furthermore, it was reported that some contacts were not adhering to the self-quarantine. In addition to this, other challenges included; unstable provision of PPEs and remuneration, refusal of some contact to test, delays in receiving test results, and poor coordination of the whole process. Conclusions The study concludes that contact tracing was generally perceived to be helpful in COVID-19 containment in Ghana. However, adhering to self-quarantine protocol had many challenges for both contact tracers and the contacts. Improving coordination and quick release of test results to contacts is necessary for COVID-19 containment. Lastly, the supply of Personal Protection Equipment and motivation needs to be addressed to help position the country well for effective contact tracing.

Review Paper on Machine learning-based prediction of Corona Virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2225-2229
Author(s):  
Miss. Aakansha P. Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Effective Contact ◽  
Machine Learning Approach ◽  
Binary Features ◽  
Simple Features ◽  
Medical Examiners

Abstract: Effective contact tracing of SARS-CoV-2 enables quick and efficient diagnosis of COVID-19 and might mitigate the burden on healthcare system. Prediction models that combine several features to approximate the danger of infection are developed. These aim to help medical examiners worldwide in treatment of patients, especially within the context of limited healthcare resources. They established a machine learning approach that trained on records from 51,831 tested individuals (of whom 4769 were confirmed to own COVID-19 coronavirus). Test set contained data from the upcoming week (47,401 tested individuals of whom 3624 were confirmed to own COVID-19 disease). Their model predicted COVID-19 test results with highest accuracy using only eight binary features: sex, age ≥60 years, known contact with infected patients, and also the appearance of 5 initial clinical symptoms appeared. Generally, supported the nationwide data publicly reported by the Israeli Ministry of Health, they developed a model that detects COVID-19 cases by simple features accessed by asking basic inquiries to the affected patient. Their framework may be used, among other considerations, to prioritize testing for COVID-19 when testing resources are limited and important. Keywords: Machine Learning, SARS-COV-2, COVID-19, Coronavirus.

scholarly journals The COVID States Project #33: Update on COVID-19 test turnaround times across the country

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanyu Chwe ◽  
Alexi Quintana ◽  
David Lazer ◽  
Matthew Baum ◽  
Katherine Ognyanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Average Wait Time ◽  
Effective Contact ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
To Receive

Rapid delivery of COVID-19 test results are essential for the nation’s pandemic response. Our 50-state survey results reveal that testing times are decreasing, albeit slowly (see Figure 1).1 For respondents whose last nasal swab COVID-19 test was in March, the average result turnaround time was 3.9 days (with a median of 3.0 days); in December, the average time was 2.2 days (median of 2.0 days).2 Unfortunately, racial disparities still exist in testing times; in December, Hispanic and Black respondents waited 0.7 and 0.4 days longer than white respondents, respectively.We also measure respondents’ access to COVID-19 testing by asking, “How many days did you have to wait between the time you decided on a test and the day you were tested?” (Figures 2 and 3). Responses indicate that difficulty in obtaining COVID-19 tests has decreased somewhat, although race and ethnicity matter again: in December, Asian, Hispanic, and Black respondents had to wait 1.5, 1.4, and 0.9 days longer than white respondents (average wait time of 2.0 days) to receive a test.Despite an overall trend of increased access and reduced result times, as of December, the average time between the decision to get tested and the actual test (2.4 days) plus the average time to receive test results after getting tested (2.2 days) remains too long to support effective contact tracing.

PERAN KELEMBAGAAN LOKAL DALAM PENGELOLAAN PERIKANAN DI ERA DESENTRALISASI

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Mustaqim - Mustaqim
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Fishery Resources ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Interpretation Process ◽  
The Government ◽  
Critical Interpretation ◽  
Centralization And Decentralization

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of Panglima Laot in the management of fishery resources in Sabang Island. To be able to understand the fisheries management that involves the role of the community in the form of local institutions, a series in-depth interview, observation, as well as literature were successfully carried out to local fishery community. Since this study is a combination of qualitative and quantitative method, the data collection was analysed using phenomenological approach and critical interpretation process to see the validity and reliability of the research findings.  Referring to previous research evidence, the results show that the presence of Panglima Laot has played an important role in providing information, invitation, supervision and participation in the management of fishery resources. In addition, the role of Panglima Laot in the management of fishery resources includes carrying out customs, assisting the government, resolving conflicts in the community, preventing illegal fishing, preserving the coastal environment and fighting for the living standards of fishermen is very influential both in centralization and decentralization era.  Therefore, these findings can be categorized as a useful information for any party working in field of fishery program. 

scholarly journals Needs of lifelong learning for professionalisation of industrial workers: Opportunities and challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73
Author(s):  
Zarina Kassim ◽  
Nor Aishah Buang ◽  
Lilia Halim
Keyword(s):  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Personal Satisfaction ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Perceived Needs ◽  
Human Resource Department ◽  
The Government ◽  
Learning Institutions

Only 23% of Malaysian workforce has tertiary education compared to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries such as Singapore and Finland that have tertiary education with an average of 28% and around 35%, respectively. This study investigates perceived needs lifelong learning programmes for professionalisation among the workers. A survey was conducted on workers from the industries. Most of the workers felt that lifelong learning programmes provide personal satisfaction. In terms of perceived needs, workers from higher positions in industries need lifelong learning programmes to get better positions and better salaries as compared to those with lower positions in industries to get better job and education. Both groups have different preferences for means of learning whether face-to-face or online learning. The implications are that the government has to change their policy in terms of requirement for these companies to register with the Human Resource Department Fund so that their workers be subsidised for attending lifelong learning programmes and to encourage the participation of public higher learning institutions for providing online and weekend lifelong learning programmes to the workers.

scholarly journals Spine Examination during COVID-19 Pandemic via Video Consultation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Jansen ◽  
Martin Gathen ◽  
Amadeo Touet ◽  
Hans Goost ◽  
Dieter Christian Wirtz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Reliable Tool ◽  
Provocation Tests ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
Video Consultation ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract Introduction During the current COVID-19 pandemic video consultations are increasingly common in order to minimize the risk of infection for staff and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a spine examination via video. Methods A total of 43 patients were recruited. Each participant underwent a video-based (VB) and a conventional face-to-face (FTF) spine examination. Pain intensity, active range of motion, inspection, a neurophysiologic basic exam and provocations tests were evaluated using video-based and face-to-face methods. Results The intra-rater reliability (IRR) was measured between both examinations. Good to very good IRR values were obtained in inspection (Kappa between 0,752 und 0,944), active range of motion and basic neurophysiological examination (Kappa between 0,659 und 0,969). Only moderate matches were found in specific provocation tests (Kappa between 0,407 und 0,938). A video-based spine examination is a reliable tool for measuring pain intensity, active range of motion and a basic neurophysiologic exam. Conclusion A basic spine examination during a video consultation is possible. A good agreement of the test results between video-based and face-to-face examination could be found.

scholarly journals Analysis and prediction of the coronavirus disease epidemic in China based on an individual-based model

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuiyuan Guo ◽  
Dan Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Individual Based Model ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Coordinate Descent Algorithm ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
The Government ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

AbstractWe established a stochastic individual-based model and simulated the whole process of occurrence, development, and control of the coronavirus disease epidemic and the infectors and patients leaving Hubei Province before the traffic was closed in China. Additionally, the basic reproduction number (R0) and number of infectors and patients who left Hubei were estimated using the coordinate descent algorithm. The median R0 at the initial stage of the epidemic was 4.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.82–5.17). Before the traffic lockdown was implemented in Hubei, 2000 (95% CI 1982–2030) infectors and patients had left Hubei and traveled throughout the country. The model estimated that if the government had taken prevention and control measures 1 day later, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in the whole country would have increased by 32.1%. If the lockdown of Hubei was imposed 1 day in advance, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in other provinces would have decreased by 7.7%. The stochastic model could fit the officially issued data well and simulate the evolution process of the epidemic. The intervention measurements nationwide have effectively curbed the human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

scholarly journals Investigation of Four Clusters of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Rwanda, 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7018
Author(s):  
Olivier Nsekuye ◽  
Edson Rwagasore ◽  
Marie Aime Muhimpundu ◽  
Ziad El-Khatib ◽  
Daniel Ntabanganyimana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Positive Sample ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Laboratory Confirmation ◽  
Closed Environment ◽  
Index Cases

We reported the findings of the first Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) four clusters identified in Rwanda. Case-investigations included contact elicitation, testing, and isolation/quarantine of confirmed cases. Socio-demographic and clinical data on cases and contacts were collected. A confirmed case was a person with laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) while a contact was any person who had contact with a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed case within 72 h prior, to 14 days after symptom onset; or 14 days before collection of the laboratory-positive sample for asymptomatic cases. High risk contacts were those who had come into unprotected face-to-face contact or had been in a closed environment with a SARS-CoV-2 case for >15 min. Forty cases were reported from four clusters by 22 April 2020, accounting for 61% of locally transmitted cases within six weeks. Clusters A, B, C and D were associated with two nightclubs, one house party, and different families or households living in the same compound (multi-family dwelling). Thirty-six of the 1035 contacts tested were positive (secondary attack rate: 3.5%). Positivity rates were highest among the high-risk contacts compared to low-risk contacts (10% vs. 2.2%). Index cases in three of the clusters were imported through international travelling. Fifteen of the 40 cases (38%) were asymptomatic while 13/25 (52%) and 8/25 (32%) of symptomatic cases had a cough and fever respectively. Gatherings in closed spaces were the main early drivers of transmission. Systematic case-investigations contact tracing and testing likely contributed to the early containment of SARS-CoV-2 in Rwanda.

scholarly journals Towards the Development of Sustainable Tourism in Pakistan: A Study of the Role of Tour Operators

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4902
Author(s):  
Zia Ullah ◽  
Rana Tahir Naveed ◽  
Atta Ur Rehman ◽  
Naveed Ahmad ◽  
Miklas Scholz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
The Government ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Sole Criterion ◽  
Depth Interviews

The literature on sustainable tourism is scant, particularly in the least developed countries. Very few studies touch upon the concept and no holistic theoretical or conceptual frameworks around the idea of sustainable tourism have been formulated. This study aims at exploring the role of tour operators in developing sustainable tourism in Pakistan and how the tour operators (TOs) conceive their role in this regard. TOs were reached through phone calls, emails, and virtual sources as face-to-face interviews were not possible due to COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on travel by the government. In-depth interviews were conducted to gather data. Results suggest that the TOs although realize the importance of social, environmental, and economic dimensions of tourism on the communities but have no management systems in place to cater accordingly. There are no incentives in place by the government facilitate TOs to design and implement such systems. The TOs do not select a destination based on Global Sustainable Tourism Council criterion, but rather the selection of destination is mostly demand-based and profit-oriented. The study suggests that corporate profit motive is the sole criterion for decision making and is one of the major causes impeding sustainable tourism in Pakistan. The role of TOs in developing sustainable tourism is vague as the TOs do not have any systems in place to implement sustainable models. The study recommends that efforts need to be put in place to incentivize sustainable tourism in Pakistan and proper laws should be set forth by the authorities to comply by the TOs. The role of TOs is important and understood, however, there is a need to put proper systems in place.

scholarly journals Student and educator perspectives on virtual institutional introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar A. Almohammed ◽  
Lama H. Alotaibi ◽  
Shatha A. Ibn Malik
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Virtual Training ◽  
Care Experience ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Practice Experience ◽  
Face To Face Learning ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has required governments around the world to suspend face-to-face learning for school and university students. Colleges of pharmacy are faced with the challenge of training students in hospitals that are under considerable pressure at this time. The government of Saudi Arabia has moved all classes and training online to limit the spread of the virus. This study describes the experience of the Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE and APPE) students and preceptors engaged in the virtual IPPE training. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe and appraise the implemented virtual IPPE training from the experiences of IPPE and APPE students, and their preceptor. The IPPE students described their experiences in close-ended questionnaires, while APPE students in open-ended questionnaires, and the preceptor described the experiences in narrative. The study focused on highlighting the advantages, opportunities, challenges, and shortcomings of the virtual training. Results Two preceptors and seven APPE students participated in the preparation and administration of the virtual training. The IPPE students’ experiences, based on 87 respondents, were mostly positive. Although IPPE students enjoyed the time flexibility that allowed the learning of new skills and reflection on previous experiences, 15% experienced difficulty finding quiet places with a reliable internet connection or had difficulty working on team-based activities. Moreover, some were anxious about the lack of adequate patient-care experience. On the other hand, the APPE students found the experience enriching as they gained experience and understanding of academic workflow, gained skills, and overcame the challenges they faced during this virtual training experience. Conclusions Future training programs should be organized to overcome the challenges and to maximize the benefits of training experiences. Schools of pharmacy may benefit from the training materials constructed, prepared, and administered by APPE students to improve IPPE students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

Design of Static Test Model for Three-Tower Cable-Stayed Self-Anchored Suspension Composed Bridge

2011 ◽  
Vol 243-249 ◽  
pp. 1528-1535
Author(s):  
Yu Zhao ◽  
Yong Jun Zhou ◽  
Jing Sun ◽  
Jin Tao Tang ◽  
Xu Li
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Test Model ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Aesthetic Appearance ◽  
Load Carrying ◽  
Novel Structures

Cable-stayed self-anchored suspension composed bridges have novel structures and aesthetic appearance with complex system and difficulty for design and construction. In order to acquire a better knowledge of the load-carrying capability of this type of bridges, based on a real bridge and the theory of abnormal similarity, a full-bridge scaled down(1:20) test model was built to simulate the whole process of construction. The test results were preferably fit the theoretical calculation value. It can be seen that the design of the bridge was reasonable, and the accuracy of the calculation of finite element model was verified at the same time. The test and the related results can be used as the reference for the test and design of the similar bridges.

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