scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF MEDIA INFODEMICS ON COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN INTENSIFYING GLOBAL PANIC AMONG MALAYSIANS: A PERCEPTION-BASED ANALYSIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 16-30
Author(s):  
Arlini Alias
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
The People ◽  
Information Awareness ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Media Preferences ◽  
The Impact

In Malaysia, the Restricted Movement Order's implementation has turned the media to become the main primary source of information for the people. As a result, numerous mendacious news about the Covid-19 outbreak began to appear on air. Such reports and claims made in response to the outbreak, which the World Health Organisation labelled as "infodemics," have been excessively proliferated on media (Thomas, 2020). Hence, the study explores the Malaysians' perceptions of the extent to which the Covid-19 outbreak infodemics produced by the local media amplify global panic in society. The study applies a qualitative research design, using a case-study analysis on perception to discover the Malaysians' awareness and views on the virus outbreak based on the media's information and how these contents elevate public reactions. Focus group interviews are conducted with 15 Malaysian citizens residing in five different states in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Pulau Pinang. A set of 10 open-ended questions are probed to participants during the interviews. Data are analysed following a deductive approach and clustered according to the research questions. The following five-step framework is applied: data familiarisation, thematic analysis framework, coding, plotting, and interpretation. The validity of data is achieved through inter-rater reliability. Four themes, namely media preferences and mainly sought information, awareness of the fake news spread on media, news reliability check, and reaction-based impact in response to the infodemics were established. The majority of the participants favoured official news broadcasts for updates on the outbreak. A few of them reported consuming infodemics that were conveyed by social media platforms. Participants indicated being well-informed on the spread of fake news on media, and 53% reported difficulties in verifying the information they received due to excessive coverage by media. Finally, 60% of the participants reported a significant influence of the infodemics they consumed towards their perceptions and reactions.

scholarly journals A call for governments to pause Twitter censorship: using Twitter data as social-spatial sensors of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 research diffusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanash M. Patel ◽  
Robin Haunschild ◽  
Lutz Bornmann ◽  
George Garas
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
The People ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Public Scrutiny ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Twitter Activity

AbstractIn this study we determined whether Twitter data can be used as social-spatial sensors to show how research on COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 diffuses through the population to reach the people that are affected by the disease. We performed a cross-sectional bibliometric analysis between 23rd March and 14th April 2020. Three sources of data were used: (1) deaths per number of population for COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 retrieved from John Hopkins University and Worldometer, (2) publications related to COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 retrieved from World Health Organisation COVID-19 database, and (3) tweets of these publications retrieved from Altmetric.com and Twitter. In the analysis, the number of publications used was 1761, and number of tweets used was 751,068. Mapping of worldwide data illustrated that high Twitter activity was related to high numbers of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 deaths, with tweets inversely weighted with number of publications. Regression models of worldwide data showed a positive correlation between the national deaths per number of population and tweets when holding number of publications constant (coefficient 0.0285, S.E. 0.0003, p < 0.001). Twitter can play a crucial role in the rapid research response during the COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, especially to spread research with prompt public scrutiny. Governments are urged to pause censorship of social media platforms to support the scientific community’s fight against COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals The Poor and the Pandemic: COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arati Raut ◽  
Ruchira Ankar ◽  
Sheetal Sakharkar
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Political Status ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 was proven to be a pandemic in early 2020 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). At present, 213 countries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the history of global pandemics, COVID-19 has had a major impact on society as it has killed humans, spread human suffering and uprooted the lives of the people. Across the globe, there are 18,705,096 confirmed cases, 11,922,692 recovered cases, 704,385 deaths, and 6,078,019 active cases as of, 5 August 2020. It has affected the world’s economic, social and political status. Poor people belonging to the lower strata of society face more difficulties during pandemics. They are unable to secure their daily bread as well as other basic needs. The impact of COVID-19 on the poor and the role of society have been addressed.

scholarly journals An Open Letter to All IJEMM Members on COVID–19

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Mohammad Yeakub Ali
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Open Letter ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
Engineering Materials ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Online Web

Dear IJEMM Members I wanted to provide an update to the broader community of International Journal of Engineering Materials and Manufacture (IJEMM) regarding our efforts to alleviate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The Editorial Board is deeply sympathised with the people suffering worldwide due the outbreak of pandemic COVID-19. We are closely monitoring the outbreak and implementing social isolation and other measures, according to World Health Organisation guidelines, to mitigate the impact on our members, volunteers and customers around the world. As the safety of people is of highest priority, our aim is to continue delivering our services for editors, reviewers, authors, readers, and other members to the highest possible standards using our online web-based platforms. I trust that each of you is doing well and finding ways to cope with this challenging pandemic situation which is a test from God, the almighty. Please stay safe, do not panic, heighten your spirituality and seek forgiveness. With thanks and regards, Professor Ir. Dr. Mohammad Yeakub AliEditor-In-ChiefInternational Journal of Engineering Materials and Manufacture

scholarly journals The Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Aetiology and Development of Uveal Melanoma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1700
Author(s):  
Melissa Chalada ◽  
Charmaine A. Ramlogan-Steel ◽  
Bijay P. Dhungel ◽  
Christopher J. Layton ◽  
Jason C. Steel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Uveal Melanoma ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Genetic Mutations ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Uveal melanoma (UM) is currently classified by the World Health Organisation as a melanoma caused by risk factors other than cumulative solar damage. However, factors relating to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) susceptibility such as light-coloured skin and eyes, propensity to burn, and proximity to the equator, frequently correlate with higher risk of UM. These risk factors echo those of the far more common cutaneous melanoma (CM), which is widely accepted to be caused by excessive UVR exposure, suggesting a role of UVR in the development and progression of a proportion of UM. Indeed, this could mean that countries, such as Australia, with high UVR exposure and the highest incidences of CM would represent a similarly high incidence of UM if UVR exposure is truly involved. Most cases of UM lack the typical genetic mutations that are related to UVR damage, although recent evidence in a small minority of cases has shown otherwise. This review therefore reassesses statistical, environmental, anatomical, and physiological evidence for and against the role of UVR in the aetiology of UM.

scholarly journals Riding the waves: the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on a national surgical training cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orla Hennessy ◽  
Amy Lee Fowler ◽  
Conor Hennessy ◽  
David Brinkman ◽  
Aisling Hogan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Training ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Surgical Services ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Surgical Trainees ◽  
Secondary Survey ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on the 11 March 2020 resulting in implementation of methods to contain viral spread, including curtailment of all elective and non-emergent interventions. Many institutions have experienced changes in rostering practices and redeployment of trainees to non-surgical services. Examinations, study days, courses, and conferences have been cancelled. These changes have the potential to significantly impact the education and training of surgical trainees. Aim To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training, educational, and operative experiences of Irish surgical trainees. Methods Surgical trainees were surveyed anonymously regarding changes in working and educational practices since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic on 11 March 2020. The survey was circulated in May 2020 to both core and higher RCSI surgical trainees, when restrictions were at level five. Questions included previous and current access to operative sessions as well as operative cases, previous and current educational activities, access to senior-led training, and access to simulation-/practical-based training methods. A repeat survey was carried out in October 2020 when restrictions were at level two. Results Overall, primary and secondary survey response rates were 29% (n = 98/340) and 19.1% (n = 65/340), respectively. At the time of circulation of the second survey, the number of operative sessions attended and cases performed had significantly improved to numbers experienced pre-pandemic (p < 0.0001). Exposure to formal teaching and education sessions returned to pre-COVID levels (p < 0.0001). Initially, 23% of trainees had an examination cancelled; 53% of these trainees have subsequently sat these examinations. Of note 27.7% had courses cancelled, and 97% of these had not been rescheduled. Conclusion Surgical training and education have been significantly impacted in light of COVID-19. This is likely to continue to fluctuate in line with subsequent waves. Significant efforts have to be made to enable trainees to meet educational and operative targets.

“Air pollution arrested not imprisoned”: The impact of laws invoked on Covid-19 city lockdowns

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Mensah Aboagye ◽  
◽  
Nana Osei Owusu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Environmental Problem ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Air pollution continues to be an environmental problem that poses a lot of health risks to the young and aged. Developed countries have invested heavily to curb this environmental problem, causing severe threats to human lives, yet the results do not look convincing. In developing countries, the situation is difficult than they can imagine, resulting in governments borrowing to fight what looks like a lost battle [1-3]. The in-depth study of this environmental menace - air pollution, suggests that the government enacts stringent measures to help fight this battle. This is because air pollution has natural (volcanic eruption) and anthropogenic (human activities) causes. In December 2019, the deadly Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak was soon declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) [4]. Majority of countries have had their share of the impact of this outbreak. Many countries resorted to city lockdown to strictly control the movement of people and economic activities as recommended by WHO.

scholarly journals Live wildlife trade in markets - a scoping review to inform risk assessment of emerging infectious diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria J Brookes ◽  
Okta Wismandanu ◽  
Etih Sudarnika ◽  
Justin A Roby ◽  
Lynne Hayes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Epistemic Uncertainty ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
The Impact

Wet markets are important for food security in many regions worldwide but have come under scrutiny due to their potential role in the emergence of infectious diseases. The sale of live wildlife has been highlighted as a particular risk, and the World Health Organisation has called for the banning of live, wild-caught mammalian species in markets unless risk assessment and effective regulations are in place. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a global scoping review of peer-reviewed information about the sale of live, terrestrial wildlife in markets that are likely to sell fresh food, and collated data about the characteristics of such markets, activities involving live wildlife, the species sold, their purpose, and animal, human, and environmental health risks that were identified. Of the 59 peer-reviewed records within scope, only 25% (n = 14) focussed on disease risks; the rest focused on the impact of wildlife sale on conservation. Although there were some global patterns (for example, the types of markets and purpose of sale of wildlife), there was wide diversity and huge epistemic uncertainty in all aspects associated with live, terrestrial wildlife sale in markets such that the feasibility of accurate assessment of the risk of emerging infectious disease associated with live wildlife trade in markets is limited. Given the value of both wet markets and wildlife trade and the need to support food affordability and accessibility, conservation, public health, and the social and economic aspects of livelihoods of often vulnerable people, there are major information gaps that need to be addressed to develop evidence-based policy in this environment. This review identifies these gaps and provides a foundation from which information for risk assessments can be collected.

scholarly journals The Impact of Covid-19 Public Health Policies on Persons with Disability and their Caregivers in Malta

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Andrew Camilleri ◽  
Samantha Pace Gasan ◽  
Andrew Azzopardi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Essential Services ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
The Impact

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global health pandemic, due to the spread of a novel coronavirus, later named “Covid-19”. The spread of Covid-19 led to social isolation, distancing and a number of restrictive measures in Malta.  The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent restrictive measures on persons with disability and their caregivers and families in Malta. Using thematic analysis, the study found that a variety of impacts ranging from a sense of isolation, lack of essential services being provided, additional difficulties encountered at the place of work and education and measures that were not sufficiently tailored for persons with disability issued by public health authorities. Underlying the additional difficulties brought about by Covid-19, structural difficulties to access essential services as well as ignorance from policy makers and politicians and the added “vulnerable-ization” of persons with disabilities were found to be highly impacting factors that pervade the experience of persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

29 September, International Day of Otolaryngologist

2020 ◽  
pp. 75-79
Author(s):  
Oksana Rybachok
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Injury Risk Factor ◽  
The Impact

According to the World Health Organisation, deafness is one of the most widely spread sensory disorders in the world affecting about 360 million people worldwide. The causes of deafness can be very diverse, from genetic diseases, the impact of injury-risk factor and infectious agents to the administration of ototoxic drugs. Moreover, otolaryngologists believe that about half of deafness and hearing loss cases could have been prevented. Though otolaryngology was separated as an independent medical science in the mid-18th century, the decision to celebrate the Otolaryngologist Day on September 29 as a professional holiday for medical practitioners in this speciality was made not so long ago. This date at the end of September was chosen on purpose: the influx of patients to medical practitioners in this speciality is observed closer to the mid-autumn, after the first cold snap.

Investigation of malondialdehyde and some elements in young infertile males

2021 ◽  
pp. 5418-5422
Author(s):  
Khlowd Mohammed Jasem ◽  
Taha H. Alnasrawi ◽  
Haneen Haleem Shiblawi ◽  
Hameedah Hadi Abdul Wahid ◽  
Narjis Hadi Al-Saadi
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Radioactive Materials ◽  
The People ◽  
Zinc Levels

Infertility is an important medical issue that has serious medical and psychosocial effects on affected individuals. In 2003, the Iraqi community suffered from profanation acts because of conflicts in the country. Toxic chemicals and radioactive materials caused numerous injuries and deaths. The people who survived these horrific events eventually suffered either from cancer or infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and some trace elements in the seminal plasma of infertile males and determine their effects on sperm parameters. This study included 41 infertile males 18-40 years old. Levels of MDA, zinc, copper and magnesium were measured in their semen via spectrophotometry. According to the classification of the World Health Organisation, the patients were classified into three groups: normospermia, oligospermia and asthenspermia. Results showed significant differences in MDA and zinc levels among the three groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, results showed a mildly positive correlation between MDA levels and sperm count (r = 0.57). This study established that levels of MDA and some trace elements contribute to male infertility.

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