Digital Commons Network^™

Nutrition And Physical Exercise Prevention Strategies To Reduce Obesity During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Carmesha Vajill Carter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity has reached an epidemic level of 75 million obese adults and 15 million obese children in the United States. The research problem addressed in this study is the lack of information on how obese people manage their weight-loss strategies to prevent or reduce obesity during shut-in place restrictions for the COVID-19 Pandemic. This study included the Prochaska and DiClemente Trans-Theoretical Model of Behavioral Change and the Stage of Change Theory. The phenomenon approach using phenomenology described participants' lived experiences of being obese. The researcher completed data collection and evaluation among sixteen participants using email questionnaires to analyze participant's responses …

Environmental Health Responses To Covid 19 In Western Australia: Lessons For The Future, Jacques Oosthuizen, Melissa Stoneham, Toni Hannelly, Edmore Masaka, Giverny Dodds, Victor Andrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic tested the health system of Western Australia (WA) and the relatively new overarching legislative framework that guided the state-wide public health response to the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the experiences and roles of environmental health officers (EHOs) in WA during the management of COVID-19 and to identify any policy changes that are needed to facilitate the rapid deployment of EHOs during a future public health crisis. An online survey with 78 respondents was administered and analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. It was found that participants believed there was inadequate resourcing, workforce shortages, increased workloads, …

Experiences Of Queer Women And Nonbinary Individuals With Mental Health Care Services During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Elizabeth Claire Simpson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on mental health. Queer women and nonbinary individuals disproportionately experience mental health issues when compared to heterosexuals, often facing challenges in receiving care from providers who are sensitive to their concerns and competent in their care. Objective: To report experience of queer women and nonbinary individuals in the United States with mental health care services before and during the pandemic. Methods: Data were gathered via a 43-item survey about experiences with mental health care services before and during the pandemic that was posted on four social media sites, and flyers hung …

The World Health Organization, The Trump Administration, American Public Opinion, And China: A Principal-Agent Problem, Megan Patrice Larson

Master's Theses

Why did the United States perceive the World Health Organization as ineffective during the COVID-19 pandemic? To answer this question, this research delves into current principal-agent model literature to reproduce mechanisms present by the WHO and the United States. Current research fails to explain the WHO's effectiveness. By borrowing from realist theory and political psychology and analyzing various declarations made by the United States, this analysis found preliminary evidence that the idea of WHO's ineffectiveness was primarily shaped by the Trump Administration and American public opinion. Moreover, because of the disinformation and misinformation spread by the Trump Administration, the WHO …

Documenting Covid-19 At Uab: A Library’S Role In Preserving Accounts Of The Coronavirus Pandemic, Margaret Wood Balch, Anna Kaetz

Libraries Professional Work

In August of 2020, UAB Libraries of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) launched the Documenting COVID-19 at UAB project, seeking the stories of UAB students, faculty, staff, and health care workers navigating life during COVID-19 to preserve them in a born-digital collection. Since then, ninety-five items have been added to the collection, including photographs, video/audio productions, news items, and personal written accounts. This article discusses the planning and creation of the Documenting COVID-19 at UAB collection and highlights several submissions that provided uniquely insightful information about the pandemic. It also addresses how libraries play a key role in …

The Current State Of Fellowship Leadership In Dermatology: Trends In Workforce Demographics And Scholarly Productivity, Steven Idell, David D Mcpherson, Jessica Martin, Andrew Dentino, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, Julia V Philley, Paul Mcgaha, Megan Devine, Jacqueline Bronicki, Daniel D Karp

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In 2018, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Tyler and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley were invited to develop clinical research units for an existing Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) consortium with the objective to equip medically underserved, economically disadvantaged communities and subsequently to deploy COVID-19 clinical trials in response to a public health emergency.

Invasive Haemophilus Influenza Type B In An Infant During The Covid-19 Pandemic: The Return Of Diseases We Hoped Never To See Again…, Christy Tabarani, Stephen A Fletcher, Gloria P Heresi, Susan H Wootton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Special Focus Facility Program And Nursing Home Quality, Annie S. Rhodes

Theses and Dissertations

The Special Focus Facility Program is an intensive program meant to rapidly support 88 of the lowest quality nursing homes in the United States, as determined by the Five-Star Quality Ranking system. There are also 435 facility candidates which are similarly low performing but not enrolled in the program. Academic literature has largely ignored this program, and the existing grey literature is more than a decade old and does not include COVID-19 data. Applying a political economy of aging framework and using a case matching methodology, Special Focus Facilities (SFF), Special Focus Facility Candidate (SFFc) nursing homes, and 5-star nursing …

Comparison Of Anakinra And Tocilizumab In Management Of Severe Covid-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Orhan Küçükşahi̇n, Abdulsamet Erden, Özlem Karakaş, Serdar Can Güven, Berkan Armağan, Enes Seyda Şahi̇ner, Osman İnan, Ali̇ Can Kurti̇pek, Emi̇n Gemci̇oğlu, Selma Karaahmetoğlu, Sema Turan, Seval İzdeş, Deni̇z Erdem, Adalet Aypak, Müge Ayhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Studies regarding effectiveness of anakinra and tocilizumab treatments in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have contradictory results. Furthermore, there is scarce comparative data regarding superiority of any agent. To further elucidate any superiority between these two agents, we retrospectively investigated and compared outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients of our inpatient cohort who received anakinra or tocilizumab. Materials and methods: This study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study. Hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who had Brescia-COVID respiratory severity scale score ?3 and hyperinflammation (defined as elevation of C reactive protein ?50 g/L or ferritin ?700 ng/mL) …

The Effect Of Frailty On The Development Of Acute Kidney Injury In Critically-Ill Geriatric Patients With Covid-19, Murat Küçük, Bi̇şar Ergün, Mehmet Nuri̇ Yakar, Özer Ural Çakici, Erdem Yaka, Bi̇lgi̇n Cömert, Ali̇ Necati̇ Gökmen, Begüm Ergan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acute kidney injury is strongly associated with mortality in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, age-related risk factors for acute kidney injury are not clear yet. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of clinical factors on acute kidney injury development in an elderly COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Critically ill patients (?65years) with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit were included in the study. Primary outcome of the study was the rate of acute kidney injury, and secondary outcome was to define the effect of frailty and other risk factors on …

Evaluation Of Coagulation With Teg In Patients Diagnosed Covid-19, Hülya Vatansev, Mehmet Ali̇ Karaselek, Resul Yilmaz, Serkan Küççüktürk, Ahmet Topal, Şebnem Yosunkaya, Adem Küçük, Celaletti̇n Vatansev

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background and aim: A high D-dimer level may indicate the risk of coagulopathy and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Thromboelastography (TEG) is a test that evaluates clot formation and fibrinolysis in real-time, unlike routine coagulation tests. The study aimed to investigate the coagulation process with TEG in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The study was performed at our university hospital, chest diseases outpatient clinic as a cross-section study. A total of 51 patients with 23 high D-dimer levels group (HDG) and 28 low D-dimers group (LDG) were included in the study. TEG analysis was performed at the pretreatment evaluation …

A Covid-19 First Evaluation Clinic At A University Hospital In Turkey, Gülçi̇n Telli̇ Di̇zman, Gökhan Metan, Çağlayan Merve Ayaz Ceylan, Hayri̇ye Altunay, Mertcan Uzun, Gamze Gürsoy, Zahi̇t Taş, Gi̇zem Karahan, Fari̇da Ahmadova, Tuğba Saricaoğlu, Zeynep Cansu Çalişkan, Alpaslan Alp, Meli̇ha Çağla Sönmezer, Ahmet Çağkan İnkaya, Ahmet Görkem Er

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We aimed to analyze the usefulness of such a reserved area for the admission of the patients' symptoms suggesting COVID-19 and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients with COVID-19 and without COVID-19 who were admitted to C1 during the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak in our hospital. Materials and methods: A new area was set up in Hacettepe University Adult Hospital to limit the contact of COVID-19 suspicious patients with other patients, which was named as COVID-19 First Evaluation Outpatient Clinic (C1). C1 had eight isolation rooms and two sampling rooms for SARS-CoV-2 polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR). …

Evaluation Of Clinical And Laboratory Findings In Severe Group Covid-19 Pregnants Without Comorbidity, Fatma Bozkurt, Ömer Çoşkun, Sevda Yeleç, Muhammed Bekçi̇başi, Muhammet Asena, İhsan Bağli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: COVID - 19 disease may be seen with different clinical presentations in pregnant women. Comorbid diseases are important factors affecting the progression of this disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings in pregnant women with COVID - 19 who had no comorbid disease. Material and methods: This retrospective designed study included 217 patients with Covid PCR positive in typically COVID - 19 clinic. The patients were classified into asymptomatic, nonsevere, and severe disease groups. The symptoms, laboratory results, hospital follow- ups and intensive care records of the patients and the findings of new …

A New Device For Bronchoscopy For Better Protection, Aslihan Gürün Kaya, Mi̇raç Öz, İnci̇fer Karnak Orhun, Serhat Erol, Aydin Çi̇ledağ, Demet Karnak, Akin Kaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has not been precisely known in bronchoscopy procedures. We have designed a cabinet device called Ankara University Bronchoscopy Cabinet (Aubrocab® ) to protect healthcare. We aimed to evaluate preventing effect of Aubrocab® on aerosol spreading by measuring the particles in the bronchoscopy suite. Materials and methods: The patients were categorized into two groups as those who underwent bronchoscopy with and without Aubrocab® . We measured PM 0.5 levels before and after bronchoscopy in the bronchoscopy suite. Results: A total of 82 patients, 62 of whom underwent bronchoscopy with Aubrocab® …

Turkey's Transition To Face-To-Face Schooling During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mahmut Özer, Hayri̇ Eren Suna, Matjaz Perc, Sadri̇ Şensoy, Sevi̇l Uygun İli̇khan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The COVID-19 pandemic majorly disrupted conventional schooling and many countries maintained educational services through distance education. The duration of school closures in Turkey was longer than most OECD countries, thus Turkey prioritized school reopenings in the 2021-2022 academic year to mitigate possible negative outcomes of closures. Here we study the compatibility of implications for school reopenings in Turkey with these practices and assess the first semester of face-to-face schooling. Materials and methods: We have used document analysis to present and compare the practices in Turkey with international practices. We also used a comparative approach to assess the coherence between …

The Efficacy Of Anakinra Compared To Standard Care Of Treatment For Covid-19: A Metaanalysis, Hamna Malik, Hira Bint Abdul Jabbar, Farah Latif, Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, Muzna Sarfraz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: As SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread worldwide, this study brings to light the link that anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, has in averting grave clinical outcomes. The objectives of this meta-analysis are to investigate the effects of anakinra in interventional groups compared to control/standard of care groups on mortality along with the provision of a prevalence estimate of the variables associated with death (C-reactive protein-CRP, ferritin, acute respiratory distress syndrome-ARDS). Materials and methods: According to the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted from December 19, 2020, until December 10, 2021, with keywords including COVID-19, coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, …

An Evaluation Of The Results Of Convalescent Plasma Therapy Applied To Pregnant Womendiagnosed As Covid-19- Positive In A Pandemic Center: A Prospective Cohort Study, Seyi̇t Ahmet Erol, Atakan Tanaçan, Hakan Apaydin, Şule Göncü Ayhan, Deni̇z Oluklu, Derya Uyan Hendem, Serpi̇l Ünlü, Abdulsamet Erden, Özlem Moraloğlu Teki̇n, Ahmet Omma, İhsan Ateş, Orhan Küçükşahi̇n, Di̇lek Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Convalescent plasma (CP) might be an additional treatment modality in COVID-19. The aim of this study was to compare CP-related clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with mild or moderate-severe COVID-19. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 36 pregnant women (12 mild and 24 moderate-severe), who underwent CP therapy. The CP obtained from recently recovered donors was transfused to patients together with maximum supportive care and antiviral agents. The groups were then compared in respect of clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, obstetric complications, and neonatal outcomes. Results: Significant differences were determined between the groups in respect …

Use Of Modeling To Inform Decision Making In North Carolina During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Karl Johnson, Caitlin B Biddell, Kristen Hassmiller Lich, Julie Swann, Paul Delamater, Maria Mayorga, Julie Ivy, Raymond L Smith, Mehul D Patel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has popularized computer-based decision-support models, which are commonly used to inform decision making amidst complexity. Understanding what organizational decision makers prefer from these models is needed to inform model development during this and future crises. Methods. We recruited and interviewed decision makers from North Carolina across 9 sectors to understand organizational decision-making processes during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 44). For this study, we identified and analyzed a subset of responses from interviewees (n = 19) who reported using modeling to inform decision making. We used conventional content analysis to …

Global “Flu-Ization” Of Covid-19: A Perspective From Vietnam, Khoi Quan Nguyen, Le My Anh Nguyen, Andrew W Taylor-Robinson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

The Experiences Of Marriage And Family Therapists Balancing Relational Teletherapy And Self-Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Elizabeth Dumayne

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to the world of mental health, especially in the delivery that marriage and family therapists provide services to their clients and while balancing their own self-care. In order to provide therapists with a base from which to work through these changes, a thorough review of the literature is provided as well as an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Chapter one provides an introduction to the topic of relational teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and self-care for therapists, defines the terms teletherapy and self-care, and clarifies the conceptual frameworks at use in the dissertation: ecological systems …

Exo-Sir: An Epidemiological Model To Analyze The Impact Of Exogenous Spread Of Infection, Nirmal Kumar Sivaraman, Manas Gaur, Shivansh Baijal, Sakthi Balan Muthiah, Amit Sheth

Publications

Epidemics like Covid-19 and Ebola have impacted people's lives significantly. The impact of mobility of people across the countries or states in the spread of epidemics has been significant. The spread of disease due to factors local to the population under consideration is termed the endogenous spread. The spread due to external factors like migration, mobility, etc. is called the exogenous spread. In this paper, we introduce the Exo-SIR model, an extension of the popular SIR model and a few variants of the model. The novelty in our model is that it captures both the exogenous and endogenous spread of …

A Systematic Review Of Rdrp Of Sars-Cov-2 Through Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Utilizing Structure-Based Drug Design Strategy, Fariha Imtiaz, Mustafa Kamal Pasha

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Since the coronavirus disease has been declared a global pandemic, it had posed a challenge among researchers and raised common awareness and collaborative efforts towards finding the solution. Caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2), coronavirus drug design strategy needs to be optimized. It is understandable that cognizance of the pathobiology of COVID-19 can help scientists in the development and discovery of therapeutically effective antiviral drugs by elucidating the unknown viral pathways and structures. Considering the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning with its advancements in the field of science, it is rational to use these methods which …

The Need For Social Support From Law Schools During The Era Of Social Distancing, Michele Okoh, Inès Ndonko Nnoko

FIU Law Review

Law students have been faced with unparalleled stress during the syndemic. They must cope with being students during the COVID-19 pandemic but also must deal with stress related to social and political unrest. This essay recommends that law schools apply social support theory in developing interventions to effectively address the needs of law students now and in the future. Social support theory focuses on the value and benefits one receives from positive interpersonal relationships. These positive relationships impact both mental and physical health and promote beneficial short and long-term overall health. However, not all supports are the same, and social …

Machine Learning Techniques For Predicting Depression And Anxiety In Pregnant And Postpartum Women During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Regional Study, Radwan Qasrawi, Malak Amro, Stephanny Vicunapolo, Diala Abu Al-Halawa, Hazem Agha, Rania Abu Seir, Maha Hoteit, Reem Hoteit, Sabika Allehdan, Nouf Behzad, Khlood Bookari, Majid Alkhalaf, Haleama Al-Sabbah, Eman Badran, Reema Tayyem

All Works

Background: Maternal depression and anxiety are significant public health concerns that play an important role in the health and well-being of mothers and children. The COVID-19 pandemic, the consequential lockdowns and related safety restrictions worldwide negatively affected the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women. Methods: This regional study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) model for the prediction of maternal depression and anxiety. The study used a dataset collected from five Arab countries during the COVID-19 pandemic between July to December 2020. The population sample included 3569 women (1939 pregnant and 1630 postpartum) from five countries (Jordan, Palestine, …

The Nhlbi Study On Long-Term Outcomes After The Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children (Music): Design And Objectives, Dongngan T Truong, Felicia L Trachtenberg, Gail D Pearson, Audrey Dionne, Matthew D Elias, Kevin Friedman, Kerri H Hayes, Lynn Mahony, Brian W Mccrindle, Matthew E Oster, Victoria Pemberton, Andrew J Powell, Mark W Russell, Lara S Shekerdemian, Mary Beth Son, Michael Taylor, Jane W Newburger

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The Long-terM OUtcomes after the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children (MUSIC) study aims to characterize the frequency and time course of acute and long-term cardiac and non-cardiac sequelae in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C), which are currently poorly understood.

METHODS: This multicenter observational cohort study will enroll at least 600 patientsyears, and optional genetic testing. Cardiac imaging at specific time points includes standardized echocardiographic assessment (all participants) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in those with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

CONCLUSION: The MUSIC study, with the largest cohort of MIS-C patients and the longest …

Studying Spread Patterns Of Covid-19 Based On Spatiotemporal Data, Beiyu Lin, Xiaowei Jia, Zhiqian Chen

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The current COVID-19 epidemic have transformed every aspect of our lives, especially our behavior and routines. These changes have been drastically impacting the economy in each region, such as local restaurants and transportation systems. With massive amounts of ambient data being collected everywhere, we now can develop innovative algorithms to have a much greater understanding of epidemic spread patterns of COVID-19 based on spatiotemporal data. The findings will open up the possibility to design adaptive planning or scheduling systems that will help preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

In this tutorial, we will review the trending state-of-theart …

Factors Impacting Vaccine Uptake During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Analysis, Maame Aba Coleman, Deepa Dongarwar, Jessica Ramirez, Mei-Li Laracuente, Chelsea Livingston, Julliet Ogu, Racquel Lyn, Arabella Hall, Sylvia Adu-Gyamfi, Hamisu M Salihu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vaccine uptake rates during pregnancy remain below target goals due to a convergence of factors. In particular, women of lower socioeconomic means and racial minorities typically have reduced rates of vaccine acceptance. This study aims to identify additional factors contributing to vaccine acceptance within a sample population of women receiving prenatal care in Houston, Texas, United States of America.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 11,500 pregnant women covered by Medicaid or ChipPerinate who received prenatal care during 2013-2021, assessing influenza (flu) and combined Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (TDAP) vaccine acceptance in the patient population. …

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease After Receiving The Second Dose Of Pfizer-Biontech Covid-19 Vaccine, Andrea J. Folds, Melanie-Belle Ullrich, Sann Htoo, Anjeza Chukus

Internal Medicine

No abstract provided.

What Covid-19 Laid Bare: Adventures In Workers’ Compensation Causation, Michael C. Duff

All Faculty Scholarship

This essay performs a close analysis of workers’ compensation coverage of COVID-19 and arrives at the conclusion that it should not be “impossible” to prove in a legal sense that an employee’s COVID-19 was caused by work. Scientific proof is not the same as legal proof: workers’ compensation law has never required that claims must be supported by irrefutable scientific proof of workplace causation. Yet repeatedly one heard this suggestion during public discussion on workers’ compensation coverage of employees.

Still, there is good evidence that even when workers’ compensation undisputedly covers work-related disease employers seldom pay benefits (and states do …

Spartan Face Mask Detection And Facial Recognition System, Ziwei Song, Kristie Nguyen, Tien Nguyen, Catherine Cho, Jerry Gao

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing a face mask is one of the most effective protections from airborne infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Since the spread of COVID-19, infected countries have been enforcing strict mask regulation for indoor businesses and public spaces. While wearing a mask is a requirement, the position and type of the mask should also be considered in order to increase the effectiveness of face masks, especially at specific public locations. However, this makes it difficult for conventional facial recognition technology to identify individuals for security checks. To solve this problem, the Spartan Face Detection …