Qualitative exploration of the physical activity engagement among college students with intellectual disabilities

Higher education institutions today have offered a range of postsecondary transition programs for adults with.intellectual disabilities (ID). Applying the social-ecological framework, this study was aimed to analyze qualitative data about the experiences and perceptions of physical activity (PA) among eight college students with ID at a post-secondary transition program in the United States. The phenomenological approach was utilized to describe participants' lifeworld experience of PA. Results indicated that the most PA opportunities on campus merely derived from the availability of adapted programs. Only one participant met the minimum requirement of engaging moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Based on the analysis using the social-ecological framework, the results include twelve themes at the intrapersonal level (self-efficacy, personality, emotion, past experiences, knowledge, and time), interpersonal level (family support and friend support), and institutional level (specifically, university recreation center, available adapted programs, adverse weather, and COVID effect) that influenced their PA participation. The current transition program seemed to promote sedentary behaviors during school hours. Strategies to enhance PA engagement for this population should include increasing students and parents' knowledge of PA and health, providing adequate social support from college mentors and more adapted PA opportunities and alternative options on campus. These recommendations could boost PA self-efficacy and overcome barriers at multiple levels in students with ID.Copyright © The British Society of Developmental Disabilities 2023.

A systems view of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic: A causal loop model for Taiwan's approach

Since the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, Taiwan has successfully stopped the spread of COVID-19. The policies and works of the epidemic control are a complex and dynamic process. This study applied the methodology of system dynamics to explore the structure of the COVID-19 epidemic control system in Taiwan and analysed its system behaviours. The results show that the system is composed of key subsystems, such as national health insurance and quarantine, combined with government policies. Joint efforts among the central and local governments and the general public have been made to strengthen the quarantine of border entrants, encourage the public to wear masks and employ technology for contact tracing and tracking down those being tested positive with COVID-19. Together with the efficient increase in the capacity of testing and medical treatments, these measures can effectively reach a balance between epidemic control and economic activities. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of a Novel Hybrid Global Health Elective in Migrant Health and Human Rights

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in global health education, effectively suspending nonessential travel, including international clinical electives for medical students. However, the necessary constraints of the pandemic also forced innovation in education. Here we report a novel hybrid online/in-person clinical and policy elective in migrant health and human rights that was developed as part of our medical school's Global Health Leadership Program and successfully offered as an alternative to the program's traditional international clinical sites. The elective was designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the multidisciplinary field of migrant health, along with an enriched understanding of international human rights and reproductive justice. Methods: Our hybrid elective gave students exposure to medical-legal partnerships (which are foundational to supporting migrant populations) through training and participation in forensic evaluations of asylum seekers both locally and transnationally (across the southern border in Mexico). This was coupled with direct service supporting COVID-19-related outreach to our local undocumented Latinx population, which had been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These experiences were further complemented by faculty-facilitated discussions, interprofessional guest lectures, readings, films/documentaries, and online modules, followed by an optional extended policy experience with a local non-governmental organization team focused on providing support to victims of forced marriage, including child marriage. Results: We enrolled a full cohort (n=3) for the pilot elective and elicited regular feedback from participants throughout the experience, which was overwhelmingly positive. Given the limited sample size of the pilot cohort, our evaluation was primarily narrative with an intent to guide further course development. Each student participated in a total of 2-3 virtual evaluations of asylum seekers and was responsible for preparing at least one draft forensic affidavit. In addition, all students engaged in direct service with the local undocumented Latinx community through COVID-19 testing and supplementary outreach efforts, such as targeted food drives. Finally, two of the three students chose to extend their participation for an additional 3 weeks, over which they were embedded with a local NGO where they participated in additional supervised advocacy efforts, including publishing an editorial in support of a statewide bill limiting child marriage. Conclusion: We were able to successfully adapt existing global health educational infrastructure to the COVID-19 landscape through a focus on migrant health, implementing a hybrid elective which combined synchronous and asynchronous online didactics with virtual evaluations of asylum seekers (both local and transnational), direct service, and an optional supplementary policy experience. This innovative model may be considered in scaling migrant health and human rights training across undergraduate medical education programs.

Examining the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on exercise behavior and perceived academic stress among U.S. college students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to capture the impact of COVID-19 on exercise behavior in U.S. college students. Exercise behaviors and perceived academic stress were examined from pre-COVID-19 (January-March 2020) and early-COVID-19 (April-July 2020) to continued-COVID-19 times (August-October 2020). Participants: One hundred and thirty-two participants completed the online questionnaires retrospectively. Methods: Two-way analyses of variance were used to examine exercise behaviors and academic stress perception over time between genders. Results: Participants spent much time in sedentary behavior and an increase in academic stress was evident in learning during the early-COVID-19 period. The time spent in sedentary behavior was reduced, but the stress involving coursework remained during the continued-COVID period. The impact of the COVID pandemic was observed to be universal across sex groups. Conclusions: Universities should consider how to support physical and mental health during lockdown and extended closure due to a pandemic.

Orally delivered perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extract effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in a Syrian hamster model

On analyzing the results of cell-based assays, we have previously shown that perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extract (PLE), a food supplement and orally deliverable traditional Chinese medicine approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by directly targeting virions. PLE was also found to modulate virus-induced cytokine expression levels. In this study, we explored the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of PLE in a hamster model by examining viral loads and virus-induced immunopathology in lung tissues. Experimental animals were intranasally challenged with different SARS-CoV-2 doses. Jugular blood samples and lung tissue specimens were obtained in the acute disease stage (3-4 post-infection days). As expected, SARS-CoV-2 induced lung inflammation and hemorrhagic effusions in the alveoli and perivascular areas;additionally, it increased the expression of several immune markers of lung injury - including lung Ki67-positive cells, Iba-1-positive macrophages, and myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils. Virus-induced lung alterations were significantly attenuated by orally administered PLE. In addition, pretreatment of hamsters with PLE significantly reduced viral loads and immune marker expression. A purified active fraction of PLE was found to confer higher antiviral protection. Notably, PLE prevented SARS-CoV-2-induced increase in serum markers of liver and kidney function as well as the decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent fashion. Differently from lung pathology, monitoring of serum biomarkers in Syrian hamsters may allow a more humane assessment of the novel drugs with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Our results expand prior research by confirming that PLE may exert an in vivo therapeutic activity against SARS-CoV-2 by attenuating viral loads and lung tissue inflammation, which may pave the way for future clinical applications.

Real-World Crizanlizumab Treatment Patterns of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Crizanlizumab infusion was FDA approved in 2019 to reduce VOCs in patients with SCD ≥16 years old. There is little real-world evidence (RWE) regarding crizanlizumab use. Objective: To describe real-world crizanlizumab utilization. Methods: Using IQVIA’s US-based Longitudinal Pharmacy and Medical Claims Databases, patients with an SCD diagnosis between 01-November-2018 and 30-April-2021, ≥1 crizanlizumab claim (index date=first crizanlizumab claim) between 01-November-2019 and 31-January-2021, aged ≥16-years at index, ≥12-months of pre-index, and ≥6-months of post-index data were identified. Crizanlizumab treatment patterns were characterized by doses received, gap-days between doses (days between end of days-supply of one dose to the next administration), discontinuation (≥60-day gap), days on therapy prior to discontinuation, and restarts. Results: In total 262 patients were included. Of these patients, 235(87%) received dose #2, 204(78%) received dose #3, and 174(66%) received ≥4 doses with a median(interquartile range [IQR]) of 125(43-180) days on therapy prior to discontinuation. In the 6-months post-index, 150(57%) patients discontinued crizanlizumab. Of those patients who discontinued crizanlizumab, 46(31%) restarted. Among the 112 patients that did not discontinue, the median(IQR) gap-days between doses 1&2=2(1-15) days, between doses 2&3=1(1-7) days, between doses 3&4=1(1-5) days, and between doses 4&5=1(1-6) days. At the end of the 6-months of follow-up, 88 patients (34% of all patients) appeared to be on crizanlizumab. Conclusions: This RWE suggests that 66% of patients who receive crizanlizumab receive ≥4 doses within 6-months, patients receiving multiple doses appear to have a reduction in gap-days with each subsequent dose, and that of those who discontinue treatment, 31% restart crizanlizumab within 6-months post-index. Due to the nature of claims data, the reasons for discontinuation or gaps between doses are unknown. The impact of COVID-19 restrictions or other access barriers on crizanlizumab use is also unknown.

Well-being and career change intention: COVID-19's impact on unemployed and furloughed hospitality workers

Purpose - This study aims to examine the psychological distress experienced by unemployed and furloughed hospitality workers during the COVID-19 crisis and further investigate how this distress affects their career change intentions. Design/methodology/approach - Derived from a sample of 607 unemployed and furloughed hospitality workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the data for this research are analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings - This study reveals that unemployed and furloughed hospitality workers are financially strained, depressed, socially isolated and panic-stricken due to the pandemic's effects. These effects lead to impaired wellbeing and an increased intention to leave the hospitality industry. Female and younger employees are impacted to a greater extent, while furloughedworkers received fewer impacts compared to their laid-off compatriots. Research limitations/implications - This study suggests that lockdown restrictions need to be implemented more deliberately, and the psychological well-being of the hospitality workforce deserves more immediate and continuing attention. It advises that hospitality businesses consider furloughs over layoffs when workforce reduction measures are necessary to combat the financial crisis. Originality/value - This study adds to the current literature by examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the employee perspective. New insights are offered on the psychological toll of workforce reduction strategies during the financial fallout and howthese distressing experiences affect career change intention.

Respiratory Protective Equipment Reconsiderations in the Age of SARS-CoV-2

The use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has been recognized as an effective measure to mitigate droplet and airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Although there are various types of RPE available, different RPEs serve different purposes and offer various levels of protection against aerosols. Additionally, recent evidence highlights the role of good fit in ensuring the effectiveness of RPEs. Some modified procedures can enhance the effectiveness of surgical masks by improving fit. In the age of SARS-CoV-2, there is an urgent need for knowledge about RPEs. The correct selection and use of RPEs are of pivotal importance for breaking the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2.

A systems view of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic: A causal loop model for Taiwan's approach

Since the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, Taiwan has successfully stopped the spread of COVID-19. The policies and works of the epidemic control are a complex and dynamic process. This study applied the methodology of system dynamics to explore the structure of the COVID-19 epidemic control system in Taiwan and analysed its system behaviours. The results show that the system is composed of key subsystems, such as national health insurance and quarantine, combined with government policies. Joint efforts among the central and local governments and the general public have been made to strengthen the quarantine of border entrants, encourage the public to wear masks and employ technology for contact tracing and tracking down those being tested positive with COVID-19. Together with the efficient increase in the capacity of testing and medical treatments, these measures can effectively reach a balance between epidemic control and economic activities.

Mask reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey in Taiwan

Background The use of masks is an effective measure to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection;however, mask reuse is not recommended. Studies examining the factors associated with mask reuse during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic are limited. This nationwide survey aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mask reuse among Taiwanese citizens during the pandemic. Methods From May 18 through May 31, 2020, a computer-assisted telephone interview system was used to randomly select Taiwanese citizens who were interviewed for COVID-19 preventive behaviors and knowledge on the usage of masks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mask reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the rate of mask reuse among participants before and during the pandemic. Results For a total of 1,075 participants, the overall mean age was 57.4 years, and 82.2% of participants reported mask reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for other covariates, participants who had a greater knowledge on mask usage or had a high supply of masks were less likely to reuse masks during the pandemic. GEE analysis showed that compared with the participants' mask wearing behaviors before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were more likely to reuse masks during the pandemic. Conclusions The rate of mask reuse among the general population during the pandemic was significantly higher than that before the pandemic. Individuals were less likely to reuse masks if they had adequate knowledge on mask usage or had a high supply of masks. Since mask reuse is associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 due to the possibility of wearing SAS-CoV-2-contaminated masks, it is imperative to educate people on the correct usage of masks. Further, the government should provide sufficient masks to the general population to decrease the reuse of masks. Key messages Mask reuse increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the shortage in supply. It is imperative to educate people about the correct usage of masks.

The influence of public health information sharing on social media during the early COVID-19 outbreak

Purpose - Social media have become famous platform to search and share the COVID-19-related information. The objective of this research is to bridge the gap by proposing the effects of network cluster and transmitter activity on information sharing process. Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected by using Facebook application, which was available for 14 days (May 1-14) in 2020. These data were analyzed to determine the influence of the network cluster and transmitter activity. Findings - The results showed that network cluster is positively related to transmitter activity on social media. In addition, transmitter activity partially mediated the effect of network cluster on the extent of information liked and shared. That is, transmitter activity can affect COVID-19-related information sharing on Facebook, and the activity effect is plausible and should become stronger as social network become denser. Originality/value - This study has contributed to the knowledge of health information sharing in social media and has generated new opportunities for research into the role of network cluster. As social media is firmly entrenched in society, researches that improve the experience or quality for users is potentially impactful.

Identifiability as an “Antidote”: Exploring Emotional Contagion and the Role of Anonymity in Twitter Discussions on Misinformation

Misinformation carries both distorted facts and sophisticated emotional signals. Comparing to facts that could be labeled as true or false, we are more concerned about contaminative negative emotions transferring digitally among users. In this study, we explored an emotional contagion effect among misinformation discussion participants on Twitter. We analyzed the sentiment of 573 tweets in 192 discussion threads. Our result revealed that highly emotional tweets do not have a universal effect on the online discussions, but it affects those individuals with limited social and personal identity cues (i.e., being anonymous). We found that anonymous members of the online discussion are more susceptible to emotional contagions than those are not. We also suggest coping strategies that protect social media users’ emotional well-being during the era COVID-19. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Big Data Analysis for Effects of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Ambient PM2.5 in Areas that Were Not Locked Down

COVID-19, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first broke out at the end of 2019. Despite rapidly spreading around the world during the first half of 2020, it remained well controlled in Taiwan without the implementation of a nationwide lockdown. This study aimed to evaluate the PM2.5 concentrations in this country during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and compare them with those during the corresponding period from 2019. We obtained measurements (taken every minute or every 3 minutes) from approximately 1,500 PM2.5 sensors deployed in industrial areas of northern and southern Taiwan for the first quarters (January-March) of both years. Our big data analysis revealed that the median hourly PM2.5 levels decreased by 3.70% (from 16.3 to 15.7 mu g m(-3)) and 10.6% (from 32.4 to 29.3 mu g m(-3)) in the north and south, respectively, between these periods owing to lower domestic emissions of PM2.5 precursors (viz., nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide) and, to a lesser degree, smaller transported emissions of PM2.5, e.g., from China. Additionally, the spatial patterns of the PM2.5 in both northern and southern Taiwan during 2020 resembled those from the previous year. Finally, controlling local PM2.5 emission sources critically contributes to reducing the number of COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19: A Distance Learning Experience And Reflection At Ntnu

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions around the world are facing unprecedented challenges in the year 2020;many schools have closed their campuses and suspended teaching and learning activities, while others have switched to distance learning to keep learning going. The purpose of this study is to explore the learning problems faced by higher education worldwide in the face of COVID-19, as well as NTNU's experiences with and reflections on the implementation of whole-campus distance learning. © 2021, Contemporary Educational Research Quarterly. All Rigths Reserved.

Technical routes for coronavirus vaccine development

Three types of coronavirus, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, are known to cause severe diseases in humans and cause outbreaks or epidemics. After the outbreak of the epidemic, a number of institutions around the world carried out coronavirus related vaccine research and development, and the vaccines are mainly divided into five types: inactivated virus vaccine, alive-attenuated vaccine, gene recombination subunit vaccine, viral vector vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. In this review, the progress in coronavirus vaccine development was summarized by analyzing the global research of coronavirus vaccine.