The Mediating Effects of Innovativeness and System Usability on Students' Personality Differences: Recommendations for E-Learning Platforms in the Post-Pandemic Era

The COVID-19 pandemic forced higher education institutions to adopt e-learning systems to ensure continuous teaching and learning;however, this paradigm shift challenged students' learning processes and is considered unsuitable for continuous use. Thus, a model was developed and experimentally verified in the current study to determine the factors that influence students' uptaking of e-learning in the post-pandemic era. The Delphi method was employed to conceptualize the research framework, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore personality traits. The research model was then empirically tested by using data from 438 valid responses. The results showed that all personality traits, except for conscientiousness, significantly influenced the adoption of e-learning. The most decisive influencing trait was found to be extroversion (r = 0.756), whereas the trait that was found to have the most negligible impact was agreeableness (r = 0.305). Personal innovativeness and system usability were both found to highly correlate with a willingness to adopt e-learning. Except for the indirect effect of conscientiousness on the adoption of e-learning through system usability, all other personality traits were found to significantly mediate the adoption of e-learning through personal innovativeness and system usability. The results of this study could inspire stakeholders in the field of education, particularly e-learning platform designers, to consider students' personality traits and individual differences in the design of e-learning platforms, with the goal of increasing students' willingness and ability to adapt to these systems. The current study provides a contemporary perspective on the actions of e-learning users in the post-pandemic era. © 2023 by the authors.

An approach combining bioinformatics and machine learning to identify eight autophagy-related biomarkers and construct molecular mechanisms underlying COVID-19 and major depressive disorders.

OBJECTIVE: A lack of objective biomarkers is preventing the screening and diagnosis of COVID-19 combined with major depression disorder (COVID-19-MDD). The purpose of this study was to identify diagnostic biomarkers and gene regulatory mechanisms associated with autophagy; a crucial process significantly involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-MDD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using GSE98793 from the GEO2R analysis (GEO) database, and intersected with the COVID-19-related gene (CRGs) and autophagy-related genes (ARGs) to obtain common genes involved in. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of these common genes were performed. Subsequently, the transcription factor (TF)-gene regulatory network and comorbidity network were constructed. In addition, 10 drug candidates were screened using the DSigDB database. To identify diagnostic markers, we used LASSO regression. RESULTS: In total, 13 common genes were screened, which were primarily enriched in lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum membranes, and other endomembrane systems also associated with autophagy. Additionally, these genes were involved in neurological cell signaling and have a functional role in pathways related to vascular endothelial growth factor, tyrosine kinase, autophagy, inflammation, immunity, and carcinogenesis. Tumors and psychiatric disorders were the most highly linked diseases to COVID-19. Finally, ten drug candidates and eight diagnostic markers (STX17, NRG1, RRAGD, XPO1, HERC1, HSP90AB1, EPHB2, and S1PR3) were screened. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to screen eight diagnostic markers and construct a gene regulatory network for COVID-19-MDD from the perspective of autophagy. The findings of our study provide novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19-MDD.

Epidemic modeling for the resurgence of COVID-19 in Chinese local communities

COVID-19 is a constantly challenging global health issue due to its strong intensity, rapid mutation and high infectiousness. The new Delta and Omicron variants have triggered massive outbreaks worldwide. Even China, which has done a good job in outbreak prevention, is still heavily affected by the virus. The long-term fight against multiple COVID-19 outbreaks is ongoing. In this study, we propose an SEIQR model that considers the incubation period and quarantine measurement. We verified our model using actual outbreak data from four Chinese cities. Numerical simulations show that a five-day delay results in a double resurgence scale. Our model can be used as a tool to understand the spread of the virus quantitatively and provide a reference for policymaking accordingly. © 2022

How Does Energy Efficiency Mitigate Carbon Emissions Without Reducing Economic Growth in Post COVID-19 Era

A comprehensive analytical study to assess the performance level of industrial functions in the environment has become necessary at the present time. According to existing research, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions in 2020. Policymakers are focusing on the discrepancies and negative environmental effect caused by various industries during their routine operations. This study aims to estimate the performance level of energy in the context of the environment of the countries that are members of the European Union This evaluation is performed through a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, through which we have applied a non-proportional adjustment, taking into account the input of energy and its undesirable output. The DEA model allows dynamic assessment of sources in the field of measuring energy efficiency and its environmental effects. The score of measurement of efficiency lies between zero and one, which means China and Russia are awarded this score of one (1), which shows the highest level of efficiency in clean energy, while Bangladesh (0.19), Uzbekistan (0.09), Mongolia and Cambodia (0.06), and Kyrgyzstan (0.04) are at the lowest level of performance in clean energy. The results of the study showed that clean energy efficiency levels increased in all countries over the study period. The emission level of greenhouse gases in the first world countries was found to be better in the context of improvement in performance enhancement in the sector of the energy mix. Evasion score is measured as 365 kt of CO2. This score for NO2 is 280 kt and for SO2 is 82 kt, whereas it is 23 kt (0.24 kg/cap) of particulate hazardous matter. The higher performance level of energy yields a negative relationship with emissions of gases, with a significant number of 12% for NO2 in 2000, as compared to 13% for SO2 and 14% for PM2.5. Whereas PM10 has the highest concentration (18%). Public policymakers may enhance the facilitation system for better free trade and a result-oriented corporate environment to enhance the performance level of energy in the electric sector. Copyright © 2022 Li, Yao-Ping Peng, Nazar, Ngozi Adeleye, Shang and Waqas.

Pharmacotherapeutics in the Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

Pharmacotherapeutics are being repurposed and used as off-label at various stages of COVID-19 infection. Clinical trials are being initiated or are ongoing to investigate the effectiveness and safety of these pharmacotherapeutics. This review article outlines the current pharmacotherapeutics and the controversies surrounding their use. The pharmacotherapeutics that were discussed are hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir, interferons, tocilizumab, and steroids. We also discussed the special consideration for pharmacotherapeutics in COVID-19 infection. No pharmacotherapeutics have been found to be effective and approved for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. However, there are clinical trials that have eliminated the possibilities of use of some pharmacotherapeutics while others had shown promising preliminary results of its use. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Development of a SYBR Green I real-time PCR assay for detection of novel porcine parvovirus 7.

In this study, we developed a SYBR Green I real-time PCR method for the rapid and sensitive detection of novel porcine parvovirus 7 (PPV7). Specific primers were designed based on the highly conserved region within the Capsid gene of PPV7. The established method was 1,000 times more sensitive than the conventional PCR method and had a detection limit of 35.6 copies. This method was specific and had no cross-reactions with PCV2, PCV3, PRV, PEDV, PPV1, and PPV6. Experiments testing the intra and interassay precision demonstrated a high reproducibility. Testing the newly established method with 200 clinical samples revealed a detection rate up to 17.5% higher than that of the conventional PCR assay. The established method could provide technical support for clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of PPV7.

Analysis of clinical features in novel Coronavirus pneumonia convalescents

Background: To analyze the clinical features of convalescent individuals with novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (novel coronavirus pneumonia) at rehabilitation station in Wuhan. Methods: 712 patients in the convalescence period of novel coronavirus pneumonia isolated and observed at the rehabilitation station were investigated by collecting their basic data, clinical syndrome features, and tongue manifestations. The clinical syndrome features were analyzed based on guidelines of Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for Novel Coronavirus-infected Pneumonia (National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, 7th Trial Edition). Results: Cough (24.86%), chest tightness and shortness of breath (23.17%), and fatigue (16.57%) were the main symptoms of patients in the convalescence period of novel coronavirus pneumonia. Their tongue appearance was mostly characterized by redness (88.65%), thick coating (67.25%), greasy coating (49.78%) and white coating (76.86%). Conclusion: Compared with the ordinary / mild patients, cough and anorexia symptoms were more common in the severe / critical patients. In convalescent patients, red and fat tongue with thick greasy fur were common.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Wuchang district of Wuhan].

Objective: To analyzes epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 and provide evidence for adjustment for COVID-19 prevention and control strategies. Methods: The data of COVID-19 cases in Wuchang district reported as of 19 March, 2020 were obtained from National Notifiable Disease Report System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The software's of Excel 2010, SPSSS 22.0, Arc GIS10.2 and Joinpoint regression program 4.8.0.0 were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 7547 COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 19 March, 2020 in Wuchang district, including 5 448 confirmed cases (72.19%), 2009 clinical diagnosed cases (26.62%) and 90 asymptomatic cases case (1.19%). The age of the cases was (56.65±16.25) years and age ranged from 2 days to 105 years among confirmed cases, 2634 were males (48.35%) and 2814 were females (51.65%), 2 492 were retirees (45.74%). A total of 545 health workers were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (7.22% of all cases) including 365 confirmed cases and 5 cases have died. A total of 430 cases of death were reported with case fatality rate of 7.89% (430/5 448), case fatality rate of males (10.9%, 266/2 634) was higher than that of females (5.82%, 164/2 814). The first phase of epidemic peak was from January 24 to January 26, the second phase of epidemic peak was from February 1 to February 5 and there was no one of new confirmed case in one day for the first time on March 18. The first four Streets with the highest incidence rates of confirmed cases were Huanghelou Street (1 043.77/100 000), Ziyang Street (627.97/100 000), Yangyuan Street (503.67/100 000) and Shuiguohu Street (486.02/100 000). Compared with females, aged ≤50 years and mild cases of clinical classification respectively, males (RR=0.690, 95%CI: 0.322-1.478), aged >50 years (RR=11.745, 95%CI: 6.878-20.058), severe cases (RR=2.317, 95%CI: 1.789-3.000) and critical cases of clinical classification (RR=10.794, 95%CI: 7.997-14.569), and gender time-dependent covariate (RR=1.392, 95%CI: 1.053-1.840) were major influencing factors of prognosis of COVID-19 confirmed cases. Conclusions: The gender, ages and occupation of distribution were wide among COVID-19 cases in Wuchang district. Males, aged >50 years, severe cases and critical cases of clinical classification were influencing factors of prognosis of COVID-19 confirmed cases. The standardized management of discharged cases, asymptomatic infected cases and close contact persons were main measures to reduce incidence rates of COVID-19 cases.

A three-generation family cluster with COVID-19 infection: should quarantine be prolonged?

OBJECTIVES: Families are a transmission route for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of the close contact. Monitoring of the viral load will be a valuable method to reduce the optimal number of quarantine days, especially in presymptomatic and symptomatic carriers of their households. The traditional three-generation families living together are seen frequently in East Asia, including in Taiwan. STUDY DESIGN: We report on a family cluster with six individuals infected with coronavirus disease in Taiwan. METHODS: The current public policy in Taiwan is quarantine for at least 14 days, based on the incubation period, or until the patient has tested negative three days in a row using the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Details on the onset date of clinical symptoms, throat swab conversion, and course of disease were collected from medical records retrospectively. RESULTS: In the household of this three-generation Taiwanese family, the infection rate was 60%. The ratio of males to females was 4:2, and the age range was 11-85 years. The prevalence of asymptomatic disease was 33.3% (2/6). The longest throat swab conversion time was 37 days, and the estimated course of disease from symptoms to first conversion of throat swab was 59 days. CONCLUSIONS: Large families, including three-generation families in a single dwelling, should be monitored when the index case is found. Presymptomatic and symptomatic family members could be quarantined for an appropriate duration which, in our experience, is 2 months.

[The differential diagnosis for novel coronavirus pneumonia and similar lung diseases in general hospitals].

Novel coronavirus pneumonia was a novel coronavirus infection that has dominated pulmonary infection since December 2019. The main manifestations were fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, normal or leukopenia in peripheral blood and changes in chest CT and in severe cases, multiple organ failure might occur. The National Health Commission, PRC has revised the consensus on diagnosis and treatment seven times in a short period of time, indicating the growing understanding of the disease. Patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia usually had history of travelling or living in the epidemic area including Wuhan within 14 days before onset, or have been exposed to patients who had fever or respiratory symptoms from the epidemic area, or had clustering diseases. However, novel coronavirus pneumonia was becoming more and more blurred after vanishing epidemic. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia were challenges not only because of large number of tourists increasing dramatically after the relieving of epidemic, but also patients with other diseases from different areas to search for medical care. In this article, the clinical and chest imaging features of the novel coronavirus pneumonia were reviewed and compared with other infections and non-infectious diffuse pulmonary diseases. We try to find the similarities and differences among them, and to identify clues to the diagnosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia, so as to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.