Design of Neural Predictors for Predicting and Analysing Covid-19 Cases in Different Regions

Nowadays, some unexpected viruses are affecting people with many troubles. COVID-19 virus is spread in the world very rapidly. However, it seems that predicting cases and death fatalities is not easy. Artificial neural networks are employed in many areas for predicting the system's parameters in simulation or real-time approaches. This paper presents the design of neural predictors for analysing the cases of COVID-19 in three countries. Three countries were selected because of their different regions. Especially, these major countries' cases were selected for predicting future effects. Furthermore, three types of neural network predictors were employed to analyse COVID-19 cases. NAR-NN is one of the pro-posed neural networks that have three layers with one input layer neurons, hidden layer neurons and an output layer with fifteen neurons. Each neuron consisted of the activation functions of the tan-sigmoid. The other proposed neural network, ANFIS, consists of five layers with two inputs and one output and ARIMA uses four iterative steps to predict. The proposed neural network types have been selected from many other types of neural network types. These neural network structures are feed-forward types rather than recurrent neural networks. Learning time is better and faster than other types of networks. Finally, three types of neural pre-dictors were used to predict the cases. The R2 and MSE results improved that three types of neural networks have good performance to predict and analyse three region cases of countries.

DESIGN OF NEURAL PREDICTORS FOR PREDICTING AND ANALYSING COVID-19 CASES IN DIFFERENT REGIONS

Nowadays, some unexpected viruses are affecting people with many troubles. COVID-19 virus is spread in the world very rapidly. However, it seems that predicting cases and death fatalities is not easy. Artificial neural networks are employed in many areas for predicting the system's parameters in simulation or real-time approaches. This paper presents the design of neural predictors for analysing the cases of COVID-19 in three countries. Three countries were selected because of their different regions. Especially, these major countries' cases were selected for predicting future effects. Furthermore, three types of neural network predictors were employed to analyse COVID-19 cases. NAR-NN is one of the proposed neural networks that have three layers with one input layer neurons, hidden layer neurons and an output layer with fifteen neurons. Each neuron consisted of the activation functions of the tan-sigmoid. The other proposed neural network, ANFIS, consists of five layers with two inputs and one output and ARIMA uses four iterative steps to predict. The proposed neural network types have been selected from many other types of neural network types. These neural network structures are feed-forward types rather than recurrent neural networks. Learning time is better and faster than other types of networks. Finally, three types of neural predictors were used to predict the cases. The R2 and MSE results improved that three types of neural networks have good performance to predict and analyse three region cases of countries. © CTU FTS 2022.

A study on next-generation digital tool for health data management: the e-Pulse portal

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the working way of the e-Pulse portal in Turkiye as a sample of a next-generation digital tool for health data management. Accordingly, this study focuses on explaining the structure and key services of the e-Pulse portal in the context of health data management. Design/methodology/approach: This study is a technical paper that will explain how the e-Pulse portal works in Turkiye. Accordingly, the data are based on secondary sources and mostly the official website of the e-Pulse portal. As a sample case, this study investigates the e-Pulse portal from Turkiye. The data are categorized by tables, and some key factors are classified based on review results. Finding(s): As a result of the review of the e-Pulse portal's sample account, it is seen that the e-Pulse portal provides comprehensive data for personal health data for both individuals and healthcare professionals. By permitting healthcare professionals, users or patients can share their personal health data on specific dates and numbers whenever they need and want. When sharing recorded personal health data, citizens or patients can get more efficient healthcare service on the time. Research limitations/implications: By giving descriptive evidence and review through the e-Pulse portal, countries with high-populated can see the key e-services and elements to manage health data through digital tools. On the other side, this study has some limitations. This study investigated the e-Pulse portal and its e-services for Turkiye and gave some findings mostly based on subjective deduction. Another digital portal can give different findings for the literature. Practical implications: Based on the e-Pulse portal case, it is determined that by creating a digital portal with recorded personal up-to-date health data, healthcare services can be ensured more efficiently among high-populated countries in the long term. While population growth and pandemic possibilities such as COVID-19 increase throughout the world, serving more patients with these portals will increase efficiency and service quality, provided that patient information is well protected. Originality/value: This study reveals key e-services and segments to provide personal health data management by a next-generation digital tool based on the e-Pulse portal. The main contribution of this study is expected to guide other countries when adapting next-generation technology or systems to manage health data in the future.Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Design of neural predictors for predicting and analysing COVID-19 cases in different regions: International Journal on Neural and Mass - Parallel Computing and Information Systems

Nowadays, some unexpected viruses are affecting people with many troubles. COVID-19 virus is spread in the world very rapidly. However, it seems that predicting cases and death fatalities is not easy. Artificial neural networks are employed in many areas for predicting the system’s parameters in simulation or real-time approaches. This paper presents the design of neural predictors for analysing the cases of COVID-19 in three countries. Three countries were selected because of their different regions. Especially, these major countries’ cases were selected for predicting future effects. Furthermore, three types of neural network predictors were employed to analyse COVID-19 cases. NAR-NN is one of the proposed neural networks that have three layers with one input layer neurons, hidden layer neurons and an output layer with fifteen neurons. Each neuron consisted of the activation functions of the tan-sigmoid. The other proposed neural network, ANFIS, consists of five layers with two inputs and one output and ARIMA uses four iterative steps to predict. The proposed neural network types have been selected from many other types of neural network types. These neural network structures are feed-forward types rather than recurrent neural networks. Learning time is better and faster than other types of networks. Finally, three types of neural predictors were used to predict the cases. The R2 and MSE results improved that three types of neural networks have good performance to predict and analyse three region cases of countries.

The role of online exercises apps in changes the leisure time behavior and physical activity level of healthcare professionals during COVID-19: qualitative researches

Objective: The corona virus epidemic has caused significant changes in lifestyles all over the world. The aim of this study was to examine the views of healthcare professionals about changes in leisure time behaviors, physical activity levels and online physical activity practices during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) isolation period. Material and Methods: Eight healthcare workers who were active in the corona virus epidemic, have had at least 2 years of work experience, and used online exercise apps were selected as the research group. Psychological phenomenology analysis method was used in the research. In-depth interviews were conducted with a semi-structured questionnaire as a data collection tool and participant observation was made in the field.

Prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in Sivas province, Central Anatolia

Objectives: Transmission from asymptomatic patients is one of the biggest challenges in controlling the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak because these cases are a potential source for disease spread. Based on this situation, the aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 in asymptomatic pediatric dental patients representing Sivas and surrounding provinces. Method(s): The population of the study consists of pediatric patients between the ages of 0-14 who applied to Sivas Oral and Dental Health Hospital General Operating Room for dental treatments between July 2020 and August 2021. Result(s): Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was detected in only 5 patients (approximately 1.80%) out of 278 asymptomatic pediatric patients. Conclusion(s): It is thought that the COVID-19 infection, which threatens the whole world, can progress asymptomatically in children, and therefore it may be a risk factor for the spread of the infection. To tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to maintain a high level of infection control measures in schools and day-care and to implement widespread testing on a global scale targeting the pediatric population. Copyright © 2022 by Prusa Medical Publishing.

Mindfulness, Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies during Covid-19 Pandemic in Turkish Dentistry Students

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between perceived stress, mindfulness and coping strategies of undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 undergraduate dental students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Students completed surveys including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory (COPE). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Analysis of Variance, Student's t-test, Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation. Results: A negative association was found between the MAAS and PSS according to the Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs =-0.823, p<0.001). There were positive relationships between MAAS and COPE inventory subscales of positive reinterpretation and growth (rs = 0.385, p < 0.001);use of instrumental social support (rs = 0.233, p = 0.008);active coping (rs = 0.384, p < 0.001);use of emotional social support (rs = 0.208, p = 0.018);planning (rs = 0.244, p = 0.005). There were negative relationships between MAAS and COPE inventory subscales of behavioral disengagement (rs =-0.245, p = 0.005);alcohol-drug use (rs =-0.233, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Dental students with a high level of mindfulness had a low level of perceived stress. The findings may guide the mindfulness-based stress reduction programs or stress awareness lectures development and implementation within the academic curriculum.

The effect of level of doing sports activities and attitude towards recreational activities on burnout level and COVID-19 phobia in physicians

It has been recommended to implement physically active lifestyles against the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic process, many healthcare professionals had to lead a stressful life due to long hours of intensive healthcare. This situation directly affected the burnout levels of physicians as well as indirectly affected patients seeking treatment. The goal of this study was to look into the effects of physicians' levels of participation in sports, their attitudes toward sporting recreational activities, and the effects of COVID-19 phobias on burnout. 272 physicians participated in the study. The Health Belief Scale Regarding Sports Recreational Activities (HBSSRA), Maslach Burnout Scale (MBI), and COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) were used during data collection. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to establish a model. MBI total and emotional exhaustion scores were significantly different according to the physicians' participation levels in sportive activities (P=0.740, P=0.136). Statistically significant correlation was found between HBSSRA and MBI total scores (r=-0.313, P=0.009). The probability of emotional exhaustion was 1.45 times higher in physicians with low level of participation in sports activities. The increase in HBSSRA scores had a protective effect on emotional burnout (P=0.028, OR: 0.72). We are hopeful that the findings obtained from physicians will highlight the importance of sports and recreational activities, paving the way for improvement strategies that will benefit those who are most affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Comparison of COVID-19 patients who underwent thrombectomy with those in the pre-pandemic period in terms of etiology and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at determining the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with major vessel occlusion and infected with COVID-19, evaluating its clinical outcome and comparing it with non-COVID patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the pandemic, 729 patients who underwent MT in stroke centers due to Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion were evaluated. This study included 40 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by a positive PCR test between March 11, 2020, and December 31, 2020. These patients were compared to 409 patients who underwent MT due to major vessel occlusion between March 11, 2019, and December 31, 2019. RESULTS: Of the patients with AIS who are infected with COVID-19, 62.5% were males, and all patients have a median age of 63.5 ± 14.4 years. The median NIHSS score of the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that of the non-COVID-19 groups. Dissection was significantly more in the COVID-19 group. The mortality rates at 3 months were higher in the COVID-19 groups compared to non-COVID-19 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an increased frequency of dissection in patients with COVID-19. COVID-19-related ischemic strokes are associated with worse functional outcomes and higher mortality rates than non-COVID-19 ischemic strokes.

Initial Signs and Symptoms in Suspected Patients Admitted to Triage Outpatient Clinic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Single-Center Experience

Objective: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic with a huge burden of illness, high economic costs, and mortality rates. This study sought to compare clinical signs and symptoms among adult COVID-19 patients admitted to triage outpatient clinics. Methods: In this observational retrospective study, clinical symptoms, biochemical parameters, and chest computed tomography (CT) of 1745 suspected patients admitted to COVID-19 triage outpatient clinic between 01 April 2020-01 September 2020 were analyzed. Results: A total of 650 (37.2%) of 1745 patients who were admitted to triage outpatient clinic were diagnosed as COVID-19 by PCR confirmation. Of the participants, 88.1% had at least one symptom, 11.9% were asymptomatic. Almost half of the patients (50.1%) had a history of exposure including contact with COVID-19 confirmed cases. COVID-19 (+) patients were more diabetic and hypertensive than negative cases. In patients who underwent chest CT imaging, 40.6% (310) had pneumonic infiltrations compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia. Hemoglobin, leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts were lower, but CRP levels were higher in patients with COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (OR=1.020;p=0.018), contact with confirmed COVID-19 patient (OR=1.907, p=0.009), fever (OR=1,588, p=0,001), fatigue (OR=2.075, p=0.009), cough (OR= 2.301, p<0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of PCR (+) status. Conclusions: Predictive factors associated with PCR (+) test results were older age, history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 patient, high fever, fatigue, cough in our study. Some symptoms could have a significant relationship with PCR positivity, which requires a more careful approach during the first admission to healthcare facilities.

The Rising Aesthetic Concern with Digitalization: Qualitative Evidences from Turkey

The twenty-first century has transformed individuals’ perceptions and behaviors by providing higher connection with digital technology. Especially, it has been observed that the digital transformation in business and government models has accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the fact that spending more time on digital platforms as socializing has created new concerns on physical appearance and visual perceptions. While activities such as taking selfie, photo sharing, and content sharing are increasing, aesthetic concern is increasing, too. This study aims to explore the link between digitalization and aesthetic concern by using qualitative research methodology. Firstly, this study will give a literature review and then selected Turkish cases will be analyzed by using descriptive content analysis. Thus, it is thought to give a brief framework explaining how digitalization and social media influence aesthetic concern and the desire for aesthetic surgery as a result. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Liver and kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic period: A single center experience

Purpose: Introduction: Beginning of this year, when the Covid-19 pandemic has first started, it had the immediate effect of severely reducing living and deceased organ donation and transplantation activity worldwide. Our early experience showed that neither hemodialysis nor transplant patients have got infected with Covid-19 higher than the normal population. While it seems obvious that life-saving transplant activity should not be stopped, it should be tailored with careful selection of both donors and recipients within transparency and considering ethical and legal aspects. Methods: Materials and Methods: With the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, many studies have indicated that elective surgeries including transplantation should be postponed. However, according to our study results, we decided to continue our transplant activities in a controlled manner at our centers located in 3 different cities. From March 1 2020 to December 30, 2020, we performed 69 kidney transplants (58 adults, 11 pediatrics) and 21 liver transplants (8 adults, 13 pediatrics). All recipients were given a routine immunosuppressive protocol. We reviewed the medical records of both recipients and donors, PCR tests have been carried out twice before transplantation, and they were screened with thoracic CT. Results: Results: Kidney transplants were performed from 67 living related and 2 deceased donors and liver transplants were performed from 20 living related and 1 deceased donors. Out of 69 kidney transplants, 68 patients are alive with normal kidney function and 1 patient died to due to cardiac problem. Out of 21 liver transplants, 20 patients are alive with normal liver function and 1 patient died due to cardiac oxalosis. During this period, no patients died due to Covid-19 pandemic, both recipients and donors were discharged successfully. Only one patient has got infected with Covid-19 and has recovered. Conclusions: Conclusions: Our results show that when precautions are taken, transplant does not pose a risk to patients during the pandemic period. The safety and success of our transplantation activities lies in our newly developed protocol in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine in the Current New Normal: Opportunities and Barriers

The prominence and potentials of telemedicine as an appropriate and efficient instrument for addressing, improving, and sustaining health becomes apparent in the current new normal. A blended approach comprising both classical and telemedicine practices is going to be the current new normal in healthcare. Therefore, the authors explore telemedicine at a glance and the roles of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in telemedicine. Furthermore, success factors, opportunities, and barriers concerning telemedicine implementations are discussed in the chapter. In this context, theoretical and practical inferences are also presented. The chapter discusses success factors and underlines the promising future empowered by recent IoT and AI technologies. The current COVID-19 pandemic and characteristics of Generation Y and Z are significant opportunities. Legislation and regulation issues, inequalities regarding access, and infrastructure costs are seen as the main barriers. The authors comprehensively reviewed the pertinent literature and applications and discussed the relevant issues by incorporating their views and judgments. This chapter contributes to the body of knowledge concerning telemedicine practices empowered with IoT and AI in the current new normal, success factors, opportunities, and barriers. This contribution improves the pertinent knowledge and is going to be valuable for relevant researchers and policymakers in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of telemedicine practices. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

The effect of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin on the QTc interval in patients with Covid-19

Background and Aim: The exact treatment method of Covid-19 has not been found so far. However, some small-scale studies have shown the potential benefit of hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine (hydroxychloroquine treatment in our country) and azithromycin in Covid-19 treatment. It is known that these drugs (alone or combined use) may increase the risk of malignant arrhythmia such as torsades de pointes (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) with prolonged QT interval. There is no data showing the effect of Favipiravir on cardiac arrhythmia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin on the QTc interval in patient with Covid-19. Methods: Patients who hospitalized in our center between March and May 2020 for Covid-19 and treated with recommendations of Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health SARS-CoV-2 guide included in our study. The data of 142 consecutive patients who received hydroxychloroquine and/or azithromycin treatment were retrospectively analyzed and the QTc interval in ECG was calculated with the Bazzet formula. Patients who were already using hydroxychloroquine (i.e. because of autoimmune disease etc), hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine and/or azithromycin and patients who use drugs other than hydroxychloroquine and/or azithromycin that can prolong the QT interval were excluded. Patients with baseline QTc 500 milliseconds (msec) or longer were also excluded from the study. According to the protocol, ECG was performed all patients before treatment, and ECG controls were performed on the 1st, 3rd and 5th days of the treatment. Results: The mean age of the study population was 46.9±17.3. A total of 142 patients (50.7% male and 49.3% female), received hydroxychloroquine therapy, 36 patients (25%) received hydroxychloroquine monotherapy, while 106 patients (75%) received hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination therapy (Table 1). Majority of the patients were in sinus rhythm (%95,1) with mean baseline heart rate of 81.9±14.7 beats per minute. Mean baseline QTc values of 142 patients were 417.3±24 msec, ranging between 356-486 msec. There were no significant differences between the baseline, 1st, 3rd and 5th day's QTc values of two groups. (p>0.05). When each groups were evaluated for QTc prolongation during the therapy period, it was observed that the baseline QTc interval was significantly prolonged with treatment in both the hydroxychloroquine group and the hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin group (Table 2) (p<0.05). There were no patients required discontinuation of these medications, no malign arrhythmia and no arrhythmogenic deaths due to QTc prolongation (Table 3). Conclusions: Although treatment-related QTc prolongation is observed in our study population, no malignant arrhythmia was observed. Close monitoring of the treatment process by cardiologist and the predetermination of patients with long onset QTc distances are considered to be the most important factor in the safe management of the treatment.