ABSTRACT
This research is intended to investigate the drivers of Moroccan behaviors' to avoid national and international travel as a result of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Also, it aims to determine the association between the perception of travel risk and the probability of not traveling due to COVID-19, utilizing the Health Belief Model. Structural equation modeling and deep neural network (PLS-SEM-DNN) were employed to conduct the present study. Findings indicated a significant and positive relationship between perceived risk of travel, perceived severity, and perceived vulnerability related to COVID-19 and travel evading behavior. This research will guide worldwide stakeholders to ensure adequate and careful recognition and scheduling of logistical concerns regarding travel, including travel insurance and pre-travel booking fees, to decrease travel evading behaviors and encourage travel. In addition, earlier literature on pandemics has concentrated on the American and European countries, whereas there have been very limited studies on the African region. The current study will address this deficiency and determine which factors affect travel avoidance in Morocco in response to COVID-19. © 2021 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Background: The causative agent of the present COVID-19 pandemic is a novel RNA virus called SARS CoV-2. Clinical laboratory has a central role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and predicting the progression of the disease. Several hematological, biochemical, immunological, and coagulation parameters change during the course of the disease. Based on the information from several studies, it is presumed that virus replication alters the immune system of the body. These alterations cause cellular damage in various organs like the lungs, liver, heart, and bone marrow. Ultimately, it may lead to multi-organ failure and death. Methods: An Internet search in Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Scholarly articles was performed. Studies reporting on changes in laboratory parameters in COVID-19 were selected, data extracted, and analyzed. Conclusion: Laboratory markers are helpful in the diagnosis of cases and more importantly, to identify those patients where chances of disease progression to severity are present. This will not only reduce the burden on the health care system but also reduce the mortality rate by channelizing resources to those cases who need critical care and management.
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder complicating multiple organs in the human body. Diabetes may be associated with a severe form of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We performed a systematic review and analyzed available data to investigate the association between DM and the severity of disease in patients with COVID-19. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, WHO database, and Google Scholar databases until 20 May 2020 using the keywords "COVID-19", "comorbidities," "diabetes mellitus." Relevant full-text articles accessed and data retrieved. Conclusion: DM was associated with mortality, severe COVID-19, ARDS, and disease progression in patients with COVID-19. We have also identified the problems of diabetes self-management in the current scenario of lockdown and 'mobility restrictions and suggested possible solutions to overcome those.