E-Learning Readiness Assessment Using Machine Learning Methods

Assessing e-learning readiness is crucial for educational institutions to identify areas in their e-learning systems needing improvement and to develop strategies to enhance students' readiness. This paper presents an effective approach for assessing e-learning readiness by combining the ADKAR model and machine learning-based feature importance identification methods. The motivation behind using machine learning approaches lies in their ability to capture nonlinearity in data and flexibility as data-driven models. This study surveyed faculty members and students in the Economics faculty at Tlemcen University, Algeria, to gather data based on the ADKAR model's five dimensions: awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between all dimensions. Specifically, the pairwise correlation coefficients between readiness and awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement are 0.5233, 0.5983, 0.6374, 0.6645, and 0.3693, respectively. Two machine learning algorithms, random forest (RF) and decision tree (DT), were used to identify the most important ADKAR factors influencing e-learning readiness. In the results, ability and knowledge were consistently identified as the most significant factors, with scores of ability (0.565, 0.514) and knowledge (0.170, 0.251) using RF and DT algorithms, respectively. Additionally, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were used to explore further the impact of each variable on the final prediction, highlighting ability as the most influential factor. These findings suggest that universities should focus on enhancing students' abilities and providing them with the necessary knowledge to increase their readiness for e-learning. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing university students' e-learning readiness.

T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in HIV patients.

Objective. To assess the T-cell immune status against SARS-CoV-2 in HIV patients with or without antiretroviral therapy. Patients and methods. The study included 21 HIV patients who had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between September and December 2021 without previous immunization against SARS-CoV-2. The characteristics of HIV infection (CD4-lymphocytes count, HIV viral load in blood plasma, the presence of antiretroviral therapy) and COVID-19 (the severity degree and duration of the disease) were analyzed, the T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 was assessed using the ELISPOT method 1 month after COVID-19. Statistical analysis was carried out by non-parametric methods (Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient) using the IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software package. Results. The study showed a more favorable course of COVID-19 in HIV-infected persons who achieved HIV suppression in the blood: a mild form of the disease was significantly more common, and the virus was eliminated faster. T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 was recorded more frequently in these patients. Significant correlation of T-cell immune status with the CD4-lymphocytes count and HIV suppression in the blood was revealed. Conclusion. Thus, T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 as assessed using the ELISPOT method was registered significantl.Copyright © 2023, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Precious Metals Comovements in Turbulent Times: COVID-19 and the Ukrainian Conflict

We examined the evolution of cross-market linkages between four major precious metals and US stock returns, before (Phase I) and after (Phase II) the COVID-19 outbreak. Phase II was also extended to encompass the Ukrainian conflict, which prolonged the period of uncertainty in financial markets. Due to the increase in volatility observed in Phase II, we used a heteroskedasticity-adjusted correlation coefficient to examine the evolution of correlation changes since the COVID-19 outbreak. We also propose a relevant dissimilarity measure in multidimensional scaling analysis that can be used for depicting associations between financial returns in turbulent times. Our results suggest that (i) the correlation levels of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium returns with US stock returns have not changed substantially since the COVID-19 outbreak, and (ii) all precious metal returns exhibit movements that are less synchronized with US stock returns, with palladium and gold being the least synchronized. © 2023 by the author.

CVD-HNet: Classifying Pneumonia and COVID-19 in Chest X-ray Images Using Deep Network.

The use of computer-assisted analysis to improve image interpretation has been a long-standing challenge in the medical imaging industry. In terms of image comprehension, Continuous advances in AI (Artificial Intelligence), predominantly in DL (Deep Learning) techniques, are supporting in the classification, Detection, and quantification of anomalies in medical images. DL techniques are the most rapidly evolving branch of AI, and it's recently been successfully pragmatic in a variety of fields, including medicine. This paper provides a classification method for COVID 19 infected X-ray images based on new novel deep CNN model. For COVID19 specified pneumonia analysis, two new customized CNN architectures, CVD-HNet1 (COVID-HybridNetwork1) and CVD-HNet2 (COVID-HybridNetwork2), have been designed. The suggested method utilizes operations based on boundaries and regions, as well as convolution processes, in a systematic manner. In comparison to existing CNNs, the suggested classification method achieves excellent Accuracy 98 percent, F Score 0.99 and MCC 0.97. These results indicate impressive classification accuracy on a limited dataset, with more training examples, much better results can be achieved. Overall, our CVD-HNet model could be a useful tool for radiologists in diagnosing and detecting COVID 19 instances early.

Teaching Practices Impact on the Level of Contentedness for Electrical Engineering Students. A Longitudinal Study

Results of a longitudinal research carried out within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest) to identify the dynamics of student preferences regarding the teaching-learning-assessment process are presented in this paper. The research was carried out throughout one full generation (four academic years) of students. The results showed that the academic maturity of the students (defined as the transition to a higher academic year) majorly impacts only the students' preferences regarding some aspects like the way of conducting the laboratory and project applications, the subject's final evaluation procedure, the fining of academic deception and the mandatory evaluation of professors' activity by students. The studied generation (2016-2019) is the last one before the COVID-19 pandemic, before the paradigm shifts through the sudden transition to fully online activities highlighting the relevance of this research. © 2023 IEEE.

Statistical correlation coefficients for single-valued neutrosophic sets and their applications in medical diagnosis

The concept of single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) is considered as an attractive tool for dealing with highly ambiguous and uncertain information. The correlation coefficient of SVNSs acts as an important measure in the single-valued neutrosophic set theory and it has been applied in various fields, such as the pattern recognition, medical diagnosis, decision-making and also clustering analysis. To alleviate the weakness of the existing correlation coefficients, a novel statistical correlation coefficient is put forward to measure the degree of correlation between two SVNSs. This statistical correlation coefficient is developed based on the variance and covariance of SVNSs and its value is between −1 and 1. When solving the multicriteria decision making problems, the criteria show different weight values. To consider the weight information of multiple criteria, the weighted statistical correlation coefficient is developed for SVNSs. Afterwards, two numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed statistical correlation coefficient in the pattern recognition, which can accurately classify unknown patterns into known patterns. Finally, the feasibility and practicability of the proposed correlation coefficient formula are illustrated by a practical multiple attribute decision making problem of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. The comparative results show that the proposed correlation coefficient formula is rational and effective. © 2023 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.

Agreement of Skeletal Muscle Area and Muscle Quality Between Two Different Image Analysis Software Tools

Background: Both clinicians and researchers have a growing interest in assessment of muscle mass utilizing diagnostic abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Different imaging analysis software tools exist for the assessment of muscle mass;however, minimal information is available to describe the agreement between tools. The objective of this project was to determine the agreement, reliability, and strength of the relationship between skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle quality at the third lumbar region (L3) between two different image analysis software tools (3D Slicer vs SliceOmatic) using a convenient sample of individuals who have undergone diagnostic abdominal CT scan imaging. Method(s): A retrospective sample of individuals who had undergone a diagnostic abdominal CT scan was utilized. For both image analysis software tools, L3 skeletal muscle CSA was identified using a Hounsfield Unit (HU) range of -30 to +150 and muscle quality was defined as the mean HU. For each patient, L3 skeletal muscle CSA (cm2) and mean HU was calculated using 3D Slicer (version 5.0.3) and SliceOmatic (version 4.3, TomoVision, Quebec, Canada). Lin's correlation coefficient (LCC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) were used to examine the agreement, reliability, and strength of the relationship with both L3 skeletal muscle CSA and muscle quality using3D Slicer versus SliceOmatic. Bland Altman plots were created to depict the agreement of L3 CSA and muscle quality between the two tools. Result(s): A total of 504 patients were included;the sample included 128 healthy adults and 376 patients who had the following diagnoses: breast cancer (n = 175), colorectal cancer (n = 127), sepsis (n = 37) and COVID-19 (n = 37). The mean L3 skeletal muscle CSA measured using SliceOmatic was 140.6 +/- 36.0 cm2 and using 3D Slicer was 137.6 +/- 36.1 cm2. When examining the agreement, reliability, and strength of the relationship of L3 skeletal muscle CSA between SliceOmatic and 3D Slicer, LCC was 0.934 (p < 0.001), ICC was 0.968 (p < 0.001), and SCC was 0.930 (p < 0.001). The mean muscle quality measured using SliceOmatic was 35.1 +/- 10.8 HU and using 3D Slicer was 34.6 +/- 11.0 HU;LCC was 0.928 (p < 0.001), ICC was 0.964 (p < 0.001), and SCC was 0.957 (p < 0.001). Both the Bland Altman plots for L3 skeletal muscle CSA and muscle quality using SliceOmatic and 3D Slicer displayed overall strong agreement (Figures 1 and 2). However, 27 outliers were identified when visualizing the agreement L3 skeletal muscle CSA;further investigation of these outliers revealed that most of these measurements were conducted in critically ill patients (sepsis and COVID-19). Examining L3 skeletal muscle CSA between SliceOmatic and 3D Slicer among a subgroup of patients with sepsis and COVID revealed lower overall agreement (LCC: 0.679, p < 0.0001), reliability (ICC: 0.811, p < 0.001), and strength (SCC: 0.642, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed with muscle quality between SliceOmatic and 3D Slicer among a subgroup of patients with sepsis and COVID (LCC: 0.585, p < 0.0001;ICC: 0.741, p < 0.001;SCC: 0.592, p < 0.001). Conclusion(s): Overall, both the SliceOmatic and 3D Slicer imaging analysis software tools had strong agreement, reliability, and strength when examining muscle mass and muscle quality. However, the agreement, reliability, and strength between muscle mass and muscle quality was lower between the two tools among critically ill patients compared to healthy controls and patients with cancer. Further research is needed to describe the etiology of this lower agreement in critically ill patients. (Table Presented).

A cross-sectional study to evaluate the validity of a novel patient-reported outcome measure of medication adherence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition characterised by a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function. COPD prevalence increased by 44.2% between 1990 and 2015, resulting in 3.2 million deaths globally in 2015.(1) Inhalers are an essential treatment for people living with COPD. However, poor adherence to inhaled medicines is associated with worsening symptom severity, increased hospitalisation, comorbidity, and mortality.(2) Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) have been designed to examine the factors that contribute to poor medication adherence (MA). To date, none provide a holistic assessment that could be used to design tailored MA interventions. This study sought to address this by evaluating a novel PROM that holistically assesses four key factors of MA referred to as Social, Psychological, Usage, and Rationale, in short, SPUR. Aim(s): To explore the validity of the SPUR model as a holistic PROM of MA in patients living with COPD Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed adults living with COPD from a large London NHS Trust between January and December 2021. Participants were eligible if they had >=1 inhaler prescribed for a minimum of 6 months prior to the study and were able to read and write in English. Participants who were too clinically unwell to independently complete the survey were excluded, which often included those with a Covid-19 diagnoses. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from in-patient wards and the acute admissions unit prior to administration of face-to-face surveys. Survey questions related to socio-clinical data, the SPUR tool, and a previously validated PROM known as the Inhaler Adherence Scale (IAS) that was included as a comparator. The Medication Possession Ratio (MPR), a measure of a patient's pill count in a given time period, was used as an objective comparator of MA. MPR, IAS, and SPUR scores were compared using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (p). Symptom severity was examined using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), with a Chi-square analysis (chi2) conducted to explore the relationship between the CAT and SPUR. Result(s): From 123 patients approached for this study, 100 participated providing a response rate of 81.3%. The modal age range was 70-79 years. Participants were predominantly white (90%), educated to GCSE level (51%), and identified as female (52%). Over two thirds (67%) were ex-smokers. SPUR was significantly (p<0.01) and positively correlated with IAS (p=0.65) and MPR (p=0.30), demonstrating that SPUR is a valid measure of MA. Chi-Square analysis identified a significant (p<0.01) relationship between CAT and SPUR scores (chi2=8.570);hence SPUR could reliably identify patients with poorer adherence, which was associated with worsening symptom severity. Conclusion(s): A study strength includes the implementation of an objective measure (MPR) and PROM (IAS) as part of validating SPUR. However, the results should be treated cautiously given the small sample size, which was limited due to Covid-19. This study provides early evidence of SPUR as a reliable holistic measure of MA with significant associations to COPD symptom severity, which could be applied in clinical practice to prospectively address patient outcomes linked to poor MA.

The Optimal Method to Predict Hemoglobin A1c from Flash Glucose Monitor Data

In situations where it is difficult for patients to visit hospitals, such as the coronavirus disease pandemic, it is important to more detailly predict hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) from flash glucose monitor (FGM) data. CGM data over 14 days can be obtained from a FGM sensor;therefore, there are many options for extracting the duration from which glucose levels are derived. Thus, the extracted durations were closely studied to determine which mean glucose levels can predict HbA1c more accurately. Seventy-three outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent HbA1c testing, wore a FGM (FreeStyle Libre Pro), and did not change diabetic treatments, on a hospital visit. FGM data over 24 h 13 days (from 00:00 on day 2 to 24:00 on day 14 [FGM attachment: day 1]) were analyzed. The mean glucose levels were calculated corresponding to the following durations: 1 day: day 2 ~ day 14 (n=13), 2 days: days 2-3 ~ days 13-14 (n=12) 12 days: days 2-13 ~ days 3-14 (n=2), 13 days: days 2-14 (n=1) [total 91 durations] (extracted mean glucose levels). Data were analyzed in all patients (n=73), in patients with hypoglycemia in the 13 days (Hypo) group (n=40), and in patients without hypoglycemia in the 13 days (Nonhypo) group (n=33). In all patients, HbA1c was correlated to all 91 extracted mean glucose levels (r=0.76-0.86, p<0.001). HbA1c was the most significantly correlated to the mean glucose levels over 13 days (days 2-14). "Correlation coefficients between HbA1c and extracted mean glucose levels" ("r, HbA1c, EMGL") were also correlated to number of extracted days for the extracted mean glucose levels (r=0.80, p<0.001 [n=91]). In the Hypo group, HbA1c was correlated to all 91 extracted mean glucose levels (r=0.55-0.73, p<0.001). The mean glucose levels over 13 days (days 2-14) were the most significantly correlated to HbA1c. "r, HbA1c, EMGL" correlated to the number of extracted days for the extracted mean glucose levels (r=0.68, p<0.001;Fig. 2). In the Nonhypo group, HbA1c was correlated to all 91 extracted mean glucose levels (r=0.73-0.87, p<0.001). The mean glucose levels over 12 days (days 2-13) were the most significantly correlated to HbA1c. "r, HbA1c, EMGL" correlated to the number of extracted days for the extracted mean glucose levels (r=0.61, p<0.001). The results of the present study are consistent with that of a previous study reporting that the minimum duration needed to estimate time in range over 90 days is 14 days. In the prediction of HbA1c using data from one FGM sensor, prolonged measurement can make the glucose management indicator more accurate. Especially for patients with hypoglycemia, the importance of prolonged measurement may be applicable.

SARS-CoV-2 WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE IN A US JAIL: CORRELATION, FEASIBILITY, NEXT STEPS

Background: Jails house vulnerable persons. Crowded conditions, restricted access to medical care, and limited resources facilitate infectious disease outbreaks, particularly for airborne, highly transmissible diseases like COVID-19 (C19). Wastewater-Based Surveillance (WBS) is a low-cost, highly sensitive, non-invasive method that can provide an early warning of C19 surges in communities. We examined the value of SARS-CoV-2 WBS for a mega-jail. Method(s): 28-week study period: 10/20/21- 5/5/22. Wastewater samples were collected x 25 weeks;SARS-CoV-2 RNA was measured using RT-qPCR. We sampled one manhole serving multiple housing units. C19 rapid test data on jail entrants were summarized daily by the jail;16 mass PCR screenings using selfcollected nasal swabs were conducted by the study team. Individual diagnostic tests were collated and analyzed on a weekly basis. Data were summarized by % of the tested jailed individuals found infected. The Spearman correlation coefficient between weekly SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and % of positive (pos) C19 diagnostic tests were calculated;we also used linear regression to assess the predictability between paired Ct values and weekly % of pos diagnostic tests. Result(s): Weekly WBS coupled with periodic mass testing of jailed individuals was feasible. The efficiency of gathering individual nasal swabs increased to 3 tests collected per minute through a CQI process. PCR signal strength for SARSCoV- 2 RNA in jail wastewater correlated with the % of jail residents tested who had C19. The mean RT-qPCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value was 35.2. Overall, 3.4% of nasal swabs were pos. A strong inverse correlation was observed between % nasal swab pos and WBS Ct value (Figure.) The Spearman correlation coefficient was r= 0.628;linear regression likewise showed a similar correlation. Conclusion(s): Weekly WBS results for C19 correlated with the proportion of C19 individual test results. WBS proved to be a practical strategy to surveil for C19 in this jail setting. We are developing means to identify exact source, by housing unit, of wastewater with positive signal. Future studies will explore WBS for Mpox and HIV in correctional facilities. HIV RNA can be found in wastewater specimens;whether WBS for HIV in congregate facilities is feasible remains an open question.

The technology acceptance model and beyond: factors influencing physicians' intention to use teleconsultations

Background/Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of telehealth and virtual care services. Clinicians must be comfortable using this technology in order for it to be developed effectively and implemented consistently. This study evaluated the influence of various factors, including those theorised in the technology acceptance model, on physicians' intention to use teleconsultations in their clinical practice in Chennai, India. Methods: A snowball sampling method was used to distribute an online survey to physicians in Chennai, India. The survey measured respondents' intention to use teleconsultations (dependent variable), along seven independent variables relating to this technology (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, physicians' attitudes, social influences, facilitating conditions, perceived compatibility with the clinical area and trust). A total of 165 responses were collected. Results were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics, along with multiple linear regression. Results: All seven independent variables were found to be significantly associated with the dependent variable (P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the independent variables accounted for 67.8% of the variance in respondents' intention to use teleconsultations. Conclusions: Physicians' intention to use teleconsultations is complex and multi-faceted. Although the factors theorised by the technology acceptance model were significantly associated with intention to use telemedicine, other factors were also found to be important, including social influences, external facilitating factors, perceived compatibility with the clinical area and personal trust in technology.

Influence of Meteorological Factors on Covid-19 Incidence in the Conditions of Ukrain

Objective: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a problem for the health care systems of many countries around the world. Seasonal nature of influenza and other the respiratory viral diseases is commonly known. The nature of the relationship between the frequency of registration of cases of COVID-19 and natural factors is still being studied by researchers. The purpose is to determine the influence of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure on the incidence of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 in the conditions of Ukraine. Materials and methods. Official reports of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and data from daily monitoring of meteorological indicators conducted by the Sumy Regional Hydrometeorology Center were used in the paper. Descriptive and analytical ways of epidemiological method of investigation were applied. The search for parameters of interrelation between the frequency of registration of COVID-19 cases and meteorological cases took place using of program "Statistica", namely the relevant tools of this program: "Analysis"/ "Multiple regression". Results and Discussion: In the period under study from March 25, 2020 to December 31, 2021 in Sumy Oblast of Ukraine, three waves of rise in the incidence were registered. In the third wave of rise in the incidence, in autumn 2021 the frequency of registration of COVID-19 cases reached 1684.9 per 100 thousand of people, despite the fact that almost 70 % of the population had already recovered or were vaccinated. Meteorological factors in the conditions of Ukraine have little influence on the rate of spread of COVID-19. The value of multiple correlation coefficients was within those limits, which are considered moderate in terms of influence. A moderate inverse correlation was established between the frequency of registration of COVID-19 cases and indicators of air temperature, and a direct correlations-with indicators of relative air humidity. Conclusion(s): In the conditions of Ukraine, the studied meteorological factors (air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure) indirectly influenced the intensity of the epidemic process of COVID-19. the strength of this influence was either weak or moderate.Copyright © 2023, Ibn Sina Trust. All rights reserved.

Comparison on the performance of two qPCR instruments in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus

Objective To compare the performance of two qPCR instruments in detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus in the nasopharyngeal swab samples of suspected COVID-19 isolated individuals in Jinghu district Wuhu city.Methods A total of 151 nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from individuals with suspected COVID-19isolated during January 2021 and July 2022 at a quarantine site in the Jinghu district. Nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2virus was quantified parallelly using ABIQ5 real-time fluorescence quantitative analyzer（Q5 analyzer） and Bole CFX96 fluorescence quantitative PCR analyzer（Bole analyzer） in the laboratory. Q5 analyzer was used as the reference instrument, while Bole analyzer was used as an experimental instrument. The detection results of N gene, ORF1ab fragment and CT value of the two RT-PCR machines were analyzed and compared using paired four grid test, Spearman test and paired sample t-test in SPSS 22 statistical software. Results The results of 151samples for different target genes tested by two instruments were in good agreement（N gene: Kappa=1, P＜0. 05;ORF1ab fragment: Kappa=0. 972, P＜0. 05）. The inter-batch repeatability rates were 4. 01% and 3. 04%for N gene and ORF fragment of the same batch positive quality controls by Q5 analyzer, and were 4. 90% and 3. 57% by Bole analyzer. The intra batch repeatability rates of the two instruments at different hole locations were similar, and CV values were less than 3%. The results of 23 positive samples showed that the differences in CT values of N gene（29. 38±7. 22） and ORF1ab（30. 83±6. 27） detected by Q5 analyzer were statistically significant（t=2. 765, P＜0. 05）, while the differences in CT values of N gene（29. 58±7. 27） and ORF1ab（30. 77±8. 02） detected by Bole analyzer were not statistically significant（t=1. 753, P＞0. 05）. The correlation coefficients of CT values of different target genes detected by the two instruments were rN=0. 960 and rORF=0. 865, showing correlated CT values（P＜0. 05）. Conclusion The CT values of N gene and ORF1ab fragment of SARS-CoV-2 virus detected by the two instruments have strong correlation and agreement, indicating that either of the instrument can be used for laboratory sample detection and analysis. The repeatability of Q5 analyzer is better than that of Bole analyzer. The detection stability of ORF fragments of both instruments is better than that of N gene, and the detection sensitivity of Q5 analyzer for N gene is higher than that for ORF fragment. The sample tubes should be placed in the middle of the PCR machine in order to reduce the system error.

Efficacy of home respiratory culture kits in people with cystic fibrosis

Background: Respiratory cultures are an important part of clinical care for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Telemedicine visits during the COVID-19 pandemic have not allowed for routine collection. To address this, the University of Michigan Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program mailed home culture kits to patients. We hypothesized that results from home sputum samples would be consistent with prior cultures obtained in sputum collected in clinic but that self-collected throat swabs would provide false-negative results. We also sought to determine percentage return rate. Method(s): Adults with CF were sent culture kits containing a specimen cup and a throat swab. Patients had the choice to submit either sample for processing. Medical personnel provided written instructions with the culture kits and, on occasion, instructed patients on proper collection techniques via phone. Samples were then refrigerated for up to 24 hours before a delivery service returned the specimen to a University of Michigan laboratory for analysis. Data collected from December 2020 to December 2021 (N = 77) included percentage return rate, result, source, and presence of microorganisms. Pairwise culture data of samples collected in clinic versus home-collected samples within 1 yearwere included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics and Cohen kappa correlation coefficients were computed for all culture data and subgroups (Table 1A-E). Result(s): Of 77 culture kits returned, 46 had corresponding clinic samples collected using the same method, and the remaining 21 were collected using different methods (throat swab vs sputum sample). Overall, approximately 200 kits were mailed to patients, with a return rate of 38.5%. A similar percentage of positive culture results was obtained with same method of collection: sputum and throat samples (Table 1C, D, E), although the discordance rate between cultures collected in clinic and at home ranged from approximately 10% to 30%. Correlation between clinic and home culture data was generally good throughout, except for clinic Table 1 ( 115): Analysis of respiratory culture results for (A) all cultures, (B) different collection, and (C, D, E) same collection method. *p < 0.05. Cohen kappa correlation coefficient between groups: poor agreement <0.20;fair agreement = 0.21-0.40;moderate agreement = 0.41-0.60;good agreement = 0.61-0.80;very good agreement = 0.81-1.00. PsA = Pseudomonas aeruginosa;Staph = Staphylococcus aureus.(Table Presented)versus home throat swabs, probably because of a lowevent rate in the small sample size. Conclusion(s): The data suggest that, overall, clinic and home culture kits provide similar positive results, although discordance in specific culture results was common. This may be due to natural fluctuations from culture to culture in people with CF. A limitation of this study is that the cultures being compared in our study were not completed on the same day. Nevertheless, our data also indicate that collection technique may influence results for certain microorganisms. How these differences might influence antibiotic selection and treatment outcomes in the era of telemedicine requires more investigation. The return rate was found to be relatively low, demonstrating the need for interventions to improve patient outreach and compliance.Copyright © 2022, European Cystic Fibrosis Society. All rights reserved

Comparison between in-person and remote assessment of four field tests for people with chronic lung diseases

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has driven an abrupt shift from centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation to home-based or telerehabilitation models in order to safely deliver this important treatment. However, functional capacity assessment is still carried out with in-person supervision. Aim(s): To compare remote and in-person assessment of four field tests for patients with chronic lung diseases. Method(s): People with chronic respiratory diseases underwent timed up and go test (TUG), 5-repetitions sit-to-stand test (5-repStS), 1-minute STS (1-minStS), and modified incremental step test (MIST). Tests were carried out at participants' home with in-person or remote (Skype or WhatsApp) assessment, in random order. During the remote assessment, the physiotherapist was at the pulmonary rehabilitation centre. The order of the tests was also randomized and was the same for in-person and remote supervision. Each test was performed twice and the test with best performance was used for comparison between remote and in-person supervision. A kit containing a finger pulse oximeter, tape measure, and a step was provided. Pair t -test expressed as mean difference (95% CI), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2:1), and Bland-Altman method were used for analysis. Result(s): Forty-four participants (23 COPD, 18 bronchiectasis, three cystic fibrosis, FEV 1 47 +/- 19%, 56 +/- 15 years old) were assessed. There was no difference between in-person and remote supervision for all tests (TUG 0.04(-0.2-0.2) s, 5-repStS: 0.3(-0.1-0.7) s, 1-minStS: -0.9 (-1.9-0.1) repetitions, and MIST: -3.1 (-9.9-3.7) steps). High reproducibility was observed by ICC (95% CI) (TUG: 0.94 (0.89-0.97), 5-repStS: 0.96 (0.92-0.98), 1-minStS: 0.87 (0.77-0.93), and MIST: 0.94 (0.88-0.96). Limits of agreement were narrow for TUG (-0.8-1.7), 5-repStS (-2.3-2.9), and 1-minStS (-7.4-5.5), but wide for MIST (-46-40). Conclusion(s): Remote assessment provides similar results to in-person assessment for four field tests commonly used in people with chronic lung diseases.

Validity and test-retest reliability of field tests carried out by teleassessment of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid adoption of alternative evaluation methods for measuring functional capacity in people with cystic fibrosis, who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Teleassessment may be an alternative to conducting in-person field tests in this population. Objectives : To investigate the validity, reliability, and safety of field tests conducted by teleassessment in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Method(s): Participants underwent three functional tests: 3-min step test (3-min ST), 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min StS), and a timed up-and-go (TUG) test performed in their homes with in-person and remote assessment, in random order. During the remote assessment, the physiotherapist was at the pulmonary rehabilitation center. The order of the tests was randomized and the same in both assessments. For validity, main outcomes were compared between in-person and remote supervision by Wilcoxon test for 3-min ST and TUG, expressed as median (IQR), and pair t -test for 1-min StS, expressed as mean (SD). For test-retest reliability (test 1 vs. test 2) of the remote tests, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1) and Bland-Altman analysis were used. Result(s): Thirty-two participants (15 boys, 11 +/- 3 years, FEV 1 73 +/- 17% of predicted) were included. No significant difference was observed between in-person and remote supervision (3-min ST: 88 [83.5-90] vs. 88 [82.5-90] steps;1-min StS: 33(7) vs. 32(8) repetitions;TUG: 6.5 [5.6-8.0] vs. 6.6 [5.7-7.9] s). Test-retest of remote supervision demonstrated very good to excellent reliability for all field tests (ICC (95%CI) 3-min ST: 0.88 [0.65-0.95], 1-min StS: 0.86 [0.67-0.94], and TUG: 0.76 [0.41-0.89]). Mean difference (lower-upper limits of agreement) were 3-min-ST: -3.6 (-13.9-6.7) steps, 1-min StS: -1.9 (-8.6-4.7) repetitions, and TUG: 0.8 (-1.4-2.9) s. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion(s): In children and adolescent with cystic fibrosis, 3-min ST, 1-min StS, and TUG are valid, reliable and safe when carried out by teleassessment.

Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Zoom Exhaustion and Fatigue Scale (ZEF-T)

Objective: Overuse of video conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to the new mental health problem called 'Zoom fatigue'. This study examined convergent validity, factor validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Thai version of the Zoom Exhaustion & Fatigue Scale (ZEF-T). Method(s): The participants were 386 medical students from Thammasat University. Convergent validity was based on comparing ZEF-T scores with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done to examine factor validity. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in 25 participants using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot. Result(s): The ZEF-T demonstrated a positive correlation with emotional exhaustion of MBI-SS. (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). The CFA showed a satisfactory fit and supported the five-factor model with acceptable fit statistics. All items had factor loading of more than 0.7. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the total ZEF-T scores was excellent with the alpha of 0.93 and ICC 0.94 (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion(s): The ZEF-T was shown to be a valid and reliable assessment for measuring zoom fatigue in Thai university students.Copyright © 2023 IACFS/ME.

Reliability of Cardiovascular Disease Surveillance in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health

Background: Young to middle-aged U.S. adults are burdened by the obesity, opioid, and COVID-19 epidemics. However, the ability to detect cardiovascular disease (CVD) manifestations of population-wide changes in risk factors within contemporary cohorts in young to middle adulthood is unknown. Objective(s): To assess inter-rater reliability of death certificate (DC), obituary, coroner/medical examiner (CME) autopsy report, and hospital record ion in young to middle adulthood. Setting(s): The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), a nationally representative school-based sample of 20,745 U.S. adolescents in grades 7-12 (1994-1995) followed for the last 26 years and aged 37-45 years in 2020. Method(s): We traced all participants, identified decedents, then collected DCs, obituaries, CME autopsy reports, and hospital records = 1 month before death dates. Among a random sample of 28 decedents and an oversample of 28 hospitalized decedents enriched 3:1 for CVD, two trained and certified staff used an electronic data entry system to data needed for outcome classification from the four information sources following standardized, item-by-item instructions. We measured item-specific reliability of categorical data ion as the agreement between ors (%) and prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa coefficient (PABAK). We measured reliability of interval-scale data (e.g. creatinine;troponin;creatinine kinase;CK-MB;pro-BNP concentrations) as an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Result(s): We identified 578 (2.8%) participants who were deceased through December 2020. Of those, 577 (99.8%) had high scoring National Death Index matches uniquely identifying decedents in 44 U.S. states. We collected and ed 531 (92%), 445 (77%), 178 (66%), and 95 (39%) of their DCs, obituaries, CME autopsy reports, and hospital records. CVD was the underlying cause of death in 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8%-13%) of decedents. Mean, item-specific agreement (95% CI) was 0.86 (0.84-0.89), 0.90 (0.87-0.93), 0.93 (0.92-0.95), and 0.94 (0.92-0.95) for each source. The corresponding mean, item-specific PABAK (95% CI) was 0.83 (0.80-0.86), 0.86 (0.83-0.90), 0.92 (0.90-0.94) and 0.91 (0.89-0.93). The mean, biomarker-specific ICC (95% CI) was 0.96 (0.95-0.98). Conclusion(s): Overall, CVD was a major cause of mortality and reliability of ion was excellent across a range of measures. Ongoing investigation of deaths, and as needed, targeted staff retraining and improvement of ion protocol will enable high quality studies of CVD emergence within this large, nationally representative U.S. cohort. Such studies will provide generalizable insight into the biological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular manifestations and thereby inform understanding of changing CVD burden in the U.S. population.

Psychosocial and Health Requirements of Saudi Children During The COVID-19 Outbreak: A Questionnaire Study

Introduction: Psychological requirements are extremely important in the formation of a person's personality and conduct. During the COVID-19 epidemic in Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the goal of the current study was to determine the psychological and medical requirements of Saudi children. Method(s): The research received responses from 205 mothers in total, 90 of whom were the mothers of male children and 105 of whom were the mothers of female children. The investigation was carried out during the global COVID-19 epidemic that also afflicted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study made use of a 42-item measure measuring psychosocial and health needs across four categories. Result(s): Whether the study's findings were based on the children's overall score or their academic, psychological, or health requirements, it was discovered that these needs were modest. From the perspective of their moms, neither gender nor class significantly affected the children's health or psychological requirements. Conclusion(s): This study suggests giving the kids family programs to take advantage of and manage their downtime and boost their levels of outdoor exercise.Copyright © 2022, Universidade de Sao Paulo. Museu de Zoologia. All rights reserved.

Quality of life of palliative care cancer patients during COVID-19 lockdown phase

Background: Coronavirus pandemic in 2019 led India to implement a complete lockdown except for essential services. Cancer patients faced hindrances in seeking medical help. This caused stress and worry, leading to reduced quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated QoL and pain management in palliative care cancer patients during the lockdown. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study at a tertiary cancer hospital, over one month period with convenience sampling. Participants included all who were unable to visit the palliative outpatient department during the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were contacted telephonically and a valid QoL questionnaire was filled out. Disease, demographic details and pain were assessed. Result(s): A total of 51 were interviewed, 45% (n = 23) patients reported difficult access to medication during the lockdown;18 (35.3%) required morphine to alleviate pain and 6 (33.33%) faced difficulty in acquiring morphine tablets. QoL scores did not differ based on access to morphine (p = 0.648). Mean QoL scores were 12.7 +/- 3.76 and 15.0 +/- 3.60 amongst patients who did not have access to other medications and those who did have access, respectively (p = 0.03). Overall QoL FACT G7 mean score was 14 +/- 3.8. The variables NRS (pain intensity) and QoL scores were found to be negatively correlated (Pearson's Correlation Coefficient: r (49) = -0.69, p < 0.00001). Conclusion(s): Evaluation of QoL of palliative care cancer patients during global crises plays an important role in the assessment of patients' overall condition as well as to maintain a continuum of care.Copyright © Via Medica.