Strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fetal development and chromosomal abnormalities

Background/Objectives: To date, not many studies have been conducted to examine the role of COVID-19 on gestation and fetal development. During COVID-19, pregnant women had difficulty accessing prenatal screening and care due to pandemics restrictions and lockdowns. In this retrospective study we aimed to assess the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on fetal development in both prenatal and postnatal outcomes pre-and pre-COVID-19 pandemics in Northern Cyprus. Method(s): A total number of 61 aborted materials were karyotyped during the pre-pandemic period (January 2017 and March 2020) whereas 24 samples were analysed during the peripandemic period (March 2020-November 2021). On the other hand, 25 new-borns blood samples during the pre-pandemic and 44 samples during the pre-pandemic period were analysed. Result(s): No statistically significant difference found in health and abnormal aborted material karyotypes between two periods. On the other hand, a statistical significance was observed in postnatal chromosomal abnormalities (P = 0.04) after two long pandemic lockdowns, which are known as the first and the second waves, dramatically indicating that no baby with Down syndrome was between 2017-2020 whereas seven babies with Down Syndrome were born as consequences of without taking precaution against lockdowns. Conclusion(s): Overall, prenatal care is failed which resulting increased postnatal chromosomal abnormality due to heavy flight restrictions, economic inflation instability, limited access to medical services during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Northern Cyprus.

Handbook of Research on Language Teacher Identity. Advances in Higher Education and Professional Development (AHEPD) Book Series

In today's educational world, it is crucial for language teachers to continuously evolve in order to best serve language learners. Further study on the best practices and challenges in the language classroom is crucial to ensure instructors continue to grow as educators. The "Handbook of Research on Language Teacher Identity" addresses new developments in the field of language education affected by evolving learning environments and the shift from traditional teaching and assessment practices to the digital-age teaching, learning, and assessment. Ideal for industry professionals, administrators, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students, this book aims to raise awareness regarding reflective practice and continuous professional development of educators, collaborative teaching and learning, innovative ways to foster critical (digital) literacy, student-centered instruction and assessment, development of authentic teaching materials and engaging classroom activities, teaching and assessment tools and strategies, cultivation of digital citizenship, and inclusive learning environments.

SARS-CoV-2 Alpha Variant Infection of a Patient Immunized by Inactive Sinovac (CoronaVac) Vaccine

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in December 2019, and shortly after pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its unstoppable global spread. Considerable amount of effort has beenput around the World in order to develop a safe and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Inactivated and RNA vaccines have already passed phase three studies showing sufficient efficacy and safety, respectively. Nowadays, there is a noticeable dominance of SARS-CoV-2 variants with various mutations over the wild type SARS-CoV-2. However, there is no report showing the efficacy of these vaccines on these variants. This case study describes a thirty-eight-year-old male reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant following two doses of inactive CoronaVac administration with a protective level of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. The variant analysis of the virus reported to be positive for N501Y mutation.This is the first case in the literature demonstrating that inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine might have a lower efficacy on alpha variant.Copyright © 2022 Cenk Serhan Ozverel et al., published by Sciendo.

Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Northern Cyprus: Public Awareness, Patterns of Use, and Attitudes.

Background: The utilization of herbal medicine (HM) as a component of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide. Little is known about justifications for its use and the factors associated with it. This study gains insights into the use of herbal medicines in Northern Cyprus, concentrating on targets for its use, the role played by disease type, reasons for its use, and sources of information. Methods: A questionnaire was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample comprised of people in two different regions in Northern Cyprus over a 12-week period from August to November 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Moreover, qualitative research explored individuals' decision making regarding CAM, which aimed to examine 20 patients as a context for beliefs, decision making, and dialogue about CAM. After audio-taping and verbatim transcription, the data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings show that the majority of respondents learned about herbal products (HPs) and CAM from other patients, the Internet, friends, and family. The results indicate that almost half of the respondents were aware of how CAMs, especially herbal preparations, are used to treat common illnesses. Fennel, ginger, and echinacea were the most commonly used HMs, mainly for the treatment of the common cold. Furthermore, nearly 50% of the participants expressed the belief that HMs are safe, have fewer side effects than conventional medicines, and are also effective for treating minor health conditions. The prevalence was strongly associated with education level based on a Pearson Chi-square analysis. Conclusions: Although herbal medicines were mostly used to treat mild to moderate ailments and the participants were aware of their limitations, the combination of self-medication, inexperienced counseling, and lack of awareness of the risks of herbal medicines is potentially harmful. This is particularly important for elderly users, because although they seemed to be more aware of health-related issues, they generally used more medication than younger people. Given our finding that dissatisfaction with modern medicine is the most important reason for the preferred use of herbal medicines, government agencies, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies should be aware of this issue and should aim to create some level of awareness among users.

FOOD WASTE IN ROMANIA - STATISTICS AND FACTS

Food waste is a global concern today. Increasing the level of food security requires a better use of food systems, including reducing food waste and losses. Food crisis and the increase in the price of food, in the context of the climate changes, the Covid pandemic or the war in Ukraine, have sharpened the approach to food waste, including in Romania. National legislation on reducing food waste was adopted relatively late, and data on food waste in Romania are limited. According to international statistics, Romania wastes 2.5 million tons of food annually, with an average of about 70 kilograms/inhabitant, placing it in the middle of the European ranking of food waste. Research has shown that almost half of waste comes from households and a third from industrial food processing. The large commercial food chains in Romania already have programs to combat food waste. Educating the population, starting from primary education, adopting national strategies and applying good practices in reducing food waste from other European countries can represent potential solutions for Romania.

Using virtual methods to teach Clinical Communication Skills: a survey: Presenter(s): Panayiota Andreou, University of Nicosia, Cyprus

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the education community with an enormous challenge where educators were called to adjust and shift their teaching in most cases from onsite settings to online environments. This transition was abrupt and required adjustments, and in most cases without the necessary expertise or infrastructure. This study aimed to assess the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the conventional Methods: of teaching clinical communication skills (CCS) as compared to virtual Methods: of teaching. A convenience sample of EACH members involved in medical student CCS education were invited to complete an online survey comprising of 34 quantitative and qualitative questions about the use of virtual Methods: of teaching CCS. The data was analyzed using frequencies and content analysis. Forty-six (46) participants from 19 countries and a range of disciplines completed the survey. For most participants, very little of the CCS education was conducted online prior COVID-19. Once the transition was done online, most of the teaching was delivered synchronously (happening in real time) as opposed to asynchronous (e.g. recorded lectures). Participants reported that the transition from onsite to online was relatively smooth;online consultations minimized class distractions and enabled greater focus on student-simulated patient interaction. Areas that did not work well included missing on non-verbal cues both from the role-plays and the group;online sessions were viewed as a second-best option to onsite teaching. Online CCS teaching was forced to scale up within a short space of time. This study provides valuable insight of the challenges educators faced in this transition, their reflection on the strengths and weakness of online teaching as well as about the adaptability of educators, students and simulated patients in this change. It is envisaged this work will highlight areas to strengthen the skills and infrastructure of online CCS teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Patient Education & Counseling is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Transformational school leadership and the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions of teachers in Cyprus

The role of contextual factors has been highlighted in the school leadership literature. This points to the importance of examining the extent to which leadership models apply to, or are useful in, specific contexts. The paper investigates the extent to which school leaders adopted transformational leadership behaviours and practices during the pandemic crisis based on the perceptions of teachers. Qualitative research was conducted with 30 primary school teachers in Cyprus. The findings of the research show that overall, school leaders used behaviours and practices associated with transformational leadership to a great extent. Of the five transformational leadership dimensions proposed by Bass and Avolio, teachers were more likely to report weaknesses in the area of individualised consideration. Moreover, the perceptions of teachers suggest that the behaviours and practices of school leaders during the pandemic crisis can be linked to different leadership conceptualisations and/or models. The paper provides implications regarding educational policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Educational Management Administration & Leadership is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Public Areas: An Investigation of Environmental Surface Contamination

Although droplets and aerosol are considered the main transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2, indirect contact has been indicated to play a critical role in transmission. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on different environmental surfaces in public areas in Cyprus. Using RT-qPCR, samples from 50 swab specimens collected from high-touch surfaces were analyzed for viral RNA. Six surfaces (12.0%) in all were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among the examined surfaces within supermarkets, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 22.2% (n=4/18) of the sampling points, with shopping trolley handles and POS keyboards being the most frequently contaminated items. In the hospital setting, two (n=2/5, 40%) samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Our results indicate that, at the current stage of the pandemic, viral contamination of public spaces exists in the community. Lifting protective measures may have contributed to fomite transmission in public spaces. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Erciyes Medical Journal / Erciyes Tip Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The intensive care unit admissions and mortality rates of the Covid-19 patients whose chest imaging findings were progressed during hospitalization:Is there any difference between vaccinated or unvaccinated patients?

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to determine whether vaccination status affects the intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death of the radiologically progressed patients. The study is also important since it is the first retrospective study among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in North Cyprus. Method(s): This is an retrospective study based on the hospitalized patients in Pandemic Hospital, in Nicosia, North Cyprus between 1 October 2021 and 31 January 2022. Total number of cases are 189 (n=189). We compared the patients's first and the fifth day chest images of the hospitalized patients. 81 of these patients showed progression on their chest imagings (computerized tomography or chest x-ray). These patients (n=81) are divided into 3 groups (fully vaccinated, without booster and unvaccinated) among their vaccination status whether they needed ICU admission or not. The fully vaccinated means they were vaccinated with inactive, mRNA or vector vaccines within 3 months or they get their booster vaccines in 3 months. Result(s): %56 (n=45) of the 81 patients were unvaccinated, where %28 (n=23) were without booster and %16 (n=13) were fully vaccinated. Among the unvaccinated patients %44 (n=20) needed further treatment in ICU and %22 (n=10) of them died. Among the full vaccinated patients %61.5 (n=8) of them needed ICU admission and %7.7 (n=1) of them died. In without booster subgroup %34.7 (n=8) needed ICU admission and %13 (n=3) of them died. Conclusion(s): This study have shown that the mortality rate in unvaccinated group is tripled (p=0.099).

B.1.1.529 versus B.1.617.2 variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2:Is there any difference between hospitalization, intensive care unit treatment and mortality rates?

Aims and objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants show different transmission, pathogenicity features. Severeness vary between them. These features determine the course of the pancemic. B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus was first identified in India in late 2020 and on May 2021 became the dominant variant globally. B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant was first identified in South Africa in late November 2021 and is still the dominant variant globally. The aim of this study is to find if there is any difference between hospitalization, ICU admission and mortality rates between these variants. Method(s): Patients with SARS-Cov-2 reviewed retrospectively who were hospitalized in Pandemic Hospital, in North Cyprus, in December 2021 and in January 2022. In December 2021 Delta variant was the dominant variant in North Cyprus where in January 2022 Omicron variant was the dominant variant in North Cyprus. Result(s): In December 2021, 7114 patients were tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 virus on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. %5.5 (n=397) were hospitalized. Among positive patients %1 (n=71) of them were admitted to ICU and the mortality rate is found %0.53 (n=38). In January 2022, 19323 patients were tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 virus on PCR tests and %1.8 (n=363) were hospitalized. Among positive patients %0.3 (n=60) needed ICU admission and mortality rate is %0.018 (n=35). Conclusion(s): Omicron variant has lower rate of hospitalization(p=0.00001), ICU admission (p=0.00001) and mortality (p=0.00001) than the Delta variant.

Investigation of anxiety among pharmacy students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Cyprus

Background: Anxiety is common among university students and previous research has highlighted the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and higher anxiety scores in the public. Objectives: In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety status of pharmacy students studying in Northern Cyprus and analyze the role of some parameters on the observed anxiety scores. Methods: Anxiety scores of 185 pharmacy students studying at two universities in Northern Cyprus were evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) assessments. Additionally, the information of participants was recorded in terms of sociodemographic and educational characteristics, antidepressants and anxiolytic use, and consumption of vitamin-mineral supplements. The questionnaires were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic from December 11, 2020, to January 4, 2021, online via the Microsoft TeamsR platform. It should be mentioned that responses were anonymous. Results: The mean BAI and GAD-7 scores of pharmacy students were 13.1+or-11.2 and 10+or-6.7, respectively. Based on the results, 6% of the students (n=11) revealed potentially concerning levels of anxiety in their BAI responses. Moreover, 31.9% of the pharmacy students (n=59) demonstrated severe anxiety scores on the GAD-7. Positive COVID-19 cases in the family led to statistically significant increases in anxiety on both instruments. Pharmacy students with five years of education (B. Pharm/M. Pharm) showed significantly higher anxiety scores on the BAI. Besides, age correlated negatively with anxiety scores on the GAD-7. Neither antidepressant and anxiolytic use nor vitamin/mineral supplement use were not related to the anxiety scores of participants. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrated an alarming anxiety status among pharmacy students during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Diagnosis of a family member with COVID-19 was observed to be critical in triggering the anxiety of pharmacy students. Data from this study should raise awareness to take action plans for the mental well-being of pharmacy students during pandemics.

Hospitality managers in turbulent times: The COVID-19 crisis

Purpose: This study aims to explore the role General Managers (GMs) play in mitigating the effects of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative structured interviews conducted online with 50 hospitality GMs from 45 countries are used to explore the impact of the pandemic on the industry's operational norms and the role of managers in both managing the crisis and planning contingencies for recovery. Findings: The findings enhance the conceptual capital in this emerging field and provide insights on how GMs behave during crises. Four related sub-themes emerged from the data analysis, namely, contingency planning and crisis management, resilience and impact on GM roles, the impact on hotels' key functional areas and some GMs' suggestions for the future of luxury hospitality. Research limitations/implications: This study generates empirical data that inform contemporary debates about crisis management and resilience in hospitality organizations at a micro-level operational perspective. Practical implications: Findings suggest that, in times of uncertainty and crisis, luxury hotel GMs are vital in coping with changes and leading their organizations to recovery. GMs' resilience and renewed role and abilities enable them to adapt rapidly to external changes on their business environment. Originality/value: This study is unique in terms of scale and depth, as it provides useful insights regarding the GM's role during an unprecedented crisis such as COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Digital systemic practices in Europe: A survey before the COVID-19 pandemic

Knowledge regarding digital practices in the field of systemic therapy is poor. A few surveys have been conducted in non-European countries investigating the provision of digitally based therapy, counselling, training, and supervision by systemic family and couple therapists (SCFTs). Thus, a survey aiming to investigate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) among European SCFTs was launched in 2017. A sample of 220 SCFTs was included in the survey. The majority were residents in Greece, France and Italy. Descriptive analysis compared SCFTs' digital practices and concerns from the above three countries with those from the rest of Europe. Results showed that 81.4 per cent of European SCFTs used ICT for clinical purposes and 47.7 per cent in training and supervision. Main concerns among European SCFTs related to the quality of therapeutic relationship, ethical and legal issues, and a lack of national and transnational regulation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement ICT use and e-therapy increase access to mental health services and maintain therapeutic contact. Systemic individual therapy, supervision and training are workable online settings. Legislation regulating ICT use in therapy, supervision and training (e.g. General Data Protection Regulation) has to be respected. Training and continuous education in online practices enhance therapists' and clients' options, and ensure digital safeness and effective treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Effects of Green Human Resource Management on Innovation Performance through Green Innovation: Evidence from Northern Cyprus on Small Island Universities

The education sector has been severely affected by the global pandemic of COVID-19, and the need for improvement in its aftermath became a challenge for scholars and practitioners alike. The current research focuses on the role of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) initiatives as an independent variable that is innovation-centric, and improved innovation performance of education sector employees as the dependent variable. GHRM in the current context is described as focusing on environmental aspects within the processes and functions of work in a comprehensive manner that incorporates both resource/waste management and areas of development, as well as green behavior among members. Moreover, the mediating effect of green innovation on the aforementioned relationship and enhancing the role of environmental leadership are examined through a quantitative approach using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data from several universities across Northern Cyprus have been gathered with regard to the design, aims, and context of this study. With a total of 187 teachers and administrators from three different universities and using PLS-SEM for analysis, the results show that human resource departments in universities can play a major role in determining the extent of innovation performance within the organization. Green innovation as a mediator can improve the workplace environment, which can be significantly enhanced through an adequate leadership that supports such initiatives (i.e., environmental leadership). The current results can be beneficial for scholars (organizational psychology, innovation, and sustainable HRM), as well as decision-makers in the universities in Northern Cyprus as a small island.

Efficacy of corona virus disease 2019 vaccines on oxygen demand, intensive care unit administration and mortality: a single centre retrospective study

Aims and objectives: The recent corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic produced high and excessive demands for hospitalization. Vaccination is an efficient strategy to reduce hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. With this study our aim is to present efficacy of vaccination on oxygen demand, ICU admission and mortality rate. Method(s): In this retrospective study, we surveyed COVID-19 positive patients hospitalised from October 2021 to January 2022, in North Cyprus. Among these 189 patients 93 needed supplemental oxygen therapy. These patients were divided into subgroups according to their vaccination status, and the vaccinated patients were further classified under vaccine types and booster numbers. Result(s): Of the 93 patients, 40% (n=38) experienced severe symptoms leading to ICU admission and their mortality rate is 15% (n=14). ICU admission and mortality rate is found to be 38% (n=20) and 19% (n=10) respectively in the unvaccinated group (n=52). 41 vaccinated patients were admitted to the ICU. 44%(n=8) were injected with booster, 22% (n=4) with inactive vaccine, 22%(n=4), with mRNA and 11% (n=2) with vector vaccine. Mortality rate among vaccinated patients is 9.8%(n=4). Conclusion(s): The study have shown that there is no difference between the mortality rates (p=0.52) of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients who needed supplementary oxygen therapy. Their ICU admission rate (p=0.67) does not show a significant difference as well. The results demonstrate that even though ICU admission does not differ in vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, mortality rate is double in the latter (p=0.25).

Comparative humoral response of mRNA and inactivated vaccines against COVID-19 in healthy adults aged 60 years and older.

INTRODUCTION: A vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critically needed for older adults because of the increased morbidity and mortality rates. METHODOLOGY: In this prospective study, we analysed the titre magnitude of the IgG antibodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein S1 (S1-RBD) antigen in both CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech groups. The samples were tested to detect antibodies that bind to the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique with SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant. The cut-off value was > 50 AU/mL. GraphPad Prism software was used. Statistical significance was defined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The CoronaVac group (12 females, 13 males) had a mean age of 69.64 ± 1.38 years. The Pfizer-BioNTech group (13 males, 12 females) had a mean age of 72.36 ± 1.44 years. The anti- S1-RBD titre decrease rate from the 1st to the 3rd month for CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech groups was 74.31% and 86.48%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the antibody titre between the 1st month and 3rd month for the CoronaVac group. However, there was a significant difference between the 1st and 3rd month in the Pfizer-BioNTech group. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the genders between the 1st and 3rd month of the antibody titres for both the CoronaVac Pfizer-BioNTech group. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of anti-S1-RBD, the preliminary outcome data of our study, represents one piece of the puzzle of humoral response and duration of vaccination protection.

COVID-19 IN INTERNATIONAL MEDIA: GLOBAL PANDEMIC PERSPECTIVES

Kanajet reviews COVID-19 in International Media: Global Pandemic Responses edited by John C. Pollock and Douglas A. Vakoch.

Genomic Epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Cyprus from November 2020 to October 2021: The Passage of Waves of Alpha and Delta Variants of Concern.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has had devastating repercussions for public health. Over the course of this pandemic, the virus has continuously been evolving, resulting in new, more infectious variants that have frequently led to surges of new SARS-CoV-2 infections. In the present study, we performed detailed genetic, phylogenetic, phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses to examine the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus using 2352 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from infected individuals in Cyprus during November 2020 to October 2021. During this period, a total of 61 different lineages and sublineages were identified, with most falling into three groups: B.1.258 & sublineages, Alpha (B.1.1.7 & Q. sublineages), and Delta (B.1.617.2 & AY. sublineages), each encompassing a set of S gene mutations that primarily confer increased transmissibility as well as immune evasion. Specifically, these lineages were coupled with surges of new infections in Cyprus, resulting in the following: the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Cyprus, comprising B.1.258 & sublineages, during late autumn 2020/beginning of winter 2021; the third wave, comprising Alpha (B.1.1.7 & Q. sublineages), during spring 2021; and the fourth wave, comprising Delta (B.1.617.2 & AY. sublineages) during summer 2021. Additionally, it was identified that these lineages were primarily imported from and exported to the UK, Greece, and Sweden; many other migration links were also identified, including Switzerland, Denmark, Russia, and Germany. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus was characterized by successive introduction of new lineages from a plethora of countries, resulting in the generation of waves of infection. Overall, this study highlights the importance of investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the context of Cyprus, as well as the impact of protective measures placed to mitigate transmission of the virus, providing necessary information to safeguard public health.

Teacher Education in the Digital Transformation Process in North Cyprus: A Situation Analysis Study

While the world was already moving towards a digital future before 2020, the coronavirus pandemic accelerated that significantly in many sectors. This is certainly true with regard to digital transformation in the classroom, which gathered pace almost overnight when schools shutdown and lessons first moved online. At the time, the shift served to highlight how unprepared most of the sector was for digital transformation. At this point, both teacher and student skills and competencies for digital transformation have been questioned and many academic studies for literature have been put forward in this context. In this research, teacher education and competencies are questioned in the transition to the digital transformation process in Northern Cyprus. In addition, tools for measuring digital competencies and teacher-oriented changes will be introduced. It is thought that determining the competencies of teachers and the tools measuring these competencies within the scope of the digitalization process will be effective in ensuring quality in education on behalf of Northern Cyprus in the future and will shed light on future research. In the literature review, although the existence of studies belonging to Northern Cyprus in measuring the digital competence of teachers/teacher candidates' is remarkable, it has been determined that there are not enough numbers according to the importance of the subject. Considering the rapid transition and adaptation to the digital transformation process, especially during the pandemic period, since teachers are the most important part of digital education, it is foreseen that more qualitative or quantitative research is needed to interpret and measure digital competencies.

Making Wonders with Burned Fingers: The Experiences of ELT Teachers during the Online Education Process

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid shift in education all around the world, including Northern Cyprus. Although the related literature focused on the general perceptions of teachers and their experiences or challenges during the online education process that started early in 2020, there seems to be a gap in the literature regarding the well-being of the English language teachers from a broader perspective taking their interwoven roles and identities into consideration. In an attempt to fill this void in the literature, this study investigated the experiences of seven English language teachers during the online education period English medium university in Northern Cyprus regarding (1) work-life balance, (2) professional development, (3) academic activities and research, (4) collaboration and communication among colleagues, (5) relationship with the administration, and (6) teaching English online. The necessary data were collected via a demographic survey along with an auto-photography task, in which the participants took photos for the themes and explained them in short s, and focus group interviews were conducted. The findings revealed that although the teachers had certain financial, psychological, and teaching-related challenges in this process, they adapted to the new normal by making sacrifices, learning from their mistakes. That is to say, adaptation to online teaching took some time, energy, practice, and collaboration, but eventually, teachers managed to survive and even enjoy the whole process despite the pain they had in their fingers.