Dynamics of spa tourism statistics in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe

Spas were attracting visitors since ancient times. Study aims to monitor the changes in spa tourism statistics in the period of 2010-2020 for the selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia), with particular attention given to the average development rate (ADR) and average growth rate (AGR), and overnight stays and an average length of stay. The reference to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on overnight stays and an average length of stay was discussed as well. Moreover, upon analysis of the existing tourism data for the period of 2010-2020, prediction of the post-pandemic period (until 2023-2025) was also implemented with the use of a linear model. In addition, using the broad criteria of a four-night stay as a minimum stay for medical treatments, Serbia has shown the characteristics of a medical spa, while Slovenia and Croatia could be characterized as "wellness medical", and finally Hungary was considered as a wellness spa destination.

New ways of interacting with data, context, and chance in statistical modeling processes

This introductory paper first summarizes the major accomplishments of the literature on data modeling, modeling with software and the integration of statistical and computational thinking in statistical modeling, including how these collective efforts have helped the field evolve. Next, challenges that the field must address and general suggestions for future research are discussed. Finally, it is important to note that the papers in this special issue were in their final editing stages in early to mid-2020, at which time there were an unprecedented confluence of global crises: Covid-19, Civil Unrest over Racism, and Climate Change. Although the papers were written prior to Covid-19, it would be remiss not to discuss some of the important themes cultivated in this special issue in light of current events, particularly around the relationship between the non-neutral nature of data and ideas of data, context and chance in statistical modeling. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Visualizing and Querying Large-scale Structured Datasets by Learning Multi-layered 3D Meta-Profiles

Data profiling is a "set of statistical data analysis activities to determine properties of a dataset". Historically, it was aimed at data (not meta-data), but at scale, the tables' meta-data (i.e. title, attribute names, types) becomes abundant, hence its profiling becomes vital, especially in order to understand the contents of large-scale structured datasets.Here we describe and evaluate the algorithms and models behind our scalable Meta-data profiler. It is capable of learning Meta-profiles for a topic of interest in extreme-scale structured datasets, such as WDC [1] or CORD-19 [2] having millions of tables and hundreds of thousands of sources. A 3D Meta-profile visualizes a specific topic (e.g. COVID-19 vaccine side-effects) present in a large-scale structured dataset and simplifies access and comparison for data scientists and end-users. © 2022 IEEE.

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the banking system in Romania

The banking sector is one of the most important sectors for the economy of a country, being the one that supports the functioning of the market and that contributes to the achievement of economic growth. In this paper, we proposed that, starting from the statistical data published in the databases regarding Romania, to characterize the functioning of the banking system during the Covid-19 pandemic. The data were processed and analyzed with the help of some statistical indicators used in the analysis of time series (absolute change with a fixed base, absolute change with a chain base, the dynamic index with a fixed base, the dynamic index with a mobile base and the rhythm of the dynamics) and stood at the basis for formulating conclusions regarding how the banking system in Romania faced the challenges of the 2018-2020 period. At the same time, the strengths and weaknesses that characterized the banking system were identified, so that in the future, measures can be taken to avoid the risks resulting from the emergence of economic, health, social, etc. crises.

Survey of State Laws Governing Fees Associated With Late Payment of Rent

The information used in developing this survey was obtained through an exhaustive review of each state's relevant statute and court rules, as well as a thorough review of appellate court opinions interpreting a relevant statute or providing guidance in the absence of statutory directive. In most instances, tenants are provided the lease on a take-it-or-leave-it basis with no opportunity to negotiate any of its terms, including provisions related to late fees.1 States that impose late fee maximums vary greatly on the amount and form of the limitation. In most of these states, the reasonableness requirement is established by courts rather than through legislation. * Arizona: For residential tenancies, it is implied within its eviction statutes that late fees must be reasonable. * California: Must be reasonably related to costs the landlord faces as a result of rent being late. * Connecticut: Fees must bear a reasonable relationship to the actual damage that the landlord sustains, and the court may void if excessive. * Illinois: Must be a reasonable forecast of damage caused by the breach. * Kentucky: Must be reasonable;$20 or 20 percent of the rental fee for each month is deemed reasonable. * Ohio: Must be reasonable in proportion to the rental rate and have a rational basis supporting the imposition of the charge. * Oklahoma: Must be reasonably related to actual costs incurred. * Pennsylvania: Late fees must be reasonable. * Texas: Must be reasonable;presumed reasonable if not more than 12 percent of the amount of rent for a dwelling located in a structure that contains no more than four units or 10 percent for a structure that contains more than four units. * Vermont: Late fee allowed if reasonably related to costs incurred. * Washington: Presumably must be reasonable. * West Virginia: Presumably must be reasonable. Most of these moratoriums were expired as of the date of the initial publication of this survey. * California: Renters who have submitted a declaration of COVID-19-related financial distress cannot be charged a late fee for the late payment of rental payments (no expiration date). * Colorado: Executive order prohibited landlords and lenders from charging late fees for any rent incurred between May 1, 2020, and April 27, 2021, due to the pandemic (expired). * Connecticut: Executive order 7X granted tenants an automatic 60-day grace period for April 2020 rent and made a 60-day grace period for May 2020 rent available upon request.

The Association of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease with Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). MAFLD patients have a higher prevalence of COVID-19. MAFLD also is associated with worse clinical outcomes of COVID-19, such as disease severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, and higher mortality rates. However, this evidence has not been well characterized in the literature. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 among MAFLD patients compared to the non-MAFLD group. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PubMed/Medline, and Embase for studies reporting MAFLD prevalence among COVID-19 patients and comparing clinical outcomes such as severity, ICU admission, and mortality among patients with and without MAFLD. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD among COVID-19 patients and the pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for clinical outcomes of COVID-19 were calculated. Results: Sixteen observational studies met inclusion criteria involving a total of 11,484 overall study participants, including 1,746 MAFLD patients. The prevalence of COVID-19 among MAFLD patients was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.19-0.40). MAFLD was associated with the COVID-19 disease severity OR 3.07 (95% CI: 2.30-4.09). Similarly, MAFLD was associated with an increased risk of ICU admission compared to the non-MAFLD group OR 1.46 (95% CI: 1.12-1.91). Lastly, the association between MAFLD and COVID-19 mortality was not statistically significant OR 1.45 (95% CI: 0.74-2.84). Conclusions: In this study, a high percentage of COVID-19 patients had MAFLD. Moreover, MAFLD patients had an increased risk of COVID-19 disease severity and ICU admission rate.

Romania's tourism offer and demand in the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019. a statistical overview

The goal of the study is to analyze Romania's tourism in the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 and 2021, in order to quantify the gaps compared to the highest performance achieved in 2019 and in what measure tourism started to recover. Offer in terms of units with function for tourists' accommodation, their number, structure and evolution, number of places and their dynamics by accommodation type, and demand in terms of arrivals, overnight stays both at national level and in rural tourism, index of net use of accommodation capacity, incoming and outgoing tourism were the main studied indicators using fixed basis and structural indices and comparison method. Compared to 2019, in 2021 the number of accommodation units reached 9,146, being by +8.8% higher and the number of places accounted for 364.5 thousand (+2.2%). In 2020, tourist arrivals represented 47.8% and in 2021 accounted for 69.3% of the 2019 level, and the overnight stays followed a similar situation. The main destinations were the seashore, mountain and spa resorts, Romanian tourists having about 90% share in total arrivals. The pandemic was an incentive for Romanians to "Rediscover Romania" and the holiday vouchers were of much help. In a low measure, mainly in 2021, outgoing tourism to Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Maldive, Egypt exceeded the incoming tourism. The year 2021 was better than 2020, as the relaxed measures started earlier than in 2020 and tourism managers adopted flexible offers, personalized packages, last minute, early booking, free cancelation, lower tariffs, bonuses etc. The increasing trend is a hope that in 2022 tourism will have a much better dynamics and there are chances to recover!

USDA outlook for 2021 shows healthy recovery

It is reported that the USDA outlook for US agriculture in 2021 is generally positive. Most agricultural markets, including the major markets for Iowa, have recovered from the depths of the price declines that struck during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the basic statistics (such as production, exports, imports, and prices) for cattle/beef, pigs/pigmeat, maize and soyabeans are presented.

Evaluation of Online Teaching with the SIPEJAR Platform during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of online teaching with the SIPEJAR platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses a teaching program evaluation research approach. To measure the effectiveness of online teaching with the SIPEJAR Platform, we used a questionnaire containing 15 questions. Research respondents were 214 students of the Universitas Negeri Malang. Data obtained from student responses to online teaching extracted from SIAKAD. We used descriptive statistical data analysis and the one-sample t-test formula to test the hypothesis. The results show that online teaching with the SIPEJAR platform is effectively implemented to support instructional activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022 IEEE.

Overview of COVID-19 in rural livelihood in Pakistan: its origin, transmission, symptoms, treatment

About 138 million population live in rural areas of Pakistan. Evidence confirmed that COVID-19 cases were found in rural areas of Pakistan distinctively. Vaccination is the best protection against the virus. In this paper, the main determinants, characteristics, safety precautions, and current statistics related to COVID-19 in rural areas of Pakistan are presented. This study focuses on a rural population that is highly susceptible to COVID-19 and has a relatively high fatality rate in recent months due to closer contact with humans, pets, and animals. Measures to prevent transmission of COVID-19 were very successful for younger and older aged people in Pakistan. The majority of patients with COVID-19 typically initially had a sore throat, cough, pneumonia, diarrhea, and fever. The situation in Pakistan remained in control as compared to the rest of the whole world. Additionally, after a long lockdown, the second and third wave of COVID-19 also had fewer effects on the Pakistan population compared to many other countries. The best cure for the COVID-19 infection should be vaccinated and also focused on personal care, hygiene, take ample sunlight, fresh air, and ensure personal protection as well as social distancing. Moreover, the Pakistan government should provide guidelines and training to healthcare workers, and safety essentials to be imposed on people who violate standard operating procedure (SOPs) like levied penalties, sealing shops, send to jails, etc. Additionally, now that the vaccine has been introduced, adaptations to COVID-19 safety restrictions should be made and include mandatory vaccination as well as precautionary measures for all citizens.

Probiotic (VSL#3) for Gulf War Illness

The overall objective of the study is to determine whether probiotic VisbiomeTM will improve 1) Intestinal symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and 2) Non-intestinal symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, insomnia, general stiffness and headache) associated with IBS. All these symptoms are part of the Gulf War illness. We screened our first participant in September 2013. Overall, we have screened 101 and enrolled 62 Gulf War Veterans. We have stopped enrolling patients in this study. The stool samples analysis ongoing as well the statistical data analysis.

Tze Leung Lai and Anna Choi's contribution to the discussion of 'Testing by betting: A strategy for statistical and scientific communication' by Glenn Shafer

Comments on an article by Glenn Shafer (see record 2021-44219-001). It is exciting to follow Glenn Shafer's investigations into forecasting, betting, reasoning with uncertainty and foundational issues in probability, beginning with his 1973 PhD thesis at Princeton and culminating in Shafer on the Dempster-Shafer theory of belief functions, and its evolution during the past five decades to the present paper on betting scores and game-theoretic probability. Betting scores are particularly relevant in this momentous year of intensive global search for COVID19 vaccines and treatments, and upcoming presidential and congressional elections in the United States, about which pundits keep giving time-varying forecasts of the outcomes while betting markets on presidential election odds have been particularly active, similar to online sports betting markets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Visualization of the Epidemic Situation of COVID-19

The COVID-19 epidemic has extremely attracted our attentions and lots of maps and visualization charts were created to represent and disseminate the information about COVID-19 in time, which exactly became a key role for the public to acquire and understand the quantitative information and spatial-temporal information of COVID-19. The paper analyzed the dimension of data for COVID-19 and processing levels about them, then divided the COVID-19 visualization into three types, that is 1-order visualization, 2-order visualization and multi-order visualization for COVID-19, based on direct data or indirect data of COVID-19 with the corresponding visualization methods, characteristics and information transmission Shortcomings and weakness of visualization methods for COVID-19 were analyzed in details, from the aspects of multiple scale unit in spatial data statistics, max value dealing in data classification, also many key design points were described including color connotation in disease visualization, the influences of area / unit size in visualization, symbol overlapping, multiple-scale heat maps and labels in statistical tables. The paper indicated the visualization traps of COVID-19, such as misuse of visual effects and excessive visualization, and reasonable abilities of COVID-19 visualization including map-story narrative methods and visualization pertinence for specific problems should be considered sufficiently to provide the references for cartographers to design the maps and for readers to understand the maps. 2021, Science Press. All right reserved.

Peruvian small and medium-sized enterprises in times of crisis—Or what is happening over time?

Crises means a particular threat to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The pandemic is no exception;on the contrary, it reinforces this threat. This study provides insight into crisis management in SMEs over a period of time. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in Peruvian SMEs at two points in time. The findings provide insight into how the Peruvian firms studied adapted to the new situation, and initiated responses to cope with the crisis covering the period April–December 2020. By having studied the phenomenon of crisis management in SMEs at different stages, the study contributes to the further development of still underdeveloped fields of research, namely, crisis management in Latin America in general, and crisis management in SMEs in particular. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

COVID-19 transmission risk factors.

We analyze risk factors correlated with the initial transmission growth rate of the recent COVID-19 pandemic in different countries. The number of cases follows in its early stages an almost exponential expansion; we chose as a starting point in each country the first day di with 30 cases and we fitted for 12 days, capturing thus the early exponential growth. We looked then for linear correlations of the exponents α with other variables, for a sample of 126 countries. We find a positive correlation, i.e. faster spread of COVID-19, with high confidence level with the following variables, with respective p-value: low Temperature (4⋅10-7), high ratio of old vs. working-age people (3⋅10-6), life expectancy (8⋅10-6), number of international tourists (1⋅10-5), earlier epidemic starting date di (2⋅10-5), high level of physical contact in greeting habits (6⋅10-5), lung cancer prevalence (6⋅10-5), obesity in males (1⋅10-4), share of population in urban areas (2⋅10-4), cancer prevalence (3⋅10-4), alcohol consumption (0.0019), daily smoking prevalence (0.0036), and UV index (0.004, 73 countries). We also find a correlation with low Vitamin D serum levels (0.002-0.006), but on a smaller sample, ∼50 countries, to be confirmed on a larger sample. There is highly significant correlation also with blood types: positive correlation with types RH- (3⋅10-5) and A+ (3⋅10-3), negative correlation with B+ (2⋅10-4). We also find positive correlation with moderate confidence level (p-value of 0.02∼0.03) with: CO2/SO emissions, type-1 diabetes in children, low vaccination coverage for Tuberculosis (BCG). Several of the above variables are correlated with each other, and so they are likely to have common interpretations. We thus performed a Principal Component Analysis, to find the significant independent linear combinations of such variables. The variables with loadings of at least 0.3 on the significant PCA are: greeting habits, urbanization, epidemic starting date, number of international tourists, temperature, lung cancer, smoking, and obesity in males. We also analyzed the possible existence of a bias: countries with low GDP-per capita might have less intense testing, and we discuss correlation with the above variables.

Identification and computational analysis of mutations in SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a worldwide pandemic and is spreading rapidly to people across the globe. To combat the situation, vaccine design is the essential solution. Mutation in the virus genome plays an important role in limiting the working life of a vaccine. In this study, we have identified several mutated clusters in the structural proteins of the virus through our novel 2D Polar plot and qR characterization descriptor. We have also studied several biochemical properties of the proteins to explore the dynamics of evolution of these mutations. This study would be helpful to understand further new mutations in the virus and would facilitate the process of designing a sustainable vaccine against the deadly virus.

Drug Information Association (DIA) 2020 Virtual Global Annual Meeting (June 14-18, 2020).

At the 56th Global Annual Meeting of the Drug Information Association (DIA), attendees met virtually during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic for "rapid cross-stakeholder, cross-border collaboration" to support health worldwide. Sessions included presenters and speakers from regulatory, patient advocacy and academia sectors, with patients at the forefront of those discussions. This report covers various presentations and panel discussions from the 4-day meeting that focus on COVID-19, innovative trial designs spurred by a need to adapt amid a pandemic, digital health, novel products inspiring new regulatory standards, clinical trials, data collection and management, the need for more and better data and the ever-increasing importance of the patient perspective.