Sleep Quality and Emotional Adaptation among Freshmen in Elite Chinese Universities during Prolonged COVID-19 Lockdown:The Mediating Role of Anxiety Symptoms

Under the effects of COVID-19 and a number of ongoing lockdown tactics,anxiety symptoms and poor sleep quality have become common mental health issues among college freshmen and are intimately related to their emotional adaptation.To explore this connection,this study gathered data from a sample of 256 freshmen enrolled in an elite university in China in September 2022.The association between sleep quality,anxiety symptoms,and emotional adaptation was clarified using correlation analysis.Additionally,the mediating function of anxiety symptoms between sleep quality and emotional adaptation was investigated using a structural equation model.The results reveal that:(1)Chinese elite university freshmen who were subjected to prolonged lockdown had poor sleep quality and mild anxiety symptoms;(2)a significant positive correlation between poor sleep quality and anxiety symptoms was identified;(3)anxiety symptoms were found to have a significant negative impact on emotional adaptation;(4)poor sleep quality had a negative impact on emotional adaptation through anxiety symptoms.This research makes a valuable contribution by offering insights into the intricate relationship between sleep quality and emotional adaptation among freshmen in elite Chinese universities during prolonged lockdown conditions,and it is beneficial for schools and educators to further improve school schedules and psychological health initiatives.

Aggravation of Cancer,Heart Diseases and Diabetes Subsequent to COVID-19 Lockdown via Mathematical Modeling

The global populationhas beenandwill continue to be severely impacted by theCOVID-19 epidemic.The primary objective of this research is to demonstrate the future impact of COVID-19 on those who suffer from other fatal conditions such as cancer,heart disease,and diabetes.Here,using ordinary differential equations(ODEs),two mathematical models are developed to explain the association between COVID-19 and cancer and between COVID-19 and diabetes and heart disease.After that,we highlight the stability assessments that can be applied to these models.Sensitivity analysis is used to examine how changes in certain factors impact different aspects of disease.The sensitivity analysis showed that many people are still nervous about seeing a doctor due to COVID-19,which could result in a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of various ailments in the years to come.The correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular illness is also illustrated graphically.The effects of smoking and obesity are also found to be significant in disease compartments.Model fitting is also provided for interpreting the relationship between real data and the results of thiswork.Diabetic people,in particular,need tomonitor their health conditions closely and practice heart health maintenance.People with heart diseases should undergo regular checks so that they can protect themselves from diabetes and take some precautions including suitable diets.The main purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of regular checks,to warn people about the effects of COVID-19(including avoiding healthcare centers and doctors because of the spread of infectious diseases)and to indicate the importance of family history of cancer,heart diseases and diabetes.The provision of the recommendations requires an increase in public consciousness.

Nurses’experiences in providing antenatal care during COVID-19 lockdown in Ghana

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic posed a major global health threat,leading to the disruption and strain of numerous health systems globally.The situation deprived essential routine healthcare services,including antenatal care,of the needed attention,significantly affecting facility workers.This study therefore aimed to explore the lived experiences and challenges faced by nurses providing antenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven antenatal care nurses.The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes.Four main themes emerged:(1)Knowledge capital,which refers to the essential knowledge and skills required;(2)Interventions,highlighting the measures taken to adapt care;(3)Antenatal care challenges,detailing the specific obstacles faced;and(4)Coping strategies,outlining the methods used by nurses to manage stress and maintain care quality.Results:The results highlight the emotional and economic toll of the pandemic on antenatal care nurses and the importance of effective collaboration and coping strategies.The findings also underscore the crucial role of teamwork,dedication,quick adjustment,and the role of information communication technology in maneuvering through pandemics to provide continuous essential care.Conclusion:These insights are crucial for health agencies and organizations to develop supportive strategies that ensure the continuity of healthcare delivery and safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers during crises.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on hospital admissions for epistaxis in Germany

BACKGROUND Reports of a decrease in hospital admissions during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)lockdown period have raised concerns about delayed or missed diagnoses and treatments for non-COVID-19-related illnesses.AIM To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown and its end on hospital admissions of patients with epistaxis in Germany.METHODS A retrospective analysis based on the national database of the Hospital Remuneration System was used to compare hospital admissions during defined time periods between 2019 and 2022 with the lockdown period as the reference period.This was done on a weekly basis before,during,and after the lockdown.An Interrupted Time Series was used as the analysis method.RESULTS In our analysis,we included 26183 patients.The implementation of the lockdown led to a substantial reduction in the overall occurrence of epistaxis among patients(P<0.05).This effect was most pronounced in the age group of 0-39 years,where the decrease was highly significant(P<0.001).However,there was no change observed in patients aged 80 years and older(not significant).With the end of the lockdown period,the overall number of patients,especially in the youngest age group,increased abruptly and significantly(P<0.01).CONCLUSION During the lockdown period,there was a decrease in hospital admissions for younger patients with epistaxis,possibly due to the fear of COVID-19 exposure.We also conclude that the severity of epistaxis was not underestimated in the elderly during the pandemic.

Have the Covid-19 Lockdowns Made Lasting Changes to Everyday Life? Evidence from UK Time Use Surveys

This paper asks whether the turbulence of the Covid-19 lockdowns has left enduring changes to everyday life in the UK which are unlikely to have happened,up to now,in the absence of the pandemic.The analysis disaggregates the UK population by gender,and into age groups and income bands,specifies whose lives were changed during the lockdowns,and exactly how.It is argued that most changes from pre-to post-lockdowns have been spurts in longer-running trends driven by the UK demographic,housing,economic and political contexts.The exceptions,the sole genuine lockdown legacies that the analysis leaves,are the normalisation of working from home and an increase in total time spent doing paid work.

An application of artificial intelligence for investigating the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on three-dimensional temperature variation in equatorial Africa

We present interesting application of artificial intelligence for investigating effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on 3-dimensional temperature variation across Nigeria(2°-15°E,4°-14°N),in equatorial Africa.Artificial neural networks were trained to learn time-series temperature variation patterns using radio occultation measurements of atmospheric temperature from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology,Ionosphere,and Climate(COSMIC).Data used for training,validation and testing of the neural networks covered period prior to the lockdown.There was also an investigation into the viability of solar activity indicator(represented by the sunspot number)as an input for the process.The results indicated that including the sunspot number as an input for the training did not improve the network prediction accuracy.The trained network was then used to predict values for the lockdown period.Since the network was trained using pre-lockdown dataset,predictions from the network are regarded as expected temperatures,should there have been no lockdown.By comparing with the actual COSMIC measurements during the lockdown period,effects of the lockdown on atmospheric temperatures were deduced.In overall,the mean altitudinal temperatures rose by about 1.1℃ above expected values during the lockdown.An altitudinal breakdown,at 1 km resolution,reveals that the values were typically below0.5℃ at most of the altitudes,but exceeded 1℃ at 28 and 29 km altitudes.The temperatures were also observed to drop below expected values at altitudes of 0-2 km,and 17-20 km.

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Composition and Fitness Performance among Football Players in Negro African Environment

Context and Objective: The nutritional and sports dimension of the lockdown implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic is unexplored in the African environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on body composition and fitness performance in Congolese football players. Methods: This was an observational study carried out in Brazzaville between February 9 and October 30, 2020. It included 16 male players among Congolese senior national team and 11 male football players of first division Brazzaville clubs. Two types of measurements were carried out: anthropometric measures (height, body mass, total fat percent, lean body mass);physical capacities [30 m sprint, repeated sprint, aerobic endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test), vertical jump (Squat Jump test, Countermovement test)]. The measurements were realized at 4 times: before lockdown (month of february, T0), 1st week of june (T1), 1st week of september (T2), 1st week of october (T3). Data were compared using Student t test, Sokal S test, Anova, Newman-Keuls test (multiple contrasts) and correlation analysis. Results: A significant increase in body mass (p Conclusion: The present data suggest that COVID-19 lockdown promotes weight gain and decreased physical ability in football players.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Continuation of Treatment among the OPD Geriatric Patients

The aim of the study was to identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on continuation of treatment among the OPD geriatric patients.Quantita­tive research study has been conducted.A descriptive research design and convenience sampling technique were used to pick a total of 100 samples,(n=100).Self-structured socio demographic questionnaire and self struc­tured interview method were used to collect the data in November 2020 at tertiary care hospitals,Bhubaneswar,Odisha,India.The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.Comparison of three categories of COVID-19 pandemic factors affecting in availing OPD ser­vices reveals that the psychological factor has more effect(73%)followed by hospital related factors(68%)and the availability of public transporta­tion and resources(62%)has less effect in availing OPD services among patients during COVID-19 pandemic.Application of chi square test reveals that there is no significant relationship of intensity of COVID-19 pandemic factors affecting in availing OPD services among patients with selected socio demographic variables.These findings suggest that facility for san­itization of hospital premises,facility for social distancing in registration counter,waiting area and other areas of hospital are not quite satisfactory.Factors like availability of public transport,availability of healthcare per­sonnel’s in OPD,adequacy of treatment facility,cost of medical services,availability of diagnostic services,are highly affecting geriatric patients in availing OPD services during COVID-19 pandemic and need to be taken care.

Variation and dispersal of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) during COVID-19 lockdown over Kolkata metropolitan city,India investigated through HYSPLIT model

The higher concentration of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) in the lower atmosphere is severely harmful for human health and it also makes visibility diminution along with weather and climate modifications.The main objective is to find out the spatiotemporal variation and dispersal of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) along with COVID-19 infection in the dusty city Kolkata.The consecutive two years PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) data of different stations have been obtained from State Pollution Control Board,Govt.of West Bengal.Forward trajectory analysis has been done through HYSPLIT(Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory)model to find the path and direction of air particles.The result showed that the various meteorological or environmental factors(such as temperature,relative humidity,wind,wind speed,pressure and gusty wind)and geographical location regulate the spatiotemporal variation of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5).These factors like high temperature with relative humidity and strong wind influence to disperse the particulate matters from north to south direction from city to outside during summer in Kolkata metropolitan city.During summer(both pre and lockdown years),the height of particles is extended up to 1000 m owing to active atmospheric ventilation whereas in winter it is confined within 100 m.The HYSPLIT model clearly specified that the particles dispersed from south,south-west to north and north east direction due to strong wind.The constant magnification of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) in the lower atmosphere leads to greater frequency of COVID-19 infections and deaths.In Kolkata,the one of the crucial reasons of high infection and deaths(COVID-19)is co-morbidity of people.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the optical properties and radiative effects of urban brown carbon aerosol

Intensive measurements were conducted in Xi’an,China before and during a COVID-19 lockdown period to investigate how changes in anthropogenic emissions affected the optical properties and radiative effects of brown carbon(BrC)aerosol.The contribution of BrC to total aerosol light absorption during the lockdown(13%-49%)was higher compared with the normal period(4%-29%).Mass absorption cross-sections(MACs)of specific organic aerosol(OA)factors were calculated from a ridge regression model.Of the primary OA(POA),coal combustion OA(CCOA)had the largest MACs at all tested wave-lengths during both periods due to high molecular-weight BrC chromophores;that was followed by biomass burning OA(BBOA)and hydrocarbon-like OA(HOA).For secondary OA(SOA),the MACs of the lessoxidized oxygenated OA(OOA)species(LO-OOA)atλ=370-590 nm were higher than those of more-oxidized OOA(MO-OOA)during both periods,presumably due to chromophore bleaching.The largest contributor to BrC absorption at the short wavelengths was CCOA during both periods,but BrC absorption by LO-OOA and MO-OOA became dominant at longer wavelengths during the lockdown.The estimated radiation forcing efficiency of BrC over 370-600 nm increased from 37.5 W·gduring the normal period to 50.2 W·gduring the lockdown,and that enhancement was mainly caused by higher MACs for both LO-OOA and MO-OOA.This study provides insights into the optical properties and radiative effects of source-specific BrC aerosol when pollution emissions are reduced.

Changes in air pollutants during the COVID-19 lockdown in Beijing:Insights from a machine-learning technique and implications for future control policy

The COVID-19 lockdowns led to abrupt reductions in human-related emissions worldwide and had an unintended impact on air quality improvement.However,quantifying this impact is difficult as meteorological conditions may mask the real effect of changes in emissions on the observed concentrations of pollutants.Based on the air quality and meteorological data at 35 sites in Beijing from 2015 to 2020,a machine learning technique was applied to decouple the impacts of meteorology and emissions on the concentrations of air pollutants.The results showed that the real(“deweathered”)concentrations of air pollutants(expect for O 3)dropped significantly due to lockdown measures.Compared with the scenario without lockdowns(predicted concentrations),the observed values of PM_(2.5),PM_(10),SO_(2),NO_(2),and CO during lockdowns decreased by 39.4%,50.1%,51.8%,43.1%,and 35.1%,respectively.In addition,a significant decline for NO_(2)and CO was found at the background sites(51%and 37.8%)rather than the traffic sites(37.1%and 35.5%),which is different from the common belief.While the primary emissions reduced during the lockdown period,episodic haze events still occurred due to unfavorable meteorological conditions.Thus,developing an optimized strategy to tackle air pollution in Beijing is essential in the future.

Keeping Fit in Isolation Athletes find innovative ways to stay in shape during COVID-19 lockdown

Athletes find innovative ways to stay in shape during COVID-19 lockdown The year 2020 was supposed to be a very busy one for sports in China.A number of major competitions were planned to be held throughout the year.The Chinese Super League football season was due to start on February 22.

Food Access and Experience of Food Insecurity in Nigerian Households during the COVID-19 Lockdown

The food insecurity experiences and related behaviors of Nigerian households during the COVID-19 lockdown have not been fully discussed. This study was conducted to elicit information on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on economic and behavioral patterns related to food access. An online-based semi-structured questionnaire distributed through messaging platforms was used to collect information on characteristics, food purchasing behaviour before and during COVID-19 lockdown among respondents. Experience of food insecurity was assessed using Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). A total of 883 responses were received and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Most of the respondents (90.5%) were at home or had stopped going to work due to COVID-19 restrictions. Even though smaller households had higher food expenditure claims than larger households (p = 0.012), the larger the household, the more acute the challenge of economic access to food (p = 0.050). Location (p = 0.000), age (p = 0.003), occupation (p = 0.014) and income level (p = 0.000) were associated with experience of food insecurity. In conclusion, lockdown restrictions increased food expenditure and experience of food insecurity among the respondents and thus we recommend the probe of long-term consequences of deviations from usual food access on undernutrition or overnutrition in Nigerian households.

The Effect of Online Wellness Coaching for Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown on Well-Being: A Qualitative Study

Aim:The aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experience of 3rd-year nursing students who participated in an online wellness coaching program during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.Methods:This qualitative research study on an online wellness coaching program included 30 female students,aged 21 to 30 years,who were confined to their home during the COVID-19 outbreak for two months.The students were asked to describe their feelings and responses during the COVID-19 lockdown.Results:Four thematic clusters emerged in the data analysis:what the students felt during the quarantine period,what the wellness coaching practice added to the students’lives,what changes resulted from the application and whether the students would like the application to continue and recommend the application.The study showed that students had a high level of stress,fear and anxiety at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.With the online wellness coaching application,they experienced a decrease in social isolation,an improved ability to cope with stress,and improved positivity and well-being.Conclusion:Findings from this study demonstrate that online wellness coaching during the COVID-19 quarantine has a positive effect on students’well-being.

Associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown in young and middle-aged Israelis:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND This study examined the associations between social support and anxiety during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in an Israeli sample.AIM To examine the associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 in an Israeli sample.METHODS Data for this cross-sectional study were retrieved from an online survey.Linear regression,logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were conducted to test for associations between social support and anxiety.RESULTS A total of 655 individuals took part in the present study.In the univariate linear regression model,there is a negative correlation between the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score(GAD-7)and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale(MSPSS)score.For MSPSS score,the multivariable adjusted regression coefficient and 95%confidence interval(CI)of GAD-7 score were-0.779(-1.063 to-0.496).In the univariate logistic regression model,there was a negative correlation between anxiety(GAD-7≥9)and MSPSS score,and there was still a negative correlation in multivariate logical regression analysis.The odds ratios and 95%CI were 0.709(0.563-0.894).CONCLUSION Social support was inversely correlated with anxiety during COVID-19 in an Israeli sample.

Craving variations in patients with substance use disorder and gambling during COVID-19 lockdown:The Italian experience

BACKGROUND Following the development of the coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)pandemic in Italy,a strict lockdown was imposed from March 9 to May 5,2020.The risks of self-medication through alcohol or psychoactive substance abuse were increased,as well as the tendency to adopt pathological behaviors,such as gambling and internet addiction.AIM To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures on craving in a group of patients suffering from substance use disorder and/or gambling disorder who were in treatment in outpatient units or in residency programs as inpatients.METHODS One hundred and fifty-three patients completed a structured questionnaire evaluating craving and other behaviors using a visual analogue scale(VAS).Forty-one subjects completed a pencil and paper questionnaire during the interview.The clinician provided an online questionnaire to 112 patients who had virtual assessments due to lockdown restrictions.Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica version 8.0.Quantitative parameters are presented as the mean±SD and qualitative parameters as number and percentage per class.The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check for normality of distributions.Analysis of variance and Duncan post hoc test were employed to analyze differences among subgroup means.The associations between variables were measured using Pearson's correlation.A P value of<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS The variation in craving between the present and the month before showed VASrelated reductions of craving in 57%,increases in 24%,and no significant change in 19%of the sample.The level of craving was significantly higher(F=4.36;P<0.05)in outpatients(n=97;mean=3.8±3.1)living in their own home during the quarantine compared with inpatients(n=56;mean=2.8±2.8)in residential programs.Craving for tetrahydrocannabinol was the greatest(4.94,P<0.001)among various preferred substances.CONCLUSION The unexpected result of this study may be explained by a perceived lack of availability of substances and gambling areas and/or decreased social pressure on a subject usually excluded and stigmatized,or the acquisition of a new social identity based on feelings of a shared common danger and fate that overshadowed the sense of exclusion and rejection in the abuser.

COVID-19 Lockdown in India: An Experimental Study on Promoting Mental Wellness Using a Chatbot during the Coronavirus

India imposed the largest lockdown in the world in response tofight the spread of the Novel Coronavirus disease(COVID-19)from 19 March till 31 May 2020.The onset of the pandemic left the general public feeling psycho-socially distressed,helpless,and anxious.The researcher developed a Messenger supported Chatbot,based on the broaden and build model,to cater to the healthy general public to promote positivity and mental well-being.31 participants between 22 and 45 years old consensually took a pre-test,Chatbot intervention,and post-test.The Chatbot provided guided activities out of which positive affirmations,meditation,and exercises were mostly used.The qualitative data from the study shows that the majority of the participants strongly feel positivity is within themselves and that the tool provided a self-help approach to be me well,mentally during the lockdown.The intervention helped significantly reducing symptoms of psychosocial distress in six of the individual’s post-chatbot interventions.Participants’impressions of the tool suggest more preponderant opportunities for future research in technology-driven mental health support.

Drivers of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in Kenya and Uganda during COVID-19 lockdown period:A systematic review

The present study aimed to explore the drivers of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in Kenya and Uganda during COVID-19 lockdown period.A systematic review design was adopted.The major online databases utilized were PubMed,Google Scholar,Uganda and Kenya Ministry of Health repositories,ScienceDirect,and Scopus.Studies that were originating from Kenya and Uganda that were publicly available in electronic format published from March 2020 to March 2022 were used.The thematic analysis identified major concepts that were drivers to the present research problem which were as follows:(1)school closure and(2)loss of income by parents.The COVID-19 containment measures introduced in the two countries were noted as major contributing factors.During the pandemic,lockdown led to school closures which meant the teenagers being idle at home with an increased opportunity to indulge in sexual risk behaviors.Schools have been noted to be a safe place protecting this vulnerable population.However,with their prolonged closure,the teenagers were exposed to sexual predators.Parents lost income,and this might have contributed to early marriages and teenagers’dependency on their sexual partners.Based on the reviewed evidence,the present study furthers the advocacy for the reduction of early marriages and teenage pregnancy,especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic era.The study calls upon the governments to intensify efforts toward the present research problem as the COVID-19 pandemic is eroding the earlier gains made within the region.

Pregnancy and Childbirth during COVID-19 Lockdown in Patients under Treatment for Psychological Disorders

This article aims to discuss the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown for patients being treated for psychological disorders and preparing for childbirth.Two clinical examples are used for illustration.

Planktonic Scenario of the River Ganga&Yamuna at Prayagraj in COVID-19 Lockdown:A Case Study

Ganga is the most prestigious river of India.The COVID-19 lockdown may have forced us to stay indoors,but it has been boon for pollution-ridden Ganga and Yamuna.Plankton is tiny organisms drifting with water current,influenced by river physical and chemical factors.During lockdown anthropogenic factors were reduced which affected water and plankton quality.Plankton samples were collected from the upstream of the river Ganga(Shankerghat,latitude 25030’28”N and longitude,81052’10”E)and Yamuna(near boat club,latitude 25024’29”N and longitude 81054’50”E)at Prayagraj,during national lockdown.In the before lockdown period(2019),total 28 planktonic taxa were recorded from the river Ganga,among them 10 taxa from Bacillariophyceae,15 from Chlorophyceae and 3 from Myxophyceae.While during LD period total 54 genera with 86 species was recorded(Bacillariophyceae 10 taxa,Chlorophyceae 23 taxa,Myxophyceae 9 taxa,Euglenophyceae 2 taxa,Dianophyceae,1,Rotiferea 7 taxa,Protozoa 2 taxa).Various species of green algae were observed in this small period of lockdown,some species were not observed since a long,like Pediastrum tetras,Scenedesmus abundans,Ankistrodesmus fusiformis,and Brachionus angularis.Various species of phytoplankton and zooplankton were in reproductive phase because river was flowing silently,without any internal and external disturbance.Ganga was more affected by anthropogenic activity and factory discharge than Yamuna So lack of chemicals in the water and minimum human interference favoured auto rejuvenation of Ganga in terms of plankton quality,diversity and reproduction behaviour.Such type of environmental changes may stimulate for origin of new species and disappear or reappear of various aquatic species.