The relationship between compartment models and their stochastic counterparts:A comparative study with examples of the COVID-19 epidemic modeling

Deterministic compartment models(CMs)and stochastic models,including stochastic CMs and agent-based models,are widely utilized in epidemic modeling.However,the relationship between CMs and their corresponding stochastic models is not well understood.The present study aimed to address this gap by conducting a comparative study using the susceptible,exposed,infectious,and recovered(SEIR)model and its extended CMs from the coronavirus disease 2019 modeling literature.We demonstrated the equivalence of the numerical solution of CMs using the Euler scheme and their stochastic counterparts through theoretical analysis and simulations.Based on this equivalence,we proposed an efficient model calibration method that could replicate the exact solution of CMs in the corresponding stochastic models through parameter adjustment.The advancement in calibration techniques enhanced the accuracy of stochastic modeling in capturing the dynamics of epidemics.However,it should be noted that discrete-time stochastic models cannot perfectly reproduce the exact solution of continuous-time CMs.Additionally,we proposed a new stochastic compartment and agent mixed model as an alternative to agent-based models for large-scale population simulations with a limited number of agents.This model offered a balance between computational efficiency and accuracy.The results of this research contributed to the comparison and unification of deterministic CMs and stochastic models in epidemic modeling.Furthermore,the results had implications for the development of hybrid models that integrated the strengths of both frameworks.Overall,the present study has provided valuable epidemic modeling techniques and their practical applications for understanding and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

Relationships among Sedentary Time,Electronic Product Addiction,and Depression in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Epidemic:A Cross-Lagged Study

Objective:This study was conducted to explore the relationships among sedentary behavior(SB),electronic product addiction(EPA),and depression(D)in adolescents during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:A total of 604 adolescents(including 309 girls and 295 boys aged 12-18)were selected from Qufu City,Shandong Province,China for three rounds of investigation.The model was constructed using AMOS 23.0 software,and cross-lagged analysis was conducted.Results:SB at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and EPA at T2(p<0.05).EPA at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and D at T2(p<0.05).Physical activity level and SB at T2 can significantly predict SB and EPA at T3(p<0.05).EPA at T2 can significantly predict SB,EPA,and D at T3(p<0.05).Conclusions:SB and EPA are predictive factors for D.Moreover,SB can significantly positively predict D and indirectly predict D through the mediating effect of EPA.

Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Risk Departments during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: To explore the practice and application of infection prevention and control strategies in risk departments during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to formulate the infection prevention and control measures to provide advice and guidance in risk departments. Methods: According to the latest plan of diagnosis and treatment, prevention and control issued by the National Health Commission, expert advice and consensus, combined with the actual situation in our hospital, a series of infection prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in risk department was formulated. Results: During the epidemic period, the prevention and control measures of nine risk departments including emergency operation, anesthesiology, endoscopy center, blood purification center, otolaryngology, stomatology, medical imaging department, medical cosmetology department and pulmonary function room were established from six aspects, including pre-examination and screening, medical technology control, personnel management, personal protection, environmental disinfection, medical waste disposal, etc. Conclusion: During the epidemic period, the infection prevention and control strategy of risk departments is one of the key links to control the spread of the epidemic, and risk departments must pay attention to and strictly implement various infection prevention and control measures.

Comparison of ocular trauma between normalized and the COVID-19 epidemic periods in China:a multi-center cross-sectional study

AIM:To compare the feature of ocular trauma between normalized period and the COVID-19 epidemic period in China,and to provide a profile for eye injuries in special times in future.METHODS:This is a multi-center cross-sectional study with 30 participated hospitals involving the China Ocular Trauma Society members.All hospitalized cases who visited the Ophthalmology Department in participated hospitals with eye injuries during the normalized period(2019)and the COVID-19 epidemic period(2020)were included in this study.Demographic characteristic of cases,date of injury,sites and types of injury were collected.RESULTS:This study involved 13525(61 cases with both eyes)injured cases.There were 7269(53.74%)eyeinjured cases and 6256(46.26%)eye-injured cases in 2019 and 2020 separately.Compared with 2019,the incidence of ocular trauma in retirees,housewives and unemployed increased with year-on-year of 4.96%,102.67%,and 11.64%among all occupations.In 2020,the incidence of eye injuries decreased in all injury sites except for an increase in home(30.29%year-on-year).The incidence of mechanical eye injuries decreased,while that of nonmechanical eye injuries(chemical/thermal/radiation)increased(47.45%year-on-year).There were 255(3.51%,255/7269)and 376(6.01%,376/6256)non-mechanical injured cases in 2019 and 2020(Pearson Chi^(2)=47.33,P<0.001)separately.CONCLUSION:During the COVID-19 epidemic period,the total cases of ocular trauma decrease but the proportion of non-mechanical ocular trauma increase.Penetrating is still the highest proportion among all types of mechanical ocular trauma.From a preventive point of view,protection for retired persons,housewives and unemployed persons should be improved during public health events period.

Study on Influence of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Tourism Consumption Structure in Shandong Province

At the end of 2019,the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic brought great challenges to the world,and China's tourism industry suffered an unprecedented heavy blow.Exploring the impact of the epidemic on tourism consumption structure has become a research focus in the post-epidemic era.In this study,based on Shandong Tourism Statistics Handbook from 2018 to 2020,taking Shandong Province as an example,the changes of total tourism revenue and tourism consumption structure in Shandong Province before and after the COVID-19 epidemic were compared to predict the development of tourism in Shandong Province in the post-epidemic era and find out existing problems,and optimization paths were put forward for the development of tourism in Shandong Province in the post-epidemic era.

Sociopsychological impact factors of depression patients during the COVID-19 epidemic period

Objective:To investigate the impact factors of the COVID-19 epidemic on the mental health of patients with depression.Methods:The relevant data of 242 residents aged 18-50 years in a certain area were collected,118 patients and 124 healthy people were analyzed by general information questionnaire,the PsychoSocial Index(PSI)questionnaire,Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS)and Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90).Compare the differences in social and psychological factors between the two groups.Then use logistic regression to evaluate the social and psychological influencing factors of depression patients during the epidemic.Results:Two results of logistic regression analysis showed that marital status,occupational status,abnormal pathological behavior,and utilization of support were still significantly associated with depression.Compared to working,unemployed/unemployed/retired,students are closely related to depression,followed by abnormal pathological behavior and utilization of support.Conclusion:Under the epidemic,depression groups lacking social relationships should actively pay attention to their mental health status and comprehensively enhance their social and psychological support.To avoid the exacerbation of psychological and psychological symptoms caused by the epidemic.

A Study on Organizational Commitment,Work Motivation,and Job Performance After the COVID-19 Epidemic in Taiwan-The Mediating Effects of Work Motivation and Organizational Communication

The purpose of this study is to explore the correlation between organizational commitment and job performance among employees in Taiwan Residents companies after the COVID-19 epidemic,and to use work motivation and organizational communication as intermediary variables to further understand the interaction between them.Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and bootstrap method to analyze,the research results show that organizational commitment has a significant positive impact on work motivation and work performance,and work motivation also has a significant positive impact on work performance.In addition,organizational communication has a mediating effect on organizational commitment and work motivation,and work motivation also has a mediating effect on organizational commitment and work machine performance.The results of this study hope to understand the working conditions of organizations and employees after the COVID-19 epidemic,and provide relevant business operators with follow-up references for their operations.

Clinical Internship Teaching Management During the COVID-19 Epidemic

Against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic,the teaching and management of clinical medical interns have been facing tremendous challenges.When interns majoring in clinical medicine enter the internship position,they lack self-protection awareness and have limited ability to respond to unexpected public health events.This article explores the cognitive situation,existing problems,and improvement measures of clinical medical interns in the post-epidemic era.Therefore,this article proposes a series of improvement measures,including strengthening epidemic training and education for interns,enhancing personal protective awareness,and lastly achieving the role transition from intern to doctor.

Study on the demand for public health professional after the COVID-19 epidemic in Zhejiang Province,China:A survey based on human-machine collaboration

To understand the needs of public health institutions in Zhejiang Province,China for public health personnel,and provide basis for training public health personnel.Methods:512 public health institutions in Zhejiang Province were randomly selected from different levels and regions,and the number of ublic health professional and the demand for professional ability were investigated by questionnaire.Results:The preventive medicine personnel in public health institutions in Zhejiang Province are insufficient;There is a certain disjunction or dislocation between the abilities and needs of public health professional;The way of continuing education for public health professional is single and the opportunities are few.Conclusion:Zhejiang Province should appropriately expand the enrollment of preventive medicine majors,especially high-level preventive medicine talents,deepen the education and teaching reform of preventive medicine majors,and strengthen the continuing education and training of public health professional to meet the needs of public health services after the COVID-19 epidemic.

Psychological impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic on Chinese people: Exposure, post-traumatic stress symptom, and emotion regulation

Objective:To examine the effects of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)exposure,expressive suppression/cognitive reappraisal,and demographic variables on post-traumatic stress symptoms(PTS)among Chinese.Methods:Participants were recruited by social media through We Chat and 6049 Chinese(aged from 17 to 63 years;median=24)from 31 provinces were included in the study.PTS symptoms,expressive suppression,and cognitive reappraisal were assessed after the outbreak of COVID-19.A regression mixture analysis was conducted in Mplus 7.Results:A regression mixture model identified three latent classes that were primarily distinguished by differential effects of COVID-19 exposures on PTS symptoms:(1)Class 1(mildly PTS symptoms,80.9%),(2)Class 2(moderate PTS symptoms,13.0%),and(3)Class 3(high PTS symptoms,6.1%).The results demonstrated that the young,women and people with responsibilities and concerns for others were more vulnerable to PTS symptoms;and they had more expression inhibition and less cognitive reappraisal in three latent classes.Conclusions:The findings suggest that more attention needs to be paid to vulnerable groups such as the young,women and people with responsibilities and concerns for others.Therapies to encourage emotional expression and increase cognitive reappraisal may also be helpful for trauma survivors.

Hope During the COVID-19 Epidemic Decreased Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Mediated by Perceived Stress:Coping Style Differences Among Patients with COVID-19

Objective:This study aimed to investigate whether perceived stress mediated the relationship between hope and anxiety/depression symptoms among patients with COVID-19 during the epidemic.In addition,the potential moderating effect of coping styles was examined.Methods:From February 26 to March 10,2020,patients with COVID-19 were asked to complete a questionnaire online,which included demographic characteristics,as well as the SCL-90-Anxiety,SCL-90-Depression,Chinese Perceived Stress Scale(CPSS),Herth Hope Index(HHI),and Trait Coping Style Questionnaire(TCSQ).Hierarchical linear regression was performed to explore independent factors of anxiety/depression.A multi-group structural equation modeling with the collected data from patients in the Negative Coping style(NC)group and Positive Coping style(PC)group was used to test the hypothesized mechanism.Results:In total,382 valid questionnaires of patients were obtained,including 96 from NC patients and 286 from PC patients.In the hierarchical linear regression,hope and perceived stress were independent risk factors for both anxiety and depression in the total sample and PC group.However,hope was not independently related to anxiety/depression in the NC group.As hypothesized,the hope of patients had significant and negative indirect effects on both anxiety and depression that were mediated by perceived stress,However,the direct effect from stress on anxiety and depression was stronger for NC patients than for PC patients.Besides,hope had significant direct effects on anxiety/depression in PC patients,but not in NC patients.Conclusion:During the COVID-19 epidemic,perceived stress could mediate the relationship between hope and anxiety/depression symptoms among COVID-19 patients,with coping style moderating this cultivation process.

Mathematical Modelling of the COVID-19 Epidemic in Northern Ireland in 2020

In this study, we investigate the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Northern Ireland from 1st March 2020 up to 25th December 2020, using several copies of a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) compartmental model, and compare it to a detailed publicly available dataset. We split the data into 10 time intervals and fit the models on the consecutive intervals to the cumulative number of confirmed positive cases on each interval. Using the fitted parameter estimates, we also provide estimates of the reproduction number. We also discuss the limitations and possible extensions of the employed model.

Gastrointestinal insights during the COVID-19 epidemic

Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)has so far caused hundreds of mortalities worldwide.Although respiratory symptoms are the main complication in COVID-19 patients,the disease is also associated with gastrointestinal problems,with diarrhea,nausea,and vomiting being primary COVID-19 symptoms.Thus,cancer and inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)management,stool viral tests,and virus exposure are major concerns in the context of COVID-19 epidemic.In patients with colorectal cancer and IBD,the colonic mucosa exhibits elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor levels,enhancing COVID-19 susceptibility.In some cases,positive viral stool tests may be the only indicator of infection at admission or after leaving quarantine.Without supplemental stool tests,the risk of undetected COVID-19 transmission is high.Moreover,viral exposure during the regular or emergency endoscopic examination should be avoided.We carefully discuss key gastrointestinal concerns with regard to COVID-19 and call for more attention to such problems.

Multi-disciplinary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in primary hospitals in China during the COVID-19 epidemic

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a common malignant tumor in the Chinese population.Due to its high degree of malignancy,rapid progression,and poor prognosis,it mainly requires multi-disciplinary treatment(MDT)in the clinic.In December 2019,COVID-19,a novel coronavirus pneumonia,broke out in Wuhan,China.It has rapidly spread across the country,with various places launching a level I response to major public health emergencies and traffic being restricted.Most patients with HCC were only able to attend primary hospitals,while the MDT model for HCC in provincial hospitals was restricted.Therefore,it was a huge task for clinicians in primary hospitals to ensure MDT was given to patients with HCC during the level I response to major public health emergencies.How to formulate a reasonable MDT mode for patients with HCC according to local conditions was worthy of consideration by hepatobiliary surgeons in primary hospitals.

The Relationship Between Uncertainty in Illness,State Anxiety,and the Life Satisfaction of College Students During the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective:This study aimed to explore the relationship between uncertainty in illness,state anxiety,and the life satisfaction of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:A cluster random sampling method was employed to select a total of 1522 college students from seven universities in China.The uncertainty in illness scale,state anxiety scale,and life satisfaction scale were used.Results:Uncertainty in illness had a negative effect on life satisfaction.Uncertainty in illness had a positive effect on state anxiety.State anxiety had a negative effect on life satisfaction.State anxiety played an important mediating role in the relationship between uncertainty in illness and life satisfaction-its mediating effect accounted for 17.43%of the total effect.Conclusion:A simple mediation model revealed that uncertainty in illness exerts influence both directly on life satisfaction and indirectly via state anxiety.Based upon these elucidated examples,several countermeasures and suggestions for life satisfaction are proposed.

Analysis of the Role of General Practitioners Services in Rural Areas during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19,various regions of China have been rapidly deployed under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Party to actively prevent and control the COVID-19.The rural areas of my country have weak links to the prevention and management of public health emergencies.Problems include lack of medical and health resources and farmers’low awareness of epidemic prevention.Situations that correspond to the prevention and management of the COVID-19 are more serious.As the patient’s first contact and“gatekeeper”in the fight against the epidemic,the general practitioner is responsible for the“first visit-subsequent ongoing intervention”.This article is about the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemics and epidemic prevention in terms of dissemination of knowledge,informed crowd control,joint prevention and control,and standardized management of people.This is a summary of the efforts of general practitioners.Quarantine at home,interactive referrals to medical consortiums,special care for contracted families.The function during the management period aims to analyze the role played by general practitioners during the epidemic and to provide new ideas for the prevention and management of the epidemic.Provide more targeted general practitioner-style services in rural areas to promote the implementation and improvement of health and poverty alleviation.The health level of the rural population provides a theoretical standard.

The Application of the “3 + 1” Mode in the COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control at the Infection Ward of a Designated Comprehensive Hospital for COVID-19 Treatment

Objective: We assess the application effect of the “3 + 1” mode in the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control at the infection ward of a designated comprehensive hospital for COVID-19 treatment. Method: Based on the features of the inpatients of the infection ward and their relatives, a “3 + 1” mode for the COVID-19 prevention and control is developed to conform to the demands for epidemic prevention and control and the overall prevention and control scheme of the whole hospital. Here, “3” stands for the epidemic prevention and control system, personnel management, and prevention and control measures;“1” stands for COVID-19 testing. Result: From March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, a total of 3056 patients were hospitalized in the three infection wards. Among them, 265 patients had a fever, and 113 patients had respiratory symptoms. None of them were infected with COVID-19. The participation rate of the test about the knowledge related to COVID-19 and the knowledge mastery rate were both 100% among the medical staff. None of the inpatients and their companions or the medical staff was diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion: Thus the “3 + 1” mode proves successful for avoiding nosocomial infection and the spread of the epidemic.

Hospital Bed Allocation Strategy Based on Queuing Theory during the COVID-19 Epidemic

During the current epidemic,it is necessary to ensure the rehabilitation treatment of children with serious illness.At the same time,however,it is essential to effectively prevent cross-infection and prevent infections from occurring within the hospital setting.To resolve this contradiction,the rehabilitation department of Nanjing Children’s Hospital adjusted its bed allocation based on the queuing model,with reference to the regional source and classification of the children’s conditions in the rehabilitation department ward.The original triple rooms were transformed into a double room to enable the treatment of severely sick children coming from other places.A M/G/2 queuing model with priority was also applied to analyze the state of patient admissions.Moreover,patients in Nanjing were also classified into mild and severe cases.The M/M/1 queuing model with priority was used for analysis of this situation,so that severely ill children could be treated in time while patients with mild symptoms could be treated at home.This approach not only eases the bed tension in the ward,but also provides suitable conditions for controlling cross-infection.

Survey and analysis of anxiety of 804 residents in Hainan during the COVID-19 epidemic

Objective To understand the cognitive status and anxiety factors of COVID-19 in 804Hainan residents during the epidemic of corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19).Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 804 Hainan residents.A non-randomized convenient sampling method combining with online and snowball recruitment method was used.Results The COVID-19 cognitive score of 804 Hainan residents was(61.22±22.45),with a total awareness rate of 71.5%;16.3%of the respondents had anxiety symptoms,and there were statistically significant differences among different populations of different genders,ages,educational backgrounds,and cognitive levels(P<0.05).The incidence of anxiety in women(18.1%),13-24years old(20.65%),low education(21.1%),and high cognition of SARS-CoV-2(19.4%)were higher than other groups.Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the main influencing factors were gender,age and cognition status.Men were 0.563times higher than women(95%CI,0.348~0.911),the age group of 13-24 years old was 1.676times(95%CI,1.124-2.499)higher than 25-65 year old,and people with more COVID-19-related knowledge was 1.532 times higher than that with low cognition(95%CI,1.022~2.296).Conclusion The incidence of anxiety during the COVID-19epidemic was relatively high,and psychological counseling should be actively strengthened to relieve the anxiety symptoms.

Analysis of anxiety,depression,and their contributing factors in medical staff during quarantine after completing medical aid work during the COVID-19 epidemic

Objective To analyze the anxiety,depression,and their contributing factors in medical staff during quarantine after completing medical aid work during the COVID-19 epidem⁃ic.Methods A retrospective review was performed.The mental health status and associated con⁃tributing factors of the medical staff were surveyed using the pre-selected questionnaire.The threepart pre-selected questionnaire consisted of general information,the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD-7)scale,and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9).Results A total of 121 questionnaires were received by the open-electronic-questionnaire platform,and 120 valid questionnaires were finally obtained.The mean GAD-7 score was(3.58±4.21)points,and 36(30.00%)medical staff had anxiety-related symptoms.The mean PHQ-9 score was(2.54±3.59)points,and 29(24.17%)medical staff had depression-related symptoms.The presentation of fear of being infected with COVID-19 was the main factor contributing to the occurrence of de⁃pression symptoms during quarantine[OR=0.32,95%CI(0.12,0.85),P=0.023].Conclu⁃sion Fear of being infected with COVID-19 was the main reason for depression.It is of great sig⁃nificance to maintain the mental health of medical staff during quarantine.