Global Epidemiology of Bat Coronaviruses
global, Epidemiology, bat, coronavirus, Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, interspecies transmission, Host
Bats are a unique group of mammals of the order Chiroptera. They are highly diversified and are the group of mammals with the second largest number of species. Such highly diversified cell types and receptors facilitate them to be potential hosts of a large variety of viruses. Bats are the only group of mammals capable of sustained flight, which enables them to disseminate the viruses they harbor and enhance the chance of interspecies transmission. This article aims at reviewing the various aspects of the global epidemiology of bat coronaviruses (CoVs). Before the SARS epidemic, bats were not known to be hosts for CoVs. In the last 15 years, bats have been found to be hosts of >30 CoVs with complete genomes sequenced, and many more if those without genome sequences are included. Among the four CoV genera, only alphaCoVs and betaCoVs have been found in bats. As a whole, both alphaCoVs and betaCoVs have been detected from bats in Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America and Australasia; but alphaCoVs seem to be more widespread than betaCoVs, and their detection rate is also higher. For betaCoVs, only those from subgenera Sarbecovirus, Merbecovirus, Nobecovirus and Hibecovirus have been detected in bats. Most notably, horseshoe bats are the reservoir of SARS-CoV, and several betaCoVs from subgenus Merbecovirus are closely related to MERS-CoV. In addition to the interactions among various bat species themselves, bat⁻animal and bat⁻human interactions, such as the presence of live bats in wildlife wet markets and restaurants in Southern China, are important for interspecies transmission of CoVs and may lead to devastating global outbreaks.
Antonio C. P. Wong, Xin Li, Susanna K. P. Lau, Patrick C. Y. Woo
Global epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 and lessons for effective control of this and future pandemics
Coronaviruses, Public health, covid-19, Emerging zoonoses, SARS-CoV-2, new variant sars-cov-2, pandemic diseases
Barely 1 year after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China, the virus has infected approximately 120 million people, caused around 3 million deaths, and adversely affected the global economy. Despite stringent measures to flatten the epidemiologic curve of the pandemic, there have been spikes and waves of the infection in many countries, particularly in the American, European, and Asian continents. This review critically evaluated the global epidemiology of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to provide advice on other possible ways of managing the disease as various COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out. To effectively control this and possible future epidemics/pandemics, there is a need to maintain a healthy balance between saving lives and livelihoods in the implementation of lockdowns. Unwarranted human exposures to animals, particularly pangolins, civet cats, bats, dromedary camels, and other wildlife known to be reservoirs and intermediate hosts of coronaviruses should be prevented. All the identified strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the highly infectious UK and South African variants, should be incorporated in COVID-19 vaccine production; to widen the protection spectrum. Some of the COVID-19 vaccines require primary inoculation, booster vaccination after 2-4 weeks and annual revaccination for adequate immunization against SARS-CoV-2. Survivors of COVID-19 may require only a single vaccine dozing and annual revaccination thereafter. Adoption of One Health approach and the development of globally coordinated active surveillance systems against emerging and reemerging zoonotic viruses are imperative.
Ishmael Festus Jaja, Emmanuel Okechukwu Njoga, Yusuf Feyisara Zakariya, Chinwe Elizabeth Okoli, Philip Paul Mshelbwala
GLOBAL FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT UNDER THE PANDEMIC CRISIS – EFFECTS AND PROSPECTS
crisis, foreign direct investment, financing, prospects
The investments are one of the essential factors that could ensure economic growth, simultaneously influence both demand and supply and at the same time, represent an incentive for new projects, attributes necessary for an increasing economy.Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an integral part of the international economic system, through the value chaines and therefore, its importance and benefits determined a global competition for capital. Under the recent circumstances generated by the pandemic crisis, the foreign direct investment on the global economy were affected severely by the crisis.In this paper, there were analised the main effects of the pandemic crisis on the global FDI flows considering all forms (cross border financing projects, mergers and acquisitions and greenfield investment), different regions and economies, various sectors and industries, considering the influence factors and the consequences of these evolutions. Also, there are analysed the predictions regarding the impact of COvid 19 on the inflows of FDI, on the economies and the multinational companies
Annals of the University of Craiova: Economic Sciences Series
Global Future: Low-Carbon Economy or High-Carbon Economy?
global, rationality, anthropocene, carbon, Human agency
This study critically examines the decarbonization of development in the context of the Anthropocene at the global level. A literature review is conducted that emphasizes the rationality of human beings to harmonize with the planet due to the low capacity of their human agency in the framework of the Anthropocene. The analysis recognizes that the possibility of transitioning to a decarbonized global economy or zero carbon emissions is not encouraging. Global energy production and CO2 emissions are concentrated in a dozen countries: China, United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, India, Australia, Indonesia, and Brazil. These countries are part of societies with an advanced social metabolism that negatively impacts the production of CO2. In context, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided some level of environmental health for the planet, but the CO2 reduction levels are still insufficient to consider a positive impact towards 2030.
Global Health Diplomacy Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Strategic Opportunity for Improving Health, Peace, and Well-Being in the CARICOM Region—A Systematic Review
Globalization, Public Health, epidemics, Caricom, Health Security, global health diplomacy (GHD)
Increased globalization has ushered in changes in diplomatic purposes and practices. As such, global health diplomacy (GHD) has become a growing field connecting the urgencies of global health and foreign affairs. More academics and policy-makers are thinking about how to structure and utilize diplomacy in pursuit of global health goals. This article aims to explore how the health, peace, and well-being of people in the region can be achieved through global health diplomacy. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on various terms such as “Global Health Diplomacy OR Foreign Policy”; “Disasters”, “Infectious disease epidemics” OR “Non-Communicable diseases” AND “Caribbean” by searching PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science databases, and Google Scholar search engines. A total of 33 articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed, and the critical role of GHD was highlighted. There is an increasing need to understand the complex global health challenges, coupled with the need to design appropriate solutions. Many regional initiatives addressing infectious and chronic diseases have been successful in multiple ways by strengthening unity and also by showing directions for other nations at a global level, e.g., the Port of Spain Summit declaration. GHD has a great scope to enhance preparedness, mitigation, peace, and development in the region. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the region needs to strengthen its efforts on equity issues, health promotion, and sustainable development to promote peace and well-being.
Global health disparities in vulnerable populations of psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
covid-19, Pandemic, health disparities, access to care, Global disparities, Mental health disparities
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affects psychiatric patients disproportionately compared to the general population. In this narrative review, we examine the impact of the pandemic on significant global health disparities affecting vulnerable populations of psychiatric patients: People of diverse ethnic background and color, children with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, pregnant women, mature adults, and those patients living in urban and rural communities. The identified disparities cause worsened mental health outcomes placing psychiatric patients at higher risk for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Those psychiatric patients who are ethnic minorities display barriers to care, including collective trauma and structural racism. Sexual and gender minorities with mental illness face discrimination and limited access to treatment. Pregnant women with psychiatric diagnoses show higher exposure to domestic violence. Children with disabilities face a higher risk of worsening behavior. Mature adults with psychiatric problems show depression due to social isolation. Psychiatric patients who live in urban communities face pollutants and overcrowding compared to those living in rural communities, which face limited access to telehealth services. We suggest that social programs that decrease discrimination, enhance communal resilience, and help overcome systemic barriers of care should be developed to decrease global health disparities in vulnerable population.
Ailyn Diaz, Ritika Baweja, Jessica K Bonatakis, Raman Baweja
Global Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection Requiring Admission to the ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Intensive care, respiratory medicine, Critical illness
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed unprecedented burden on the delivery of intensive care services worldwide. What is the global point estimate of deaths and risk factors for patients who are admitted to ICUs with severe COVID-19? In this systematic review and meta-analysis Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched up to August 1, 2020. Pooled prevalence of participant characteristics, clinical features, and outcome data was calculated with the use of random effects models. Subgroup analyses were based on geographic distribution, study type, quality assessment, sample size, end date, and patient disposition. Studies that reported in-hospital mortality rate of adult patients (age >18 years) with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to an ICU met study eligibility criteria. Critical evaluation was performed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies. Forty-five studies with 16,561 patients from 17 countries across four continents were included. Patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to ICUs had a mean age of 62.6 years (95% CI, 60.4-64.7). Common comorbidities included hypertension (49.5%; 95% CI, 44.9-54.0) and diabetes mellitus (26.6%; 95% CI, 22.7-30.8). More than three-quarters of cases experienced the development of ARDS (76.1%; 95% CI, 65.7-85.2). Invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 67.7% (95% CI, 59.1-75.7) of case, vasopressor support in 65.9% (95% CI, 52.4-78.4) of cases, renal replacement therapy in 16.9% (95% CI, 12.1-22.2) of cases, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in 6.4% (95% CI, 4.1-9.1) of cases. The duration of ICU and hospital admission was 10.8 days (95% CI, 9.3-18.4) and 19.1 days (95% CI, 16.3-21.9), respectively, with in-hospital mortality rate of 28.1% (95% CI, 23.4-33.0; I2 = 96%). No significant subgroup effect was observed. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 who are admitted to the ICU require substantial organ support and prolonged ICU and hospital level care. The pooled estimate of global death from severe COVID-19 is <1 in 3.
Elinor Tan, Jialu Song, Adam M Deane, Mark P Plummer
Global impact of COVID 19 on 112 Emergency System detailed for National 112 Emergency System of Romania
covid-19, Pandemic, emergency calls, non-emergency calls, emergency 112s
Research background: During COVID19 crisis, in order to limit and control the multiplication of infections with the new virus, the Romanian Government forced restrictions and established fines to those not staying in line with the rules. The rules had been applied not only to citizens but also to private companies and state authorities. Due to these legal constraints taken during the declared state of emergency and the next state of alert, the appropriate attitude effects occurred in terms of behaviour of individuals and companies. Purpose of the article: One of the positive side effects of the measures taken during the state of emergency and the state of alert, is a decrease of non-real emergency calls in public safety answering points, small in value but important for dealing with real emergencies. Moreover, the incoming calls related to some chronic non-urgent medical affection decreases. Methods: We will study and make comparisons in the number of calls in 112 Emergency System to analyse the quantitative impact relative to COVID period versus a previous not impacted period of time because of COVID. Findings & Value added: The impact of the pandemic on the 112 Emergency System has been a major one. We observed the need to redefine procedures and to make operational a new resilience plan, by defining a specific calling number where people in need to report incidents specifically related to COVID. We also observed some changes in caller behaviour that occurred to those calling the emergency 112 number. However, the last not the least we have observed a real interest of people calling to the specific number dedicated to COVID with different contexts, concerns and clarifications needed to them in order to adopt a more conscious and responsible attitude.
Bărănescu Mihail, Vasilca Ionel-Sorinel, Tabarcia Mădălina, Nen Madlena
Global Impacts of COVID-19 on the Financing of Local Self-Governments: Evidence from Slovak municipalities
covid-19, financing, Personal Income Tax, local self – government
Research background: Until 2004, the financing of local self-government in Slovak Republic was determined annually by the Act on the State Budget. In 2005, the whole philosophy of redistribution of funds for the level of local self-government was changed. The basis of the new system of local self-government financing was the determination of the personal income tax as an only one share tax. Purpose of the article: The income from this tax is distributed between the local self-government, the regional self-government and the state. The aim of the paper is to analyze the incomes from personal income tax redistributed to the level of local self-governments in Slovak Republic in the time period 2009 - 2019, as well as to provide a possible prediction of the development of these incomes. Methods: Basic data for the analysis were obtained from the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic from the state final account. We evaluate the obtained time series by means of MS Excel and we use modelling by means of trend lines. The obtained predictions will be compared with the forecasts presented by the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic. Findings & Value added: However, COVID - 19 also intervened in the predictions of the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, and therefore we will also compare our models with real data obtained from the state budget in the framework of fulfilling from personal income tax for the time period January to August 2020. Also we will evaluate the expenditures of selected EU countries for local self-government.
Papcunová Viera, Hornyák Gregáňová Radomíra
Global Model selection for evaluation of Climate Change projections in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape
Air Surface Temperature, Cambio climático, Corredor del Pacífico Tropical del Este, Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape, Modelos de Circulación General, Precipitación, climate change, general circulation models, precipitation, temperatura superficial del aire
Two methods for selecting a subset of simulations and/or general circulation models (GCMs) from a set of 30 available simulations are compared: 1) Selecting the models based on their performance on reproducing 20th century climate, and 2) random sampling. In the first case, it was found that the performance methodology is very sensitive to the type and number of metrics used to rank the models and therefore the results are not robust to these conditions. In general, including more models in a multi-model ensemble according to their rank (of skill in reproducing 20th century climate) results in an increase in the multi-model skill up to a certain point and then the inclusion of more models degrades the skill of the multi-model ensemble. In a similar fashion when the models are introduced in the ensemble at random, there is a point where the inclusion of more models does not change significantly the skill of the multi-model ensemble. For precipitation the subset of models that produces the maximum skill in reproducing 20th century climate also showed some skill in reproducing the climate change projections of the multi-model ensemble of all simulations. For temperature, more models/simulations are needed to be included in the ensemble (at the expense of a decrease in the skill of reproducing the climate of the 20th century for the selection based on their ranks). For precipitation and temperature the use of 7 simulations out of 30 resulted in the maximum skill for both approaches to introduce the models.Se emplearon dos métodos para escoger un subconjunto a partir de treinta simulaciones de Modelos de Circulación General. El primer método se basó en la habilidad de cada uno de los modelos en reproducir el clima del siglo XX y el segundo en un muestreo aleatorio. Se encontró que el primero de ellos es muy sensible al tipo y métrica usada para categorizar los modelos, lo que no arrojó resultados robustos bajo estas condiciones. En general, la inclusión de más modelos en el agrupamiento de multi-modelos ordenados de acuerdo a su destreza en reproducir el clima del siglo XX, resultó en un aumento en la destreza del agrupamiento de multi-modelos hasta cierto punto, y luego la inclusión de más modelos/simulaciones degrada la destreza del agrupamiento de multi-modelos. De manera similar, en la inclusión de modelos de forma aleatoria, existe un punto en que agregar más modelos no cambia significativamente la destreza del agrupamiento de muti-modelos. Para el caso de la precipitación, el subconjunto de modelos que produce la máxima destreza en reproducir el clima del siglo XX también mostró alguna destreza en reproducir las proyecciones de cambio climático del agrupamiento de multi-modelos para todas las simulaciones. Para temperatura, más modelos/simulaciones son necesarios para ser incluidos en el agrupamiento (con la consecuente disminución en la destreza para reproducir el clima del siglo XX). Para precipitación y temperatura, el uso de 7 simulaciones de 30 posibles resultó en el punto de máxima destreza para ambos métodos de inclusión de modelos.