COVID-19 Academic Resources Center
 

MDPI Comment on the COVID-19 Virus

Since 1996, MDPI has been committed to supporting the research community by providing the latest research freely available and making relevant and useful research available as quickly as possible. The world is current experiencing a pandemic of COVID-19, and researchers are working extremely hard to understand it and find a cure.

The values MDPI holds strongly are particularly important at the moment, and we will continue to publish relevant, peer-reviewed research as quickly as possible in open access format. This means that it will immediately be available for researchers, health professionals, and the general public to read, distribute, and reuse. We believe that scientific advancements will be crucial to overcoming this pandemic, and will do everything we can to support researchers working looking for solutions.

This page contains a variety of information related to COVID-19 available from MDPI, including journal articles, special issues, and preprints, among others.

Recent Publications

13 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Perceived Parents’ Stigma and Personal Stigma Toward COVID-19 Survivors: A Study Among Emerging Adults in India
by Shanu Shukla, Sushanta Kumar Mishra and Ranu Pandey
Societies 2024, 14(11), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14110233 - 11 Nov 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced widespread stigma toward individuals who contracted the virus, impacting social interactions and perceptions within communities. This study aimed to understand personal and perceived parental stigma toward COVID-19 survivors among Indian college students, examining how this stigma varies based on [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced widespread stigma toward individuals who contracted the virus, impacting social interactions and perceptions within communities. This study aimed to understand personal and perceived parental stigma toward COVID-19 survivors among Indian college students, examining how this stigma varies based on the relationship closeness to the survivor (peer vs. best friend) and whether gender differences influence personal stigma levels. A sample of 650 Indian college students (mean age = 20.01 years, SD = 1.43; 501 males) participated in the study. We assessed both personal stigma and perceived parental stigma toward COVID-19 survivors, with additional comparisons made based on the survivor’s relationship to the student (peer vs. best friend) and participant gender. Findings indicated that personal and perceived parental stigma were significantly higher toward peers than toward best friends who had recovered from COVID-19. Additionally, among perceived parental stigmas, stigma attributed to mothers was highest, followed by that attributed to fathers, with participants’ personal stigma being lowest. Notably, no significant gender differences were found in personal stigma among participants. The results highlight nuanced perceptions of stigma toward COVID-19 survivors, with stigma levels varying by relational closeness and perceived parental attitudes, particularly mothers. These findings underscore the importance of targeting stigma reduction efforts, considering family influence and relational factors. Policymakers and mental health professionals could develop age-specific interventions to mitigate stigma toward COVID-19 survivors, potentially enhancing social support systems within college communities. Full article
20 pages, 4397 KiB  
Article
An Improved Machine Learning Framework Considering Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity for Analyzing the Relationship Between Subway Station-Level Passenger Flow Resilience and Land Use-Related Built Environment
by Peikun Li, Quantao Yang, Wenbo Lu, Shu Xi and Hao Wang
Land 2024, 13(11), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111887 - 11 Nov 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and similar public health emergencies have significantly impacted global travel patterns. Analyzing the recovery characteristics of subway station-level passenger flow during the pandemic recovery phase can offer unique insights into public transportation operations and guide practical planning efforts. This pioneering [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic and similar public health emergencies have significantly impacted global travel patterns. Analyzing the recovery characteristics of subway station-level passenger flow during the pandemic recovery phase can offer unique insights into public transportation operations and guide practical planning efforts. This pioneering study constructs a station-level passenger flow recovery resilience (PFRR) index during the rapid recovery phase using subway AFC system swipe data. Additionally, it develops an analytical framework based on a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model, the improved gray wolf optimization with Levy flight (LGWO), and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) regression to analyze passenger flow resilience on weekdays and weekends in relation to land use-related built environment types. Finally, SHAP attribution analysis is used to study the nonlinear relationships between built environment variables and PFRR index. The results show significant spatial heterogeneity in the impact of commercial, recreational, and residential land, as well as POI (points of interest) of leisure and shopping on PFRR. On weekdays, the most relevant built environment variables for PFRR are POI of enterprises and shopping numbers. In contrast, the contribution of built environment variables affecting PFRR of weekend is more balanced, reflecting the recovery of non-essential travel on weekends. Most land use-related built environment variables exhibit nonlinear associations with PFRR values. The proposed analytical framework shows significant performance advantages over other baseline models. This study provides unique insights into subway passenger flow characteristics and surrounding land use-related development layouts under the impact of public health emergencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Planning for Post COVID-19 Urban Transport Transformations)
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13 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Stress and Self-Efficacy in Parents/Caregivers and Oral Health of Individuals with Down Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Julya Ribeiro Campos, Fernando Oliveira Costa, Ana Cristina Borges-Oliveira and Luís Otávio Miranda Cota
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111497 - 11 Nov 2024
Abstract
The family of individuals living with Down Syndrome (DS) often demonstrate high levels of stress associated with the demand for care and difficulties experienced in everyday life. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess perceived stress by parents/caregivers of individuals with [...] Read more.
The family of individuals living with Down Syndrome (DS) often demonstrate high levels of stress associated with the demand for care and difficulties experienced in everyday life. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess perceived stress by parents/caregivers of individuals with DS and its association with general perceived self-efficacy and dental outcomes, considering the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on family’s daily activities and finances. A sample of 257 parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire with socioeconomic, dental, and behavioral variables and the short version of the Perceived Stress Scale and the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale. The sample was divided into three groups based on perceived stress levels. Associated variables were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression (level of significance 5%), adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The mean perceived stress score was 17.84 ± 5.75 (0–39). Medium stress (second tertile) was associated with finger/nail biting in individuals with DS (OR = 2.05; 95%CI 1.04–4.03; p = 0.038), difficulty in performing oral hygiene (OR = 2.39; 95%CI 1.23–4.65; p = 0.011) and medium and high self-efficacy (OR = 0.12; 95%CI 0.05–0.31; p < 0.001 and OR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.15–0.98; p = 0.046, respectively); high stress (third tertile) was associated with medium and high self-efficacy (OR = 0.25; 95%CI 0.09–0.67; p = 0.006 and OR = 0.05; 95%CI 0.02–0.15; p < 0.001, respectively) and negative impact of COVID-19 in family finances (OR = 3.00; 95%CI 1.39–6.44; p = 0.005). It was concluded that parents/caregivers’ perceived stress was averaged and associated with self-efficacy, finger/nail biting, oral hygiene demands, and the financial impact of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Treatment and Dental Health in Special Care Patients)
20 pages, 1662 KiB  
Article
Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chain Finance: A Bibliometric Review and Research Agenda
by Asaduddin Abdullah, Arif Satria, Heti Mulyati, Yandra Arkeman and Dikky Indrawan
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14110298 - 11 Nov 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed weaknesses in traditional supply chain finance systems, highlighting the need for digital change. Blockchain technology, with its ability to create secure and transparent records of transactions, offers a potential solution. This study uses bibliometric analysis and a literature [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed weaknesses in traditional supply chain finance systems, highlighting the need for digital change. Blockchain technology, with its ability to create secure and transparent records of transactions, offers a potential solution. This study uses bibliometric analysis and a literature review to examine research on blockchain-enabled supply chain finance, drawing on a database of 446 articles from ScienceDirect and Scopus. The findings show a growing interest in how blockchain can improve transparency, efficiency, and security in supply chain finance, addressing challenges like information asymmetry. This study suggests future research should focus on real-world applications of blockchain, how it can be used with other technologies, regulations and governance, and the social and environmental impacts of blockchain-based supply chain finance. This research also highlights the different priorities of the Global North and South in blockchain-enabled supply chain finance. The North focuses on efficiency and traceability, while the South emphasizes adding value and transparency. A lack of research on fair pricing, especially in the Global South, points to a critical gap that future research needs to address to ensure fairness in global trade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supply Chain in the New Business Environment)
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20 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Student Engagement and the Role of Technology
by Salinda Hess and Francine Tremblay
Humans 2024, 4(4), 351-370; https://doi.org/10.3390/humans4040023 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2024
Abstract
This paper examines our collective exploratory research on Anthropology and Sociology students at Concordia University. As teaching faculty members at Concordia, we have all observed a significant shift in our student population over the past fifteen years. They appear to be more detached [...] Read more.
This paper examines our collective exploratory research on Anthropology and Sociology students at Concordia University. As teaching faculty members at Concordia, we have all observed a significant shift in our student population over the past fifteen years. They appear to be more detached and less involved in their studies, a phenomenon that has piqued our collective curiosity. Our first insight into the possible reasons behind this shift came from Rob Beamish’s The Promise of Sociology (2010), where he explored the relationship between technology and knowledge. Inspired by Beamish, we sought to understand the relationship between technology and students’ performance. At the beginning of this research, we never imagined that the world would be under lockdown because of a pandemic (2020–2022) and forced to rely on technology; anyone teaching at the height of COVID-19 was obligated to use technology, which makes Beamish’s argument an even more relevant place to start. Lastly, we delved into the potential impact of technology on students’ health. Full article
13 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
Job Stress and Burnout Among School Health Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Effect of Resilience and the Moderating Effect of School Organizational Culture
by Hye Ran Jung, Mi Heui Jang and Min Jung Sun
Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222247 - 11 Nov 2024
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to examine the mediating effect of resilience and the moderating effect of school organizational culture on the relationship between job stress and burnout among school health teachers during COVID-19. Methods: The participants of the study were 223 [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aims to examine the mediating effect of resilience and the moderating effect of school organizational culture on the relationship between job stress and burnout among school health teachers during COVID-19. Methods: The participants of the study were 223 school health teachers. The data collected included the Korean version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (K-CD-RISC), Job Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and School Organizational Culture Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS/WIN 25.0 software. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between job stress and burnout among school health teachers. Conversely, both resilience and school organizational culture were negatively correlated with burnout. The mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between job stress and burnout was significant. However, the moderating effect of school organizational culture was not significant. Conclusions: To prevent burnout in school health teachers, it is necessary to develop policy alternatives aimed at reducing job stress and to implement psychological and emotional support measures to improve resilience. Full article
Sequencing Techniques and Genomics Technologies to Help with Diagnostics and Virus Characterization – Focus on COVID 19
edited by , Hugh E. Olsen, and
submission deadline 15 Apr 2021 | 10 articles | Viewed by 60651
Keywords: Genomics technologies; Sequencing techniques; Metagenomics; Virus sequencing; Genetic diagnostics; qPCR; Nanopore sequencing; Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing; Next-generation sequencing (NGS); Third-generation sequencing; Virus characterization; Long-read sequencing; Comparative genomics; Functional genomics; Diagnostic tests; Infectious diseases; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Genomic epidemiology; Population stratification; Genetic susceptibility; Host interactions
(This special issue belongs to the Section Technologies and Resources for Genetics)
Land Use Planning for Post COVID-19 Urban Transport Transformations
edited by , Elena Cocuzza and
submission deadline 13 Nov 2024 | 3 articles | Viewed by 3391 | Submission Open
Keywords: land use and transport planning; urban space design; 15-minute city; accessibility; public transport; public space
(This special issue belongs to the Section Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions)
The Evolution of SARS-CoV-2: Molecular Properties, Virulence and Epidemiology
edited by
submission deadline 15 Nov 2024 | 3 articles | Viewed by 5581 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; molecular epidemiology; epidemiology infection; transmission; monitoring; diagnosis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Public Health Microbiology)
The 2nd Edition: Cellular and Humoral Immunity after COVID-19 Vaccination
edited by
submission deadline 15 Nov 2024 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2700 | Submission Open
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; humoral immunity; cellular immunity; vaccine; vaccination
(This special issue belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Autoimmune Diseases and Disorders
edited by Iftach Sagy
submission deadline 30 Nov 2024 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2558 | Submission Open
Keywords: post-COVID-19; vaccine; autoimmune disorders; systemic lupus erythematosus; rheumatoid arthritis; ANCA vasculitis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Vaccine Efficacy and Safety)
Family, Work, and Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Is the Legacy of the Pandemic and What Have We Learned about the Work–Family Nexus and Health?
edited by Susan Roxburgh
submission deadline 30 Nov 2024 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2154 | Submission Open
Keywords: COVID-19; mental health; physical health; work-family arrangements; flexible work arrangements; domestic division of labor; parenthood

State-of-the-Art Webinars on COVID-19


WEBINAR 1: How to Avoid a New Lockdown?

The first webinar in the series, held on 17 April 2020, saw both Prof. Dr. Antoine Flahault, Director of the Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland, and Prof. Dr. Evelyne Bischof, Associate Professor, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China and Research physician, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland speak on this topic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 2: Coronaviruses: History, Replication, Innate Immune Antagonism

The second webinar in the series, entitled “Coronaviruses: history, replication, innate immune antagonism”, saw Prof. Dr. Susan R. Weiss, Professor of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania speak on this topic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 3: Could the COVID-19 Crisis be the Opportunity to Make Cities Carbon Neutral, Liveable and Healthy

The third webinar in this series was presented by Prof. Dr. Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, a world leading expert in environmental exposure assessment, epidemiology, and health risk/impact assessment with a strong focus and interest on healthy urban living. 

The recording can be found here

WEBINAR 4: COVID-19 - Global Supply Chains and the SDGs

For the fourth webinar of this series, Prof. Dr. Max Bergman, Dr. Dorothea Schostok and Prof. Dr. Patrick Paul Walsh gave a presentation on Global Supply Chains and the SDGs. 

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 5: The New Role of Family Physicians in Times of COVID-19

The fifth webinar of the COVID-19 Series saw Prof. Dr. Christos Lionis discuss the new role of family physicians that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 6: Survey on Symptoms/Signs, Protective Measures, Level of Awareness and Perception Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak among Dentists

In the sixth webinar of this series, Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus and Prof. Dr. Maria Grazia present and discuss the risk and the preventions that can and should be taken by dentists during this pandemic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 7: Living with COVID-19: An Early Intervention Therapeutic Strategy to Control the Pandemic

The seventh webinar of the COVID-19 series, Dr. Hamid Merchant discussed the different therapeutic strategies that can be adopted in the early stages of the infection.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 8: Impact of COVID-19 on Routine Immunization, Reproduction and Pregnancy Outcome

For the eighth COVID-19 webinar, Prof. Dr. Jon Øyvind Odland discussed the effect that COVID-19 seems to have on pregnant women; whereas Prof. Dr. Giovanni Gabutti discussed the role of routine immunization as a way of fighting COVID-19.

The recording can be found here.

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