Mofeed Digest: May 2024

The following digest summarizes the most important scholarly and policy publications, reports, and articles covering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the politics, economies, and societies of the Arab world. Mofeed Digest is produced by Mofeed Project Coordinator Serage Amatory.

[MENAEgyptIraqJordanKuwait| LebanonLibyaMoroccoOman
PalestineQatarSaudi ArabiaSudanSyriaTunisiaUAE| Yemen]


MENA

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Impact of the COVID-19 Virus on MENA Stock Markets
Innovation Economics Frontiers, 4 April 2024
This article assesses the impact of disseminated information regarding COVID-19 on the stock markets of the MENA region. 

Changes in Sleep Duration and Sleep Timing in the General Population From Before to During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2 May 2024
Through a meta-analysis of articles from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, KSA, the UAE, and other countries, this article evaluates the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on quantitative sleep parameters.

Impact of COVID-19 on Management and Outcomes of Oncology Patients: Results of MENA COVID-19 and Cancer Registry (MCCR)
Journal of Immunotherapy and Precision Oncology, 2 May 2024
This article reports COVID-19 and Cancer Registry findings on patient management and outcomes from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, the UAE, and Morocco. 

Protocol Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences From a Randomized Trial of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
BMC Medical Research Methodology, 4 May 2024
This article by authors from Kuwait and the KSA presents a randomized trial of stress ulcer prophylaxis during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Exploring Educational Trends and Challenges in the MENA Region Amidst a Global Crisis: An Empirical Analysis of the Pandemic’s Impact on SDG4
Research in Globalization, 17 May 2024
This article examines the effects of COVID-19 on educational policy-making in Bahrain, Qatar, KSA, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and Palestine.  

The Management of Patients at High Risk of Serious COVID-19 Disease: Optimising the Patient Pathway in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe 
Cureus, 20 May 2024
This article reports on the perspectives of healthcare professionals from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, the UAE, and other countries on the therapeutic management of patients at high risk of serious COVID-19.

Design of Multi‐Epitope Chimeric Vaccine Against Monkeypox Virus and SARS‐CoV‐2: A Vaccinomics Perspective
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 27 May 2024
This article by authors from Syria and Yemen utilizes immunoinformatics to propose a chimeric vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV.  

Cultural and Social Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Factors Associated with Vaccine Acceptance in Adults Across the Globe: A Systematic Review
Vaccine, 27 May 2024
This article reviews articles from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and other countries to examine cultural and social attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 in the Arab Countries: Three-Year Study
F1000Research, 29 May 2024
This working paper assesses the prevalence of COVID-19 in the Arab world and to compares these findings to other affected countries.


Egypt

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The Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Colchicine on the Control of Symptoms, Duration, and Disease Progression of Mild and Moderate Cases of COVID-19: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 28 April 2024
This article argues that probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus and colchicine show no significant effect on the symptoms, duration, and progression of mild and moderate cases of COVID-19. 

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome and Its Sequelae: A Cross-Sectional Study
The Egyptian Journal of Bronchology, 2 May 2024
This article examines the percentage of patients who continued to suffer from different symptoms beyond 12 weeks of COVID-19 exposure.  It also evaluates the use of different complementary modalities among patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Care of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Study
Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 3 May 2024
This article compares dialysis adequacy and other parameters of patient care before and during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 Gene Polymorphisms in Relation to COVID-19 Severity: A Case–Control Study in Egyptian Patients
Infection, 4 May 2024
This article investigates the association of three substantial gene polymorphisms (FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2) with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity to help predict prognosis.

Exploring the Impact of Pandemic Measures on Airport Performance 
Aerospace, 8 May 2024
This article examines the consensus of airport managers from 5 countries including Egypt on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on airport performance.   

COVID‑19 Detection From Chest X-Ray Images Using Transfer Learning
Nature Scientific Reports, 21 May 2024
This article proposes a framework for chest X-ray image classification tasks based on deep learning to help in the early diagnosis of COVID-19. 

Psychiatric Impact of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Previously Mentally Healthy Survivors
Middle East Current Psychiatry, 22 May 2024
This article investigates the COVID-19 prolonged psychiatric effects on survivors without psychiatric diseases before infection.


Iraq

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Prevalence of COVID-19 Among Students in Mosul University
Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion, 4 May 2024
This article estimates the prevalence of COVID-19 among undergraduate students at the University of Mosul. 

Genetic Polymorphism of Interleukin-6 in Asymptomatic and ICU-Admitted COVID-19 Patients in Sulaymaniyah Province, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers, 9 May 2024
This article examines IL6 polymorphisms among two groups: asymptomatic COVID-19 patient groups and ICU-admitted patient groups. 

The Ability to Detect the COVID-19 Genome Using Saliva Swabs in Comparison with Nasopharyngeal Swabs in Baghdad
European Journal of General Dentistry, 13 May 2024
This article assesses the ability to detect COVID-19 using saliva swabs in comparison with nasopharyngeal swabs in Baghdad.

The Potential Risk of Reduced Serum Cholinesterase Activity in COVID-19 Patients Suffering From Cytokine Storm
Cureus, 16 May 2024
This article examines serum Cholinesterase activity in hospitalized and terminally ill COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm and evaluates the enzyme for the in vitro ChE-inhibitory activity of the organophosphate dichlorvos.

The Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA Vaccine on Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes at a Fertility Center in Iraq: A Prospective Cohort Study
Health Science Reports, 23 May 2024
This article investigates SARS-CoV-2 vaccination effects on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and related fertility parameters.


Jordan

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Presenting Clinical Symptoms of Post-COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection: Predictors of Mortality in a Middle Eastern Population
Vaccine: X, 4 May 2024
This article examines the symptoms of post-COVID-19 vaccination infections in addition to the need for hospital admission, ER visits, and supplemental oxygen in relation to age and gender.

Long-Term Complications of COVID-19 in Jordan: A Study on Persisting Symptoms and Management
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 6 May 2024
This article assesses the prevalence of post-COVID syndrome, associated symptoms, and potential influencing factors, including vaccine types in Jordan.

Domestic Violence Against Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan: A Systematic Review
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9 May 2024
This article examines the forms and causes of domestic violence against women in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic through a systematic literature review. 

The Impact of Social Media Quality on Their Use in Business Continuity of Jordanian Small and Medium Enterprises During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published in Journal of Small Business Strategy, 14 May 2024
This article examines the use of social media platforms in business continuity by small and medium enterprises in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Kuwait

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Acute Cerebral Ischemia in Patient with COVID-19: Debut of the Thrombectomy Service in Kuwait
American Journal of Biomedical Science and Research, 2 May 2024
This article presents an atypical case of acute ischemic stroke in a young patient with COVID-19, requiring mechanical thrombectomy and intracranial stenting of underlying Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD).


Lebanon

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Mental Health During COVID-19: An Evaluation of Academic Universities’ Contribution to Existing Research
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 6 May 2024
This article examines academic contributions to mental health research by research universities in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Antibody Levels and Breakthrough Infection Risk Among Vaccinated Adults in North Lebanon
PLOS One, 9 May 2024
This article examines the progression of anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers at two-time points within a cohort of 201 adults who received Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2), AstraZeneca, or Sputnik V vaccines in North Lebanon.


Libya

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Correlates of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among the Forcibly Displaced: Evidence from Libya
Archives of Public Health, 13 May 2024
This article examines the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the forcibly displaced in Libya.

Complications Linked to Acute COVID-19 Phase During Its Second Wave Era
AlQalam Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences, 23 May 2024
This article investigates complications of acute COVID-19 in 176 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Zawia city in Libya. 


Morocco 

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A Psychological Insight of Moroccan Adults’ Immunisation Behaviour Towards Emergency Vaccines
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 3 May 2024
This article examines the psychology of vaccination behavior to explain how thoughts and feelings influence people’s willingness to receive vaccines during emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease Crisis on Businesses in Morocco: Constraints and Opportunities
United Nations, 16 May 2024
This report examines the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Moroccan businesses, focusing on the challenges faced and opportunities that arose during this period

Design of SARS-CoV-2 Protein S Peptides Recognized by the Most Frequent HLA Alleles in the Moroccan Population Using an Immunoinformatics Approach
F1000Research, 20 May 2024
This working paper investigates how human genetic diversity influences the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on different patients in Morocco using an immunoinformatics approach. 

COVID-19 and Hospital Activity: Experience of the Nephrology Department of Ibn Sina Hospital-Rabat
The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine, 24 May 2024
This article evaluates the activity of the Nephrology Department of Ibn Sina Hospital of Rabat during the period of lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turnaround Time of the Hematology Results of Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Opportunity to Initiate a Quality Improvement Process
Cureus, 27 May 2024
This article presents a retrospective analysis of the turnaround time of the complete blood count (CBC), essentially the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Management of a Pandemic within a Moroccan Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department the Example of Coronavirus Disease 2019
PriMera Scientific Medicine and Public Health, 29 May 2024
This article argues that children with cancer are more vulnerable to infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological Impact of the End of Lockdown on the Moroccan Population
L’Encéphale, 31 May 2024
This article assesses the well-being and psychological impact, mainly depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experienced by the general population after the end of lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic.


Oman

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Integrated Role of Human Resource Management in Mitigating the Post-COVID-19 Challenges in Retail
Business Ethics and Leadership, 3 April 2024
This article examines the main problems of the retail sector after the COVID-19 pandemic in general and the role of human resource management in mitigating these issues. 

Compliance with COVID-19 Physical Distancing Mandates in Oman: The Role of Health Literacy and Internal Health Locus of Control
Health Literacy Research and Practice, 6 May 2024
This article investigates how health literacy, Internal Health Locus of Control, social norms, perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy intricately shape intentions to comply with COVID-19 physical distancing mandates. 

Retrospective Study on the Emotional Status of Healthcare Workers in a COVID-19 Field Hospital in Oman
Frontiers in Public Health, 20 May 2024
This article evaluates the emotional status of healthcare workers in a frontline COVID-19 field hospital in Oman by screening for symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep quality.


Palestine

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The Equal Neutralizing Effectiveness of BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and Sputnik V Vaccines in the Palestinian Population
Vaccines, 3 May 2024
This article compares the efficacy of one mRNA (BNT162b2) and two non-replicating adenoviral vector vaccines (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Sputnik V) in a cohort of 1120 vaccinated Palestinian individuals. 

Healthcare Workers’ Attitudes Toward and Factors Influencing Their Acceptance of an Annual COVID-19 Booster Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestine
BMC Health Services Research, 14 May 2024
This article evaluates healthcare workers’ acceptance of a COVID-19 yearly booster vaccine when so advised and its association with their attitudes and burnout levels.

Implementation of Digital Public Relations in Crisis Management: The Evidence of Palestinian Director of Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Artificial Intelligence and Economic Sustainability in the Era of Industrial Revolution 5.0, 29 May 2024
This article investigates whether the information communication strategies implemented by the Palestinian Director of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a successful management of the crisis. 

COVID-19 and Palestinian Stock Market Returns: An ARDL Approach
Artificial Intelligence and Economic Sustainability in the Era of Industrial Revolution 5.0, 29 May 2024
This article examines the effect of COVID-19 on the stock market returns of Al-Quds index of the Palestine Exchange, as an emerging market with political instability.


Qatar

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Antibody‐Dependent Enhancement (ADE) of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Patients Exposed to MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigens
Journal of Medical Virology, 29 April 2024
This article assesses ADE (antibody-dependent enhancement) in 40 samples from 36 patients exposed to two beta-coronaviruses, MERS and SARS-CoV-2, through infections and/or vaccination.

Follow‐Up and Comparative Assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA, IgG, Neutralizing, and Total Antibody Responses After BNT162b2 or mRNA‐1273 Heterologous Booster Vaccination
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 6 May 2024
This article examines the comparative immunogenicity of homologous primary vaccination regimens and heterologous prime-boost vaccination using BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273.

COVID-19 and Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy: Perspective from the State of Qatar
Qatar Medical Journal, 9 May 2024
This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hemodialysis and renal failure patients in Qatar. 

Association Between COVID-19 Vaccination and Stroke: A Nationwide Case-Control Study in Qatar
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 20 May 2024
This article investigates the association between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and the prevalence of strokes in Qatar.

Adopting Telework for Female Employees in Qatar: Sociocultural Perspectives, Theoretical Modeling, and Pandemic Experience
Journal of Arabian Examines, 20 May 2024
This article examines the potential for adopting telework in Qatar, analyzes key factors influencing telework implementation, and discusses the merits of working from home for female professionals in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

COVID-19 and Male Fertility: Short- and Long-Term Impacts of Asymptomatic vs. Symptomatic Infection on Male Reproductive Potential
Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 23 May 2024
This article assesses the association between COVID-19 infection and male reproductive potential including hormone profiles and semen parameters.

The Role of Government Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Manara Qatar Research Repository, 26 May 2024
This article investigates the experience of the Qatari government in which a general hospital was transformed into a dedicated COVID-19 facility.

COVID-19 Testing, Incidence, and Positivity Trends among School Age Children during the Academic Years 2020–2022 in the State of Qatar: Special Focus on Using CDC Indicators for Community Transmission to Evaluate School Attendance Policies and Public Health Response 
BMC Pediatrics, 30 May 2024
This article investigates the age-dependent epidemiological dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 among school-age children compared to adults in the State of Qatar.


Saudi Arabia

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Deciphering the Correlation of Depression, Quality of Life, and COVID-19 Challenges in People with Disability: A Saudi Arabian Perspective
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 10 April 2024
This article investigates the relationship between depression, quality of life (QOL), and COVID-19 challenges faced by people with disabilities (PwD) from Saudi Arabia.

Level of Stress Among First Line Nurses in East Jeddah Hospital, Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 Pandemic
International Journal of Nursing Education, 1 May 2024
This article examines the level of occupational stress and the associated factors among first-line nurses in East Jeddah Hospital, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association between COVID-19 Exposure and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Apparently Healthy Adults: An Observational Study
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 1 May 2024
This article investigates the relationship between ANS (autonomic nervous system) dysautonomia and coronavirus exposure and compares the ANS function between those exposed and non-exposed to COVID-19.

Association Between Receiving COVID‐19 Vaccine and Menstrual Cycle Patterns Among Childbearing Women: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Health Science Reports, 9 May 2024
This article evaluates the menstrual cycle patterns among women of childbearing age after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in Medina, Saudi Arabia: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Cureus, 12 May 2024
This article probes the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on AIRD (autoimmune rheumatic disease) patients and rheumatology practices in Saudi Arabia. 

Malaria during COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 15 May 2024
This article compares the total reported cases of Malaria in Makkah before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic’s travel restrictions. 

Characteristics and Clinical Manifestations of Patients, Including Organ Transplant Patients, during the Surge of JN.1: Insights from Saudi Arabia
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 16 May 2024
This article reports on the characteristics and clinical manifestations of patients during the surge of the JN.1 variant in Saudi Arabia and investigates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants in organ transplant patients. 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Some Fiscal and Monetary Indicators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Journal of Money and Business, 21 May 2024
This article investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on some fiscal and monetary indicators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mental Health Status among COVID-19 Patients Survivors of Critical Illness in Saudi Arabia: A 6-Month Follow-Up Questionnaire Study
World Journal of Clinical Cases, 26 May 2024
This article argues that six months after ICU discharge, 30% of patients who had COVID-19 demonstrated a HADS (hospital anxiety and depression scale) score that confirmed anxiety and depression. 

How Did COVID-19 Impact Smoking Habits in the Saudi Community?
Cureus, 28 May 2024
This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking habits in the general population of Saudi Arabia.

COVID-19 Influenced Gut Dysbiosis, Post-Acute Sequelae, Immune Regulation, and Therapeutic Regimens
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 28 May 2024
This article by authors from the KSA and other countries examines the biological complications of the physio-pathological effects of COVID-19 infections, GIT immune responses, and therapeutic pharmacological strategies. 


Sudan

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Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 and Political Instability on Mental Health of University Students in Sudan
 East Mediterranean Health Journal, 1 May 2024
This article assesses post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurrence and coping strategies adopted by university students in Sudan in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Syria

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Differential Risk of Healthcare Workers Versus the General Population during Outbreak, War and Pandemic Crises
medRxiv, 31 May 2024
This article investigates the differential risk of healthcare workers versus the general population during different crises such as the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the civil war in Syria. 


Tunisia

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Incidence and Risk Factors of Post COVID-19 Syndrome: A Tunisian Cohort Study
BMC Infectious Diseases, 1 May 2024
This article estimates the incidence of PCS (post-COVID-19 syndrome) and investigates its risk factors in the Tunisian population.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies After Natural Infection: Insights from a Study on Pasteur Institute of Tunis Employees
Libyan Journal of Medicine, 1 May 2024
This article assesses the kinetics of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2, following natural infection in a cohort of employees of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), and the risk of reinfection over a 12-month follow-up period.

Acute Kidney Injury Complicating Critical Forms of COVID-19: Risk Factors and Prognostic Impact
F1000 Research, 17 May 2024
This working paper assesses the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of acute kidney injuries complicating critical forms of COVID-19. 

The Concealing Effect of COVID-19: Unveiling the Surge in Community-Acquired Infections and Its Association With Diabetic Ketosis During the Pandemic
Cureus, 24 May 2024
This article examines clinical features of CAI (community-acquired infections) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor precipitating diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA).

COVID-19 Shock on Supply Chains: Evidence from a Developing Country 
Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, 27 May 2024
This article evaluates the impact of COVID-19 lockdown policies on Tunisia’s supply chains. 


UAE

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Challenges of Breastfeeding during COVID-19 and Baby Friendly Protocols Adopted at a Maternity Health Center in the Northern Emirates of UAE: A Comprehensive Review
Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, 14 May 2024
This article examines concepts concerning COVID-19 and breastfeeding mothers, the safety of vaccinations, the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on both mother and child, important hygiene recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers, and possible solutions to optimize breastfeeding and safety precautions amidst the fear of the emergence of novel variants.

Association of Specific ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Variants with Circulatory Cytokines of COVID-19 Emirati Patients
Frontiers in Immunology, 23 May 2024
This article investigates the potential correlation between genetic variants related to viral entry (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) and the presence of circulating cytokines in COVID-19 patients in the United Arab Emirates.

Vibration Assisted Electron Tunnelling in COVID-19 Infection Using Quantum State Diffusion
Nature Scientific Reports, 27 May 2024
This article applies the open quantum system approach using Quantum State Diffusion to solve the non-linear stochastic Schrödinger equation (SSE) for COVID-19 virus infection. 

Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates: Perceptions, Challenges, and Psychological Effects
Economies, 29 May 2024
This article investigates the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian migrant workers in the UAE and examines both the economic and psychological consequences faced by this population. 

Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Favipiravir in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in United Arab Emirates: A Single-Center Study 
Pharmacy Practice, 31 May 2024
This article assesses the efficacy, and safety of favipiravir versus symptomatic management in patients with COVID-19. 


Yemen

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The Impact of Mindfulness Training on Alleviating COVID-19 Fear among International Students in China: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Heliyon, 23 May 2024
This article investigates the effects of mindfulness training on alleviating the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic among Yemeni international students in China during the academic year 2020.