- 2020.06.25
- News
The COVID-19-Related Research Projects at University of Hyogo
In the light of social contribution activities, University of Hyogo has decided to promote research projects regarding the under- and post-COVID-19 society, economy, and industrial and information technology. After the call for proposals from within the university, 15 out of a large number of research projects have been selected and will be supported by special research grants from the University of Hyogo.
List of Accepted Projects
Title | Summary |
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A study on prognosis of novel coronaviruses using CT and clinical information Representative researcher: |
In collaboration with the Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center and other 11 medical facilities in Japan, we conduct a study to develop and validate prognostic indicators and predictive models for persons infected with novel coronaviruses. The study will help us to predict probabilistically whether a patient in a hospitalization, will become seriously ill or not. Such a prediction, in turn, will help the preparation of the necessary medical resources. As the result, reduction of the number of deaths and the medical collapses due to re-emergence of infection are expected to be attained. |
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Coronavirus RNA using isothermal amplification Representative researcher: |
In this research, we aim to develop new (photo)electrochemical methods combined with isothermal amplification techniques in order to establish rapid detection test for coronavirus RNA with high sensitivity and accuracy. |
Exemplification and suggestion using breath-visualization technique for new normal of life, education, and research Representative researcher: |
This mechanical-engineering project aims to address for the social demand, which people in the society really want to know how the mask protects COVID-19 infection, by visualizing the breath around the mask. The academic outcomes will be shared through SNS online, immidiately, and interactively. The other aspects of expected outcomes are one of the online teaching-aid for students, and are public health information based on the solid academic evidence for member of society. This project will provide examples of new normal of life, education, and research. |
Screening chemicals for anti-coronavirus by using in vitro protein expression systems Representative researcher: |
Remdesivir and Avigan are thought to inhibit the RNA synthetase activity of SARS-CoV-2 and consequently the viral amplification in the patients is hopefully suppressed. In contrast, we are now starting to screen thousands of chemicals by using the in vitro protein expression systems for inhibiting the synthesis of the RNA synthetase of this virus in cells. |
Cultural Studies on Diseases and Deformed Figures: Representations of Nature as the “Other” Representative researcher: |
Various narrative and visual arts forms, which have been preserved in Japan and the Pacific regions, contain descriptions of diseases and deformed bodies or exaggerated figures from nature. These images were the objects of narratives in various travelogues and art criticisms in English, and these narratives often considered such figures of nature as deviations from the normal, or as negative representations of the uncontrollable nature as the “other”. This study aims to analyze these English narratives in terms of figures of speech, or literary styles, and to formulate our thoughts on some possible ways of retelling negative memories or representations. |
Frailty prevention study among the Japanese elderly under/post COVID-19 pandemic Representative researcher: |
The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of the self-imposed isolation on the frailty and physical and mental functions such as WHO-5, instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Geriatric Depression Scale in Japanese community-dwelling people, especially the elderly. We will also discuss the health program against COVID-19 to prevent frailty. |
Recommendations for disaster countermeasures and business continuity measures related to the new coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) based on quantitative and qualitative surveys of companies, organizations, and sole proprietors. Representative researcher: |
We will clarify the actual situation of business continuity strategy of each company/organizations based on quantitative and qualitative surveys after the announcement, extension and cancellation of the “Emergency Declaration” regarding Japan's new coronavirus infectious disease COVID-19. We will organize the knowledge and lessons of business continuity strategy for future infectious diseases and natural disasters using results of these survey. |
Research on effective support system construction for children toward Covid-19 Representative researcher: |
In this study, we first study the effects of corona on children. Based on the results, we will implement concrete measures at schools in various areas of Hyogo Prefecture. Since it is an unprecedented experience, it is expected that it will be a study that repeats trial and error, we bring together wisdom and take measures to benefit children. |
The spreading mechanism of novel coronavirus with mathematical model Representative researcher: |
We theoretically study mechanism of the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).In the mathematical model, we pay attention on symptom-free carriers. In computer simulations, we apply random walk to take into account the spatial heterogeneity, spatial distance and movement of infected people. We build new models on a lattice and computer simulations. |
The Quality of Life in COVID-19 Sufferer during Recuperation and after Leaving Isolation Accommodations The Role of Nurses in a Society with COVID-19 Representative researcher: |
Our aim is to investigate the quality of life of COVID-19 sufferer and to clarify the role of nurses in a society with COVID-19. This study will be conducted by interviewing with public health nurses dealing with COVID-19 suffer and surveying with COVID-19 patients who had stayed isolation accommodations. |
The status of social stigma caused by COVID-19 and its formative factors in Hyogo prefecture Representative researcher: |
As social stigma (SS) caused by COVID-19, including discrimination and prejudice, has been reported in the Hyogo prefecture, preventing and responding to this issue have become urgent matters. This study aims to clarify the status of SS caused by COVID-19 and its formative factors in the Hyogo Prefecture, and to discuss specific measures for the response to SS. |
Estimation of economic impact caused by COVID-19 on nation-wide supply chain data and simulations Representative researcher: |
We estimate an economic shock of COVID-19, using a nation-wide supply chain data and a production model. Based on the model, we can discuss counter measures out of a lot of candidates quickly and estimate economic losses on vast scenarios of domestic and international supply chain disruptions by using parallel computers. |
Research on the practical role of telemedicine and online pharmacy service Representative researcher: |
Technical and institutional issues on telemedicine, online prescription and pharmacy are summarized and extracted. Assess the validity of the remaining regulatory basis through the impact analysis of temporary relaxation by COVID-19 response and explore the possibility of technical overcoming and the direction of system reform. |
Collaboration among industry, academia, and government for supporting children who require daily medical care and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic Representative researcher: |
Collaborations among care service facilities, hospitals, governments, schools, and home-visit nursing stations are indispensable to support children who require daily medical care and their families. However, this collaboration has proved insufficient to date and has raised several challenges. With the global spread of COVID-19, there has been a demand for changes in the prevalent lifestyles; it has become necessary for everyone to live in a new social system. To enable this, building further relationships and frameworks beyond the existing ones is required. Our goal is to build a new era of multi-professional collaborations, such as those between industry, academia, and government, by enabling each professional to successfully bridge the gaps that arise when these changes are underway. |
Psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on health care workers and strategic means for reducing the impacts Representative researcher: |
This study aims to investigate the psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 outbreaks on health care workers and seek effective interventions and means to minimize the impacts. The findings will be used to formulate evidence-based strategic policies to enhance health care capacity in responding to public health emergencies. |