PERFORMANCE TASK

Read the abstract below and write an argumentative essay that reflects your stand on the
study. Please cite your sources for your supporting details. (minimum of 3 paragraphs)

Current Status of Global Research on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A

Bibliometric Analysis and Knowledge Mapping
Md Mahbub Hossain1
Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first identified in China, which
eventually became a major global health concern due to its pathogenicity and widespread
distribution around the world. Despite a growing interest in COVID-19 across populations, little
is known about the current state of knowledge on COVID-19, which can inform how much is
known about this problem. This bibliometric study evaluated the contemporary scientific
literature to assess the evolution of knowledge on COVID-19, identify the leading research
stakeholders, and analyze the conceptual areas of knowledge development in this domain.

Methods: Bibliometric data on COVID-19 related studies published until April 1, 2020, were
retrieved from three major databases within Web of Science core collection. Further, a
quantitative evaluation was conducted to assess the characteristics of the current studies and
create visualizations of knowledge areas in COVID-19 research by statistical and text-mining
approaches using bibliometric tools and R software.

Results: A total of 422 citations were retained in this study, including journal articles, reviews,
letters, and other publications. The mean number of authors and citations per document was
3.91 and 2.47, respectively. Also, the top ten articles, authors, and journals were identified
based on the frequencies of citations and publications. Networks of contributing authors,
institutions, and countries were visualized in maps, which highlight discrete developments in
research collaborations. Major areas identified through evaluating keywords and text data
included genetic, epidemiological, zoonotic, and other biological topics associated with COVID-
19.

Conclusions: Current status of COVID-19 research shows varying progress in different areas
of knowledge. However, more research should be conducted in less-explored areas, including
socioeconomic determinants and impacts of COVID-19. Also, research collaboration should be
encouraged among global nations to mobilize shared resources. Lastly, the global knowledge
base should be strengthened for evidence-based decision-making preventing and addressing
the COVID-19 pandemic and aftermath around the world.

1 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3547824
 Underline your opinions and bold the facts that you have gathered.

Current Status of Global Research on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

How much do we know about the covid-19 and are we equppied with enoug

knowledge to fight this virus? Scientist have been shown varying progress in different

areas of knowledge however, more research should be conducted in less – explored

areas. That means the socioeconomic determinants and the impacts of covid-19 should

be explored as well.

A three major databases within Web of Science core collection of bibliometric

data on Covid-19 related studies were retrieved. Further, a visualizations of knowledge

areas in COVID-19 research by statistical and text-mining approaches using bibliometric

tools was formed by the help of quantitative evaluation. The results were a total of 422

citations retained, that includes journal articles, reviews , letters and other publications.

The first data following several thousand infections from China identified certain

vulnerable groups at risk of severe symptoms leading to fatality: older people and

those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk. But now we have a

clearer picture that shows more people than that are being affected. The

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control issued a rapid risk

assessment that highlighted uncertainties in paediatric COVID-19: we don’t know

yet how many children may be infected and asymptomatic, and due to the

delayed onset of the disease, there are sparse data connecting it to the virus.

Emerging studies using antibody tests are beginning to shed light on this

problem. Most infected people resolve SARS-CoV-2 infection within two weeks,
and most develop antibodies recognising the virus. So how can we find out if this

is evidence for immune protection? A major clue came from a study from New

York where scientists found potent neutralising antibodies in people who had

recovered from coronavirus without severe symptoms. Neutralising antibodies

are those that block the virus from infecting our cells. Although the amounts of

antibodies varied, the fact that we are able to produce them holds hope for

vaccination.

There is a lot we still don’t know about this coronavirus, but we have nonetheless

learned enough to help us make some firm conclusions. We recognise vulnerable

groups that need most shielding to preserve life, but we still need biomarkers that

predict risk for those outside these groups. We have the tests to detect antibodies in

recovered children and adults, and we can use this information to understand what

happens to our immune systems after infection with the virus. We can detect the

hallmarks of immune memory in people who recovered, and this bodes well for vaccine

development.
Helen Branswell [March 26, 2020] What we’ve learned about the coronavirus — and

what we still need to know

https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/26/what-weve-learned-about-the-coronavirus-and-

what-we-still-need-to-know/

Zania Stamataki [May 28, 2020] Coronavirus: what we know and what we need to learn

as we exit lockdown

https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-what-we-know-and-what-we-need-to-learn-as-

we-exit-lockdown-138698

Lisa Bender Key Messages and Actions for COVID-19Prevention and Control inSchools

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/key-messages-and-actions-for-

covid-19-prevention-and-control-in-schools-march-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=baf81d52_4