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The Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is the greatest threat to public health in recent times. It has infected over 40 million people globally, having an untoward economic impact on many nations. A global race to find a safe and effective vaccine is ongoing, but controversies exist over the conduct of the vaccine trials among the African population. We assessed the awareness, perceptions of, and willingness to participate in the anticipated COVID-19 vaccine trials among adults in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Method: We used a web-based cross-sectional correlational survey and a purposive quota sampling technique to select 478 respondents.
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The students of color face a variety of obstacles in higher education, and the recent pandemic exacerbated many of the existing issues: lacking access to valuable resources, affordable course materials, and technological challenges. The inception of the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented disruption to higher education that has resulted in an amassing paradigm shift for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These institutions that have traditionally offered a curriculum in a face-to-face format with a small percentage of courses online. This chapter explores the challenges of replicating the HBCU experience online. © 2021, IGI Global.
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This chapter presents theoretical discussions about advancing the demarginalization of African American students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by bringing in insights from Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction perspectives. Here, the authors discuss demarginalization related to certain intra-racial and intersecting class, gender, and mental health issues emerging since COVID-19 and online learning. The ideas presented here are equally viable in student face-to-face and virtual learning environments. It begins with discussing marginalization and Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction theories. It reviews relevant literature about the history of African American education since the American Civil War, including 19th and 20th century reconstructions, Jim Crow, the rise of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Black student campus union and Black power movements, and other relevant happenings in Black American education. © 2021, IGI Global.
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BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought an unprecedented toll on vocational rehabilitation efforts to assist workers with disabilities in maintaining their careers. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of a psychometrically sound assessment instrument and resource-driven planning procedure to help workers with disabilities resume or retain their employment. METHODS: Four employed people with neurological disabilities who took part in a larger job retention project funded by the United States Department of Labor completed structured interviews to determine their needs for employment accommodations during COVID-19. A trained interviewer administered theWork Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with each participant to identify: (a) barriers to worksite access, (b) difficulties performing essential job functions, (c) concerns regarding continued job mastery, and (d) extent of job satisfaction. RESULTS: Owing primarily to the sequelae of their disabling conditions and less so to social distancing requirements and telecommuting technology, participants reported a wide range of accessibility barriers and difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs that they believed had the potential to significantly affect their ongoing productivity. Considering the stress and uncertainty that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, it is surprising that the majority of participants reported high levels of job mastery and job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The interviewer concluded the WES interview by recommending a job accommodation plan, which included suggestions from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultants.
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Emerging hardware tailored for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods provide novel means to couple them with traditional high performance computing (HPC) workflows involving molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We propose Stream-AI-MD, a novel instance of applying deep learning methods to drive adaptive MD simulation campaigns in a streaming manner. We leverage the ability to run ensemble MD simulations on GPU clusters, while the data from atomistic MD simulations are streamed continuously to AI/ML approaches to guide the conformational search in a biophysically meaningful manner on a wafer-scale AI accelerator. We demonstrate the efficacy of Stream-AI-MD simulations for two scientific use-cases: (1) folding a small prototypical protein, namely ββα-fold (BBA) FSD-EY and (2) understanding protein-protein interaction (PPI) within the SARS-CoV-2 proteome between two proteins, nsp16 and nsp10. We show that Stream-AI-MD simulations can improve time-to-solution by ~50X for BBA protein folding. Further, we also discuss performance trade-offs involved in implementing AI-coupled HPC workflows on heterogeneous computing architectures. © 2021 ACM.
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Background: COVID-19 has been linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms, including delirium, depression/anxiety, PTSD, and rarely, severe neuropsychiatric impairment. However, much remains unknown. We present a case of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a patient with concurrent COVID-19 infection. Case History: A 27-year-old male who carried diagnoses of unspecified mood versus psychotic disorder was admitted with atypical psychosis and suicidal ideation. Patient initially presented to primary care with racing thoughts, delusions, depression (PHQ-9517), anxiety (GAD-7510), and new onset cognitive symptoms along with olfactory hallucinations. He endorsed daily suicidal ideations and reported using two cellphones to block suicidal waves and enhance his memory. He was admitted to inpatient psychiatry where he exhibited disorganized behavior and paranoid delusions, and reported visual hallucinations. Initial workup of EEG, brain MRI, and TSH were unremarkable. Two months after admission, he developed sore throat and fever and tested positive for COVID-19. Patient developed streaky opacites on chest X-ray, was transferred to the ICU, and intubated due to agitation. Once extubated, he experienced repeated epileptic seizures despite multiple antiepileptics, and lumbar puncture ultimately revealed anti-NMDA receptor antibodies. Symptoms slowly improved with plasmapheresis, steroids, and Rituximab. Conclusions: Case reports suggest that some patients may present with neuropsychiatric symptoms or experience neuropsychiatric sequelae following COVID-19 infection. Infection itself can precipitate an autoimmune encephalitis and may also cause neurological damage which can unmask other neuropsychiatric conditions. This case highlights that research is needed to understand the intersection between COVID-19 infection and mechanisms implicated in other neuropsychiatric disorders, including the spectrum of autoimmune encephalitides.
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Both Harris and Howard in their thoughtful papers examine the intersection of the psyche and the social in the context of COVID-19 and racial unrest. The combination of these events has brought into sharp focus the impact of the social on intrapsychic functions. Especially in relation to African Americans and low-income persons, we observe the varied impact of racist and capitalistic driven systemic inequities and the conflicts and resistances that they generate. Psychoanalytic perspectives offer the possibility through reflection, education, and atonement to inform attempts to promote self-care, enlightened interventions, and system change.
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Purpose This paper aims to evaluate non-financial reporting (NFR) frameworks insofar as risk reporting is concerned. This is facilitated through analysis of the adequacy of climate- and pandemic-related risk reporting in three industries that are both significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk from climate change. The pervasiveness of pandemic and climate-change risks have been highlighted in 2020, the hottest year on record and the year the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Stakeholders might reasonably expect reporting on these risks to have prepared them for the consequences. Design/methodology/approach The current debate on the "complexity" of sustainability and NFR frameworks/standards is critically analysed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to "build back better". Context is provided through analysis of risk reporting by the ten largest airlines and the five largest companies in each of the hotel and cruise industries. Findings Risk reporting on two significant issues, pandemics and climate change, is woefully inadequate. While very little consideration has been given to pandemic risks, disclosures on climate-related risks focus predominantly on "risks" of increased regulation rather than physical risks, indicating a short-term focus. The disclosures are dispersed across different corporate reporting media and fail to appreciate the long-term consequences or offer solutions. Mindful that a conceptual framework for NFR must address this, the authors propose a new definition of materiality and recommend that sustainable development risks and opportunities be placed at the core of a future framework for connected/integrated reporting. Research limitations/implications For sustainable development risks to be perceived as "real" by managers, further research is needed to determine the nature and extent of key sustainable development risks and the most effective mitigation strategies. Social implications This paper highlights the importance of recognising the complexity of the issues facing organisations, society and the planet and addressing them by encouraging robust consideration of the interdependencies in evolving approaches to corporate reporting. Originality/value This study contributes to the current debate on the future of corporate reporting in light of two significant interconnected crises that threaten business and society - the pandemic and climate change. It provides evidence to support a long-term oriented and holistic approach to risk management and reporting.
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INTRODUCTION: Blood shortage have emerged as complicating and strategic hurdle during COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that adopting an ultra-restrictive transfusion protocol to preserve blood products use in surgical intensive care units (SICU) is safe and effective compared to current practices. METHODS: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic (on 3/20/2020), our SICU adopted a protocol to change transfusion cutoff to hemoglobin (Hb) of 6 g/dl (or 6.5 g/dl for patients 65 years and older) instead of 7 g/dl. We excluded patients who were COVID+, actively bleeding, or had signs of cardiac ischemia on admission. We compared patients admitted to SICU during 2 months before (PRE) and 2 months after (POST) implementing the protocol who met the transfusion cutoff. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on the day of transfusion was calculated. Secondary outcomes were new ischemic changes and total number of packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfused. RESULTS: Our cohort had 261 patients (PRE n=93, POST n=168). Of those, 41 patients had Hb drop below 7 (16 in PRE, 17.2% and 27 in POST, 16.1%). In Post group, 12 patients had Hb drop below 6 and required transfusion (7.1%, p=0.02). There was no difference in gender or age between patients who met transfusion cutoff in either group. There was also no difference in mortality (PRE: 5, 31.3% and POST: 3, 25%, NS) or ischemic complications (PRE: 2, 12.5% and POST: 4, 33.3%, NS). Odds ratio of mortality in POST group was 0.62 (95%CI:0.08-5.12) adjusted for age, gender, and SOFA score. Mortality rate in POST patients who had Hb>6 g/dl (n=15) was 13.3%. PRBC transfusion per patient was on average 4±3.8 units in PRE group and 2.4±1.5 units in POST group (NS). This represents a potential preservation of 60-100 PRBC units during the 2 months period of implementing the protocol and a potential reduction of 55-73% in blood product utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-restrictive transfusion protocol appears to be safe and effective in preserving blood products utilization during a shortage crisis. These results are limited by the small sample size and a large multi-center study is warranted. However, these results could present a promising option during a subsequent pandemic crises or other similar disasters.
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We critically examine the call for ‘harmonisation’ of sustainability reporting frameworks and standards that occurred alongside an increase in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identify three myths that have been promulgated in calls for ‘harmonisation’ that seek to: simplify sustainability reporting and ESG analysis and shift the control for standard-setting to an investor-oriented private sector body. We argue that the myths are based on deception, misunderstandings, and disregard for both academic research and the views of sustainability practitioners. They demonstrate a lack of regard for different users of corporate sustainability information, a lack of analysis of the alternatives, an overestimation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation's expertise and mischaracterisation of sustainable/ESG financing. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
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Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) may be at increased risk for COVID-19, but differences in risk by work activities are poorly defined. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cohorting hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to reduce in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but it is unknown if occupational and non-occupational behaviors differ based on exposure to COVID-19 units. Methods: We analyzed a subset of HCP from an ongoing CDC-funded SARSCoV- 2 serosurveillance study. HCP were recruited from four Atlanta hospitals of different sizes and patient populations. All HCP completed a baseline REDCap survey. We used logistic regression to compare occupational activities and infection prevention practices among HCP stratified by exposure to COVID-19 units: low (0% of shifts), medium (1-49% of shifts) or high (≥50% of shifts). Results: Of 211 HCP enrolled (36% emergency department [ED] providers, 35% inpatient RNs, 17% inpatient MDs/APPs, 7% radiology technicians and 6% respiratory therapists [RTs]), the majority (79%) were female and the median age was 35 years. Nearly half of the inpatient MD/APPs (46%) and RNs (47%) and over two-thirds of the RTs (67%) worked primarily in the ICU. Aerosol generating procedures were common among RNs, MD/APPs, and RTs (26-58% performed ≥1), but rare among ED providers (0-13% performed ≥1). Compared to HCP with low exposure to COVID-19 units, those with medium or high exposure spent a similar proportion of shifts directly at the bedside and were about as likely to practice universal masking. Being able to consistently social distance from co-workers was rare (33%);HCP with high exposure to COVID-19 units were less likely to report social distancing in the workplace compared to those with low exposure;however, this was not significantly different (OR 0.6;95% CI: 0.3, 1.1). Concerns about personal protective equipment in COVID-19 units were similar across levels of exposure (Table 1). Conclusion: The proportion of time spent in dedicated COVID-19 units did not appear to influence time HCP spend directly at the bedside or infection prevention practices (social distancing and universal masking) in the workplace. Risk for SARSCoV- 2 infection in HCP may depend more on factors acting at the individual level rather than those related to location of work. (Table Presented).
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Introduction: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare institutions faced challenges that required operational agility to facilitate provision of optimal patient care. Research Question or Hypothesis: This research was performed to elucidate how pharmacy departments adapted their staffing models and the impact on frontline staff satisfaction. Study Design: Critical care pharmacists in ACCP and ASHP list-serves were electronically invited to participate in a 28-question survey in April/May 2020. Methods: Likert-like questions used a 1-5 (strongly agree to strongly disagree) scale, and responses were compared based on degree of satisfaction with pharmacy leadership strategies implemented. Practice model changes were compared before and during COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effects of independent variables on the primary outcome, satisfaction with pharmacy leadership response. Results: Respondents (N = 168) representing 40 United States participated. Forty percent of respondents experienced a surge, 68% experienced a staffing model change, and the majority (64.9%) were satisfied overall with their pharmacy leadership's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both specialists (50% vs. 21%, P = 0.013) and unit-based generalists (65% vs. 35%, P < 0.001) decreased rounding in the unit. Disagreement with “Satisfied with leadership efforts to protect staff (limiting in-person meetings, changing code response)” decreased the odds of satisfaction by 96% [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.043 (95% CI 0.005-0.336), P = 0.003). Disagreement with “Satisfied with voice of front-line staff” was associated with an 84% reduction in satisfaction [OR 0.165 (95% CI 0.049- 0.549), P = 0.003]. Eliminating inperson rounds associated with a 95% decrease in satisfaction with pharmacy leadership [OR 0.053 (95% CI 0.007-0.392), P = 0.004]. Disagreement with “I believe I am at increased risk of getting COVID-19 due to departmental staffing decisions (as compared to ICU peers in other institutions)” increased satisfaction [OR 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-13.91]. Conclusion: Frontline staff perceptions can inform practice model changes to improve employee satisfaction while providing safe, reliable, and responsible patient care.
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BACKGROUND: Obtaining and retaining employment for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is frequently a greater challenge than it is for the non-SCI population. It is particularly difficult during COVID-19 because all the barriers to employment are compounded for people with SCI as they have to take extra precaution to protect their health and wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to understand how isolation related to COVID-19 has had an effect on the employment experiences for persons living with SCI. METHODS: Three virtual focus groups were conducted with Kentuckians who had SCI. RESULTS: The major themes were: the impact of disruption in routine on physical and mental health, importance of having the right accommodations, working from home as an accommodation, and the uncertainty of work. CONCLUSIONS: Accommodations are a critical component for people with SCI to be retained in the workforce. Employers should be proactive in offering various inclusive and accessible accommodations to employees so that people do not have to bear the additional burden of asking for accommodations. Rehabilitation professionals would serve the SCI population well by finding ways to help clients better advocate for themselves, provide adaptive home therapeutic equipment, and help identify diverse employment skill sets. © 2021 - IOS Press. All rights reserved.
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Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment has surged in many sectors of the economy. While unemployment in food services is largely the product of demand-side shocks, such as restaurant and school closures, unemployment in food processing and production is related to supply-side factors such as issues of worker safety.