Factors affecting the public higher education institution (PHEI) acceptance of online meetings applications during COVID-19 pandemic: an empirical study

Purpose - In order to ensure effectiveness of staff's performance using online meetings applications during coronavirus disease (COVID-19), having the behavioural intention is mandatory for staff to measure, test, and manage the staff's data. Understanding of Public Higher Education Institution (PHEI) staffs' intention and behaviour toward online meetings platforms is needed to develop and implement effective and efficient strategies. The objectives of this paper to identify the factors that affect staff to use online meetings applications, to develop a model that examining the factors that affect PHEI staff to online meetings applications and to validate the proposed model. This study used a cross-sectional quantitative correlational study with using UTAUT2 model by validating the model and mediating variables to enhance the model's explanatory power and to make the model more applicable to PHEI staff's behavioural intention. Design/methodology/approach - The data were collected in Malaysia from March to May 2021. The survey took place using Google form and was send to PHEI staff for answer. This research particularly chooses PHEI as the location to carry out the research due to two main factors. Statistical analysis and hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling based on the optimisation technique of partial least squares. SmartPLS software, Version 3.0 (Hair et al., 2010) was used to conduct the analysis. A conceptualised estimation model was "drawn in" the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the consequences of the variables' relationships. In essence, the PLS-SEM simulation was carried out in a model by assessing and computing various parameters that included elements like validity, durability, and item loading. Henseler et al. (2009) suggested a two-step method that includes PLS model parameter computing. This is accomplished by first solving the estimation model in the structural model independently before calculating the direction coefficients. The results of data analysis using SmartPLS findings and interpretation of the data are addressed. The questionnaire was extensively examined to ensure that the data obtained were presented in a clear and intelligible manner, with the use of figures, and graphs. Findings-This current study found that the usability of the material, the reliability of operating, the impact of the PHEI staff's views on its usage, and finally the familiarity with the online meetings platforms influenced PHEI staffs behavioural intention for adoption and long-term use of online meeting platforms using UTAUT2. The staff's behavioural intention for using online meeting platforms was significantly influenced by the effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and habit of online meeting platforms. There was a clear association between "Habit" and "Behavioural Intention" for the usage of information technology in learning in several studies (El-Masri and Tarhini, 2017;Uur and Turan, 2018;Mosunmola et at., 2018;Venkatesh et al, 2003). As a consequence of the utility of online meeting platforms in daily staff meetings and learning activities, this technology has been adopted. Originality/value - This study used UTAUT2 and structural equations modelling in this study to assess respondents' perspectives on the use of online meetings platforms in PHEI, since users' perspective is a significant factor in the adoption and acceptance of online meeting applications. Staff's behavioural intention to use online meeting platforms was effectively enhanced by "Effort Expectancy," "Facilitating Conditions" and "Habit" in this study. The study shows that identifying PHEI staff's perspectives will effectively increase the staffs aversion to utilising online meeting platforms for online meetings purposes.

Solar Chimneys as an Effective Ventilation Strategy in Multi-Storey Public Housing in the Post-COVID-19 Era

This paper studies the effectiveness of a solar chimney for improving ventilation and air-exchange rates in multi-storey public housing in tropical climates for the potential mitigation of airborne disease transmission. Virtual models of a typical apartment room with natural cross-ventilation, replicated across four levels to mimic a multi-storey block, were set up with six internal wind velocity sensor points per floor. The simulation software Energy2D was then used to evaluate the performance of the models, first testing the presence of a solar chimney, and then additionally the degree to which the solar chimney model was affected by a complementary ceiling fan. Wind velocity was also measured, as this is a variable that affects ACH rates. Using a non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the introduction of a solar chimney was found to have a significant impact on air-flow rates (a variable that positively affects air-exchange rates), resulting in a p-value of 0.000 and Z-value of -3.920. Regression analysis determined that the solar chimney's effect was enhanced when complemented by a ceiling fan (R-squared value of 0.4687). Consequently, we propose several design strategies that may enable the adoption of the solar chimney concept to improve natural ventilation in residential units.

Discovering pattern of space layouts from low-income housing: A discussion of the New Normal preparedness after the Covid-19 pandemic

By the end of 2021, it is expected that the coronavirus (COVID-19) will shift from pandemic to endemic phase as the number of vaccinated people is increasing over time. It gives us hope as the endemic phase will allow us to live together with the virus. During the Covid-19 situation, people have become more creative and innovative for familiarising themselves with the New Normal. The next question is how is the existing housing for the low-income group ready to be suited with this situation? Therefore, this study will examine the concept of space design in housing units for the lower income group. The study adopted a case study approach based on housing layout from Kuala Lumpur, Bandung and Buckinghamshire. These housing layouts were analysed using the Space Syntax method for describing the meaning of space layout from a low-income perspective. This study found two consideration points, (1) the willingness of space to accommodate small business activities and to avoid the spread of epidemics in the domestic space, and (2) the willingness of the government to educate the public to cultivate small home entrepreneurship with the existing low-income routine and limited domestic spaces.

Stage 4 Sacral Pressure Injuries Among Fully Dependent Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected clinical and support services for older people in Brunei. There was an observed increase in dependent older adults admitted with Stage 4 pressure injuries with underlying osteomyelitis during the first six-months of the pandemic. The nine patients are described, with a high rate of frailty, malnutrition, and clinician concerns regarding care provided at home. All patients were assessed as having moderate pain, needed a prolonged duration of broad spectrum antibiotics in hospital and a high rate of inpatient mortality. Prevention of pressure injuries in the community should be emphasised to reduce the risk of these complications in fully dependent older people, regardless of the pandemic situation. © 2021, Asian Association for Frailty and Sarcopenia and Taiwan Association for Integrated Care.