Working from home during COVID-19 Lockdown: Changing Competencies and work-home life Boundaries

Crisis situations often introduces drastic lifestyle changes. This study is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to shed light on an unprecedented context of forcing employees to work from home with a short notice of companies and the government. The goal is three-fold: i) to understand the extent to which employees were indeed prepared to work from home;ii) to uncover the most important competencies that enabled employees to deal better with a crisis situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic;and iii) to discuss the real impact that working from home had in the employees' lives during the pandemic situation and the quarantine period. Using narrative inquiry, this study explores the experiences of 18 young adult consultants working in different business areas, in Portugal. Semi-structure interviews were conducting during the third wave (12/2020 - 03/2021) and thematic analysis was used to analysis the transcripts. The analysis revealed three main themes: 'management competencies', 'work-life balance' and 'work flexibility'. Each theme consisted of several subthemes which illustrates how the participants perceived working from home and the factors that reflect their experiences and understanding. The research findings illustrate that interpersonal communication, anxiety and stress management, time management, and e-leadership are vital skills to cause a great impact on participants' productivity and well-being at work. Participants all appeared to notice that working from home provides a better work-life balance (e.g. saving time on daily commute) and more flexibility with regards to the work schedule and home commitments. Nonetheless, their experiences of home working depend on the personal situation, personality and the perceived management support offered during the COVID-19 lockdown. The research highlights a need to train employees on soft skills and prepare them to future crisis situations. Theoretical implications suggest that academics should expand research and interventions to include not only the work environment but also other external factors that affect employees. The limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are suggested. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Multidisciplinary approach of the sequelae one month after hospital discharge in patients with severe bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia, are there differences depending on the respiratory therapy used during admission to intensive care?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sequelae one month after hospital discharge in patients who required admission to Intensive Care for severe COVID 19 pneumonia and to analyze the differences between those who received therapy exclusively with high-flow oxygen therapy compared to those who required invasive mechanical ventilation. DESIGN: Cohort, prospective and observational study. SETTING: Post-intensive care multidisciplinary program. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Patients who survived admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID 19 pneumonia from April 2020 to October 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Inclusion in the post-ICU multidisciplinary program. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Motor, sensory, psychological/psychiatric, respiratory and nutritional sequelae after hospital admission. RESULTS: 104 patients were included. 48 patients received high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (ONAF) and 56 invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The main sequelae found were distal neuropathy (33.9% IMV vs 10.4% ONAF); brachial plexopathy (10.7% IMV vs 0% ONAF); decrease in grip strength: right hand 20.67kg (±8.27) in VMI vs 31.8kg (±11.59) in ONAF and left hand 19.39kg (±8.45) in VMI vs 30.26kg (±12.74) in ONAF; and limited muscle balance in the lower limbs (28.6% VMI vs 8.6% ONAF). The differences observed between both groups did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable study. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained after the multivariate study suggest that there are no differences in the perceived physical sequelae one month after hospital discharge depending on the respiratory therapy used, whether it was high-flow nasal oxygen therapy or prolonged mechanical ventilation, although more studies are needed to be able to draw conclusions.

Good practices in food handling: online training during COVID-19 pandemic period

Good Practices in Food Manipulation are procedures applied in food services to guarantee the consumer the quality and safety of food following current health legislation. Good practices are essential to reduce the risk of contamination from Foodborne Diseases (FDAs) and, therefore, the training of food handlers must be an ongoing process. Considering the current context resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, alternatives in the offer model for training these professionals should be proposed so that the process is not interrupted. The "Good Manufacturing Practices in Food Handling" course, offered annually by the IFPR - Campus Colombo since 2015, was remodeled to remotely guide food handlers about good hygiene practices and procedures in the workplace. The training was carried out through a free platform and made available on a Youtube channel. The meetings took place weekly for five weeks, totaling a workload of twenty hours. Each meeting lasted three hours, plus one hour for asynchronous activities. Forty students completed the course and thirty-two answered the satisfaction questionnaire. All responded that they would use the knowledge obtained from the course in their professional routine, indicating that, with training, it is possible to improve to ensure the production of food with more quality, safety and with less risk of contamination for consumers.

[Multidisciplinary approach of the sequelae one month after hospital discharge in patients with severe bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia, are there differences depending on the respiratory therapy used during admission to intensive care?] / Valoración multidisciplinar de las secuelas al mes del alta hospitalaria por neumonía grave COVID-19, ¿existen diferencias en función de la terapia respiratoria empleada durante su ingreso en Cuidados Intensivos?

Objective: To describe the sequelae one month after hospital discharge in patients who required admission to intensive care for severe COVID-19 pneumonia and to analyze the differences between those who received therapy exclusively with high-flow oxygen therapy compared to those who required invasive mechanical ventilation. Design: Cohort, prospective and observational study. Setting: Post-intensive care multidisciplinary program. Patients or participants: Patients who survived admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID-19 pneumonia from April 2020 to October 2021. Interventions: Inclusion in the post-ICU multidisciplinary program. Main variables of interest: Motor, sensory, psychological/psychiatric, respiratory and nutritional sequelae after hospital admission. Results: One hundred and four patients were included. 48 patients received high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (ONAF) and 56 invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The main sequelae found were distal neuropathy (33.9% IMV vs. 10.4% ONAF); brachial plexopathy (10.7% IMV vs. 0% ONAF); decrease in grip strength: right hand 20.67 kg (± 8.27) in VMI vs. 31.8 kg (± 11.59) in ONAF and left hand 19.39 kg (± 8.45) in VMI vs. 30.26 kg (± 12.74) in ONAF; and limited muscle balance in the lower limbs (28.6% VMI vs. 8.6% ONAF). The differences observed between both groups did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable study. Conclusions: The results obtained after the multivariate study suggest that there are no differences in the perceived physical sequelae one month after hospital discharge depending on the respiratory therapy used, whether it was high-flow nasal oxygen therapy or prolonged mechanical ventilation, although more studies are needed to be able to draw conclusions.

Liquid biopsy on serum samples: Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as fatality predictor for COVID-19

The fatality prediction in hyperinflammation diseases like COVID-19 is a challenge. We show here that FTIR could probe the degree of IgG glycosylation discriminating subpopulations of COVID-19 patients depending on their degree of severity. © Optica Publishing Group 2022 The Authors.

Liquid biopsy on serum samples: Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as fatality predictor for COVID-19

The fatality prediction in hyperinflammation diseases like COVID-19 is a challenge. We show here that FTIR could probe the degree of IgG glycosylation discriminating subpopulations of COVID-19 patients depending on their degree of severity. © Optica Publishing Group 2022 The Authors.

Doenca Falciforme E Indice De Massa Corporal: Aspectos De Uma Coorte

Objetivo: Comparar a inadequacao do estado nutricional (baixo peso e excesso de peso) em pacientes com Doenca Falciforme (DF) inscritos em uma coorte em dois momentos distintos e verificar a associacao entre o IMC, sexo e uso de medicamentos. Materiais e Metodos: Trata-se de uma coorte composta por adultos portadores de DF, cadastrados na Fundacao Hemominas Juiz de Fora analisados em dois momentos: sendo o ponto 1 (REDS III) de novembro/2013 a setembro/2014 e ponto 2 (REDS IV) de maio/2021 a julho/2022. Os dados antropometricos foram aferidos pelos pesquisadores em balanca digital. O Indice de Massa Corporal foi classificado de acordo com os pontos de corte adotados pela Organizacao Mundial da Saude (OMS) e, para a analise estatistica, foram estabelecidas tres categorias: baixo peso, sobrepeso e obesidade. O Teste-t de Student foi aplicado para comparar os dois momentos. O estudo aprovado pelo Comite de Etica em Pesquisa (ndegree 02790812.0.2002.5118 e 4.382.562). Resultados: A amostra do primeiro momento (REDS III) era composta de 126 pacientes, houve uma perda de 40 pacientes (32%) devido 9 perdas de acompanhamento e 31 obitos. Para analise dos 2 momentos, a amostra final foi com 86 participantes (media de idade de 40+/-11 anos), 61% eram mulheres (n=52) e 70% eram DF tipo SS. Foi observado no ponto 2 que 5% dos sujeitos da pequisa (n=4) possuiam baixo peso, 23% (n=20) sobrepeso e 10% (n=9) obesidade o que representa inadequacao nutricional em 38% dos individuos. Destes, 100%, 55% e 100%, respectivamente, eram do sexo feminino. A relacao peso e genotipo da DF mostrou que 100% dos individuos com baixo peso, eram SS e a analise dos individuos obesos teve maior prevalencia nos genotipos heterozigoticos (89%). Nos pacientes com sobrepeso, nao pode ser estabelecida uma significancia em relacao ao tipo de DF. Nao foram identificados valores significativos para: a) Reducao nao significativa dos pacientes com baixo peso (17% REDS III vs. 5% REDS IV;p=0,5);b) Aumento do sobrepeso (12% REDS III vs. 23% REDS IV;p=0,06) e c) Similaridade da populacao estrofica (65% REDS III vs. 62% REDS IV;p=0,02. Em relacao a obesidade, houve aumento significativo (6% REDS III vs. 10% REDS IV;p=0,05). Quanto ao uso de medicamentos, 2 dos 86 pacientes (2,3%) usavam antidislipidemicos e tinham excesso de peso. Paralelamente, outros 3 pacientes - 1 com sobrepeso e 2 com obesidade - usavam hipoglicemiante (3,5%). A dislipidemia e a diabetes coexistiam em apenas 1 paciente obeso, 12 pacientes faziam uso de anti-hipertensivos. Discussao: Mais de 1/3 dos pacientes apresentava com inadequacao nutricional (baixo peso e excesso de peso), em ambos os momentos de analise deste estudo (35% REDS III vs. 38% REDS IV) independente do sexo. A DF SS e um status catabolico associada a baixo peso. O genotipo SS estava presente em 100% dos pacientes com baixo peso, corroborando essa associacao. Foi observado, entretanto, que 50% dos pacientes estavam com sobrepeso, o que pode ser relacionado ao impacto sociopsicofisico da pandemia do SARS-CoV-2. Tratando-se de obesidade, a DF heterozigotica e sexo feminino tem uma associacao com significancia estatistica. Conclusao: Os pacientes com DF podem cursar com alteracao do IMC. A DF SS tem maior tendencia de evoluir com baixo peso, enquanto a forma heterozigotica associa-se ao excesso de peso. Copyright © 2022

Multidisciplinary approach of the sequelae one month after hospital discharge in patients with severe bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia, are there differences depending on the respiratory therapy used during admission to intensive care? Valoración multidisciplinar de las secuelas al mes del alta hospitalaria por neumonía grave COVID-19, ¿existen diferencias en función de la terapia respiratoria empleada durante su ingreso en Cuidados Intensivos?

Graphical Objective To describe the sequelae one month after hospital discharge in patients who required admission to Intensive Care for severe COVID 19 pneumonia and to analyze the differences between those who received therapy exclusively with high-flow oxygen therapy compared to those who required invasive mechanical ventilation. Design Cohort, prospective and observational study. Setting Post-intensive care multidisciplinary program. Patients or participants Patients who survived admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID 19 pneumonia from April 2020 to October 2021. Interventions Inclusion in the post-ICU multidisciplinary program. Main variables of interest Motor, sensory, psychological/psychiatric, respiratory and nutritional sequelae after hospital admission. Results 104 patients were included. 48 patients received high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (ONAF) and 56 invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The main sequelae found were distal neuropathy (33.9% IMV vs 10.4% ONAF);brachial plexopathy (10.7% IMV vs 0% ONAF);decrease in grip strength: right hand 20.67 kg (+/- 8.27) in VMI vs 31.8 kg (+/- 11.59) in ONAF and left hand 19.39 kg (+/- 8.45) in VMI vs 30.26 kg (+/- 12.74) in ONAF;and limited muscle balance in the lower limbs (28.6% VMI vs 8.6% ONAF). The differences observed between both groups did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable study. Conclusions The results obtained after the multivariate study suggest that there are no differences in the perceived physical sequelae one month after hospital discharge depending on the respiratory therapy used, whether it was high-flow nasal oxygen therapy or prolonged mechanical ventilation, although more studies are needed to be able to draw conclusions.

Can we optimize d-dimer cut off value to predict pulmonary embolism in covid-19 patients?

Background: Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) therefore, should the cut off d-dimer value be adjusted for these patients? Material(s) and Method(s): Retrospective and observational study to understand if there is a d-dimer cut-off that could guide clinics to perform a thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with covid-19. The population was covid-19 patients admitted to covid-19 dedicated wards of a University Hospital Centre for one year. Result(s) and Conclusion(s): 725 (52%) patients with covid-19 had a d-dimer value dosed during the first 5 days of the disease. Those, 63 (9%) did a CTA with a diagnosis of 16 (25%) PE. Gender was equally represented, median age was 70 years (ID=3.49) and the majority (94%) survived. Thirteen (81%) patients with PE had a d-dimer value above 2500 ng/mL (OR=9.244, 95% CI 2.248-9.837), with 7 (54%) with values over 10000 ng/mL, but in 3 (9%) it was under 1500 ng/mL. Seventy-three (63%) of patients with a d-dimer over 1500 ng/mL did not had a thoracic CTA performed. In our population PE was not a frequent outcome. The results are influenced by the low number of thoracic CTA performed because, even tough the cut-off d-dimer value used at our hospital to perform a thoracic CTA to exclude PE is 1500 ng/mL, most patients with that d-dimer value did not take the exam and so PE could not be excluded. Although in most PE cases the d-dimer value was above 2500 ng/mL, the results of our study cannot verify if that is a better cut-off value.

Cultural policies in pandemic times: from Lei Aldir Blanc to Lei Paulo Gustavo and its applications in Sao Paulo

This article investigates the emergency laws for culture issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially Lei Aldir Blanc 1, showing how in times of war, exception and pandemic, what remains is emergency. It details the experiences lived by the author on the municipal commission for elaborating projects to be implemented in Sao Paulo, remarking on Lei Aldir Blanc 2 and Lei Paulo Gustavo, which at the time of writing are still pending analysis and overthrow of the presidential veto be implemented.

Comparative analysis of shrimp production in Ecuador in the 2010-2020 period

Efficiency in shrimp farming is due to the use of an extensive system that includes fewer larvae per pool, which increases productivity, improves financial results, and even the environmental impacts generated during these operations. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that affect supply in the Ecuadorian shrimp sector. To this end, some statistical techniques such as linear regression and hypothesis testing were used. A bibliographic study was carried out regarding shrimp production in Ecuador, taking as reference the data provided by the National Chamber of Aquaculture and public control entities and reviewing the unprecedented impact on the current COVID19 sanitary crisis and the reduction of shrimp demand affecting Ecuador's income. Finally, it was observed that the research variables considered directly impact crustacean production, and a mathematical model was established.

Actions to Confront Covid-19 in Tourist Cities of Maranhao

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant impacts on global public health and as a result, on various economic sectors with tourism being one of the most affected. In this context, this work aimed to identify the impacts on tourism in the municipalities of Sao Luis, Barreirinhas and Tutoia, in addition to confrontational actions in the sector. Methodologically, this is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study built on bibliographical and documentary research, and semistructured interviews with tourism administrators held between November 2020 and March 2021. The reflections are based on content analysis. The results pointed out that the key impacts involved drop in tourism flows, reduction/disruption in sales, unemployment and company bankruptcy. In terms of adopted strategies, government measures based on decrees and laws have been verified, in addition to those in direct responsibility of entrepreneurs e.g. the adoption of sanitary protocols and customers communication backed up by technology. The government's support for economic recovery came in the form of public policies, which were its greatest ally.

Biotechnology and biochemistry laboratorial education through the SARS-CoV2 pandemic: challenges, truths and takeaways

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the higher education institutions to adapt to a new form of teaching and learning, from presential to full remote, blended and hybrid environment. This challenge had a particular impact in the life sciences field where the courses have a high content of laboratorial classes. The main issue was how to transition from hands-on practical classes to remote instruction, assuring that our students continued engaged and acquiring the necessary skills, in a short amount of time. To address this, we took advantage of already available digital tools that facilitated the interface with the students such as Moodle, Skype, Teams and ZOOM and explored online resources such as virtual labs, simulations and video demonstrations. Additionally, several classes and laboratorial experiments were recorded by the teachers in the school labs and the research labs where we develop our research activity. The creation of teachers' work groups to share experiences and tools was key in the success of this process. To ensure the students evaluation we used preferentially Moodle platform which allowed the used of digital tools to control and prevent fraud by copying, plagiarism or false identity. Despite all efforts from teachers and students, crucial elements of the high education experience, particularly for undergraduates, were disrupted. Namely the student-teacher and student-student contact and interaction and the integration in the academic setting, resulting in stress and feeling of isolation and overwhelm. Even with the difficulties faced by all the academic community, we observed no major changes regarding the academic success reflected in the final grades, comparing with previous years. In our understanding the core skills proposed for these courses were acquired successfully and the digital tools used with exception for the student's evaluation, are now considered an added value and bring flexibility to the teaching-learning process.

Software capabilities in the search for consensus in higher education in a pandemic context: The Delphi method

Background and Aim: How can software become an instrument of methodological facilitation in the face of restrictions to field research such as those brought about by the pandemic? Why is it important to seek consensus in times of exacerbation and radicalization of opinions and behaviors? These two questions were the starting point for arguing that software powers and accelerates research in contexts of confinement, and it helps to form consensus in moments of rupture, allowing challenges to be identified and solutions to fracturing problems to be proposed. To this end, it uses the example of a study currently being carried out at the University of Coimbra (UC), aiming to produce recommendations that the UC could adopt to structure educational models that respond to the challenges of a post-COVID society. Method: The study adopted the principle of listening to "privileged testimonies," selecting as empirical object students, directors (or sub-directors) of faculties, and teachers from all scientific areas in UC. The study invested in an intensive methodology that could collect detailed qualitative information to enhance the debate and shape innovative proposals and solutions - the Delphi method. Results: The Delphi method appeared to be an advantageous method in view of the current scenario of probable pandemic intermittency. The great advantage of using the Delphi method (and the Welphi software) is that it allowed geographically dispersed agents to engage in dialogue, reinforcing the mechanisms of democratic governance in the future design of recommendations affecting the entire academic community. Conclusion: The software facilitates analysis considerably, especially at the quantitative level;however, when faced with a heterogeneous group, it is necessary to ensure that minority areas are not devalued. To this end, it is important to ensure that the first questionnaire of the methodology assumes a free-response form and that comments are carefully analyzed.

Optimistic Youth: Young Adults Predicted a Faster Decrease in Risk during COVID-19 Emergency State in Portugal

Perception of risk is known to change throughout the lifespan. Previous studies showed that younger adults are more prone to risk behaviours than older adults. Do these age-related differences influence risk perception during a pandemic crisis? Here, we investigated how age influenced predicted risk during the COVID-19 emergency state in Portugal. We show that time-projected estimations (e.g., appraisals based on 'now' vs. 'in two weeks' time', or 'in four weeks' time') of both risk behaviour and importance of transmission prevention decrease over time. Importantly, projected risk decreased more steeply for younger than older adults. Our findings suggest that younger adults have a different perception of epidemic-related risk than older adults. This seems to support the view that public health policy making during epidemics should differentially target younger adults. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel on behalf of NOVA National School of Public Health.

The Rise of Half-Tourists and their Impact on the Tourism Strategies of Peripheral Territories

Peripheral territories face significant challenges related to depopulation and lack of public and private investment. With the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown and cancellation of all cultural activities that attract visitors, peripheral and rural territories, highly dependent on cultural activities and tourism, were deeply affected. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly pushed forward a trend that has increasingly been seen in recent years—remote work and digital nomadism. This trend boomed in the last year when most people went to work at home during the lockdown. Mostly due to the pandemic, the number of people searching for a more flexible work environment or for a more healthier and less crowded environment to live in has rapidly increased. Therefore, remote work and digital nomadism are an opportunity that peripheral territories have to embrace as a tool to attract an emerging target group—the half-tourists. This chapter analyses two projects—Digital Nomads Madeira (Portugal) and Nomad City Gran Canaria (Spain). By performing in-depth interviews with the people that implement these strategies, this chapter contributes to raising the awareness of the importance of this emerging target group and identifying the barriers and best practices to innovate in tourism strategies in peripheral places. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.