Managing pandemics: A POM perspective and directions for future research

COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how unprepared operations and supply chain professionals are for "abnormal” conditions. Understanding how the production and operations management field can affect the trajectory and especially the remediation of pandemics is a critical, but understudied, area of research from descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive perspectives. Fourteen research articles in this special issue have attempted to fill this gap with rigor. We first summarize these articles in six categories, (1) public policies and government interventions, (2) hospital capacity, (3) propagation of pandemics, (4) humanitarian operations, (5) private partnerships, and (6) vaccine production, by drawing out the themes addressed. As we look ahead at pandemics yet to come, we note there is still much research needed and conclude by discussing emergent interest in promising themes for studying pre-pandemic, during pandemic, and post-pandemic operations. © 2023 Production and Operations Management Society.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND THE CARES ACT ON BLACK WORKERS AND BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN VIRGINIA

Blacks in the United States have historically been disproportionately negatively affected by major economic downturns. The COVID-19 pandemic is following past inequality trends with the added complications of a health crisis and the national racial reckoning that occurred in the summer of 2020. This chapter examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black workers and Black-owned businesses in Virginia during 2020. We find that Black workers in Virginia were disproportionately represented on the frontlines of the pandemic and experienced unemployment at a significantly higher rate than White workers. Black-owned businesses in Virginia were also more concentrated in heavily impacted industries. Our analysis of the CARES Act finds that policy solutions designed to mitigate negative impacts were not as accessible to black workers and businesses as they were to their white counterparts. Both the pandemic's impact and unequal policy implementation can be traced back to preexisting underlying structural racial inequities. We offer seven policy recommendations to move toward greater equity in economic stability and mobility going forward. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese and Susan T. Gooden;individual chapters, the contributors.

THE TRIPLE PANDEMIC AND THE ROAD AHEAD

A dominant, cross-cutting theme expressed by scholars and practitioners grappling with the impact and implications of the COVID health pandemic, economic decline, and racial reckoning was the important yet inadequate data available in crucial areas. More specifically, the lack of reliable, up-to-date, accessible data reported by specific variables, such as race, is a barrier to important analysis, effective policymaking, and evaluation of impact. The pandemic's health, economic, and justice impact is substantial. Absent concerted interventions, these impacts will be sustained and amplified for many generations to come. These new "pandemic” impacts only build upon preexisting racial inequities due to historical, legal, and modern structural racism. While racial discord, economic decline, or health crisis is unique to the present time period, the co-occurrence and intersectionality have demanded some serious consideration. Academics and scholars have the responsibility of research and analysis that leads to the information necessary to make informed policy decisions. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese and Susan T. Gooden;individual chapters, the contributors.

Racial Equity, Covid-19, And Public Policy: The Triple Pandemic

Racial Equity, COVID-19, and Public Policy: The Triple Pandemic focuses on the health, economic, and justice impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial equity. The book does not simply document the problems made worse by the pandemic, but it provides historical context for issues that rose to the surface in new ways, the existing inequities revealed during COVID-19, as well as policy responses to those issues. The volume is distinguished in its focus on the implications for racial equity through an examination of both existing public policy and new ideas for change. The chapters in this volume demonstrate the ways in which this period of American history and politics is unique, most notably in the convergence of major threats to public health, economic livelihood, and access to justice. This triple pandemic will be felt in the coming years and will continue to unfold, depending upon the adequacy of the contemporary response. This edited volume is designed to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of issues including policing, housing, business, disaster response, education, immigration, vaccine distribution, reentry of justice-involved individuals, and the responses to public protests all with a unifying focus on racial inequities and social justice concerns that elevated these issues to broader public attention and political response. This coalescing emphasis on public policy as both a cause and effect to address these issues makes the book a unique contribution to the public policy literature. This book responds to audiences seeking a better understanding of the events that occurred, the conditions that set the stage for their eruption into wider public view, and what might be done to prevent social and racial inequities in the future. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese and Susan T. Gooden;individual chapters, the contributors.

INTRODUCTION—WHY THIS BOOK? WHY THE WILDER SCHOOL AS THE LAUNCHING POINT? WHY NOW?

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book focuses on the health, justice, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial equity in the United States. It provides historical context to the issues that rose to the surface in new ways, the existing inequities revealed during COVID-19, and old and new policy responses to them. As the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, daily American life changed dramatically. Most importantly, racial inequities in each of these areas—health, justice, and economics—are very consequential. They impact the well-being and livelihood of children, adults, and the elderly. The book responds to audiences seeking a better understanding of the events that occurred, the conditions that set the stage for their eruption into wider public view, and what might be done to prevent the underlying social and racial inequities in the future. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese and Susan T. Gooden;individual chapters, the contributors.

Parenting during the second year of COVID-19: Positive and negative parental experiences in the U.S.A

Objective: In this study, we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parenting during the second year of the pandemic. Background: Many families experienced abrupt and prolonged changes in their daily routines. Due to the influence of long-term stress on parenting quality and parenting behaviors, the current study focused on understanding the potential impact of the ongoing pandemic on parents. Method: Twenty parents (Mage = 38.25, SD = 7.77), living in the United States, with at least one child (newborn to 18 years of age) participated in an online interview. The majority of participants identified as White/European (80%), married (95%), and female (80%), with an undergraduate degree or higher (95%). All participants were fluent in English. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes based on parents' answers to questions about their parenting and family routines during the pandemic. Results: Four themes and three subthemes were produced from the data: experiences as a parent (subthemes included negative experiences, positive experiences, and sources of social support), stressors impacting parenting, concerns for child(ren), and changes in child(ren)'s daily lives. Conclusion: Parents reported experiencing some of the same stressors that were identified at the beginning of the pandemic. The majority had positive and negative experiences parenting, and a few participants reported similarities in their parenting. Many parents utilized their social supports, but some lost social relationships. Finally, potential patterns emerged based on parent gender, household size, and household income. Implications: Supporting healthy child development during stressful periods may involve providing support for parents and assistance managing parental stress. © 2023 National Council on Family Relations.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the CS Student Learning Experience How the Pandemic has Shaped the Educational Landscape

Students have experienced incredible shifts in their learning environments, brought about by the response of universities to the ever-changing public health mandates driven by waves and stages of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Initially, these shifts in learning (mode of course delivery, course availability, etc.) were considered emergency responses. However, as the pandemic pressed on, students have had to repeatedly adapt to the continuously evolving educational landscape. This working group builds upon foundations and structure created by a 2021 ITiCSE Working Group exploring the effects of COVID-19 on teaching and learning from a faculty perspective. That working group identified the incorporation of some pandemic-induced changes into future teaching practices. This working group examines the existing literature and insights gained from responses to a multi-national survey to explore the new student experience emerging from the continuously evolving teaching practices catalyzed by the global pandemic. Traditionally, computing is a subject full of experiential learning opportunities, rich with in-person labs and exercises. We investigate how the changes within the COVID-Affected academic landscape have altered that student experience. The current group of computing students will have had experiences under both typical (i.e. pre-pandemic) and COVID-Affected teaching practices. It is, therefore, timely that we understand how each has impacted how they perceive their learning environment and educational experience. In turn, identifying those practices that have most benefited the student learning experience will help computing faculty improve their educational methods going forward. © 2022 ACM.

RSV-associated Hospitalizations in Adults Aged >=18 Years and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States, October 2018 - February 2022

Background. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of hospitalizations in older adults and typically circulates during the fall and winter in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including masking, improved handwashing, and social distancing likely impacted RSV circulation. To explore the pandemic's impact on RSV seasonality and hospitalizations in adults aged >=18 years, we analyzed laboratory-confirmed RSV-associated hospitalizations through the RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET) across four seasons. Methods. RSV-NET is a population-based surveillance system that collects data on RSV-associated hospitalizations across 75 counties in 12 states. An RSV-NET case is a resident of a defined catchment area who tests positive for RSV through a clinician-ordered test within 14 days prior to or during hospitalization. Surveillance was conducted October-April for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 pre-pandemic seasons and October 2020-September 2021 (2020-21 season). Available data October 2021-February 2022 (ongoing 2021-22 season) are presented. Results. 2,536, 3,195, 618, and 1,758 laboratory-confirmed hospitalizations were identified in adults >=18 years in 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22, respectively;case counts were 4.1 and 5.2 times higher in 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively, than in 2020-2021. Hospitalizations peaked in January for pre-pandemic and 2021-22 seasons and in September for 2020-21 (Figure). For all years combined, 16.2%, 23.4%, 33.3%, and 27.1% of all RSV-associated hospitalizations were among those aged 18-49, 50-64, 65-79 and >=80 years, respectively. Laboratory-confirmed RSV-associated hospitalizations in adults >=18 years, October 2018 - February 2022 Conclusion. Laboratory-confirmed RSV-associated hospitalizations in adults were lower during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons compared with pre-pandemic seasons, with a marked change in seasonal patterns in 2020-21, likely because of NPIs implemented during the pandemic. Continued monitoring of RSV-associated hospitalizations will be critical to understand ongoing changes in RSV circulation that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated NPIs. (Figure Presented).

Association between Receipt of COVID-19, Influenza, and Pneumococcal Vaccination

Background. Whether receipt of COVID-19 vaccine associates with receipt of other routinely-recommended adult vaccines such as, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines is not well described. We evaluated this relationship in a population of adults who were hospitalized for acute respiratory infection (ARI). *Odds ratio describing odds of receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine (vs not) by influenza vaccination status adjusted for race, employment status, chronic cardiac diseases, cancer, solid organ transplant, and chronic kidney disease. **Odds ratio describing odds of receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine (vs not) by pneumococcal vaccination status adjusted for race and chronic kidney disease. Methods. We enrolled adults (>= 18 years of age) who were hospitalized at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown with symptoms consistent with ARI. Participants were interviewed and medical records ed to gather demographic information, including social behaviors during the pandemic, medical history, and prior vaccination history (i.e., COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal). Using two separate logistic regression analyses, we determined the association between i) receipt of influenza vaccine in the prior year among adults >= 18 years and ii) receipt of any pneumococcal vaccine in the prior 5 years among adults >= 65 years on the receipt of at least one COVID-19 vaccine>= 14 days prior to admission. Adjusted models included demographic information (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, employment status), social behaviors, and history of chronic medical conditions. Results. Overall, 1056 participants were enrolled and had vaccination records available. Of whom, 509/1056 (48.2%) had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Adults >= 18 years who received influenza vaccine were more likely to have received >=1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not (267/373 [71.6%] vs 242/683 [35.4%] P=< .0001;adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.3 [95%CI: 2.4, 4.4]). Similarly, adults >=65 years who received pneumococcal vaccine were more likely to have received >= 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not (195/257 [75.9%] vs 41/84 [48.8%] P=< .0001;adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.0 [95% CI: 1.8, 5.1]). Conclusion. In this study of adults hospitalized for ARI, receipt of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination strongly correlated with receipt of COVID-19 vaccination. Continued efforts are needed to reach adults who remain hesitant to not only receive COVID-19 vaccines, but also other vaccines that lessen the burden of respiratory illness.

Social Risk Factors for COVID-19-Related Hospitalizations in Adults

Background. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social interventions such as social distancing and mask wearing have been encouraged. Social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent hospitalization remain uncertain. Methods. Adult patients were eligible if admitted to Emory University Hospital or Emory University Hospital Midtown with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms (<= 14 days) or an admitting ARI diagnosis from May 2021 - Feb 2022. After enrollment, an in-depth interview identified demographic and social factors (e.g., employment status, smoking history, alcohol use), household characteristics, and pandemic social behaviors. All patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using PCR. We evaluated whether these demographic and social factors were related to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test upon admission to hospital with ARI using a logistic regression model. Results. 1141 subjects were enrolled and had SARS-CoV-2 PCR results available (700 positive and 441 negative). The median age was greater in the SARS-CoV-2 negative cohort than in the positive cohort (60 and 53 years, respectively;P< .0001). Those who tested positive were more likely to have had at least some college education compared to those who tested negative (64.3% vs 52.3%, P< .0001;adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.4 [95%CI: 1.1, 2.0]). Compared to those who tested negative, those who were SARS-CoV-2 positive were also more likely to be employed (48.9% vs 26.5%, P< .0001;aOR: 1.7 [95%CI: 1.1, 2.3]), have children 5-17 yo at home (27.6% vs 17.9%, P=.0002;aOR: 1.5 [95%CI: 1.1, 2.1]). Those with COVID-19 were less likely to receive home healthcare (6.2% vs 13.3%, P< .0001;aOR: 0.5 [95%CI: 0.4, 0.9]) and to be a current or previous smoker (7.6% vs 17.7%, P< .0001;aOR: 0.3 [95%CI: 0.2, 0.5]). Conclusion. Among adults admitted to the hospital for ARI, those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were typically younger, more likely to care for school-aged children, more likely to work outside the home, but were less likely to receive home healthcare or smoke. Personal and public health strategies to mitigate COVID-19 should take into consideration modifiable social risk factors.

Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization: a test negative design

Background. Studies show that past SARS-CoV-2 infection provides a protective immune response against subsequent COVID-19, but the degree of protection from prior infection has not been determined. History of previous SARS-COV-2 Infection and Current SARS-COV-2 Infection Status at Admission. *Adjusted for chronic respiratory disease and prior COVID-19 vaccination Methods. From May 2021 through Feb 2022, adults (>= 18 years of age) hospitalized at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms, who were PCR tested for SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled. A prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was obtained from patient interview and medical record review. Previous infection was defined as a self-reported prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or previous evidence of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test >= 90 days before ARI hospital admission. We performed a test negative design to evaluate the protection provided by prior SARS-CoV-2 infection against subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization. Effectiveness was determined using logistic regression analysis adjusted for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status. Results. Of 1152 adults hospitalized for ARI, 704/1152 (61%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. 96/1152 (8%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection before hospital admission. Patients with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon admission for ARI compared to those who did not have evidence of prior infection (31/96 [32%] vs 673/1056 [64%];adjustedOR: 0.25 [0.15, 0.41] (Table). Conclusion. Reinfections represented a small proportion (< 10%) of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection provided meaningful protection against subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization. The durability of this infection-induced immunity, variant-specific estimates, and the additive impact of vaccination are needed to further elucidate these findings.

Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Serological Responses to COVID-19 Vaccines in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients at a Single Institution

Background. Pediatric kidney transplant recipients (PKTR) are at risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. Data on serologic responses to COVID-19 vaccines in PKTR remain sparse. We characterized the magnitude, breadth, and longevity of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding antibody responses in PKTR. Methods. This single institution, prospective observational study enrolled PKTR presenting to a transplant clinic for routine care who had received or were eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Demographic data, history of prior COVID-19, and vaccination details were collected. Plasma samples obtained from standard-of-care residual specimens were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 spike variant IgG using the MesoScale Discovery V-PLEX platform, which quantitatively measures antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike wild-type (Wuhan-hu-1), Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Gamma (P.1), and Omicron (B.1.1.529;BA.1) variants. Vaccine time points with > 5 samples available were analyzed. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) were calculated and log-transformed titers were compared using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc comparisons test. Results. 61 PKTR enrolled (Table1);47 (77%) received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine in transplant clinic. 47 (77%) PKTR had at least one sample available for analysis, but serial specimens were lacking for many. By 6 months post-dose 2 of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, spike (Wuhan-hu-1) IgG titers had waned to prevaccination levels (GMT 24 vs 47 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL, P=0.988). Administration of a 3rd dose of mRNA vaccine significantly boosted IgG antibodies (GMT 492 BAU/mL, P=0.007), and titers were maintained at 3 months (GMT 656 BAU/mL, P=0.001) but gradually waned by 6 months (GMT 223 BAU/mL, P=0.070). Administration of a 4th dose elicited a non-significant increase in titers (GMT 905 BAU/mL, P=0.870). Binding IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variant spike proteins post-vaccination were not significantly different from Wuhan spike. Conclusion. In this cohort of PKTR, a 3rd dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine significantly boosted broadly cross-reactive binding IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike variants, including Omicron. Decreasing titers at 6 months post-dose 3 raise concern for waning protective immunity and support 4th dose vaccination.

Viral and bacterial infections among adults hospitalized with COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network, 14 states, March 2020-February 2022

Background. Coinfections, both bacterial and viral, occur with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but prevalence, risk factors, and associated clinical outcomes are not fully understood. Methods. We used the Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET), a population-based surveillance platform to investigate the occurrence of viral and bacterial coinfections among hospitalized adults with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during March 2020 and February 2022. Patients receiving additional standard of care (SOC) molecular testing for viral pathogens (14 days prior to admission or 7 days after), including respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV), influenza, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses, and endemic coronaviruses, were included. SOC testing for clinically relevant bacterial pathogens (7 days before admission or 7 days after) from sputum, deep respiratory, and sterile sites were included. The demographic and clinical features of those with and without bacterial infections were compared. Results. Among 2,654 adults hospitalized with COVID-19 and tested for all 7 virus groups, another virus was identified in 3.1% of patients. RV/EV (1.2%) and influenza (0.4%) were the most commonly detected viruses. Half (17,842/35,528, 50.2%) of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 had bacterial cultures taken within 7 days of admission, and 1,092 (6.1%) of these had a clinically relevant bacterial pathogen. A higher percentage of those with a positive culture died compared to those with negative cultures (32.3% vs 13.3%, p< 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolate overall;Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the second most common respiratory isolate This figure includes 1,408 bacterial cultures from 1,066 individuals. Deep respiratory sites include endotracheal aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, bronchial washings, pleural fluid, and lung tissue. Commensal organisms were excluded. Conclusion. Consistent with previous studies, a relatively low proportion of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 had concomitantly identified viral or bacterial infections. Identification of a bacterial infection within 7 days of admission is associated with increasedmortality among adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Conclusions about the clinical relevance of bacterial infections is limited by the retrospective nature of this study.

Influenza-Associated Hospitalization Rates and Proportion of Hospitalizations with Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 Coinfection, FluSurv-NET, October 1, 2021-April 23, 2022

Background. Influenza-associated hospitalization rates were low during the 2020-21 season. We describe influenza-associated hospitalization rates and prevalence of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection among patients hospitalized with influenza during 2021-22. Methods. We used data from the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET), a population-based surveillance system for laboratoryconfirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations active from October-April of each year. We calculated cumulative and weekly hospitalization rates per 100,000 population and compared preliminary rates during 2021-22 with prior season rates (2010-11 through 2020-21). We determined the proportion of influenza-associated hospitalizations with SARS-CoV-2 coinfection during 2021-22. Results. During October 1, 2021-April 23, 2022, 3,262 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported to FluSurv-NET;the cumulative hospitalization rate of 11.1 was higher than 2011-12 and 2020-21 season rates, but lower than rates observed during all other seasons since 2010-11 (Figure 1A). After peaking in the week ending January 1, 2022 (MMWR week 52), weekly hospitalization rates declined until the week ending February 19, 2022 (MMWR week 7) when they began to rise modestly, similar to patterns observed during several prior seasons (Figure 1B). Among the 3,262 hospitalizations, 87 (2.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 coinfection;the prevalence by age group was as follows: 0-17 years 3.4%, 18-49 years 2.8%, 50-64 years 3.5%, 65-74 years 2.5%, >= 75 years 1.6%. Among the 3,262 influenza-associated hospitalizations, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection by month (October 2021- April 2022), respectively, was 11.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 8.9%, 3.4%, 0.8%, and 0.5%. Conclusion. SARS-CoV-2 coinfection was uncommon among patients hospitalized with influenza during 2021-22. Likely due to ongoing COVID-19 mitigation measures, the influenza-associated hospitalization rate during 2021-22 was lower than rates observed in most seasons in the decade preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. A late rise in weekly influenza hospitalization rates in 2021-22 might have been a result of relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation measures and/or a late season peak in influenza activity. (Figure Presented).

Reflections on the Adaptation of a Postgraduate Degree in Water Management from In-person to Remote Delivery

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the rapid adaptation of university course delivery to an online format. Though in-person delivery partially resumed in the Fall of 2021, future conditions may favor a return to, or addition of, remote delivery. It is therefore important for instructors, program directors, and institutions to capitalize on this learning opportunity and reflect on adaptation measures' successes (and failures) to inform future online course design. The reworking of McGill University's Master of Science Program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) provides a case study to evaluate the adaptation of remote teaching of water resource management. Informed by the Community of Inquiry (Col) framework with a focus on preserving transferable skills, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was used to evaluate the five core program components. This evaluation framework, which can be applied to most university programs, resulted in several widely relevant insights. For example, remote delivery can create opportunities for greater participation of international students as it eliminates the need for translocation costs. Likewise, a larger variety of guest speakers can participate remotely, giving students greater exposure to different water career paths and research perspectives, ultimately strengthening the program. However, several weaknesses pose threats to online learning. The standard in-person lecture-style format must therefore be amended to maintain engagement and facilitate student-to-student and student-to-instructor learning processes. Course components that can enhance the online experience include breakout rooms, discussion boards, frequent journals/feedback forms, online activities, breaks, virtual office hours, and multi-media presentations.

Reviewing fair subject selection considerations for the unique case of post sequelae COVID-19 translational studies.

Fair inclusion of research subjects is necessary to ensure that post-acute sequelae COVID-19 (PASC) research results benefit all members of society. Scientists should conduct research on a broad sample of individuals who represent clinically relevant factors influencing a disease. Without demographic diversity and sociological and environmental variability, research outputs are less likely to apply to different populations and would thus increase health disparities. The goal of this narrative literature review and ethical analysis is to apply fair selection criteria to PASC research studies. We briefly highlight the importance of fair subject selection in translational research and then identify features of PASC, as well as PASC research, that hinder fair inclusion of research participants. We will demonstrate that determining an adequate and representative sample is not simply a matter of ensuring greater diversity; rather, fairness requires a broader evaluation of risks, burdens, and benefits specific to underrepresented populations. We provide recommendations to ensure fair subject selection in PASC research and promote translation toward positive health outcomes for all individuals, including the most vulnerable.

Model-based evaluation of the COVID-19 epidemiological impact on international visitors during Expo 2020.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on large events has been substantial. In this work, an evaluation of the potential impact of international arrivals due to Expo 2020 in terms of potential COVID-19 infections from October 1st, 2021, until the end of April 2022 in the United Arab Emirates is presented. Our simulation results indicate that: (i) the vaccination status of the visitors appears to have a small impact on cases, this is expected as the small numbers of temporary visitors with respect to the total population contribute little to the herd immunity status; and (ii) the number of infected arrivals is the major factor of impact potentially causing a surge in cases countrywide with the subsequent hospitalisations and fatalities. These results indicate that the prevention of infected arrivals should take all precedence priority to mitigate the impact of international visitors with their vaccination status being of less relevance.