Exploring the limits of mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative evidence from African context

Purpose: This paper is one of the first studies to examine specificities, including limits of mindfulness at work in an African organisational context, whilst dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically addresses the role of organisational and managerial support systems in restoring employee wellbeing, social connectedness and attachment to their organisations, in order to overcome the exclusion caused by the ongoing pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a qualitative research methodology that includes interviews as the main data source. The sample comprises of 20 entrepreneurs (organisational leaders) from Ghana and Nigeria. Findings: The authors found that COVID-19-induced worries restricted the practice of mindfulness, and this was prevalent at the peak of the pandemic, particularly due to very tough economic conditions caused by reduction in salaries, and intensified by pre-existing general economic and social insecurities, and institutional voids in Africa. This aspect further resulted in lack of engagement and lack of commitment, which affected overall team performance and restricted employees' mindfulness at work. Hence, quietness by employees even though can be linked to mindfulness was linked to larger psychological stress that they were facing. The authors also found leaders/manager's emotional intelligence, social skills and organisational support systems to be helpful in such circumstances. However, their effectiveness varied among the cases. Originality/value: This paper is one of the first studies to establish a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and mindfulness limitations. Moreover, it is a pioneering study specifically highlighting the damaging impact of COVID-19-induced concerns on leader–member exchange (LMX) and team–member exchange (TMX) relationships, particularly in the African context. It further brings in a unique discussion on the mitigating mechanisms of such COVID-19-induced concerns in organisations and highlights the roles of manager's/leader's emotional intelligence, social skills and supportive intervention patterns. Finally, the authors offer an in-depth assessment of the effectiveness of organisational interventions and supportive relational systems in restoring social connectedness following a social exclusion caused by COVID-19-induced worries. © 2023, Obinna Alo, Ahmad Arslan, Anna Yumiao Tian and Vijay Pereira.

Responsible leadership practices in the hospitality sector family businesses: evidence from an emerging market

Purpose: The study aims to find out the extent to which hospitality sector family-owned businesses in Egypt feel committed to responsible leadership practices and subsequently meet their stakeholders' expectations. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 owners of family restaurants in Egypt. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the collected data resulting in four major themes. Findings: The authors find that the four dimensions (aggregation of virtuousness, stakeholder involvement, individual competencies and ethical contributions) are not fully exercised by the owners despite their readiness to behave correctly according to social norms. Furthermore, the respondents elaborated that they do not fully understand how to commence playing a role in contributing to the common good in their societies. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first to empirically investigate responsible leadership practices in the context of small and medium-sized family businesses (restaurants in this case), particularly in the emerging market and non-Western contexts. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Extreme work environment and career commitment of nurses: empirical evidence from Egypt and Peru

Purpose: This paper aim to analyse the motives behind the commitment of nurses to their profession despite their intense job duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical sample comprises of 35 semi-structured interviews with public sector hospital nurses in under-researched contexts of Egypt and Peru. Findings: Three types of motives were found to play a critical role in nurses' commitment to their profession despite the difficulties associated with extreme work conditions. These factors include cultural (religious values, governmental coercion), contextual (limited education, organisational support) and personal (good nurse identity, submissive nature) dimensions. Originality/value: This paper is one of the pioneering works to link existing literature streams on career commitment, extreme jobs, extreme context and management under disruptions (particularly COVID-19) by analysing these aspects in the under-researched Peruvian and Egyptian contexts. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Comparison of clinical characteristics of second and third peaks of COVID-19 pandemic: effects of vaccination and preventive measures

BACKGROUND: Understanding the differences in consequent peaks of covid-19 may guide us for better predicting future disease characteristics. in this study, we aimed to compare clinical and radiological characteristics as well as outcomes of hospitalized patients with the diagnosis of covid-19 in second and third peaks of disease. METHOD(S): We retrospectively included 303 hospitalized patients with covid-19. the study population was examined in two groups: patients hospitalized between october 2020 and January 2021 during second peak and patients hospitalized between March and June 2021 during third peak. RESULT(S): there were 171 patients in group 1 and 132 patients in group 2. the patients in group 2 were younger (64+/-13.27 vs. 56.02+/-15.39, respectively;P<0.001) and female proportion was higher (64.9% and 48.5% males;P=0.005). Smoking history and presence of comorbidities were less in group 2 (41.5% vs. 25.7%, P=0.008;and 78.5% vs. 59.1%, P<0.001) and symptom duration was shorter (median 7 days vs. 6 days, P=0.039). CT severity scores, LDH, CRP, D-dimer, Ferritin, and creatinine levels were lower in group 2 (P=0.003, P=0.008, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively), and mortality ratio was lower (N.=39 [28%] vs. N.=15 [11.4%], P=0.01). Duration of hospital stay and need for intensive unit care were similar across groups (median 8 days vs. 7 days, P=0.673 and N.=39 [22.8%] vs. N.=33 [25.2%], P=0.683). CONCLUSION(S): although duration of hospital stay was lower in third peak, clinical severity scores and prognostic markers were lower compared with second peak. These may reflect the increased proportion of immunized people, and the effect of preventive measures. Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.

Evaluation of biological and chemical weapons in the scope of the pandemic process and the measures to be taken

Biological attack or bioterrorism is one of the sides to cause disease or death in all living things by using biological causative agents of disease due to reasons such as political, ideological and economic. There were many biological attacks from the primitive ages when poisoned arrows were used to the use of anthrax spores in 2001 against USA. Although chemical attacks are not as deep-rooted as biological attacks, they have been used for a long time, but the period when they came to the stage of history was the 19th century with the development of the modern chemical industry. Chemical attacks caused injuries, permanent damage and death to many people especially during the period of World wars. The pandemic that can be caused by natural epidemic diseases is the spread of a factor or disease in a very wide area. With the spread of disease;panic, unrest and chaos environment occurs in the spreading area. Coronavirus (Covid-19), which causes the current pandemic, is the most recent example. Coronavirus out broke in Wuhan, China, and started to spread in China first, and then Iran, and had an impact on Italy as well as European continent and around the world with the American continent. It infected millions of people, hundreds of thousands of people died, and caused environmental, social, psychological and economic problems on a global scale. Recently, different pandemic processes related to influenza have been experienced, but states have not been able to demonstrate an effective and efficient defense against the new type of coronavirus since the necessary preparations were not made despite the death of millions of people. Since biological attack and natural epidemics have the same effects and characteristics, it is not possible to predict how the states will respond in a possible biological attack. As in the current pandemic process, the possible consequences that will arise when caught unprepared are doubtful. In this study, it is evaluated how biological agents and natural epidemics are similar to each other and how to take measures against a possible attack or a new disaster. © 2022,Turk Hijyen ve Deneysel Biyoloji Dergisi.All Rights Reserved.

Evaluation of the Effect of Omicron Variant on Case Numbers in Children

Background. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has become dominant in many countries, and a significant increase in the number of cases has been noted due to this highly contagious variant. This study aimed to determine the changes in case numbers, age distribution and hospitalized patients' characteristics in children with COVID-19 by comparing the Omicron variant that was dominant before. Methods. 5647 pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive between 11 March 2020 and 28 February 2021 at Ege University Hospital were included in the study. Two time periods of 2.5 months were determined: Omicron predominant period (16 December 2021 and 28 February 2022) and the pre-Omicron period (1 October and 15 December 2021). The information was obtained from the files of patients retrospectively. Results. The Omicron variant caused a significant increase in pediatric patients after December 15, 2021 (Graphic 1). There were 2893 pediatric patients since the beginning of the pandemic, while 2754 pediatric patients after the Omicron variant only the 2.5 months. While the test positivity rate was 10.4% on average before the Omicron, it increased to 30.37% on average after Omicron (Graphic 2). The comparison of the epidemiological characteristics of the Omicron and the pre-Omicron period is given in Table 1. In the Omicron period, 17.1% of the cases were 0-4 years old, and 0-6 months was 3.9%. While the disease was more common in children over 5 years old in the pre-Omicron period, a 4.6-fold increase was observed in 0-4 years after Omicron. Children under the age of 5 constitute 51.9% of the hospitalized children;a 4.5-fold increase occurred in the Omicron period. While hospitalization rates increased after the Omicron, no significant difference was found in intensive care unit admission. There was a significant decrease in the number of patients receiving oxygen and the need for mechanical ventilation. Number of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive children by months in Ege University Hospital Conclusion. The number of cases in children increased with the effect of the Omicron variant, especially the increase was more pronounced between 0-4 years of age. Despite this increase in the cases, no serious increase was observed in the severity of the disease, but a decrease in pneumonia, oxygen demand, and mechanical ventilator requirement was observed. While the number of tests decreased, test positivity rates increased. (Figure Presented).

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Psychological Well-Being of Surgeons in Pakistan: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic left a profound and pervasive impact on the healthcare infrastructure on a global scale. Since its onset, the pattern of reported cases and its associated mortality had shown variability with intermittent peaks causing a significant effect on the psychological well-being of the surgeons of Pakistan. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of surgeons in Pakistan. Methods This multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological well-being of surgeons in Pakistan. The validated Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) tool was circulated electronically via Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) in the practicing surgical fraternity across all five regions of Pakistan, i.e., Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Results This study showed that the female gender, having fewer years of working experience, non-satisfaction with the available personal protective equipment (PPE), and working in the public sector were the factors affecting the psychological well-being of surgeons during the pandemic. Conclusion Considering the continuous rise in new cases during the ongoing pandemic, the mental health of surgeons working in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Pakistan has been significantly affected. There is an undeniable need to pay close attention to their psychological well-being. Measures need to be undertaken to ensure their physical and mental health and wellness.

Investigation of descriptive characteristics of randomized controlled trials of COVID-19 vaccines

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the descriptive characteristics of randomized controlled trials published in PubMed on COVID-19 vaccines until May 30, 2021. METHODS: Seventy three articles reached by scanning the keywords "vaccine" and "COVID 19" in the PubMed database were reviewed by researchers, 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to COVID 19 vaccines were included in the study. According to the 17-item questionnaire created by the researchers, the descriptive features of included studies were examined. RESULTS: The total number of investigative authors in 33 RCT articles published in approximately one and a half years from the outbreak of the pandemic was 946, and the average number of authors per article was 28.67+or-18.56.39.3% of the articles were published in The Lancet and 27.2% in The New England Journal of Medicine. Of the vaccines used in the studies, 36.3% mRNA vaccine, 21.2% Inactivated vaccine, 18.1% Recombinant adenovirus vaccine, 12.1% Chimpanzee adenovirus-based vector vaccine, 6% BCG vaccine. 22.5% of vaccines are Phase 1, 12.9% Phase 2, 19.3% Phase 3, 3.2% Phase 4, 32.3% Phase 1-2, 9%,6 of them are Phase 2-3 studies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The majority of randomized controlled trials on COVID-19 vaccines are phase 1 and phase 2 trials for mRNA vaccines and inactivated vaccines. Studies have generally been conducted on the adult age group and studies are needed to evaluate the effect of vaccines on the pediatric age group. In studies, the safety of vaccines has been examined more, and there is limited information on efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines.

Survival strategies adopted by microbusinesses during COVID-19: an exploration of ethnic minority restaurants in northern Finland

Purpose This paper explores the survival strategies and coping mechanisms of ethnic minority entrepreneurs operating in the hospitality sector in northern Finland during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The paper utilizes qualitative research approach based on six exploratory case studies. The in-depth interviews in two phases were conducted with owners/mangers of ethnic minority entrepreneurial restaurants. Findings The findings reveal that all studied case firms undertook quick adjustments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, staff working hours were reduced through mutual consultation, and readjustments to the supply chain were made so that critical ingredients remain available despite the forced lockdown and supply chain bottlenecks. However, the readjustment of the supply chain was not visible in all case firms. Some of the owner-managers who were interviewed decided to keep doing business with the ethnic minority suppliers, despite some transportation problems due to lockdowns, especially in the early phases of COVID-19. Findings also suggest that the support grants announced by the state appeared not to be particularly useful for these restaurants due to restrictive eligibility criteria that many microbusinesses potentially fail to meet. Finally, the sample microbusinesses (restaurants) entrepreneurs recognize the importance of home delivery for their business survival, although they were critical of online food delivery service providers (apps) due to their high charges. Some of the case restaurants gave customers incentives for directly ordering from them, as an alternative strategy. Originality/value This paper is one of the first studies to specifically highlight the peculiarities of ethnic minority entrepreneurship and survival dynamics in northern Finland, where running the restaurant operations, including ensuring the supply chain management, is more complex than in the case of ethnic minority restaurants in more well-connected European countries and cities with an established history of immigrant businesses. This study is also novel in terms of specifying the strategies adopted by ethnic minority businesses in adjusting to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and surviving through it. At the same time, it has shown limitations and some problems associated with accessing state support announced for the hospitality industry in response to COVID-19. Finally, it offers a new angle by explicitly highlighting the power dynamics between restaurants and food ordering platforms (apps) and the potential alternatives in this specific context.

#Stayhomestayhungry: Governmental Use of Social Media and the Economics of Pandemic

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in both conventional and social media, there is a general sentiment that the virus is a risk to everyone without discriminating between the rich and the poor and that the virus poses a threat to everyone regardless of one’s financial might. While this may seem to true in a sense, it does not present us the full picture of how the virus affects different communities and social groups. Despite, for example, governments ask everyone to stay home and maintain social distancing through variations of official hashtags #stayhome or #stayhomestaysafe in their languages, the economic challenges that the pandemic poses are immense. Multiple layers of the world population continued working since their survival;factories and businesses must be kept in operation. In this article, I will highlight how governmental policies about the pandemic intended for everyone are challenged by the sustainability of the current neoliberal socio-economic system. In this regard, while the global social media campaigns underline that humankind is one big family, we are yet individuals and social actors in an individualistic world. Multiple cultural studies scholars dealt with issues related to the links between economics and media and culture. By keeping in mind how mass culture and mass media indicate a one-way relationship between a central source of the relay, I will investigate whether an all-inclusive hashtag or message is indeed relevant and effective for all of the population or whether there are multiple socio-economic and political factors which demarcate the relay of such messages. In other words, this article will attempt to test how social and economic groups are indeed segregated and how they developed differing responses and practices to the pandemic. © Peter Lang GmbH. Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften. Berlin 2021. All rights reserved.

RNA Secondary Structure Database, Analysis Tool-Set, and Case-Study Results on SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19 pandemic has brought immense attention to SARS-CoV-2 and related microbiology studies. To defeat this deadly virus, its RNA is being studied by many researchers around the globe. This study primarily aims to compile a large RNA dataset to analyze RNA secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 efficiently. We propose improvements on database creation and maintenance, and structure analysis tools. As a continuation of our previous works, we automate the creation of RNA secondary structures database in a new format by converting data collected from publicly available online resources. We present new secondary structure analysis algorithms that improve performance of existing tools. Results of GPU-based implementation are also presented for RNA search operations. We also introduce tools with new objectives, which answer fundamental RNA secondary structure queries. Our tools on the current database have been tested with SARS-CoV-2 related RNA secondary structures. A novel RNA secondary structure search-based multiple RNA comparison is introduced and tested too. Structural-only and structure-with-nucleotide search results particularly related to SARS-CoV-2 are presented in details. As a successful case study, the framework presented here offers some unique capabilities and is shown as a useful exploratory tool for future RNA analysis studies. © 2021 IEEE.

Achieving resilience through knowledge management practices and risk management culture in agri-food supply chains

Purpose Given the increasingly turbulent business landscape and unprecedented incidents (e.g. Covid-19), firms must achieve supply chain resilience (SCRes) as a dynamic capability to bounce back from adversities and ensure continuity of operations. The purpose of this study is to integrate the three interrelated [knowledge management, risk management culture (RMC) and resilience] but often separately discussed concepts to advance the understanding of their intertwined influence on SCRes in the agri-food supply chains. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a cross-sectional survey approach where quantitative data is collected from 349 participants from the Australian agri-food supply chains to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Exposure to supply chain risks triggers the deployment of specific knowledge management practices in the agri-food supply chains. Further, the analysis on serial mediation suggests that firms' knowledge management practices work sequentially (knowledge acquisition, assimilation and application) and develop a RMC to achieve SCRes amid supply chain risks. Practical implications The findings of this study inform practitioners and policymakers who seek to understand the key mechanisms that facilitate the development of SCRes when facing supply chain risks, particularly in the Australian agri-food supply chains. Social implications The growth of the food industry through more resilient food supply chains could ensure sustained food supply and more employment opportunities. Originality/value Using dynamic capability theory, the authors devise a novel empirical model that explicates how knowledge management practices and RMC instigate the dynamic capability of SCRes amid supply chain risks facing agri-food supply chains.

A phase 1 translational pharmacology study in healthy elderly volunteers evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and CNS Activity of IW-6463, a CNS-penetrant, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator

Objective: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and central nervous system (CNS) activity of IW-6463, a CNS-penetrant soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator in healthy elderly volunteers. Background: IW-6463 is being developed as a symptomatic and potentially disease-modifying therapy for serious CNS diseases. Nitric oxide (NO)-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a fundamental neurotransmitter system critical to basic neuronal function. Impaired signaling of this pathway is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. sGC stimulation by IW-6463 can amplify endogenous NO signaling by increasing cGMP production. Preclinically, IW-6463 improves neuronal function, cerebral blood flow, neuroinflammation, and cellular bioenergetics. Design/Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 24 healthy elderly (≥65 years) volunteers were randomized to receive study drug once daily across two 15-day dosing periods separated by a washout period. Due to COVID-related restrictions, a total of 24 participants completed period 1 and 12 participants completed period 2. Adverse events were recorded, standard safety assessments were performed, and samples of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and plasma were collected. Neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG), and cognitive performance measures were conducted at baseline and on Day 15 of each dosing period. Results: IW-6463 was well tolerated with no safety concerns and demonstrated blood-brainbarrier penetration at CSF concentrations predicted to be pharmacologically active based on preclinical studies. Although pharmacological effects were not measurable via neuroimaging, increases in posterior alpha power, trend increases in gamma power, and shortening of N200 auditory event-related potential (ERP) latencies were observed via EEG. Improvements in saccadic reaction time and saccadic peak velocity were also observed. Conclusions: IW-6463's favorable safety profile and impacts on biomarkers of CNS activity after 15 days of dosing in elderly individuals support further evaluation of IW-6463 in patients with serious CNS diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

COVID-19 driven challenges in international B2B customer relationship management: empirical insights from Finnish high-tech industrial microenterprises

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on business-to-business (B2B) firms’ relationship initiation and customer relationship management in an under-explored and unique context of high-tech industrial microenterprises. The authors analyze the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the specific context of B2B relationship initiation and customer relationship management dynamics by examining Finnish B2B industrial microenterprises. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses exploratory in-depth case studies undertaken in three Finnish industrial microenterprises to analyze the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on their new business relationship initiation and relationship management with the current customers. Findings: The case firms quickly adjusted to the “new normal” and used a number of technological resources, including online meetings and three-dimensional demonstrations, among others. A key reason for this quick adjustment was them being microenterprises. However, despite this, lack of access to customer sites remained a hindrance as their products need to fit certain production processes, which cannot be done without physical visits. Furthermore, the development of trust with new customers, especially those based in emerging markets, was challenging due to the lack of physical meetings and site visits. Research limitations/implications: The research highlights the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to B2B relationships and gives an account of the changing dynamics of relationship initiation and customer relationship management amid technological and societal disruptions. It also highlights the continued role of personal relationships and psychical meetings in such relationships. As such, the research informs B2B research that examines the role of personal relationships in B2B marketing. Practical implications: The study offers industrial microenterprise executives insights into how to face and tackle COVID-19 driven challenges in B2B customer relationship management and how to integrate technological tools in relationship management practices while understanding where face-to-face meetings are indispensable. Originality/value: The study demonstrates areas in which virtual tools can and cannot be substitutes for conventional means of B2B relationship initiation and customer relationship management across developed and emerging markets. It also highlights the specificities of industrial microenterprises and their business development and customer relationship management dynamics mechanisms, a research area that has been rather ignored by prior studies. © 2021, Ahmad Arslan, Ismail Golgeci, Zaheer Khan, Petri Ahokangas and Lauri Haapanen.

Civil society organisations' management dynamics and social value creation in the post-conflict volatile contexts pre and during COVID-19

Purpose The current paper aims to address the management dynamics of civil society organisations (CSOs) in volatile contexts. Along with analysing CSOs' management dynamics at a general level, it also offers specific insights into their management strategies in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research design, where in-depth case studies are undertaken with four CSOs operating in post-conflict volatile Sub-Saharan African economies of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Findings Findings revealed that multiple stakeholder management plays an important role in social value creation by CSOs. The findings further state that, in volatile contexts, CSOs appear to have more legitimacy than state functionaries due to their capabilities in dealing with political pressures and conflict sensitivities. The findings also revealed that case CSOs operating in Liberia and Sierra Leone were quick to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by adjusting their working routines accordingly by switching to online working where possible and repurposing their management strategies. This repurposing of management strategies focussed on minimising economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 and continuing to create social value by helping youth and farmers particularly. Originality/value This paper contributes to the extant literature by being one of the first studies, highlighting the specificities of CSO management in volatile (especially Sub-Saharan African post-conflict) contexts and contributes to the literature streams on multiple stakeholder management and social value creation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current paper is also one the first study to address the management strategies of case CSOs in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

COVID-19 infection presenting with acute thalamic infarction in a patient with Fahr's disease

Both Fahr's disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to thrombotic events. Fortunately, they are rare occurring together. There are no previous reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in association with Fahr's disease. We report here a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection with Fahr's disease that presented with thalamic infarct. The patient improved with enoxaparin. Ischemic infarction may be seen in SARS-CoV-2 patients with associated Fahr's disease. Antithrombotic therapy may be helpful in preventing further deterioration.

Community approach towards COVID-19 in Turkey: one month after the first confirmed case

INTRODUCTION: During this time when the COVID-19 is rising in Turkey, assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices of the public about the COVID-19 will be useful in finding out whether the interventions to control the outbreak are effective and viable. Furthermore, such studies are needed to properly manage the outbreak process and cast light on future interventions. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of people in Turkey about the COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was implemented between 11 and 21 April 2020 using an online questionnaire. The survey was applied online, and social media platforms were used to reach out to the highest number of people who met the inclusion criteria (i.n., people aged 18 or older). The questionnaire consists of three parts (socio-demographic 40 questions, medical history, and knowledge, attitude, and practice section). Descriptive statistics and a comparison of participants' knowledge degrees about COVID-19 is tested using the Chi square test. RESULTS: A total number of 8505 participant were accepted for the study. 59.3% (5045) of respondents were women and 77.7% (6808) had a university degree or higher. 85.6% (7277) of the participants had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19. Over 90% of participants have answered the questions about the mode of transmission of the COVID-19, symptoms, risk groups, isolation, and treatment correctly. 55.2% (4696) of respondents thought that the disease would be successfully taken under control in Turkey and 38.6% (3282) in the world eventually. 55.6% (4731) believed that the COVID-19 will not go away when the weather gets warmer. 35.1% (2983) believed that getting the disease is preordained by fate. The most frequently practiced protective behaviors included hand hygiene, staying at home and wearing mask outside. 98.8% reported that they use their hands in order to protect theirselves from COVID-19. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Though, the knowledge attitude and practice of participants in our study was evaluated high, there were some knowledge and practice gaps in study population that should be considered in further community interventions. The future interventions for the epidemic control need to consider social determinants such as the level of education, employment status and religious beliefs of people.

Adaptive learning in cross-sector collaboration during global emergency: conceptual insights in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the important role of cross-sector partnerships and collaboration in global emergency management, relevant in situations such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and grand global challenges. Design/methodology/approach: The paper utilizes exploratory historical methods and examines cross-sector partnerships from three key emerging markets – Pakistan, Turkey and Nigeria. The context of the emerging markets is important given the institutional fragility such markets encountered. Findings: The authors offer a conceptual discussion that explicates the vital role of such partnerships in global emergencies. The authors also highlight the instrumental role of adaptive learning in cross-sector partnerships, which can help multiple stakeholders create and deliver value in response to an emergency like a global health pandemic caused by the COVID-19. Along with the conceptual discussion, the authors further offer practical examples of cross-sector partnerships in emerging economies of Pakistan, Turkey, and Nigeria – undertaken in response to the recent pandemic – emphasizing that such partnerships are crucial to mitigate the emergencies and their consequences on society. Finally, this paper offers theoretical and practical implications for cross-sector collaboration and partnerships in response to the global crisis. Research limitations/implications: This research is limited to emerging markets context and further research is needed on this important topic. Originality/value: This paper is relevant given the current global pandemic caused by the COVID-19. There are relatively limited research studies on the cross-sector partnerships and their role in global emergencies, grand challenges and global crisis, thus this paper offers important insights on cross-sector partnerships and their value creation in global crisis situations. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.