ABSTRACT
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but highly contagious and lethal disease that occurs predominantly in African countries, with a case-fatality rate of 30–90%. The causative viral pathogens of EVD are within the genus Ebolavirus in the family Filoviridae. The primary route of human-to-human transmission is through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids and secretions from infected individuals. Direct contact with virally contaminated objects and sexual transmission have also been reported. Management of EVD is aggressive supportive care with possibly new therapeutic options. On 20 September 2022, an EVD outbreak was declared in Uganda, caused by Sudan ebolavirus. As of 7 November 2022, a total of 136 confirmed cases, 53 confirmed deaths have been reported, including 18 cases with seven deaths among healthcare workers. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an EVD outbreak was also declared on 22 August 2022 (which ended on 27 September 2022);with only one case, a middle-aged woman. At the time when most countries in the world have been occupied with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the recent human monkeypox outbreak, these two outbreaks of EVD have the potential to significantly add to the burden on global health. Authorities need to augment their multi-faceted response, including stringent contact tracing and border control, to avoid the catastrophe of the 2014–2016 EVD epidemic. © 2022, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
This research focuses on investigating the impact of industry 4.0 (I4.0) on green performance through manufacturing process factors under COVID-19 by drawing on resource dependency theory. The research uses a quantitative approach, and the data were collected from 614 manufacturing companies in Egypt and were analysed using CB-SEM. The results indicated that there is a direct significant relationship between I4.0 and green performance. In addition, results revealed that manufacturing process factor pull system can significantly mediate the relationship between industry 4.0 and green performance. However, setup time reduction and continuous flow did not have a significant mediating role. Finally, COVID-19 contingency policies had a negative significant moderating role in the impact of industry 4.0 and pull system on green performance. The findings of this research will help in extending RDT through conceptualising it in different settings and using its ideas to build a model that can support manufacturers in maintaining green practices through unitising lean manufacturing and I4.0, especially that focusing on green practices is challenging, and market disruptions, such as COVID-19, increase the difficulty of enhancing green performance. This will also fill the gap regarding the dynamic relationship between I4.0, lean manufacturing and green performance under COVID-19. © 2023 Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 pandemic is a major worldwide health disaster firstly reported in December 2019. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has offered the public hope of halting it, authorizing vaccinations for emergency use with more than 85% efficacy against serious acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Recent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 variations including spike-protein mutations, the key vaccines viral target for immune response, have prompted a thorough investigation into the vaccine's long-term effectiveness. Consequently, this review assayed the details on SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism and how to control the infection by different types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and their effectiveness against other mutant strains. Additionally, the review summarized the different complaints which have been recorded after vaccination. In conclusion, these negative effects must be constantly weighed against the predicted advantages in terms of disease prevention. Although COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older, SARS-CoV-2 is high likely to continue to be a pandemic infectious as a result of the broadcasting of variants of the virus. Therefore, a booster vaccination, wearing a mask, and social distancing should be maintained. © 2023 Global NEST.
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Purpose: This research aims to provide a conceptual framework with the scope to assist in establishing sustainable supply chain clusters (SCCs) by providing an instrument for organisations to enhance the three sustainability dimensions in a dynamic environment. Design/methodology/approach: This research proposes a conceptual framework to enhance sustainability and organisational performance through three theoretical lenses: the system theory, extended resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities (DCs) theory. This approach is carried out through a comprehensive review of the existing literature on SCCs. Findings: Four main propositions are formulated and demonstrated using the developed framework, which expands the discussion about SCCs and their key characteristics in a dynamic environment. This is particularly relevant as it allows empirical testing of the theories in an SCC context. Research limitations/implications: It can be noted that more extensive research is needed to further understand the issues faced in establishing sustainable clusters. Drawing on the theoretical lenses to establish the framework helps to enhance the understanding and operational capabilities of sustainable SCCs during and after disruptions, such as the global disruption created by COVID-19. Practical implications: This research paves the way to help organisations improve their adaptability to the dynamic business environment by emphasizing the importance of clustering and linking it to sustainability through DCs to establish a sustainable cluster. Originality/value: This research aims to guide organisations' use of SCCs as tools to enhance sustainability in a dynamic environment, given that the relationship amongst supply chain cluster design characteristics (SCCDCs), DCs and sustainability remains unexplored. The combination of the three theoretical lenses in developing the proposed framework will assist in further understanding the applicability of these theories when they are considered together. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
The current study aimed at exploring university students' perspectives on the emergency distance education strategy that was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis in Jordan, one of the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Utilizing a qualitative design supported by Moore's theory of transactional distance, a total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with university students of various study levels and disciplines. Data were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke. Seven themes have emerged, including, (i) students' psychological response to the sudden transition in educational process, (ii) students' digital preparedness, equality, and digital communication, (iii) students' and teachers' technical competencies and technostress, (iv) student-student and student-teacher interpersonal communication, (v) quality and quantity of learning materials, (vi) students' assignments, examinations, and non-reliable evaluation methods, and (vii) opportunities with positive impact of distance learning. The study findings provide evidence that the sudden transition from traditional on-campus to online distance education was significantly challenging in many aspects and was not a pleasant experience for many participants. Various factors under the jurisdiction of academic institutions and decision-makers are considered main contributing factors to the students' educational experiences amid the pandemic crisis. Therefore, better planning and more sustainable utilization of educational resources have paramount importance in providing a high-quality education. Additionally, more dedicated efforts in terms of equitable, reliable, and credible evaluation systems should be considered in Jordan's distance education strategy.
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RATIONALE: Ribavirin is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor. Studies suggest ribavirin aerosol could be a safe and efficacious treatment option in the fight against coronaviruses. It is currently approved for treatment of lower respiratory tract infections due to respiratory syncytial virus in pediatrics. However, treatment is long and continuous (12-18 hours per day, 3-7 days) limiting wider clinical utility. A reduction in treatment time would mean ribavirin could become a practical treatment option for SARS-CoV-2. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of four, single-dose regimens of ribavirin aerosol in healthy volunteers. METHODS : Thirty-two subjects entered this phase Ia, randomized, doubleblinded, placebo-controlled, study. Four successive cohorts received ribavirin (active) or placebo. Cohort 1 received 50 mg/mL ribavirin/placebo (10 ml total volume);2 - 50 mg/mL ribavirin/placebo (20 ml total volume);3 - 100 mg/mL ribavirin/placebo (10 ml total volume);4 - 100 mg/mL ribavirin/placebo (20 ml total volume). All treatments were aerosolized and administered over 20 or 40 min for the 10ml and 20 ml volumes respectively. Randomization to cohorts took place on day 1, followed by intense safety monitoring and PK sampling on days 1, 2, 3 and 40. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were summarized by cohort and treatment group. PK parameters were analyzed using non-compartmental methods for maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximal plasma concentration (Tmax), area under the curve (AUC), and elimination half life (t1/2). RESULTS : Subjects were (mean ± SD, active vs placebo) aged 57 ± 4.5 vs 60 ± 2.5 years;83% vs 88% were female;and 75% vs 50% were Caucasian. 12.5% (3/24) and 25% (2/8) of subjects experienced at least one TEAE (2 moderate;5 mild) in active and placebo groups respectively. TEAEs were unrelated to study treatment. No clinically significant safety concerns were reported. Table I provides a summary of PK parameters. PK results were linear and well-behaved across the four single-dose regimens, demonstrating systemic exposure with minimal systemic effects. Ribavirin absorption reached Cmax within 2 hrs across all cohorts. The t1/2 was similar across all cohorts. CONCLUSIONS : Four single-dose regimens of ribavirin aerosol demonstrated systemic exposure with minimal systemic effects. These results support preliminary efficacy and safety data in COVID-19 patients and continued clinical development of ribavirin aerosol as a treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. (Table Presented).
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Since the beginning of the global pandemic in early 2020, online learning has largely replaced face-to-face learning worldwide. In Jordan, online learning has been implemented using various online tools and platforms. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the attitudes of 579 undergraduate students in Jordan toward online learning, measure their willingness to adopt it, and investigate their perceptions of the challenges they encountered during the learning process. To recruit eligible individuals from five Jordanian government universities the researchers used a cross-sectional, correlational web-based survey approach via social media sites, primarily the Facebook pages. The study's primary findings indicate that the majority of students (82.2%) preferred face-to-face education over online learning environments, despite the fact that almost half of respondents (55.6%) indicated that their institutions were prepared to offer lectures online. According to the majority of participants, the most significant impediments to online learning were an unreliable or non-existent internet connection (87.6%), a lack of motivation (75.3%), and an unsatisfactory home environment for learning (75.6%). The participants offered a variety of opinions regarding the effectiveness and usefulness of online learning at Jordanian universities. Additional research is required to confirm and consolidate these findings.
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Background: Endoscopic procedures are increasingly performed for children and adolescents and these interventions represent a central element of both pediatric gastroenterology (GI) care and revenues. It remains unclear, however, which scheduling paradigm maximizes efficiency of resource utilization and delivery of care in this arena. In this study, we evaluate the impact of shifting from shared endoscopy blocks to individual, provider-specific endoscopy blocks for scheduling pediatric endoscopic procedures in our tertiary care academic center. Methods: The implemented endoscopy block system involves a single endoscopist performing procedures in an allocated room for the entire half day period of time (e.g. 7AM -12PM or 1PM -6PM), with most providers having 1-3 half day blocks per month. A sample procedure room weekly schedule in accordance with this block system is depicted in Figure 1. We analyzed block fragmentation (multiple providers scheduled to perform procedures in a single block), block utilization and procedure volume, comparing the 8-month period prior to implementation of the block system (pre-implementation period) with the 8-month period following implementation of the block system (post-implementation period). A survey related to performance of endoscopic procedures was distributed to faculty, fellows and advanced practice providers one months prior to implementation of the block system and again 12 months later, following introduction of the block system. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized for analysis. The lowest volume month was omitted from analysis due to the unique impact of statewide COVID-associated restrictions on endoscopy volume. Results: In the pre-and post-implementation periods, 22 half-day blocks were allocated to pediatric GI. In the pre-implementation period, mean utilization of these blocks was 65.9% (range: 47%-77%). In the post-implementation period, mean utilization was 79.8% (range: 64%-89%). Overall endoscopy procedure volume increased from 279 in the pre-implementation period to 419 in the post-implementation period. Provider perception of endoscopy efficiency was enhanced by the block system, with 68.4% of pediatric GI respondents rating endoscopy as 'efficient' post-implementation (vs. 19% pre-implementation) and 63.2% indicating that the block system directly enhanced efficiency. 63.2% reported increased personal procedure volume and 84.2% reported perceived increase in overall procedure volume with block system implementation. Scheduling in accordance with the block system improved over the study period, from 59% block fragmentation (defined as more than one endoscopist scheduled within a given assigned block) to 19% block fragmentation, averaged over two weeks at the beginning and end of the study period, respectively. Conclusions: Strategic approaches for scheduling pediatric endoscopic procedures carry the potential to enhance efficiency and experience for both providers and patients. Implementation of the endoscopy block system in our children's hospital was associated with increased procedure volumes and block utilization as well as a more positive experience for the majority of providers. This represents an example of how utilizing endoscopy efficiency and productivity metrics, adjustments to scheduling practices may be implemented, evaluated and refined to optimize experience and utilization.
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COVID-19 has now unleashed a global supply chain crisis across a huge number of organizations, stemming from a lack of understanding and flexibility of the multiple layers of their global supply chains. In addition to the lack of efficient management through unpredicted events and occasions. Drawing on extended resources based view and resilience theory, this paper attempts to shed the light on the mediating role of resilience between supply chain integration and organizational performance represented in quality, cost and delivery performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. 224 questionnaires were collected and analyzed through process macro technique proposed by Andrew Hayes to test the mediating role of resilience. The results indicated that resilience can significantly mediate the relationship between supply chain integration and quality, cost and delivery performance. Therefore, this paper contributes to both extended resources based view and resilience theory. As it empathize on how organizations can acquire a unique bundle of resources through integration, which will allow them to maintain a desirable level of performance during market disruption through building resilience. The results will practically guide organizations to invest in building resilience in order to be able to cope with unexpected events that disrupts the business environment such as COVID19. © Toate drepturile asupra acestei ediţii sunt rezervate editorilor.
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Infections with COVID-19 can induce thrombophilia and increase the risk of thrombotic events. We describe a case of a 64-years-old male who presents with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism and brachial artery thrombosis secondary to an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale and COVID-19 infection. The patient was successfully treated with thrombolysis and heparin infusions and was discharged home with long-term anticoagulation. Managing patients with multiple pathologies occurring concurrently requires effective inter-speciality working in order to take a holistic approach to managing the patient opposed to managing the conditions in isolation. This case report highlights how clinical guidelines can support decision making of the individual pathologies but working as a team will enable the best care.
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The COVID-19 pandemic, bringing to the forefront and catalyzing long-unconfronted racial and economic inequities, in addition to economic collapse and deep political divisions - which all impact students and schools – has resulted in a compound crisis requiring a novel conceptualization of school leadership during times of crisis. This qualitative study captures the leadership experience of principals during the apocalyptic crisis _ the COVID-19 pandemic - beginning from the time schools were closing in March 2020 to the end of the school year in June. Crisis leadership, transformative leadership and social capital constitute the overarching framework for this study. The purpose of this case study was to discover how principals engaged in their thinking and practice to handle the compound crisis, in order to generate a rich description and gain an understanding of school leadership during the first phase of the COVID 19 pandemic. Our research questions were: What were the challenges and complications of leading during the initial phase of the compound crisis from the perspective of principals? How did principals respond? What were the emergent leadership practices? For this case study, we used a purposeful, maximum variation sample of nine principals in Florida. We sought balance in gender, race and ethnicity, and grade level. In-depth interviews were conducted using a structured protocol. Analysis treated each principal as an individual case, then cross-case thematic analysis was employed to uncover common patterns and themes. Three findings emerged. First, participants drew upon their individual reservoirs of shared leader qualities, including personalized and pragmatic communicator;leading with flexibility, creativity and care;bending rules and shifting priorities;and showing resilience under pressure. Second, they tapped into their schools’ strengths, including school context and in-house expertise. Third, they made inter-school connections. The first phase of the compound crisis pushed principals to prioritize care, safety, and wellbeing of students, teachers, and communities above accountability measures and systemic institutional constraints. A call to action for equity is the next logical step for system consideration, and was echoed by participating principals, as well as a realization that going back to old ways is no longer an option. © Copyright © 2021 Reyes-Guerra, Maslin-Ostrowski, Barakat and Stefanovic.
ABSTRACT
Background: The behavior of the general public in Jordan will likely have an important effect on the how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic spreads. Human behavior is influenced by people’s knowledge and awareness. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 among the general public in Jordan. Method: Cross-sectional online survey conducted between March 17 and March 23, 2020. A sample of 3,791 adults in Jordan who were representative of the general population by gender, age, occupation, marital status, employment status and educational level. Measurements: Response to 23 survey questions. Results: Participants generally had satisfactory knowledge of the main mode of disease transmission and the common symptoms of COVID-19, as half of the participants confirmed that transmission is via droplets from sneezing or coughing and from contaminated surfaces. In addition, most (77%) of the respondents stated that more than one category could be at high risk of complications from COVID-19, including the elderly, people with weak immune systems, those with heart problems, and diabetic patients. However, a substantial proportion of participants had misconceptions about how to prevent infection. For instance, about 80% of participants thought that wearing a mask was effective in protecting them from acquiring COVID-19. Conclusion: These findings can guide government information campaigns that will be covered by media. Rapid online surveys could be an important tool in tracking the public’s knowledge and misperceptions of COVID-19 over time. © 2020 EManuscript Technologies. All rights reserved.