Comparison of in-class learning engagement of PGY-1 interns during online and in-person teachings using a modified classroom observational tool

Introduction: In-class engagement enhances learning and can be measured using observational tools. As the COVID-19 pandemic shifted teaching online, we modified a tool to measure the engagement of instructors and students, comparing in-person with online teaching and different class types. Methods: Video recordings of in-person and online teachings of six identical topics each were evaluated using our ‘In-class Engagement Measure’ (IEM). There were three topics each of case-based learning (CBL) and lecture-based instruction (LLC). Student IEM scores were: (1) no response, (2) answers when directly questioned, (3) answers spontaneously, (4) questions spontaneously, (5) initiates group discussions. Instructor IEM scores were: (1) addressing passive listeners, (2) asking ≥1 students, (3) initiates discussions, (4) monitors small group discussion, (5) monitoring whole class discussions. Results: Twelve video recorded sessions were analysed. For instructors, there were no significant differences in percentage time of no engagement or IEM scores when comparing in-person with online teaching. For students, there was a significantly higher percentage time of no engagement for the online teaching of two topics. For class type, there was overall less percentage time of no engagement and higher IEM scores for CBL than LLC. Conclusion: Our modified IEM tool demonstrated that instructors’ engagement remained similar, but students’ engagement reduced with online teaching. Additionally, more in-class engagement was observed in CBL. “Presenteeism”, where learners were online but disengaged was common. More effort is needed to engage students during online teaching. © 2022 TAPS. All rights reserved.

Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Recipients with Covid-19 in Singapore Treated with Sotrovimab in the Era of the Delta Variant

Purpose: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at higher risk for severe COVID- 19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS646 All Infections (Excluding Kidney & Viral Hepatitis) I CoV-2). Sotrovimab decreases the risk of disease progression in the general population, but efficacy and safety in KTRs is unknown. Herein, we describe our experience in treating COVID-19 infected KTRs with sotrovimab. Method(s): We performed a retrospective, single-center cohort study of KTRs diagnosed with COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction from 07/15/21-11/30/21. KTRs with COVID-19 were admitted to the hospital to expedite evaluation and treatment. KTRs with COVID-19 were eligible for sotrovimab if they 1) were not requiring oxygen at admission, 2) were unvaccinated or if SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody (SAb) after vaccination was <100 U/mL, and 3) duration of symptoms/day of illness (DOI) was <=7 days. COVID-19 disease requiring oxygen therapy was treated with remdesevir + dexamethasone. Immunomodulator therapy (baricitinib or tocilizimab) was given for rapidly progressive disease requiring high-flow oxygen or ICU care. Baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes including oxygen supplementation, ICU admission, and mortality were manually ed and evaluated. Result(s): In all, 36 KTRs were diagnosed with COVID-19 - mean age 59 years, 72% male, 67% Chinese, 64% diabetic and 17% obese;72% were deceased donor and 28% were living donor KTRs presenting a mean 11 years from transplant. The majority (69%) were vaccinated with >=2 doses of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, 22% received 3 doses, and 15% were unvaccinated. Among KTRs who received >=2 doses, SAb was reactive in 36% and >100 U/mL in 16%. In all, 14 (39%) required oxygen, 11 (31%) required ICU admission, 5 (14%) were mechanically ventilated, and 4 (11%) died (Table). Sotrovimab was given to 27 eligible KTRs at median DOI 2 (range 0-6). Of these, 8 (30%) required oxygen, 5 (19%) required ICU admission, 2 (7%) were mechanically ventilated, and 1 died (4%). KTRs receiving sotrovimab at DOI <=3 vs >3 were less likely to require oxygen (p=0.01) or ICU admission (p=0.02). Sotrovimab was well tolerated with one associated adverse event (self-limiting diarrhea). Conclusion(s): KTRs remain at high risk for severe COVID-19. Sotrovimab administered early in the disease course is associated with a lower rate of severe COVID-19. Outcomes of KTRs with COVID-19 overall and among those receiving sotrovimab by day of illness (Figure Presented).

Turning up the Dial: The Evolution of a Cybercrime Market through Set-up, Stable, and Covid-19 Eras

Trust and reputation play a core role in underground cybercrime markets, where participants are anonymous and there is little legal recourse for dispute arbitration. These underground markets exist in tension between two opposing forces: the drive to hide incriminating information, and the trust and stability benefits that greater openness yields. Revealing information about transactions to mitigate scams also provides valuable data about the market. We analyse the first dataset, of which we are aware, about the transactions created and completed on a well-known and high-traffic underground marketplace, Hack Forums, along with the associated threads and posts made by its users over two recent years, from June 2018 to June 2020. We use statistical modelling approaches to analyse the economic and social characteristics of the market over three eras, especially its performance as an infrastructure for trust. In the Set-up era, we observe the growth of users making only one transaction, as well as 'power-users' who make many transactions. In the Stable era, we observe a wide range of activities (including large-scale transfers of intermediate currencies such as Amazon Giftcards) which declines slowly from an initial peak. Finally, we analyse the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, concluding that while we see a significant increase in transactins across all categories, this reflects a stimulus of the market, rather than a transformation. New users overcome the 'cold start' problem by engaging in low-level currency exchanges to prove their trustworthiness. We observe currency exchange accounts for most contracts, and Bitcoin and PayPal are the preferred payment methods by trading values and number of contracts involved. The market is becoming more centralised over time around influential users and threads, with significant changes observed during the Set-up and Covid-19 eras. © 2020 Owner/Author.

Implementing alternative assessment strategies in chemistry amidst COVID-19: Tensions and reflections

The COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020 resulted in the worldwide disruption of teaching and learning in main stream schools and in institutes of higher learning. Singapore was not spared. With the closure of schools in early April, it was imminent that the delivery and assessment of our freshman general chemistry course must be overhauled for the new semester. While the delivery of Home-based Learning (HBL) was a challenge for all educators, it was a mammoth roadblock for chemistry courses because of laboratory classes. Besides being thrusted to learn and use new technology tools for online lessons, instructors also had to quickly explore and design alternative assessments to substitute in-person written examinations and tests. This paper documents the struggles that played out in the decision to implement concept map assessments and “split-half” laboratory classes for safe distancing. Although these interventions are not novel, we confronted tensions as we sought to address academic integrity, administrative guidelines, and our own inadequacy particularly in concept map assessments. In light of positive and negative feedback from both staff and students, lessons were drawn to enhance future implementation and for further research. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.