The Need for Dialogue during a Pandemic Period: Report on the Adaptation of Presential Classes of the Usp Course of Languages from the Act of Listening to the Students

This report aims to expose the path and the results of the adaptation, in 2020, of two classes of the Letters Course at the University of Sao Paulo to the needs imposed by the suspension of face-to-face classes due the Covid-19 pandemic. In the report, it is narrated that, inspired by Paulo Freire's pedagogical assumptions, particularly his dialogical perspective of teaching, attempts were made to create channels of communication with the students, having been adopted, after some of these attempts, a format that included not only online classes, but also asynchronous moments provided by sending study and analysis materials in order to respect a new reality imposed by social isolation. Positive results are described in the teacher-trainee-student interaction and in the student-student interaction. It is expected to contribute to the debate about the forms of education in the pandemic.

The effects of CPC 47 on earnings management in companies listed in B3

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of adopting CPC 47 on the level of the earnings management of companies listed in the Brazilian capital market. Methodology: The sample used in this study is composed of 207companies listed in B3 in the observation period 2012-2021 totaling 2070 observations. The approach is quantitative, using multiple linear regression with balanced panel data. Dechow, Hutton, Kim and Sloan (2012) and Kothari, Leone and Wasley (2005) models were used to improve the discretionary accruals and an earnings management model with control and interest variables. Results: The results did not confirm the hypothesis that the adoption of CPC 47 affected the level of results management in the analyzed period but showed that indebtedness and operating cash flow explain discretionary accruals, regardless of the adoption of the pattern of revenue recognition. This evidence about earnings management increased with the adoption of CPC 47 was contrary to Baldissera, Gomes, Zanchet and Fiirst (2018), however, according to the findings of Grecco (2013), Jewel and Nakao (2014) and Braga (2020) in relation to the effects of accounting standards. The results indicate that companies with higher operating cash flow can generate accounting information with better quality regardless of the effects of the adoption of CPC 47. The period of the coronavirus pandemic did not significantly affect earnings management levels. Contributions of the Study: As a contribution, the study expands the theoretical knowledge about the effects of CPC 47 on earnings management. Additionally, in a practical way, it collaborates with regulatory organs, auditors, executives, stakeholders and the financial market in general.

Exploring the direct and indirect effect of trust in leadership and perceived organisational support on turnover intentions

Currently, employee retention is a critical aspect of people management, especially in the context of pandemics or post-pandemics, where job insecurity and job destruction challenge workers' trust in leadership and organisational support. Using survey data treated with structural equation models, this study explores, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the direct and indirect effects on turnover intentions of trust in leadership and perceived organisational support, using the mediating effect of job satisfaction. The results reveal that job satisfaction and perceived organisational support have a negative impact on turnover intention, but less that what was expected. The results obtained in the context of COVID-19 delivers important insights related to changes of employees' perceptions, their relations with the organisation and its impact in the turnover intention. © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Communication Channels and their Challenges: An Analysis of Sofware Development Teams during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Software development teams depend on the constant and varied use of technological tools that contribute to the fluidity of development activities. The communication channels provided by these tools contribute to the participatory culture of software development, where requirements include getting involved, learning and co-producing the code. However, the choice of channels to support development is still an open question in the scientific community. Through an investigation of closed remote software teams from a large public educational institution in Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we identified their preferred communication channels and analyzed them to learn how to improve collaboration. We also drew some comparison with social developers and took a look at the challenges that these channels impose and solutions adopted to mitigate these problems. © 2023 ACM.

Plants acting on the central nervous system: review plantas com acao no sistema nervoso central que constam na relacao nacional de plantas medicinais de interesse ao Sus (renisus)

Depression is a serious disease that affects the general population, epidemiological studies estimate that the prevalence of depression throughout life in Brazil is around 15.5%. The factors that trigger the onset of depression include social, psychological, biological and also specific external factors such as stressful events, loneliness, alcohol and drug consumption, chronic diseases and giving birth (postpartum depression). The objective of the present research was to carry out a literature review on the main medicinal plants with antidepressant action. Anxiety has become one of the main problems of today, being intensified by the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, where it was found that during the peak of the pandemic where confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brazil rose from 45,757 to 330,890, and deaths, from 2,906 to 21,048, the feeling of sadness/depression reached 40% of Brazilian adults. Symptoms of depression can be alleviated when synaptic availability of monoamines is increased, and this increase can occur through decreased metabolization of these neurotransmitters. In this sense, the use of antidepressants that make monoamines available in the synaptic cleft is sought through pharmacotherapy. The choice of drug is based on symptoms of depression and good response to a particular class of antidepressants. In February 2009, the Ministry of Health launched the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the SUS (RENISUS), containing 71 plant species that are distributed in natura form in basic health units (UBS). Of these, only three species have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects proven in the literature, being Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu and Passiflora incarnata, which are also part of RENISUS. In addition to these, other species such as Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis and Piper methysticum are used by the population to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression, thus suggesting that these species are included in RENISUS.

Exploring the direct and indirect effect of trust in leadership and perceived organisational support on turnover intentions

Currently, employee retention is a critical aspect of people management, especially in the context of pandemics or post-pandemics, where job insecurity and job destruction challenge workers' trust in leadership and organisational support. Using survey data treated with structural equation models, this study explores, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the direct and indirect effects on turnover intentions of trust in leadership and perceived organisational support, using the mediating effect of job satisfaction. The results reveal that job satisfaction and perceived organisational support have a negative impact on turnover intention, but less that what was expected. The results obtained in the context of COVID-19 delivers important insights related to changes of employees' perceptions, their relations with the organisation and its impact in the turnover intention.

Health public crisis impact on non-life insurance: the case of COVID-19

The insurance industry plays a crucial role in developing a country’s economy, thus becoming one of the main focuses when studying the possible impacts of the current public health crisis. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to investigate the COVID-19 impact on non-life insurance profitability of the Portuguese insurance sector. This study also intends to assess the explaining factors of insurance companies’ profitability on the period between 2004/2020. The methodology implemented was a multiple linear regression, using a panel data model with random effects. The sample consists of a total of 238 observations from 14 non-life insurers over 17 years. The results revealed that COVID-19 positively impacted the profitability of the insurance companies presented. However, this impact was only significant on the return on assets. Furthermore, the results showed an inverse and meaningful relationship between the profitability ratios and the variables leverage and loss ratio. Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

The Emergency Care Unit Operations Supply Chain Management: An Analysis of the Healthcare Service Challenges and Opportunities

The Emergency Care Unit (UPA) has the purpose of being a place of rapid assistance to primary and medium cases. However, during the covid-19 pandemical period, the administration of inputs and supplies represented challenges for management. The shortage of equipment and health professionals may have been caused by the pandemic, butit could also have been influenced by management. This paper analyzes how the problems with the supply chain in UPA interfere in health services. This article seeks to analyze, through qualitative research of CNES data, whether there were problems with the supply chain in the UPAs and whether supply chain risk management can contribute to better management (SCRM) of emergency healthcare establishments. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Penthrox enables quicker management of fractures, dislocations and more: learning lessons from expedited care of trauma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Methoxyflurane is an historical anaesthetic agent that has undergone a renaissance with the introduction of a smaller dose in a handheld 'Penthrox' device. The benefits of Penthrox include its ease of use, with disposable individual packets, and the need for less monitoring and staff, when compared with deeper sedation. The literature acknowledges its use for analgesia and in the management of anterior shoulder dislocation but in no other procedural orthopaedic circumstance. METHODS: Following institutional approval, we undertook a retrospective review of all incidences of Penthrox use to facilitate minor procedures within a 2-month period starting 24 March 2020. Time to procedure and success were recorded using the surrogate markers of patient attendance and x-Ray occurrence times. RESULTS: Some 101 Penthrox doses were given to 89 patients over 97 unique episodes between 24 March and 26 May 2020. No complications were recorded following the use of Penthrox during this period. Patient demographics were explored. Fracture manipulations and casting (n=54) had a 100% success rate in achieving adequate and safe reduction. Joint dislocations (n=34) were treated with varying success. Native elbow dislocations were reduced most successfully (4/4, 100%). Native shoulder dislocations were seen in 17 patients and successful relocation was seen in 11 cases, giving a success rate of 65%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study, outside anterior shoulder dislocations, to report on the efficacy of Penthrox within emergent orthopaedic scenarios. We have demonstrated Penthrox to be a safe tool for helping to manage trauma procedures in the emergency department.

TCAR Can Safely Be Performed With Regional Anesthesia and No ICU Stay

Objectives: Hospital resource usage is under constant review, and the extent and intensity of postoperative care requirements for vascular surgical procedures has been especially relevant in the setting of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and its impact on staffed intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We evaluated the feasibility of regional anesthesia and low-intensity postoperative care for patients undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) at our institution. Methods: All patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy undergoing TCAR at a single institution from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed. Perioperative management was standardized by the use of an institutional protocol that included hemodynamic parameters and requisite medications, anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet regimens, neurovascular examination guidelines, and nursing instructions. The anesthetic modality was at the surgeon’s preference. Patients were transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for 2 hours (with a 1:1 or 1:2 nursing ratio) followed by the step-down unit (1:4 nursing ratio) for 4 hours, followed by transfer to the floor (1:6 ratio) or, alternatively, were transferred to the ICU (1:1 ratio). Intravenous (IV) blood pressure medications could be administered in all environments, except for the floor. The recovery location and length of stay were recorded. Results: A total of 83 patients had undergone TCAR during the study period. The mean age was 72 ± 9 years, 59% were men, and 36% were symptomatic. Regional anesthesia was used for 84%, with none converted to general anesthesia intraoperatively. Postoperatively, only seven patients (8%) had required monitoring in the ICU overnight (decided perioperatively). This was mostly for patients with prior neurologic symptoms but for one patient was because of a postoperative neurologic event and for another patient because of pulseless electrical activity arrest. Of the 83 patients, 76 (92%) had been monitored in the PACU, with 8 transferred to the floor after 4 hours and 13 discharged directly from the PACU (owing to limited bed availability). Of the patients in the PACU, 55 were transferred to the step-down unit after 2 hours and discharged from there. Six patients had required IV antihypertensive agents, and eight had required IV vasoactive support postoperatively. The mean length of stay in the ICU was 3.7 days (range, 1-15 days). The mean length of hospital stay was 1.8 ± 2.3 days (3.7 ± 5.4 days for those requiring the ICU and 1.4 ± 1.2 days for those not requiring the ICU). The incidence of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction was 2.4%. There was one postoperative stroke considered to be a recrudescence of a prior stroke, and one respiratory arrest fatality in a frail patient with a neck hematoma, both of whom had been treated under general anesthesia. Conclusions: Using perioperative care protocols, TCAR can safely be performed while avoiding both general anesthesia and an ICU stay for most patients.

Impact of destination weddings in the tourism economy

Despite representing a recent world trend, wedding tourism felt a growth of 75% the past few years, which shows this market, specifically, the destination weddings niche, is proving to have an optimistic development and becoming a relevant topic in events tourism. The research objective analyses how the destination weddings have contributed for the development of events tourism in Portugal by examining what tactics are being utilised towards an international positioning. A quantitative method was used to achieve the objectives, being that two distinct surveys were elaborated, to foreign couples and another to vendors that take part in the industry. The data triangulation method was adopted with the goal of obtaining robust results by gathering a broader source of data. The results show that the destination weddings market contributes positively to the expansion of the events tourism in Portugal. Couples tend to choose Portugal for their climate, impressive sites and sense of intimacy, but the country needs to improve the transaction payments and present a wider range of advertisement. Regarding Covid-19, it had a negative influence mainly because most foreign couples decided to postpone or cancel the wedding. Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Food and beverage industry in a pandemic context

The pandemic has been a serious concern since its arrival in early 2020 around the globe. The aim of this research is to study the decay of the food and beverage industry, facing the pandemic of Covid-19. Throughout this research we have studied the classification of our sample, the fears and discomforts of our respondents regarding the new reality faced and the routine alteration of inquiries and by extension the impacted in the industry. In order to respond to these questions, we have based our investigation in the conception of a survey we have distributed and analysed a predictive model and clustering analysis. The findings drawn in this study were meaningful and lead us to the confirmation of the biggest fears and discomfort reasons when attending restaurants in a pandemic context but also the causes that make individuals reconsider their attendance in restaurant establishments. Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Acquired infections in intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients

Introduction: Patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU are at high risk of developing infectious complications during their ICU stay. Data on acquired(AI) in Portuguese critical COVID-19 patients are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and risk factors for AI in critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the ICU. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to an ICU in a tertiary hospital, between September 2020 and June 2021. AI considered were ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) or tracheobronchitis (VAT), bacteremia, CVC associated infections, urinary tract infections and soft skin tissue infections. Baseline characteristics, 3-months previous antibiotic (ATB) exposure, ATB treatment at ICU-admission and clinical management of COVID-19 pneumonia were analyzed. Results: Of the 159 patients included, with a median (IQR) age of 66 (57-72) and 63.5% males, 14 (8.8%) had no known comorbidities. A total of 63 patients(39.6%) developed AI: 45(71.4%) VAP, 20(33.3%) VAT, 28 (45.2%) UTI, 6 (9.5%) CVC associated infections and 3(4.8%) soft skin tissue infections. In univariate analysis, both SOFA score at admission (p < 0.001), acute cardiovascular (p = 0.003) and neurologic (p = 0.006) disfunction at ICU admission were associated with the development of AI. AI were also correlated to need of tracheostomy(p < 0.001), development of delirium (p < 0.001) or shock (p < 0.001);and with longer ICU and in-hospital stay (p < 0.001) and ICU and hospital mortality (p = 0.011 and p = 0.011, respectively). None of the COVID-19 pharmacologic treatments considered (remdesivir, steroids and tocilizumab), neither different regimens of ATB therapy at ICU admission were significantly associated with AI. Conclusions: In this cohort, almost 40% of the patients developed AI, that was associated with 4 times higher hazard of needing mechanical ventilation and higher rate of adverse events such as delirium, shock during in-ICU stay and longer length of ICU and in-hospital stay.

Characteristics and outcomes of critical COVID patients in the intensive care unit

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) until hospital discharge, and explore the factors that influence in-ICU and in-hospital mortality rates. Methods: Single center retrospective cohort regarding COVID-19 critical patients in a tertiary hospital ICU, from September/20 to June/21. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, admission SOFA score, frailty score (FS) and clinical management were analyzed. Results: We included 159 consecutive COVID-19 critical patients. The median (IQR) age was 66(57-72);101(63.5%) were male. A total of 126 (79.2%) patients received hospital discharge, ICU-mortality rate was 18.9%(30 deaths). The median (IQR) ICU length of stay was 12 days (6-20) and in-hospital stay was 21(13-35), and no significant differences were found in ICU and in-hospital length of stay between survivors and non-survivors. At admission to the ICU total SOFA score was 4(3-7). In univariate analysis, increased age, higher admission SOFA score, acute kidney injury and acute neurologic disfunction at admission were significantly associated with increased hazard of mortality. The need for mechanical ventilation were associated with higher risk of ICU and in-hospital mortality. Previous comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, COPD, renal, hepatic, oncologic or immunosuppression) or the FS were not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. None of the COVID-19 pharmacologic treatments (remdesivir, steroids and tocilizumab) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. In a multivariable analysis with in-hospital death as the dependent variable, a 10 year increase in age was associated with a mortality OR of 2.9 (95 CI:1.5-5.5)( p = 0.002) and the development of shock during ICU stay was associated with a mortality OR of 8.8 (95 CI:1.5 to 53.3). Conclusions: In this cohort, only age and the development of shock during ICU stay were independently associated with higher risk of inhospital death.

PANDEMIA COVID- 19 AND BASIC EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC NETWORK: ISSUES THAT MAY LEAD TO TEACHING PRACTICE

The objective of the article was to investigate the challenges that teachers who teach in Elementary School II and High School face to teach classes in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. To carry out the research, questionnaires containing open and closed questions were used, using google forms. The field of investigation was basic education, with a focus on elementary school II and high school. Teachers who teach in the state and municipal schools in the state of Rio de Janeiro-RJ participated in the research. The study showed that some teachers were prepared to use digital technologies, but others are unprepared.

Online art therapy for multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that can trigger disabling signs and symptoms. Art Therapy uses various artistic resources as a means to recover and improve wellbeing and mental, emotional and social health. During the period of social distance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, online art therapy presents itself as a viable technique for people with MS. Objectives: Analyze the possibilities of online art therapy for people with MS. Methods: Nine women with relapsing-remitting MS (n=5/56%) and secondary-progressive MS (n=4/44%), aged from 28 to 63 years (Mean=45;SD=13.65) and EDSS between 0 and 7. All were invited to participate in online art therapy workshops and randomly constituted three groups with three people each. They carried out individual anamnesis and were supplied with materials such as sheets of A4 bond paper, scissors, white glue, gouache or acrylic paint, brushes, felt-tip pens/crayons or colored brushes, notebooks and magazines to cut out. The workshops lasted one hour each and were held by WhatsApp once a week. Results: Reports of anxiety, sadness and need were identified and correlated to the lack of communication and interaction resulting from the social isolation experienced by COVID-19. Thus, Art Therapy promoted therapeutic interaction between participants and art therapists through free artistic expression. Conclusions: Online Art Therapy was effective for this group of women with MS, as it provided improved well-being and quality of life in a period of social distancing triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The small number of participants was important for the directed attention and maintenance of focus during the activities.

Telerehabilitation for fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the Central Nervous System, causing destruction of myelin, and it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Objectives: To analyze the effect of telerehabilitation in fatigue on Multiple Sclerosis patients during the isolation period of the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods: This is a retrospective study through the analysis of medical records, with adult individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis, through the scores of some scales. They are EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) and MFIS (Modified fatigue impact scale). Results: The Wilcoxon Signed Test Station was applied to verify the differences between the moments of pre and post-intervention. In general, the MFIS scores at the time of pre-intervention are higher than the post-intervention. Spearman's correlation analysis was applied, verifying the degree of relationship between the variables of the scale results and age, sex and EDSS. The EDSS demonstrated a good relationship with the MFIS. Conclusions: We show that telerehabilitation performed during the pandemic period has a positive effect on fatigue of patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Revisiting Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ Innovation and Resilience during COVID-19: The Tourism Sector

Every day, companies are exposed to various risks arising from their environment, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the most affected. This study emphasizes innovation and resilience as the starting points to understand how SMEs are influenced by external factors which are independent of the managers’ will. To date, we have seen several extreme factors that have conditioned businesses and entrepreneurs of these types of companies, such as the financial crisis of 2008. However, last year, in 2020, we saw the beginning of a worldwide pandemic: COVID-19. Thus, this research seeks to understand the extent to which this pandemic influenced the resilience and innovation of SMEs in the tourism area. Thus, eight hypotheses were raised based on four independent variables: access to finance, risk taking, working conditions, and personal network. The study of these variables was developed from an online questionnaire and in-depth interviews. After analyzing the results, it is possible to infer that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in consequences never observed in previous crises, to such an extent that the study showed that: (1) a company’s network positively influences its resilience;(2) risk taking influences innovation and resilience of these SMEs. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.