Students' psychological perceptions toward online learning engagement and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative analysis of students in three different countries

Due to COVID-19, universities have shifted to offer online learning for their students from traditional face-to-face learning. Despite various efforts made by university administrators for their students' online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, not much has been identified about how students perceived online learning and what factors affected their online learning engagement and outcomes. Examining students' motivation, self-efficacy, and anxiety as key factors for their online learning engagement and outcomes, this study conducted a self-administered online survey with college students in three countries: the U.S., South Korea, and Colombia. This study used SEM to test hypotheses and conducted a multi-group analysis to find differences among students. The findings indicated that students' self-efficacy and anxiety significantly impacted their online learning engagement, influencing online learning outcomes. Although students were highly engaged in online learning, their perceived online learning was not so effective and rigorous compared to face-to-face learning.

Effects of customers' perceived risks of sharing economy on self-protective behavior toward COVID-19. (Special Issue: The sharing economy in a post-pandemic world.)

Purpose: This study aims to investigate how customers' perceived risks of sharing economy (SE) affect their self-protective behaviors when using SE, leading to their future behavioral intention. Additionally, this study looks into whether there are any differences between accommodation-sharing and ride-sharing customers in the aforementioned relationships. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey targeting two groups of SE customers (i.e. accommodation sharing and ride sharing) was used. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, the mechanism of how SE customers' perceived risks of SE affect their self-protective behaviors, which in turn influence their future behavior intention. A multigroup analysis was performed to assess the difference between the two groups of SE customers. Finally, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to see the potential differences between the five classifications of self-protective behaviors in their perceived risks. Findings: SE customers' psychological risks positively affected their hygiene protective behaviors and social protective behaviors, influencing their behavior intention and relative intention (compared with traditional services). Social risk had a negative impact on SE customers' hygiene protective behaviors. There was a significant difference between accommodation sharing and ride sharing customers in their psychological mechanism of how perceived risks influence their self-protective behaviors. Practical implications: The findings of this study help SE platforms and service providers better understand their customers' perceived risks of their services and suggest them to promote their customers' self-protective behaviors so that perceived risks can be mitigated, thereby generating strong behavior intentions. As the results indicated that there is a significant difference between the two major forms of SE (i.e. accommodation sharing and ride sharing) in their customers' perceived risks and self-protective behavior, SE platforms can further refine their operational and marketing efforts based on the findings. Originality/value: This study offers a comprehensive understanding of SE customers' self-protective behaviors by examining the effects of SE customers' different perceived risks on their self-protective behaviors during the unprecedented pandemic. Furthermore, the comparison of the two most popular forms of SE (i.e. accommodation sharing and ride sharing) provides new perspectives to understand customers' behavior in the SE context.

Participatory Actions in Virtual Spaces. The Role of Images in the Construction of Shared Spaces

Participatory actions in public spaces are practices of encounter with the potential to reinforce social ties and foster a renewed sense of belonging to places. They are well-established and widely practiced – both at the national level [1] and internationally [2, 3] – as modes of exploration [4] and participation that are located at the intersection between different disciplinary domains. The particular form of participatory action discussed here ideally takes place on the street, in squares, and on public ground, via interventions that are often temporary in nature and involve the transformation, but even more fundamentally the re-appropriation, of collective space. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, among its numerous repercussions, has also made it difficult if not impossible to carry out such forms of participation in person and on public ground. It has thus become necessary to modify and reformulate the ways in which participatory action is implemented, so as to continue harnessing its communicative power, and to identify new ways of fostering participation, at a time when it is needed more urgently than ever to counteract the risk of isolation. In this paper, we present and discuss forms of participatory action that have recently been transposed into virtual public space and are primarily based on the sharing of images. We investigate the possibilities and valences of such an approach, both in general and at this specific historical moment. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Lack of seroconversion following COVID-19 vaccination, but not treatment, is an independent risk factor for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Data from ESCAPE -an IG-IBD Study

Background: As patients with immune conditions were excluded from COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, it is important to accumulate realworld data in this setting, particularly to identify those who would benefit from repeated doses. Method(s): Effectiveness and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treated with Immunomodulatory or Biological Drugs (ESCAPE) is a prospective, multicentre, observational study assessing effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with IBD (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04769258). Here we present data on the rate of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections in the timeframe between 14 days after the second dose and the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine (or a maximum of 9 months from the second dose). The risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including lack of seroconversion (cut-off for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2: OD 0.28) and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels after 8 weeks from the second dose, and treatment for IBD, were assessed. Result(s): Out of the 1076 patients with IBD enrolled in the ESCAPE study, data on breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection were available in 953 cases. Most of the patients received homologous, doubledose mRNA-based vaccines (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273: 99.2%). Seroconversion was reported in 92.7% of cases (median OD 1.60 [IQR 0.8-3.6]), while SARS-CoV-2 infection was documented in 95 patients (10.0%), of whom 9 died. At multivariable regression analyses, age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.99;p<0.001) being former smoker (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.26-3.88;p=0.005), and lack of seroconversion (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.99;p=0.034) were independent predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, none of the treatments for IBD was associated with breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection. Notably, all 9 patients who died had reported seroconversion after the second dose. Conclusion(s): IBD patients without seroconversion after COVID-19 vaccines are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, while medications for IBD had no impac.

Oxidative stress in diverse clinical conditions of SARS-CoV-2 Cuban hospitalized patients

Context: COVID-19 related to SARS-CoV-2 infection generates inflammation with increased reactive oxygen species production. Drug treatment and others factors could influence systemic oxidative stress during pathogenic insult. Aims: To determine the redox status in COVID-19 patients with different clinical conditions and explore the relationship between redox and hematological hemochemical variables. Methods: In this comparative longitudinal study, blood samples were drawn from 160 individuals divided into four groups: COVID-19 asymptomatic, COVID-19 symptomatic (low and moderate symptoms), COVID-19 convalescent, and presumable healthy subjects. Demographic, redox, hematological, and hemochemical indices were assessed. Statistical analyses compared the median values of each variable and explored individual, simultaneous indices, and multivariate alteration. Results: Relative to the healthy group, acute COVID-19, and convalescent groups had significant differences in global damage indices and antioxidant status (p<0.05). The convalescent group showed significantly higher damage (malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide) and lower antioxidant enzymatic activities and glutathione concentration compared to other groups (p<0.05). Global modification of redox indices showed that more than 80% of studied individuals in acute conditions had simultaneous detrimental differences compared to a healthy status. The discriminant analysis permitted obtaining two canonical functions (p< 0.05) that reflect 98% of redox variables with 95% of variances with successful case classifications. Conclusions: These results corroborate that oxidative stress occurred in different COVID-19 and post-acute conditions with different molecular alterations of redox indices. Redox diagnosis should be considered in early diagnosis and treatment of infection, which would be worthwhile to conduct a more comprehensive study and management of disease evolution. © 2023 Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research.

How do restaurants respond to the COVID-19 pandemic? Lessons from Colombian restauranteurs and their survival strategies. (Special Issue: The impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the foodservice industries.)

This study attempted to identify the overall impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry in Colombia through the interviews with ten restaurant owners or chefs (e.g., fine-dining, family-dining, casual dining, and quick-service restaurants). Adopting the three phase post-pandemic planning framework, this study examined how the restaurants responded, recovered, and renewed their businesses and what survival strategies they have been implementing to respond to the new normal after the COVID-19 outbreaks. Findings of the study indicated the restaurants in Colombia focused on and developed four operational survival strategies: operational transformation and challenges, government support, social responsibility, and precautionary measurement practices, focusing on their core value and assets such as employees and menus.

Entrepreneurial Intention of Unemployed People and the Need for Training and Financial Support for Self-Employed Workers in Times of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a severe economic crisis that has led to instability in the labor market. Some workers fell into unemployment and self-employed workers had to face a partial or total stoppage of their activities. This paper aims to study the entrepreneurial intention of unemployed people and the need for training and financial support of self-employed workers. To do so, Probit models are estimated using a survey with workers in Ecuador. The results show that the underlying characteristics that motivate entrepreneurial intention differ across existent unemployed people and people who became unemployed during the COVID-19 lockdown. Women who became unemployed during the COVID-19 lockdown are more likely to have entrepreneurial intentions than men. Less educated existent unemployed people are more likely to have entrepreneurial intentions than more educated ones. People who need financial support also need training support and vice versa. The level of the effects of COVID-19 on economic sectors has a relevant effect on the need for financial support. © 2023,Revista Portuguesa de Estudos Regionais. All Rights Reserved.

Telemedicine Associated with Integrated Decentralized Testing and Onsite Treatment for Hepatitis C Infection at Drug Addiction Centres Is Effective: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The role of telemedicine seems to be important in the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. Many studies have been conducted in prisons, drug addiction centres and more recently general population because of the COVID pandemic. However, evidence of effectiveness evaluated by randomized clinical trials is scarce but relevant to firmly promote telemedicine at drug addiction centres to achieve WHO 2030 elimination goals. Method(s): From Jul/2019 to Dec/2020, a total of 120 patients who attended one drug addiction centre were randomized (NCT04035980) into two groups: telemedicine strategy (including dry blood spot HCV RNA testing, HCV specialist videoconferencing with the patient, and onsite treatment and FIB-4 score calculation if RNA was positive) vs. conventional care strategy (included dry blood spot testing and referral to reference centre with the specialist if RNA was positive). Clinical variables were collected to assess the characteristics of patients in both strategies. Sustained virological response was assessed as a primary outcome. Additionally, among a patient subset, we administered a modified 10-item telemedicine satisfaction questionnaire. Result(s): We included 120 subjects (age 42.4+/-11.1, 85% male) with characteristics shown in the table. The number of included patients during the COVID pandemic (n=41) was similar in the telemedicine group and conventional group (31.7% vs 36.7%). Overall, 13 (10.8%) patients tested positive for RNA, 10 (9 in pre-pandemic time) in the telemedicine group vs. 3 (1 in pre-pandemic time) in the conventional group (p=0,050). All but one of the patients in the telemedicine group initiated treatment with direct-acting antivirals, whereas only one patient (33.3%) in the conventional group that was rescued with telemedicine after not showing up to the appointment with the specialist. Sustained virological response was documented in 90.9% of the patients. Patients who attended by telemedicine scored high on the satisfaction questionnaire. Conclusion(s): Our results showed telemedicine and onsite treatment delivery at drug addiction centres as the integrative model of care of choice to eliminate HCV from persons with substance use disorders. (Figure Presented).

Evaluation of factors associated with trust in telemedicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease during COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Telemedicine (TM) has had a powerful impact in recent years, particularly on managing chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Knowing patients' expectations and concerns is essential to increase their confidence in this mode of medical care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We interviewed a large cohort of IBD patients enrolled at two Italian tertiary referral centers to investigate their trust in TM. RESULTS: A total of 376 patients completed the survey and were included in the study: 293 (77.9%) considered TM valuable for managing their disease, and 307 (85%) wanted to have TM service at their center. However, only 99 patients (26.3%) believed that TM guarantees the same level of care as the in-person visit. Among the socio-demographic variables, those independently associated with trust in TM were the higher education qualification (p=0.02) and the level of competence in information and communication technologies (ICT) (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlighted the importance of equipping IBD patients with basic ICT skills to utilize TM services and increase their confidence in ICT with the help of caregivers. Additionally, to improve the perceived value of TM, it will be helpful to use additional tools such as telemonitoring of disease activity using patients' reported outcomes or remote measurement of fecal calprotectin.

Bipolar disorder, pregnancy, COVID-19: Electroconvulsive therapy is needed!

Introduction Treating pregnant women with bipolar disorder is among the most challenging clinical endeavors. Patients and clinicians are faced with difficult choices at every turn, and no approach is without risk. Many primary mood stabilizers have been associated with risk of congenital malformations. In the last 15 years, there has been an increase of antepartum use of atypical antipsychotic drugs, many of which could be viable alternatives to mood stabilizers. Electroconvulsive therapy has been recommended as a safe and efficacious treatment of bipolar depressive and manic episodes in pregnant women. Objectives This case presents a 24-year-old woman, with COVID-19 infection, that underwent an acute manic episode at her 20-weeks-pregnancy. The goal was to stabilize the patient by the use of electroconvulsive therapy. Methods The patient was admitted in isolation in the psychiatric ward. Treatment was started with olanzapine 20mg/d and lorazepam 4mg/d. The patient maintained psychotic agitation that required higher dosage, while on the second week of isolation the PCR test was negative. After six weeks of treatment severe manic symptoms continued and electroconvulsive therapy was started. Results She received 10 electroconvulsive therapy sessions. The patient showed a substantial clinical improvement after the seventh administration. She gave birth at 37 weeks, with no complications during labor (Apgar 9/10). Conclusions Electroconvulsive therapy has been shown as a suitable option for patients with severe psychiatric disorders in the pregnancy period, either medication resistant illness and psychotic agitation. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Delusion of pregnancy: Clinical case

Introduction Delusion of pregnancy has been described as a false and fixed belief of being pregnant despite factual evidence to the contrary. Pseudocyesis is a condition in which the patient has all signs and symptoms of pregnancy except for the confirmation of the presence of a fetus. There has been described symptoms as abdominal distention, cessation of menses, morning sickness, etc. Objectives The aim of this work was to distinguish between pseudocyesis and pseudopregnancy. This case presents a single 49-year-old woman, who developed the delusion of being pregnant after months of lonely confinement during Covid-19 quarantine. Methods She had missed her period for 10 months. She was convinced that she could feel the fetal movements. Her thought content revealed delusion of persecution, reference, and delusion of being pregnant. She did not reveal any hallucinations. Blood tests and brain imaging revealed no abnormalities. □The treatment was started with Paliperidone 100mg/month, and clonazepam 2mg/d. Results The patient showed a substantial improvement within 10 weeks of treatment. Pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy have been rarely described on scientific bibliography. A distinction has been demonstrated based on the consideration of the associated psychotic features that might be present in delusions of pregnancy, which were described in the current case. On the other hand, pseudocyesis clinical presentation is centered on the false signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Conclusions Antipsychotics played a key role in the delusion of pregnancy. Psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy could play a pivotal role in the management of pseudocyesis. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Social characterization of COVID-19 in the state of Amazonas, Brazil

Objectives: To compare the number of deaths that occurred in the state of Amazonas and in Brazil, from March 16th to August 20th 2020, using the variables skin color, sex, place of death, age group and association with COVID-19, and secondly, to verify whether between 2019 and 2020, in the period from March 16th to August 20th, there was a significant change in the number of deaths from diseases not associated with COVID-19. Methods: We searched the databases of the Brazilian public agency "Transparency Portal" for the data on deaths that occurred in the state of Amazonas and Brazil in the period from March 16th to August 20th, 2019 and 2020. The absolute frequencies and percentages of the variables studied were used for statistical analysis. Results: COVID-19 was responsible for an 11.01% increase in deaths in Brazil;however, this rate quadrupled in the state of Amazonas. In relation to age group, there was a similar percentage between Amazonas and the national average. The stratified analysis showed significant differences between genders and races, with higher death rates in men and people of brown/black skin. The number of deaths at home increased significantly, especially those from causes not associated with COVID-19. Conclusions: The national drop in deaths from diseases not associated with COVID between March and August 2020 in Brazil is misleading and may be due to the result of misreported causes of death.

COVID-19 vaccination rate and willingness of an additional dose among inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving biologic therapy

Background: Vaccination against COVID19 prevents its severe forms and associated mortality and offers a promising action to control this pandemic. In Spain, by October 2021, 87.9% of the target population, including IBD patients had received the complete vaccination regimen. In September 2021, an additional dose of vaccine was approved in patients with immunosuppression including IBD patients on biologic agents. We evaluated the vaccination rate and additional dose willingness in this group of-at risk patients. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study was performed among IBD patients on biologic agents and elegibles for an additional dose of COVID19 vaccine between 19th October and 12th November 2021. Patients were identified by the list provided by the Pharmacy service. IBD clinical characteristics and type of vaccine and date of administration were checked in medical records. Acceptance and adverse effects of vaccination were evaluated after telephone or face-to-face survey in these IBD patients. Results: Out of a total of 344 patients, 269 patients (46.1% male;mean age 47±16 years;crohn's disease n=198/ ulcerative colitis n=66/ indeterminate colitis n=5) received at least one vaccine dose and were included. The patients were on Infliximab (40.9%), Ustekinumab (29.7%), Adalimumab (20%), and Vedolizumab (8.9%). Co-treatment with immunosuppressors was used in 73.2% of patients. Only 15 (5.6%) patients refused the COVID19 vaccine: 26.7% for fear of vaccine's adverse effects, 33.3% for doubts about a new-design vaccine and 40% for conviction (COVID19 pandemic denial). 46.7% of the cases would not change their opinion, but 33.3% would re-consider after discussing with their doctor and/or receiving information on the adverse effects of the vaccine. Previous to the additional dose, COVID19 vaccination was present in 94.4% of patients (n=254) (complete regimen using Pfizer 63%, Astra-Zeneca 15.4%, Moderna 12.2% and Janssen in 9.4% of patients, respectively). 42.7% of patients personally requested the appointment for initial dose of vaccination and 59.1% contacted the IBD Unit to discuss the decision to be vaccinated. Adverse effects occurred in 53.9% of the cases after the standard vaccination regimen, mainly pain in the arm (40%). Up to 94.1% of the patients agreed for an additional dose and 57.2% had already received the additional dose at the time of the assessment. Conclusion: IBD patients on biological agents and at high-risk for COVID19 accept the vaccine as well as an additional dose if recommended. Physicians in charge of IBD units should provide information and confidence in the use of the vaccine in these IBD patients. Remains to be studied the impact of the additional dose of vaccine in these patients.

Willingness and hesitancy to the telemedicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease during COVID-19 outbreak. Preliminary results of a survey in an Italian IBD Center

Background: Telemedicine is becoming a necessary tool for chronic disease management. Thanks to the wide diffusion of devices connecting to the World Wide Web, a large part of the population are now able to access to telemedicine services.Telemedicine is becoming a necessary tool for chronic disease management. Thanks to the wide diffusion of devices connecting to the World Wide Web, a large part of the population are now able to access to telemedicine services. The aim of this survey was to explore the willingness and hesitancy of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to the use of telemedicine during COVD-19 outbreak. Methods: A paper-and-pencil questionnaire was proposed to all consecutive patients observed at our tertiary IBD center in San Giovanni Rotondo (Italy) from February to May 2021. The survey investigated 20 items that can be grouped into 5 areas: socio-demographic data, clinical data, informatics competence, devices and network utilized for the internet connection, attitude to the telemedicine, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 156 patients completed the questionnaire (100 males). One hundred forthy-three patients (91.7%) were under 65 years and only 15 (9.6%) were graduates. Forthy-seven patients (30%) were single, 101 married (65%). Eighteen patients (11.5%) felt they had no IT skills. Eight patients (5.1%) had a previous experience of telemedicine. One hundred twenty-three patients (78.8%) consider the support of telemedicine useful for the management of their pathology and 134 (85.9%) would like the Center where they are followed up to have the possibility of offering a telemedicine service. One hundred three patients (66.0%) would like to have a teleconsultation with figures other than the Gastroenterologist. Ninety-seven patients (62.2%) agree that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has a major impact on the need to implement telemedicine. Regarding the confidence with telemedicine, 106 patients (67.9%) were partially or totally agreeing telemedicine can properly resolve health problems, and 98 (62.8%) agree that technologies guarantee the privacy of the health data. One hundred twenty-five patients (80%) agree that telemedicine should be developed independently of the pandemic, however only 48 patients (31%) believe that telemedicine guarantee the same level of assistance of visit in presence. Conclusion: Italian IBD patients showed a positive attitude towards telemedicine and consider that useful for the management of their disease. The majority of patients would like the center where they are followed up offering a telemedicine service, regardless of the ongoing pandemic. However only one third of patients believe that telemedicine can offer the same level of assistance of in-presence visit.

Impact of covid-19 pandemic in patients with a first consultation for suspected inflammatory bowel disease

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient activity and the performance of complementary tests have been limited in order to optimize health care resources in patients with SARS-CoV2 infection according to the incidence of cases in each time period. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the measures implemented by the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and follow-up of patients referred for suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at different times during the pandemic. Methods: Retrospective multicenter study comparing three cohorts of patients who were referred for evaluation in IBD consultation during three time periods: pre-pandemic pre-COVID19 (pC), from March to May 2019;during health alert alert-COVID19 (aC), from March to May 2020;and during a recent post-pandemic alert period post-COVID19 alert (p-aC), from January 2021 to March 2021. All patients referred with suspected IBD (first time consultation) were included. Epidemiological and clinical variables were recorded from the onset of digestive symptoms and up to a follow-up of 6 months after consultation. Results: A total of 114 first-time consultations were recorded: 47 in pC (age 45.3, SD 2.6 years;63.83% female), 24 in aC (age 48.3, SD 3.3;male 54.2%) and 43 in p-aC (age 44.5, SD 2.4;male 53.4%). Significant differences were determined in terms of the reason for consultation between the periods (recent diagnosis of IBD: 25.5% pC vs 41.7% cD vs 53.5% a-pC;p= 0.03 and suspicion of IBD: 74.5% pC vs 58.3% aC vs 46.5% in p-aC;p = 0.03). The diagnosis of IBD was confirmed in 44.6% of patients in the pC period, 66.6% in aC and 67.4% in p-aC, (p=0.06). There were no significant differences between the three periods in terms of time from suspicion of the disease to evaluation at the first visit and time to completion of complementary tests. However, there were significant differences in the time between diagnosis and initiation of treatment among the pC group (mean 1.7, SD 1.05 months), in contrast to 4.36 months (SD 2.03) in aC and 3.82 months (SD 1.3) in p-aC (p= 0.05). There were also no differences in the management (treatment and request for complementary tests) of the sucessive consultation, except for the number of hospital admissions in the six months following the first consultation (5 cases in pC vs. no admissions in aC and p-aC,p=0.03). Conclusion: During the COVID19 pandemic,the ability to diagnose patients with IBD has been maintained with no delays in the performance of complementary tests at participating centers. However, a delay in the initiation of treatment that could negatively impact the health of IBD patients is currently being maintained.

The challenges of the public university in the Covid-19 post-pandemic: The Brazilian case

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the challenges of the public university model in the Covid-19 post-pandemic, based on data made available by the Portal of the Ministry of Education of Brazil. An exploratory methodology was used, with a qualitative approach and a bibliographic-documental strategy. The public university profile that emerged from the data suggests the need for a change in the institutional and organizational model, which currently accommodates the university. It is imperative that the university reinvents itself, that it becomes a new institution, endowed with current, flexible management models and that favors adjustments, since such functionalities are better suited to organizational dynamics and risk management © 2022,Ensaio.All Rights Reserved

Evaluation of the strategic factors of the hotel sector in the province of Sabana Centro, Colombia

This article seeks to identify the presence of internal strategic factors in accommodation and lodging establishments in the province of Sabana Centro in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. The analysis was carried out based on the theoretical foundations of three internal strategic factors that support the creation of long-term competitive advantages: organizational assets, marketing mix and reputational assets. To collect the information, an instrument was developed that was applied to the establishments formally established in the area. The results show that most of the accommodation and lodging establishments in the province of Sabana Centro suffer from the internal strategy factors suggested by management theory. They could be supported by public and private institutions to implement them and thus encourage them to have a more consistent and competitive offer. This research ended months before the start of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and its effects were not studied, but the results can contribute to its recovery in the near future.

Teaching preparation as a driver of university academic activities in time of pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused profound changes in different activities of daily life. One of the areas that faced the greatest challenges was education in general, and within it higher education. Faced with this situation, university teachers had to face an intensive preparation process to face the challenge of virtual education and continue with the educational training process. Objective: To determine the opinion of university students and teachers in relation to the importance of teacher preparation as the central axis of academic activities in times of pandemic. Methodology: Basic, descriptive and explanatory research that included 57 university professors and 232 university students belonging to the medical career of the Faculty of Public Health of the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo. Result: 80.70% of the teachers had no previous training and 66.67% had no previous experience in the use of virtual environments. 84.34% of students believe that teacher preparation influences the quality of virtual teaching activities and 55.12% of students considered that there is a need to improve their mastery of virtual environments. Conclusions: The course offered by the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo led to the improvement of the level of preparation of teachers around the management of virtual environments necessary to offer a quality education.