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School closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have brought the issue of learning loss to the forefront in what has been called the "COVID slide." Data from the pandemic show a decline in student achievement in the areas of reading and mathematics for school districts that shifted to virtual learning platforms. However, it is unclear whether students experienced a loss of learning, or if they progressed at a slower rate while adapting to a new and unfamiliar learning modality. We propose that the latter may be especially true for younger students (i.e. K-3) as well as students with disabilities, who likely required additional support to engage in virtual learning. We offer recommendations as K-12 students return to in-person learning.
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This study evaluates the working capital management (WCM) super-efficiency in UAE firms and determines how the COVID-19 crisis may affect WCM super-efficiency from a statistical perspective. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), difference tests, and Tobit regression techniques are used. Integration of DEA with Tobit regression is required to recognize the potential statistical consequence of COVID-19 on the super-efficiency of WCM. The results show that WCM super-efficiency is moderate and requires decision-makers' corrective measures to attain best practices. The study results show no significant difference in WCM super-efficiency, and COVID-19 does not significantly influence WCM super-efficiency. The results would rouse decision-makers' interests, who would look into the firm's efficiency and weak spots. They would then take major steps to improve efficiency and achieve the best practices. Stakeholders such as managers, financiers, and investors may need these results to monitor how firms manage their assets and liabilities. We contribute to the literature by investigating and evaluating firms' WCM super-efficiency pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic employing a unique technique based on DEA super-efficiency and examining whether COVID-19 has affected WCM super-efficiency to extend the scope of knowledge and stressing the importance of sound WCM, especially in periods of economic distress. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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A dimensionless number Nr for the effective design of facial masks was derived and compared with other dimensionless numbers of fluid mechanics. Nr is found to closely resemble Euler's number (Eu). Nr is equal to the logarithmic function of the ratio of inertial force (Fi) of the air to the pressure force (Fp) of the air through the porous membrane of the mask. Nr is then introduced as a novel dimensionless number (Habib number) Ha in which the air flow through a facial mask is derived with parameters for an effective barrier from the COVID-19 virus (SARS COV 2). The introduction of Ha was not only for a comparison reason with other dimensionless numbers of fluid mechanics but also the number Ha is an essential extension of an early work on "Fluid mechanics of facial masks as personal protection equipment (PPE) of COVID-19 virus"[Rev. Sci. Instrum. 92, 074101 (2021)], in which the air flow through the mask is in its optimum design conditions to shield against the COVID-19 virus. As a result, an optimum Nr of expressing the flow of the O2 and N2 gases through the porous membrane was determined (Nr = NO2 = NN2 = Ha = -4.4). This was obtained when the N95 mask with specifications of a = 20 nm, l = 30 μm, and ϵ = 30% was used, with respect to the pressure gradient of the human lungs during exhaled and inhaled conditions, PAverage = 20 mm Hg (g cm-1 S-2), and to the size of the COVID-19 virus of about 125 nm (0.125 μm). In addition, a range of values of Nr was analyzed with respect to the optimum (Ha) value of Nr. On the one hand, when the range value of Nr falls between 0 ≥ Nr ≥ Ha, the mask has less resistance than Nr < -4.4, but not necessarily its optimum design conditions. On the other hand, when Nr = 0, the flow through the mask has no resistance at all, as if the mask does not exist. © 2023 Author(s).
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This study explores the influence of total and individual ESG practices and the coronavirus crisis on US firm performance (FP). A large and recent sample of 406 US firms that adopted ESG issues during 2016–2020 was used. This study uses the generalized least-squares (GLS) regression estimator, the dynamic analysis technique, and robustness tests. The results indicate that firms with heightened ESG practices have better performance measures. In most cases, the results suggest that firms with heightened environmental, social, and governance performances have better performance measures. The results suggest that the coronavirus crisis negatively affected FP measures. In addition, the analyses of the differences suggest significant distinctions in FP due to the coronavirus crisis. This study's findings have important implications for stakeholders. Managers could benefit from the results of this examination by recognizing the status of ESG practices and FP before and during the coronavirus crisis and identifying the linkage between the fulfillment of ESG responsibilities and FP. This study provides noteworthy practical implications that could enable managers to develop strategies and policies for adopting and enhancing ESG practices to achieve the best performance. Furthermore, the results could influence trading processes as investors and financiers pursue attractive financial returns from investments in businesses concerned with ESG issues. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic that developed in late 2019 and early 2020 has caused thousands of deaths and has had an enormous impact on our health systems and economies. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications include disseminated coagulation and thrombosis, but, to the best of our knowledge, the literature to date on these manifestations has been limited. Herein, we report an unusual presentation in a 43-year-old man with a medical history of diabetes and hypertension who presented with dyspnoea and acute pain in his right leg and was found to have acute limb ischaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Our case adds to the literature regarding arterial thrombosis in COVID-19. LEARNING POINTS: Arterial thrombosis in the form of acute limb ischaemia can occur in COVID-19.A high index of suspicion should be maintained for acute limb ischaemia, which is a vascular emergency.
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Objective: To describe side effects from SARS-Cov-2 vaccination and its effect on underlying neuromuscular disease amongst patients followed at the University of California, Irvine Neuromuscular Center. Background: Extensive data on safety and tolerability of SARS-Cov-2 vaccines exists for healthy individuals. However, patients with neuromuscular conditions and especially those on immune modulatory therapy were not included in the pivotal vaccine trials. It is primarily through expert consensus that vaccination is recommended for this patient population. Design/Methods: Patients were advised to inform the study team about their vaccination status. We collected data during in-person clinic visits or via telehealth encounters using a standardized questionnaire between December 2020 and August 2021. When information was provided about upcoming vaccination dates, patients were contacted within 2 weeks for follow up. Results: Information on 363 administered vaccine doses in 214 patients was recorded, including 199 Pfizer-BioNT, 155 Moderna and 9 Johnson & Johnson doses. Our cohort included 84 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and 34 with motor neuron disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Primary Lateral Sclerosis). The remainder (96 patients) included other immunemediated disorders (idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome and other immune neuropathies) as well as acquired and inherited neuromuscular disorders (Inclusion Body Myositis, muscular dystrophy, inherited and acquired neuropathies). One patient with generalized MG had MG exacerbation, and another experienced impending crisis within one week of vaccine administration;both recovered with appropriate therapy. Detailed analyses of the dataset are being performed and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: SARS-Cov-2 vaccinations were well tolerated for the majority of our neuromuscular cohort, similar to what has been reported in healthy individuals. Vaccination did not result in disease exacerbation in the majority of patients with immune-mediated neuromuscular disorders.
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INTRODUCTION: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, providers were encouraged to counsel patients interested in longacting reversible contraception (LARC) about immediate postpartum placement to decrease in-person postpartum visits. We assessed the impact of this COVID-related hospital policy on postpartum LARC uptake. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared patients who delivered a live born infant(s) during two periods, one immediately prior to the COVID pandemic (“pre-COVID cohort” (December 16, 2019 to March 1, 2020)), and one at the onset of the pandemic (“COVID cohort” (March 16-May 31, 2020)). We collected electronic medical record data, including sociodemographic characteristics and contraception choices, in the antenatal and postpartum periods for 649 patients. Odds ratios were adjusted for age and race. RESULTS: We found an increase in immediate postpartum LARC use during COVID (13% vs. 9%, P=.12, aOR 1.44, CI 0.87-2.39). The etonogestrel implant was the most placed form of immediate postpartum LARC in both cohorts (67% and 71% in pre- and during COVID cohorts, respectively). In general, contraceptive choices at discharge differed between the cohorts (P=.01), with fewer patients desiring LARC placement at the postpartum visit during COVID (13% vs. 6% in pre- and during COVID cohorts). There was no difference between the average number of postpartum visits attended in each cohort (OR 0.93, CI 0.68-1.28). CONCLUSION: Changes in contraceptive counseling during COVID were accompanied by differences in postpartum contraceptive choices at discharge. Targeted contraceptive counseling can influence patient choices in the setting of expected barriers to routine postpartum care.
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Purpose: This study aims to explore the relative efficiency of the working capital management (WCM) for Emirati firms before and during the coronavirus crisis. Next, this study explores the potential impact of WCM on the likelihood of financial distress. Design/methodology/approach: A data envelopment analysis (DEA) was applied to assess the relative efficiency of the WCM. This study uses the emerging market Z-score model to predict the likelihood of financial distress. The logistic regression was applied to investigate the impact of the efficiency of WCM on firms’ financial distress. Findings: The results of this study model showed a negative and significant influence of the efficiency of WCM on firms’ financial distress likelihood. Practical implications: The findings have important implications for many stakeholders, including decision makers, WC managers, financiers, investors, financial consultants, researchers and others, in increasing their awareness of firms’ WCM performance before and during the crisis. Further, the results could have implications for trading strategies as investors seek attractive economic gains from their investment in firms that care about WCM. Social implications: The implications of WCM performance on social interests would cause firms’ decision makers to operate efficiently and achieve the best practices to minimise the probability of firms' financial distress. Originality/value: This study advances a novel contribution to the literature by introducing a novel model to assess WCM based on DEA technology. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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Background: In the wake of rise in COVID patients in the country, world is experiencing an acute shortage of mechanical ventilators and medical oxygen to an extent that many hypoxic patients are not able to get oxygen support. The need of the hour is a more efficient Oxygen Delivery device which can be easily accessible to most of remote health setups that are devoid of ICU beds or Ventilators. Moreover with the growing Oxygen Crisis, we also need devices that can help in Oxygen conservation. Objective: To assess the efficiency of bains circuit compared to NRBM in covid -19 patients awaiting NIV support based on SpO2 and PaO2. Methodology: Prospective study conducted on patients presenting with moderate to severe COVID 19 Disease. The study subjects will be randomly assigned to the experimental group. Baseline data (spO2 levels, PaO2 levels) will be collected, the experimental group will be Oxygenated via NRBM then shifted to Bains Circuit on same oxygen flow rates. SpO2 and PaO2 levels will be compared in the same group. Also, the total Oxygen consumption by each patient of same group will be compared.Assuming acute shortage of Oxygen, ventilator beds and ICU beds in most parts of India, the use of Bains Circuit, if proven efficient over NRBM can be a major help to most of the rural and low resource setups. It can be a useful device for transportation of severely hypoxic patients to higher DCHCs. Results: A common trend was seen in patients maintaining sufficient respiratory efforts but reduced SpO2 on NRBM, as soon as shifted on Bain's circuit (connected via a BiPaP mask), a sudden jump in SpO2 and PaO2 (approx. 15-20%) was seen at same oxygen flow rates. Conclusion: As we anticipate 3rd wave of Covid 19, keeping Bain's circuit as choice for oxygen therapy can be a lifesaving alternative for patients awaiting non invasive ventilator support.
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A fluid mechanics model of inhaled air gases, nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) gases, and exhaled gas components (CO2 and water vapor particles) through a facial mask (membrane) to shield the COVID-19 virus is established. The model was developed based on several gas flux contributions that normally take place through membranes. Semiempirical solutions of the mathematical model were predicted for the N95 facial mask accounting on several parameters, such as a range of porosity size (i.e., 1-30 nm), void fraction (i.e., 10-3%-0.3%), and thickness of the membrane (i.e., 10-40 µm) in comparison to the size of the COVID-19 virus. A unitless number (Nr) was introduced for the first time to describe semiempirical solutions of O2, N2, and CO2 gases through the porous membrane. An optimum Nr of expressing the flow of the inhaled air gases, O2 and N2, through the porous membrane was determined (NO2 = NN2 = -4.4) when an N95 facial mask of specifications of a = 20 nm, l = 30 µm, and ε = 30% was used as a personal protection equipment (PPE). The concept of the optimum number Nr can be standardized not only for testing commercially available facial masks as PPEs but also for designing new masks for protecting humans from the COVID-19 virus.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/prevention & control , Masks , SARS-CoV-2 , Biomechanical Phenomena , Carbon Dioxide , Equipment Design , Exhalation , Gases , Humans , Hydrodynamics , Inhalation , Mathematical Concepts , Membranes, Artificial , Models, Theoretical , N95 Respirators , Nitrogen , Oxygen , Personal Protective Equipment , Porosity , SteamABSTRACT
The healthcare system is a vital element for any community, as it extremely affects the socio-economic development of any country. The current study aims to assess the performance of the healthcare systems of the countries above fifty million citizens in facing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since late December 2019. For this purpose, seven scenarios were adopted via the DEA methodology with six variables, which are the number of medical practitioners (doctors and nurses), hospital beds, Conducted Covid-19 tests, affected cases, recovered cases, and death cases. To shed light on the relative efficiency of drivers, the Tobit analysis was used. Besides, the study carried out various statistical tests for the DEA models' findings to validate the choice of the variables and the obtained scores. The DEA results reveal that less than half of the considered countries are relatively efficient. Moreover, the Tobit regression analysis showed that the main impact on the efficiency scores was due to the number of affected and recovered cases. Finally, the results of the tests of Spearman, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H indicate the internal validity and robustness of the chosen DEA models. The current study findings raise important implications, which can be helpful for decision makers regarding continuous improvement of performance, in which the findings assert the importance of achieving the best practices regarding relative efficiency through the linkage between the healthcare systems’ resources, and the needed outputs. © 2021 by the authors;licensee Growing Science, Canada.
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We synthesise the empirical studies on innovation in the accounting, finance, and corporate governance disciplines using Bushman and Smith’s corporate transparency framework as our theoretical lens. The review presents competing findings on the association between financial reporting and innovation. Most of the reviewed studies fail to address the critical question of how the financial reporting system affects the interactions among financial development, corporate governance and innovation. We suggest future research, ranging from enriching the theoretical perspectives to incorporating the future of innovation research in the COVID-19 environment. © 2021 Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand