Statistical Analysis and Effects of Radio Frequency Interference in GPS Signal Quality in Thailand (preprint)

The radio frequency interference (RFI) in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals has recently received much attention in the GNSS community because of frequent jamming issues. The carrier-to-noise density ratio (C/N0) is one of the common parameters to indicate the signal quality. In this work, we aim to analyze the occurrences of local RFI effects in areas surrounding the Suvarnabhumi International Airport as well as remote areas. Specifically, the percentage of RFI levels and raw C/N0 values are analyzed based on the modified RFI detection. The estimated RFI values are created from the raw C/N0 data, followed by the RFI levels generated by the empirical data. We validate the modified RFI detection by using the GNSS reference stations at the urban, suburban, and outside the capital city in Thailand. The user positioning errors with the high (severe) RFI levels are investigated based on the single point positioning (SPP) and real-time kinematics (RTK). From the experimental simulations, the high RFI levels at the urban are higher than those at the suburban. As expected, the statistical analysis covering COVID-19 (2019 to 2023) shows that the high RFI levels in June 2023 (post COVID-19) are more than those in June 2020 and 2021 (lockdown COVID-19) about twofold. Additionally, the SPP and RTK errors with the medium/high RFI levels have the error spikes in the centimeter to meter levels. The RTK performance with the fixed status can be affected and then returned to the float status as well.

Statistical correlation coefficients for single-valued neutrosophic sets and their applications in medical diagnosis

The concept of single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) is considered as an attractive tool for dealing with highly ambiguous and uncertain information. The correlation coefficient of SVNSs acts as an important measure in the single-valued neutrosophic set theory and it has been applied in various fields, such as the pattern recognition, medical diagnosis, decision-making and also clustering analysis. To alleviate the weakness of the existing correlation coefficients, a novel statistical correlation coefficient is put forward to measure the degree of correlation between two SVNSs. This statistical correlation coefficient is developed based on the variance and covariance of SVNSs and its value is between −1 and 1. When solving the multicriteria decision making problems, the criteria show different weight values. To consider the weight information of multiple criteria, the weighted statistical correlation coefficient is developed for SVNSs. Afterwards, two numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed statistical correlation coefficient in the pattern recognition, which can accurately classify unknown patterns into known patterns. Finally, the feasibility and practicability of the proposed correlation coefficient formula are illustrated by a practical multiple attribute decision making problem of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. The comparative results show that the proposed correlation coefficient formula is rational and effective. © 2023 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.

[Latent period and incubation period with associated factors of COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant].

Objective: To estimate the latent period and incubation period of Omicron variant infections and analyze associated factors. Methods: From January 1 to June 30, 2022, 467 infections and 335 symptomatic infections in five local Omicron variant outbreaks in China were selected as the study subjects. The latent period and incubation period were estimated by using log-normal distribution and gamma distribution models, and the associated factors were analyzed by using the accelerated failure time model (AFT). Results: The median (Q1, Q3) age of 467 Omicron infections including 253 males (54.18%) was 26 (20, 39) years old. There were 132 asymptomatic infections (28.27%) and 335 (71.73%) symptomatic infections. The mean latent period of 467 Omicron infections was 2.65 (95%CI: 2.53-2.78) days, and 98% of infections were positive for nucleic acid test within 6.37 (95%CI: 5.86-6.82) days after infection. The mean incubation period of 335 symptomatic infections was 3.40 (95%CI: 3.25-3.57) days, and 97% of them developed clinical symptoms within 6.80 (95%CI: 6.34-7.22) days after infection. The results of the AFT model analysis showed that compared with the group aged 18-49 years old, the latent period [exp(ß)=1.36 (95%CI: 1.16-1.60), P<0.001] and incubation period [exp(ß)=1.24 (95%CI: 1.07-1.45), P=0.006] of infections aged 0-17 years old were prolonged. The latent period [exp(ß)=1.38 (95%CI: 1.17-1.63), P<0.001] and the incubation period [exp(ß)=1.26 (95%CI: 1.06-1.48), P=0.007] of infections aged 50 years old and above were also prolonged. Conclusion: The latent period and incubation period of most Omicron infections are within 7 days, and age may be a influencing factor of the latent period and incubation period.

Preparation of PLA-based SMS nonwoven composites and its applications in protective apparel

The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a huge demand for the protective nonwovens. However, the main raw material of nonwovens comes from petroleum, and the massive consumption of petroleum-based polymers brings great pressure to ecosystem. Therefore, it is significant to develop biodegradable protective barrier products. In this work, a polylactic-based composite (a tri-layer nonwovens composed of spunbond, meltblown and spunbond, SMS) was prepared and applied for protective apparel. The surface morphology and chemical changes of the fibers were characterized and analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The liquid contact angle and permeability, breathability and moisture permeability, frictional charge and mechanical strength of the samples were evaluated and compared. The samples degradability was also recorded. The results demonstrate that the optimum formula for anti-fouling treatment on SMS is F-30. The treated fabric possesses superior liquid repellency and anti-permeability, with contact angles of water and alcohol at 128° and 115° respectively, while the alcohol repellent grade reaches level 7. The treated sample has less strength loss but exhibits favorable breathability, moisture permeability and anti-static properties, which can meet the requirements of protective apparels. After fluorine resin coating, the composite still provide excellent degradation performance, and the weight loss rate reaches more than 80% after 10 days water degradation. These results provide new insights for the application of PLA-based SMS in biodegradable protective apparel. © 2023 The Textile Institute.

Do guests care more about hotel cleanliness during COVID-19? Understanding factors associated with cleanliness importance of hotel guests

Purpose: Growing health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic have led guests to focus on various aspects of hotel cleanliness. This study aims to investigate whether customers' perceived importance of hotel cleanliness during their stay depends on local pandemic severity and moderators of the pandemic–cleanliness relationship. Design/methodology/approach: Based on TripAdvisor data from 26,519 reviews in 2020 for 2,024 hotels across the USA, this study evaluated the importance of hotel cleanliness using the estimated coefficient of the cleanliness score in a regression of overall hotel rating scores. Findings: Results of a multilevel ordered logit model confirmed that a more difficult local pandemic situation rendered cleanliness more important during hotel stays. Additionally, the effect of the pandemic was more pronounced among specific groups: men and travelers with more expertise, and guests staying in hotels without COVID-19 protocols for linen cleaning, with a lower average rating, with a larger size and in a more urbanized location. Originality/value: This study represents a pioneering effort to assess how pandemics shape people's (perceived) importance of cleanliness during hotel stays based on revealed data. Despite potential managerial relevance, a number of the moderating variables included in this study, such as traveler expertise and hotel location, have never been studied within the context of cleanliness perceptions during a pandemic. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Risk management research in East Asia: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive analysis of risk management in East Asia from 1998 to 2021 by using bibliometric methods and tools to explore research trends, hotspots, and directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach: The data source for this paper is the Web of Science Core Collection, and 7,154 publications and related information have been derived. We use recognized bibliometric indicators to evaluate publications and visually analyze them through scientific mapping tools (VOS Viewer and CiteSpace). Findings: The analysis results show that China is the most productive and influential country/region. East Asia countries have strong cooperation with each other and also have cooperation with other countries. The study shows that risk management has been involved in various fields such as credit, supply chain, health emergency and disaster especially in the background of COVID-19. We also found that machine learning, especially deep learning, has been playing an increasingly important role in risk management due to its excellent performance. Originality/value: This paper focuses on studying risk management in East Asia, exploring its publication's fundamental information, citation and cooperation networks, hotspots, and research trends. It provides some reference value for scholars who are interested or further research in this field. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Applying a Hybrid MCDM Model to Evaluate Green Supply Chain Management Practices

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global supply chain managers to reassess their operations. Developing a green supply chain requires successfully integrating environmental responsibility principles and benchmarks into supply chain management practices. In the past, there have been few studies on the most effective strategies for reducing the environmental impact of supply chains and improving their sustainability. This study used the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to construct a structural model evaluation system of the green supply chain management (GSCM) to evaluate the interdependent relationships among dimensions and criteria. A GSCM evaluation system was created after using the DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) to convert the GSCM evaluation indicators and impact factors into degrees of importance. This study explores the obstacles and challenges that organizations face when implementing GSCM practices and how these challenges can be overcome. The results found that organizational changes had the most significant impact, given that they would also improve the other three dimensions. Among the 16 evaluation criteria, resource allocation and market expansion optimization were the most important. Based on these findings, the study proposed specific improvement strategies that corporations and other stakeholders could use to adopt GSCM practices. © 2023 by the authors.

Using an experiential learning model to teach clinical reasoning theory and cognitive bias: an evaluation of a first-year medical student curriculum

BACKGROUND: Most medical students entering clerkships have limited understanding of clinical reasoning concepts. The value of teaching theories of clinical reasoning and cognitive biases to first-year medical students is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the value of explicitly teaching clinical reasoning theory and cognitive bias to first-year medical students. METHODS: Using Kolb's experiential learning model, we introduced dual process theory, script theory, and cognitive biases in teaching clinical reasoning to first-year medical students at an academic medical center in New York City between January and June 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instruction was transitioned to a distance learning format in March 2020. The curriculum included a series of written clinical reasoning examinations with facilitated small group discussions. Written self-assessments prompted each student to reflect on the experience, draw conclusions about their clinical reasoning, and plan for future encounters involving clinical reasoning. We evaluated the value of the curriculum using mixed-methods to analyze faculty assessments, student self-assessment questionnaires, and an end-of-curriculum anonymous questionnaire eliciting student feedback. RESULTS: Among 318 total examinations of 106 students, 254 (80%) had a complete problem representation, while 199 (63%) of problem representations were considered concise. The most common cognitive biases described by students in their clinical reasoning were anchoring bias, availability bias, and premature closure. Four major themes emerged as valuable outcomes of the CREs as identified by students: (1) synthesis of medical knowledge;(2) enhanced ability to generate differential diagnoses;(3) development of self-efficacy related to clinical reasoning;(4) raised awareness of personal cognitive biases. CONCLUSIONS: We found that explicitly teaching clinical reasoning theory and cognitive biases using an experiential learning model provides first-year medical students with valuable opportunities for developing knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to clinical reasoning.

A Case Report of Electrical Storm Post-Covid-19 Vaccination

INTRODUCTION: Post-vaccination arrhythmia is reported as a possible cardiovascular side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. We present a case of ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm in a young healthy man following the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination in the absence of underlying structural heart disease, myocarditis or arrhythmic syndromes. DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old male with no medical history was admitted after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and found to be in VT storm within 24 hours of receiving his 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination. He received 4 shocks en route and had another episode of pulseless VT on arrival where Amiodarone was initiated. Laboratory values showed elevated inflammatory markers, and COVID tests were negative. Troponin peaked at 1.5 ng/ml. Initial transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without regional wall motion abnormality. On Day 2, he developed VT storm and was given magnesium sulfate, lidocaine and an additional bolus of amiodarone. Repeat TTE revealed a significant decrease in EF. He became hypotensive requiring inotropes and was emergently taken to the cath lab where intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and temporary transvenous pacing (TVP) were placed. Cardiac catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries, elevated left ventricular end diastolic pressure and mildly dilated LV with global hypokinesis and EF of 30%. His condition slowly improved without further occurrences of VT storm. Follow up TTE revealed normal LVEF, IABP and TVP were removed, and he was extubated. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of myocarditis with normal LV size. An automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed. Genetic testing for Brugada syndrome was negative. DISCUSSION: VT storm typically occurs with underlying structural heart disease, inherited arrhythmic syndromes or myocarditis, and is often difficult to identify a specific trigger. Although this is the first case report of VT storm occurring after the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to note that the lack of a definitive test to diagnose myocarditis such as biopsy is a major limiting factor. This case report also supports the need for structured studies regarding a possible relationship between VT storm and COVID-19 vaccination.

Increasing Bioburden of Candida auris Body Site Colonization is Associated with Environmental Contamination

Background: Environmental contamination is suspected to play a key role in transmission of Candida auris in healthcare facilities. We recently showed that environmental surfaces near C. auris-colonized patients are commonly recontaminated within hours after disinfection. Clinical factors contributing to environmental contamination are not well characterized. Methods: We conducted a multi-regional (Chicago, IL;Irvine, CA) prospective study of environmental contamination associated with C. auris colonization at six long-term care facilities (LTCF) and 1 acute-care hospital (ACH). On day of sampling, 5 participant body sites were cultured once, followed by routine daily room cleaning by facility staff, then targeted disinfection of high-touch surfaces with hydrogen peroxide wipes by research staff. Surfaces were cultured for C. auris using pre-moistened sponge-sticks and neutralizer immediately pre- and post-disinfection, and 4, 8, and 12 hours post-disinfection. We calculated the odds of surface recontamination after disinfection as a function of body site colonization with C. auris using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering among multiple surfaces within timepoints, patients, and facilities. Models included an interaction between facility type and colonization. Results: C. auris was cultured from ≥1 body site in 41 participants (12 ACH and 29 LTCF patients, 205 body sites) on day of sampling. Proportion of body sites colonized did not vary by facility type (Table). Although environmental contamination rates were similar prior to disinfection [ACH 38% (n=60 samples) vs LTCF 29%, (n=145 samples), p=0.209)], the proportion of surfaces recontaminated between 4–12 hours after disinfection was higher in ACH vs LTCF (n=574 samples) (Figure). Number of body sites colonized with C. auris was associated with higher odds of environmental recontamination [ACH: OR 2.16 (95% CI 1.63–2.88), p< 0.001;LTCF: OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.07–1.84), p=0.015;Interaction ACH vs LTCF p< 0.001].Figure.Percent of Environmental Surfaces Recontaminated with C. auris within 12 hours of Cleaning by Facility Type Conclusion: The number of body sites colonized was associated with odds of C. auris environmental contamination. Differences in environmental recontamination by facility type may be related to greater provider-patient interactions in ACH as a driving factor. Disclosures: Gabrielle M. Gussin, MS, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products;Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products;Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products Raveena D. Singh, MA, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products;Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products;Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products Raheeb Saavedra, AS, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products;Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products;Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products Nicholas M. Moore, PhD, D(ABMM), Abbott Molecular: Grant/Research Support;Cepheid: Grant/Research Support Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products;Molnlyke: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals received contributed antiseptic product;Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products;Xttri m Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic product Mary K. Hayden, MD, Sanofi: Member, clinical adjudication panel for an investigational SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Nivolumab (NIVO) + chemotherapy (chemo) vs chemo in patients (pts) with EGFR-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) with disease progression after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in CheckMate 722

Background: Treatment (tx) options are limited for pts with EGFR-mutated (mut) mNSCLC who experience disease progression following EGFR TKIs. CheckMate 722 (NCT02864251) is a randomized, open-label, phase 3 study of NIVO + chemo vs chemo in pts with EGFR-mut mNSCLC after progression on EGFR TKIs. Method(s): Pts with EGFR-mut mNSCLC (including uncommon mutations) with disease progression on 1 or 2 prior lines of EGFR TKI tx (including 1st or 2nd generation TKI for those with no T790M mutation and/or osimertinib regardless of T790M mutation) were stratified by tumor PD-L1, presence of brain metastases, smoking history, and prior osimertinib. Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive NIVO 360 mg Q3W + chemo (platinum + pemetrexed) Q3W or chemo for <= 4 cycles;pts without progression received NIVO + pemetrexed or pemetrexed, respectively, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or <= 2 y for NIVO. Primary endpoint: PFS. Secondary endpoints: OS, ORR, DOR, and 9- and 12-mo PFS rates. Result(s): In all, 294 pts were randomized;baseline characteristics were well balanced between treatment arms. At final analysis (minimum follow-up: 18.2 mo), there was no statistically significant improvement in PFS with NIVO + chemo vs chemo (HR [95% CI]: 0.75 [0.56-1.00];P = 0.053). No difference in PFS was seen between treatment arms across most subgroups except in pts with sensitizing EGFR mutations (n = 269) and 1 prior line of EGFR TKI tx (n = 248);HR (95% CI) was 0.72 (0.54-0.97) for both. Other efficacy results are presented (Table). Grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs occurred in 45% (NIVO + chemo) vs 29% (chemo) of pts. [Formula presented] Conclusion(s): NIVO + chemo did not show statistically significant improvement in PFS in pts with EGFR-mut mNSCLC after progression on EGFR TKIs;however, a trend of benefit was seen in pts with sensitizing EGFR mutations and in those with 1 prior line of EGFR TKI tx. No new safety signals were identified. Clinical trial identification: NCT02864251. Editorial acknowledgement: All authors contributed to and approved the ;writing and editorial assistance were provided by Thai Cao, MS, of Envision Pharma Group, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb. Legal entity responsible for the study: Bristol Myers Squibb (Princeton, NJ). Funding(s): Bristol Myers Squibb (Princeton, NJ) and Ono Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. (Osaka, Japan). Disclosure: T.S.K. Mok: Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: AbbVie, ACEA Pharma, Alpha Biopharma, Amgen, Amoy Diagnostics, BeiGene, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Daiichi Sankyo, Fishawack Facilitate, InMed Medical Communication, Lunit USA, Inc., Merck Serono, MSD, Roche, MD Health, Medscape/WebMD, PeerVoice, Permanyer SL, Prime Oncology, Research to Practice, Touch Medical Media, Sanofi-Aventis, Takeda, PER, Daz Group, Janssen Pharmaceutical NV, Jiahui Holdings Co., LiangYiHui Healthcare, Lucence Health Inc., Merck Pharmaceuticals HK Ltd, MiRXES, Novartis, OrigiMed Co. Ltd., Pfizer, Shanghai BeBirds Translation & Consulting Co., Ltd., Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, AstraZeneca;Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: AbbVie, ACEA Pharma, Alpha Biopharma, Amgen, Amoy Diagnostics, BeiGene, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Blueprint Medicines, Berry Oncology, CStone Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, Fishawack Facilitate, Eisai, Gritstone Oncology, Guardant Health, G1 Therapeutics, Hengrui, Ignyta, IQVIA, Incyte Corporation, Inivata, Janssen, Loxo Oncology, Qiming Dev., Lunit USA, Inc., Merck Serono, MSD, Roche, Mirati Therapeutics, MoreHealth, Novartis, OrigiMed, Puma Tech., Sanofi-Aventis, Takeda, Virtus Medical, Yuhan, Curio Science, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Covidien LP, C4 Therapeutics, Cirina Ltd., Da Volterrra, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd / Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Lucence Health Inc., Medscape LLC / WebMD, MiRXES, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Pfizer, SFJ Pharmaceutical Ltd., Synergy Research, Tigermed, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Berry Oncology, D3 Bio Ltd., Lakeshore Biotech;Financial In erests, Personal, Invited Speaker, Former known as Hutchison Chi-Med: HutchMed;Financial Interests, Personal, Officer, Chairman: ACT Genomics-Sanomics Group;Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares: Sanomics Ltd., Biolidics Ltd., Aurora Tele-Oncology, AstraZeneca;Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares, Former known as Hutchison Chi-Med: HutchMed;Financial Interests, Institutional, Funding, For clinical trials performed at CUHK: AstraZeneca, BMS, Merck Serono, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SFJ Pharmaceuticals, XCovery, Takeda, G1 Therapeutics, Clovis Oncology;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Role: geneDecode;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Other, Invited Speaker: AstraZeneca, Aurora Tele-Oncology, Lunit USA, Inc., Sanomics Ltd.;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role, Term ended on 30 June 2022: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO);Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role: Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group (ATORG), Chinese Lung Cancer Research Foundation Limited (CLCRF), Hong Kong Cancer Fund (HKCF), Hong Kong Cancer Therapy Society (HKCTS), St. Stephen's College & Prep. School (Hong Kong);Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role, Term ended: Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO);Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role, Term ended on 30 April 2019: International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). K. Nakagawa: Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Amgen Inc., Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., AstraZeneca K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., MSD K.K., Pfizer Japan Inc., Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd., Taiho Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., CMIC ShiftZero K.K., Life Technologies Japan Ltd., Neo Communication, Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd., Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 3H Clinical Trial Inc., Care Net, Inc., Medical Review Co., Ltd., Medical Mobile Communications co., Ltd, YODOSHA CO., LTD., Nikkei Business Publications, Inc., Japan Clinical Research Operations, CMIC Co., Ltd., Novartis Pharma K.K., TAIYO Pharma Co., Ltd.;Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: Ono Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K.;Financial Interests, Institutional, Other, patents sales fee: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.;Financial Interests, Institutional, Research Grant: PAREXEL International Corp., PRA HEALTHSCIENCES, EPS Corporation., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., EPS International Co.,Ltd,., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Taiho Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., MSD K.K., Ono Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., PPD-SNBL K.K, SymBio Pharmaceuticals Limited., IQVIA Services JAPAN K.K., SYNEOS HEALTH CLINICAL K.K., Nippon Kayaku Co.,Ltd., EP-CRSU Co., Ltd., Mebix, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb K.K., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co., Ltd., AstraZeneca K.K., Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Covance Japan Inc., Japan Clinical Research Operations, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline K.K., Sanofi K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co.,Ltd., Sysmex Corporation, Medical Reserch Support, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Amgen Inc., Novartis Pharma K.K., Novartis Pharma K.K., SRL, Inc. K. Park: Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: JNJ, Astra Zeneca, Daiichi Sankyo, BMS, Takeda;Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: Boehringer Ingelheim;Financial Interests, Personal, Other, DMC member: BeiGene, Incyte;Financial Interests, Personal, Other, Advisor/Consultant: Genius, IMBdx;Financial Interests, Institutional, Research Grant: AstraZeneca, MSD. Y. Ohe: Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: AstraZeneca, Chugai, ONO, BMS, Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Takeda, MSD, Novartis;Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: AstraZeneca, BMS, Celltrion, Amgen, Nippon Kayaku, Takeda, Pfizer, ONO, Janssen, AnHeart Therapeutics Inc;Financial Interests, Institutional, Invited Speaker: AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Amgen;Financial Interests, Personal and Institutional, Invited Speaker: Takeda, ONO;Non-Financ al Interests, Personal, Leadership Role: JSMO, JLCS, JCOG;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Member: ASCO. N. Girard: Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: AstraZeneca, BMS, MSD, Roche, Pfizer, Mirati, Amgen, Novartis, Sanofi;Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: AstraZeneca, BMS, MSD, Roche, Pfizer, Janssen, Boehringer, Novartis, Sanofi, AbbVie, Amgen, Lilly, Grunenthal, Takeda, Owkin;Financial Interests, Institutional, Research Grant, Local: Roche, Sivan, Janssen;Financial Interests, Institutional, Funding: BMS;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Officer, International Thymic malignancy interest group, president: ITMIG;Other, Personal, Other, Family member is an employee: AstraZeneca. Y. Wu: Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Hengrui, Merk, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Hengrui, Merk, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Yunhan, Eli Lilly;Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: AstraZeneca, MSD, Takeda;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role: Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group (CTONG);Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Other, WCLC 2020 Conference Chair: IASLC;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role, Past President: Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO). J.F. Gainor: Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Genentech/Roche, Takeda, Lilly, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Novartis, iTeos, Karyopharm, Silverback Therapeutics, GlydeBio, BeiGene;Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares, Immediate family member is an employee. Note: Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is not involved in any oncology drug development. It is focused on gastroenterology.: Ironwood Pharmaceuticals;Financial Interests, Personal and Institutional, InvitedSpeaker: Novartis;Financial Interests, Institutional, Invited Speaker: Genentech, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Jounce, Alexo. X. Zhang: Financial Interests, Personal, Full or part-time Employment: Bristol Myers Squibb;Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares: Bristol Myers Squibb. J. Sylvester: Financial Interests, Personal, Full or part-time Employment: Bristol Myers Squibb;Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares: Bristol Myers Squibb. S. Li: Financial Interests, Personal, Full or part-time Employment: Bristol Myers Squibb;Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares: Bristol Myers Squibb. J.C. Yang: Financial Interests, Institutional, Advisory Board: Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi Sankyo, Amgen, Novartis, Bayer, GSK, Takeda Oncology, Puma Pharmaceuticals, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Merck Serono, MSD, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Roche/Genentech, Janssen;Financial Interests, Institutional, Invited Speaker: Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Astrazeneca, MSD, Ipsen, Takeda Oncology;Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: Yuhan Pharmaceuticals;Financial Interests, Personal, Invited Speaker: Dizal Pharmaceutical, Novartis, Numab, Merck, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Bayer, Janssen;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Leadership Role, Board of Director: IASLC;Non-Financial Interests, Personal, Member: ASCO. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest. Copyright © 2022

A smart audio device Tochie for long-term care residents to stay connected with family during COVID lockdown

Background: The effects of isolation and loneliness have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While assistive technology offers potential benefits for long-term care residents, there is limited evidence on technology adoption in complex care environments in LTC. The voices of older persons, family members and staff perspectives are not adequately included in implementation science literature. The poster report the adoption of Tochie, a smart audio device that allows family members to remotely record and schedule messages, such as daily reminders or comforting audio recordings, to send to their loved ones in LTC care homes during the time of COVID lockdown. Method(s): We applied qualitative descriptive design with interview and focus group methods. A total of 25 people in LTC participated in the study, including residents, family members, and care staff from two long-term care homes in British Columbia, Canada. Each resident was given a device to use with their family member for a four-week intervention period. The research team checked in with family members and staff weekly via telephone and email to provide support and gather feedback. Pre- and post-intervention focus groups and interviews were held via Zoom and phone correspondence to learn about participants' experiences using Tochie. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes. Result(s): Four common themes were identified to describe the experience of using Tochie in LTC: (a) fostering emotional connection (b) connecting in creative and personalized ways (c) considering contextual considerations in LTC (d) lessons learned for future developments. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us an opportunity to redefine and reconstruct what it means to "keep in touch" with loved ones in care settings. In our study, residents, families and staff highlighted the ways in which Tochie has enabled and expanded possibilities for family connection. Our findings offer pragmatic insights into challenges and possibilities for future product development and implementation. Copyright © 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.

Using a smart audio device, Tochie to deliver family messages in long-term care

BACKGROUND: Long-term care (LTC) residents are more likely to experience loneliness, social isolation and have dementia (Garner et al., 2018;Hou & Ngo, 2021). The effects of isolation have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While assistive technology has been a popular topic in gerontological health research, there have been limited findings on the experience of technology adoption in complex care environments such as LTC, and on family member and staff perspectives. "Tochie" is a smart audio device that allows family and significant others to remotely record and schedule messages, such as daily reminders or comforting audio recordings, to send to their loved ones in care settings. Our research explores the experiences of residents, families, and staff using the Tochie device in LTC.

China's Evolving Perspectives on the Quad

The revival of the Quad with an "Indo-Pacific strategy" was initially not taken seriously by China. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in 2020, especially after the China-US trade war, the Quad is increasingly moving in a strategic direction aimed at containing China. From China's perspective, the United States is staging a "five-four-three-two" formation in the Asia-Pacific, a form of an Asian NATO. In response, China's diplomatic efforts will focus on breaking the strategic containment of the US-led Quad.

Adopting a systems view of disrupting crisis-driven food insecurity.

OBJECTIVES: During the COVID crisis, the incidence of food insecurity worsened around the globe. We were reminded that: food insecurity existed before COVID, worsened during this crisis, and will unfortunately be a persistent phenomenon in the post-COVID world. It is evident that to counter this public health threat, systematic changes will need to happen. In this short communication, we introduce the notion of a systems-oriented framework that can guide appropriate actions for us to disrupt future food insecurity crises. STUDY DESIGN: This short communication identifies preliminary observations based on relevant past studies that documented the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity, and the researchers' conceptualization of a framework on how we may address future crisis-driven food insecurity challenges. METHODS: Systems-oriented framework was conceptualized based on preliminary observations in studies that investigated food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: This short communication explores the notion of a systems-oriented framework as a guide to future action to prevent crisis-driven food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS: The systems-oriented framework emphasizes the importance of action across macro, meso, and micro levels, and synchronization to maximize synergies.

Be Good or Do Good? A Construal Level Theory Perspective on Corporate Ambivalent Behaviors: An Abstract

During the COVID-19 crisis it is crucial that companies understand that the brand messages they are delivering to their consumers may be perceived differently based on mental distance, hence being mindful of the decisions they make. The goal of this research is to understand how psychological distances can influence the perceptions of consumers toward organization’s decisions in ambivalent situations. We examine such responses from the view of consumers and rely on Construal Level Theory (CLT) to inform and predict possible outcomes. Their actions, which can often send mixed messages, indicate ambivalence depending on whether they convey morality or competence efforts more. It is important, through the lenses of CLT, to examine how psychological distance formed from messaging can influence how consumers perceive an organization’s level of competence or morality. We investigate the perspectives and evaluations of consumers regarding ambivalence acts of an organization based on spatial distance (near vs. far). A between subject’s behavioral experiment design was used and we randomly assigned participants to one of the two different spatial conditions, near or far. Participants read about the ambivalent situation we created regarding the university’s decision during COVID-19 and were randomly assigned to either competence ambivalent or morality ambivalent. We demonstrate that this can result in varying customer perceptions toward the organization. Our findings show that customers at a distance (far spatial distance) will value the moral decisions made by the organization more than its level of competency. Whereas there was no significant difference when customers are local (near spatial distance). Our results suggest that in order to be perceived more positively and increase customer satisfaction levels, organizations should take morality based actions over competence based actions. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Implementation of E-Learning in New Taipei City During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions around the world have closed, affecting more than 60% of students and causing massive disruption to the education system. Taiwan is no exception. For this sudden and dramatic change, teachers, students, and parents all confront significant challenges. In order to make specific suggestions for improvement, the study aims to explore the current state of e-learning in Taiwan and to understand the difficulties faced by teachers, parents, and students. The study conducted in-depth interviews with 20 teachers, 12 parents, and 24 students. The research results show that in New Taipei City, there are barely any online courses for grades 1 and 2, blended learning is mainly for grades 3 and 4, and synchronous e-learning is designed for grades 5 and 6. The main challenges in adopting e-learning in primary schools include, as follows: (i) Teachers, parents, and students are unfamiliar with the user interface of the e-learning platform. (ii) Insufficient hardware and software equipment at home. (iii) Teachers cannot take care of special students. (iv) Communication between teachers and parents is not smooth. (v) Difficulty in assessing learning progress online. (vi) Students are easily distracted from their studies. Based on the above research results, the researchers put forward specific suggestions for future online teaching practices. © 2022 by the authors;licensee Modestum. All Rights Reserved.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on US Childhood Caries and Potential Mitigation.

Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic and low-income US children have a higher prevalence of untreated caries than their higher-income and non-Hispanic White (NHW) counterparts. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental offices and school sealant programs closed beginning March 2020. We examine the effect of reduced access to restorative care and sealants on the oral health of children from low-income households overall and by race/ethnicity and how increased sealant delivery in September 2022 could mitigate these effects. We used Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation to model COVID-19's impact on first permanent molar (1M) caries incidence and loss in quality of life (disability-adjusted life years [DALYs]) due to time lived with 1M untreated caries. Our model followed a cohort of children aged 7 y in March 2020 until February 2024. Model inputs were primarily obtained from published studies and nationally representative data. Excess DALYs per 1,000 children attributable to reduced access to care during the pandemic were 1.48 overall and greater for Hispanic (2.07) and NHB (1.75) children than for NHW children (0.94). Excess incidence of 1M caries over 4 y was 2.28 percentage points overall and greater for Hispanic (2.63) and NHB (2.40) children than for NHW (1.96) children. Delivering sealants to 50% of eligible 1Ms in September 2022 would not completely mitigate COVID-19's health access impact: overall excess DALYs would decrease to 1.05, and absolute disparities in excess DALYs between NHW children and Hispanic and NHB children would remain but decrease by 0.38 and 0.33, respectively. Sealing 40% of eligible 1Ms, however, would bring overall 4-y caries incidence down to pre-COVID-19 levels and eliminate the differential effect of the pandemic on children from minority groups. The pandemic's negative impact on the oral health of children from low-income households and increased disparities could be partially mitigated with increased sealant delivery.

Epidemiology of Laboratory-identified Late-onset SARS-CoV-2 Positivity in Two Large, Urban, Acute-Care Hospitals: Implications for Surveillance of Hospital-Acquired COVID-19

Background. Laboratory identification (Lab-ID) of late-onset SARS-CoV-2 positive tests during a hospital stay is a potential public health surveillance approach for hospital-acquired COVID-19. However, prolonged RNA fragment shedding and intermittent detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus via PCR testing among infected patients may hamper interpretation of laboratory-identified events. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of late-onset SARS-CoV-2 laboratory events using clinical criteria, to evaluate the feasibility of a Lab-ID approach to detection of nosocomial SARS-COV-2 infection. Methods. We evaluated all SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive results recovered from patients at two acute-care hospitals in Chicago, IL, during March 1 - November 30, 2020. Each hospital maintained stringent infection control policies through-out the study period. Through chart review (WT & CS), we categorized all initial SARSCoV-2 positive tests collected > Hospital Day 5 (defined as 'late-onset' based on the 5-day mean incubation period for COVID-19) into the following clinical categories: Community Acquired;Unlikely Hospital Acquired;Possible Hospital Acquired;and Probable Hospital Acquired. Categorizations were made using hospital day, symptoms, alternative diagnoses, and clinical notes (Figure 1). Results. Of 2,671 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, most positive tests (n=2,551;96%) were recovered pre-admit or by Hospital Day 2;first positive tests were uncommon during Hospital Days 6 to 14 (n=40;1.5%);and rare after Hospital Day 14 (n=15;0.6%). By chart review, of the 55 late-onset records reviewed, categorizations in descending order were: Prior positive at outside facility (n=23);Possible Hospital Acquired (n=16);Community Acquired (n=12);Probable Hospital Acquired (n=4). Less than half of the late-onset cases were categorized as a possible or probable hospital acquisition (Figure 2). Conclusion. Hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection was uncommon. Most late-onset episodes of SARS-CoV-2 were explained by detection at an outside healthcare facility or by delayed diagnosis of patients with symptoms at time of presentation. A Lab-ID approach to nosocomial COVID-19 surveillance would potentially misclassify a substantial number of patients.