ABSTRACT
PurposeWith the advent of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to analyse the scenario of panic buying (PB) behaviour of the customers which was evident in the first wave. This paper aims to examine the PB scenario as well as the moderating effect of past buying experience (PBE) on PB in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on the theories of stimulus-organism-response model and the competitive arousal model. Based on these theories, this paper investigates how panic situation created by external stimuli such as perceived scarcity (PS), perceived risk (PR), news in media (NM) and social learning affect the perceived arousal (PA) among people which in turn influence the PB behaviour of customers. Data were collected from 253 customers from different parts of India. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the moderating effect of PBE on the PB in the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. FindingsThe results indicate that the PS, PR and NM continue to be strong predictors of a buyer for PA. However, the PB is not reinforced by the moderation effect of PBE. Research limitations/implicationsThis paper investigates the consumers' PB behaviours in the wake of third wave of COVID-19 pandemic which add to the existing literature of COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, this study also examines how previous buying experience can moderate the PB behaviour of the customers in subsequent phases of COVID-19 pandemic. This supports the potential effectiveness of self-regulation as an intervention strategy for reducing PB behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implicationsThis study emphasises the impact of external stimuli like PS, PR and media coverage on PB behaviour, marketers and policymakers should manage to avoid triggers. Although PBE may not moderate PB during a pandemic, it can play a significant role in future buying behaviour. Anticipating potential triggers and designing effective marketing strategies that cater to customers' needs can help manage PB behaviour during disasters or pandemics. In addition, promoting conscious consumption awareness and self-regulation practices among customers can help manage PB behaviour, benefit the environment and society and make customers more responsible buyers. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study examines the PB behaviour of customers during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic for the first time. This study also investigates the moderating effect of PBE on the PB behaviour of customers during a pandemic which is new and significant that extends the literature on PB behaviour during a pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 outbreak created enormous turmoil all over the world. The health sectors were overburdened with critically ill COVID-19 patients. The load on the health sector burdened and fatigued the health care workers especially the nursing personnel as they were in direct contact with the symptomatic patients predominantly. In each wave, the patients' number surged and overwhelmed the health sectors. In this study, the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) discomfort and mental exhaustion among the nursing personnel were assessed. Methods: The duration of the study was from the end of September 2021 to March 2022. The factors that sourced the discomfort symptoms amidst and the interludes of the later waves of COVID-19 and their interrelations were also assessed here. The Modified Nordic Questionnaire and the COVID Stress Scales (CSS) were used in this study. Results: 73.9% of subjects (N=88) reported the presence of WMSDs symptoms in at least one body region in the last one-year time period with the most prevalent discomfort in the lower back region (42%), followed by discomforts in the ankles, neck, and knee. The mean value of the total score of CSS was 33.74(±19.90) with high mean values in compulsive checking, danger, and contamination subscales. This study showed significant positive correlations between the presence of WMSD symptoms with BMI (rs=0.266, p= 0.012) and CSS total scores (rs=0.216, p=0.043). Conclusion: Large percentages of reports on musculoskeletal discomforts with reports on mental enervation related to COVID-19 indicated weariness of the nursing personnel. The physical exhaustion due to overloading work and the interplay between mental stress and WMSDs revealed pivotal issues of concern. © 2023 The Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM), an age-dependent neoplasm of antibody-producing plasma cells, have compromised immune systems due to multiple factors that may increase the risk of severe COVID-19. The NCATS' National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) is a centralized data resource representing the largest multi-center cohort of ∼12M COVID-19 cases and controls nationwide. In this study, we aim to analyze risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity and death in MM patients using the N3C database. Methods: Our cohort included MM patients within the N3C registry diagnosed with COVID-19 based on positive PCR or antigen tests or ICD-10-CM. The outcomes of interest include all-cause mortality (including discharge to hospice) during the index encounter, and clinical indicators of severity (hospitalization/ED visit, use of mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/ECMO). Results: As of 09/10/2021, the N3C registry included 690371 cancer patients, out of which 17791 were MM patients (4707 were COVID-19+). The mean age at diagnosis was 65.9yrs, 57.6% were >65yo, 46.4% were females, and 21.8% were Blacks. 25.6% had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of ≥2. 55.6% required an inpatient or ED visit, and 3.65% required invasive ventilation. 11.4% developed acute kidney injury during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed histories of pulmonary disease (OR 2.2;95%CI: 1.7-2.8), renal disease (OR 1.8;95%CI: 1.4-2.4), and black race (p<0.001) were associated with higher risk of severity. Interestingly, smoking status was significantly associated with a lower risk of severity (OR 0.7;95%CI: 0.5-0.9). Further, protective association was also observed between COVID-19 severity and blood or marrow transplant (BMT) (OR 0.52;95%CI: 0.4-0.7), daratumumab therapy (OR 0.64;95%CI: 0.42- 0.99) and COVID-19 vaccination (OR 0.28;95%CI: 0.18-0.44). IMiDs were associated increase in the risk of COVID-19 severity (OR 2.1;95%CI: 1.6-2.7). 2.3% of N3C-myeloma COVID-19+ patients died within the first 10 days, while 4.95% died within 30 days of COVID-19 hospitalization. Overall, the survival probability was 90.5% across the course of the study. Multivariate cox proportional hazard model showed that CCI score ≥2 (HR 4.4;95%CI: 2.2-8.8), hypertension (HR 1.6;95%CI: 1.02- 2.4), IMiD (HR 2.6;95%CI: 1.8-3.8) and proteasome inhibitor (HR 1.6;95%CI: 1.1-2.5) therapy were associated with worse survival. COVID-19 vaccination (HR 0.195;95%CI: 0.09-0.45) and BMT (HR 0.65;95%CI: 0.4-0.995) were associated with lower risk of death. Conclusions: We have identified previously unpublished potential risk factors for COVID-19 severity and death in MM as well as validated some published ones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest nationwide study on multiple myeloma patients with COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected many supply chain segments and highlighted the importance of building a single-source Blockchain-based pandemic patient records management system to solve several current and future difficulties. Blockchains, crucially, provide a plug-and-play form of interconnectivity that may act as a foundation for many other enabling technologies facilitating the implementation of artificial intelligence for demanding healthcare services. The formation of this literature allows us to discover various new research concerns and conceptual frameworks. Blockchain-based technologies are being developed to combat this COVID-19 outbreak by using authentication techniques and methods for contact tracing and a system for sharing data, transferring information, and application interface for research purposes. Supply chain management, including an important concept of Logistics for smooth supply of medications, emergency aid, and a potential vaccine, can be effectively planned using blockchain technology. In this paper, several studies have been undertaken on the mentioned topic because the need for a comprehensive review study that identifies the gaps and limitations of existing research and possibilities and objectives for future research is significant in this new normal. © 2022 Seventh Sense Research Group®.
ABSTRACT
Bangladesh is an example of a highly populous, agricultural country where melioidosis may be a significantly under diagnosed cause of infection and death. A recent regression model predicted 16,931 cases annually in Bangladesh with a mortality rate of 56%. However, we only manage to confirm (culture) around 80 cases in last 60 years. A lack of awareness among microbiologists and clinicians and a lack of diagnostic microbiology infrastructure are factors that are likely to lead to the underreporting of melioidosis. Melioidosis transmits through inoculation, inhalation and ingestion. Diabetes mellitus is the most common risk factor (12 times higher chance of getting the infection) predisposing individuals to melioidosis and is present in >50% of all patients. The clinical presentation is widely varied and can be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis or more common forms of pneumonia giving rise to its nickname as the “great mimicker”. Disease manifestations vary from pneumonia or localized abscess to acute septicemias, or may present as a chronic infection. Culture is considered the current gold-standard for diagnosis and culture-confirmation should always be sought in patients where disease is suspected. It is strongly recommended that any non–Pseudomonas aeruginosa, oxidase-positive, Gram-negative bacillus isolated from any clinical specimen from a patient in an endemic area should be suspected to be Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP). In addition, based on antibiogram, any Gramnegative bacilli that are oxidase-positive, typically resistant to aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), colistin, and polymyxin but sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should be considered as BP. This bacteria is inherently resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, first generation and second-generation cephalosporins, gentamicin, tobramycin, streptomycin, and polymyxin. For intensive phase (10 to 14 days), ceftazidime or carbapenem is the drug of choice. For eradication phase (3 to 6 months), oral trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole is the drug of choice. Surgery (drainage of abscess) has an important role in the management of melioidosis. Preventive measures through protective gears could be useful particularly for the risk groups.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had far-reaching economic and mental health impacts on a global scale. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and overall distress may have been exacerbated by the mental health tolls of the pandemic. It is also important to consider the impact of gender, socioeconomic status and whether one is a frontline worker involved in the treatment of critically ill patients. In order to fully recover from the pandemic, we must be able to identify and treat any mental health disorders that may emerge from the effects of social distancing. Improving access to mental health screening and treatment opportunities through platforms that utilize telehealth may be a part of the solution. In addition, providing institutional support for health-care workers, promoting a safe work environment, and encouraging a robust conversation about mental health will aid in mitigating the negative impacts of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Interpersonal and communication skills, Practice-based learning, Systems-based practice
ABSTRACT
The novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 and the virus-induced disease COVID-19 has caused widespread concerns due to its contagiousness, fatality rate, and the absence of drug(s). This study investigated Lens culinaris and its phytochemicals, especially the flavonoids. The compounds were assessed through molecular docking studies for their binding abilities with the major protease of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (PDB: 6LU7). A total of 42 phytochemicals of Lens culinaris were analyzed through molecular docking studies for their binding affinities to COVID 3C-like protease. Of them, 23 compounds were found to have binding affinities to the protease of -7.5 kcal/mol or higher. Our study indicates that Lens culinaris contains a number of polyphenolic compounds as well as phytosterols, which can bind to the active site of the protease, and so merits further scientific attention on trials for use as potential anti-COVID-19 drugs.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had far-reaching economic and mental health impacts on a global scale. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and overall distress may have been exacerbated by the mental health tolls of the pandemic. It is also important to consider the impact of gender, socioeconomic status and whether one is a frontline worker involved in the treatment of critically ill patients. In order to fully recover from the pandemic, we must be able to identify and treat any mental health disorders that may emerge from the effects of social distancing. Improving access to mental health screening and treatment opportunities through platforms that utilize telehealth may be a part of the solution. In addition, providing institutional support for health-care workers, promoting a safe work environment, and encouraging a robust conversation about mental health will aid in mitigating the negative impacts of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.