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Since its occurrence in December 2019, COVID-19 has adversely affected both the personal and professional lives of people across the world. The widespread continuance of the pandemic has increased feelings of stress among people. Focusing on content analysis of data collected from Twitter, a social media platform, the current article aims at identifying and analyzing job-related stress among the masses with a focus on two primary terms related to stress among working people—employment and unemployment. A total of 32,237 tweets were downloaded from locations of four major cities of India, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai based on the keywords used for the study. Content analysis using R was employed as the technique to study the correlation and association of terms to find linkages between feelings/sentiments shared by the masses. Two clusters (Speculative and Misfit-Originators) of job-related stress causes were identified and coping strategies were suggested based on the reasons for stress in the different clusters. The findings suggest that increasing the perception of volition and allaying fears act as coping strategies for employees. © 2023 Fortune Institute of International Business.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discover the factors related to human resource (HR) digital transformation (DT) in Bahrain during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to analyze the impact of e-human resource management (e-HRM) on organizational performance. These factors are funding, information technology (IT) infrastructure, technical support, digital skills or talents, organizational culture, employee resistance and top management support. These factors were tested to determine whether they affected HR DT in Bahrain during COVID-19. There are no findings in the researched literature regarding the proposed factors that affect HR DT in Bahrain during COVID-19 in this study. Design/methodology/approach: For data collection, a quantitative method was applied by conducting an online survey and distributing it to HR executives and employees from multiple organizations in Bahrain, both in the private and public sectors. Findings: This study proposes a DT adoption model based on seven factors extracted from the literature review. A questionnaire was deployed, and accurate data were collected, processed and then analyzed. The logit model shows determinants factor to the DT adoption where all variables have a positive effect. Originality/value: Using technology in an organization's HR practices, known as e-HRM or HR DT, is becoming more crucial since the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike European countries, the HR sector in Bahrain is not prepared to adopt the e-HRM process. This paper proposes a model that enables the HR sector to adopt digital technologies. This model is based on the key factors that enable an effective transition to the sector's digitalization (e-HRM). Future research is sought to provide additional insights into the same factors and measure their effect on HR DT during COVID-19 in other countries. © 2022, Adel Ismail Al-Alawi, Mourad Messaadia, Arpita Mehrotra, Sohayla Khidir Sanosi, Hala Elias and Aysha Hisham Althawadi.
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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted shortfalls in the delivery of vaccine programmes to older migrant groups. Guidelines exist, however, little is known around care pathways and engagement of these older cohorts in routine vaccinations in primary care, including catch-up programmes. We explored the views of primary care professionals around barriers and facilitators to catch-up vaccination in adult migrants (defined as foreign born;18+ years) with incomplete or uncertain vaccination status. Methods We did a qualitative interview study with purposive sampling and thematic analysis in UK primary care (50 practices included nationally;1 hour qualitative interviews) with 64 primary care professionals (PCPs): 48 clinical staff including GPs, Practice Nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs);16 administrative staff including practice managers and receptionists (mean age 45 years;84.4% female;a range of ethnicities). Results Participants highlighted direct and indirect barriers to catch-up vaccines in adult migrants who may have missed vaccines as children, missed boosters, and not be aligned with the UK's vaccine schedule, from both a personal and service-delivery level, with themes including: lack of training and knowledge of guidance around catch-up vaccination among staff;unclear or incomplete vaccine records;and lack of incentivization (including financial reimbursement) and dedicated time and care pathways. Adult migrants were reported as being excluded from many vaccination initiatives, most of which focus exclusively on children. PCPs noted that migrants expressed to them a range of views around vaccines, from positivity to uncertainty, to refusal. Conclusions Vaccine uptake in adult migrants could be improved through implementing new financial incentives, strengthening care pathways and training, and working directly with local community groups to improve understanding around the benefits of vaccination at all ages. Key messages There are direct and indirect barriers to catch-up vaccines in adult migrants who may have missed vaccines as children, missed boosters, and not be aligned with the UK’s vaccine schedule. Primary care teams have a key role to play in implementing WHO’s new Immunization Agenda and to better consider catch-up vaccination to under-immunised groups across the life-course.
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SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Procedures: Creativity and Complications SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 10:15 am - 11:10 am INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in the management of airway disorders have provided additional therapeutic options for pathology, such as central airway obstruction (CAO). Symptomatic CAO has been managed by bronchoscopic interventions with a high risk of airway compromise and respiratory failure. Other alternatives such as mechanical and jet ventilation may not ensure adequate respiratory support during the procedure and cause delays in life-saving treatments. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) has been used as an adjunct to preserve safety during these airway interventions [1,2]. We present a case of complete tracheal occlusion successfully intervened using VV ECMO support. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 55-year-old male with a history of ventilator-dependent respiratory failure s/p tracheostomy, secondary to post COVID-19 fibrosis, who presented from a long-term acute care facility with worsening hypoxemia. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he underwent flexible bronchoscopy via the tracheostomy lumen, which did not reveal a patent airway. Orotracheal intubation was unsuccessful as there was complete occlusion of the airway below the vocal cords with abundant granulation tissue. Interventional pulmonology was consulted, and emergent recanalization of the airway with rigid bronchoscopy-mediated debulking was performed. Due to the severity of hypoxemia, cardiothoracic surgery was consulted, and the patient was placed on VV ECMO to support further intervention. The patient was intubated with EFER-DUMON 13 mm rigid bronchoscope. Complete recanalization was achieved using a rigid barrel and forceps with patency of both mainstems and all segmental bronchi. There were no postprocedural complications, and the patient returned to his baseline ventilator settings. DISCUSSION: VV ECMO has been used as an adjunct to preserve safety during high-risk bronchoscopic interventions, primarily in CAO. Acute respiratory decompensation remains a feared complication during these interventions in cases of CAO. Initiating ECMO before these interventions may reduce the incidence of respiratory failure and airway compromise. In a case series, ECMO has been described by Stokes et al. as a supportive measure facilitating such interventions [3]. Further guidelines are required to standardize ECMO initiation as procedural support during airway interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Planned preprocedural ECMO initiation can prevent respiratory emergencies and allow therapeutic high-risk airway interventions. The choices for this patient were stark- either airway recanalization without ECMO bridge with a risk of hypoxic brain injury vs. VV ECMO support and curative airway intervention. In the absence of large-scale data and based on local availability of excellent ECMO support and Interventional Pulmonology, the latter approach was used, leading to successful and safe airway recanalization. Reference #1: Zapol WM, Wilson R, Hales C, Fish D, Castorena G, Hilgenberg A et al.Venovenous bypass with a membrane lung to support bilateral lung lavage. JAMA 1984;251:3269–71. Reference #2: Fung R, Stellios J, Bannon PG, Ananda A, Forrest P. Elective use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and high-flow nasal oxygen for resection of subtotal malignant distal airway obstruction. Anaesth Intensive Care 2017;45:88–91. Reference #3: Stokes JW, Katsis JM, Gannon WD, Rice TW, Lentz RJ, Rickman OB, Avasarala SK, Benson C, Bacchetta M, Maldonado F. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during high-risk airway interventions. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2021 Nov 22;33(6):913-920. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivab195. PMID: 34293146;PMCID: PMC8632782 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Vatsal Khanna No relevant relationships by Anurag Mehrotra No relevant relationships by Trishya Reddy No relevant relationships by Bernadette Schmidt
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The paper attempts to address issues related to occupational and personal stress faced by bank employees in new normal post-COVID-19, understand its impact on their mental and physical health, and how yoga and meditation can help them to develop self-care capabilities to manage stress in a eustress way. Structured questionnaires were used to collect first-hand data from employees working in public sector banks across India. Factor analysis was conducted on 21 statements which led to the creation of six factors. Using the clustering method, three clusters were identified to determine the profile of employees. This was followed by impact analysis and analysis of coping mechanisms. The study found that bank employees have been mainly grappling with mental health. The study recommends employees to adopt self-care tools to replace the script of fear, anxiety, depression, and insecurity with health, happiness, and joy. © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
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Background: Alcohol use disorders (AUD) account for considerable illness, disability, and mortality. Since the onset of COVID-19, heavy and problematic alcohol use increased. Overall healthcare visits dropped in the US and telemedicine use surged. No prior work has assessed the impact of the pandemic on receipt of AUD care and the role of telemedicine. Aims of the Study: Compare outpatient AUD utilization in the U.S. in 2019 and 2020 among a national commercially insured population of adults ages 18-64. Methods: Using OptumLabs Data Warehouse claims, we developed two AUD cohorts. Individuals were identified as having AUD in the first year and AUD outpatient visit utilization was tracked in the second year. The 2019 cohort (N=23,204) covered the period 2018- 2019 and the 2019 cohort (N=24,445) 2019-2020. In unadjusted analyses we compared the weekly percent of individuals who had an outpatient AUD visit, comparing 2019 and 2020 with a focus on weeks 12-52 (aligning with the start of the 2020 US COVID-19 emergency declaration). We also examined in 2020 what fraction of outpatient visits were conducted via telemedicine (phone or video). We fit logistic regression models examining the association between at least one outpatient AUD visit weeks 12-52 in 2019 vs. 2020, with patient characteristics-demographic (age, sex, US region) and clinical (AUD severity, alcohol related medical condition, co-occurring substance use disorder, prior year mental health outpatient visit, prior year mental health/substance use disorder emergency department visit/hospitalization). Results: Following an initial drop of ∼20%, by week 16 (one month after the US pandemic start), the weekly AUD outpatient visit rate was similar to pre-pandemic. Telemedicine for AUD care quickly increased: from <2% of AUD outpatient visits pre-pandemic in 2020, to 29.8% within the first week (week 12), peaking week 19 (59.2%), and remaining 45.5%-55.6% through 2020. There was no change in receiving at least one AUD outpatient visit weeks 12-52 in 2019 vs. 2020;nor an association between patient demographic and clinical characteristics and receiving at least one outpatient AUD visit. Discussion (with limitations of the study): Initial US pandemic disruptions in AUD outpatient visits resolved within weeks, largely aided by telemedicine. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not associated with differential changes in receipt of AUD care. Limitations include: (i) an inability to evaluate whether utilization reflects patient needs;(ii) individuals with new onset AUD during the pandemic were not included in the study;(iii) AUD is under-diagnosed in clinical care and claims data;(iv) the data are limited to individuals commercially insured-results may differ among Medicaid and Medicare populations. Implications for Health Care Provision and Use: Telemedicine quickly diffused into AUD care during the pandemic and minimized care disruptions. Implications for Health Policies: Telemedicine can be a valuable tool to facilitate access to AUD care. Federal, state and health plan policies that enable the continued use of telemedicine should be considered. Implications for Further Research: Additional research is needed to better understand which models of AUD care that incorporate telemedicine improve patient access, equity, and AUD care quality.
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Cardiac MRI and 2Dimensional speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D STE) are the most sought-after methods to evaluate LV twist mechanics. LV rotational deformation resembles the wringing of a towel, and this deformation is referred as LV twist (LVT), and the subsequent recoil in diastole is known as LV untwist (LVUT). 2D/3D/4D twist mechanics assessment by STE is inherently associated with limitations. Recently introduced 4D XStrain STE has been used for evaluation of strain parameters because of better appraisal of contractile properties of LV, to analyse complex multi-dimensional LV rotational mechanics. This novel technology is a reliable, affordable, and simple tool for quantification of regional myocardial functions, particularly LV strain and rotation parameters. To evaluate and establish the normal values of LV rotation and twist by 4D XStrain STE in healthy Indian adults during the Covid-19 pandemic was the aim of the current study. 46 subjects were enrolled (34 males & 12 females). LA size, LV mass, CO, LVEDV and mitral E/A ratio were significantly greater in males (p<0.01) even though EF was higher in females (p<0.01). GLS, GCS, and GRS were increased in males (p<0.01). Peak basal rotation, peak twist, peak twist rate, and peak untwist rate were also greater in males (p<0.01), nonetheless, peak apical rotation and papillary muscle rotational velocity were greater in females (p<0.01). However, MV rotational velocity was increased in males (p<0.01). This is the first research publication of normal values of LV rotation and twists in healthy Indian adults by 4D XStrain STE.
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Study Objectives: Apart from tetanus and rabies vaccines, emergency departments have been minimally involved in vaccination efforts. As the country and the world continues to fight the COVID19 pandemic, determining new methods to deliver vaccines to people are now more important than ever. Moreover, finding ways to reach populations that are less likely to receive vaccines is equally as important. The objective of this study was to implement a screening and delivery protocol for influenza vaccine in an emergency department setting to demonstrate that emergency department vaccination protocols are viable and an effective public health tool. Methods: A screening protocol was developed based on CDC/ACIP guidelines for influenza vaccination. This screening protocol was implemented at two surban academic emergency departments starting 10/01/2020 and ending 01/31/2020. Demographic information was collected through electronic medical records for all patients who were screened. That information was utilized to analyze patients who accepted and those who refused the vaccine and those that ultimately received the vaccine while in the department. Results: During the trial period, 11, 355 patients were screened out of 25, 485 total patients who utilized the participating emergency departments. Of those screened, 5, 056 (45%) stated they had not received the influenza vaccine. Amongst those 5, 056 patients eligible for the vaccine, 1, 156 (22.9%) had an order placed for vaccine and ultimately 441 (8.7%) received the vaccination. The median ED length of stay (LOS) for all patients presenting to the department was 5 hours and 4.7 hours for patients who had the flu shot ordered. After omitting excessive LOS patients - greater than 16 hours, there was no evidence that having a flu shot ordered was associated with a longer ED length of stay (p < 0.05). Amongst the participants, the patients identifying as African American or Hispanic were less likely to have already received the influenza vaccine compared to non-Hispanic white and Asian identifying patients. Patients identifying as African American were the least likely to accept vaccination. Conversely, patients identifying as Hispanic were more likely than those not identifying as Hispanic to accept vaccination. Patients identifying as Asian were the most likely to have already received the vaccine and to accept the vaccine when offered. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that influenza vaccination protocols are both feasible and effective at distributing influenza vaccine in the emergency department without significantly affecting the length of stay. The patient population utilizing the emergency department is more likely to represent medically underserved populations. Influenza vaccination in the emergency department serves as an opportunity to increase vaccination rates among patients who lack other regular access to healthcare. These results should motivate the implementation of vaccination programs in other emergency departments.
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This paper advances a human rights perspective to the understanding of internet access by viewing it through a comparative lens with reference to countries in Europe, and the USA, India, and China. The question that is explored is: Does internet access warrant recognition as a stand-alone human right, or is it sufficient that access is so bound up with one or more existing rights that formal recognition is unnecessary? Through this paper an effort has been made to analyse whether having a right to internet access as a human right is possible and to argue for the need to recognise such a right given the importance such a right holds, as can be seen especially during the ongoing pandemic when every aspect of life has been shifted to the online mode. © 2021, Nicolaus Copernicus University. All rights reserved.
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This study focuses on using wastewater-based epidemiology to provide early warnings of the second COVID-19 wave in the Detroit metropolitan area of Michigan. SARS-CoV-2 RNA from untreated wastewater samples was compared to reported public health records. Untreated wastewater samples were collected from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), located in southeast Michigan, between August 6, 2020 and December 14, 2020. The WRRF receives wastewater from its service area via three main interceptors: the Detroit River Interceptor (DRI), the North Interceptor-East Arm (NIEA), and the Oakwood-Northwest-Wayne County Interceptor (ONWI). A total of 144 untreated wastewater samples were collected (45, 48, and 51 for ONWI, NIEA, and DRI, respectively) at the point of intake into the WRRF. Virus-selective sampling was conducted, and viruses were isolated from wastewater using electropositive NanoCeram column filters. For each sample, an average of 33 L of wastewater was passed through Nano Ceram electropositive cartridge filters at an average rate of 11 L/min. Viruses were eluted and concentrated, and the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations were quantified with RT-qPCR. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 98% of the samples, and measured concentrations were in the range of 4.45x10(4) to 5.30x10(6) genomic copies/L. Early warnings of COVID-19 peaks were observed approximately 4 weeks prior to reported publicly available clinical data. (C) 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Educational Robotics holds the potential to promote the development of important 21st century skills, such as creativity and problem-solving skills in addition to digital literacy. However, the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has posed particular obstacles that had to be overcome in order to allow Educational Robotics activities to be conducted in distance learning. In the first place, the obligation to work from home limited the access to required equipment for many students. Secondly, many teachers had to face the novel challenge of creating pedagogically meaningful activities in online learning formats. Aiming to address these challenges, this work explored maker-based approaches as a way to implement Educational Robotics activities in online learning. The devised tools and activities were evaluated in two case studies performed with (i) high school students participating in a mobile robotics summer school and (ii) in-service teachers attending a professional development course on Educational Robotics. The teachers' and students' perception of the proposed activities was analyzed using online surveys and video interviews. The findings showed that the combination of the devised tools and activities allowed teachers and students to explore the basics of mobile robotics while helping them develop a maker mindset. The use of ubiquitous construction materials and affordable electronic components promotes the accessibility of the approach. The proposed tools and activities may therefore provide an exemplary framework for more general applications of Educational Robotics in online learning that go beyond the context of emergency remote teaching. © 2013 IEEE.
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Untreated wastewater samples were collected from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) located in southeast Michigan between April 8 and May 26, 2020. The WRRF is the largest single-site wastewater treatment facility in the US, and it receives wastewater from its service area via three main interceptors: Detroit River Interceptor (DRI), North Interceptor-East Arm (NI-EA), and Oakwood-Northwest-Wayne County Interceptor (O-NWI). A total of 54 untreated wastewater samples were collected (18 per interceptor) at the point of intake into the WRRF. Viruses were isolated from wastewater using electropositive NanoCeram column filters (Argonide, Sanford, Florida). For each sample, an average of 45 L of wastewater was passed through NanoCeram electropositive cartridge filters at a rate of no more than 11.3 L/m 11.3 L/m. Viruses were eluted and concentrated and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) concentrations were quantified with reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 100% of samples, and measured concentrations were in the range of 10 4 104-10 5 105 genomic copies/L. Quantification of concentrations of human viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater is a critical first step in the development of wastewater-based epidemiology predictive methods. However, accurate prediction involves the incorporation of multiple other measurements, data, and processes, such as the estimation of fate and detention times of viruses in the sewer collection network, estimation of contributing population, incorporation of disease characteristics based on anthropometric data, and others. A viral disease prediction model (Viral PD) that incorporates all these other inputs is currently being developed for COVID-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
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Untreated wastewater samples were collected from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) located in southeast Michigan between April 8 and May 26, 2020. The WRRF is the largest single-site wastewater treatment facility in the US, and it receives wastewater from its service area via three main interceptors: Detroit River Interceptor (DRI), North Interceptor-East Arm (NI-EA), and Oakwood-Northwest-Wayne County Interceptor (O-NWI). A total of 54 untreated wastewater samples were collected (18 per interceptor) at the point of intake into the WRRF. Viruses were isolated from wastewater using electropositive NanoCeram column filters (Argonide, Sanford, Florida). For each sample, an average of 45 L of wastewater was passed through NanoCeram electropositive cartridge filters at a rate of no more than 11.3 L/m. Viruses were eluted and concentrated and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) concentrations were quantified with reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 100% of samples, and measured concentrations were in the range of 104-105 genomic copies/L. Quantification of concentrations of human viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater is a critical first step in the development of wastewater-based epidemiology predictive methods. However, accurate prediction involves the incorporation of multiple other measurements, data, and processes, such as the estimation of fate and detention times of viruses in the sewer collection network, estimation of contributing population, incorporation of disease characteristics based on anthropometric data, and others. A viral disease prediction model (Viral PD) that incorporates all these other inputs is currently being developed for COVID-19 in Detroit, Michigan. This work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/4.0/.
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Viral infections are well known to pose a serious health threat if not treated on time, which is the current scenario of almost all nations of the world due to COVID19 pandemic. The disease believed to be originated from China in last December has killed >30,000 and infected around 550,000 worldwide in just a span of 3-4 months still poses a larger risk to the society due to unavailability of a potential drug or any other therapeutic intervention. However, the only treatment options available are the drugs prescribed in symptoms similar to those observed in COVID19 or by social distancing so as to halt the mode of human transmission from an infected person any further. Such a situation also highlights that, although we may have achieved scientific advancements in several other medical conditions but more efforts are warranted in near future to limit the spread of such pandemic outbreak. This review introduces the basic concept of COVID19, its epidemiology, diagnosis and management strategies to be followed till any therapeutic drug is made available over the counter.