Continuing working from home in the academic context: what do female academics prefer?

Through addressing female academics in three public universities in Egypt, we aim to find out the extent to which female academics prefer to continue working from home (WFH) as a means of fulfilling their job responsibilities and the determinants for accepting or rejecting that option. A qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with 33 female academics from three public universities selected from among 26 public institutions of higher education in Egypt. Moreover, our findings show that the preference to continue working from home varies across the addressed female academics, as they all differ in terms of workload, psychological well-being and the level of authority, control, and autonomy they have over their job. Furthermore, we identified familial commitments, availability of the information and infrastructure needed for work, cohesiveness when adopting WFH, and the extreme level of work from home as the four main determinants shaping the preferences of female academics in regard to working from home. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Career shock of hotel employees and their individual resilience: an exploratory study

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the extent to which global shocks like Covid-19, climate crisis or war in Ukraine represent a negative career shock for hotel employees and how their individual resilience helps them to mitigate such shock. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research method is used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 full-time employees working at four hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Thematic analysis was used to extract the main ideas from the transcripts. Findings: The findings showed that some of the addressed employees do not perceive the impact of current wicked problems as a negative career shock that would cause them to divert their career paths particularly because of the recent support they receive from their professional and social circles. However, some respondents are worried about their career prospects owing to the dramatic events affecting beach tourism in Egypt this past decade. Findings reveal that managing negative career shocks necessitates institutional support, as well as employee responsibility and the adaptation. Originality/value: This paper contributes by filling a gap in hospitality, and human resources management, in which empirical studies on the relationship between career shock of hotel employees and their individual resilience have been limited so far. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 severity on male sexual functions among patients on follow-up after hospital discharge

Objectives Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has infected millions of people worldwide with extensive affection and damage to body systems and organs;hence, the study of post-coronavirus disease (COVID) sequences is mandatory. Till now, reports are upcoming on the considerable effects of COVID-19 on male sexual health with no final data. Patients and Methods: Our cohort study included 76 male COVID-19-infected patients, confirmed positive via nasopharyngeal PCR swab. The rationale of this study was to estimate the influence of clinical, laboratory, and radiological severity parameters of COVID-19 on male erectile dysfunction based on erectile scores and male sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol). Result(s): Our results have demonstrated a highly statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 severity (mild, moderate, and severe cases) and both erectile scores (erection hardness score and International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5) and testosterone hormones at first and third month after COVID (P0.001), except for testosterone level at third month and COVID-19 severity, which showed a statistically significant difference, with P value of 0.031. Conclusion(s): The current study correlated the effect of COVID-19 severity in the terms of clinical, laboratory, and radiological presentations on male sexual dysfunction (erectile scores and testosterone hormone) at first and third month after hospital discharge, with statistical significance being highly affected in severe rather than moderate and mild cases. This strengthens the obvious effect of COVID-19 infection on male sexual dysfunction. Copyright © 2023 The Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis.

Responsible leadership practices in the hospitality sector family businesses: evidence from an emerging market

Purpose: The study aims to find out the extent to which hospitality sector family-owned businesses in Egypt feel committed to responsible leadership practices and subsequently meet their stakeholders' expectations. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 owners of family restaurants in Egypt. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the collected data resulting in four major themes. Findings: The authors find that the four dimensions (aggregation of virtuousness, stakeholder involvement, individual competencies and ethical contributions) are not fully exercised by the owners despite their readiness to behave correctly according to social norms. Furthermore, the respondents elaborated that they do not fully understand how to commence playing a role in contributing to the common good in their societies. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first to empirically investigate responsible leadership practices in the context of small and medium-sized family businesses (restaurants in this case), particularly in the emerging market and non-Western contexts. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Extreme work environment and career commitment of nurses: empirical evidence from Egypt and Peru

Purpose: This paper aim to analyse the motives behind the commitment of nurses to their profession despite their intense job duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical sample comprises of 35 semi-structured interviews with public sector hospital nurses in under-researched contexts of Egypt and Peru. Findings: Three types of motives were found to play a critical role in nurses' commitment to their profession despite the difficulties associated with extreme work conditions. These factors include cultural (religious values, governmental coercion), contextual (limited education, organisational support) and personal (good nurse identity, submissive nature) dimensions. Originality/value: This paper is one of the pioneering works to link existing literature streams on career commitment, extreme jobs, extreme context and management under disruptions (particularly COVID-19) by analysing these aspects in the under-researched Peruvian and Egyptian contexts. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Post-coronavirus disease 2019 sequelae on male-reproductive functions: A cohort observational study

Objectives The corona virus SARS-COV-2 has affected millions of people all over the world with much affection and damage to body systems and organs, and still, its long-term effects are debatable. Up till now, a lot of ongoing researches are being conducted to evaluate the deleterious effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on various systems, including reproduction, however, it is still debatable. Patients and methods Our cohort study included a total of 57 male COVID-19 patients, confirmed positive via nasopharyngeal PCR swab. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the severity of COVID-19 infection and post-COVID sequelae on male-reproductive functions as regards semen parameters and male-hormone profile at the first and third month after discharge from the hospital. Results Our results have demonstrated highly statistically significant changes in sperm concentration, sperm total, and progressive motility, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and E2-hormone levels on the first and third month post-COVID infection with P value less than 0.001. In the same context, there was a statistical significance to testosterone-hormone level with P value 0.003. According to COVID-19 severity, there was a highly significant correlation between the degree of severity and affection of sperm concentration, total, and progressive motility with P value less than 0.001. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between the severity of infection and male-hormone profile. Conclusion The current study revealed a negative influence of COVID-19 infection on semen parameters as well as male-sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and E2) on the first and third month post-COVID infection;however, only semen parameters were affected by the degree of disease severity. Copyright © 2022 The Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis.

Career shock of female academics during Covid-19: can the transactional stress model offer coping strategies?

Purpose: Through addressing female academics in four public universities in Egypt, the author of this paper aims to answer the question: How do female academics cope with the career shock resulting from the spread of COVID-19? Design/methodology/approach: The author used a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with 32 female academics from four public universities selected from among 26 public institutions of higher education in Egypt. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the transcripts. Findings: The findings assert that the following three strategies: heroism, cronyism and temporalism are used by female academics in the Egyptian context to cope with the career shocks they feel during the time of COVID-19. The findings assert that female academics try to reassert their professionalism in their academic duties and familial obligations even after the spread of COVID-19. Moreover, they tend to use forms of cronyism behaviour to alleviate the effect of the career shock, mostly via hypocritical phrases. Furthermore, the thought that COVID-19 is a temporary stage helps female academics to actively accept their challenging new work conditions. Originality/value: This paper contributes by filling a gap in human resources management and higher education in which empirical studies on the career shock of female academics have been limited so far. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

The Potential Effect Of Leptin And Il-6 Levels On Covid-19 Severity In Obese Patients

Background: The obesity is one of the high-risk factors in COVID-19 in severe illness and mortality as the pandemic progresses. The pleotropic Leptin is a polypeptide hormone and secreted by adipose tissues. It acts as a proinflammatory cytokine. Leptin is associated with severe conditions known to cause the risk of COVID-19 severity. Acute changes in calorie intake affect Leptin levels, which in turn are related to the amount of adipose tissue. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) also is a pleiotropic cytokine (184 amino acid) and initiates different inflammatory responses in tissues. The aim of study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Leptin and IL-6 levels on the COVID-19 severity of an early diagnosis in obese patients infected with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 60 obese subjects, divided to 30 obese without any chronic disease and not infected with COVID-19, and 30 individuals were infected with COVID-19, with the age ranged between (25-60) years. COVID-19 patients divided into three categories, (13 mild/moderate), (10 severe) and (7 dead). And thirty (20 male and 10 female) apparently healthy subjects as control group. Their age and sex were comparable to the patients. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits used to measure serum Leptin and IL-6 levels. Results: Leptin concentration and IL-6 concentration were significantly higher in obese COVID-19 patients than the obese without COVID-19 and normal weight control group (11.80 +/- 1.38, 344.23 +/- 70.13 vs 8.64 +/- 1.21, 790.34 +/- 194.29 vs 4.09 +/- 2.15, 138.89 +/- 46.36) respectively. However, especially in dead and severe cases increased levels of IL-6 and Leptin than the mild/moderate cases of obese patients infected with COVID-19. Serum leptin level has a positive significant correlation with levels of IL-6, D-dimer, ferritin and NLR in obese COVID-19 patients group. Conclusions: High circulating IL-6 and Leptin in the obese patients might involve dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in obesity and may be used as a useful prognostic tool associated with COVID-19 to predict the SARS-COV-2 severity.

Virtual Pathology Education in Medical Schools Worldwide during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advantages, Challenges Faced, and Perspectives.

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted pathology education in medical schools worldwide towards online delivery. To achieve this goal, various innovative platforms were used by pathology educators and medical students, facilitating both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The aim of this study was to review the published evidence regarding remote pathology teaching at the medical school level during this period, present our own experience, and provide some perspectives regarding the best mode of pathology teaching post-pandemic. Among its advantages, virtual pathology education was considered among students and educators as convenient, flexible, and engaging, while learning outcomes were met and students' academic performance was in general satisfactory. However, several challenges were faced. For instance, suboptimal internet connection compromised the flow of classes and was even associated with a lower academic performance. The lack of hands-on laboratory activities, such as operating the light microscope and tissue grossing, and the reduced student interactions among themselves and their instructors, were also pointed out as significant drawbacks of remote pathology education. Whereas online education has multiple advantages, experiencing the physical university environment, in-person interactions and teamwork, exposure to the "hidden curriculum", and hands-on activities are vital for medical school education and future student development. In conclusion, the implementation of a blended approach in pathology education-where online and face-to-face sessions are jointly used to promote students' engagement, interaction with their instructors and peers, and learning-could be the most optimal approach to pathology teaching in medical schools post-pandemic.

Radio-laboratory findings in COVID-19 anosmia patients: a single-center experience

Background: There is solid evidence that olfactory dysfunction (OD) can present in COVID-19 patients. Anosmia can be the only presentation or can be accompanied by other symptoms of COVID-19. Multiple cross-sectional studies have demonstrated that the incidence rate of olfactory dysfunction is high in COVID-19 patients with good prognosis. The aim of our study is to investigate the presence of OD with the radiologic and laboratory findings among COVID-19 positive patients. Results: There was statistical significance in clinical severity between anosmia and non-anosmia group (P value 0.000) denoting that anosmia sign mostly occur in mild COVID. Also, there was significance in D dimer between two groups (P value 0.044) denoting that D dimer could be a sign of clinical severity and it is usually not elevated in anosmia. All anosmia group had normal CT chest denoting that it is a mild form of COVID-19. Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is an imminent sign of COVID-19 patient, which can be presented as a sole symptom or with other symptoms. As anosmia could be the sole clinical presentation of COVID-19 patients without any other significant signs and so otolaryngologists should be aware of this presentation in COVID-19 diagnosis. © 2021, The Author(s).

Disability of non-academic employees in public universities: an exploration of daily work experiences

Purpose Through addressing non-academic disabled employees in seven public universities in Egypt, the author aims to find out the main struggles facing disabled non-academic employees in their work context pre and post Covid-19. Design/methodology/approach The author employed a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with 28 disabled non-academic employees from seven universities in Egypt. The author subsequently used thematic analysis to determine the main ideas in the transcripts. Findings The author of the present paper has discovered the main struggles facing disabled non-academic employees in public universities in Egypt before and after the spread of Covid-19 and grouped them into the following three categories: macro-level struggles (government not serious about adopting a quota system, using disability quotas for political reasons, lack of understanding of the needs of disabled employees, poor infrastructure in work contexts), meso-level struggles (unaware of overqualified disabled employees, underrepresentation of disabled employees at senior administrative positions, assigning disabled employees unfair access to university resources) and micro-level struggles (disabled employees' lack of confidence in accepting promotion, inability of disabled employees to join informal networks and disabled employees' exposure to speech-related harassment). Originality/value This paper contributes by filling a gap in HR management and educational leadership, in which empirical studies on the struggles facing disabled non-academic employees in their work contexts have been limited so far.

The association of COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and genetic risk factors: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is associated with several risk factors such as distinct ethnicities (genetic ancestry), races, sexes, age, pre-existing comorbidities, smoking, and genetics. The authors aim to evaluate the correlation between variability in the host genetics and the severity and susceptibility towards COVID-19 in this study. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we retrieved all the relevant articles published until September 15, 2021, from two online databases: PubMed and Scopus. FINDINGS: High-risk HLA haplotypes, higher expression of ACE polymorphisms, and several genes of cellular proteases such as TMPRSS2, FURIN, TLL-1 increase the risk of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. In addition, upregulation of several genes encoding for both innate and acquired immune systems proteins, mainly CCR5, IFNs, TLR, DPPs, and TNF, positively correlate with COVID-19 severity. However, reduced expression or polymorphisms in genes affecting TLR and IFNλ increase COVID-19 severity. CONCLUSION: Higher expression, polymorphisms, mutations, and deletions of several genes are linked with the susceptibility, severity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Early treatment and vaccination of individuals with genetic predisposition could help minimize the severity and mortality associated with COVID-19.

The Institutional Limitations of Emancipation: The Inclusion of Disabled Employees in the Egyptian Public Context Post COVID-19

Drawing on 26 semi-structured in-depth interviews with disabled employees, this paper explores the work environment of disabled individuals in Egyptian public organizations and how it affects their feelings of emancipation. The findings show that institutional limitations translated into poor public policy implementation by the state and discriminatory organizational practices constitute major hurdles to the inclusiveness and empowerment of disabled employees. Particularly, we find that the weak law enforcement capacity of the state has led to poor policy implementation, and to a lack of institutional infrastructure that can support law implementation. Furthermore, poor organizational practices, such as the unavailability of health and education resources, fair selection and/or merit-based recruiting, and speech-related harassment have further amplified the negative experiences that people with disability encounter in the workplace. All of these factors limited the emancipatory feelings of disabled employees. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed at the end of the paper. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Antiviral Effects of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Computational Evidences and Interactions with ACE2 Allelic Variants.

Fighting against the emergent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a big challenge at the front of the world communities. Recent research has outlined the potential of various medicinal herbs to counteract the infection. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the Artemisia genus, and its derivatives with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. To assess their potential use against COVID-19, the interactions of the main active principle of Artemisia with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) was investigated through in silico probing. Our results showed that artemesinin and its derivatives manifested good oral absorption and bioavailability scores (0.55). They potently bound to the Mpro site of action-specifically, to its Cys145 residue. The selected compounds established two to three conventional hydrogen bonds with binding affinities ranging between -5.2 and -8.1 kcal/mol. Furthermore, artemisinin interactions with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were dependent on the ACE2 allelic variants. The best score was recorded with rs961360700. A molecular dynamic simulation showed sufficient stability of the artemisinin-Mpro complex on the trajectory of 100 ns simulation frame. These binding interactions, together with drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic findings, confirmed that artemisinin might inhibit Mpro activity and explain the ethnopharmacological use of the herb and its possible antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection inducing COVID-19. Nevertheless, it interacted differently with the various ACE2 allelic variants reported to bind with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Mental health of business academics within the COVID-19 era: can meaningful work help? A qualitative study

Purpose: Through addressing academics in four public business schools in Egypt, the authors of this paper aim to uncover how meaningful work might shape the mental health of the addressed academics post COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach: The author employed a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with 44 academics from four business schools selected from among 25 public institutions of higher education in Egypt. The author subsequently used thematic analysis to determine the main ideas in the transcripts. Findings: The authors’ findings show that business academics usually consider meaningful work as playing a major role in shaping their mental health, especially after a crisis. This indicates that the more they perceive their jobs as valuable and worthwhile, the more they can deal with limitations and mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, stress, inadequate sleep, etc.) that accompany crisis. The findings also show that during the time of the COVID-19 crisis, employees (business academics in this case) have not placed so much importance to their autonomy (ability to choose and/or participate in decision-making processes) in the workplace. Instead, they care more about their relatedness (sense of belongingness) and their level of competence (sense of capability). Accordingly, the authors show that having academics that develop a sense of purpose for their academic duties in a time of crisis has less mental health disorders. Subsequently, post crisis, business academics can feel a continuous sense of relatedness and find ongoing opportunities to work and learn. Originality/value: This paper contributes by filling a gap in HR management, in which empirical studies on the relationship between mental health and meaningful work have been limited so far. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Value of Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review.

Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing the global pandemic of COVID-19, is essential for disease surveillance and control. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered the reference standard test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, its limitations are a prompt for a more accurate assay to detect SARS-CoV-2, quantify its levels, and assess the prognosis. This article aimed to systematically review the literature and assess the diagnostic performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), also to evaluate its potential role in prognosis and management of COVID-19 patients. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant articles published until 13 July 2021. An additional PubMed search was performed on 21 October 2021. Data from the 39 eligible studies were extracted and an overall 3651 samples from 2825 patients and 145 controls were used for our qualitative analysis. Most studies reported ddPCR was more accurate than RT-qPCR in detecting and quantifying SARS-CoV-2 levels, especially in patients with low viral loads. ddPCR was also found highly effective in quantifying SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia levels in hospitalized patients, monitoring their disease course, and predicting their response to therapy. These findings suggest ddPCR could serve as a complement or alternative SARS-CoV-2 tool with emerging diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value, especially in hospital settings. Additional research is still needed to standardize its laboratory protocols, also to accurately assess its role in monitoring COVID-19 therapy response and in identifying SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants.

Baseline and follow-up serum ferritin level as a prognostic factor in coronavirus disease 2019-infected patients: A single-center experience

Objective In the past few months, WHO declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 as a major pandemic, with increasing number of discovered cases and mortalities in all countries. Up till now, there are a lot of controversial data on its pathogenesis, possible complications, prognostic factors, and available preventive and/or therapeutic options. A series of fast growing research studies are being conducted aiming at studying prognostic criteria that may predict the disease severity and possible outcomes and hence plan of management either home or hospital management. Patients and methods Our cohort study included 73 COVID-19-confirmed positive cases by nasopharyngeal swab/reverse transcriptase PCR to evaluate correlation between serum ferritin levels (baseline and follow-up samples at day 7), as well as C-reactive protein levels and severity of clinical presentation of COVID-19-infected patients. Results Our results have demonstrated a statistically significant difference between mild (n=40) and moderate cases (n=33) regarding baseline ferritin level (P=0.00);however;no significant difference was detected among ferritin changes during the course of the disease (P=0.744), and also, no statistically significant difference in ferritin changes was found among mild and moderate severity groups (P=0.942). Finally, the only significant predictors of clinical severity were baseline ferritin and C-reactive protein levels according to multivariate analysis model (P=0.014 and =0.000, respectively). Conclusions The current study added further evidence to suggest baseline serum ferritin as an index of severity in COVID-19 and could have a prognostic effect;however, we cannot rely on follow-up serum ferritin during treatment and the course of the disease to predict outcome of the disease, and it may be misleading.

COVID-19 and responsible management education (RME) among others: why should public business schools feel threatened?

Purpose: Through a multiple case study design, this article elaborates the chances of initiating and/or implementing responsible management education (RME) in Egyptian public business schools after the identification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In other words, this paper identifies the effect of COVID-19 on internalizing RME in the previously mentioned context. Design/methodology/approach: Through addressing four business schools in Egypt, this article explores the future of public business schools that did not previously implement responsible management education (RME) principles, after the identification of COVID-19. In other words, this paper identifies the main threats facing public business schools in Egypt post the spread of COVID-19. Findings: Although the previous study done by Mousa et al. (2019a) showed that academics in public business schools in Egypt were not ready to implement responsible management education, and furthermore, that they thought that addressing socio-cultural aspects is the mission of professors in sociology and humanities, the results of this study show that the spread of COVID-19 has positively changed the situation. The interviewed academics assert that socio-cultural challenges shape the minds of business students, academics and trainers, and these accordingly, have to be tackled. Furthermore, the author explores some socio-political, academic and labour market threats facing business schools in Egypt today. Managing those threats may ensure the continuity of the addressed business schools and their counterparts. Originality/value: This paper contributes by filling a gap in the literature on responsible management education and leadership in the higher education sector, in which empirical studies on the future of business schools, particularly those that did not implement responsible management education earlier, after the identification and spread of COVID-19 have been limited until now. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Measuring operational efficiency of isolation hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic using data envelopment analysis: a case of Egypt

Purpose: This study used Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure and evaluate the operational efficiency of 26 isolation hospitals in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as identifying the most important inputs affecting their efficiency. Design/methodology/approach: To measure the operational efficiency of isolation hospitals, this paper combined three interrelated methodologies including DEA, sensitivity analysis and Tobit regression, as well as three inputs (number of physicians, number of nurses and number of beds) and three outputs (number of infections, number of recoveries and number of deaths). Available data were analyzed through R v.4.0.1 software to achieve the study purpose. Findings: Based on DEA analysis, out of 26 isolation hospitals, only 4 were found efficient according to CCR model and 12 out of 26 hospitals achieved efficiency under the BCC model, Tobit regression results confirmed that the number of nurses and the number of beds are common factors impacted the operational efficiency of isolation hospitals, while the number of physicians had no significant effect on efficiency. Research limitations/implications: The limits of this study related to measuring the operational efficiency of isolation hospitals in Egypt considering the available data for the period from February to August 2020. DEA analysis can also be an important benchmarking tool for measuring the operational efficiency of isolation hospitals, for identifying their ability to utilize and allocate their resources in an optimal manner (Demand vs Capacity Dilemma), which in turn, encountering this pandemic and protect citizens' health. Originality/value: Despite the intensity of studies that dealt with measuring hospital efficiency, this study to the best of our knowledge is one of the first attempts to measure the efficiency of hospitals in Egypt in times of health' crisis, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify the best allocation of resources to achieve the highest level of efficiency during this pandemic. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.