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PurposeThis paper aims to investigate small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) adoption of social media platforms and how they integrated them within their marketing strategies during the COVID-19 outbreaks. Dynamic capabilities - observed as the interplay between sensing, seizing and reconfiguration capabilities - represent the principal theoretical framework used in this research to explain challenges in social media adoption and their effects on these businesses. Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the grounded theory approach to analyze semistructured interviews with 19 key informants from Italian SMEs belonging to diversified industries. FindingsThe findings of this research are summarized in a holistic framework that explores three types of capabilities (i.e. sensing, seizing and reconfiguration capabilities) and the marketing outcomes of social media adoption among SMEs. Originality/valueThis study attempts to unpack the specific dynamic capabilities that allowed SMEs to be successful in social media adoption during COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business-to-business (B2B) companies operating in durable goods use digital communications after the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, this paper focuses on the objectives of these digital communication tools for the marketing strategies of B2B white goods firms. Design/methodology/approach: As the research objective is explorative, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis by collecting 13 semi-structured interviews with B2B marketing professionals working for white goods firms in Italy. Primary data was triangulated with secondary data about the white goods industry, such as sector reports. Findings: The findings of this paper show an acceleration in the adoption of digital communication tools among B2B firms after COVID-19. The authors also discuss the effects in the use of such tools both in the short and long term. Originality/value: This paper attempts to contribute to the B2B marketing literature by providing an original analysis of the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak focusing on the use of digital communication tools among white goods firms. It also provides managerial implications for firms operating in B2B. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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Background : Currently available COVID-19 vaccines were developed for intramuscular injection and efficacy may not be ensured when given subcutaneously. In Germany most traditional vaccines were recommended to inject subcutaneously in patients with hemophilia to avoid intramuscular bleeds. Aims : To develop practical guidance for COVID-19 vaccination in people with hemophilia. Methods : The Delphi methodology was used to develop consensus recommendations. An initial, structured list of recommendations was prepared by a steering committee and evaluated by 34 hemophilia experts. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement (score 7 or higher on a scale of 1 to 9);strong consensus was defined ≥95% agreement. After 3 rounds of refinement, a final list of statements was compiled. Results : Consensus was achieved that COVID-19 vaccines licensed only for intramuscular injection should also be administered through this route in people with hemophilia. Prophylactic factor replacement should be given before vaccination in patients with moderate or severe hemophilia, preferentially given on the day of vaccination, and with a maximum interval between prophylaxis and vaccination of 24 h (factor VIII and conventional factor IX concentrates) or 48 h (half-life extended factor IX). Strong consensus was also achieved that patients with mild hemophilia and residual activity >10% and patients on prophylaxis with emicizumab do not need factor replacement before vaccination. Swelling, erythema and hyperthermia after vaccination are not always signs of bleeding but should prompt consultation of the hemophilia care center. In case of injection site hematoma, patients should receive replacement therapy until symptoms disappear. Adjunctive therapies of injection site hematoma include rest, cooling and antiphlogistic/analgetic therapy as needed. Conclusions : Using the Delphi methodology, strong consensus was achieved on recommendations for intramuscular COVID-19 vaccination after replacement therapy for people with hemophilia depending on disease severity.
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Objective: To evaluate changes in ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and its major correlates during the first Italian lockdown (9 March-3 May 2020). Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Italy. Participants: We analysed 2992 subjects (mean age 57.9 +or- 15.3 years, 40.4% men). Individual participant data were pooled from two retrospective cohorts: (1) The Moli-LOCK cohort consists of 1501 adults, a portion of the larger Moli-sani study (n 24 325;2005-2010) who were administered a phone-based questionnaire to assess lifestyles and psychological factors during confinement and (2) the Analysis of Long Term Risk of Covid-19 Emergency is a web-based survey of 1491 individuals distributed throughout Italy who self-responded to the same questionnaire by using Google forms. UPF was defined according to NOVA classification based on degree of food processing. An UPF score was created by assigning 1 point to increased consumption, -1 to decreased and 0 point for unchanged intakes of nineteen food items, with higher values indicating an increase in UPF during confinement.
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Background: On 11 February 2020, the WHO declared the existence of a new viral disease, causing a severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2). In Molise, two of the first cases reported were the S. Timoteo hospital of Termoli. On March 5, the hospital closes both routine and emergency/emergency activities until March. At the reopening, a two-tier triage started and from March to May 2020 we collected data to understand the needs of the population for access to the hospital during the pandemic. Methods: Two triage tents were set up at the entrance for the wards and for access to the emergency room. Oncologists performed an internal triage for their patients. Those who had been in high-risk regions were admitted only after quarantine or a swab. Other measures: pre-triage phone, access to accompanying persons and visitors was prohibited, non-urgent follow-up visits were cancelled and made by phone. Each case was discussed jointly and assessed the risk/benefit ratio for the continuation of treatments. In suspected cases a PCR test was performed on a nasopharyngeal sample and, if positive, the patient was sent to the infectious disease department. Results: Dedicated and adequately trained staff, collected access data from 18 March to 31 May 2020. Triage controls were 7856 (F 54%, M 46%): access to the E.R. were 3125 (267 family carers, 150 white codes, 2143 green, 532 yellow, 33 red), among the PTS arrived in PS 139 were suspected of infection and kept in the dedicated area, waiting for their test;of these 6 were positive (1 sent home in quarantine, 5 symptomatic were transferred to the reference centre). Other 3982 accesses have been evaluated to the external triage and 749 to the oncology triage equal to 15,83% of the total accesses entered in hospital (not in PS) to carry out ev therapies, visits and/or not deferable radiological examinations. Of the pts oncology 52.85% was F, 47.15% M with an average age of 66.51 and a median of 67 years (range 35-97). Conclusions: No pts evaluated at the external triage and in oncology were suspected of COVID infection and, at the moment, no oncological PTS was found positive. The triage procedures put in place can be a first screening for the identification of a potential population at risk.