Negative and positive antecedents of intention to resume hotel consumption in new normal settings in Malaysia: insight from three psychological theories

PurposeApplying three psychological theories, this study aims to attempt to investigate the role of consumer psychology, specifically the factors of trust in vaccination, threat severity, fear, anxiety, risk and hygiene, and safety, on intention to resume hotel consumption. The authors also tested the mediation effect of anxiety among psychological constructs: perceived threat, fear and risk with the intention to resume hotel consumption.Design/methodology/approachUsing purposive sampling, data were collected from 470 respondents from four cities in Malaysia and analysed by applying analysis of moment structures (AMOS) structural equation model technique. The respondents for this study were frequent travellers meaning the leisure tourists who at least travel twice a year or travel when getting the occasion to explore new things. In this study, an online survey was employed to ensure easy accessibility and to enhance the number of replies.FindingsThe results of this study confirmed that perceived severity, risk and fear influence travellers' anxiety. This study further confirms that trust in vaccination and hygiene & safety provided by the hotelier reduces anxiety levels. Anxiety is found one of the most important predictors of intention to resume hotel consumption, which further mediates the relationship between other psychological variables: perceived severity, risk, fear and intention to resume hotel consumption. Anxiety mediates the relationship between perceived severity, fear and intention to resume hotel consumption and partially mediates the association between risk and intention to resume hotel consumption.Originality/valueThis study examined three psychological theories and extended them by including the trust in vaccination and the hygiene and safety constructs. Anxiety was investigated as a mediator.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among blue-collar workers in United Arab Emirates

Background: This is one of the first studies exploring immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among blue-collar workers in Abu Dhabi. Aims: This study estimated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among workers living in a closed setting using qualitative analysis of the total SARS-CoV-2 antibody immune response. Methods: We conducted this monocentric, prospective, observational study in a labor compound for a cohort of workers between 28 March and 6 July 2020. We tested for SARS-CoV-2 (nasopharyngeal) (RT-PCR) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 T-Ab. Results: Out of a total of 1600 workers, 1206 (75.0%) participated in the study – all were males, median age 35 years (19–63 years). We found 51% of the participants to be positive for SARS-CoV-2; the 49.0% who tested negative were considered as contacts. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 T-Ab was detected among 864 participants, showing an overall point prevalence of 71.6%. A relatively higher response was found among cases (89.0%) than among contacts (53.2%). Conclusion: This study highlights the need to prioritize public health interventions in closed settings where disease transmission is higher due to greater overall exposure. A high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 T-Ab was found among the residents. A serial quantitative study applying time series and regression models is recommended to further evaluate the sustainability of the immune response among this and similar population groups.

CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS IN ONLINE CLASS AND TEACHING DELIVERY AMONG EDUCATORS

Technology has a great impact in the educational system and recently online education is increasing rapidly. The unprecedented phenomena of Covid- 19 pandemic have forced the educational institutions to be closed down and thus resulted a gap in teaching delivery and learning effectiveness in online class. As number of online classes has increased tremendously, teachers and students faces many challenges when educational institutions were forced to adapt to the online education to address the situation. Effective online teaching connects and works in synchrony with students' ability to obtain quality-learning experience. The use of technology has facilitated teachers around the world and proved to be an effective teaching aid however they need to possess the necessary skills in order for the teaching to positively impact student's learning outcomes. Thus, it is vital for the educators to be familiar with the educational technology tools and apps. This paper investigates the challenges and barriers in online class and teaching delivery through the educators' perspectives. Interviews were conducted among educators of elementary and high school to share their opinions and discuss their experience and potentially how they can reduce these barriers in using digital platform. Findings stated that the biggest challenges is not necessarily on the usage of the educational digital tools itself, but learning and knowing the best use of internet and technology which includes knowledge about the software and hardware. One should be familiar with the basic knowledge of technology hardware and software in order to fully utilise technology for effective teaching in online class. © School of Engineering, Taylor's University.

Perceptions and engagement of Klang Valley urbanites on COVID-19 PSAs during the pandemic

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, rampant misinformation about the virus has created large-scale panic and uneasiness among the Malaysian public. In response to this threat, the Malaysian government launched public service announcements (PSAs) on COVID-19 in various media to increase public awareness and knowledge, specifically on recommended solutions. The messages in the PSAs were tailored to underscore the various phases of the pandemic to persuade public belief as well as nurture positive attitude and behavioural changes. The objectives of this study are: (1) to investigate the public's information-seeking behaviours, (2) to investigate user perceptions and indicators of PSAs, and (3) to determine the effectiveness of PSAs as a communication platform to convey important information about the pandemic throughout the different Movement Control Order (MCO) phases. Through focus group discussions with eight urban Klang Valley informants, findings highlight the crucial elements in identifying motivation and factors of media preferences which affect how various media platforms benefit the Malaysian public. The findings also illustrate the need for the government to ensure that the content and context of the PSAs meet the audiences' demographics in ensuring effective dissemination of information and awareness during a pandemic. © SEARCH Journal 2022.

Perceptions and engagement of Klang Valley urbanites on COVID-19 PSAs during the pandemic

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, rampant misinformation about the virus has created largescale panic and uneasiness among the Malaysian public. In response to this threat, the Malaysian government launched public service announcements (PSAs) on COVID-19 in various media to increase public awareness and knowledge, specifically on recommended solutions. The messages in the PSAs were tailored to underscore the various phases of the pandemic to persuade public belief as well as nurture positive attitude and behavioural changes. The objectives of this study are: (1) to investigate the public's information-seeking behaviours, (2) to investigate user perceptions and indicators of PSAs, and (3) to determine the effectiveness of PSAs as a communication platform to convey important information about the pandemic throughout the different Movement Control Order (MCO) phases. Through focus group discussions with eight urban Klang Valley informants, findings highlight the crucial elements in identifying motivation and factors of media preferences which affect how various media platforms benefit the Malaysian public. The findings also illustrate the need for the government to ensure that the content and context of the PSAs meet the audiences' demographics in ensuring effective dissemination of information and awareness during a pandemic.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Applications during Covid-19 Pandemic among Preclinical Medical and Dentistry Students: A Mini-Review

The efficacy of online learning in delivering theoretical knowledge with appropriate content to students is imperative, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic era. Substantial interactive teaching materials were developed for higher education. However, some were designed immensely general, especially in fulfilling the syllabus of preclinical medical and dentistry students. Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive three-dimension (3D) experience that uses computers to overlay virtual information in the real world whereas virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated artificial recreation of a real-life experience or situation. Interestingly, both can be complemented and integrated into online and traditional teaching methods. Implementation of these technologies will increase the learning efficacy in understanding the human body's anatomical and physiological changes in the normal or pathological state. As AR and VR technologies are continuously evolving, this review provides the preview and current updates on AR and VR applications in medical and dentistry education which may benefit the educators within these specialities. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Challenges and Preferred Features of Online Distance Learning in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Course: A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented transformation of the delivery of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) course to online distance learning (ODL). This study aimed to explore the challenges and preferred features on ODL among the students during the Year 3 O&G course. Methods: This study was a qualitative component of a cross-sectional survey on 'Students' Readiness and Perception on Online Distance Learning for Obstetrics & Gynaecology Course during COVID-19 Pandemic' among Year 3 medical students. It included 193 students post-theory block and 200 students post-clinical block. We described the changes made to the O&G course structure in adopting the ODL. Two open-ended questions were given at the end of each block to explore the research questions. Demographic data was analysed and thematic analysis of the responses was performed. Results: Eight themes of challenges were identified and the top four were poor internet connection, difficulty to understand clinical or practical subjects, difficulty to focus during learning and distraction from the surroundings. On the other hand, seven themes for students' preferred features on ODL were found which includes enthusiastic tutors, beneficial learning activities, accessible learning material, adequate learning material, interesting topics, flexible learning, and organised teaching structure. Conclusion: Teaching clinical courses such as O&G through ODL can be effective, however, the challenges faced by the students must be addressed and the preferred features on ODL should be further strengthened to maintain the high quality of clinical education. Hence, ODL may continue to supplement the traditional teaching method, despite after pandemic. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Association between Level of Knowledge Gained, Confidence, Motivation and Flexibility on Types of Learning for Bedside Teaching among Clinical Students in Four Malaysian Medical Schools during COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: With the arise of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher institutions are forced to change the method of delivery for bedside teaching sessions from face-to-face to online learning. However, online learning was found not effective in delivering practical knowledge and skills to students. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the association between level of knowledge gained, confidence, motivation and flexibility on types of learning for bedside teaching sessions among clinical students in four Malaysian medical schools during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving medical students from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) were conducted from 1st March 2021 until 6th June 2021. An online questionnaire was distributed and it consisted of 5 sections which cover sociodemographic information, level of knowledge gained, confidence, motivation, and flexibility from bedside teaching session. The data was analysed by using SPSS software program. Results: There is a significant association between the level of knowledge gained, level of confidence, level of motivation and level of flexibility with the type of learning (online or face-to-face) during bedside teaching sessions. Results revealed that students gained a higher level of knowledge (84.9%), higher level of confidence in physical examination (93.3%), higher motivation (82.2%) and higher flexibility (64.1%) during face-to-face bedside teaching sessions compared to online learning. Conclusion: Most of the medical students in four Malaysian medical schools prefer face-to-face learning compared to online learning for bedside teaching sessions. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Comparative Evaluation of Different SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests with SARS-CoV-2 PCR for Diagnosis of COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Detection of positive 2019-nCoV nucleic acids by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)-based assays performed on the upper and lower respiratory samples remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests can offer a faster (15-30 min) and less expensive way to diagnose active severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than nucleic acid amplification tests. AIM: Hence, the present study aimed to compare and evaluate the results of different SARS-CoV-2 rapid point-of-care antigen tests with SARS-CoV-2 PCR as a reference method. METHOD(S): Sixty-five nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected from attendees of the Reference Laboratory of Egyptian university hospitals. The samples were placed in viral transport medium for RNA extraction. The remaining part of the suspension was stored at -70degreeC until use for COVID-19 antigen testing. All samples were processed for the COVID-19 Ag rapid test and RT-PCR simultaneously. RESULT(S): RT-PCR assay revealed 46 (70.8%) positive samples and 19 (29.2%) negative samples for COVID-19. All eight rapid antigen assays indicated specificity and positive predictive value of 100% each. As for the other parameters, the sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy ranged from 43.8 to 93.8, 33.3 to 90, and 60 to 96, respectively. Biozak exhibited the best performance with the highest sensitivities 91.3, 81.8, and 93.75, respectively, while Viro and Standard Q were the worst among the tested kits with sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy of 50, 33.3, and 60 each. Regarding the relationship between the viral load of COVID-19 detected by RT-PCR and the results of the eight rapid antigen tests (RAT), we deduced that the higher the viral load, the better the sensitivity observed. CONCLUSION(S): The RATs used, in our study, exhibited heterogeneous diagnostic performance, where some of them showed very promising results in comparison to the reference RT-PCR assay. Copyright © 2022 Ghada Ismail, Dalia H. Abdelhamid, Rania Abdel Halim, Marwa Salah Mostafa, Hossam Abdelghaffar, Noha Alaa Eldin Fahim, Ahmed Elshafei, Menna Asker, Nashwa Naguib Omar.

Socio-cognitive theory-based (Sct) investigation of digital literacy attributes of undergraduate students in the post-covid era

Background:The impact ofCovid-19isheretostayespeciallyinthefieldofeducation opening up new possibilities. In order to continue online education, it isimperative that faculties gauge the digital capabilities and self-efficacy of the students aspersocio-cognitivetheory (SCT) to be able to tailor the curricular activities suiting their needs. Aim(s):Hence this study is targeted to investigate and compare the digital capabilities and self-efficacy of students from two different faculties namely International Medical School (IMS) andSchoolofEducationandSocialSciences(SESS).Methodology:52participants(IMS=29,SESS=23) from two faculties answered a validated questionnaire following informed consent. Theinstrumentmeasuredthetypeandextentofdeviceusageduringlecturetimeandindependentstudy,digitalcapabilities,at titude,andtheemployabilityawarenessandself-regulation. Result(s): The data collected was analysed using IBM SPSS 25. The results though indicatedsimilarities in device usage betweenstudents of both facultiesdifference was noted in device usage during lecture time and independent study hours. Inferential statistics revealed nosignificantdifferenceinthedigitalcapabilitiesandemployabilityandself-regulationbetweenstudents of both faculties. However, significant difference (p0.05)withmoderateeffectsize was found betweenthe attitude ofstudentstowardsdigitalusage. Conclusion(s): The study set out to investigate curricular difference-based use of digital capabilitiesamong different faculties indicated significant difference in the attitude of studentstowards digital skills and capabilities. The results of the study can be used to tailor online activitiesforstudentsbased ontheircurricularneedsinfuture. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

The outcome of the online virtual classes during COVID-19 pandemic: A study in the female campus of the faculty of medicine in Rabigh-King Abdulaziz University

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the educational process greatly in the academic year 2019-2020. Therefore, this warranted an urgent and effective shift and intervention toward the online teaching practice. Aim: We have aimed in this study to assess the impact of the necessary shift of the educational process of the basic sciences toward the online distant learning in the female campus;Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University. Subjects and Methods: Promptly shift toward the online teaching practice through virtual classrooms for the 2 nd and 3 rd year students was accomplished during the second term of the academic year 2019-2020. Following that, we analyzed the efficacy of this shift qualitatively through focus group discussions with the students and the staff members. For objective assessment, we analyzed and compared the students' results of the second term of the academic years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 regarding the same modules. Results: The results of the students were not negatively affected during the pandemic hit. Conversely, the results improved in the basic science modules, and no significant difference was found in the clinically-oriented genetic module. Conclusion: The significant move toward the online virtual classrooms did not affect the teaching and learning process negatively. Contrarily, the online teaching and learning practice have proved to be a decent alternative if applied on a sound basis during emergencies and thus is promising as an adjuvant method in the educational process in the ordinary circumstances. © 2021 Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure ;Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

"Sinovac safe and halal": The newsworthiness of religion on vaccine reporting in Malaysia

News media reporting on vaccines amid a global pandemic plays a vital role in not only communicating pertinent details, but also in shaping the public's attitude towards vaccines. Indeed, despite global efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through vaccination, the public's attitude towards vaccines has been varied. This qualitative study attempts to discern the relationship between media reports and public concern by exploring religion as a newsworthy aspect for media reporting on COVID-19 vaccines in Malaysia. We drew upon insights from discursive news values analysis (DNVA) to examine news headlines from 10 Malaysian newspapers in English and Bahasa Malaysia. A focus group discussion (FGD) conducted with five selected members of the public supplemented the primary data. Findings show that religion is a newsworthy aspect of COVID-19 vaccine reporting in Malaysia, with newspapers utilising all nine discursive news values, particularly impact, eliteness, timeliness, and proximity, through the ways in which linguistic resources were utilised to frame the media reporting. This was particularly notable in the Bahasa Malaysia headlines, more than the English headlines. The FGD further reveals that religion is a powerful factor that can steer public reception for or against vaccines, a fact which has been exploited by the media. This paper, therefore, contributes to an emerging body of work on DNVA besides offering useful insights for media practitioners.

A Review on Machine Learning Approaches in COVID-19 Pandemic Prediction and Forecasting

Novel COVID-19 Coronavirus disease, namely SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic and has spread to more than 200 countries. The sudden rise in the number of cases is causing a tremendous effect on healthcare services worldwide. To assist strategies in containing its spread, machine learning (ML) has been employed to effectively track the daily infected and mortality cases as well as to predict the peak growth among the states or/and country-wise. The evidence of ML in tackling previous epidemics has encouraged researchers to reciprocate with this outbreak. In this paper, recent studies that apply various ML models in predicting and forecasting COVID-19 trends have been reviewed. The development in ML has significantly supported health experts with improved prediction and forecasting. By developing prediction models, the world can prepare and mitigate the spread and impact against COVID-19. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Telestroke Care for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Admitted to a Comprehensive Stroke Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: TELECAST-CSC

Objective: To compare conventional, inpatient acute ischemic stroke (AIS) care with telestroke inpatient AIS care at a comprehensive stroke center (CSC). Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted specialist stroke care. New barriers to healthcare delivery including physical distancing, personal protective equipment shortages, and provider illness may be surmountable through telemedicine, however, the efficacy of telestroke for inpatient management of AIS patients at CSCs is unknown. Design/Methods: TELECAST-CSC is a pre-post study examining AIS care at a single CSC. All patients with a clinical or radiographic diagnosis of AIS were included. In the first phase (December 1, 2019-March 15, 2020), all inpatient stroke specialist care was delivered conventionally in-person;in the second phase (March 16, 2020-June 29, 2020) all inpatient stroke specialist care was delivered via telestroke. The primary outcome was the composite adherence rate to AHA guidelines for inpatient AIS care. Secondary outcomes were adherence rates for subcategories of the primary outcome and 30- and 90-day rates of readmission and recurrent cerebrovascular events. Results: One hundred forty-four patients were included in the “in-person” cohort and 141 patients in the “telestroke” cohort (overall median age 72 [IQR 61-82], median NIHSS 2 [IQR 0- 8], 17.2% received thrombolysis, 10.2% received thrombectomy). There was no difference in adherence AHA guidelines for inpatient AIS care between the in-person and telestroke cohorts (96.9% vs 96.3%, p=0.26), or any subcategories of the primary outcome. There was no difference in readmission rates within 30 days (11.8%, vs. 13.5%, p>0.999) and 90-days (18.8% vs 19.2%, p>0.999) or rates of recurrent stroke within 30 days (2.1% vs 2.1%, p>0.999) and 90 days (3.5% vs. 3.6%, p>0.999) for the in-person and telestroke cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: At an academic CSC adherence to AHA guidelines for inpatient AIS were similar when care was delivered in-person or exclusively via telestroke, without differences in recurrent stroke or readmission rates between cohorts.

Early Predictors of Intensive Care Unit Admission among COVID-19 Patients in Qatar

Background. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the early predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods. This was a case-control study of adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. Cases were defined as patients admitted to ICU during the period February 29 - May 29, 2020. For each case enrolled, one control was matched by age and gender. Results. A total of 1560 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Each group included 780 patients with a predominant male gender (89.7%) and a median age of 49 years (interquartile range = 18). Predictors independently associated with ICU admission were cardiovascular disease (CVD) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16 - 2.32, p=0.005), diabetes (aOR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.13, p= 0.016), obesity (aOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.03-2.08, p= 0.034), lymphopenia (aOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.80-4.02, p< 0.001), high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (aOR= 2.59, 95% CI: 1.53-4.36, p< 0.001), high ferritin (aOR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.40-2.74, p< 0.001), high C-reactive protein (CRP) (aOR=4.09, 95% CI: 2.81-5.96, p< 0.001), and dyspnea (aOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.77-3.54, p< 0.001). Similarly, significant predictors of mortality included CVD (aOR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.32- 3.53, p=0.002), diabetes (aOR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.07-2.90, p=0.025), cancer (aOR=4.65, 95% CI: 1.50-14.42, p= 0.008), lymphopenia (aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45-3.78, p= 0.001), and high AST (aOR= 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04-3.43, p=0.036). Risk Factors for ICU admission among patients with COVID-19 (N=1560) Conclusion. Having CVD, diabetes, lymphopenia, and increased AST were independent predictors for both ICU admission and in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. In addition, obesity, high ferritin, and CRP levels were associated with increased risk of ICU admission, while cancer was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. Early identification and monitoring of patients at risk is essential in planning the level of care needed to prevent delay in medical intervention.

Characteristics and Early Predictors of Intensive Care Unit Admission among COVID-19 Patients in Qatar

Purpose This study aimed to explore the early predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods & Materials This was a case-control study of adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. Cases were defined as patients admitted to ICU during the period February 29 - May 29, 2020. For each case enrolled, one control was matched by age and gender. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors for ICU admission and in-hospital mortality among the COVID‐19 patients. Results A total of 1560 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Each group included 780 patients with a predominant male gender (89.7%) and a median age of 49 years (interquartile range, IQR=18). Predictors independently associated with ICU admission included having cardiovascular disease (CVD) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16 - 2.32, p= 0.005), diabetes (aOR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.13, p= 0.016), body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (aOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.03-2.08, p= 0.034), lymphocytes ≤0.8 × 103/μL (aOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.80-4.02, p<0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) >120 U/L (aOR= 2.59, 95% CI: 1.53-4.36, p<0.001), ferritin >600 μg/L (aOR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.40-2.74, p<0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) >100 mg/L (aOR=4.09, 95% CI: 2.81-5.96, p<0.001), and dyspnea (aOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.77-3.54, p <0.001). Similarly, significant predictors of mortality included CVD (aOR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.32- 3.53, p=0.002), diabetes (aOR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.07-2.90, p=0.025), cancer (aOR=4.65, 95% CI: 1.50-14.42, p= 0.008), lymphocytes ≤0.8 x,103/μL (aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45-3.78, p= 0.001), and AST >120 U/L (aOR= 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04-3.43, p=0.036). Conclusion Having CVD, diabetes, lymphopenia, and increased AST were independent predictors for both ICU admission and in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. In addition, obesity, high ferritin, and CRP levels were also associated with increased risk of ICU admission, while cancer was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. Early identification and monitoring of patients at risk is essential in planning the level of care needed to prevent delay in medical intervention.

Non-Verbal Communication in the Context of Social Presence in Virtual Space

Studies related to non-verbal communication in virtual space need to be explored as a result of changes in communication processes that largely rely on online interaction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undoubtedly, it has extended the scope of understanding an individual's virtual presence and the effectiveness of non-verbal communication practices. In this study, non-verbal communication is explored in the process of online teaching and learning. Social Presence Theory has been used in understanding the practice of lecturers to establish relationships through their virtual presence and build closeness with students during online teaching and learning. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of ten students of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). This study has found that lecturers can establish relationships and closeness with students through non-verbal communication cues such as kinesic, proxemic, chronemic, and paralinguistic. Lecturers who practice effective non-verbal communication enable a positive effect on students in terms of motivation to learn, focus in learning sessions, create interest in understanding topics, and feel at ease in learning. However, the lecturers' non-verbal communication has had a negative effect if the lecturer is unable to build a good relationship especially in terms of chronemic and facial expressions cues. It will cause students to be unmotivated and experience emotional stress. In conclusion, non-verbal communication is still vital in the process of establishing a social presence and building relationships even online. The practice of non-verbal communication during the individual social presence in virtual space needs to be explored in other contexts such as in organisations.

Ultrasound Evaluation for Extremity Deep Vein Thrombus in COVID-19-Positive Patients: Exam Positivity Rate and Association With D-Dimer Level.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the rate of positive extremity ultrasound exams for DVT in patients with COVID-19 and assess for differences in laboratory values in patients with and without DVT, which could be used as a surrogate to decide the need for further evaluation with ultrasound. METHODS: Retrospective case control study with 1:2 matching of cases (COVID-19+ patients) to controls (COVID-19- patients) based on age, gender, and race. Laboratory values assessed were serum D-dimer, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, and C-reactive protein. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and clinical variables including final disposition were also evaluated. P-values for categorical variables were calculated with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. P-values for continuous variables were compared with the use of a two-tailed unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The rate of extremity ultrasound exams positive for DVT were similar in patients with (14.7%) and without (19.3%) COVID-19 (P = .423). No significant difference was observed in laboratory values including the D-dimer level in COVID-19 patients without (mean 9523.9 ng/mL (range 339 to >60,000)) or with DVT (mean 13,663.7 ng/mL (range 1193->60,000)) (P = .475). No differences were found in demographic variabilities or co-morbidities among COVID-19 patients with and without extremity DVT. CONCLUSIONS: We found no statistically significant difference in rate of positive DVT studies between COVID-19+ and COVID-19- patients. D-dimer levels are elevated, in some cases markedly, in COVID-19 patients with and without DVTs and therefore these data do not support their use as a surrogate when assessing the need for ultrasound evaluation.

Comparative evaluation of sars-cov-2 rapid immunochromatographic test assays with chemiluminescent immunoassay for the diagnosis of covid-19

BACKGROUND: To date, the molecular assay is the gold-standard method for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. However, they are expensive and complex. There is a pressing necessity for developing other effective diagnostics for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 patients. Therefore, serological detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 might provide a good alternative. AIM: We aimed to compare and evaluate seven rapid diagnostic tests with Mindray chemiluminescent automated immunoassay as a reference method for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detection. METHODS: This study included the serum of a total of 49 attendees to the Reference Laboratory of Egyptian university hospitals during the period from April 2021 to May 2021. Anti-COVID-19 antibodies detection in serum samples was performed by Mindray fully automated system as our reference method and seven rapid antibody tests;Wondfo, Vazyme, Dynamiker, Panbio, Artron Maccura and Roche. RESULTS: The chemiluminescent assay revealed 30 (61.2%) positive samples and 19 (38.8%) negative samples for COVID-19 immunoglobulin (Ig) G. For COVID-19 IgM, 11 (22.4%) samples were positive and 38 (77.6%) samples were negative. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were not detected in any of the PCR-negative individuals. The best diagnostic performance was demonstrated by Roche IgG and IgM, and Vazyme IgG and IgM antibody tests followed by Panbio. For Roche, the sensitivity and specificity for IgG and IgM were (83.3% and 89.5%) and (72.7% and 81.6%), respectively. Vazyme showed sensitivity and specificity for IgG and IgM were (77.8% and 85.7%) and (75% and 91.7%), respectively. Regards Panbio, the sensitivity and specificity for IgG and IgM were (63.6% and 87.5%) and (50% and 86.7%) respectively. Cohen’s Kappa values revealed a substantial agreement for Roche IgG, Vazyme IgG and IgM of (0.7076, 0.6250, 0.6667) respectively. The worst agreement was reported for Maccura IgG, Wondfo, and Dynamiker IgM with Cohen’s Kappa values of (0.2508, 0.1893, and 0.0313), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid tests in our study exhibited heterogeneous diagnostic performances. Roche, Vazyme, and Panbio antibody tests showed promising results in concordance with our reference method with the best-reported results. On the other hand, the other tests were inferior and failed in providing valid and reliable results. Further studies are necessary to determine the practicality of these tests in different settings and communities.

North American lower-extremity revascularization and amputation during COVID-19: Observations from the Vascular Quality Initiative.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's impact on vascular procedural volumes and outcomes has not been fully characterized. METHODS: Volume and outcome data before (1/2019 - 2/2020), during (3/2020 - 4/2020), and following (5/2020 - 6/2020) the initial pandemic surge were obtained from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). Volume changes were determined using interrupted Poisson time series regression. Adjusted mortality was estimated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised 57,181 patients from 147 US and Canadian sites. Overall procedure volumes fell 35.2% (95% CI 31.9%, 38.4%, p < 0.001) during and 19.8% (95% CI 16.8%, 22.9%, p < 0.001) following the surge, compared with presurge months. Procedure volumes fell 71.1% for claudication (95% CI 55.6%, 86.4%, p < 0.001) and 15.9% for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) (95% CI 11.9%, 19.8%, p < 0.001) but remained unchanged for acute limb ischemia (ALI) when comparing surge to presurge months. Adjusted mortality was significantly higher among those with claudication (0.5% vs 0.1%; OR 4.38 [95% CI 1.42, 13.5], p = 0.01) and ALI (6.4% vs 4.4%; OR 2.63 [95% CI 1.39, 4.98], p = 0.003) when comparing postsurge with presurge periods. CONCLUSION: The first North American COVID-19 pandemic surge was associated with a significant and sustained decline in both elective and nonelective lower-extremity vascular procedural volumes. When compared with presurge patients, in-hospital mortality increased for those with claudication and ALI following the surge.