Disorders, Vulnerabilities and Resilience in the Supply Chain in Pandemic Times

The economic and social environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional pressure on supply chains because they now have more pressure to develop and adapt to a context of economic constraint. Delays in the supply chain can bring consequences such as the lack of food products by retailers, transporters and manufacturers. Thus, this study aims to examine the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic in small- and medium-sized food companies in the central region of Portugal, identifying potential problems and pointing out the respective solutions. For this purpose, the study uses a qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews. It was found that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not have a codified supply chain and that generally, these companies have a minimal budget, which requires a constant search for new suppliers that represent a reduction in costs. Moreover, most of the companies surveyed faced unexpected challenges, such as a lack of alternative suppliers. The present paper is original because it studies the supply chain in SMEs in the food sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it allows the ascertainment of practical suggestions for these companies to improve, as well as contributing to the clarification of the literature on the supply chain in times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Recommendations for the teams that manage school canteens in the public health emergency of COVID-19 in Argentina

The impact of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 may deepen the situations of malnutrition, where it will be necessary to adapt food programs to this new context. The objective of this work was to present the methodology and the main results of the process of formulating a federal guide based on scientific evidence and adapted to the reality of the child and adolescent population that attend school canteens in the 24 jurisdictions of Argentina. It was observed that the modalities for the implementation of SC during the pandemic were: food modules (the most frequent);food modules delivered at school with regular SC support and, food and/or snacks delivered daily. There was little evidence at the global and regional level on specific recommendations applied to the implementation of SC, although recommendations on hygiene and food handling were found. Based on a participatory process among key actors, specific recommendations were obtained according to the dimensions of food and nutrition security (FNS). It is concluded that it is necessary to increase participatory experiences in the design of recommendations based on evidence, adapted to the territory and that assume a comprehensive approach from the dimensions of FNS. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2020;70(3): 215-234. © 2020 Archivos Latinoamericanos Nutricion. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Emergency Department Patients with COVID-19 in a Rhode Island Healthcare System

BACKGROUND: Rhode Island (RI) has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe emergency department (ED) patients with COVID-19 within the largest healthcare system in RI. METHODS: A retrospective electronic medical record review of 1,209 adult patients evaluated and diagnosed with COVID-19 in 4 EDs during the first peak (March 15, 2020 to May 16, 2020) was conducted. Sociodemographic, clinical, management, and ED disposition information were summarized. CONCLUSION: This study presents the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of ED patients with COVID-19 presenting to the largest healthcare system in Rhode Island. Continued analysis is warranted to provide further insight into the trends in this pandemic.

Factors associated with psychic symptomatology in diabetics during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Special Issue: Transparency in research and publications on COVID-19.)

Objectives: To determine the frequency and factors associated with severe/extreme signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors associated with psychic symptomatology in diabetics during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: to determine the frequency and factors associated with severe / extreme signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted in April /May 2020, which included 162 individuals with diabetes mellitus and over 18 years old. An online questionnaire was applied on social networks, composed of biological, sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and the Stress, Anxiety and Depression Scale (DASS-21). For statistical analysis, a multivariate logistic regression model was applied with a 5% significance level. Results: frequency of 37.7%, 43.3% and 45.1% were found for some symptom of stress, anxiety and depression, respectively. The factors associated with sign and symptoms of severe / extreme psychic disorders were: not having religion (stress, anxiety and depression);be at graduation (stress and anxiety);history of anxiety and depression (anxiety and depression);not practicing or decreasing physical exercises and starting, increased or continue taking sleeping medications (stress);history of contact with a suspected case of COVID-19, absence or decreased leisure (anxiety);female gender, absence of a partner, decreased family income and work or study (depression). Conclusion: the frequency of psychological disorders was higher than described in the literature on diabetic patients, being associated with biological, sociodemographic, clinical factors and aspects related to COVID-19 during the pandemic. © 2021, Instituto Materno Infantil Professor Fernando Figueira. All rights reserved.