COVID-19 full vaccination and blockchain size: empirical evidence from the cryptocurrency market

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse COVID-19 indices and blockchain features on Bitcoin and Ethereum returns, respectively. The authors focus on the most used and owned cryptocurrencies that cover Europe, the US and Asian countries.Design/methodology/approachAn autoregressive distributed lag panel (pooled mean group and mean group) is utilized, and a robustness check is incorporated by using a Random Effect Model and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM).FindingsFour new findings were discovered, including (1) the vaccine confidence index (VCI) pushes economic recovery and increased demand for the Bitcoin market, but the opposite result was interestingly observed from Ethereum;(2) the blockchain features were revealed to be essential to Bitcoin, while they were irrelevant to Ethereum for short-run country-specific results;(3) the hash rate and network difficulty moved inversely during the pandemic;and (4) the government played a significant role in taking action during uncertain times and regarding cryptocurrency policies.Research limitations/implicationsVCI is constructed by the most used vaccine type in our sample countries (i.e. Pfizer), as the data for a specific classification by each type is still unavailable.Practical implicationsProviding an evenly distributed vaccination program primary vaccination series against COVID-19 to the citizens is an essential duty of the government. Bitcoin policymakers and investors should watch the COVID-19 vaccine distributions closely as it will affect its return. Ethereum is emphasized to keep developing its smart contract which appeared to outplay other blockchain features. Cryptocurrency investors should be wise in their investment decisions by analysing the news thoroughly.Social implicationsThis research emphasizes that the success in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination requires citizens' willingness to participate and their trust in the vaccine's efficacy. Such self-awareness and self-discipline in society can ultimately empower individuals and stabilise the economy. Nevertheless, the implementation of health protocols is still highly required to prevent the spread of new variants of COVID-19.Originality/valueThis is the first study that attempts to construct a VCI which denotes the confidence derived from the administration of full-dose COVID-19 vaccines (an initial vaccine and a second vaccine). The authors further find the impact on cryptocurrency returns. Next, blockchain size is utilized as a new determinant of cryptocurrencies.

Family Bonds with Pets and Mental Health during COVID-19 in Australia: A Complex Picture.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the health-promoting features of human-animal relationships, particularly for families with children. Despite this, the World Health Organization's (1986) Ottawa Charter remains human-centric. Given the reciprocal health impacts of human-animal relationships, this paper aims to (i) describe perceived pet-related benefits, worries, and family activities; and to (ii) examine differences in perceived benefits, worries, and activities for parents and children with and without clinical mental health symptoms. We recruited 1034 Australian parents with a child < 18 years and a cat or dog via a national online survey between July and October 2020. Most parents reported their pet was helpful for their own (78%) and their child's mental health (80%). Adjusted logistic regression revealed parents with clinical psychological distress were 2.5 times more likely to be worried about their pet's care, well-being, and behaviour (OR = 2.56, p < 0.001). Clinically anxious children were almost twice as likely to live in a family who engages frequently in pet-related activities (e.g., cooked treats, taught tricks, OR = 1.82, p < 0.01). Mental health and perceived benefits of having a pet were not strongly associated. Data support re-framing the Ottawa Charter to encompass human-animal relationships, which is an often-neglected aspect of a socioecological approach to health.

Investigation of cointegration and causal linkages on Bitcoin volatility during COVID-19 pandemic

In this study, we focus on a prominent feature in Bitcoin: its volatility. This paper aims to examine the volatility action of Bitcoin's price during the COVID-19 pandemic through various angles: COVID-19 fear sentiments, investor fear sentiments, macro-financial factors, and crypto market factors. The study utilises daily data from 11 March 2020 to 31 May 2021. We implemented an ARDL bound testing approach to find cointegration, and the Toda-Yamamoto approach to further examine any existing causal relationships between the variables. The empirical results show that COVID-19 fear increased Bitcoin volatility and a unidirectional causal relation was found between them. Investor fear sentiments revealed that US dollar volatility moved in the same direction as Bitcoin volatility, while VIX was found to be insignificant. Gold, crude oil, and the stock market did not influence the volatility of Bitcoin. Overall, only crypto market factors were cointegrated with Bitcoin volatility in the long run. Copyright © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Digital competence for emergency remote teaching in higher education: understanding the present and anticipating the future.

Higher education has increasingly adopted online and blended models of teaching. Guided by institutional policy and digital competence frameworks, the integration of digital tools and competences is perceived as essential. The pivot to emergency remote teaching (ERT) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of digital technologies and the need to deploy and support digital competences. Researchers captured a range of remote teaching practices in higher education across this period that highlight the adaptability of teachers despite a lack of preparation for such an event. This study reviewed empirical studies of ERT from the past 2 years to derive a conceptual frame for ERT digital competence, which was then applied as a lens to analyse teaching or digital competency frameworks from Australian universities. The findings of this paper demonstrate the pre-pandemic teaching and digital competency frameworks captured digital competencies relevant to ERT in varied ways. Practically, the findings provide a starting point for understanding digital competences needed for ERT to ensure future preparedness in responding to a crisis that disrupts educational provision. We also suggest universities can better support the development of teachers' digital competence through practical operationalisations that connect technical and pedagogical knowledge, make digital possibilities across modes of delivery explicit, and acknowledge the need to protect wellbeing of educators.

Digital competence for emergency remote teaching in higher education: understanding the present and anticipating the future

Higher education has increasingly adopted online and blended models of teaching. Guided by institutional policy and digital competence frameworks, the integration of digital tools and competences is perceived as essential. The pivot to emergency remote teaching (ERT) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of digital technologies and the need to deploy and support digital competences. Researchers captured a range of remote teaching practices in higher education across this period that highlight the adaptability of teachers despite a lack of preparation for such an event. This study reviewed empirical studies of ERT from the past 2 years to derive a conceptual frame for ERT digital competence, which was then applied as a lens to analyse teaching or digital competency frameworks from Australian universities. The findings of this paper demonstrate the pre-pandemic teaching and digital competency frameworks captured digital competencies relevant to ERT in varied ways. Practically, the findings provide a starting point for understanding digital competences needed for ERT to ensure future preparedness in responding to a crisis that disrupts educational provision. We also suggest universities can better support the development of teachers' digital competence through practical operationalisations that connect technical and pedagogical knowledge, make digital possibilities across modes of delivery explicit, and acknowledge the need to protect wellbeing of educators.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Case Report.

After more than a year of Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, in 2021 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination have been made possible and vaccine was distributed globally. Since then, there have been reports of symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, including neurological symptoms of ascending paralysis known as Guillain-Barre syndrome. In this report, we describe the first case of Guillain-Barre syndrome following vaccination in Indonesia. Symptoms of ascending paralysis were of late onset after the first dose, however, were full blown after receiving the second dose followed by left-sided facial paralysis.

A Machine Learning Approach to Evaluate Variables of Math Anxiety in STEM Students

The relationships between math anxiety and other variables such as students' motivation and confidence have been extensively studied. The main purpose of the present study was to employ a machine learning approach to provide a deeper understanding of variables associated with math anxiety. Specifically, we applied classification and regression tree models to weekly survey data of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students enrolled in calculus. The tree models accurately identified that the level of confidence is the primary predictor of math anxiety. Students with low levels of confidence expressed high levels of math anxiety. The academic level of students and the number of weekly hours studied were the next two predictors of math anxiety. The junior and senior students had lower math anxiety. Also, those with a higher number of hours studied were generally less anxious. Weekly tree diagrams provided a detailed analysis of the interrelations between math anxiety and variables including academic level, number of hours studied, gender, motivation, and confidence. We noticed that the nature of such interrelations can change during the semester. For instance, in the first week of the semester, confidence was the primary factor, followed by academic level and then motivation. However, in the third week, the order of the interrelation changed to confidence, academic level, and course level, respectively. In summary, decision tree models can be used to predict math anxiety and to provide a more detailed analysis of data associated with math anxiety.

Analysis of Anxiety, Motivation, and Confidence of STEM Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The current COVID-19 pandemic has largely impacted the academic performance of several college students. The present study is concerned with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degree. We collected weekly survey data (w=9) of students (n=53) taking calculus courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the self-reported survey data, we investigated the temporal variations in the levels of anxiety, motivation, and confidence of STEM students. Studies on temporal changes to math anxiety are scarce. The present work aims to fill this gap by analyzing longitudinal survey data associated with math anxiety. Furthermore, using descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as one-way ANOVA, we analyzed the data with respect to gender and academic level. Our results indicated that male and freshman/sophomore (F/Sp) STEM students had higher levels of increased anxiety due to COVID-19. Female and F/Sp STEM students had higher levels of motivation, whereas junior/senior (J/S) and male students exhibited higher levels of confidence. Time series analysis of the data indicated that the levels of motivation and confidence significantly dropped toward the end of the semester, whereas the level of anxiety increased in all groups. Also, the use of math resources (such as tutoring and supplemental instruction) has significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis and Myasthenia Gravis Post-COVID-19 Vaccination: Cases of Possible COVID-19 Vaccination-Associated Autoimmunity

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a global issue. While immunizations comprise an important line of defense, adverse effects may occur. We report two cases of autoimmune conditions affecting the nervous system, anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and myasthenia gravis (MG), that developed in close association with COVID-19 vaccination. CASE REPORT: In our first case, a 29-year-old woman presents with recurrent seizures, auditory hallucinations, psychiatric symptoms, and autonomic abnormalities, with an onset of 1 day after receiving the second dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 whole virus vaccine. CSF analysis and electroencephalogram (EEG) were consistent with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. In our second case, a 23-year-old woman presents with ocular ptosis, diplopia, hoarseness, and fatigability, which first appeared 1-day after her first dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 whole virus vaccine. Electromyography (EMG) results established a definite diagnosis of MG. CONCLUSION(S): To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and MG associated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 whole virus vaccine. In both cases, COVID-19 vaccination appears to be the only remarkable feature of history. The authors postulate that COVID-19 vaccination may trigger underlying defects or induce failure of positive and negative selection, which may lead to autoreactivity and subsequent autoimmunity. However, further studies are required to confirm this possibility. Copyright © 2022, Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI. All rights reserved.

Work-family interface in doctoral level occupations: A qualitative study of understanding the experiences of dual-earner families

The work-family interface continues to change as modern family dynamics shift and diversity in the workforce increases. Dual-earner couples with children are just one example of the complexities affecting families that are increasingly present in the workplace. This qualitative study examined several factors that are under addressed in the current work-family literature, focusing on dual-earner couples with children, same-sex dual-earner couples, and families where at least one partner has a doctoral level occupation. The current study included both heterosexual and sexual minority (i.e., same-sex) couples to reflect families in current American society, and to contribute to the limited body of research on same-sex couples in the work-family interface. The objectives of this study were to understand more about the work-family interface among dual-earner couples in doctoral level occupations, to understand how couple relationships and parenting are influenced by navigating both work and home domains, and to understand the role of occupational and organizational factors such as family-friendly policies in supporting one's home and family life. A semi-structured qualitative interview with couples was used to gather data, which was analyzed using generic qualitative inquiry and thematic analysis. The overall findings of this study were that participants experience a variety of negative and positive impacts due to the factors of spillover, being a working parent, being in a doctoral level occupation, the family-friendly policies at their workplaces, COVID-19, being a dual-earner couple, the influence of gender roles, and sexual orientation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Is Ethereum's Price Return Determined by COVID-19, Macro-financial, and Crypto Market Factors?

We investigated COVID-19 cases per country, macro-financial, and crypto market factors that might have affected Ethereum's price return in the top three countries of users, which were also affected by COVID-19 (United States, China, and Germany). Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) was used as the methodology and the generalized method of moments (GMM) was tested for a robustness check. The findings revealed that Ethereum price returns were greatly affected by COVID-19 factors. Meanwhile, macro-financial factors (stock indices and gold) had stronger effects on the return of Ethereum price rather than the crypto market. © 2022 ACM.

Factors Impacting on Bitcoin Returns in the Top Three COVID-19 Infected Countries

Our research investigated the effect of COVID-19 cases (cumulative positive and death cases) on Bitcoin price in the top three infected countries based on WHO (United States, Brazil, and India). Macro-financial and internal factors are employed as the other independent determinants of Bitcoin prices. We utilized feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) alongside generalized method of moments (GMM) for robustness check. The output revealed robustness across different econometric models. The findings unraveled that COVID-19 cumulative positive cases brought positive but insignificant impacts on Bitcoin returns, while its death cases stated the opposite. Macro-financial factors represented by stock indices and gold price imposed that they could be alternative investments to Bitcoin under the uncertain times of COVID-19. Liquidity and volume in respect to return discovery of Bitcoin are imperative instruments, as these internal factors move in the same direction with Bitcoin's demand and return movement. Efficiency in internal factors drives investors' demand, hence pushing the increase in Bitcoin's return. © 2022 ACM.

Parent and child mental health during COVID-19 in Australia: The role of pet attachment.

Restrictions, social isolation, and uncertainty related to the global COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted the ways that parents and children maintain family routines, health, and wellbeing. Companion animals (pets) can be a critical source of comfort during traumatic experiences, although changes to family routines, such as those caused by COVID-19, can also bring about challenges like managing undesirable pet behaviours or pet-human interactions. We aimed to examine the relationship between pet attachment and mental health for both parents and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. A total of 1,034 parents living with a child under 18 years and a cat or dog completed an online cross-sectional survey between July and October 2020. Path analysis using multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine associations between objective COVID-19 impacts, subjective worry about COVID-19, human-pet attachment, and mental health. After adjusting for core demographic factors, stronger pet-child attachment was associated with greater child anxiety (parent-reported, p < .001). Parent-pet attachment was not associated with self-reported psychological distress (p = .42), however, parents who reported a strong emotional closeness with their pet reported greater psychological distress (p = .002). Findings highlight the role of pets during times of change and uncertainty. It is possible that families are turning to animals as a source of comfort, during a time when traditional social supports are less accessible. Alternatively, strong pet attachment is likely to reflect high levels of empathy, which might increase vulnerability to psychological distress. Longitudinal evidence is required to delineate the mechanisms underpinning pet attachment and mental health.

Nursing education innovations and obstacles during COVID-19: Lessons learned and how that information will be used post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic created a paradigm shift in the way educators employ active learning strategies. In this chapter, the authors discuss how engaging and innovative learning strategies were developed to teach baccalaureate-level nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial focus is on the teaching and learning strategies created for first-semester students who are developing foundational nursing skills and concepts. The discussion transitions to complex strategies developed for fourth-semester students, solidifying critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. Highlighted are active learning strategies used in the classroom, skills lab, and simulated clinical environment. These promote clinical judgment and present practical direction for adapting technology to provide an engaging learning environment. Throughout the chapter, the authors use several strategies to showcase how a nursing program responded to COVID-19 restrictions, including active learning and technology strategies, and how they can be applied across a curriculum using varying levels of technology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children's cognition?

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of completing household chores appear to transfer beyond managing day-to-day living. It is possible that chore engagement may improve executive functions, as engagement in chores require individuals to plan, self-regulate, switch between tasks, and remember instructions. To date, little research has been conducted on household chores and executive functions in children, for whom these skills are still developing. METHODS: Parents and guardians (N = 207) of children aged 5-13 years (M = 9.38, SD = 2.15) were asked to complete parent-report questionnaires on their child's engagement in household chores and their child's executive functioning. RESULTS: Results of the regression model indicated that engagement in self-care chores (e.g., making self a meal) and family-care chores (e.g., making someone else a meal) significantly predicted working memory and inhibition, after controlling for the influence of age, gender, and presence or absence of a disability. For families with a pet, there was no significant relationship between engagement in pet-care chores and executive function skills. CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend that further research explore the relationship between chores and executive functions. It is possible that parents may be able to facilitate their child's executive function development through encouraging participation in chores, whereas chore-based interventions (e.g., cooking programmes) may also be used to target deficits in ability.

An Interview with Janet Godwin

Godwin has a M.A. in English from the University of Iowa and a B.A. in English from the University of Oklahoma, has completed graduate work in instructional design and technology, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Godwin served on the board of education of the Iowa City Community School District from 2017-2021 and currently serves on the board of MidWestONE Bank. In my six-year role as chief operating officer, I brought insights to the organization that helped streamline our processes and zero in on our commitment to the many organizations and millions of people served by ACT every year. [...]more states and districts than ever have students testing for free during the school day, ensuring equitable access to testing for more than one million students, many of whom will be the first in their families to go to college and earn a degree.

COVID-19 full vaccination and blockchain size: empirical evidence from the cryptocurrency market

Purpose This paper aims to analyse COVID-19 indices and blockchain features on Bitcoin and Ethereum returns, respectively. The authors focus on the most used and owned cryptocurrencies that cover Europe, the US and Asian countries. Design/methodology/approach An autoregressive distributed lag panel (pooled mean group and mean group) is utilized, and a robustness check is incorporated by using a Random Effect Model and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Findings Four new findings were discovered, including (1) the vaccine confidence index (VCI) pushes economic recovery and increased demand for the Bitcoin market, but the opposite result was interestingly observed from Ethereum;(2) the blockchain features were revealed to be essential to Bitcoin, while they were irrelevant to Ethereum for short-run country-specific results;(3) the hash rate and network difficulty moved inversely during the pandemic;and (4) the government played a significant role in taking action during uncertain times and regarding cryptocurrency policies. Research limitations/implications VCI is constructed by the most used vaccine type in our sample countries (i.e. Pfizer), as the data for a specific classification by each type is still unavailable. Practical implications Providing an evenly distributed vaccination program primary vaccination series against COVID-19 to the citizens is an essential duty of the government. Bitcoin policymakers and investors should watch the COVID-19 vaccine distributions closely as it will affect its return. Ethereum is emphasized to keep developing its smart contract which appeared to outplay other blockchain features. Cryptocurrency investors should be wise in their investment decisions by analysing the news thoroughly. Social implications This research emphasizes that the success in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination requires citizens' willingness to participate and their trust in the vaccine's efficacy. Such self-awareness and self-discipline in society can ultimately empower individuals and stabilise the economy. Nevertheless, the implementation of health protocols is still highly required to prevent the spread of new variants of COVID-19. Originality/value This is the first study that attempts to construct a VCI which denotes the confidence derived from the administration of full-dose COVID-19 vaccines (an initial vaccine and a second vaccine). The authors further find the impact on cryptocurrency returns. Next, blockchain size is utilized as a new determinant of cryptocurrencies.

Preserved SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Cell-Mediated Immunogenicity in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Immune-Modulating Therapies.

Immune-modulating medications for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have been associated with suboptimal vaccine responses. There are conflicting data with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We therefore assessed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunogenicity at 2 weeks after second mRNA vaccination in 29 patients with IBD compared with 12 normal healthy donors. We observed reduced humoral immunity in patients with IBD on infliximab. However, we observed no difference in humoral and cell-mediated immunity in patients with IBD on infliximab with a thiopurine or vedolizumab compared with normal healthy donors. This is the first study to demonstrate comparable cell-mediated immunity with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with IBD treated with different immune-modulating medications.