A review of panic buying: the mediation of illusory truth effect and persistence due to herd mentality and confirmation bias

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has been experiencing severe stress and feelings of anxiety. Social media in particular has been shown in the literature to be a major contributing medium for the widespread distribution of misinformation concerning COVID-19. The rapid dissemination of fake news concerning supply shortages of certain essential items has increased pandemic-related behaviours such as panic buying. Factors that have led to panic buying include: perceived threat of an event, perceived product scarcity, fear of the unknown, and coping methods to gain control. Although these factors are prevalent reasons that induce panic buying behaviours, they do not explain the mechanisms of perception formation. It is possible that heuristics (i.e. availability, and affect), which are reinforced by social media posts, aid in the development of the illusory truth effect. This psychological phenomenon may be the root cause of the public’s false perceptions of pandemic-related events. This paper reviews the impact of the illusory truth effect as a mediator in processing misinformation from social media and the news as truths that inevitably encourages panic buying behaviour. Furthermore, this paper examines the persistence of the illusory truth effect due to herd mentality and confirmation bias in the perpetual cycle of irrational decision making. In conclusion, the illusory truth effect has been demonstrated to be a key cognitive bias that strengthens with repetitive exposure to adverse sentiments related to COVID-19, and is likely to be maintained through herd mentality and confirmation bias in social situations. Although more research must be conducted to solidify this theory, the current review aims to serve as a basis for further research on the illusory truth effect and potentiate solutions in the prevention of adherence to this effect. © 2022, University of Toronto. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of global rural teleoncology and future routes for teleoncology research in the context of Canadian rural areas: a narrative review of the literature

Background: To limit the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus during in person interactions, modes of telemedicine, such as teleoncology, have been on the rise more than ever. This narrative review examines the effectiveness of current Canadian teleoncology services in providing adequate services to the residents of Canadian rural areas. This paper also seeks to analyze current international research and models of teleoncology and how they may be applicable in a Canadian rural context. The paper additionally provides well-supported and appropriate suggestions for future developments of Canadian rural teleoncology and future research directions within the field. Methods: Through a literature search on platforms like Google Scholar, 14 Canadian and international pieces of literature have been selected and reviewed. Common trends of teleoncology strengths and weaknesses have been retrieved, analyzed and summarized. Results: Upon analysis of advantages and disadvantages, it can be stated that teleoncology is a relevant mode of healthcare delivery in the current Canadian context. Despite its limitations, teleoncology can enhance and diversify the quality and types of services delivered to Canadians, especially those in rural areas. Conclusion: Overall, it can be safely deduced that teleoncology has the potential of becoming a prominent aspect of the future of healthcare especially in Canadian rural contexts. The next step towards enhancing the Canadian rural teleoncology system is to gain a better understanding of this system through more recent, standardized research. This can be followed by careful examination of the international status of teleoncology for potential inspirations for change and areas of research. In its analysis, the paper at hand provides a series of suggestions for future areas of research in this topic and potential methodologies for enhancing current Canadian rural teleoncology. © 2022, University of Toronto. All rights reserved.

University extension in virtual spaces: Strategies for the development of physical therapy teachers and students at the Federal University in Minas Gerais (UFMG)

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, classrooms were emptied to ensure social distancing as a strategy to decrease the spread of the virus. University managers and professors looked for means to continue academic activities through cooperation, solidarity, and innovation. Fast skill building was needed to make remote learning feasible. In this scenario, university extension played an important role. This paper reports on creating and adapting two extension projects to support teachers’ and students’ skill-building for remote learning, the projects’ objectives, and the activities carried out. We believe that collaborative initiatives based on active learning can give new meaning to university activities during challenging times.

Weaknesses and potentialities of speech therapy' work in virtual environment in times COVID-19 pandemic (SARS-CoV-2)

Introduction: the challenges arising from the spread of Covid-19 accelerated the use of technological tools. Digital connectivity is has established itself even more in our daily habits, especially in health care work.