Responding to adult learner student needs in the COVID-19 pandemic: Modifying online graduate courses in education to seize teachable moments

This chapter focuses on how faculty teaching online graduate courses needed to modify teaching practices and make adjustments and accommodations in response to student needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the online platform did not need to change, student stressors significantly increased. This was particularly true in the Educational Leadership Department at New Jersey City University (NJCU), located in the most diverse city in the United States and in the epicenter of the pandemic. Most students were impacted directly by the pandemic with many becoming ill and losing loved ones. As a graduate program focusing on developing leadership skills, our student body is comprised of working professionals in the field of education. In addition to having to manage personal stressors, students who are educators and administrators in the K-12 and community college setting also had to shift teaching, learning, and supportive services from face-to-face to remote environments in a matter of days or weeks. Examples of how we gained an understanding of our student needs and responded to these needs are provided. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021. All rights reserved.

Food Safety Compliance and Challenges of Micro Food Business Operators: Implications to COVID-19 Pandemic

The food safety compliance and challenges of micro–Food Business Operators (FBOs) that could impact COVID-19 are assessed in this study using the descriptive-comparative research design. The findings reveal that the sanitary conditions of utensils and equipment, the sanitary operations and facilities, the monitoring of time and temperatures, and the maintenance of the sanitary conditions in the facility need major improvement to increase food safety compliance and to contribute in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19. Minor improvements are needed in the handwashing facility, the implementation of the water potability program, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, personnel disease control, and hygienic practices. Moreover, the lack of technical knowledge and time to manage and continuously improve food safety system are the challenges experienced by the FBOs. These findings are instrumental to the improvement of the food safety practices, formulation of relevant policies, and conceptualization of research in mitigating COVID-19 relevant to food safety. © 2021, University of San Jose-Recoletos. All rights reserved.

Data analysis of Global Perceived Stress Scores during Covid-19

The Covid-19 Pandemic that broke out in late December 2019 has had a widespread negative effect on the mental health of people around the world. This work aims to elicit features that had a major influence on mental health during the pandemic to better understand preventive measures and remedial actions that can be taken to help individuals in need. Along with factors such as demographic age, gender, marital status, and employment status, additional information such as the effect of media used as a source of information, coping methods, trust in the country's government, and healthcare organizations was analyzed to find their correlation (if any) to the perceived stress of the individual. Machine Learning techniques such as XGBoost, AdaBoost, Decision Trees, Ordinal regression, k-Nearest Neighbors, Lasso and Ridge regression were used to arrive at a relationship between the perceived stress scores and the features considered. On interpreting results from the different models, we conclude that the main factor influencing stress scores was loneliness followed by features indicating trust in government, compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures and concerns regarding the pandemic. © 2022 IEEE.

COMPARISON OF MALAYSIAN URBAN GREEN SPACES USE PRIOR AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND PREFERENCES FOR POST-PANDEMIC DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS

A survey on the comparison between Malaysians' usage of green spaces prior and during COVID-19 pandemic was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire. Frequency and descriptive analysis were applied and a total of 415 responses from the whole Malaysia was recorded. Results showed that there was a huge increase in the number of respondents who did not visit the urban green spaces during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there was an increase in the use of home garden and neighbourhood park during the pandemic as compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the respondents involved in the survey mentioned that they diverted their visitation to the nearest green spaces available during the pandemic. The findings managed to highlight the changes in usage pattern of green spaces among Malaysians and provide proposals to relevant authorities on the future design of parks and green spaces in post-COVID-19 settings. © 2022 by MIP.

Knowledge diffusion–application association during the COVID-19 pandemic: investigating the role of technology intervention: Very Informal Newsletter on Library Automation

PurposeKnowledge management during the pandemic has been a challenging task due to the sudden intervention of technology in the organisational environment and the unexpected shift to the work-from-home culture. This study aims to investigate the role of technology intervention in the relationship between knowledge diffusion and knowledge application.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted and data were collected from 541 employees who were working from home during the pandemic in India.FindingsThis study found significant relationships between knowledge diffusion and technology intervention. This study also observed the mediating role of technology intervention in the relationship between knowledge diffusion and knowledge application.Originality/valueTis study stands with other pioneering studies that have explored the role of technology intervention in the knowledge diffusion–application relationship using the job demand-resource model.

Hospital pharmacy response to the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from a regional referral center in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The healthcare systems, including pharmacies, faced unique challenges, such as managing  an overwhelming patient influx, clinical workforce management, transitioning to remote or online work, medication procurement and several others. The purpose of this study is to describe our hospital pharmacy's experience dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and to present solutions to the challenges that arose. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively reviewed and consolidated strategies, interventions, and solutions that were implemented by our pharmaceutical institute in response to the challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study period was from March 1 to September 30, 2020. RESULTS: We reviewed and organized our hospital pharmacy response to the COVID-19 pandemic into different categories. In inpatient and outpatient satisfaction surveys, physicians and patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with pharmacy services. The close collaboration between the pharmacy team and other clinicians was demonstrated through the number of pharmacist interventions, participation in the COVID-19 guidelines reviews, involvement in local and international research, and innovative solutions to inpatient and outpatient pharmacy medication management challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the crucial role that our pharmacists and pharmaceutical institute played in ensuring continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We implemented several key initiatives, innovations, and collaborations with other clinical disciplines to successfully overcome the challenges faced.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Level of Physical Activity, Emotional State, and Health Habits of Women in Late Pregnancy and Early Puerperium.

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the level of physical activity in the last trimester, the risk of developing postnatal depression, and general health habits in late pregnancy and the early postpartum period. METHODS: The study population was women 1-8 days postpartum. Participants were divided into three groups depending on when they were recruited: (1) prepandemic (Ppan: n = 252, December 2019-March 2020), (2) COVID1 group (Cov1: n = 262, May 2020-September 2020), and (3) COVID2 group (Cov2: n = 226, June 2021-September 2021). The Ppan group included women from before the pandemic. The Cov1 group included patients after some restrictions were lifted. The Cov2 group included women after vaccinations became available. Research tools included a demographical questionnaire (age, education, childbirth details), the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ). RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that regardless of other variables, women who gave birth during the pandemic spent less energy on total physical activity compared to the prepandemic group (Cov1: ß = -18.930, 95%CI: -36.499 to -1.361; Cov2: ß = -26.527, 95%CI: -44.322 to -8.733). We also found that as the risk of depression increased, engagement in general health habits decreased during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The Covid-19 pandemic decreased the level of some subdomains of physical activity in pregnant women, with a general negative correlation between emotional state and healthy habits.

The UK, the EU, and COVID-19: Media reporting, the recontextualisation of Eurosceptic discourse, and the fait accompli of Brexit

This article analyses the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving United Kingdom (UK) Eurosceptic discourse in the context of the UK's departure from the European Union (EU). It applies a mixed-method approach of content analysis and critical discourse analysis of newspaper reporting of the EU's handling of the pandemic vis-à-vis the UK during the first lockdown and the rollout of the vaccination programme. During the first lockdown, UK newspapers opted for muted politicisation and polarisation – they downplayed the success of strategies within the EU Member States, but attacked the EU. While during the vaccination rollout they shifted to vocal politicisation and vaccine nationalism which praised the UK, heavily criticised the EU and claimed the EU's Member States suffered as a result of EU incompetence. Against this backdrop the COVID-19 pandemic has put into motion a self-reinforcing discursive shift in which the UK's ability to go it alone not only justifies Brexit, but serves to prove that it will be a success. [ FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of Migration During Pendmic

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of migration during the Covid-19 pandemic. Migration has been affected by the pandemic in various ways. For instance, the mobility restrictions imposed by governments have led to a decrease in both legal and irregular migration, and this has caused economic hardship for those who rely on remittances from family members abroad. Furthermore, the pandemic has created a new set of challenges for migrant workers, such as increased exposure to health risks and exploitation. The paper will also discuss the potential opportunities for migrants that have arisen due to the pandemic, such as the need for skilled labour in certain sectors and the development of digital technologies to facilitate remote work. Finally, the paper will examine some of the initiatives that have been taken to address the challenges faced by migrants, such as the establishment of temporary residence permits and the provision of financial aid. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of migration during the pandemic. We will examine how the pandemic has affected migration, both human and economic, and what strategies have been used to reduce its negative impacts. We will also discuss the implications of migration for both developed and developing countries, and how it has impacted the global economy. Finally, we will explore the potential for future migration and the implications for global governance. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Inequality in remote learning quality during COVID-19: student perspectives and mitigating factors.

Background: Remote learning, or synchronous or asynchronous instruction provided to students outside the classroom, was a common strategy used by schools to ensure learning continuity for their students when many school buildings were forced to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Differences in technology infrastructures, digital competencies of students and teachers, and home supports for learning likely led to inequalities in the way remote learning reached and was perceived by students. This study seeks to understand how student perspectives on remote learning varied across and within several countries. Methods: Building off a conceptual framework developed to understand remote learning success and using data from the Responses to Education Disruption Survey (REDS) student questionnaire from seven countries, we construct measures of student perceptions of three essential components of successful remote learning: Access to Suitable Technology, Effective Teachers, and Engaged Students. We then compare values on these scales across and within countries to identify inequalities in remote learning quality during school closures. We also investigate the extent to which schools implemented supports for remote learning across countries. Results: We find evidence of across country variation in remote learning quality with certain countries having much lower values on our remote learning quality scales compared to other countries in our sample. Furthermore, we identify within-country inequalities in access to and confidence in using technology with low-SES students, girls, and those living in rural areas having lower values on these measures. Furthermore, we find some evidence of within-country inequalities in student engagement across socioeconomic groups. In contrast, we do not find as many inequalities in our measures of effective teachers. In most countries, schools provided several supports to improve remote learning. Conclusions: While inequalities in remote learning experiences were anticipated and confirmed by our results, we find it promising that, in some countries, inequalities in access to and confidence in using technology as well as student engagement did not extend to inequalities in perceptions of teacher effectiveness and support. Schools' efforts to support remote learning, regardless of student background, should be seen as a positive and illustrate their resilience in the face of many challenges.

The Usefulness of Telemedicine in Perinatal Mental Health Services During and after COVID-19 Pandemic. Detailed Experience of the Team of "Together" BabyMother-Father Unit in Budapest

Due to the nature of the perinatal period, it affects generations who are more at home in the electronic space, hence some form of telemedicine can be used in a number of areas. The "Together" Baby-Mother-Father Integrated Program has been running since 2004. Both the condition of those affected and the current epidemic makes it difficult for patients and their families to access adequate perinatal specialist care. At the beginning of the epidemic, the switch to telemedicinal psychiatric care has been rapid and focused mainly on the use of Phone, Skype, Viber and Email. To our findings the advantages include, easier access to care, and more frequent contacts. The home environment is accessible and the families are more involved. Also, care does not compete with the scarce resources of time and space. Some of the possible disadvantages are, that more work on intimacy is needed, and the treatability of certain diseases is questionable (e.g., psychoses). Care is less documentable with the current regulations, and funding has not yet been adapted to the changes. The telemedicinal care and support network in Hungary - among many - contains an online medical system (EESZT) including e-prescription. Online- psychotherapy, consultation, peer-group platforms. There is a non-stop hotline for patients, etc. In 2021 the total number of our cases increased by 34%, but realistically the visit number was also higher, due to the amount of shorter telephone and e-mail interactions. Depression and bipolar disorder were among the highest proportion by the patients present.

Modelling academic delivery challenges during COVID-19: a binary logistic apporach

This study identifies significant challenges that academicians working in higher education experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as physical classrooms transformed into virtual ones. The study includes evidence from the experiences of higher education academicians from three countries: namely, India, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. The study adopts a quantitative research method to analyse the challenges that impacted the ease of coping with pedagogical delivery and the significant differences across the three countries. The study uses binary logistic regression modelling to evaluate the significance of the identified factors. The findings indicate that academicians experienced challenges working from home while adapting to the new model of teaching. Contrary to the established results gender, lack of formal training, work experience and home environment, which did not seem to impact consistently across the three geographical locations. This also is the highlight of the study, as we used the log odds to illustrate the probabilities of impacting factors in each geographical location on the Ease of Coping the dependent variable. The findings of this study may be directed to comprehend the most substantial factors specific to ease of coping. As the universities prepare themselves for the 'new normal' this study will contribute towards a paradigm shift in higher education, thereby enhancing the development of a framework for an effective teaching model to address pedagogical transition.

The UK, the EU, and COVID-19: Media reporting, the recontextualisation of Eurosceptic discourse, and the fait accompli of Brexit

This article analyses the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving United Kingdom (UK) Eurosceptic discourse in the context of the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU). It applies a mixed-method approach of content analysis and critical discourse analysis of newspaper reporting of the EU’s handling of the pandemic vis-à-vis the UK during the first lockdown and the rollout of the vaccination programme. During the first lockdown, UK newspapers opted for muted politicisation and polarisation – they downplayed the success of strategies within the EU Member States, but attacked the EU. While during the vaccination rollout they shifted to vocal politicisation and vaccine nationalism which praised the UK, heavily criticised the EU and claimed the EU’s Member States suffered as a result of EU incompetence. Against this backdrop the COVID-19 pandemic has put into motion a self-reinforcing discursive shift in which the UK’s ability to go it alone not only justifies Brexit, but serves to prove that it will be a success. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Politics is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition Telehealth Impact Study Keynote: Keynote

Obtain a detailed perspective from the principal investigator of this landmark telehealth study paving the way for understanding gaps and to allow telehealth best practices to emerge, creating a more effective and resilient system of care delivery in the U.S. The COVID-19 Telehealth Impact Study was designed to describe the natural experiment of telehealth adoption during the pandemic. Using a large claims data stream and surveys of providers and patients, studying all 50 states to inform healthcare leaders. Biography Francis “FX” Campion serves as Principal Lead for Digital Health at MITRE with work focused on AI for healthcare, FHIR interoperability and the use of synthetic data for clinical modelling. He is a co-principal investigator for the COVID-19 Telehealth Impact Study. He serves as clinical consultant to the U.S. Government for the Federal COVID Response for Therapeutics. He is a practicing internal medicine physician at Atrius Health in Boston. Prior to work at MITRE he served as Senior Clinical Informaticist at IBM Watson Health where his team built machine learning and natural language processing applications for care of patients with diabetes and heart failure. Prior to that he served as the Chief Medical Officer for Ayasdi providing AI solutions for providers and payers. There he co-authored the book, “Machine Intelligence for Healthcare.”

Telepsychiatry During the COVID Pandemic: Reflection from India

Introduction: Recent advancements in information technology and access to smartphone have expanded the scope of healthcare delivery services across the globe. Telemedicine is making healthcare affordable and more accessible to the needy in situations like the present pandemic. Although telepsychiatry services were underutilised initially in India due to various barriers, its role in delivering healthcare services, has gained pace since the last few years. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, India introduced telemedicine practice guidelines (March, 2020), and telepsychiatry operational guidelines (May, 2020), to remove barriers and promote equitable access. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic various mental health institutes across India relied heavily upon telepsychiatry services to provide care. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore being an Institute of National Importance has introduced different modules to provide clinical care to the mentally ill. Objectives: In this article, the authors provide an experiential account of various clinical services provided by our institute through telepsychiatry means across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: These clinical service modules have tremendous potential to increase the use of technology in providing quality care to the unreached population, bridging the treatment gap for psychiatric disorders globally and developing countries in particular.

Chapter 24 - Impact of climate change and COVID-19 pandemic on citrus industry

Long-term shifts in weather of a particular region refers to climate change. Now the climate change is no longer a regional phenomenon. It has assumed global proportions and all countries are affected. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But mainly since the 1800s, human activities, growing population and industrialization have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas on one hand and destroying green cover/vegetation/forests on the other. US Environmental Protection Agency defines carbon sequestration as the process through which carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is absorbed by trees, plants and crops through photosynthesis, and stored as carbon in tree trunks, branches, foliage and roots (biomass) and also in soils. The term “sinks” is also used to refer to forests, croplands, and grazing lands, and their ability to sequester carbon. Agriculture and forestry activities can also release CO2 to the atmosphere. Therefore, a carbon sink occurs when carbon sequestration is higher than carbon released during the same period. Technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation is the need of the hour. Covid-19 pandemic disrupted citrus production and trade but citrus fruit and juice consumption has increased.

Knowledge diffusion-application association during the COVID-19 pandemic: investigating the role of technology intervention

Purpose Knowledge management during the pandemic has been a challenging task due to the sudden intervention of technology in the organisational environment and the unexpected shift to the work-from-home culture. This study aims to investigate the role of technology intervention in the relationship between knowledge diffusion and knowledge application. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted and data were collected from 541 employees who were working from home during the pandemic in India. Findings This study found significant relationships between knowledge diffusion and technology intervention. This study also observed the mediating role of technology intervention in the relationship between knowledge diffusion and knowledge application. Originality/value Tis study stands with other pioneering studies that have explored the role of technology intervention in the knowledge diffusion-application relationship using the job demand-resource model.

PSYCHOLOGICAL NATURE OF THE IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON THE EMOTIONAL STATE OF THE POPULATION IN AZERBAIJAN

The objective of this investigation is to assess the emotional state of the population in Azerbaijan during the pandemic, as well as the psychological impact of the spread of Covid 19 virus on the population. To accomplish this a survey was conducted where 600 respondents participated. Our research has shown that the pandemic has not passed without an impact on the psychological state of Azerbaijani population. The level and degree of expression of this anxiety varies depending on age, gender and social status. Examining the relationship between the 21-character variable "emotional state" and age, gender, who to live with, employment, risk group, and coronavirus risk variables also show that there is a strong relationship between anxiety and age groups. The emotional state is worse in single respondents, but in large families where there are parents and children as well as grandparents, the emotional state and anxiety is lower. The higher the risk group is, the emotional distress is higher as well. Positive emotions were weak in respondents who "infected" or recovered from Covid19 among themselves, their family or kith's. The analysis of the results shows that while health fears are related to age, the fear of worsening of economic fear is more related to gender variable.

The Shift to Online Classes During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Benefits, Challenges, and Required Improvements from the Students' Perspective

The Covid-19 pandemic has radically changed and disrupted education;colleges and universities have closed their campuses, and many have shifted to online courses. In the pre-pandemic era, online classes were associated with several benefits and challenges, and the pandemic might have brought additional benefits and obstacles. This research examined students' perceptions of online classes during the pandemic. The study looked at four aspects: perceived benefits of online classes;perceived challenges;beliefs and an overall evaluation;and potential improvements. An online questionnaire was administrated to some first- and second-year undergraduate students at a College in China. It combined a set of 23 closedended and open-ended questions and 342 valid and complete responses were collected. Perceived benefits included creating a digital learning community, improving students' digital learning skills, and staying connected during tough times. Challenges comprised adaptability issues due to the sudden shift to online classes, time-management issues, being distracted by social media plus technological obstacles. Regarding beliefs, students believed that a blended model that combines both classroom and online modes is necessary for the post-pandemic era. To enhance the sustainability of online classes in the postpandemic era, a set of improvements are explored and suggested.

Reasons for delay in cataract surgery in patients with advanced cataracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: To analyze the reasons for delay in cataract surgery in patients with advanced cataracts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter questionnaire study which included patients with mature cataract, nuclear sclerotic cataract grade IV, and cataracts with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <5/60, during the COVID-19 pandemic from December 2020 to April 2021. Reasons for delay in presentation to the hospital were analyzed. Results: One thousand four hundred seventy two patients were recruited with advanced cataracts. Absence of ophthalmic care nearby (44.2%), lack of awareness regarding elective surgeries (42.6%), lack of public transportation (37%), fear of contracting COVID-19 (23.4%), and waiting for outreach camps (20.4%) were found to be the reasons behind the delay in cataract surgery. 53.7% of the patients had worsening of defective vision and 55.3% of them had difficulty in carrying out activities of family living. 30.8% of the patients faced difficulty in commuting and 8.4% of the patients suffered a fall during this pandemic due to worsening of the visual acuity. Conclusion: The lockdown imposed during the pandemic has created a significant backlog of patients who are progressing to advanced cataracts due to lack of ophthalmic care nearby, lack of awareness regarding elective surgeries, lack of public transportation, and no outreach camps. Proactive measures to deal with this backlog are of utmost need to prevent blindness due to cataract.