Understanding Post-COVID-19 Social and Cultural Realities: Global Context

This book concentrates on the changing patterns of work and global social order as a result of COVID-19. It scrutinizes these changes in order to point out the possible reasons for these changes following COVID-19. It sheds light on the differences between the condition of underdeveloped and developed countries, focusing on how they struggle to find ways of coping. The pandemic has changed the global social order. It has an impact on every aspect of life around the globe, from individual relationships to institutional operations and international collaborations. Societies are endeavoring to protect themselves despite severe restrictions, while the pandemic continues to upset family relations and overturn governance. COVID-19 has made it clearer than ever before that where many strains on the social sector occur, the current global system, with its interconnectedness and vulnerabilities, is under threat. Due to the changing patterns of economic and societal elements caused by COVID-19, further research is urgently needed to analyze these changing trends. The book portrays what work and the global social order will look like in the future. It is essential reading for anyone interested in these changes and the pst-COVID-19 reality. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022, corrected publication 2022.

Blue Light and Eye Damage: A Review on the Impact of Digital Device Emissions

The pandemic and lockdown caused by COVID-19 accelerated digitalization. Personal digital devices, emitting high-energy light, namely in the blue wavelength, have raised concerns about possible harmful effects on users' eyes. Scientific research history has shown a relationship between exposure to blue light and changes in ocular structures. The main goal of this review is to examine frequent and prolonged exposure to blue radiation from computers, tablets and smartphones and its consequences on vision and ocular structures. Bibliographic research was carried out on changes induced by blue light in ocular structures, the cornea, the crystalline lens and the retina based on the following scientific databases: BioOne Complete™;Google Scholar™;Paperity™;PubMed™;and ScienceOpen™. The most significant studies on blue light and ocular damage were selected and reviewed. The most relevant bibliographic data were analyzed and summarized and some gaps in the theme of blue light from digital devices were identified. The experimental need to acquire additional new data is suggested. The hypothesis that continued use of digital devices enriched with blue light may interfere with the biological tissues of the cornea, crystalline lens, or retina is not clarified in the available scientific evidence. Therefore, additional studies are needed to answer this problem. © 2023 by the authors.

Evaluation of the bactericidal effect of UV-LED light on alginate impressions.

The oral cavity houses a large number of microorganisms that are potential pathogens, such as cytome-galovirus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, human immuno-deficiency virus, mycobacterium tuberculosis and currently with the appearance of the SARS COV-2 that causes covid-19, the dental community must take stricter measures in its protection protocols against diseases. To evaluate its germicidal efficacy, ultraviolet light was applied with different exposure times on the alginate dental impressions, immediately after having taken the impression, which when it came into contact with the oral cavity of the patient is contaminated. As a result, a decrease in size and quantity of the bacterial colonies was observed in most of the samples in which the UV LED light was applied at 10 and 15 minutes of exposure. Some samples showed less bacterial growth even after 5 minutes of exposure. All this confirms its germicidal capacity thanks to its 245 nm ultraviolet spectrum that affects the DNA and RNA chain of microorganisms since it is the wavelength of maximum absorption of its molecule, eliminating its reproductive and survival capacity. The advantages it offers such as its small size, easy to handle and install, that it does not require constant maintenance, low acquisition cost;its constant high intensity light that does not generate any increase in temperature, makes it an excellent disinfectant auxiliary that can be incorporated into dental clinics.Copyright © 2023, Ediciones Avances S.L.. All rights reserved.

Plastic Waste-Derived Carbon Dots: Insights of Recycling Valuable Materials Towards Environmental Sustainability.

Carbon dots (CDs) or carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as rising stars in the carbon family due to their diverse applications in various fields. CDs are spherical particles with a well-distributed size of less than 10 nm. Functional CDs are promising nanomaterials with low toxicity, low cost, and enormous applications in the field of bioimaging, optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and sensing. Plastic is non-biodegradable and hazardous to the environment, however extremely durable and used in abundance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of plastic waste, particularly masks, goggles, face shields, and shoe cover, has increased tremendously. It needs to be recycled in a productive way as plastic wastes take hundreds or thousands of years to degrade naturally. The conversion of plastic waste into magnificent CDs has been reported as one of the key alternatives for environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits. In this review, synthetic routes for the conversion of plastic wastes into CDs utilizing hydrothermal, solvothermal, pyrolysis, flash joule heating, and characterization of these CDs using different techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope, have been discussed. Furthermore, potential applications of these plastic-derived CDs in sensing, catalysis, agronomics, and LED lights are summarized herein.

Institutional Environment and Tourism: Moderating Role of Host Countries' Health System

Tourism has gradually emerged to become a significant factor for sustainable economic growth around the globe. Along with other variables, the institutional environment has a significant influence on the growth of the tourism industry. Consequently, there are two primary goals for this study: firstly, to improve the body of knowledge already available on the institution-tourism nexus;secondly, to investigate how the health systems of the host countries contribute to the said nexus. To analyze these relations, we collected data from 50 countries across 10 years (2009-2018). We apply multiple regression analysis to a balanced panel dataset of 500 observations. Furthermore, we also used an interactive variable in conjunction with the primary independent, dependent, and control variables of the study to determine the moderating effect of the host countries' health systems. The study's findings demonstrated the significance of an efficient institutional structure in boosting tourism. Additionally, the health systems of the host nations play a significant role in strengthening the connection between institutions and tourism, especially in the post-COVID-19 period. Through the creation of institutional frameworks and health infrastructure, the study's findings will assist policymakers in developing efficient tourism policies. All of the above strategies will eventually lead to a trustworthy, safe, and healthy environment for both locals and visitors.

Inactivation characteristics of a 280 nm Deep-UV irradiation dose on aerosolized SARS-CoV-2.

A non-filter virus inactivation unit was developed that can control the irradiation dose of aerosolized viruses by controlling the lighting pattern of a 280 nm deep-UV (DUV)-LED and the air flowrate. In this study, the inactivation properties of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 were quantitatively evaluated by controlling the irradiation dose to the virus inside the inactivation unit. The RNA concentration of SARS-CoV-2 remained constant when the total irradiation dose of DUV irradiation to the virus exceeded 16.5 mJ/cm2. This observation suggests that RNA damage may occur in regions below the detection threshold of RT-qPCR assay. However, when the total irradiation dose was less than 16.5 mJ/cm2, the RNA concentration monotonically increased with a decreasing LED irradiation dose. However, the nucleocapsid protein concentration of SARS-CoV-2 was not predominantly dependent on the LED irradiation dose. The plaque assay showed that 99.16% of the virus was inactivated at 8.1 mJ/cm2 of irradiation, and no virus was detected at 12.2 mJ/cm2 of irradiation, resulting in a 99.89% virus inactivation rate. Thus, an irradiation dose of 23% of the maximal irradiation capacity of the virus inactivation unit can activate more than 99% of SARS-CoV-2. These findings are expected to enhance versatility in various applications. The downsizing achieved in our study renders the technology apt for installation in narrow spaces, while the enhanced flowrates establish its viability for implementation in larger facilities.

Personalized and research-led teaching as building blocks to success during pandemic times in Austria's higher education sector

Problem: 35 years after signing the Ottawa Charter, the field of health promotion is undergoing a dynamic development. This also applies to the tertiary education sector. There is still no law in Austria that regulates occupations in health promotion. Another challenge is that students within a specific cohort have different interests, goals and prior knowledge. This requires flexibility and openness. Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for digital, flexible and personalized teaching and learning opportunities at universities. Concept: In this paper the didactic framework of a full-time bachelors' programme as well as a part-time masters' programme at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland is described. The CompHP framework and the outlines of a new health education policy in the DACH region formed the basis for defining study goals. Principles: In order to achieve the study goals, two didactic principles are combined: personalized teaching and learning and linking teaching and research. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, using a variety of didactic principles and creating a concept for the implementation of distance learning methods can help meet the challenges during the knowledge transformation process. Results may be referred to a wide range of study programmes in various academic fields. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. All rights reserved.

When theory meets praxis – enhancing heritage management through practice-led research at Great Zimbabwe World Heritage property

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline and reflect on the new research agenda for the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage property. This research agenda was jointly developed by academics and practitioners from Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) respectively. This Research-Practice Team was put together for the Heritage Place Lab (HPL), a pilot project of the ICCROM-IUCN World Heritage Leadership programme. Design/methodology/approach: A series of steps were undertaken to come up with research priorities and a new research agenda that are presented in this paper. The HPL project involved online workshops, due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, that were held between September 2021 and April 2022. The HPL methodology involved six assignments that were based on the Enhancing Our Heritage Toolkit 2.0 (EOH) which was being designed by UNESCO and its Advisory Bodies. This toolkit encouraged the team to establish site-specific management issues and research needs. The toolkit helped the team to have a detailed appreciation of the site's Outstanding Universal Value as well as other heritage values of national and local importance. The toolkit also involved the mapping of site attributes and multiple actors as well as the analysis of governance and legal frameworks. The toolkit also required the team to identify factors affecting the heritage property. Findings: The Research-Practice Team highlighted challenges that resulted from the legacy of ill-informed research activities and conservation efforts at the World Heritage property. It became more apparent that the site managers were prioritizing the physical fabric of the site at the expense of the spiritual aspects. Lack of coordination among the actors was also undermining the governance structure. Four thematic strands which included local values and intangible cultural heritage elements;heritage governance;climate change and environmental sustainability and incorporation of local knowledge systems were identified for further research. Originality/value: The paper is an outcome of collaborative efforts that were done by academics and practitioners. Researchers and site managers at Great Zimbabwe had hitherto worked in silos. The majority of previous and ongoing research on the World Heritage property falls short of addressing the dire management challenges. The paper is an attempt to broaden the scope in terms of the management of the site. In the past focus has been on the monumental aspects of the site with specific reference to the dry-stone walled structures. However, in this instance, the Research-Practice Team has integrated new interests such as the intangible aspects of Great Zimbabwe, spirituality and community beneficiation. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

COVID-19 and the Indian economy: The debate about a wage-led recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered multiple crises-of health, economy, and livelihoods-in India. The restoration of at least a part of the incomes lost by the overwhelmingly informal workforce in the country during the lockdown period should have been a priority for the government. However, the stimulus packages announced by the government have been inadequate, especially given the magnitude of the employment and livelihood crisis. Some of the policies taken in the wake of the crisis, such as the approval to increase daily working hours to twelve, have led to a weakening of labour's position vis-a-vis capital. Rather than boosting economic growth, such measures will only worsen the deficiency in aggregate demand and prolong the recession. India's policy-makers should reconsider the faith they have put in neoclassical economic ideas, which have slowed down employment growth and left millions of people with little access to basic health or education facilities. The pandemic should be an opportunity to build in India an effective and publicly provided social security system as well as rural infrastructure and research institutions. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

COPD criteria-led discharge impacts on inpatient COPD management

Introduction/Aim: A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) criteria-led discharge (CLD) pathway created on evidence-based guidelines was introduced at Canterbury Hospital to reduce unwanted clinical variation detected during a previous Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) audit. This audit aims to review whether adherence to COPD evidence-based guidelines improved after the CLD introduction. Method(s): The electronic medical records of patients admitted to Canterbury Hospital between 14/02/2022 and 01/08/2022 with a diagnosis of COPD, defined as DRG codes E65A and E65B, were reviewed. Data including patient demographics, admission dates, vaccination status, smoking status and cessation counselling, oxygen targets, inhalers, antibiotics, steroids and referrals on discharge were recorded in REDCap. Deidentified data was extracted into excel, grouped based on admission date being pre or post the CLD implementation date of 09/05/2022. The chi square test was used to determine significance. Result(s): A total of 66 patients were included for analysis (n = 25 pre-intervention, n = 39 post-intervention). Appropriate steroid discharge plans and inhaler technique reviews improved post CLD implementation. Antibiotic usage was more consistent with community acquired pneumonia guidelines rather than infective exacerbation of COPD for both groups. Vaccination documentation was generally poor aside from for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), though there was significant improvement in the discussion of influenza vaccine post CLD. Documentation of oxygen targets did not improve. Referrals to outpatient respiratory services were high in both groups. Conclusion(s): Introduction of a COPD CLD improved adherence to some aspects of COPD evidence-based management at Canterbury Hospital. Further initiatives should be considered targeting appropriate antibiotic usage, oxygen targets and discussion of preventative measures such as vaccination.

Economists and COVID-19: Ideas, theories and policies during the pandemic

This book examines and classifies different reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic from economists across the world. With the impacts of the pandemic experienced differently in each country, specific case studies are provided to highlight how the economics profession has responded to the challenges that have emerged from COVID-19. Key debates, such as the trade-off between health protective measures and the economic impacts of closing important sectors, are discussed, with a focus on the responses in China, the USA, Italy, France, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, and Palestine. This book explores the ability of economists to respond to economic and social crises, and provides insight into the ties between economic theory and economic policy in the modern world. It will be relevant to students and researchers interested in how economists have responded to the COVID-19 and what changes it might trigger. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in cold-chain transportation environments and the efficacy of disinfection measures.

Background: Low temperature is conducive to the survival of COVID-19. Some studies suggest that cold-chain environment may prolong the survival of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and increase the risk of transmission. However, the effect of cold-chain environmental factors and packaging materials on SARS-CoV-2 stability remains unclear. Methods: This study aimed to reveal cold-chain environmental factors that preserve the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and further explore effective disinfection measures for SARS-CoV-2 in the cold-chain environment. The decay rate of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in the cold-chain environment, on various types of packaging material surfaces, i.e., polyethylene plastic, stainless steel, Teflon and cardboard, and in frozen seawater was investigated. The influence of visible light (wavelength 450 nm-780 nm) and airflow on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus at -18°C was subsequently assessed. Results: Experimental data show that SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus decayed more rapidly on porous cardboard surfaces than on nonporous surfaces, including polyethylene (PE) plastic, stainless steel, and Teflon. Compared with that at 25°C, the decay rate of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus was significantly lower at low temperatures. Seawater preserved viral stability both at -18°C and with repeated freeze-thaw cycles compared with that in deionized water. Visible light from light-emitting diode (LED) illumination and airflow at -18°C reduced SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus stability. Conclusion: Our studies indicate that temperature and seawater in the cold chain are risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and LED visible light irradiation and increased airflow may be used as disinfection measures for SARS-CoV-2 in the cold-chain environment.

Mini-thermal platform integrated with microfluidic device with on-site detection for real-time DNA amplification.

The recent cases of COVID-19 have brought the prospect of and requirement for point-of-care diagnostic devices into the limelight. Despite all the advances in point-of-care devices, there is still a huge requirement for a rapid, accurate, easy-to-use, low-cost, field-deployable and miniaturized PCR assay device to amplify and detect genetic material. This work aims to develop an Internet-of-Things automated, integrated, miniaturized and cost-effective microfluidic continuous flow-based PCR device capable of on-site detection. As a proof of application, the 594-bp GAPDH gene was successfully amplified and detected on a single system. The presented mini thermal platform with an integrated microfluidic device has the potential to be used for the detection of several infectious diseases.

Effects of a family caregiver-delivered multi-sensory cognitive stimulation intervention for older people with dementia during COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many community dementia services such as home-visiting services and center-based activities were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the efficacy of a caregiver-delivered cognitive stimulation therapy (CDCST) on people with dementia during the pandemic. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a two-arm randomized controlled trial involving 241 patient-caregiver dyads assigned to a 15-week CDCST or control group (usual care). We hypothesized that CDCST would facilitate significant improvements among people with dementia (cognition, behavioral/psychiatric symptoms, quality of life) and their caregivers (caregiving appraisal, attitudes, psychological well-being) at post-intervention (T1) and at the 12-week follow-up (T2). Generalized estimating equations evaluated the study outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 230 dyads completed the study, with good program adherence (93%). Participants in the CDCST showed significant improvements in cognition (p < .001), behavioral and psychiatric symptoms (p = .027), and quality of life (p = .001) at the 3-month follow-up period. Family caregivers had improved positive aspects of caregiving (p = .008; p = .049) and decreased negative attitudes toward people with dementia (p = .013; p < .001) at both T1 and T2. There were non-significant changes in the caregivers' perceived burden, distress, and psychological well-being. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Family caregivers could be trained to provide cognitive stimulation at home for people with dementia, which could benefit both parties. CDCST could manage to improve the cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and quality of life of people with dementia, while also improving caregiving appraisal and negative attitudes among family caregivers.

Quantitative Evaluation of Municipal Wastewater Disinfection by 280 nm UVC LED

UV-LED irradiation has attracted attention in water and wastewater disinfection applications. However, no studies have quantitatively investigated the impact of light intensity on the UV dosage for the same magnitude of disinfection. This study presents a powerful 280 nm UV-LED photoreactor with adjustable light intensity to disinfect municipal wastewater contaminated with E. coli, SARS-CoV-2 genetic materials and others. The disinfection performance of the 280 nm LED was also compared with 405 nm visible light LEDs, in terms of inactivating E. coli and total coliforms, as well as reducing cATP activities. The results showed that the UV dose needed per log reduction of E. coli and total coliforms, as well as cATP, could be decreased by increasing the light intensity within the investigated range (0–9640 µW/cm2). Higher energy consumption is needed for microbial disinfection using the 405 nm LED when compared to 280 nm LED. The signal of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in wastewater and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in pure water decreased upon 280 nm UV irradiation. © 2023 by the authors.

Community-Led Housing in Yangon: The Struggles of Non-Confrontational Resistance and Feminist Crisis Management

In this article, we draw on community-led housing, non-confrontational resistance, and feminist crisis management literature to analyse the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup in a community-led housing scheme in Yangon, Myanmar. Based on the direct involvement with a women's grassroots network and a local NGO between 2018 and 2022, we focus on the impacts of the double crisis on low-income populations, their responses to overlapping challenges, the emergent forms of mutual care, and the extra and intra-community learnings. We argue that, in the context of authoritarian regimes, community-led housing practices constitute a modality of non-confrontational resistance that, in times of crisis, revealed how collective housing members had an important safety net-in material, emotional, and social terms—sustained through collective mobilisation and mutual care. This analysis contributes to expanding the debates on housing justice struggles, non-confrontational resistance, and care from the standpoint of grassroots women's organisations.

Engagement, Advance Care Planning, and Hospice Use in a Telephonic Nurse-Led Palliative Care Program for Persons Living with Advanced Cancer.

Persons living with advanced cancer have intensive symptoms and psychosocial needs that often result in visits to the Emergency Department (ED). We report on program engagement, advance care planning (ACP), and hospice use for a 6-month longitudinal nurse-led, telephonic palliative care intervention for patients with advanced cancer as part of a larger randomized trial. Patients 50 years and older with metastatic solid tumors were recruited from 18 EDs and randomized to receive nursing calls focused on ACP, symptom management, and care coordination or specialty outpatient palliative care (ClinicialTrials.gov: NCT03325985). One hundred and five (50%) graduated from the 6-month program, 54 (26%) died or enrolled in hospice, 40 (19%) were lost to follow-up, and 19 (9%) withdrew prior to program completion. In a Cox proportional hazard regression, withdrawn subjects were more likely to be white and have a low symptom burden compared to those who did not withdraw. Two hundred eighteen persons living with advanced cancer were enrolled in the nursing arm, and 182 of those (83%) completed some ACP. Of the subjects who died, 43/54 (80%) enrolled in hospice. Our program demonstrated high rates of engagement, ACP, and hospice enrollment. Enrolling subjects with a high symptom burden may result in even greater program engagement.

Who's to blame for Greece?: Life after bankruptcy: Between optimism and substandard growth

This expanded and enlarged third edition of Theodore Pelagidis and Michael Mitsopoulos' popular Who's to Blame for Greece? covers almost a decade of Greece's economic crisis from 2009 to 2019, as well as recent developments in the first months of 2020. It provides an overview of recent developments in the Greek economy and outlines the most important obstacles to a return to robust and sustainable growth rates. It considers the new optimism being developed in Greece after the crisis, but also the policy challenges facing Greece emanating from a deeply hurt economy in the aftermath of the crisis and the structural problems that persist. The book covers the most recent issues that affect the Greek economy including, the migration crisis at the borders with Turkey as well as a faltering global economy hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. This book will appeal to researchers, practitioners and policy makers interested in the EU and the political economy of Greece and offers valuable updates on the second edition. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.

The evolution of community peer support values: Reflections from three UK mental health project teams

Objective: To explore emergent values for community-based peer support in three projects and use of peer research methodology. Background: Peer support refers to the support people with shared lived experiences provide to each other. Its roots are in the civil rights movement, providing alternatives to clinical treatments. This method of support is delivered in different settings, with varying degrees of structure. In this paper, it includes shared experience of mental health issues. Methods: We reviewed interview data from two evaluations and one development project - mental health (n = 69), women-only (n = 40), and maternal mental health (n = 24), respectively. Each project used peer research methods. Peer support values from each project were compared, along with reflections from mostly peer researchers who worked on them (n = 11). Results: Six peer support values emerged and were found to be identifiable and applicable in different contexts. Decisions on facilitation and leadership varied across projects and generated some concerns over professionalisation, including non-peer leadership. Frameworks were viewed as broadly useful, but peer support is heterogenous, and peer researchers were concerned about over-rigid application of guidance. Discussion: We propose caution applying frameworks for peer support. Values must remain flexible and peer-led, evolving in new contexts such as COVID-19. Evaluators have a responsibility to consider any potentially negative consequences of their work and mitigate them. This means ensuring research outputs are useful to the peer support community, and knowledge production is based upon methodologies, such as peer research, that complement and are consistent with the values of peer support itself. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Beyond Meeting and Tweeting: The Next Challenges for Innovation in Diplomacy

COVID-19 might become another weapon in the armory of those who believe that the answer to the twenty-first century is to build a bigger wall. A pandemic that exposes the weakness of systems for international cooperation will lead some politicians to campaign on more nationalist platforms. In the last decade, countries have realized the benefit of becoming soft power superpowers, and have spent more time and energy shifting the way the world sees them. This chapter discusses from a personal perspective how states have used digital technology to craft new messages internationally, and both the challenges and benefits they have found along the way. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.