Learning Lessons in Crisis Management

European medicine regulators have, over the past few decades, been drawing up a series of detailed plans for the emergency development and mass-scale production of vaccines, antivirals, and other medicines, as well as diagnostics to combat epidemics or pandemics. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), responsible for the EU's central medicines authorization process and for coordinating the EU's medicines licensing network down to national level, performed "lessons to be learned" exercises after the swine flu and Ebola episodes. [...]many of the companies submitting candidates for anti-COVID-19 vaccines and medicines for approval are already known to regulators, who have often been acquainted with the technologies behind them as well. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stabilitech's technology platform was already known to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) because of the company's plans for authorization of a vaccine against the Zika virus (6).

Pandemics and the Individual Life Insurance Market: Evidence of the Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 has led to significant loss of life and has adversely impacted the worldwide economy. While anecdotal evidence indicates a growing interest in life insurance among U.S. consumers during the pandemic, little is known about how the pandemic may have affected the life insurance market. We utilize insurer-state data to create a measure that captures an insurer's exposure to COVID in each state in which it conducts business. Using this measure to examine the impact of the pandemic on the market for individual life insurance, we find that greater insurer-state COVID exposure is associated with smaller changes in issuances and surrenders in the U.S. We also find that observations with the greatest COVID exposure are more likely to experience declines in issuance and surrender activity. These results indicate that insurers were deliberate with respect to their policy issuance decisions while policyholders kept their policies in force during a period of significant uncertainty. [Key words: COVID-19;life insurance;pandemics;policy issuances;policy surrenders.] JEL Classifications: D12, D22, G22

Replication and extension of framing effects to compliance with health behaviors during pandemics

Outbreaks of infectious diseases represent a significant challenge for health authorities around the world. Public cooperation and compliance with health recommendations constitute critical steps to stop the spread of such diseases. But how should these recommendations be framed to achieve the most desirable outcomes? Across two experiments, we show that the classic Asian Disease Problem (Tversy and Kahneman, 1981) is replicable, regardless of disease type (real vs. hypothetical). Thus, people are less (vs. more) willing to take risks when information is positively (negatively) framed, irrespective of disease type, although they are generally more risk-averse in real pandemics. Furthermore, people high (vs. low) in emotionality are more willing to comply with preventive health behaviors when information is framed positively (vs. negatively), but only in the case of a real disease. These findings provide a range of insights into the design and management of health recommendations aimed at promoting public health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

MEDICINAL PLANTS AND VACCINATIONS USED AGAINST COVID-19: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

The newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has deteriorated the global order economically, socially and politically. As an emergency of global concern, the disease continuously spread havoc with its dreadful health manifestations with no regard for any race, religion and region. The mortality rates in different countries are surprisingly variable and there is debate about population-wise differential response to virus. Different countries have imposed lock-down to reduce the spread of virus;however, the positive outcomes of lock-down in terms of reducing mortality rate and transmission of virus are still questioned. Further, public accusations and debate of world powers regarding the origin of virus has created regional hate sentiments and political chaos which could result is serious repercussions following miscalculation of actual facts. Scientific communities are struggling to cope with the disease by developing potential vaccines against the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and were testing the already marketed drugs against this coronavirus. Therefore, several medicinal plants and various vaccinations have been used against Covid-19. This review highlights the origin, virulence, vaccination but most importantly the plants extracts used against the causative agent of COVID-19.

Anxiety levels of healthcare personnel in different stages of COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide study from Turkey Healthcare personnel and COVID 19

Aim: SARS CoV-2 transmission in healthcare personnel was first reported on January 20, 2020. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety levels experienced by healthcare personnel in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors affecting these levels. Material(s) and Method(s): A survey investigating sociodemographic features and examining anxiety levels was conducted among approximately 1000 healthcare personnel who were expected to take active roles in the pandemic across Turkey. The survey was conducted in three stages: before the pandemic spread to Turkey, at the beginning of the pandemic and when the pandemic became prominent. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting anxiety and predictors of anxiety levels. Result(s): In the first survey, always (odds ratio, 15.781;p<0.01) and often (odds ratio, 5.365;p<0.05) media use, in the second survey media use (p<0.05) and profession (odds ratio, 0.021;p<0.05) and in the third survey, marital status (odds ratio, 17.716;p<0.01) and gender (odds ratio, 4.431;p<0.05) were determined as the predictors of anxiety related to COVID-19. Discussion(s): As a result of this study, healthcare personnel groups were defined (women, nurses, married people) who need special intervention and support to provide spiritual comfort when working on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Further comprehensive studies are needed of the extent of psychological support required by healthcare personnel and to whom and how this support should be provided.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Genealogías discursivas sobre la pandemia de covid-19. Reflexiones sobre un mundo postpandemia

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una reflexión crítica sobre la idea de un mundo postpandemia, a partir de la deconstrucción de genealogías discursivas sobre la pandemia de la covid-19. Se utilizó como punto de partida la idea de Michel Foucault de historia del presente, en términos de la deconstrucción de los relatos que dan cuenta tanto lo novedoso, en esta caso de la pandemia de la covid-19, como de las inercias discursivas del pasado que perviven en el presente. Se deconstruyeron cinco genealogía discursivas sobre pandemia. En primer lugar, se abordó el problema de la propia definición de pandemia, a partir de la crisis de la gripe A, gripe porcina o H1N1. En segundo lugar, se reflexionó sobre el impacto que tuvo la gestión de la crisis del H1N1 en las representaciones y prácticas discursivas de la pandemia de covid-19. En tercer lugar, se discutieron los marcos interpretativos y epistemológicos del gobierno de las crisis pandémicas en las sociedades del Norte Global. Por su interés discursivo se analizaron, por una parte, la construcción discursiva del gobierno de las epidemias, considerando las ideas de confinamiento y vacunación y, por otra parte, el gobierno de las infraestructuras vitales, como origen de la utilización metáfora de la guerra para el gobierno de riesgos y amenazas. En cuarto lugar, se reflexionará sobre el discurso de la (in)seguridad y sus dificultades pragmáticas en el gobierno de este tipo de crisis. Se utilizará la idea de la disonancia pragmática para dar cuenta de los problemas del discurso de la seguridad. En quito lugar, se criticó el discurso de la salud global y sus implicaciones en esta crisis, tomando como referencia tres relatos o narrativas: el relato sobre la seguridad en salud global, el relato sobre el mercado de productos sensibles, como los equipos de protección personal (mascarillas) y el relato sobre la producción de vacunas. A partir de la deconstrucción de estas genealogías discursivas plantearemos, a manera de conclusión, la idea de la crónica de un fracaso global, en relación con el gobierno de la crisis de la covid-19, agravada por la irrupción de una nueva crisis, la guerra de Ucrania. Proponemos finalmente una reconstrucción del discurso virus-céntrico, a partir de la idea de una espacialidad territorial y simbólicamente constituida organizada, configurada y materializada por múltiples tecnologías de significación, vinculadas bajo la figura de una red de actores propuesta por Bruno Latour.Alternate abstract:The objective of this paper is to carry out a critical reflection on the idea of a post-pandemic world, based on the deconstruction of discursive genealogies on the Covid-19 pandemic. First of all, attention is drawn to the fact that the countries of the Global North, apparently better prepared to face this crisis, have experienced a severe impact, particularly in the so-called first wave. This fact becomes even more relevant if we consider that the different indices that predicted a better capacity of these countries to face this type of crisis were initially distorted by the cases of Italy and Spain and, later;by other Global North countries such as the United States.To carry out these discursive genealogies, Michel Foucault's idea of the history of the present was used as a starting point, in terms of the deconstruction of the stories that account for both the novelty, in this case of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the discursive inertias of the past that survive in the discourses on the representations and the government of this type of phenomena. Five discursive genealogies on the pandemic were deconstructed. In the first place, the problem of the definition of a pandemic was addressed, based on the crisis of influenza A, swine flu or H1N1 and the criticism made by the Council of Europe in 2010 of the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Secondly, we reflected on the impact that the management of the H1N1 crisis had on the representations and discursive practices of the Covid-19 pandem c. The dissonance between the low impact of this crisis and the high spending by the countries of the Global North marked the initial management of the Covid-19 crisis, particularly in terms of reducing the perception of insecurity and the overvaluation of capacities. It became evident how the story of the impact of the crisis in Italy and Spain deeply marked the representations that were initially held about this crisis. Third, the interpretive and epistemological frameworks of the governance of pandemic crises in societies of the Global North were discussed. Due to its discursive interest, we analyzed, on the one hand, the discursive construction of the government of epidemics, considering the ideas of confinement and vaccination and, on the other hand, the government of vital infrastructures, such as the origin of the use of the metaphor of war to the governance of risks and threats in these societies. Fourth, we reflected on the discourse of (in)security and its pragmatic difficulties in governing this type of crisis.The idea of pragmatic dissonance is used to account for the problems of the security discourse. In fifth place, the global health discourse and its implications in this crisis were criticized.The survival of colonial and neocolonial narratives in global health, the weakening of the WHO due to the incorporation of interests of private actors such as multilateral agencies, banks linked to development discourses, multinational corporations and philanthropic companies were highlighted. The relevance of the biotechnological and biomedical discourse was also evident, based on the idea of the magic bullet. The critique of the global health discourse had three stories or narratives as its central reference: the story about global health security, the story about the market for sensitive products, such as personal protective equipment (masks), and the story about the production of vaccines. The problematization of the discursive genealogies related to the Covid-19 crisis made it possible to highlight the great difficulties we currently have in building a discourse that gives intelligibility to this type of crisis, especially from a global perspective. This difficulty allowed us to propose, by way of conclusion, the idea of the chronicle of a global failure (everything that could go wrong finally did go wrong), in relation to the government of the Covid-19 crisis, from the idea of the infelicity of the speech act proposed by Austin. This chronicle has been aggravated by the emergence of a new crisis, the war in Ukraine. We also propose the irruption of a disaster capitalism whose discursive performativity in relation to the pandemic was felicity, which is to say they achieved what they wanted: to significantly increase their profits. Finally, we propose as an alternative a reconstruction of the virus-centric discourse, which has permeated the discourse of experts, proposing the idea of a discourse based on territorial spatiality and symbolically constituted, organized, configured and materialized by multiple technologies of meaning, linked under the figure of a network of actors proposed by Bruno Latour. The virus is one more actor in this human and non-human network. What the virus does is expose the power relationships (knowledge/power) that account for the way this network is configured. More than the virus, it is these power relations that account for the vulnerabilities we experience due to the Covid-19 crisis. Everything seems to indicate that the new discursive practices in relation to this type of crisis should point in this direction.

Innovative strategies to tackle post-Covid-19 tourism: case of small tourism companies

PurposeThe Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected the tourism industry. The highly contagious coronavirus-19 has brought the whole industry to its knees, initiating catastrophic effects in terms of loss of jobs and revenue. The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify the innovative coping strategies adopted by small tourism companies (STCs) to revive business and cope with the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study used qualitative exploration and asked open-ended questions to senior executives of STCs in India. Written responses were obtained from the respondents. Thematic analysis was performed to analyse the responses of the participants.FindingsThe findings highlight the innovative strategies adopted by STCs to cope with Covid-19-related business loss and present suggestions given by them to benefit the tourism industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers insightful practical and theoretical implications for tourism companies, marketing practitioners and policymakers.Originality/valueThe study builds on social practice theory, and the findings (prominent themes) are uniquely mapped with the elements of social practice theory.

Selection of suitable protein structure from Protein Data Bank: An important step in Structure based Drug Design Studies.

Selection of a protein structure is an important step for the success of the drug discovery process using structure-based design. Selection of the right crystal structure is a critical step as multiple crystal structures are available for the same protein in the protein data bank (PDB). In this communication, we have discussed a systematic approach for selecting the right type of protein structure. Some case studies for the selection of crystal structures of TACE, 11ß-HSD1, DprE1 andSARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzymes have been discussed for the purpose of illustration.

A Statistical Analysis and Comparison of the spread of Swine Flu and COVID-19 in India

Introduction: The world is currently experiencing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [COVID-19], however, this is not a new phenomenon;it occurred in 2009-2010 in the form of novel influenza A. (H1N1). The H1N1 virus primarily afflicted people between the ages of 26 and 50, but SARS-CoV-2 primarily afflicted those over the age of 60, increasing the number of deaths owing to their weakened immunity. The report provides a case study of the impact of H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 in India. Methods: Data is obtained from The Hindustan Times newspaper, GoI press releases and World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Results: The incidence rate was initially low and it was only by the 10-15th week that it started increasing. There is an initial upward trend before levelling out followed by a second wave and third wave. COVID-19 exhibited a steeper growth, where the steps taken by the Government were ineffective leading to higher death cases. Kerala was affected due to the travellers returning from the Middle East, while Maharashtra and Delhi saw large incidence rates due to the migrant influx and communal gathering. Conclusion: The most effective and practical approach is to test the symptomatic patients and aggressive testing to contain the transmission. Awareness campaigns to educate the public about social distancing and personal hygiene is more practical. There is still scope of improvement with regards to the public health care support, preparedness and response. Lockdown measures could have been avoided if the initial screening was conducted properly. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Social Insurance for the Socially Distant: Reforming the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program

The program is woefully deficient, particularly when compared to its sister federal vaccine injury program, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). [...]other social insurance programs employ successful design principles that are lacking in the CICP. [...]reform efforts are already under consideration.26 Several senators propose to reform the CICP to make its process and compensation scheme more similar to the VICP.27 But developing an effective federal vaccine injury compensation program- designed to address COVID-19 and future pandemic diseases of similar magnitude-will demand more than simply mirroring the VICP. [...]Part III extracts design principles from social insurance programs and applies them to propose reforms to the CICP. [...]it contrasts the two federal vaccine injury compensation programs, explains and evaluates critiques of the CICP, and lays out the need to reform the CICP.

A Review of Effects of Pandemic on the Patients of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

In today's world, physical as well as mental health both play a crucial role. However, various pandemics have had adverse effects not only on the physical but mental and social health too. With the various preventive measures introduced to handle various pandemics, it becomes more critical to understand how the preventive measures affect the lives of patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The fear of getting contaminated and the fear of being affected by the disease are the characteristics that are already present in the patients with OCD. The various preventive measures introduced during pandemics may exacerbate the symptoms causing major discomfort to the patients. Due to the stigma present around the various mental health issues, it becomes difficult for early detection and prompt treatment. The failure to receive the treatment may adversely affect the patient's life, and it may also decrease their social interactions. In case of OCD, the already existing symptoms of OCD may even deteriorate, so effective management becomes a requisite. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), along with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), has shown effective improvement in those with OCD who are exposed to various risks. The compulsions performed are lessened or even prevented. But in the time of pandemics, where preventive measures are essential not only to prevent being affected by the disease, but also to prevent its outbreak, Exposure and Response Prevention therapy should also be analyzed.

Development of social stigmatization during a pandemic caused by COVID- 19

The pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is matter of concern. Social stigma in the situation of health is the negative association between a person or group of people who share certain characteristics and a specific disease. The present article highlighted impact of social stigma on health and way to prevent it.

Zoonoses Transfer, Factory Farms and Unsustainable Human–Animal Relations

Infectious diseases are rooted in unsustainable and unjust human–animal relationships. Zoonoses are facilitated by human proximity to animals, epidemiological risk embedded within factory farms, and exploitation of animals and humans in these intensive livestock production systems. The five major categories of epidemiological risk that factory farms propel include: intensification of production for which homogenous populations are congregated, creation of multi-species farms for which different animals are held within the same farm, long and intensive animal transport increases the likelihood of interaction with other wildlife, ecological characteristics of the pathogen lead to altered pathogen dynamics and antibiotic resistance within a human population through the overuse of antibiotics. Layer and broiler operations in the North American context illustrate these linkages. One Health is offered as a concluding conceptual and aspirational frame for pursuing a more sustainable and just world. This article offers two main messages. First, our relationships with animals directly impact the health of human populations through the transmission and creation of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs). Second, adopting One Health offers a means forward for more just and sustainable human–animal relations and reduction of zoonoses transmission.

FEAR DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study will present some results of an on-line survey conducted by the author on a sample of 1640 subjects. The analysis of the results from the perspective of fear determinants during COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that being a less educated, older (but not over 70 years), socialnetwork-informed, widow, living in a rural area, may result in an increased level of fear. Direct experience with the virus does not result in significant differences in fear level according to our findings. The impact analysis of fear on attitudinal compliance revealed that higher levels of fear may result in higher levels of compliance with preventive measures and in more willingness to get vaccinated.

Expected Credit Loss Under IFRS-9 and Impact of COVID-19

Implementation of new impairment model of IFRS-9 needs to estimate Expected Credit Loss (ECL) for valuation of financial instruments. The whole process of estimating credit risk and calculating of impairment requires in developing of the internal IFRS-9 model and methodology. According to IFRS-9, reporting value of the financial instruments must be presented on the balance sheet only after considering the ECL. Under the general approach, ECL considers the forward looking scenario, along with the past and present records, which entails macro economic factors. The recent Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected the economy at the macro level in general and the individual business entities at the micro level in particular. Thus post impact of COVID-19 on ECL is unavoidable. The paper attempts to explore how in accounting the ECL deals with the impact of COVID-19 in respect of valuation of the financial instruments at the date of reporting and disclosure of a business entity. The study incorporates qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. The novelty of the study infers some major findings. The study suggests that the COVID-19 outbreak has a significant impact on the calculation of 'Expected Credit Loss' (ECL).

Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On Mental Health In Pakistan: A Systematic Review

Epidemics and pandemics ravage human population in different ways. Recent COVID-19 has engulfed the whole world and casted significant social and psychological impacts on individuals around the globe. This review article includes literature from January 2020 to November 2020 on the psychological impact of corona virus pandemic on individuals in Pakistan. Literature on psychological impact was searched via electronic databases and reputable websites including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct, Scopus and Springer by using the searching keywords: COVID-19 and psychological problems, COVID-19 and mental health, impact of corona/novel corona virus and COVID-19 and medical personnel or health care professionals in Pakistan. Total of 12 articles were selected for review. The results of study highlighted the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on students, health workers, slum community and general public who were more likely to develop the stress, anxiety, and depression, post traumatic and additional indicators of mental distress like psychological distress associated with economic recession. It was concluded that Covid-19 should not be solely treated as a life-threatening virus and a risk for physical health, but the mental health services should also be promoted to safeguard the psychological impact of the virus on Pakistani population in general, and students and healthcare providers in particular.

Challenges in addressing inequity in access to COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines in Africa

Although the global response to COVID-19 has demonstrated that some progress has been made in ensuring timely access to new medical interventions in Africa, much more needs to be done to strengthen the global systems that enable equitable access to health technologies during public health emergencies.

Sustainable Tourism in the Pandemic Era: A Case Study of Japan

The sustainable tourism concept has been evolving continually and respectively with modern society's views on sustainability. The tourism industry constantly faces new challenges showing weak points and providing opportunities for further concept development. With the focus on Japan as a case study, this empirical research discusses the insights of key stakeholders about managing sustainable tourism development during the crisis. This research takes the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of a crisis, which provides an opportunity for the sustainable tourism concept for further evolution. The results indicated that public and private sector stakeholders have different visions of sustainable tourism development. Japan's current public sector approach to it implies resolving the issue of overtourism in main tourism destinations and providing comfortable living for local communities. However, it does not have any implications for making tourism more resilient to external crises. The proposals of stakeholders for response measures for future sustainable tourism development and related policies included the establishment of a crisis management system in the tourism sphere, focus on the development of domestic tourism, creation of proper guidelines for the tourism industry for actions in case of crisis, revision of traditional tourism techniques, the establishment of "new lifestyle"/adaptation to "with Corona" era, focusing on online business/ tourism experience, focus on the development of small groups tours and individual tours, development of flexibility and adaptivity to changes in social conditions, incorporation of public health-related issues, non-contact content expansion, individual approach to different areas, and regional cooperation incorporation.

Arab women feelings while seeking information during COVID-19 pandemic: applying PMT constructs

Purpose>This study investigates the effect of protection motivation theory (PMT) constructs on Arab women's feelings while seeking information during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approach>The study has adopted a mixed-method approach using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire to explore PMT constructs' impact on women's feelings while seeking information on COVID-19. Several tests, such as standard deviation, mean, skewness, kurtosis and persons, were used to check the reliability of data and inter-relationships between constructs.Findings>The study results show a significant positive correlation between PMT constructs (perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy and response cost) with the feelings of Arab women during information seeking on COVID-19. However, the relationship between threat appraisal and feelings during information seeking was more substantial than coping appraisal and feelings during information seeking. The researchers hope that this study creates a baseline of cross-cultural studies on PMT constructs' effect on women's feelings while seeking health information.Research limitations/implications>The current study was conducted on female participants only. While the study intended to examine Arab women's feelings during information seeking with PMT's application, the results may be affected by other factors that were not considered in the current study. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in three Arab countries, which means that the results cannot be generalized in other geographical contexts. Therefore, similar studies need to be conducted in larger geographical areas as cultural factors may produce different results.Originality/value>This study explores women's feelings while seeking COVID-19 information using the PMT constructs. As far as we know, this study is the first study to investigate Arab women's feelings while seeking health information during pandemics. PMT utilization is considered a new approach to discover and measure informational needs and feelings associated with it during pandemics.

Gold, bonds, and epidemics: A safe haven study.

The COVID-19 pandemic raised the question whether gold and sovereign bonds are a safe haven during epidemics. We study the effectiveness as safe haven during the epidemics caused by SARS, Ebola, Zika, Swine Flu, and COVID-19. To this end, this study employs a DCC-GARCH model to analyze the conditional correlations between daily returns of S&P 500 and MSCI Emerging Markets Index with gold and the major sovereign bonds. Our results show that gold is a weak safe haven for stock market investors during the epidemics, and U.S. treasuries are the safest option, followed by Japanese sovereign bonds.