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New threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic have brought forth not only threats to human health but also changes to many other sectors of the global economy. Despite strict lockdowns, the highest annual number of global renewable energy installations were completed in 2020, including onshore wind power stations and PV power stations. The development of these two types of renewables is increasing rapidly. Transformations in terms of renewable energy require both governmental and public support;thus, it is important to note that the pandemic did not weaken the public commitment to fight climate change. This article aims to evaluate the actual level of support for renewable energy sources in different countries of the world and how the pandemic has affected public opinion regarding this issue. Our analysis suggests that, regardless of the pandemic, public support for renewable energy remains strong in different regions of the world. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Energies (19961073) is the property of MDPI 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.)
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The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the course of the educational process around the world. The digitalisation of learning through distance learning has become the key to ensuring the quality of education. The study aims to develop a model for continuous assessment of the quality of teaching distance education programmes in an online environment. The main components of the model, two variables, 14 dimensions, and 75 indicators are identified. The validity was assessed by 22 experts from the USA, China, Chile, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. The research is based on a bibliographic analysis of standards, models and guidelines which formulate principles and methods created by academic researchers and governments in the USA, Latin America and European countries for evaluating distance learning programmes. Experts rated the proposed measurements as clear, important and appropriate for evaluating distance education programmes. Indicators and measurement indicators were assessed by experts as relevant for evaluating distance learning programmes. The main study result is the developed quality assessment model for distance learning programmes for universities. The final model included two main variables, 14 measures, and 75 indicators. The model received content in the form of measurements and corresponding indicators. Among the main features of the proposed model is the possibility of a complete assessment of the quality of teaching within the curriculum in order to subsequently take steps to improve it. The research findings may be of interest to educational researchers, educators, university administrators, distance course coordinators and training programmes. © 2023, FACTEACHEREDUCATION. All rights reserved.
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Introduction and Aim: India experienced the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 during April to June 2021. Massive surge of cases resulting in shortage of beds and oxygen, home care was recommended as a strategy for management of asymptomatic/mild COVID-19 cases. The present study was undertaken to perform home visits and monitor COVID 19 patients who are a part of home-based care programme (HBCP) in Puttur taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, identification and immediate referral of patients with red flag signs/ symptoms and to identify barriers/challenges faced by health care staff in implementing the programme. Methodology: The present study was a cross-sectional study with universal sampling. It was carried out as part of a district programme for management of home isolation COVID-19 patients. The team visited the houses of COVID-19 patients and evaluated them. Result(s): A total of 112 COVID-19 patients were in home isolation during the study period in Puttur Taluk. Hypertension (29.5%) was the most common co-morbidity and nearly two-fifths (41.1%) of the study participants had one or more comorbidities. Almost two-third (63%) of the patients with comorbidities were symptomatic compared to only 29.4% of patients without any comorbidities. Of the six patients who had saturation of less than 95% five were more than 60 years of age, only one had received vaccination against COVID-19 and all had comorbidities. The HBCP had to face several challenges as the team members could not be in full PPE because of long distances between the houses and hard to reach areas. Conclusion(s): Overall, it is a helpful initiative for patients as the health services were provided at the doorstep during the time of restriction of movement. This can be an important tool in managing not only COVID pandemic but also future outbreaks that may follow.Copyright © 2023, Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists. All rights reserved.
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Water is fundamental to sustainable development, a natural resource integral to the continued existence of all living species. Unfortunately, it is also the resource which has been most widely misused, mismanaged, and driven the global community to a water crisis, through its unfettered, irresponsible exploitation. The author's attempt through this chapter is to present the cross-cutting role that water plays in fulfilling achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. These ambitious goals are ideals for any civilized society in an attempt to eradicate poverty and ensure food security, health, education, gender parity, livelihood generation, peace, and justice. The author underscores the significance of water as the connector to ultimately arrive at the successful completion of all targets set in 2015, over a period of 15 years. As we recover from the global Covid-19 pandemic, the need for sustainable, renewable, and clean water and energy has been highlighted by international bodies. The author presents the case study of Meghalaya State in North-East India as an example of integrated synergies among water, food, livelihood, education, gender equality, and ecosystem restoration to achieve peace, partnership, and prosperity. India Water Foundation in collaboration with Meghalaya Basin Development Authority ideated upon what is now the Integrated Basin Development Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP) that transformed a subsistence-based community into entrepreneurs, empowered with entrepreneurial capacity as they took ownership of their lands for optimum, sustainable utilization. This serves as an example for regional South-South cooperation and implementation in neighboring states through localization and ecosystem-based adaptation. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.
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RATIONALE: Veterans living with dementia in long-term care have complex needs, with variable manifestation of symptoms of dementia that interact with their lived experience. Best practice dementia care prioritises nonpharmacological interventions; of which few have strong evidence. Implementation of evidence is complex, with evaluation of outcomes and processes necessary. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper details the evaluation of implementation, at veteran and organisational level, of the Weaving Evidence into Action for Veterans with Dementia (WEAVE) programme. METHODS: A Type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design was used, underpinned by the Implementation Framework for Aged Care (IFAC). Programme intervention incorporated music therapy, exercise, reminiscence therapy and/or sensory modulation, offered over a 24-week period. Evaluation components included: (1) programme effectiveness for veterans with dementia for responsive behaviour, physical wellbeing, cognitive status, emotional state, medications and falls (at baseline, 8-week, 16-week and 24-week); and (2) implementation outcomes of reach and adoption, feasibility and acceptability, fidelity (via interviews) and a preliminary cost analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight veterans participated in the 24-week programme, with high levels of engagement in interventions of their choice. Statistically significant improvements were seen across all veteran-level outcome measures, for functional capacity and reduced neuro-psychiatric and depressive symptoms. Ten staff members were interviewed, highlighting co-designed core elements were feasible and acceptable, and the momentum generated by resident and staff enthusiasm. Cost analysis included costs of programme set-up and running the 24-week intervention. CONCLUSION: Key components of programme success were the therapeutic leaders, adherence to core elements of programme design, and veterans' choice in meaningful activity. Cost analysis supports deliberations for upscale across further care homes.
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The rise in COVID-19 cases has resulted in the suspension of face-to-face classes in the Philippines. Educational programmes are suddenly expected to shift to e-learning strategies in the delivery of educational instructions. This case report provides a critical reflection on an occupational therapy (OT) programme's e-learning preparedness survey of its stakeholders. Implications on the stakeholders' readiness and confidence in e-learning as it relates to their mental health are discussed. The paper concludes with a recommendation for OT programmes to use its str in supporting its stakeholders' transition to an - learning environment to mitigate any associated mental health-related issues and promote full participation within this new environment.
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Obesity in childhood and adolescence is a growing public health problem, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Multicomponent weight management programmes with a focus on nutrition, exercise, medical and psychosocial care, including parents over a period of 6 to 12 months, have shown the best evidence for treatment. However, there is still no comprehensive care for those affected. This is mainly due to inconsistent cost coverage by different responsibilities and health insurance companies. The development of a disease management programme (DMP) for obesity represents a possible step towards adequate care structures. In order to cope the special features of children and adolescents, a DMP for this age group should be designed in addition to a DMP for adults with obesity. In addition, this DMP Obesity in childhood and adolescence should be embedded in an overall concept, whichis patientcentred and meets the needs of those affected in terms of outpatient and inpatient measures. Additionally, innovative approaches such as community-based counselling centres are also desirable.Copyright © 2023 Georg Thieme Verlag. All rights reserved.
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BackgroundAfrica, like other parts of the world, continuously strives to deliver quality health professions education. These efforts are influenced to a larger extent by the socio-economic and cultural context of the region, but also by what happens globally. The global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 necessitated the implementation of emergency remote teaching to continue delivering on the mandate of educating future health professionals. The purpose of this research was to describe the response of selected health professions education institutions in Southern Africa to the impact of COVID-19 and their preparedness for remote learning and teaching.MethodsA case study design was applied using an adapted ADKAR model as a conceptual framework for data interpretation. The purposively selected study population consisted of educators, students, and administrators in undergraduate medical and nursing programmes from six institutions in five countries.ResultsA total of 1307 respondents provided data for the study. Many of the institutions were caught off-guard when most educators and almost all students were required to leave their universities and go home. Stakeholders immediately became aware of the need to adopt online approaches as an emergency measure. In all programmes, educators, students, and administrators agreed that change was desired, and students realised that they had to take charge of their own learning independently. Overall educators reported confidence in the ability to use of standard Microsoft software, while knowledge of learning management systems proved more challenging for both educators and students. Many stakeholders, especially students and administrators, reported uncertainty about their ability to function in the new reality. Conducive family dynamics, a quiet space to study, good connectivity, a reliable electricity supply and appropriate devices were reported to reinforce learning and teaching.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for higher education institutions to prepare for alternative modes to face-to-face learning and teaching approaches with the ultimate aim of transitioning to full online learning more expeditiously. This requires scaling up educational infrastructure, prioritising strategic directives driving continuous professional development of educators and fostering co-constructivist approaches towards student centered education.
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This article evaluates the role of the ECB in response to COVID19. The article assess this response in light of the separation of economic and monetary policy. It concludes that the ECB has responded in a more conservative manner during the COVID19 crisis. The ECB did however confirm its willingness to respond to an economic crisis. The ECB has confirmed this willingness by generating a framework of different policy options. This article then concludes that whilst these policies deviate from a very conservative central bank, they are not perse illegal. There is however some indication that the ECB is deviating from its capital key and thereby violating important rules. This violation may erode some of its legitimacy. This article further briefly assesses whether these changes should be considered permanent. Based upon the structure of policies that the ECB is creating these measures indicate permanence. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of European Integration is the property of Routledge 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.)
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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new challenge to the implementation of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme. According to national data, after lockdown due to COVID-19, there was a 29% reduction in total leprosy cases reported in the first quarter (April-June) of 2020 in comparison to 2019. Objectives To explore the difficulties faced by different stakeholders of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme like policy makers, doctors, grass root level health workers as well as leprosy patients during COVID-19 pandemic with respect to programme implementation and access to leprosy care. Materials and Methods Qualitative research was undertaken including two focus-group-discussions held among six leprosy patients diagnosed after lockdown and nine ASHA workers as well as six in-depth interviews of doctors, leprologists, and programme managers. Ethics committee approval was sought and informed consent was obtained from all participants. All focus-group-discussions were electronically recorded and the in-depth interviews telephonically recorded, transcribed and translated from Bengali-to-English. Transcripts were separately coded by researchers and thematically analysed with the help of Visual-Anthropac software version 1.0. Results Solitary focus on COVID-19 control, capacity building and information, education and communication, leprosy case search & surveillance, co-infection among health workers, transportation issues were the themes explored from focus-group-discussions of health workers and ASHA workers. Similarly, the present study identified six themes from in-depth interviews of programme manager, leprologists, programme manager as diagnostic difficulty, operational issues, rehabilitation issues, capacity building & information education and communication activities and way forward. Limitations The research reveals the perceptions of rural population of Eastern India with high leprosy prevalence, which might not be applicable for urban areas or low prevalent districts Conclusion The solitary focus of the administration towards COVID and shifting the infrastructure and human resource only towards the management of COVID can lead to resurgence of the leprosy. Having an organised framework of operations, catering to the need of the front-line workers in rendering services, utilizing the digital platform and social media, and focusing on rehabilitation would be needed to overcome the crisis.
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This report introduces the Taiwan Studies Programme (TSP) at the University of Nottingham and its development in different stages and fields. It also delineates the TS P's pathways to connect with the academic circle and the general public. Through its online magazine and platform, Taiwan Insight, it has established an online community that has been growing since 2017. The Covid-19 pandemic has helped further expanded TS P's reach and engagement with its audience through online seminars and workshops. The last part of the report indicates future tasks for the TSP.
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National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is a priority programme for India, given that India is one of the 20 countries with high burden of TB. Odisha (a state in Eastern India) in 2017 reported 159/lakh/year cases as against a national average incidence of 138.33/lakh/year. Thus, the state, under an encouraging political milieu went to vigorously implement the newer initiatives outlined in the National Strategic Plan 2020–25, the result of which in 2021 Odisha was ranked second in the country for its efforts on TB elimination. The current article attempts to take community feedback on the programmatic endeavours, by using a tool for client satisfaction. 350 consecutive subjects, adults aged 18 years and above consented among the 465 who were diagnosed and started on treatment between 5/4/21 to 5/4/22. The selected subjects were interviewed after confirmation of diagnosis at one DOTS centre in an urban city, using a pre-designed and pretested tool after taking requisite ethical permission from the institute as well as after consent from the participating subjects. The tool had 10 items on structure;10 items on the process and 3 on outcome each rated on a Likert scale of 1–5 (very satisfied to very dissatisfied) and lastly a score on 10 scale for overall satisfaction. For all the 24 items;alpha Cronbach coefficient was 0.928 (bootstrap 95% CI);for subscales infrastructure, process and outcome isolatedly was 0.931, 0.912 and 0.959 respectively. This shows that the questionnaire had very good reliability. Infrastructure mean score for all 10 questions was above 4.5;for processes, it was <4.05 for a few questions and mainly these referred to Out of pocket expenditures and waiting time;outcome again for all three questions mean score was near or above 4.4. The overall score was between 5 and 10;maximally at 8. This simple tool gave clear-cut hints at the best picture scenario, as the study was done at a single DOTS service centre in the capital city of the state, which ran effectively even during the pandemic. However, it brings out the weak points in the processes like the cost incurred to come to the centre and communication with ancillary staff. No difference in satisfaction levels was reported among pulmonary and extrapulmonary cases (ratio 8.4:1.5) in this study in the covid period;with overall satisfaction being 4.45 ± 0.44 and 4.41 ± 0.25 respectively. The promptness in the programmatic services at the DOTS centre under study is encouraging but warrants conformity with DOTS centres in rural and far-to-reach areas. Best evaluation of achievements of programme can be determined by word of mouth of the beneficiaries. Hence, this tool if replicated at all service centres can help programme managers plug any disconnects in service delivery and assure good satisfaction from all quarters.
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Recent war conflicts in Europe and Middle East generate new refugee wawes and possible dissemination of Covid I9 variants from countries with low vaccination activity due to armed events.Therefore we have tested all migrants of war(206) coming via Hungarian Slovak Czech Border,within one week among 1023 refugees of war..who had symptoms of respiratory infection.None of tested symptomatic individuals was pos- itive by rapid antigen test.Therefore the the risk ofCOVID I9 dissemination was not been confirmed.
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The report looks at the benefits and possible solutions to the problems posed by the global epidemic crisis through an online tool developed to provide a quality programme for members of the Organization of Bulgarian Scouts. Digital technologies are an integral part of our daily lives, evolving at a very rapid pace. The advancement of information technology allows its integration and making it a tool to deal with the consequences of the COVID crisis, which affected all youth organizations and prevented the normal implementation of planned activities.
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Identifying the predictors of student satisfaction with a learning programme can help faculty improve it and offer insights into programme implementation and student needs according to the students' individual characteristics. The latter characteristics came to the fore more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic, when life situations changed, and contributed to the determination of student learning characteristics and satisfaction. This research focused on student satisfaction under these conditions of the pandemic and aimed to determine how student satisfaction is related to other study factors and how much of it can be explained by individual factors. Student satisfaction, it was found, was statistically significantly related to other study factors. Moreover, according to the regression analysis, after controlling for gender, dealing with mental distress, and frequency of contact with other students during distance learning, student satisfaction was most strongly predicted by academic efficiency. Student satisfaction, these findings indicate, is statistically significantly predicted by both study and other individual characteristics and circumstances faced by students. It can be concluded that, while assessing student satisfaction, the orientation to study factors from the perspective of teaching performance must be complemented by an emphasis on the role of students in learning.
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Vaccination scholarship often explores how social networks foster vaccine refusal and delay, revealing how social and institutional relations produce refusing or delaying parents and un- or under-vaccinated children. It is likewise critical to understand the development of pro-vaccination orientations by researching those who want to be vaccinated since such attitudes and associated practices underpin successful vaccination programmes. This article explores pro-vaccination sociality, personal histories and self-understandings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. We draw upon 18 in-depth interviews with older Western Australians, documenting how they articulate 'provax' identities in opposition to those they depict as 'antivax' others. Provax identities were clearly anchored in and solidified through social relations and personal histories, as interviewees spoke of 'likeminded' friends and families who facilitated each other's vaccinations and referenced childhood experiences of epidemics and vaccinations. Access barriers relating to the vaccine programme drove interviewees to reimagine their provax status in light of not yet being vaccinated. Thus, interviewees' moral and ideological understandings of themselves and others were interrelated with supply-side constraints. We examine the development of self-proclaimed 'provaxxers' (in a context of limited access); how they imagine and enact boundaries between themselves and those they deem 'antivax'; and possibilities for public health research.
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Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic required rapid substitution of in-person Pain Management Programmes (PMP) delivery with delivery via videoconferencing technologies (VCT). No prior published VCT-PMP effectiveness findings were found, so an evaluation was conducted to explore effectiveness of this method and to compare psychometric outcomes with pre-pandemic, in-person- PMPs, delivered in routine clinical settings. Methods: Participants were routinely attending PMPs. A consecutive series of six in-person-PMPs (n = 61) immediately prior to the pandemic were compared with the first series of six VCT-PMPs (n = 64) delivered in the same services. A within-subjects comparison of clinical outcomes (pre-post for VCT-PMP and in-person PMP) and a between-subjects comparison of delivery type was conducted (two-way mixed ANOVA). Reliable change indices examined reliable improvements and deteriorations by delivery type. Results: Both PMP delivery format groups made significant improvements in anxiety, depression, pain self-efficacy, chronic pain acceptance and pain catastrophising. No significant difference was found between VCT-PMP and in-person-PMP on each of the measures. Reliable change indices indicated similar levels of improvement and deterioration with each delivery format with improvements far outweighing deteriorations. Attrition was greater in the VCT format (33%) versus in-person-PMP (18%). Conclusion: This study indicates that meaningful change as measured by standard psychometric questionnaires can occur in PMPs delivered via VCT and appear broadly equivalent to that achieved through in-person delivery. Physical performance outcomes such as quality and amount of movement were not measured or explored.
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The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), performs world-leading research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and - more recently - COVID-19. A rigorous yet supportive academic culture has nurtured the careers of many successful health sciences researchers, some of whom have worked for the organization since its inception over 20 years ago. This focus on professional development is founded on a training programme that invests heavily in the individual with the payoff of strengthening the science base for HIV and tuberculosis research in South Africa. Those selected for mentorship are typically medical students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, adjoining the headquarters of CAPRISA in Durban. Increasingly, however, the institute attracts international fellows from partnering organizations to experience the intellectually demanding, scientifically robust, cutting-edge research environment. The purpose of this voices piece is to narrate and critically evaluate the experience from the dual perspectives of host and visitor of a research training programme undertaken by three undergraduate health sciences students from Vietnam, enrolled at VinUniversity. This was the inaugural running of what is expected to be an annual summer trip to CAPRISA by Hanoi-based medical and nursing students. The formative educational experience in best practice tackling of infectious diseases in challenging clinical contexts demonstrated the importance of investing in research placement programmes for public health impact. The exchange has inspired each student to become a future leader in seeking bold, innovative, and strategic approaches to improve global health issues in their home country.
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Students, Nursing , Humans , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control , South Africa , Southeast Asian People , VietnamABSTRACT
The Postgraduage Certificate in Information Technology at the University of Auckland is a bootcamp-style transition programme for students without prior programming experience. The programme's part-time variant, designed for working professionals, has traditionally been offered with intensive evening classes, with extensive tutor and instructor support. Spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our University has moved this part-time variant fully online. Benefits of the online offering include a wider, more inclusive audience and flexibility of student learning schedules. However, it has introduced several pedagogical challenges, including but not limited to how instructors can continue to provide meaningful support, feedback, and student engagement in an online environment. In this paper, we reflect on our experience, analyse qualitative and quantitative feedback such as student evaluations and grades, and provide recommendations for those wishing to undertake a similar transformation in the future. © 2023 ACM.
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This chapter discusses the key restrictions Ireland enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on particular measures that most people in Ireland have experienced directly;namely, measures restricting a person's liberty and movements, and what businesses, events, and associations were permitted to operate. Like many states, Ireland enacted an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irish Constitution does make express provision for a state of emergency to be declared by the Oireachtas. In addition to constitutional norms, Ireland is also a signatory to several international human rights treaties relevant to the state's response to the pandemic. In July 2020, the Irish Health Service Executive launched the CovidTracker App, which was designed to assist with track and trace efforts. In 2021, Ireland began its vaccination programme against COVID-19. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.