Exploration of patients' preference for modalities of care among peritoneal dialysis patients in Singapore: a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is home-based dialysis therapy and therefore a suitable modality for kidney failure patients, particularly, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study examined patients' preferences for different PD-related services. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study. Anonymized data from PD patients followed up at a single center in Singapore were collected using an online platform. The study focused on telehealth services, home visits, and monitoring of quality-of-life (QoL). RESULTS: A total of 78 PD patients responded to the survey. The majority of participants were Chinese (76%), married (73%), and between 45 and 65 years old (45%). The in-person visit was preferred over teleconsultation for consultation with nephrologists (68% versus 32%), counseling for kidney disease and dialysis by renal coordinators (59%), whereas the telehealth service was favored over in-person visit for dietary counseling (60%) and medication counseling (64%). Most participants (81%) preferred medication delivery over self-collection, and the acceptable turnaround time was 1 week. Sixty percent would like to have a regular home visit, but 23% refused such visits. The preferred frequency of home visits was one-to-three visits within the first 6 months (74%) and then 6 monthly for subsequent visits (40%). The majority of participants (87%) agreed with QoL monitoring, and the preferred frequency of monitoring varied between 6 monthly (45%) and yearly (40%). Participants also indicated three key areas in research to improve QoL, such as the development of artificial kidneys, portable PD devices, and simplification of PD procedure. Participants also would like to see improvement in two main areas of PD services, such as delivery service for PD solutions and social (instrumental, informational, and emotional) support. CONCLUSIONS: Most PD patients preferred in-person visits with nephrologists or renal coordinators; however, they favored telehealth services with dieticians and pharmacists. PD patients also welcomed home visit service and QoL monitoring. Future studies should confirm these findings.

Cloud-based accounting information systems usage and its impact on Jordanian SMEs' performance: the post-COVID-19 perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the usage of cloud-based accounting information systems (AIS) in the crisis era (i.e. the COVID-19 pandemic) by expanding the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with new related critical factors.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach based on a cross-sectional online questionnaire was used for collecting empirical data from 438 potential and current users of cloud-based AIS. Structural equation modeling based on analysis of a moment structures 25.0 was applied in the data analysis.FindingsThe outcome of the structural path revealed that performance expectancy, social motivation, COVID-19 risk (COV-19 PR) and trust (TR) were significantly influencing users' behavioral intention (BI) toward using cloud-based AIS and explained 71% of its variance. While, contrary to what is expected, the impact of effort expectancy and perceived security risk (SEC) on BI was insignificant. In addition, BI was revealed to influence the actual usage behaviors and explained 74% of its variance. The outcome factors: communication quality (CQ) and decision quality (DQ) were significantly influenced by the usage of cloud-based AIS.Practical implicationsThe current research would be valuable for small- and medium-sized enterprises officials and policymakers to illustrate the relatively low rates of cloud-based AIS and formulate strategies to boost the acceptance and use of cloud-based AIS by Jordanian users, where cloud-based services are still deemed as an innovation.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first academic paper that extends the UTAUT by integrating additional factors: TR, SEC and COV-19 PR. In addition to two outcome variables: CQ and DQ, to study the cloud-based AIS in the Jordanian setting beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The current research contributes to the academic knowledge on information technology information system adoption by considering cloud accounting acceptance and use and integration into the work practices of users through the BIs and actual use of cloud-based AIS in Jordan.

Association Between the Awareness of Antiretroviral Drugs-Related Services and Drug Accessibility During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Patients Undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In a cross-sectional survey from 21 February to 6 March, 2020, we analyzed the awareness and utilization of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs)-related services among people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Guangzhou, China. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed among those who needed to go to hospital to access their drugs, and we explored the association between the awareness of ARVs-related services and the accessibility of ARVs. Of 375 participants, 89.9% were aware of drug-borrowing service, 90.7% were aware of drug-delivery service and 86.9% were aware of information-assistance service. Knowing about the drug-borrowing service or the information-assistance service, knowing about at least two services and knowing about all of the three services were all positively associated with ARVs accessibility. In addition, 35 (39.3%) of those who had acquired their drugs on time received them via the drug-delivery service. To some extent, the three ARVs-related services have alleviated the difficulties in accessing ARVs during the pandemic, especially the drug-delivery service.

Analysis of Young Chinese Purchase Intention on TikTok Live Streaming

Nowadays, social commerce (Scommerce) has been pervasive and has become the mainstream sales and purchase channel. Live streaming as a form of Scommerce is the most popular and promising online commerce in recent years. Live streaming is based on real-time communication, which builds an instant relationship between live streamers and viewers, and this connection greatly helps emotional resonance and marketing promotion. As Generation Z gradually becomes the primary users of social media and their purchasing power continues to increase, it is significant for businesses and scholars to explore the internal connection between Generation Z and live streaming shopping. However, even though there are many surveys and reports on Generation Z their studies have not thoroughly analyzed the purchase intention of Generation Z on live streaming. Therefore, building a conceptual framework by integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the uses and gratifications theory (UGT) this study measures Generation Z users' purchasing intention on TikTok, Chinese mainstream live streaming platform. The results identify that users' perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, motivations for ritualized use, and instrumental use are significantly associated with their purchase intention through live streaming. This paper provides theoretical and managerial implications for scholars and marketers.

Assessing word-of-mouth reputation of influencers on B2C live streaming platforms: the role of the characteristics of information source

Purpose>The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence mechanism of the word-of-mouth reputation of influencers.Design/methodology/approach>This study explored word-of-mouth reputation from four characteristics of information source of influencers: credibility, professionalism, interactivity and attractiveness. The grounded theory was used to extract the characteristic indicators of influencers and used questionnaire surveys to obtain 218 valid samples. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used for the configuration analysis.Findings>The results revealed the following: (1) a causal asymmetric correlation exists between the driving mechanism of high word-of-mouth reputation and non-high word-of-mouth reputation;(2) influencers matching high word-of-mouth reputation comprises potential, developmental and almighty types, whereas live streaming influencer matching non-high word-of-mouth reputation comprises elementary and groping types;and (3) all factors must be combined to play a role, and neutral permutations of two solutions were found among the three overall solutions to attain high word-of-mouth reputation;(4) the combination of high user activity and high exposure is the core configuration that results in high word-of-mouth reputation.Practical implications>This study provides recommendation for consumers, live streamers, brand and e-commerce platform on how to promote the sustainable and healthy development of influencer marketing.Originality/value>This study focused on elucidating how the characteristics of information source affect the word-of-mouth reputation of influencers and have a reference value for the research on word-of-mouth reputation in the context of live commerce.

Classical Musicians v. Copyright Bots: How Libraries Can Aid in the Fight

The COV1D-19 pandemic forced classical musicians to cancel in-person recitals and concerts and led to the exploration of virtual alternatives for engaging audiences. The apparent solution was to livestream and upload performances to social media websites for audiences to view, leading to income and a sustained social media presence;however, automated copyright enforcement systems add new layers of complexity because of an inability to differentiate between copyrighted content and original renditions of works from the public domain. This article summarizes the conflict automated copyright enforcement systems pose to classical musicians and suggests how libraries may employ mitigation tactics to reduce the negative impacts when uploaders are accused of copyright infringement.

Development of a UVC-based disinfection robot

Purpose>The disinfection robot developed by the authors and team focuses on achieving fast and precise disinfection under a given or specific disinfection zone. This looks to solve problems with traditional robots that pay less attention to the level, efficiency and zones of disinfection. To effectively support and guarantee normal running for the whole system, a digital twin system is applied to the disinfection robot. This study aims to achieve fast, precise and thorough disinfection via the developed mobile robot.Design/methodology/approach>The designed robot is composed primarily of the following three parts: a mobile platform, a six-axis robotic arm and a ultraviolet-C (UVC) LED array. The UVC LED array is installed on the end-effector to achieve large-scale, precise manipulation. The adoption of all types of advanced sensors and the development of an intuitive and user-friendly client interface are helpful in achieving remote control, path planning, data monitoring and custom disinfection functions.Findings>Disinfection of three different locations in the laboratory was performed;the dosage distribution of the surface as radiated by the UVC robot was detected;and feasibility of development was validated.Originality/value>The developed disinfection robot achieved fast, precise and thorough disinfection for a given or specific disinfection zone.

Políticas de diversidad cultural en el sector audiovisual de América Latina: posibilidades e incertidumbres en la era de las plataformas de streaming

The analysis strategy was based on a documentary and statistical review that describes how Latin American cinema shows a series ofasymmetries, which remain in the analog stage and increase in a digital context. The lines of work proposed from this analysis are based on ten pivotal points to establish public policies for cultural diversity in the Latin American audiovisual sector. Keywords (Source: Unesco Thesaurus) Latin America;cinema;digitalization;cultural diversity;communication policy. Por ejemplo, el control de la producción y el consumo cultural es esencial para la expansión global y la integración transnacional de los productos de una compañía como Netflix, la cual genera una serie de dimensiones y tensiones entre lo global y lo local que incluyen, de acuerdo con Van Keulen et al.

The economic impacts of COVID-19 on the city tourism-related services;the case of Tehran

Purpose>The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extremely destructive impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. However, there is a gap in the literature on measuring the economic impact of the pandemic on employees of urban tourism industries by class. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the perceived economic impact of the COVID-19 by workers of urban tourism-related services in Tehran.Design/methodology/approach>Based on stratified sampling, a Web-based survey was carried out among 383 employees of tourism industries. To measuring the perceived impact and evaluate statistically significant differences, one samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and post hoc test were used.Findings>The study findings revealed that employees of tourism-related services perceived that COVID-19 outbreak has a huge negative impact on the tourism industries in terms of earnings reduction. However, the perceived impact on job losses and reduction of hours of work was non-monotonic.Originality/value>Identifying the negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on city tourism by industries and their subclasses can contribute to more effective interventions to support and recover the tourism industries. In other words, it is essential to prioritize support for different class of services, to fair allocation of bailout monies and to improve their resilience against crises and shocks.

What has time to do with risk? A preliminary communication

The reliability of risk techniques is of concern to academics and practitioners: if techniques are not reliable in their design, they cannot give reliable results. This paper briefly discusses risk velocity, which is a way of providing specificity to an understanding of risk through applying time as a lens. The research is a preliminary communication from initial Masters research. Risk velocity has been identified in the limited literature as being divided into three sections: time to cause, time to impact, and time to recover;each of which can assist an organisation to better understand their risk landscape and how risks link with business continuity planning. However, risk velocity has been the subject of limited research to validate the concept and reliability in practice, suggesting this a 'white space' meriting investigation (Cherry, 2010).

Experiences and Expectations of Ethnic Minorities and Majorities towards Community Pharmacy Medicines-Related Services in Estonia.

The unique professional competence of pharmacists can support the safe and effective use of medicines by patients. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge and incorporate the needs of patients with various cultural and social backgrounds. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the experiences and expectations of Russian- and Estonian-speaking pharmacy customers about medicines-related services in Estonian community pharmacies. Cross-sectional study among pharmacy customers was conducted in Estonia 2018-2020. For data analysis, an Independent t-Test was used to compare experiences and expectations of respondents towards medicines-related services. The study involved 552 pharmacy customers: 58.5% (n = 323) Estonians and 41.5% (n = 229) Russians. The majority of the total sample (78.3%) considered the pharmacist competent to help. Medicines-related concerns were more common among Russians (p = 0.037), however, they sought less contact to consult a pharmacist than Estonians (p < 0.001). Furthermore, expectations about different medicines-related services in the future were higher among Estonians than among Russians (p < 0.001). Community pharmacists in Estonia should focus more on person-centered care to better meet the expectations and needs of different ethnic groups about medicines-related services. It is also important to reduce the language barrier and to increase the recognition of cultural traditions by health professionals.

STREAMING PLAFORMS DETERMINE THE REVENUE OF THE GLOBAL MUSIC INDUSTRY

The aim - of this paper is to determine the fundamental changes in the structure and trends of revenues of the global media industry and to determine the basic directions of development. Methodology / design - Research and analysis of results are based on financial analysis of revenues of the global music industry in the last fifteen years, analysis of changes in revenue structure, and regression analysis of trend testing in the ANOVA model. The research uses reports from agencies specializing in the global music industry, scientific literature related to the music industry, and other relevant sources. The results - research results have proven significant changes in the revenue structure of the global music industry. Due to the change in consumer behaviour, revenue from streaming has become the dominant part of revenue. Conclusion - The music industry has completely changed its revenue generation model. The core revenues of the global music industry follow modern trends. While the old music industry generated revenue from the sale of physical sound carriers, the modern music industry generates most of its revenue from streaming and performance right.

Medical Applications of Artificial Intelligence (Legal Aspects and Future Prospects)

Background: Cutting-edge digital technologies are being actively introduced into healthcare. The recent successful efforts of artificial intelligence in diagnosing, predicting and studying diseases, as well as in surgical assisting demonstrate its high efficiency. The AI’s ability to promptly take decisions and learn independently has motivated large corporations to focus on its development and gradual introduction into everyday life. Legal aspects of medical activities are of particular importance, yet the legal regulation of AI’s performance in healthcare is still in its infancy. The state is to a considerable extent responsible for the formation of a legal regime that would meet the needs of modern society (digital society). Objective: This study aims to determine the possible modes of AI’s functioning, to identify the participants in medical-legal relations, to define the legal personality of AI and circumscribe the scope of its competencies. Of importance is the issue of determining the grounds for imposing legal liability on persons responsible for the performance of an AI system. Results: The present study identifies the prospects for a legal assessment of AI applications in medicine. The article reviews the sources of legal regulation of AI, including the unique sources of law sanctioned by the state. Particular focus is placed on medical-legal customs and medical practices. Conclusions: The presented analysis has allowed formulating the approaches to the legal regulation of AI in healthcare.

The booming eSports market: a field day for fans

Purpose>This paper aims to explore the emerging market of video game streaming and eSports to provide readers with an understanding of the nature and content of this quickly growing entertainment industry. eSports or eGaming is the playing of video games for competition and for spectators by professionals. Popular platforms, eGaming celebrities and revenue sources are introduced. Building upon this knowledge, the authors then show the opportunities marketers have to use this medium for branding, promotional and retailing purposes. Challenges to these aims are also discussed.Design/methodology/approach>The eGaming and eSports industry is summarized by studying its evolution and current state. A thorough review of the players and their possible revenue sources is presented. Likewise, a survey of marketing-related tactics and challenges is discussed to help readers not only understand the field but also use the industry’s growth.Findings>This paper provides valuable information to understand why this new market of video game streaming is rapidly increasing and what impact it will have on consumers, brands and marketing strategists.Originality/value>This paper is unique in the sense that in one place it not only summarizes the advent and growth of an evolving field but also shows the opportunities that firms have to take advantage of this unique medium for connecting with customers. Firms are at the same time cautioned to consider increasing challenges with this new industry.

A perspective on value co-creation processes in eSports service ecosystems

PurposeElectronic Sports (eSports) is an emerging sector of the sports and entertainment industry experiencing an accelerated increase in consumer and sponsor demand. This paper aims to study selected cases of eSports service ecosystems, to identify similarities and differences and to understand the different roles, relationships and multiple interactions of actors involved in value co-creation processes.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical paper follows the service-dominant logic to highlight value creation. Based on the sport value framework, an organizing logic for the actors in sports-related ecosystems to exchange service and co-create value, the authors apply the conceptualization of an eSports service ecosystem framework in which actors create value through their interactions. A case study approach was applied to qualitatively describe two cases of value co-creation by multiple actors during three eSports events. Case study 1a is the 2019 League of Legends World Championship Finals in Paris. Case study 1b is the 2020 League of Legends World Championship Finals in Shanghai. Case study 2 is the BLAST Premier Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Global Final 2020, which was entirely virtual.FindingsThe outcome is an empirically investigated conceptual framework of multiple actors co-creating value within a service ecosystem in eSports. The insights of the cases explain how actors interact with each other and co-create value during events in eSports ecosystems. The cases illustrate interactions in the context of eSports where the actors are connected within ecosystems. This enables further development of a value co-creation concept and a better understanding of value co-creation in eSports.Originality/valueThis study contributes to research by explicating a theoretically grounded framework for eSports service ecosystems based on empirical evidence. This research extends the scope of value co-creation beyond the firm–customer dyad to a service ecosystem in eSports, demonstrating the dynamic interactions of multiple actors.

Trade integration, product diversification and the gravity equation: evidence from the Chinese merchandise imports

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify trade integration and structure effects on bilateral trade between China and its partners, focusing on Chinese merchandise imports during the period 1995–2018.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach applied here uses the augmented gravity model to investigate the factors lying behind import intensity, by use of the ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimators.FindingsThe findings provide evidence of complementarity between the Chinese demand and the world commodity markets. Free trade agreements between China and third countries seem to gradually lose significance, as the Chinese economy consolidates in world trade. Higher product diversification in export structures of China’s trading partners can become advantageous for facilitating market penetration. Diversification of energy resources, the steady, high demand for infrastructure equipment and more sophisticated consumer products constantly determine the structure of Chinese merchandise imports originating mainly and increasingly from countries with direct access to the Pacific Ocean.Originality/valueThe analytical breakdown of Chinese imports, presented in this paper, adds value to the existing literature with regard to trade structure analysis for China, paving the way for similar research for other developing countries as well.

Data management efficiency: major opportunities for shared value innovation: MRN

PurposeThis paper aims to underscore major opportunities for shared value innovation based on data management efficiency, which has often been overlooked so far. By integrating prior research about digital transformation, shared value creation, entrepreneurial marketing and the innovation-based view of firm performance, it addresses a major gap in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThe innovation-based arguments illustrate how efficient data management may lead to different types of innovation, which provide opportunities for growth and efficiency gains after the coronavirus pandemic.FindingsMany companies’ digitalization programs have concentrated on strengthening the efficiency of current business processes. Thus, these initiatives have contributed to the efficiency of traditional analog activities by using data and smart algorithms. In contrast, the efficiency of the underlying data management was largely neglected, but the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted its importance. To overcome the limited emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in the digital context, this paper focuses on data management efficiency. After detailing this concept, it is linked to the growing literature about creating shared value, and a process segmentation for implementing shared value innovations in the field of digital efficiency is developed.Originality/valueThe paper extends research into digital transformation by emphasizing that the distinction of effectiveness and efficiency is as relevant in the digital context as in the traditional analog environment. It further provides new insights into creating shared value because it increases the awareness of researchers and managers to consider data management efficiency as a basis for shared value innovation with positive effects on the triple bottom line. The paper also contributes to entrepreneurial marketing research because data management efficiency provides significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, startup firms and innovators in established organizations to develop entirely new markets based on new services, solutions and business models. Finally, the paper deepens the understanding of the innovation-based view of firm performance.

Impacts of Binge-Watching on Netflix during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to dive into various binge-watching habits of Netflix users amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers find themselves amidst the COVID-19 lockdown with more free time to indulge in these viewing habits. This study investigates motivational factors, amount of media consumption and negative attributes associated with binge-watching on Netflix during the COVID-19 outbreak.Design/methodology/approachThis study has employed an exploratory research design and obtained primary data via an online survey using a semistructured questionnaire. Convenience sampling has been used to choose a sample (n = 105) of Netflix binge-watchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sample selection and survey administration have been done through social media messaging services owing to the COVID-19 lockdown measures.FindingsThe results indicate that most of the respondents use smartphones for binge-watching on Netflix. Moreover, they have expressed that a wide range of shows available on Netflix incline them to engage in marathon viewing. However, the respondents spend just over 70 h per month binge-watching on Netflix. Finally, the majority of respondents have flagged “one more episode” syndrome as the most challenging aspect of being marathon viewers on Netflix during the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis is one of the few papers to exclusively focus on the impacts of binge-watching on Netflix during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will originate the value with novelty and important implications to the Netflix consumers, telecom service providers and payment gateways.

The Impact of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Therapy Service Delivery for Children with Disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the delivery of, and parent satisfaction with, therapy services for children with disabilities in early intervention, school, and outpatient settings. STUDY DESIGN: There were 207 parents of children with disabilities who completed a web-based survey about their child[ren]'s access to, and satisfaction with, therapy services during COVID-19. Parents also completed the Family-Provider Partnership Scale and the Telehealth Satisfaction Scale. Satisfaction was compared between families receiving therapies in school, early intervention, outpatient, and multiple settings. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of parents reported low satisfaction with their child[ren]'s therapy services during the pandemic. Access to telehealth positively predicted overall satisfaction and satisfaction with the family-provider partnership, whereas receiving school-based therapies negatively predicted overall satisfaction and satisfaction with the family-provider partnership. CONCLUSIONS: School-based therapies are legally mandated for eligible students, free of cost to families, integrated in the academic setting, and less burdensome on parents than other services. Thus, given the disparity in parental satisfaction regarding school-based service delivery, addressing therapy delivery in school-based settings during the duration of COVID-19 is critical for preventing increased disparities and more effectively meeting children's needs. Telehealth seems to be a promising option for continuing high-quality services during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and for families who face barriers in accessing services in general. Future studies are warranted with larger and more diverse samples, as well as longitudinal studies that monitor service access and parent satisfaction throughout the remainder of the pandemic.