Virtual Collaboration, Organizations and Networks (VCONs)

This minitrack for HICSS-56 highlights the continued importance and growth of geographically distributed collaboration and telework in organizations and networks. The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated this practice in most private, public, and non-profit organizations and reignited interest in this critically important area of research and practice. The minitrack explores several questions related to virtual collaboration, telework and networks, using a wide variety of research methods and approaches. © 2023 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

Distributed Collaboration and Telework in Organizations and Networks (DCTONs)

This virtual minitrack for HICSS-55 highlights the continued importance and growth of geographically distributed collaboration and telework in organizations and networks. The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated this practice in most private, public, and non-profit organizations and reignited interest in studying this critically important area of research and practice. The minitrack explores several questions related to distributed collaboration and telework, using a wide variety of research methods and approaches. © 2022 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

Investigating adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation and long-term sequelae in patients with Long COVID

Introduction: Long COVID, an emerging condition, is caused following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patients report a broad spectrum of symptoms including breathlessness and fatigue. NICE recommends pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as a management option in such patients (NICE, 2022;COVID-19 rapid guideline). Our aim was to investigate the number of patients who completed PR and those who, despite PR, had persistent symptoms requiring further management. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective review of patients referred to the Cheshire and Merseyside Long COVID service from March 1st to April 30th, 2021. We analysed adherence to PR and patient outcomes using PR discharge reports and GP records. Result(s): 88 patients were referred to PR. - 60 (68.1%) female - Age range 18-84 (56.8% were 40-59 years old). - 48 (54.5%) completed PR 31 patients did not complete PR. 10 (4.5%) did not respond to contact. 7 (7.9%) self-discharged-4 due to resolution of symptoms. 4 (11.4%) were unable to proceed due to poor health. 10 patients (11.4%) partially completed PR. Of the patients who completed PR, 22 (45.8%) had persistent symptoms which required onward referrals to specialist services (figure 1). Discussion PR improved symptoms in over half of all patients. However, 35% of patients were unable to complete PR due to varying factors which need to be explored further to help improve adherence to PR programmes.

Utilizing an organizational development framework as a road map for creating a technology-driven agile curriculum in predoctoral dental education.

The landscape of dental education is undergoing a paradigm shift from both the learner's and teacher's perspectives. Evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, are providing synergistic opportunities to create new and exciting educational platforms. The evolution of these platforms will likely play a significant role in dental education. This is especially true in the wake of calamities like the COVID-19 pandemic during which educational activities had to be shutdown or moved online. This experience demonstrated that it is prudent to develop curricula that are both agile and efficient via creating hybrid courses that provide effective learning experiences regardless of the mode of delivery. Although there is growing interest in incorporating technology into dental education, there are few examples of how to actually manage the implementation of technology into the curriculum. In this paper, we provide a road map for incorporating technology into the dental curriculum to create agility and discuss challenges and possible solutions.

Perceptions of vaccine safety and hesitancy among incarcerated adults and correctional staff in the rural midwest.

Objectives: This project assessed vaccine hesitancy among staff and incarcerated adults in one rural medium-security prison in the Midwestern United States and identified differences in hesitancy across sociodemographic and work-related variables. Methods: 610 prison staff and people incarcerated completed a cross-sectional survey in May 2021. The vaccine hesitancy scale (VHS) identified perceived risk and confidence in vaccination. A single item assessed whether people typically follow public health protocols in the prison. A combination of analyses was utilized, including ANOVA, Chi-Square, and Pearson's correlation. Results: Vaccine hesitancy was moderate to high for both populations. Incarcerated people had more confidence in vaccination than staff; differences did not reach statistical significance. Incarcerated people had statistically significantly higher perceptions of risk compared to staff. Both populations reported doing their best to follow public health protocols. For both populations, vaccine hesitancy varied by education and veteran status. Among staff, hesitancy varied by gender and political beliefs. For people incarcerated, it varied by pre-incarceration income and visit frequency. Conclusions: Results support the need for public health policy and procedural interventions to reduce hesitancy towards vaccination in correctional settings.

A Phenomenology of First-Year Music Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this phenomenology was to examine the lived experience of being a first-year music teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across two data waves, the first in winter 2020 and the second in late spring 2021, we collected written reflections and conducted online interviews with 10 music teachers who began their careers in 2020 to 2021. We found that participants' experiences were characterized by overwhelm, disconnection, a pervasive concern for well-being, and a sense of missing out. These experiences were shaped by contextual factors like being responsible for mixed instructional modalities, coping with inconsistent student attendance, and navigating safety protocols that presented barriers to learning. The essence of being a first-year music teacher during the pandemic was the feeling of being adrift amid a largely lost year, looking to the next year as another first year of teaching. We suggest that this cohort of novice music teachers is distinct from previous cohorts, having been shaped by an intensified teaching experience. Induction supports such as mentoring may need to be extended through the first 3 years of their careers, and researchers should continue to follow this cohort because their trajectory is unclear.

A metaphor analysis of older adults' lived experience of household isolation during COVID-19

In March 2020, Public Health England provided social distancing and shielding guidance for all adults aged 70 and over in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article seeks to provide insight into the lived experiences of older people during this period of household isolation. To do so, we analysed the metaphors used by 13 older adults during interviews discussing their experiences of household isolation, focusing on how these metaphors relate to a loss of agency. We found that participants negotiated their sense of agency through the use of metaphors involving physical force, movement, space, and animation of COVID-19. Metaphors were particularly used to discuss negative emotional impacts of the pandemic. Perceptions of a loss of agency were sometimes redressed through the use of comforting metaphors involving patterns and structure. In addition, participants explicitly rejected or refashioned dominant public metaphors that circulated as part of Government campaigns and wider public discourse to describe the pandemic and encourage certain behaviors. It has been argued that commonly used metaphors relating to containment, e.g., "bubble”, when applied to the context of household isolation, foreground the actions of those outside the container rather than those inside it, leading to a loss of feelings of agency. The participants' reactions to these suggest that common metaphors in public discourses are appropriated selectively and challenged by those at whom they are targeted. Hence, metaphor analysis can be used to paint a rich picture of the lived experience of older people experiencing household isolation, including their reaction to dominant public metaphors. Copyright © 2023 Wilding, Bartl, Littlemore, Clark and Brooke.

Effect of Home-Based Rehabilitation with Health Coaching on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Outcomes: A Randomized Study

Importance Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the guideline-recommended most effective nonpharmacological therapy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improving all outcomes. Despite the proven benefits, PR programs have low participant uptake, insufficient attendance, and high drop-out rates. Home programs are proposed as a solution: however, there is no randomized study to date in the US to inform remote programs.Objective To determine whether unsupervised home-based rehabilitation with technology and health coaching improve physical and emotional disease specific quality of life, daily physical activity, and self-management in patients with moderate to severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, randomized, allocation-concealed, clinical trial enrolled 235 adult patients with COPD, of a planned sample size of 200, between March 2018 and December 2021 from two major health care systems in the US.Interventions Participants were randomized to unsupervised home-based rehabilitation with health coaching (N=116) or standard care (n = 119).Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome were disease-specific physical and emotional quality of life after the 12-week intervention. Prespecified secondary outcomes included measured daily physical activity, selfmanagement abilities, sleep, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.Results Among 307 patients who were randomized (mean age, 69 years;56% women) 235 (77%) completed the intervention and had measures. The was a significant difference in the intervention compared to the control group in the primary outcomes, daily physical activity, self-management, sleep, and depression scores: (adjusted Difference, Mean Change (95% CI) 0.47 points (0.27, 0.67) p<0.001, 0.48 (0.27, 0.69)p<0.001 for the physical and emotional quality of life respectively. Daily steps 655.83 (148.03, 1163.64) p<0.0116, selfmanagement 3.83 (1.85, 5.79) p<0.001, depression PHQ-9 -1.2 (-2.04, -0.35) p<0.0056 and total sleep time 54 min (6.74, 102.96) p<0.025 .Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with moderate to severe COPD, unsupervised home-based rehabilitation with monitoring technology and health coaching improved quality of life, daily physical activity, and self-management. This intervention represents an opportunity to increase the uptake of rehabilitation in COPD and to inform options of remote care that are now in increased demand in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Figure Presented).

HIV-1 DIAGNOSES in NORTH CAROLINA, 2018-21: INCIDENT INFECTIONS and DRUG RESISTANCE

Background: Knowing the true incidence of HIV-1 infections (recent infections) among people newly diagnosed is pivotal to monitoring the course of the epidemic. We have developed a Primer ID Next Gen Sequencing (PID-NGS) assay to identify recent infection by measuring within-host viral diversity over multiple regions of the HIV-1 genome. We implemented a state-wide project to identify recent infections and transmitted drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in diagnostic samples in near real time. Methods: Serum samples from individuals with newly HIV-1 diagnoses (diagnostic sample collected within 30 days of diagnosis) were sequenced. PID-NGS libraries were constructed covering the coding regions for protease, a portion of reverse transcriptase, integrase, and the env gene. The use of the PID-NGS strategy allows for significant error correction and also a definition of the sampling depth of the viral population. Recent infection was defined as within 9-month of infection. DRMs were summarized at detection sensitivities of 30%, 10% and 1% based on viral population sampling depth. Results: From Jan 2018 to Jun 2021, we successfully sequenced partial genomes from 743 individuals with new diagnoses. Year 2020 had the lowest number of new diagnoses (Fig 1a, red bar). Overall, 39.2% of samples were inferred to have represented infection within the previous 9 months. Percent of recent infection varied significantly over the years, increasing from 29.6% in late 2018 to 50.9% in early 2020, but decreasing significantly to 32.7% in 2021 (Fig 1a, blue lines). Individuals younger than 30 y/o were more likely to be identified with recent infection (p<0.01). NNRTI DRMs, especially K103N, were the most abundant DRMs. Fig 1b shows the trend of DRMs over the four years. We observed a trend of decrease in the overall NNRTI DRMs and an increase in the NRTI DRMs in the population. Further analysis suggests that the increase in NRTI DRMs were from TAMs and their revertants, while clinically important NRTI DRMs (K65R and M184) were low (<1%). Conclusion: We have demonstrated a state-wide, all-in-one platform to monitor HIV-1 recency and DRMs in new diagnoses. The number of new diagnoses decreased significantly in 2020 in concert with the COVID-19 pandemic which suggests a decrease in overall HIV testing. The decline in the percentage of recent infections in early 2021 signals a return to broader HIV-1 testing and diagnosis. The increase of other NRTI DRMs suggests ongoing evolution at these sites within the viral population.

Identification of Early Features to Differentiate Hospitalized Children Admitted for Suspected MIS-C from Alternative Diagnoses

Background. Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). MIS-C shares features with common infectious and inflammatory syndromes and differentiation early in the course is difficult. Identification of early features specific to MIS-C may lead to faster diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to determine clinical, laboratory, and cardiac features distinguishing MIS-C patients within the first 24 hours of admission to the hospital from those who present with similar features but ultimately diagnosed with an alternative etiology. Methods. We performed retrospective chart reviews of children (0-20 years) who were admitted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and evaluated under our institutional MIS-C algorithm between June 10, 2020-April 8, 2021. Subjects were identified by review of infectious disease (ID) consults during the study period as all children with possible MIS-C require an ID consult per our institutional algorithm. Clinical, lab, and cardiac characteristics were compared between children with and without MIS-C. The diagnosis of MIS-C was determined by the treating team and available consultants. P-values were calculated using two-sample t-tests allowing unequal variances for continuous and Pearson's chi-squared test for categorical variables, alpha set at < 0.05. Results. There were 128 children admitted with concern for MIS-C. Of these, 45 (35.2%) were diagnosed with MIS-C and 83 (64.8%) were not. Patients with MIS-C had significantly higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, hypotension, conjunctival injection, abdominal pain, and abnormal cardiac exam (Table 1). Laboratory evaluation showed that patients with MIS-C had lower platelet count, lymphocyte count and sodium level, with higher c-reactive protein, fibrinogen, B-type natriuretic peptide, and neutrophil percentage (Table 2). Patients with MIS-C also had lower ejection fraction and were more likely to have abnormal electrocardiogram. Conclusion. We identified early features that differed between patients with MIS-C from those without. Development of a diagnostic prediction model based on these early distinguishing features is currently in progress.

The May 19, 2020, Failure of Edenville Dam near Midland, Michigan

On May 19, 2020, after several days of heavy precipitation, two earth dams failed (Edenville and Sanford) and two other dams were damaged (Secord and Smallwood), north of the town of Midland, MI. The failures resulted in about $100M in damages and the evacuation of about 11,000 people during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this destructive event, the Geo-Institute Embankment, Dams, and Slopes Technical Committee organized a team with the main objective of capturing perishable data. The Edenville Dam site was of interest because the slope failure was captured on video and occurred prior to the dam being overtopped. Based on our observations, investigation and analyses, two failure mechanisms were considered likely for Edenville Dam: (1) static liquefaction (similar to 2019 failure of Brumadinho Dam in Brazil);and (2) slope instability, where the slide debris which was contractive in nature, expelled pore water in the form of water jets and flowed as it became liquefied along the toe of the dam. © 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). All rights reserved.

The Face Mask In COVID Times: A Sociomaterial Analysis

The simple fabric face mask is a key agent in the fight against the global spread of COVID-19. However, beyond its role as a protective covering against coronavirus infection, the face mask is the bearer of powerful symbolic and political power and arouses intense emotions. Adopting an international perspective informed by social theory, The Face Mask in COVID Times: A Sociomaterial Analysis offers an intriguing and original investigation of the social, cultural and historical dimensions of face-masking as a practice in the age of COVID. Rather than Beck's 'risk society', we are now living in a 'COVID society', the long-term effects of which have yet to be experienced or imagined. Everything has changed. The COVID crisis has generated novel forms of sociality and new ways of living and moving through space and time. In this new world, the face mask has become a significant object, positioned as one of the key ways people can protect themselves and others from infection with the coronavirus. The face mask is rich with symbolic meaning as well as practical value. In the words of theorist Jane Bennett, the face mask has acquired a new 'thing-power' as it is coming together with human bodies in these times of uncertainty, illness and death. The role of the face mask in COVID times has been the subject of debate and dissension, arousing strong feelings. The historical and cultural contexts in which face masks against COVID contagion are worn (or not worn) are important to consider. In some countries, such as Japan and other East Asian nations, face mask wearing has a long tradition. Full or partial facial coverings, such as veiling, is common practice in regions such as the Middle East. In many other countries, including most countries in the Global North, most people, beyond health care workers, have little or no experience of face masks. They have had to learn how to make sense of face masking as a protective practice and how to incorporate face masks into their everyday practices and routines. Face masking practices have become highly political. The USA has witnessed protests against face mask wearing that rest on 'sovereign individualism', a notion which is highly specific to the contemporary political climate in that country. Face masks have also been worn to make political statements: bearing anti-racist statements, for example, but also Trump campaign support. Meanwhile, celebrities and influencers have sought to advocate for face mask wearing as part of their branding, while art makers, museums, designers and novelty fashion manufacturers have identified the opportunity to profit from this sudden new market. Face masks have become a fashion item as well as a medical device: both a way of signifying the wearer's individuality and beliefs and their ethical stance in relation to the need to protect their own and others' health. The Face Mask in COVID Times: A Sociomaterial Analysis provides a short and accessible analysis of the sociomaterial dimensions of the face mask in the age of COVID-19. The book presents seven short chapters and an epilogue. We bring together sociomaterial theoretical perspectives with compelling examples from public health advice and campaigns, anti-mask activism as well as popular culture (news reports, blog posts, videos, online shopping sites, art works) to illustrate our theoretical points, and use Images to support our analysis. Short and accessible analysis of the sociomaterial dimensions of the face mask in the age of COVID-19 Examples from public health advice and campaigns, anti-mask activism, and popular culture The ideal primer for HSS uni courses focusing on COVID-19 © 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston. All rights reserved.

Testing for COVID-19 in dental offices: Mechanism of action, application, and interpretation of laboratory and point-of-care screening tests.

BACKGROUND: The dental office potentially possesses all transmission risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Anticipating the future widespread use of COVID-19 testing in dental offices, the authors wrote this article as a proactive effort to provide dental health care providers with current and necessary information surrounding the topic. METHODS: The authors consulted all relevant and current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as online resources and review articles. RESULTS: Routine COVID-19 screening and triage protocols are unable to detect all infected people. With the advancements in diagnostic tools and techniques, COVID-19 testing at home or in the dental office may provide dentists with the ability to evaluate the disease status of their patients. At-home or point-of-care (POC) tests, providing results within minutes of being administered, would allow for appropriate measures and rapid decisions about dental patients' care process. In this review, the authors provide information about available laboratory and POC COVID-19 screening methods and identify and elaborate on the options available for use by dentists as well as the regulatory requirements of test administration. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists need to be familiar with COVID-19 POC testing options. In addition to contributing to public health, such tests may deliver rapid, accurate, and actionable results to clinical and infection control teams to enhance the safe patient flow in dental practices. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Oral health care must continue to offer safety in this or any future pandemics. Testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at the POC offers a control mechanism contributing to and enhancing the real and perceived safety of care in the dental office setting.