I-deals as a Human Resource Initiative: Exciting Innovation or Passing Fad?

As the workplace continuously reinvents itself due to advances in technology, changes in society, and unexpected events like COVID-19, both employers and employees are employing idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) to allow for flexibility for both sides. This chapter addresses i-deals from a human resources (HR) perspective, by focusing on three critical themes. First, we discuss how organizations effectively institutionalize i-deals, and how such i-deals impact human resource philosophy and practices, given that HR departments often lead the effort to institutionalize such deals through individualized and fair HR practices. Next, we explore how supervisors can make sure that i-deals are fair and effective. Following this, we discuss where i-deals fit in the international human resource management (IHRM) context. A total of fourteen future research directions are identified with particular emphasis on practical HR perspectives. Finally, this chapter constructs a bridge between the two disciplines through drawing upon established literatures from i-deals and IHRM, to extending our current knowledge through both theoretical and practical lenses. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Assessing the implementation of guidelines surrounding aerosol generating procedures

This paper assesses the changing guidelines regarding Aerosol Generating Procedures and fallow time in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments in the UK. Many departments have variable local policies and protocols and this could be a contributing factor in increased waiting lists for patients during a time when patients have less access to primary and secondary care.Copyright © 2021

Leveraging from Home: A Qualitative Study Examining Indian Nurses' Job Demand Management during the Pandemic

In this qualitative study spread across three Indian states—Assam, Kerala and Maharashtra, we explore how 13 Indian staff nurses working full time in the first wave of the COVID pandemic cope with the increased job demands and perceived psychological contract breaches (PCB) from a work−home resources (W−HR) perspective. The study utilises the W−HR model as a theoretical lens to analyse the nurses' lived experiences through a phenomenological approach. We could observe that a significant black swan event such as the pandemic can trigger resource depletion at work and home and materialise in PCB at work for the nurses. Nurses then resort to sensemaking to tide over the pandemic-affected work circumstances by balancing contextual demands and personal resources. By integrating PCB experienced by these nurses via a W−HR model framework, we address calls by researchers to understand how psychological contracts change over time. © The Author(s) 2023.

A new shape of the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal for international business (IB) activities, leaving them pondering their next steps. The decreasing effectiveness of current vaccines to protect individuals against new variants have created uncertainty on how to respond to the new waves of the COVID-19 infection. This study aims to empirically assesses how IBs perceive the unfolding challenges in the supply chain due to the pandemic and the solutions. Design/methodology/approach: The survey data is obtained from 166 logistics professionals in Hong Kong and India. Findings: The results reveal that returns on investment, logistics, delays and imports are the most affected areas. The most often recommended solutions for supply chain management (SCM) include using local manufacturing capabilities, analytics and automation, offering better customer service, providing more effective transportation means, ensuring diligence around optimization and focusing on sustainability. Originality/value: The findings of this study help to improve supply chain operations. This study also provides recommendations for changes to SCM in response to the new normal. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

A Framework for IoT-Enabled Secure Access Using Face-Mask Detection

Smart automation systems play a major role in enhancing secure access functionality under unique constraints such as-human test subjects can be in uniform, wear a face mask, carry a picture ID or for the first time we conjecture that some form of physical verification is indeed a routine for secure recognition besides the features such as a person's face biometric. In this paper, we propose a framework for smart phone activated secure access which can operate in closed indoor environment such as commercial, hospital, office complex. The mobile apps can advantage through IoT enabled edge server and cloud data services. In this paper we have shown an electronic system that performs mask detection in addition to the face biometrics required for monitoring human movement in a pandemic such as covid-19 or in highly sanitized spaces such as cooking area and clinical facilities. We use teachable machine for detection of face mask and user face. In the proposed solution a physical latch unlocks true positive events for detecting the genuine user's face and the mask. © 2022 IEEE.

A Study of the Influence of Connected Societies on Teaching-Learning Practices in Higher Education during Covid-19 Times

Technology and digital transformations are changing the way society is being connected and higher education at universities are being impacted in COVID-19 times. The digital advancements have assisted us to navigate through and be proactive with the least amount of disruption even in the wake of covid-19 period to keep continuing the business teaching and learning at universities. This is relevant in the higher education sector where online teaching and learning processes are digitally continuing with a higher success compared to other industries experiencing a complete shutdown. Important issues need careful understanding such as digital network issues, digital reach, digital infrastructure, digital safety, and privacy issues etc are stumbling blocks. The stakeholders such as the universities can successfully connect with students online with financial support from government and with secure systems still new challenges are being encountered. Digital transformation has made it essential for educational institutions to strategize resources according to emergency pandemic situation and in short and long term seek a sustainable model of digital education online which is expected to be a virtual reality very soon. The study uses qualitative research combined with a questionnaire to find out the effect of technology on education.

Four-Fold Increased Mortality from Sars-Cov-2 Infection in Patients with Hematologic Versus Non-Hematologic Malignancies Treated at the Largest Tertiary COVID-19 Center in Chicago/Rush University Medical Center (March 1, 2020-December 31,2020)

[Formula presented] N.K.Y., P.C., & P.R.Y. contributed equally to this study Introduction: Many studies have concluded that active cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have a more complicated infection course and worse outcomes compared to the general patient population hospitalized with COVID-19. However, little evidence exists whether having a history of cancer plays a significant role in these observations. Patients with hematologic malignancy (HM) might have worse prognosis among all cancer patients but the reason remains unclear. Our objective is to evaluate outcomes and severity of COVID-19 in patients with Hematological Malignancy (HM) versus Solid-tumors (ST) in different clinical settings and also compare these outcomes within the group of patients with hematological malignancies. Methods: This retrospective study examines risk factors and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with a history of cancer and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between March 1 st, 2020, and December 31 st, 2020, at Rush University Medical Center, one of the largest COVID-19 tertiary care hospitals in Chicago. Baseline characteristics, malignancy type and types of cancer treatment within the last 30 days were recorded. Measures of COVID-19 severity included hospital admission versus outpatient care, use of oxygen, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was death. Statistical analysis was conducted using optimal discriminant analysis, a non-parametric exact machine-learning algorithm which identifies the relationship between independent and dependent variables that maximizes model predictive accuracy adjusted to remove the effect of chance. Analysis was performed separately for each attribute using the entire sample (“training” analysis), then one-sample jackknife analysis was conducted to estimate cross-generalizability of findings using the model to classify an independent random sample. Results: 378 total patients with a history of cancer tested positive for COVID-19 within the time frame of the study. Of these, 294 (78%) patients had ST malignancy and 84 (22%) patients had HM. Characteristics and outcomes are summarized in Table 1. ST patients were marginally older than HM patients (p<0.025). A significantly greater proportion of HM patients were male (p<0.0023). HM and ST patients did not differ with respect to percentage receiving active cancer treatment (p<0.81). Compared to ST patients, more HM patients had received corticosteroids in the 30 days prior to COVID-19 diagnosis (p<0.017), had higher rates of hospitalization (p<0.0013) and ICU requirement (p<0.0001) with a significantly longer length of ICU stay (p<0.0036). Compared to ST patients, HM patients also required oxygen (p<0.002) and mechanical ventilation (p<0.0005) more often and had a 3.88-fold statistically higher death rate (OR 3.88 [95% CI 1.62-9.29] p<0.003). Patients with HM are categorized by disease subtype and summarized in Table 2. The case fatality rate from COVID-19 was 33.3% for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms/myelodysplastic syndromes (MPN/MDS), 21.4% for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 13.6% for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 10.5% for patients with plasma cell neoplasms, and 4.5% for patients with acute leukemia. When looking at outcomes, CLL had the highest percentage of patients requiring hospital admission, oxygen, and ICU admission, and MPN/MDS had the highest percentage of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Patients with hematologic malignancies had more severe COVID-19 illness and hospitalization rates and a 3.88-fold higher rate of death than patients with solid tumors. The comparable proportion of patients on anti-cancer therapy despite differences in survival suggests that being on anti-cancer therapy is less important than the underlying diagnosis of HM versus ST as a determinant of poor outcomes. Clinicians should closely monitor and initiate early COVID-19 treatments for all patients with HM and COVID-19. Because HM are highly he erogenous group of cancers, it is important to look at subtypes in greater detail. Numerous patient-level, disease-specific, and therapy-related factors may impact outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with HM, and we are currently analyzing additional data to better understand the factors which make this disease group more susceptible to severe infection. [Formula presented] Disclosures: Kuzel: Sanofi-Genzyme Genomic Health Tempus laboratories Bristol Meyers Squibb: Honoraria;Genomic Health: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Exelixis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Cardinal Health: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Abbvie: Other;Curio Science: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;AmerisourceBergen Corp: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;CVS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Tempus Laboratories: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Bristol Meyers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Merck: Other: Data Monitoring Committee Membership;Amgen: Other: Data Monitoring Committee Membership;SeaGen: Other: Data Monitoring Committee Membership;Medpace: Other: Data Monitoring Committee Membership.

Radiological presentations of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess radiological presentations of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 positive patients. Methods and Materials: 100 patients with suspected COVID-19 infection presentations were identified through the QLD metro north radiology server based on documented medical imaging request indications (search terms including “COVID”, “coronavirus” and “fever clinic”). The search data was conducted from a start data of 01/03/ 2020, upon the foundation of fever clinics at all of the major Metro North hospitals. 100 consecutive presentations were pooled from three centres (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital and Redcliffe Hospital). Recorded data includes demographical information on patient age, gender, date of presentation, indication for testing, swab results, diagnosis and medical imaging findings. Nasopharyngeal swab positive COVID-19 cases were followed up in terms of progression of radiological findings, length of hospital stay and morbidity. Results: Of the 100 sampled query COVID-19 presentations to metro north hospitals, 23 nasopharyngeal swab positive patients were identified. Ages of COVID-19 positive patients ranged from 29 to 77 (mean 51). The majority of identified positive cases had either a history of recent overseas travel or contact with another confirmed case. 71% of the confirmed cases had radiological changes consistent with viral pneumonia on their first chest-xray (characterized by unilateral or bilateral peribronchial thickening and/or interstitial infiltrates). Atypical presentations included a case of abdominal pain and altered bowel motions with fever, with no recent travel or sick contacts. Abdominal CT revealed unilateral ground glass opacification within the left lung base, with subsequent nasopharyngeal swab confirming COVID-19. Conclusion: While nasopharyngeal swab PCR remains the clear test of choice, plain x-ray plains an important prognostic role to provide on volume and intensity of disease, as a marker for prognostication, and for disease follow up.

COVID-19 Vaccination, Herd Immunity and The Transition Toward Normalcy: Challenges with The Upcoming Sports Events

Background. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created an unprecedented and daunting challenge for humanity to survive. This has also affected the sporting events across the globe as the majority of the tournaments have been cancelled or postponed as a result. For life to return to pre-pandemic normalcy, an effective and safe vaccination program needs to be implemented, be readily accessible, widely available, and affordable at the same time. Objectives. In this review, we analyze various challenges which demonstrate that COVID-19 is far from over.Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, google scholar and Scopus from the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic to 22 June 2021. The current report is a summary of data regarding challenges faced by the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and the challenges for a transition toward normalcy especially for big sports events. Results. The current COVID-19 pandemic has likely resulted in sporting events and tournaments being canceled, postponed, or held without or with restricted spectators around the world. A combination of measures including prompt vaccination with the beneficial impact of the vaccines in reducing the severity of disease, advances in treatment, expanded use of diagnostics and better implementation of public-health policies are a necessity. Following this implementation, a transition toward normality could be expected when the mortality rate of COVID-19 simulates the average influenza statistics, with public-health measures continuing to play an important role worldwide. Conclusion. The authors believe that COVID-19 will be endemic in the human population, similar to seasonal influenza, and that COVID-19 vaccines will be included as an add-on to seasonal influenza vaccinations, being administered every winter for at least the next few decades. With adequate vaccination, the sporting world will be able to withstand the challenges and resume global events, returning to pre-Covid levels of normalcy.

Increased paediatric screen time during pandemic: A cause of concern to child health

COVID-19 has put the globe in an unforeseen and unexpected situation. COVID-19 has affected everyday life all over the world. Human population came face to face to this virus so gravely for the first time. During the initial days nearly all countries imposed lockdown to break the chain of viral spread. This created significant knock-on effects on the daily life of citizens. With the updates on COVID-19, the guidelines issued by medical authorities, categorized geriatric and paediatric age groups to be at high risk. In order to flatten the rising curve of exponential spread of the virus ban on gatherings resulted in enforced shut down of schools. Therefore children were bound to stay home. They were automatically exposed to the over use of electronic gadgets for recreation as well as education purpose .Hence, their screen time increased many fold. This paper describes the impact of COVID-19 and use of electronic screen on children.

Increased paediatric screen time during pandemic: A cause of concern to child health

COVID-19 has put the globe in an unforeseen and unexpected situation. COVID-19 has affected everyday life all over the world. Human population came face to face to this virus so gravely for the first time. During the initial days nearly all countries imposed lockdown to break the chain of viral spread. This created significant knock-on effects on the daily life of citizens. With the updates on COVID-19, the guidelines issued by medical authorities, categorized geriatric and paediatric age groups to be at high risk. In order to flatten the rising curve of exponential spread of the virus ban on gatherings resulted in enforced shut down of schools. Therefore children were bound to stay home. They were automatically exposed to the over use of electronic gadgets for recreation as well as education purpose. Hence, their screen time increased many fold. This paper describes the impact of COVID-19 and use of electronic screen on children. © 2020, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.

Any Publicity is Good Publicity: Positive, Negative and Neutral Tweets Can All Become Trends

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Twitter trends are characterised by highly polarised tweets. However, specific experiments intended to measure the correlation between the emergence of a trend and the overall sentiment expressed on it have been few and limited. Thus, we have launched an investigation to ascertain the nature of the relationship between trends and strength of sentiment as a testbed for our experimentation, we have retrieved a large collection of tweets related to the COVID19 pandemic, in the particular context of the UK Government briefings broadcasted in the media. Our results highlight the presence of a significant percentage of trends with a nearly neutral sentiment. Indeed, there does not seem to be an apparent correlation between trends and polarity. © 2020 IEEE.

COVID-19 responsive teaching of undergraduate architecture programs in India: learnings for post-pandemic education

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to have an overview of how Indian institutions offering undergraduate architecture programs have responded to the pandemic situation. It seeks to appraise the alternative approaches adopted for teaching-learning, communication, assignment and evaluation and assess their effectiveness for progressive improvisations or integration with pedagogy. The paper articulates a view on the suitability of online teaching for architecture education in India, on basis of educators' experiences of teaching during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was conducted for obtaining primary data from the educators given the paucity of information. The questions elicited structured information on aspects of the transition process, IT/online platform and tools, the efficacy of online teaching-learning and trajectory of blended learning. Findings: All institutions managed the transition to online teaching without much difficulty. However, the paper raises the need for professional training and feedback from students. One-third of the respondents express satisfaction with online teaching, despite low satisfaction about the effectiveness of online teaching of a design studio. The results convey the need for more engagement with digital tools and representational software on integrated platforms. The study finds consensus on the future potential of blended learning and advocates developing an integrated framework and curriculum for architecture education in India. Originality/value: The paper synthesizes viewpoints on online teaching-learning of architecture program in wake of the pandemic from an educators' perspective. The emergent perspectives are viewed dialogically in context of global voices to articulate a future trajectory of blended learning in the domain of architecture education. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.

COVID 19 and impact on healthcare supply chain

Objectives: The study finds out the challenges in healthcare supply chain and suggests the solutions for them. Methods: The study uses brief literature to discuss the challenges and solutions. The qualitative methodology used helps in discussing the main problems and possible methods for solving these. Results: Reach, Demand Uncertainty and shortages are the main problems and technology is one of the best solutions for addressing these. Conclusion: Technology, automation, localization, and data analytics will help healthcare supply chains to be resilient and sustainable in the future.