scholarly journals Perceived Efficacy of Virtual Leadership in the Crisis of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Sanja Bizilj ◽  
Eva Boštjančič ◽  
Gregor Sočan

As a crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies quickly established virtual leadership systems and enabled employees to continue their work from home. This cross-sectional research addresses virtual leadership efficacy assessed by the leaders and by their employees. The findings suggest that leaders evaluate themselves significantly better than their employees, and their leadership efficacy mainly depends on their previous experience of working from home and ability to use communication technologies. This research contributes to the understanding of the factors that have the biggest influence on the belief in leadership efficacy in the context of a rapidly evolving system of remote work.

Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Margaret Danilovich ◽  
Christie Norrick ◽  
Rachel Lessem ◽  
Laura Milstein ◽  
Nikki Briggs ◽  
...  

This case study analyzes one senior living and social service organization’s coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis response. We conducted interviews with n = 14 department managers to explore the organization’s pivot to remote work and service provision. We used the Pearson and Mitroff Crisis Management Framework to organize themes. A pre-existing culture of teamwork, willingness to adapt and adopt new approaches, and responsiveness to new policies and procedures facilitated the COVID-19 crisis response. However, low levels of digital literacy among staff, decreased job satisfaction due to no face-to-face interaction between care recipient and service provider, and lack of proactive policies for crisis response, which decreased the speed of enacting remote service provision, were obstacles in effective crisis response. Lessons learned from this case study highlight the need for pre-emptive policy creation on remote service provision and work from home policies, as well as training considerations for senior living and social service organizations.


Author(s):  
Y. Cheng ◽  
J. Liu ◽  
M.B. Stearns ◽  
D.G. Steams

The Rh/Si multilayer (ML) thin films are promising optical elements for soft x-rays since they have a calculated normal incidence reflectivity of ∼60% at a x-ray wavelength of ∼13 nm. However, a reflectivity of only 28% has been attained to date for ML fabricated by dc magnetron sputtering. In order to determine the cause of this degraded reflectivity the microstructure of this ML was examined on cross-sectional specimens with two high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM and HAADF) techniques.Cross-sectional specimens were made from an as-prepared ML sample and from the same ML annealed at 298 °C for 1 and 100 hours. The specimens were imaged using a JEM-4000EX TEM operating at 400 kV with a point-to-point resolution of better than 0.17 nm. The specimens were viewed along Si [110] projection of the substrate, with the (001) Si surface plane parallel to the beam direction.


2017 ◽  
pp. 22-24
Author(s):  
Thi Thao Nhi Tran ◽  
Dinh Toan Nguyen

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the second cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability. Using the clinical scale to predict the outcome of the patient play an important role in clinical practice. The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has shown broad utility, allowing prediction of clinical outcome and death. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducting on 102 patients with acute ischemic stroke using THRIVE score. The outcome of patient was assessed by mRankin in the day of 30 after stroke. Statistic analysis using SPSS 15.0. Results: There was 60.4% patient in the group with THRIVE score 0 – 2 points having a good outcome (mRS 0 - 2), patient group with THRIVE score 6 - 9 having a high rate of bad outcome and mortality. Having a positive correlation between THRIVE score on admission and mRankin score at the day 30 after stroke with r = 0.712. THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome with ROC-AUC was 0.814 (95% CI 0.735 - 0.893, p<0.001), Se 69%, Sp 84% and the cut-off was 2. THRIVE score strongly predicts mortality with ROC-AUC was 0.856 (95% CI 0.756 - 0.956, p<0.01), Se 86%, Sp 77% and the cut-off was 3. Analysis of prognostic factors by multivariate regression models showed that THRIVE score was only independent prognostic factor for the outcome of post stroke patients. Conclusions: The THRIVE score is a simple-to-use tool to predict clinical outcome, mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Despite its simplicity, the THRIVE score performs better than several other outcome prediction tools. Key words: Ischemic stroke, THRIVE, prognosis, outcome, mortality


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bosco ◽  
S Gambelli ◽  
V Urbano ◽  
G Cevenini ◽  
G Messina

Abstract Background Sanitizing the operating theatres (OT) is important to minimize risk of post-operative infections. Disinfection procedures between one operation and another is less aggressive than final cleaning procedures, at the end of the day. Aim was assessing the difference of contamination: i) between different levels of disinfection; ii) before and after the use of a UVC Device (UVC-D). Methods Between December 2019/February 2020 a cross sectional study was conducted in OT in a real clinical context. 94 Petri dishes (PD) were used in 3 OT. Three different sanitation levels (SL1-3) were compared pre- and post-use of UVC-D: i) No cleaning after surgery (SL1); ii) after in-between cleaning (SL2); iii) after terminal cleaning (SL3). UVC-D was employed for 6 minutes, 3 minutes per bed side. PD were incubated at 36 °C and colony forming unit (CFU) counted at 48h. Descriptive statistic, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to assess the contamination levels in total, pre/post use of UVC-D, and between different sanitation levels, respectively. Results In total we had a mean of 3.39 CFU/PD (C.I. 2.05 - 4.74) and a median of 1 CFU/PD (Min. 0 - Max. 39), after UVC-D use we had a mean of 2.20 CFU/PD (C.I. 0.69 - 5.09) and a median of 0 CFU/PD (Min. 0 - Max. 133). The UVC-D led to a significant reduction of CFU (p &lt; 0.001). Without UVC-D we had a significant CFU drop (p &lt; 0.05) between SL1 and SL3. Using UVC-D, we observed significant reductions of contamination (p &lt; 0.05) between SL3 and SL1. Comparing SL1 (median 0) post UVC-D use vs SL2 pre UVC-D use (median 0.5), and SL2 post UVC-D use (median 0) vs SL3 pre UVC-D use (median 1) we had a significant reduction of contamination (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions UVC-D improved environmental contamination in any of the three sanitation levels. Furthermore, the use of UVC-D alone was better than in-between and terminal cleaning. Although these encouraging results, the cleaning procedures executed by dedicated staff has to be considered. Key messages UVC are efficient to decrease contamination in operating theatres regardless of sanitation levels. The additional use of UVC technology to standard cleaning procedures significantly improves sanitation levels.


2010 ◽  
Vol 434-435 ◽  
pp. 263-266
Author(s):  
Chien Chen Diao ◽  
Chia Ching Wu ◽  
Cheng Fu Yang ◽  
Chao Chin Chan

In this study, 0.95 (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.05 BaTiO3 + 1 wt% Bi2O3 (NBT-BT3) composition sintered at 1200oC for 2h is used as target to deposit the NBT-BT3 thin films. The excess 1wt% Bi2O3 is used to compensate the vaporization of Bi2O3 during the deposition process. Ferroelectric NBT-BT3 thin films are deposited on SiO2/Si and Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using RF magnetron sputter method using the ceramic target fabricated by ourselves. After depositing under the optimal parameters, the thin films are then heated by a conventional thermal annealing (CFA) process conducted in air at temperatures ranging from 600- 800oC for 60min. The morphologies of NBT- BT3 thin films are observed using SEM the crystalline structures of NBT-BT3 thin films are investigated using XRD patterns. The large memory window and stable leakage current density examination reveals that NBT-BT3 thin films annealed on 600oC are better than other thin films under different CTA temperatures. Finally, the top view and cross-sectional images of SEM, memory windows, leakage currents and polarization characteristics of NBT-BT3 thin films are also well developed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Shawna K. Metzger ◽  
Benjamin T. Jones

Abstract Logit and probit (L/P) models are a mainstay of binary time-series cross-sectional (BTSCS) analyses. Researchers include cubic splines or time polynomials to acknowledge the temporal element inherent in these data. However, L/P models cannot easily accommodate three other aspects of the data’s temporality: whether covariate effects are conditional on time, whether the process of interest is causally complex, and whether our functional form assumption regarding time’s effect is correct. Failing to account for any of these issues amounts to misspecification bias, threatening our inferences’ validity. We argue scholars should consider using Cox duration models when analyzing BTSCS data, as they create fewer opportunities for such misspecification bias, while also having the ability to assess the same hypotheses as L/P. We use Monte Carlo simulations to bring new evidence to light showing Cox models perform just as well—and sometimes better—than logit models in a basic BTSCS setting, and perform considerably better in more complex BTSCS situations. In addition, we highlight a new interpretation technique for Cox models—transition probabilities—to make Cox model results more readily interpretable. We use an application from interstate conflict to demonstrate our points.


2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (1121) ◽  
pp. 20201232
Author(s):  
Kai'En Leong ◽  
Henry Knipe ◽  
Simon Binny ◽  
Heather Pascoe ◽  
Nathan Better ◽  
...  

Objective: We sought to assess the different CT aortic root measurements and determine their relationship to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Methods: TTE and ECG-gated CT images were reviewed from 70 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 18 years; 67% male) with tricuspid aortic roots (trileaflet aortic valves) between Nov 2009 and Dec 2013. Three CT planes (coronal, short axis en face and three-chamber) were used for measurement of nine linear dimensions. TTE aortic root dimension was measured as per guidelines from the parasternal long axis view. Results: All CT short axis measurements of the aortic root had excellent reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC 0.96–0.99), while coronal and three-chamber planes had lower reproducibility with ICC 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.94) and ICC 0.92 (0.87–0.95) respectively. CT coronal and short axis maximal dimensions were systematically larger than TTE (mean 2 mm larger, p < 0.001), while CT cusp to commissure measurements were systematically smaller (CT RCC-comm mean 2 mm smaller than TTE, p < 0.001). All CT short axis measurements had excellent correlation with aortic root area with CT short axis maximal dimension marginally better than the rest (Pearson’s R 0.97). Conclusion: Systematic differences exist between CT and TTE dependent on the CT plane of measurement. All CT short axis measurements of the aortic root had excellent reproducibility and correlation with aortic root area with maximal dimension appearing marginally better than the rest. Our findings highlight the importance of specifying the chosen plane of aortic root measurement on CT. Advances in knowledge: Systematic differences in aortic root dimension exist between TTE and the various CT measurement planes. CT coronal and short axis maximal dimensions were systematically larger than TTE, while CT cusp to commissure measurements were smaller. CT readers should indicate the plane of measurement and the specific linear dimension to avoid ambiguity in follow-up and comparison.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e023667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate MacKrill ◽  
Keith J Petrie

ObjectiveFollowing a switch from either a generic or branded antidepressant (venlafaxine) to a new generic, we investigated the factors associated with a preference for branded medicines, side effects reported following switching and efficacy ratings of the new generic drug.DesignA cross-sectional survey of patients switched to a new generic.SettingPatients accessing venlafaxine information online from the New Zealand government pharmaceuticals funding website.Participants310 patients, comprising 205 originally on branded venlafaxine and 105 previously taking a generic version.Main outcome measuresAn online questionnaire assessing demographic factors, perceived sensitivity to medicines, trust in pharmaceutical agencies, sources of switch information, preference for branded medicine, new medicine perceptions, side effects and efficacy ratings.ResultsPreference for branded medicine was significantly stronger in older patients (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05), those taking branded venlafaxine (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.64) and patients with a higher perceived sensitivity to medicine (OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.19). Different factors predicted side effects in those switching from the branded and those switching from the generic venlafaxine. Trust in pharmaceutical agencies and the number of side effects were significant predictors of efficacy ratings of the new generic in both patients switching from a branded and those switching from a generic version of venlafaxine.ConclusionsIn patients switching from a branded medicine and those already taking a generic, different demographic and psychological factors are associated with preference for branded medicine, side effect reporting and perceived efficacy of the new drug. When switching to new generic, there appears to be a close bidirectional relationship between the experience of side effects and perceived drug efficacy. Trust in pharmaceutical agencies impacts directly on perceived efficacy and increasing such trust could reduce the nocebo response following a generic switch.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taghreed M. Farahat ◽  
Nagwa N. Hegazy ◽  
Maha Mowafy

BackgroundThe health sector has always relied on technologies. According to World Health Organization, they form the backbone of the services to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness and disease. It is increasingly viewed as the most promising tool for improving the overall quality, safety and efficiency of the health delivery system.Aim of the studyThis was to assess the current situation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in primary healthcare in the terms of describing and classifying the existing work, identify gaps and exploring the personal experiences and the challenges of ICTs application in the primary healthcare.Subjects and methodsA mixed research method in the form of sequential explanatory design was applied. In the quantitative phase a cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 family physicians using a predesigned questionnaire. Followed by qualitative data collection among 35 participants through focused group discussions.ResultsNearly half of the physicians have ICTs in their work and they were trained on it. None of them developed a community-based research using ICTs technology. Training on ICTs showed a statistically significant difference regarding the availability and the type of ICTs present in the workplace (P&lt;0.05). Focused group discussion revealed that the majority of the participants believe that there is poor commitment of policymaker toward ICTs utilization in the primary care. Nearly 97% thinks that there is insufficient budget allocated for ICTs utilization in the workplace. Almost 88% of the participants demanded more incentives for ICTs users than non-user at the workplace.ConclusionsICTs resources are underutilized by health information professionals. Lack of funds, risk of instability of the electric supply and lack of incentives for ICTs users were the most common barriers to ICTs implementation thus a steady steps toward budget allocation and continuous training is needed.


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