Mandatory Closure Research Articles

The response of labour demand to different COVID-19 containment measures: evidence from online job postings in Austria

This paper analyses changes in the speed of labour demand for new hires in response to the lockdowns that were repeatedly put in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It tests whether the uncertainty-reducing effect of similar lockdowns occurring in quick succession increased the responsiveness of the labour market, thereby allowing for more rapid adjustment, both at the beginning and at the end of subsequent lockdowns. It uses high-frequency online job-posting data and applies an event study approach to the beginning of three national lockdowns and the subsequent reopening in Austria between 2020 and 2022. In view of the importance of progress in vaccination for labour market recovery, it also looks at vaccine roll-out as an additional COVID-19 containment measure, with 2021 as the main roll-out period. The results indicate very different responses to the three lockdowns, with a decline in job-posting activity of between 47 and 50% during the first lockdown and of between 29 and 31% during the second; but an increase of 23% to 28% during the last lockdown. Moreover, responses to the first lockdown were sluggish, with a slow decline at the beginning and a very slow recovery after it was lifted; but over subsequent lockdowns the responses were more rapid and more symmetrical. Responses to the various events differed by occupation and industry: the strongest responses were to be observed in the highly skilled and more-teleworkable occupations of technicians, and managers and professionals, who were badly affected during the first lockdown; the leisure and hospitality industry, which was the hardest hit on account of the mandatory closures and the widespread travel restrictions and bans, and which recovered only very slowly; and the IT, internet and telecommunications industry, where posting activity developed in a direction opposite to that seen in the other industries. Finally, there is little robust evidence of a differentiated effect of vaccinations during lockdowns, suggesting that vaccination roll-out did not have an additional demand-generating effect, over and above the lockdowns.

Student adoption of e-learning at makerere university during COVID-19: A structural equation modelling based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

The onset of COVID-19 dealt a severe blow to the education sector in Uganda, leading to the mandatory closure of all learning institutions to mitigate the spread of the virus. Makerere University, a venerable institution in the region, was not exempt from this directive. The initial uptake of e-learning was sluggish due to various factors, including inadequate infrastructure, digital illiteracy among both students and some faculty members, and, most notably, a lack of preparedness in utilizing digital eLearning technologies. The objective of this study was to examine the factors that impacted students’ embrace of eLearning at Makerere University during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a quantitative approach, the study utilized questionnaires structured based on the nine constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model. Between August and December 2021, a questionnaire was distributed to 374 students from two colleges. Structured equation modelling was employed to assess 16 factors that were hypothesized to have an impact on adoption. Effort expectancy emerged as the most robust predictor. Likewise, the behaviour of utilizing eLearning technologies was predominantly impacted by facilitating conditions. Utilizing the UTAUT methodology, this study’s theoretical significance arises from our effort to broaden the existing literature on the utilization of video conferencing software (Zoom) in conjunction with a learning management system (MUELE) during the challenging period of COVID-19, an area that has not been extensively explored. The results offer insights into the embrace and approval of both systems within the framework of a developing nation. This study delivers valuable perspectives for developers of eLearning systems, emphasizing the importance of creating user-friendly platforms that enhance the learner experience. This includes the incorporation of intuitive designs and intelligent features such as chatbots and AI-driven tutoring systems, which adapt to the unique needs of students.

Does Firm‐level Political Uncertainty Affect the Mispricing of Earnings? A Natural Experiment through Government‐to‐business Revolving Door

We utilize a unique setting associated with the mandatory closure of the government‐to‐business revolving door to examine whether and how an exogenous rise in firm‐level political uncertainty affects the mispricing of earnings. The tension that underlies our study stems from two opposing effects. To the extent that such uncertainty can trigger opinion divergence (rational attention) among investors, it is expected to delay (accelerate) price discovery and increase (decrease) security mispricing. Our identification strategy draws on the difference‐in‐differences analysis associated with the Chinese regulation in 2013 that mandated the resignation of corporate independent directors with a government background. Consistent with the dominance of the opinion divergence effect, we observe that these involuntary resignations unintentionally increase delays in share price responses following earnings announcements. These findings are more evident among firms that enjoy more benefits from independent directors with a government background. Further analyses confirm that these involuntary resignations trigger more opinion divergence rather than rational attention among investors by showing significant increases in analyst forecast diversity but no changes in analyst coverage following such resignations. We provide novel evidence that market information efficiency could deteriorate as an unintended consequence of the escalation of firm‐level political uncertainty.

No Visitors: Family Perceptions of Separation From Hospitalized Loved Ones.

Restrictions on visitors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had major implications for both patients and families, impacting health care outcomes. Policies included mandatory closures, masking, and visiting restrictions both in acute and long-term care. Despite visiting restrictions in health care systems, little is known about its effects. The objective of this study was to elicit perceptions of individuals who were separated from their loved ones during acute care hospitalization during the COVID pandemic. Individuals who experienced separation from hospitalized family members because of the "no-visitor policies" during the COVID-19 pandemic were asked to participate in a study to elicit their perceptions. After institutional review board approval, interviews were completed for those who had loved ones admitted to acute care facilities only. Audiotaped and transcribed interviews were conducted in person, via telephone, or virtually using a primary investigator-developed interview guide. Using the Colaizzi method of analysis, themes were derived. Of the 11 completed interviews, 100% of participants were female, and all were residents of Texas. Themes derived from this pilot project were advocacy, communication, emotional upheaval, human factors, isolation, and abandonment. Findings from patient interviews support previous published studies. Ideas for improved patient and family experience discussed by the authors include personal protective equipment for significant others, consideration of visitation policies for those patients without decision-making capabilities, and increased accessibility to communication aids for both patients and families.

대형마트의 의무휴업일이 주변 상권에 미친 영향 -음식점의 매출 성과를 중심으로-

본 연구는 수도권에 위치한 대규모점포인 대형마트 주변 반경 5km 내 상권을 대상으로 대형마트의 의무 휴업일이 주변 음식점의 매출 성과에 미친 영향에 관해 조사하였다. 조사된 상권 내에는 복수의 대형마트와 SSM이 위치하고 있으며, 수요일 또는 일요일에 의무휴무를 실시하고 있다. 2017년부터 2019년까지 2년 동안 상권 내에서 영업 중인 음식점들에 대한 일별 이용 건수, 일별 매출, 일별 이용 건당 매출 자료를 분석하였다. 분석 결과, 대형마트의 의무휴무가 주변 상권 내 음식점의 이용 건수에는 긍정적인 영향을 미치지만, 이용 건당 매출에는 오히려 부정적인 영향을 미친다는 사실을 발견하였다. 이는 음식점의 경우 대형마트에 대한 영업규제의 효과가 일부 나타날 수 있으나, 소상공인 관점에서 실질적으로 필요한 긍정적인 경제적 효과는 발생하지 않을 수 있음을 의미한다. 또한 설문조사를 통해 고객의 이용의도를 분석함으로써 유통규제 효과에 대해 조사하는 경우, 그 결과가 실제 매출에 대한 결과와는 다르게 나타날 수 있음을 보여준다. 이러한 결과를 통해 본 연구는 유통규제 효과와 관련해 유의미한 학문적, 실무적 시사점을 제시하였다.

Consumer Responses to COVID Policy Across the World: The Role of Community Resilience

The authors examine the role of community resilience in consumer mental, behavioral, and attitudinal responses to policy interventions implemented in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Three adaptive capacities (economic development, communication and information, and transformative potential) are used to capture community resilience in various geographies. Using a difference-in-difference approach in a large sample of consumers from multiple countries that introduced such interventions in March and April 2020, the authors assess the moderating effect of these capacities on the strength of the impact of interventions on mental health, personal protective behavior, and the perception of such policies. The measure of COVID policy intervention reflects mandatory closure of workplaces, transportation, and schools. Significant findings include robust empirical evidence that adaptive capacities mitigate the negative impact of COVID policy intervention on mental health. Furthermore, the policy's impact on personal protective behaviors was more substantial in countries with higher levels of economic equality, communication spending, social engagement, and human development. Economic development and communication and information capacities strengthened the positive impact of the intervention on the perception of such policies. This research offers actionable insights on individual responses during COVID for managers, marketers, and policy makers.

Is “Zoom Fatigue” Real? Video Conferencing Boosts Productivity but Worsens Well-Being

Video conferencing has become a predominant mode of workplace meetings, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. In this research, we integrate objective self-awareness theory with the interface design of video conferencing tools to explain the mixed implications of video conferencing for employees. We hypothesize that time spent on video conferencing is positively related to state self-consciousness (i.e., being conscious about one’s self as the object of awareness). State self-consciousness, in turn, is positively related to work productivity but at the same time negatively related to well-being. We further hypothesize that introverted employees are more affected by participation in video conferencing than their extroverted counterparts. In a study employing experience sampling methodology among 144 United Kingdom-based employees who were working remotely on account of the mandatory closure of the workplace, we found evidence for the hypotheses. Specifically, time spent on video conferencing on a workday increased state self-consciousness on that day, which, in turn, increased work productivity. The negative relationship between state self-consciousness and the moderating effect of extraversion received marginal support. A supplementary experimental study further tested the tenet of objective self-awareness theory. We discuss the implications of our findings for how organizations can manage video conferencing as they move to remote work at unprecedented rates.

POST PANDEMIC CLASSROOM AND STUDENTS’ READINESS FOR THE UTILISATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY

Purpose: Traditionally, face to face approach to teaching and learning had been the system of education adopted in Nigeria but with the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant mandatory closure of schools, there was need to shop for new options in order that learning should continue without risks to human and educational standards. The study examined Students’ readiness for the utilisation of digital technologies in post pandemic classroom in Ekiti State University in Nigeria.
 Methodology: The descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Results showed that digital technologies were available for the students’ use and the students were ready for the transition from face to face to virtual learning.
 Results: The students’ performance greatly improved as a result of the students’ technology skills acquired with the use of the digital technologies. Though COVID 19 negatively affected education globally, Ekiti State University was not so much affected as to neglect the students.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Teaching and learning was going on hence the recommendation that there should be improvement on the provision and availability of the digital technologies and efforts should be intensified by stakeholders on the training and retraining for better performance

Poster 207: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Access to Physical Therapy and Postoperative Sport Testing, Patient Reported Outcomes and Mental Health Scores Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Objectives:When the COVID-19 pandemic caused mandatory closures of physical therapy offices and gyms in the winter and spring of 2020, many patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) over the previous months experienced unexpected interruptions in their rehabilitation process. The purpose of this study was to compare the sport testing, patient reported outcomes, and mental health scores between ACLR patients whose postoperative physical therapy may have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic versus a control cohort of ACLR patients who completed their physical therapy the year prior to the pandemic. With the barriers created by COVID-19, we aimed to understand the relationship between access to physical therapy and objective/subjective patient outcomes as well as mental health scores.Methods:A retrospective study of prospectively collected data as well as prospective collection of patient questionnaires was performed. The control group was patients who underwent ACLR from November 2018 to March 2019 while the experimental “COVID” group consisted of patients who underwent ACLR from November 2019 through March 2020. Patients with concomitant meniscal injury were included, but any revision surgery or multiligamentous knee injury was excluded. Patients must have completed sport testing at 6-7 months postoperatively to be enrolled. Retrospective chart data including surgery specific data, patient specific demographic data, sport testing outcomes including thigh girth, quadriceps and hamstring index, Y-balance, Keiser leg press were reviewed. Patient reported outcome measures were collected through our institutional registry including IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, SF-12 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries, WOMAC and patient satisfaction. Finally, prospectively collected data included the ACL-RSI questionnaire as well as a study-specific questionnaire administered to the experimental population to assess the effect of the pandemic closures on their access to postoperative rehabilitation. Primary analysis compared sport testing outcomes at 6-7 months postoperative between the control group and the COVID group. Secondary analyses compared patient reported outcomes and patient satisfaction between groups. Subgroup analyses included comparisons within the COVID group based on ACL-RSI scores as well as access to PT and self-directed therapy during the pandemic.Results:A total of 50 patients with median age 34.5 years (52% female) were enrolled in the study, 25 in the control group and 25 in the COVID experimental group. Baseline demographics, surgery specific details and preoperative outcomes scores were similar between the groups, with the exception of a higher number of meniscal repairs performed in the COVID group (48% vs. 24%, p = 0.032). Median follow-up for sport testing was 7 months, and no statistically significant differences were seen between the two groups when comparing quadriceps index, hamstring index, Keiser power, Keiser reaction, y-balance, or girth testing (Table 1). Notably, more patients reached full flexion (≥140 degrees) in the control group than the COVID group (96% vs. 76%, p=0.05). Additionally, no differences were seen with regards to patient reported outcomes between the two groups.Subgroup analyses were then performed on the COVID group only. 48% of patients missed in-person physical therapy appointments due to the pandemic, while 68% of patients were able to perform self-directed physical therapy with the largest proportion reporting a frequency of 3-5x a week or higher. Interestingly, missing in-person physical therapy appointments was not statistically significantly associated with worsened postoperative sport testing, patient reported outcome or ACL-RSI scores. Meanwhile, those who participated in frequent (>3x per week) self-directed physical therapy reported improved ACL-RSI scores overall when compared to those patients only participating <2x per week, however only the risk appraisal subscore of the ACL-RSI was statistically significant (median 83 vs 38, p=0.03).Conclusions:Patients who underwent ACLR in the 4 months prior to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a high rate of decreased access to physical therapy, but did not have significantly worsened sport testing, subjective outcome measures or mental health scores compared to a matched population undergoing ACLR in the same 4 months of 2019. Even when controlling for patients who specifically reported missing physical therapy appointments during the pandemic, no differences were seen. Participation in higher frequency of self-directed therapy led to improved ACL-RSI scores at 1- year postoperatively. These results may suggest that the bourgeoning availability of online and virtual therapy resources necessitated by the pandemic may have long-lasting value in supplementing postoperative rehabilitation, especially for those patients with limited access to in-person therapy due to time, distance, financial or insurance constraints. Additionally, these results have implications for any ongoing ACLR study that may have concerns about data validity in those patients whose perioperative period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.Table 1.Comparison of Experimental versus Control groups with respect to physical rehabilitation return to sport assessments.

Greek teachers' resilience levels during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and its association with attitudes towards emergency remote teaching and perceived stress.

The mandatory closure of schools due to the Covid‐19 pandemic affected the mental health, and, by extension, the personal and professional life of teachers. This study explored their level of resilience during the pandemic and its association with attitudes towards emergency remote teaching and perceived stress. Data were collected through the administration of three self‐report instruments: (a) the “Teachers' Professional Attitudes and Behaviors Scale”, (b) the “Teachers' Resilience Scale”, and (c) the “Perceived Stress Scale”. The sample consisted of 1415 general teachers from central Greece. Teachers were found to possess neutral attitudes towards emergency remote teaching, moderate levels of resilience, and experienced slightly increased levels of stress. The examined constructs were largely influenced by some of the teachers' demographic and professional characteristics. Teachers' perceptions of resilience predicted their attitudes to emergency remote teaching and stress levels during the pandemic. The study has reaffirmed the importance of holding sufficient levels of resilience to cope with adverse circumstances and has offered clear directions about which groups of teachers are in most need for counselling and professional support so that their resilience is strengthened.

Post Pandemic Classroom and Students’ Readiness for the Utilisation of Digital Technologies in Ekiti State University, Nigeria

Traditionally, face–to-face approach to teaching and learning had been the system of education adopted in Nigeria but with the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant mandatory closure of schools, there was need to shop for new options in order that learning should continue without risks to human and educational standards. The study examined Students’ readiness for the utilization of digital technologies in post pandemic classroom experience in Ekiti State University in Nigeria. The descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted for the study. Questionnaire instrument and interviews were used to collect data. Results showed that digital technologies were available for the students’ use and that the students were ready for the transition from face-to-face to virtual learning. The students’ performance greatly improved as a result of the technology skills acquired with the use of the digital technologies utilized by the students. It was recommended that though COVID 19 negatively affected education generally in Nigeria, Ekiti State University was not so much affected as to neglect the students. Teaching and learning was going on.

Organ Transplantation Preparations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in organ donation rates and the temporary mandatory closure of transplantation centers. The suspension or restriction of organ transplantation operations during the pandemic has led to adverse situations affecting patients waiting for organs, and complicating the care of recipients. In Turkey, as throughout the world, the allocation of the majority of intensive care beds to COVID-19 patients has caused a significant decrease in the number of cadaver donors. In the light of current information, very little is known about the spread of COVID-19, the biological behavior, pathogenesis, and long-term morbidity. Therefore, organ donors who have tested positive for COVID-19 may cause negative outcomes, not only for the recipient, but also for the transplantation team, the organ supply organization, and the hospital personnel. When all these points are taken into consideration, it is recommended that COVID-19-positive patients should not be organ donors. Nurses working at several stages of the organ transplantation process should be aware of this. When the necessary collaboration with nurses is achieved, the organ transplantation process will be successful. This paper can be considered to shed light on unknown aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to contribute to nursing training.

Mandatory Sit-at-home Order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Economic Activities in South East, Nigeria

In reaction to the Federal Government of Nigeria's prolonged arrest and detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, the group in the Southeast issued a Monday sit-athome order, effectively grounding the region economically. This study examined the effect of mandatory closure of markets on Mondays by IPOB and its economic implications in Southeast, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study, with a population of 250 which doubled as a sample size due to the limited number. A questionnaire was the only instrument of data collection used. Collected data were analyzed with the regression technique at a 5% level of significance. The study uncovered that the sit-at-home order has a huge hostile effect on the economic activities in the southeast, Nigeria. The study recommended that the regional government (South-eastern), religious bodies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders, should diplomatically and politically engage the central government of Nigeria for the release of the IPOB leader; the Federal government should adopt all-inclusive governance as this will return full economic activities to the zone.

The politics of COVID-19 on the island of Ireland

Abstract Background Political systems are the means through which the science of public health achieves its objectives. This is a qualitative study of public health policies for COVID-19 in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that seeks to establish if inter-jurisdictional commitments have led to co-ordination and co-operation on the island of Ireland. Methods 10 indicators from the OxCGRT codebook directed data collection with directed qualitative content analysis supporting comprehensive reading of policy documents. Cross-case and within-case analysis of policy alignment and divergence across ten OxCGRT indicators was undertaken. Results Closing Schools Republic of Ireland: 12th March 2020 Northern Ireland: 23rd March 2020; Workplace Closing - Republic of Ireland: 12th and 15th March and 24th March 2020. Northern Ireland: 20th March 2020 followed by mandatory closure on 28th March 2020. Cancelling events and mass gatherings (St Patrick's Day, 17th March)-Republic of Ireland: 9th March 2020-Northern Ireland: 9th March 2020;Lockdown/Shelter-in-place policies. Republic of Ireland: 27th March 2020- Northern Ireland: 28th March 2020; Restrictions on Internal Movement Republic of Ireland: 27th March 2020 Northern Ireland: 28th March 2020. Physical Distancing Measures -Republic of Ireland: 2-metres 24th March 2020 Northern Ireland: 2 metres 23rd March 2020. Mandatory Face Masks in Enclosed Spaces-Republic of Ireland: 10th August 2020 -Northern Ireland: 10th August 2020. Conclusions The historical and constitutional politics of the island of Ireland is the obstacle to an all-island response to COVID-19 and this has almost certainly been compounded by Brexit. Defying the odds, however, this study has demonstrated substantial public health policy alignment brought about through ongoing dialogue and co-operation between the health administrations in each jurisdiction. Key messages Historical and constitutional politics of the island of Ireland is the obstacle to an all-island response to COVID-19. Even pandemics cannot overcome realpolitik.

Spatial transmission of the economic impacts of COVID-19 through international trade.

While most of the attention to COVID-19 is being focused on the physical transmission of the virus across country borders, there is also an analogous spatial transmission of economic impacts through international trade and global supply chains. This paper presents an analysis of the extent to which the economic shocks of mandatory closures to mitigate the pandemic ripple through the world economy. We utilize a state-of-the-art computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to analyze these interconnections through international trade. We compare estimates of the impacts on US GDP in isolation and then examine the impacts taking into account US trade with China and the rest of the world (ROW). Our analysis indicates that these international trade linkage impacts are generally negative and range from near zero to very large overall, depending on the region, and that own- and cross-country impacts differ by region as well. At the same time, we find that China is able to capitalize on the situation by actually being able to increase its exports through international trade following mandatory closures in other regions. We also confirm that the US economy was relatively insulated from trade linkages with the rest of the world. Sectoral impacts provide further insight into the results.

Financial recovery strategies for restaurants during COVID-19: Evidence from the US restaurant industry

A research problem is presented from the inherent devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry: restaurants are now faced with mounting expenses and limited revenue due to mandatory closures of dining rooms. As an example of the problem for the industry, Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) – the torchbearer of the U.S. foodservice industry – closed its 1800 restaurant dining rooms nationwide causing 60.0% decrease in same-store sales, due to the worldwidecollapse in consumer demand and spending, economic shut-down, restricted movement, and reduced intensity of food traffic, etc. Against the backdrop of crisis and recovery management, the purpose of this research note is to manage the negative impact of COVID-19 by identifying recovery strategies and relief efforts for the restaurant industry using Darden Restaurants as a case study. Data obtained from Darden executives revealed that revenue generation focused on carry out and an investment in people through adequate benefits are top strategies for financial recovery. Additionally, cost recovery methods such as preserving cash by delaying capital expenditures and reducing marketing spend are key survival techniques. The note uncovered these critical strategies to revamp the profit margins while leveragingeach brand's exclusive characteristics in order to remain financially competitive during and in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Hollywood survival strategies in the post-COVID 19 era

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus in the United States, Americans have been forced to quarantine themselves at home in dramatic fashion, unlike almost any other time in the nation’s history. Moreover, the American workforce has been equally impacted by virtue of state-imposed shutdowns that have affected innumerable businesses, including the Hollywood entertainment industry, which is the subject of this research. I examine how commercial entertainment conglomerates like AT&T, Comcast, Disney, ViacomCBS, and Fox have responded to mandatory closures for businesses that employ a human workforce upon whom they rely for their labor, and to human consumers they seek to distribute their film and television commodities to for profit. Using historical and discourse analyses in a political economic theoretical framework, I review contemporary reports about the economic conditions which have influenced the industry’s technological adaptation and innovation and argue that the Hollywood television and film industries will capitalize upon this current public health crisis as a motivator to adopt streaming platforms as the new preferred distribution mechanism of entertainment long after COVID 19 is a memory. This qualitative research examines the technological adaptations employed by these entertainment conglomerates to analyze (1) how the transition to streaming video on demand has occurred, and evaluates (2) what the adoption of these survival strategies mean for Hollywood’s long-term economic future and survival in a “digitally competitive” (Smith and Telang, 2017) marketplace.

AAA: a rock and a hard place.

Introduction This retrospective analysis sought to ascertain the effect of the advice, analgesia and antibiotics (AAA) regimen upon the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for those patients attending for emergency dental extraction at the Department of Oral Surgery, King's College Dental Hospital (KCDH), London. This has subsequently been used as a foundation upon which to discuss the potential factors that are likely to have had an effect upon the prescribing patterns of general dental practitioners (GDPs) throughout the United Kingdom (UK) at this time and possible future implications should the UK experience a second mandatory closure of primary care dental settings.Materials and methods Retrospective data collection for patients attending for emergency dental extractions was performed at the Department of Oral Surgery, KCDH. Data were collected between March-June 2020 during KCDH's designation as an urgent dental care hub.Results In total, 1,414 patients attended for emergency dental extraction. Four hundred and seventy-one (33.3%) patients sought advice from their GDP before contacting KCDH's emergency dental triage service. Prior to attending KCDH for emergency dental extraction, 665 (47%) patients were prescribed antibiotics by a primary care health provider.Conclusion Our findings suggest that the AAA regimen may have inadvertently contributed to inappropriate prescription of systemic antibiotics by GDPs.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown Measures on Quality of Life among Italian General Population

The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world in the year 2020 has put a strain on our ability to cope with events and revolutionized our daily habits. On 9 March, Italy was forced to lockdown to prevent the spread of the infection, with measures including the mandatory closure of schools and nonessential activities, travel restrictions, and the obligation to spend entire weeks in the same physical space. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on quality of life (QoL) in a large Italian sample, in order to investigate possible differences in QoL levels related to both demographic and pandemic-specific variables. A total of 2251 Italian adults (1665 women, mainly young and middle adults) were recruited via a snowball sampling strategy. Participants were requested to answer to an online survey, which included demographic and COVID-related information items, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The results showed statistically significant differences in QoL depending on a number of variables, including sex, area of residence in Italy, and being diagnosed with a medical/psychiatric condition. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess QoL during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, therefore the present findings can offer guidelines regarding which social groups are more vulnerable of a decline in QoL and would benefit of psychological interventions.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on the Future of Human Resource Management

The COVID-19 pandemic presented huge challenges to all aspects of life including social, economic, public health, governmental and business activities. Following a year of mandatory closures and quarantine, there is new hope in the fight against the virus as vaccines and new safety precautions have been implemented globally, but the crisis is not over. Many lessons are still being learned about the crisis which points to a need for human resource managers to revisit lessons learned from past emergencies and disasters in addition to organizational responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, existing human resource management plans and policies, occupational safety and health procedures; and continuity plans will need to be revisited to ensure continuity from of operations in future emergency events. This article discusses the business impacts of COVID-19 from a practitioner point of view. The author examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on organizations from a multidisciplinary approach that considers the physical workplace, telecommuting and hybrid business options. This article opens with a discussion on the history of Human Resource Management and continues with a discussion on how enabling technologies, continuity programs and employee health/safety and wellness have shaped human resource management practices. The article concludes with practitioner recommendations for minimizing disruption to the organization’s essential functions by unlinking the organization’s dependence on physical structures, as appropriate. The author challenges human resource managers to challenge current assumptions on how work is to be performed and move toward a model of great flexibility in where and how work should be performed.