Search

A recent study conducted by the University of Colorado explores the role of historians in shaping public policy during times of crisis, using the programs of the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) as a case study. The ISHS developed a legislative outreach program and redefined history's societal value in response to the post-2008 recession. The study emphasizes the importance of searchable research libraries for historians to manage multiple projects. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available in The Public Historian journal. [Extracted from the article]

A review paper led by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine argues that malnutrition, known as nutritionally acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (N-AIDS), is a leading cause of tuberculosis (TB) and deserves more attention in global TB elimination efforts. The researchers emphasize that malnutrition is the leading cause of immunodeficiency worldwide and that action on malnutrition is necessary to make substantive changes in TB incidence and mortality rates. They suggest that leveraging nutritional interventions can help detect, prevent, and treat TB more effectively, and that addressing malnutrition will have benefits beyond TB. The paper also highlights the social aspects of TB and the need for global health investments to eradicate it. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom examines the rhetoric surrounding educational technology in higher education post-pandemic. The research argues that while technology has been seen as a solution during the pandemic, the discourse surrounding its adoption is influenced by neoliberal and consumerist ideologies. The paper suggests that the portrayal of technology as wholly beneficial obscures other issues and inequalities. The research offers a critical lens through which to view the pervasive use of technology in education. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Zululand explores the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies combined with deep learning (DL) techniques for pandemic detection. The study reviews 19 papers published between 2019 and 2024 that examine the contributions and unresolved issues of IoT-DL models in pandemic detection. The research provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and open issues in this field, making it a valuable resource for DL researchers and practitioners. The study emphasizes the potential of IoT and DL technologies in pandemic preparedness and control. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the concept of Urban Living Labs (ULL) as a research approach that emphasizes collaboration and transformation in public spaces. The authors argue that ULLs can perpetuate epistemic injustices by enforcing dominant epistemic regimes and consensus-seeking participation. They propose a speculative realist approach to ULLs and analyze an ethnographic vignette in a community playground in Rotterdam South to explore the complexities and disagreements within a post-pandemic ULL situation. The paper aims to highlight the importance of generating epistemic justice and social transformation in ULLs. Please note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Peking University highlights the legal issues surrounding shared employment in post-pandemic China. The research points out that China's current labor law system does not provide clear and strong protection for shared employees, which is inconsistent with the country's socioeconomic development. The paper analyzes the evolution of the existing labor law framework and proposes three principles for restructuring China's labor law system to better protect workers. The research concludes that a dual/multiple labor relations path, combining mandatory and autonomous norms, should be adopted to ensure worker protection and compensation for third parties. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, explores the topic of resilience in supply chain risk management in the context of the pandemic and subsequent disruptive events. The study provides a bibliometric review of over 2,500 published papers on this subject, identifying ten key topics related to risk and resilience in supply chains. The research also highlights a shift in research direction since 2020, with the emergence of three additional topics. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the evolving research landscape in this area and provide valuable insights for future research. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom explores the relationship between intellectual property (IP), artificial intelligence (AI), and the healthcare sector. The research focuses on the impact of intellectual property protection on emerging technologies in the healthcare industry, particularly in the context of the pandemic. The paper highlights the ethical and governance issues that arise from the use of AI systems in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of considering local contexts and socio-cultural structures when developing governance responses. The full article can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Institute of Ethnology discusses the intersection of politics, celebrity, and digital culture. The paper focuses on how celebrities from the entertainment realm have entered the world of institutional politics and leveraged their popularity. The research examines the political personas of former American president Donald Trump, president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Croatian candidate Miroslav Škoro, and how they have used social networks to build their political image. The study concludes that the mediatization of politics has influenced the way these celebrities have constructed their political personas. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Central Lancashire discusses research on public relations and communication. The report focuses on the effectiveness of a foundation year program at a university in England, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores what makes a successful foundation year and highlights the experiences of students from non-traditional backgrounds. The research concludes that a good foundation year can improve outcomes for non-traditional students and offer them opportunities for success. The full report is available for free online. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Universitas Trunojoyo Madura have conducted a study on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) fraud. The research explores the application of ESG fraud, trends and developments in ESG fraud, and the relationship between the pandemic and ESG fraud. The study found that pressure is a common factor that leads companies to engage in ESG fraud, and non-financial reporting fraud schemes are often used for this purpose. The research sample consisted of 66 papers, which discussed controversial issues related to ESG implementation, company performance, and audits. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ludwigsburg University of Education discusses the challenges and adaptations made in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report reflects on 65 papers written during the pandemic, examining the successes and failures of transitioning from on-campus to online teaching. The researchers propose the design and development of effective online teaching for the post-pandemic world, based on the experiences of teachers and empirical data. The report acknowledges the permanent changes that the emergency online semesters have brought to university teaching. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Eastern Piedmont in Alessandria, Italy, explores the impact of digital education policies on Italian schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focuses on the relationship between actors and digital policies, specifically in the context of distance learning. The study examines the outcomes of distance learning in terms of learning levels, digital competences, and school inclusion. The findings highlight both the progress made in digital schooling in Italy and the limitations of top-down educational policies. The study suggests that involving all actors in the decision-making process can lead to policy recalibration and improved effectiveness. [Extracted from the article]

Funding for field conservation research stations has been significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in Conservation Letters. The study, which surveyed 173 conservation researchers representing 157 field stations in 56 countries, found that many field stations have closed partially or completely and have experienced a decrease in funding. The authors argue that field research stations are essential tools for biodiversity conservation and have a high return on investment. They emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the work conducted at these stations and the long-term benefits they provide, such as improved habitat quality and support for local economies. The authors call for greater recognition and investment in field research stations to address the global biodiversity crisis. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the concept of a Democratic Audit of the pandemic, with a specific focus on the European Union. It explores the implications of the pandemic on democratic and constitutional principles, particularly in times of emergency. The article highlights the challenges faced by democracies in maintaining normal democratic procedures during emergencies, such as holding elections, passing laws, and ensuring free speech and assembly. It also examines different perspectives on emergency governance and proposes adapting the democratic audit framework to the unique characteristics of the EU. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for defining standards and procedures for emergencies in democracies. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a research study conducted by the Department of Management on the success of crowdfunding in financing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and business startups during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia and Malaysia. The study used a quantitative approach and distributed questionnaires to 100 SME owners or operators in each country. The findings showed that in Indonesia, all variables studied had positive and significant influences on crowdfunding success, except for perception. In Malaysia, all variables had positive and significant influences on crowdfunding success. The study is the first to report on the impact of the pandemic on crowdfunding in Indonesia and Malaysia. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the impact of pandemic income support programs on adolescent mental health in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. The study examines the socioeconomic disparities among younger generations and evaluates the effectiveness of these policies. The research finds that children in households with access to more generous income support programs in Australia reported better overall health, while girls in households targeted by previous cutbacks in the UK, Ireland, and Australia reported better health. However, some children in all three countries reported worse mental health despite receiving payments. The study suggests that changes to existing income-support programs could help alleviate distress and inequalities among children. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Redeemer University discusses research findings on education during the pandemic. The research focuses on a grade 6 teacher's experience and explores how the shift to remote learning affected curriculum enactment and pedagogy. The study concludes that this experience contributes to shaping the future of effective instruction in elementary classrooms. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free through the Language and Literacy: A Canadian Educational e-journal. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of collective intelligence in activating adaptive and collaborative leadership practices at Japanese academic institutions during the global pandemic. It draws on the personal experiences of the author and faculty members from seven Japanese universities to explore how collective intelligence facilitated an adaptive response to adversity and triggered organization-wide learning. The article emphasizes the importance of collective intelligence in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. Please note that this article has not undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Manchester has published a new study on epidemiology, focusing on the special collection titled "Conjuring a New Normal: Monstrous Routines and Mundane Horrors in Pandemic Lives and Dreamscapes." The collection explores different perspectives on how comics artists use genres, tropes, and symbolism, particularly related to the Gothic, to convey affect and personal stories within a wider social context. The research suggests the need to diversify the works and creators studied in the field of Graphic Medicine, as well as broaden analyses of comics creation, engagement, and community. The study can be found in The Comics Grid: Journal of Comics Scholarship. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Ibadan, Nigeria explores the use of internet memes to communicate information about the coronavirus pandemic. The study focuses on the use of directives and references in these memes to convey social responsibilities and create awareness. The researchers analyzed 100 coronavirus-motivated memes from Facebook and found that directives and references are effective tools for conveying social responsibilities to online audiences. The study concludes that memes help enhance the meaning of the pandemic and provide clearer perspectives on it. [Extracted from the article]

A new program called Well Parent Japan (WPJ) has been developed at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) to support mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The program aims to improve mothers' ADHD-specific parenting skills and boost their confidence in parenting. WPJ is a 13-week group-based parent training program that focuses on enhancing mothers' psychological well-being and teaching culturally tailored parenting skills for ADHD. The program has been found to be effective in reducing parenting-specific stress, improving parenting efficacy, and reducing family strain. The researchers are now working on implementing an educational video series for teachers in schools to help them understand ADHD and adjust their teaching techniques accordingly. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from investigators at City University of London examines the working practices of feminist creative and cultural enterprises in London during the pandemic. The research reveals that pandemic precarity has led these enterprises to adopt more entrepreneurial and self-promotional practices in order to sustain their work. The report also highlights how decades of austerity measures and funding cuts have forced some feminist enterprises to operate independently and seek alternative funding models. The study explores the fusion of activism, feminism, entrepreneurialism, and precarity in what the researchers term "freelance feminism." [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria discusses the impact of armed conflicts on global health, particularly mental health. The report highlights the alarming increase in state-based armed conflicts in 2022, resulting in over 10,000 conflict-related deaths. The researchers argue that the surge in armed conflicts globally can be considered a "pandemic" and emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to address the challenges and protect public health in conflict zones. The report suggests strategies such as humanitarian response, protecting healthcare workers and infrastructure, building preparedness and resilience, and promoting mental health support. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences explores the impact of the global pandemic on supplier selection in the context of supply chain disruption. The researchers propose a two-stage evaluation model that incorporates the evolution of the pandemic and considers the risk of disruption caused by lockdowns. They validate their model using real epidemic data from China and conclude that it can effectively support decision-makers in mitigating the risk of supply chain disruptions. This research provides valuable insights into sustainability and risk prevention in the face of a pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

A survey conducted by Bradley Company, a global manufacturer of commercial washroom fixtures, reveals that Americans have changed their handwashing habits since the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey found that 80% of Americans are now more conscious of germs in restrooms due to Covid, with stores, healthcare facilities, and restaurants causing the most concern. The survey also shows that 74% of American adults now wash their hands more frequently in response to seasonal virus outbreaks, compared to 45% in 2009. Additionally, 95% of adults believe handwashing is essential for maintaining overall health, and 77% make a point to wash their hands in public restrooms while traveling. Americans also prioritize handwashing after using a public restroom, and 86% prefer touchless fixtures in restrooms to minimize contact with germs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand explores the experiences of mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the challenges faced by mothers from diverse backgrounds, including pregnant women, teenage mothers, single and low-income mothers, and working mothers. The research emphasizes the emotional toll on mothers due to the lack of support systems during lockdowns and social restrictions. It also sheds light on the intensified experiences of Maori, Pacific, migrant, and single mothers, highlighting the need for intersectional policies that address the complexities of mothers' lives. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report published by researchers at Baise University focuses on the employment challenges faced by college students in the post-pandemic era. The study, which specifically examines students in the field of economics and management, identifies various issues such as limited access to employment information, lack of work skills, and difficulties in finding suitable jobs. To address these challenges, the report proposes six countermeasures, including improving employment services, strengthening school-enterprise cooperation, and using data for guidance. The aim of these measures is to enhance students' employability and professional qualities in order to better adapt to the job market in the post-pandemic era. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of the Western Cape explores the impact of online learning on first-year students' sense of belonging in a "post-pandemic" academic literacy module. The research highlights the importance of belonging for student motivation, retention, and engagement. The study suggests that online learning poses challenges to fostering a sense of belonging, and the shift to online education during the pandemic may have made many senior students feel disconnected from their university. The research presents a model for understanding the interconnected nature of belonging and considers the role of academic literacy modules in fostering a sense of belonging. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Swedish Defence University analyzes the concept of the "normality/emergency imaginary" in relation to the UK's pandemic response. The research argues that this imaginary simplifies the complex issues of order and contingency, reducing them to a choice between normality and emergency. This makes it difficult to critique emergency measures without reinforcing the problem they aim to address. The report suggests that a deeper understanding of contingency is necessary for effective political decision-making during crises. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Priština in Serbia examined the perceptions of students, teachers, parents, and undergraduate students regarding online and combined teaching/learning during the pandemic. The study focused on the suggestions made by 5th-grade elementary school students to improve teaching/learning during this time. The students' suggestions mainly revolved around the organization of classes and adherence to protective measures. The research found that most students preferred classroom teaching/learning and concluded that the findings contribute to a better understanding of this issue in the current pandemic conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Technical University Chemnitz in Germany explores the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transition to low-carbon energy sources. The research highlights the vulnerabilities within energy and economic structures that have been exposed by the pandemic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of public health, the environment, and socioeconomic and political dimensions. The study identifies several areas that require further investigation, including long-term scenarios, political dynamics in climate initiatives, the adoption of renewable energy technologies, the impact of energy transition policies on marginalized communities, and the development of sustainable finance mechanisms. The research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive strategies to effectively address the challenges of the post-COVID energy transition. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in England found that headteachers experienced a substantial increase in anxiety during the pandemic, particularly compared to junior colleagues. The research, which surveyed thousands of teachers from October 2019 to July 2022, revealed the mental strain placed on school leaders. The study also highlighted the need for stronger leadership and support from policymakers to prevent burnout and retain experienced educators. Additionally, the research indicated that female teachers, especially those with young children, were more affected by work-related anxiety. The findings suggest that digital technology should be integrated into instructional practices moving forward. However, it is important to note that the study's limitations include a non-random sample and incomplete responses to the anxiety question. [Extracted from the article]

A comparative analysis of the methods used to organize the 2020 general elections in Poland and the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted by researchers at the University of Szczecin. The study examined the voting methods introduced in both countries to comply with sanitary regulations and minimize the risk of infection. The research found that alternative voting methods were not widely popular in either country. The full article can be accessed for free through the Polish Political Science Yearbook. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the National University of Singapore explores the experiences of low-waged migrant domestic workers from Myanmar in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focuses on the concept of "biopedagogies," which refers to the merging of health and instructions on how to live healthily. The researchers found that despite facing vulnerabilities and limited resources, migrant women demonstrated agency in enacting counter-practices through their foodwork, such as cooking and consuming home foods for self-care and sending remittances to support their families. The study highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers in achieving food security and health while working in Singapore. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) compared the phenomenon of counterurbanization during the pandemic in Sweden and Slovenia. The study examined factors such as teleworkability, industry structure, workplace culture, and people's valuation of rural amenities. The researchers found evidence of both open and hidden counterurbanization in both countries, with Sweden showing stronger signs than Slovenia. They also discovered that industrial structure and national workplace cultures contributed to differences in the strength of counterurbanization. The study is one of the first to compare counterurbanization and its driving forces in two countries within the same analytical framework. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from Yarmouk University in Jordan aimed to understand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and non-pharmaceutical interventions on the Malaysian stock market. The study used GARCH-M (1,1) models to analyze market volatility and found that past market volatility and conditional variance still influence current market fluctuations, but their effects have diminished over time. The study also revealed a leverage effect, indicating increased market volatility following negative news compared to positive news. The findings contribute to a better understanding of market behavior during crises and can inform future research and risk management strategies. The research was financially supported by Middle East University in Amman, Jordan. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Autonomous University Barcelona explores students' perspectives on teaching strategies in vocational education training (VET). The study found that lecturing and active learning were the most frequent and preferred teaching strategies, while situated learning was less common and preferred. Face-to-face instruction was the preferred teaching mode for all strategies. The study suggests that there has been a shift towards combined teaching strategies with a focus on active learning. However, the limited responses and the impact of the pandemic on students' views limit the generalizability of the results. Further research is needed to understand current pedagogies and the use of digital technologies in VET. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, Germany, discusses the German Biosecurity Programme, which aims to support partner countries in overcoming biological threats. The report focuses on the development and implementation of a training initiative called the Global Partnership Initiated Biosecurity Academia for Controlling Health Threats (GIBACHT). GIBACHT utilizes a blended-learning approach and has trained 109 fellows from 26 countries. The program has the potential to strengthen the capacities of partner countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia to respond to biological threats. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by a researcher at the University of Bucharest examined the use of Facebook by food retail companies in Romania to communicate corporate social responsibility (CSR) messages during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed 289 Facebook posts from Carrefour Romania, Kaufland Romania, and Lidl Romania between March 2020 and February 2021. The findings revealed that Carrefour and Lidl focused on responsibility towards customers, while Kaufland emphasized responsibility towards medical personnel, patients, and health institutions. The study also identified different strategies used by the companies to legitimize their CSR initiatives, with Carrefour and Kaufland employing rationalization legitimation and Lidl using authority legitimation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health in Oxford, United Kingdom, highlights the need to address issues of racism and colonialism in global health. The study argues that the WHO Pandemic Agreement, while aiming to promote global solidarity, fails to incorporate the principle of subsidiarity, which empowers local units to make decisions and address issues at their level. By integrating subsidiarity into the agreement, the study suggests that a more just and decolonialized approach to pandemic prevention and response could have been achieved, promoting global solidarity and addressing health inequities. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade have conducted a study on the impact of oil prices on the Indian stock market and sectoral indices during the pre, post, and COVID pandemic periods. They used the maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) to analyze the data and found a feedback relation between low frequency and the long-run asymmetric impact of oil prices on all sectors. The study discusses the dynamic relationship between oil prices and sectoral returns, as well as the investment implications. The research provides valuable insights into the effects of oil price dynamics on the Indian economy. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from investigators at National University Science & Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan, discusses the need for a resilient pandemic-lockdown model to improve healthcare management during future pandemics. The report proposes an adaptable framework called the Automated Selection of Streets for Lockdown (ASSLD) to mitigate the spread of epidemics in urban areas. The framework uses spatial analysis and socio-economic factors to identify pandemic-affected streets as diffusion hubs for communicable diseases. The research concludes by presenting proof of concept with results applied to actual data from a previous communicable syndrome outbreak. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Michigan examines the impact of central banks' large-scale asset purchase programs during the pandemic. The study finds that central banks' announcements of "whatever-it-takes" policies, which were open-ended and aimed at restoring confidence in financial markets, had larger effects than announcements with explicit limits on scale. The research shows that these announcements lowered 10-year bond yields by an additional 47 basis points compared to size-limited announcements. The study also notes that the effects on exchange rates varied among advanced and emerging economies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan, explores the barriers to sustainable higher education in the post-pandemic environment. The study conducted a survey with 380 participants from four different universities and found that higher education institutions faced challenges such as lack of ICT infrastructure, support, expertise, and limitations in mobility and accessibility to services and resources. The research emphasizes that educational inequalities pose a threat to a country's sustainable development, especially during a pandemic. Addressing these issues will be crucial for revitalizing learning in higher educational institutes. [Extracted from the article]

A researcher from the University of Melbourne has presented data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smaller coastal towns that rely on tourism for their economic survival. While some towns have rebounded, an influx of tourists and new residents has led to increased development and negative environmental and social changes that threaten the distinctive character of these destinations. The researcher emphasizes the importance of protecting the features that define the character of these settlements to ensure their environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The findings of the study provide insights into the landscape features that support or detract from the character of these coastal towns, offering a basis for further research in similar tourism-intensive areas. [Extracted from the article]