Articles

Predicting the Third Wave over the Footsteps of Spanish FLU

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It’s been more than a year since COVID-19 is creating havoc all over the world. We have been through two waves since its outbreak in 2019. If we go some 100 years back, we find something that was more or less equally intense in the past called as the ‘Spanish flu’ also known as the ‘1918-19 influenza pandemic’, that infected around 500 million people of which 50 million lost their lives. On a closer look at both the pandemics, there are lot of similarities with regards to its outbreak, spread and mortality rates. This creates suspicion that just like the third wave of Spanish flu, there might be the third wave of COVID-19 too.

A Study on the Level of Awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) At Tripoli, Libya on the Myths & Facts on Corona Virus (Covid – 19): Basis for Program Planning

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The study aimed to determine the level of awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) of Tripoli, Libya on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID – 19). Specifically, this study answered the following questions:1) What are the Demographic Profile of the respondents in terms of Gender, Educational Background and Occupational Background?? 2) What are the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID-19)? 3) Based on the results of the study, what measures can be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers on corona virus (COVID-19)? The findings that the researcher was able to extract from the study were: 1) the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers demographic profile in terms of Gender, shows that female are mostly dominant which is 29 or 66.25% while male is 17 or 36.91%. In terms of Educational Background, results reveals that mostly are on the College level which accounts to 29 or 63.04%, Bachelor degree holder, 11 or 23.91%, Masters 3 or 6.52%, Doctorate 1 or 2.2% and College Undergraduate 2 or 4.3%. Occupational Background of the respondents reveals that Predominantly, 26 or 56.5% belongs to the Health sector, Oil & Gas 7 or 15.2%, Education, 1 or 2.2%, Others like those of the Embassies 8 or 17.4%, Not applicable 4 or 8.7%. There was a “Not Applicable” response as there were participants on the symposium who are dependents of the Overseas Filipino Workers and are not currently employed in Tripoli, Libya.  2) Detailed analysis of Table 3 reflecting the results of the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the Facts and Myths of COVID-19 reveals that mostly 91.31% are aware of the facts on COVID-19, 5.70% unaware and 2.98% undecided. Predominantly, 53.07% of the Overseas Filipino Workers are aware on Myths on COVID-19 as reflected on the “NO” responses on questions on MYTHS, however the 40.75% results on the “YES” responses showed only a difference of 12.32% which is quite alarming and 2.98% are undecided.3) The measures that could be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers are to conduct information dissemination campaign through symposiums, research forums and the use of Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials. Based on these findings, the researcher was able to conclude that the Overseas Filipino Workers in Tripoli, Libya are aware of both the FACTS & MYTHS on COVID-19, however, it is worthwhile to note that there is small difference in the figures reflected on the MYTHS aspect, thus there is still a need to correct these misconceptions so as to contribute on measures to end this pandemic.

Human Resource Management Development in the Face of Covid-19 Pandemic

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The novel coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic, has caused numerous unprecedented changes recorded globally in all spheres of life especially in the work place. This has implications and influences on the companies and human resource management (HRM). Organizations have had to respond speedily by reviewing many operational matters and strategies so as to be able to manage the effects of the pandemic. Human resource management (HRM) plays the essential role of helping organisations navigate through both the iffy present and unpredictable future caused by the pandemic lockdown by managing people to cope with stress and to continue working, even remotely, when applicable, so that businesses can go on with their operations. This paper embraced analytical discussion of secondary data and using self-determination theory as its theoretical framework, it assessed the implication of HRM; having knowledge of the effects of autonomy, competence, and interrelatedness in their dealings with employees on sustained HRM development in the pandemic era. The aim of this research is to look into notable human resource management practices developed in the quest to accommodate and tackle the magnitude of HRM challenges faced by organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges encountered by employers and employees in imbibing them. The research recommended that HRM should help employees in their quest to develop their competences through trainings, consulting, and coaching as this will help in accomplishing the organizations’ goals and vision in the post COVID-19 pandemic era. An empirical research in this area is advocated to aid long-term HR policy.

The Study of Inflation Rate and Relative Impact on the Indian Economy during Covid-19 Pandemic

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COVID-19 has affected the entire world. India, like other countries have adopted the safest way of lockdown in order to prevent the pandemic. One of the most critical impact of lockdown is increasing inflation. Covid-19 has affected the economy in many ways, but the most tangible outcome is the impact of inflation that has affected each and every person. Even into the pandemic, Inflation in India did not see it going below 6%. Inflation has been one of the most burning issue of economics. It is an increase in the prices of daily commodities over a period. This paper is an attempt to understand the impact of inflation on Indian economy during COVID-19. The paper looks at the methods that are used to measure the level of inflation, and the factors that are responsible for the current high level of inflation in India during COVID-19.

The Implementation of Learning Management in the Covid-19 Period in Junior High Schools in Indonesia: A Literature Review

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Learning management during the Covid-19 period is important, because it will be able to reduce student boredom in online learning. In addition, by implementing appropriate learning management, it will also be able to help students and teachers to adapt quickly to Covid-19 situation. This study aimed to discover and search for some possible ways on how to implement learning management in Junior High Schools during the Covid-19 period. The method used in this study was literature review with a qualitative research concept. The results of the study indicated that the implementation of learning management during the Covid-19 period in Junior High School was carried out by three ways, namely 1) providing social support for students to complete their school work, 2) teachers carry out learning management by reforming learning methods, and 3) good communication management between teachers and students using a platform or application that was in accordance with the material at school.

COVID-19’s Impact on the Shipping Industry: Case Study of the Sanur-Nusa Penida Route, Bali-Indonesia Shipping

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The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has triggerred a global health and economic crisis with far-reaching implications for maritime transport and trade. Restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic have caused disruptions affecting ports, shipping, and supply chains. The island of Bali, one of the provinces of Indonesia, is used as a case study of the impact of the pandemic on the local economy in a region that relies on shipping and tourism. The Indonesian government has employed large-scale social restrictions or Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar (PSBB) to regulate and allow people to return to their ‘normal’ activities. The first objective of this paper is to determine the impact of the PSBB on the shipping industry on the Sanur – Nusa Penida route. The second objective is to find out the level of service during the implementation of the PSBB which presents a new normal in continuing the shipping industry and its challenges. The results revealed there was a decrease in the number of passenger motorboats (PM) operating per day by 84.62%, a decrease in PM trips by 86.54%, and a decrease in the number of passengers by 96.05%. Following the satisfaction index, the overall satisfaction index for PM mode users (57.29%) can be defined as quite satisfactory (51%-65%).

The UTAUT Model Analysis in the Technology Use of Generation-Z Users in Cambodia during COVID-19 Situation

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Due to the widespread infection of the coronavirus (COVID-19) over the world, people were forced to stay at home, and technology has been increasingly used in communication, entertainment, and work. This research emphasized the study on the technology usage of Generation Z who are ready and highly skilled in using technology. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of key factors affecting the intended use and practical application of Generation Z technology in Cambodia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher chose to use the UTAUT Model to test the research hypothesis. A questionnaire is a research tool used to collect data online. It was found that the sample size was 212 respondents. Descriptive analysis and the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) evaluation were performed. The results revealed that (1) most of the respondents were male, had under a bachelor’s degree, and monthly income was equal to or more than 312 US dollars, (2) the performance expectancy significantly influenced the behavioral intention, but effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions did not affect the behavioral intention of technology use, and (3) the behavioral intention to use technologies significantly influenced the actual use behavior during the covid-19 situation. This study suggests that technology organizations or businesses should pay attention to the potential benefits of technology for spurring the technology adoption and use of Generation Z people in Cambodia.

The Effect of Nanogold-Nanosilver to Boost Immunity of People Affected by COVID-19 with Comorbidities of Diabetes Mellitus

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COVID-19 virus has spread almost all over the world, including Indonesia until now. COVID-19 in people with diabetes mellitus have a risk of exacerbating symptoms. Diabetes is a disease caused by high blood sugar levels. Nanogold has a very strong anti-oxidant capability, while nanosilver has anti-bacterial properties. In this research, nanogold-nanosilver was presented in the form of health drinking water packaged in 1 L bottles and could be consumed directly. This research aimed to determine the effect of nanogold-nanosilver to boost the immunity of people affected by COVID-19 with comorbidities of diabetes mellitus on Jl. Merr Surabaya to Juanda highway, Surabaya City. The method in this research was the lecture method at the beginning of the activity. Health Drinking Water Materials were distributed once a week, namely on Friday, July 31 to August 28, 2020. The sampling technique used accidental sampling with a total sample of 100. Interviews recording medical conditions were collected and analysed. The results obtained were a decrease in blood sugar levels to normal in patients with diabetes mellitus and the immunity of the participant volunteers was well maintained in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The age group under 39 years had the greatest decrease in blood sugar levels. In accordance with the research results, Nanogold-Nanosilver Health Drinking Water has succeeded in increasing and maintaining the immunity of participants who have comorbidities with diabetes mellitus and are affected by COVID-19. Besides, the participant survived not to be affected to COVID-19 during activities.

The Effect of Nanogold-Nanosilver to Increase the Immunity of People Affected by COVID-19 with Hypertension Comorbidities

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The SARS‐CoV‐ 2/Covid-19 Coronavirus is currently endemic throughout the world. The comorbidities of Covid-19 with the highest percentage reaching 50.5% are hypertension. Hypertension included in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) is generally chronic. It can reduce the sufferer’s immune system gradually and is very susceptible to infections, including those caused by viral infections, one of which is the SARS-CoV-2 virus or commonly called COVID-19. Therefore, patients with NCD, especially hypertension, are encouraged to increase immunity and body immunity to avoid virus infection. Currently, nanoparticles, especially Nanogold and Nanosilver, are taking place very rapidly in the health sector because gold and silver nanoparticles have various benefits such as antioxidants, antivirals, and antibacterials. After being proven effective in dealing with leprosy patients in Surabaya, especially in terms of increasing immunity. Now Nanogold-Nanosilver was developed with the hope to help relieve Covid-19 sufferers through increasing the body’s immune system because if the body’s immune system decreases, the virus will quickly enter the body. In this study, Nanogold and Nanosilver were developed into a health water drink that volunteers can drink every day. Volunteers are people affected by Covid-19 in the Karanganyar area of Surabaya. This study uses a one-group pretest-posttest design. The data collection is carried out through direct observation and interviews with people affected by Covid-19 regularly every week. Then the data analysed using a paired T-test on the SPSS application. And obtained a P-value of 0.000, which means that there is an effect of nanogold-nanosilver for increase body immunity.

COVID-19 Vaccines, What do we know so Far? A Narrative Review

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For more than a year, the world was paralyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t until the last few months that hope to a return of a quasi-normal way of living was starting to materialize. The era of the COVID-19 vaccines begun, and with it all sorts of concerns and complaints about their safety and efficacy. Large numbers of people believed the conspiracy theories about the new vaccines thus becoming reluctant and sometimes refused to take the new vaccines. Others justified their concern with the relatively short trial periods compared to previous vaccines that used to take years before adoption.

Multiple vaccines emerged around the same time, and thus the fight to conquer the market began. Pfizer-BioNTech, Vaxzervria, Moderna, Sputnik, Coronavac, Janssen, all were rapidly distributed to countries around the globe, in order to reduce the mortality rate and control the pandemic. To make things worse, new viral mutations started being detected and thus shed more doubt on the efficacy of these vaccines.

This review article summarizes the literature of these vaccines’ pathophysiology, mechanism of action, dosing and schedule, safety profile and lastly the documented side effects of each vaccine.

In conclusion, there is no certainty whether these vaccines will prevent infection and more importantly protect against forward transmission. It is sure that the immunity persists for several months, but the exact duration for every vaccine is yet to be determined. For the time being, safety precautions must still be continued; wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding crowded places must be applied.