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- Requirements for the containment of COVID-19 disease outbreaks through periodic testing, isolation, and quarantineMukhamadiarov, Ruslan I.; Deng, Shengfeng; Serrao, Shannon R.; Priyanka; Childs, Lauren M.; Täuber, Uwe C. (IOP, 2022-01-21)We employ individual-based Monte Carlo computer simulations of a stochastic SEIR model variant on a two-dimensional Newman–Watts small-world network to investigate the control of epidemic outbreaks through periodic testing and isolation of infectious individuals, and subsequent quarantine of their immediate contacts. Using disease parameters informed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigate the effects of various crucial mitigation features on the epidemic spreading: fraction of the infectious population that is identifiable through the tests; testing frequency; time delay between testing and isolation of positively tested individuals; and the further time delay until quarantining their contacts as well as the quarantine duration. We thus determine the required ranges for these intervention parameters to yield effective control of the disease through both considerable delaying the epidemic peak and massively reducing the total number of sustained infections.
- Ethics Lessons Learned and Lessons Remaining from the Last Global Public Health Crisis: Ebola and COVID-19Lee, Lisa M. (University of Madrid, 2020-06)Like the 2014-2015 multi-country Ebola outbreak (WHO 2014), the COVID-19 pandemic has presented ethical challenges in nearly every sphere of life. Unlike Ebola, which was largely contained to three contiguous countries in western Africa, COVID- 19 reached pandemic status shortly following its start in December 2019 in Wuhan China (China CDC 2020). Two different viruses, two different epidemics, but many similar ethical dimensions. Both the Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics are caused by viruses that were poorly understood at the start of the outbreak. At the time of both outbreaks, there were no known effective treatments or vaccines for either disease. Limited and rapidly changing empirical data made communicating with the public challenging. Both diseases require isolation of the infected and elaborate personal protective equipment to prevent transmission to the medical staff who provided care and funeral staff who prepared the deceased for burial. Both diseases required swift epidemiologic and clinical research to reduce morbidity and mortality. Both diseases frightened communities and exacerbated existing inequities. With many medical and ethical commonalities, perhaps the lessons from the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic could guide the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understanding and Addressing Older Adults’ Needs During COVID-19Sands, Laura P.; Albert, Steven M.; Suitor, Jill J. (Oxford University Press, 2020-06-02)Four months have passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a public health emergency, and 3 months since it declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. WHO posted guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID- 19, including isolating those with the virus, quarantining those exposed to the virus, and social distancing. These guidelines have been adopted across the globe, and there is evidence that following these guidelines slows transmission of the disease. Some have suggested that cases have reached a plateau, yet these conclusions are based on data drawn from reports of identified cases, which are not necessarily representative of all cases of COVID-19. This is problematic for designing guidelines and policies that are intended to protect the health of the entire population and the health of those who may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, including older adults. The pandemic has created difficulties for all, so we must be thoughtful about our pathway for returning to a life that is not threatened by COVID-19. Guidelines and policies for charting that pathway should be based on high-quality data, scientific knowledge, and ethical decision making.
- Designing Forward: Instructional Design Considerations for Online Learning in the COVID-19 ContextLockee, Barbara B. (Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 2020)The ubiquitous, global need to cease in-person educational experiences and shift to virtual delivery presented a unique opportunity to reflect on what are the important guiding principles for designing learning solutions during these challenging times. Before describing these four principles, it is important to be clear about the fact that the ideas shared as follows are nothing new. As a matter of fact, some of these ideas have been around for a very long time. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a deluge of information has emerged related to online course transition strategies, in an effort to support the immediate professional development needs of educators at every level and in every corner of the earth. In considering what guidance to share with regard to instructional design for online learning during these challenging times, some foundational ideas come to mind, ones that are underscored by research and best practices in the field.
- The Difference Between Emergency Remote Teaching and Online LearningHodges, Charles B.; Moore, Stephanie; Lockee, Barbara B.; Trust, Torrey; Bond, Mark Aaron (Educause, 2020-03-27)Well-planned online learning experiences are meaningfully different from courses offered online in response to a crisis or disaster. Colleges and universities working to maintain instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic should understand those differences when evaluating this emergency remote teaching.
- Requirements for the containment of COVID-19 disease outbreaks through periodic testing, isolation, and quarantineSerrao, Shannon R.; Deng, Shengfeng; Priyanka; Mukhamadiarov, Ruslan I.; Childs, Lauren M.; Täuber, Uwe C. (Virginia Tech, 2020-10-25)We employ individual-based Monte Carlo computer simulations of a stochastic SEIR model variant on a two-dimensional Newman{Watts small-world network to investigate the control of epidemic outbreaks through periodic testing and isolation of infectious individuals, and subsequent quarantine of their immediate contacts. Using disease parameters informed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigate the effects of various crucial mitigation features on the epidemic spreading: fraction of the infectious population that is identifiable through the tests; testing frequency; time delay between testing and isolation of positively tested individuals; and the further time delay until quarantining their contacts as well as the quarantine duration. We thus determine the required ranges for these intervention parameters to yield effective control of the disease through both considerable delaying the epidemic peak and massively reducing the total number of sustained infections.
- A Long and Winding Road: Dementia Caregiving With Grit and GraceRoberto, Karen A.; McCann, Brandy R.; Blieszner, Rosemary; Savla, Jyoti S. (Oxford University Press, 2019)Background and Objectives: Many dementia caregivers provide care for numerous years. Exhibiting grit, or commitment and persistence in the face of adversity, may bolster their ability to manage caregiving challenges. We explored grit in relationship to memory and behavior problems and response to stressors among women engaged in long-term dementia care. Research Design and Methods: Informed by a life course perspective, and guided by stress-process theory, we interviewed 10 women with a spouse or parent initially diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment 4 times over 10 years. Using Charmaz’s analysis methods and grit as a sensitizing concept, we employed an unfolding analytic strategy involving (a) thematic analysis to identify expressions of grit in response to caregiving stressors across interviews and (b) case-by-case comparisons to assess associations of grit with the use of care strategies across caregivers over time. Results: Dementia caregivers experienced unrelenting and changing psychosocial and physical challenges. Over time, most women exhibited a sustained commitment to the relationship through the ways in which they protected the identity of the person with dementia, modified their expectations for emotional intimacy, and managed their financial affairs. They persevered as their roles and relationships fluctuated, often finding purpose and relief through employment and leisure pursuits. As care intensified, women who took charge and consciously made decisions in the best interest of the care recipient and themselves minimized stress. Discussion and Implications: While some caregivers exhibited grit from the outset, all showed enhanced perseverance and commitment to the ways they managed memory-related changes over time. Developing confidence in their ability to manage and provide care helped the caregivers respond to stressors with purpose and sustain their roles and responsibilities. Enhancing grit in long-term dementia caregivers may result in better individual and relational outcomes.
- Perturbation-based balance training targeting both slip- and trip-induced falls among older adults: a randomized controlled trialAllin, Leigh J.; Brolinson, Per Gunnar; Beach, Briana M.; Kim, Sunwook; Nussbaum, Maury A.; Roberto, Karen A.; Madigan, Michael L. (2020-06-12)Background Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults. Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is an innovative approach to fall prevention that aims to improve the reactive balance response following perturbations such as slipping and tripping. Many of these PBT studies have targeted reactive balance after slipping or tripping, despite both contributing to a large proportion of older adult falls. The goal of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of PBT targeting slipping and tripping on laboratory-induced slips and trips. To build upon prior work, the present study included: 1) a control group; 2) separate training and assessment sessions; 3) PBT methods potentially more amenable for use outside the lab compared to methods employed elsewhere, and 4) individualized training for older adult participants. Methods Thirty-four community-dwelling, healthy older adults (61–75 years) were assigned to PBT or a control intervention using minimization. Using a parallel design, reactive balance (primary outcome) and fall incidence were assessed before and after four sessions of BRT or a control intervention involving general balance exercises. Assessments involved exposing participants to an unexpected laboratory-induced slip or trip. Reactive balance and fall incidence were compared between three mutually-exclusive groups: 1) baseline participants who experienced a slip (or trip) before either intervention, 2) post-control participants who experienced a slip (or trip) after the control intervention, and 3) post-PBT participants who experienced a slip (or trip) after PBT. Neither the participants nor investigators were blinded to group assignment. Results All 34 participants completed all four sessions of their assigned intervention, and all 34 participants were analyzed. Regarding slips, several measures of reactive balance were improved among post-PBT participants when compared to baseline participants or post-control participants, and fall incidence among post-PBT participants (18%) was lower than among baseline participants (80%). Regarding trips, neither reactive balance nor fall incidence differed between groups Conclusions PBT targeting slipping and tripping improved reactive balance and fall incidence after laboratory-induced slips. Improvements were not observed after laboratory-induced trips. The disparity in efficacy between slips and trip may have resulted from differences in dosage and specificity between slip and trip training. Trial registration Name of Clinical Trial Registry: clinicaltrials.gov Trial Registration number: NCT04308239. Date of Registration: March 13, 2020 (retrospectively registered).
- Engagement, Participation and Community Efficacy: Insights into Social OrganizationMancini, Jay A.; Bowen, Gary L. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-05)
- Building Community Capacity: Sustaining America's Promise Partnerships in the Aftermath of Hurricane KatrinaMancini, Jay A.; Marek, Lydia I. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-07-19)
- The Influences of Community Social Organization on the Well-Being of Older AdultsMancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-09)
- Building Community Capacity: A Collaboration Engagement FrameworkMancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-11-22)
- Building Communities and Supporting Families: A Social Action FrameworkMancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-11-29)
- Getting Sorted Out: Vulnerabilities, Resilience, and HomelessnessMancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2009-03-27)
- Building Community Resilience and Supporting Vulnerable Populations: Social Networks and Community CapacityMancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2009-06-23)
- Grandfamilies: Parenting Satisfaction and Family FunctioningDolbin-MacNab, Megan L.; Sanford, Nicole M.; Rodgers, Brandon E.; Stewart, Shelley K.; Finney, Jack W.; Roberto, Karen A. (Department of Human Developmen, Department of Psychology and Center for Gerontology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, 2006-10)Previous research has demonstrated that grandparent caregivers experience high levels of physical, psychological, and relationship stress. However, few studies have examined how psychosocial and relationships. perspective, this exploratory study examined predictors of parenting satisfaction and family functioning among 40 grandmothers raising grandchildren. Parenting satisfaction was associated with lower levels of financial burden and better family functioning. More optimal family functioning was associated with higher parenting satisfaction, more social support, and grandmothers’ mental health (i.e., less depression and anxiety). Unexpectedly, higher financial burden was also associated with better family functioning. Findings suggest that the quality of custodial grandmothers’ family relationships is influenced by both individual and contextual factors. However, because social support and financial burden had the strongest influence, practitioners should pay particular attention to the impact of contextual factors on the quality of relationships within grandparent-headed families.
- Research on Persistent Pain in Late Life: Current Topics and ChallengesHolland, Alissa Kate; Roberto, Karen A.; Perkins, Susan N. (Developmental and Biological Psychology, Virginia Tech, 2006-11)
- “It Was Like An Elephant Sitting on My Chest”: Older Women’s Experiences With Coronary Heart DiseaseHusser, Erica; Roberto, Karen A. (Center for Gerontology and Dept. of Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2006-11)
- Surviving Hurricane Katrina: Resilience and Resources of Aging FamiliesRoberto, Karen A.; Henderson, Tammy L.; Kamo, Yoshinori (Center for Gerontology and Dept. of Human Development Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universi, 2006-11)
- Health, Spirituality and Environmental Concern: Older Women's Perspectives on the Natural EnvironmentHusser, Erica; Gigliotti, Christina; Roberto, Karen A. (Center for Gerontology and Dept. of Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2007-11)