scholarly journals Effect of Physical Distancing on Covid-19 Incidence in Brazil: Does the Strictness of Mandatory Rules Matter?

Author(s):  
Raphael Mendonça Guimarães ◽  
José Henrique Costa Monteiro Da Silva ◽  
Gustavo Pedroso de Lima Brusse ◽  
Thalyta Cásssia de Freitas Martins

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aims to examine the association between physical distancing measures and COVID-19 incidence among Brazilian states. Methods We divided the methodology was divided into three steps. In the first step, we used nationwide GPS daily data to estimate country and state-level physical distancing and examined the association with COVID-19 incidence through a GAM model. Secondly, using PNAD COVID 19 data, a cluster analysis categorized the Brazilian states into different categories of physical distancing policies promoting adoption and political inclination of their governments. Finally, through a Poisson Regression Model, we examined the association of state physical distancing with variables related to the socio-economic situation, test coverage and early adoption of policies promoting physical distancing of each state. Results Physical distancing effects on reduction of COVID-19 spread are heterogeneous among states. Estimation of (IRR) suggests that in a scenario of 100% of social isolation incidence of COVID-19 will have reached approximately only 2.6% of the magnitude compared to when there is no social isolation for Brazil (CI 95% 0.8 - 8.3). Only a 10% increase in SII in the country could have reflected in a 30.5% decrease of number of cases in 14 days. Adoption of physical distancing was associated with test coverage (IRR 0.976, CI 95% 0.973-0.979), Home Office (IRR 1.042, CI 95% 1.039 – 1.046), informal work proportion (IRR 0.961, CI 95% 0.958 – 0.965), political spectrum (IRR 0.961, CI 95% 0.958 – 0.965) and early moment of restrictive politics implementation (IRR 1.017, CI 95% 1.013 – 1.021). Conclusion Physical distancing measures play a crucial role in mitigating the pandemic's spread. These analyses are crucial to support government decisions and improve the community's adherence to preventive measures.

Author(s):  
Farah Iylia Binti Fauzi ◽  
Siti Fatimah Binti Salleh ◽  
Mohammad Shahadat Hossen

COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that first appeared in China in December 2019. It has affected over 157 million people and killed over 3.2 million. The paper reviews the function of the immune system for COVID-19 prevention, depression, and anxiety due to COVID-19 and their effects on the immune system and the relationship of aging with the immune system and depression and anxiety. It has been found that several elderly people lack the coping mechanisms required to deal with the stress caused by COVID-19. Hence, identifying the factors and mechanisms that lead to this resilience will aid in the development of preventive measures for certain elderly people and groups with more severe mental health problems. Additionally, it would be beneficial to understand how technology could be leveraged to accomplish this goal. During the pandemic, various steps such as social isolation, quarantine, and self-isolation are needed to be implemented properly to slow the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, to help halt the pandemic, everybody must be vaccinated as soon as possible until any bans on social gatherings and social isolation can be removed, allowing other sectors such as schooling, social activities, and life to resume normalcy.


ILR Review ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1065-1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle W. Albert ◽  
Roman V. Galperin ◽  
Aleksandra Kacperczyk

The authors examine the relationship between entrepreneurship and occupational licensure using data on the universe of more than 700,000 tax preparers in the United States. Prior research suggests that occupational licensure has negative effects on entrepreneurship because it increases the costs of operating a business. By contrast, the authors argue that licensure may allow entrepreneurs to signal quality and enhance their legitimacy. States that require tax preparers to be licensed have higher average rates of entrepreneurship—approximated by tax practice ownership—and, in high-income ZIP codes, more demand for paid preparer services. In the analysis of the introduction of a federal license requirement in tax preparation in 2013, voluntary early adoption of the license by preparers predicts higher chances of survival in the industry. Entrepreneurs are less likely to adopt the license early than are non-entrepreneurs, unless they lack other state-level credentials. Results thus suggest that licensure represents a trade-off for entrepreneurs between the costs of obtaining a license and the benefits of signaling quality and legitimacy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-691
Author(s):  
V. O. Ponomarev ◽  
V. N. Kazaykin ◽  
O. P. Ponomarev

To date, the problem of interaction between humans and the surrounding microbiome continues to grow in the human population, which is expressed in the so-called crisis of antibiotic resistance. Microorganisms, being pathogens of infectious diseases, no longer have guaranteed pharmacological barriers that can stop their reproduction, which means that they continue to claim thousands of lives every year. This phenomenon is associated with many reasons, such as the presence of mobile genetic elements in bacteria that perform the function of horizontal gene transfer, responsible for their resistance to antibiotics. Mutational microevolution changes in the genotype of a bacterial cell can lead to the development of uncontrolled polyresistance. Also, the combination of micro-and macroevolutionary changes in the external signs of the pathogen determines the system of factors of aggression, invasion, protection and adaptation. Other factors causing antibioticoresistance include overuse of antibiotics and self-nominations during periods of self-medication, antibiotics and medical staff in subclinical doses, too short treatment courses, and sometimes their function in the absence of indications for therapy, the extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture. A number of preventive measures that could significantly affect the crisis of antibiotic resistance are being actively worked out at the state level and include programs to reduce the free circulation of antibiotics, optimize therapeutic regimes, improve diagnostic measures for the verification of pathogens, prevent the spread of infections, optimize interaction between pharmaceutical companies and registration organizations, stimulate investment and public-private partnership, and of course the international initiative on systemic interaction. This paper examines the cause-and-effect relationships that can have a direct impact on the resolution of the crisis of antibiotic resistance, which can be traced in the historical context and up to the present time, as well as describes modern promising scientific and technical directions that can give humanity a new «Golden bullet» against pathogens, in particular the use of artificial fluorophores-quantum dots.


Author(s):  
Claude Bacque Dion ◽  
Richard Bélanger ◽  
Scott T. Leatherdale ◽  
Slim Haddad

Introduction The objectives of this study were to explore the extent to which adolescents adopted COVID-19 preventive measures in the first few months of the pandemic and to understand their adoption by looking at interconnected adoption-related factors and determining the strength of these factors, particularly among subgroups not expected to be early adopters. Methods Analyses focus on data collected during Spring 2020 from 29 eastern Quebec secondary schools that participated in the COMPASS study. Participants (n = 6052) self-reported their knowledge, perception of risk and preventive practices to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using structural equation models based on gender and anxiety level. Results The majority of respondents reported adopting the recommended COVID-19 preventive measures. The results showed three paths leading to adolescents’ adoption of these measures: pandemic knowledge; perception of risk related to COVID-19; and, in particular, discussions with relatives about preventive measures and what to do in case of infection. Conclusion While most of the adolescent participants in this study appeared to comply with COVID-19 preventive measures, factors such as discussions with relatives emerge as elements to foster in order to improve adolescents’ adoption of preventive measures.


Rev Rene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. e69236
Author(s):  
Maria Alice Cavalcante Gomes ◽  
Cristina da Silva Fernandes ◽  
Natalia Ângela Oliveira Fontenele ◽  
Nelson Miguel Galindo Neto ◽  
Lívia Moreira Barros ◽  
...  

Objective: to unveil the experience of the elderly with social isolation in the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods: qualitative study, with 14 elderlies in social isolation. The content was recorded and processed using the software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. Results: six classes were obtained, the first focused on spirituality and pre-pandemic pleasurable activities; the second was related to missing the extra-household routine and family life; the third, to the construction of a new routine; the fourth, to the strategies adopted for the prevention of COVID-19; the fifth, to the signs/symptoms experienced during the infection; and the sixth class, to the fear of dying. Conclusion: the experience of the elderly was permeated by the adaptation of routine, adoption of preventive measures and feelings of anguish in the face of uncertainties.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Linda Matisāne ◽  
Linda Paegle ◽  
Ivars Vanadziņš ◽  
Asnate Anna Linde ◽  
Sarmīte Rozentāle ◽  
...  

Introduction: Telework, also known as remote work, distance work, telecommuting, was gaining popularity already before the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite benefits, telework can also cause workers' mental and physical health, and forced telework during the COVID-19 pandemic has promoted the onset of these problems. Objectives: The objective of the study was to analyze the management of ergonomics in teleworking workplaces and the association between pain longer than three days and preventive measures provided by employers in Latvia during the 1st emergency restrictions, which were in force between 12 March and 9 June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Web-survey was used to gather information from respondents – workers. In total, 1006 workers fully filled in the questionnaire in October 2020. Four hundred eighty-three teleworkers of both genders were identified. Results: 35.7% of respondents reported pain longer than three days. The odds of pain were increased in case of lack of all analyzed preventive measures. For those who reported not being provided with a computer and other IT equipment OR for pain was 1.50 (CI 0.95-2.37). Even higher OR was observed in case of not receiving advice on how to arrange an ergonomic workstation (OR= 2.37, CI 1.32-4.25) and not having identified working conditions (OR= 2.61, CI 1.43-4.77). The highest risk was observed if the employer had not provided an office table and office chair (OR=5.46, CI 1.78-16.80). Conclusion: Teleworkers not receiving support from the employer on the arrangement of home offices have an increased risk of having pain for longer than three days. Provision of an office worktable, an office chair, advice on how to arrange an ergonomic workplace and provision of workplace risk assessment are key measures to be taken by the employer to improve home office ergonomics of their workers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 216-248
Author(s):  
Börries Kuzmany

This article provides an overview of the political representation and integration of Galician Jews on the municipal, provincial, and central state level under Austrian rule. It demonstrates that political representation on the latter two levels started only after the revolution of 1848 and was rather modest considering the numeric and economic weight Jews enjoyed in Galicia. Even though representation in municipal councils started earlier, the position of Jews depended very much on local circumstances. After the turn of the century, the widening of the electorate to the lower classes led to a broader Jewish representation and participation not only in terms of numbers but also within the political spectrum. This is particularly true for the paper’s second part. In this section, the text explores the reform of the electoral system for Galicia’s provincial parliament and the attitude of Jewish politicians towards the compromise eventually found in 1914. The article argues that among Jews the positive or negative assessment of the new voting system depended largely on their position in the larger antagonism between Jewish nationalists and assimilationists. The former complained that the entire reform was on the backs of the Jews ignoring their numeric strength and their national rights. Assimilationists, on the other hand, were satisfied that, against all counterclaims of Zionists and Anti-Semites, the compromise legally established that Jews were Poles.


Author(s):  
Benjamin Greiner ◽  
Ryan Ottwell ◽  
Matt Vassar ◽  
Micah Hartwell

ABSTRACT Introduction: One method of monitoring public preparedness is through measuring public interest in preventive measures. The objective of this study was to analyze public interest in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures and to identify variables associated with timely stay-at-home (SAH) orders issued by governors. Methods: State-level search volume was collected from Google Trends. Average preventive measure interest was calculated for the query terms “hand sanitizer,” “hand washing,” “social distancing,” and “COVID testing.” We then calculated the delay in statewide SAH orders from March 1, 2020, to the date of issuance and by-state presidential voting percentage. Bivariate correlations were computed to assess the relationship between interest in preventive measures and SAH order delay. Results: The correlation between average preventive measure interest and length of time before the SAH order was placed was −0.47. Average preventive measure interest was also inversely related to voting for a Republican presidential nominee in the 2016 election (R = −0.75), the latter of which was positively associated with longer delays in SAH orders (R = 0.48). Conclusions: States with greater public interest in COVID-19 preventive measures were inversely related to governor issuance of timely SAH orders. Increasing public interest in preventive measures may slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), by improving preparedness.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 596-602
Author(s):  
Tetiana I. Domanchuk ◽  
Zhanetta A. Chornenka ◽  
Mariana I. Hrytsiuk

The aim: To study the incidence and mortality from gastric cancer in Europe and Ukraine. Materials and methods: Using statistical and medico-epidemiological methods, the analysis of the database of the National Cancer Registry of Gastric Cancer and Global cancer statistics 2018. Results: Gastric cancer remains an important cancer worldwide and is responsible for over 1,000,000 new cases in 2018 and an estimated 783,000 deaths, making it the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death. Among men, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in several countries of Europe, including Ukraine. Incidence rates are markedly elevated in Central/Eastern Europe, whereas the rates in Northern Europe are generally low. In the dynamics of the last decade, the primary incidence of gastric cancer has shown a tendency to decrease, as in Ukraine, from 25.5 per 100 thousand population in 2010 to 19.5 similar cases in 2019, which is -23.5% visibility) and in the Chernivtsi region (on -22.3% visibility). In Ukraine, as well as in Europe, the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer in men is 2 times higher than in women. Conclusions: Incidence and mortality rates have declined in Europe in the past decades. Trends in the ten-year dynamics of reducing the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer in Ukraine prove the effectiveness and feasibility of introducing preventive measures at the state level in the future.


2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Gagné ◽  
Denis Hamel

Injuries disproportionately affect children from deprived areas. This study examines the links between the material and social dimensions of deprivation and injury hospitalizations in children aged 14 years or under from 2000 to 2004. Hospitalization data are from the Quebec hospital administrative data system, whereas socio-economic characteristics of individuals were estimated based on the smallest geographic areas for which Canadian census data were disseminated. The Poisson regression model was used to calculate the relative risks of hospitalization for seven categories of unintentional injury. A total of 24 540 injury hospitalizations were examined. Hospitalization in children is associated with both dimensions of deprivation. Injuries to pedestrians and motor vehicle occupants and injuries related to burns and poisonings are clearly associated with both dimensions of deprivation. These inequalities should be considered in the development of preventive measures.


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