scholarly journals Quantifying the preventive effect of wearing face masks

2021 ◽  
Vol 477 (2251) ◽  
pp. 20210151
Author(s):  
Tom Britton
Keyword(s):  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Preventive Effect ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Growth Decline ◽  
Universal Measure

An important task in combating the current Covid-19 pandemic lies in estimating the effect of different preventive measures. Here, we focus on the preventive effect of enforcing the use of face masks. Several publications study this effect, however, often using different measures such as: the relative attack rate in case-control studies, the effect on incidence growth/decline in a specific time frame and the effect on the number of infected in a given time frame. These measures all depend on community-specific features and are hence not easily transferred to other community settings. We argue that a more universal measure is the relative reduction in the reproduction number, which we call the face mask effect , E FM . It is shown how to convert the other measures to E FM . We also apply the methodology to four empirical studies using different effect-measures. When converted to estimates of E FM , all estimates lie between 15 and 40%, suggesting that mandatory face masks reduce the reproduction number by an amount in this range, when compared with no individuals wearing face masks.

scholarly journals Quantifying the preventive effect of wearing face masks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Britton
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Preventive Effect ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Growth Decline ◽  
Universal Measure

AbstractAn important task in combating the ongoing covid-19 effect lies in estimating the effect of different preventive measures. Here we focus on the preventive effect of enforcing the use of face masks. Several publications study this effect, however often using different measures such as: the relative attack rate in case-control studies, the effect on incidence growth/decline in a specific time-frame, the effect on the number of infected in a given time-frame. These measures all depend on community-specific features and are hence not easily transferred to other community settings. We argue that a more universal measure is the relative reduction in the reproduction number, which we call the face mask effect, EFM. It is shown how to convert the other measures to EFM. We also apply the methodology on three publications using different other measures (two of them resulting in two different estimates each, and all five estimates of EFM lie between 20-40%, suggesting that mandatory face masks reduce the reproduction number by 20-40% as compared to no individuals wearing face masks.

scholarly journals The application of social innovation in healthcare: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindi van Niekerk ◽  
Lenore Manderson ◽  
Dina Balabanova
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Conceptual Clarity

Abstract Background Social innovation has been applied increasingly to achieve social goals, including improved healthcare delivery, despite a lack of conceptual clarity and consensus on its definition. Beyond its tangible artefacts to address societal and structural needs, social innovation can best be understood as innovation in social relations, in power dynamics and in governance transformations, and may include institutional and systems transformations. Methods A scoping review was conducted of empirical studies published in the past 10 years, to identify how social innovation in healthcare has been applied, the enablers and barriers affecting its operation, and gaps in the current literature. A number of disciplinary databases were searched between April and June 2020, including Academic Source Complete, CIHAHL, Business Source Complete Psych INFO, PubMed and Global Health. A 10-year publication time frame was selected and articles limited to English text. Studies for final inclusion was based on a pre-defined criteria. Results Of the 27 studies included in this review, the majority adopted a case research methodology. Half of these were from authors outside the health sector working in high-income countries (HIC). Social innovation was seen to provide creative solutions to address barriers associated with access and cost of care in both low- and middle-income countries and HIC settings in a variety of disease focus areas. Compared to studies in other disciplines, health researchers applied social innovation mainly from an instrumental and technocratic standpoint to foster greater patient and beneficiary participation in health programmes. No empirical evidence was presented on whether this process leads to empowerment, and social innovation was not presented as transformative. The studies provided practical insights on how implementing social innovation in health systems and practice can be enhanced. Conclusions Based on theoretical literature, social innovation has the potential to mobilise institutional and systems change, yet research in health has not yet fully explored this dimension. Thus far, social innovation has been applied to extend population and financial coverage, principles inherent in universal health coverage and central to SDG 3.8. However, limitations exist in conceptualising social innovation and applying its theoretical and multidisciplinary underpinnings in health research. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration. Translation to Russian

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jan P. Vandenbroucke ◽  
Erik Von Elm ◽  
Douglas G. Altman ◽  
Peter C. Gotzsche ◽  
Cynthia D. Mulrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Useful Flow ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Strobe Statement

Much medical research is observational. The reporting of observational studies is often of insufficient quality. Poor reporting hampers the assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a study and the generalisability of its results. Taking into account empirical evidence and theoretical considerations, a group of methodologists, researchers, and editors developed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations to improve the quality of reporting of observational studies. The STROBE Statement consists of a checklist of 22 items, which relate to the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion sections of articles. Eighteen items are common to cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies and four are specific to each of the three study designs. The STROBE Statement provides guidance to authors about how to improve the reporting of observational studies and facilitates critical appraisal and interpretation of studies by reviewers, journal editors and readers. This explanatory and elaboration document is intended to enhance the use, understanding, and dissemination of the STROBE Statement. The meaning and rationale for each checklist item are presented. For each item, one or several published examples and, where possible, references to relevant empirical studies and methodological literature are provided. Examples of useful flow diagrams are also included. The STROBE Statement, this document, and the associated Web site (http://www. strobe-statement.org/) should be helpful resources to improve reporting of observational research. This article is the reprint with Russian translation of the original that can be observed here: Vandenbroucke JP, von Elm E, Altman DG, Gotzsche PC, Mulrow CD, et al. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration. PLoS Med 2007;4(10):e297. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0040297

scholarly journals Comparing Timber and Lumber from Plantation and Natural Stands of Ponderosa Pine

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143
Author(s):  
Eini C. Lowell ◽  
Christine L. Todoroki ◽  
Ed Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Natural Stand ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Natural Stands

Abstract Data derived from empirical studies, coupled with modeling and simulation techniques, were used to compare tree and product quality from two stands of small-diameter ponderosa pine trees growing in northern California: one plantation, the other natural. The plantation had no management following establishment, and the natural stand had no active management. Fifty trees of similar diameter classes were selected from each site, measured, bucked into logs, and sawn into boards, and the boards were scanned for defects. Trees from the plantation stand demonstrated less variability in tree height, crown length, and age structure. The plantation trees were on average 4 years younger than their natural cohorts, yet for all but the smallest diameter there were no significant differences between mean tree height or crown length. Predicted merchantable volumes differed significantly for the largest diameter class. Merchantable volume was estimated to be 5% greater for the plantation trees than for the natural stand trees. More logs were bucked from the plantation stands, resulting in greater lumber production and greater value overall. Butt logs from the plantation stand had an average of 9 whorls per log, whereas natural butt logs averaged 10 whorls per log. The most numerous defects, outnumbering knots and wane, were needle traces. These occupied some 31% of natural board surface area, in comparison with 19% for plantation boards. Given the shorter time frame required to grow plantation trees, the greater merchantable volumes, and more consumer-acceptable defects, plantation stands, even with a minimal level of management, offer greater product potential than natural stands.

scholarly journals Capturing moment-to-moment changes in multivariate human experience

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi M. P. De Ruiter ◽  
Steffie Van Der Steen ◽  
Ruud J. R. Den Hartigh ◽  
Paul L. C. Van Geert
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Human Experience ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Behavioural Development ◽  
Self Organizing Maps ◽  
Multiple Components ◽  
Current Article ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Parental Connectedness

In this article, we aim to shed light on a technique to study intra-individual variability that spans the time frame of seconds and minutes, i.e., micro-level development. This form of variability is omnipresent in behavioural development and processes of human experience, yet is often ignored in empirical studies, given a lack of proper analysis tools. The current article illustrates that a clustering technique called Kohonen’s Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), which is widely used in fields outside of psychology, is an accessible technique that can be used to capture intra-individual variability of multivariate data. We illustrate this technique with a case study involving self-experience in the context of a parent–adolescent interaction. We show that, with techniques such as SOM, it is possible to reveal how multiple components of an intra-individual process (the adolescent’s self-affect and autonomy) are non-linearly connected across time, and how these relationships transition in accordance with a changing contextual factor (parental connectedness) during a single interaction. We aim to inspire researchers to adopt this technique and explore the intra-individual variability of more developmental processes, across a variety of domains, as deciphering such micro-level processes is crucial for understanding the nature of psychological and behavioural development.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 transmission potential and rural-urban disease burden disparities across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, March 2020 — May 2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Kesewaa Ofori ◽  
Chigozie Alexandra Ogwara ◽  
Seoyon Kwon ◽  
Xinyi Hua ◽  
Kamryn M. Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
R Package ◽  
Transmission Potential ◽  
Southern States ◽  
October 17 ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
At Home

Purpose: To quantify and compare SARS-CoV-2 transmission potential across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi and selected counties with populations in the 50th, 75th, and 100th percentile. Methods: To determine the time-varying reproduction number Rt of SARS-CoV-2, we applied the R package EpiEstim to the time series of daily incidence of confirmed cases. Median Rt percentage change when policies changed was determined. Linear regression was performed between log10-transformed cumulative incidence and log10-transformed population size at four time points. Results: Stay-at-home orders, face mask mandates, and vaccinations were associated with the most significant reductions in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the three southern states. Rt across the three states decreased significantly by 20% following stay-at-home orders. We observed varying degrees of reductions in Rt across states following other policies. Rural Alabama counties experienced higher per capita cumulative cases relative to urban ones as of June 17 and October 17, 2020. Meanwhile, Louisiana and Mississippi saw the disproportionate impact of SARS-CoV-2 in rural counties compared to urban ones throughout the study period. Conclusion: State and county policies had an impact on local pandemic trajectories. The rural-urban disparities in case burden call for evidence-based approaches in tailoring health promotion interventions and vaccination campaigns to rural residents.

scholarly journals A multi-methodological approach to studying time-pressure in written translation: Manipulation and measurement

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Weng ◽  
Binghan Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Time Pressure ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Subjective Time ◽  
Translation Research ◽  
Psychological Measures ◽  
Task Instructions ◽  
Psychometric Instruments ◽  
Skin Response

The effect of time pressure on task performance of written translation has been researched since the 1990s. However, little attention has been paid to the methodological issues of manipulating and measuring time pressure in these empirical studies. To bridge this gap, we propose a methodological framework involving diverse approaches to time-pressure manipulation and measurement. Specifically, in addition to objectively constraining the time frame for a task, we present three subjective time-pressure manipulation strategies: giving pre-task instructions about time, increasing participants’ intrinsic motivation for the task, and visualizing the elapse of time. Meanwhile, a range of feasible methods of time-pressure measurement is structured from the physiological, psychological and behavioural perspectives. This includes physiological measures such as galvanic skin response, heart rate, blood pressure, pupil dilation and salivary cortisol test, psychological measures such as psychometric instruments and retrospective questionnaires, and behavioural measures such as eye movements and keystroke activities. Based on a thorough survey of existing studies and the merits borrowed from neighbouring disciplines, this article aims to strengthen and enrich the methodology of time-pressure studies and benefit future translation research on relevant topics.

Should skin picking disorder be considered a diagnostic category? A systematic review of the evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 866-877
Author(s):  
Zoe Jenkins ◽  
Hyacinta Zavier ◽  
Andrea Phillipou ◽  
David Castle
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Diagnostic Category ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Skin Picking ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Skin Picking Disorder

Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to collect, analyse and synthesise the evidence on skin picking disorder as defined by Arnold’s criteria or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – fifth edition (DSM-5) and to examine whether skin picking disorder warrants inclusion in the DSM-5 as a distinct disorder. Method: The databases CINAHL, Medline, Embase and PsycINFO were searched for articles published between January 2008 and May 2018. Eligible articles were empirical studies that used Arnold’s or DSM-5 criteria to diagnose skin picking disorder, published in English, with participants aged 18 years or older. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed according to the National Health and Medical Research Council’s guidelines and suggested nosological classification of skin picking disorder were summarised. Eligible studies were assessed against the five criteria proposed by Blashfield and colleagues to determine the validity of the inclusion of skin picking disorder in the DSM-5. Results: A total of 20 studies were considered eligible out of 1554. Most of the papers were case-control studies with small clinical samples. Only one out of Blashfield’s five criteria was met; there were commonly accepted diagnostic criteria and assessment scales present in the literature. However, at the time of review, the criterion of 50 published articles (25 of which are required to be empirical) was not met; there had been no publication specifically assessing the clinical utility or validity of skin picking disorder and no studies addressing the differentiation of skin picking disorder from other obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Conclusion: Only a small proportion of published studies on skin picking disorder have employed validated criteria. The current literature fulfills only one of Blashfield’s five criteria for the inclusion of skin picking disorder as a specific entity in psychiatric diagnostic manuals. Further empirical studies on skin picking disorder are needed in order to substantiate skin picking disorder as a disorder distinct from related disorders under the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders category.

scholarly journals What Impacts IPO Underpricing? Evidence from Dhaka Stock Exchange

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Hossain Sochi ◽  
Raisul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Initial Public Offering ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Agency Cost ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Ipo Underpricing ◽  
Ordinary Least Square ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Public Offering

Initial Public Offering (IPO) is an important and widely popular research topic among many researchers in finance discipline. This study is prepared to identify the connection among various empirical studies and theories regarding underpricing of IPO in the stock market of Bangladesh. We have chosen the time frame of June 2011 to June 2016 at DSE to conduct the research. In this study, ordinary least square (OLS) regression method is used to identify in what extent the dependent and the independent variables are related in the level of underpricing. The results of the study disclose that oversubscription rate, offer size have substantial influence in IPO underpricing at DSE. On the other hand, offer time and size of the firm do not have significant influence on the level of underpricing. These variables are very significant and play important roles with the level of underpricing at DSE and it shows relation to signaling theory, information asymmetry theory and agency cost theory.

scholarly journals Basic reproduction number estimation and forecasting of COVID-19: A case study of India, Brazil and Peru

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 0
Author(s):  
Nitu Kumari ◽  
Sumit Kumar ◽  
Sandeep Sharma ◽  
Fateh Singh ◽  
Rana Parshad
Keyword(s):  
Basic Reproduction Number ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Equilibrium Points ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Basic Reproduction Number

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, the definition of normal life has changed drastically. The number of cases of this pandemic is rising everyday across the globe. In this study, we propose a compartmental model, which considers the isolation factor of Coronavirus infected individuals. The model consists of five compartments: susceptible (S), exposed (E), Infected (I), Isolated (L) and recovered (R). We have estimated the parameters of the model system and the expression of the basic reproduction number <inline-formula><tex-math id="M1">\begin{document}$ R_0 $\end{document}</tex-math></inline-formula> using real data set. The exact value of the basic reproduction number is computed for India, Brazil and Peru. The local and global stability analysis of disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium points is carried out. The forecasting of the pandemic is done using real data. It has been observed that to understand the pandemic the time frame has to be divided into small intervals as the parameters of the pandemic are changing with time. Within a time frame of approximately four months (i.e. from July to October 2020), the transmission rate of India has been reduced by approximately 84%. Whereas the transmission rate in Brazil and Peru has increased by 79% and 45% respectively. The sensitivity of various parameters involved in the model has been analyzed. We have presented a complete analysis to check the existence of backward bifurcation.</p>

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