scholarly journals Detecting behavioural changes in human movement to inform the spatial scale of interventions against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. e1009162
Author(s):  
Hamish Gibbs ◽  
Emily Nightingale ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
James Cheshire ◽  
Leon Danon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Detection Techniques ◽  
Mobility Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

On March 23 2020, the UK enacted an intensive, nationwide lockdown to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. As restrictions began to ease, more localized interventions were used to target resurgences in transmission. Understanding the spatial scale of networks of human interaction, and how these networks change over time, is critical to targeting interventions at the most at-risk areas without unnecessarily restricting areas at low risk of resurgence. We use detailed human mobility data aggregated from Facebook users to determine how the spatially-explicit network of movements changed before and during the lockdown period, in response to the easing of restrictions, and to the introduction of locally-targeted interventions. We also apply community detection techniques to the weighted, directed network of movements to identify geographically-explicit movement communities and measure the evolution of these community structures through time. We found that the mobility network became more sparse and the number of mobility communities decreased under the national lockdown, a change that disproportionately affected long distance connections central to the mobility network. We also found that the community structure of areas in which locally-targeted interventions were implemented following epidemic resurgence did not show reorganization of community structure but did show small decreases in indicators of travel outside of local areas. We propose that communities detected using Facebook or other mobility data be used to assess the impact of spatially-targeted restrictions and may inform policymakers about the spatial extent of human movement patterns in the UK. These data are available in near real-time, allowing quantification of changes in the distribution of the population across the UK, as well as changes in travel patterns to inform our understanding of the impact of geographically-targeted interventions.

scholarly journals Human movement can inform the spatial scale of interventions against COVID-19 transmission

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamish Gibbs ◽  
Emily Nightingale ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
James Cheshire ◽  
Leon Danon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Network Community ◽  
Mobility Data ◽  
Geographically Targeted ◽  
The Uk

AbstractThe UK enacted an intensive, nationwide lockdown on March 23 2020 to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. As restrictions began to ease, resurgence in transmission has been targeted by geographically-limited interventions of various stringencies. Determining the optimal spatial scale for local interventions is critical to ensure interventions reach the most at risk areas without unnecessarily restricting areas at low risk of resurgence. Here we use detailed human mobility data from Facebook to determine the spatially-explicit network community structure of the UK before and during the lockdown period, and how that has changed in response to the easing of restrictions and to locally-targeted interventions. We found that the mobility network became more sparse and the number of mobility communities decreased under the national lockdown. During this period, there was no evidence of re-routing in the network. Communities in which locally-targeted interventions have happened following resurgence did not show reorganization but did show small decreases in measurable mobility effects in the Facebook dataset. We propose that geographic communities detected in Facebook or other mobility data be part of decision making for determining the spatial extent or boundaries of interventions in the UK. These data are available in near real-time, and allow quantification of changes in the distribution of the population across the UK, as well as people’s travel patterns to give data-driven metrics for geographically-targeted interventions.Significance StatementLarge-scale intensive interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected human movement patterns. Mobility data show spatially-explicit network structure, but it is not clear if that structure changed in response to national or locally-targeted interventions. We used daily Facebook for Good mobility data to quantify changes in the travel network in the UK during the national lockdown, and in response to local interventions. The network community structure inherent in these networks can help quantify which areas are at risk of resurgence, or the extent of locally-targeted interventions aiming to suppress transmission. We showed that spatial mobility data available in real-time can give information on connectivity that can be used to optimise the scale of geographically-targeted interventions.

scholarly journals Sheep scab spatial distribution: the roles of transmission pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Joanne Nixon ◽  
Ellen Brooks-Pollock ◽  
Richard Wall
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Infected Sheep ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Psoroptes Ovis ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sheep Scab ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Ovine psoroptic mange (sheep scab) is a highly pathogenic contagious infection caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. Following 21 years in which scab was eradicated in the UK, it was inadvertently reintroduced in 1972 and, despite the implementation of a range of control methods, its prevalence increased steadily thereafter. Recent reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactone treatments may further exacerbate control problems. A better understanding of the factors that facilitate its transmission are required to allow improved management of this disease. Transmission of infection occurs within and between contiguous sheep farms via infected sheep-to-sheep or sheep–environment contact and through long-distance movements of infected sheep, such as through markets. Methods A stochastic metapopulation model was used to investigate the impact of different transmission routes on the spatial pattern of outbreaks. A range of model scenarios were considered following the initial infection of a cluster of highly connected contiguous farms. Results Scab spreads between clusters of neighbouring contiguous farms after introduction but when long-distance movements are excluded, infection then self-limits spatially at boundaries where farm connectivity is low. Inclusion of long-distance movements is required to generate the national patterns of disease spread observed. Conclusions Preventing the movement of scab infested sheep through sales and markets is essential for any national management programme. If effective movement control can be implemented, regional control in geographic areas where farm densities are high would allow more focussed cost-effective scab management. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals Travel distance and human movement predict paths of emergence and spatial spread of chikungunya in Thailand

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (13) ◽  
pp. 1654-1662 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Chadsuthi ◽  
B. M. Althouse ◽  
S. Iamsirithaworn ◽  
W. Triampo ◽  
K. H. Grantz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Movement ◽  
Spatial Distance ◽  
Spatiotemporal Pattern ◽  
Rubber Plantation ◽  
Population Mobility ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Spatial Spread ◽  
Incidence Data ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
The Impact

AbstractHuman movement contributes to the probability that pathogens will be introduced to new geographic locations. Here we investigate the impact of human movement on the spatial spread of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Southern Thailand during a recent re-emergence. We hypothesised that human movement, population density, the presence of habitat conducive to vectors, rainfall and temperature affect the transmission of CHIKV and the spatiotemporal pattern of cases seen during the emergence. We fit metapopulation transmission models to CHIKV incidence data. The dates at which incidence in each of 151 districts in Southern Thailand exceeded specified thresholds were the target of model fits. We confronted multiple alternative models to determine which factors were most influential in the spatial spread. We considered multiple measures of spatial distance between districts and adjacency networks and also looked for evidence of long-distance translocation (LDT) events. The best fit model included driving-distance between districts, human movement, rubber plantation area and three LDT events. This work has important implications for predicting the spatial spread and targeting resources for control in future CHIKV emergences. Our modelling framework could also be adapted to other disease systems where population mobility may drive the spatial advance of outbreaks.

scholarly journals Lockdown related travel behavior undermines the containment of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Kishore ◽  
Rebecca Kahn ◽  
Pamela P. Martinez ◽  
Pablo M. De Salazar ◽  
Ayesha S. Mahmud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Travel Behavior ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Mobility Patterns ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Mobility Data ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTIn response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, unprecedented policies of travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders were enacted around the world. Ultimately, the public’s response to announcements of lockdowns - defined here as restrictions on both local movement or long distance travel - will determine how effective these kinds of interventions are. Here, we measure the impact of the announcement and implementation of lockdowns on human mobility patterns by analyzing aggregated mobility data from mobile phones. We find that following the announcement of lockdowns, both local and long distance movement increased. To examine how these behavioral responses to lockdown policies may contribute to epidemic spread, we developed a simple agent-based spatial model. We find that travel surges following announcements of lockdowns can increase seeding of the epidemic in rural areas, undermining the goal of the lockdown of preventing disease spread. Appropriate messaging surrounding the announcement of lockdowns and measures to decrease unnecessary travel are important for preventing these unintended consequences of lockdowns.

scholarly journals Does poor mental health explain socio-demographic gradients in breast cancer screening uptake? A population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-543
Author(s):  
Emma Ross ◽  
Aideen Maguire ◽  
Michael Donnelly ◽  
Adrian Mairs ◽  
Clare Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Breast Cancer Screening ◽  
Breast Screening ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Screening Uptake ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Research from the USA indicates disparities in breast cancer screening uptake for women with poor mental health. However, no attempt has been made to examine the contribution of poor mental health to socio-demographic variations in breast screening uptake. The current study aims to examine the impact of self-reported chronic poor mental health on attendance at breast screening in the UK, and to what extent this explains socio-demographic inequalities in screening uptake. Methods Breast screening records were linked to 2011 Census records within the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study. This identified a cohort of 57 328 women who were followed through one 3-year screening cycle of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme. Information on mental health status, in addition to other individual and household-level attributes, was derived from the 2011 Census. Logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of attendance at screening. Results 10.7% of women in the cohort reported poor mental health, and in fully adjusted analyses, these individuals were 23% less likely to attend breast screening (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.73–0.82). Although poor mental health was a strong predictor of screening uptake, it did not explain the observed inequalities in uptake by socio-economic status, marital status, or area of residence. Conclusions This study provides novel evidence of inequalities in breast screening uptake for women with chronic poor mental health in the UK. Targeted interventions are necessary to ensure equitable screening access and to enhance overall mortality benefit.

scholarly journals The impact of herbivore–plant coevolution on plant community structure

2007 ◽  
Vol 104 (18) ◽  
pp. 7483-7488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith X. Becerra
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Plant Community Structure ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
The Impact

Coevolutionary theory proposes that the diversity of chemical structures found in plants is, in large part, the result of selection by herbivores. Because herbivores often feed on chemically similar plants, they should impose selective pressures on plants to diverge chemically or bias community assembly toward chemical divergence. Using a coevolved interaction between a group of chrysomelid beetles and their host plants, I tested whether coexisting plants of the Mexican tropical dry forest tend to be chemically more dissimilar than random. Results show that some of the communities are chemically overdispersed and that overdispersion is related to the tightness of the interaction between plants and herbivores and the spatial scale at which communities are measured. As coevolutionary specialization increases and spatial scale decreases, communities tend to be more chemically dissimilar. At fairly local scales and where herbivores have tight, one-to-one interactions with plants, communities have a strong pattern of chemical disparity.

scholarly journals A systematic review of language and literacy interventions in children and adolescents with English as an additional language (EAL)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Oxley ◽  
Cecile De Cat
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Executive Summary ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Literacy Interventions ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Executive Summary Objective: A synthesis of evidence discussing the effectiveness of language and literacy interventions in children with English as an additional language. Our key research questions were: 1)What intervention studies have been published since 2014 addressing the language and literacy development of children with English as an additional language?2)What is the impact of those interventions?We sought to update a 2015 systematic review evaluating language and literacy outcomes for EAL children (Murphy & Unthiah, 2015) with current intervention studies and to see which of those interventions could be adapted for classrooms in the UK. Methods: Four databases were searched; PsychInfo, British Education Index, Education Resources Information Center and Web of Science. Only peer reviewed journal articles published between 2014 and 2017 and written in English were included. The population tested were children of school age with English as an Additional Language who were classed as typically developing. All interventions had language or literacy as an outcome. Data was extracted using a standardised form and quality was assessed through a risk of bias analysis. From this screening process, 26 studies were eligible for inclusion in the current review. Key Findings: •Explicit vocabulary instruction and targeted oral language practise yield language gains for EAL learners, with a tendency for larger intervention gains in learners with the lowest initial pre-test scores.•Shared reading interventions show positive effects when combined with the pre-teaching of vocabulary, embedded definitions into the text, or post-reading reinforcement activities. •Voice recognition software appears promising, as demonstrated in three interventions with small to medium effects on reading fluency and comprehension. •There is a lack of interventions taking place in the UK.•There is a lack of interventions for adolescents, especially those in upper secondary school (ages 14-18). •More interventions targeting continued professional development for teachers are recommended.Conclusions: Children with English as an additional language can benefit from targeted interventions. Suggestions are made as to how the most beneficial interventions could be replicated in the UK.

scholarly journals Stay Home and Stay Active? The impact of stay-at-home restrictions on physical activity routines in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Eshelby ◽  
Muhammed Sogut ◽  
Kate Jolly ◽  
Ivo Vlaev ◽  
Mark T. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Daily Step Count ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTGovernment restrictions applied during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK led to the disruption of many people’s physical activity routines, with sports and leisure facilities closed and outdoor exercise only permitted once per day. In this study we investigated which population groups were impacted most in terms of reduced physical activity levels during these periods, and which groups benefitted in terms of increasing their usual level of physical activity. We surveyed UK residents, sampled through users of a rewards-for-exercise app (Sweatcoin; n=749) and an online panel (Prolific; n=907). Of the app users, n=487 further provided daily step-count data collected by the app, prior to, and during the periods of restrictions between March and June 2020. Regression models were applied to investigate factors associated with subjective change (perceived change in physical activity) and objective change (log-percentage change in daily step-count) in physical activity during the periods of restrictions. ANOVAs were used to further investigate the significant factors identified. Key factors associated with a substantial subjective reduction in physical activity included those classed as obese, gym users and people living in urban areas. All participants had a reduced step count during restrictions, with Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups, students and urban dwellers showing the largest reductions. Therefore, targeted interventions are required to ensure that the physical and mental health impacts of sedentary behaviour are not exacerbated over the long-term by significant reductions in physical activity identified in these groups, particularly those who are also more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

Case study: establishing a social mobility pipeline to degree apprenticeships

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella McKnight ◽  
Sarah-Louise Collins ◽  
David Way ◽  
Pam Iannotti
Keyword(s):  
Social Mobility ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The government’s ambition is to have three million more apprentices by 2020. The newness of degree apprenticeships and insufficient data make it difficult to assess their relative importance in boosting the UK economy, meeting higher skills needs of employers, closing educational attainment gaps, increasing social mobility and supporting under-represented groups into professional employment. The purpose of this paper, led by the University of Winchester and delivered by a new collaboration of private and public sector partners, is to build a pipeline between those currently failing to progress to, or engage with, degree apprenticeships and employers seeking higher skills and a broader pool of applicants. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an analysis of collaborative initiatives and related research in England as the context for university involvement in degree apprenticeships. The case study illustrates the benefits of collaboration in targeted outreach initiatives within the local region to address gaps in progression to degree apprenticeships. Findings This paper illustrates how establishing a regional picture of degree apprenticeship provision, access and participation can inform effective partnerships and build capacity locally to deliver the higher skills employers need, further demonstrating the potential benefits of university involvement in degree apprenticeship provision in contributing to local and national policy ambition. It also shows how effective targeted interventions can help under-achieving groups, including those in social care and women in digital enterprises. Originality/value The authors believe this paper is the only academic analysis of the impact of Degree Apprenticeship Development Fund activity in the region.

scholarly journals Are there missed opportunities for vaccinating against hepatitis B among people who inject drugs in the UK?

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Njoroge ◽  
V.D. Hope ◽  
C. O'Halloran ◽  
C. Edmundson ◽  
R Glass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccine ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Hbv Vaccine ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Annual Survey ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Sustaining the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination on incidence and prevalence of HBV infection requires increasing and maintaining the uptake of vaccine among those at risk. In recent years, the level of vaccine uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the UK has levelled-off. Data (2015–2016) from the national unlinked-anonymous monitoring survey of PWID, an annual survey that collects data from PWID across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, were used to examine HBV vaccine uptake. Data from participants who had injected drugs during the previous year were used to investigate sources of hepatitis B vaccine doses as well as factors associated with vaccine uptake. Among the 3175 anti-HBc-negative participants, 3138 (99%) reported their vaccination status; 23% (714) reported no vaccine uptake. Among those not vaccinated, 447 (63%) reported being sexually active and 116 (16%) reported sharing needles and syringes. Majority of those not vaccinated reported accessing services in the previous year that could have provided hepatitis B vaccine doses. These missed opportunities for vaccinating of PWID indicate a need for additional targeted interventions.

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