Continuing Entomological Research During the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-119
Author(s):  
Sotiria Boutsi ◽  
Heather Campbell ◽  
Eugenia Fezza ◽  
Ross George ◽  
Cindayniah Godfrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Research Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Public Health Campaign ◽  
Health Campaign ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The Impact

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the UK has experienced three national lockdowns and a public health campaign designed to stop the spread of the virus. The first national lockdown, starting in March 2020, led to the closure of university campuses, and laboratories having to pause practical research and move research student supervision online. During this time, laboratories had to develop way for research activities to resume whilst also complying with public health measures. The entomology group at Harper Adams University is in the Agriculture and Environment Department and forms part of the Centre for Integrated Pest Management. At present our group consists of seven staff members, ranging from early career researchers to those with over 20 years of experience in academia and industry, who collectively supervise 10 PhD students at varying stages of their research. Two of these students are completing their research at an external institute. The group carries out research across multiple sites, office buildings, research laboratories, including the Jean Jackson Entomology Laboratory (https://www.infraportal.org.uk/node/1880), as well as field and glasshouse facilities. Here we provide a narrative account of the challenges in maintaining an active research group during a year of highly restricted activities. We begin by outlining the impact that national lockdowns and public health measures had on researchers working on PhD projects through to larger UKRI and levy-funded multi-institute, multi-year projects. We address four key areas: i) maintaining productivity, ii) student-supervisor interactions, iii) accessibility and widening participation and iv) well-being and mental health. We then outline how lessons learnt from lockdown can inform best practice for a research group. Many aspects will be useful for researchers working part-time, flexible hours, remotely or at multiple sites, but we emphasise that the aim of this contribution is to share our personal experiences and not to cover every theme in what is an extremely complex set of global circumstances.

scholarly journals Was the First Public Health Campaign Successful?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mark Anderson ◽  
Kerwin Kofi Charles ◽  
Claudio Las Heras Olivares ◽  
Daniel I. Rees
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Public Health Campaign ◽  
Health Campaign ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Us ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
Municipal Level

The US tuberculosis (TB) movement pioneered many of the strategies of modern public health campaigns. Using newly transcribed mortality data at the municipal level for the period 1900–1917, we explore the effectiveness of public health measures championed by the TB movement, including the establishment of sanatoriums and open-air camps, prohibitions on public spitting and common cups, and requirements that local health officials be notified about TB cases. Our results suggest that these and other anti-TB measures can explain, at most, only a small portion of the overall decline in pulmonary TB mortality observed during the period under study. (JEL H51, I12, I18, N31, N32)

scholarly journals Perceptions of Covid-19 lockdowns and related public health measures in Austria: a longitudinal online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Łaszewska ◽  
Timea Helter ◽  
Judit Simon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Extended Duration ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave

Abstract Background Introducing national lockdown has been effective in containing Covid-19. However, several studies indicated negative impacts of lockdowns on the well-being and mental health of many people. In Austria, the first Covid-19-related lockdown was introduced on 16 March 2020 with most restrictions being lifted 1 month later. Seven months after that, in November 2020, the second full lockdown was implemented. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions and experiences of the general population related to the first and second Covid-19 lockdowns in Austria. Methods Two waves of an online survey were conducted in May and December 2020 asking respondents about their concerns related to the Covid-19 illness, personal experiences of the lockdowns, perceptions of and compliance with imposed public health measures, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on different aspects of life during the two lockdowns. Descriptive statistics including frequency analysis were used to compare respondents’ answers collected in the two waves of the survey. T-test and chi-square tests were used to test differences between the two lockdowns. Results Five hundred sixty participants were included in the first wave and a sub-sample of 134 participants in the second wave of data collection. During the second lockdown, study respondents were more concerned about their family members contracting Covid-19 when compared with the first lockdown. Compliance with public health measures was overall lower during the second lockdown, although it varied according to the type of the measure. Closure of schools was seen as the least essential restriction during the second lockdown, while wearing masks gained additional approval between the first and the second lockdown. Larger negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on friendships, leisure activities, education and community were reported during the second lockdown. Conclusions The study found that the extended duration of the pandemic and recurring lockdowns restricting freedom of movement and social contacts appear to have caused significant disruptions to many areas of life. Furthermore, declining adherence to most public health measures over time raises a question about the effectiveness of future lockdown measures.

scholarly journals Strict Physical Distancing May Be More Efficient: A Mathematical Argument for Making Lockdowns Count

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R Sheffield ◽  
Anna York ◽  
Nicole A Swartwood ◽  
Alyssa Bilinski ◽  
Anne Williamson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Simple Mathematical Model ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Model Structures ◽  
Economic Well Being

COVID-19 created a global public health and economic emergency. Policymakers acted quickly and decisively to contain the spread of disease through physical distancing measures. However, these measures also impact physical, mental and economic well-being, creating difficult trade-offs. Here we use a simple mathematical model to explore the balance between public health measures and their associated social and economic costs. Across a range of cost-functions and model structures, commitment to intermittent and strict social distancing measures leads to better overall outcomes than temporally consistent implementation of moderate physical distancing measures. With regard to the trade-offs that policymakers may soon face, our results emphasize that economic and health outcomes do not exist in full competition. Compared to consistent moderation, intermittently strict policies can better mitigate the impact of the pandemic on both of these priorities for a range of plausible utility functions.

scholarly journals Changes in Care Provision During COVID-19 Impact Patient Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110340
Author(s):  
Judy J Wang ◽  
Jessica R Levi ◽  
Heather A Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Routine Medical Care ◽  
The Impact

The fast onset and extensive impact of COVID-19 necessitated strict public health measures and temporary diversion of personnel and resources from other types of medical care. This study examined the prevalence of such disruptions and their impacts on patient-perceived well-being using an untargeted survey. The majority of surveyed patients experienced changes in their routine medical care. Of those whose appointments were postponed or canceled, most patients indicated an overall negative impact on their emotional and physical well-being. We highlighted the impact of disruptions in nonurgent medical care during a large-scale public health emergency.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Examination of COVID-19 Public Health Measures on Mental Health for Rural Patients With Serious Mental Illness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie B Riblet ◽  
Susan P Stevens ◽  
Brian Shiner ◽  
Sarah Cornelius ◽  
Jenna Forehand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rural Populations ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rural Patients ◽  
At Home

ABSTRACT Introduction There is emerging evidence to support that the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures may be associated with negative mental health sequelae. Rural populations in particular may fair worse because they share many unique characteristics that may put them at higher risk for adverse outcomes with the pandemic. Yet, rural populations may also be more resilient due to increased sense of community. Little is known about the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of a rural population pre- and post-pandemic, especially those with serious mental illness. Material and Methods We conducted a longitudinal, mixed-methods study with assessments preceding the pandemic (between October 2019 and March 2020) and during the stay-at-home orders (between April 23, 2020, and May 4, 2020). Changes in hopelessness, suicidal ideation, connectedness, and treatment engagement were assessed using a repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman test. Results Among 17 eligible participants, 11 people were interviewed. Overall, there were no notable changes in any symptom scale in the first 3-5 months before the pandemic or during the stay-at-home orders. The few patients who reported worse symptoms were significantly older (mean age: 71.7 years, SD: 4.0). Most patients denied disruptions to treatment, and some perceived telepsychiatry as beneficial. Conclusions Rural patients with serious mental illness may be fairly resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic when they have access to treatment and supports. Longer-term outcomes are needed in rural patients with serious mental illness to better understand the impact of the pandemic on this population.

scholarly journals Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and virtual care for people living with dementia and care partners living in the community

Dementia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 147130122097763
Author(s):  
Pamela Roach ◽  
Angela Zwiers ◽  
Emily Cox ◽  
Karyn Fischer ◽  
Anna Charlton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Field Note ◽  
Informal Supports ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated public health measures that have impacted the provision of care for people living with dementia and their families. Additionally, the isolation that results from social distancing may be harming well-being for families as formal and informal supports become less accessible. For those living with dementia and experiencing agitation, social distancing may be even harder to maintain, or social distancing could potentially aggravate dementia-related neuropsychiatric symptoms. To understand the lived experience of social and physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, we remotely interviewed 21 participants who normally attend a dementia specialty clinic in Calgary, Alberta, during a period where essential businesses were closed and health care had abruptly transitioned to telemedicine. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview and field note data. The impacts of the public health measures in response to the pandemic emerged through iterative analysis in three main categories of experience: (1) personal, (2) health services, and (3) health status (of both persons living with dementia and care partner). Isolation and mental health needs emerged as important impacts to family experiences. This in-depth understanding of the needs and experiences of the pandemic for people living with dementia suggests that innovative means are urgently needed to facilitate provision of remote medicine and also social interaction and integration.

Assessment of the impact of the Scottish public health campaign on patient reporting of adverse drug reactions

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 209-218
Author(s):  
Mamoon A. Aldeyab ◽  
Sheila C. Noble ◽  
Melinda Cuthbert ◽  
Simon Maxwell ◽  
James Dear ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Patient Reporting ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Public Health Campaign ◽  
Health Campaign ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Systematic Review on Information Technology Approaches to Evaluate the Impact of Public Health Campaigns: Real Cases and Possible Directions

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Pinto ◽  
Lyrene Silva ◽  
Ricardo Valentim ◽  
Vivekanandan Kumar ◽  
Cristine Gusmão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Policy Enforcement ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Public Health Campaign ◽  
Health Campaign ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Impact

Evaluating the success of a public health campaign is critical. It helps policy makers to improve prevention strategies and close existing gaps. For instance, Brazil's “Syphilis No!” campaign reached many people, but how do we analyze its real impact on population awareness? Are epidemiologic variables sufficient? This study examined literature on using of information technology approaches to analyze the impact of public health campaigns. We began the systematic review with 276 papers and narrowed it down to 17, which analyzed campaigns. In addition to epidemiological variables, other types of variables of interest included: level of (i) access to the campaign website, (ii) subject knowledge and awareness, based on questionnaires, (iii) target population's interest, measured from both online search engine and engagement with Social Network Service, and (iv) campaign exposure through advertising, using data from television commercials. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact by considering several dimensions such as: communication, epidemiology, and policy enforcement. Our findings provide researchers with an overview of various dimensions, and variables-of-interest, for measuring public campaign impact, and examples of how and which campaigns have used them.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia in the Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 552-553
Author(s):  
Emma Conway ◽  
Melissa Koch ◽  
Laura Middleton ◽  
Heather Keller ◽  
Sherry Dupuis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact

Abstract COVID-19 public health measures have significantly impacted persons living with dementia (PLWD) and family caregivers (FCGs). Given the restrictions on in-person services, many PLWD were not able to access their usual supports and activities, resulting in FCGs stepping in to support exercise, leisure, socialization, spirituality, and activities of daily living. At the same time, FCGs’ own support networks were significantly reduced or no longer available. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 FCGs of PLWD in the community to explore the impact of COVID-19 on their well-being. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Caregiving during COVID-19 was described as ‘draining’ and ‘stressful’, with the support needs of PLWD increasing at a time when fewer supports were available. Reaching out to others, using technology, and setting boundaries were strategies FCGs used to cope. Despite the considerable impacts of COVID-19, FCGs of PLWD demonstrated their resilience in supporting themselves and their PLWD.

Indoor air quality prediction systems for smart environments: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-453
Author(s):  
Jagriti Saini ◽  
Maitreyee Dutta ◽  
Gonçalo Marques
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smart Environments ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Prediction Systems ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Air quality is a critical matter of concern in terms of the impact on public health and well-being. Although the consequences of poor air quality are more severe in developing countries, they also have a critical impact in developed countries. Healthcare costs due to air pollution reach $150 billion in the USA, whereas particulate matter causes 412,000 premature deaths in Europe, every year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutant levels can be up to 100 times higher in comparison to outdoor air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is in the top five environmental risks to global health and well-being. The research community explored the scope of artificial intelligence (AI) in the past years to deal with this problem. The IAQ prediction systems contribute to smart environments where advanced sensing technologies can create healthy living conditions for building occupants. This paper reviews the applications and potential of AI for the prediction of IAQ to enhance building environment and public health. The results show that most of the studies analyzed incorporate neural networks-based models and the preferred evaluation metrics are RMSE, R 2 score and error rate. Furthermore, 66.6% of the studies include CO2 sensors for IAQ assessment. Temperature and humidity parameters are also included in 90.47% and 85.71% of the proposed methods, respectively. This study also presents some limitations of the current research activities associated with the evaluation of the impact of different pollutants based on different geographical conditions and living environments. Moreover, the use of reliable and calibrated sensor networks for real-time data collection is also a significant challenge.

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