scholarly journals Utility of Facebook’s Social Connectedness Index in Modeling COVID-19 Spread: Exponential Random Graph Modeling Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Prusaczyk ◽  
Kathryn Pietka ◽  
Joshua M Landman ◽  
Douglas A Luke
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Random Graph ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
The Body ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Exponential Random Graph ◽  
Case Count ◽  
Highly Correlated

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 (the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) pandemic has underscored the need for additional data, tools, and methods that can be used to combat emerging and existing public health concerns. Since March 2020, there has been substantial interest in using social media data to both understand and intervene in the pandemic. Researchers from many disciplines have recently found a relationship between COVID-19 and a new data set from Facebook called the Social Connectedness Index (SCI). OBJECTIVE Building off this work, we seek to use the SCI to examine how social similarity of Missouri counties could explain similarities of COVID-19 cases over time. Additionally, we aim to add to the body of literature on the utility of the SCI by using a novel modeling technique. METHODS In September 2020, we conducted this cross-sectional study using publicly available data to test the association between the SCI and COVID-19 spread in Missouri using exponential random graph models, which model relational data, and the outcome variable must be binary, representing the presence or absence of a relationship. In our model, this was the presence or absence of a highly correlated COVID-19 case count trajectory between two given counties in Missouri. Covariates included each county’s total population, percent rurality, and distance between each county pair. RESULTS We found that all covariates were significantly associated with two counties having highly correlated COVID-19 case count trajectories. As the log of a county’s total population increased, the odds of two counties having highly correlated COVID-19 case count trajectories increased by 66% (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, 95% CI 1.43-1.92). As the percent of a county classified as rural increased, the odds of two counties having highly correlated COVID-19 case count trajectories increased by 1% (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01). As the distance (in miles) between two counties increased, the odds of two counties having highly correlated COVID-19 case count trajectories decreased by 43% (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.77). Lastly, as the log of the SCI between two Missouri counties increased, the odds of those two counties having highly correlated COVID-19 case count trajectories significantly increased by 17% (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26). CONCLUSIONS These results could suggest that two counties with a greater likelihood of sharing Facebook friendships means residents of those counties have a higher likelihood of sharing similar belief systems, in particular as they relate to COVID-19 and public health practices. Another possibility is that the SCI is picking up travel or movement data among county residents. This suggests the SCI is capturing a unique phenomenon relevant to COVID-19 and that it may be worth adding to other COVID-19 models. Additional research is needed to better understand what the SCI is capturing practically and what it means for public health policies and prevention practices.

Research Recommendations for Applying Vitamin A-Labelled Isotope Dilution Techniques to Improve Human Vitamin A Nutrition

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry A. Tanumihardjo ◽  
Anura V. Kurpad ◽  
Janet R. Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pool Size ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Status Assessment ◽  
Total Body

The current use of serum retinol concentrations as a measurement of subclinical vitamin A deficiency is unsatisfactory for many reasons. The best technique available for vitamin A status assessment in humans is the measurement of total body pool size. Pool size is measured by the administration of retinol labelled with stable isotopes of carbon or hydrogen that are safe for human subjects, with subsequent measurement of the dilution of the labelled retinol within the body pool. However, the isotope techniques are time-consuming, technically challenging, and relatively expensive. There is also a need to assess different types of tracers and doses, and to establish clear guidelines for the use and interpretation of this method in different populations. Field-friendly improvements are desirable to encourage the application of this technique in developing countries where the need is greatest for monitoring the risk of vitamin A deficiency, the effectiveness of public health interventions, and the potential of hypervitaminosis due to combined supplement and fortification programs. These techniques should be applied to validate other less technical methods of assessing vitamin A deficiency. Another area of public health relevance for this technique is to understand the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, and its relation to existing vitamin A status, for future dietary diversification programs.

Critical analysis and unique management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica - A Case Report

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Rangarajan B. ◽  
Dr. Muralidhara .
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Total Population ◽  
The Body ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Lower Back

Gridhrasi (Sciatica) is a disorder in which low back pain is found, that spreads through the hip, to the back of the thigh and down the inside of the leg. Mechanical low back pain (LBP) remains the second most common symptom related reason for seeing a physician. 85% of total population will experience an episode of mechanical LBP at some point during their lifetime. Fortunately, the LBP resolves for the vast majority within 2-4 weeks. There are many causes for low back pain, however true sciatica is a symptom of inflammation or compression of the sciatica nerve. The sciatica nerve carries impulses between nerve roots in the lower back and the muscles and nerve of the buttocks, thighs and lower legs. Compression of a nerve root often occurs as a result of damage to one of the discs between the vertebrae. In some cases, sciatic pain radiate from other nerves in the body. This is called referred pain. Pain associated with sciatica often is severe, sharp and shooting. It may be accompanied by other symptom, such as numbness, tingling, weakness and sensitivity to touch. There is only conservative treatment giving short term relief in pain or surgical intervention with side effect. But these are not successful and therefore those who are suffering from this are always in search of result oriented remedy. Walking distance and SLR test were taken for assessment parameter, VAS score was adopted for pain. Before treatment patient was not able to walk even 4 to 5 steps due to severe pain, was brought on stretcher and his SLR was 30° of right side. After 22 days of treatment he was able to walk up to 500 meters without any difficulty, SLR was changed to 60° and patient had got 80 % relief in pain. This case report showed that Ayurvedic protocol is potent and safe in the treatment of Gridhrasi.

scholarly journals Adopting seasonal regimen (Ritucharya) to modulate the seasonal variation in gut microbiome

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepthi. R ◽  
Vandana Rani M ◽  
Delvin T. Robin ◽  
Anusree Dileep
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
The Body ◽  
Leaky Gut ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Application Prospects

AbstractThe science of Ayurveda with its strong and unique fundamentals holds its domain forever amidst all scientific and medical advancements. The concept of Shadkriyakala (the different phases of disease formation) holds relevance in preventive medicine and public health management as it provides ample chance to halt the disease process at each stage by timely intervention. In this review, we would like to bring to the limelight the relevance of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) in primary prevention by modulating the gut microbiota. The modern gut microbiome researches now help us to better explore the Ayurveda theories of Agni (digestive fire) and Ama (metabolic toxins) preached centuries back. Ayurveda firmly proclaims that no disease ever arises without the derangement of Agni (digestive fire). The whole preventive and treatment methodology in Ayurveda focuses upon the modulation and management of “Agni” (digestive fire). When the functioning of Agni is deranged, Ama (metabolic toxin) is produced and it vitiates the doshas which spread throughout the body and manifest as varied diseases. A biomedical perspective of our reviews suggests that dysbiosis of microbial flora can cause a leaky gut by which the toxins of deranged digestive metabolism enter the bloodstream. Consequently, an inflammatory response occurs within the body which expresses out as diseases opportunistically. We meticulously reviewed the influence of extrinsic factors namely diet and climate on human gut microbiota, and our analysis emphasises the application prospects of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), in regulating the dynamic host-microbe interaction.

scholarly journals Exponential random graph models for little networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
pp. 225-238
Author(s):  
George G. Vega Yon ◽  
Andrew Slaughter ◽  
Kayla de la Haye
Keyword(s):  
Random Graph ◽  
Exponential Random Graph Models ◽  
Graph Models ◽  
Random Graph Models ◽  
Exponential Random Graph

Determinants of positive mental health: a path model

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nima S. Ganga ◽  
V. Raman Kutty ◽  
Immanuel Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – A public health approach for promoting mental health has become a major health policy agenda of many governments. Despite this worldwide attention on research addressing population mental health and general wellbeing, very little is heard on positive mental health from the low-and middle-income countries. This paper aims to present an attempt to develop a model of positive mental health among young people. This could be used for integrating the concept of positive mental health (PMH) into public health interventions. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted in the state of Kerala, India. The paper administered the “Achutha Menon Centre Positive Mental health Scale” to a sample of 453 (230 men and 223 women) in the age group 18-24, along with an interview schedule exploring the relationship of PMH with many explanatory variables such as sex, beliefs, religion, education, employment and social capital. The paper developed an input path model through a series of multiple regressions explaining the levels of PMH in the community, which was then tested statistically (using AMOS version 7.0). The input model was created by identifying the determinants and correlates of PMH based on their predictive power on the outcome variable, the PMH score. The input diagram was used to test the model fit of the data. Findings – The path model (Figure 1) clearly specified the determinants of PMH. Among them, the variables that have a direct determinant effect on PMH are: quality of home learning environment, employment status, education status, marital status, self-perception on possession of skills, happiness with life, membership in social organizations and socializing capability. Research limitations/implications – In this study, path model is used to confirm relationships among observed and latent variables. The path diagram assesses the comparative strength of the correlations between the variables and does not test the directionality. Or, the model itself cannot prove causation. Practical implications – Determinants of PMH those are amenable to interventions as well as those which help in recognizing characteristic groups for intervention could help to plan future intervention programs. Originality/value – Original paper based on primary data collected through a cross-sectional survey.

Missing data in networks: exponential random graph (p∗) models for networks with non-respondents

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garry Robins ◽  
Philippa Pattison ◽  
Jodie Woolcock
Keyword(s):  
Missing Data ◽  
Random Graph ◽  
Exponential Random Graph

scholarly journals The rise and fall of diseases: reflections on the history of population health in Europe since ca. 1700

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan P. Mackenbach
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Epidemiological Transition ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Human Interventions ◽  
Ultimate Cause ◽  
History Of ◽  
Limited Usefulness

AbstractThis essay explores the amazing phenomenon that in Europe since ca. 1700 most diseases have shown a pattern of 'rise-and-fall'. It argues that the rise of so many diseases indicates that their ultimate cause is not to be sought within the body, but in the interaction between humans and their environment. In their tireless pursuit of a better life, Europeans have constantly engaged in new activities which exposed them to new health risks, at a pace that evolution could not keep up with. Fortunately, most diseases have also declined again, mainly as a result of human interventions, in the form of public health interventions or improvements in medical care. The virtually continuous succession of diseases starting to fall in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries suggests that the concept of an “epidemiological transition” has limited usefulness.

Prediction of Successful College Academic Performance from Measures of Body-Cathexis, Self-Cathexis, and Anxiety

1965 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. White ◽  
James A. Wash
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Grade Point Average ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Educational Psychology ◽  
The Body ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Body Cathexis ◽  
Senior Students ◽  
College Academic Success

Measures of body-cathexis, self-cathexis, and anxiety were administered to 74 junior and senior students in educational psychology The body and self tended to be cathected to the same degree, and anxiety was highly correlated with both cathexes. Correlations with grade-point average were nonsignificant. Thus, values placed on body and self tended to be commensurate but lack predictive validity for college academic success.

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