Subsidising the spread of COVID-19: Evidence from the UK’S Eat-Out-to-Help-Out Scheme*

This paper documents that a large-scale government subsidy aimed at encouraging people to eat out in restaurants in the wake of the first 2020 COVID-19 wave in the United Kingdom has had a significant causal impact on new cases, accelerating the subsequent second COVID-19 wave. The scheme subsidised 50% off the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks for an unlimited number of visits in participating restaurants on Mondays–Wednesdays from 3–31 August 2020. Areas with higher take-up saw both a notable increase in new COVID-19 infection clusters within a week of the scheme starting and a deceleration in infections within two weeks of the program ending. Similarly, areas that exhibited notable rainfall during the prime lunch and dinner hours on the days the scheme was active record lower infection incidence—a pattern that is also measurable in mobility data—and non-detectable on days during which the discount was not available or for rainfall outside the core lunch and dinner hours.

7 Assessment of beef cattle record keeping utilization and application: a collaboration of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Beef cattle producers engaged in the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) Commercial Record Keeping Program were surveyed to assess application of record keeping to operational management. In 2014, the specialized record-keeping system utilized by Alabama BCIA transitioned from software-based, centralized processing to an internet-based system to allow for hands-on use. The application of this new system and hands-on use was evaluated. A brief, online survey of 14 multiple-choice questions was developed. Question topics included basic demographics, value level, length of use, frequency of use, devices used, record areas, management decisions and meeting needs. The Qualtrics®XM web-based survey tool was used to evaluate results. A response rate of 44.64% was reached. Respondents represented cattlemen in business for 30+ years 44%, 20+ years 32%, 10+ years 12%, 5 to 10 years 4%, 3 to 5 years 4% and less than 3 years 4%. Cow inventory reflected 50 to 100 cows 24%, 100 to 200 cows 24%, 20 to 50 cows 20%, 200 to 300 cows 16%, 300 to 400 cows 8% and 500+ cows 8%. Longevity of BCIA record keeping reached 20 to 30 years 24%, 1 to 5 years 24%, 5 to 10 years 20%, 10 to 15 years 16%, 15 to 20 years 12% and beginning 4%. Value of performance records rated extremely valuable 72.0%, and hands-on access rated very valuable 92.0%. A majority indicated accessing the system weekly 40.0%, monthly 16.0% or daily 8.0%. The most common device was combination of computer and smartphone 36.0%. The most active record keeping areas were calving records 21.57%, weaning data 19.64% and culling cows based on performance 17.86%. Planned expansion was yearling data for replacement heifers 22.58% and collecting mature cow weights at calf weaning 20.97%. Overall, responding cattle producers indicated the internet-based system was definitely meeting their needs 88.0%.

The Patient-Held Active Record of Medication Status (PHARMS) study: a mixed-methods feasibility analysis

BackgroundMedication errors frequently occur as patients transition between hospital and the community, and may result in patient harm. Novel methods are required to address this issue.AimTo assess the feasibility of introducing an electronic patient-held active record of medication status device (PHARMS) at the primary–secondary care interface at the time of hospital discharge.Design and settingA mixed-methods study (non-randomised controlled intervention, and a process evaluation of qualitative interviews and non-participant observation) among patients >60 years in an urban hospital and general practices in Cork, Ireland.MethodThe number and clinical significance of errors were compared between discharge prescriptions of the intervention (issued with a PHARMS device) and control (usual care, handwritten discharge prescription) groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, junior doctors, GPs, and IT professionals, in addition to direct observation of the implementation process.ResultsIn all, 102 patients were included in the final analysis (intervention n = 41, control n = 61). Total error number was lower in the intervention group (median 1, interquartile range [IQR] 0–3) than in the control group (median 8, IQR (4–13.5, P<0.001), with the clinical significance score in the intervention group also being lower than the control group (median 2, IQR 0–4 versus median 11, IQR 5–20, P<0.001). The PHARMS device was found to be technically implementable using existing information technology infrastructure, and acceptable to all key stakeholders.ConclusionThe results suggest that using PHARMS devices within existing systems in general practice and hospitals is feasible and acceptable to both patients and doctors, and may reduce medication error.

Environmental Assessment in Manuscripts Library and Storages of Semi-Active Record at Sultanate of Oman

Indoor environmental factors have been associated with deterioration of vital library and archival assets. The assessment of environmental factors affecting the library and document collections due to their inappropriate levels was the main objective of current study. In order to fulfill this objective the measurements of indoor environmental parameters were taken in manuscripts library and documents storage buildings of various Ministries of Sultanate of Oman. The measured values of these parameters were compared with the permitted values defined in various international standards/guidelines. The results of the study showed that the observed levels of environmental factors inside these buildings were not within the stipulated limits. The quality of indoor air at the studied locations was not appropriate for long term protection and preservation of their precious collections. Hence some preventive measures must be taken to safeguard these documentary assets. Practical implications - The indoor environments of library and archival collection buildings are very important for the protection and preservation of documentary assets. The study provides very useful information about the harmful indoor environmental factors and their effects on vital library and archival collections. This work would definitely help the concerning authorities to take remedial measures to control the inappropriate levels of these factors.