Associative evidence for the potential of humidification as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 transmission

Background: Both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses show a strong seasonal spreading in temperate regions. Several studies indicated that changes in indoor humidity could be one of the key factors explaining this. Objective: The purpose of this study is to quantify the association between relevant epidemiological metrics and humidity in both...

Preliminary attempt to predict risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with influenza: Decision trees may help?

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is typically considered a disease of immunocompromised patients, but, recently, many cases have been reported in patients without typical risk factors. The aim of our study is to develop a risk predictive model for IPA through machine learning techniques (decision trees) in patients with influenza. We...

Modelling epidemic spreading phenomena processes on networks

Spreading processes are ubiquitous in nature and societies, e.g. spreading of diseases and computer virus, propagation of messages, and activation of neurons. Computer viruses cause an enormous economic loss. Moreover, many illnesses/diseases still causing a serious threat to public health. For example, the outbreaks of circulating influenza...

CMOS Image Sensor for Lateral Flow Immunoassay Readers

Point-of-care systems for the detection of infectious diseases are in great demand especially in developing countries. Lateral flow immunoassays are considered ideal biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics due to their numerous advantages. However, to quantify their results a low power, robust electronic reader is needed. A low power CMOS...

Towards a sustainable, quality and affordable Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine for every child in the world

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that can prevent meningitis and pneumonia caused by Hib disease. Hib vaccine is recommended for all children under 5 years. Despite the availability of safe and effective Hib vaccines since early 1987, Gambia was the only low-income country that had introduced...

H5N8: Designing aesthetically pleasing products from contaminated culled chicken material

Designing aesthetically pleasing products from contaminated culled chicken material.

Adaptive policymaking under deep uncertainty: Optimal preparedness for the next pandemic

The recent flu pandemic in 2009 caused a panic about the possible consequences due to deep uncertainty about an unknown virus. Overstock of vaccines or unnecessary social measures to be taken were all due to uncertainty. However, what should be the necessary actions to take in such deeply uncertain situation where there is no or very little...

The Influenza A(H1N1)v Pandemic: An Exploratory System Dynamics Approach

This paper presents a small exploratory System Dynamics model related to the dynamics of the 2009 flu pandemic, also known as the Mexican flu, swine flu, or A(H1N1)v. The model was developed in May 2009 in order to quickly foster understanding about the possible dynamics of this new flu variant and to perform rough-cut policy explorations. Later...