1,721,004 research outputs found
Novel technologies and ensemble modelling for climate-sensitive vector activity and vector-borne disease risk assessment
No full textVector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose significant challenges to global public health, contributing extensively to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The dynamics governing VBD transmission are highly complex, involving multifaceted interactions among vectors, hosts, pathogens, and environmental factors. Recent advances in mathematical modelling and machine learning have substantially improved our ability to understand these intricate dynamics, offering powerful tools to better anticipate disease transmission and to guide effective control and potential elimination strategies. We initiated a dedicated workshop series to examine a wide array of advanced modelling techniques designed to predict mosquito and pathogen transmission under varying environmental conditions. By bringing together experts from diverse disciplines, the workshops foster an inclusive, collaborative environment that encourages open dialogue and critical analysis. Participants evaluate the strengths and limitations of existing modelling frameworks, explore emerging methodologies and ensemble modelling to enhance predictive accuracy, and identify key gaps in current knowledge requiring further research. The workshops also feature training sessions suitable for participants at all levels of expertise, fostering knowledge exchange and facilitating the integration of innovative technologies into public health strategies. Outcomes from the workshops are prepared for dissemination through open-access repositories and integration into the Climate-Driven Vector-Borne Disease Risk Assessment platform (VEClim). VEClim serves as an essential tool for early warning and decision-support systems, aiming to enhance vector control and outbreak management capabilities. Through its user-friendly, web-based Geographic Information System (GIS), VEClim ensures versatile access to advanced modelling tools, offering reliable short-, medium-, and long-term predictions of habitat suitability, vector activity, and associated disease risks. VEClim is operationally managed by The Cyprus Institute and remains permanently accessible via its dedicated domain: veclim.com
A systematic review of Aedes aegypti population dynamics models based on differential equations
No full textThe global spread of Aedes aegypti and the associated public health risk have stimulated the development of several mathematical models to predict population dynamics in response to biological or environmental changes in real, future, or simulated scenarios. The aim of this study is to identify published articles on differential equation-based population dynamics models of Aedes aegypti, highlight their differences and commonalities, and examine their application in surveillance and control programs. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted in seven electronic databases (Scopus, PUBMED, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, DOAJ, Scielo, and Google Scholar), with the last update on 8 February 2023. The initial search yielded 513 studies, of which 31 were finally selected. The articles analyzed showed great variability in the equations, processes, and variables included, with temperature being the most common environmental factor. Only a few models incorporated spatial heterogeneity or validation methods. Our findings suggest that improving the generation of temporal and spatially explicit forecasts through interdisciplinary collaboration, the use of new technologies, and validation with field data is essential for these models to effectively support public health efforts. Differential equation-based population dynamics models offer valuable insights and could greatly benefit mosquito surveillance programs if standardized and tailored to relevant scale
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
AI solutions for vector surveillance: towards improving public health initiatives in Northern Italy
Full text linkThe Zanzemap project: artificial intelligence models and satellite data to forecast vector dynamics in Northern Italy
No full textThe project "ZanZeMap" aims to enhance public health in the Autonomous Province of Trento (Northern Italy) by developing user-friendly maps that indicate the risk of tick and mosquito presence and activity, addressing significant public health challenges posed by vector-borne diseases. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques, this initiative analyzes detailed climatic and environmental data to predict where and when these arthropods are most active. Key to this project is the integration of high-resolution climate data, including satellite observations, providing insights into temperature, humidity, and vegetation cover—critical factors for understanding vector habitats and behaviors. The project can forecast changes in mosquito and tick populations up to two weeks in advance under various climate scenarios, allowing for proactive vector management. Additionally, field-based vector monitoring will be incorporated to validate the model’s forecasts, enhancing the accuracy of vector activity assessments and enabling timely interventions. The resulting online maps will empower the local population and stakeholders by providing real-time information on vector phenology and activity, facilitating personal protective measures against bites such as using repellents and fostering a collaborative environment in public health initiatives. Ultimately, this project not only aims to improve local vector surveillance but also has the potential for application in diverse geographical contexts facing similar public health challenges exacerbated by climate change. By establishing a robust framework for ongoing data analysis and community involvement, the initiative seeks to enhance public health outcomes and quality of life in the Autonomous Province of Trento and the Alpine area in the futur
The Zanzemap project: artificial Intelligence models to forecast vector dynamics in Northern Italy
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