scholarly journals Prosocial behavior of wearing a mask during an epidemic: an evolutionary explanation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Ariful Kabir ◽  
Tori Risa ◽  
Jun Tanimoto
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Evolutionary Game ◽  
Social Dilemma ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Susceptible Individual ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Usual Behavior ◽  
Spread Of Infection

AbstractIn the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited or no supplies of vaccines and treatments, people and policymakers seek easy to implement and cost-effective alternatives to combat the spread of infection during the pandemic. The practice of wearing a mask, which requires change in people’s usual behavior, may reduce disease transmission by preventing the virus spread from infectious to susceptible individuals. Wearing a mask may result in a public good game structure, where an individual does not want to wear a mask but desires that others wear it. This study develops and analyzes a new intervention game model that combines the mathematical models of epidemiology with evolutionary game theory. This approach quantifies how people use mask-wearing and related protecting behaviors that directly benefit the wearer and bring some advantage to other people during an epidemic. At each time-step, a suspected susceptible individual decides whether to wear a facemask, or not, due to a social learning process that accounts for the risk of infection and mask cost. Numerical results reveal a diverse and rich social dilemma structure that is hidden behind this mask-wearing dilemma. Our results highlight the sociological dimension of mask-wearing policy.

SPREAD OF EPIDEMIC ON COMPLEX NETWORKS UNDER VOLUNTARY VACCINATION MECHANISM

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (09) ◽  
pp. 1197-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHENGJUN XUE ◽  
FENG RUAN ◽  
CHUANYANG YIN ◽  
HAIFENG ZHANG ◽  
BINGHONG WANG
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Function ◽  
Susceptible Individual ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Risk Functions ◽  
Voluntary Behavior ◽  
Uniform Case ◽  
The Waves ◽  
Voluntary Vaccination

Under the assumption that the decision of vaccination is a voluntary behavior, in this paper, we use two forms of risk functions to characterize how susceptible individuals estimate the perceived risk of infection. One is uniform case, where each susceptible individual estimates the perceived risk of infection only based on the density of infection at each time step, so the risk function is only a function of the density of infection; another is preferential case, where each susceptible individual estimates the perceived risk of infection not only based on the density of infection but only related to its own activities/immediate neighbors (in network terminology, the activity or the number of immediate neighbors is the degree of node), so the risk function is a function of the density of infection and the degree of individuals. By investigating two different ways of estimating the risk of infection for susceptible individuals on complex network, we find that, for the preferential case, the spread of epidemic can be effectively controlled; yet, for the uniform case, voluntary vaccination mechanism is almost invalid in controlling the spread of epidemic on networks. Furthermore, given the temporality of some vaccines, the waves of epidemic for two cases are also different. Therefore, our work insight that the way of estimating the perceived risk of infection determines the decision on vaccination options, and then determines the success or failure of control strategy.

scholarly journals Sheep scab spatial distribution: the roles of transmission pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Joanne Nixon ◽  
Ellen Brooks-Pollock ◽  
Richard Wall
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Infected Sheep ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Psoroptes Ovis ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sheep Scab ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Ovine psoroptic mange (sheep scab) is a highly pathogenic contagious infection caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. Following 21 years in which scab was eradicated in the UK, it was inadvertently reintroduced in 1972 and, despite the implementation of a range of control methods, its prevalence increased steadily thereafter. Recent reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactone treatments may further exacerbate control problems. A better understanding of the factors that facilitate its transmission are required to allow improved management of this disease. Transmission of infection occurs within and between contiguous sheep farms via infected sheep-to-sheep or sheep–environment contact and through long-distance movements of infected sheep, such as through markets. Methods A stochastic metapopulation model was used to investigate the impact of different transmission routes on the spatial pattern of outbreaks. A range of model scenarios were considered following the initial infection of a cluster of highly connected contiguous farms. Results Scab spreads between clusters of neighbouring contiguous farms after introduction but when long-distance movements are excluded, infection then self-limits spatially at boundaries where farm connectivity is low. Inclusion of long-distance movements is required to generate the national patterns of disease spread observed. Conclusions Preventing the movement of scab infested sheep through sales and markets is essential for any national management programme. If effective movement control can be implemented, regional control in geographic areas where farm densities are high would allow more focussed cost-effective scab management. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals 3D Photogrammetry Modeling Highlights Efficient Reserve Effect Apparition After 5 Years and Stillness After 40 for Red Coral (Corallium rubrum) Conservation in French MPAs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine Richaume ◽  
Adrien Cheminée ◽  
Pierre Drap ◽  
Patrick Bonhomme ◽  
Frederic Cadene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Maximum Height ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Mechanical Destruction ◽  
Corallium Rubrum ◽  
Red Coral ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Precautionary Measures

Imaging the marine environment is more and more useful to understand relationships between species, as well as natural processes. Developing photogrammetry allowed the use of 3D measuring to study populations dynamics of sessile organisms at various scales: from colony to population. This study focuses on red coral (Corallium rubrum), as known as precious coral. Metrics measured at a colony scale (e.g., maximum height, diameter and number of branches) allowed population understanding and a comparison between an old (Cerbère-Banyuls reserve) vs. a new (Calanques National Park) MPA. Our results suggested a 5-year time step allows the appearance of a significant difference between populations inside vs. outside the Calanques National Park no-take zones. Red coral colonies were taller and had more branches inside no-take zones. A significant difference was still observable for the populations inside the Cerbère-Banyuls reserve after 40 years of protection, reflecting the sustainability and effectiveness of precautionary measures set by the reserve. The impacts at the local level (mechanical destruction) and those presumed to occur via global change (climatic variations) underline the need to develop strategies both to follow the evolutions of red coral populations but also to understand their resilience. Photogrammetry induced modeling is a time and cost effective as well as non-invasive method which could be used to understand population dynamics at a seascape scale on coralligenous reefs.

scholarly journals Robotics and AI for Teleoperation, Tele-Assessment, and Tele-Training for Surgery in the Era of COVID-19: Existing Challenges, and Future Vision

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navid Feizi ◽  
Mahdi Tavakoli ◽  
Rajni V. Patel ◽  
S. Farokh Atashzar
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Operative Assessment

The unprecedented shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has severely influenced the delivery of regular healthcare services. Most non-urgent medical activities, including elective surgeries, have been paused to mitigate the risk of infection and to dedicate medical resources to managing the pandemic. In this regard, not only surgeries are substantially influenced, but also pre- and post-operative assessment of patients and training for surgical procedures have been significantly impacted due to the pandemic. Many countries are planning a phased reopening, which includes the resumption of some surgical procedures. However, it is not clear how the reopening safe-practice guidelines will impact the quality of healthcare delivery. This perspective article evaluates the use of robotics and AI in 1) robotics-assisted surgery, 2) tele-examination of patients for pre- and post-surgery, and 3) tele-training for surgical procedures. Surgeons interact with a large number of staff and patients on a daily basis. Thus, the risk of infection transmission between them raises concerns. In addition, pre- and post-operative assessment also raises concerns about increasing the risk of disease transmission, in particular, since many patients may have other underlying conditions, which can increase their chances of mortality due to the virus. The pandemic has also limited the time and access that trainee surgeons have for training in the OR and/or in the presence of an expert. In this article, we describe existing challenges and possible solutions and suggest future research directions that may be relevant for robotics and AI in addressing the three tasks mentioned above.

scholarly journals The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) in Dentistry. Management of Biological Risk in Dental Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Lo Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Specific Protocol ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Spread Of Infection

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, and the etiological agent of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). This infection spreads mainly through direct contact with Flügge micro droplets or core droplets that remain suspended as aerosol. Moreover, it has been reported that infected subjects, both with and without clinical signs of COVID-19, can transmit the virus. Since the infection typically enters through mouth, nose, and eyes, dentistry is one of the medical practices at highest risk of infection due to the frequent production of aerosol and the constant presence of saliva. The World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that only emergency/urgent procedures should be performed during the coronavirus outbreak. Considering the virus’ route of transmission, a specific protocol should be applied to reduce the risk of infection in addition to measures that prevent the spread of infection from a patient to another person or medical tools and equipment (cross-infection). This protocol should be implemented by modifying both patient management and clinical practice, introducing particular devices and organizational practices. This paper aims to discuss and suggest the most appropriate procedures in every aspect of dental practice to reduce infection risk.

DIRECT RECIPROCITY-BASED COOPERATION IN MOBILE AD HOC NETWORKS

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 501-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCIN SEREDYNSKI ◽  
PASCAL BOUVRY
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Mobile Ad Hoc Network ◽  
Evolutionary Game ◽  
Social Dilemma ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Social ◽  
Game Theoretical Approach ◽  
Tit For Tat ◽  
Mobile Ad Hoc ◽  
Hoc Networks

A distributed nature of a wireless mobile ad hoc network, lack of a single authority, and limited battery resources of participating devices may lead its users to be reluctant to packet relaying duties. This paper investigates potential networking conditions that could lead to a direct reciprocity-based cooperation on packet relaying. Simulation of behaviour of the network is carried out using an evolutionary game-theoretical approach. A game-based model of nodes' interactions coupled with a genetic algorithm is used to find successful relaying strategies for various networking conditions. Computational experiments demonstrate that the reciprocity-based packet relaying is an efficient way to overcome the social dilemma present in such a network. However, in the presence of a large number of unconditionally cooperatives nodes a selfish permanent defection strategy is more efficient than a reciprocal tit-for-tat strategy. Nevertheless the switch from cooperative to selfish behaviour among some users does not change significantly the overall performance of the network as the negative consequences of the switch are compensated by the generous packet relaying contribution of unconditionally cooperative nodes.

scholarly journals Changing Contact Patterns Over Disease Progression: Nipah Virus as a Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-442
Author(s):  
Kyu Han Lee ◽  
Birgit Nikolay ◽  
Hossain M S Sazzad ◽  
M Jahangir Hossain ◽  
A K M Dawlat Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Nipah Virus ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Bodily Fluids ◽  
Contact Patterns

Abstract Contact patterns play a key role in disease transmission, and variation in contacts during the course of illness can influence transmission, particularly when accompanied by changes in host infectiousness. We used surveys among 1642 contacts of 94 Nipah virus case patients in Bangladesh to determine how contact patterns (physical and with bodily fluids) changed as disease progressed in severity. The number of contacts increased with severity and, for case patients who died, peaked on the day of death. Given transmission has only been observed among fatal cases of Nipah virus infection, our findings suggest that changes in contact patterns during illness contribute to risk of infection.

A Cost-Effective Search of Collision Pairs in Lagrangian Particle Tracking Method

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Hung Lin ◽  
Keh-Chin Chang
Keyword(s):  
Particle Tracking ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Computational Procedure ◽  
Hard Sphere Model ◽  
Particle Collisions ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Tracking Method ◽  
Particle Tracking Method ◽  
Computational Expenditure

In the simulation of particle-laden flows, in which the inter-particle collisions have to be considered, using the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach, it is agreed that the search of collision pairs based on the deterministic particle tracking method together with the binary-collision, hard-sphere model is a time consuming job in the computational procedure particularly for the flow laden with a remarkably high number density of particles. A cost-effective algorithm for the particle tracking processes which include solving the equations of motion, searching the collision pairs, and updating the list of neighboring particles’ indices is developed. It is demonstrated in the turbulent, fully developed, particle-laden channel flows that the computational expenditure required for completing the particle tracking processes in a given Lagrangian time step can be optimally made with an approximately linear proportionally to the total number of particles (NPT) by setting the number of Lagrangian cells (Ncell) for computation in accordance with the criterion of NPT / Ncell = O(10°).

scholarly journals FABM-NflexPD 1.0: assessing an instantaneous acclimation approach for modeling phytoplankton growth

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 6025-6047
Author(s):  
Onur Kerimoglu ◽  
Prima Anugerahanti ◽  
Sherwood Lan Smith
Keyword(s):  
Primary Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Grid Cell ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
State Variables ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Ocean Turbulence ◽  
State Variable ◽  
Biogeochemical Models ◽  
Additional State

Abstract. Coupled physical–biogeochemical models can generally reproduce large-scale patterns of primary production and biogeochemistry, but they often underestimate observed variability and gradients. This is partially caused by insufficient representation of systematic variations in the elemental composition and pigment density of phytoplankton. Although progress has been made through approaches accounting for the dynamics of phytoplankton composition with additional state variables, formidable computational challenges arise when these are applied in spatially explicit setups. The instantaneous acclimation (IA) approach addresses these challenges by assuming that Chl:C:nutrient ratios are instantly optimized locally (within each modeled grid cell, at each time step), such that they can be resolved as diagnostic variables. Here, we present the first tests of IA in an idealized 1-D setup: we implemented the IA in the Framework for Aquatic Biogeochemical Models (FABM) and coupled it with the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) to simulate the spatiotemporal dynamics in a 1-D water column. We compare the IA model against a fully dynamic, otherwise equivalently acclimative (dynamic acclimation; DA) variant with an additional state variable and a third, non-acclimative and fixed-stoichiometry (FS) variant. We find that the IA and DA variants, which require the same parameter set, behave similarly in many respects, although some differences do emerge especially during the winter–spring and autumn–winter transitions. These differences however are relatively small in comparison to the differences between the DA and FS variants, suggesting that the IA approach can be used as a cost-effective improvement over a fixed-stoichiometry approach. Our analysis provides insights into the roles of acclimative flexibilities in simulated primary production and nutrient drawdown rates, seasonal and vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass, formation of thin chlorophyll layers and stoichiometry of detrital material.

scholarly journals The tuberculocidal activity of polyaniline and functionalised polyanilines

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Robertson ◽  
James Dalton ◽  
Siouxsie Wiles ◽  
Marija Gizdavic-Nikolaidis ◽  
Simon Swift
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
Agar Surface

Tuberculosis is considered a leading cause of death worldwide. More than 95% of cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In resource-limited countries, hospitals often lack adequate facilities to manage and isolate patients with infectious tuberculosis (TB), relying instead on personal protective equipment, such as facemasks, to reduce nosocomial transmission of the disease. Facemasks impregnated with an antimicrobial agent may be a cost-effective way of adding an extra level of protection against the spread of TB by reducing the risk of disease transmission. Conducting polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), and their functionalised derivatives are a novel class of antimicrobial agents with potential as non-leaching additives to provide contamination resistant surfaces. We have investigated the antimicrobial action of PANI and a functionalised derivative, poly-3-aminobenzoic acid (P3ABA), against mycobacteria and have determined the optimal treatment time and concentration to achieve significant knockdown ofMycobacterium smegmatisandMycobacterium tuberculosison an agar surface. Results indicated that P3ABA is a potential candidate for use as an anti-tuberculoid agent in facemasks to reduce TB transmission.

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