scholarly journals Asynchronicity of endemic and emerging mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in the Dominican Republic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Petrone ◽  
Rebecca Earnest ◽  
José Lourenço ◽  
Moritz U.G. Kraemer ◽  
Robert Paulino-Ramirez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Emerging Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dengue Outbreaks ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

ABSTRACTMosquito-borne viruses pose a perpetual public health threat to countries and territories in the Carribean due to the region’s tropical climate and seasonal reception of international tourists. Outbreaks of the emerging viruses chikungunya and Zika in 2014 and 2016, respectively, demonstrated the rapidity with which these viruses can spread between islands. At the same time, the number of reported dengue fever cases, caused by the endemic dengue virus, has steadily climbed over the past decade, and a large dengue outbreak that began sweeping through this region in 2019 continues in 2020. Sustainable disease and mosquito control measures are urgently needed to quell virus transmission in the long term and prevent future outbreaks from occurring. To improve upon current surveillance methods, we analyzed temporal and spatial patterns of chikungunya, Zika, and dengue outbreaks reported in the Dominican Republic between 2012 and 2018. The viruses that caused these outbreaks are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are sensitive to seasonal climatological variability. In this study, we evaluated whether climate and the spatio-temporal dynamics of past dengue outbreaks could inform when and where future emerging disease outbreaks might occur. We found that the temporal and spatial distribution of emerging disease outbreaks did not conform to those of seasonal dengue outbreaks. Rather, the former occurred when climatological conditions were suboptimal for Aedes activity. Provincial dengue attack rates did not correspond to those of emerging diseases. Our study also provides evidence for under-reporting of dengue cases, especially following the 2016 Zika outbreak. We advocate for the implementation of a sustainable and long-term surveillance system to monitor the spread of known mosquito-borne viruses and to identify emerging threats before they cause outbreaks. Specifically, we recommend the use of febrile illness incidence, ca se fatality rates, and serosurveys during inter-outbreak periods to better understand rates of transmission and asymptomatic infection.

scholarly journals Asynchronicity of endemic and emerging mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in the Dominican Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Petrone ◽  
Rebecca Earnest ◽  
José Lourenço ◽  
Moritz U. G. Kraemer ◽  
Robert Paulino-Ramirez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Emerging Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Dengue Outbreaks ◽  
Spatio Temporal

AbstractMosquito-borne viruses threaten the Caribbean due to the region’s tropical climate and seasonal reception of international tourists. Outbreaks of chikungunya and Zika have demonstrated the rapidity with which these viruses can spread. Concurrently, dengue fever cases have climbed over the past decade. Sustainable disease control measures are urgently needed to quell virus transmission and prevent future outbreaks. Here, to improve upon current control methods, we analyze temporal and spatial patterns of chikungunya, Zika, and dengue outbreaks reported in the Dominican Republic between 2012 and 2018. The viruses that cause these outbreaks are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are sensitive to seasonal climatological variability. We evaluate whether climate and the spatio-temporal dynamics of dengue outbreaks could explain patterns of emerging disease outbreaks. We find that emerging disease outbreaks were robust to the climatological and spatio-temporal constraints defining seasonal dengue outbreak dynamics, indicating that constant surveillance is required to prevent future health crises.

scholarly journals Using spoor and prey counts to determine temporal and spatial variation in lion (Panthera leo) density

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bauer ◽  
M. Schiess-Meier ◽  
D.R. Mills ◽  
M. Gusset
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Panthera Leo ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Variation ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Population Crash ◽  
Grazing Area ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

In many African countries, large carnivores such as lions (Panthera leo (L., 1758)) are under serious threat through conflict with people, declining prey abundance, and exposure to disease. Spoor and prey count surveys were used to determine temporal and spatial variation in lion density in Khutse Game Reserve (KGR), Botswana, and the adjacent communal grazing area. Estimated lion density in KGR for the period September 2008 – June 2010 was 41% lower than for the period June 2007 – August 2008 (1.02 vs. 1.72 lions/100 km2). Prior to this population crash in mid-2008, estimated lion density in the communal grazing area (1.21 lions/100 km2) was 30% lower than inside KGR. The relative abundance of the three most abundant, preferred prey species of lions occurring in KGR decreased from 2001 to 2008 by 50%–79%. Based on two prey biomass estimates, the lion population in KGR was below the potential carrying capacity of the habitat after the crash in mid-2008. These results suggest that there could be a human-caused population sink around KGR, which might be strong enough to threaten the long-term survival of lions in the area; particularly if this edge effect is intensified by prey depletion and disease outbreaks, which might have caused the sudden decline in the lion population.

scholarly journals Patient-Centred Coordinated Care in Times of Emerging Diseases and Epidemics

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (01) ◽  
pp. 207-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Cummings ◽  
J. W. Dexheimer ◽  
Y. Gong ◽  
S. Kennebeck ◽  
A. Kushniruk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Emerging Disease ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Health Information Technologies ◽  
Recent Outbreak ◽  
Centered Care

Summary Objectives: In this paper the researchers describe how existing health information technologies (HIT) can be repurposed and new technologies can be innovated to provide patient-centered care to individuals affected by new and emerging diseases. Methods: The researchers conducted a focused review of the published literature describing how HIT can be used to support safe, patient-centred, coordinated care to patients who are affected by Ebola (an emerging disease). Results: New and emerging diseases present opportunities for repurposing existing technologies and for stimulating the development of new HIT innovation. Innovative technologies may be developed such as new software used for tracking patients during new or emerging disease outbreaks or by repurposing and extending existing technologies so they can be used to support patients, families and health professionals who may have been exposed to a disease. The paper describes the development of new technologies and the repurposing and extension of existing ones (such as electronic health records) using the most recent outbreak of Ebola as an example.

scholarly journals Towards Integrated Management of Dengue in Mumbai

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2436
Author(s):  
Prasad N. Paradkar ◽  
Pallavi R. Sahasrabudhe ◽  
Mrunal Ghag Sawant ◽  
Sandeepan Mukherjee ◽  
Kim R. Blasdell
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Adult Mosquito ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Dengue Disease ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Dengue Outbreaks

With increasing urbanisation, the dengue disease burden is on the rise in India, especially in large cities such as Mumbai. Current dengue surveillance in Mumbai includes municipal corporation carrying out specific activities to reduce mosquito breeding sites and the use of insecticides to suppress the adult mosquito populations. Clinical cases remain either underreported or misreported due to the restriction to government clinics, missing the large private health care sector. There is a need for an integrated approach to manage dengue outbreaks in Mumbai. There are various novel strategies available for use that can be utilised to improve disease detection, mosquito surveillance, and control of mosquito-borne diseases. These novel technologies are discussed in this manuscript. Given the complex ecosystem of mosquito-borne diseases in Mumbai, integrating data obtained from these technologies would support the ongoing mosquito control measures in Mumbai.

scholarly journals Decentralised Wastewater Treatment and Recycling in Urban Villages

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Anda ◽  
R. M. S. R. Mohamed ◽  
K. Mathew ◽  
S. Dallas ◽  
G. E. Ho
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Wastewater Recycling ◽  
Tourist Village ◽  
Urban Villages

Decentralised wastewater recycling and irrigation systems have been established with industry partners in Perth urban villages. The project is now monitoring and evaluating these systems for performance and reliability to meet regulatory standards, effects on soil and vegetation, pathogen disinfection, nutrients prevented from infiltration to groundwater or infiltrated and recycled, maintenance issues of the systems and the effective amount of scheme and bore water saved in the long term. Three trial sites were established for the Premier's Water Foundation (PWF) (Bridgewater Lifestyle Village 389 household greywater recycling; Timbers Edge Resort Village 260 houses to common greywater recycling; Banksia Tourist Village 162 park homes to common wastewater treatment) The research team continues to conduct research on other promising sites (Somerville Ecovillage with 104 houses on dry composting toilets and greywater recycling and Tuart Lakes Lifestyle Village with 415 park homes to common wastewater treatment). This paper provides an overview of the results to date from five research topics: completed are a new regulatory framework, a technical elements model, and a new water balance and efficiency rating tool. For the fourth topic, trials found that mosquito control measures are effective. Fifthly, early monitoring results for a “zero emissions nutrients” (ZEN) model for urban land developments are promising with nutrient leaching within prescribed limits.

scholarly journals Climate drivers of plague epidemiology in British India, 1898–1949

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1928) ◽  
pp. 20200538
Author(s):  
Warren S. D. Tennant ◽  
Mike J. Tildesley ◽  
Simon E. F. Spencer ◽  
Matt J. Keeling
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Models ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
British India ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
The World ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis infection, continues to threaten low- and middle-income countries throughout the world. The complex interactions between rodents and fleas with their respective environments challenge our understanding of human plague epidemiology. Historical long-term datasets of reported plague cases offer a unique opportunity to elucidate the effects of climate on plague outbreaks in detail. Here, we analyse monthly plague deaths and climate data from 25 provinces in British India from 1898 to 1949 to generate insights into the influence of temperature, rainfall and humidity on the occurrence, severity and timing of plague outbreaks. We find that moderate relative humidity levels of between 60% and 80% were strongly associated with outbreaks. Using wavelet analysis, we determine that the nationwide spread of plague was driven by changes in humidity, where, on average, a one-month delay in the onset of rising humidity translated into a one-month delay in the timing of plague outbreaks. This work can inform modern spatio-temporal predictive models for the disease and aid in the development of early-warning strategies for the deployment of prophylactic treatments and other control measures.

scholarly journals Studies on the Occurrence of Viruses in Planting Material of Grapevines in Southwestern Germany

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Noemi Messmer ◽  
Patricia Bohnert ◽  
Stefan Schumacher ◽  
René Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Grapevine Fanleaf Virus ◽  
Arabis Mosaic Virus ◽  
Planting Material ◽  
General Decline ◽  
Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus ◽  
Propagation Material

Viral diseases in viticulture lead to annual losses in the quantity and quality of grape production. Since no direct control measures are available in practice, preventive measures are taken to keep the vines healthy. These include, for example, the testing of propagation material for viruses such as Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) or Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 (GLRaV-1) and 3 (GLRaV-3). As long-term investigations have shown, GLRaV-1 (2.1%) occurs most frequently in southwestern German wine-growing regions, whereas GLRaV-3 (<0.1%) is almost never found. However, tests conducted over 12 years indicate that there is no general decline in virus-infected planting material. Thus, it can be assumed that a spread of the viruses via corresponding vectors still takes place unhindered. Beyond the examinations regulated within the German Wine Growing Ordinance, one-time tests were carried out on Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV). This analysis showed that GPGV was found in 17.2% of the samples.

Economic conditions and perceptions of immigrants as an economic threat in Europe: Temporal dynamics and mediating processes

2021 ◽  
pp. 002071522199352
Author(s):  
Boris Heizmann ◽  
Nora Huth
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Economic Threat ◽  
Party Positions

This article addresses the extent to which economic downturns influence the perception of immigrants as an economic threat and through which channels this occurs. Our primary objective is an investigation of the specific mechanisms that connect economic conditions to the perception of immigrants as a threat. We therefore also contribute to theoretical discussions based on group threat and realistic group conflict theory by exposing the dominant source of competition relevant to these relationships. Furthermore, we investigate whether people react more sensitive to short-term economic dynamics within countries than to the long-term economic circumstances. Our database comprises all waves of the European Social Survey from 2002 to 2017. The macro-economic indicators we use include GDP per capita, unemployment, and national debt levels, covering the most salient economic dimensions. We furthermore control for the country’s migration situation and aggregate party positions toward cultural diversity. Our results show that the dynamic short-term developments of the economy and migration within countries are of greater relevance for perceived immigrant threat than the long-term situation. In contrast, the long-term political climate appears to be more important than short-term changes in the aggregate party positions. Further mediation analyses show that objective economic conditions influence anti-immigrant attitudes primarily through individual perceptions of the country’s economic performance and that unemployment rates are of primary importance.

scholarly journals Global soil moisture data derived through machine learning trained with in-situ measurements

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungmin O. ◽  
Rene Orth
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Soil Moisture Data ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Global Soil

AbstractWhile soil moisture information is essential for a wide range of hydrologic and climate applications, spatially-continuous soil moisture data is only available from satellite observations or model simulations. Here we present a global, long-term dataset of soil moisture derived through machine learning trained with in-situ measurements, SoMo.ml. We train a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to extrapolate daily soil moisture dynamics in space and in time, based on in-situ data collected from more than 1,000 stations across the globe. SoMo.ml provides multi-layer soil moisture data (0–10 cm, 10–30 cm, and 30–50 cm) at 0.25° spatial and daily temporal resolution over the period 2000–2019. The performance of the resulting dataset is evaluated through cross validation and inter-comparison with existing soil moisture datasets. SoMo.ml performs especially well in terms of temporal dynamics, making it particularly useful for applications requiring time-varying soil moisture, such as anomaly detection and memory analyses. SoMo.ml complements the existing suite of modelled and satellite-based datasets given its distinct derivation, to support large-scale hydrological, meteorological, and ecological analyses.

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