scholarly journals Anticipating the curve: can online symptom-based data reflect COVID-19 case activity in Ontario, Canada?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjuna S. Maharaj ◽  
Jennifer Parker ◽  
Jessica P. Hopkins ◽  
Effie Gournis ◽  
Isaac I. Bogoch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Syndromic Surveillance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Digital Surveillance ◽  
Percent Positivity ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACTBackgroundLimitations in laboratory diagnostic capacity and reporting delays have hampered efforts to mitigate and control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic globally. Syndromic surveillance of COVID-19 is an important public health tool that can help detect outbreaks, mobilize a rapid response, and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether syndromic surveillance through self-reported COVID-19 symptoms could be a timely proxy for laboratory-confirmed case trends in the Canadian province of Ontario.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed self-reported symptoms data collected using an online tool – Outbreaks Near Me (ONM) – from April 20th to Oct 11th, 2020 in Ontario, Canada. We estimated the correlation coefficient between the weekly proportion of respondents reporting a COVID-like illness (CLI) to both the weekly number of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases and the percent positivity in the same period for the same week and with a one-week lag.ResultsThere were 314,686 responses from 188,783 unique respondents to the ONM symptom survey. Respondents were more likely to be female and be in the 40-59 age demographic compared to the Ontario general population. There was a strong positive correlation between the weekly number of reported cases in Ontario and the percent of respondents reporting CLI each week (r = 0.89, p <0.01) and with a one-week lag (r = 0.89, p <0.01).InterpretationWe demonstrate a strong positive and significant correlation (r = 0.89, p <0.01) between percent of self-reported COVID-like illness and the subsequent week’s COVID-19 cases reported, highlighting that a rise in CLI may precede official statistics by at least 1 week. This demonstrates the utility of syndromic surveillance in predicting near-future disease activity. Digital surveillance systems are low-cost tools that may help measure the burden of COVID-19 in a community if there is under-detection of cases through conventional laboratory diagnostic testing. This additional information can be used to guide a healthcare response and policy decisions.

scholarly journals Comparison of longitudinal trends in self-reported symptoms and COVID-19 case activity in Ontario, Canada

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262447
Author(s):  
Arjuna S. Maharaj ◽  
Jennifer Parker ◽  
Jessica P. Hopkins ◽  
Effie Gournis ◽  
Isaac I. Bogoch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Population Surveillance ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Digital Surveillance ◽  
Longitudinal Comparison ◽  
Participatory Surveillance ◽  
Positive Correlations

Background Limitations in laboratory diagnostic capacity impact population surveillance of COVID-19. It is currently unknown whether participatory surveillance tools for COVID-19 correspond to government-reported case trends longitudinally and if it can be used as an adjunct to laboratory testing. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether self-reported COVID-19-like illness reflected laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case trends in Ontario Canada. Methods We retrospectively analyzed longitudinal self-reported symptoms data collected using an online tool–Outbreaks Near Me (ONM)–from April 20th, 2020, to March 7th, 2021 in Ontario, Canada. We measured the correlation between COVID-like illness among respondents and the weekly number of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases and provincial test positivity. We explored contemporaneous changes in other respiratory viruses, as well as the demographic characteristics of respondents to provide context for our findings. Results Between 3,849–11,185 individuals responded to the symptom survey each week. No correlations were seen been self-reported CLI and either cases or test positivity. Strong positive correlations were seen between CLI and both cases and test positivity before a previously documented rise in rhinovirus/enterovirus in fall 2020. Compared to participatory surveillance respondents, a higher proportion of COVID-19 cases in Ontario consistently came from low-income, racialized and immigrant areas of the province- these groups were less well represented among survey respondents. Interpretation Although digital surveillance systems are low-cost tools that have been useful to signal the onset of viral outbreaks, in this longitudinal comparison of self-reported COVID-like illness to Ontario COVID-19 case data we did not find this to be the case. Seasonal respiratory virus transmission and population coverage may explain this discrepancy.

Identificación de polaridad de los devanados en un motor trifásico de 6 terminales

2019 ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
José Luis Viramontes-Reyna ◽  
Josafat Moreno-Silva ◽  
José Guadalupe Montelongo-Sierra ◽  
Erasmo Velazquez-Leyva
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Voltage Reference ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Voltage Phase ◽  
The Law ◽  
And Control

This document presents the results obtained from the application of the law of Lens to correctly identify the polarity of the windings in a three-phase motor with 6 exposed terminals, when the corresponding labeling is not in any situation; Prior to identifying the polarity, it should be considered to have the pairs of the three windings located. For the polarity, it is proposed to feed with a voltage of 12 Vrms to one of the windings, which are identified randomly as W1 and W2, where W1 is connected to the voltage phase of 12 Vrms of the signal and W2 to the voltage reference to 0V; by means of voltage induction and considering the law of Lens, the remaining 4 terminals can be identified and labeled as V1, V2, U1 and U2. For this process a microcontroller and control elements with low cost are used.

Restoring and Controlling the Water Pollution of Endangered River in Bangladesh: A Case Study in Pabna City

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-81
Author(s):  
Abu Sadath ◽  
Farhana Afroz ◽  
Hosne Ara ◽  
Abdulla-Al Kafy
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Local Community ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Conservation Plan ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Riverfront Development

Rivers are the lifeline of Bangladesh economy and serve as the source of water supply, fisheries, irrigation for agriculture, low-cost transport, generate electricity and conserve biodiversity. The Ichamati River situated in Pabna, Bangladesh is also a blessing for the city. However, recently, due to the irregular and unplanned activities adjacent to the riverside, the life, flow and water quality of the river is in a vulnerable condition. This study aims to identify the present status of the Ichamati River and provide an effective design approach and policy measures in restoring the river flow and control water pollution. The data was collected from the questioner surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Results suggest that several factors such as the construction of an illegal settlement, unplanned waste dumping, disposal of fiscal sludge through sewerage connection, lack of awareness among people regarding the importance of river biodiversity and absence of riverfront development and conservation plan are responsible for water pollution, inconsistent water flow and damaging the life cycle of Ichamati river. The design approach and policy measures were developed based on the perceptions of local community people, experts and government officials. The suggested policy measures will help to restore the flow of the river and reduce the water pollution, and the design approach will ensure the economic benefit of the riverfront development in future.

scholarly journals Information and information resources in COVID-19: Awareness, control, and prevention

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062110165
Author(s):  
Mohammadhiwa Abdekhoda ◽  
Fatemeh Ranjbaran ◽  
Asghar Sattari
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
And Gender ◽  
And Control

This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the role of information and information resources in the awareness, control, and prevention of COVID-19. This study was a descriptive-analytical survey in which 450 participants were selected for the study. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data through SPSS. The findings show that a wide range of mass media has become well known as information resources for COVID-19. Other findings indicate a significant statistical difference in the rate of using information resources during COVID-19 based on age and gender; however, this difference is not significant regarding the reliability of information resources with regard to age and gender. Health information has an undisputable role in the prevention and control of pandemic diseases such as COVID-19. Providing accurate, reliable, and evidence-based information in a timely manner for the use of resources and information channels related to COVID-19 can be a fast and low-cost strategic approach in confronting this disease.

scholarly journals 114. Implementation of an Empiric Organism Specific Guidelines for Gram-negative Bacteremia in conjunction with Rapid Diagnostic Testing

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S71-S71
Author(s):  
Fidelia Bernice ◽  
Edina Avdic ◽  
Kathryn Dzintars ◽  
Aliyah Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Status ◽  
Compliance Rate ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Common Reason ◽  
Empiric Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Gram Negative

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to confirm the validity of institution specific treatment recommendations targeting organisms identified by GenMark Dx® ePlex® blood cultures identification (BCID) Gram-negative panel prior to susceptibility results. Methods We developed and implemented institution specific guidelines for empiric antibiotic therapy for Gram-negative organisms targeted by GenMark Dx® ePlex® BCID. We utilized blood culture antibiograms, existing evidence for the most optimal agent for each pathogen, probable resistance mechanisms and patient clinical status to create these guidelines. From December 16, 2019 through May 31, 2020, infectious diseases pharmacists reviewed all positive blood cultures; assessed compliance with guidelines and intervened as needed. The primary objective was to determine how frequently guideline recommend agents would be ineffective against targeted pathogens based on susceptibilities. Secondary objectives were compliance with guidelines and frequency of therapy escalation or de-escalation. Results GenMark® testing was completed on 222 cultures positive for Gram-negative rods with target organisms identification in 195 (88%) blood cultures. Two hundred and five organisms were identified; most commonly E. coli (40%) and K. pneumoniae (21%).Resistance markers were detected in 30 aerobic blood cultures; 28 CTX-M, and 2 KPC. Our institutional guideline provided appropriate empiric coverage in 93% of bacteremia episodes. The most common reason for ineffective therapy was the presence of resistance mechanisms not detected by GenMark® test (e.g. non-CTX-M extended spectrum beta-lactamases). The compliance rate with the guidelines was 55%; the most common reason for non-compliance was the use of an anti-pseudmonal beta-lactams in neutropenic patients.. The system failed to identify panel organisms in only 5 (2%) of blood cultures. Conclusion The institution-specific guidelines providing empiric coverage for each organism identified by rapid diagnostic tests can aid antimicrobial stewardship efforts to de-escalate therapy while still providing effective coverage in &gt;90% of cases. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Designing of an Advanced Compression Bioreactor with an Implementation of a Low-Cost Controlling System Connected to a Mobile Application

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 915
Author(s):  
Gözde Dursun ◽  
Muhammad Umer ◽  
Bernd Markert ◽  
Marcus Stoffel
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Information ◽  
Raspberry Pi ◽  
Tissue Constructs ◽  
Cost Controlling ◽  
Controlling System ◽  
And Control ◽  
Tissue Models

(1) Background: Bioreactors mimic the natural environment of cells and tissues by providing a controlled micro-environment. However, their design is often expensive and complex. Herein, we have introduced the development of a low-cost compression bioreactor which enables the application of different mechanical stimulation regimes to in vitro tissue models and provides the information of applied stress and strain in real-time. (2) Methods: The compression bioreactor is designed using a mini-computer called Raspberry Pi, which is programmed to apply compressive deformation at various strains and frequencies, as well as to measure the force applied to the tissue constructs. Besides this, we have developed a mobile application connected to the bioreactor software to monitor, command, and control experiments via mobile devices. (3) Results: Cell viability results indicate that the newly designed compression bioreactor supports cell cultivation in a sterile environment without any contamination. The developed bioreactor software plots the experimental data of dynamic mechanical loading in a long-term manner, as well as stores them for further data processing. Following in vitro uniaxial compression conditioning of 3D in vitro cartilage models, chondrocyte cell migration was altered positively compared to static cultures. (4) Conclusion: The developed compression bioreactor can support the in vitro tissue model cultivation and monitor the experimental information with a low-cost controlling system and via mobile application. The highly customizable mold inside the cultivation chamber is a significant approach to solve the limited customization capability of the traditional bioreactors. Most importantly, the compression bioreactor prevents operator- and system-dependent variability between experiments by enabling a dynamic culture in a large volume for multiple numbers of in vitro tissue constructs.

scholarly journals A Conceptual Model of Measurement Uncertainty in IoT Sensor Networks

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1827
Author(s):  
Piotr Cofta ◽  
Kostas Karatzas ◽  
Cezary Orłowski
Keyword(s):  
Sensor Networks ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Fitness For Purpose ◽  
Industrial Practice ◽  
Control Networks ◽  
And Control ◽  
Measurement And Control

The growing popularity of inexpensive IoT (Internet of Things) sensor networks makes their uncertainty an important aspect of their adoption. The uncertainty determines their fitness for purpose, their perceived quality and the usefulness of information they provide. Nevertheless, neither the theory nor the industrial practice of uncertainty offer a coherent answer on how to address uncertainty of networks of this type and their components. The primary objective of this paper is to facilitate the discussion of what progress should be made regarding the theory and the practice of uncertainty of IoT sensor networks to satisfy current needs. This paper provides a structured overview of uncertainty, specifically focusing on IoT sensor networks. It positions IoT sensor networks as contrasted with professional measurement and control networks and presents their conceptual sociotechnical reference model. The reference model advises on the taxonomy of uncertainty proposed in this paper that demonstrates semantic differences between various views on uncertainty. This model also allows for identifying key challenges that should be addressed to improve the theory and practice of uncertainty in IoT sensor networks.

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