scholarly journals Digital epidemiology, deep phenotyping and the enduring fantasy of pathological omniscience

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 205395172110664
Author(s):  
Lukas Engelmann
Keyword(s):  
Science And Technology Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
Digital Phenotyping ◽  
Digital Epidemiology ◽  
Critical Revision ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Deep Phenotyping

Epidemiology is a field torn between practices of surveillance and methods of analysis. Since the onset of COVID-19, epidemiological expertise has been mostly identified with the first, as dashboards of case and mortality rates took centre stage. However, since its establishment as an academic field in the early 20th century, epidemiology’s methods have always impacted on how diseases are classified, how knowledge is collected, and what kind of knowledge was considered worth keeping and analysing. Recent advances in digital epidemiology, this article argues, are not just a quantitative expansion of epidemiology’s scope, but a qualitative extension of its analytical traditions. Digital epidemiology is enabled by deep and digital phenotyping, the large-scale re-purposing of any data scraped from the digital exhaust of human behaviour and social interaction. This technological innovation is in need of critical examination, as it poses a significant epistemic shift to the production of pathological knowledge. This article offers a critical revision of the key literature in this budding field to underline the extent to which digital epidemiology is envisioned to redefine the classification and understanding of disease from the ground up. Utilising analytical tools from science and technology studies, the article demonstrates the disruptive expectations built into this expansion of epidemiological surveillance. Given the sweeping claims and the radical visions articulated in the field, the article develops a tentative critique of what I call a fantasy of pathological omniscience; a vision of how data-driven engineering seeks to capture and resolve illness in the world, past, present and future.

A Bridge Too Far?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte P. Lee ◽  
Kjeld Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Science And Technology Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cooperative Work ◽  
Computer Supported Cooperative Work ◽  
Practical Action ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Infrastructures ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Critical Investigation

The study of computing infrastructures has grown significantly due to the rapid proliferation and ubiquity of large-scale IT-based installations. At the same time, recognition has also grown of the usefulness of such studies as a means for understanding computing infrastructures as material complements of practical action. Subsequently the concept of “infrastructure” (or “information infrastructures,” “cyberinfrastructures,” and “infrastructuring”) has gained increasing importance in the area of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) as well as in neighboring areas such as Information Systems research (IS) and Science and Technology Studies (STS). However, as such studies have unfolded, the very concept of “infrastructure” is being applied in different discourses, for different purposes, in myriad different senses. Consequently, the concept of “infrastructure” has become increasingly muddled and needs clarification. The chapter presents a critical investigation of the vicissitudes of the concept of “infrastructure” over the last 35 years.

scholarly journals Polygenic Scores for Cognitive Abilities and their Association with Different Aspects of General Intelligence – a Deep Phenotyping Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erhan Genç ◽  
Caroline Schlüter ◽  
Christoph Fraenz ◽  
Larissa Arning ◽  
Huu Phuc Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Polygenic Scores ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Dna Variants ◽  
Trait Prediction ◽  
Deep Phenotyping

AbstractIntelligence is a highly polygenic trait and GWAS have identified thousands of DNA variants contributing with small effects. Polygenic scores (PGS) can aggregate those effects for trait prediction in independent samples. As large-scale light-phenotyping GWAS operationalized intelligence as performance in rather superficial tests, the question arises which intelligence facets are actually captured. We used deep-phenotyping to investigate the molecular determinantes of individual differences in cognitive ability. We therefore studied the association between PGS of educational attainment (EA-PGS) and intelligence (IQ-PGS) with a wide range of intelligence facets in a sample of 320 healthy adults. EA-PGS and IQ-PGS had the highest incremental R2s for general (3.25%; 1.78%), verbal (2.55%; 2.39%) and numerical intelligence (2.79%; 1.54%) and the weakest for non-verbal intelligence (0.50%; 0.19%) and short-term memory (0.34%; 0.22%). These results indicate that PGS derived from light-phenotyping GWAS do not reflect different facets of intelligence equally well, and thus should not be interpreted as genetic indicators of intelligence per se. The findings refine our understanding of how PGS are related to other traits or life outcomes.

scholarly journals Testing Denmark: A Danish nationwide surveillance study of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamille Fogh ◽  
Jarl E Strange ◽  
Bibi FSS Scharff ◽  
Alexandra RR Eriksen ◽  
Rasmus B Hasselbalch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Surveillance Study ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Danish Population ◽  
Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Geographic Population ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background National data on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection and knowledge on associated risk factors are important for understanding the course of the pandemic. Testing Denmark is a national large-scale epidemiological surveillance study of SARS-CoV-2 in the Danish population. Methods Between September and October 2020, approximately 1.3 million of 5.8 million Danish citizens (age > 15 years) were randomly invited to fill in an electronic questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposures and symptoms. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was determined by Point-of Care rapid Test (POCT) distributed to participants home addresses. Findings In total 318,552 participants (24.5% invitees) completed the questionnaire and provided the result of the POCT. Of these, 2,519 (0.79%) were seropositive (median age 55 years) and women were more often seropositive than men, interquartile range (IQR) 42-64, 40.2% males. Of participants with a prior positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test (n=1,828), 29.1% were seropositive in the POCT. Seropositivity increased with age irrespective of sex. Elderly participants (>61 years) reported less symptoms and had less frequently been tested for SARS-CoV-2 compared to younger participants. Seropositivity was associated with physical contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals (Risk ratio (RR) 7.43, 95% CI: 6.57-8.41) and in particular household members (RR 17.70, 95% CI: 15.60-20.10). Home care workers had a higher risk of seropositivity (RR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.58-2.78) as compared to office workers. Geographic population density was not associated to seropositivity. A high degree of compliance with national preventive recommendations was reported (e.g., > 80% use of face masks), but no difference was found between seropositive and seronegative participants. Interpretation This study provides insight into the immunity of the Danish population seven to eight months after the first COVID-19 case in Denmark. The seroprevalence was lower than expected probably due to a low sensitivity of the POCT used or due to challenges relating to the reading of test results. Occupation or exposure in local communities were major routes of infection. As elderly participants were more often seropositive despite fewer symptoms and less PCR tests performed, more emphasis should be placed on testing this age group.

A Critical Examination of the Stock Velocity Survey

1984 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
pp. 231-239
Author(s):  
Wayne Osborn ◽  
D.J. MacConnell
Keyword(s):  
Recent Work ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Practical Problem ◽  
Large Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Radial Velocities ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Cluster Membership ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Observational Technique ◽  
Objective Prism

The possibility of determining stellar radial velocities for large numbers of stars from objective-prism plates was recognized soon after objective-prism spectroscopy became a common observational technique ; (Pickering, 1887). However, the initial investigations quickly revealed a serious practical problem: how does one determine the rest wavelength position in slitless spectra? This difficulty caused the objective-prism method of obtaining radial velocities to be neglected for many years. It was not until the second half of this century that the method saw a large-scale application. This was the work of Fehrenbach who developed a technique based on a specially designed zero-deviation prism, and successfully used it to isolate members of the Large Magellanic Cloud from foreground field stars (Fehrenbach 1947a, 1947b, 1948; Fehrenbach and Duflot 1970). The Fehrenbach technique has since been applied in a number of other studies; one can mention, as examples, recent work on spectroscopie binaries (Gieseking and Karimie 1982), on cluster membership (Gieseking 1980), and on velocity dispersions at intermediate galactic latitudes (Fehrenbach and Burnage 1982).

scholarly journals Whole-Genome Sequencing for Routine Pathogen Surveillance in Public Health: a Population Snapshot of InvasiveStaphylococcus aureusin Europe

mBio ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Aanensen ◽  
Edward J. Feil ◽  
Matthew T. G. Holden ◽  
Janina Dordel ◽  
Corin A. Yeats ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Bioinformatic Tools ◽  
Road Map

ABSTRACTThe implementation of routine whole-genome sequencing (WGS) promises to transform our ability to monitor the emergence and spread of bacterial pathogens. Here we combined WGS data from 308 invasiveStaphylococcus aureusisolates corresponding to a pan-European population snapshot, with epidemiological and resistance data. Geospatial visualization of the data is made possible by a generic software tool designed for public health purposes that is available at the project URL (http://www.microreact.org/project/EkUvg9uY?tt=rc). Our analysis demonstrates that high-risk clones can be identified on the basis of population level properties such as clonal relatedness, abundance, and spatial structuring and by inferring virulence and resistance properties on the basis of gene content. We also show thatin silicopredictions of antibiotic resistance profiles are at least as reliable as phenotypic testing. We argue that this work provides a comprehensive road map illustrating the three vital components for future molecular epidemiological surveillance: (i) large-scale structured surveys, (ii) WGS, and (iii) community-oriented database infrastructure and analysis tools.IMPORTANCEThe spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a public health emergency of global concern, threatening medical intervention at every level of health care delivery. Several recent studies have demonstrated the promise of routine whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial pathogens for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak detection, and infection control. However, as this technology becomes more widely adopted, the key challenges of generating representative national and international data sets and the development of bioinformatic tools to manage and interpret the data become increasingly pertinent. This study provides a road map for the integration of WGS data into routine pathogen surveillance. We emphasize the importance of large-scale routine surveys to provide the population context for more targeted or localized investigation and the development of open-access bioinformatic tools to provide the means to combine and compare independently generated data with publicly available data sets.

Conceptualisation and development of multimedia courseware in a tertiary educational context: juxtaposing approach, content and technology considerations

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUTH TRINDER
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Educational Context ◽  
Close Attention ◽  
Approach To Learning ◽  
Balanced Approach ◽  
Flexible Framework ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Large Scale Project

Developing multimedia courseware for successful integration into a wider system necessitates close attention to a multitude of factors. After a brief literature survey and a critical examination of some overly enthusiastic claims concerning the benefits of multimedia, this paper proposes a flexible framework for CALL development that takes the interrelations between approach, content, and technology-based variables into account. It contends that some of these variables are predetermined by the educational context, whereas others reflect the developers’ views of what constitutes an optimal language learning environment. The main part of the paper provides a detailed account of how these development factors shaped the design of multimedia materials for a large-scale project at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. It argues for a balanced approach to learner control that, while allowing learners to interact with the materials according to their needs and preferences, provides enough learner guidance for those who prefer a more structured approach to learning. Special attention is paid to the often problematical areas of learner style suitability, feedback, and transparency of structure and content.

The Political Economy of Privatisation

1992 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Rowthorn ◽  
Ha-Joon Chang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Private Enterprise ◽  
Public Enterprise ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Private Ownership ◽  
Political Issues ◽  
The Public ◽  
Economic Issues ◽  
The Will ◽  
The Government

This paper examines some of the main arguments relating to the effect of privatisation on efficiency. It is concerned with both narrow economic issues and wider political issues. After a critical examination of some theories, which assert that private ownership is intrinsically more efficient than public ownership, it is argued that for large scale enterprise there are no strong economic reasons for believing in the superiority of private enterprise. As long as the government in question has the will and the power to make a public enterprise function in a socially efficient fashion, the public enterprise may be just as efficient as private enterprise whilst offering additional economic and social advantages.

scholarly journals CRISPR-Cas Systems for Diagnosing Infectious Diseases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiya Kostyusheva ◽  
Sergey Brezgin ◽  
Yurii Babin ◽  
Irina Vasil'eva ◽  
Dmitry Kostyushev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Wide Range

Infectious diseases are a global health problem affecting billions of people. Developing rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools is key for successful patient management and curbing disease spread. Currently available diagnostics are very specific and sensitive but time-consuming and require expensive laboratory settings and well-trained personnel; thus, they are not available in resource-limited areas, for the purposes of large-scale screenings and in case of outbreaks and epidemics. Developing new, rapid, and affordable point-of-care diagnostic assays is urgently needed. This review focuses on CRISPR-based technologies and their perspectives to become platforms for point-of-care nucleic acid detection methods and as deployable diagnostic platforms that could help to identify and curb outbreaks and emerging epidemics. We describe the mechanisms and function of different classes and types of CRISPR-Cas systems, including pros and cons for developing molecular diagnostic tests and applications of each type to detect a wide range of infectious agents. Many Cas proteins (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, Cas14) have been leveraged to create highly accurate and sensitive diagnostic tools combined with technologies of signal amplification and fluorescent, potentiometric, colorimetric, or lateral flow assay detection. In particular, the most advanced platforms -- SHERLOCK/v2, DETECTR, or CRISPR-Chip -- enable detection of attomolar amounts of pathogenic nucleic acids with specificity comparable to that of PCR but with minimal technical settings. Further developing CRISPR-based diagnostic tools promises to dramatically transform molecular diagnostics, making them easily affordable and accessible virtually anywhere in the world. The burden of socially significant diseases, frequent outbreaks, recent epidemics (MERS, SARS and the ongoing coronoviral nCov-2019 infection) urgently need the developing of express-diagnostic tools. Recently devised CRISPR-technologies represent the unprecedented opportunity to reshape epidemiological surveillance and molecular diagnostics.

scholarly journals An outbreak of acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) among the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: Findings from enhanced epidemiological surveillance

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250505
Author(s):  
Md Khadimul Anam Mazhar ◽  
Flavio Finger ◽  
Egmond Samir Evers ◽  
Anna Kuehne ◽  
Melissa Ivey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay

In the summer of 2017, an estimated 745,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in what has been described as one of the largest and fastest growing refugee crises in the world. Among numerous health concerns, an outbreak of acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) was detected by the disease surveillance system in early 2018 among the refugee population. This paper describes the investigation into the increase in AJS cases, the process and results of the investigation, which were strongly suggestive of a large outbreak due to hepatitis A virus (HAV). An enhanced serological investigation was conducted between 28 February to 26 March 2018 to determine the etiologies and risk factors associated with the outbreak. A total of 275 samples were collected from 18 health facilities reporting AJS cases. Blood samples were collected from all patients fulfilling the study specific case definition and inclusion criteria, and tested for antibody responses using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of the 275 samples, 206 were positive for one of the agents tested. The laboratory results confirmed multiple etiologies including 154 (56%) samples tested positive for hepatitis A, 1 (0.4%) positive for hepatitis E, 36 (13%) positive for hepatitis B, 25 (9%) positive for hepatitis C, and 14 (5%) positive for leptospirosis. Among all specimens tested 24 (9%) showed evidence of co-infections with multiple etiologies. Hepatitis A and E are commonly found in refugee camps and have similar clinical presentations. In the absence of robust testing capacity when the epidemic was identified through syndromic reporting, a particular concern was that of a hepatitis E outbreak, for which immunity tends to be limited, and which may be particularly severe among pregnant women. This report highlights the challenges of identifying causative agents in such settings and the resources required to do so. Results from the month-long enhanced investigation did not point out widespread hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmission, but instead strongly suggested a large-scale hepatitis A outbreak of milder consequences, and highlighted a number of other concomitant causes of AJS (acute hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Leptospirosis), albeit most likely at sporadic level. Results strengthen the need for further water and sanitation interventions and are a stark reminder of the risk of other epidemics transmitted through similar routes in such settings, particularly dysentery and cholera. It also highlights the need to ensure clinical management capacity for potentially chronic conditions in this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Borderland Infrastructures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Rippa
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Border Studies ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
State Investment ◽  
State Subsidies ◽  
Economic Zones ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Transnational Trade

Across the Chinese borderlands, investments in large-scale transnational infrastructure such as roads and special economic zones have increased exponentially over the past two decades. Based on long-term ethnographic research, Borderland Infrastructures addresses a major contradiction at the heart of this fast-paced development: small-scale traders have lost their historic strategic advantages under the growth of massive Chinese state investment and are now struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Concurrently, local ethnic minorities have become the target of radical resettlement projects, securitization, and tourism initiatives, and have in many cases grown increasingly dependent on state subsidies. At the juncture of anthropological explorations of the state, border studies, and research on transnational trade and infrastructure development, Borderland Infrastructures provides new analytical tools to understand how state power is experienced, mediated, and enacted in Xinjiang and Yunnan. In the process, Rippa offers a rich and nuanced ethnography of life across China’s peripheries.

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