scholarly journals Breakdown of a Nonlinear Stochastic Nipah Virus Epidemic Models through Efficient Numerical Methods

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1588
Author(s):  
 Ali Raza ◽  
Jan Awrejcewicz ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Muhammad Mohsin

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans), which can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, the transmission of Nipah virus infection varies from animals to humans or humans to humans. The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%. The most infected regions include Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand. The Nipah virus model is categorized into four parts: susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I), and recovered (R). Methods: The structural properties such as dynamical consistency, positivity, and boundedness are the considerable requirements of models in these fields. However, existing numerical methods like Euler–Maruyama and Stochastic Runge–Kutta fail to explain the main features of the biological problems. Results: The proposed stochastic non-standard finite difference (NSFD) employs standard and non-standard approaches in the numerical solution of the model, with positivity and boundedness as the characteristic determinants for efficiency and low-cost approximations. While the results from the existing standard stochastic methods converge conditionally or diverge in the long run, the solution by the stochastic NSFD method is stable and convergent over all time steps. Conclusions: The stochastic NSFD is an efficient, cost-effective method that accommodates all the desired feasible properties.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Dr. Khaliq Ahmad Mohammad

In February 2009, Tony Fernandez, the founder of AirAsia was not bothered by the company’s mass order of 175 new aircraft for its AirAsia-X long-haul services. He could not resist the concern over the aircraft deferment to Thailand and Indonesia in 2011 because of the relocation of the low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang before AirAsia was forced to move to KLIA2. Such a situation would surely increase its operating costs exponentially. He also knew he was facing an economic downturn and the high competition, particularly for his AirAsia-X business. Major rivals of AirAsia-X in the region were Singapore Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific Air of the Philippines and a global competitor was EasyJet in Europe had just launched aggressive campaigns and promotions which would affect its long-haul business. He was certain that the company would achieve his dream to spread its wings all over the world. However, he realized that the company’s operating costs and competition with other airliners that joined the club of no-frills airlines based on a national and international level presently had escalated. He knew he had to act now. If you were Tony Fernandez, what would you do in this scenario was a question that needs an answer? This is an issue of strategic choice of divesting or integration as the strategic options are limited in the short as well as long run. The AirAsia case study has the main objective of sharing impact of the covid-19 pandemic devastating impact on the airliners. It is a significant study in terms of impact on economy, tourism and hospitality industry in general and Malaysia in particular.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 120-120
Author(s):  
John Wong ◽  
Stephanie Anne Co ◽  
Joy Bagas ◽  
Ma. Sophia Graciela Reyes ◽  
Hadrian Lim ◽  
...  

Introduction:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines. In 2014, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) created a CRC treatment package. The study aimed to determine the cost-utility and budget impact of CRC screening strategies.Methods:A discrete-event microsimulation model was used to simulate four screening modalities: (i) guaiac-fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) followed by colonoscopy every 10 years; (ii) fecal immunochemical test (FIT) followed by colonoscopy every 10 years; (iii) FIT followed by flexible sigmoidoscopy; and (iv) colonoscopy screening every 10 years. These interventions were all compared to no screening. Parameter values were taken from a rapid review of the medical literature and primary data collection from a nationally representative sample of tertiary hospitals.Results:All screening modalities were very cost effective considering that the incremental cost-effective ratios (ICERs) were lower than the gross domestic product per capita threshold suggested by the World Health Organization. Sensitivity analysis showed that the ICERs of all screening modalities evaluated remained below this threshold. The strategy of using FIT followed by colonoscopy every 10 years had an ICER of USD 6,025, with an annual budget impact of USD 6.5 million, assuming low compliance. With moderate compliance this could increase to USD 18.7 million annually.Conclusions:PhilHealth may introduce a benefit package for outpatient screening of colorectal cancer using the screening modality of annual FIT followed by colonoscopy every 10 years.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Peter T. Habib

Introduction: The infections with the Nipah virus (NiV) are highly infectious and may lead to severe febrile encephalitis. High mortality rates in southeastern Asia, including Bengal, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Thailand, and India, have been reported in NiV outbreaks. Considering the high risk of an epidemic, NiV was declared a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization. However, for the treatment of this infection, there is no effective therapy or approved FDA medicines. RNA-dependent polymerase RNA (RdRp) plays an important role in viral replication among the nine well-known proteins of NiV.Material and Methods: Fourteen antiviral molecules have been computerized for NiV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and demonstrated a potential inhibition effect against coronavirus (NiV-RdRp). A multi-step molecular docking process, followed by extensive analyzes of molecular binding interactions, binding energy estimates, synthetic accessibility assessments, and toxicity tests.Results: Molecular docking analysis reveals that Uprifosbuvir is the most suitable inhibitor for RdRp of Nipah Virus regarding the binding affinity and binding in the target cavity. Although, such studies need clinical confirmation.Conclusion: The role of anti-viral molecules as a ligand against RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is critical important in the current era. Computational tools such as molecular docking has proven its power in the analysis of molecules interaction. Our analysis reveals the Uprifosbuvir might be a candidate RdRp inhibitor. This study should further investigate the properties of the already identified anti-viral molecules followed by a pharmacological investigation of these in-silico findings in suitable models.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter T. Habib

Abstract The infections with the Nipah virus (NiV) are highly infectious and may lead to severe febrile encephalitis. High rates of mortality in southeastern Asia including Bengal, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Thailand, and India have been reported in NiV outbreaks. Considering the high risk of an epidemic, NiV was declared a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, for the treatment of this infection, there is no effective therapy or approved FDA medicines. RNA-dependent polymerase RNA (RdRp) plays an important role in viral replication among the nine well-known proteins of NiV. Therefore, fourteen antiviral molecules have been computerized for NiV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and demonstrated a potential inhibition effect against coronavirus (NiV-RdRp). A multi-step molecular docking process, followed by extensive analyzes of molecular binding interactions, binding energy estimates, synthetic accessibility assessments, and toxicity tests. Analysis reveals that Uprifosbuvir is the most suitable inhibitor for RdRp of Nipah Virus regarding the binding affinity and binding in the target cavity. Although, such studies need clinical confirmation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamaica Roanne Briones ◽  
Pattarawalai Talungchit ◽  
Montarat Thavorncharoensap ◽  
Usa Chaikledkaew

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends oxytocin as the drug of choice for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) prevention. However, the WHO has also recently considered carbetocin for PPH prevention, but only if carbetocin were a cost-effective choice in the country. Consequently, we determined the cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact of carbetocin against oxytocin in the Philippines. Methods A cost-utility analysis using a decision tree was done to compare the costs and outcomes of carbetocin with oxytocin for PPH prophylaxis among women undergoing either vaginal delivery (VD) or cesarean section (CS) in a six-week time horizon using a societal perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were applied to investigate parameter uncertainties. Additionally, budget impact analysis was conducted using a governmental perspective. Results were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) using a 2895 United States dollar (USD) per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained as the ceiling threshold in the Philippines. Results Carbetocin was not cost-effective given the listed price of carbetocin at 18 USD. Given a societal perspective, the ICER values of 13,187 USD and over 40,000 USD per QALY gained were derived for CS and VD, respectively. Moreover, the ICER values were sensitive to the risk ratio of carbetocin versus oxytocin and carbetocin price. On budget impact, the five-year total budget impact of a drug mix of carbetocin and oxytocin was 25.54 million USD (4.23 million USD for CS and 21.31 million USD for VD) compared with ‘only oxytocin’ scenario. Conclusion Carbetocin is not a cost-effective choice in PPH prevention for both modes of delivery in the Philippines, unless price reduction is made. Our findings can be used for evidence-informed policies to guide coverage decisions on carbetocin not only in the Philippines but also in other low and middle-income countries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 142-143
Author(s):  
Nel Jason Haw ◽  
John Wong ◽  
Abigail Lim ◽  
Stephanie Anne Co

Introduction:In 2016, Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data was used to identify the top twenty percent of disease causes in the Philippines, which happened to account for eighty percent of the burden, following the Pareto principle. This study follows from that initial work, aimed at creating a list of cost-effective interventions recommended for priority-setting to achieve universal health coverage (UHC).Methods:A comprehensive literature review search was done, from global sources such as the Disease Control Priorities (DCP) for Developing Countries Project and World Health Organization's (WHO) Choosing Interventions that are Cost-Effective (CHOICE), and local sources such as clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Forty-seven local experts from thirty-eight medical societies were also consulted on the applicability, appropriateness, adaptability, feasibility of implementation, ability to maintain fidelity, ease of dissemination, and sustainability of selected interventions in the Philippine setting. Resource requirements were then derived using the WHO OneHealth Tool, CPGs, and key informant interviews.Results:A list of 745 interventions categorized by life stages and by level of intervention with estimates of cost-effectiveness was produced. From these, fifty seven percent had cost-effectiveness studies. Primary interventions were found to be the least costly for the pregnant women, newborn, infant, adolescents, adults, and elderly life stages, while tertiary interventions were found to be the least costly for children.Conclusions:The interventions are potential targets for inclusion by policymakers. Additional factors to consider include the appropriateness of the context in which the cost-effectiveness study was conducted, the feasibility of conducting primary HTA locally, the local costs of the intervention, and the need to act quickly before the policy window closes.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 445
Author(s):  
Arnab Das ◽  
Adittya Barua ◽  
Md. Ajwad Mohimin ◽  
Jainal Abedin ◽  
Mayeen Uddin Khandaker ◽  
...  

Background: The use of a touchless automated hand sanitizer dispenser may play a key role to reduce contagious diseases. The key problem of the conventional ultrasonic and infra-red-based dispensers is their malfunctioning due to the interference of sunlight, vehicle sound, etc. when deployed in busy public places. To overcome such limitations, this study introduced a laser-based sensing device to dispense sanitizer in an automated touchless process. Method: The dispensing system is based on an Arduino circuit breadboard where an ATmega328p microcontroller was pre-installed. To sense the proximity, a light-dependent resistor (LDR) is used where the laser light is to be blocked after the placement of human hands, hence produced a sharp decrease in the LDR sensor value. Once the LDR sensor value exceeds the lower threshold, the pump is actuated by the microcontroller, and the sanitizer dispenses through the nozzle. Results and discussion: A novel design and subsequent fabrication of a low-cost, touchless, automated sanitizer dispenser to be used in public places, was demonstrated. The overall performance of the manufactured device was analyzed based on the cost and power consumption, and environmental factors by deploying it in busy public places as well as in indoor environment in major cities in Bangladesh, and found to be more efficient and cost-effective compared to other dispensers available in the market. A comprehensive discussion on this unique design compared to the conventional ultrasonic and infra-red based dispensers, is presented to show its suitability over the commercial ones. The guidelines of the World Health Organization are followed for the preparation of sanitizer liquid. A clear demonstration of the circuitry connections is presented herein, which facilitates the interested individual to manufacture a cost-effective dispenser device in a relatively short time and use it accordingly. Conclusion: This study reveals that the LDR-based automated hand sanitizer dispenser system is a novel concept, and it is cost-effective compared to the conventional ones. The presented device is expected to play a key role in contactless hand disinfection in public places, and reduce the spread of infectious diseases in society.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
George R Puno ◽  
Rena Christina C Puno ◽  
Ida V Maghuyop

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine COVID-19 preliminary case fatality rates (CFR) across Southeast Asian (SEA) countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study accessed the data on COVID-19 accumulated cases of fatalities and infections across SEA countries from the World Health Organization (WHO) website, covering the early days of March to May 21, 2020. The approach involved the computation of the CFR using the simple linear regression model. The slope of the regression line was the estimate of the CFR at a 95% confidence interval. The study also reviewed the different approaches of the SEA countries in dealing with the pandemic.FindingsAs of May 21, 2020, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines were the top three SEA countries with the highest record of COVID-19 infections. Brunei had one fatality, while Cambodia, Laos, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam had nil fatalities. Indonesia and the Philippines had the highest CFR with 6.66 and 6.59%, with R2 of 97.95 and 99.43%, respectively. Singapore had the lowest CFR (0.068%) despite high infections.Originality/valueIncreased CFR in Indonesia and the Philippines suggests that COVID-19 in the two countries is rising at an alarming rate. Strict implementation of shared management approaches to control the pandemic is seen to be closely associated with the decrease of CFR.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter T. Habib

Abstract The infections with the Nipah virus (NiV) are highly infectious and may lead to severe febrile encephalitis. High rates of mortality in southeastern Asia including Bengal, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Thailand, and India have been reported in NiV outbreaks. Considering the high risk of an epidemic, NiV was declared a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, for the treatment of this infection, there is no effective therapy or approved FDA medicines. RNA-dependent polymerase RNA (RdRp) plays an important role in viral replication among the nine well-known proteins of NiV. Therefore, fourteen antiviral molecules have been computerized for NiV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and demonstrated a potential inhibition effect against coronavirus (NiV-RdRp). A multi-step molecular docking process, followed by extensive analyzes of molecular binding interactions, binding energy estimates, synthetic accessibility assessments, and toxicity tests. Analysis reveals that Uprifosbuvir is the most suitable inhibitor for RdRp of Nipah Virus regarding the binding affinity and binding in the target cavity. Although, such studies need clinical confirmation.


Author(s):  
Tanwi Singh ◽  
Anshuman Sinha

The major risk associated with low platelet count in pregnancy is the increased risk of bleeding during the childbirth or post that. There is an increased blood supply to the uterus during pregnancy and the surgical procedure requires cutting of major blood vessels. Women with thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of losing excessive blood. The risk is more in case of caesarean delivery as compared to vaginal delivery. Hence based on above findings the present study was planned for Assessment of the Platelet Count in the Pregnant Women in IGIMS, Patna, Bihar. The present study was planned in Department of Pathology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India. The present study was planned from duration of January 2019 to June 2019. In the present study 200 pregnant females samples received for the platelet estimation were enrolled in the present study. Clinically platelet indices can be a useful screening test for early identification of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Also platelet indices can assess the prognosis of this disease in pregnant women and can be used as an effective prognostic marker because it correlates with severity of the disease. Platelet count is a simple, low cost, and rapid routine screening test. Hence the data generated from the present study concludes that platelet count can be used as a simple and cost effective tool to monitor the progression of preeclampsia, thereby preventing complications to develop during the gestational period. Keywords: Platelet Count, Pregnant Women, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, etc.


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