Graph, Spectra, Control and Epidemics: An Example with a SEIR Model

Networks and graphs offer a suitable and powerful framework for studying the spread of infection in human and animal populations. In the case of a heterogeneous population, the social contact network has a pivotal role in the analysis of directly transmitted infectious diseases. The literature presents several works where network-based models encompass realistic features (such as contacts networks or host–pathogen biological data), but analytical results are nonetheless scarce. As a significant example, in this paper, we develop a multi-group version of the epidemiological SEIR population-based model. Each group can represent a social subpopulation with the same habits or a group of geographically localized people. We consider also heterogeneity in the weighting of contacts between two groups. As a simple application, we propose a simple control algorithm in which we optimize the connection weights in order to minimize the combination between an economic cost and a social cost. Some numerical simulations are also provided.

Local Central Limit Theorem for Multi-group Curie–Weiss Models

We study a multi-group version of the mean-field Ising model, also called Curie–Weiss model. It is known that, in the high-temperature regime of this model, a central limit theorem holds for the vector of suitably scaled group magnetisations, that is, for the sum of spins belonging to each group. In this article, we prove a local central limit theorem for the group magnetisations in the high-temperature regime.

Depression: Zwischenmenschliche Probleme beeinflussen Therapieerfolg

Probst T et al. Patients’ interpersonal problems as moderators of depression outcomes in a randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and a group version of the cognitive-behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy in chronic depression. J Clin Psychol 2020. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22931 Probleme in zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen gelten bei Patienten mit chronischer depressiver Störung als Einflussfaktoren auf Symptomatik und Therapieerfolg. Ob Art und Ausprägung bestimmter Interaktionsprobleme die Behandlungsergebnisse von 2 Formen der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie als Moderatorvariablen beeinflussen, haben Probst und seine Kollegen im Rahmen ihrer Sekundäranalyse einer Therapievergleichsstudie genauer untersucht.

Support, Health, Activities, Resources, & Education (SHARE): New Program Innovations for Early-Stage Families

Persons living with a recent diagnosis of dementia experience great uncertainty and stress as they and their families try to adjust to the new reality of their lives and futures. One fruitful strategy for intervening with these families is to include both the person living with dementia and their family care partner in the program. Although dyadic approaches are rare among early-stage programs, promising examples exist. The SHARE Program (Support, Health, Activities, Resources, and Education) is one exception where dyadic materials address: 1) current and long- term needs of care partners, and 2) how the family can develop a realistic plan of care based on their care values and preferences. This symposium describes the development and positive outcomes of the original SHARE intervention and the promising adaptations that expand how and to whom the intervention is delivered. Presentations explore: 1) the original SHARE for Dementia program and strategies for expanding its reach into chronic conditions populations (Orsulic-Jeras & Whitlatch), 2) a group version translated into Spanish (“EPIC: Early-stage Partners in Care,” Dr. Coon), and 3) the development of a remote needs assessment and unobtrusive in-home monitoring technology platform that guides care planning and helps to maintain independence (“SHARE-sense,” Dr. Miller). Discussion will focus on the challenges, unique solutions, and positive outcomes when adapting SHARE to different settings and populations (Dr. Zarit).

Feasibility of a Group Version of the Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise Program

In a randomised noninferiority trial, it is investigated whether a group version of the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program (gLiFE) is non-inferior to the individually delivered LiFE in terms of feasibility and effectiveness. While effectiveness evaluation is ongoing, feasibility results are already available. Participants (>70 years; confirmed fall risk) were randomized in either LiFE or gLiFE and participated in the same strength and balance exercises, however, based on different approaches of delivery. LiFE participants received seven home visits; gLiFE was delivered in seven group sessions. Feasibility was defined as willingness to participate, adherence to group/home visits, and drop-outs. Predictors for intention to participate were calculated using regression. N=310 participants were randomized to LiFE (n=156) or gLiFE (n=154). n=51 (16%) of the participants dropped out after baseline. Attendance analyses showed that when excluding drop-outs, 100% (iLiFE) and 88% (gLiFE) took part in at least 5 of the 7 meetings. Self-efficacy and outcome expectancies, but not risk perception, were predictors of the intention to participate (F(3,193)=24.84, p<.001). In this first study comparing a group-based LiFE format with the original LiFE, feasibility of both formats was shown in terms of high attendance and less drop-outs than expected in this target group. Compared to other studies involving group based training, compliance to intervention (defined as having absolved at least 5 sessions) was high in both formats. Lower attendance in gLiFE can be explained by inflexible scheduling as compared to making individual home visit appointments. Whether lower gLiFE adherence translates into lower effectiveness is currently analysed.

PROSPECTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CARRYING OUT THE ONCOLOGICAL COMPONENT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF THE POPULATION

Diagnosis of malignant tumors is an urgent problem of the modern world. Early diagnosis depends on General practitioners. The doctor should conduct a systematic examination of the patient regularly, taking into account the risk groups, gender and age. With mass screening, signs of dysplasia or an early focus, developing cancer can «slip away» [1]. Optimization of analysis and examination algorithms is required, which is not always possible for one person. Positive application of the digital program with elements of imaging in Oncology, we were able to create such a class of tasks for the preliminary subjective-objective survey of patients in three versions: with a widescreen screen and consoles for patients (group version up to 15 or more patients), interactive (touch) and tablet. The results of the survey are sent through the accepted channels to the doctor with recommendations for further examination, and the patient is given a coupon. The pilot program showed that the system of such robotic technologies in the future can replace the oncologist in its development to artificial intelligence at the stage of the primary link.