scholarly journals Pool Testing for COVID-19: Suitable Splitting Procedure and Pool Size for India

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Balram Rai ◽  
Anandi Shukla ◽  
Geetika Choudhary ◽  
Abhishek Singh
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Infected Individual ◽  
Pool Size ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Testing Strategy ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Normal Procedure ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Pooled Sample

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic for public health due to large scale outbreak, therefore there is an urgent need to detect the infected cases quickly and isolate them in order to suppress the further spread of the disease. This study tries to identify a suitable pool testing method and algorithm for COVID-19. Methods: This study tries to derive a general equation for the number of tests required for a pooled sample to detect every infected individual in the specific pool. The gain in pool testing over normal procedure is quantified by the percentage of tests required compared to individual testing. Results: The percentage of tests required by the pool testing strategy varies according to the different splitting procedures, the size of the pooled sample, and the probability of an individual being infected in the population. If the probability of infection is 0.05, then for a pool size of 32, only 14 tests, are sufficient to detect every infected individual. Discussion: The number of tests required to detect infected individuals by the pooling method is much lower than individual testing. This may help us in increasing our testing capacity for COVID-19 by testing a large number of individuals in less time with limited resources.

scholarly journals Group testing as a strategy for COVID-19 epidemiological monitoring and community surveillance

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. e1008726
Author(s):  
Vincent Brault ◽  
Bastien Mallein ◽  
Jean-François Rupprecht
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Statistical Model ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Infected Individual ◽  
Group Testing ◽  
Epidemic Outbreak ◽  
False Negatives ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Epidemiological Monitoring ◽  
Sample Pooling

We propose an analysis and applications of sample pooling to the epidemiologic monitoring of COVID-19. We first introduce a model of the RT-qPCR process used to test for the presence of virus in a sample and construct a statistical model for the viral load in a typical infected individual inspired by large-scale clinical datasets. We present an application of group testing for the prevention of epidemic outbreak in closed connected communities. We then propose a method for the measure of the prevalence in a population taking into account the increased number of false negatives associated with the group testing method.

scholarly journals Rapid, large-scale, and effective detection of COVID-19 via non-adaptive testing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Täufer
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Adaptive Testing ◽  
Testing Strategy ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Large Scale Testing ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Positive Results

AbstractPooling of samples can increase lab capacity when using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect diseases such as COVID-19. However, pool testing is typically performed via an adaptive testing strategy which requires a feedback loop in the lab and at least two PCR runs to confirm positive results. This can cost precious time. We discuss a non-adaptive testing method where each sample is distributed in a prescribed manner over several pools, and which yields reliable results after one round of testing. More precisely, assuming knowledge about the overall incidence rate, we calculate explicit error bounds on the number of false positives which scale favourably with pool size and sample multiplicity. This allows for hugely streamlined PCR testing and cuts in detection times for a large-scale testing scenario. A viable consequence of this method could be real-time screening of entire communities, frontline healthcare workers and international flight passengers, for example, using the PCR machines currently in operation.

Accelerating Large-Format Metal Additive Manufacturing: How Controls R&D Is Driving Speed, Scale, and Efficiency

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian T. Gibson ◽  
Paritosh Mhatre ◽  
Michael C. Borish ◽  
Justin L. West ◽  
Emma D. Betters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Pool Size ◽  
Large Format ◽  
Layer Height ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Melt Pool Size

Abstract This article highlights work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility to develop closed-loop, feedback control for laser-wire based Directed Energy Deposition, a form of metal Big Area Additive Manufacturing (m-BAAM), a process being developed in partnership with GKN Aerospace specifically for the production of Ti-6Al-4V pre-forms for aerospace components. A large-scale structural demonstrator component is presented as a case-study in which not just control, but the entire 3D printing workflow for m-BAAM is discussed in detail, including design principles for large-format metal AM, toolpath generation, parameter development, process control, and system operation, as well as post-print net-shape geometric analysis and finish machining. In terms of control, a multi-sensor approach has been utilized to measure both layer height and melt pool size, and multiple modes of closed-loop control have been developed to manipulate process parameters (laser power, print speed, deposition rate) to control these variables. Layer height control and melt pool size control have yielded excellent local (intralayer) and global (component-level) geometry control, and the impact of melt pool size control in particular on thermal gradients and material properties is the subject of continuing research. Further, these modes of control have allowed the process to advance to higher deposition rates (exceeding 7.5 lb/hr), larger parts (1-meter scale), shorter build times, and higher overall efficiency. The control modes are examined individually, highlighting their development, demonstration, and lessons learned, and it is shown how they operate concurrently to enable the printing of a large-scale, near net shape Ti-6Al-4V component.

Even if politicians deal, Lebanon faces a bleak future

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Aid ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Economic Reforms ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Food Shortages

Significance The audit and wider structural economic reforms are preconditions for urgently needed foreign aid. Economic conditions in Lebanon are still worsening, with power cuts, food shortages and rising poverty. Impacts A new government would allow reform planning to resume and temporarily stall the decline of the currency. The easing of the global pandemic will somewhat reduce the financial strain, as Lebanon reopens its economy. Soaring poverty rates could provoke large-scale ‘bread riots’ in the coming months. Further devaluation of the currency will make poor Lebanese more dependent on sectarian protection and strengthen patronage. If the situation worsens, sectarian rural areas could revert to warlordism in the medium term.

scholarly journals Recent update on COVID-19 in India: Is locking down the country enough?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitender Singh Virk ◽  
Syed Azmal Ali ◽  
Gurjeet Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Inflection Point ◽  
Indian Population ◽  
Lasso Regression ◽  
Logistic Curve ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
The World ◽  
The Usa

AbstractBackgroundIndia is the second-largest population in the world, and it is not well equipped, hitherto, in the scenario of the global pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 could impart a devastating impact on the Indian population. Only way to respond against this critical condition is by practicing large-scale social distancing. India lock down for 21 days, however, till 7 April 2020, SARS- CoV-2 positive cases were growing exponentially, which raises the concerns if the number of reported and actual cases are similar.MethodsWe use Lasso Regression with α = 0.12 and Polynomial features of degree 2 to predict the growth factor. Also, we predicted Logistic curve using the Prophet Python. Further, using the growth rate to logistic, and carrying capacity is 20000 allowed us to calculate the maximum cases and new cases per day.ResultsWe found the predicted growth factor with a standard deviation of 0.3443 for the upcoming days. When the growth factor becomes 1.0, which is known as Inflection point, it will be safe to state that the rate is no longer exponential. The estimated time to reach the inflection point is between 15-20 April. At that time, the estimated number of total positive cases will be over 12500, if lockdown remains continue.ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that there is an urgent need to take action to extend the period of lockdown and allocate enough resources, including personnel, beds, and intensive care facilities, to manage the situation in the next few days and weeks. Otherwise, the outbreak in India can reach the level of the USA or Italy or could be worse than these countries within a few days or weeks, given the size of the population and lack of resources.

scholarly journals Covidom, a Telesurveillance Solution for Home Monitoring Patients With COVID-19 (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youri Yordanov ◽  
Agnes Dechartres ◽  
Xavier Lescure ◽  
Caroline Apra ◽  
Pascaline Villie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Control Center ◽  
Regional Control ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Paris Area ◽  
Innovative Solution

UNSTRUCTURED In a matter of months, COVID-19 has escalated from a cluster of cases in Wuhan, China, to a global pandemic. As the number of patients with COVID-19 grew, solutions for the home monitoring of infected patients became critical. This viewpoint presents a telesurveillance solution—Covidom—deployed in the greater Paris area to monitor patients with COVID-19 in their homes. The system was rapidly developed and is being used on a large scale with more than 65,000 registered patients to date. The Covidom solution combines an easy-to-use and free web application for patients (through which patients fill out short questionnaires on their health status) with a regional control center that monitors and manages alerts (triggered by questionnaire responses) from patients whose health may be deteriorating. This innovative solution could alleviate the burden of health care professionals and systems while allowing for rapid response when patients trigger an alert.

Key performance indicators for a sustainable recovery strategy in health-care supply chains: COVID-19 pandemic perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Towfique Rahman ◽  
Md. Abdul Moktadir ◽  
Sanjoy Kumar Paul
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Recovery Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Sustainable Recovery

Purpose Supply chains’ (SCs’) sustainability practices and recovery strategies are attaining popularity in academia and industries to improve the resilience of the SCs and to manage large-scale disruptions. The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 has raised the question of the sustainability of essential health-care products’ SCs of Bangladesh. It is an essential avenue for making the life of people safe and secure. Despite its importance, most of the health-care SCs in Bangladesh are struggling to meet the demand of its nation due to capacity shortage, technological backwardness of the manufacturers, delivery capacity shortages and less advanced forecasting capabilities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the key performance indicators (KPIs) of a sustainable recovery strategy in the context of health-care SCs considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study used a dynamic method named graph theory and matrix approach to evaluate the most critical KPIs of a sustainable recovery strategy in the context of Bangladeshi health-care SCs. Findings The result revealed that dynamic forecasting and planning with a smooth delivery and distribution support system, production capacity diversification and having alternative or multiple suppliers during extraordinary disruptions may aid in the sustainability of the health-care SCs in Bangladesh. Originality/value This study is unique as no previous study has identified and examined the sustainable recovery strategy perspective KPIs considering the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of Bangladeshi health-care SCs. This study will also add value by guiding decision-makers of the health-care SCs of Bangladesh to adopt strategies toward the sustainability of SCs.

HIV/AIDS

2020 ◽  
pp. 901-933
Author(s):  
Sarah Fidler ◽  
Timothy E.A. Peto ◽  
Philip Goulder ◽  
Christopher P. Conlon
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The People ◽  
Reduce Life Expectancy ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Since its discovery in 1983, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been associated with a global pandemic that has affected more than 78 million people and caused more than 39 million deaths. Globally, 36.9 million (34.3–41.4 million) people were living with HIV at the end of 2013. An estimated 0.8% of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and regions. Sub-Saharan Africa remains most severely affected, with nearly 1 in every 20 adults living with HIV and accounting for nearly 71% of the people living with HIV worldwide. The impact of HIV in some African countries has been sufficient to reverse population growth and reduce life expectancy into the mid-30s, although HIV incidence has declined in some of these high-prevalence countries. However, there are large-scale HIV epidemics elsewhere (e.g. India, the Russian Federation, and Eastern Europe).

Variant calling and quality control of large-scale human genome sequencing data

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Jew ◽  
Jae Hoon Sul
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Variant Calling ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Computational Approaches ◽  
Sequencing Errors ◽  
Human Genome Sequencing ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Abstract Next-generation sequencing has allowed genetic studies to collect genome sequencing data from a large number of individuals. However, raw sequencing data are not usually interpretable due to fragmentation of the genome and technical biases; therefore, analysis of these data requires many computational approaches. First, for each sequenced individual, sequencing data are aligned and further processed to account for technical biases. Then, variant calling is performed to obtain information on the positions of genetic variants and their corresponding genotypes. Quality control (QC) is applied to identify individuals and genetic variants with sequencing errors. These procedures are necessary to generate accurate variant calls from sequencing data, and many computational approaches have been developed for these tasks. This review will focus on current widely used approaches for variant calling and QC.

scholarly journals Differential success in sampling of Atlantic Forest amphibians among different periods of the day

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
CFD. Rocha ◽  
CC. Siqueira ◽  
CV. Ariani ◽  
D. Vrcibradic ◽  
DM. Guedes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Atlantic Rainforest ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Large Scale Field ◽  
Number Of Individuals

In general, anurans tend to be nocturnal, though diurnal activity is characteristic of some groups. Studies show that frog activity may be inferred based on the number of individuals collected at different periods of the day, during large-scale field surveys. We investigated the best period of the day to conduct amphibian sampling in nine Atlantic Rainforest areas in southeastern Brazil, based on intensive field surveys. At each locality we employed similar sampling effort during diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal searches (totaling 704.5 sampling hours). We pooled data from all localities for each period and estimated the proportion of frogs of each species active at each period based on the total number of individuals and on the number of species found during all surveys for that period. We recorded a total of 817 individual frogs from 69 species. Species richness was highest at night (median = 12 species), intermediate at dusk (median = 8), and lowest during the day (median = 4). The percentage of the total number of individual frogs found (pooled species) was highest during the night (ca. 53%) and lowest during the day (ca. 14%). Analyzing each species separately, the number of individuals recorded was consistently higher at dusk and night for most species. Our study evidences a trend for nocturnal activity for most Atlantic Rainforest frogs, with few species having primarily diurnal habits. Those results may favor future studies and conservation efforts for amphibian species.

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