MI3: Machine-initiated Intelligent Interaction for Interactive Classification and Data Reconstruction

In many applications, while machine learning (ML) can be used to derive algorithmic models to aid decision processes, it is often difficult to learn a precise model when the number of similar data points is limited. One example of such applications is data reconstruction from historical visualizations, many of which encode precious data, but their numerical records are lost. On the one hand, there is not enough similar data for training an ML model. On the other hand, manual reconstruction of the data is both tedious and arduous. Hence, a desirable approach is to train an ML model dynamically using interactive classification, and hopefully, after some training, the model can complete the data reconstruction tasks with less human interference. For this approach to be effective, the number of annotated data objects used for training the ML model should be as small as possible, while the number of data objects to be reconstructed automatically should be as large as possible. In this article, we present a novel technique for the machine to initiate intelligent interactions to reduce the user’s interaction cost in interactive classification tasks. The technique of machine-initiated intelligent interaction (MI3) builds on a generic framework featuring active sampling and default labeling. To demonstrate the MI3 approach, we use the well-known cholera map visualization by John Snow as an example, as it features three instances of MI3 pipelines. The experiment has confirmed the merits of the MI3 approach.

Miasmas, mental models and preventive public health: some philosophical reflections on science in the COVID-19 pandemic

When the history of the COVID-19 pandemic is written, it is likely to show that the mental models held by scientists sometimes facilitated their thinking, thereby leading to lives saved, and at other times constrained their thinking, thereby leading to lives lost. This paper explores some competing mental models of how infectious diseases spread and shows how these models influenced the scientific process and the kinds of facts that were generated, legitimized and used to support policy. A central theme in the paper is the relative weight given by dominant scientific voices to probabilistic arguments based on experimental measurements versus mechanistic arguments based on theory. Two examples are explored: the cholera epidemic in nineteenth century London—in which the story of John Snow and the Broad Street pump is retold—and the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and early 2021—in which the evidence-based medicine movement and its hierarchy of evidence features prominently. In each case, it is shown that prevailing mental models—which were assumed by some to transcend theory but were actually heavily theory-laden—powerfully shaped both science and policy, with fatal consequences for some.

Public Health Infographic Design for the public – the evidence base

In order to make effective infographics, one needs to understand the science behind public health infographic design. This presentation introduces guidelines for public health infographic design based on gathered academic evidence of effectiveness as well as information design principles. We tackle the topic from a variety of angles exploring issues of attention, comprehension, recall and behavioral change and focuses on infographics designed for a lay audience. Despite the exhaustive research conducted on say, graph comprehension, there remains a gap in how we account for the effectiveness of public health infographic design more broadly. The presentation also covers a brief examination of ‘hidden' historical precedents for the design of engaging health infographics, beyond the oft-cited visual work of John Snow or Florence Nightingale. We argue that notions of data spectacle and the need to grab attention remain vital today. The presentation concludes by reflecting on the future of infographics for displaying public health data, particularly with reference to the use of COVID-19 graphics in 2020/21.

Memorials to John Snow – Pioneer in anaesthesia and epidemiology

John Snow was an English physician and a founding father of epidemiology, whose name is inextricably linked with tracing the source of the 1854 cholera outbreak in Soho, which killed over 600 people. Despite his recommendation to remove the water pump handle and thus reduce the spread of cholera, his theory of faecal–oral transmission was not widely believed until after his death. Furthermore, he also pioneered substantial achievements in the development of anaesthesia. He studied both chloroform and ether, improving the accuracy of their delivery. In his obstetric practice, he achieved the feat of obtaining satisfactory analgesia with a safer technique and is remembered for administering chloroform to Queen Victoria, during the delivery of her last two children. There are several interesting and unusual memorials to Snow, ranging from replica water pumps, blue plaques and a public house named after him. The most recent new memorial was erected in 2017, in his home town of York, which commemorates his origins and his subsequent contribution to curbing the cholera outbreak. All the memorials commemorate his achievements, which remain relevant today. Public health and epidemiology expertise is required in the current world of the COVID-19 pandemic, where his legacy remains as important as ever.

A non-obstetric exposure to chloroform for Queen Victoria

The administration of chloroform by John Snow to Queen Victoria to provide analgesia for the delivery of her children was a pivotal moment in the development of anaesthesia. It has long been thought that this was the only occasion she had experienced anaesthesia but examination of her diaries shows this to be untrue.

Bewertungsgrundlagen von Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen im Rahmen der Pandemie

Die Diskussion über eine effektive Strategie im Umgang mit der COVID-19-Pandemie ist voll entbrannt. In der „Great Barrington Declaration“ wird eine Ausbreitung der Erkrankung in der Bevölkerung zur Schaffung einer Herdenimmunität empfohlen 1. Vulnerable Personen sollen dem Konzept nach durch Isolationsmaßnahmen geschützt werden. Gegner des Konzeptes warnen im „John Snow Memorandum“ vor einer erheblichen Morbidität und Mortalität in der Bevölkerung 2. Die Arbeitsgruppe um Viola Priesemann hat ein Modell entwickelt, um die Effektivität von Eindämmungsmaßnahmen in einem Modell zu überprüfen.