2,297 research outputs found
A new formulation of compartmental epidemic modelling for arbitrary distributions of incubation and removal times
The paradigm for compartment models in epidemiology assumes exponentially
distributed incubation and removal times, which is not realistic in actual
populations. Commonly used variations with multiple exponentially distributed
variables are more flexible, yet do not allow for arbitrary distributions. We
present a new formulation, focussing on the SEIR concept that allows to include
general distributions of incubation and removal times. We compare the solution
to two types of agent-based model simulations, a spatially homogeneous one
where infection occurs by proximity, and a model on a scale-free network with
varying clustering properties, where the infection between any two agents
occurs via their link if it exists. We find good agreement in both cases.
Furthermore a family of asymptotic solutions of the equations is found in terms
of a logistic curve, which after a non-universal time shift, fits extremely
well all the microdynamical simulations. The formulation allows for a simple
numerical approach; software in Julia and Python is provided.Comment: 21 pages, 11 figures. v2 matches published version: improved
presentation (including title, abstract and references), results and
conclusions unchange
Status and prospects of the NEXT experiment for neutrinoless double beta decay searches
NEXT (Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC) is an experimental program whose
goals are to discover neutrinoless double beta decay using Xe in high
pressure xenon TPCs with electroluminescent readout. In this paper, results
from the NEXT-White detector, which is currently taking data at Laboratorio
Subterr\'aneo de Canfranc (LSC) will be reported. The prospects for the
NEXT-100 apparatus, scheduled to start operations in 2020, as well as the plans
to extend the technology to large and ultra-low background detectors needed to
fully explore the inverse hierarchy of neutrino masses, will also be briefly
discussed.Comment: This article is an expanded version of my contribution to the 2019
EW/QCD/Gravitation session of the 54th "Rencontres de Moriond
- …