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 $^{136}$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