Annex 19 : predictive model for the dengue incidences in Sri Lanka using mobile network big data

The study constructs a usable predictive model for any given Medical Officer of Health (MOH) division, which is the smallest medical administrative district in Sri Lanka, by taking human mobility into account. It includes the importation of dengue into immunologically ’naive’ regions. Derived mobility values for each region of the country are weighted using reported past dengue cases. The study introduces a generalizable methodology to fuse big data sources with traditional data sources, using machine learning techniques. Mobile Network Big Data (MNBD) consists of data categories such as Call Detail Records (CDR), Internet access usage records, and airtime recharge records

A strategy for the generation, characterization and distribution of animal models by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Progress in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and therapeutic development is hindered by many challenges, including a need for robust preclinical animal models. Limited availability of these tools is due to technical hurdles, patent issues, licensing restrictions and the high costs associated with generating and distributing these animal models. Furthermore, the lack of standardization of phenotypic characterization and use of varying methodologies has made it difficult to compare outcome measures across laboratories. In response, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) is directly sponsoring the generation, characterization and distribution of preclinical rodent models, enabling increased access to these crucial tools in order to accelerate PD research. To date, MJFF has initiated and funded the generation of 30 different models, which include transgenic or knockout models of PD-relevant genes such as Park1 (also known as Park4 and SNCA), Park8 (LRRK2), Park7 (DJ-1), Park6 (PINK1), Park2 (Parkin), VPS35, EiF4G1 and GBA. The phenotypic characterization of these animals is performed in a uniform and streamlined manner at independent contract research organizations. Finally, MJFF created a central repository at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) that houses both non-MJFF and MJFF-generated preclinical animal models. Funding from MJFF, which subsidizes the costs involved in transfer, rederivation and colony expansion, has directly resulted in over 2500 rodents being distributed to the PD community for research use

Design and prototype of a magnetic adhesion tracked-wheel robotic platform for mooring chain inspection

London South Bank Innovation Centre (LSBIC); National Structural Integrity Research Centre (NSIRC) and TWI (NDT department), Cambridge; InnovateU

Emergent Issues When Researching Trauma: A Confessional Tale

This article examines the impact of conducting narrative research focusing on trauma and healing. It is told through three voices: the study participants who experienced the trauma; the researcher who shared her personal experiences conducting this research; and an academic colleague who acted as a reflective echo making sense of and normalizing the researcher’s experience. Issues explored in the paper include: harmonic resonance between the story of the participant and the life experiences of the researcher; emotional reflexivity; complex researcher roles and identities; acts of reciprocity that redress the balance of power in the research relationship; the need for compassion for the participants; and self-care for the researcher when researching trauma. The authors conclude that when researching trauma, the researcher is a member of both a scholarly community and a human community, and that maintaining the stance as a member of the human community is an essential element of conducting trauma research