Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Philip Kreniske, Alyssa Basmajian, Neema Nakyanjo, William Ddaaki, Dauda Isabirye, Charles Ssekyewa, Rosette Nakubulwa, Jennifer S. Hirsch, Andrea Deisher, Fred Nalugoda, Larry W. Chang, John S. Santelli
Summary: The study reveals that in East Africa, AYAs often encounter barriers to phone use but mostly use their phones to engage in the local economy and communicate with sexual partners. Phone use is a source of contention between sexual partners, with only a few AYAs reporting using their phones for health-related purposes, yet expressing a desire to access current HIV prevention information through their mobile phones.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Pallavi Rajkhowa, Matin Qaim
Summary: Women's economic and social empowerment is influenced by their ability to move independently and safely. Mobile phones can help connect women to information and social networks, thus strengthening their empowerment. In India, women's use of mobile phones is associated with their physical mobility range and contraceptive methods.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jefferson Mwaisaka, Lianne Gonsalves, Mary Thiongo, Michael Waithaka, Hellen Sidha, Otieno Alfred, Carol Mukiira, Peter Gichangi
Summary: The study aimed to explore young people's experiences using an on-demand SRH mHealth platform in Kenya. The results showed varied user experiences and levels of satisfaction, from ease of use for most respondents to systematic frustrations for some. Interesting features of the mHealth platform included immediate response to message requests, weekly quizzes, and the perceived ability of educational content to change behaviors. Proposed enhancements included revising concepts for easy understanding and increasing interactivity for young people seeking clarity on difficult terms or additional information.
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Paul Macharia, Antoni Perez-Navarro, Betsy Sambai, Irene Inwani, John Kinuthia, Ruth Nduati, Carme Carrion
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness and impact of a USSD-based app in increasing adolescents' knowledge and decision-making regarding sexual reproductive health (SRH). The study finds that the app improves adolescents' SRH knowledge, particularly in areas such as abstinence and contraceptive use. Adolescents value the information provided by the app as it helps them identify SRH topics they need more information on.
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Frank Schlosser, Dirk Brockmann
Summary: The method proposed in this study utilizes geolocated movement data of affected individuals to determine outbreak origins, accurately identifying true outbreak locations even in scenarios with multiple outbreak sources. It offers a reliable and accurate out-of-the-box approach to identify outbreak locations in the initial phase of an outbreak.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tamar Makov, Colin Fitzpatrick
Summary: The lifespan of smartphones is determined not only by technical aspects, but also by non-technical factors like mental depreciation and perceived obsolescence. While the objective performance of devices remains stable over time, consumer interest in repair declines exponentially. These findings highlight the importance of considering non-technical factors in discussions about smartphone lifespans and repairability.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Communication
Yann Balgobin, Antoine Dubus
Summary: The use of mobile Internet in Uganda does not have a positive impact on employment, while the adoption and use of basic mobile phones are positively related to employment. Regulators should focus on promoting the affordability of basic phones and mobile airtime.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marloes Eeftens, Sophie Pujol, Aaron Klaiber, Gilles Chopard, Andrin Riss, Florian Smayra, Benjamin Fluckiger, Thomas Gehin, Kadiatou Diallo, Joe Wiart, Taghrid Mazloum, Frederic Mauny, Martin Roosli
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between mobile phone radiation and human health, including cognitive performance, health-related quality of life, and sleep. The results showed that there were sporadic associations between wireless phone use and screen time with cognitive performance, but no significant associations with HRQoL or sleep duration and quality. Increased screen time was found to be associated with increased stress, but there was no association with phone call time or sleep.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Paul Macharia, Antoni Perez-Navarro, Irene Inwani, Ruth Nduati, Carme Carrion
Summary: This study found that the sexual and reproductive health information needs of adolescents in low and middle-income countries have not been fully met, with some limitations in current sources. Mobile phone-based apps could be an effective way to improve awareness and protect privacy on this issue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Raquel Perez-Arnal, David Conesa, Sergio Alvarez-Napagao, Toyotaro Suzumura, Marti Catala, Enrique Alvarez-Lacalle, Dario Garcia-Gasulla
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping the world in unprecedented ways, with human mobility playing a crucial role in virus transmission. Understanding various mobility data sources is essential for evaluating policies and predicting future crisis responses. Mobile data analysis in Spain has shown that private sources can complement public data and provide valuable insights into the new normality post-pandemic.
ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabelle Deltour, Aslak Harbo Poulsen, Christoffer Johansen, Maria Feychting, Tom Borge Johannesen, Anssi Auvinen, Joachim Schuz
Summary: This study investigated the time trends in glioma incidence rates among middle-aged men in Nordic countries and found no evidence to suggest a substantial risk of brain tumors from mobile phone use. The results were consistent with previous case-control studies that reported positive findings.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Schmutz, Alexandra Burgler, Narain Ashta, Jana Soenksen, Yasmin Bou Karim, Chen Shen, Rachel B. Smith, Rosemary H. Jenkins, Michael O. Mireku, Julian Mutz, Mikael J. A. Maes, Rosi Hirst, Irene Chang, Charlotte Fleming, Aamirah Mussa, Daphna Kesary, Darren Addison, Myron Maslanyj, Mireille B. Toledano, Martin Roosli, Marloes Eeftens
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the personal exposure of adolescents to RF-EMF and investigate the association between exposure and rules implemented at school and home to restrict wireless communication use. The findings suggest that school policies and parental restrictions are not associated with lower RF-EMF exposure in adolescents.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nancy Lau, Alison O'Daffer, Joyce Yi-Frazier, Abby R. Rosenberg
Summary: Mobile health technologies provide an innovative platform for health care, but the evidence base supporting health-related apps lags behind industry development. Researchers are exploring how to systematically synthesize the state of consumer mHealth apps.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ye Wang, Jingru Xu, Guijian Liu
Summary: Physical separation is widely used in WPCB recycling, but the dust generated poses significant risks to the environment and human health. This study investigated the metal concentrations in workshop dust from different processing zones and found higher levels of Zn, Pb, and Sn compared to other metals. The enrichment factors and geo-accumulation index values were consistent, and the dust in the crushing zone showed significant enrichment. The non-carcinogenic risk was low for all processing zones, but the carcinogenic risk was not negligible in certain zones.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Wan, Chuqiang Yu
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of designing a sustainable system for recycling used mobile phones (UMPs). It proposes a new integrated optimization model that utilizes the existing mobile phone sales network to improve sustainability and encourages customer participation through buy-back prices and convenience. The model maximizes total recycling profit by determining optimal buy-back prices, collection points, and delivery routes. The study finds that reutilization of the sales network significantly improves sustainability, and the maximum recycling profit depends on the actual value of UMPs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Justin Lessler
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin L. Rice, Akshaya Annapragada, Rachel E. Baker, Marjolein Bruijning, Winfred Dotse-Gborgbortsi, Keitly Mensah, Ian F. Miller, Nkengafac Villyen Motaze, Antso Raherinandrasana, Malavika Rajeev, Julio Rakotonirina, Tanjona Ramiadantsoa, Fidisoa Rasambainarivo, Weiyu Yu, Bryan T. Grenfell, Andrew J. Tatem, C. Jessica E. Metcalf
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown low burdens in sub-Saharan Africa compared to other regions, potentially influenced by factors such as climate and population demographics. Caution is needed when interpreting analyses that aggregate data from low- and middle-income settings. Heterogeneity in connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa may contribute to variance in the pace of viral spread.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justin Lessler, M. Kate Grabowski, Kyra H. Grantz, Elena Badillo-Goicoechea, C. Jessica E. Metcalf, Carly Lupton-Smith, Andrew S. Azman, Elizabeth A. Stuart
Summary: Research suggests that school-based mitigation measures can significantly reduce COVID-19 risk, with a significant relationship no longer observed when seven or more measures are implemented. Additionally, teachers working outside the home are associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, similar to other occupations.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kyra H. Grantz, Elizabeth C. Lee, Lucy D'Agostino McGowan, Kyu Han Lee, C. Jessica E. Metcalf, Emily S. Gurley, Justin Lessler
Summary: Test-trace-isolate programs are crucial in controlling COVID-19, with effective testing being the key component. Even imperfect programs can complement other interventions with lower social and economic costs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qifang Bi, Justin Lessler, Isabella Eckerle, Stephen A. Lauer, Laurent Kaiser, Nicolas Vuilleumier, Derek A. T. Cummings, Antoine Flahault, Dusan Petrovic, Idris Guessous, Silvia Stringhini, Andrew S. Azman
Summary: This study found that the risk of infection from household exposure to a single infected member was higher than from extra-household exposure during the first pandemic wave. Young children had a lower risk of infection from household members, while working-age adults had the highest extra-household infection risk. Additionally, seropositive asymptomatic household members had significantly lower odds of infecting others compared to symptomatic individuals, contributing to a smaller proportion of household infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shirlee Wohl, John R. Giles, Justin Lessler
Summary: The study highlights the importance of sample size calculations in phylogenetic studies of pathogen transmission and introduces a statistical framework for this purpose. Through outbreak simulations, it shows how study design and linkage criteria characteristics can impact the correct identification of transmission links.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bernardo Garcia-Carreras, Bingyi Yang, Mary K. Grabowski, Lawrence W. Sheppard, Angkana T. Huang, Henrik Salje, Hannah Eleanor Clapham, Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Pawinee Doung-Ngern, Justin Lessler, Derek A. T. Cummings
Summary: This study examines the effects of temperature and immunity dynamics on dengue patterns in Thailand. The research finds that multiannual oscillations in dengue vary in space and time and discovers periodic synchronisation events in Thailand. The study also shows that the relationship between immunity dynamics and temperature is most consistent during synchronous periods of dengue.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kirsten E. Wiens, Claire P. Smith, Elena Badillo-Goicoechea, Kyra H. Grantz, M. Kate Grabowski, Andrew S. Azman, Elizabeth A. Stuart, Justin Lessler
Summary: This study examines the changes in in-person schooling behavior and associated risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal an increase in in-person schooling and a decrease in mitigation measures over time. In-person schooling is linked to a greater reporting of COVID-19 outcomes, even among vaccinated individuals. However, adequate mitigation measures can eliminate the excess risk associated with in-person schooling.
Article
Immunology
Siyang Xia, Cricket C. Gullickson, C. Jessica E. Metcalf, Bryan T. Grenfell, Michael J. Mina
Summary: Measles virus infection may increase the mortality rates of other childhood infectious diseases through immunomodulation. This study found a significant positive association between measles and nonmeasles infectious disease mortality rates in Brazil.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chadi M. Saad-Roy, C. Jessica E. Metcalf, Bryan T. Grenfell
Summary: Understanding viral evolution requires a combination of evolutionary biology and immuno-epidemiology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luojun Yang, Sara M. Constantino, Bryan T. Grenfell, Elke U. Weber, Simon A. Levin, Vitor V. Vasconcelos
Summary: Behavioral responses play a crucial role in the dynamics of epidemics, including the adoption of mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the factors influencing mask adoption, such as social norms, perceived risk of infection, and formal mandates. The findings highlight the complex social dynamics involved and the importance of sociocultural factors and local policies in explaining cross-country variation in mask adoption speed and breadth.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachel E. Baker, Chadi M. Saad-Roy, Sang Woo Park, Jeremy Farrar, C. Jessica E. Metcalf, Bryan T. Grenfell
Summary: COVID-19 nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as mask wearing, have been proven to effectively reduce the transmission of endemic infections. However, the implementation of NPIs in the long term may lead to the return of epidemics. The magnitude of these return epidemics depends on the infectivity of the pathogens. Therefore, managing the susceptible population remains an important long-term goal.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
David J. J. Haw, Matthew Biggerstaff, Pragati Prasad, Joseph Walker, Bryan Grenfell, Nimalan Arinaminpathy
Summary: Influenza pandemics often occur in multiple waves, with an initial wave followed by a resurgence accompanied by the annual flu season. This study examines whether data from the initial wave can be used to inform the need for non-pharmaceutical measures in subsequent waves. By analyzing data from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in 10 states in the USA, the researchers developed a mathematical model to predict hospitalizations during the fall wave based on the spring wave. The model showed reasonable agreement with the actual data, suggesting that preemptive measures such as delaying school openings can be determined using this approach.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Wha-Eum Lee, Sang Woo Park, Daniel M. Weinberger, Donald Olson, Lone Simonsen, Bryan T. Grenfell, Cecile Viboud
Summary: Excess mortality studies provide important information on the health burden of pandemics and other large-scale events. This study separates the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on mortality from the indirect consequences of the pandemic in the United States using time series approaches. The results indicate that the largest consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are due to the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections, but the secondary impacts dominate among younger age groups and in mortality from external causes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emily Howerton, Michael C. Runge, Tiffany L. Bogich, Rebecca K. Borchering, Hidetoshi Inamine, Justin Lessler, Luke C. Mullany, William J. M. Probert, Claire P. Smith, Shaun Truelove, Cecile Viboud, Katriona Shea
Summary: Probabilistic predictions are crucial for public health planning and decision making during infectious disease emergencies. Aggregating predictions from multiple models can improve the robustness and uncertainty estimation of the outcomes. However, selecting an appropriate aggregation method is challenging when empirical validation is not feasible. This paper summarizes the literature on aggregating probabilistic predictions, provides simulation examples of different methods, and offers a strategy for choosing an aggregation method in the absence of empirical validation. The work focuses on the linear opinion pool (LOP) and Vincent average, which make different assumptions about between-prediction uncertainty and provide an R package for implementation.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
