Predicting Pandemics in a Globally Connected World, Volume 1


Book Description

This contributed volume investigates several mathematical techniques for the modeling and simulation of viral pandemics, with a special focus on COVID-19. Modeling a pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach with other fields such as epidemiology, virology, immunology, and biology in general. Spatial dynamics and interactions are also important features to be considered, and a multiscale framework is needed at the level of individuals and the level of virus particles and the immune system. Chapters in this volume address these items, as well as offer perspectives for the future.




Predicting Pandemics in a Globally Connected World, Volume 1


Book Description

This contributed volume investigates several mathematical techniques for the modeling and simulation of viral pandemics, with a special focus on COVID-19. Modeling a pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach with other fields such as epidemiology, virology, immunology, and biology in general. Spatial dynamics and interactions are also important features to be considered, and a multiscale framework is needed at the level of individuals and the level of virus particles and the immune system. Chapters in this volume address these items, as well as offer perspectives for the future.







Advances in Numerical Methods for Hyperbolic Balance Laws and Related Problems


Book Description

A broad range of phenomena in science and technology can be described by non-linear partial differential equations characterized by systems of conservation laws with source terms. Well known examples are hyperbolic systems with source terms, kinetic equations, and convection-reaction-diffusion equations. This book collects research advances in numerical methods for hyperbolic balance laws and kinetic equations together with related modelling aspects. All the contributions are based on the talks of the speakers of the Young Researchers’ Conference “Numerical Aspects of Hyperbolic Balance Laws and Related Problems”, hosted at the University of Verona, Italy, in December 2021.




Contemporary Macroeconomics


Book Description

This book covers a lot of ground in contemporary macroeconomics, from fundamental theories such as market structures and equilibrium to emerging concepts that reflect the most critical challenges of modern times, including economic slowdowns, the resilience of public health systems, digitalization, environmental footprints, and many more. The COVID-19 outbreak has aggravated the recurrent problems of poverty and income inequality between countries, food insecurity and hunger, unemployment, and social disorders that have resulted in the exacerbation of political, economic, and trade tensions between countries. In view of the damaging consequences of the pandemic for the entire global economy, the book examines how existing macroeconomic tools and policies could be adapted to the new normal to ensure sustainable post-pandemic development and growth. The main text is interspersed with real-life illustrations and cases that demonstrate practical implications of the concepts under study. This makes the reading relevant and active. Every chapter starts with learning objectives and ends with a series of questions and quizzes that enable easier reinforcement of the course content. This book is written mainly for students, but it would be much useful to the broader public audience, including postgraduates, researchers, and business people who will be able to learn all recent updates about macroeconomics and the post-pandemic perspectives of the global economy.




Crowd Dynamics, Volume 4


Book Description

This contributed volume explores innovative research in the modeling, simulation, and control of crowd dynamics. Chapter authors approach the topic from the perspectives of mathematics, physics, engineering, and psychology, providing a comprehensive overview of the work carried out in this challenging interdisciplinary research field. The volume begins with an overview of analytical problems related to crowd modeling. Attention is then given to the importance of considering the social and psychological factors that influence crowd behavior – such as emotions, communication, and decision-making processes – in order to create reliable models. Finally, specific features of crowd behavior are explored, including single-file traffic, passenger movement, modeling multiple groups in crowds, and the interplay between crowd dynamics and the spread of disease. Crowd Dynamics, Volume 4 is ideal for mathematicians, engineers, physicists, and other researchers working in the rapidly growing field of modeling and simulation of human crowds.




Mathematical Models and Computer Simulations for Biomedical Applications


Book Description

Mathematical modelling and computer simulations are playing a crucial role in the solution of the complex problems arising in the field of biomedical sciences and provide a support to clinical and experimental practices in an interdisciplinary framework. Indeed, the development of mathematical models and efficient numerical simulation tools is of key importance when dealing with such applications. Moreover, since the parameters in biomedical models have peculiar scientific interpretations and their values are often unknown, accurate estimation techniques need to be developed for parameter identification against the measured data of observed phenomena. In the light of the new challenges brought by the biomedical applications, computational mathematics paves the way for the validation of the mathematical models and the investigation of control problems. The volume hosts high-quality selected contributions containing original research results as well as comprehensive papers and survey articles including prospective discussion focusing on some topical biomedical problems. It is addressed, but not limited to: research institutes, academia, and pharmaceutical industries.




Predicting Pandemics in a Globally Connected World, Volume 2


Book Description

In an increasingly globally-connected world, the ability to predict, monitor, and contain pandemics is essential to ensure the health and well-being of all. This contributed volume investigates several mathematical techniques for the modeling and simulation of viral pandemics, with a special focus on COVID-19. Modeling a pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach with other fields such as epidemiology, virology, immunology, and biology in general. Spatial dynamics and interactions are also important features to be considered, and a multiscale framework is needed at the societal level, the level of individuals, and the level of virus particles and the immune system. Chapters in this volume explore the latest research related to these items to demonstrate the utility of a variety of mathematical methods. Perspectives for the future are also offered




How to Prevent the Next Pandemic


Book Description

Governments, businesses, and individuals around the world are thinking about what happens after the COVID-19 pandemic. Can we hope to not only ward off another COVID-like disaster but also eliminate all respiratory diseases, including the flu? Bill Gates, one of our greatest and most effective thinkers and activists, believes the answer is yes. The author of the #1 New York Times best seller How to Avoid a Climate Disaster lays out clearly and convincingly what the world should have learned from COVID-19 and what all of us can do to ward off another catastrophe like it. Relying on the shared knowledge of the world’s foremost experts and on his own experience of combating fatal diseases through the Gates Foundation, Gates first helps us understand the science of infectious diseases. Then he shows us how the nations of the world, working in conjunction with one another and with the private sector, how we can prevent a new pandemic from killing millions of people and devastating the global economy. Here is a clarion call—strong, comprehensive, and of the gravest importance.




The Psychology of Pandemics


Book Description

Pandemics are large-scale epidemics that spread throughout the world. Virologists predict that the next pandemic could occur in the coming years, probably from some form of influenza, with potentially devastating consequences. Vaccinations, if available, and behavioral methods are vital for stemming the spread of infection. However, remarkably little attention has been devoted to the psychological factors that influence the spread of pandemic infection and the associated emotional distress and social disruption. Psychological factors are important for many reasons. They play a role in nonadherence to vaccination and hygiene programs, and play an important role in how people cope with the threat of infection and associated losses. Psychological factors are important for understanding and managing societal problems associated with pandemics, such as the spreading of excessive fear, stigmatization, and xenophobia that occur when people are threatened with infection. This book offers the first comprehensive analysis of the psychology of pandemics. It describes the psychological reactions to pandemics, including maladaptive behaviors, emotions, and defensive reactions, and reviews the psychological vulnerability factors that contribute to the spreading of disease and distress. It also considers empirically supported methods for addressing these problems, and outlines the implications for public health planning.