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Zhong F, Lin Y, Chen Y, Gao Y, Zhu X. Composition and influencing factors of professionals' capacity in public health emergency rescues: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1338839. [PMID: 38784573 PMCID: PMC11112014 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the composition and influencing factors of professionals' capacity in public health emergency rescues. Methods A descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. Medical workers, managers, and members of an emergency rescue team in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, were recruited for participation through a purposive sampling method. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a conventional content analysis method. Findings A total of 2 themes and 13 sub-themes emerged from the analysis: ability composition (knowledge reserve, early warning assessment, information reporting, emergency response, self-protection, personal ability, coordination and cooperation, health education) and influencing factors (educational background, region, experience, hospital level, human resources, and financial investment). Conclusion These findings offer a basis for the construction of a related indicator system and provide a reference for relevant departments to further optimize their emergency education and training, strengthen their emergency drills, and improve their emergency rescue abilities. The findings indicate that it is necessary to pay attention to the construction of an emergency rescue team, adjust the ratio of personnel, improve their remuneration, and promote work enthusiasm to improve the emergency rescue ability of an organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xuehua Zhu
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Khairy A, Bashier H, Nuh H, Ahmed N, Ali Y, Izzoddeen A, Mohamed S, Osman M, Khader Y. The role of the Field Epidemiology Training Program in the public health emergency response: Sudan armed conflict 2023. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1300084. [PMID: 38356953 PMCID: PMC10864643 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1300084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background On April 15, 2023, the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) started in Khartoum state, Sudan. This conflict was complicated by the preexisting complicated epidemiological situation and fragile health system in Sudan. This study endeavors to illuminate the pivotal role essayed by the Sudan FETP (SFETP) in enhancing the nation's public health response, particularly amidst the tumultuous backdrop of armed conflicts that have left their indelible mark on the region. Methods Employing a blend of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we investigated the SFETP's contributions to the public health response during the initial 4 months of the conflict (April-July 2023). Sixty-four SFETP residents and graduates were invited to participate, and data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Results A total of 44 (69%) SFETP residents and graduates were included in this study. Out of 38 SFETPs present in the states, 32 have considerably contributed to the crisis response at state and locality levels. Three-quarters of them have played key leadership, planning, and management roles. In essence, 38% (n = 12) of them have contributed to public health surveillance, particularly in data management, reports, Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWAR) establishment, and epidemic investigation. SFETPs have made special contributions to crisis response at the community level. The involved SFETPs supported WASH interventions (n = 4), and almost one-third of them strengthened risk communication and community engagement (n = 9). Despite their physical presence at the subnational level, 27% of graduates were not deployed to the crisis emergency response. Notably, throughout this time, half of the total SFETPs were formally retained during this response. Conclusion The study highlighted the importance of FETP engagement and support during public health crises. SFETP residents and graduates played diverse roles in the various levels of public health emergency response to the crisis. However. Strategies to improve the deployment and retention of FETP residents are necessary to ensure their availability during crises. Overall, FETP has proven to be an asset in public health crisis management in Sudan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Khairy
- Sudan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Khartoum, Sudan
- Global Health Development/Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Amman, Jordan
| | - Haitham Bashier
- Global Health Development/Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hatim Nuh
- Remote Sensing Authority, National Center for Research, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Nagla Ahmed
- Sudan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Yousif Ali
- Sudan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Sara Mohamed
- Sudan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Muntasir Osman
- Sudan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Yousef Khader
- Global Health Development/Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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3
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Parry AE, Richardson A, Kirk MD, Colquhoun SM, Durrheim DN, Housen T. Team effectiveness: epidemiologists' perception of collective performance during emergency response. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:149. [PMID: 36782194 PMCID: PMC9925216 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09126-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe epidemiologists' experience of team dynamics and leadership during emergency response, and explore the utility of the Team Emergency Assessment Measure (TEAM) tool during future public health emergency responses. The TEAM tool included categories for leadership, teamwork, and task management. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey between October 2019 and February 2020 with the global applied field epidemiology workforce. To validate the TEAM tool for our context, we used exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS We analysed 166 completed surveys. Respondents included national and international emergency responders with representation of all WHO regions. We were unable to validate the TEAM tool for use with epidemiology teams involved in emergency response, however descriptive analysis provided insight into epidemiology emergency response team performance. We found female responders were less satisfied with response leadership than male counterparts, and national responders were more satisfied across all survey categories compared to international responders. CONCLUSION Functional teams are a core attribute of effective public health emergency response. Our findings have shown a need for a greater focus on team performance. We recommend development of a fit-for-purpose performance management tool for teams responding to public health emergencies. The importance of building and supporting the development of the national workforce is another important finding of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Elizabeth Parry
- The Australian National University (ANU), National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health (NCEPH), Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, ACT, Australia.
| | - Alice Richardson
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477The Australian National University, Statistical Support Network, Acton, Australia
| | - Martyn D. Kirk
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477The Australian National University (ANU), National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health (NCEPH), Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, ACT Australia
| | - Samantha M. Colquhoun
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477The Australian National University (ANU), National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health (NCEPH), Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, ACT Australia
| | - David N. Durrheim
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XUniversity of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW Australia
| | - Tambri Housen
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477The Australian National University (ANU), National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health (NCEPH), Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, ACT Australia ,grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XUniversity of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW Australia
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Ridde V, Ba MF, Gaye I, Diallo AI, Bonnet E, Faye A. Participating in a vaccine trial for COVID-19 in Senegal: trust and information. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3907-3912. [PMID: 34280070 PMCID: PMC8828143 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1951097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aims to understand the level and determinants of people's willingness to participate in a vaccine trial for COVID-19 in Senegal. We conducted a telephone survey among a marginal quota sample of 607 people over 18 years of age. Only 44.3% of the participants wanted to participate in a vaccine trial for COVID-19, with females intending to participate more than males (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.22-2.72]). Participants who intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (AOR = 6.48, 95% CI [4.12-10.4]) and who thought that being infected with the coronavirus would have a significant impact on their health (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.57, 3.51]) were more likely to agree to take part in the COVID-19 vaccine trial. Confidence in the vaccine, health personnel, and the government in the fight against the pandemic are key factors in participants' willingness to participate in a vaccine trial in Senegal.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Ridde
- CEPED, IRD-University of Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M. F. Ba
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - I. Gaye
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A. I. Diallo
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - E. Bonnet
- IRD, UMR 215 Prodig, 5, cours des Humanités, Aubervilliers, France
| | - A. Faye
- Institute of Health and Development (ISED), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
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Bonnet E, Bodson O, Le Marcis F, Faye A, Sambieni NE, Fournet F, Boyer F, Coulibaly A, Kadio K, Diongue FB, Ridde V. The COVID-19 pandemic in francophone West Africa: from the first cases to responses in seven countries. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1490. [PMID: 34340668 PMCID: PMC8327893 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In early March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit West Africa. In response, countries in the region quickly set up crisis management committees and implemented drastic measures to stem the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The objective of this article is to analyse the epidemiological evolution of COVID-19 in seven Francophone West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal) as well as the public health measures decided upon during the first 7 months of the pandemic. Methods Our method is based on quantitative and qualitative data from the pooling of information from a COVID-19 data platform and collected by a network of interdisciplinary collaborators present in the seven countries. Descriptive and spatial analyses of quantitative epidemiological data, as well as content analyses of qualitative data on public measures and management committees were performed. Results Attack rates (October 2020) for COVID-19 have ranged from 20 per 100,000 inhabitants (Benin) to more than 94 per 100,000 inhabitants (Senegal). All these countries reacted quickly to the crisis, in some cases before the first reported infection, and implemented public measures in a relatively homogeneous manner. None of the countries implemented country-wide lockdowns, but some implemented partial or local containment measures. At the end of June 2020, countries began to lift certain restrictive measures, sometimes under pressure from the general population or from certain economic sectors. Conclusion Much research on COVID-19 remains to be conducted in West Africa to better understand the dynamics of the pandemic, and to further examine the state responses to ensure their appropriateness and adaptation to the national contexts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11529-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bonnet
- Résiliences / PRODIG, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, 32 Avenue Henri Varagnat, 93140, Bondy, France
| | - O Bodson
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Liège, Place des Orateurs 3, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - F Le Marcis
- Triangle (UMR 5206), ENS de Lyon, TransVIHMI (UMI 233), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Lyon, France
| | - A Faye
- Institut de Santé et Développement (ISED), Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - N E Sambieni
- Faculty of Letters, Arts and Human Sciences (FLASH) and Laboratoire de recherches sur les dynamiques sociales et le développement local (Lasdel), University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
| | - F Fournet
- MIVEGEC (Univ Montpellier, IRD, CNRS), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - F Boyer
- Research Unit "Migration and Society", French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Associated with the Study and Research Group on Migration, Spaces and Societies, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger
| | - A Coulibaly
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - K Kadio
- Institute for Health Science Research (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Institute of Research for Development, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - F B Diongue
- Institut de Santé et Développement (ISED), Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - V Ridde
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), IRD, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development and Université de Paris, Inserm ERL 1244, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France. .,Institut de Santé et Développement, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal.
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Parry AE, Kirk MD, Durrheim DN, Olowokure B, Colquhoun SM, Housen T. Shaping applied epidemiology workforce training to strengthen emergency response: a global survey of applied epidemiologists, 2019-2020. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2021; 19:58. [PMID: 33926469 PMCID: PMC8084259 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-021-00603-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid and effective emergency response to address health security relies on a competent and suitably trained local and international workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that the health security workforce needs to be well equipped to tackle current and future challenges. In this study, we explored whether training in applied epidemiology was meeting the current needs of the applied epidemiology workforce. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional online survey that was available in English and French. We used purposive and snowballing sampling techniques to identify potential survey respondents. An online social media advertisement campaign was used to disseminate a REDCap survey link between October 2019 and February 2020 through field epidemiology networks. Survey questions included demographic details of participants, along with their technical background, level of formal education, topics studied during epidemiology training, and years of experience as an epidemiologist. We used Pearson Chi-squared (Chi2) to test the difference between categorical variables, and content analysis to evaluate responses to open-ended questions. RESULTS In total, 282 people responded to the survey. Participants had a range of formal public health and epidemiology training backgrounds. Respondents applied epidemiology experience spanned almost 30 years, across 64 countries. Overall, 74% (n = 210) were alumni of Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP). Basic outbreak and surveillance training was well reported by respondents, however training in specialised techniques related to emergency response, communication, and leadership was less common. FETP graduates reported higher levels of formal training in all survey topics. CONCLUSION It is critical for the health security workforce to be well-trained and equipped with skills needed to ensure a rapid and effective response to acute public health events. Leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, and specialist training in emergency response are lacking in current training models. Our study has demonstrated that applied epidemiology workforce training must evolve to remain relevant to current and future public health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Elizabeth Parry
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Martyn D. Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Babatunde Olowokure
- World Health Organization, Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samantha M. Colquhoun
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tambri Housen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales Australia
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7
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Parry AE, Kirk MD, Durrheim DN, Olowokure B, Colquhoun S, Housen T. Emergency response and the need for collective competence in epidemiological teams. Bull World Health Organ 2021; 99:351-358. [PMID: 33958823 PMCID: PMC8061673 DOI: 10.2471/blt.20.276998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the challenges met by, and needs of, the epidemiology emergency response workforce, with the aim of informing the development of a larger survey, by conducting key informant interviews of public health experts. Methods We defined our study population as public health experts with experience of epidemiology deployment. Using purposive sampling techniques, we applied random number sampling to shortlists of potential interviewees provided by key organizations to obtain 10 study participants; we identified three additional interviewees through snowballing. The same interviewer conducted all key informant interviews during May-August 2019. We thematically analysed de-identified transcripts using a qualitative data analysis computer software package. Findings Despite our interviewees having a wide range of organizational and field experience, common themes emerged. Interviewees reported a lack of clarity in the definition of an emergency response epidemiologist; the need for a broader range of skills; and inadequate leadership and mentoring in the field. Interviewees identified the lack of interpersonal skills (e.g. communication) and a lack of career progression options as limitations to the effectiveness of emergency response. Conclusion The epidemiology emergency response workforce is currently not achieving collective competence. The lack of a clear definition of the role must be addressed, and leadership is required to develop teams in which complementary skills are harmonized and those less experienced can be mentored. Epidemiology bodies must consider individual professional accreditation to ensure that the required skills are being achieved, as well as enabling continual professional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Elizabeth Parry
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Building 62, Mills Road, Acton, Canberra, Australian National Territory, 2601 Australia
| | - Martyn D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Building 62, Mills Road, Acton, Canberra, Australian National Territory, 2601 Australia
| | - David N Durrheim
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Babatunde Olowokure
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samantha Colquhoun
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Building 62, Mills Road, Acton, Canberra, Australian National Territory, 2601 Australia
| | - Tambri Housen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Building 62, Mills Road, Acton, Canberra, Australian National Territory, 2601 Australia
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Feuerstein GZ, Mansfield MA, Lelkes PI, Alesci S, Marcinkiewicz C, Butlin N, Sternberg M. The Use of Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Fluorescent Nanodiamond Particles to Detect Ebola Virus Glycoprotein: Technology Development and Proof of Principle. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:7583-7599. [PMID: 33116489 PMCID: PMC7548262 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s261952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a dire need for rapid diagnostic tests of high sensitivity, efficiency, and point-of-test reporting capability to mitigate lethal viral epidemic outbreaks. Purpose To develop a new operating system within the lateral flow assay (LFA) format for Ebola virus (EBOV), based on fluorescent nanodiamond particles (FNDP) nitrogen vacancy (NV) emitting near-infrared (NIR) light. Specifically, we aimed to detail technical issues and the feasibility of mobilizing FNDP-NV on nitrocellulose membranes (NCM) and capturing them at test and control lines. Methods FNDP-NV-200nm, 400nm or 800nm were linked to anti-EBOV glycoprotein (GP) monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and tested for LFA performance by monitoring NIR emissions using an in vivo imaging system or optoelectronic device (OED). Anti-EBOV recombinant glycoprotein (GP) humanized mAb c13C6 was linked to FNDP-NV-200nm for the mobile phase; and a second anti-GP mouse mAb, 6D8, was printed on NCM at the test line. Goat anti-human IgG (GAH-IgG) served as a nonspecific antibody for conjugated FNDP-NV-200nm at the control line. Results FNDP-NV-200nm-c13C6 specifically and dose-dependently bound to recombinant EBOV GP in vitro and was effectively captured in a sandwich configuration at the test line by mAb 6D8. FNDP-NV-200nm-c13C6 was captured on the control line by GAH-IgG. The OED quantitative analysis of NIR (obtained in less than 1 minute) was further validated by an in vivo imaging system. Conclusion FNDP-NV-200nm performance as a reporter for EBOV GP rapid diagnostic tests suggests an opportunity to replace contemporary visual tests for EBOV GP and other highly lethal viral pathogens. Mobile, battery-operated OED adds portability, quantitative data, rapid data collection, and point-of-test reporting capability. Further development of FNDP-NV-200nm within a LFA format is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter I Lelkes
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Cezary Marcinkiewicz
- Debina Diagnostics Inc., Newtown Square, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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