Spora 

Abstract: Compartmental modeling serves as a necessary framework in many fields, especially biomathematics and ecology. This article introduces readers to a user-friendly approach to constructing compartmental models and solving the resulting systems of differential equations to simulate real-world applications. The platform used is Berkeley Madonna, a software package that has an intuitive graphical interface which empowers users—even those with limited mathematical and programming backgrounds—to focus on modeling concepts rather than mathematical or programming intricacies. This makes Berkeley Madonna an ideal platform for students, educators, and researchers.

Abstract: In this manuscript, we describe the process of using agent-based modeling in NetLogo to create a simulation of COVID-19 spread in a traditional college classroom.The model allows for an evaluation of different preventative measures implemented by the University of Pittsburgh, including the cohort classroom attendance model, mask and vaccine mandates, contact tracing, and classroom sanitation.Through the use of the model's interactive interface, the impact of adjusting specific measures by the institution could be visualized, providing a valuable tool for combating diseases that spread through droplet transmission.

Abstract: This paper presents a mathematically formalized approach which points out the relation between efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines. The first term denotes the relative degree of protection in clinical trials or under ideal conditions, while the latter is based on observed real-life data. We define the efficacy by a similar formula to the effectiveness, but the probabilities involved in the relative risk are conditional with respect to the exposure to the virus. If exposure and vaccination status are independent, the two quantities are equal. Otherwise, the observed value of the effectiveness is a biased one, as it could be seen for example in the context of COVID-19 vaccination. This phenomenon is explained by the main result of this paper, which shows a relation between effectiveness and efficacy involving the degree of discrimination, a factor which quantifies the asymmetric exposure to the virus of the vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated group.

Abstract: Many microhylid frog species, such as the tomato frog, Dyscophus sp., have demonstrated the ability to aim their tongues independently of head and jaw movements. However, a trade-off between tongue-aiming and head-only aiming exists in which the former allows for crypsis but lacks speed whereas the latter is faster but less accurate and more noticeable to prey. For frogs that can move their tongues independently of their heads, under what circumstances will they utilize each strategy, and why? We derive a model, dependent on factors relevant for prey-catching, for the probability the frog will turn its head (and not tongue) given the prey angle. Our model behaves as expected when altering prey-catching factors, but underestimates head turning behavior with increasing prey angle. We later allow for variance in perceived prey location to be a function of prey angle. We find such variance must generally increase with prey angle.