Events

1. Steering Committee and General Meeting, Berlin, Germany

Dates: 22-23 February 2012
Venue: Seminaris Campus Hotel on the campus of the Free University of Berlin

Abstract: During the meeting all workpackage leaders were given ample time to present their objectives and activity plans for GLOWORM. Before each WP presentation a scientific presentation was given by a key-note speaker on a selected topic pertaining respective WP. 

Key-note presentations:

• Invited speaker: Adrian Wolstenholme – Molecular marker for anthelmintic resistance: a review of the current situation.
• Janina Demeler & Philip Skuce (WP1): Diagnosis of veterinary helminths – challenges and opportunities?
• Eric Morgan & Jan van Dijk (WP2): How can we make prediction models for helminth infection more useful?
• Annibale Biggeri (WP3): Bayesian Spatial Models for Farm Profiling in Veterinary Epidemiology.
• Fiona Kenyon (WP4): Sustainable control of helminth infection in European livestock farming by a selective use of anthelmintics.
• Guy Hendrickx (WP5): Vet-geoTools, a Risk Management System for Animal Disease Control.

2. Sheep Meeting, Napoli, Italy

Dates: 22-24 April 2012
Venue: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Naples Federico II

Abstract: During this meeting organized by UNINA as part of WP3 all GLOWORM partners involved with the sampling of sheep farms elaborated and discussed appropriate sampling strategies for Ireland, Switzerland and Italy.  

3. Mathematical Modelling Workshop, Liverpool, UK

Dates: 8-9 May 2012
Venue: Leahurst, University of Liverpool

Abstract:  This workshop was organized by LIV as part of WP2 and grouped at least one representative of each group contributing to this WP. Through a series of technical presentations on topics related to mathematical modeling the aim of the workshop was to:

• Provide an opportunity for further integration (‘team building exercise’)
• Ensure experiments conducted/planned do not overlap, fill prioritized knowledge gaps, and are likely to yield data that can feed into models
• Bring mathematical models to those who have not used these techniques before
• Give some familiarity with useful software packages.

Technical presentations:

• The experiment- model- experiment cycle - Jan van Dijk
• Creating models from experimental data - practical session - Eric Morgan
• Sensitivity analysis - practical session (continued) - Eric Morgan
• Building models using Stella software - demonstration- Hannah Rose
• Getting started in R - practical session - Rob Christley & Jon Read
• Gaps in our knowledge on the free-living stages - Jan van Dijk / Daniel Smith
• Modelling in R – practical session - Rob Christley & Jon Read

4. Steering Committee Meeting, Bristol, UK

Dates: 8-9-10 October, 2012
Venue: Engineers' House, The Promenade, Clifton Down

Abstract: During this meeting the GLOWORM Steering Committee including all work package leaders and co-leaders discussed progress made and future plans.
An opportunity was given to participate to a public scientific seminar by Prof. Hans Heesterbeek (Utrecht, Netherlands), advisor to WP2, on nematode transmission.

The SC meeting was followed by a meeting with representatives from the Pharmaceutical Industry which took place in Berkeley in the former house of Dr. Edward Jenner who was the first to develop and promote large scale vaccination against small pox using cow pox. During this meeting the objectives and activities of GLOWORM were presented and the GLOWORM SC members and the Pharma Industry discussed opportunities for data exchange and potential collaborations.

The pharmaceutical industry was represented by: Bayer, Merial, Novartis and Pfizer.

 
5. GIS Workshop, Antwerp, Belgium

Dates: 13-15 November, 2012
Venue: IBIS Hotel

Abstract: This is the first of two GIS workshops organized by Avia-GIS as part of WP3. The general aim of the GLOWORM GIS training program is to train GLOWORM partners to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and develop models for the spatial distribution of Fasciola hepatica in dairy cattle in each of the GLOWORM pilot areas selected in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Sweden.

During this first training course the following topics were addressed:

• The general concept of GIS training in GLOWORM
• Introduction to QGIS, a freely available GIS software package
• Projection systems
• Data formats and sources
• Geo-processing of vector data

The resident workshop is followed by a three month distance learning program (jan-Feb-Mar 2013) during which all participants have access to a series of tasks and exercises at an increasing level of complexity. 

 
6. Spatial Statistics Workshop, Napoli, Italy

Dates: 10-12 December 2012
Venue: Hotel Real Orto Botanico

Abstract: This is the first of two Spatial Statistics workshops organized by E&P and UNINA as part of WP3. The general aim of the GLOWORM Spatial Statistics training program is to train GLOWORM partners to perform spatial data analysis by using different statistical packages. The training program is based on epidemiological surveillance to be used in the GLOWORM project, including modeling, hypothesis testing and prediction.

During this first training course the following topics were addressed:
Introduction to Spatial Analysis 

• Areal Data and Disease Mapping 
• Introduction to Bayesian Inference 
• Bayesian approaches to modelling areal data 
• Introduction to survey methodology
• Point pattern data and geostatistics

Specific tutorials included:

• Introduction to R, Mapping using different scales, Bayesian approaches and autocorrelation
• Introduction to WinBugs, Bayesian Poisson-Gamma model, CAR models and BYM convolution model
• Introduction to GeoR commands and Bayesian Geostatistics