Gianpaolo Pontiggia
Scientific collaborator at the Infectious Disease Modelling team, Swiss TPH. Background in environmental consultancy and biodiversity. I enjoy hiking. My next challenge: triathlon and learning French.
Location Basel, Switzerland
Activity
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Leny Morrison
Tough but very interesting. Eager to learn more.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
It is very interesting with the One Health approach goes beyond zoonosis like in the HIV-AIDS example where different sectors are affected. So, One Health involves economists as well and not just veterinarians and medical doctors.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
This is definitely an extremely useful tool. Could this framework be used to advice on how to efficiently respond in a pandemic scenario? Can it prepare a country to respond in case of an emergency?
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Models are tools to inform the decision making. I agree that additional considerations should be included when adopting measures that may have more significant impacts.
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@LenyMorrison It requires a wise long term view.
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@VuongNguyenVanHai I agree. I can understand better now how it is possible to represent why a disease keeps spreading and the effect of vaccines on the numbers.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Thank you for highlighting the shortfall and how to overcome it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
The graphs I have obtained show the same dynamic presented in the previous video. The susceptible, infectious and recovered stabilized following an initial drop/peak. The susceptibles are the whole population at the beginning and then they drop to a small number assuming immunisation. The infectious number has a peak follow by a drop showing the endemic stable...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
As part of my job, I support the work of infectious disease modellers. I am glad this course is giving me the opportunity to learn more about transmission models.
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Thank you for the great explanation. I have managed to achieve the same graphs.
It is my understanding that the results before year 10 are not representative or "realistic". The more representative and useful for further evaluation is the number at the stabilised population. Is it correct? -
@LenyMorrison I am pleased I got your same number.
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I agree with the below comments. After year 10 the population starts to stabilise and after year 21 there is a stable increase of approximately +6.678% per year compared to the previous year.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I need to refresh my math ;-)
It is always fascinating for me when I see representing life in equations. -
@IngaLatishaMartin I agree with you. "just treating the symptoms" as you are saying, it is an old approach to health. The development of the One Heath approach is a positive sign of improvement towards a more holistic approach to health.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
This One Health study definitely highlighted the exposure risk for humans, the massive underestimation of incidence and need for animal vaccination.
As mentioned earlier in the course, molecular typing is required to further and better describe the transmission and identify appropriate measures to reduce incidence.Thank you for the article. It was very...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Financial saving is a strong point. It is now clear that there are a lot of disciplines associated to the One Health approach including health economy and modelling. I am looking forward to learn more.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Thank you for sharing this exiting experience. It is a relevant problem. I did not know that "mobile pastoralists provide major contributions to the gross domestic product in Chad". I am sure climate change has a significant impact on similar populations and may increase their risks to be expose to health issues.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Linda Gilbert
@LisaCrump This is from the WHO website:
VECTOR
Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans. Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects, which ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later transmit it into a new host, after... -
Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Nadine Angie Werlen
@NadineAngieWerlen I agree. Collaboration and good communication is essential. The system should facilitate it with suitable processes.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
It is the collaboration among the different experts that contribute to generate even further knowledge. Sharing information and ensuring effective communication is essential for a quick response to zoonosis outbreaks.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
It was very interesting to learn about the Q fever problem in the Netherlands and the measures that were developed to make sure to control new outbreaks (https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/ese.15.12.19520-en#html_fulltext). This is an example that confirms that similar outbreaks can happen anywhere in the world and not just in developing...
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@VALENTINASANGA I hope tere will be soon more One Health specialists able to influence changes in the way health is approach. The current pandemic has definitely sent a message about it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
One Health is fascinating especially if you take it beyond the humans and the animals. I feel it has a great connection with ecology and the study of ecosystems. In ecology, all the different components part of an ecosystem are interlinked both biotic and abiotic components. The development of zoonosis depends not just on the contact between humans and animals...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I remember that some years ago it was on the news the outbreak of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) causing the mad cow disease (MCD).
This mainly affected western countries. So, One Heath is relevant worldwide.
In the UK, I worked a lot outdoor in the field and leptospirosis was something important to be aware of. This is another example of... -
@CécileRohrer I have found a similar strategy regarding antibiotic resistance in Italy.
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@ElsaJOURDAIN following your comment, I looked into veterinary/medicine study and I discovered that there more an more universities offer courses on One Health.
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@JakobZinsstag Thank you for the opportunity to look into the current situation in our countries.
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The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Italy has a structure based on the One Health approach. Human health, animal health and food security are all under the Ministry of Health. I have attached on Padlet the organization chart of the Italian MoH.
The MoH have also several specific initiatives based on the One Health approach. As an example, the National Action Plan... -
@LindaGilbert I agree. There may be some informal channels and this is probably because specialists are aware of the lack of a formal structure.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Eric Bkb
@EricBkb yes, thank you for the clarifications. It appears that there is no sufficient communication or integration between the two systems.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I understand that the connections are at the "council" levels where the agriculture and "human" health authorities meet.
The health office and the agricultural offices are two separated entities with no evident connection.
This does not appear to be a sufficient level of integration between animal and "human" health. Public health depends on both. -
@AnabadediADJODI I really like your last question! On the previous exercise about the desert island, I believe we all wanted some animals with us so, we definitely do not want a world without animals.
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@LauraC.GonzalezVilleta I absolutely agree with you.
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The three ethic issues that I consider to be the most important ones shaping the human-animal relationship are:
- Considering animal as a service for humans without considering the as living beefing;
- Reshaping the planet as human want without considering the impacts on other species such as habitat loss; and
- Pollution causing a deterioration of... -
@MollyN regarding the recent pandemic, I hope people will not blame bats. They were not the problem. It is the wrong way of dealing with human-animal relation the issue.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
In the UK, the Wild Mammal Protection Act 1996 states:
"This Act makes it an offense for any person to mutilate, kick, beat, nail or otherwise impale, stab, burn, stone, crush, drown, drag or asphyxiate any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering." This means that inflicting unnecessary suffering is against the law.
Other national... -
@NadineAngieWerlen I read that lynxes are also another species that creates some problems for farmers. We must find a way to coexist. As mentioned in the video, most top predators are at risk of extinction because they compete with humans.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I grew up in the countryside so, the seasonality and the different wildlife visiting the house were a constant surprise.
I believe in the respect all forms of life. This includes all animals regardless of their potential value. I believe in the animal welfare for those animals that we consume, keep for company or use in laboratories for experiments; and I...
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@IngaLatishaMartin I agree with you. I really enjoy observing wildlife in there natural environment. It is a very good way to integrate with nature.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
It is interesting to compare the different answers to the questions.
I can see several similarities and some interesting difference too.We all like animals companion animal. I want to highlight that animals can offer more than just company. I think about the guide or rescue dog, animals for animal therapy such as horses etc.
Animal that can hurt us are...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Vuong Nguyen Van Hai
A pair of animals (male and female) is a clever way to ensure a more long term survival. The British thought that rabbits were a good choice when they went to Australia but they had a negative impact on the ecosystem.
Male and female sheep and a dog sounds like a good plan. I would basically turn into a shepherd on a desert island. The four of us would look...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Vuong Nguyen Van Hai
@VuongNguyenVanHai I agree, the sheep is probably a better option than goats and cows because of the wool.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Molly N
Great choice! I was thinking the same. Chickens sound like a good option and an animal for some company is a great idea.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Linda Gilbert
Definitions for host and vector may also be useful.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Linda Gilbert
Hi, I believe rabies was mentioned earlier in this week steps but I cannot see any reference here in the glossary. It may be useful to add it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
It sounds like a very exiting program. Thank you for organising this course. I am particularly interested on the ecosystem approach to health. It is a very hot topic at the moment considering the origin of the current pandemic.
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The small dangerous animals are the most terrifying for me so, I definitely agree with you. It is great to have a virtual classmate from Trinidad & Tobago!
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I study and work with biodiversity so, definitely one category for me would include the animals endangered due to human impact so, animals that need to be protected. Among them, there are definitely some that we may like more than others. One of my specialty is bats and I am sure that most people find them ugly and disgusting but, the way they look is the...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Do we deserve only short breaks for ourself? When I have practiced meditation, pranayama or savasana after yoga, I really needed several minutes before being able to get in contact with myself, relax and feeling the breath. It does not happen instantly especially when you are stressed at work. We must find more time for ourself than just random minutes in a day.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I really enjoy writing, reading and replying to comments of other people doing the course. It would be useful to have an easier way to connect with others on the course.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Thank you very much for setting this course with so many effective articles and material. It has been very useful for me.
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Eudaimonic: very interesting word.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Avoid isolation and take care of yourself. I believe these two points will be my focus to improve resilience. At the same time, I am going to work on design think as I really believe is what I need to improve my life.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Very useful tool and I like the idea of prototyping the plan. One option is good but more alternatives help me better thinking.
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Good manners are a very good start and many people too easily forget about them.
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Compromising is an important skill at work and in everyday life. It requires a lot of patience and positive attitude, looking what it is better in the long term.
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I have used the pomodoro technique in the past with 25 minutes focus and short breaks. It works!
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
If you want to get support from others, you have to support them first.
I do not expect to build friendship with my colleagues but I definitely believe in teamwork based on honesty, respect and trust.
One-to-one and team meetings are really helpful to share positive and negative situations.
As a team leader, it is my responsibility to action the feedback I... -
@ReemKhalifa I am in your same situation, you are not the only one.
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Very well said and very good example about the mask on a flight! I definitely agree with you. Caring for ourselves is not selfishness.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I was expecting quite a low score and in fact, I am low in self-compassion.
I am high in self-judgement, isolation, and over-identification.
When I am struggling to overcome problems, I definitely notice that I tend to isolate myself, I also tend to became impatient and careless, I stop exercising or taking care of myself.
I need to learn to always put... -
Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to anita m
It is important to feel rewarded for what we do and the passion and commitment we put in our work. The reward should come from ourselves rather than be expected by others. If then somebody say "thank you" I really appreciate it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Marina Combis
It is definitely great to be surrounded by passionate colleagues as their positiveness is "infectious". If we have negative or demotivating colleagues, their behaviour can demotivate us or other people.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I am an ecologist so, I believe with my work I contribute to protect wildlife, natural habitats and the environment. In addition, I have been always driven by achieving results and accomplishing tasks with excellent results. I enjoy applying my knowledge and experience to solve problems.
The meaning that I give to my work has definitely changed over time. I...
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I agree. It is definitely a "growing up" process. We grow and learn a lot after overcoming an adversity
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I believe your definition is really good! Thank you for sharing it. Adapting and the surrounding are really part of the resilience process
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Resilience is the adapting process that allows a person to react to changes. It is based on evolving personal skills and the environment that everyone contributes to build around themselves.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
After a good sleep, I tends to be able to solve problems better as my mind is really fresh and reactive. I really feel the benefit of a good night of sleep.
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Instagram or looking at the mobile phone for long before going to bed is terrible! I believe the direct light of the screen in the eyes wakes me up so, it takes me longer to fall asleep.
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I like a nice limoncello after dinner and I am sure that the pleasure of drinking it with my family makes me feel better. It relaxes me so, I definitely sleeps better after it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I believe I am a good sleeper. I like going to bed early and wake up early as the light level really affects my sleep. I sleep about seven hours per night and I am instantly active when I wake up in the morning. I live with somebody who is the opposite of me and likes going to bed late and waking up late. So, we have to compromise a lot.
Full days of work... -
I find really effective spot meditation too. I am a stuffed octopus on my desk that represents my multitasking daily work. Every time I accidentally look at it, it reminds me that I need to release stress. It triggers meditation.
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Really good idea.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Meditating while washing hands is a brilliant idea. It is a short break in which I can focus on the touch and feeling of my hands: the warm water, the noise of the water flow, the rubbing of one hand over the other and the perception of the soap on the skin. The mind can really reconnect with the physical feeling. I have combined it with feeling my breath....
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I agree. Multitask and having to quickly respond to requests one after the other make me feel very tired by the end of the day. I like my job but, first we have to look after our well-being.
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Thank you for sharing it. As you are saying, focusing on ourselves is important and it is not a selfish act. We are so overwhelmed by external requests and people asking for help that they push us to drown. Mindfulness is a good way to reset our mind and coping mechanism.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I have used the five-minute breath meditation. I can see my mind get distracted by things that I need to do during the day. I probably need to find the right time to do meditation. Just before starting a busy day at work may not be the right moment. Probably it would be better earlier in the morning or at the end of the day or even in the middle of the day...
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Distance working is posing some limitations to some of the tips mentioned above such as eye contact and the posture. We have to retain our-self to a different level of communication.
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We are distracted by so many noises. Silence is a good exercise.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
TED videos are quite engaging so, I have found a couple of them about listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq5pJ0q3xuc
It is in line with some of the steps mentioned in other articles quoted by others in the comments. In particular, emptying your mind, being present, no having previous expectations help you to be in the right mindset for... -
Thank you for sharing and summarising it so well.
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Thank you for sharing the quotes. I find them very inspiring. I believe my work progression is quite as you have described yours: one event following the other going with the stream.
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I have used the same word "holistic" in my comment. We should all work on prototypes that focus on a good work-life balance.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Gale W
I believe a lot of people including myself are in your same situation. Trying different things and sharing them with others to get different opinions and a prospective is really useful.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I find this section of the course extremely inspiring.
I believe I apply a sort of prototyping to solve problems at work but I neglect my private life. I am now exited about applying the same approach to my career development and my Odyssey plans.
I really want to work on the prototype for my career progression. This should put at the centre my personal... -
Challenging situations are useful to push our-self to learn new skills.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Zunaira S
I believe many people are in your same situation. We are all now a bit better working and communicating remotely. It has been a massive step forward that hopefully will contribute to less travelling and, therefore, less air pollution (i.e. from airplanes and cars).
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
My work sometimes requires late evening and early morning work, with long distance travelling so, I normally book accommodations for me and other staff. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, accommodations were all closed. The client was really keen for the works to proceed to avoid later delays. We also had the problem that due to the pandemic, we were...
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Jerick Gonzales
I really liked your photo! Very good representation of resilience. Thank you for sharing it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Karleen Zambas
The other day, while doing this course I heard a song. It was saying: "you gotta get up and try". I absolutely agree. We should try and not giving up.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
Wow, so many nice and effective images. I really enjoined looking at them.
I added an image of a castell: a traditional human tower from Catalunya. The emphasis is on collaboration to overcome difficult times and reach incredible results. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castell -
Gianpaolo Pontiggia replied to Devi Lie
I agree. Good communication skills help to be effective when as an example, we ask fro support. Sometimes frustration comes from not being able to explain what is happening to us.
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I agree. Resilience should be part of the training delivered at work. I am sure the results would be very positive.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
The current circumstances are giving me more time for self-care practices such as exercise, mindfulness, healthy lifestyle and diet.
I am really interested to understand how to improve each one of the other elements mentioned above. They all link one to the other to reinforce and build our resilience. -
It is a very good point. Sometimes there are personal problems that are difficult to share, not just because they make us feel vulnerable in front of others but also because they are so personal that it may be difficult for others to understand them. Your position may be misunderstood leading to more frustration rather than resilience.
Individual strength may... -
I agree. When I am in a bad mood this can affect my family too. We are all interlinked and our behaviour affect people part of our ecosystem.
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Great example!
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
I think about an organisational resilience. When I have a problem at work on a project or with a member of the team, I tend to seek for advice and I discuss it with colleagues that I trust and I know they can listen and help me to think about solutions. Sometimes there are established processes part of the organisational resilience like the support I can get...
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I have really enjoined watching this TED talk. Thank you for sharing it.
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Gianpaolo Pontiggia made a comment
It is very interesting reading about how to build resilience.
A way to build resilience is fostering wellness by: taking care of your body; practising mindfulness; and avoiding negative outlets.
"Promoting positive lifestyle factors like proper nutrition, ample sleep, hydration and regular exercise can strengthen your body to adapt to stress and reduce the...
