Developing open source, self-contained disease surveillance software applications for use in resource-limited settings.

Background: Emerging public health threats often originate in resource-limited countries. In recognition of this fact, the World Health Organization issued revised International Health Regulations in 2005, which call for significantly increased reporting and response capabilities for all signatory nations. Electronic biosurveillance systems can improve the timeliness of public health data collection, aid in the early detection of and response to disease outbreaks, and enhance situational awareness.

SAGES: a suite of freely-available software tools for electronic disease surveillance in resource-limited settings.

Public health surveillance is undergoing a revolution driven by advances in the field of information technology. Many countries have experienced vast improvements in the collection, ingestion, analysis, visualization, and dissemination of public health data. Resource-limited countries have lagged behind due to challenges in information technology infrastructure, public health resources, and the costs of proprietary software.

Wavelet processing of systolic murmurs to assist with clinical diagnosis of heart disease.

Despite advances in imaging technologies for the heart, screening of patients for cardiac pathology continues to include the use of traditional stethoscope auscultation. Detection of heart murmurs by the primary care physician often results in the ordering of additional expensive testing or referral to cardiology subspecialists, although many of the patients are eventually found to have no pathologic condition. In contrast, auscultation by an experienced cardiologist is highly sensitive and specific for detecting heart disease.