diff --git a/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/DengueDataHub.png b/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/DengueDataHub.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4903b84 Binary files /dev/null and b/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/DengueDataHub.png differ diff --git a/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/denguedatahub-package.png b/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/denguedatahub-package.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0f2886c Binary files /dev/null and b/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/denguedatahub-package.png differ diff --git a/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/index.qmd b/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/index.qmd new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6869821 --- /dev/null +++ b/posts/empowering-dengue-research-through-the-dengue-data-hub/index.qmd @@ -0,0 +1,120 @@ +--- +title: "Empowering Dengue Research Through the Dengue Data Hub: R Consortium Funded Initiative" +description: "The Dengue Data Hub, an ambitious initiative funded by the R Consortium ISC, +transforms how researchers access and utilize dengue-related data." +author: "R Consortium" +image: "DengueDataHub.png" +date: "10/15/2024" +--- + +![](DengueDataHub.png) + +The [Dengue Data Hub](https://github.com/thiyangt/denguedatahub), an ambitious initiative funded +by the R Consortium ISC, transforms how researchers access and utilize dengue-related data. At +its core, the Dengue Data Hub aims to provide a centralized repository for dengue incidence, +mortality, and risk-related data, streamlining the research process and empowering scientific +inquiry into this global health issue. The platform offers easy access through the denguedatahub +R package, a Shiny app, and an informative website, making data analysis more efficient and accessible. + +Please note: [denguedatahub version 2.1.1](https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/denguedatahub/index.html) +was published on CRAN on Sep 22, 2024. + +[Dr. Thiyanga Talagala](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiyanga-talagala-24bb63134/), a Senior Lecturer at +the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, spearheads this initiative. With a PhD from Monash +University, where she honed her skills in R programming and data science, Dr. Talagala is deeply +passionate about leveraging her expertise to address Sri Lanka’s public health challenges, particularly +dengue. Together with her sister, Dr. Priyanga Talagala, she co-founded the +[R-Ladies Colombo group](https://www.meetup.com/rladies-colombo/) and has been instrumental in +bringing innovative solutions to the scientific community. Dr. Talagala’s commitment to enhancing +dengue research through accessible data resources is central to her ongoing work, making the Dengue +Data Hub a vital tool for researchers worldwide. + +**Tell us about your background and how it connects to the Dengue Data Hub project** + +Currently, I am working as a Senior Lecturer, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, +University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. I earned my PhD from Monash University, Australia. +During my time at Monash University in Australia, I was part of the NUMBAT research group, where I +developed a deep interest in the R programming language and discovered its incredible potential for +data analysis and research. I also had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with leading experts +in the field, which further fueled my passion for R and data science. I also got to know about the +R Ladies community, and I attended events organized by R-Ladies Melbourne. + +Once I returned to Sri Lanka after completing my PhD, I felt a strong desire to contribute to my +country using the knowledge I had gained. I, along with my Sister, Dr Priyanga Dilini Talagala +(we both did our PhDs together at Monash University), established the R Ladies Colombo meetup group. + +Dengue is a major public health issue in Sri Lanka. As a data scientist, I can contribute to +its mitigation by establishing a centralized repository for dengue data for data analysis and modeling, +which empowers dengue research. This project was funded by [R Consortium ISC 2022 - 1 Grant](https://r-consortium.org/all-projects/2022-group-1.html#dengue-data-hub) and +I have been working on it since 2022. + +**What is the Dengue Data Hub?** + +The Dengue Data Hub is a centralized repository that provides access to a variety of data +sets related to dengue incidence and other relevant factors. This includes data on dengue +deaths, reported cases, indigenous cases, local cases, dengue serotypes, breeding sites, and +country-wise levels of risk. I have data related to annual dengue incidence for 195 countries +around the world. + +**Why is this project important for the research community?** + +Dengue researchers often spend their valuable time searching for datasets, web scraping and +cleaning data. The publication of data in a centralized repository helps to prevent duplicate +efforts. The dengue data hub enables the community to focus on analysis and modeling rather than +data collection and cleaning. Additionally, it enhances research sustainability by allowing +researchers to utilize data for their studies while preserving it for future researchers. + +**How do researchers use the Dengue Data Hub?** + +There are three straightforward ways for anyone to participate. Use the denguedatahub R software +package, use the Dengue Data Hub Shiny app (for non-programmers), or use our website which +provides tutorials and examples. + +1. Use the denguedatahub R software package. + +![](denguedatahub-package.png) + +The denguedatahub R package allows researchers to download dengue-related data easily. For Sri +Lanka, it includes web scraping functions that directly retrieve weekly epidemiological reports +published by the Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. This functionality also +cleans the data into a tidy format. Additionally, the package offers various data manipulation +functions tailored for dengue data visualization and modeling. You can find the package on GitHub +at [https://github.com/thiyangt/denguedatahub](https://github.com/thiyangt/denguedatahub). + +2. Dengue Data Hub Shiny app + +The Shiny app provides an interface for non-programmers to access dengue data. It is +available at: [https://denguedatahub.shinyapps.io/denguedatahub/](https://denguedatahub.shinyapps.io/denguedatahub/) + +3. Website ([https://denguedatahub.netlify.app/](https://denguedatahub.netlify.app/)) + +This website is the home for the projects. It provides tutorials and examples. The site was +developed using Quarto. + +**What impact do you hope the Dengue Data Hub will have?** + +My hope is that the Dengue Data Hub will become a go-to resource for dengue researchers +globally. I believe the hub will accelerate dengue research and discoveries which will help +in developing effective strategies to combat dengue. The dengue data hub also serves as a + +teaching tool for data science and statistics, as it includes comprehensive data sets. + +**Do you have any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the research community?** + +I invite dengue researchers worldwide to collaborate on this project. I do not have access to clinical +trial data, so contributions in that area would be especially valuable. We are looking to expand the +datasets available, as comprehensive data sharing is essential for advancing our collective understanding +of dengue epidemiology. Additionally, we welcome contributions of data, analytical tools, and insights +that can help strengthen the hub's capacity to serve as a central resource for researchers globally. + +You can learn more about how to collaborate [here.](https://denguedatahub.netlify.app/collaborate.html) +We can build a stronger network to enhance dengue research and response efforts worldwide. + + +## About ISC Funded Projects + +A major goal of the R Consortium is to strengthen and improve the infrastructure supporting the R Ecosystem. +We seek to accomplish this by funding projects that will improve both technical infrastructure and social +infrastructure. + +[https://r-consortium.org/all-projects/callforproposals.html](https://r-consortium.org/all-projects/callforproposals.html)