Cost-effective Control Strategies Research Articles

Participatory epidemiological survey of foot-and-mouth disease among some cattle diseases in some pastoral communities of Niger, north central, Nigeria

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is known to cause significant financial losses, making it a threat to the livelihood and food security. Disease surveillance in pastoral areas are often difficult because human populations are relatively small and highly mobile, and requires considerable flexibility and commitment. Participatory epidemiological approach was used to assess relative burden, seasonality and perceived risk factors of FMD among other important cattle diseases in cattle population of pastoral communities of North-central, Nigeria. Nine pastoral communities and three key informants from each community were purposively selected for the survey between January and December 2014. Participatory rural appraisal tools were used for participatory exercises. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance W statistics was used for statistical analyses. Mean proportional piles (relative burden) of FMD (Boru,Chabo) was 17.2%, and pastoralists’agreement on the piles was strong (W=0.6855) and statistically significant (P<0.001). Key informants’ perceived risk factors for FMD were: keeping healthy cattle with sick ones (17.2%), high cattle density (16.8%), grazing cattle in areas of FMD outbreaks (12.4%), long distance trekking (10.3%), giving out cattle as gift or payment for dowry (8.2%), and cattle rustling (4.9%). The key informants agreement on the risk factors was strong (W=0.8372) and statistically significant (p<0.01). FMD occurred in all seasons, but more in late rainy season (Damina) and less in late dry season (Rani). Agreement on FMD seasonal occurrence was strong (W=0.8719) and statistically significant (P<0.01). This survey revealed the relative burden and seasonal impacts of FMD in pastoral herds in North-central Nigeria. FMD surveillance, control and prevention programmes that take these factors into consideration will be beneficial to the livestock industry. The combined use of Participatory epidemiological techniques and clinical record of cases is essential for cost effective disease surveillance, reporting and control strategies in Nigeria.Keywords: Burden, FMD, Fulani pastoralists, Participatory Epidemiology, season, Nigeria

Inactivation of molds on the surface of wheat sprouts by chlorophyllin-chitosan coating in the presence of visible LED-based light

The present study clearly demonstrated the significant antifungal activity of chlorophyllin-chitosan complex (Chl-CHS) after activation with visible light. This phenomenon afterwards was successfully applied for better microbial control of highly popular food- germinated wheat sprouts.Obtained results indicated that photoactivated Chl-CHS complex (0.001% Chl-0.1% CHS and 0.005% Chl-0.5% CHS, 405 nm, 76 J/cm2) considerably inhibited (83%) the growth of dominating sprout pathogenic microfungus Fusarium graminearum in vitro. Moreover, obvious delay of fungus growth by 4 days after treatment was observed. The efficiency of antifungal treatment strongly depended on used Chl-CHS complex concentration.The coating of wheat grains with Chl-CHS (0.005% Chl–0.5% CHS) and illumination with visible light (405 nm; 76 J/cm2) inactivated the molds on the surface of grains by 79%. It is important to note, that no grain surface microstructure damage observed by SEM imaging have been found. No inhibiting effects on seed germination process, viability, average weight of grains, length of seedlings and content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in the seedlings or eventually visual quality after Chl-CHS coating of grains and illumination with visible light have been observed.In conclusion, chlorophyllin-chitosan coating in the concert with visible light has great potential as cost-effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for better microbial control of highly contaminated sprouts.

An overview of carcinogenic pollutants in groundwater of India

Abstract Groundwater is the major source of freshwater for irrigation, drinking, and sanitation in India. 50% of urban water requirement and 85% of rural domestic water requirements are fulfilled by groundwater. Industrialization, unmanaged dumping of waste, extensive application of pesticides and other geological metamorphic activities have led to the contamination of freshwater resources. Consumption of such polluted water poses a threat to the ecosystem and human health and also, has the potential to cause cancer. Globally as well as nationally, cancer is emerging as a high-risk disease. Scientific community worldwide faces a crucial challenge in finding its possible prevention measures and cures. Reducing the exposure to carcinogens offers the most cost-effective and long-term strategy for control of cancer. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the prevalent carcinogenic contaminants and their sources reported throughout the country in groundwater and to ponder upon the associated health risks. The possible remedial measures are also critically reviewed, which may help in finding a sustainable methodology for mitigating carcinogenic groundwater pollutants.

Network analysis of dairy cattle movement and associations with bovine tuberculosis spread and control in emerging dairy belts of Ethiopia

BackgroundDairy cattle movement could be a major risk factor for the spread of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in emerging dairy belts of Ethiopia. Dairy cattle may be moved between farms over long distances, and hence understanding the route and frequency of the movements is essential to establish the pattern of spread of BTB between farms, which could ultimately help to inform policy makers to design cost effective control strategies. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the network structure of dairy cattle movement and its influence on the transmission and prevalence of BTB in three emerging areas among the Ethiopian dairy belts, namely the cities of Hawassa, Gondar and Mekelle.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted in 278 farms to collect data on the pattern of dairy cattle movement for the last 5 years (September 2013 to August 2018). Visualization of the network structure and analysis of the relationship between the network patterns and the prevalence of BTB in these regions were made using social network analysis.ResultsThe cattle movement network structure display both scale free and small world properties implying local clustering with fewer farms being highly connected, at higher risk of infection, with the potential to act as super spreaders of BTB if infected. Farms having a history of cattle movements onto the herds were more likely to be affected by BTB (OR: 2.2) compared to farms not having a link history. Euclidean distance between farms and the batch size of animals moved on were positively correlated with prevalence of BTB. On the other hand, farms having one or more outgoing cattle showed a decrease on the likelihood of BTB infection (OR = 0.57) compared to farms which maintained their cattle.ConclusionThis study showed that the patterns of cattle movement and size of animal moved between farms contributed to the potential for BTB transmission. The few farms with the bulk of transmission potential could be efficiently targeted by control measures aimed at reducing the spread of BTB. The network structure described can also provide the starting point to build and estimate dynamic transmission models for BTB, and other infectious diseases.

The Prevalence of Congenital Malaria : Nigerian Experience

This study was aimed at highlighting on the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Nigeria within the last ten years. The prevalence of congenital malaria in Nigeria varies and it affects every geopolitical zone in Nigeria. This is because Nigeria like other countries in the tropics and subtropics has factors which favour the survival of mosquito. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of insecticide treated nets and effective case management of uncomplicated malaria as a feasible and cost-effective control strategy, Nigeria remains one of the worst affected countries in the world with malaria among pregnant women and neonates. This paper recommends more programs to the menace of this infection among pregnant women and neonates in Nigeria.

Analysis of Malaria Control Measures' Effectiveness Using Multistage Vector Model.

We analyze an epidemiological model to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple means of control in malaria-endemic areas. The mathematical model consists of a system of several ordinary differential equations and is based on a multi-compartment representation of the system. The model takes into account the multiple resting-questing stages undergone by adult female mosquitoes during the period in which they function as disease vectors. We compute the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and show that if [Formula: see text], the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable (GAS) on the nonnegative orthant. If [Formula: see text], the system admits a unique endemic equilibrium (EE) that is GAS. We perform a sensitivity analysis of the dependence of [Formula: see text] and the EE on parameters related to control measures, such as killing effectiveness and bite prevention. Finally, we discuss the implications for a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for malaria control.

Simulation of control scenarios of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Nghe An Province in Vietnam

The main objective of this study was to develop various models using North American Animal Disease Spread Model (NAADSM) to simulate the transmission of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus between farms in Nghe An Province in Vietnam in order to inform the prevention and control of this important disease. Using real data from the household survey, credible parameters for direct/indirect mean contact rates between different farms were estimated. A total of eleven models were developed, including immunization scenarios. In addition, we conducted sensitive analysis on how the mean contact rates influenced the results. The immunization scenarios showed that a high proportion of pigs in medium size farms needs to be vaccinated in order to reduce the transmission to pigs in small farms under the Vietnamese pig production system. In order to promote the use of vaccinations, incentives (such as a vaccine subsidy) for medium size farms may be needed. It could be the most cost‐effective control and prevention strategy for pig diseases in Vietnam. Our study provides insights on how pig diseases can be spread between pig farms via direct and indirect contact in Nghe An under the various hypothetical scenarios. Our results suggest that medium/large farms may play an important role in the transmission of pig diseases.

Lifestyle interventions for cancer prevention in primary care: Differences between family physicians and nursing professionals.

Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for cancer control. The objective of this study was to ascertain opinions, attitudes, and professional practices towards cancer prevention among primary care professionals and to assess differences between family physicians (FP) and nursing professionals (NP). A cross-sectional study was performed in 2012 in the Community of Madrid. A random sample of 3586 professionals received an online questionnaire about opinions/attitudes, training, and interventions in cancer prevention. The chi-square test was used to analyse the association of the profession with all the variables. Factors associated with the usual practice of individual, group, and community interventions were analysed using multivariate logistic regression, with separate models for FP and NP. The response rate was 39.4% (N=1413). Approximately 90% of the participants attributed "sufficient/high" utility to individualized counselling. NP attributed higher utility to group and community interventions than FP (70.1% vs 60.1% and 64.9% vs 57.7%, respectively, P-value<0.01). The usual practice of group and community interventions was more frequent among NP. The practice of group and community interventions was associated with knowledge of resources for prevention, specific training in group interventions, and the utility attributed to these methods. Among FP, the ability to dispense effective health advice and the utility attributed to this advice were associated with the usual practice of the three interventions. Group and community interventions are rarely practised, especially among FP. Actions targeting improved ability and knowledge could lead to higher involvement in the promotion of health. It would also be necessary to intervene in the examination of the utility of such interventions.

Transient performance improvement of a stand-alone fuel cell for residential applications

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a solid oxide fuel cell in transient conditions is improved based on considering utilization factor concept as well as the flow rate of hydrogen fuel for distributed power system applications. Among different types of FCs, SOFC has been chosen for distributed power systems because of its ability to operate under relatively impure fuel conditions. The main drawback of the fuel cell system is its slow dynamic. Consequently, storage devices such as ultra-capacitor and battery bank with a fast dynamic response should be used in hybrid configurations. Accordingly it is rational to utilize cost-effective control strategies to enhance the dynamic response of FC systems. The proposed method enhances the dynamic response through properly controlling of DC/AC converter and utilization factor. In this regard, via controlling the power condition unit in the right way, the amplitude of utilization factor can be controlled to satisfy the limitation of fuel flow rate and protect FC system against overuse or underuse conditions. The simulation results of the solid oxide fuel cell in the stand-alone power plant structure across different active and reactive load changes along with mathematical proofs indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Women in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Background: Cervical cancer is the 2nd commonest cancer among women worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in developing countries. Optimal cervical cancer screening uptake is one of the most cost effective control strategies for the disease. Objectives: To assess the determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Materials &amp; Methods: A community based cross-sectional study with the use of 502 interviewer-administered questionnaires was conducted among women in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. All the women in the community attending the annual 2018 August meeting were recruited for this study. Results:The study showed that the mean age of the respondents was 42±2.8 years. Furthermore, 82.3% of respondents attained postsecondary school educational level. Also 80.5% of respondents have heard about cervical cancer screening but level of cervical cancer screening uptake was very low among the respondents (13.5%). Significant associations were found between embarrassment, lack of symptoms, lack of physician request, lack of counselling, cost, unavailability of services and cervical cancer screening uptake. Conclusion: Despite the high knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women in Orlu LGA, uptake of cervical cancer screening was low. Enhancing health education and provision of free and widely accessible health screening services may increase uptake among these women. Key words: Cervical cancer, screening, Orlu women, uptake.

The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and Optimal Strategy of the Tobacco Control.

This paper aims at investigating how the media coverage and smoking cessation treatment should be implemented, for a certain period, to reduce the numbers of smokers and patients caused by smoking while minimizing the total cost. To this end, we first propose a new mathematical model without any control strategies to investigate the dynamic behaviors of smoking. Furthermore, we calculate the basic reproduction number ℛ0 and discuss the global asymptotic stabilities of the equilibria. Then, from the estimated parameter values, we know that the basic reproduction number ℛ0 is more than 1, which reveals that smoking is one of the enduring problems of the society. Hence, we introduce two control measures (media coverage and smoking cessation treatment) into the model. Finally, in order to investigate their effects in smoking control and provide an analytical method for the strategic decision-makers, we apply a concrete example to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and analyze the cost-effectiveness of all possible combinations of the two control measures. The results indicate that the combination of media coverage and smoking cessation treatment is the most cost-effective strategy for tobacco control.

Performance Investigation of Three-Phase Three-Switch Direct PWM AC/AC Voltage Converters

Reducing the number of active switches is substantial for obtaining a simple, reliable, high-efficiency, and cost-effective AC/AC voltage converter. In this paper, two topologies of three-phase direct PWM AC/AC voltage converter are proposed. The first is for the buck converter and the other is for the boost one. Each converter has no DC energy storage elements and employs only three IGBTs. The proposed converters do not use lossy snubber circuits and have not commutation problems. A simple, reliable, and cost-effective control strategy, which employs only one voltage sensor, is also proposed. Using a closed-loop voltage control technique, two complementary PWM gate signals are generated to drive the three active switches of each converter. Adjusting the duty ratio of PWM gate signals regulates the output voltage of the AC/AC converters. Operating principle and mathematical analysis of the converters are presented. Voltage stresses across active and passive semiconductor switches of the proposed converters are derived. Small signal analysis based on complex DQ transformed equivalent circuits of the converter is introduced. Voltage controller design using frequency response analysis is provided. The converters are simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK and laboratory prototypes are implemented in real-time using DSP-DS1104 control board. The converters are tested under different operating conditions and their performances are investigated and compared. The symmetry of the output voltage/current is examined by the theory of symmetrical components. The simulation and experimental results are in a close agreement. This confirms the validity of the theoretical analysis, the effectiveness of the control strategy, and the feasibility of the proposed converters.

Adherence to Iron-Folate Supplementation and Associated Factors among Pastoralist's Pregnant Women in Burji Districts, Segen Area People's Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women is one of the most common public health problems in developing country particularly in Ethiopia. Iron/folic acid supplementation with optimal adherence is the main cost-effective strategy for prevention and control of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. However, level of adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation and its associated factors were not well identified in study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women in Burji Districts, southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 pregnant women in Burji Districts from March to April 2017 using interviewer administered questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Info 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with iron/folic acid supplementation. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results Among women participating in the study, 163(51.4%) were adherent to iron/folate acid supplementation. Factors significantly associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation were maternal educational status (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.13-4.97), early registration for ANC (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.45 – 4.27), history of anemia during current pregnancy (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09-3.72), and knowledge about iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.76). Forgetfulness and fear of side effects were among the leading reasons of pregnant women for nonadherence to iron and folic acid supplementation. Conclusions This study revealed that adherence to iron /folic acid supplementation was found to be 51.4%. Maternal educational status, early registration for ANC, history of anemia during current pregnancy, and knowledge about iron and folic acid supplementation were significant factors associated with adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation among pastoralist's pregnant women. Therefore, anemia prevention strategy should include strengthening giving awareness, counseling, strengthening community health education, and participation in health programs which are necessary to improve the uptake of iron/folic acid supplements.

Epidemiological study of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia, April-May 2015.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions in Saudi Arabia to investigate the epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) during April and May2015. Serum and nasal swab samples were tested for MERS-CoV antibodies andribonucleic acid (RNA) using a recombinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (rELISA) and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), respectively. The overall MERS-CoV antibody seroprevalence was 80.5%, whereas the overall viral RNA prevalence was 2.4%. The associations of risk factors with each prevalence were quantified using univariate and multivariate analyses. The multivariate models identified region, age, grazing system, exposure to wild animals and dung removal as factors significantly associated with seroprevalence (p ??0.05). A higher seroprevalence was more likely to occur in camels from the Riyadh, Eastern, Northern and Makkah regions than those from the Jazan region; camels ??4 and 1-3 years of age (marginally significant) than calves < 1 year; and camels raised in zero grazing and semi-open grazing systems than those raised in an open grazing system. However, the presence of wild animals and daily dung removal were negatively associated with seroprevalence. On the other hand, region and sex were significantly associated with MERS-CoV RNA prevalence(p ??0.05). A higher viral RNA prevalence was more likely to occur in camels from the Riyadh region and Eastern region (marginally significant) than in those from the Makkah region, and in male camels than female camels. In conclusion, the risk factors identified in this study can be considered to be predictors of MERS-CoV infection in camels and should be taken into account when developing an efficient and cost-effective control strategy.

Diacetyl control during brewery fermentation via adaptive laboratory engineering of the lager yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus

Diacetyl contributes to the flavor profile of many fermented products. Its typical buttery flavor is considered as an off flavor in lager-style beers, and its removal has a major impact on time and energy expenditure in breweries. Here, we investigated the possibility of lowering beer diacetyl levels through evolutionary engineering of lager yeast for altered synthesis of α-acetolactate, the precursor of diacetyl. Cells were exposed repeatedly to a sub-lethal level of chlorsulfuron, which inhibits the acetohydroxy acid synthase responsible for α-acetolactate production. Initial screening of 7 adapted isolates showed a lower level of diacetyl during wort fermentation and no apparent negative influence on fermentation rate or alcohol yield. Pilot-scale fermentation was carried out with one isolate and results confirmed the positive effect of chlorsulfuron adaptation. Diacetyl levels were over 60% lower at the end of primary fermentation relative to the non-adapted lager yeast and no significant change in fermentation performance or volatile flavor profile was observed due to the adaptation. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a non-synonymous SNP in the ILV2 gene of the adapted isolate. This mutation is known to confer general tolerance to sulfonylurea compounds, and is the most likely cause of the improved tolerance. Adaptive laboratory evolution appears to be a natural, simple and cost-effective strategy for diacetyl control in brewing.

A systematic approach for selecting an optimal strategy for controlling VOCs emissions in a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant

This study assessed the fate of benzene, toluene, and styrene in a full-scale petrochemical wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with respect to the selection of an efficient and cost-effective control strategy. To prepare input parameters for TOXCHEM, wastewater samples were collected from the inlet of treatment units. Subsequently, the resultant emission rates were applied in AERMOD to study the dispersion patterns of the target volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Based on the TOXCHEM results, the overall emission of benzene, toluene, and styrene was 123,935 g/day, of which 73.4, 13.3, and 13.4% were benzene, toluene, and styrene, respectively. The results indicated that up to 99.5% of the target VOCs were removed from wastewater by volatilization and biodegradation mechanisms. Also, more than 85% of the VOCs emission occurred from the primary treatment units (American Petroleum Institute oil separator, equalization basin, and dissolved air flotation system). In some cases, the concentration distribution profiles resulting from AERMOD showed higher values than EPA reference concentrations (RfC) around the study area. The most affected area was near the WWTP with maximum 1-h concentrations of 8166, 1267, and 1228 μg/m3 of benzene, toluene, and styrene, respectively. Based on the modeling results, the most applicable and available methods for separating and ultimately disposing of VOCs were investigated and compared with the aim of reducing emission rates to meet ambient air quality standards. The results revealed that steam stripping is the most efficient and cost-effective VOCs control strategy in the studied plant. Moreover, thermal incineration was marked as the first choice for ultimate disposal of the contaminated air streams.

Spread of Zika virus disease on complex network—A mathematical study

Zika virus epidemic poses a major threat to public health globally. Initially, this disease was limited to Africa but now it is spreading throughout the World. It is well known that zika virus is transmitted to human by the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. Recently, there are reported cases of sexual transmission and transmission due to blood transfusion in many countries e.g., Argentina, France, New Zealand, USA etc. In this paper a mathematical model of Zika virus on complex network is formulated and analyzed keeping in mind both mosquito-borne and sexual transmission of this disease. The existence and global stability of disease-free equilibrium are discussed in detail. The basic reproduction number R0 of the model is computed and it is found that for R0<1, the disease-free equilibrium of the model is globally asymptotically stable under some condition. In addition to this the final size relation of the proposed model is also computed. The key parameters of the model are computed using curve fitting to the real data by least-square method. Sensitivity analysis and numerical simulation are also performed for our proposed model. Finally, this model is extended to optimal control problem, to find the suitable cost-effective and time-dependent control strategies to reduce the number of infectives in a desired interval of time.

Temporal analysis of the interference caused by paratuberculosis vaccination on the tuberculosis diagnostic tests in goats

Vaccination against paratuberculosis (PTB) in goats is a cost-effective control strategy, and is also effective as regards preventing the onset of clinical cases. However, it causes interference in the diagnostic tests used in the control of tuberculosis (TB). A group of 99 goats from a herd with no history of TB or PTB infection was vaccinated against PTB at seven months of age. They then underwent consecutive intradermal tests [single (SIT) and comparative (CIT) intradermal tuberculin tests), interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) and two serological tests (p22_CE and DR-ELISA) every three months, until the interference disappeared. When using the SIT test, a variable number of positive reactors were observed at 3 months (T3; 32.3%, 95% CI 23.9–42.1), 6 months (T6; 11.5%, 95% CI 6.5–19.4), 9 months (T9; 6.4%, 95% CI 3.0–13.2) and 12 months (T12; 0%, 95% CI 0–4.0) post-vaccination. In contrast, the CIT test had a specificity (Sp) of 100% (95%, CI 96.0–100, regardless of the time post-vaccination. The IGRA also obtained high Sp values throughout the study period. No significant interference in the serological tests was recorded at T3 [p22_CE, Sp = 96% (95% CI 90.1–98.4) and DR-ELISA, Sp = 98% (95% CI 92.9–99.4)], although an increase in antibody titers was observed in the following herd testing events. In conclusion, the use of the SIT test causes the onset of false-positive reactors if applied before 12 months post-vaccination in a TB-free/PTB-vaccinated herd. Nevertheless, the CIT test and IGRA obtained high Sp values under these epidemiological circumstances. The serological tests were also highly specific in the case of PTB-vaccinated goats, although their Sp decreased significantly after several intradermal tests.

Unique solvability of a singular stochastic control model for population management

We present and mathematically analyze a singular stochastic control model for cost-effective and ecologically-sound indirect population control strategy for fish-eating birds. Finding the optimal strategy of a threshold type reduces to solving a variational inequality. We prove the unique existence of its viscosity solution that is neither convex nor concave, which turns out to be a classical solution. Comparative statics on the optimal threshold is performed as well to demonstrate practical implications of the model.

An Active Seat Controller with Vehicle Suspension Feedforward and Feedback States: An Experimental Study

Active seat suspensions can be used to reduce the harmful vertical vibration of a vehicle’s seat by applying an external force using a closed loop controller. Many of the controllers found in the literature are difficult to implement practically, because they are based on using unavailable or difficult and costly measurements. This paper presents both simulation and experimental studies of five novel, simple, and cost-effective control strategies to be used for an active seat suspension in order to improve ride comfort at low frequencies below 20 Hz. These strategies use available and measurable feedforward (preview) information states from the vehicle secondary suspension, as well as feedback states from the seat suspension, together with gains optimised to minimise the occupant vibration. The gains were optimised using a genetic algorithm (GA), with a fitness function based on the seat effective amplitude transmissibility (SEAT) factor. Constraints on the control force and the seat suspension stroke were also included in the optimisation algorithm. Simulation and laboratory experimental tests were carried out to assess the performance of the proposed controllers according to the ISO 2631-1 standard, in both the frequency and time domains with a range of different road profiles. The experimental tests were performed using a multi-axis simulation table (MAST) and a physical active seat suspension configured as a hardware-in-loop (HIL) simulation with a virtual linear quarter vehicle model (QvM). The results demonstrate that the proposed controllers substantially attenuate the vertical vibration at the driver’s seat compared with both a passive and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) active seat suspension and thus improve ride comfort together with reducing vibration-linked health risks. Moreover, experimental results show that employing both feedforward information and feedback vehicle body and seat acceleration signals in the controller provides isolation performance gains of up to 19.5 dB over the human body sensitivity frequency range and improves the ride comfort in terms of the SEAT factor and the weighted root mean square (RMS) seat acceleration by at least 25% when compared with a passive system, irrespective of vehicle forward speed.