bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Supports Automated Digital Image Scoring of Stool Consistency in Diapers
Authors: Ludwig Thomas , Oukid Ines , Wong Jill , Ting Steven , Huysentruyt Koen , Roy Puspita , Foussat Agathe C. , Vandenplas Yvan 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackground/Aims:Accurate stool consistency classification of non–toilet‐trained children remains challenging. This study evaluated the feasibility of automated classification of stool consistencies from diaper photos using machine learning (ML).Methods:In total, 2687 usable smartphone photos of diapers with stool from 96 children younger than 24 months were obtained after independent ethical study approval. Stool consistency was assessed from each photo according to the original 7 types of the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale independently by study participants and 2 researchers. A health care professional assigned a final score in case of scoring disagreement between the researchers. A proof‐of‐concept ML model was built upon this collected photo database, using transfer learning to re‐train the classification layer of a pretrained deep convolutional neural network model. The model was built on random training (n = 2478) and test (n = 209) subsets.Results:Agreements between study participants and both researchers were 58.0% and 48.5%, respectively, and between researchers 77.5% (assessable n = 2366). The model classified 60.3% of the test photos in exact agreement with the final score. With respect to the 4‐class grouping of the 7 Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale types, the agreement between model‐based and researcher classification was 77.0%.Conclusion:The automated and objective scoring of stool consistency from diaper photos by the ML model shows robust agreement with human raters and overcomes limitations of other methods relying on caregiver reporting. Integrated with a smartphone application, this new framework for photo database construction and ML classification has numerous potential applications in clinical studies and home assessment.
Influence of Acid Blockade on the Aerodigestive Tract Microbiome in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Khalaf Racha T. , Furuta Glenn T. , Wagner Brandie D. , Robertson Charles E. , Andrews Rachel , Stevens Mark J. , Fillon Sophie A. , Zemanick Edith T. , Harris J. Kirk 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackground:Acid blockade is commonly prescribed in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Growing concerns, however, exist about its possible role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary infections. We aimed to investigate if acid blockade alters esophageal and respiratory microbiota leading to dysbiosis and inflammation.Methods:We performed a cross sectional study of children with CF who were either prescribed acid blockade or not. Samples from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts were obtained and microbiome analyzed. Mixed effect models were used to compare outcomes between cohorts and across sampling sites. A random subject intercept was included to account for the multiple sampling sites per individual.Results:A cohort of 25 individuals, 44% girls with median age of 13.8 years [IQR 11.2‐‐14.8] were enrolled. Alpha diversity, total bacterial load, and beta diversity were similar across anatomic compartments, across the upper gastrointestinal tract, and in respiratory samples. Similar alpha diversity, total bacterial load, and beta diversity results were also observed when comparing individuals on versus those off acid blockade. IL‐8 was elevated in the distal versus proximal esophagus in the whole cohort (P < 0.01). IL‐8 concentrations were similar in the distal esophagus in patients on and off acid blockade, but significantly greater in the proximal esophagus of subjects on treatment (P < 0.01).Conclusions:On the basis of these data, acid blockade use does not appear to influence the microbiome of the aerodigestive tract in children with cystic fibrosis suggesting a complex interplay between these medications and the bacterial composition of the esophagus and lung.
Predicting Stress in Teens from Wearable Device Data Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Jin Claire W. , Osotsi Ame , Oravecz Zita 
Published: December 2020

AbstractStress management is a pervasive issue in the modern high schooler’s life. Despite many efforts to support adolescents’ mental well-being, teenagers often fail to recognize signs of high stress and anxiety until their emotions have escalated. Being able to identify early signs of these intense emotional states and predict their onset using physiological signals collected passively in real-time could help teenagers improve their awareness of their emotional well-being and take a more proactive approach to managing their emotions. To evaluate the potential of this approach, we collected data from high schoolers with Empatica E4 wearable health monitors (wristband) while they were living their daily lives. The data consisted of stressful event reports and physiological markers over the course of 4 weeks. We developed a random forest model and a support vector machine model and systematically assessed their performance in terms of predicting the onset of stress events and identifying physiological signals of stress. The models showed strong performance in terms of these measures and provided insights on physiological indicators of adolescent stress.
Giving birth under hospital visitor restrictions: Heightened acute stress in childbirth in COVID-19 positive women
Authors: Mayopoulos Gus A , Ein-Dor Tsachi , Li Kevin G , Chan Sabrina J , Dekel Sharon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAs the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread globally, a significant portion of women have undergone childbirth while possibly infected with the virus and also under social isolation due to hospital visitor restrictions. Emerging studies examined birth outcomes in COVID-19 positive women, but knowledge of the psychological experience of childbirth remains lacking. This study survey concerning childbirth and mental health launched during the first wave of the pandemic in the US. Women reporting confirmed/suspected COVID-19 during childbirth were matched on various background factors with women reporting COVID-19 negative. We found higher prevalence of clinically significant acute stress in birth in COVID-19 positive women. This group was 11 times as likely to have no visitors than matched controls and reported higher levels of pain in delivery, lower newborn weights, and more infant admission to neonatal intensive care units. Visitor restrictions were associated with these birth outcomes. COVID-19 positive women with no visitors were 6 times as likely to report clinical acute stress in birth than COVID-19 positive women with visitors. The findings underscore increased risk for childbirth-induced psychological morbidity in COVID-19-affected populations. As hospitals continue to revise policies concerning visitor restrictions, attention to the wellbeing of new mothers is warranted.
Bridging the gaps in test interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 through Bayesian network modelling
Authors: Wu Yue , Foley David , Ramsay Jessica , Woodberry Owen , Mascaro Steven , Nicholson Ann E , Snelling Tom 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the absence of an established gold standard, an understanding of the testing cycle from individual exposure to test outcome report is required to guide the correct interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results and optimise the testing processes. Bayesian network (BN) models have been used within healthcare to bring clarity to complex problems. We use this modelling approach to construct a comprehensive framework for understanding the real world predictive value of individual RT-PCR results.MethodsWe elicited knowledge from domain experts to describe the test process from viral exposure to interpretation of the laboratory test, through a facilitated group workshop. A preliminary model was derived based on the elicited knowledge, then subsequently refined, parameterised and validated with a second workshop and one-on-one discussions.ResultsCausal relationships elicited describe the interactions of multiple variables and their impact on a RT-PCR result. Some interactions are infrequently observable and accounted for across the testing cycle such as pre-testing factors, sample collector experience and RT-PCR platform. By setting the input variables as ‘evidence’ for a given subject and preliminary parameterisation, three scenarios were simulated to demonstrate potential uses of the model.ConclusionsThe core value of this model is a deep understanding of the total testing cycle, bridging the gap between a person’s true infection status and their test outcome. This model can be adapted to different settings, testing modalities and pathogens, adding much needed nuance to the interpretations of results.
International observational survey of the effectiveness of personal protective equipment during endoscopic procedures performed in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Niikura Ryota , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Nakai Yousuke , Matsuda Koji , Kawahara Takuya , Yamada Atsuo , Tsuji Yosuke , Hayakawa Yoku , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroduction and aimsThis international survey was performed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of nosocomial novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare professionals during endoscopic procedures.MethodsWe performed an international web-based self-reported questionnaire survey. Participants completed the questionnaires every week for 12 weeks. The questionnaire elicited responses regarding the development of COVID-19 and details of the PPE used.ResultsAll 483 participants were included in the analysis. Participants had a mean age of 42.3 years and comprised 68.3% males. The geographic distribution of the study population was Asia (89.2%), Europe (2.9%), North and South America (4.8%), Oceania (0.6%), and Africa (1.5%). The most common endoscopy-related role of the participants was endoscopist (78.7%), and 74.5% had > 10 years of experience. Fourteen participants had performed 83 endoscopic procedures in patients positive for COVID-19. During the mean follow-up period of 4.95 weeks, there were no cases of COVID-19 when treating COVID-19 positive patients. The most common PPE used by participants treating patients with COVID-19 was a surgical mask plus N95 mask plus face shield, goggles, cap, long-sleeved isolation gown, and single pair of gloves. The most common PPE used by participants treating patients without COVID-19 was a surgical mask, no face shield but goggles, cap, long-sleeved isolation gown, and single pair of gloves during all endoscopic procedures.ConclusionsThe risk of COVID-19 transmission during any endoscopic procedure was low in clinical practice.
Performance appraisal and premature sign-offs and underreporting of chargeable time of external auditors – internal benchmarking of experience and gender
Authors: Nehme Rabih , Michael Amir , Kozah Alcheikh Edmond 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe research paper investigates auditors' dysfunctional behaviors in relation to performance appraisals. It explores the dysfunctional audit behavior (DAB) differences among experienced/inexperienced and male/female auditors when expecting performance appraisals, how their perception of DAB changes and how their reactive-outcomes vary.Design/methodology/approachThe survey comprises statements pulled from performance appraisal templates used by the Big Four audit firms in the UK. The sample has been tested during two different periods to highlight variations in the perception of DAB.FindingsExperienced auditors become more tolerant of DAB compared to their perception when they were inexperienced. Inexperienced male auditors are generally more accepting of DAB compared to their inexperienced female counterparts. Experienced female respondents continue to be less accepting of DAB.Originality/valueThe study associates performance appraisal procedures with DAB. The analysis examines the perception of dysfunctional behavior according to the level of experience auditors (males and females) accumulate over time.
COVID-19 in a collectivist culture: social isolation and maintenance of social relations
Authors: Hussein Nashaat H. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the way people in a collectivist culture, particularly Egyptians, define social isolation and to understand the effect of social isolation on maintaining traditional networks of social relations.Design/methodology/approachTo do this, online ethnographic semi-structured interviews were carried out with a purposeful sample of non-infected Egyptians who have access to social media networks.FindingsAlthough collectivism may be perceived as a risk factor in developing countries, it has positive effects on reducing the spread of COVID-19 among Egyptians through the preventive measures it entails. Increased fear, worries and anxiety about the family and in-group members is a limiting factor against the prevalence of the disease, despite the emotional hardships experienced by individuals.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample interviewed does not refer to the entire Egyptian population, since the number of social media users represents 43.5% of Egyptians. Therefore, generalization of research data may be problematic.Practical implicationsThe paper aims to raise awareness of the important of stressing collectivist character traits since they can help develop more preventive measures against the spread of the disease. Research findings also indicate that there is a need to coexist with the disease under controlled conditions to lessen the psychological risks of social isolation.Originality/valueIn light of the paucity of research carried out on COVID-19, the present research provides a pioneering insight into the meaning of social isolation in a collectivist culture and the distinctive local methods adopted by people to maintain their networks of social relations.
An optimal singularity-free motion planning method for a 6-DOF parallel manipulator
Authors: Li Shiqi , Chen Dong , Wang Junfeng 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to present a method of optimal singularity-free motion planning under multiple objectives and multiple constrains for the 6-DOF parallel manipulator, which is used as an execution mechanism for the automated docking of components.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the distribution characteristics of the Jacobian matrix determinant in local workspace are studied based on the kinematics and a sufficient and necessary condition of singularity-free path planning in local workspace is proposed. Then, a singularity-free motion path of the end-effector is generated by a fifth-order B-spline curve and the corresponding trajectories of each actuator are obtained via the inverse kinematics. Finally, several objective functions are defined to evaluate the motion path and an improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm-based on the Pareto archive evolution is developed to obtain the optimal singularity-free motion trajectories.

Findings
If the initial pose and the target pose of the end-effector are both singularity-free, a singularity-free motion path can be planned in the local workspace as long as all the values of each pose elements in their own directions are monotonous. The improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization (IMPSO) algorithm is effective and efficient in the optimization of multi-objective motion planning model. The optimal singularity-free motion path of the end-effector is verified in the component docking test. The docking result is that the movable component is in alignment with the fixed one, which proves the feasibility and practicability of the proposed motion path method to some extent.

Originality/value
The proposed method has a certain novelty value in kinematic multi-objective motion planning of parallel manipulators; it also increases the application prospect of parallel manipulators and provides attractive solutions to component assembly for those organizations with limited cost and that want to find an option that is effective to be implemented.
A dual-arm mobile robot system performing assistive tasks operated via P300-based brain computer interface
Authors: Gillini Giuseppe , Di Lillo Paolo , Arrichiello Filippo , Di Vito Daniele , Marino Alessandro , Antonelli Gianluca , Chiaverini Stefano 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
In the past decade, more than 700 million people are affected by some kind of disability or handicap. In this context, the research interest in assistive robotics is growing up. For people with mobility impairments, daily life operations, as dressing or feeding, require the assistance of dedicated people; thus, the use of devices providing independent mobility can have a large impact on improving their life quality. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a robotic system aimed at assisting people with this kind of severe motion disabilities by providing a certain level of autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach
The system is based on a hierarchical architecture where, at the top level, the user generates simple and high-level commands by resorting to a graphical user interface operated via a P300-based brain computer interface. These commands are ultimately converted into joint and Cartesian space tasks for the robotic system that are then handled by the robot motion control algorithm resorting to a set-based task priority inverse kinematic strategy. The overall architecture is realized by integrating control and perception software modules developed in the robots and systems environment with the BCI2000 framework, used to operate the brain–computer interfaces (BCI) device.

Findings
The effectiveness of the proposed architecture is validated through experiments where a user generates commands, via an Emotiv Epoc+ BCI, to perform assistive tasks that are executed by a Kinova MOVO robot, i.e. an omnidirectional mobile robotic platform equipped with two lightweight seven degrees of freedoms manipulators.

Originality/value
The P300 paradigm has been successfully integrated with a control architecture that allows us to command a complex robotic system to perform daily life operations. The user defines high-level commands via the BCI, letting all the low-level tasks, for example, safety-related tasks, to be handled by the system in a completely autonomous manner.
Digital access through smartphones and well-being of BoP women: insights from a field study in India
Authors: Parthiban Rishikesan , Jaikumar Saravana , Basak Jayanta , Bandyopadhyay Somprakash 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe authors study the effect of access to smartphones on the socio-economic well-being in the case of rural base of the pyramid (BoP) women. While smartphone access may have its benefits, the paper suggests augmenting access with a sociotechnical intermediary (STI) that facilitates training and online community building to enhance the well-being outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey from three groups of women from rural West Bengal (India) – (1) who do not own smartphones, (2) who have their own smartphones and (3) who receive smartphones and STI support (over two years). The authors evaluate the effect of access to smartphones and STI support on social well-being (including structural social capital and empowerment) and economic well-being (including entrepreneurial intent and subjective economic well-being).FindingsThe analysis results suggest a high relationship between smartphone ownership and higher structural social capital, empowerment (in terms of freedom of movement) and entrepreneurial intent. The authors further find these effects to be enhanced amongst women who received smartphones and support from STI.Originality/valueThe authors attribute this enhanced well-being amongst women with smartphones and STI support to peer-learning and cultivation of virtual role models facilitated by the STI through creation of intra-community online groups. The results have significant policy implications for socio-economic well-being of rural BoP women.
Intended use of IPO proceeds and initial returns
Authors: Ahmad-Zaluki Nurwati A. , Badru Bazeet Olayemi 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of the intended use of initial public offerings (IPO) proceeds that is disclosed in the prospectus on IPO initial returns.Design/methodology/approachA sample of IPOs listed on Bursa Malaysia from 2005 to 2015 is used. The intended use of IPO proceeds is categorised into three uses, namely, growth opportunities, debt repayment and working capital. In addition to ordinary least squares regression, the study applies a more sophisticated and robust approach using the quantile regression technique.FindingsThe results show that the intended use of IPO proceeds for growth opportunities and working capital is positively associated with IPO initial returns, whereas debt repayment is negatively associated with IPO initial returns. When the intended use of IPO proceeds for growth opportunities is further expanded into capital expenditure (CAPEX) and research and development (R&D), the intended use of IPO proceeds for CAPEX is positively associated with IPO initial returns, whereas R&D is negatively associated with IPO initial returns.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings suggest that intended use of IPO proceeds provides useful information about IPO initial returns and investors can use this information as guidance to make informed decisions. In addition, regulatory authorities should pay close attention to the amount allocated to each intended use of IPO proceeds as this may play a critical role in the success of a company and the economy.Originality/valueThis study gives new empirical evidence on the desire and motivations of IPO and the usefulness of designated use of IPO proceeds disclosed in the prospectus in explaining IPO initial returns.
Learning to support and sustain cultural (and linguistic) diversity: perspectives of preservice teachers
Authors: Senyshyn Roxanna , Martinelli Ann 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a collaborative project and study implemented by two teacher educators in an elementary education program. To prepare teacher candidates for field experiences and practicum in a diverse (bilingual) urban school, the program uses coursework to impart asset-based pedagogies and practices.Design/methodology/approachIn this mixed-method case study, this paper examined the awareness and perspectives of preservice teachers (n= 26) to cultural and linguistic diversity and relevant teaching and learning practices. In particular, this study gauged their engagement with multicultural children’s literature in a collaborative interclass activity. The data sources included beginning and end of semester survey responses, notes on participant interactions during the mid-semester collaborative interclass activity and participant retrospective reflections about the activity.FindingsThis paper found that teacher candidates showed increased awareness and positive shifts in perspectives. This study also ascertaind that, in learning to become culturally (and linguistically) responsive and sustaining teachers, they benefited from collaborative peer work that focused on learning about multicultural children’s literature, analyzing it and planning to integrate it into their classrooms.Originality/valueStudies show that culturally relevant literature in schools is beneficial; however, teacher candidates often lack knowledge of such literature and how to use it. This need is especially critical and relevant when learning about and implementing culturally relevant and sustaining practices. The collaborative undertaking discussed in this study fills this gap through co-teaching and interclass activity that brings preservice teachers as a cohort to collaboratively learn about, discuss, reflect on and plan lessons as they prepare to work with students from different backgrounds than their own.