title: Bayesian network classifiers in Weka

authors: Bouckaert, Remco R.

abstract: Various Bayesian network classifier learning algorithms are implemented in Weka [10].This note provides some user documentation and implementation details.
Summary of main capabilities:
_Structure learning of Bayesian networks using various hill climbing (K2, B, etc) and general purpose (simulated annealing, tabu search) algorithms.
_Local score metrics implemented; Bayes, BDe, MDL, entropy, AIC.
_Global score metrics implemented; leave one out cv, k-fold cv and cumulative cv.
_Conditional independence based causal recovery algorithm available.
_Parameter estimation using direct estimates and Bayesian model averaging.
_GUI for easy inspection of Bayesian networks.
_Part of Weka allowing systematic experiments to compare Bayes net performance with general purpose classi_ers like C4.5, nearest neighbor, support vector, etc.
_Source code available under GPL allows for integration in other systems and makes it easy to extend.

text: Bayesian network classifiers in Weka Various Bayesian network classifier learning algorithms are implemented in Weka [10].This note provides some user documentation and implementation details.
Summary of main capabilities:
_Structure learning of Bayesian networks using various hill climbing (K2, B, etc) and general purpose (simulated annealing, tabu search) algorithms.
_Local score metrics implemented; Bayes, BDe, MDL, entropy, AIC.
_Global score metrics implemented; leave one out cv, k-fold cv and cumulative cv.
_Conditional independence based causal recovery algorithm available.
_Parameter estimation using direct estimates and Bayesian model averaging.
_GUI for easy inspection of Bayesian networks.
_Part of Weka allowing systematic experiments to compare Bayes net performance with general purpose classi_ers like C4.5, nearest neighbor, support vector, etc.
_Source code available under GPL allows for integration in other systems and makes it easy to extend.

year: 2004-09-01

title: Usability and feasibility of PreventS-MD webapp for stroke prevention.

authors: Feigin, Valery L.

subjects: Epidemiology

abstract: BACKGROUND: Most strokes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are potentially preventable if their risk factors are identified and well controlled. Digital platforms, such as the PreventS-MD webapp (PreventS-MD) may aid health care professionals (HCPs) in assessing and managing risk factors and promoting lifestyle changes for their patients. 
METHODS: This is a mixed methods cross-sectional 2-phase survey using a largely positivist (quantitative and qualitative) framework. During phase 1, a prototype of PreventS-MD was tested internationally by 59 of 69 consenting HCPs of different backgrounds, age, sex, working experience and specialities using hypothetical data. Collected comments/suggestions from the study HCPs in phase 1 were reviewed and implemented. In phase 2, a near-final version of PreventS-MD was developed and tested by 58 of 72 consenting HCPs using both hypothetical and real patient (n=10) data. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with real patients (n=10) were conducted, and 1-month adherence to the preventative recommendations was assessed by self-reporting. The four System Usability Scale (SUS) groups of scores (0-50 unacceptable; 51-68 poor, 68-80.3 good; >80.3 excellent) were used to determine usability of PreventS-MD. 
FINDINGS: 99 HCPs from 27 countries (45% from low- to middle-income countries) participated in the study, out of whom 10 HCPs were involved in the development of PreventS before the study, and therefore were not involved in the survey. Of the remaining 89 HCPs 69 consented to the first phase of the survey, out of whom 59 completed the first phase of the survey (response rate 86%) and 58 HCPs completed the second phase of the survey (response rate 84%). The SUS scores supported good usability of the prototype (mean score=80.2; 95% CI [77.0-84.0]) and excellent usability of the final version of PreventS-MD (mean score=81.7; 95%CI [79.1-84.3]) in the field. Scores were not affected by the age, sex, working experience or speciality of the HCPs. One month follow-up of the patients confirmed the high level of satisfaction/acceptability of PreventS-MD and (100%) adherence to the recommendations. 
INTERPRETATION: The PreventS-MD webapp has a high level of usability, feasibility and satisfaction by HCPs and individuals at risk of stroke/CVD. Individuals at risk of stroke/CVD demonstrated a high level of confidence and motivation in following and adhering to preventative recommendations generated by PreventS-MD.

text: Usability and feasibility of PreventS-MD webapp for stroke prevention. BACKGROUND: Most strokes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are potentially preventable if their risk factors are identified and well controlled. Digital platforms, such as the PreventS-MD webapp (PreventS-MD) may aid health care professionals (HCPs) in assessing and managing risk factors and promoting lifestyle changes for their patients. 
METHODS: This is a mixed methods cross-sectional 2-phase survey using a largely positivist (quantitative and qualitative) framework. During phase 1, a prototype of PreventS-MD was tested internationally by 59 of 69 consenting HCPs of different backgrounds, age, sex, working experience and specialities using hypothetical data. Collected comments/suggestions from the study HCPs in phase 1 were reviewed and implemented. In phase 2, a near-final version of PreventS-MD was developed and tested by 58 of 72 consenting HCPs using both hypothetical and real patient (n=10) data. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with real patients (n=10) were conducted, and 1-month adherence to the preventative recommendations was assessed by self-reporting. The four System Usability Scale (SUS) groups of scores (0-50 unacceptable; 51-68 poor, 68-80.3 good; >80.3 excellent) were used to determine usability of PreventS-MD. 
FINDINGS: 99 HCPs from 27 countries (45% from low- to middle-income countries) participated in the study, out of whom 10 HCPs were involved in the development of PreventS before the study, and therefore were not involved in the survey. Of the remaining 89 HCPs 69 consented to the first phase of the survey, out of whom 59 completed the first phase of the survey (response rate 86%) and 58 HCPs completed the second phase of the survey (response rate 84%). The SUS scores supported good usability of the prototype (mean score=80.2; 95% CI [77.0-84.0]) and excellent usability of the final version of PreventS-MD (mean score=81.7; 95%CI [79.1-84.3]) in the field. Scores were not affected by the age, sex, working experience or speciality of the HCPs. One month follow-up of the patients confirmed the high level of satisfaction/acceptability of PreventS-MD and (100%) adherence to the recommendations. 
INTERPRETATION: The PreventS-MD webapp has a high level of usability, feasibility and satisfaction by HCPs and individuals at risk of stroke/CVD. Individuals at risk of stroke/CVD demonstrated a high level of confidence and motivation in following and adhering to preventative recommendations generated by PreventS-MD.

year: 2023-07-24

title: New Zealand and Maori land trusts

authors: Chevalier-Watts, Juliet

abstract: New Zealand, as in other jurisdictions, has a range of recognized trusts that would be familiar to many. These include express trusts, resulting trusts, constructive trusts, and charitable trusts. Perhaps more unfamiliar, at least to those outside New Zealand, are trusts that are unique to the New Zealand legal landscape and that are specific to Maori land. This article explores the relevance, and importance, of such trusts within New Zealand—Aotearoa. In doing so, the author considers a number of these Maori land trusts, and critically evaluates a range of issues, which includes governance; conflict of interest; unsatisfactory conduct; and dysfunction. While Maori land trusts are subject to the general laws of trust, it can be seen from the article how valuable such trusts are in recognizing and protecting Maori interests. As such, their unique nature reflects their fundamental relevance in indigenous culture, and also generally as an effective management tool for much Maori land.

text: New Zealand and Maori land trusts New Zealand, as in other jurisdictions, has a range of recognized trusts that would be familiar to many. These include express trusts, resulting trusts, constructive trusts, and charitable trusts. Perhaps more unfamiliar, at least to those outside New Zealand, are trusts that are unique to the New Zealand legal landscape and that are specific to Maori land. This article explores the relevance, and importance, of such trusts within New Zealand—Aotearoa. In doing so, the author considers a number of these Maori land trusts, and critically evaluates a range of issues, which includes governance; conflict of interest; unsatisfactory conduct; and dysfunction. While Maori land trusts are subject to the general laws of trust, it can be seen from the article how valuable such trusts are in recognizing and protecting Maori interests. As such, their unique nature reflects their fundamental relevance in indigenous culture, and also generally as an effective management tool for much Maori land.

year: 2016