ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning for Identifying Incident Stroke From Electronic Health Records: Algorithm Development and Validation (Preprint)

BACKGROUND                         Stroke is an important clinical outcome in cardiovascular research. However, the ascertainment of incident stroke is typically accomplished via time-consuming manual chart abstraction. Current phenotyping efforts using electronic health records for stroke focus on case ascertainment rather than incident disease, which requires knowledge of the temporal sequence of events.                                                                       OBJECTIVE                         The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning–based phenotyping algorithm for incident stroke ascertainment based on diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and clinical concepts extracted from clinical notes using natural language processing.                                                                       METHODS                         The algorithm was trained and validated using an existing epidemiology cohort consisting of 4914 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with manually curated incident stroke events. Various combinations of feature sets and machine learning classifiers were compared. Using a heuristic rule based on the composition of concepts and codes, we further detected the stroke subtype (ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack or hemorrhagic stroke) of each identified stroke. The algorithm was further validated using a cohort (n=150) stratified sampled from a population in Olmsted County, Minnesota (N=74,314).                                                                       RESULTS                         Among the 4914 patients with AF, 740 had validated incident stroke events. The best-performing stroke phenotyping algorithm used clinical concepts, diagnosis codes, and procedure codes as features in a random forest classifier. Among patients with stroke codes in the general population sample, the best-performing model achieved a positive predictive value of 86% (43/50; 95% CI 0.74-0.93) and a negative predictive value of 96% (96/100). For subtype identification, we achieved an accuracy of 83% in the AF cohort and 80% in the general population sample.                                                                       CONCLUSIONS                         We developed and validated a machine learning–based algorithm that performed well for identifying incident stroke and for determining type of stroke. The algorithm also performed well on a sample from a general population, further demonstrating its generalizability and potential for adoption by other institutions.
Game Ranching: A Proven Sustainable Land Use Option and Economic Incentive for Biodiversity Conservation in Zambia

The ten provinces of Zambia were surveyed to determine number and size of game ranches situated in these areas up to the end of 2012/early 2013. Three classes of game ranches were developed as: 1) ≥500 hectares as game ranch proper, 2) ≥50 - &lt;500 hectares as game farm, and 3) &lt;50 hectares as ornamental. A total of 200 game ranches keeping large mammals from the size of common duiker to eland were recorded with a growth rate of 6 per year for the period 1980-2012. The largest number was ornamental 98 (49%); large game ranches were 75 (38%) and the least was game farms 27 (14%). Thirty-seven species of large mammals were recorded, of which, 15 were the most abundant with impala topping the list with 21,000 individuals (34%). It was found that of the ten provinces, Luapula, Western and Northern Provinces despite being largely rural with low population densities except for Luapula did not have any game ranch. The provinces with the largest number were Lusaka 71(36%), Southern 59 (30%), Central 31(16%), Copperbelt 19 (10%), Eastern and Northwestern 9 (4.5% each) and Muchinga was the least with 2 (1%). The rapid increase in the number of ornamental categories is mainly attributed to the rise in the development of tourist accommodation facilities and high cost residential properties. This growth provides an opportunity to convert to game ranching schemes abandoned farmlands which are not currently useful to agriculture due to loss of fertility and other forms of land degradation. Similarly, parcels of land with natural ecological limitations should also be considered for such schemes. The game ranching sector in Zambia has the potential to increase as human population density is still low (17/km2 in 2012). To achieve good growth rates in each province, there should be provision of technical information and services. Rehabilitation of degraded land through ranching could also enhance carbon sequestration, a factor critical in minimizing carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases.
Engendering Peace Building In Ghana: The Role Of Queen Mothers In Traditional Conflict Resolution In Ga Traditional Areas

Upprättat; 2015; 20151230 (rufkil)
Outcomes of a virtual‐reality simulator‐training programme on basic surgical skills in robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of the virtual‐reality robotic simulator in training programmes has not been clearly evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a virtual‐reality robotic simulator‐training programme on basic surgical skills.MethodsA simulator‐training programme in robotic surgery, using the da Vinci Skills Simulator, was evaluated in a population including junior and seasoned surgeons, and non‐physicians. Their performances on robotic dots and suturing‐skin pod platforms before and after virtual‐simulation training were rated anonymously by surgeons experienced in robotics.Results39 participants were enrolled: 14 medical students and residents in surgery, 14 seasoned surgeons, 11 non‐physicians. Junior and seasoned surgeons’ performances on platforms were not significantly improved after virtual‐reality robotic simulation in any of the skill domains, in contrast to non‐physicians.ConclusionsThe benefits of virtual‐reality simulator training on several tasks to basic skills in robotic surgery were not obvious among surgeons in our initial and early experience with the simulator. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Gamma ray and neutrinos fluxes from a cosmological dark matter simulation

15 pages, 8 figures
Quality improvement and patient safety: strategies and challenges in healthcare system transformation

Background: Patient safety and quality improvement (QI) have emerged as key tenets in the global transformation of healthcare systems. The prevalence of avoidable medical errors and adverse events has become a significant concern as healthcare delivery becomes more sophisticated. Through the methodical identification of inefficiencies and the application of evidence-based treatments to reduce risks and improve patient outcomes, quality improvement efforts seek to improve the delivery of healthcare. In addition, patient safety programs emphasize mistake avoidance, patient-centered care, and the development of a culture of safety. Aim: this study is to examine the fundamental ideas, procedures, and results of patient safety and quality improvement programs in the medical field. It also aims to pinpoint the difficulties encountered in carrying out these initiatives and offer suggestions for future paths. Methods: A thorough analysis of case studies and literature was carried out, with an emphasis on the use of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and evidence-based QI frameworks like Lean Six Sigma and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Analyzed were success metrics such as staff satisfaction, operational effectiveness, and patient outcomes. Results: It is shown that QI and patient safety programs greatly lower medical errors, enhance patient happiness, and improve operational workflows.
Examining the Jurisdictional Challenges Faced by the International Criminal Court Under the Rome Statute

According to this report, the International Criminal Court (ICC), founded on the Rome Statute, must overcome jurisdictional challenges to pursue crimes committed around the world. Through a comparative review of case studies, including those in Darfur, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Libya, this study reveals common difficulties. It looks into how they might impact the ICC's effectiveness, reputation, and capacity to fulfil its purpose. The study sheds insight into the jurisdiction's complexity, covering matters like receiving national government support, handling security challenges, gaining access to witnesses, managing conflicting judicial processes, and resolving intricate disagreements. These issues greatly impact the ICC's capacity to look into crimes, collect evidence, hold offenders accountable, and give victims justice. The research clarifies the unique jurisdictional issues faced in each circumstance by analysing the case studies. It emphasises how crucial it is to comprehend the logistical, political, and legal challenges that the ICC faces when operating in various settings. The analysis of these issues sheds light on the wider consequences for the ICC's credibility and effectiveness as an agency with a mandate to advance international justice and end impunity. The results of this study help us comprehend jurisdictional disputes' complexity and how it affects how the ICC operates on a deeper level. The study offers a platform for comparative analysis and highlights potential areas for ICC operations improvement by highlighting similarities and variations among the case studies. The analysis is used to inform the research's policy suggestions for resolving jurisdictional issues. The legislative framework should be strengthened, cooperation channels should be improved, investigative and operational skills should be increased, and regional and international cooperation should be encouraged. States, international organisations, civic societies, and academic institutions must work together to implement these proposals. The study concludes that even though jurisdictional issues offer big obstacles, we shouldn't let them get in the way of bringing criminals to justice worldwide. The ICC can overcome these obstacles and carry out its duty of guaranteeing responsibility, defending human rights, and promoting international justice through consistent commitment, collaboration, and adopting effective policies.
Small Data Explainer -- The impact of small data methods in everyday life

The emergence of breakthrough artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has led to a renewed focus on how small data settings, i.e., settings with limited information, can benefit from such developments. This includes societal issues such as how best to include under-represented groups in data-driven policy and decision making, or the health benefits of assistive technologies such as wearables. We provide a conceptual overview, in particular contrasting small data with big data, and identify common themes from exemplary case studies and application areas. Potential solutions are described in a more detailed technical overview of current data analysis and modelling techniques, highlighting contributions from different disciplines, such as knowledge-driven modelling from statistics and data-driven modelling from computer science. By linking application settings, conceptual contributions and specific techniques, we highlight what is already feasible and suggest what an agenda for fully leveraging small data might look like.
Design methodology for a simulator of a robotic surgical system

Traditional spinal surgery procedures are completed with limited direct visualization. This imposes limitations on the surgeon's ability to place screws into the spine. The Mazor Renaissance robotic system was developed to improve the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion. Current training for this device comes with significant constraints. This suggests that a simulation-based solution may be valuable to the current training. This paper describes efforts to apply the theories of human-system integration (HSI) and instructional system design to define the requirements for a design of a simulator for specific robotic surgery system. From this, an instructional plan was conducted, to which an HSI-driven design document for a simulation system was developed. This paper describes the efforts to create a design method for a simulator of a specific robotic surgery system and provides a blended design process, which can be used during the early life cycle of any surgical simulation design.
Design of a continuous-flow single-channel reactor using optimal experimental data from batch reactor for turbidity removal by electrocoagulation

Abstract   Electrocoagulation was used for turbidity removal from surface water in an internal loop airlift batch reactor. The turbidity removal efficiency of 72.05 % and energy consumption of 0.210 kW h/m3 were achieved using initial conductivity of 1,494 μS/cm, applied voltage of 5 V, treatment time of 6.5 min and inter-electrode distance of 14 mm as optimal experimental conditions. These optimal experimental data were used to design a continuous-flow single-channel (CFSC) reactor for surface water treatment by Electrocoagulation. Furthermore, experimental study under previous optimal experimental data was carried out in the CFSC reactor and the performance of two reactors was compared. Then, hydrodynamic behaviour of the CFSC reactor was studied using Residence Time Distribution (RTD). According to the results, the amount of electro-dissolved aluminum and the energy consumption were lower in the CFSC reactor than in batch system. Despite these decreases, turbidity removal efficiency was more effective in the CFSC reactor than in batch reactor. This performance is attributed to the high mixing level within the reactor as well as the reuse of the tiny flocs for particles destabilization. According to the RTD results, the hydrodynamic behaviour of the CFSC reactor shows neither short-circuiting nor dead zones, but presents small deviation from plug flow. Dispersion models were used to characterize flow within the CFSC reactor. As a result, tanks-in-series model with J = 59 and axial dispersion model with Peclet = 116 are determined as models corresponding to the hydrodynamic behaviour of the CFSC reactor.
Supplementary Table 2 from Genome-wide Profiling of Chromatin Signatures Reveals Epigenetic Regulation of MicroRNA Genes in Colorectal Cancer

Supplementary Table 2 from Genome-wide Profiling of Chromatin Signatures Reveals Epigenetic Regulation of MicroRNA Genes in Colorectal Cancer
Occupational Medicine and Total Worker Health®: from preventing health and safety risks in the workplace to promoting health for the total well-being of the worker

Summary The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of Public Health interventions for global social and economic development. Still, the community’s well-being depends on each individual’s health. In addition to pandemics, health conditions can be altered by chronic degenerative diseases, aging, disabilities, and work. Personal behaviors such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can also affect health and safety at work. In the last twenty years, we have witnessed rapid changes in the nature of work, workplace and workforce. In parallel, there is increasing attention to fatigue, psychosocial risks and the achievement of decent, sustainable and healthy work as societal goals. Consequently, in 2011, NIOSH developed Total Worker Health®, a holistic approach to worker well-being to help improve worker health and safety. More recently, in Italy, the Ministry of Health has provided for the preparation of projects according to the “Total Worker Health (TWH)” approach in the National Prevention Plan for the five years 2020-2025. As indicated by the Ministry, the strategic role of the occupational physician is fundamental, being the only figure of occupational safety and health professionals able to integrate the health and safety of workers with their well-being to reach the Total Worker Health.
Trends in elder abuse and age discrimination during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Hong Kong: Findings from a two‐wave representative telephone survey study

AbstractObjectivesEmpirical evidence about the heightened risks of elder abuse and age discrimination during the COVID‐19 pandemic is scarce. This study aimed to track the changes in rates of both, and investigated their associated factors in the community‐dwelling older population in Hong Kong.MethodsIn this two‐wave, cross‐sectional telephone survey, we interviewed a population‐based sample of individuals (≥55 years), and captured the situation of elder abuse and age discrimination before the COVID‐19 outbreak (n = 1209, Wave 1: October–December 2019) and during the pandemic (n = 891, Wave 2: December 2020–January 2021). Participants reported their experiences of different types of abuse and discrimination, financial health, subjective well‐being, satisfaction with environment, health and social services, and resilience.ResultsAbuse was reported by 20.2% of the sample before the outbreak and 17.8% during the pandemic; while discrimination was reported by 24.6% and 29.8% at the two time points, respectively. A drop in physical abuse was observed, but it was accompanied by a rise in discrimination in the form of harassment or refusal of services. Findings of logistic regression analysis show that abuse during the pandemic was associated with younger age, poorer subjective well‐being, and lower resilience; while discrimination was associated with female gender, being married, and poorer subjective well‐being.ConclusionsElder abuse and discrimination were prevalent across time points. The pandemic has highlighted the marginalization of older persons in our communities. There is an urgent need for development of effective interventions to end abuse and discrimination.
Sensor Selection Scheme in Temperature Wireless Sensor Network

In this paper, we propose a novel energy efficient environment monitoring scheme for wireless sensor networks, based on data mining formulation. The proposed adapting routing scheme for sensors for achieving energy efficiency from temperature wireless sensor network data set. The experimental validation of the proposed approach using publicly available Intel Berkeley lab Wireless Sensor Network dataset shows that it is possible to achieve energy efficient environment monitoring for wireless sensor networks, with a trade-off between accuracy and life time extension factor of sensors, using the proposed approach.
Exploratory Analysis of Ergonomics Importance at Workplace and Safety Culture Amongst Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners

This paper is a revised and extended version of a paper that was presented at WCE 2012. The article reports on a study to identify key components which can be used to relate ergonomics awareness and safety culture. These components can be used to facilitate the research which is aimed at determining the elements that influence the ergonomics awareness and the relationship with safety culture in an organization. A survey was done using a sample of 108 OSH practitioners in manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to determine the importance of ergonomics at their workplace and their beliefs on the importance of safety culture to be inculcated at their companies. 3 factors for ergonomics importance were identified: (i) Implication of & Need for improvement, (ii) Fitting the job to the workers and (iii) Basic ergonomics consideration. Safety culture questions were focused on the OSH practitioners perceptions on safety climate importance. Three constructs were designed: (i) commitment and leadership, (ii) motivation and (iii) safety management system practice. This finding is significant in order to study the influence of the perceptions of OSH practitioners on ergonomics importance at workplace to the safety culture.
Resilience as main part of protection of critical infrastructure

Protection of critical infrastructure is a relatively new branch of application of management functions by state. The amendment of Act No. 240/2000 Coll. on crisis management has established the duty of Czech republic state's and private's owners of selected objects and systems to ensure the protection of elements of critical infrastructure. Implementation of the taken measures is done in the present time. Quantitative evaluation of taken security and other measures to should be part of this process in the future. This paper will talk basic problems and approaches of resilience of elements and system of critical infrastructure elements. The current approach of the Czech Republic to protect critical infrastructure is based on the approach of the European Union. Its aim is to provide for the elements of critical infrastructure protection.
Short-term Weather Forecasting with Neural Networks

A method of short-term weather forecasting based on artificial neural networks is presented. Each training sample consist of a date information combined with meteorological data from the last three days gathered at the meteorological station in Miami, USA. The prediction goal is the next day’s temperature. Prediction system is built based on multilayer perceptron network trained with backpropagation algorithm with momentum.
Quantum electrodynamics and experiment demonstrate the non-retarded nature of electrodynamical force fields

In quantum electrodynamics, the quantitatively most successful theory in the history of science, intercharge forces obeying the inverse square law are due to the exchange of space-like virtual photons. The fundamental quantum process underlying applications as diverse as the gyromagnetic ratio of the electron and electrical machinery is then Møller scattering $ee \to ee$. Analysis of the quantum amplitude for this process shows that the corresponding intercharge force acts instantaneously. This prediction has been verified in a recent experiment.
International humanitarian law and the challenges of contemporary armed conflicts: Recommitting to protection in armed conflict on the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions

This is the fifth report on international humanitarian law (IHL) and the challenges of contemporary armed conflicts prepared by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (International Conference). Similar reports were submitted to the International Conferences held in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. The aim of all these reports is to provide an overview of some of the challenges posed by contemporary armed conflicts for IHL; generate broader reflection on those challenges; and outline current or prospective ICRC action, positions, and areas of interest.