scholarly journals The Impact of Criteria-based and Data-driven Sampling Approaches on the Heterogeneity and Interpretability of Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Networks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Papini ◽  
Mikael Rubin ◽  
Michael J Telch ◽  
Jasper A. J. Smits
Keyword(s):  
Data Driven ◽  
Network Heterogeneity ◽  
Psychopathological Symptom ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sample Heterogeneity ◽  
Source Of Error

Background. The application of psychopathological symptom networks requires reconciliation of the observed cross-sample heterogeneity. We leveraged the largest sample to be used in a PTSD network analysis (N = 28,594) to examine the impact of criteria-based and data-driven sampling approaches on the heterogeneity and interpretability of networks.Methods. Severity and diagnostic criteria identified four overlapping subsamples and cluster analysis identified three distinct data-derived profiles. Networks estimated on each subsample were compared to a respective benchmark network at the symptom-relation level by calculating sensitivity, specificity, correlation, and density of the edges. Negative edges were assessed for Berkson’s bias, a source of error that can be induced by threshold samples on severity.Results. Criteria-based networks showed reduced sensitivity, specificity, and density but edges remained highly correlated and a meaningfully higher proportion of negative edges was not observed relative to the benchmark network of all cases. Among the data-derived profile networks, the Low Severity network had the highest proportion of negative edges not present in the benchmark network of symptomatic cases. The High Severity profile also showed a higher proportion of negative edges, whereas the Medium Severity profile did not. Conclusion. Although networks showed differences, Berkson’s bias did not appear to be a meaningful source of systematic error. These results can guide expectations about the generalizability of symptom networks across samples that vary in their ranges of severity. Future work should continue to explore whether network heterogeneity is reflective of meaningful and interpretable differences in the symptom relations from which they are composed.

The Impact of BRICS in Reconstructing the International Order

2020 ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Tareq Mohammed Dhannoon AL Taie
Keyword(s):  
International System ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Active Role ◽  
International Order ◽  
First Century ◽  
International Affairs ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Brics Countries ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact

The BRICS countries have a historical aspiration for global leadership, especially Russia and China, and other countries trying to have a position in the pyramid of international powers in the twenty-first century, especially Brazil, India and South Africa, they worked to unify their efforts, in order to achieve integration in the strategic action, activate its role in International affairs, ending American domination , and restructuring an international system that have an active role in its interactions.       The research hypothesis is based on the idea that the BRICS group, despite the nature of its economic composition and its long-term goals, but its political influence as a bloc, is greater than the proportion of its economic influence in restructuring the new international order. The BRICS group has the capabilities to reshape the international order, but disputes among some of its members represent a challenge to its future work. Its goals will not be achieved without teamwork. Third world countries, especially those that reject unipolarism, have regarded one of the pillars supporting multi-polarity, aiming of giving them freedom of movement in international relations. The ultimate goal of the BRICS is a political nature, as economic mechanisms are used to achieve political goals.

Relay Selection-aware Non-orthogonal Multiple Access Networks: Direct and Relaying Mode

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-354
Author(s):  
Dinh-Thuan Do ◽  
Minh-Sang V. Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Relay Selection ◽  
Multiple Access ◽  
Decode And Forward ◽  
Selection Scheme ◽  
Fixed Power ◽  
Transmission Quality ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Outage Probabilities ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact

Objective: In this paper, Decode-and-Forward (DF) mode is deployed in the Relay Selection (RS) scheme to provide better performance in cooperative downlink Non-orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) networks. In particular, evaluation regarding the impact of the number of multiple relays on outage performance is presented. Methods: As main parameter affecting cooperative NOMA performance, we consider the scenario of the fixed power allocations and the varying number of relays. In addition, the expressions of outage probabilities are the main metric to examine separated NOMA users. By matching related results between simulation and analytical methods, the exactness of derived formula can be verified. Results: The intuitive main results show that in such cooperative NOMA networks, the higher the number of relays equipped, the better the system performance can be achieved. Conclusion: DF mode is confirmed as a reasonable selection scheme to improve the transmission quality in NOMA. In future work, we will introduce new relay selections to achieve improved performance.

scholarly journals The Impact of Narrow-band Imaging on the Pre- and Intra- operative Assessments of Neoplastic and Preneoplastic Laryngeal Lesions. A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmelo Saraniti ◽  
Enzo Chianetta ◽  
Giuseppe Greco ◽  
Norhafiza Mat Lazim ◽  
Barbara Verro
Keyword(s):  
White Light ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Narrow Band ◽  
Narrow Band Imaging ◽  
Resection Margins ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
White Light Endoscopy ◽  
Laryngeal Lesions ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Narrow-band imaging is an endoscopic diagnostic tool that, focusing on superficial vascular changes, is useful to detect suspicious laryngeal lesions, enabling their complete excision with safe and tailored resection margins. Objectives To analyze the applications and benefits of narrow-band imaging in detecting premalignant and malignant laryngeal lesions through a comparison with white-light endoscopy. Data Synthesis A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases using strict keywords. Then, two authors independently analyzed the articles, read the titles and abstracts, and read completely only the relevant studies according to certain eligibility criteria. In total, 14 articles have been included in the present review; the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of pre- and/or intraoperative narrow-band imaging were analyzed. The analysis showed that narrow-band imaging is better than white-light endoscopy in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy regarding the ability to identify cancer and/or precancerous laryngeal lesions. Moreover, the intraoperative performance of narrow-band imaging resulted more effective than the in-office performance. Conclusion Narrow-band imaging is an effective diagnostic tool to detect premalignant and malignant laryngeal lesions and to define proper resection margins. Moreover, narrow-band imaging is useful in cases of leukoplakia that may cover a possible malignant lesion and that cannot be easily assessed with white-light endoscopy. Finally, a shared, simple and practical classification of laryngeal lesions, such as that of the European Laryngological Society, is required to identify a shared lesion management strategy. Key Points

scholarly journals A Qualitative Study of COVID-19 Distress in University Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 216769682110251
Author(s):  
Samantha G. Farris ◽  
Mindy M. Kibbey ◽  
Erick J. Fedorenko ◽  
Angelo M. DiBello
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Public Response ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Viral Outbreak ◽  
Selection Of

The psychological effect of the pandemic and measures taken in response to control viral spread are not yet well understood in university students; in-depth qualitative analysis can provide nuanced information about the young adult distress experience. Undergraduate students ( N = 624) in an early US outbreak “hotspot” completed an online narrative writing about the impact and distress experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected April-May 2020. A random selection of 50 cases were sampled for thematic analysis. Nine themes were identified: viral outbreak distress, fear of virus contraction/transmission, proximity to virus, dissatisfaction with public response, physical distancing distress, social distancing distress, academic and school-related distress, disruptive changes in health behavior and routines, financial strain and unemployment, worsening of pre-existing mental health problems, and social referencing that minimizes distress. Future work is needed to understand the persistence of the distress, in addition to developing methods for assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of the distress.

scholarly journals Quantifying the Impact of a Tsunami on Data-Driven Earthquake Relief Zone Planning in Los Angeles County via Multivariate Spatial Optimization

Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yueqi Gu ◽  
Orhun Aydin ◽  
Jacqueline Sosa
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Spatial Optimization ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Multidisciplinary Optimization ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Design Data ◽  
The Impact

Post-earthquake relief zone planning is a multidisciplinary optimization problem, which required delineating zones that seek to minimize the loss of life and property. In this study, we offer an end-to-end workflow to define relief zone suitability and equitable relief service zones for Los Angeles (LA) County. In particular, we address the impact of a tsunami in the study due to LA’s high spatial complexities in terms of clustering of population along the coastline, and a complicated inland fault system. We design data-driven earthquake relief zones with a wide variety of inputs, including geological features, population, and public safety. Data-driven zones were generated by solving the p-median problem with the Teitz–Bart algorithm without any a priori knowledge of optimal relief zones. We define the metrics to determine the optimal number of relief zones as a part of the proposed workflow. Finally, we measure the impacts of a tsunami in LA County by comparing data-driven relief zone maps for a case with a tsunami and a case without a tsunami. Our results show that the impact of the tsunami on the relief zones can extend up to 160 km inland from the study area.

scholarly journals Impact of a Series of Educational Talks Taught by Health Professionals to Promote Healthy Snack Choices among Children

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
Víctor Arufe Giráldez ◽  
Javier Puñal Abelenda ◽  
Rubén Navarro-Patón ◽  
Alberto Sanmiguel-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Nutrition And Dietetics ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact

Background: One of the great challenges facing today’s society is the need to combat overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a cycle of didactic talks—given to families by a specialist in pediatrics, a specialist in nutrition and dietetics and a specialist in physical exercise—on childrens’ snack choices and nutrition quality. Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental and quantitative investigation was designed, working with a total sample of 50 students divided into control and experimental groups. The nutritional quality of daily snacks was recorded during the month before and the month after the cycle of talks given by health experts. Results: An increase in the nutritional quality of the snacks was observed in the days after the talk—but, after a week, values returned to normal. Conclusions: The giving of educational talks to promote healthy habits may have a positive impact on the nutritional quality of school snacks in the days immediately following the talks. However, some forgetfulness was detected over time, which reduced the nutritional quality of the snacks once more. For future work, it is recommended that researchers measure the impact produced by giving regular talks.

scholarly journals The INSESS-COVID19 Project. Evaluating the Impact of the COVID19 in Social Vulnerability While Preserving Privacy of Participants from Minority Subpopulations

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 3110
Author(s):  
Karina Gibert ◽  
Xavier Angerri
Keyword(s):  
Social Vulnerability ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Informed Decision Making ◽  
Technological Infrastructure ◽  
Moderate Number ◽  
Reliable Diagnosis ◽  
Multivariate Relationships ◽  
The Impact

In this paper, the results of the project INSESS-COVID19 are presented, as part of a special call owing to help in the COVID19 crisis in Catalonia. The technological infrastructure and methodology developed in this project allows the quick screening of a territory for a quick a reliable diagnosis in front of an unexpected situation by providing relevant decisional information to support informed decision-making and strategy and policy design. One of the challenges of the project was to extract valuable information from direct participatory processes where specific target profiles of citizens are consulted and to distribute the participation along the whole territory. Having a lot of variables with a moderate number of citizens involved (in this case about 1000) implies the risk of violating statistical secrecy when multivariate relationships are analyzed, thus putting in risk the anonymity of the participants as well as their safety when vulnerable populations are involved, as is the case of INSESS-COVID19. In this paper, the entire data-driven methodology developed in the project is presented and the dealing of the small subgroups of population for statistical secrecy preserving described. The methodology is reusable with any other underlying questionnaire as the data science and reporting parts are totally automatized.

scholarly journals The Influence of Trading Locations on Equity Returns

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Nguyen N.T. Vo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Premium ◽  
Stock Price ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Equity Returns ◽  
Stock Exchanges ◽  
Home Market ◽  
Trade Effect ◽  
Market Index ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
The Impact

This paper evaluates the impact of trading locations on equity returns by examining the stock price behaviour of three Anglo-Dutch dual-listed companies which result from mergers where two corporations agree to function as a single operating business, but maintain separate identities. The shares of these stocks are traded not only in their home market but also on several US stock exchanges in the form of American Depository Receipts. Regressing the return differentials on these dual-listed and cross-listed stocks on the relative market index returns and currency changes provides evidence of an apparent violation of the Law of One Price. The regression results show that the return on each part of dual-listed companies is highly correlated with the market on which it is most intensively traded. Similarly, returns on cross-listed stocks have considerably higher co-movement with US market indices and considerably lower co-movement with home-market indices than their home-market counterparts. Market risk premium is not a significant explanatory variable of the location of trade effect.

Health, happiness and your future: using a “men’s group” format to work with homeless men in London

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-418
Author(s):  
Kate Thompson ◽  
Pippa Brown ◽  
Stephanie Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychosocial Issues ◽  
Horn Of Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Homeless Men ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an intervention with a group of homeless men from the Horn of Africa, service users of the Horn of Africa Health and Wellbeing Project in London. The group was conceived by the second author who noted the presence of significant psychosocial issues for her clients, but equally their reluctance to access mainstream mental health or social care services. Design/methodology/approach Designing the group and introducing it to the men involved threw up some challenges which are explored, and the impact of the group on participants is evaluated. Findings Overall both the participants and the facilitators evaluated the group positively and it appeared to have led to lasting change for some of the group members, and this is described. The authors argue that this sort of group may be a more acceptable way to work on psychosocial issues than something more directly focused on mental health intervention. The group protocol is outlined along with suggestions for future work in this area. Originality/value This intervention represents a creative alternative to more mainstream psychological interventions for homeless or exiled men.

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