Using Machine Learning to Identify At-risk Students in an Introductory Programming Course at a Two-year Public College

Nationally, more than one-third of students enrolling in introductory computer science programming courses (CS101) do not succeed. To improve student success rates, this research team used supervised machine learning to identify students who are “at-risk” of not succeeding in CS101 at a two-year public college. The resultant predictive model accurately identifies \(\approx\)99% of “at-risk” students in an out-of-sample test data set. The programming instructor piloted the use of the model’s predictive factors as early alert triggers to intervene with individualized outreach and support across three course sections of CS101 in fall 2020. The outcome of this pilot study was a 23% increase in student success and a 7.3 percentage point decrease in the DFW rate. More importantly, this study identified academic, early alert triggers for CS101. Specifically, the first two graded programs are of paramount importance for student success in the course.

Feasibility and clinical utility of handheld fundus cameras for retinal imaging

Background/objectives Handheld fundus cameras are portable and cheaper alternatives to table-top counterparts. To date there have been no studies comparing feasibility and clinical utility of handheld fundus cameras to table-top devices. We compare the feasibility and clinical utility of four handheld fundus cameras (Remidio NMFOP, Volk Pictor Plus, Volk iNview, oDocs visoScope) to a table-top camera (Zeiss VisucamNM/FA). Subjects/methods Healthy participants (n = 10, mean age ± SD = 21.0 ± 0.9 years) underwent fundus photography with five fundus cameras to assess success/failure rates of image acquisition. Participants with optic disc abnormalities (n = 8, mean age ± SD = 26.8 ± 15.9) and macular abnormalities (n = 10, mean age ± SD = 71.6 ± 15.4) underwent imaging with the top three scoring fundus cameras. Images were randomised and subsequently validated by ophthalmologists masked to the diagnoses and devices used. Results Image acquisition success rates (100%) were achieved in non-mydriatic and mydriatic settings for Zeiss, Remidio and Pictor, compared with lower success rates for iNview and oDocs. Image quality and gradeability were significantly higher for Zeiss, Remidio and Pictor (p < 0.0001) compared to iNview and oDocs. For cup:disc ratio estimates, similar levels of bias were seen for Zeiss (−0.09 ± SD:0.15), Remidio (−0.07 ± SD:0.14) and Pictor (−0.05 ± SD:0.16). Diagnostic sensitivities were highest for Zeiss (84.9%; 95% CI, 78.2–91.5%) followed by Pictor (78.1%; 95% CI, 66.6–89.5%) and Remidio (77.5%; 95% CI, 65.9–89.0%). Conclusions Remidio and Pictor achieve comparable results to the Zeiss table-top camera. Both devices achieved similar scores in feasibility, image quality, image gradeability and diagnostic sensitivity. This suggests that these devices potentially offer a more cost-effective alternative in certain clinical scenarios.

Adversarial Attack using Neural Image Modification

In order to help development into analyzing the characteristics of adversarial sample generation in artificial neural networks, this work proposes a framework for an adversarial attack that utilizes neural image modification to generate an adversarial sample. This method proves to be effective in reducing a target network’s accuracy in both untargeted and targeted attacks with good success rates. This method also shows some effectiveness against defensive distillation, but not transferrable between multiple models.

CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma in Chinese patients

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CO2-Laser Assisted Sclerectomy Surgery (CLASS) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in Chinese patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, uncontrolled, interventional case series. All patients from 2016 to 2017 who received CLASS were recruited in this study. The primary outcome was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of IOP-lowering medications over a 12-month follow-up period. Adverse events were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Results: Data were collected from forty-two eyes of 31 patients. The average preoperative IOP was 31.33 ± 7.60mmHg. The mean percentage of IOP reduction from baseline at postoperative months (POM) 1, 3, 6, 9, and, 12 were 48.1% ± 24.6%, 51.4% ± 19.3%, 51.2% ± 17.2%, 50.9% ± 15.0%, 49.2% ± 16.3%, respectively (all P < 0.001). The number of glaucoma medications decreased from a baseline of 3.02 ± 0.81 to 0.05 ± 0.22, 0.10 ± 0.37, 0.12 ± 0.40, 0.17 ± 0.44, and 0.24 ± 0.58 at POM 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, respectively (all P < 0.001). At POM 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, complete success rates were 66.7%, 73.8%, 76.2%, 69.1%, and 71.4%, respectively. At POM 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, qualified success rates were 71.4%, 82.0%, 85.3%, 83.3%, and 90.5%, respectively. Major postoperative complications include peripheral iris synechia, iris incarceration, and anterior chamber shallowing. Conclusions: CLASS with 5-FU shows safety and efficacy for decreasing IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications over a 12-month follow-up period. It could be an alternative treatment for patients with OAG.

Patterned Illumination Techniques in Optogenetics: An Insight Into Decelerating Murine Hearts

Much has been reported about optogenetic based cardiac arrhythmia treatment and the corresponding characterization of photostimulation parameters, but still, our capacity to interact with the underlying spatiotemporal excitation patterns relies mainly on electrical and/or pharmacological approaches. However, these well-established treatments have always been an object of somehow heated discussions. Though being acutely life-saving, they often come with potential side-effects leading to a decreased functionality of the complex cardiac system. Recent optogenetic studies showed the feasibility of the usage of photostimulation as a defibrillation method with comparatively high success rates. Although, these studies mainly concentrated on the description as well as on the comparison of single photodefibrillation approaches, such as locally focused light application and global illumination, less effort was spent on the description of excitation patterns during actual photostimulation. In this study, the authors implemented a multi-site photodefibrillation technique in combination with Multi-Lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). The technical connection of real-time heart rhythm measurements and the arrhythmia counteracting light control provides a further step toward automated arrhythmia classification, which can lead to adaptive photodefibrillation methods. In order to show the power effectiveness of the new approach, transgenic murine hearts expressing channelrhodopsin-2 ex vivo were investigated using circumferential micro-LED and ECG arrays. Thus, combining the best of two methods by giving the possibility to illuminate either locally or globally with differing pulse parameters. The optical technique presented here addresses a number of challenges of technical cardiac optogenetics and is discussed in the context of arrhythmic development during photostimulation.

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy With Ologen Implant

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with ologen implant versus endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with silicon tube implantation.Background: Chronic dacryocystitis is an inflammatory disorder of the lacrimal sac that is mostly accompanied by partial or total nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Watering and discharge are the most common symptoms, however some cases can escalate to serious ocular and extraocular complications. It can result in severe ocular morbidity and loss of productivity at work, as it can temporarily obscure vision, prevent a person from concentrating on their task, and be socially uncomfortable. The goal of this research is to find a way to reduce recurrence after DCR surgery.Methods: We conducted a prospective controlled study to evaluate effectiveness of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with ologen implant versus endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with silicon tube implantation. A total of 40 patients underwent primary endoscopic DCR surgery in Menoufia University Hospital from march 2020 till march 2021. A total of 20 cases did endoscopic DCR using ologen implant (group A) and the other 20 cases did endoscopic DCR using silicon tube (group B). Results: The success rate, which was evaluated by MUNK score and syringing test, was compared between both groups also rate of complications like epistaxis, implant complications and post surgery synechiae was compared. Success rates was 75% in ologen group and 85%in the other group. Epistaxis, infection and post sugery synechiae were statistically in significant between the two groups but implant complications was more in ologen group than the other group.Conclusion: Endoscopic DCR with ologen implantation is not superior to endoscopic DCR with silicon stenting due to the challenging ologen implantation procedure and the high cost relative to silicon stenting.

The Application of Tannic Acid in Orthopedics

Tannic acid (TA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol compound commonly found in tea, wine, and fruits. Because of the excellent structural and functional properties afforded by TA, materials based on the structure of polyhydroxyphenols have great value, particularly for orthopedic transplantation. This compound, for example, can form a strong interaction with metals and can form a stable coating on their surfaces, thus, improving the physical and chemical properties of bone–implant surfaces and boosting implantation success rates. TA can also inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, thus, playing a potential role in the treatment of osteoporosis. Furthermore, if the body becomes polluted with heavy metals, TA can chelate the ions to protect bone morphology and structure. It also has a significant antibacterial effect and can reduce infections caused by surgical implantation and inhibit a variety of tumor cells, thereby promoting its potential application in spinal metastasis surgery. Furthermore, it can also slow the corrosion caused by magnesium alloys, thereby greatly improving the development of degradable orthopedic metal fixatives. Importantly, TA is cheap and easy to obtain, making it extremely valuable for use in orthopedics. This review focuses on the research status and practical applications of TA, and prospects for its future application for orthopedics (Figure 1).

CSF Upward Motion Is Crucial for ETV Success

Purpose: ETV is indicated for treating obstructions of major CSF pathways. The outcome evaluation often yields success rates of only +- 70% for shunt independency. Hence, compromised CSF absorption seems to occur more often than expected. We searched for parameters suitable to assess the involved CSF dynamics. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study in 58 paediatric patients (7.7 yrs. mean age) between 2000 and 2020 with aqueductal stenosis (11/58), obstruction of the aqueduct due to tumor growth (22/58),and connatal hydrocephalus (9/58). The average follow-up interval was 4.7 years. Head circumferences, Evans- and fronto-occipital horn ratios before and 3 months after ETV were obtained as Delta-indices. Furthermore ETV success score (ETVSS), the patency of the aqueduct pre- and postoperatively as well as of the stoma were assessed by flow void signs on MRI. Evaluation on MRI also included the shape of the floor of the 3rd ventricle and whether or not the septum pellucidum showed signs of perforation. Four patients were analysed pre- and postoperatively via real-time MRI. At least the educational status regarding protected or unprotected education was analyzed. Results:The prevalence of a bowing of the floor of the 3rd ventricle was 72%, and the ETVSS was 71.0%. In 26 children a septal perforations or an open aqueduct prior to ETV (19) could be identified. Mean ER and FOHR were reduced by 0.03 and 0.05 , respectively. Maintained open (flow void on postop MRI) or perforation could successfully be carried out during endoscopic surgery in 44 patients (79%). The disproportionate increase of head circumference abated in 79.4% of patients. New shunt insertion occurred in 16 patients (27.5%). Intraoperatively upward CSF flow was detected in all cases. Statistical analyses(ANOVA) showed significant results for unprotected education, postoperative ER and FOHR but not for open stoma. Conclusion: The identification of flow through the stoma on postoperative MRI seems to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for ETV success. In our study, ventricular volumes were used as parameters to determine success rates as well as unprotected education. Furthermore, enabling upward CSF flow driven by inspiration seems crucial for successful ETV.