Identification of diverticular bleeding needs early colonoscopy rather than preparation

Background and study aims When patients present with acute colonic diverticulum bleeding (CDB), a colonoscopy is performed to identify stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH), but valuable time can be lost in bowel preparation. This study retrospectively examined groups of patients who either had a standard pre-colonoscopy regimen or no preparation. Patients and methods This study compared data from 433 patients who either followed a lengthy regimen of bowel preparation (prepared group, 266 patients) or had no preparation (unprepared group, 60 patients). We compared the association between time (hours) between admission before starting a colonoscopy (TMS) and identification of SRH using a chi-square test. Results In 48 of 60 cases (80.0 %) in the unprepared group, a total colonoscopy was performed and the time to identify SRH was decreased. The respective rates of SRH identification in the unprepared and prepared groups were 55.2 % (16/29) vs. 46.7 % (7/15) if the TMS was < 3 hours; 47.1 % (8/7) vs. 36.8 % (35/95) in 3 to 12 hours; 0 % (0/3) vs. 22.0% (13/59) in 12 to 18 hours; and 21.8 % (3/11) vs. 20.6% (42/204) in > 18 hours. There were no significant differences between the two groups. However, the SRH identification rates before and after 12 hours were 42.3 % (66/156) and 20.9 % (58/277) (P < 0.001). Conclusions Our data suggest that the bowel preparation method before colonoscopy is an independent variable predicting success in identifying SRH among patients with CDB. Decreasing the time before colonoscopy to no more than 12 hours after admission played an important role in identifying SRH.

Uncovering predictability of individual and team success: Significant Hot Hand Effect in International Cricket

We investigate the predictability and persistence (hot-hand effect) of individual and team performance by analyzing the complete recorded history of international cricket. We introduce an original temporal representation of performance streaks, which is suitable to be modelled as a self-exciting point process. We confirm the presence of predictability and hot-hands across the individual performance and the absence of the same in team performance and game outcome. Thus, Cricket is a game of skill for individuals and a game of chance for the teams. Our study contributes to recent historiographical debates concerning the presence of persistence in individual and collective productivity and success. The introduction of several metrics and methods can be useful to test and exploit clustering of performance in the study of human behavior and design of algorithms for predicting success.

Predicting Success in the Embryology Lab: The Use of Algorithmic Technologies in Knowledge Production

This article analyzes local algorithmic practices resulting from the increased use of time-lapse (TL) imaging in fertility treatment. The data produced by TL technologies are expected to help professionals pick the best embryo for implantation. The emergence of TL has been characterized by promissory discourses of deeper embryo knowledge and expanded selection standardization, despite professionals having no conclusive evidence that TL improves pregnancy rates. Our research explores the use of TL tools in embryology labs. We pay special attention to standardization efforts and knowledge-creation facilitated through TL and its incorporated algorithms. Using ethnographic data from five UK clinical sites, we argue that knowledge generated through TL is contingent upon complex human–machine interactions that produce local uncertainties. Thus, algorithms do not simply add medical knowledge. Rather, they rearrange professional practice and expertise. Firstly, we show how TL changes lab routines and training needs. Secondly, we show that the human input TL requires renders the algorithm itself an uncertain and situated practice. This, in turn, raises professional questions about the algorithm’s authority in embryo selection. The article demonstrates the embedded nature of algorithmic knowledge production, thus pointing to the need for STS scholarship to further explore the locality of algorithms and AI.

Investigating the Validity of the Integrated Measure of Intercultural Sensitivity: Predicting Success in a Multicultural Workplace

<p>In response to previous unsuccessful attempts to produce a valid measure of intercultural sensitivity, Weiss (2012) created the Integrated Measure of Intercultural Sensitivity (IMIS). The aim of the current thesis was to examine the validity of an English version of the IMIS. After back-translation of the scale, two studies were conducted. Study 1 tested the construct validity of the IMIS amongst a population of native English speakers. Study 2 investigated the predictive and incremental validity of the IMIS subscales in regard to outcomes relating to success in a multicultural workplace. The results of these two studies reveal that only one subscale is a valid predictor of such outcomes; this subscale did not predict additional variance when compared to existing predictive measures such as the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire and the Cultural Intelligence Scale. The results of these two studies indicate that the IMIS is not a valid measure of intercultural sensitivity; however the potential for a valid measure intercultural sensitivity is emphasized.</p>

Investigating the Validity of the Integrated Measure of Intercultural Sensitivity: Predicting Success in a Multicultural Workplace

<p>In response to previous unsuccessful attempts to produce a valid measure of intercultural sensitivity, Weiss (2012) created the Integrated Measure of Intercultural Sensitivity (IMIS). The aim of the current thesis was to examine the validity of an English version of the IMIS. After back-translation of the scale, two studies were conducted. Study 1 tested the construct validity of the IMIS amongst a population of native English speakers. Study 2 investigated the predictive and incremental validity of the IMIS subscales in regard to outcomes relating to success in a multicultural workplace. The results of these two studies reveal that only one subscale is a valid predictor of such outcomes; this subscale did not predict additional variance when compared to existing predictive measures such as the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire and the Cultural Intelligence Scale. The results of these two studies indicate that the IMIS is not a valid measure of intercultural sensitivity; however the potential for a valid measure intercultural sensitivity is emphasized.</p>

Uncovering predictability of individual and team success: Significant Hot Hand Effect in International Cricket

We investigate the predictability and persistence (hot-hand effect) of individual and team performance by analyzing the complete recorded history of international cricket. We introduce an original temporal representation of performance streaks, which is suitable to be modelled as a self-exciting point process. We confirm the presence of predictability and hot-hands across the individual performance and the absence of the same in team performance and game outcome. Thus, Cricket is a game of skill for individuals and a game of chance for the teams. Our study contributes to recent historiographical debates concerning the presence of persistence in individual and collective productivity and success. The introduction of several metrics and methods can be useful to test and exploit clustering of performance in the study of human behavior and design of algorithms for predicting success.