underrepresented populations
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2022 ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
William Paul ◽  
Armin Hadzic ◽  
Neil Joshi ◽  
Fady Alajaji ◽  
Philippe Burlina

Abstract We propose a novel method for enforcing AI fairness with respect to protected or sensitive factors. This method uses a dual strategy performing training and representation alteration (TARA) for the mitigation of prominent causes of AI bias. It includes the use of representation learning alteration via adversarial independence to suppress the bias-inducing dependence of the data representation from protected factors and training set alteration via intelligent augmentation to address bias-causing data imbalance by using generative models that allow the fine control of sensitive factors related to underrepresented populations via domain adaptation and latent space manipulation. When testing our methods on image analytics, experiments demonstrate that TARA significantly or fully debiases baseline models while outperforming competing debiasing methods that have the same amount of information—for example, with (% overall accuracy, % accuracy gap) = (78.8, 0.5) versus the baseline method's score of (71.8, 10.5) for Eye-PACS, and (73.7, 11.8) versus (69.1, 21.7) for CelebA. Furthermore, recognizing certain limitations in current metrics used for assessing debiasing performance, we propose novel conjunctive debiasing metrics. Our experiments also demonstrate the ability of these novel metrics in assessing the Pareto efficiency of the proposed methods.


2022 ◽  
pp. 111-128
Author(s):  
Emily Guetzoian

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the academic motivation and self-discipline of online learners and how online academic strategies can translate to the modern-day workforce in the post-pandemic world. The chapter examines digital learning trends and skills students need to prepare them for online learning, such as self-directedness. It discusses the difference between motivation and self-discipline. It also covers strategies specific for different types of learners, such as undergraduate students, graduate students, first-generation students, students with disabilities, and students from underrepresented populations. It provides tips for various levels of educators to support student motivation and self-discipline in the online environment. It also provides tips for students themselves to address their own motivation and self-discipline strategies, such as eliminating distractions, setting goals, using technology effectively, and developing a routine. The chapter concludes with suggestions of how to implement these online academic skills into the workplace.


2022 ◽  
pp. 189-204
Author(s):  
Debbie Dailey ◽  
Michelle B. Buchanan

STEM talent is often overlooked in underrepresented students resulting in limited opportunities to increase STEM interest and talent inside or outside of school settings. Academically qualified underrepresented students are less likely to be recommended for advanced placement STEM courses causing a racial divide and contributing to a lack of belonging in these courses. Methods to encourage STEM talent development and persistence in students from underrepresented populations include frontloading talent development interventions, creating afterschool or informal STEM programs, providing enrichment opportunities for highly capable students, and creating equitable access to advanced courses. This chapter presents the characteristics of STEM talent in underrepresented populations and strategies to identify high potential students, provides frontloading examples to develop STEM talent, offers examples of effective programming, and suggests instructional strategies to encourage STEM talent development in diverse populations.


2021 ◽  
pp. 82-94
Author(s):  
Thuha (Ha) Hoang ◽  
Lindsey (Ellen) Caillouet

Belonging can involve social acceptance, feelings of professor pedagogical caring, and a sense of university belonging. This chapter seeks to help readers understand the complex and dynamic relationship process, drawing from a variety of contemporary sources and contextual factors. The transition to new relationships is discussed, with particular consideration of the difficulties students from underrepresented populations face. The authors provide information on how to promote relationships across the institution through an analysis of the critical roles played by parents, peers, faculty members, and others in higher education. The case study and guiding questions help readers understand how to foster a sense of belonging at multiple levels.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e647
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Eger ◽  
Yann Le Guen ◽  
Raiyan R. Khan ◽  
Jacob N. Hall ◽  
Gabriel Kennedy ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe F386L PSEN1 variant has been reported in 1 Japanese family with limited clinical information. We aimed to prove that F386L is pathogenic by demonstrating that it segregates with early-onset Alzheimer disease (AD).MethodsEight individuals in a South Asian family provided DNA for genetic testing and underwent a neurologic examination.ResultsThe female proband was diagnosed with AD at age 45 years and died at age 49 years. She had a CSF biomarker profile consistent with AD, and her florbetaben PET scan was amyloid positive with high uptake in the striatum. Her MRI showed no prominent white matter disease. Her affected relatives had an age at onset range of 38–57 years and had imaging and biomarker profiles similar to hers.DiscussionThe results presented here, in conjunction with the prior report, confirm the pathogenicity of F386L. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of studying families from underrepresented populations to identify or confirm the pathogenicity of rare variants that may be specific to certain genetic ancestries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Fry ◽  
Sandra A. Mitchell ◽  
Lori Wiener

Abstract Background Cognitive interviewing is a well-established qualitative method used to develop and refine PRO measures. A range of digital technologies including phone, web conferencing, and electronic survey platforms can be leveraged to support the conduct of cognitive interviewing in both children and adults. These technologies offer a potential solution to enrolling underrepresented populations, including those with rare conditions, functional limitations and geographic or socioeconomic barriers. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital technologies for qualitative interviewing will remain essential. However, there is limited guidance about adapting cognitive interviewing procedures to allow for remote data capture, especially with children. Methods Synthesizing the literature and our research experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine considerations for implementing digitally supported cognitive interviews with children, adolescents, and adults. We offer recommendations to optimize data quality and empirical rigor and illustrate the application of these recommendations in an ongoing cognitive interviewing study to develop and refine a new pediatric PRO measure. Results Good research practices must address participant and researcher preparation for study-related procedures and should anticipate and pre-emptively manage technological barriers. Field notes should detail interview context, audio/video cues, and any impact of technological difficulties on data quality. The approaches we recommend have been tested in an ongoing cognitive interviewing study that is enrolling children/adolescents with cGVHD ages 5–17 and their caregivers [NCT 04044365]. The combined use of telephone and videoconferencing to conduct cognitive interviews remotely is feasible and acceptable and yields meaningful data to improve the content validity of our new PRO measure of cGVHD symptom bother. Conclusion Digitally supported cognitive interviewing procedures will be increasingly employed. Remote data collection can accelerate accrual, particularly in multi-site studies, and may allow for interviewer personnel and data management to be centralized within a coordinating center, thus conserving resources. Research is needed to further test and refine techniques for remote cognitive interviewing, particularly in traditionally underrepresented populations, including children and non-English speakers. Expansion of international standards to address digitally supported remote qualitative data capture appears warranted.


Author(s):  
Dustin D. Finch ◽  
Sean Owen, Ph.D.* ◽  
Cliff Thames ◽  
Ben Alexander

This study, a post hoc observational one, attempted to understand how to continue promoting equitable opportunities in career and technical education (CTE) for the state of Mississippi. We explored the enrollment patterns of Mississippi secondary CTE students by career cluster and career pathways associated with STEM careers over the last five years. Additionally, the enrollment patterns were compared to statewide enrollment patterns by gender and ethnicity. Also, we examined the proficiency results of students on the statewide CTE assessment by gender and ethnicity. Our secondary CTE student enrollment results are like previous reports of underrepresentation of nontraditional students in STEM-related career fields. Additionally, similar results were found when looking at the statewide CTE assessment data. However, there is an indication that CTE and non-CTE leaders effectively recruit underrepresented populations to STEM-related career pathways in the state of Mississippi, but more work is needed to allow access to all students.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hill L Wolfe ◽  
Taylor L Boyer ◽  
Keri L Rodriguez ◽  
Gloria J Klima ◽  
Jillian C Shipherd ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction In recent years, the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has seen an increasing population of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) veterans accessing care. Approximately 139 per 100,000 VHA users had a gender identity disorder diagnosis documented in 2018 compared to 32.9 per 100,000 in 2013. Despite TGD patients being overrepresented within VHA, TGD veterans may distrust or face unique barriers with various aspects of the VHA, including health services research. Existing VHA health research focused on TGD populations is largely limited to secondary analyses of electronic health record data. Identifying strategies to enhance primary data collection is crucial for more deeply investigating health care challenges experienced by TGD veterans using VHA care. Additionally, describing health topics of importance for TGD veterans is important for making the research agenda more patient-centered. In this study, we offer veterans’ recommendations for researchers working with underrepresented populations based on our findings. Materials and Methods From September through October 2019, 30 TGD veterans were recruited through VHA lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning Veteran Care Coordinators (LGBTQ+ VCC) located nationwide. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore barriers and facilitators to research participation, recommendations for improving outreach and engagement, and overall perspectives about priorities in health services research. Transcripts were independently and jointly reviewed and coded by two TGD research analysts, including a veteran using VHA care. Codes were derived inductively. Themes were identified using conventional content analysis. The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System institutional review board approved this study. Results Participants cited privacy concerns of being “outed” and potentially having VHA benefits revoked, in addition to a level of distrust in researchers’ intentions as barriers to participating in studies. Facilitators for participating included feeling a sense of serving the TGD community and accessibility to study locations, especially VHA-affiliated sites. Suggestions for recruitment included tailored messaging and using other TGD peers or affirming VHA staff (e.g., LGBTQ+ VCCs) for study outreach. Mental health and gender-affirming hormone therapy were the most understudied topics identified by participants. Additionally, participants prioritized the inclusion and study of underrepresented subpopulations, such as transgender women of color, transgender men, and non-binary/gender diverse veterans, in future research. Conclusions By harnessing the VHA LGBTQ+ VCC network, this study recruited a national sample of TGD veterans to provide insight on methods for more effectively engaging TGD veterans in research and elicited their suggestions for health services research topics. The findings provide numerous suggestions for medicine and public health that are ripe for future research endeavors. Despite the study’s lack of gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, findings highlight the need for engagement and study of underrepresented veteran populations. These suggested areas of focus for research in combination with valuable insight on research participation provide researchers with guidance for developing research agendas and designing recruitment and data collection methods that can facilitate future primary research advancing health services research involving TGD patients. Similarly, VHA and non-VHA researchers conducting research involving other underrepresented populations can also gain insight from these findings.


BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Katrin Emde ◽  
Amanda Phipps-Green ◽  
Murray Cadzow ◽  
C. Scott Gallagher ◽  
Tanya J. Major ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Historically, geneticists have relied on genotyping arrays and imputation to study human genetic variation. However, an underrepresentation of diverse populations has resulted in arrays that poorly capture global genetic variation, and a lack of reference panels. This has contributed to deepening global health disparities. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) better captures genetic variation but remains prohibitively expensive. Thus, we explored WGS at “mid-pass” 1-7x coverage. Results Here, we developed and benchmarked methods for mid-pass sequencing. When applied to a population without an existing genomic reference panel, 4x mid-pass performed consistently well across ethnicities, with high recall (98%) and precision (97.5%). Conclusion Compared to array data imputed into 1000 Genomes, mid-pass performed better across all metrics and identified novel population-specific variants with potential disease relevance. We hope our work will reduce financial barriers for geneticists from underrepresented populations to characterize their genomes prior to biomedical genetic applications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-459
Author(s):  
Emily H. Bero ◽  
Lisa E. Rein ◽  
Anjishnu Banerjee ◽  
Michael W. Straza ◽  
Colleen A.F. Lawton ◽  
...  

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