Clarifying Agreement Calculations and Analysis for End-User Elicitation Studies

We clarify fundamental aspects of end-user elicitation, enabling such studies to be run and analyzed with confidence, correctness, and scientific rigor. To this end, our contributions are multifold. We introduce a formal model of end-user elicitation in HCI and identify three types of agreement analysis: expert , codebook , and computer . We show that agreement is a mathematical tolerance relation generating a tolerance space over the set of elicited proposals. We review current measures of agreement and show that all can be computed from an agreement graph . In response to recent criticisms, we show that chance agreement represents an issue solely for inter-rater reliability studies and not for end-user elicitation, where it is opposed by chance disagreement . We conduct extensive simulations of 16 statistical tests for agreement rates, and report Type I errors and power. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for practitioners and introduce a five-level hierarchy for elicitation studies.

Evaluation and Prediction of Post-stroke Cerebral Edema Based on Neuroimaging

Cerebral edema is a common complication of acute ischemic stroke that leads to poorer functional outcomes and substantially increases the mortality rate. Given that its negative effects can be reduced by more intensive monitoring and evidence-based interventions, the early identification of patients with a high risk of severe edema is crucial. Neuroimaging is essential for the assessment and prediction of edema. Simple markers, such as midline shift and hypodensity volume on computed tomography, have been used to evaluate edema in clinical trials; however, advanced techniques can be applied to examine the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to review current imaging tools in the assessment and prediction of cerebral edema to provide guidance for using these methods in clinical practice.

Mechanisms of Human Motor Learning Do Not Function Independently

Human motor learning is governed by a suite of interacting mechanisms each one of which modifies behavior in distinct ways and rely on different neural circuits. In recent years, much attention has been given to one type of motor learning, called motor adaptation. Here, the field has generally focused on the interactions of three mechanisms: sensory prediction error SPE-driven, explicit (strategy-based), and reinforcement learning. Studies of these mechanisms have largely treated them as modular, aiming to model how the outputs of each are combined in the production of overt behavior. However, when examined closely the results of some studies also suggest the existence of additional interactions between the sub-components of each learning mechanism. In this perspective, we propose that these sub-component interactions represent a critical means through which different motor learning mechanisms are combined to produce movement; understanding such interactions is critical to advancing our knowledge of how humans learn new behaviors. We review current literature studying interactions between SPE-driven, explicit, and reinforcement mechanisms of motor learning. We then present evidence of sub-component interactions between SPE-driven and reinforcement learning as well as between SPE-driven and explicit learning from studies of people with cerebellar degeneration. Finally, we discuss the implications of interactions between learning mechanism sub-components for future research in human motor learning.

The Endometrial Microbiome and Its Impact on Human Conception

Changes in the female genital tract microbiome are consistently correlated to gynecological and obstetrical pathologies, and tract dysbiosis can impact reproductive outcomes during fertility treatment. Nonetheless, a consensus regarding the physiological microbiome core inside the uterine cavity has not been reached due to a myriad of study limitations, such as sample size and experimental design variations, and the influence of endometrial bacterial communities on human reproduction remains debated. Understanding the healthy endometrial microbiota and how changes in its composition affect fertility would potentially allow personalized treatment through microbiome management during assisted reproductive therapies, ultimately leading to improvement of clinical outcomes. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the uterine microbiota and how it relates to human conception.

Human Versus Machine: How Do We Know Who Is Winning? ROC Analysis for Comparing Human and Machine Performance under Varying Cost-Prevalence Assumptions

Background Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis is commonly used for comparing models and humans; however, the exact analytical techniques vary and some are flawed. Objectives The aim of the study is to identify common flaws in ROC analysis for human versus model performance, and address them. Methods We review current use and identify common errors. We also review the ROC analysis literature for more appropriate techniques. Results We identify concerns in three techniques: (1) using mean human sensitivity and specificity; (2) assuming humans can be approximated by ROCs; and (3) matching sensitivity and specificity. We identify a technique from Provost et al using dominance tables and cost-prevalence gradients that can be adapted to address these concerns. Conclusion Dominance tables and cost-prevalence gradients provide far greater detail when comparing performances of models and humans, and address common failings in other approaches. This should be the standard method for such analyses moving forward.

Influenza viruses and coronaviruses: Knowns, unknowns, and common research challenges

The development of safe and effective vaccines in a record time after the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a remarkable achievement, partly based on the experience gained from multiple viral outbreaks in the past decades. However, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis also revealed weaknesses in the global pandemic response and large gaps that remain in our knowledge of the biology of coronaviruses (CoVs) and influenza viruses, the 2 major respiratory viruses with pandemic potential. Here, we review current knowns and unknowns of influenza viruses and CoVs, and we highlight common research challenges they pose in 3 areas: the mechanisms of viral emergence and adaptation to humans, the physiological and molecular determinants of disease severity, and the development of control strategies. We outline multidisciplinary approaches and technological innovations that need to be harnessed in order to improve preparedeness to the next pandemic.

Extended dosing of monoclonal antibodies in multiple sclerosis

Over the past two decades, treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have increased exponentially. In the current therapeutic landscape, “no evidence of MS disease activity” is within reach in many of our patients. Minimizing risks of complications, improving treatment convenience, and decreasing health care costs are goals that are yet to be reached. One way to optimize MS therapy is to implement personalized or extended interval dosing. Monoclonal antibodies are suitable candidates for personalized dosing (by therapeutic drug monitoring) or extended interval dosing. An increasing number of studies are performed and underway reporting on altered dosing intervals of anti-α4β1-integrin treatment (natalizumab) and anti-CD20 treatment (ocrelizumab, rituximab, and ofatumumab) in MS. In this review, current available evidence regarding personalized and extended interval dosing of monoclonal antibodies in MS is discussed with recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physiotherapist - A Review

Introduction: Healthcare professionals, especially those with in direct contact of patient are at the highest risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), physical therapists being one of them. Aim: Our aim was to review current knowledge relating to the prevalence, risk factors and prevention of WMSDs among physiotherapists. Method: Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for terms relating to WMSDs in Physiotherapists from inception to 2021. Result: The prevalence of WMSDs among Physiotherapist was high, with the lower back as the most frequently affected followed most often by the neck, upper back and shoulders. Knee joint was commonly affected joint in lower extremity. Multiple risk factors have been found responsible for WMSDs in physiotherapist and some of them are modifiable. Conclusion: Implementing preventive strategies for WMSDs in early stage of a physiotherapist’s career may help to prevent WMSDs and maintain good quality of treatment for patients. Keywords: Pain, Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Prevention.

Effects of Production Methods on Flavour Characteristics of Nonalcoholic Wine

The growing awareness on the negative effects of alcohol on health and other factors like religious beliefs, responsible driving, and strict alcohol regulatory laws have contributed to the overwhelming demand for nonalcoholic wines. Numerous methods are available for producing nonalcoholic wines which encompass both restrictive ethanol production processes (interrupted fermentation, cold fermentation, juice/wine blends, use of unripe fruit, enzyme, and special and immobilized yeasts) and alcohol removal methods (heat, membrane, and extraction techniques). Studies have shown that these methods significantly affect the flavour characteristics of the wine, which is a key quality parameter in wine purchasing and consumption. It is in view of this that this work seeks to review current articles on the effects of production methods on the flavour characteristics of nonalcoholic wine. This review will provide insight on nonalcoholic wine production methods, their merits and demerits, and contributions to flavour characteristics. It will also unfold research opportunities in the field of nonalcoholic wine production for continual improvement and development of the wine industry.