Availability Of Software Research Articles

Can Video Annotation Software With Minimal Standardization Be Used as a Back-Up for a Marker-Free Motion Tracking System when Monitoring Barbell Thruster Velocity During a Repeated Circuit?

Mangine, GT, Hines, A, Grazer, J, Esmat, TA, and McLester, J. Can video annotation software with minimal standardization be used as a back-up for a marker-free motion tracking system when monitoring barbell thruster velocity during a repeated circuit? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the agreement between a marker-free motion tracking system (PERCH) and a free video annotation software (KINOVEA) for measuring barbell thruster velocity using minimal standardization. For a larger placebo-controlled supplement intervention, 10 men (28.7 ± 8.0 years, 175 ± 8 cm, 91.0 ± 12.0 kg) and 10 women (31.3 ± 5.2 years, 167 ± 4 cm, 70 ± 13 kg) completed a circuit of rowing, 6 barbell thrusters (men: 43.1 kg, women: 29.5 kg), and 3 box jumps for "as many repetitions as possible" (AMRAP) in either 5 or 15 minutes. Barbell velocity (m × second -1 ) was monitored by PERCH from the frontal plane, whereas all sessions were video recorded from the same view and subsequently analyzed by KINOVEA using natural barbell landmarks. Fifty repetitions were randomly and equally drawn from each participant ( n = 1,000 repetitions) across all workout and supplement conditions. Although Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no differences (mean difference = 0.03 m × second -1 , p = 0.332), KINOVEA only explained 2.6% of PERCH variance, and Spearman's correlation analysis of Bland-Altman plots suggested that differences between technologies were exacerbated by the magnitude of velocity ( ρ = -0.62, p < 0.001). Cross-validated, regression analysis using KINOVEA and readily available participant demographics (arm reach and biological sex) improved prediction by 13.4% but agreement remained inconsistent ( ρ = 0.73, p < 0.001). Neither KINOVEA nor KINOVEA combined with participant demographics are interchangeable with PERCH for monitoring barbell velocity during an AMRAP. Still, researchers and athletes might use this free and accessible software as back-up for whenever PERCH fails to detect repetitions, as some information is better than none.

32 A randomized controlled trial of virtual reality-based distraction for intravenous cannulation-related distress in children

Abstract Background Children commonly experience under-treated pain and distress related to medical procedures, such as intravenous insertions (IVI), leading to both short- and long-term negative consequences for patients and their caregivers. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool to ameliorate procedure-related distress in the paediatric healthcare setting; however, existing evidence has largely employed custom VR software, which can be expensive and inaccessible. As such, we aimed to characterize whether commercially available VR applications are effective in reducing children’s procedure-related distress. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of commercially available VR-based distraction when added to standard of care (SOC, which included topical anesthetic cream), in reducing distress for children undergoing IVI in the paediatric emergency department (PED). Design/Methods Children aged 6 to 17 years requiring IVI in a Canadian PED were recruited for a two-arm randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was child distress, measured using the Observational Scale of Behavioural Distress – Revised (OSBD-R, score range 0-23.5). Secondary outcomes included child pain intensity (measured with the Faces Pain Scale-Revised, score range 0-10) and caregiver anxiety [measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S), score range 20-80] during the procedure. Trial registration number: NCT04291404C. Results 82 children and their caregivers were included. 41 children received VR distraction in addition to SOC (mean age 10.8 years, SD 3.0), while 41 children received SOC alone (mean age 11.3 years, SD 2.8). There was no significant difference between OSBD-R-measured distress in the VR arm (mean 1.05, SD 1.52) compared to the SOC arm (mean 0.71, SD 1.40) (p = 0.08). There was no significant reduction in procedural pain intensity in the VR group (mean 4.20,SD 3.10) compared to the SOC group (mean 4.10, SD 3.20) (p = 0.85). There was no difference in caregiver STAI-S score immediately following IVI in the VR arm (mean 32.3, SD 11.3) versus the SOC arm (mean 32.3, SD 11.9) (p = 0.86). Conclusion VR distraction therapy employing commercially available software was not associated with reduction in procedural distress or pain, above that provided with SOC in the PED, for children undergoing IVI. This result highlights the need for more accessible custom VR distraction software, created to meet the unique psychological needs of children undergoing medical procedures. Further study is needed to directly compare custom versus commercially available VR software for this application.

Modern trends in the study of the condition of the human foot: an analysis of scientific and methodological literature

The study of the structure and functions of the human foot at various stages of ontogenesis is the basis for the timely detection of its disorders and the implementation of a system of corrective and preventive measures. The systematization of existing experience will help clarify the range of unresolved issues in this scientific field. The aim of the work is to analyze modern trends in the study of the condition of the feet of individuals of different ages based on data from scientific and methodological literature. Research methods: the method of analyzing scientific and methodological literature, systematization, and generalization. Research results: modern directions in the study of the human foot have different methodological foundations for research. Alongside methods of operational control of the structure and functions of the foot, which are based on widely accessible research methods, modern hardware and software are increasingly being used to implement forms of in-depth control. Among researchers, comprehensive diagnostic systems have gained popularity, allowing for the assessment of the structure and functions of the foot in both static and dynamic measurements (in a stationary state and during the performance of movement activities).

Optimizing emergency department efficiency: a comparative analysis of process mining and simulation models to mitigate overcrowding and waiting times

ObjectiveOvercrowding and extended waiting times in emergency departments are a pervasive issue, leading to patient dissatisfaction. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two process mining and simulation models in identifying bottlenecks and optimizing patient flow in the emergency department of Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan. The ultimate goal is to reduce patient waiting times and alleviate population density, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive, applied, cross-sectional, and retrospective design. The study population consisted of 39,264 individuals referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, with a sample size of at least 1,275 participants, selected using systematic random sampling at a confidence level of 99%. Data were collected through a questionnaire and the Hospital Information System (HIS). Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel software, with a focus on time-averaged data. Two methods of simulation and process mining were utilized to analyze the data. First, the model was run 1000 times using ARENA software, with simulation techniques. In the second step, the emergency process model was discovered using process mining techniques through Access software, and statistical analysis was performed on the event log. The relationships between the data were identified, and the discovered model was analyzed using the Fuzzy Miner algorithm and Disco tool. Finally, the results of the two models were compared, and proposed scenarios to reduce patient waiting times were examined using simulation techniques.ResultsThe analysis of the current emergency process at Al-Zahra Hospital revealed that the major bottlenecks in the process are related to waiting times, inefficient implementation of doctor’s orders, delays in recording patient test results, and congestion at the discharge station. Notably, the process mining exercise corroborated the findings from the simulation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the inefficiencies in the emergency process. Next, 34 potential solutions were proposed to reduce waiting times and alleviate these bottlenecks. These solutions were simulated using Arena software, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of their effectiveness. The results were then compared to identify the most promising strategies for improving the emergency process.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of this research demonstrate the effectiveness of using simulation techniques and process mining in making informed, data-driven decisions that align with available resources and conditions. By leveraging these tools, unnecessary waste and additional expenses can be significantly reduced. The comparative analysis of the 34 proposed scenarios revealed that two solutions stood out as the most effective in improving the emergency process. Scenario 19, which involves dedicating two personnel to jointly referring patients to the ward, and scenario 34, which creates a dedicated discharge hall, have the potential to create a more favorable situation.

Adapting OGC's SensorThings API and data model to support data management and sharing for environmental sensors

Software is critical in managing environmental sensor data. The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) developed the “OGC SensorThings API” (STA) standard to address variability across sensors, observed variables, platforms, and protocols, facilitating development of sensing and Internet of Things applications. This paper details a Python/Django implementation of the STA application programming interface (API) and a PostgreSQL/Timescale implementation of the STA data model, enhancing availability of robust software for management and sharing of environmental sensor data. STA offers a RESTful interface with JSON data encoding, aligning with modern development patterns and facilitating interoperability. Integration of metadata from the Observations Data Model ensures data can be adequately described and interpreted. STA's flexibility allows lightweight query responses or comprehensive metadata inclusion, and a complementary data management API enhances use of STA within multi-user systems. Open-source code and deployment instructions in GitHub enable standalone or cloud deployments, enhancing accessibility and usability for researchers and practitioners.

Advanced breast diffusion-weighted imaging: what are the next steps? A proposal from the EUSOBI International Breast Diffusion-weighted Imaging working group.

This study by the EUSOBI International Breast Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI) working group aimed to evaluate the current and future applications of advanced DWI in breast imaging. A literature search and a comprehensive survey of EUSOBI members to explore the clinical use and potential of advanced DWI techniques and a literature search were involved. Advanced DWI approaches such as intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were assessed for their current status and challenges in clinical implementation. Although a literature search revealed an increasing number of publications and growing academic interest in advanced DWI, the survey revealed limited adoption of advanced DWI techniques among EUSOBI members, with 32% using IVIM models, 17% using non-Gaussian diffusion techniques for kurtosis analysis, and only 8% using DTI. A variety of DWI techniques are used, with IVIM being the most popular, but less than half use it, suggesting that the study identified a gap between the potential benefits of advanced DWI and its actual use in clinical practice. The findings highlight the need for further research, standardization and simplification to transition advanced DWI from a research tool to regular practice in breast imaging. The study concludes with guidelines and recommendations for future research directions and clinical implementation, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in this field to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Advanced DWI in breast imaging, while currently in limited clinical use, offers promising improvements in diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring, highlighting the need for standardized protocols, accessible software, and collaborative approaches to promote its broader integration into routine clinical practice. Increasing number of publications on advanced DWI over the last decade indicates growing research interest. EUSOBI survey shows that advanced DWI is used primarily in research, not extensively in clinical practice. More research and standardization are needed to integrate advanced DWI into routine breast imaging practice.

Analysis of Software Patterns to resolve Design Problems

A reproducible solution to a frequently occurring problem in software design was described as a software pattern, also known as a design pattern. It was a tested method for resolving kinds of software design issues that had been classified and identified by several years of experience and best practices. The key to making safe and accessible software was good software design. There were different types of design problems. Solving those problems was very important to produce good and efficient software. There were some tools, techniques, and patterns to solve these problems. Software design knowledge could be effectively captured and communicated using design patterns. Within a particular context of software design, a software design pattern was a standardized, repeatable solution to a frequently occurring problem. The patterns were effective for software design on several levels. In this paper, we identified the major design problems. Then we have analyzed those problems and present design patterns to develop an effective software design.

Implementación de un sistema de gestión de la información para la Administración de Casa de Paz

This paper describes the implementation of an information management system for the Administration of Casas de Paz through the Access software with the aim of having better control with the data of this ministry. The program was developed together with the different diagrams that are a support for its development, in turn the data dictionary was made to facilitate the use of the program. By means of the Data System, better control will be obtained regarding attendance, where they are located, in turn to facilitate the location of a new member in the church and having the information of the leaders of each one of the Casas de Paz. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 46-51.

Development of a virtual teaching module for advanced semiconductor fabrication and its learning effectiveness analysis

AbstractSemiconductor fabrication is the process of manufacturing semiconductor devices, typically integrated circuits (ICs) such as microprocessors and memory. This involves transferring circuit diagrams onto a silicon wafer using photomasks and photoresists. After a series of fabrication processes, ICs are created on the wafer surface and then diced into individual chips, which are packaged and tested with quality control procedures to become the final products. Virtual reality (VR) simulates imaginary experiences or environments difficult to achieve in the real world through human senses and immersive equipment, allowing users to interact in a virtual 3D space in real time, making it well suited for applications in science education and industrial training. This study transforms the essential knowledge of advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes into an easily understandable virtual teaching module, thereby creating educational resources for high school and college students. The objective is to enhance their scientific and technological literacy, yielding substantial benefits for the general public. This study utilized VR technology to simplify and clarify the knowledge about the semiconductor manufacturing process, making it more engaging for learners. The virtual teaching module's learning content includes an overview of wafer preparation, semiconductor fabrication, chip packaging, and IC testing. Users can interact with the virtual teaching module and conduct virtual experiments to enhance their understanding by trial and error. Experimental results show that it can improve students' learning achievement and learning motivation. Therefore, the virtual teaching module is suitable for high‐school students and the general public to understand semiconductor technology and its applications. The effectiveness of the virtual teaching module is heavily dependent on the availability and quality of VR hardware and software. Limited access to advanced VR equipment or technical issues could have affected the learning experience, thereby influencing the learning outcomes.

Developing interoperable, accessible software via the atomic, molecular, and optical sciences gateway: A case study of the B-spline atomic R-matrix code graphical user interface.

The Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Science (AMOS) Gateway is a comprehensive cyberinfrastructure for research and educational activities in computational AMO science. The B-Spline atomic R-Matrix (BSR) suite of programs is one of several computer programs currently available on the gateway. It is an excellent example of the gateway's potential to increase the scientific productivity of AMOS users. While the suite is available to be used in batch mode, its complexity does not make it well-suited to the approach taken in the gateway's default setup. The complexity originates from the need to execute many different computations and to construct generally complex workflows, requiring numerous input files that must be used in a specific sequence. The BSR graphical user interface described in this paper was developed to considerably simplify employing the BSR codes on the gateway, making BSR available to a large group of researchers and students interested in AMO science.

B-112 Regression Analysis Techniques for Assessing Calibration Reproducibility Within and Between Instruments. A Practical Example with Blood Ca²⁺ Assayed with Two cobas® b 221Analyzers

Abstract Background Reproducibility of the calibration curve within the analytical measurement range (AMR) is crucial for ensuring reliable patient values within and between laboratory instruments to detect shifts and trends of clinical significance. In this practical example for ionized calcium (Ca²⁺) assayed with two cobas b221® instruments, the equality of calibration lines and the verification with patient specimen comparison study was assessed with regression analysis techniques. Methods Instruments: Two cobas b 221 (Roche Diagnostics). Calibration material: COOX/MSS™ (Five levels, Roche Diagnostics). This was independently assayed either three or five times in parallel with both instruments. The patient specimens were obtained by venipuncture in Na/Li-heparin BD™ tubes (Becton-Dickinson). Upon receipt, specimens were assayed with both instruments within two minutes. The data were transferred to Minitab® (Version 21, Minitab Inc) statistical software and analyzed with polynomial ordinary least squares (POLS), orthogonal and locally weighted scatterplot smoother (lowess) regression analysis models. The aptness of the model was assessed with standardized residuals (std. res.) diagnostics. For acceptable total error the CLIA’s criterion target value ± 10% was adopted. Results While the POLS model did not show probabilistically significant differences between instruments (P=0.8), it showed probabilistically significant differences between years (P=0.003). However, this was due to a small MSE (= 0.003 mg/dL), which is not clinically significant. The test for linearity showed probabilistically significant lack-of-fit (P&amp;lt;0.0001) due to a small MS pure error (&amp;lt;0.0001 mg/dL). The lowess for the standardized deleted residuals by the fitted value showed a quasi-linear relationship. The multiple comparisons (P=0.3) and the Levene’s (P=0.4) tests did not detect probabilistically significant heteroscedasticity of the variance by reference value. The plot of the std. res. by the leverage showed two possible outliers (std. res.&amp;gt;|3|) and no influential observations (Hi&amp;lt;0.5). These diagnostics proved the aptness of the POLS model. The harmonization between the two instruments was verified with patient specimens. The orthogonal regression model showed in the interval 3-6 mg/dL a quasi-linear relationship between the values as obtained with the two instruments. The orthogonal regression line (y=0.1+1.02 n) and the OLS regression line (y=0.03+601 n) were very similar. There was no probabilistically significant lack-of-fit (P=0.5). The plot of the std. res. by the leverage showed one possible outlier (std.res.&amp;gt;|3|) and no influential observations. Additionally, the plot of the relative differences between the values as obtained with b221#9371 and b221#24796 by the values as obtained with b221#9371 showed only one value exceeding half of the total allowable error. Conclusions The POLS model clearly showed that the calibration lines for the two instruments were quasi-linear in the interval 2-10 mg/dL and reproducible within and between instruments. Additionally, this reliable performance was verified with patient specimens in the interval 3-6 mg/dL. The differences between values as obtained with each instrument were within half of the CLIA’s total allowable error. This clearly showed that equality of calibration lines ensured interchangeable patient values between instruments. Finally, electronic transfer of data and the availability of statistical software like Minitab was crucial for conducting this study.

Factors Influencing ICT Usage in the Healthcare Management System at Government Hospitals in Tanzania: A Case of Kilwa Road Police Hospital

This study assesses the factors influencing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage in healthcare management systems at government hospitals in Tanzania, with a specific focus on Kilwa Road Police Hospital. The study aims to: examine the extent to which ICT infrastructure availability influences ICT usage in healthcare management systems; determine the influence of staff awareness on ICT usage at Kilwa Road Police Hospital; and investigate the influence of management support on ICT usage in healthcare management systems at the hospital. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and employed a descriptive research design. Systematic sampling was used to select 162 respondents from a target population of 272 staff members. Data was collected through questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics utilized multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that the availability of necessary hardware and software is significantly and positively related to the effective utilization of ICT in healthcare management systems at Kilwa Road Police Hospital. Additionally, the level of staff awareness was identified as a crucial factor influencing ICT usage. The relationship between hardware and software availability and ICT utilization was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05), highlighting its importance in enhancing healthcare management systems. Furthermore, management support was found to play a significant role in ICT usage for healthcare management at Kilwa Road Police Hospital. The study concludes that ICT infrastructure, staff awareness, and management support are critical factors influencing ICT usage in healthcare management systems at Kilwa Road Police Hospital. It recommends that the hospital's management ensure the continuous availability of ICT infrastructure to sustain effective healthcare management systems.

“I would have to walk around to find the best Wi-Fi connection…”: qualitatively exploring challenges associated with rapid rollout of telehealth in Canadian long-term care homes

BackgroundEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term care (LTC) homes in British Columbia, Canada, restricted visitation to ensure the safety of their residents against transmission of the novel coronavirus. As such, these LTC homes had to quickly implement a rapid rollout of telehealth services to maintain physician care for residents while avoiding the infection risk of in-person visits amidst lockdown measures. The abrupt transition from traditional in-person physician care to telehealth presented significant challenges. Investigating these challenges is pivotal to the development of strategies for sustained telehealth use for physician services in LTC homes. This analysis is part of a broader qualitative, utilization-focused evaluation study of telehealth services rapidly implemented for physician care in LTC homes within the Fraser Health Authority region of British Columbia. The evaluation has aimed to consider integral factors such as telehealth challenges, facilitators, preferences, and continued use. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 70 physicians, staff, residents, and family caregivers across 27 different LTC homes in the region. All interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using a thematic approach to identify common barriers surrounding the rapid rollout of telehealth in LTC across relevant groups.ResultsFrom the data, four challenges were identified: connectivity challenges (e.g., inconsistent or no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity), device challenges (e.g., lack of accessible devices and software issues), privacy challenges (e.g., lack of private space to support telehealth use), and informational challenges (e.g., lack of electronic medical record access). All challenges posed barriers to telehealth access for both care provider and recipient groups in LTC settings.ConclusionsThe challenges identified in this analysis are supported by existing literature, which is significant given the different contexts within which such research has been undertaken. Collectively, this knowledge base can support evidence-informed improvements to telehealth for physician care in LTC settings. Future research should capture the perspectives of diverse cultural groups, LTC residents with cognitive impairments, and those who provide and receive care in rural settings.

A Review of Pakistan’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure Using Multiple Assessment Frameworks

Efforts to establish Pakistan’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) have been underway for the past 15 years, and therefore it is necessary to gauge the current progress to channelize efforts into areas that need improvement. This article assessed Pakistan’s NSDI implementation efforts through well-established approaches, including the SDI readiness model, organizational aspects, and state of play. The data were collected from Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) experts. The findings underscored challenges related to human resources, SDI education/culture, long-term vision, lack of awareness of geoinformation (GI), sustainable funding, metadata availability, online geospatial services, and geospatial standards hindering NSDI development in Pakistan. However, certain factors exhibit favorable standings, such as the legal framework for NSDI establishment, web connectivity, geospatial software availability, the unavailability of core spatial datasets, and institutional leadership. Thus, to enhance the development of NSDI in Pakistan, recommendations include bolstering financial and human resources, improving online geospatial presence, and fostering a long-term vision for NSDI.

Unmconf : an R package for Bayesian regression with unmeasured confounders

The inability to correctly account for unmeasured confounding can lead to bias in parameter estimates, invalid uncertainty assessments, and erroneous conclusions. Sensitivity analysis is an approach to investigate the impact of unmeasured confounding in observational studies. However, the adoption of this approach has been slow given the lack of accessible software. An extensive review of available R packages to account for unmeasured confounding list deterministic sensitivity analysis methods, but no R packages were listed for probabilistic sensitivity analysis. The R package unmconf implements the first available package for probabilistic sensitivity analysis through a Bayesian unmeasured confounding model. The package allows for normal, binary, Poisson, or gamma responses, accounting for one or two unmeasured confounders from the normal or binomial distribution. The goal of unmconf is to implement a user friendly package that performs Bayesian modeling in the presence of unmeasured confounders, with simple commands on the front end while performing more intensive computation on the back end. We investigate the applicability of this package through novel simulation studies. The results indicate that credible intervals will have near nominal coverage probability and smaller bias when modeling the unmeasured confounder(s) for varying levels of internal/external validation data across various combinations of response-unmeasured confounder distributional families.

Why Supportability Is the Key to Software Availability

Why Supportability Is the Key to Software Availability

Opportunities overcome challenges in adopting immersive virtual reality in online learning

The use of immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has witnessed an increasing demand in online learning, though challenges are slowing its adoption. This paper presents a scoping review on the deployment of IVR in online learning: its utilisation, challenges, and opportunities. The study reveals that IVR is mainly used to provide remote access to learning experiences, improve cognitive, affective and skills outcomes, and simulate experiences that are often available in traditional classrooms. Hardware-related issues are among the greatest challenges for the ubiquitous use of IVRs in online learning, with internet access being cited as the primary concern. Cost of hardware, physical side-effects, software design and amount of educator training required have also been raised as common challenges. The analysis of the reported opportunities revealed that the increasing availability of VR technologies shows the potential to overcome these challenges associated with hardware, where smartphone devices are still considered the most accessible and scalable tool. In addition, the increasing availability of modelling software creates an opportunity for faster and cheaper development of VR applications. Furthermore, the use of IVR in online learning presents solutions to common online learning issues associated with reduced student engagement and learning, access to work-based activities and lack of connectedness.

Estimating optimal decision trees for treatment assignment: The case of K > 2 treatment alternatives.

For many problems in clinical practice, multiple treatment alternatives are available. Given data from a randomized controlled trial or an observational study, an important challenge is to estimate an optimal decision rule that specifies for each client the most effective treatment alternative, given his or her pattern of pretreatment characteristics. In the present paper we will look for such a rule within the insightful family of classification trees. Unfortunately, however, there is dearth of readily accessible software tools for optimal decision tree estimation in the case of more than two treatment alternatives. Moreover, this primary tree estimation problem is also cursed with two secondary problems: a structural missingness in typical studies on treatment evaluation (because every individual is assigned to a single treatment alternative only), and a major issue of replicability. In this paper we propose solutions for both the primary and the secondary problems at stake. We evaluate the proposed solution in a simulation study, and illustrate with an application on the search for an optimal tree-based treatment regime in a randomized controlled trial on K = 3 different types of aftercare for younger women with early-stage breast cancer. We conclude by arguing that the proposed solutions may have relevance for several other classification problems inside and outside the domain of optimal treatment assignment.

The Design and Implementation of a Bayesian Data Analysis Lesson for Pre-Service Mathematics and Science Teachers

With the rise of the popularity of Bayesian methods and accessible computer software, teaching and learning about Bayesian methods are expanding. However, most educational opportunities are geared toward statistics and data science students and are less available in the broader STEM fields. In addition, there are fewer opportunities at the K-12 level. With the indirect aim of introducing Bayesian methods at the K-12 level, we have developed a Bayesian data analysis activity and implemented it with 35 mathematics and science pre-service teachers. In this article, we describe the activity, the web app supporting the activity, and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of the activity. Lastly, we discuss future directions for preparing K-12 teachers in teaching and learning about Bayesian methods.

Supporting Inclusivity Through an Automatic Transcription Application to Improve Hearing Skills for the Deaf

Inclusivity is the principle that underlies a just and equal society for all individuals, including students or pupils who have hearing disabilities such as the deaf. In an effort to realize inclusivity, technological developments have opened the door to solutions that can improve the quality of life for deaf users. One of the main challenges faced by deaf users is difficulty in understanding and communicating with the outside world through hearing. This article discusses how automatic transcription applications can serve as powerful tools in supporting inclusiveness by improving the listening skills of deaf users. An automatic transcription application is software that is capable of converting spoken conversations into text in real-time. This has the potential to enable deaf users to access previously difficult-to-reach information. The use of automatic transcription applications can provide significant benefits for deaf users. Firstly, it allows pupils and students to follow conversations and presentations better, improving their listening skills. Second, users can participate more actively in various social and educational activities, feeling more confident in interacting with friends, colleagues and instructors. Apart from that, the use of this application can also help in the development of their spoken language, because students can view the transcribed text while listening to the conversation. However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome in implementing this automatic transcription application. These include accuracy of transcription, availability of appropriate hardware and software, and community understanding of the needs and rights of deaf users. Therefore, collaboration between technology developers, the deaf community, and other interested parties is important in ensuring that automated transcription applications can be used effectively to increase inclusivity for deaf users.