Effort Commitment Research Articles

Non‐invasive methods for monitoring weasels: emerging technologies and priorities for future research

Abstract Weasels (genus Mustela and Neogale) are of management concern as declining native species in some regions and invasive species in others. Regardless of the need to conserve or remove weasels, there is increasingly a need to use non‐invasive monitoring methods to assess population trends. We conducted a literature review and held the first ever International Weasel Monitoring Symposium to synthesise information on historical and current non‐invasive monitoring techniques for weasels. We also explored current limitations, opportunities, and areas of development to guide future research and long‐term monitoring. Our literature search revealed that in the past 20 years, camera traps were the most commonly used non‐invasive monitoring method (62% of studies), followed by track plates or scent stations designed to collect footprints (23%) and walking transects for tracks in snow or soil (8.7%). Experts agreed that the most promising non‐invasive monitoring techniques available include use of citizen scientist reporting, detection dogs, detecting tracks, non‐invasive genetic surveys, and enclosed or unenclosed camera trap systems. Because each technique has benefits and limitations, using a multi‐method approach is likely required. There is a need for strong commitment to dedicated monitoring that is replicated over space and time such that trend data can be ascertained to better inform future management action. The diversity of non‐invasive monitoring methods now available makes such monitoring possible with relatively minor commitments of funding and effort.

Integrated block-wise neural network with auto-learning search framework for finger gesture recognition using sEMG signals

Accurate finger gesture recognition with surface electromyography (sEMG) is essential and long-challenge in the muscle-computer interface, and many high-performance deep learning models have been developed to predict gestures. For these models, problem-specific tuning of network architecture is essential for improving the performance, yet it requires substantial knowledge of network architecture design and commitment of time and effort. This process thus imposes a major obstacle to the widespread and flexible application of modern deep learning. To address this issue, we present an auto-learning search framework (ALSF) to generate the integrated block-wised neural network (IBWNN) for sEMG-based gesture recognition. IBWNN contains several feature extraction blocks and dimensional reduction layers, and each feature extraction block integrates two sub-blocks (i.e., multi-branch convolutional block and triplet attention block). Meanwhile, ALSF generates optimal models for gesture recognition through the reinforcement learning method. The results show that the generated models yield state-of-the-art results compared to the modern popular networks on the open dataset Ninapro DB5. Moreover, compared to other networks, the generated models have fewer parameters and can be deployed in practical applications with less resource consumption.

Efficacy of the Grit Scale Score in Predicting Voice Therapy Adherence and Outcomes

BackgroundVoice therapy generally is considered first-line treatment for dysphonia and vocal fold paresis. It requires a commitment of time, effort and resources; currently, there is no good indicator to identify which patients are good candidates for voice therapy. The Grit scale, developed by psychologist Angela Duckworth, provides a method to quantify perseverance and commitment to long-term goals. ObjectiveWe hypothesized that the Grit scale score could correlate with patient adherence to voice therapy and outcomes, by which subjects with higher Grit scale scores demonstrate greater adherence and better outcomes. MethodsSubjects were categorized into five groups, subjects who (1) were discharged from therapy after successful completion, (2) improved to normal, near-normal, or a level of voice function with which the patients were satisfied, and then stopped attending therapy (3) attended as at least the recommended number of sessions or greater than 8 sessions with some voice improvement (4) failed to improve to a voice function level satisfactory to the patient despite attending voice therapy, (5) failed to attend voice therapy as recommended. Subjects in groups 1–4 were considered adherent to voice therapy, whereas group 5 was considered not adherent. Category 1 was considered the most favorable outcome, whereas Category 5 was considered the least favorable outcome (1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5). ResultsEighty-nine subjects are included in the study. The average age of subjects was 44.9 years old, and there was a nearly equal split between male and female subjects. The mean Grit score (48) of the adherent group (categories 1–4) was not significantly different from that of the non-adherent group (47, P = 0.190). Spearman's rho between Grit scale score and the categories (1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5) was 0.0674, P = 0.530. ConclusionNeither the analysis by groups nor the Spearman correlation across all categories supported our hypothesis that higher Grit scale scores would be associated with better adherence and outcomes. The failure of the Grit scale score to predict adherence to voice therapy and outcomes emphasizes the need for further research to find a metric that will help predict and improve patient adherence with voice therapy and voice outcomes. Further research is needed to determine why it was unable to be predictive and to confirm or refute our findings.

Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday into nights and weekends. The collective commitment of all employees to do their respective part enables each department to accomplish its varied missions. This approach is often demonstrated by the willingness of dedicated employees to work long hours well in excess of 40 hours per week. Although that commitment of extra time and effort is acceptable for many employees within the department who are considered exempt from wage‐related overtime payment obligations, higher ed administrators must tread carefully regarding expecting any additional time or effort from nonexempt hourly staff. One university recently learned this lesson the hard way.

Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday into nights and weekends. The collective commitment of all employees to do their respective part enables each department to accomplish its varied missions. This approach is often demonstrated by the willingness of dedicated employees to work long hours well in excess of 40 hours per week. Although that commitment of extra time and effort is acceptable for many employees within the department who are considered exempt from wage‐related overtime payment obligations, higher ed administrators must tread carefully regarding expecting any additional time or effort from nonexempt hourly staff. One university recently learned this lesson the hard way.

Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday into nights and weekends. The collective commitment of all employees to do their respective part enables each department to accomplish its varied missions. This approach is often demonstrated by the willingness of dedicated employees to work long hours well in excess of 40 hours per week. Although that commitment of extra time and effort is acceptable for many employees within the department who are considered exempt from wage‐related overtime payment obligations, higher ed administrators must tread carefully regarding expecting any additional time or effort from nonexempt hourly staff. One university recently learned this lesson the hard way.

Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday into nights and weekends. The collective commitment of all employees to do their respective part enables each department to accomplish its varied missions. This approach is often demonstrated by the willingness of dedicated employees to work long hours well in excess of 40 hours per week. Although that commitment of extra time and effort is acceptable for many employees within the department who are considered exempt from wage‐related overtime payment obligations, higher ed administrators must tread carefully regarding expecting any additional time or effort from nonexempt hourly staff. One university recently learned this lesson the hard way.

103 Participants in Clinical Trials for Traumatic Brain Injury Are Not Representative of the Injured Population

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has higher mortality in minority populations, but these individuals are less likely to participate in TBI trials than non-minorities due to reasons ranging from historical abuse to socioeconomic status. Therefore, it is imperative barriers to minority inclusion in TBI trials are overcome. METHODS: 350 out of 592 TBI studies with published results were compared to the general population statistics on race/ethnicity and sex from the U.S. census and TBI statistics from the CDC. RESULTS: Trials with a completed status compared to withdrawn status were 128 times more likely to publish their findings. While sex was frequently reported (males- 68% of the study participants), the majority of studies did not report race/ethnicity. 9.9% of enrolled subjects are Black even though they represent 12.3% and 19% of TBI cases and mortalities, respectively. This same trend is seen in all other populations, except White people, who were found to be overrepresented in trials as 65.3% of participants are White even though they account for 63.1% and 52.0% of TBI cases and mortalities, respectively. Black patients were 1.9 more times likely to die from head injuries compared to White patients. The average number of days/sessions involved in TBI trials was 12 and the average trial duration was 6.3 years. 14 (29%) trials required phone calls for follow up visits and 14 trials specifically excluded non English speakers. CONCLUSION: The majority of TBI clinical trials reported sex, but not report race/ethnicity. Factors that may influence participation include trial duration and effort commitment. Our results demonstrate the need for demographic reporting to ensure the population being studied accurately reflects the population suffering from the burden of disease.

Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday and into nights and weekends. The collective commitment of all employees to do their respective part enables each department to accomplish its varied missions. This approach is often demonstrated by the willingness of dedicated employees to work long hours well in excess of 40 hours per week. Although that commitment of extra time and effort is acceptable for many employees within the department who are considered exempt from wage‐related overtime payment obligations, higher ed administrators must tread carefully regarding expecting any additional time or effort from nonexempt hourly staff. One university recently learned this lesson the hard way.

Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday and into nights and weekends. The collective commitment of all employees to do their respective part enables each department to accomplish its varied missions. This approach is often demonstrated by the willingness of dedicated employees to work long hours well in excess of 40 hours per week. Although that commitment of extra time and effort is acceptable for many employees within the department who are considered exempt from wage‐related overtime payment obligations, higher ed administrators must tread carefully regarding expecting any additional time or effort from nonexempt hourly staff. One university recently learned this lesson the hard way.

Channel choice and incentives in the cadaveric organ supply chain

The low rate of cadaveric organ donation is a challenge that most countries struggle with. In this study, we examine factors and alternate decision-making setups that influence the supply of cadaveric organs, and identify possible incentives and mechanisms to increase it. We develop a model that captures the interaction between supply-side entities – a coordinating organisation, whose objective is to maximise the social welfare, and a hospital that performs the organ retrieval. Under different setups, we evaluate the two levers available to the coordinating organisation, its own effort and reimbursement fees, which can be used to induce higher effort by hospitals. We contrast these decisions and payoffs to determine if any benefits are forthcoming from the coordinating organisation’s effort commitment. We also examine the hospital’s optimal channel decision in the presence of an unauthorised channel and a low paying authorised channel, and derive the conditions under which the hospital would prefer the authorised channel over the unauthorised channel. Our results provide insights that lead to better outcomes for the players, and result in the improved organ donation rate.

Understanding students’ software development projects: Effort, performance, satisfaction, skills and their relation to the adequacy of outcomes developed

Given the inclusion of (often team-based) course projects in tertiary software engineering education, it is necessary to investigate software engineering curricula and students’ experiences while undergoing their software engineering training. Previous research efforts have not sufficiently explored students perceptions around the commitment and adequacy of effort spent on software engineering projects, their project performance and skills that are developed during course projects. This gap in skills awareness includes those that are necessary, anticipated and learned, and the challenges to student project success, which may predict project performance. Such insights could inform curricula design, theory and practice, in terms of improving post-study software development success. We conducted a survey involving undergraduate across four universities in New Zealand and Cyprus to explore these issues, where extensive deductive and inductive analyses were performed. Among our findings we observe that students’ commitment of effort on software engineering project seems appropriate. Students are more satisfied with their team’s collaboration performance than technical contributions, but we found that junior students seemed to struggle with teamwork. Further, we observe that the software students developed were of higher quality if they had worked in project teams previously, had stronger technical skills and were involved in timely meetings. This study singles out mechanisms for informing good estimation of effort, mentoring technical competencies and suitable coaching for enhancing project success and student learning.

Nurses' Experience of Nursing Workload-Related Issues during Caring Patients with Dementia: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which appear in all dementia patients, demand sizable commitments of time and effort from nurses. This study aims to identify issues related to the workloads of nurses who provide care for dementia patients via qualitative meta-synthesis. Eleven articles were selected using a systematic review flowchart, which were then evaluated for their quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. Collected data were analyzed using a line-of-argument method. Theme clusters were “increased workload due to characteristics of dementia”, “increased mental stress”, “difficulty associated with playing a mediator role in addition to nursing duties”, and “lacking systematic support for dementia patient care”. To reduce the workload and mental stress of nurses in dementia care, supportive measures appropriate for their occupational characteristics should be developed, based on workload estimates that account for the attributes of dementia patients.

424 Advanced gestational age is a predictor of non-completion of sleep apnea testing in pregnancy

Abstract Introduction Sleep apnea is emerging as an important and underdiagnosed comorbidity in pregnancy. Screening, diagnosis, and initiation of therapy are all time-sensitive processes during the dynamic progression of gestation. Completion of referral and testing for sleep apnea during pregnancy requires a significant commitment of time and effort on the part of the pregnant patient. We evaluated for predictors of non-completion of sleep apnea testing within our obstetric-sleep referral pipeline, in an effort to inform and optimize future referrals. Methods We performed a retrospective chart-review of 405 pregnant patient referrals for sleep apnea evaluation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison/UnityPoint sleep apnea pregnancy clinic. We used logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of lack of completion of sleep apnea testing. Results The vast majority of referrals (>95%) were triaged directly to home sleep apnea testing with the Alice PDX portable device, rather than a sleep clinic visit. The overall rate of referral non-completion was 59%. Predictors of non-completion of sleep apnea evaluation in our pregnant population included higher gestational age (GA) at referral (1–12 wks GA: 30%, 13–26 wks GA: 31%, and 27–40 wks GA: 57% non-completers, p=0.006) and multiparity with 1 or more living children (65% non-completers if any living children, compared to 45% non-completers if no living children, p=0.002). Age, race, and transportation were not predictors of failure to complete sleep apnea testing. Conclusion We have identified several predictors of pregnant patients’ failure to complete sleep apnea evaluation with objective home sleep apnea testing after referral from obstetrics. Not surprisingly, higher gestational age emerged as a strong negative predictor of referral completion, with >50% of patients referred in the third trimester not completing sleep apnea testing. Early screening and referral for sleep apnea evaluation in pregnancy should be prioritized, given the time-sensitive nature of diagnosis and therapy initiation, and demonstrated reduced completion of referrals in advanced pregnancy. Support (if any) None

An automated framework for efficiently designing deep convolutional neural networks in genomics

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become a standard for analysis of biological sequences. Tuning of network architectures is essential for a CNN’s performance, yet it requires substantial knowledge of machine learning and commitment of time and effort. This process thus imposes a major barrier to broad and effective application of modern deep learning in genomics. Here we present Automated Modelling for Biological Evidence-based Research (AMBER), a fully automated framework to efficiently design and apply CNNs for genomic sequences. AMBER designs optimal models for user-specified biological questions through the state-of-the-art neural architecture search (NAS). We applied AMBER to the task of modelling genomic regulatory features and demonstrated that the predictions of the AMBER-designed model are significantly more accurate than the equivalent baseline non-NAS models and match or even exceed published expert-designed models. Interpretation of AMBER architecture search revealed its design principles of utilizing the full space of computational operations for accurately modelling genomic sequences. Furthermore, we illustrated the use of AMBER to accurately discover functional genomic variants in allele-specific binding and disease heritability enrichment. AMBER provides an efficient automated method for designing accurate deep learning models in genomics.

Neuroepidemiology: Perspectives from Africa

Neuroepidemiology is an important field that deserves critical attention globally and more specifically on the African continent. The African continent currently has less than adequate and reliable data on mental health generally or neurological disorders. Only few prevalence and incidence studies’ reports are available. Africa is affected by diverse neurological problems that deserve epidemiological attention ranging from chronic neurological disorders to outbreaks of epidemics of neurological importance, including konzo, lead poisoning, and infectious diseases of neurological importance. The current effort is an attempt to report perspectives about neuroepidemiology from Africa and to critically appraise the current scenarios toward deciphering the factors that have limited the development and advancements of the field in Africa. This article highlights specific points on needs as found and provides suggestions and recommendations on the way forward. The study was conducted in Nigeria through a network named ANDEN. Questionnaires were administered through all neuroscience-related platforms. Ninety-two respondents completed the questionnaires properly. Most respondents were young scientists with bachelors’ and master’s level of training and were almost equally divided between males and females. Their responses were analysed and presented as descriptive statistics and thematic summary of free responses. The interest of these African neuroscientists in neuroepidemiology ranked between high and very high. A good proportion rated the likelihood of a career path in neuroepidemiology between high and very high. The importance and relevance of the field to the advancement of mental health was also rated very high. The current attention and commitment of research efforts and funding to neuroepidemiology was, however, rated low. Many potential African neuroscientists would agree that their current greatest need is the knowledge of the subject and field of neuroepidemiology. By implication, there is a great need for them to be educated in this area. The findings showed that neuroepidemiology is a relatively neglected aspect of neurology and neuroscience research on the continent. The interest of respondents in this field underscores the critical and urgent need to develop the field, promote training and research funding toward developing capacities, and carrying out cutting edge research.

The benefits and negative impacts of citizen science applications to water as experienced by participants and communities

AbstractCitizen science is proliferating in the water sciences with increasing public involvement in monitoring water resources, climate variables, water quality, and in mapping and modeling exercises. In addition to the well‐reported scientific benefits of such projects, in particular solving data scarcity issues, it is common to extol the benefits for participants, for example, increased knowledge and empowerment. We reviewed 549 publications concerning citizen science applications in the water sciences to examine personal benefits and motivations, and wider community benefits. The potential benefits of involvement were often simply listed without explanation or investigation. Studies that investigated whether or not participants and communities actually benefitted from involvement, or experienced negative impacts, were uncommon, especially in the Global South. Assuming certain benefits will be experienced can be fallacious as in some cases the intended benefits were either not achieved or in fact had negative impacts. Identified benefits are described and we reveal that more consideration should be given to how these benefits interrelate and how they build community capitals to foster their realization in citizen science water projects. Additionally, we describe identified negative impacts showing they were seldom considered though they may not be uncommon and should be borne in mind when implementing citizen science. Given the time and effort commitment made by citizen scientists for the benefit of research, there is a need for further study of participants and communities involved in citizen science applications to water, particularly in low‐income regions, to ensure both researchers and communities are benefitting.This article is categorized under: Human Water > Human Water

Broadcasting Ourselves: Opportunities for Researchers to Share Their Work Through Online Video

For researchers, producing and publishing online video can be a means of directly sharing both our science and ourselves with a wide audience. However, media production often requires a substantial commitment of time, effort, and resources. Beyond this, publishing video on popular online platforms, like YouTube, is entering an ever-more crowded information marketplace. At the outset, considering the stories and distribution avenues specifically available to research scientists can guide their efforts in media production. In this practical perspective piece, I speak to a scenario of when media production is led or self-produced by a research scientist wanting to communicate their work. I present how research scientists have opportunities and access to stories that are rare among other professionals communicating science online. From disseminating the results of a peer-reviewed research paper, to making media about typically unseen aspects of science, online video is a medium that presents unique opportunities for researchers wanting to communicate their work. It can be a means of expanding the audience for and our own conceptions of scholarly work.

Factors that affect health information technology adoption by seniors: A systematic review.

The number of seniors and prevalence of chronic conditions are increasing worldwide, resulting in more pressure on health systems. Health Information Technologies (HIT) present opportunities to support the healthcare needs of seniors. Although prior studies have investigated HIT and seniors, it remains unclear what factors significantly affect the adoption of different HIT by elderly people in the community. A Systematic Review (SR) was conducted between December 2017 and February 2018 (with a search update in 2018-2019) to critically appraise and synthesise existing evidence on HIT adoption factors among seniors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, five major databases were consulted (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science). The inclusion criteria consisted of empirical studies, published in English, and reporting impacts of specific factors on HIT adoption among seniors in the community. A total of 41 studies were included in this review, mostly published between 2014 and 2017 in Europe and the US; the level of evidence in these studies was low to moderate. The factors that affect HIT adoption did not differ across types of technologies or age groups. The findings reveal that seniors adopt HIT that are perceived as useful and requiring low effort commitment; price/cost value were reported as adoption barriers. Social influence, facilitating conditions, senior-friendly product design, self-efficacy, Intrinsic Technology Quality, experience/training and technology anxiety may affect HIT adoption by seniors, although the evidence on these impacts remains weak and limited. Mixed and inconclusive evidence was observed on the impacts of socio-demographic variables, health condition, habit and privacy/security. Given the reported low level of HIT adoption among seniors, we call for more rigorous research in this area using a 'senior-centred' approach, which takes into account the discourse/interaction between seniors and their collective environment to better understand the factors that affect their technology adoption and address their needs.

Estonia advances on SDG achievement by tackling high alcohol consumption through a multi-pronged approach.

Estonia has implemented a comprehensive, multipronged approach to the reduction of alcohol consumption in the population, comprising a series of successful policy responses. The Estonian alcohol strategy (2014) builds on the Global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and the European action plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol 2012–2010. It aims to decrease the overall yearly consumption of alcohol among the adult population to less than 8 litres of absolute alcohol per capita. Gathering support across society from a range of stakeholders, including policy-makers, researchers, parents and advocates, has been one of the key elements in the implementation of the policy. High-level political commitment and strategic timing of efforts have maintained the issue of alcohol control on the political agenda and in the public’s mind.