Data-driven Approach Research Articles

Prediction of Social Engagement in Long-Term Care Homes by Sex: A Population-Based Analysis Using Machine Learning.

The objective of this study was to use population-based clinical assessment data to build and evaluate machine-learning models for predicting social engagement among female and male residents of long-term care (LTC) homes. Routine clinical assessments from 203,970 unique residents in 647 LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, collected between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2020, were used to build predictive models for the Index of Social Engagement (ISE) using a data-driven machine-learning approach. General and sex-specific models were built to predict the ISE. The models showed a moderate prediction ability, with random forest emerging as the optimal model. Mean absolute errors were 0.71 and 0.73 in females and males, respectively, using general models and 0.69 and 0.73 using sex-specific models. Variables most highly correlated with the ISE, including activity pursuits, cognition, and physical health and functioning, differed little by sex. Factors associated with social engagement were similar in female and male residents.

IoT-Enabled Air Irrigation: A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainable Agriculture in Water-Scarce Regions

The escalating water scarcity crisis, particularly in arid regions like Maharashtra, India, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity. Traditional irrigation methods often face challenges related to water wastage and inefficient distribution. To address these issues, this study proposes an innovative IoT-enabled smart “Air Irrigation" system. This novel approach involves dispersing water into the air to create a microclimate with optimal humidity levels, promoting plant growth and reducing water consumption.

Correlation analysis of long-span cable-stayed bridge strain response with environmental and operational variations based on feature selection

The structural response of large-span bridges is significantly influenced by environmental and operational conditions. This study employs a data-driven approach, which utilizes various techniques such as multiple linear regression, best subset regression, stepwise regression, Lasso regression, Ridge regression, and ElasticNet regression to analyze in detail the effects of environmental variables (temperature variables including temperature principal components, lateral temperature gradients, and vertical temperature gradients), and traffic loading on bridge strain response. Based on the analysis of 21 months of health monitoring data from a newly constructed cable-stayed bridge, Lasso regression is shown to perform best in predicting strains on the bridge deck and bottom slab. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis identifies several key influencing factors and quantifies their relative contributions to the strain. Although the 10-min average of the strain due to traffic loading has a minimal impact, the root mean square of the strain shows a significant correlation with the cumulative gross vehicle weight during busy traffic periods. The methodology proposed in this study helps to understand the strain response patterns of large-span bridges from a data perspective, and provides an effective approach to establishing a strain baseline model that eliminates environmental and operational variations.

SF6 Gas Humidity Prediction Model Based on Deep Learning

SF6 gas is widely used in Gas Insulated Switchgear(GIS) as an insulating and arc extinguishing medium in electric power industry. However, SF6 gas humidity has a significant impact on the performance and reliability of GIS equipment. The accurate prediction of humidity level is one of the keys to ensure the long-term stable operation of GIS equipment. Traditional humidity prediction methods are often limited by model complexity and data processing ability, which is difficult to meet the actual demand. In this paper, deep learning, as a powerful data-driven approach, shows great potential in gas humidity prediction. An efficient SF6 gas humidity prediction model for GIS equipment is constructed based on deep learning algorithm. The deep learning model can learn complex feature representations from a large number of historical data, and then accurately predict SF6 gas humidity.

Data-driven predictor of control-affine nonlinear dynamics: Finite discrete-time bilinear approximation of koopman operator

This paper introduces a novel and efficient data-driven approach for approximating a finite discrete-time bilinear model of control affine nonlinear dynamical systems with a tunable parameter that balances model dimension and prediction accuracy. An approximation of the Koopman operator based on the evolutions of the nonlinear system measurements used to lift a control-affine nonlinear system to a higher dimensional model. However, higher dimensional spaces can result in a long learning time and the curse of dimensionality in control analysis. The proposed approach addresses these challenges by introducing a convex optimization which identifies informative observable functions. This technique allows for the adjustment of a parameter to strike a balance between model dimension and accuracy in prediction. The main contribution of this study is to introduce a reduced dimensional bilinear model for a nonlinear complex system. This achievement is made possible by implementing convex sparse optimization, enabling the exploration of informative estimated Koopman eigenfunctions while minimizing the number of system measurements required. The optimization problem is solved using the alternating direction method of multipliers. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated on three different nonlinear systems: a numerical nonlinear system, a Van der Pol oscillator, and a Duffing oscillator. In the last simulation, an estimation of the Koopman linear model is considered as a special case, and the policy iteration algorithm is employed to evaluate optimal control designed for different reduced-dimensional models.

Linked Data-Driven, Physics-Based Modeling of Pumping-Induced Subsidence with Application to Bangkok, Thailand.

Research into land subsidence caused by groundwater withdrawal is hindered by the availability of measured heads, subsidence, and forcings. In this paper, a parsimonious, linked data-driven and physics-based approach is introduced to simulate pumping-induced subsidence; the approach is intended to be applied at observation well nests. Time series analysis using response functions is applied to simulate heads in aquifers. The heads in the clay layers are simulated with a one-dimensional diffusion model, using the heads in the aquifers as boundary conditions. Finally, simulated heads in the layers are used to model land subsidence. The developed approach is applied to the city of Bangkok, Thailand, where relatively short time series of head and subsidence measurements are available at or near 23 well nests; an estimate of basin-wide pumping is available for a longer period. Despite the data scarcity, data-driven time series models at observation wells successfully simulate groundwater dynamics in aquifers with an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.8 m, relative to an average total range of 21 m. Simulated subsidence matches sparse (and sometimes very noisy) land subsidence measurements reasonably well with an average RMSE of 1.6 cm/year, relative to an average total range of 5.4 cm/year. Performance is not good at eight out of 23 locations, most likely because basin-wide pumping is not representative of localized pumping. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of a parsimonious, linked data-driven, and physics-based approach to model pumping-induced subsidence in areas with limited data.

Inferring geometrical dynamics of cell nucleus translocation

The ability of eukaryotic cells to squeeze through constrictions is limited by the stiffness of their large and rigid nucleus. However, migrating cells are often able to overcome this limitation and pass through constrictions much smaller than their nucleus, a mechanism that is not yet understood. Here, we propose a methodological framework to observe, quantify, and model this phenomenon through a data-driven approach using microfluidic devices where cells migrate through controlled narrow spaces of sizes comparable to the ones encountered in physiological situations. Stochastic force inference is applied to experimental nuclear trajectories and nuclear shape descriptors, resulting in equations that effectively describe the kinematics of this phenomenon. By employing a model where the channel geometry is an explicit parameter and by training it over experimental data with different sizes of constrictions, we ensure that the resulting equations are predictive. Altogether, the approach developed here paves the way for a mechanistic and quantitative description of dynamical cell complexity during its motility. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Machine learning based prediction of biogas generation from municipal solid waste: A data-driven approach

This study aims to imply different machine learning (ML) (artificial neural network (ANN), linear regression, XGBoost, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM)) models to predict and optimize biogas production yield from organic fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW). The data set for six key input variables, including moisture content, C/N ratio, lignocellulose content and MSW age was analyzed and processed using ML models. Further, data exploratory analysis (EDA) analysis was performed using various steps such as data preprocessing, feature selection, train-test-validation splitting, model testing and evaluation. The results revealed that XGBoost and RF regression model exhibited superior performance efficacy. Both the models achieved a higher R2 values of 0.88 and 0.68, and low root mean square error (RMSE) values of 305 and 496, respectively. Furthermore, feature importance analysis was performed to identify the relative significance of input variables in biogas prediction. SVM model revealed significant contributions of moisture content (20.86 %), cellulose (60.21 %), hemicellulose (34.91 %), lignin content (62.84 %), and MSW age (17.23 %) in predicting biogas production. The findings of the study can be a resource for techno-crates/researchers to develop an efficient ML based decision-making tools for accurate predictions and process optimization.

GA-SmaAt-GNet: Generative adversarial small attention GNet for extreme precipitation nowcasting

In recent years, data-driven modeling approaches have gained significant attention across various meteorological applications, particularly in weather forecasting. However, these methods often face challenges in handling extreme weather conditions. In response, we present the GA-SmaAt-GNet model, a novel generative adversarial framework for extreme precipitation nowcasting. This model features a unique SmaAt-GNet generator, an extension of the successful SmaAt-UNet architecture, capable of integrating precipitation masks (binarized precipitation maps) to enhance predictive accuracy. Additionally, GA-SmaAt-GNet incorporates an attention-augmented discriminator inspired by the Pix2Pix architecture. This innovative framework paves the way for generative precipitation nowcasting using multiple data sources. We evaluate the performance of SmaAt-GNet and GA-SmaAt-GNet using real-life precipitation data from The Netherlands, revealing notable improvements in overall performance and for extreme precipitation events compared to other models. Specifically, our proposed architecture demonstrates its main performance gain in summer and autumn, when precipitation intensity is typically at its peak. Furthermore, we conduct uncertainty analysis on the GA-SmaAt-GNet model and the precipitation dataset, providing insights into its predictive capabilities. Finally, we employ Grad-CAM to offer visual explanations of our model’s predictions, generating activation heatmaps that highlight areas of input activation throughout the network.

E-Learning Impact on Higher Education Institutions during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid shift to online learning in higher education. To understand this evolving field better, this study employed a powerful technique called bibliometrics. Researchers analyzed scholarly publications between 2020 and 2023 in Web of Science, focusing on keywords related to e-learning, universities, and the pandemic's impact. This data-driven approach provided a more comprehensive picture than traditional reviews, revealing connections between research topics, researchers, and specific studies. Furthermore, the VOSviewer tool was employed to identify frequently co-occurring keywords, thus uncovering the major themes within the research. This analysis of keyword co-occurrence allowed the study to pinpoint key trends and areas of focus in e-learning for higher education institutions. Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers navigating the changing educational landscape and the future of e-learning in higher education.

An Optimal Road Network Extraction Methodology for an Autonomous Driving-Based Demand-Responsive Transit Service Considering Operational Design Domains

In addition to addressing the labor shortage due to an aging population, the transition to autonomous vehicle (AV)-based mobility services offers enhanced efficiency and operational flexibility for public transportation. However, much of the existing focus has been on improving AV safety without fully considering road conditions and real-world service demand. This study contributes to the literature by proposing a comprehensive framework for efficiently integrating AV-based mobility services at the network level, addressing these gaps. The framework analyzes and optimizes service networks by incorporating actual demand patterns, quantifying road segment difficulty from an AV perspective, and developing an optimization model based on these factors. The framework begins by quantifying the operational difficulty of road segments through an evaluation of Operational Design Domains (ODDs), providing a precise measure of AV suitability under varying road conditions. It then introduces a quantitative metric to assess operational feasibility, considering factors such as the service margin, costs, and safety risks. Using these metrics alongside Genetic Algorithms (GAs), the framework identifies an optimal service network that balances safety, efficiency, and profitability. By analyzing real-world data from different mobility services, such as taxis, Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT), and Special Transportation Services (STSs), this study highlights the need for service-specific strategies to optimize AV deployment. The findings show that optimal networks vary with demand patterns and road difficulty, demonstrating the importance of tailored network designs. This research provides a scalable, data-driven approach for integrating AV services into public transportation systems and lays the foundation for further improvements by incorporating dynamic factors and broader urban contexts.

A Survey on Data-Driven Approaches for Reliability, Robustness, and Energy Efficiency in Wireless Body Area Networks

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are pivotal in health care and wearable technologies, enabling seamless communication between miniature sensors and devices on or within the human body. These biosensors capture critical physiological parameters, ranging from body temperature and blood oxygen levels to real-time electrocardiogram readings. However, WBANs face significant challenges during and after deployment, including energy conservation, security, reliability, and failure vulnerability. Sensor nodes, which are often battery-operated, expend considerable energy during sensing and transmission due to inherent spatiotemporal patterns in biomedical data streams. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of data-driven approaches that address these challenges, focusing on device placement and routing, sampling rate calibration, and the application of machine learning (ML) and statistical learning techniques to enhance network performance. Additionally, we validate three existing models (statistical, ML, and coding-based models) using two real datasets, namely the MIMIC clinical database and biomarkers collected from six subjects with a prototype biosensing device developed by our team. Our findings offer insights into strategies for optimizing energy efficiency while ensuring security and reliability in WBANs. We conclude by outlining future directions to leverage approaches to meet the evolving demands of healthcare applications.

Sustainability transformations in marine governance in Sweden via social learning

Sustainability transformations in marine governance in Sweden via social learning Dr. Angelo Jonas Imperiale and Dr. Uta Wehn describe the MISTRA C2B2 programme’s unique approach to promoting sustainability transformations in Sweden’s marine governance through social learning in Living Labs. The Mistra programme Co-creating Better Blue (C2B2) aims to transform current marine governance in Sweden towards a more participatory and data-driven approach. This approach seeks to enhance the resilience of marine social-ecological systems and achieve a sustainable blue economy in Sweden.

Tracking ambivalence: an existential critique of datafication in the context of chronic pain.

In recent years, data-driven approaches to chronic pain care have increased dramatically. However, people living with chronic pain are ambivalent about datafication practices. Drawing on in-depth interviews with individuals living with chronic pain, I discuss and analyze this ambivalence. On the one hand, participants imbibe the promissory rhetoric of data as that which may organize and control the body in pain. On the other hand, they dismiss and critique the type of data collected. This micro-level analysis of the pain tracking experience illuminates a tension between datafication and chronic pain. Datafication demands that the patient relay information about their body that is free of ambiguity. However, chronic pain is ambiguous and full of paradox. This article illuminates the emotional chasm between datafication enthusiasts and chronic pain patients who track their pain and suggests that such enthusiasm may lead to bad faith.

A mental health monitoring system based on intelligent algorithms and biosensors: Algorithm behaviour analysis and intervention strategies

Introduction: Mental health monitoring encompasses the systematic observation and assessment of an individual’s psychological well-being, aiming to detect, understand and manage mental health conditions. It involves various techniques and interventions tailored to support individuals in achieving and maintaining optimal mental wellness. Recent advancements include the use of biosensors and biomechanics to analyze physiological signals that correlate with mental states, providing a more comprehensive understanding of psychological well-being. Aim: The aim of this research is to construct an innovative mental health monitoring system established on intelligent algorithms and biomechanical data through behaviour analysis and intervention strategies. Methodology: We propose a novel Snow Ablation-driven Bi-directional Fine-tuned Recurrent Neural Network (SA-BFRNN) to identify the state of mental health. In addition to behavioural data, biosensors are employed to collect real-time physiological signals such as heart rate variability, skin conductance, and muscle tension, offering objective markers of mental stress and anxiety. These biomechanical inputs are integrated into the system for multi-modal analysis. We employ the SA algorithm, iteratively removing less influential connections and nodes based on their impact on model performance. This process enhances network efficiency and generalization capabilities, refining the BFRNN for mental health state identification. Utilizing a questionnaire with 25 questions, administered to a selected group of 756 individuals, we validate our proposed model. Biosensor data is synchronized with questionnaire responses to improve the precision of mental state identification. Clustering-derived labels are validated with mean opinion score. These labels inform classifiers for individual mental health prediction, aligning with our objective of robust mental health assessment through data-driven approaches. SA-BFRNN integrates both forward and backward temporal information, enhancing its ability to discern subtle patterns in behaviour. Through iterative fine-tuning, our network learns to adapt to diverse datasets, enabling precise identification of mental health states. Research findings: In the result evaluation phase, we thoroughly examine how well our proposed SA-BFRNN model recognizes various states of mental health across different parameters. Our findings also highlight the significance of incorporating biomechanics, where biosensor data showed a strong correlation with mental health indicators, thereby augmenting the accuracy of the system. Our findings emphasize the efficacy of the SA-BFRNN technique, as demonstrated by its overall performance in terms of recall (92.56%), accuracy (90.13%), F1-score (88.16%) and precision (89.23%). Our experimental results unequivocally demonstrate that our proposed model performed better than other traditional approaches in classifying contents from multimodal data, showing notable enhancements in accuracy and robustness, particularly under dynamic conditions.

Knowledge-driven multi-graph convolutional network for brain network analysis and potential biomarker discovery

In brain network analysis, individual-level data can provide biological features of individuals, while population-level data can provide demographic information of populations. However, existing methods mostly utilize either individual- or population-level features separately, inevitably neglecting the multi-level characteristics of brain disorders. To address this issue, we propose an end-to-end multi-graph neural network model called KMGCN. This model simultaneously leverages individual- and population-level features for brain network analysis. At the individual level, we construct multi-graph using both knowledge-driven and data-driven approaches. Knowledge-driven refers to constructing a knowledge graph based on prior knowledge, while data-driven involves learning a data graph from the data itself. At the population level, we construct multi-graph using both imaging and phenotypic data. Additionally, we devise a pooling method tailored for brain networks, capable of selecting brain regions that impact brain disorders. We evaluate the performance of our model on two large datasets, ADNI and ABIDE, and experimental results demonstrate that it achieves state-of-the-art performance, with 86.87% classification accuracy for ADNI and 86.40% for ABIDE, accompanied by around 10% improvements in all evaluation metrics compared to the state-of-the-art models. Additionally, the biomarkers identified by our model align well with recent neuroscience research, indicating the effectiveness of our model in brain network analysis and potential biomarker discovery. The code is available at https://github.com/GN-gjh/KMGCN.

Multiomics-Based Outcome Prediction in Personalized Ultra-Fractionated Stereotactic Adaptive Radiotherapy (PULSAR).

Objectives: This retrospective study aims to develop a multiomics approach that integrates radiomics, dosiomics, and delta features to predict treatment responses in brain metastasis (BM) patients undergoing PULSAR. Methods: A retrospective study encompassing 39 BM patients with 69 lesions treated with PULSAR was undertaken. Radiomics, dosiomics, and delta features were extracted from both pre-treatment and intra-treatment MRI scans alongside dose distributions. Six individual models, alongside an ensemble feature selection (EFS) model, were evaluated. The classification task focused on distinguishing between two lesion groups based on whether they exhibited a volume reduction of more than 20% at follow-up. Performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, F1 score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), were assessed. Results: The EFS model integrated the features from pre-treatment radiomics, pre-treatment dosiomics, intra-treatment radiomics, and delta radiomics. It outperformed six individual models, achieving an AUC of 0.979, accuracy of 0.917, and F1 score of 0.821. Among the top nine features of the EFS model, six features came from post-wavelet transformation and three from original images. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the feasibility of employing a data-driven multiomics approach to predict treatment outcomes in BM patients receiving PULSAR treatment. Integrating multiomics with intra-treatment decision support in PULSAR shows promise for optimizing patient management and reducing the risks of under- or over-treatment.

Exploring the complex relationship between metro and shared bikes in the built environment: Competition, connection, and complementation

Merging the flexibility of bike-sharing systems with the high capacity of metro transit significantly enhances both connectivity and efficiency in urban transportation, promoting eco-friendly travel options and supporting sustainable urban development. Current studies primarily examine how these two transportation modes work together to enhance urban travel efficiency and convenience. However, there is still a lack of discussion on the spatial heterogeneity of the competitive and complementary relationships between two modes across different built environments. This study selects Shenzhen as a case study and employs a data-driven approach to explore the relationships between bike-sharing and the metro system in practical application, including competition, connection, and complementation. The OPGD model is deployed to assess how the built environment influences these dynamics. The results reveal that bike-sharing typically complements the metro system, with longer ride durations occurring mainly in the urban core areas. Conversely, competitive interactions between these two modes are less frequent and associated with shorter rides, typically occurring in locales with a high density of metro stations. Educational, service, and residential factors are the main influences on people's choice of the "bike-sharing + metro" travel mode. The built environment exerts a greater impact on competitive relationships and less on complementary ones.

A GIS-MCDA approach to map environmental suitability of Posidonia oceanica meadows as blue nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean eco-region

The growing environmental risks induced by interacting climate and human-induced pressures threaten the survival and growth of marine coastal ecosystems (MCEs) and the ecosystem services they provide. Nature-based solutions (NBS), consisting of ecosystem-based approaches, have emerged as vital tools for climate adaptation and mitigation facing biodiversity loss and societal challenges. Identifying suitable environmental conditions for implementing Blue-NBS in marine coastal areas is a key priority to drive robust and cost-effective nature-based adaptation pathways. This study developed a suitability model for Blue-NBS, with a specific focus on Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean Sea under a baseline scenario. GIS-based Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was applied for data integration and prioritization of different environmental variables in geomorphological (e.g., depth), water quality (WQ) (e.g., salinity), and climatic (e.g., thermal stress) sub-groups. Suitability classes and scores for each variable were determined using statistical distributions, ensuring a data-driven approach to defining environmental suitability. Variables' weights were derived from the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on expert judgment and then combined with scores to generate suitability maps for managing Blue-NBS on seagrasses. Depth was found to be the most dominant environmental variable, with shallow areas (e.g., Northern Adriatic, Gulf of Gabés) showing higher suitability. The southern part of the Mediterranean (e.g., Egypt) reported relatively low scores for both climate and WQ, while the Northern Adriatic had the lowest WQ scores. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate Blue-NBS suitability for seagrass meadows at the eco-regional scale with geomorphologic, WQ, and climatic variables, providing decision support for the selection and allocation of Blue-NBS in different environmental settings. The resulting environmental suitability maps represent a basis for the integration of socio-economic and governance-related indicators into a more complex, multi-tier approach to support NBS mainstreaming.

Data-driven approximations of topological insulator systems

A data-driven approach to calculating tight-binding models for discrete coupled-mode systems is presented. In particular, spectral and topological data are used to build an appropriate discrete model that accurately replicates these properties. This work is motivated by topological insulator systems that are often described by tight-binding models. The problem is formulated as the minimization of an appropriate residual (objective) function. Given bulk spectral data and a topological index (e.g., winding number), an appropriate discrete model is obtained to arbitrary precision. A nonlinear least squares method is used to determine the coefficients. The effectiveness of the scheme is highlighted against a Schrödinger equation with a periodic potential that can be described by the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model.