General Performance Score Research Articles

Proposal of a workplace classification model for heart attack accidents from the field of occupational safety and health engineering

Research on occupational accidents is a key factor in improving working conditions and sustainability. Fatal accidents incur significant human and economic costs. Therefore, it is essential to examine fatal accidents to identify the factors that contribute to their occurrence. This study presents an overview of fatal heart attack accidents at work in Spain over the period 2009–2021. Descriptive analysis was conducted considering 13 variables classified into five groups. These variables were selected as predictors to determine the occurrence of this type of accident using a machine learning technique. Thirteen Naïve Bayes prediction models were developed using an unbalanced dataset of 15,616 valid samples from the Spanish Delta@database, employing a two-stage algorithm. The final model was retained using a General Performance Score index. The model selected for this study used a 70:30 distribution for the training and test datasets. A sample was classified as a fatal heart attack if its posterior probability exceeded 0.25. This model is assumed to be a compromise between the confusion matrix values of each model. Sectors with the highest number of heart attacks are ‘Health and social work’, ‘Transport and storage’, ‘Manufacturing’, and ‘Construction’. The incidence of heart attacks and fatal heart attack accidents is higher in men than in women and higher in private sector employees. The findings and model development may assist in the formulation of surveillance strategies and preventive measures to reduce the incidence of heart attacks in the workplace.

Robust weighted general performance score for various classification scenarios

Robust weighted general performance score for various classification scenarios

The perceived preparedness of prelicensure nursing students to transition to practice

BackgroundThe impact of clinical site limitations on the categories of clinical competencies among prelicensure nursing students (PNSs) is not clear. AimTo describe the perceived clinical preparedness of PNSs who experience alterations in their training. MethodsForty-four PNSs were surveyed using the Clinical Competence Questionnaire (CCQ). CCQ measures four categories of nursing competencies: (a) professional behaviors (PB), (b) general performance (GP), (c) core skills (CS), and (d) advanced skills (ANS). ResultsMost students (89%) reported feeling unprepared to enter practice or reenter clinical settings. The average overall perceived competence score was 169 (SD = 22, 128-212). The averages for PB, GP, CS, and AS were low. Students’ CS and AS scores were significantly and negatively correlated with the number of altered courses (r = −.38, p = .008; r = −.35, p = .018 respectively), and students’ GP scores were significantly, and inversely, associated with the number of missed clinical days (r = −.32, p = .03). ConclusionsStudents who experience alterations feel unprepared to transition to practice. The findings can guide the training needed for PNSs before reentering clinical rotations or upon joining the workforce.

Functional performance and impact on the quality of life of three treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism: Results of a parallel 3-group cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis parallel cross-sectional study compared masticatory function and patient-centered outcomes among 3 removable treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism. MethodsThirty-six edentulous participants rehabilitated using 3 removable treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism were allocated to one of the three groups (n=12): CCD (control), 2-IMO, and 3-IMO. Narrow diameter implants were installed using single-stage surgery and conventionally loaded with stud abutments. After 3 months of usage, the quality of life, maximum bite force, and masticatory function were evaluated. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc pairwise Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction (α=0.05). ResultsThe 2-IMO and 3-IMO wearers did not show significant differences in any outcome, except for the 2 domains of 3-IMO wearers quality of life that obtained better Pain and General Performance scores. Both IMO groups presented significantly higher maximum bite force than CCD wearers. The 2-IMO wearers showed superior outcomes to the CCD group in all outcomes of the masticatory performance test and the X50, B and ME5.6 outcomes of the swallowing threshold test (p = 0.01), while 3-IMO participants only showed superior masticatory performance in terms of lower X50 values (19.86%, p = 0.02) and higher ME 2.8 (141.15%, p = 0.04) than CCD wearers. ConclusionsCompared to 2-IMO wearers, 3-IMO wearers report superior impact of treatment on daily living activities in the Pain and General Performance domains. 2-IMO and 3-IMO wearers showed no significant differences between them for all evaluated bite force and masticatory function parameters. Clinical SignificanceAlthough overdentures retained by 3 implants (3-IMO) provide biomechanical advantages over those retained by 2 implants (2-IMO), superior clinical and functional effectiveness is not yet proven.

General Performance Score for classification problems

Several performance metrics are currently available to evaluate the performance of Machine Learning (ML) models in classification problems. ML models are usually assessed using a single measure because it facilitates the comparison between several models. However, there is no silver bullet since each performance metric emphasizes a different aspect of the classification. Thus, the choice depends on the particular requirements and characteristics of the problem. An additional problem arises in multi-class classification problems, since most of the well-known metrics are only directly applicable to binary classification problems. In this paper, we propose the General Performance Score (GPS), a methodological approach to build performance metrics for binary and multi-class classification problems. The basic idea behind GPS is to combine a set of individual metrics, penalising low values in any of them. Thus, users can combine several performance metrics that are relevant in the particular problem based on their preferences obtaining a conservative combination. Different GPS-based performance metrics are compared with alternatives in classification problems using real and simulated datasets. The metrics built using the proposed method improve the stability and explainability of the usual performance metrics. Finally, the GPS brings benefits in both new research lines and practical usage, where performance metrics tailored for each particular problem are considered.

Clinical Competence in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Management by Recently Graduated Physicians Applying for a Medical Residency Program.

BackgroundA significant reduction in the morbidity and mortality related to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been achieved with the development of reperfusion therapies. Early diagnosis and correct initial management are important to ensure this benefit. In Brazil, recent graduates in medicine are responsible for a large part of the initial care provided for these patients.ObjectiveTo assess the clinical competence in the diagnosis and initial treatment of STEMI by newly graduated physicians applying for a medical residency program.MethodsWe assessed the performance of 771 applicants for the direct entry selection process of the FMRP-USP Clinical Hospital Medicine Residency Program, performed in a simulated setting of STEMI, with professional actors and medical evaluators, using a standardized checklist following the recommendations of the Brazilian Guidelines for the management of this disease.ResultsThe general performance score presented a median of 7 and an interquartile range of 5.5-8.0. In relation to the items assessed: 83% required ECG monitoring, 57% requested the insertion of a peripheral venous access catheter, 95% administered acetylsalicylic acid, 80% administered a second antiplatelet agent (p2y12 inhibitor), 66% administered nitrate, 71% administered morphine, 69% recognized the diagnosis of STEMI, 71% assessed the pain duration, 63% recognized the need for immediate transfer, 34% showed adequate communication skills and only 25% insisted on the transfer even in case of non-availability of beds.ConclusionsThe initial diagnosis and management of STEMI need to be improved in medical undergraduate courses and inserted into the reality of the hierarchical network structure of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Pilot study of unsupervised use of laparoscopic box trainers in a cohort of core surgical trainees

s / International Journal of Surgery 23 (2015) S15eS134 S17 open hernia repair G3 or control G4 (surgical text on open hernia repair). The outcomemeasures were cognitive knowledge and overall global rating assessed by a checklist interview. Results: No differences in the baseline characteristics in trainees randomised to G1, G3 or G4 with mean similar ages, naivety for procedure and pre-intervention multiple-choice questionnaire. G1 trainees achieved significantly higher cognitive analysis performance scores for step-by-step knowledge of an open inguinal hernia mesh repair comparedwith trainees in G3 (p < 0.05) and G4 (p < 0.05). A similar significant finding was found for the general performance scores compared with trainees in G3 (p < 0.05) and G4 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The interactive simulator of the open hernia facilitates clear thought processes and improves surgical trainees' knowledge of the hernia procedure step-by-step compared to other more traditional ways methods. 0154: REVIEW OF SHAPE OF TRAINING (GREENAWAY) REPORT: THE WEST OF SCOTLAND SURGICAL TRAINEES' VIEWPOINT A. Di Carlo , G. Nicholson , J.R. McGregor . University of Glasgow, UK; West of Scotland Surgical Association, UK; University Hospital

Can we reliably measure the general factor of intelligence (g) through commercial video games? Yes, we can!

Here we show, for the very first time, that commercial video games can be used to reliably measure individual differences in general intelligence (g). One hundred and eighty eight university undergraduates took part in the study. They played twelve video games under strict supervision in the laboratory and completed eleven intelligence tests. Several factor models were tested for answering the question of whether or not video games and intelligence tests do measure the same underlying high-order latent factor. The final model revealed a very high relationship between the high-order latent factors representing video game and intelligence performance (r=.93). General performance scores derived from video games and intelligence tests showed a correlation value of .963 (R2adjusted). Therefore, performance on some video games captures a latent factor common to the variance shared by cognitive performance assessed by standard ability tests.

Virtual Reality Does Not Meet Expectations in a Pilot Study on Multimodal Laparoscopic Surgery Training

The purpose of the present study was to determine the value of virtual reality (VR) training for a multimodality training program of basic laparoscopic surgery. Participants in a two-day multimodality training for laparoscopic surgery used box trainers, live animal training, and cadaveric training on the pulsating organ perfusion (POP) trainer in a structured and standardized training program. The participants were divided into two groups. The VR group (n = 13) also practiced with VR training during the program, whereas the control group (n = 14) did not use VR training. The training modalities were assessed using questionnaires with a five-point Likert scale after the program. Concerning VR training, members of the control group assessed their expectations, whereas the VR group assessed the actual experience of using it. Skills performance was evaluated with five standardized test tasks in a live porcine model before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the training program. Laparoscopic skills were measured by task completion time and a general performance score for each task. Baseline tests were compared with laparoscopic experience of all participants for construct validity of the skills test. The expected benefit from VR training of the control group was higher than the experienced benefit of the VR group. Box and POP training received better ratings from the VR group than from the control group for some purposes. Both groups improved their skill parameters significantly from pre-training to post-training tests [score +17 % (P < 0.01), time -29 % (P < 0.01)]. No significant difference was found between the two groups for laparoscopic skills improvement except for the score in the instrument coordination task. Construct validity of the skills test was significant for both time and score. At its current level of performance, VR training does not meet expectations. No additional benefit was observed from VR training in our multimodality training program.

Conditioning with Treosulfan and Fludarabine followed by Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for High-Risk Hematologic Malignancies

In this prospective study 60 patients of median age 46 (range: 5-60 years), with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; n= 44), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n = 3), or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n = 13) were conditioned for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with a treosulfan/fludarabine (Flu) combination. Most patients were considered at high risk for relapse or nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Patients received intravenous treosulfan, 12 g/m(2)/day (n = 5) or 14 g/m(2)/day (n = 55) on days -6 to -4, and Flu (30 mg/m(2)/day) on days -6 to -2, followed by infusion of marrow (n = 7) or peripheral blood stem cells (n = 53) from HLA-identical siblings (n = 30) or unrelated donors (n = 30). All patients engrafted. NRM was 5% at day 100, and 8% at 2 years. With a median follow-up of 22 months, the 2-year relapse-free survival (RFS) for all patients was 58% and 88% for patients without high-risk cytogenetics. The 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 33% (15% for patients with MDS, 34% for AML in first remission, 50% for AML or ALL beyond first remission and 63% for AML in refractory relapse). Thus, a treosulfan/Flu regimen was well tolerated and yielded encouraging survival and disease control with minimal NRM. Further trials are warranted to compare treosulfan/Flu to other widely used regimens, and to study the impact of using this regimen in more narrowly defined groups of patients.