Inclusion Method Research Articles

True inclusion: evaluation protocol for an approach to increase meaningful participation of children with disability in athletics.

Children with disability face many barriers to participating in community sports. Little Athletics Australia aims to increase fair and meaningful inclusion via a new structure which will enable all children to take part in the same contest by competing for their 'personal best' score. Named the True Inclusion Method (TIM), this new structure will be piloted in 13 sites across six states. Formative evaluation of this pilot will critique TIM and its implementation using observations of events, and interviews and surveys with child athletes with and without disability, their parents/carers and Little Athletics volunteers. Implementation outcomes are acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, feasibility and fidelity. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically. TIM is designed to encourage inclusive participation by children with disability in sporting events, and to improve the competitive experience for all children by celebrating personal achievement and fostering fun.

A Study on Strategies of Translation Teaching in Colleges and Universities in Cross-Cultural Backgrounds

As the process of economic globalisation accelerates, there are constant cultural conflicts and fusions among countries in communication, so it is necessary to cultivate students' cross-cultural translation ability in translation teaching in colleges and universities. Colleges and universities should adopt an open and inclusive teaching method to improve translation ability, especially in the classroom, paying attention to the actual communication and cultural cultivation among students. This paper aims to cultivate a group of excellent translators who can be recognised in the workplace and can serve the society through cross-cultural translation. Meanwhile, reforming the teaching of translation is also conducive to improving the quality of teaching and the teaching conditions.

Bridging the Gap: Diversity Initiatives in AI Education

This position paper highlights the critical need to enhance diversity in artificial intelligence (AI) education, focusing on K-8 students. As AI increasingly shapes our societal landscape, ensuring equitable access and participation in AI-related fields is essential. However, the current AI education landscape lacks inclusivity, resulting in underrepresentation and limited opportunities for marginalized groups such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to address diversity gaps in AI education. This involves revising curricula to include diverse perspectives, integrating AI knowledge into core subject areas, and utilizing machine learning (ML) to enhance learning across disciplines. Educators can create inclusive learning environments by incorporating culturally relevant examples and interactive activities showcasing AI's positive impact on diverse communities. Furthermore, promoting diversity in AI education requires investment in teacher training and resources. Educators need support to implement inclusive teaching methods, understand cultural nuances, and address implicit biases. Bridging the digital gap is also crucial, as access to technology and hands-on AI experience ensures equal opportunities for all students regardless of socioeconomic back-ground. By embracing diversity and inclusivity in AI education at the K-8 level, we can cultivate a future generation of AI professionals and informed citizens who leverage technology to address diverse community needs.

Parametric Optimization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using Chaotic Swarm Intelligence Technique

AbstractThe proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) converts chemical energy into electricity without pollution or noise. PEMFC has a stable electrolyte, reliable, fast start‐up, and lightweight portability. Optimal PEMFC parameter prediction is difficult. Due to inaccurate estimation, many meta‐heuristic models are inaccurate. Particle swarm, Ant colony, and grey wolf algorithms are tested for fuel cell parameter estimation. These traditional algorithms benefit from chaotic maps for exploitation and exploration. Analyzing V–I and P–I polarization curves, hybrid approaches estimate unknown parameters. Results are compared with others to support the identifying strategy. This project examined SR‐12 and NedSstack PS‐6 PEMFC stacks. The objective function was shown by the sum of square errors between the experiments, and once an appropriate map is identified, the single chaotic map inclusion method can perform better than the multiple chaotic map scheme, and the “Iterative” approach in chaotic swarm is the most promising for multidimensional challenges.

Easy and Effective Method for α-CD:N2O Host-Guest Complex Formation.

α-CD:N2O "host-guest" type complexes were formed by a simple solid-gas reaction (N2O sorption into α-CD) under different gas pressures and temperatures. The new N2O inclusion method applied in the present study was compared with the already known technique based on the crystallization of clathrates from a water solution of α-CD saturated with N2O. A maximum storage capacity of 4.5 wt.% N2O was achieved when charging the cyclodextrin from a gas phase. The amount of included gas decreases to 1.3 wt.% when the complex is stored in air at 1 atm and room temperature, analogous to that achieved by the crystallization of α-CD:N2O. Furthermore, it was shown that the external coordination of N2O to either the upper or lower rim of α-CD without hydration water displacement is the preferred mode of binding, due to hydrogen bonds with neighboring -OH groups from the host macrocycle and three of the hydration water molecules nearby. The capacity of α-CD to store N2O and the thermal stability of the α-CD:N2O complex demonstrated promising applications of these types of complexes in food and beverages.

The Hermeneutics of Qur’anic Translation into Sign Language: A Study of Inclusive Pedagogy by the Qur'an Indonesia Project

This study investigates the implementation of inclusive Qur’anic pedagogy by the Qur'an Indonesia Project (QIP), with a focus on its Sign Language translation initiative and inclusive teaching methods. QIP, in collaboration with The Little Hijabi Home Schooling, has launched QuranIDprojectISYARAT, a digital-based endeavor aiming to improve access to the Qur’an and its translations, especially for individuals with disabilities. The QuranIDProjectISYARAT program, developed by QIP, targets the deaf community and provides Qur’anic education through platforms like Instagram and YouTube, utilizing audio, visuals, and Sign Language demonstrations. While QIP utilizes Arabic Sign Language for Qur’an translation, their interpretive process prioritizes understanding Qur’anic meanings over morphemes. This study delves into QIP's Qur’an translation process and inclusive teaching practices, particularly focusing on the experiences of deaf or hearing-impaired individuals. By employing a netnography approach and conducting interviews with QIP's YouTube viewers, the research investigates interactions within QIP's online platforms and gathers insights into viewers' perspectives. The findings suggest that QIP's Qur’an translation incorporates Arabic Sign Language and volunteers' interpretations or improvisations of verses, fostering comprehension and a sense of inclusion among learners in their online Qur’anic education initiatives.

Comprehensive assessment of flood exposure in arid regions: Integrating GIS techniques and multi-method approaches – A case study of downstream swat river, Pakistan

Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, causing extensive damage to human lives, property, and the environment. Pakistan is susceptible to natural calamities, such as the 2010 flood and the recent most 2022 flood, resulting in millions of people being impacted. The assessment of flood exposure is essential to plan effective mitigation and flood preparedness. Until now, an affective and inclusive method for calculating flood exposure in arid areas has not been developed. This paper proposes a new method in the selected area to calculate flood exposure in arid areas heavily affected by monsoons. This evaluates the exposure of settlements in the area based on four indicators: elevation of the area, slope and area topography, river density, and vegetation cover. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis was selected, and exposure maps were developed using ArcGIS. Due to heavy monsoon rains and climate change in the region, the risks of flood exposure become high. The results indicate low to high level exposure distribution in the area in terms of various social, economic, physical, and environmental factors. In the region, unexpected heavy precipitation during the monsoon season brings considerable losses to property and people exposed to floods due to river water overflow. In addition, the growing population and the unplanned construction of resident settlements in the floodplain is another threat. The analysis reveals that most riverside settlements have low elevation, with 55% of construction sites built in the floodplain indicating a high exposure rate ranging from 0.4 to 0.5. The study further discloses that numerous settlements have a high exposure to flood hazards increasing the likelihood of severe future impacts from flooding in the area. The local government must establish appropriate land use planning and zonation for construction in the area in light of these findings. Based on the results, the manuscript provides an inclusive analysis of the chosen indicators for the overall flood exposure of the area and results of low to high exposure, making this a valuable contribution to the field of exposure assessment. This study also provides thematic maps to the stakeholders for the effective management of exposure in the area to reduce the future flood susceptibility.

INITIATION OF PROCESS STANDARDIZATION TO FABRICATE DEMINERALIZED BONE DIRECTED TOWARDS MAKING MATERIALS FOR BONE GRAFTING

Background: Bone tissue, a vital component for self-healing. This inherent regenerative capacity enables bones to repair themselves following injury or damage. Understanding the mechanisms behind bone tissue self-healing is of great significance in the field of medical research and has implications for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this article, we explore the fundamental characteristics and mechanisms underlying the self-healing properties of bone tissue. In certain instances of trauma or pathological conditions resulting in bone defects, the natural healing process may be insufficient. Consequently, the implementation of bone transplant interventions becomes imperative for successful bone regeneration. The predominant origins of bone grafts encompass autologous, homologous, and heterologous sources. The allograft, a widely utilized bone grafting technique, has gained significant popularity, and is currently in high demand within the medical field. The current state of allograft utilization in our nation has proven insufficient in meeting the demands of patients. Henceforth, a method has been devised and standardized for the procurement of demineralized osseous tissue, a crucial investigation in light of the insufficiency of allografts in meeting the requirements of patients. Objectives: Initially, standardizing an efficient procedure to obtain demineralized bone sources from human skull fragments from three different inclusion methods. Materials and Methods: Using three different types of solutions to obtain demineralized bone from human skull tissue including solutions of Formic Acid (10%), Hydrochloric Acid (5%), a mixture of solution: Formic Acid (10%) - Acid Hydrochloric (5%) (ratio 1:1,v/v). Demineralized bones were evaluated by comparing the mineral content extracted from bone samples, demineralization time, and analysis of ions concentration in bone samples (including Ca and P) before and after demineralization. Besides, demineralized bones were histologically stained before and after demineralization to assess the bone structure. Results: The Ca and P extraction rates of this method are high and standard, about 98% and 93%, respectively. The demineralization process only takes about five days. Relative bone tissue retains most of the structure of compact bone tissue. Conclusion: The procedure that our team has established is the right one for obtaining demineralized bone as bone replacement material and applies to a wide variety of human bone tissue.

Protocol for the crowdsourced image-based morbidity hotspot surveillance for neglected tropical diseases (CIMS-NTDs).

Efficient NTDs elimination strategies require effective surveillance and targeted interventions. Traditional methods are costly and time-consuming, often failing to cover entire populations in case of movement restrictions. To address these challenges, a morbidity image-based surveillance system is being developed. This innovative approach which leverages the smartphone technology aims at simultaneous surveillance of multiple NTDs, enhancing cost-efficiency, reliability, and community involvement, particularly in areas with movement constraints. Moreover, it holds promise for post-elimination surveillance. The pilot of this method will be conducted across three states in southern Nigeria. It will target people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases and members of their communities. The new surveillance method will be introduced to target communities in the selected states through community stakeholder's advocacy meetings and awareness campaigns. The pilot which is set to span eighteen months, entails sensitizing NTDs-affected individuals and community members using signposts, posters, and handbills, to capture photos of NTDs manifestations upon notice using smartphones. These images, along with pertinent demographic information, will be transmitted to a dedicated server through WhatsApp or Telegram accounts. The received images will be reviewed and organized at backend and then forwarded to a panel of experts for identification and annotation to specific NTDs. Data generated, along with geocoordinate information, will be used to create NTDs morbidity hotspot maps using ArcGIS. Accompanying metadata will be used to generate geographic and demographic distributions of various NTDs identified. To protect privacy, people will be encouraged to send manifestation photos of the affected body part only without any identifiable features. NTDs prevalence data obtained using conventional surveillance methods from both the pilot and selected control states during the pilot period will be compared with data from the CIMS-NTDs method to determine its effectiveness. It is expected that an effective, privacy-conscious, population inclusive new method for NTDs surveillance, with the potential to yield real-time data for the identification of morbidity hotspots and distribution patterns of NTDs will be established. The results will provide insights into the effectiveness of the new surveillance method in comparison to traditional approaches, potentially advancing NTDs elimination strategies.

Exploring the Role of Conceptual Art for the New Museology – Conceptual Art as Method in Revisiting Objects, Their Display, and Heritage Institutions

ABSTRACT In the context of the recent involvement of contemporary art in the field of museology, my article aims to point out the revolutionary role that conceptual art played in the understanding of heritage. This article argues that conceptual art crucially advanced the critical redefinition of the nature, value, display, role, and agency of the heritage object. Due to the specific understanding of the “object” and the institutional critique discourse it established, conceptual art significantly furthered the development of new methodologies in museological practice since the beginning of the twentieth century. Although new museology gradually involved contemporary art, a theory of its specific modus operandi in this context and – as will be argued – the particular contribution of conceptual art have not been systematically pursued so far. This article will demonstrate how the involvement of conceptual, performative, and multi-disciplinary artistic practices as well as display strategies have contributed to the elaboration of innovatory, critical, de-colonial, and inclusive methods of heritage transmission.

163 Impact of feeding wet or dry traditional or fractionated (Solbran) distiller’s grains on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract Solbran (ICM, Colwich, KS) is new corn byproduct of ethanol production composed of fiber plus condensed distiller’s solubles and can be fed dry (Dry Solbran; NDF = 41.1%; CP = 21.84%; Ether extract = 8.4%), or wet (Wet Solbran; NDF = 49.7%; CP = 22.67%; Ether extract = 8.5%). The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy value of dry and wet Solbran compared with traditional dry- (DDGS) and wet- distiller’s grains plus solubles (WGGS) in beef cattle finishing diets. The treatments included a control (CON) with no distiller’s grains compared with the inclusion of DDGS, WDGS, Dry Solbran and Wet Solbran at two levels (20% and 40%) resulting in a 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial. Orthogonal contrasts defined linear and quadratic effects of byproduct inclusion through the common intercept of CON. Additionally, interactions among inclusion (20% or 40%), moisture (dry and wet) and processing method (Solbran or traditional) were evaluated as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial without CON. There was a linear increase in dry matter intake (DMI) by adding DDGS, Dry Solbran, and Wet Solbran (P < 0.01) and a tendency for a linear increase in dry matter intake (DMI) with WDGS (P = 0.07). There was a linear increase in ADG by adding DDGS or Wet Solbran (P < 0.05) and a tendency for a linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) with the addition of Dry Solbran or WDGS (P < 0.10). These changes in DMI and ADG resulted in a linear decrease in gain to feed ratio (G:F) when Dry Solbran was added (P < 0.01), and a tendency towards a linear decrease in G:F when DDGS was added (P < 0.10). The inclusion of Wet Solbran or WDGS did not influence G:F (P = 0.45). For the 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, there was a 2-way interaction for moisture by inclusion of byproduct for G:F where wet byproduct fed at 40% of the diet resulted in the greatest G:F and 40% dry byproduct resulted in the least G:F (P = 0.04). This interaction was driven by an increase in DMI for 40% byproduct when fed dry, and a reduction in DMI for both 20 and 40% byproduct fed wet. There was no difference in ADG between the treatments (P = 0.75). For the main effect byproduct type, steers fed Solbran had greater DMI (P < 0.01) with no difference in ADG (P = 0.79), resulting in a 3% reduction in G:F (P = 0.03) for steers fed Solbran but greater marbling (P < 0.01). Impact of feeding distillers grains byproducts on DMI, ADG, and G:F are impacted by the processes used in the ethanol plant, whether wet or dry, and dietary inclusion.

Sustainability of heritage buildings reuse between competition and integration case study (Fuwwah and Rosetta)

AbstractUrban development in historic cities frequently faces the dilemma of balancing preserving cultural heritage with meeting economic competition and modernization requirements. This study investigates the long-term viability of repurposing heritage buildings in the urban areas of Fuwwah and Rosetta, Egypt. It specifically examines the intricate relationship between competition and integration in achieving sustainability. This study examines the present condition of heritage conservation in these cities by analyzing the factors that impact the sustainability of repurposing buildings and evaluating the effectiveness of strategies that balance the pressures of urban competition with the need to incorporate heritage into the changing urban environment. The research examines the practices and difficulties associated with repurposing heritage buildings in Fuwwah and Rosetta. Examine the economic, social, and environmental factors that impact the long-term viability of heritage preservation. Assess the equilibrium between urban development influenced by competition and the inclusive methods of repurposing heritage buildings. The research methodology comprises two approaches: the first involves conducting a literature review on heritage building reuse, sustainability in heritage conservation, and competition and integration in urban development. The analysis approach focuses on assessing heritage conservation in case studies by examining competition and integrating investment in heritage buildings. The ultimate goal is to draw conclusions and determine the results of these assessments.

Gender Is a Spectrum: Evaluating Current and Novel Ways to Inquire About Gender Identity in the Health Care Setting.

The use of visuals to inquire about gender in the clinical setting has been rare. We developed a survey that included a visual spectrum to assess perceptions about the most and least inclusive ways of inquiring about gender in patients with gender dysphoria. The survey included a multiple-choice question (MCQ), free-response question, and a visual spectrum on which respondents were asked to select one box that best depicts their gender. The survey was administered to all patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria at our institution between April and June 2022. A total of 223 of 856 patients responded. Those with more masculine gender identities selected boxes near the visual spectrum corner of "man," whereas responses were more variable for more feminine genders. The free-response question was identified by 59% of respondents as the most inclusive. The MCQ was identified as least inclusive by 70.4%. The visual spectrum was considered the most inclusive method by the majority of patients who self-identified as woman and demiwoman/demifemale. Being asked about pronouns was extremely or very important in the health care setting for 52% of respondents, but 68.6% indicated that they are rarely or sometimes asked about their pronouns in this setting. The traditional MCQ format for self-identifying gender may be lacking in inclusivity and fails to represent the nuances of gender identity. Free response was considered the most inclusive way to inquire about gender among our respondents. These findings highlight the importance of formatting gender identity questionnaires to foster inclusivity for transgender patients.

Inclusive Teaching Competency for Successful Implementation of Inclusive Education

Inclusive education is a transformative approach aimed at providing equitable opportunities for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or differences. Successful implementation of inclusive education necessitates educators to possess a multifaceted set of competencies tailored to address the diverse needs of learners. This paper proposes a holistic framework for cultivating inclusive teaching competency, encompassing five key themes: Knowledge of Diverse Learners, Creating an Inclusive Classroom Climate, Pedagogical Strategies Knowledge, Collaboration & Communication, and Evaluation and Monitoring. Knowledge of Diverse Learners underscores the importance of educators understanding the unique backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles of each student. By recognizing and appreciating diversity, educators can effectively tailor their instruction to meet individual needs. Creating an Inclusive classroom climate involves fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate actively in the learning process. Pedagogical Strategies Knowledge involves arming educators with a toolbox of inclusive teaching methods, including tailored instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and culturally sensitive teaching practices. These tools enable educators to effectively address the varied learning needs of their students, fostering an environment where every individual can engage with and benefit from the educational process. Collaboration & Communication highlight the crucial significance of unified efforts among educators, students, families, and community members in cultivating inclusivity and conquering educational challenges as a cohesive unit. Evaluation and Monitoring are essential for assessing the effectiveness of inclusive practices and making data-informed decisions to enhance student outcomes. By bringing together these five important ideas, this framework gives teachers a complete roadmap to improve how they teach inclusively. It's like a detailed guidebook that helps educators become better at including all students in their classrooms and making sure inclusive education works well for everyone involved.

Evaluation of Differentiated Learning in Economics Subjects Using the CIPP Model

The advantages and disadvantages of the application of differentiated learning in economics subjects can be known from the data obtained and we can make improvements to the shortcomings that occur in this learning. The purpose of this study is to understand the implementation of differentiated learning in schools through the CIPP evaluation model, identify barriers and challenges faced, and provide recommendations to improve its implementation. The method used is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques were obtained from interviews, observations, and documentation. This data analysis process proceeds from facts to theory. The result of this research is the implementation of differentiated learning using the CIPP evaluation model at SMAN 1 Cilimus can improve the quality of learning. The input aspect of the teacher has succeeded in adjusting the curriculum and learning style according to the needs and interests of different students. The process aspect of the teacher has successfully played an important role in the learning process by becoming a facilitator for students to get a unique learning atmosphere, collaborative, constructive feedback. Students experienced increased understanding, critical thinking, encouragement to learn, and improved posttest results according to the product component. The results of this study make an important contribution to building more inclusive and flexible school learning methods through differentiated learning. It is hoped that this research can serve as a guideline and inspiration for other schools to implement differentiated learning and support the diversity of their students.

Robust digital image watermarking scheme with a fractional-order discrete-time chaotic scheme and DWT-SVD transform

A robust digital image watermarking system with a fractional-order discrete-time chaotic system and discrete wavelet transform-singular value decomposition is presented. The inclusion method inserts an encrypted image into the dynamics of an integer-order discrete-time chaotic system and the resulting cipher serves as a host image watermark. A watermarking function (DWT-SVD transform) watermarks a host image before the watermark is extracted and decrypted at the receiver. As a contribution, our suggested approach introduces a new watermarking system based on discrete-time chaotic systems, as well as a hybridization of integer and fractional-order systems to ensure the watermarking scheme’s robustness. Our method achieved good results in terms of robustness, with normalized cross correlation values above 0.99 when subjected to a range of attacks. Results of the simulation underline practicality and robustness achieved by this approach. They also indicate that the proposed system resists various attacks.

Couple-Years of Protection Indicator: New Global Guidance for Updating Existing Methods and Adding New Methods.

Couple-years of protection (CYP) is an indicator that allows for monitoring and evaluating of family planning (FP) program performance through simple calculations. The CYP for each contraceptive method is calculated by multiplying the number of contraceptive commodity units distributed to clients over a 1-year period by a conversion factor that quantifies the duration of contraceptive protection provided per unit distributed. CYP calculations across methods were previously updated in 2000 and 2011, resulting in changes in methodology, factor inclusion, and specific methods. Since the 2011 update, changes and additions to the modern contraceptive method mix required new CYP conversion factors for 4 methods of contraception: Levoplant implant, progestin-only pills (POPs), Caya diaphragm, and the hormonal intrauterine device. We conducted literature reviews of both published and gray literature and consulted with experts to identify updated data on continuation rates, duration of efficacy, and method effectiveness for the 4 methods. New CYP conversion factors were calculated for the 4 methods either by using the same calculation used previously for the method considering new data or, for new methods, using calculations for similar methods. New CYP conversion factors were assigned to the 4 methods of contraception covered in this update: Levoplant, 2.5 CYP per implant inserted; POPs, 0.0833 CYP per pack (i.e., 12 cycles per CYP); Caya diaphragm, 1 CYP per device, and hormonal intrauterine device, 4.8 CYP per device inserted. CYP is an important indicator for FP programs. As new methods of contraception are developed and new evidence is generated for current methods, the indicator may need to be updated. A standard process for updating and documenting future CYP updates is recommended.

Dyslexia awareness among English language teachers in Türkiye

AbstractIt is estimated that 10% of the world's population are dyslexic, and the ratio of dyslexia may be up to 20% in some countries. Considering this rate and the challenges that many dyslexic learners face when learning a foreign language in the classroom, it is crucial for language teachers to be aware of such challenges. Through an online questionnaire, this study seeks to understand whether English language teachers in Türkiye are well prepared to meet the particular educational needs of dyslexic language learners by implementing effective inclusive teaching methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate that many English language teachers are not prepared enough to teach students with dyslexia. To overcome the difficulties experienced, teacher education programmes may be enhanced with additional activities and strategies to prepare novice teachers, while the teachers in the field are supported with more in‐service teacher training education such as seminars, webinars and workshops given by experts to increase their awareness of the needs of dyslexic language learners.

Are our voices now heard? Reflections on Indigenous tourism research

More than a decade ago, Nielsen and Wilson (2012) developed the ‘Critical Typology of Indigenous Tourism Research’ in this very publication, the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management. They argued that Indigenous voices are rarely heard in tourism research that is dominated by White, western academics. Critical tourism scholars are still echoing this sentiment today, calling attention to the need for Indigenous tourism research to be led by Indigenous peoples. This research commentary rethinks and reframes the typology, presenting an Indigenised model, the ‘Spectrum of Indigenous Engagement’. This contemporary model presents four approaches: blind, superficial, collaborative and Indigenist, illustrated by recent examples of Indigenous tourism research. The paper draws attention to scholars who are effectively implementing innovation and inclusive methods of Indigenous engagement, and identifies barriers to the widespread adoption of Indigenist research approaches. Above all, this paper seeks to provoke increased reflexivity and critical dialogue within the Indigenous tourism research community.

Comparing the performance of two-stage residual inclusion methods when using physician's prescribing preference as an instrumental variable: unmeasured confounding and noncollapsibility.

Aim: The first objective is to compare the performance of two-stage residual inclusion (2SRI), two-stage least square (2SLS) with the multivariable generalized linear model (GLM) in terms of the reducing unmeasured confounding bias. The second objective is to demonstrate the ability of 2SRI and 2SPS in alleviating unmeasured confounding when noncollapsibility exists. Materials & methods: This study comprises a simulation study and an empirical example from a real-world UK population health dataset (Clinical Practice Research Datalink). The instrumental variable (IV) used is based on physicians' prescribing preferences (defined by prescribing history). Results: The percent bias of 2SRI in terms of treatment effect estimates to be lower than GLM and 2SPS and was less than 15% in most scenarios. Further, 2SRI was found to be robust to mild noncollapsibility with the percent bias less than 50%. As the level of unmeasured confounding increased, the ability to alleviate the noncollapsibility decreased. Strong IVs tended to be more robust to noncollapsibility than weak IVs. Conclusion: 2SRI tends to be less biased than GLM and 2SPS in terms of estimating treatment effect. It can be robust to noncollapsibility in the case of the mild unmeasured confounding effect.