296 research outputs found
COOD: Combined out-of-distribution detection using multiple measures for anomaly & novel class detection in large-scale hierarchical classification
High-performing out-of-distribution (OOD) detection, both anomaly and novel
class, is an important prerequisite for the practical use of classification
models. In this paper, we focus on the species recognition task in images
concerned with large databases, a large number of fine-grained hierarchical
classes, severe class imbalance, and varying image quality. We propose a
framework for combining individual OOD measures into one combined OOD (COOD)
measure using a supervised model. The individual measures are several existing
state-of-the-art measures and several novel OOD measures developed with novel
class detection and hierarchical class structure in mind. COOD was extensively
evaluated on three large-scale (500k+ images) biodiversity datasets in the
context of anomaly and novel class detection. We show that COOD outperforms
individual, including state-of-the-art, OOD measures by a large margin in terms
of TPR@1% FPR in the majority of experiments, e.g., improving detecting
ImageNet images (OOD) from 54.3% to 85.4% for the iNaturalist 2018 dataset.
SHAP (feature contribution) analysis shows that different individual OOD
measures are essential for various tasks, indicating that multiple OOD measures
and combinations are needed to generalize. Additionally, we show that
explicitly considering ID images that are incorrectly classified for the
original (species) recognition task is important for constructing
high-performing OOD detection methods and for practical applicability. The
framework can easily be extended or adapted to other tasks and media
modalities
BRST Cohomology of N=2 Super-Yang-Mills Theory in 4D
The BRST cohomology of the N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory in four
dimensions is discussed by making use of the twisted version of the N=2
algebra. By the introduction of a set of suitable constant ghosts associated to
the generators of N=2, the quantization of the model can be done by taking into
account both gauge invariance and supersymmetry. In particular, we show how the
twisted N=2 algebra can be used to obtain in a straightforward way the relevant
cohomology classes. Moreover, we shall be able to establish a very useful
relationship between the local gauge invariant polynomial and the
complete N=2 Yang-Mills action. This important relation can be considered as
the first step towards a fully algebraic proof of the one-loop exactness of the
N=2 beta function.Comment: 22 pages, LaTeX, final version to appear in Journ. Phys.
L-infinity algebra connections and applications to String- and Chern-Simons n-transport
We give a generalization of the notion of a Cartan-Ehresmann connection from
Lie algebras to L-infinity algebras and use it to study the obstruction theory
of lifts through higher String-like extensions of Lie algebras. We find
(generalized) Chern-Simons and BF-theory functionals this way and describe
aspects of their parallel transport and quantization.
It is known that over a D-brane the Kalb-Ramond background field of the
string restricts to a 2-bundle with connection (a gerbe) which can be seen as
the obstruction to lifting the PU(H)-bundle on the D-brane to a U(H)-bundle. We
discuss how this phenomenon generalizes from the ordinary central extension
U(1) -> U(H) -> PU(H) to higher categorical central extensions, like the
String-extension BU(1) -> String(G) -> G. Here the obstruction to the lift is a
3-bundle with connection (a 2-gerbe): the Chern-Simons 3-bundle classified by
the first Pontrjagin class. For G = Spin(n) this obstructs the existence of a
String-structure. We discuss how to describe this obstruction problem in terms
of Lie n-algebras and their corresponding categorified Cartan-Ehresmann
connections. Generalizations even beyond String-extensions are then
straightforward. For G = Spin(n) the next step is "Fivebrane structures" whose
existence is obstructed by certain generalized Chern-Simons 7-bundles
classified by the second Pontrjagin class.Comment: 100 pages, references and clarifications added; correction to section
5.1 and further example to 9.3.1 adde
White-faced Darter distribution is associated with coniferous forests in Great Britain
Abstract
1) Understanding of dragonfly distributions is often geographically comprehensive but less so in ecological terms.
2) White-faced darter (Leucorhinnia dubia) is a lowland peatbog specialist dragonfly which has experienced population declines in Great Britain. White-faced darter are thought to rely on peat-rich pool complexes within woodland but this has not yet been empirically tested.
3) We used dragonfly recording data collected by volunteers of the British Dragonfly Society from 2005 to 2018 to model habitat preference for white-faced darter using species distribution models across Great Britain and, with a more detailed landcover dataset, specifically in the North of Scotland.
4) Across the whole of Great Britain our models used the proportion of coniferous forest within 1km as the most important predictor of habitat suitability but were not able to predict all current populations in England.
5) In the North of Scotland our models were more successful and suggest that habitats characterised by native coniferous forest and areas high potential evapotranspiration represent the most suitable habitat for white-faced darter.
6) We recommend that future white-faced darter monitoring should be expanded to include areas currently poorly surveyed but with high suitability in the North of Scotland.
7) Our results also suggest that white-faced darter management should concentrate on maintaining Sphagnum rich pool complexes and the maintenance and restoration of native forests in which these pool complexes occur
Effect of aerobic exercise training and cognitive behavioural therapy on reduction of chronic fatigue in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy: protocol of the FACTS-2-FSHD trial
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) muscle function is impaired and declines over time. Currently there is no effective treatment available to slow down this decline. We have previously reported that loss of muscle strength contributes to chronic fatigue through a decreased level of physical activity, while fatigue and physical inactivity both determine loss of societal participation. To decrease chronic fatigue, two distinctly different therapeutic approaches can be proposed: aerobic exercise training (AET) to improve physical capacity and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to stimulate an active life-style yet avoiding excessive physical strain. The primary aim of the FACTS-2-FSHD (acronym for Fitness And Cognitive behavioural TherapieS/for Fatigue and ACTivitieS in FSHD) trial is to study the effect of AET and CBT on the reduction of chronic fatigue as assessed with the Checklist Individual Strength subscale fatigue (CIS-fatigue) in patients with FSHD. Additionally, possible working mechanisms and the effects on various secondary outcome measures at all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) are evaluated.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A multi-centre, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial is conducted. A sample of 75 FSHD patients with severe chronic fatigue (CIS-fatigue ≥ 35) will be recruited and randomized to one of three groups: (1) AET + usual care, (2) CBT + usual care or (3) usual care alone, which consists of no therapy at all or occasional (conventional) physical therapy. After an intervention period of 16 weeks and a follow-up of 3 months, the third (control) group will as yet be randomized to either AET or CBT (approximately 7 months after inclusion). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post intervention and at 3 and 6 months follow up.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The FACTS-2-FSHD study is the first theory-based randomized clinical trial which evaluates the effect and the maintenance of effects of AET and CBT on the reduction of chronic fatigue in patients with FSHD. The interventions are based on a theoretical model of chronic fatigue in patients with FSHD. The study will provide a unique set of data with which the relationships between outcome measures at all levels of the ICF could be assessed.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Dutch Trial Register, NTR1447.</p
Quality of recovery after day care surgery with app-controlled remote monitoring: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Background: The majority of surgical interventions are performed in day care and patients are discharged after the first critical postoperative period. At home, patients have limited options to contact healthcare providers in the hospital in case of severe pain and nausea. A smartphone application for patients to self-record pain and nausea when at home after day care surgery might improve patient’s recovery. Currently patient experiences with smartphone applications are promising; however, we do not know whether remote monitoring with such an application also improves the patient’s recovery. This study aims to evaluate the experienced quality of recovery after day care surgery between patients provided with the smartphone application for remote monitoring and patients receiving standard care without remote monitoring. Methods: This non-blinded randomized controlled trial with mixed methods design will include 310 adult patients scheduled for day care surgery. The intervention group receives the smartphone application with text message function for remote monitoring that enables patients to record pain and nausea. An anaesthesia professional trained in empathetic communication, who will contact the patient in case of severe pain or nausea, performs daily monitoring. The control group receives standard care, with post-discharge verbal and paper instructions. The main study endpoint is the difference in perceived quality of recovery, measured with the QoR-15 questionnaire on the 7th day after day care surgery. Secondary endpoints are the overall score on the Quality of Recovery-15 at day 1, 4 and 7-post discharge, the perceived quality of hospital aftercare and experienced psychological effects of remote monitoring during postoperative recovery from day care surgery. Discussion: This study will investigate if facilitating patients and healthcare professionals with a tool for accessible and empathetic communication might lead to an improved quality of the postoperative recovery period. Trial registration: The ‘Quality of recovery after day care surgery with app-controlled remote monitoring: a randomized controlled trial’ is approved and registered on 23 February 2022 by Research Ethics Committees United with registration number R21.076/NL78144.100.21. The protocol NL78144.100.21, ‘Quality of recovery after day care surgery with app-controlled remote monitoring: a randomized controlled trial’, is registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov public website (registration date 16 February 2022; NCT05244772)
Fatigue, reduced sleep quality and restless legs syndrome in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a web-based survey
To investigate the prevalence of fatigue, daytime sleepiness, reduced sleep quality, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a large cohort of patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Participants of a web-based survey answered the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and, if the diagnostic criteria of RLS were met, the International RLS Severity Scale. Diagnosis of RLS was affirmed in screen-positive patients by means of a standardized telephone interview. HRQoL was assessed by using the SF-36 questionnaire. Age- and sex-matched control subjects were recruited from waiting relatives of surgical outpatients. 227 adult self-reported CMT patients answered the above questionnaires, 42.9% were male, and 57.1% were female. Age ranged from 18 to 78 years. Compared to controls (n = 234), CMT patients reported significantly higher fatigue, a higher extent and prevalence of daytime sleepiness and worse sleep quality. Prevalence of RLS was 18.1% in CMT patients and 5.6% in controls (p = 0.001). RLS severity was correlated with worse sleep quality and reduced HRQoL. Women with CMT were affected more often and more severely by RLS than male patients. With regard to fatigue, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, RLS prevalence, RLS severity, and HRQoL, we did not find significant differences between genetically distinct subtypes of CMT. HRQoL is reduced in CMT patients which may be due to fatigue, sleep-related symptoms, and RLS in particular. Since causative treatment for CMT is not available, sleep-related symptoms should be recognized and treated in order to improve quality of life
Sustainable Financing of Innovative Therapies: A Review of Approaches
The process of innovation is inherently complex, and it occurs within an even more complex institutional environment characterized by incomplete information, market power, and externalities. There are therefore different competing approaches to supporting and financing innovation in medical technologies, which bring their own advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews value- and cost-based pricing, as well direct government funding, and cross-cutting institutional structures. It argues that performance-based risk-sharing agreements are likely to have little effect on the sustainability of financing; that there is a role for cost-based pricing models in some situations; and that the push towards longer exclusivity periods is likely contrary to the interests of industry
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