Discovering and Inducing Rules to Categorize Sales Personnel

In sales, it is presumed that the behavior of sales personnel differs depending on what part of sales they are in. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies about conducting a segmentation of sales personnel based on behavioral data from Salesforce, the world’s largest Customer Relationship Management platform. Previous research describes how to segment different customers based on their behavioral data, but no one has yet attempted to segment sales personnel. In this thesis, we extracted Salesforce behavioral data about sales staff and clustered them into previously unknown segments. Using a mixture of supervised and unsupervised learning we created six profiles that describe how different sales personnel work in Salesforce. Our findings helped the company Brisk to improve their knowledge about sales personnel.Inom sälj antas säljare uppvisa olika beteenden beroende på vilken roll de har. Det visar sig dock att de flesta arbetar på ett mer enhetligt sätt än vad man kan tro

Risk of intracerebral haemorrhage with alteplase after acute ischaemic stroke : a secondary analysis of an individual patient data meta-analysis

Background Randomised trials have shown that alteplase improves the odds of a good outcome when delivered within 4.5 h of acute ischaemic stroke. However, alteplase also increases the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage; we aimed to determine the proportional and absolute effects of alteplase on the risks of intracerebral haemorrhage, mortality, and functional impairment in different types of patients. Methods We used individual patient data from the Stroke Thrombolysis Trialists' (STT) meta-analysis of randomised trials of alteplase versus placebo (or untreated control) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We prespecified assessment of three classifications of intracerebral haemorrhage: type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage within 7 days; Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke Monitoring Study's (SITS-MOST) haemorrhage within 24-36 h (type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage with a deterioration of at least 4 points on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]); and fatal intracerebral haemorrhage within 7 days. We used logistic regression, stratified by trial, to model the log odds of intracerebral haemorrhage on allocation to alteplase, treatment delay, age, and stroke severity. We did exploratory analyses to assess mortality after intracerebral haemorrhage and examine the absolute risks of intracerebral haemorrhage in the context of functional outcome at 90-180 days. Findings Data were available from 6756 participants in the nine trials of intravenous alteplase versus control. Alteplase increased the odds of type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage (occurring in 231 [6.8%] of 3391 patients allocated alteplase vs 44 [1.3%] of 3365 patients allocated control; odds ratio [OR] 5.55 [95% CI 4.01-7.70]; absolute excess 5.5% [4.6-6.4]); of SITS-MOST haemorrhage (124 [3.7%] of 3391 vs 19 [0.6%] of 3365; OR 6.67 [4.11-10.84]; absolute excess 3.1% [2.4-3.8]); and of fatal intracerebral haemorrhage (91 [2.7%] of 3391 vs 13 [0.4%] of 3365; OR 7.14 [3.98-12.79]; absolute excess 2.3% [1.7-2.9]). However defined, the proportional increase in intracerebral haemorrhage was similar irrespective of treatment delay, age, or baseline stroke severity, but the absolute excess risk of intracerebral haemorrhage increased with increasing stroke severity: for SITS-MOST intracerebral haemorrhage the absolute excess risk ranged from 1.5% (0.8-2.6%) for strokes with NIHSS 0-4 to 3.7% (2.1-6.3%) for NIHSS 22 or more (p=0.0101). For patients treated within 4.5 h, the absolute increase in the proportion (6.8% [4.0% to 9.5%]) achieving a modified Rankin Scale of 0 or 1 (excellent outcome) exceeded the absolute increase in risk of fatal intracerebral haemorrhage (2.2% [1.5% to 3.0%]) and the increased risk of any death within 90 days (0.9% [-1.4% to 3.2%]). Interpretation Among patients given alteplase, the net outcome is predicted both by time to treatment (with faster time increasing the proportion achieving an excellent outcome) and stroke severity (with a more severe stroke increasing the absolute risk of intracerebral haemorrhage). Although, within 4.5 h of stroke, the probability of achieving an excellent outcome with alteplase treatment exceeds the risk of death, early treatment is especially important for patients with severe stroke.Peer reviewe

Effects of alteplase for acute stroke according to criteria defining the European Union and United States marketing authorizations : Individual-patient-data meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background The recommended maximum age and time window for intravenous alteplase treatment of acute ischemic stroke differs between the Europe Union and United States. Aims We compared the effects of alteplase in cohorts defined by the current Europe Union or United States marketing approval labels, and by hypothetical revisions of the labels that would remove the Europe Union upper age limit or extend the United States treatment time window to 4.5h. Methods We assessed outcomes in an individual-patient-data meta-analysis of eight randomized trials of intravenous alteplase (0.9mg/kg) versus control for acute ischemic stroke. Outcomes included: excellent outcome (modified Rankin score 0-1) at 3-6 months, the distribution of modified Rankin score, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality. Results Alteplase increased the odds of modified Rankin score 0-1 among 2449/6136 (40%) patients who met the current European Union label and 3491 (57%) patients who met the age-revised label (odds ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.21-1.68 and 1.43, 1.23-1.65, respectively), but not in those outside the age-revised label (1.06, 0.90-1.26). By 90 days, there was no increased mortality in the current and age-revised cohorts (hazard ratios 0.98, 95% CI 0.76-1.25 and 1.01, 0.86-1.19, respectively) but mortality remained higher outside the age-revised label (1.19, 0.99-1.42). Similarly, alteplase increased the odds of modified Rankin score 0-1 among 1174/6136 (19%) patients who met the current US approval and 3326 (54%) who met a 4.5-h revised approval (odds ratio 1.55, 1.19-2.01 and 1.37, 1.17-1.59, respectively), but not for those outside the 4.5-h revised approval (1.14, 0.97-1.34). By 90 days, no increased mortality remained for the current and 4.5-h revised label cohorts (hazard ratios 0.99, 0.77-1.26 and 1.02, 0.87-1.20, respectively) but mortality remained higher outside the 4.5-h revised approval (1.17, 0.98-1.41). Conclusions An age-revised European Union label or 4.5-h-revised United States label would each increase the number of patients deriving net benefit from alteplase by 90 days after acute ischemic stroke, without excess mortality.Peer reviewe

Protocol for a prospective collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomised controlled trials of vasoactive drugs in acute stroke: the Blood pressure in Acute Stroke Collaboration, stage-3 (BASC-3)

Rationale Despite several large clinical trials assessing blood pressure lowering in acute stroke, equipoise remains, particularly for ischaemic stroke. The ‘Blood pressure in Acute Stroke Collaboration’ (BASC) commenced in the mid 1990s focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analysis of blood pressure lowering in acute stroke. From the start, BASC planned to assess safety and efficacy of blood pressure lowering in acute stroke using individual patient data. Aims To determine the optimal management of blood pressure in patients with acute stroke, encompassing both intracerebral haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke. Secondary aims are to assess which clinical and therapeutic factors may alter the optimal management of high blood pressure in patients with acute stroke and to assess the effect of vasoactive treatments on haemodynamic variables. Methods and design Individual patient data from randomised controlled trials of blood pressure management in participants with ischaemic stroke and/or intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled during the ultra-acute (pre-hospital), hyper-acute (<6 hours), acute (<48 hours) and sub-acute (<168 hours) phases of stroke. Study outcomes The primary effect variable will be functional outcome defined by the ordinal distribution of the modified Rankin Scale; analyses will also be carried out in prespecified subgroups to assess the modifying effects of stroke-related and pre-stroke patient characteristics. Key secondary variables will include clinical, haemodynamic and neuroradiological variables; safety variables will comprise death and serious adverse events. Discussion Study questions will be addressed in stages, according to the protocol, before integrating these into a final overreaching analysis. We invite eligible trials to join the collaboration

Details of a prospective protocol for a collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from all randomized trials of intravenous rt-PA vs. control:statistical analysis plan for the Stroke Thrombolysis Trialists' Collaborative meta-analysis

RATIONALE: Thrombolysis with intravenous alteplase is both effective and safe when administered to particular types of patient within 4·5 hours of having an ischemic stroke. However, the extent to which effects might vary in different types of patient is uncertain. AIMS AND DESIGN: We describe the protocol for an updated individual patient data meta-analysis of trials of intravenous alteplase, including results from the recently reported third International Stroke Trial, in which a wide range of patients enrolled up to six-hours after stroke onset were randomized to alteplase vs. control. STUDY OUTCOMES: This protocol will specify the primary outcome for efficacy, specified prior to knowledge of the results from the third International Stroke Trial, as the proportion of patients having a 'favorable' stroke outcome, defined by modified Rankin Score 0-1 at final follow-up at three- to six-months. The primary analysis will be to estimate the extent to which the known benefit of alteplase on modified Rankin Score 0-1 diminishes with treatment delay, and the extent to which it is independently modified by age and stroke severity. Key secondary outcomes include effect of alteplase on death within 90 days; analyses of modified Rankin Score using ordinal, rather than dichotomous, methods; and effects of alteplase on symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, fatal intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic ischemic brain edema and early edema, effacement and/or midline shift. DISCUSSION: This collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from all randomized trials of intravenous alteplase vs. control will demonstrate how the known benefits of alteplase on ischemic stroke outcome vary across different types of patient

Effect of treatment delay, age, and stroke severity on the effects of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase for acute ischaemic stroke:A meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomised trials

Background Alteplase is effective for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke but debate continues about its use after longer times since stroke onset, in older patients, and among patients who have had the least or most severe strokes. We assessed the role of these factors in affecting good stroke outcome in patients given alteplase. Methods We did a pre-specified meta-analysis of individual patient data from 6756 patients in nine randomised trials comparing alteplase with placebo or open control. We included all completed randomised phase 3 trials of intravenous alteplase for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke for which data were available. Retrospective checks confirmed that no eligible trials had been omitted. We defined a good stroke outcome as no significant disability at 3-6 months, defined by a modified Rankin Score of 0 or 1. Additional outcomes included symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (defined by type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage within 7 days and, separately, by the SITS-MOST definition of parenchymal type 2 haemorrhage within 36 h), fatal intracranial haemorrhage within 7 days, and 90-day mortality. Findings Alteplase increased the odds of a good stroke outcome, with earlier treatment associated with bigger proportional benefit. Treatment within 3·0 h resulted in a good outcome for 259 (32·9%) of 787 patients who received alteplase versus 176 (23·1%) of 762 who received control (OR 1·75, 95% CI 1·35-2·27); delay of greater than 3·0 h, up to 4·5 h, resulted in good outcome for 485 (35·3%) of 1375 versus 432 (30·1%) of 1437 (OR 1·26, 95% CI 1·05-1·51); and delay of more than 4·5 h resulted in good outcome for 401 (32·6%) of 1229 versus 357 (30·6%) of 1166 (OR 1·15, 95% CI 0·95-1·40). Proportional treatment benefits were similar irrespective of age or stroke severity. Alteplase significantly increased the odds of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage definition 231 [6·8%] of 3391 vs 44 [1·3%] of 3365, OR 5·55, 95% CI 4·01-7·70, p&lt;0·0001; SITS-MOST definition 124 [3·7%] vs 19 [0·6%], OR 6·67, 95% CI 4·11-10·84, p&lt;0·0001) and of fatal intracranial haemorrhage within 7 days (91 [2·7%] vs 13 [0·4%]; OR 7·14, 95% CI 3·98-12·79, p&lt;0·0001). The relative increase in fatal intracranial haemorrhage from alteplase was similar irrespective of treatment delay, age, or stroke severity, but the absolute excess risk attributable to alteplase was bigger among patients who had more severe strokes. There was no excess in other early causes of death and no significant effect on later causes of death. Consequently, mortality at 90 days was 608 (17·9%) in the alteplase group versus 556 (16·5%) in the control group (hazard ratio 1·11, 95% CI 0·99-1·25, p=0·07). Taken together, therefore, despite an average absolute increased risk of early death from intracranial haemorrhage of about 2%, by 3-6 months this risk was offset by an average absolute increase in disability-free survival of about 10% for patients treated within 3·0 h and about 5% for patients treated after 3·0 h, up to 4·5 h. Interpretation Irrespective of age or stroke severity, and despite an increased risk of fatal intracranial haemorrhage during the first few days after treatment, alteplase significantly improves the overall odds of a good stroke outcome when delivered within 4·5 h of stroke onset, with earlier treatment associated with bigger proportional benefits. Funding UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh

The Science Performance of JWST as Characterized in Commissioning

This paper characterizes the actual science performance of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), as determined from the six month commissioning period. We summarize the performance of the spacecraft, telescope, science instruments, and ground system, with an emphasis on differences from pre-launch expectations. Commissioning has made clear that JWST is fully capable of achieving the discoveries for which it was built. Moreover, almost across the board, the science performance of JWST is better than expected; in most cases, JWST will go deeper faster than expected. The telescope and instrument suite have demonstrated the sensitivity, stability, image quality, and spectral range that are necessary to transform our understanding of the cosmos through observations spanning from near-earth asteroids to the most distant galaxies.Comment: 5th version as accepted to PASP; 31 pages, 18 figures; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1538-3873/acb29

The James Webb Space Telescope Mission

Twenty-six years ago a small committee report, building on earlier studies, expounded a compelling and poetic vision for the future of astronomy, calling for an infrared-optimized space telescope with an aperture of at least $4m$. With the support of their governments in the US, Europe, and Canada, 20,000 people realized that vision as the $6.5m$ James Webb Space Telescope. A generation of astronomers will celebrate their accomplishments for the life of the mission, potentially as long as 20 years, and beyond. This report and the scientific discoveries that follow are extended thank-you notes to the 20,000 team members. The telescope is working perfectly, with much better image quality than expected. In this and accompanying papers, we give a brief history, describe the observatory, outline its objectives and current observing program, and discuss the inventions and people who made it possible. We cite detailed reports on the design and the measured performance on orbit.Comment: Accepted by PASP for the special issue on The James Webb Space Telescope Overview, 29 pages, 4 figure

Perceived stress in adolescents - A literature survey / Tonåringars upplevda stress - En litteraturstudie

Bakgrund: Graden av självrapporterad stress bland tonåringar i Sverige är hög. 30 % av flickorna i årskurs 4-9 och 23 % av jämnåriga pojkar upplever att de är stressade. I årskurs 2 i gymnasiet anger nästan 40 % av flickorna att de är stressade och 20 % av pojkarna. Den största anledningen är prestationskrav i relation till skolan och hemuppgifter. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersöka eventuella skillnader mellan flickor och pojkars upplevda stress i åldrarna 13-19 år i Sverige, Danmark och Norge. Metod: Studien utfördes genom en litteraturstudie där artiklar sökts i databaserna PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological abstracts, Social Services Abstracts och Medline. För att hitta studier med en hög kvalitet användes en graderingsmall. Resultat: Både flickor och pojkar upplever stress, men flickor till en högre grad. Flickor upplever även en högre grad av prestationskrav och en lägre självkänsla. Slutsats: Det är svårt att dra en slutsats om hur stor betydelse genus har på tonåringars hälsa och ohälsa och hur mycket som kan förklaras av biologiska faktorer. Det är dock mycket som pekar på att flickor och pojkar har olika förväntningar och krav på sig från samhället. Dessa krav kan vara orsaken till att flickor upplever en högre grad av stress än jämnåriga pojkar.Introduction: Stress and stress related diseases are pressing issues in today’s society. The proportion of stressed teenagers in Sweden are high. 30 % of girls in school year 4-9 and 23 % of boys at the same age indicates stress. 40 % of girls in school year 2 in high school indicates stress and 20 % of the boys at the same age. The reason for it is school related demands and homework. The aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a gender difference in perceived stress in Sweden, Denmark and Norway among teenagers. Method: This study is a literature survey. Databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological abstracts, Social Services Abstracts and Medline were used to find studies. To be able to choose studies with a high quality we used a grading template. Result: Both girls and boys indicate a high perceived stress. A higher proportion of girls than boys. Girls also indicated a higher level of demands from achievements and a lower degree of self-esteem. Conclusion: It is difficult to reach a conclusion about what impact the gender has on the teenagers’ health or lack of it, and how much that can be explained by biological factors. However, girls and boys have different expectations and demands of the society, which may create a higher level of stress amongst girls

Tactile friction of topical creams and emulsions : Friction measurements on excised skin and VitroSkin® using ForceBoard™.

Tactile perception can be investigated through ex vivo friction measurements using a so-called ForceBoard™, providing objective assessments and savings in time and money, compared to a subjective human panel. In this work we aim to compare excised skin versus VitroSkin® as model substrates for tactile friction measurements. A further aim is to detect possible differences between traditional surfactant-based creams, and a particle-stabilized (Pickering) cream and investigate how the different substrates affect the results obtained. It was found that the difference in tactile friction between excised skin and VitroSkin® was small on untreated substrates. When topical creams were applied, the same trends were observed for both substrates, although the frictional variation over time relates to the difference in surface structure between the two substrates. The results also confirmed that there is a difference between starch-based Pickering formulations and surfactant-based creams after application, indicating that the latter is greasier than Pickering cream. It was also shown that the tactile friction of Pickering emulsions was consistently high even with high amounts of oil, indicating a non-greasy, and non-sticky formulation. The characteristics of starch-stabilized Pickering formulations make them promising candidates in the development of surfactant-free topical formulations with unique tactile properties