Modeling with the Crowd: Optimizing the Human-Machine Partnership with Zooniverse

LSST and Euclid must address the daunting challenge of analyzing the unprecedented volumes of imaging and spectroscopic data that these next-generation instruments will generate. A promising approach to overcoming this challenge involves rapid, automatic image processing using appropriately trained Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. However, reliable application of DL requires large, accurately labeled samples of training data. Galaxy Zoo Express (GZX) is a recent experiment that simulated using Bayesian inference to dynamically aggregate binary responses provided by citizen scientists via the Zooniverse crowd-sourcing platform in real time. The GZX approach enables collaboration between human and machine classifiers and provides rapidly generated, reliably labeled datasets, thereby enabling online training of accurate machine classifiers. We present selected results from GZX and show how the Bayesian aggregation engine it uses can be extended to efficiently provide object-localization and bounding-box annotations of two-dimensional data with quantified reliability. DL algorithms that are trained using these annotations will facilitate numerous panchromatic data modeling tasks including morphological classification and substructure detection in direct imaging, as well as decontamination and emission line identification for slitless spectroscopy. Effectively combining the speed of modern computational analyses with the human capacity to extrapolate from few examples will be critical if the potential of forthcoming large-scale surveys is to be realized.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure. To appear in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Unio

Expectations and experiences following a first ever transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand how individuals’ experiences and perceptions following a TIA or minor stroke change over time, and how far, if at all, they influence recovery. In addition, to investigate whether expectations for recovery of symptoms affect actual recovery. Methods: three linked methods were adopted. Firstly, a systematic review of negative expectations was undertaken to synthesise the evidence regarding the effect of expectations on negative health outcomes and to review the measures of expectations used. Secondly, quantitative interviews of an initial sample of N=153 people recruited from NHS Lothian and NHS Fife who had had a first TIA or minor stroke were undertaken. N=143 of these were re-interviewed four to six months later, and N=103 returned postal questionnaires 18 months later. Interviews included questions and questionnaires regarding expectations for recovery, fear of recurrence, illness perceptions, recovery locus of control, medication beliefs, optimism and pessimism, resilience, anxiety and quality of life. Thirdly, qualitative semi-structured interviews of N=6 participants selected from the larger sample were undertaken, and transcripts analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: a wide range of experiences and expectations were present at baseline interview, with a majority of participants continuing to experience symptoms of their minor stroke or TIA. By the time of the follow-up interviews, quality of life and positivity of outlook had generally improved, although there was an increased belief that the condition was chronic, and a decreased sense of control of one’s own recovery. There was a marked deterioration in many aspects by the time of the third interview, especially for the significant proportion of the sample who continued to experience symptoms of their minor stroke or TIA. These findings were broadly corroborated by the qualitative interviews, which for most also revealed difficulty in coming to terms with the aftermath of a minor stroke or TIA, making appropriate lifestyle changes and a need for further intervention. Conclusions: Recovery from a minor stroke or TIA can be protracted, confusing and distressing, and can negatively affect quality of life, especially if physical symptoms of the event persist. A lack of understanding and/or of clear information on initial diagnosis can lead to unrealistic expectations for a swift and full recovery, and to other beliefs and behaviours which may compound the risk of recurrence

Abdominal massage for the relief of constipation in people with Parkinson’s: a qualitative study

Objectives. To explore the experiences of people with Parkinson’s (PwP) who suffer from constipation, the impact this has on their lives, and the effect of using lifestyle changes and abdominal massage as a form of constipation management. Method. Fourteen semistructured interviews were completed (8 males and 6 females; mean age 72.2 years) at the end of a care programme, which consisted of either lifestyle advice and abdominal massage (intervention group;) or lifestyle advice only (control group;). Data were analysed using constant-comparison techniques and Framework methods. Themes and key quotes were identified to depict major findings. Findings. Four key themes were identified: (i) the adverse impact of bowel problems on quality of life; (ii) positive experience of behaviour adjustments: experimentation; (iii) abdominal massage as a dynamic and relaxing tool: experiential learning (intervention group only); (iv) abdominal massage as a contingency plan: hesitation (control group only). Constipation was reported as having a significant impact on quality of life. Participants in both groups perceived lifestyle advice to relieve symptoms. Specific improvements were described in those who also received the abdominal massage. Conclusions. Both lifestyle advice and abdominal massage were perceived to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of constipation for PwP

Utilization and costs of home-based and community-based care within a social HMO: trends over an 18-year period

PURPOSE: Our objective was to describe the utilization and costs of services from 1985 to 2002 of a Social Health Maintenance Organization (SHMO) demonstration project providing a benefit for home-based and community-based as well as short-term institutional (HCB) care at Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW), serving the Portland, Oregon area. The HCB care benefit was offered by KPNW as a supplement to Medicare's acute care medical benefits, which KPNW provides in an HMO model. KPNW receives a monthly per capita payment from Medicare to provide medical benefits, and Medicare beneficiaries who choose to join pay a supplemental premium that covers prescription drugs, HCB care benefits, and other services. A HCB care benefit of up to $12,000 per year in services was available to SHMO members meeting requirement for nursing home certification (NHC). METHODS: We used aggregate data to track temporal changes in the period 1985 to 2002 on member eligibility, enrollment in HCB care plans, age, service utilization and co-payments. Trends in the overall costs and financing of the HCB care benefit were extracted from quarterly reports, management data, and finance data. RESULTS: During the time period, 14,815 members enrolled in the SHMO and membership averaged 4,531. The proportion of SHMO members aged 85 or older grew from 12 to 25$21 per SHMO member per month in 1985 to $95 in 2002. The HCB care costs were equivalent to 12$49 to $180) and co-payments from members with care plans. Over the 18-year period, spending shifted from nursing homes to a range of community services, e.g. personal care, homemaking, member reimbursement, lifeline, equipment, transportation, shift care, home nursing, adult day care, respite care, and dentures. Rising costs per month per SHMO member reflected increasing HCB eligibility rather than costs per member with HCB care, which actually fell from$6,164 in 1989 to $4,328 in 2002. Care management accounted for about one-quarter of community care costs since 1992. CONCLUSIONS: The Kaiser Permanente Northwest SHMO served an increasingly aged and disabled membership by reducing costs per HCB member care plan and shifting utilization to a broad range of community care services. Supported by a disability-based Medicare payment formula and by SHMO beneficiaries willing to pay increasing premiums, KPNW has been able to offer comprehensive community care. The model could be replicated by other HMOs with the support of favorable federal policies

A qualitative study of health professionals’ views on the holding of children for clinical procedures: Constructing a balanced approach

Children undergoing clinical procedures can experience fear, uncertainty, and anxiety which can cause them to become upset and resist procedures. This study aimed to capture an international perspective of how health professionals report they would act if a child was upset and resisted a procedure. An online questionnaire, distributed through network sampling, used three vignettes to elicit qualitative open text responses from health professionals. Seven hundred and twelve professionals participated, resulting in 2072 pieces of text across the three vignettes. Many professionals reported that they would use distraction and spend time to inform and engage children in making choices about their procedure. However, most professionals indicated that if a child became uncooperative they would hold or instruct the holding of the child in order to get the procedure done 'as quickly as possible'. The findings demonstrate that professionals experience difficulty in balancing the different agendas, rights and priorities within the momentum which can build during a clinical procedure, often resulting in the child's voice and rights being undermined. A more balanced approach could be facilitated by a 'clinical pause' that would equip professionals with the time to consider children's expressed wishes and explore alternative approaches to holding

Health literacy amongst children living with a long-term condition: ‘What I know and who I tell'

Background: Little is known about the health literacy of children living with long-term conditions. This study aimed to gain insight into the life of children with a long-term condition in the context of health literacy, specifically their understanding of their health and the barriers and facilitators to sharing information about their condition with others. Design: Child-centred qualitative arts-based approach with children aged 6–12 years. Setting: Children participating in the study came from three countries – the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Method: A participatory arts-based qualitative child-centred approach prompted children to draw, label and use stickers, body-outlines and collage to describe elements central to health literacy. This encompassed their long-term condition, their understanding of their condition, its management and decision-making associated with sharing information about their condition with others. The sessions were audio-recorded, and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Four central themes related to key elements of child health literacy: (1) pragmatic understanding – what it feels like and what happens in my body; (2) management regime – what do I have to do to keep on going; (3) information sharing – I don’t tell random people; and (4) benefits of sharing – they’ve got my back. Conclusion: Children indicated a pragmatic or process type understanding of their condition and its management. Children were discerning about who they shared information about their condition with, but tended to establish a network of well-informed peers capable of providing support if needed. Despite gaps in children’s health literacy, parents and families have an important role to play in checking children’s understandings and developing critical health literacy. © The Author(s) 2023

<i>‘I feel like my house was taken away from me’</i> : Parents' experiences of having home adaptations for their medically complex, technology‐dependent child

Technology-dependent children are a sub-population of seriously ill children with life-limiting conditions who are being cared for at home by their families. Although home-based care has been the model of care for these children since the late 1980s, there is a paucity of literature about parents' experiences of having home adaptations made to enable their home to be a place of care for their child. Using the findings from auto-driven photo-elicitation interviews conducted between August 2017 and June 2018 with 12 parents (10 mothers and 2 fathers) who have a technology-dependent child (aged 5–25 years) living in England, Scotland and Wales and David Seamon's five concepts of at-homeness (appropriation, at-easeness, regeneration, rootedness and warmth) as a conceptual framework, this paper addresses how parents' experienced home adaptations. Thematic analysis generated a meta-theme of ‘Home needs to be a home for all family members' and the three key themes: (1) ‘You just get told’ and ‘you're not involved’; (2) It's just the ‘cheapest’, ‘quickest’, ‘short-term’ approach; (3) Having ‘control’ and ‘thinking things through.’ The need to involve parents in decision-making about adaptations that are made to their home (family-informed design) is clear, not only from a cost-saving perspective for the state, but for creating an aesthetic and functional home that optimises health, well-being and feelings of at-homeness for the entire family

Galaxy Nurseries: Crowdsourced analysis of slitless spectroscopic data

We present the results of Galaxy Nurseries project, which was designed to enable crowdsourced analysis of slitless spectroscopic data by volunteer citizen scientists using the Zooniverse online interface. The dataset was obtained by the WFC3 Infrared Spectroscopic Parallel (WISP) Survey collaboration and comprises NIR grism (G102 and G141) and direct imaging. Volunteers were instructed to evaluate indicated spectral features and decide whether it was a genuine emission line or more likely an artifact. Galaxy Nurseries was completed in only 40 days, gathering 414,360 classifications from 3003 volunteers for 27,333 putative emission lines. The results of Galaxy Nurseries demonstrate the feasibility of identifying genuine emission lines in slitless spectra by citizen scientists. Volunteer responses for each subject were aggregated to compute $f_{\mathrm{Real}}$, the fraction of volunteers who classified the corresponding emission line as "Real". To evaluate the accuracy of volunteer classifications, their aggregated responses were compared with independent assessments provided by members of the WISP Survey Science Team (WSST). Overall, there is a broad agreement between the WSST and volunteers' classifications, although we recognize that robust scientific analyses typically require samples with higher purity and completeness than raw volunteer classifications provide. Nonetheless, choosing optimal threshold values for $f_{\mathrm{Real}}$ allows a large fraction of spurious lines to be vetoed, substantially reducing the timescale for subsequent professional analysis of the remaining potential lines.Comment: Accepted for publication in Research Notes of the AA