A Visual Analytics Approach to Comparing Cohorts of Event Sequences

Sequences of timestamped events are currently being generated across nearly every domain of data analytics, from e-commerce web logging to electronic health records used by doctors and medical researchers. Every day, this data type is reviewed by humans who apply statistical tests, hoping to learn everything they can about how these processes work, why they break, and how they can be improved upon. To further uncover how these processes work the way they do, researchers often compare two groups, or cohorts, of event sequences to find the differences and similarities between outcomes and processes. With temporal event sequence data, this task is complex because of the variety of ways single events and sequences of events can differ between the two cohorts of records: the structure of the event sequences (e.g., event order, co-occurring events, or frequencies of events), the attributes about the events and records (e.g., gender of a patient), or metrics about the timestamps themselves (e.g., duration of an event). Running statistical tests to cover all these cases and determining which results are significant becomes cumbersome. Current visual analytics tools for comparing groups of event sequences emphasize a purely statistical or purely visual approach for comparison. Visual analytics tools leverage humans' ability to easily see patterns and anomalies that they were not expecting, but is limited by uncertainty in findings. Statistical tools emphasize finding significant differences in the data, but often requires researchers have a concrete question and doesn't facilitate more general exploration of the data. Combining visual analytics tools with statistical methods leverages the benefits of both approaches for quicker and easier insight discovery. Integrating statistics into a visualization tool presents many challenges on the frontend (e.g., displaying the results of many different metrics concisely) and in the backend (e.g., scalability challenges with running various metrics on multi-dimensional data at once). I begin by exploring the problem of comparing cohorts of event sequences and understanding the questions that analysts commonly ask in this task. From there, I demonstrate that combining automated statistics with an interactive user interface amplifies the benefits of both types of tools, thereby enabling analysts to conduct quicker and easier data exploration, hypothesis generation, and insight discovery. The direct contributions of this dissertation are: (1) a taxonomy of metrics for comparing cohorts of temporal event sequences, (2) a statistical framework for exploratory data analysis with a method I refer to as high-volume hypothesis testing (HVHT), (3) a family of visualizations and guidelines for interaction techniques that are useful for understanding and parsing the results, and (4) a user study, five long-term case studies, and five short-term case studies which demonstrate the utility and impact of these methods in various domains: four in the medical domain, one in web log analysis, two in education, and one each in social networks, sports analytics, and security. My dissertation contributes an understanding of how cohorts of temporal event sequences are commonly compared and the difficulties associated with applying and parsing the results of these metrics. It also contributes a set of visualizations, algorithms, and design guidelines for balancing automated statistics with user-driven analysis to guide users to significant, distinguishing features between cohorts. This work opens avenues for future research in comparing two or more groups of temporal event sequences, opening traditional machine learning and data mining techniques to user interaction, and extending the principles found in this dissertation to data types beyond temporal event sequences

Fast-Food, Sugary Food, High Caffeine Intake and Dental-Related Anxieties

Existing literature has investigated the relationship between dental anxieties and oral health, yet the relationship between diet and oral health status has yet to be examined. The purpose of this research study was to determine the correlational relationships that exist between oral health, dental anxiety, and nutrition. Data was collected through an anonymous Google Forms survey which was distributed to patients at various dental offices in the Binghamton-Vestal, NY area as well among Binghamton University students. The distributed survey was composed of the validated Food-Mood Questionnaire with questions pertaining to demographics, dental health and dental health anxieties. A total of 506 responses were collected and analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS version 25.0. Our results suggest that females are more likely to experience dental anxiety than men. An increase in the consumption of low-quality-energy dense foods, including pre-packaged food, fast food, and sugary foods, a pattern similar to the Western diet, as well as caffeine consumption of 4 times or more per week, were positively correlated (P \u3c 0.01) with increased nervousness and anxiety at the dental office. Frequent consumption of low-quality-energy dense foods was also positively correlated with increased feelings of general mental health distress. Our findings provide a proof of concept that dietary patterns are potentially associated with dental anxiety, and modulation of these patterns may diminish dental-related mental distress.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2022/1036/thumbnail.jp

ABANDONMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS WITHIN REAL ESTATE SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Complex processes and relationships between various actors and practices leave public housing projects in the state of abandonment. In Pakistan, the laws offered by the government at federal and provincial levels have not yet administered the abandoned housing and real estate sector. Despite the development strategies, the deserted housing schemes are common in cities, leaving purchasers as the actual victims to get affected adversely socially and economically and act as factors of slow down for the national economic growth. This paper discusses the gaps to address the challenges and issues associated with abandoned housing projects as well as regulating residential properties within the real estate sector in Pakistan. A scarce yet considerableliterature was reviewed along with primary data in form of semi-structured interviews, for describing the body knowledge to highlight the several dimensions of housing adornment in the context of public projects

Huge Retroperitoneal Lymphangioma Presenting With Duodenal Obstruction: a case report.

lymphangiomas are benign tumors caused by the congenital proliferation of lymphatic tissue, causing an obstruction in the lymphatic ducts, producing fluid filled cysts (1). Histologically they are polycystic, with cysts divided by thin septas lined with endothelial cells. Most common presentation of cystic lymphangiomas are in the neck (75%) and axillary region (20%) and only 5% are intra-abdominal, while retroperitoneal lymphangiomas account for only 1% of cases (2). It is more common in children with males affected more than women, while women have shown to encounter pancreatic lymphangiomas more than men (3). Often retroperitoneal lypmhangiomas are asymptomatic but due to their large size they might cause a wide variety of symptoms from mild abdominal distention/discomfort and back pain to duodenal obstruction, sepsis and DIC (4). Diagnostic techniques are ultrasound, CT scan and MRI but often it is found accidentally and definitive diagnosis is made post-operatively. Treatment of choice is complete surgical resection with cystectom

HYPOTHYROIDISM IN WOMEN HAVING MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background; Menstrual disorders frequently affect the quality of life of adolescents and young adult women, especially those who suffer dysmenorrhoea and heavy menstruation. Different studies have associated thyroid dysfunction with menstrual problems. This study was conducted to document the frequency of hypothyroidism in women with menstrual problems. Objective; To determine frequency of hypothyroidism in women having menstrual problems at a tertiary care hospital.  Material and methods; All the study cases (227) who meet inclusion and exclusion criteria of my study were taken from OPD of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nishtar Hospital Multan.  Once registered, 5 ml venous blood sample was taken and sent to the central laboratory of the Nishtar Hospital Multan for serum TSH and T4 levels by a pathologist having minimum 5 years experience after post-graduation.   Hypothyroidism was determined on laboratory report after serum analysis for TSH and T4. Data was analyzed by using SPSS Version 20. Results; Mean age of our study cases was noted to be 24.08± 4.65 years. Of these 227 study cases, 134 (59 %) were married while 93 (41%) were unmarried. Mean body mass index (BMI) of our study cases was 22.31 ± 2.70 kg/m2 , 160 (70.5%) were normal weight, 51 (22.5%) were overweight and 16 (7%) were obese. Secondary amenorrhea was noted in 25 (11%), oligomenorrhea in 42 (18.5%),  polymenorrhea in 16 (7%), heavy menstrual bleeding in 59 (26%) and irregular menstrual bleeding in 85 (37.5%). Mean serum TSH level of our study cases was 4.85 ± 0.91 mIU/L while mean T4 level was noted to be 86.90 ± 38.81 nmol/L and hypothyroidism was noted in 176 (77.5%) of our study cases. Overt hypothyroidism was noted in 75 (33 %) and subclinical hypothyroidism in 101 (44.5%) of our study cases. Conclusion; Very high frequency of hypothyroidism was noted in women having menstrual problems in our study. Hypothyroidism was significantly associated with residential status, obesity, poor socioeconomic status, level of education and type of menstrual problem. Subclinical hypothyroidism was more prevalent as compared with over hypothyroidism. Our study results suggest that women presenting with menstrual problems must be screened for thyroid hormones for proper management of these patients. Keywords; Hypothyroidism, Menstrual problems, subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism

The Association between ADHD Drug Misuse and Other Psycho-Substance Abuse

Across North America, the abuse of ADHD medication on college campuses has become an increasingly prevalent problem, as students are becoming more acquainted with their potential as study aid. Previous research has revealed that students who use ADHD medication in college are significantly more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol and other drugs than those who have never taken ADHD medication. The purpose of this study is to assess whether there is a relationship between ADHD medication use and other psycho-substance use such as depressants and stimulants. This study has collected survey responses from 761 undergraduate students from various US colleges. The survey included self-reported dietary patterns, mental and physical health, ADHD medication use, and perceptions regarding illicit study drug use. The anonymous survey was built in Google forms, data was analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS, Version 26.0. Our data has indicated a significant positive correlation between illicit ADHD medication use with depressants and stimulants (caffeine) among college students. Our results support previous studies that described how a dysfunctional prefrontal cortex (PFC) is linked to impaired response inhibition and riskier decision making, such as the comorbid use of other stimulants and depressants. Thus, our results suggest that those who use ADHD medication may be inclined to abuse other substances as well. By addressing the abuse of study drugs on college campuses, we may hope to curtail the abuse of other prevalent substances among college populations.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2022/1117/thumbnail.jp

Correlation Between ADHD Medication Use and Frequency of Exercise

Substance abuse is a prevalent issue in today\u27s society, and certain drugs are becoming more readily accessible. Adderall is a drug prescribed to individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These individuals experience symptoms such as hyperactivity, short attention span, and impulsivity due to disruptions in the dopaminergic pathway. Once exploited by non-prescribers such as college students, Adderall becomes an addictive substance as it has temporary enhancing effects on an individual’s health and academics. Notably, there is suggested evidence that supports frequent exercising having beneficial effects on attention and executive functioning. Literature has shown that exercise increases confidence, decreases risks of developing mental disorders, and improves cognitive functions. Adderall may boost energy or cause accelerated heartbeat and fatigue. This study examines whether a significant association is present between ADHD medication use and frequency of exercise. An anonymous Google Forms survey was distributed to undergraduate college students. Data collection is ongoing with 549 responses collected so far. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s Bivariate Correlation in SPSS Version 25.0. The results suggest an association between ADHD medication use and certain exercise levels, which requires further investigation.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1093/thumbnail.jp

Frequency of Hyperlipedemia in Patients Coming with Ischemic Stroke in Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi

Background and objective: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability. This study was designed to determine the frequency of hyperlipidemia in patients with ischemic stroke visiting at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study and was done in Department of Medicine, LCMD/ Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 184 patients were studied during the study period of six months and all the consecutive patients were recruited who presented with acute stroke in the department of medicine from the duration April 1st 2022 to September 30th, 2022.Those fulfilling the inclusion criteria for this study were included for data analysis, while the patients who did not meet the said criteria were excluded. Their serum lipid levels were collected within 24 hours of admission. Hyperlipidemia was measured through fasting lipid profile and was labeled as present if any one or more of the following profile like total cholesterol \u3e200 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol \u3e 100 mg/dl, TGL \u3e 150 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol \u3c 40 mg/dl, as appropriate. Results:The mean age of the patients was 65.17±12.73. Average systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 152.34±21.31 & 83.35±13.71 mm Hg respectively. Mean duration of smoking and diabetes mellitus in first ever ischemic stroke patients was 9.33±4.03 & 13.65±5.8 years respectively, whereas average fasting blood sugar was found 151.98±69.73mg/dl; 118 (64%) were males and 66 (36%) were females. A total of 124 (67.4%) of patients had a history of hypertension, while 94 (51.1%) were diabetic. Fifty-three (28.8%) of patients had a history of coronary artery disease while 22 (11.95%) patients had history of smoking. Increased triglycerides level was seen in 47 (25. 5%). The frequency of hyperlipidemia was 145 (79%) patients respectively. Conclusion: Frequency of hyperlipidemia was 145 (79%) in patients with ischemic stroke which is moderately high in our setup. A high prevalence of hyperlipidemia is alarming in our setup and requires attention of the physicians on modifiable risk factors

Factors Affecting Impulsive Buying Behavior with Mediating role of Positive Mood: An Empirical Study

This research which is guided by impulse buying literature and “Stimulus-Organism Response (S-O-R) model”, explores the relationship between individual differences and impulse buying behavior directly and indirectly through the mediating role of positive mood. Survey methodology was conducted in order to collect data from 300 customers in Lahore. Convenience sampling technique was used and the associations between the concepts were analyzed by using PLS based SEM analysis. Results of the study prove that the factors which significantly affect impulse buying behavior are positive mood, impulse buying tendency and fashion involvement while insignificant variables for impulse buying are self-esteem, shopping enjoyment and hedonism. SE, IBT, Hedonism and Self-esteem have a direct significant impact with the mediating variable positive mood whereas FI shows an insignificant relation with PM. Results regarding mediation demonstrated that the relationship between IBB and Shopping enjoyment is completely mediated by positive mood but the relationship between fashion involvement, self-esteem, Hedonism, Impulsive buying tendency and IBB is partially mediated by positive mood. This research paper will prove beneficial for marketing practitioners and researchers by developing a comprehensive knowledge and understanding about customer’s impulse buying behavior and its relationship with its determinants. This study validates and extends the “S-O-R model of Mehrabian and Russell (1974)” by incorporating personal traits’ influences  on impulse buying behavior

Depression, Anxiety And Stress Among Medical And Allied Health Sciences Students At Sargodha Medical College

Abstract Objective: This study attempts to determine the frequency of depression, anxiety and stress and associated factors among medical and allied health sciences students of Sargodha Medical College.  Methods: The nature of the study is cross-sectional, among 350 (175 each) medical and allied health sciences students of Sargodha Medical College. The students were recruited using convenient sampling. Socio-demographic information was recorded and depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The study shows that nearly half of medical students (53.1%) had depression, 69.7% had anxiety and 44% had stress; while among allied health sciences students, 60.6% were depressed, 73.7% had anxiety and 45.1% had reported stress. The mean depression score among medical students was 12.19 ± 9.98 and 13.29 ± 11.12 among allied health sciences students (p≤0.332). Conclusion: Based on the results, it is recommended that various methods should be adapted and prioritized for enhancing the mental health of the students to support and improve academic learning among students.