Synthetic Interventions

Consider a setting where there are $N$ heterogeneous units (e.g., individuals, sub-populations) and $D$ interventions (e.g., socio-economic policies). Our goal is to learn the potential outcome associated with every intervention on every unit (i.e., $N \times D$ causal parameters). Towards this, we present a causal framework, synthetic interventions (SI), to infer these $N \times D$ causal parameters while only observing each of the $N$ units under at most two interventions, independent of $D$. This can be significant as the number of interventions, i.e, level of personalization, grows. Importantly, our estimator also allows for latent confounders that determine how interventions are assigned. Theoretically, under a novel tensor factor model across units, measurements, and interventions, we formally establish an identification result for each of these $N \times D$ causal parameters and establish finite-sample consistency and asymptotic normality of our estimator. The estimator is furnished with a data-driven test to verify its suitability. Empirically, we validate our framework through both experimental and observational case studies; namely, a large-scale A/B test performed on an e-commerce platform, and an evaluation of mobility restriction on morbidity outcomes due to COVID-19. We believe this has important implications for program evaluation and the design of data-efficient RCTs with heterogeneous units and multiple interventions

SELF OPTIMIZING KERNEL WITH HYBRID SCHEDULING ALGORITHM

In this paper an operating system with a unique Hybrid scheduling algorithm (HSA) is proposed. The HSA incorporates the scheduling policies of both Round robin and priority based scheduling techniques along with a smart kernel which will self-optimize the system by providing a variable time slice to the tasks. The objective of developing this operating system is to improve the system efficiency and with an optimized usage of the resources available for the tasks, radically in terms of context switches and average waiting time

Replacement Gastrostomy Tube Causing Acute Pancreatitis: Case Series with Review of Literature

Context Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feedings are generally considered safe with few serious complications. Acute pancreatitis is a rare complication associated with replacement percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes. Case report We report two cases of acute pancreatitis induced by migrated replacement percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes. Conclusions Migration of a balloon into the duodenum can result in external manipulation of the ampulla of Vater thereby disturbing the flow of pancreatic secretions leading to acute pancreatitis. Recognition of this complication is important and should be included as potential etiology of acute pancreatitis in patients receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feedings. Periodic examination and documentation of the distance of the balloon from the skin should be performed to document the position of the tubes or any inadvertent migration of the tubes. The use of Foley catheters as permanent replacement tubes should be considered medically inappropriate

On Principal Component Regression in a High-Dimensional Error-in-Variables Setting

We analyze the classical method of Principal Component Regression (PCR) in the high-dimensional error-in-variables setting. Here, the observed covariates are not only noisy and contain missing data, but the number of covariates can also exceed the sample size. Under suitable conditions, we establish that PCR identifies the unique model parameter with minimum $\ell_2$-norm, and derive non-asymptotic $\ell_2$-rates of convergence that show its consistency. We further provide non-asymptotic out-of-sample prediction performance guarantees that again prove consistency, even in the presence of corrupted unseen data. Notably, our results do not require the out-of-samples covariates to follow the same distribution as that of the in-sample covariates, but rather that they obey a simple linear algebraic constraint. We finish by presenting simulations that illustrate our theoretical results

Clinical Outcome of Infants Younger than Two Months in Children Ward of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Nepal

Introductions: Newborn and young infants are most vulnerable for preventable deaths, particularly in developing countries. This study was conducted to see the clinical profile and outcome of infants less than two months of age admitted in children ward of Patan Hospital.Methods: This descriptive retrospective study was conducted at Patan Hospital, over 12 months from April 2014 to March 2015. Hospital records of all admitted infant less than two were reviewed. The demographic characteristics, clinical profile and clinical outcome were descriptively analyzed.Results: Out of 2062 admissions in children ward, 614 (29.8%) were infants less than two months,out of which 482were neonate less than 28 days. Among these neonates. 114 were inborn. Out of 436 infection, blood culture was positive in 37 (8.9%). There were 4 (0.04%) deaths, 4 (0.04%) referral and 22 (0.25%) left against medical advice. Infection 436 (436) was the commonest cause of illness, of which neonatal sepsis 163 (37.4%), pneumonia 130 (30%) staphylococcal skin infection 39 (8.7%) and UTI 34 (7.8%). There were 71(11.6%) cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Blood culture was positive in 55(9%) with CONS being the commonest organism isolated; 19  (51.3%).Conclusions: Children ward contributes significantly to the care of sick infants less than two months of age, especially out born ones, requiring neonatal care facility in tertiary level hospital of Nepal. As most admissions are for infection, followed by hyperbilirubinemia, pediatrics wards need to be equipped and staffed accordingly to meet the need of sick young infants.Keywords: children ward, clinical profile, neonatal sepsi

Bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in children with urinary tract infection admitted at tertiary hospital in Nepal

Introductions: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting children. A prompt recognition and accurate antimicrobial management are vital to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to determine the bacterial pathogens and their patterns of antimicrobial resistance in children presenting with UTI. Methods: This was a cross sectional study done at Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences from Nov 2012 to Oct 2016.  There were 88 children between age group of 1 to 14 years  with  culture proven UTI. The bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance were analysed. Results: Three most common organisms isolated were E. Coli 60 (68%), Klebsiella species 15(17%) and Proteus 7 (8%). The resistance of E. Coli to ampicillin, ofloxacin, cefotaxime, gentamicin and amikacin were 51 (85%), 49 (82%), 45 (75%), 17 (28%) and 2 (3%) respectively. The resistance to Ampicillin was  Klebsiella species 13 (87%), Proteus  6 (86%) and Enterococcus 3 (60%). Conclusion: The E. Coli was leading bacterial pathogen causing UTI in children, with ampicillin resistance occurring in more than half of these cases. Amikacin and gentamicin had lower antibiotic resistance and can be used for treatment of UTI in children. Keywords: antibiotics resistance, bacterial pathogens, urinary tract infection, UTI in childre