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- Adewumi, Tosin, et al.
(author)
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AfriWOZ: Corpus for Exploiting Cross-Lingual Transfer for Dialogue Generation in Low-Resource, African Languages
- 2023
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In: IJCNN 2023 - International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, Conference Proceedings. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. - 9781665488686 - 9781665488679
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dialogue generation is an important NLP task fraught with many challenges. The challenges become more daunting for low-resource African languages. To enable the creation of dialogue agents for African languages, we contribute the first high-quality dialogue datasets for 6 African languages: Swahili, Wolof, Hausa, Nigerian Pidgin English, Kinyarwanda & Yorùbá. There are a total of 9,000 turns, each language having 1,500 turns, which we translate from a portion of the English multi-domain MultiWOZ dataset. Subsequently, we benchmark by investigating & analyzing the effectiveness of modelling through transfer learning by utilziing state-of-the-art (SoTA) deep monolingual models: DialoGPT and BlenderBot. We compare the models with a simple seq2seq baseline using perplexity. Besides this, we conduct human evaluation of single-turn conversations by using majority votes and measure inter-annotator agreement (IAA). We find that the hypothesis that deep monolingual models learn some abstractions that generalize across languages holds. We observe human-like conversations, to different degrees, in 5 out of the 6 languages. The language with the most transferable properties is the Nigerian Pidgin English, with a human-likeness score of 78.1%, of which 34.4% are unanimous. We freely provide the datasets and host the model checkpoints/demos on the HuggingFace hub for public access.
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- Al-Farsi, Hissa M., et al.
(author)
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Effects of the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 and Innate Effector Mechanisms in Colistin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae With mgrB Insertions
- 2019
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In: Frontiers in Microbiology. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 1664-302X. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Colistin is a polypeptide antibiotic drug that targets lipopolysaccharides in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Inactivation of the mgrB-gene is a common mechanism behind colistin-resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn). Since colistin is a cyclic polypeptide, it may exhibit cross-resistance with the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and with other innate effector mechanisms, but previous results are inconclusive. Objective To study potential cross-resistance between colistin and LL-37, as well as with other innate effector mechanisms, and to compare virulence of colistin-resistant and susceptible Kpn strains. Materials/Methods Carbapenemase-producing Kpn from Oman (n = 17) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing. Susceptibility to colistin and LL-37 was studied. The surface charge was determined by zeta-potential measurements and the morphology of treated bacteria was analyzed with electron microscopy. Bacterial survival was assessed in human whole blood and serum, as well as in a zebrafish infection-model. Results Genome-analysis revealed insertion-sequences in the mgrB gene, as a cause of colistin resistance in 8/17 isolates. Colistin-resistant (Col-R) isolates were found to be more resistant to LL-37 compared to colistin-susceptible (Col-S) isolates, but only at concentrations >= 50 mu g/ml. There was no significant difference in surface charge between the isolates. The morphological changes were similar in both Col-R and Col-S isolates after exposure to LL-37. Finally, no survival difference between the Col-R and Col-S isolates was observed in whole blood or serum, or in zebrafish embryos. Conclusion Cross-resistance between colistin and LL-37 was observed at elevated concentrations of LL-37. However, Col-R and Col-S isolates exhibited similar survival in serum and whole blood, and in a zebrafish infection-model, suggesting that cross-resistance most likely play a limited role during physiological conditions. However, it cannot be ruled out that the observed cross-resistance could be relevant in conditions where LL-37 levels reach high concentrations, such as during infection or inflammation.
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- Bile, Ahmed Said, et al.
(author)
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Assessing Vaccination Delivery Strategies for Zero-Dose and Under-Immunized Children in the Fragile Context of Somalia
- 2024
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In: Vaccines. - : MDPI. - 2076-393X. ; 12:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Somalia is one of 20 countries in the world with the highest numbers of zero-dose children. This study aims to identify who and where zero-dose and under-vaccinated children are and what the existing vaccine delivery strategies to reach zero-dose children in Somalia are. This qualitative study was conducted in three geographically diverse regions of Somalia (rural/remote, nomadic/pastoralists, IDPs, and urban poor population), with government officials and NGO staff (n = 17), and with vaccinators and community members (n = 52). The data were analyzed using the GAVI Vaccine Alliance IRMMA framework. Nomadic populations, internally displaced persons, and populations living in remote and Al-shabaab-controlled areas are three vulnerable and neglected populations with a high proportion of zero-dose children. Despite the contextual heterogeneity of these population groups, the lack of targeted, population-specific strategies and meaningful engagement of local communities in the planning and implementation of immunization services is problematic in effectively reaching zero-dose children. This is, to our knowledge, the first study that examines vaccination strategies for zero-dose and under-vaccinated populations in the fragile context of Somalia. Evidence on populations at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and barriers to vital vaccination services remain critical and urgent, especially in a country like Somalia with complex health system challenges.
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| 7. |
- Bile, Ahmed S., et al.
(author)
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Rethinking (local) integration: domains of integration and their durability in Kismayo and Garowe, Somalia
- 2024
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In: Frontiers in Human Dynamics. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2673-2726. ; 5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Amidst the ever-expanding debates in various academic and policy fields around migrant and refugee integration and local integration, we bring these two concepts in conversation with one another. Until very recently, theories of integration have had a state-centric focus in the Global North. This article expands and complicates this literature to focus on displaced Somalis within Somalia and its borderlands living in the cities of Kismayo and Garowe using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods in five displacement settlements. Toward this end, we use the often- engaged term “domains of integration” to frame integration. In our conceptualization, however, we incorporate the concept of “local integration” as a durable solution. In brief, we see the domains of integration as a productive concept in the Somali context. However, in Somalia, where clans are interwoven into the state, which lacks resources and power, clan affiliation represents social connections domains, yet also influences the state's role in the foundational domain of rights and citizenship and makers and means (employment, housing, education, health). International donors and NGOs, as well as international capitalist urban expansion also have a large role in these processes. As such, we argue that the ten domains of integration (discussed in detail below) intersect and blur to an even greater extent than in European and North American contexts, particularly around crucial issues such as housing, land, and property; a key factor in people's decisions to remain or leave.
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- Day, Louise Tina, et al.
(author)
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Labour and delivery ward register data availability, quality, and utility - Every Newborn - birth indicators research tracking in hospitals (EN-BIRTH) study baseline analysis in three countries.
- 2020
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In: BMC health services research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6963. ; 20:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Countries with the highest burden of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths often have little information on these deaths. Since over 81% of births worldwide now occur in facilities, using routine facility data could reduce this data gap. We assessed the availability, quality, and utility of routine labour and delivery ward register data in five hospitals in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Tanzania. This paper forms the baseline register assessment for the Every Newborn-Birth Indicators Research Tracking in Hospitals (EN-BIRTH) study.We extracted 21 data elements from routine hospital labour ward registers, useful to calculate selected maternal and newborn health (MNH) indicators. The study sites were five public hospitals during a one-year period (2016-17). We measured 1) availability: completeness of data elements by register design, 2) data quality: implausibility, internal consistency, and heaping of birthweight and explored 3) utility by calculating selected MNH indicators using the available data.Data were extracted for 20,075 births. Register design was different between the five hospitals with 10-17 of the 21 selected MNH data elements available. More data were available for health outcomes than interventions. Nearly all available data elements were > 95% complete in four of the five hospitals and implausible values were rare. Data elements captured in specific columns were 85.2% highly complete compared to 25.0% captured in non-specific columns. Birthweight data were less complete for stillbirths than live births at two hospitals, and significant heaping was found in all sites, especially at 2500g and 3000g. All five hospitals recorded count data required to calculate impact indicators including; stillbirth rate, low birthweight rate, Caesarean section rate, and mortality rates.Data needed to calculate MNH indicators are mostly available and highly complete in EN-BIRTH study hospital routine labour ward registers in Bangladesh, Nepal and Tanzania. Register designs need to include interventions for coverage measurement. There is potential to improve data quality if Health Management Information Systems utilization with feedback loops can be strengthened. Routine health facility data could contribute to reduce the coverage and impact data gap around the time of birth.
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| 9. |
- Hoshino, Ayuko, et al.
(author)
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Extracellular Vesicle and Particle Biomarkers Define Multiple Human Cancers
- 2020
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In: Cell. - : CELL PRESS. - 0092-8674 .- 1097-4172. ; 182:4, s. 1044-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is an unmet clinical need for improved tissue and liquid biopsy tools for cancer detection. We investigated the proteomic profile of extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in 426 human samples from tissue explants (TEs), plasma, and other bodily fluids. Among traditional exosome markers, CD9, HSPA8, ALIX, and HSP90AB1 represent pan-EVP markers, while ACTB, MSN, and RAP1B are novel pan-EVP markers. To confirm that EVPs are ideal diagnostic tools, we analyzed proteomes of TE- (n =151) and plasma-derived (n =120) EVPs. Comparison of TE EVPs identified proteins (e.g., VCAN, TNC, and THBS2) that distinguish tumors from normal tissues with 90% sensitivity/94% specificity. Machine-learning classification of plasma-derived EVP cargo, including immunoglobulins, revealed 95% sensitivity/90% specificity in detecting cancer Finally, we defined a panel of tumor-type-specific EVP proteins in TEs and plasma, which can classify tumors of unknown primary origin. Thus, EVP proteins can serve as reliable biomarkers for cancer detection and determining cancer type.
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| 10. |
- Howells, Laura, et al.
(author)
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RECAP OF ATOPIC ECZEMA (RECAP) : ASSESSING ECZEMA CONTROL FROM THE PATIENT AND PARENT PERSPECTIVE
- 2021
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In: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. - : Medical journals Sweden AB. - 0001-5555 .- 1651-2057. ; 101:Suppl. 221, s. 29-29
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: The Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) initiative recommend long-term control of eczema is measured in all clinical trials over 3 months in duration, but prior to this work, no instrument had been identified as suitable for inclusion in the core outcome set.Objective: To develop a ques-tionnaire to capture ‘eczema control’ from a patient/caregiver’s perspective.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to develop and refine a conceptual framework, generate, refine and select items and initial testing of the items. Questionnaire con-tent was generated and refined via a focus group, expert panel meetings, cognitive interviews and an online survey with people with eczema/caregivers. Impact analysis and multivariable li-near regression were used for item selection. The distribution of scores and construct validity were assessed.Results: Fourteen expert panel members (including patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and methodologists) co-produced the instrument; with input from people with eczema/caregivers via a focus group (n = 6), cognitive interviews (n = 13) and an online survey (n = 330). Recap of atopic eczema (RECAP) is a seven-item questionnaire with a self-reported and caregiver-reported version. Initial testing suggested no floor or ceiling effects and good construct validity. Positive correlation with the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) was confirmed (r(258)=0.83, p < 0.001).Conclusions: RECAP is appropriate and feasible for measuring eczema control in clinical trials. Testing of measurement properties and translation to other languages is ongoing. RECAP has been recommended for inclusion in the HOME core outcome set for clinical trials and the HOME clinical practice set.
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| 11. |
- Jimenez-Ruiz, Ernesto, et al.
(author)
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Introducing the HOBBIT platform into the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Campaign
- 2018
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In: Proceedings of the 13th International Workshop on Ontology Matching. - Aachen, Germany : CEUR Workshop Proceedings. ; , s. 49-60
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative 2017.5 pre-campaign. Like in 2012, when we transitioned the evaluation to the SEALS platform, we have also conducted a pre-campaign to assess the feasibility of moving to the HOBBIT platform. We report the experiences of this pre-campaign and discuss the future steps for the OAEI.
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| 12. |
- Mgongo, Melina Bernard, et al.
(author)
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A Qualitative Study on Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Community Members in Tanzania
- 2023
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In: Vaccines. - 2076-393X. ; 11:8, s. 1-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The use of vaccines is one of the key tools in reversing the COVID-19 pandemic; however, various reports reported the low uptake of the vaccines. This study explored the barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among community members in Tanzania. A qualitative explorative study was conducted in December 2021 and April 2022 in eight regions of Tanzania. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were the methods of data collection. A total of 48 FGDs and 32 IDIs were conducted. Participants were aware of the COVID-19 disease and vaccines. The barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine non-uptake included receiving contradicting statements from top government leaders, vaccine preceded the education, myths towards vaccines, the presence of different types of vaccines, the process of getting the vaccine, the influence of social media and random people from the community, and vaccine conflicting religious beliefs. Despite being aware of the vaccine, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is still low. Interventions that focus on increasing community knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and addressing myths about the vaccines are needed.
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| 14. |
- Mtei, Monica, et al.
(author)
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Confidence in COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety and its effect on vaccine uptake in Tanzania : A community-based cross-sectional study
- 2023
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In: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. - 2164-5515. ; 19:1, s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- COVID-19 is a major public health threat associated with increased disease burden, mortality, and economic loss to countries and communities. Safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines are key in halting and reversing the pandemic. Low confidence in vaccines has been one of the factors leading to hesitancy. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine confidence (safety and effectiveness), associated factors, and its effects on vaccine uptake among general community members in Tanzania. This was a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in six regions of Tanzania mainland and two regions in Zanzibar. Participants were interviewed using an electronic questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for factors associated with vaccine confidence. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. The study enrolled 3470 general Tanzanian community members; their mean age was 40.3 (standard deviation ±14.9) years, and 34% were males. The proportion of COVID-19 vaccine confidence was 54.6%. Geographical region, residence area, COVID-19 disease risk perception, and good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was associated with over three times higher odds of vaccine uptake. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was low in Tanzania. Innovative community engagement strategies and region-specific interventions are needed to improve comprehensive knowledge and address community perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines.
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