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Virtual Global Salon presentation on using data to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in Bangladeshi children

November 16, 2020

The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts will host its final virtual Global Salon presentation of the semester, "Using Machine Learning to Describe Predictors of Nutritional and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes," by Dr. Heather Cook, Assistant Professor of Statistics, at 1 p.m. CST Thursday, November 19. The public is invited to attend the session. Find the Zoom Webinar ID on our website at USI.edu/globalsalon.

Studies have shown perinatal and maternal health, socioeconomic status and early infancy inflammation impact the growth and neurodevelopment of children from low-income countries, but knowledge of which specific predictors influence these outcomes is lacking.

A study of Bangladeshi children from birth to two years of age measuring these variables assessed growth and neurodevelopment through cognitive, motor, language and social-emotional scores. Cook will explain how statistical methods with the random forest model may improve the interpretation of the variables' importance.

The Global Salon Series is brought to you by the USI Global Studies program. This series gets its name from the 17th century definition of a "salon," a gathering where people come together to discuss and share knowledge of the social, cultural, political and philosophical ideas of the time. Founded in 2011, the series focuses on current global issues, providing students and the community a richer understanding of international and global issues, while allowing USI faculty to share their current research. It is comprised of three to four lectures per semester featuring USI faculty and community figures.

These virtual presentations will be live streamed to the USI College of Liberal Arts Facebook page and recorded. To keep up with our lineup of speakers each semester, visit USI.edu/globalsalon. For more information contact Dr. Dan Bauer, Professor of Anthropology, at 812-465-7065 or debauer@usi.edu.

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