Colloquialising modern standard Arabic text for improved speech recognition

Modern standard Arabic (MSA) is the official language of spoken and written Arabic media. Colloquial Arabic (CA) is the set of spoken variants of modern Arabic that exist in the form of regional dialects. CA is used in informal and everyday conversations while MSA is formal communication. An Arabic speaker switches between the two variants according to the situation. Developing an automatic speech recognition system always requires a large collection of transcribed speech or text, and for CA dialects this is an issue. CA has limited textual resources because it exists only as a spoken language, without a standardised written form unlike MSA. This paper focuses on the data sparsity issue in CA textual resources and proposes a strategy to emulate a native speaker in colloquialising MSA to be used in CA language models (LMs) by use of a machine translation (MT) framework. The empirical results in Levantine CA show that using LMs estimated from colloquialised MSA data outperformed MSA LMs with a perplexity reduction up to 68% relative. In addition, interpolating colloquialised MSA LMs with a CA LMs improved speech recognition performance by 4% relative

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds as unconventional nutritional source

The composition of roselle seed from oil, protein, ash, fiber, fatty acids and amino acids was determined and compared in three cultivars in order to use it as an unconventional nutritional source. Aswan cv. occupies the highest significant rank in protein (31.51), oil (23.70) and fiber (4.87%) contents. Aswan and Sewa cvs. had the highest significant unsaturated fatty acid composition, especially oleic and linoleic acids, with oleic acid having values of 36.22 and 33.34% and linoleic acid, 14.95 and 15.10% values. Protein of Aswan cv. had the highest significant values of seven essential amino acids and four non-essential amino acids, especially lysine and phenylalanine.Key words: Amino acids, fatty acids, nutrition, oil, protein, roselle, unconventional crops

Useing the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Fuzzy Cluster Analysis Methods for Classification of Some Hospitals in Basra

تكمن اهمية اسلوب التحليل العنقودي بشكل عام في البحث عن تعنقد البيانات المتعددة والمتجانسة لغرض تجميع العناصر في مجاميع متجانسة فيما بينها (داخل المجموعة الواحدة) ومختلفة عن المجاميع الاخرى اعتماداً على العديد من المتغيرات ويستعمل في تقليص حجم البيانات وتوليد الفرضيات واختبارها وفي التنبؤ و مطابقة النماذج. وان البحث يهدف الى معرفة التحليل العنقودي المضبب وهو حالة خاصة من التحليل العنقودي فضلاً عن المفاضلة بين الاسلوبين ، ونظراً للدور الهام للمستشفيات وما له من علاقة وثيقة بصحة الانسان فقد تم تخصيص موضوع البحث لعنقدة المستشفيات الحكومية والاهلية لعينة من 288 مريض من المرضى الراقدين في 10 مستشفيات بناءاً على مدى تماثلها في تقديم الخدمات الصحية للمرضى الراقدين فيها حسب معايير جودة الخدمات الصحية في ظل ظروف مضببة ( حالة عدم التأكد لآراء المرضى الراقدين في تقييم الخدمات الصحية المقدمة لهم والتي مثلت بمجموعة من المعايير و قيست على شكل مقياس ليكرت الخماسي)  وتلك المعايير نظمت في استمارة استبانة تضمنت 31 فقرة. وقد توصل البحث الى مجموعة من الاستنتاجات اهمها ان كلا اسلوبي التحليل العنقودي الهرمي والتحليل العنقودي المضبب صنف مستشفيات عينة البحث الى عنقودين كل عنقود يضم مجموعة من المستشفيات وان التحليل العنقودي المضبب اكثر ملائمة لتصنيف عينة البحث من التحليل العنقودي الهرمي نتيجة افتراضه ان المستشفى تنتمي لكلا العنقودين بدرجات انتماء متفاوتة في تطبيقها لمعايير جودة الخدمات الصحية بينما التحليل العنقودي الهرمي قد صنف المستشفيات اما تنتمي او لا تنتمي للعنقود اي افترض ان تلك المستشفيات في العنقود الاول مختلفة كليا" عن مستشفيات العنقود الثاني في تطبيقها لمعايير جودة الخدمات الصحية وهذا غير ممكنIn general, the importance of cluster analysis is that one can evaluate elements by clustering multiple homogeneous data; the main objective of this analysis is to collect the elements of a single, homogeneous group into different divisions, depending on many variables. This method of analysis is used to reduce data, generate hypotheses and test them, as well as predict and match models. The research aims to evaluate the fuzzy cluster analysis, which is a special case of cluster analysis, as well as to compare the two methods—classical and fuzzy cluster analysis. The research topic has been allocated to the government and private hospitals. The sampling for this research was comprised of 288 patients being treated in 10 hospitals. As the similarity between hospitals of the study sample was measured according to the standards of quality of health services under fuzzy conditions (a case of uncertainty of the opinions of patients who were in the evaluation of health services provided to them, which was represented by a set of criteria and was measured in the form of a Likert five-point scale). Moreover, those criteria were organized into a questionnaire containing 31 items. The research found a number of conclusions, the most important is that both methods of hierarchical cluster analysis and fuzzy cluster analysis, classify the hospitals of the research sample into two clusters, each cluster comprises a group of hospitals that depend on applying health quality service standards. The second important conclusion is that the fuzzy cluster analysis is more suitable for the classification of the research sample compared to hierarchical cluster analysis

Emerging wireless communication technologies in Iraqi government: Exploring cloud, edge, and fog computing

This study aims to structure the implementation of a governmental cloud of things (CoT), edge computing (EC), and fog computing in Iraq in the context of sustainable wireless communication. A base of literature was built that included any challenges, opportunities, and best practices relevant to these innovative technologies to set up the background for this paper. A concept model was created that included core components (cognitive technologies and fog computing), key processes (resource analysis, infrastructure design), and stakeholders (governments, industry, community). A strategic methodology made up of stakeholder involvement, capacity building, and pilot projects was used in the project. Concerning IoT planned deployment and services provision, network infrastructure was put in place to support the devices and a higher level of security measures were recommended. Using scenario hypothesis, MATLAB simulator was employed to simulate data value distribution as well as received power distribution based on different institutions for 12 months. Monitoring and evaluation should be followed to measure performance indicators and effects on this process. Continuously improvement strategies were the highlight of the session which further stimulated innovations. Acquainted projects will be put in the function to extend the range of activities by including additional government agencies, regions, or sectors. Reporting of the collected data and funding will be done with stakeholders to share and pool knowledge

Cloud of Things and fog computing in Iraq: Potential applications and sustainability

This paper depicts the principles of Cloud of Things and fog computing and discusses its possible uses in Iraq with sustainability measures. The capacity of cloud computing to supply elastic, as-needed computer resources has garnered widespread interest worldwide. However, fog computing and a Cloud of Things enhance the Internet of Things by relocating computation to devices on the network's periphery. This study looks at how the Cloud of Things and fog computing are used now in Iraq, the obstacles, and the future uses of these technologies in various fields. To fully reap the benefits of the Cloud of Things and fog computing in Iraq, the study also emphasizes the significance of infrastructure development, policy design, cybersecurity, and other measures. This study will discuss the use of questionnaires in research. There are two distinct components to this. The first section includes questions regarding the respondents' affiliations, including their roles, departments, organization sizes, and ministries. The rest of the study's factors are discussed with inquiries in line with issues of cyber security, privacy, sustainability, cost of implementation, feasibility, trust, IT infrastructure, and government support. The survey's final open-ended inquiry will help us to compile a wide range of perspectives on what kinds of Cloud of Things and fog computing services based on the Iraqi government's needs

A first-principles study of oxygen vacancy pinning of domain walls in PbTiO3

We have investigated the interaction of oxygen vacancies and 180-degree domain walls in tetragonal PbTiO3 using density-functional theory. Our calculations indicate that the vacancies do have a lower formation energy in the domain wall than in the bulk, thereby confirming the tendency of these defects to migrate to, and pin, the domain walls. The pinning energies are reported for each of the three possible orientations of the original Ti-O-Ti bonds, and attempts to model the results with simple continuum models are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, with 3 postscript figures embedded. Uses REVTEX and epsf macros. Also available at http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~dhv/preprints/lh_dw/index.htm

Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with oesophagogastric cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic:national study

Background: The national response to COVID-19 has had a significant impact on cancer services. This study investigated the effect of national lockdown on diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with oesophagogastric cancers in Scotland. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive new patients presenting to regional oesophagogastric cancer multidisciplinary teams in National Health Service Scotland between October 2019 and September 2020. The study interval was divided into before and after lockdown, based on the first UK national lockdown. Electronic health records were reviewed and results compared. Results: Some 958 patients with biopsy-proven oesophagogastric cancer in 3 cancer networks were included: 506 (52.8 per cent) before and 452 (47.2 per cent) after lockdown. Median age was 72 (range 25–95) years and 630 patients (65.7 per cent) were men. There were 693 oesophageal (72.3 per cent) and 265 gastric (27.7 per cent) cancers. Median time to gastroscopy was 15 (range 0–337) days before versus 19 (0–261) days after lockdown (P < 0.001). Patients were more likely to present as an emergency after lockdown (8.5 per cent before versus 12.4 per cent after lockdown; P = 0.005), had poorer Eastern Cooperative Oncology group performance status, were more symptomatic, and presented with a higher stage of disease (stage IV: 49.8 per cent before versus 58.8 per cent after lockdown; P = 0.04). There was a shift to treatment with non-curative intent (64.6 per cent before versus 77.4 per cent after lockdown; P < 0.001). Median overall survival was 9.9 (95 per cent c.i. 8.7 to 11.4) months before and 6.9 (5.9 to 8.3) months after lockdown (HR 1.26, 95 per cent c.i. 1.09 to 1.46; P = 0.002). Conclusion: This national study has highlighted the adverse impact of COVID-19 on oesophagogastric cancer outcomes in Scotland. Patients presented with more advanced disease and a shift towards treatment with non-curative intent was observed, with a subsequent negative impact on overall survival

The inherent tensions within sustainable supply chains: a case study from Bangladesh

The complexities surrounding the supply chain logistics for perishable commodities within Bangladesh are extensive. Poor infrastructure, fragmented transportation and corruption compound the operational complexities within this emerging market. This case study analyses many of the day-to-day operational challenges and tensions inherent within Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) forming the backbone of the Bangladesh socio-economic structure. The drive for transition toward greater levels of sustainability and corporate responsibility is problematic, affecting many levels within an extended and fragmented supply chain. The selected case study highlights the “lived in” geographical, environmental, economic and cultural factors that impact the ability of emerging market enterprises to remain profitable within emergency scenarios whilst transitioning toward a more sustainable model. This study, whilst detailing many of the tensions and critical issues facing MSMEs, highlights the benefits of direct Government intervention, criticality of a leaner and more efficient supply chain and reassessment of financial incentives to drive the transition to a more efficient and sustainable economy

New bioactive fused triazolothiadiazoles as Bcl-2-targeted anticancer agents

A series of 3-(6-substituted phenyl-[1,2,4]-triazolo[3,4-b]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazol-3-yl)-1H-indoles (5a–l) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-inhibitory activity. Synthesis of the target compounds was readily accomplished through a reaction of acyl hydrazide (1) with carbon disulfide in the presence of alcoholic potassium hydroxide to afford the corresponding intermediate potassium thiocarbamate salt (2), which underwent cyclization reaction in the presence of excess hydrazine hydrate to the corresponding triazole thiol (3). Further cyclisation reaction with substituted benzoyl chloride derivatives in the presence of phosphorous oxychloride afforded the final 6-phenyl-indol-3-yl [1,2,4]-triazolo[3,4-b]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole compounds (5a–l). The novel series showed selective sub-micromolar IC50 growth-inhibitory activity against Bcl-2-expressing human cancer cell lines. The most potent 6-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl) substituted analogue (5k) showed selective IC50 values of 0.31–0.7 µM against Bcl-2-expressing cell lines without inhibiting the Bcl-2-negative cell line (Jurkat). ELISA binding affinity assay (interruption of Bcl-2-Bim interaction) showed potent binding affinity for (5k) with an IC50 value of 0.32 µM. Moreover, it fulfils drug likeness criteria as a promising drug candidat

Protective effect of stromal Dickkopf-3 in prostate cancer: opposing roles for TGFBI and ECM-1

Aberrant transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) signaling is a hallmark of the stromal microenvironment in cancer. Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3), shown to inhibit TGF-β signaling, is downregulated in prostate cancer and upregulated in the stroma in benign prostatic hyperplasia, but the function of stromal Dkk-3 is unclear. Here we show that DKK3 silencing in WPMY-1 prostate stromal cells increases TGF-β signaling activity and that stromal cellconditioned media inhibit prostate cancer cell invasion in a Dkk-3-dependent manner. DKK3 silencing increased the level of the cell-adhesion regulator TGF-β–induced protein (TGFBI) in stromal and epithelial cell-conditioned media, and recombinant TGFBI increased prostate cancer cell invasion. Reduced expression of Dkk-3 in patient tumors was associated with increased expression of TGFBI. DKK3 silencing reduced the level of extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM-1) in prostate stromal cell-conditioned media but increased it in epithelial cell-conditioned media, and recombinant ECM-1 inhibited TGFBI-induced prostate cancer cell invasion. Increased ECM1 and DKK3 mRNA expression in prostate tumors was associated with increased relapse-free survival. These observations are consistent with a model in which the loss of Dkk-3 in prostate cancer leads to increased secretion of TGFBI and ECM-1, which have tumor-promoting and tumor-protective roles, respectively. Determining how the balance between the opposing roles of extracellular factors influences prostate carcinogenesis will be key to developing therapies that target the tumor microenvironment