Joint action recognition and summarization by sub-modular inference

© 2016 IEEE. Action recognition and video summarization are two important multimedia tasks that are useful for applications such as video indexing and retrieval, video surveillance, humancomputer interaction and home intelligence. While many approaches exist in the literature for these two tasks, to date they have always been addressed separately. Instead, in this paper we move from the assumption that these two tasks should be tackled as a joint objective: on the one hand, action recognition can drive the selection of meaningful and informative summaries; on the other, recognizing actions from a summary rather than the entire video can in principle reduce noise and prove more accurate. To this aim, we propose a novel approach for joint action recognition-summarization based on the performing latent structural SVM framework, together with an efficient algorithm for inferring the action and the summary based on the property of sub-modularity. Experimental results on a challenging benchmark, MSR Dai-lyActivity3D, show that the approach is capable of achieving remarkable action recognition accuracy while providing appealing video summaries

Performance Measures Using Electronic Health Records: Five Case Studies

Presents the experiences of five provider organizations in developing, testing, and implementing four types of electronic quality-of-care indicators based on EHR data. Discusses challenges, and compares results with those from traditional indicators

The reproductive potential of vitrifiedwarmed euploid embryos declines following repeated uterine transfers

Background Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) represents a vague clinical condition with an unclear diagnostic challenge that lacks solid scientific underpinning. Although euploid embryos have demonstrated consistent implantation capabilities across various age groups, a unanimous agreement regarding the advantages of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in managing RIF is absent. The ongoing discussion about whether chromosomal aneuploidy in embryos significantly contributes to recurrent implantation failure remains unsettled. Despite active discussions in recent times, a universally accepted characterization of recurrent implantation failure remains elusive. We aimed in this study to measure the reproductive performance of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos transferred to the uterus in successive cycles. Methods This observational cohort study included women (n = 387) with an anatomically normal uterus who underwent oocyte retrieval for PGT-A treatment with at least one biopsied blastocyst, between January 2017 and December 2021 at a university-affiliated public fertility center. The procedures involved in this study included ICSI, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy and comprehensive 24-chromosome analysis of preimplantation embryos using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Women, who failed a vitrified-warmed euploid embryo transfer, had successive blastocyst transfer cycles (FET) for a total of three using remaining cryopreserved euploid blastocysts from the same oocyte retrieval cycle. The primary endpoints were sustained implantation rate (SIR) and live birth rate (LBR) per vitrified-warmed single euploid embryo. The secondary endpoints were mean euploidy rate (m-ER) per cohort of biopsied blastocysts from each patient, as well as pregnancy and miscarriage rates. Results The mean age of the patient population was 33.4 years (95% CI 32.8–33.9). A total of 1,641 embryos derived from the first oocyte retrieval cycle were biopsied and screened. We found no associations between the m-ER and the number of previous failed IVF cycles among different ranges of maternal age at oocyte retrieval (P = 0.45). Pairwise comparisons showed a significant decrease in the sustained implantation rate (44.7% vs. 30%; P = 0.01) and the livebirth rate per single euploid blastocyst (37.1% vs. 25%; P = 0.02) between the 1st and 3rd FET. The cumulative SIR and LBR after up to three successive single embryo transfers were 77.1% and 68.8%, respectively. We found that the live birth rate of the first vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transferred decreased significantly with the increasing number of previously failed IVF attempts by categories (45.3% vs. 35.8% vs. 27.6%; P = 0.04). A comparable decrease in sustained implantation rate was also observed but did not reach statistical significance (50% vs. 44.2 vs. 37.9%; P = NS). Using a logistic regression model, we confirmed the presence of a negative association between the number of previous IVF failed attempts and the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.62–0.94; P = 0.01). Conclusions These findings are vital for enhancing patient counseling and refining management strategies for individuals facing recurrent implantation failure. By tailoring interventions based on age and ovarian reserve, healthcare professionals can offer more personalized guidance, potentially improving the overall success rates and patient experiences in fertility treatments

النظام البرلماني في الكويت وبريطانيا (دراسة مقارنة)

هدف المقال المقارنة بين النموذجين البرلمانيين البريطاني والكويتي، وباستخدام منهجية علمية شاملة معتمدةً على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، والمنهج المقارن، اتضح نجاح التجربة البرلمانية البريطانية التي ترسخت عبر مئات السنين، وتطورت من سلطة مطلقة للحاكم مستمدة من نظرية الحق الإلهي، وصولاً إلى ترسيخ الحريات والحقوق العامة بفعل القوانين التي صدرت تباعاً، والتي نجم عنها القول أن البرلمان البريطاني يمثل بحق كافة فئات الشعب البريطاني كونه منبثقاً عنه، وكون السلطة التنفيذية ممثلةً بالملك الدستوري الذي يملك ولا يحكم، والوزارة المنبثقة من حزب الأغلبية في البرلمان، أما بالنسبة للتجربة البرلمانية الكويتية، فيمكن القول، أنه وعلى الرغم من حداثة هذه التجربة التي لم تتجاوز السبعة عقود منذ استقلال الكويت (1961)، والتركيبة الاجتماعية القائمة في هذه الدولة، إلا أنه يسجل لمجلس الأمة الكويتي إسهاماته في التحول الديمقراطي مع التسليم بضرورة مرور فترة زمنية طويلة حتى يتم ترسيخ الممارسة الديمقراطية للمجلس، وإزالة المعوقات التي تحيط بهذه التجربة. وفي ضوء ما تم التوصل إليه من نتائج، أوصت الدراسة بالسماح بوجود أحزاب سياسية مشروعة في الكويت ينظمها قانون للأحزاب، وتكون غاياتها إنضاج التجربة الحزبية والتمهيد لقيام الحكومات البرلمانية المنبثقة عن الأغلبية الحزبية الحائزة على أعلى الأصوات في مجلس الأمة الكويتي، وتحسين العلاقة بين مجلس الأمة الكويتي والسلطة التنفيذية من خلال تخفيف الضغوط السياسية على المجلس من قبل الحكومة، مما يساهم في اكتمال دورات الفصول التشريعية في الكويت لمدة أربع سنوات كاملة بموجب المادة (83) من دستور الكويت الصادر سنة 1962. The article aimed to compare the British and Kuwaiti parliamentary models, using a comprehensive methodology based on the descriptive analytical approach and the comparative approach. The study concluded the success of the British parliamentary experience, which was established over hundreds of years. It evolved from the absolute authority of the ruler derived from the theory of divine right, leading to the consolidation of public freedoms and rights by the laws that were issued successively, which resulted in saying that the British Parliament truly represents all groups of the British people as emanating from it, and the fact that the executive authority is represented by the constitutional monarch who owns and does not rule, and the ministry that emanates from the majority party in Parliament. As for the Kuwaiti parliamentary experience, it can be said that, despite its recentness, which did not exceed 100 years since the independence of Kuwait (1961), and the existing social structure in this country, the contributions of the Kuwaiti National Assembly in the democratic transition can be easily noted, while recognizing the need for a long period of time to pass in order for the democratic practice of the parliament to be consolidated, and the obstacles surrounding this experience to be removed. In light of the results obtained, the study recommended allowing the existence of legitimate political parties in Kuwait, regulated by a law for parties, whose objectives are to ripen the partisan experience and pave the way for the establishment of parliamentary governments emanating from the partisan majority that has the highest votes in the Kuwaiti National Assembly, improving the relationship between the Kuwaiti National Assembly and the executive authority by easing political pressure on the parliament by the government, which contributes to the completion of the sessions of the legislative chapters in Kuwait for a full four-year period according to Article (83) of the Constitution of Kuwait promulgated in 1962

Effects of esomeprazole on healing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers in the presence of a continued NSAID treatment: characterization of molecular mechanisms

Proton pump inhibitors promote ulcer repair in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-treated patients with ongoing NSAID-induced gastric toxicity, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We examined the healing mechanisms of esomeprazole on NSAID-induced gastric ulcerations in the presence of a continued NSAID treatment. Ulcerations were induced in rats by oral indomethacin (6 mu mol/kg/day) for 14 days. Indomethacin administration was continued, alone or combined with equivalent acid inhibitory doses of esomeprazole (5 mu mol/kg/day), lansoprazole (15 mu mol/kg/day) or famotidine (20 mu mol/kg/day), for additional 7 days. Stomachs were then processed for: histomorphometric analysis of mucosal injury; mucosal levels of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and malondialdehyde (MDA); expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (Western blot); expression of Ki-67 (immunohistochemistry). Indomethacin for 14 days elicited mucosal damage, reduced PGE(2) levels and increased MDA. After additional 7 days, indomethacin induced the following effects: further enhancement of mucosal damage and MDA content; decrease in PGE(2) levels; increase in COX-2 and activated caspase-3 expression; decrease in VEGF. PCNA and Ki-67 expression. In the presence of indomethacin, esomeprazole and lansoprazole were more effective than famotidine in promoting resolution of mucosal damage. Concomitantly, esomeprazole and lansoprazole, but not famotidine, restored PCNA and Ki-67 expression, and normalized MDA levels. Moreover, esomeprazole, lansoprazole and famotidine partly counteracted caspase-3 activation, without affecting VEGF expression. The healing activity of esomeprazole on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerations can be ascribed to two mechanisms: (1) acid-dependent reduction of pro-apoptotic signalling; (2) acid-independent restoration of proliferating/repairing pathways. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Raman spectra of copper, cobalt, and nickel complexes of nicotinic acid: Equilibrium studies

This article summarizes the protonation and complexation equilibrium constants of nicotinic acid (NA) using different analytical techniques and software’s. Additionally, Raman, IR, and NMR spectra were done for nicotinic acid ligand and for its solid complexes with copper(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) metal ions.               KEY WORDS: Nicotinic acid, Potentiometry, Spectrometry, Equilibrium constants Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2018, 32(3), 459-467.DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v32i3.

Consumption of Whole Grains, Refined Cereals and Legumes and its Association with Colorectal Cancer among Jordanians

Background The role of whole grains, refined cereals, and legumes in preventing or initiating colorectal cancer (CRC) is still uncertain. The aim of this study is to examine the possible association between the consumption of whole grains, refined cereals, and legumes and the risk of developing CRC among Jordanian population. Methods A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary data with regard to intake of whole grains, refined cereals, and legumes. A total of 220 diagnosed CRC participants and 281 CRC-free control participants matched by age, gender, occupation, and marital status were recruited. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of developing CRC in relation to the consumption of different types of whole grains, refined cereals, and legumes. Results The odds ratio (OR) for developing CRC among cases consumed refined wheat bread at all meals was 3.1 compared with controls (95% CI: 1.2-7.9, P-Trend = 0.001); whereas the OR associated with whole wheat bread was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.22-0.92, P-Trend = 0.001). The statistical evaluation for daily consumption of rice suggested a direct association with the risk of developing CRC, OR = 3.0 (95% CI: 0.27-33.4, P-Trend = 0.020). Weekly consumption of macaroni was associated with CRC with OR of 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1-5.3, P-Trend = 0.001). The consumption of corn, bulgur, lentils, and peas suggested a protective trend, although the trend was not statistically significant. Conclusion This study provides additional indicators of the protective role of whole grains and suggests a direct association between consumption of refined grains and higher possibility for developing CRC.Higher Council of Science and Technology-Jorda

The Kynurenine Pathway Is Upregulated by Methyl-deficient Diet and Changes Are Averted by Probiotics

Scope Probiotics exert immunomodulatory effects and may influence tryptophan metabolism in the host. Deficiency of nutrients related to C1 metabolism might stimulate inflammation by enhancing the kynurenine pathway. This study used Sprague Dawley rats to investigate whether a methyl-deficient diet (MDD) may influence tryptophan/kynurenine pathways and cytokines and whether probiotics can mitigate these effects. Methods and Results Rats are fed a control or MDD diet. Animals on the MDD diet received vehicle, probiotics (L. helveticus R0052 and B. longum R0175), choline, or probiotics + choline for 10 weeks (n = 10 per group). Concentrations of plasma kynurenine metabolites and the methylation and inflammatory markers in plasma and liver are measured. Results MDD animals (vs controls) show upregulation of plasma kynurenine, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, 3-hydroxyxanthranilic acid, quinolinic acid, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide (all p < 0.05). In the MDD rats, the probiotics (vs vehicle) cause lower anthranilic acid and a trend towards lower kynurenic acid and picolinic acid. Compared to probiotics alone, probiotics + choline is associated with a reduced enrichment of the bacterial strains in cecum. The interventions have no effect on inflammatory markers. Conclusions Probiotics counterbalance the effect of MDD diet and downregulate downstream metabolites of the kynurenine pathway.publishedVersio