Artificial Intelligence for the Edge Computing Paradigm.

With modern technologies moving towards the internet of things where seemingly every financial, private, commercial and medical transaction being carried out by portable and intelligent devices; Machine Learning has found its way into every smart device and application possible. However, Machine Learning cannot be used on the edge directly due to the limited capabilities of small and battery-powered modules. Therefore, this thesis aims to provide light-weight automated Machine Learning models which are applied on a standard edge device, the Raspberry Pi, where one framework aims to limit parameter tuning while automating feature extraction and a second which can perform Machine Learning classification on the edge traditionally, and can be used additionally for image-based explainable Artificial Intelligence. Also, a commercial Artificial Intelligence software have been ported to work in a client/server setups on the Raspberry Pi board where it was incorporated in all of the Machine Learning frameworks which will be presented in this thesis. This dissertation also introduces multiple algorithms that can convert images into Time-series for classification and explainability but also introduces novel Time-series feature extraction algorithms that are applied to biomedical data while introducing the concept of the Activation Engine, which is a post-processing block that tunes Neural Networks without the need of particular experience in Machine Leaning. Also, a tree-based method for multiclass classification has been introduced which outperforms the One-to-Many approach while being less complex that the One-to-One method.\par The results presented in this thesis exhibit high accuracy when compared with the literature, while remaining efficient in terms of power consumption and the time of inference. Additionally the concepts, methods or algorithms that were introduced are particularly novel technically, where they include: • Feature extraction of professionally annotated, and poorly annotated time-series. • The introduction of the Activation Engine post-processing block. • A model for global image explainability with inference on the edge. • A tree-based algorithm for multiclass classification

Health related quality of life among Iraqi immigrants settled in Malaysia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Migrants everywhere face several demands for health and maintaining good health and quality of life could be challenging. Iraqis are the second largest refugee group that has sought refuge in the recent years, yet little is known about their health related quality of life (HRQOL). The study aims at assessing the HRQOL among Iraqis living in Malaysia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A self-administered Arabic version of Sf-36 questionnaire was distributed among 300 Iraqi migrants in Malaysia. The questionnaire taps eight concepts of physical and mental health to assess the HRQOL. Univariate analysis was performed for group analysis (t test, ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression was used to control for confounding effects.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two hundred and fifty three participants ranging in age from 18 to 67 years (Mean = 33.6) returned the completed questionnaire. The majority was males (60.1%) and more than half of the respondents (59.5%) were married. Less than half (45.4%) and about a quarter (25.9%) reported bachelor degree and secondary school education respectively and the remaining 28.7% had either a master or a PhD degree.</p> <p>Univariate analysis showed that the HRQOL scores among male immigrants were found to be higher than those of females in physical function (80.0 vs. 73.5), general health (72.5 vs. 60.7) and bodily pain (87.9 vs. 72.5) subscales. The youngest age group had significantly higher physical function (79.32) and lower mental health scores (57.62).</p> <p>The mean score of physical component summary was higher than the mental component summary mean score (70.22 vs. 63.34).</p> <p>Stepwise multiple linear regression, revealed that gender was significantly associated with physical component summary (β = - 6.06, p = 0.007) and marital status was associated with mental component summary (β = 7.08, p = 0.003).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>From the data it appears that Iraqi immigrants living in Malaysia have HRQOL scores that might be considered to indicate a relatively moderate HRQOL. The HRQOL is significantly affected by gender and marital status. Further studies are needed to explore determinants of HRQOL consequent to immigration. The findings could be worthy of further exploration.</p

Mixed Cofibration and Mixed Hurewicz Cofibration

Abstract:In this papers we study a new concept namely Mixed cofibration (M- cofibration) and Mixed Hurewicz cofibration (M- Hurewicz cofibration).Most of theorem which are valid for cofibrationwill bealso valid for (M- cofibration) the others will be valid if we add extra condition . Among the result we obtain are: 1-A product of two Mixed Cofibration(Mixed Hurewicz cofibration) is also a Mixed Cofibration(Mixed Hurewicz cofibration)2- The M-pullback of Mixed Cofibration(Mixed Hurewicz cofibration)is also Mixed Cofibration(Mixed Hurewicz cofibration

الزمان والعالم عند أبي العلاء المعري

استطاعت الفلسفة الإسلامية أن تضيف للفكر الفلسفي إضافات حقيقية وذات أهمية وأفكار وموضوعات جديدة, وبالجدير بالذكر كانت فكرة الزمان والعالم واحدة من هذه الأفكار التي تجلت فيها العبقرية عند الفلاسفة المسلمين, ومن بينهم (أبي العلاء المعري). على الرغم من تأثره بالفلسفة اليونانية, لكن هذا لا يلغي اجتهاد هذه الشخصية المذهلة. تناولنا في هذا البحث خصوصية موقف أبي العلاء المعري من مشكلة الزمان والعالم, في المقدمة تم التعريف بالفيلسوف وطرح السؤال الإشكالي, أما عناصر البحث, تضمنت الآراء حول فكرة الزمان, ويليها بيان حقيقة وطبيعة الزمان عند أبي العلاء ومن ثم ذكر أنواعه والحديث عن الدهر والعدم, والأزلية والأبدية ومن ثم إيضاح مشكلة العالم عنده. انتهينا في النتيجة إلى أن أبي العلاء قد خرج برؤية جديدة في فكرة الزمان والعالم بالرغم من تردده الكثير في كتبه. و زعم بأن الزمان و العالم أزليان وأبديان

Blended learning in undergraduate dental education: a global pilot study.

AIMS: To explore the global trends in blended learning in undergraduate dental education during the COVID pandemic and during the recovery phase by engaging with the students and faculty and evaluate the implications for dental education in the post-COVID era. METHODS: It was a pilot cross-sectional study which employed a convenience sampling technique to recruit representatives of dental faculty and undergraduate students in 80 dental institutions globally. A previously validated questionnaire consisting of a combination of closed and open-ended items was used for data collection. Responses to these online questionnaires were processed and analysed using the R statistical computing environment. RESULTS: A total of 320 dental students and 169 faculty members from 47 different dental institutions participated in the study. Video and Live Online Tutorials were considered to be the most effective method of online learning followed by online question banks by both groups. Significant differences were noted between faculty and students regarding time spent and effectiveness of online teaching and learning, respectively, both before and after the start of COVID. The results highlight the faculty need to engage more closely with the students to address their learning needs. Finally, the participants provided several recommendations regarding the future development of teaching and learning strategies as well as assessments in the post-pandemic era. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which explores blended learning in dental education with participants from multiple institutions in different regions of the globe. Compared to the faculty, students considered online learning to be less interactive and preferred learning activities and all assessments to be delivered face-to-face. The results underscore the need to adapt teaching practices to suit the learning needs of the students

Performance and Emission Analysis of a Diesel Engine Using Linseed Biodiesel Blends

The core object of this study is to examine the suitability of linseeds for biodiesel production. The performance of an engine at different proportions of linseed blends with petro-diesel and the amount of emissions rate were investigated. Initially, linseed biodiesel was produced through transesterification process, and then it was mixed with petro-diesel fuel (D100) blends at volumetric ratios of 10% (LB10), 20% (LB20), and 30% (LB30). The properties of linseed biodiesel and its blends were investigated and compared with petro-diesel properties with reference to ASTM standards. It has been observed that the fuel properties of produced biodiesel are within ASTM permissible limits. The specific fuel consumption (SFC) of LB10 blend has been found lesser compared to LB20 and LB30. SFC of D100 is slightly less than that of all the blends. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of LB30 is greater than that of pure diesel D100 at maximum load and greater than that of LB10 and LB20. The heat dissipation rate in all linseed blends is found to have been less than that of D100. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and NOx emissions of linseed blends are mostly lower in comparison with D100’s. Among all blends, LB10 was found more suitable alternative fuel for diesel engines and can be blended with petro diesel without engine modifications. It can be concluded that cultivation and production of linseed in Pakistan is very promising, therefore, it is recommended that proper exploitation and use of linseed for energy production may be encouraged through pertinent agencies of Pakistan

Spatiotemporal structure of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean based on otolith micro-chemistry

Though the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) is considered to be migratory, the species is nevertheless thought to be locally overexploited in the northwest Indian Ocean. At the regional level, this local depletion is a major concern for food security. As the population structure and connectivity between sub-populations are poorly understood for this species, we examined the spatio-temporal dynamics of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel via elemental concentrations (P, Mg, Sr and Ba) along otolith transects using LA-ICPMS for samples from 6 sites: Egypt, Djibouti North and South, Somalia, Mozambique and South Africa. For homogeneous size class samples (70–90 cm), otolith chemical signatures immediately preceding capture were used to accurately group individuals sharing a spatial proximity and/or season of capture. Notable differences in otolith edge signatures were found among individuals from north and south of the equator and contrasting cluster compositions from nearby sites in the Gulf of Aden of individuals captured in summer versus winter. Otolith core chemistry identified two spawning chemical compositions. The first common composition was characterized by relatively high concentrations of Sr and lower concentrations of P, Ba and Mg. The second less common spawning chemical composition was particularly rich in P, Ba and Mg and corresponded primarily to individuals caught off Mozambique, Somalia and Djibouti. These results are broadly consistent on one hand with patterns of water mass circulation in the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean and on the other hand with the observed spawning seasons. Though further research using, for example, archival tagging is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind these patterns, these results reveal the potential of otolith chemistry to provide insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel

Quality, effectiveness and outcome of blended learning in dental education during the COVID pandemic: Prospects of a post-pandemic implementation

Abstract: BackgroundBlended learning is growing in popularity particularly following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic. One of the fields that the pandemic has substantially affected is dental education. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the online dental education. Students’ perceptions and experiences of blended learning were also investigated. Methods: A 28-question online survey was designed to gauge students’ perceptions of the effect of blended learning on their academic performance. Results: 314 participants in preclinical and clinical years completed the questionnaire (223 females and 91 males). The majority of students (89%) believed that clinical and practical courses cannot be given by the internet. In terms of students’ opinion in the assessment process, more females (65.8%) preferred traditional exams than males (50.5%) (p < 0.05). Most clinical students (83%) preferred a combination of online and traditional teaching compared to 72% of preclinical students (p < 0.05). Clinical year students were more willing to communicate electronically with their classmates and instructors. The majority of dental students (65%) reported that future dental courses should be blended. Conclusions: In the pandemic era, blended learning, should become the preferred method of education whereby theoretical knowledge is delivered through online tutorials and clinical training is resumed on-site, to ensure competency of dental graduates while maintaining safety of the dental team. Current facilities and course designs should be improved in order to improve students’ experiences with blended learning

The Malaysia DREEM: perceptions of medical students about the learning environment in a medical school in Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Students’ perceptions of their learning environment, by defining its strengths and weaknesses, are important for continuous improvement of the educational environments and curriculum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of their learning environment, among medical students in Malaysia. Various aspects of the education environment were compared between year levels and sex. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia in 2012. A total number of 438 medical students participated in this study, and the response rate was 87.6%. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Comparisons of the mean scores of Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) subscales were calculated. The t-test was used to determine statistically significant differences. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants were female, Malay, and from year 3 (68.7%, 65.3%, and 55.7%; respectively). Analysis of each of the 50 items of the DREEM inventory showed that 47 items scored ranged between 2.00 and 3.00, and three items scored below 2.00. These were identified as problem areas in this medical school that are required to be critically addressed. The overall score showed that the medical students’ perceptions were positive. The students’ perception toward educational environment was positive for all five DREEM subscales. CONCLUSION: The study found that, in general, the perceptions of the participants about the learning environment were positive. Nevertheless, the study also found there is a need for curriculum improvement in this school and identified priority areas for such improvement

The providers of health services in Lebanon: a survey of physicians

BACKGROUND: Emerging from civil distress carries with it major challenges to reforming a health system. One such challenge is to ensure an adequate supply of competent human resources. The objective of this study was to assess the supply of physicians in Lebanon in 1998, with an assessment of their practice patterns and capacity building. METHODS: Lists of members of physician's associations were examined to determine the number of physicians in Lebanon and their geographical distribution. A self-administered survey targeted 388 physicians (5%) randomly stratified by the five regions of Lebanon. Some 377 providers reported information on their demographic profile, practice patterns and development. Further, information on continuing education activities was acquired. RESULTS: In Lebanon, the overall physician-to-population ratio was 248 per 100, 000, characterized by an evident maldistribution at the intracountry regional level. Physicians worked 38 hours per week examining on average 21 patients per day, with an average time of 30 minutes spent per visit. They also reported spending 11% of their time waiting for patients. Respondents reported a very wide range of income, with 90% earning less than USD 2,000 per month. Moreover, the continuing education profile revealed a total of 43.7 hours per year, similar to that required for board certification in many developed countries. Conference attendance was the dominant continuing education activity (95% of respondents) and consumed most of the time allotted for continuing education, reported at 32 hours per year. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Various economic indicators point to an oversupply of physicians in Lebanon and a poor allocation of their time for capacity building. Therefore, it is crucial for decision-makers to closely monitor the increasing supply of providers and institute appropriate intervention strategies, taking into consideration appropriate provision of good-quality services and ensuring that continuing education activities are well established, organized and monitored