Incorporated model of deep features fusion

Abdelaziz, A., & Mahmoud, A. N. (2022). Skin Cancer Detection Using Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Incorporated model of deep features fusion. Fusion: Practice and Applications, 8(2), 8-15. https://doi.org/10.54216/FPA.080201 © 2022, American Scientific Publishing Group (ASPG). All rights reserved.Among the most frequent forms of cancer, skin cancer accounts for hundreds of thousands of fatalities annually throughout the globe. It shows up as excessive cell proliferation on the skin. The likelihood of a successful recovery is greatly enhanced by an early diagnosis. More than that, it might reduce the need for or the frequency of chemical, radiological, or surgical treatments. As a result, savings on healthcare expenses will be possible. Dermoscopy, which examines the size, form, and color features of skin lesions, is the first step in the process of detecting skin cancer and is followed by sample and lab testing to confirm any suspicious lesions. Deep learning AI has allowed for significant progress in image-based diagnostics in recent years. Deep neural networks known as convolutional neural networks (CNNs or ConvNets) are essentially an extended form of multi-layer perceptrons. In visual imaging challenges, CNNs have shown the best accuracy. The purpose of this research is to create a CNN model for the early identification of skin cancer. The backend of the CNN classification model will be built using Keras and Tensorflow in Python. Different network topologies, such as Convolutional layers, Dropout layers, Pooling layers, and Dense layers, are explored and tried out throughout the model's development and validation phases. Transfer Learning methods will also be included in the model to facilitate early convergence. The dataset gathered from the ISIC challenge archives will be used to both tests and train the model.publishersversionpublishe

EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF HIGH SEASONALITY ON FRONTLINE EMPLOYEES: A CASE STUDY OF FIVE STARS HOTELS IN AQABA

In recent times, the impact of seasonality on tourism industry has been recognized. There has been a distinct lack of studies that focus on the effects of high seasonality on front-line employees (the receptionist) in hotels. Therefore, this study attempted to address the importance of the receptionist job in high seasonality and the effect of high seasonality on them. To answer the questions of the study, an instrument was used for evaluation. Also, a questionnaire was addressed to both employees and managers. T-test, ANOVA, and multiple regressions were utilized to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that the high seasonality in hotels has effects on the receptionists regarding miscommunication and bad relation with others during work hours. Therefore, this study has several recommendations for both the managers and the enterprises

The Role of Scientific Research in Developing Educational Policies for Higher Education Institutions

Scientific research is effective in developing educational policies and identifying future plans for the development of higher education. The study aimed to identify the role of scientific research in developing educational policies for higher education institutions. The sample of the study was (107) Reviewers from various scientific journals at the Islamic University. The mixed method was used. The results of the study indicated that the general Mean of the scientific research referee\u27s estimates of the role of scientific research in developing educational policies came with a high degree of approval and relative weight of (77.03%), and there were no differences in the estimates of the study sample due to the variables of gender, scientific degree and years academic of experience, the results of the interview supported the quantitative results that were reached. The study recommended to update the policies and regulations governing institutions of higher education

Clinical and angiographic outcomes with drug-coated balloons for de novo coronary lesions: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background The role of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in the treatment of de novo coronary lesions is not well established. Methods and Results Electronic databases and major conference proceedings were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared DCBs with stents or angioplasty for de novo coronary lesions. The primary outcome was target lesion revascularization. Summary estimates were conducted using random-effects analysis complemented by several subgroup and sensitivity analyses. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials with 2483 patients were included. At a mean follow up of 12 months, DCBs were associated with no difference in the incidence of target lesion revascularization as compared with alternative strategies (risk ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.35-1.76). There was no difference in treatment effect based on the indication (ie, small-vessel disease, myocardial infarction, bifurcation, or high bleeding risk) (Pinteraction=0.22). DCBs were associated with lower target lesion revascularization compared with bare metal stents and similar target lesion revascularization compared with drug-eluting stents (Pinteraction=0.03). There was no difference between DCBs and control in terms of major adverse cardiac events, vessel thrombosis, or cardiovascular mortality. However, DCBs were associated with a lower incidence of myocardial infarction (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25-0.90) and all-cause mortality (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.94). Conclusions In patients with de novo coronary lesions, use of DCBs was associated with comparable clinical outcomes irrespective of the indication or comparator device. DCBs had a similar rate of target lesion revascularization compared with drug-eluting stents. A randomized trial powered for clinical outcomes and evaluating the role of DCBs for all-comers is warranted

Improvement of Subjective Well-Being by Ranolazine in Patients with Chronic Angina and Known Myocardial Ischemia (IMWELL Study)

Introduction: We aimed to assess if ranolazine would improve angina symptoms among patients with documented myocardial ischemia. Methods: Eligible subjects had chronic stable angina and at least one coronary stenosis with fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤0.80 or at least one chronic total occlusion (CTO) without attempted revascularization. Subjects were randomized to oral ranolazine 500 mg twice daily for 1 week, then ranolazine 1000 mg twice daily for 15 weeks versus matching placebo. The primary end point was change in angina at 16 weeks as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Results: Between September 2014 and January 2016, 25 subjects were randomized to ranolazine versus 25 to placebo. The most common reason for eligibility was CTO (72%), while the remainder had myocardial ischemia documented by low FFR. The mean FFR was 0.57 ± 0.12. Sixty-eight percent of subjects were on two or more anti-angina medications at baseline. Study medication was discontinued in 32% (eight of 25) of the ranolazine group versus 36% (nine of 25) of the placebo group. By intention-to-treat, 46 subjects had baseline and follow-up SAQ data completed. Ranolazine was not associated with an improvement in angina compared with placebo at 16 weeks. The results were similar among 33 subjects that completed study medication. The incidence of ischemia-driven hospitalization or catheterization was 12% (three of 25) of the ranolazine group versus 20% (five of 25) in the placebo group (p \u3e 0.05). Conclusions: In subjects with chronic stable angina and documented myocardial ischemia, ranolazine did not improve angina symptoms at 16 weeks

Enhancement of punching shear behavior of reinforced concrete flat slabs using GFRP grating

The literature review showed insufficient relevant research on the application of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymers (GFRP) gratings in the structural elements, while GFRP bars, laminate, sheets, and strips, have been extensively explored. This research aims to present a proposal for a new reinforcing system using GFRP gratings to improve the punching shear resistance of RC flat slabs. Results of seven specimens tested experimentally under vertical static loading are displayed, taking into account the influence of the gratings variables. Test results revealed an improvement in the ultimate load ranging between 9.03% and 27.67% for the specimens strengthened by the proposed GFRP grating system. A Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (NLFEA) was carried out using the ANSYS program with correlational evaluation using load-deflection response and cracking pattern, which resulted in a good convergence of numerical simulations and experimental performance results ranging from 1.0% to 8.0%. Key parameters, namely the concrete compressive strength, steel reinforcement yield strength, main steel reinforcement ratio, secondary steel reinforcement ratio, column dimensions, slab thickness, concrete cover, and GFRP gratings characteristics, were investigated through a parametric study adopting NLFEA by the ANSYS program, where the output results were compared to the recent code provision

Early Invasive Strategy and In‐Hospital Survival Among Diabetics With Non‐ST‐Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Contemporary National Insight

Background: There are limited data on the merits of an early invasive strategy in diabetics with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome, with unclear influence of this strategy on survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in‐hospital survival of diabetics with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome treated with an early invasive strategy compared with an initial conservative strategy. Methods and Results: The National Inpatient Sample database, years 2012–2013, was queried for diabetics with a primary diagnosis of non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome defined as either non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina (unstable angina). An early invasive strategy was defined as coronary angiography±revascularization within 48 hours of admission. Propensity scores were used to assemble a cohort managed with either an early invasive or initial conservative strategy balanced on \u3e50 baseline characteristics and hospital presentations. Incidence of in‐hospital mortality was compared in both groups. In a cohort of 363 500 diabetics with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome, 164 740 (45.3%) were treated with an early invasive strategy. Propensity scoring matched 21 681 diabetics in both arms. Incidence of in‐hospital mortality was lower with an early invasive strategy in both the unadjusted (2.0% vs 4.8%; odds ratio [OR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.39–0.42; P\u3c0.0001) and propensity‐matched models (2.2% vs 3.8%; OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.50–0.63; P\u3c0.0001). The benefit was observed across various subgroups, except for patients with unstable angina (Pinteraction=0.02). Conclusions: An early invasive strategy may be associated with a lower incidence of in‐hospital mortality in patients with diabetes. The benefit of this strategy appears to be superior in patients presenting with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction compared with unstable angina

Towards A Robust Cad System For Early Diagnosis Of Autism Using Structural Mri

This chapter discusses a promising computer-aided diagnosis system, devised by our research team, for diagnosing autism at various stages of life, making use of the shape information in brain magnetic resonance imaging. Our system integrates the shape features extracted from both the cerebral white matter and the cerebral cortex

Rheumatic tricuspid valve disease: Repair versus Replacement

Background: Tricuspid valve disease is most commonly functional, however, organic affection still accounts for one fourth of cases. Rheumatic fever which is endemic in Egypt is a main cause of organic affection. Current practice largely relies on tricuspid valve repair; however, it has been difficult to determine optimal procedure. Objectives: Herein, we study the outcome of replacement versus repair in such patients. Patients and methods: A prospective study was conducted on 300 consecutive patients with rheumatic heart disease showing severe tricuspid valve affection underwent tricuspid valve surgery, between 2014 and 2018. The patients were divided into two groups; TVR group (n=150) which included patients who underwent tricuspid valve replacement and TVr group (n=150) which included patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair. Diagnosis and follow up were done by echocardiography. Peri-operative variables, clinical outcome, morbidity, mortality, and follow up data were recorded. Results: Mean follow-up was 4±1.32 years. In-hospital mortality was 6 patients (4%) in TVR group and 3 patients (2%) in TVr group (P value ≥ 0.05). Postoperative low cardiac output syndrome and stroke were significantly higher in the repair group. Postoperative RV dysfunction, renal impairment, renal failure and chest re-exploration were significantly higher in the replacement group. Severe tricuspid regurgitation was reported in 19 patients (12.6%) of the repair group on follow up. Conclusion: Tricuspid valve repair is preferable to replacement to avoid the drawbacks of prosthesis. However, tricuspid valve replacement is feasible with comparable survival outcome and the progressive nature of the rheumatic disease may recommend replacement

Epidemiology of Stroke in the MENA Region: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Stroke is a major burden on the health system due to high fatality and major disability in survivors. Whilst Stroke incidence has declined in the developed world, it continues to increase in developing nations, including the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. This may reflect different risk factors and strategies to treat and manage patients prior to and after Stroke. Methods: We have conducted a systematic review of the prevalence, incidence and mortality of Stroke in the 23 countries of MENA region following the PRISMA guidelines. Results: 8,874 published papers were retrieved through both PubMed and Embase. Of those, 38 studies were found to be eligible for inclusion in this review. Only thirteen countries in the MENA region had data points for the critical stroke parameters. Of these qualified studies, 14 were prospective, population-based studies. In the age-adjusted studies, incidence ranged widely between 16/100,000 in a prospective population-based in Iran to 162/100,000 in Libya. Age-adjusted prevalence was available only from Tunisia at 184/100,000. Mortality for all strokes from the eight countries reporting this measure found the 30 day-case fatality ranged from 9.3% in Qatar to 30% in Pakistan. Most stroke studies in the MENA region were small sized, hospital-based, lacked confidence intervals and did not provide prevalence and mortality figures. Conclusion: National policymakers, public health and medical care stakeholders need more reliable epidemiologic studies on Stroke from the MENA region to plan more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies