82 research outputs found
Arabic text classification methods: Systematic literature review of primary studies
Recent research on Big Data proposed and evaluated a number of advanced techniques to gain meaningful information from the complex and large volume of data available on the World Wide Web. To achieve accurate text analysis, a process is usually initiated with a Text Classification (TC) method. Reviewing the very recent literature in this area shows that most studies are focused on English (and other scripts) while attempts on classifying Arabic texts remain relatively very limited. Hence, we intend to contribute the first Systematic Literature Review (SLR) utilizing a search protocol strictly to summarize key characteristics of the different TC techniques and methods used to classify Arabic text, this work also aims to identify and share a scientific evidence of the gap in current literature to help suggesting areas for further research. Our SLR explicitly investigates empirical evidence as a decision factor to include studies, then conclude which classifier produced more accurate results. Further, our findings identify the lack of standardized corpuses for Arabic text; authors compile their own, and most of the work is focused on Modern Arabic with very little done on Colloquial Arabic despite its wide use in Social Media Networks such as Twitter. In total, 1464 papers were surveyed from which 48 primary studies were included and analyzed
Introduction. Cities and Urban Regions: Central Actors in the Climate Crisis
In 2005, a report on disaster reduction warned of the increased risk for flash floods around the Red Sea and Southern Sinai (Government of Egypt 2005, 3). There was, however, no mention of cities. In October 2015, unpredicted and devastating floods in Alexandria killed six people. In the winter of 2020, floods across Egypt affected 20,000 families and killed forty, with ten victims in Cairo alone (Reliefweb 2020); other informal sources mention even greater fatalities. In 2021, three people d..
Classification of colloquial Arabic tweets in real-time to detect high-risk floods
Twitter has eased real-time information flow for decision makers, it is also one of the key enablers for Open-source Intelligence (OSINT). Tweets mining has recently been used in the context of incident response to estimate the location and damage caused by hurricanes and earthquakes. We aim to research the detection of a specific type of high-risk natural disasters frequently occurring and causing casualties in the Arabian Peninsula, namely `floods'. Researching how we could achieve accurate classification suitable for short informal (colloquial) Arabic text (usually used on Twitter), which is highly inconsistent and received very little attention in this field. First, we provide a thorough technical demonstration consisting of the following stages: data collection (Twitter REST API), labelling, text pre-processing, data division and representation, and training models. This has been deployed using `R' in our experiment. We then evaluate classifiers' performance via four experiments conducted to measure the impact of different stemming techniques on the following classifiers SVM, J48, C5.0, NNET, NB and k-NN. The dataset used consisted of 1434 tweets in total. Our findings show that Support Vector Machine (SVM) was prominent in terms of accuracy (F1=0.933). Furthermore, applying McNemar's test shows that using SVM without stemming on Colloquial Arabic is significantly better than using stemming techniques
Photovoltaic module efficiency evaluation:The case of Iraq
This study aims to evaluate the performance of a photovoltaic module under some extreme climate conditions, and with a case study for Iraq. CFD model is developed for the analysis of the photovoltaic module using the commercial CFD software of COMSOL Multiphysics v5.3a for the transient conditions. The results are verified with the analytical solution to the one-dimensional non-linear energy balance equation using Matlab. The results are also compared with measurements reported in the literature for validation. The results reveal that the free convection currents in inclined and horizontal positions of the module were weaker relative to the vertical position. Also, the increase in the length of inclined photovoltaic module, up to 1.3 m, enhances the heat transfer rate. However, beyond this length, the temperature of the module becomes higher, and the convective heat transfer coefficients are reduced regardless of the inclination. In the horizontal position, the convective heat transfer rate is lower, particularly on the bottom surface of PV system
Impact of Trunk Control on Balance and Functional Abilities in Chronic Stroke Patients
Background: The proximal trunk stability is a major pre-requisite for balance and coordinated extremity use in daily functional activities. Objective: To evaluate the trunk control in chronic stroke patients , and to determine to what extent it affects balance abilities and functional performance of those patients. Another aim is to detect the best clinical measure that can be used to test trunk muscle control and may predict functional recovery. Patients and Methods: Forty adult post-stroke ambulant patients participated in this study. The testing protocol included assessment of trunk control by Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), evaluation of balance ability by Biodex Balance System, and assessment of the functional performance by Functional Independence Measure (motor subscale). Results: The mean age of the study sample was 56.1 \ub15.45 years. The trunk control was impaired in 39 (97.5%) out of 40 patients. Measures of trunk control were significantly correlated with measures of balance and functional ability. Univariate regression analysis and partial correlation showed that the dynamic sitting balance subscale of the TIS has the highest effect on measures of balance and functional ability. In addition, the patients\u2019 functional performance is strongly dependent on their balance ability. Conclusion: The trunk performance is still impaired in most of chronic stroke patients and it strongly affects their balance and functional abilities. The dynamic sitting balance component of the TIS is a reliable clinical indicator of balance and functional recovery
ANTIPSYCHOTICS- CLASSIFICATION, USES, AND ADVERSE EFFECTS
Introduction: Antipsychotic agents are categorized usually as either “typical antipsychotics” or “atypical antipsychotics”. Typical antipsychotic pharmacological agents, which are also called first-generation antipsychotics or traditional antipsychotics, include chlorpromazine and haloperidol. On the other hand, atypical antipsychotic pharmacological agents, which are also called second generation antipsychotics, include risperidone, quetiapine, and olanzapine. Both typical and atypical antipsychotics work in similar mechanisms by inhibiting the activation of specific receptors in the dopamine pathway.Aim of work: In this review, we will discuss the antipsychotics- classification, uses, and adverse effects, Methodology: We did a systematic search for antipsychotics- classification, uses, and adverse effects using PubMed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Google Scholar search engine (https://scholar.google.com). All relevant studies were retrieved and discussed. We only included full articles.Conclusions: The prescription of atypical antipsychotic agents, like quetiapine and olanzapine, has been significantly increasing and in many conditions, they are sometimes prescribed “off-label” – which is a worrying trend due to their possible risk of developing harmful adverse events. Therefore, atypical antipsychotic agents must only be used in their specific indications and with caution, especially among older patients and young adults. Atypical antipsychotic agents can be indicated for schizophrenia treatment and other associated conditions and in some cases to treat the behavioral and psychological manifestations related to dementia (risperidone only). Antipsychotics are not first-line treatments for patients with anxiety and are not generally recommended for the use in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder or insomnia.
Key words: antipsychotics, classification, uses, and adverse effects
Squint Among Adult Population in Hail City, Saudi Arabia
Background: Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. If present during a large part of childhood, it may result in amblyopia. If onset is during adulthood, it is more likely to result in double vision. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of squint, types and treatment characteristics in the studied adults in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. The study included 294 participants; 95 male and 199 female adults aged >20 years. The study period was from 1 January to 30 April 2018. Data collected by personal interview using a pre-designed questionnaire, which distributed among the participants to be self-reported. Results: The prevalence of squint among the studied population was 9.9%. it was more common in females than males. Squint was right sided in 24.1% of the cases, left sided in 51.7% and in both eyes in 24.1% of the studied cases. About half (44.8%) of cases had inward squint (esotropia) and 10.3% outward squint (exsotropia), 24.1% of the cases had Intermittent squint and 6.9% had permanent squint. Most (55.2%) of squint cases use glasses and 34.5% of cases squint affected their visual acuity. In 6.9%, squint causes psychological troubles. As regards treatment, 20.7% received medical treatment and 17.2% received surgical treatment but 62.1% do not seek medical care. Only 10.3% of cases completely cured and 13.8% had recurrence. There was insignificant relation with age, sex, education, squint in parents, chronic diseases, consanguinity or hereditary diseases (P>0.05). Conclusion: in this study, the prevalence of squint in the adult participants in Hail city, Saudi Arabia was 9.9% but 62.1% do not seek medical care. After treatment, only 10.3% of cases completely cured and 13.8% had recurrence. Health education of the public about importance of early treatment is highly recommended. Keywords: Squint; strabismus; adult population; prevalence; types; Hail; Saudi Arabia
Early prediction keys for COVID-19 cases progression: A meta-analysis.
Backgroundː Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), within few months of being declared as a global pandemic by WHO, the number of confirmed cases has been over 75 million and over 1.6 million deaths since the start of the Pandemic and still counting, there is no consensus on factors that predict COVID-19 case progression despite the diversity of studies that reported sporadic laboratory predictive values predicting severe progression. We review different biomarkers to systematically analyzed these values to evaluate whether are they are correlated with the severity of COVID-19 disease and so their ability to be a predictor for progression.
Methods: The current meta-analysis was carried out to identify relevant articles using eight different databases regarding the values of biomarkers and risk factors of significance that predict progression of mild or moderate cases into severe and critical cases. We defined the eligibility criteria using a PICO model.
Results: Twenty-two relevant articles were selected for meta-analysis the following biomarkers C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, LDH, neutrophil, %PD-1 expression, D-dimer, creatinine, AST and Cortisol all recorded high cut-off values linked to severe and critical cases while low lymphocyte count, and low Albumin level were recorded. Also, we meta- analyzed age and comorbidities as a risk factors of progression as hypertension, Diabetes and chronic obstructive lung diseases which significantly correlated with cases progression (p < 0.05).
Conclusionsː The current meta-analysis is the first step for analysing and getting cut-off references values of significance for prediction COVID-19 case progression. More studies are needed on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and on a larger scale to establish clearer threshold values that predict progression from mild to severe cases. In addition, more biomarkers testing also help in building a scoring system for the prediction and guiding for proper timely treatment
Stress, resilience, and moral distress among health care providers in oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic
BackgroundThe coronavirus pandemic has potential implications for stress levels and resilience among oncology healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study aims to assess perceived stress, resilience, and moral distress levels among oncology HCPs in Jordan during the pandemic and identify associated risk factors.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted among oncology HCPs in Jordan using three validated tools: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RSIC), and Moral Distress Thermometer (MDT). Seven items were used to assess sources of stress.ResultsA total of 965 participants enrolled with a 74% response rate. The participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 74 (mean = 32.74, SD = 5.197), with 79.1% males, 45.1% were physicians, 32.6% were public hospital workers, 57.1% were married, and 56.6% had children below 18 years. Findings indicated moderate perceived stress (Mean = 15.87, SD = 5.861), low resilience (Mean = 29.18, SD = 5.197), and high moral distress (Mean = 4.72, SD = 2.564). Females, unmarried individuals, and younger age groups exhibited higher PSS (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, and P<0.001) and lower resilience (p = 0.024, p = 0.034, and p = 0.001). Not having children below 18 years correlated with higher perceived stress (P < 0.001). In linear regression analysis, age and gender emerged as significant predictors of both perceived stress and resilience. Female participants reported stress related to the risk of contracting COVID-19 (p = 0.001), transmitting it to others (p = 0.017), social isolation (P < 0.001), and having children at home due to school closures (p = 0.000). A cohort of 239 participants repeated the survey within a two-month interval, revealed a statistically significant decrease in the CD-RISC scores (p < 0.001).ConclusionOncology HCPs in Jordan experienced moderate stress, high moral distress, and poor resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors may negatively affect the quality of oncology care. Urgent measures are necessary to support HCPs in coping with unforeseen circumstances in the future
Parents’ self-directed practices towards the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Abstract Background Excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use in the community is one risk factor that can result in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Upper respiratory tract infections are most frequently reported among children and mainly of viral origin and do not require antibiotics. We have conducted Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) survey of parents to explore the parent’s knowledge, attitude & perception of Saudi parents. Methods A knowledge attitude perception questioner was adopted from a previous study conducted in Greece by Panagakou et al. Raosoft online sample size calculator calculated the sample size by adding the total estimated Makkah population of 5,979,719 with a response rate of 30%, 5% margin of error and 99% confidence interval. Based on the described criteria five hundred & fifty-eight was the required sample size of the study. Incomplete questioners were excluded from the statistical analysis. SPSS version 21 was used to analyse data and to produce descriptive statistics. Results Most of the mothers (95%) responded among parents. 67% had no health insurance to cover medications costs. Most of them (74%) were related to medium income level. Seventy per cent of the parents believed physicians as a source of information for judicious antibiotics use. Interestingly, only 8% were agreed that most of the upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viral reasons. Majority of Saudi parents (53%) expect pediatricians to prescribe antimicrobials for their children for symptoms like a cough, nose discharge, sore throat and fever. Moreover, most the parents had the poor knowledge to differentiate commonly used OTC medications for URTI and antibiotics like Augmentin (Co-amoxiclav), Ceclor (cefaclor) and Erythrocin (Erythromycin). While comparing males and female’s knowledge level, few males have identified Amoxil (Amoxicillin). Similarly, parents of age 20–30 years have good knowledge about the antibiotics. Conclusions Majority of Saudi parents believe in pediatricians and use antibiotics on physician’s advice. Most of them expect antibiotics from their physicians as a primary treatment for upper respiratory tract infections. There is need for more educational activities to parents by the pharmacists to prevent antibiotics overuse among children
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