MAC-REALM: A video content feature extraction and modelling framework

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.A consequence of the ‘data deluge’ is the exponential increase in digital video footage, while the ability to find relevant video clips diminishes. Traditional text based search engines are no longer optimal for searching, as they cannot provide a granular search of the content inside video footage. To be able to search the video in a content based manner, the content features of the video need to be extracted and modelled into a content model, which can then act as a searchable proxy for the video content. This thesis focuses on the extraction of syntactic and semantic content features and content modelling, using machine driven processes, with either little or no user interaction. Our abstract framework design extracts syntactic and semantic content features and compiles them into an integrated content model. The framework integrates a four plane strategy that consists of a pre-processing plane that removes redundant data and filters the media to improve the feature extraction properties of the media; a syntactic feature extraction plane that extracts low level syntactic feature and mid-level syntactic features that have semantic attributes; a semantic relationship analysis and linkage plane, where the spatial and temporal relationships of all the content features are defined, and finally a content modelling stage where the syntactic and semantic content features are integrated into a content model. Each of the four planes can be split into three layers namely, the content layer, where the content to be processed is stored; the application layer, where the content is converted into content descriptions, and the MPEG-7 layer, where content descriptions are serialised. Using MPEG-7 standards to produce the content model will provide wide-ranging interoperability, while facilitating granular multi-content type searches. The framework is aiming to ‘bridge’ the semantic gap, by integrating the syntactic and semantic content features from extraction through to modelling. The design of the framework has been implemented into a prototype called MAC-REALM, which has been tested and evaluated for its effectiveness to extract and model content features. Conclusions are drawn about the research output as a whole and whether they have met the objectives. Finally, future work is presented on how concept detection and crowd sourcing can be used with MAC-REALM

Case Study of Online Flipped Learning in Higher Education

Due to a world-wide health emergency, higher education instructors were compelled to adapt their courses from traditional in-person classes to remote learning. In this case study, we investigated the use of flipped learning for this adaptation process from diverse higher education instructors’ perspectives. To mitigate social distancing requirements, instructors included synchronous and asynchronous components in using the flipped approach to their courses. The use of video conferencing synchronous sessions to replace the in-person class time showed a nuanced approach to flipped learning that required exploration. Instructors from distinct academic settings were interviewed on their experience in using the flipped approach in their courses adapted for maintaining social distancing protocol. Using case methodology, nine instructors from various locations and disciplines were interviewed on how they transformed their courses utilizing flipped approaches. Findings from the interview texts showed the distinction of asynchronous and synchronous elements, as key components of fully online flipped learning environments. Findings in this study highlights the importance of supporting student engagement for autonomous learning in courses using online flipped learning approaches. Implications for the support of student self-determined learning through the implementation of synchronous and asynchronous learning components are discussed

An Experimental Study of the Performance of Prospective Teachers of Flipped Classroom and Non-Flipped Classroom

Video-recording of lectures and creating of podcasts for playback on the computer and other portable devices which accommodate the new formats of self-developed learning are identified as flipped classroom. The study was focused on the objective to Investigate performance of prospective teachers of flipped classroom and non-flipped classroom with respect to flipped classroom strategy. Therefore, null hypotheses were formulated; there is no significant difference between the mean scores of flipped classroom and non-flipped classroom of prospective teachers before and after treatment; Pretest posttest equivalent group experimental research design was taken for the study. A paired random sampling technique was employed to select the sample on the basis of pretest scores from the subjects.. Experimental group was named flipped classroom and control group was named non-flipped classroom. Treatment of flipped classroom strategy provided to the flipped classroom and the non-flipped classroom was thought through lecture demonstration method. Posttest was administered to collect data from both groups without delay after treatment of six academic weeks. Results of the study illustrated that there was significant difference between the performance of flipped and non-flipped classrooms prospective teachers. It was recommended that flipped classroom may be an integral part of curriculum of professional development courses in Pakistan

Urinary incontinence: Understanding the silent plight of women

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as the complaint of involuntary loss of urine. UI affects both men and women but is more common in women. It has been identified as a World Health Organization priority. The burden related to UI at local, national, and global levels is huge and its impact in terms of physical, social, mental, and financial aspects makes it a concerning issue. However, there exist several barriers in terms of knowledge and attitude in seeking healthcare among women experiencing UI. This calls upon a multi-disciplinary approach involving professionals from different disciplines and tackling it with collaborative and collective efforts

Impact of Ramadan fasting on thyroid status and quality of life in patients with primary hypothyroidism: A prospective cohort study from Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from predawn to sunset and major changes occur in their dietary, sleep, and physical activity patterns. Most patients with hypothyroidism are unable to comply with the proper timings of levothyroxine (LT4) administration. The objective of the study was to determine the change in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and quality of life (QOL) before and after Ramadan in patients with primary hypothyroidism.Methods: This prospective cohort study included adult patients on stable doses of LT4 who fasted for at least 20 days during the month of Ramadan in the Islamic year 1437 Hijri (June/July 2016). Baseline characteristics and TSH levels were recorded on all consenting patients within 6 weeks prior to Ramadan. Post-Ramadan TSH was tested within 1 to 2 weeks after Eid-ul-Fitr.Results: During the study period, 64 patients with hypothyroidism were enrolled, of which 58 were female. The mean age of participants was 44.2 ± 13.2 years. Average daily dose of LT4 was 95.3 ± 35.4 μg. On average, patients fasted for 26.5 days and missed a dose of LT4 on 1.27 days. Mean TSH pre-Ramadan was 2.37 ± 1.35 mIU/L, and post-Ramadan, it was 4.69 ± 3.87 mIU/L. Mean difference between TSH pre- and post-Ramadan was 2.32 ± 3.80 mIU/L ( P\u3c.001). However, the difference in TSH was not significantly different between those who were compliant with meals and LT4 interval versus those who were not (compliant, 2.04 mIU/L; noncompliant, 3.15 mIU/L; P = .30). Overall, an increase in QOL scores in the domains of physical health, psychological health, and social relationships was observed after Ramadan.Conclusion: We observed statistically significant changes in TSH concentrations after the month of Ramadan in hypothyroid patients who fasted. The change in TSH was not affected by timing of LT4 intake and interval from meal

Important steps to maintain the privacy of patients in the hospital

Women are considered as vulnerable groups in our society in spite of their defined women rights by various laws. This shows that unfortunately these laws are not implemented practically in the real life. Society is shaped by the individuals and everyone should be responsible for advocating their own rights as well as the right of others especially of the vulnerable groups within the population

Microalbuminuria in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus; the tip of iceberg of diabetic complications.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its association with hypertension and other diabetic complications among Type-2 diabetic patients attending at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. Methods: 1280 Type-2 diabetes patients who visited the outpatient department of Aga Khan University Hospital from September 2014 to August 2016 were included in the study. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed if spot urinary microalbumin excretion was confirmed to be more than 20mg/l. Hypertension was diagnosed if BP \u3e140/90 or already on antihypertensive medications. Other demographic, clinical and laboratory data were also recorded. Results: Microalbuminuria was diagnosed in 404(31.56%) patients and among these albuminuric patients 335(82.9%) had hypertension. They were also dyslipidemic, having raised triglyceride levels, lower HDL levels, with more prevalence of background diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy. They also showed higher HbA1C levels and longer duration of diabetes. Conclusion: The prevalence of the microalbuminuria in our patients with Type-2 diabetes is 31.56% and is not only an early sign of diabetic nephropathy but also a host of other diabetic complications and should be dealt early with strict control of their hyperglycemia and hypertension to help prevent the future complications

Burden of Diabetes Mellitus and Role of Telemedicine in its Management: Narrative Review

Objective: The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings regarding the prevalence and risk factors of Diabetes Mellitusin developed and developing world and to review the management options for Diabetes Mellitus especially the role of telemedicine. Methodology: Extensive literature review was carried by retrieving articles from various databases like Pub med, Google scholar, Science direct, Scopus and Archives of Medicine. Relevant articles were retrieved from different databases by using text words and phrases like ‘Diabetes Mellitus’, ‘Management’, ‘risk factors’, ‘prevalence of Diabetes’, ‘telemedicine’, ‘e- health’. Types of studies were descriptive studies, systematic reviews and various reports. Findings: Various supporting systems have been made to upgrade the management of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus including mobile phones and internet. Mobile phones and internet are mechanical support tools for the patients with type 2 DM to improve their health by facilitating good communication between the patients and their respective health care providers. Conclusion: There are multiple ways of managing Diabetes Mellitus ranging from oral medicines to insulin. These can be done either through the visits to the patients or the patients can be reminded to take the medicines through telemedicine. Telemedicine can play an important role in managing the patients with chronic diseases including Diabetes Mellitus