Fair and Diverse Group Formation Based on Multidimensional Features

The goal of group formation is to build a team to accomplish a specific task. Algorithms are being developed to improve the team\u27s effectiveness so formed and the efficiency of the group selection process. However, there is concern that team formation algorithms could be biased against minorities due to the algorithms themselves or the data on which they are trained. Hence, it is essential to build fair team formation systems that incorporate demographic information into the process of building the group. Although there has been extensive work on modeling individuals’ expertise for expert recommendation and/or team formation, there has been relatively little prior work on modeling demographics and incorporating demographics into the group formation process. We propose a novel method to represent experts’ demographic profiles based on multidimensional demographic features. Moreover, we introduce three diversity ranking algorithms that form a group by considering demographic features along with the minimum required skills. Unlike many ranking algorithms that consider one Boolean demographic feature (e.g., gender or race), our diversity ranking algorithms consider multiple demographic features simultaneously. Finally, we introduce a fair team formation algorithm that balances each candidate\u27s demographic information and expertise. We evaluate our proposed algorithms using real datasets based on members of a computer science program committee. The result shows that our algorithms form a program committee that is more diverse with an acceptable loss in utility

INFLUENCE OF MICRODAMAGE HEALING ON STRESS AND DISPLACEMENT FIELDS NEAR A CRACK TIP

Asphalt is one of the most common materials in pavement construction in the world. The United States has more than 4.3 million kilometers of roads and highways, with 94 percent of those being flexible pavement according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Moreover, the asphalt mixture is a complex material which is a blend of asphalt binder, aggregate, and air voids. The properties of these components have a major impact on the overall performance of the asphalt mixture. Furthermore, asphalt concrete pavement is affected by traffic loading, temperature, moisture, and aging. Pavement deteriorates under the abovementioned conditions; for example, cracking, raveling, and potholes can develop impacting pavement serviceability. Past studies have demonstrated that various asphalt mixtures have the ability to heal with time. Healing can counteract deterioration on asphalt pavements performance. Numerous researchers have proposed several models for predicting healing of microdamage in different materials. However, most of those models were developed to predict the responses under specific states, and consequently, usually do not represent the behavior of material accurately. The main purpose of this research is to study the influence of microdamage healing on stress intensity factor (SIF), displacement, and stress fields near a crack tip in the materials that have the ability to heal. The microdamage healing model that is used in this study considers the effects of both instantaneous healing and time-dependent bonding strength. The results indicate that an increase in the value of bonding strength and the length of the healing process zone lead to a reduction in both stress and displacement fields near the crack tip

The nutritional, hormonal and vitamin status in overweight and obesity

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic which is increasing dramatically in overwhelming rates among males and females of all age categories in developing and developed countries.Methods: The first phase of the project involves the questionnaires which apply to all the Participants in research. We also use the lab investigation to determine the abnormality in overweight and obese people. Then we will analysis and combine the results to others research and give output and recommendation that we hope helping us to limiting of increase incidence of obesity.Results: sample show that high cholesterol above normal average approximately in 31.05% of the participants while the triglyceride rate increased in 31.67%. A lack of vitamin D, as the rate did not exceed 18±6.8, in individuals with the BMI 25-29, and to be 13±8.82, in individuals with the BMI>30. Vitamin B12 rate became borderline in individuals with BMI 25-29, and deficient in individuals with BMI>30.Conclusions: Obese Saudi individuals have several nutritional deficiencies specifically in vitamins D and B12 despite their overweight. Efforts should be focused to increase awareness of healthy and weight control

Efficacy of Pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin extract on chronic periodontitis – A clinical study

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin extract as a local drug delivery system in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: A total of 20 chronic periodontitis patients participated as per the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete scaling and root planing (SRP) was done for all subjects and pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin was applied on one site. The contralateral site received SRP alone. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline and on the 28th day. Results: At the 28th-day follow-up, green tea catechin tooth sites showed significantly lower mean scores (GI = 0.55, p = 0.30 and PPD = 3.35 mm) than the corresponding SRP tooth sites (GI = 1.25, PI = 1.15, and PPD = 4.40 mm) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: When compared to scaling and root planing alone, the local drug delivery gel containing green tea catechin as an adjuvant was more effective in reducing the clinical parameters of periodontitis. Keywords: Adjuvant therapy, Camellia sinensis, Local drug delivery, Periodontal pocke

Acute Appendicitis among Saudi and Non-Saudi Patients: A Cross-Sectional Based Study

Objective: We conduct this study to discuss the differences between Saudi and non- Saudi patients with acute appendicitis.Background: Acute appendicitis is one of emergency surgeries in developing and developed countries. Its symptoms are vomiting, lower abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Appendicitis needs urgent surgical prouder to avoid its perforation and associated complications which may lead to death. Method: We conduct cross-sectional based study in one of khamis Mushayt, Saudi Araba. 136 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included and their medical records were reviewed after getting their informed consent.Results: We included 136 patients, 90 were non-Saudi and 46 were Saudi. There were no statistically differences in their diagnosis but the distribution of the diagnosis was different.Conclusion: Acute appendicitis was more prevalent among non-Saudi patients, the diagnosis between both was with no significant differences. Keywords: acute appendicitis, Saudi, non-Saudi, diagnosis, cross-sectional, Saudi Arabia and khamis Mushayt

Patient perception and attitudes toward magnetic resonance imaging safety

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners use strong, static and fast magnetic fields to form images. Due to rapid developments in MRI technology, several accidents have been recorded in hospitals worldwide as a result of insufficient knowledge about the dangers of MRI on the part of the patient or a failure to follow safety guidelines. This study evaluates patients’ perception and attitudes about MRI safety.AimsThis is a cross sectional study to evaluate the perception and attitudes of patients regarding MRI safety procedures.MethodsA 21 items questionnaire was collected from 119 patients in the MRI waiting area before the commencement of examination. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 22.0, IBM Corp, Armonk, New York). The odds (OR) and 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) were used for analysis, the level of significance was set at p=0.05 using Chi-Square test to evaluate the relationship among the variables in the questionnaire.ResultsThe responses were collected from the patients and their relatives (46 male (38.6 per cent) and 73 female (61.4 per cent)). Approximately 71 per cent of the participants have already read or heard about MRI and the related safety aspects. 76 per cent of overall participants stated that they are aware of the need for preparation before an MRI exam with more awareness of MRI safety issues among younger patients (88 per cent). In this instance, females showed a higher level of knowledge (26 per cent) compared to males (11 per cent) with p=0.035.ConclusionPatients reported insufficient information about MRI safety which may increase the potential for accidents

The impact of qat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing frequency on status of chronic periodontitis

Background: Chronic periodontitis occurs due to the reaction between bacterial components of dental plaque and the humoral and cellular host immune productions, such as cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of qat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing frequency on the status of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis were selected for this study and they were divided on the basis of qat chewing habits frequency into three equal groups, i.e., non qat chewing group (control group), qat chewing once daily and qat chewing twice daily. Plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), and Clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Gingival biopsies were obtained from selected site for assessing histopathological changes. The data were collect and analyzed by ANOVA test. Results: There were significant differences in PLI, GI, and CAL between qat chewing patients groups compared to non qat chewing patients group (control group). Histopathological study showed increased inflammatory cells in qat chewing patients groups compared to non chewing patients group. Conclusion: There was increased severity of chronic periodontitis with increased frequency of qat chewing habit daily there is a significance differences in clinical and histopathological findings between the patients in Group II and Group III (study groups) compared to Group I (control group). Clinical Significance: The current study reveal that the severity of chronic periodontitis may be increased with increased qat chewing frequency due to its traumatic effect on periodontal tissues

Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and antioxidant potential of 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid isolated from Nuxia oppositifolia

Nuxia oppositifolia is traditionally used in diabetes treatment in many Arabian countries; however, scientific evidence is lacking. Hence, the present study explored the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the plant extracts and their purified compounds. The methanolic crude extract of N. oppositifolia was partitioned using a two-solvent system. The n-hexane fraction was purified by silica gel column chromatography to yield several compounds including katononic acid and 3-oxolupenal. Antidiabetic activities were assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition. Antioxidant capacities were examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging assays. Further, the interaction between enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and ligands (3-oxolupenal and katononic acid) was followed by fluorescence quenching and molecular docking studies. 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid showed IC50 values of 46.2 µg/mL (101.6 µM) and 52.4 µg/mL (119.3 µM), respectively against the amylase inhibition. 3-oxolupenal (62.3 µg/mL or 141.9 µM) exhibited more potent inhibition against α-glucosidases compared to katononic acid (88.6 µg/mL or 194.8 µM). In terms of antioxidant activity, the relatively polar crude extract and n-butanol fraction showed the greatest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. However, the antioxidant activities of the purified compounds were in the low to moderate range. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid interacted strongly with the active site residues of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Fluorescence quenching results also suggest that 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid have a good affinity towards both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. This study provides preliminary data for the plant’s use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Applications of AI and IoT for Advancing Date Palm Cultivation in Saudi Arabia

Date palm cultivation is an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s economy. However, it faces several challenges: water scarcity, improper farm management, pests and diseases, inadequate farming practices, processing and marketing, and labor shortages. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help enrich crop management, enable predictive analytics, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability in date palm cultivation. Recently, interest in this sector has begun by applying the latest precision engineering technologies integrated with AI and IoT techniques to address these challenges. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the applications of AI and IoT-based technologies, such as sensors, ML algorithms, and data analytics, and their potential benefits and challenges in supporting date palm cultivation in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the applications of AI and IoT in smart precision irrigation, smart systems, cold storage management, pest infestation prediction, and date fruit quality optimization. In addition, the potential economic and environmental benefits of using AI and IoT in date palm cultivation in Saudi Arabia and the challenges that need to be addressed to realize these benefits fully. The chapter provides insight into the latest developments and future directions for AI and IoT in date palm cultivation, providing valuable information for researchers and policymakers