48 research outputs found

    Cellular Harmony Search for Optimization Problems

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    Structured population in evolutionary algorithms (EAs) is an important research track where an individual only interacts with its neighboring individuals in the breeding step. The main rationale behind this is to provide a high level of diversity to overcome the genetic drift. Cellular automata concepts have been embedded to the process of EA in order to provide a decentralized method in order to preserve the population structure. Harmony search (HS) is a recent EA that considers the whole individuals in the breeding step. In this paper, the cellular automata concepts are embedded into the HS algorithm to come up with a new version called cellular harmony search (cHS). In cHS, the population is arranged as a two-dimensional toroidal grid, where each individual in the grid is a cell and only interacts with its neighbors.Thememory consideration and population update aremodified according to cellular EA theory. The experimental results using benchmark functions show that embedding the cellular automata concepts with HS processes directly affects the performance. Finally, a parameter sensitivity analysis of the cHS variation is analyzed and a comparative evaluation shows the success of cHS

    Growth performance of two lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck] cultivars budded on three rootstocks, Gezira State, Sudan

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         Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck ], family Rutaceae, is one of the world's major fruit crops with global popularity contributing to human diets. Lemon rootstocks and scion cultivars play an important role in the rapid development of citrus in the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of two lemon cultivars budded on three rootstocks under Gezira State conditions, Sudan. The experiment was conducted in the nursery of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan, in 2017.Volcamariana, Rough Lemon and Macrophylla rootstocks were grafted with buds of Eureka and Teresa cultivars. The T- budding technique was used in this study. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Parameters measured were rootstock height and thickness, height of scion, number of branches, length of branches and stem circumference of the scion. The parameters were recorded for 10 months.  Rootstocks were significantly different in their vegetative growth.  Rough Lemon rootstock resulted in the best vegetative growth.  However, there were no significant differences in growth parameters between Volkameriana and Macrophylla rootstocks. Lemon cultivars were highly significantly different in their vegetative performance. Teresa lemon cultivar resulted in the largest plant height (73.9 cm), number of branches (27), length of branches (68 cm) and stem circumference (11.8 cm). The interaction effects of rootstocks and cultivars on vegetative performance of lemon were significant. The largest plant height (84.33 cm), number of branches (31.7), length of branches (75.7 cm) and stem circumference (12.3 cm) were obtained by Teresa cultivar budded on Rough Lemon rootstock and the smallest parameters were obtained by Eureka cultivar budded on Volkameriana, whereas the smallest length of branches (55.3) and stem circumference (9.5 cm) were obtained by Eureka cultivar budded on Macrophylla. Depending on the results of this study, it is recommended to bud the lemon cultivar Teresa on Rough Lemon rootstock under Gezira State Conditions, to obtain the best growth performance

    Text documents clustering using modified multi-verse optimizer

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    In this study, a multi-verse optimizer (MVO) is utilised for the text document clus- tering (TDC) problem. TDC is treated as a discrete optimization problem, and an objective function based on the Euclidean distance is applied as similarity measure. TDC is tackled by the division of the documents into clusters; documents belonging to the same cluster are similar, whereas those belonging to different clusters are dissimilar. MVO, which is a recent metaheuristic optimization algorithm established for continuous optimization problems, can intelligently navigate different areas in the search space and search deeply in each area using a particular learning mechanism. The proposed algorithm is called MVOTDC, and it adopts the convergence behaviour of MVO operators to deal with discrete, rather than continuous, optimization problems. For evaluating MVOTDC, a comprehensive comparative study is conducted on six text document datasets with various numbers of documents and clusters. The quality of the final results is assessed using precision, recall, F-measure, entropy accuracy, and purity measures. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method performs competitively in comparison with state-of-the-art algorithms. Statistical analysis is also conducted and shows that MVOTDC can produce significant results in comparison with three well-established methods

    Face Plastic Surgery Recognition Model Based on Neural Network and Meta-Learning Model 

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    Facial recognition is a procedure of verifying a person's identity by using the face, which is considered one of the biometric security methods. However, facial recognition methods face many challenges, such as face aging, wearing a face mask, having a beard, and undergoing plastic surgery, which decreases the accuracy of these methods.This study evaluates the impact of plastic surgery on face recognition models. The motivation for conducting the research in that aspect is because plastic surgery treatments do not only change the shape and texture of any face but also have increased rapidly in this era. This paper proposes a model based on an artificial neural network with model-agnostic meta-learning (ANN-MAML) for plastic surgery face recognition. This study aims to build a framework for face recognition before and after undergoing plastic surgery based on an artificial neural network. Also, the study seeks to clarify the collaboration between facial plastic surgery and facial recognition software to determine the issues. The researchers evaluated the proposed ANN-MAML's performance using the HDA dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed ANN-MAML learning model attained an accuracy of 90% in facial recognition using Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery) images, 91% on Blepharoplasty surgery (Eyelid surgery) images, 94% on Brow lift (Forehead surgery) images, as well as 92% on Rhytidectomy (Facelift) images. Finally, the results of the proposed model were compared with the baseline methods by the researchers, which showed the superiority of the ANN-MAML over the baselines.&nbsp

    THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS IMPACT IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAJOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY IN SUDAN

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    Objective: Venous thromboembolism is an important complication of major orthopedic surgery. The aim of present study was to investigate the efficacy of the currently used thromboprophylaxis protocol, determine the incidence of VTE post operatively and the risk factors behind it in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study for 403 patients underwent major orthopedic surgery from July 2013 to July 2014 in main hospitals in Khartoum state where major orthopedic surgery performed. Data were collected using observation checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 22 to study the association between the type of surgery, patient’s risk factors, choice and duration of thromboprophylaxis and development of VTE after major orthopedic surgery. Results: Total 403 patients were incorporated the study, 2.73% were diagnosed with DVT developed within 5 days post operatively. 1.64% of the patients not received any type of thromboprophylaxis, 0.27% wore compression stocking. Pharmacological methods were used in the rest of the patients, 96.72% administered to them enoxaparine. 75.95% of the patients presented with one or more than one risk factors for VTE other than the orthopedic surgery. 4% of patients received thromboprophylaxis for more than 14 days while 96% received it for 3-5 days. The incidence of DVT was higher in diabetic patients (p- value= 0.03) and hypertensive (p- value= 0.046) who aged ≥60 years. Conclusion: Results showed that VTE was a significant complication of major orthopedic surgery, despite the use of thromboprophylaxis and the incidence was 2.73% in our study.                             Peer Review History: Received 13 June 2020; Revised 25 June; Accepted 6 July, Available online 15 July 2020 Academic Editor: Essam Mohamed Eissa, Beni-Suef University, Egypt, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:                Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Michael Otakhor Erhunmwunse, St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, Nigeria, [email protected]  Francesco Ferrara, USL Umbria, Pharmacy Department, Perugia, Italy, [email protected]  Similar Articles: PREVALENCE OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IGG ANTIBODIES, POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS AND AWARENESS OF CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS AMONG FEMALE DOCTOR

    Sufficiency and Efficiency of Field Training for Radiology Students During Internship Experience in Najran University, Saudi Arabia

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    Purpose: The study was design to evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of the internship period employing quantitative study descriptive survey approach.   Theoretical framework: Internship is requirement of every student of radiology program of Radiological Sciences patch for the award of bachelor's degree at Najran University, Saudi Arabia. The competency level would demonstrate influence the sufficiency and efficiency of clinical training during internship period which represent six months after completing nine levels of radiology program.   Design\Methodology\Approach: The survey was distributed to the tow levels of the last year of radiological sciences which composed of 81 male and female students which gathered seventy-seven (77) participants. Data collected through a questionnaire and summarized as percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations using SPSS version 20.0.   Findings: The study revealed un adequacy of the internship period and showed low efficiency due to its short duration.   Research, Practical, Social Implication:The research construct and variables are identified the effectiveness and adequacy of the internship period.this  study will be the modele of internship with a new qualitative change related to a period of time acceptable to students, similar to other universities.   Originality/Value: The originality and value in this study are the framework conceptance and questionnaire that prepared and proved for evaluating the effectiveness and adequacy of the internship period for student of radiology program.   Conclusion: In general internship period must be efficient and adequate to enhance sufficiency and efficiency experience by intern trainees

    Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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    BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

    Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

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    Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised

    Pooled analysis of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist use and mortality after emergency laparotomy

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    Background The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist has fostered safe practice for 10 years, yet its place in emergency surgery has not been assessed on a global scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate reported checklist use in emergency settings and examine the relationship with perioperative mortality in patients who had emergency laparotomy. Methods In two multinational cohort studies, adults undergoing emergency laparotomy were compared with those having elective gastrointestinal surgery. Relationships between reported checklist use and mortality were determined using multivariable logistic regression and bootstrapped simulation. Results Of 12 296 patients included from 76 countries, 4843 underwent emergency laparotomy. After adjusting for patient and disease factors, checklist use before emergency laparotomy was more common in countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI) (2455 of 2741, 89.6 per cent) compared with that in countries with a middle (753 of 1242, 60.6 per cent; odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95 per cent c.i. 0.14 to 0.21, P <0001) or low (363 of 860, 422 per cent; OR 008, 007 to 010, P <0.001) HDI. Checklist use was less common in elective surgery than for emergency laparotomy in high-HDI countries (risk difference -94 (95 per cent c.i. -11.9 to -6.9) per cent; P <0001), but the relationship was reversed in low-HDI countries (+121 (+7.0 to +173) per cent; P <0001). In multivariable models, checklist use was associated with a lower 30-day perioperative mortality (OR 0.60, 0.50 to 073; P <0.001). The greatest absolute benefit was seen for emergency surgery in low- and middle-HDI countries. Conclusion Checklist use in emergency laparotomy was associated with a significantly lower perioperative mortality rate. Checklist use in low-HDI countries was half that in high-HDI countries.Peer reviewe

    Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

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    Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P &lt; 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely
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