Compressive Sampling of Speech Signals

Compressive sampling is an evolving technique that promises to effectively recover a sparsesignal from far fewer measurements than its dimension. The compressive sampling theoryassures almost an exact recovery of a sparse signal if the signal is sensed randomly where thenumber of the measurements taken is proportional to the sparsity level and a log factor of thesignal dimension. Encouraged by this emerging technique, we study the application ofcompressive sampling to speech signals.The speech signal is very dense in its natural domain; however speech residuals obtainedfrom linear prediction analysis of speech are nearly sparse. We apply compressive sampling tospeech signals, not directly but on the speech residuals obtained by conventional and robustlinear prediction techniques. We use a random measurement matrix to acquire the data then use§¤-1 minimization algorithms to recover the data. The recovered residuals are then used tosynthesize the speech signal. It was found that the compressive sampling process successfullyrecovers speech recorded both in clean and noisy environments. We further show that the qualityof the speech resulting from the compressed sampling process can be considerably enhanced byspectrally shaping the error spectrum. The recovered speech quality is said to be of high qualitywith SNR up to 15 dB at a compression factor of 0.4

Clinical Impact of Custodiol Cardioplegic Solution on Patients Undergoing Complex Cardiac Surgery With Mild to Moderate Impairment of Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Background: The Bretschneider HTK solution is used widely for multiorgan preservation for transplantation, as well as a cardioplegic agent that allows single dose administration which is an attractive option for lengthy complex cardiac surgery. It was proved that it is simple to use, safe and practical. Moreover, it is considered to confer sufficient myocardial protection for more than 2 h of cardiac arrest. We undertook this descriptive study to analyze the performance of HTK solution in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery with mild to moderate impairment of left ventricular systolic function. Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients underwent different complex cardiac surgery at national heart institute from January 2015 to November 2016 using single dose Custodiol cardioplegia as the primary and sole cardioplegic agent, their data was prospectively collected and their hospital outcome was analyzed as regards to ten study endpoints namely Prolonged ventilation, return to theatre for bleeding, renal failure, stroke, 30 days mortality, postoperative MI, need for inotropes, time on inotropes, ICU stay and hospital stay. Pre- and postoperative echocardiography was done to compare and evaluate the change of LV function using the parameters of End Systolic Dimension, End Diastolic Dimension, Fraction Shortening and Ejection Fraction of the left ventricle. Results: Half of the patients were males. Their age ranged between 16 – 65 years with a mean (standard deviation) of 47.46(11.10). preoperative ejection fraction ranged from 30 % to 49% with a mean (standard deviation) of 41.8 (6.32), the majority of them (64%) had NYHA class of 3 and half of them had CCS of 3. all patients were done electively. The most common procedure done was redo DVR 24% (12 patients) followed by Bentall operation 22%(11 patients). This is followed by CABG + MVR 7 patients (14%), then an equal number of 6 patients (12%) who underwent redo MVR post-infective endocarditis and CABG+ MVrep. The repair of tricuspid valve was done for 14 patients (28%) either with MVR or DVR. 4 patients (8%) had CABG +AVR for their combined lesions and another equal number of two patients (4%) underwent redo CABG and AVR + conduit (valve separate tube graft operation). prolonged ventilation occurred in 20% of the cases. An equal percentage of 6% of the patients had to return to the operative room and had postoperative MI. Renal failure occurred in 4% of the patients and as far as 30-day mortality is concerned, a similar 4% of patients died within this period. EF and FS were very similar when compared together (41.8 ± 6.32 %, 20.8 ± 2.35 % preoperatively compared to 41.92 ± 7.49%, 20.85 ± 3.25% postoperatively). P value was insignificant (0.937 and 0.929) respectively. Conclusion: A single dose of an HTK cardioplegic solution provides good myocardial protection in complex cardiac surgery with mild to moderate impairment of LV function and has a good immediate postoperative outcome

Video Analysis by Deep Learning

The tasks of automatically classifying the content of videos or predicting the outcome of a series of events occurring in a sequence of frames, while may sound simple, are still very challenging research areas despite the vast improvement in computing hardware and the easy access to large sets of data. In our work, we extend machine learning techniques to comprehend videos by tackling three challenging tasks: video classification on the full-length video level, video classification both on the level of actions performed in certain frames and the full-length video level, and action prediction of upcoming events. Classification on the video level is a classic machine learning problem that has been addressed previously. We address this problem both using a standard deep learning approach, where a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained on video frames then a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network is used to aggregate the features learned by the CNN into a single video label. And we introduce a different approach that uses still images of a data set that is independent on the video data set to train a CNN that is later used to classify a selection of video frames and make a conclusion about the video class. Our approach results in a classification accuracy that ranges between 91% and 94% when processing only 10 to 300 video frames, respectively, of the test videos on a subset of the YouTube Sports-1M dataset. Classification on the actions level and the video class level is not a well-addressed problem. We tackle the challenge by using a hybrid CNN-Hidden Markov Model (HMM) system where a dictionary of actions is constructed from the training data and is used to detect a sequence of video actions then map this actions sequence into a video class for the entire video. Our approach detects the actions in videos of the Actions for Cooking Eggs (ACE) data set with an accuracy of 79% while classifying the videos with a 100% accuracy. Finally, we address the problem of next action prediction by using the same hybrid CNN-HMM system to predict the next performed action when only part of the video is available. Our approach successfully predicts the next first and second performed actions in a video stream with a probability higher than 50% when 60% or more of the video is available for processing, with the prediction accuracy continuing to increase as the system gains access to more video frames

Job stress and burnout syndrome among critical care healthcare workers

Background: Among healthcare professions, critical care healthcare workers (HCWs) have one of the most stressful jobs. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between job stress and burnout syndrome (BOS) among nurses and healthcare technicians at the surgical emergency department and intensive care unit of Critical Care department at the Alexandria University Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional approach was conducted from October 2014 to March 2015. Eighty-two nurses and healthcare technicians participated in the research (response rate = 80.39%). Data was collected by an interview questionnaire using selected subscales of NIOSH Generic job stress Questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory of Health and human service Questionnaire. The relationship between BOS and job stress was examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses.Results: Although majority of participants reported variation of workload (84.15%), quantitative overload (76.8%), responsibility for peoples’ life (69.5%) and lack of perceived control (63.41%), yet, 85.4% were satisfied with their job. Moreover, high levels of emotional exhaustion was reported by the majority of participants (80%), while less than one third reported either high levels of depersonalization or low levels of personal accomplishment domains of BOS. In multiple regression analysis, skill underutilization, variation in workload, and intragroup conflicts were negatively associated with BOS domains. While, job satisfaction and responsibility for peoples’ life were positively associated with personal accomplishment domain of BOS.Conclusion: Critical care HCWs had high BOS. The study concluded that reducing intragroup conflict, improving skills utilization, and raising job satisfaction are crucial to reduce BOS among critical care HCWs. More attention and psychological support is recommended to critical care HCWs.Keywords: Burnout syndrome, Critical care, Healthcare workers, Job stress, Nurse

Serum Levels of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 2 in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis With Duration More Than 2 Years: Correlation With Cardiac and Pulmonary Abnormalities

In this study, we measured the serum concentration of TIMP-2 in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and explored its possible correlation with cardiac and pulmonary lesions. We studied 42 patients with SSc, with duration equal to or more than 2 years. CT chest, ECG, echocardiography, and serum TIMP-2 concentration measurement using ELISA technique were performed in all patients and in 25 normal controls. The mean serum levels of TIMP-2 in patients was higher than in controls (P = .005). The mean CT score of dSSc patients with elevated TIMP-2 levels was significantly higher than dSSc patients with normal levels (P = .013). Four patients out of five with elevated TIMP-2 levels showed diastolic dysfunction (80%), compared to 2 out of 15 lSSc patients with normal levels (13.3%), with P = .014. Our research, though involving a small group of patients, points to the probable role of TIMP-2 in the development of pulmonary lesions in dSSc patients and cardiac lesions in lSSc patients with duration equal to or more than 2 years

Geospatial modeling of optimal zones for sustainable urbanization in southwestern NEOM, Saudi Arabia using geomatics techniques

Our study meticulously pursued its objectives through a strategic data-gathering approach and a thorough analytical evaluation. In the data collection phase, we undertook an exhaustive accumulation of geographical and environmental information, utilizing high-resolution satellite images and diverse thematic maps. We employed GIS-based models and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to effectively determine the most suitable areas for urban development. These models pinpointed zones along the coastal areas and nearby plains, spanning 198.89 square kilometers or 8.25% of the total study area, as highly appropriate for development due to their potential for desalination and tourism, and proximity to vital infrastructure such as the forthcoming NEOM airport and high-speed railway connections. The findings from the Southwestern NEOM model corroborate with NEOM’s strategic goals, especially validating the chosen location for The Line. This location is considered ideal due to its accessibility, terrain suitability, and capability to incorporate renewable energy and sustainable water management, thereby supporting the strategic aims and placement of the initiative. This not only highlights the strategic positioning of these areas but also aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification and sustainable development. Together, these actions have established a comprehensive framework for urban planning that respects environmental conservation and promotes sustainable development objectives. By incorporating socio-economic and cultural factors, our research offers a well-rounded approach to urban development, ensuring that new infrastructure is both environmentally considerate and strategically situated to promote enduring growth and community wellbeing in Southwestern NEOM

Bioassay-guided isolation, metabolic profiling, and docking studies of hyaluronidase inhibitors from Ravenala madagascariensis

Hyaluronidase enzyme (HAase) has a role in the dissolution or disintegration of hyaluronic acid (HA) and in maintaining the heathy state of skin. Bioassay-guided fractionation of Ravenala madagascariensis (Sonn.) organ extracts (leaf, flower, stem, and root) testing for hyaluronidase inhibition was performed followed by metabolic profiling using LC–HRMS. Additionally, a hyaluronidase docking study was achieved using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE). Results showed that the crude hydroalcoholic (70% EtOH) extract of the leaves as well as its n-butanol (n-BuOH) partition showed higher HAase activity with 64.3% inhibition. Metabolic analysis of R. madagascariensis resulted in the identification of 19 phenolic compounds ranging from different chemical classes (flavone glycosides, flavonol glycosides, and flavanol aglycones). Bioassay-guided purification of the leaf n-BuOH partition led to the isolation of seven compounds that were identified as narcissin, rutin, epiafzelechin, epicatechin, isorhamnetin 7-O-glucoside, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin-7-O-rutinoside. The docking study showed that narcissin, rutin, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside all interact with HAase through hydrogen bonding with the Asp111, Gln271, and/or Glu113 residues. Our results highlight Ravenala madagascariensis and its flavonoids as promising hyaluronidase inhibitors in natural cosmetology preparations for skin care

The cardioprotective effects of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (flaxseed lignan) against cafeteria diet-induced cardiac fibrosis and vascular injury in rats: an insight into apelin/AMPK/FOXO3a signaling pathways

Introduction: Fast food is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Apelin, the endogenous adipokine, can protect against cardiovascular disease via activating its receptor, APJ. Concurrently, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a flaxseed lignan extract (FLE), showed a therapeutic impact on atherosclerosis. The current study aimed to examine the effect of SDG on cafeteria diet (CAFD)-induced vascular injury and cardiac fibrosis via tracking the involvement of the apelin/APJ pathway.Methods: Thirty male rats were allocated into control, FLE-, CAFD-, CAFD/FLE-, and CAFD/FLE/F13A-treated rats, where F13A is an APJ blocker. All treatments lasted for 12 weeks.Results and discussion: The CAFD-induced cardiovascular injury was evidenced by histological distortions, dyslipidemia, elevated atherogenic indices, cardiac troponin I, collagen percentage, glycogen content, and apoptotic markers. CAFD increased both the gene and protein expression levels of cardiac APJ, apelin, and FOXO3a, in addition to increasing endothelin-1, VCAM1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 serum levels and upregulating cardiac MMP-9 gene expression. Moreover, CAFD reduced serum paraoxonase 1 and nitric oxide levels, cardiac AMPK, and nuclear Nrf2 expression. FLE attenuated CAFD-induced cardiovascular injury. Such effect was reduced in rats receiving the APJ blocker, implicating the involvement of apelin/APJ in FLE protective mechanisms.Conclusion: FLE supplementation abrogated CAFD-induced cardiac injury and endothelial dysfunction in an apelin/APJ-dependent manner

Whole-genome sequencing of Listeria innocua recovered from retail milk and dairy products in Egypt

The similarity of the Listeria innocua genome with Listeria monocytogenes and their presence in the same niche may facilitate gene transfer between them. A better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for bacterial virulence requires an in-depth knowledge of the genetic characteristics of these bacteria. In this context, draft whole genome sequences were completed on five L. innocua isolated from milk and dairy products in Egypt. The assembled sequences were screened for antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, plasmid replicons and multilocus sequence types (MLST); phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced isolates was also performed. The sequencing results revealed the presence of only one antimicrobial resistance gene, fosX, in the L. innocua isolates. However, the five isolates carried 13 virulence genes involved in adhesion, invasion, surface protein anchoring, peptidoglycan degradation, intracellular survival, and heat stress; all five lacked the Listeria Pathogenicity Island 1 (LIPI-1) genes. MLST assigned these five isolates into the same sequence type (ST), ST-1085; however, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogenetic analysis revealed 422–1,091 SNP differences between our isolates and global lineages of L. innocua. The five isolates possessed an ATP-dependent protease (clpL) gene, which mediates heat resistance, on a rep25 type plasmids. Blast analysis of clpL-carrying plasmid contigs showed approximately 99% sequence similarity to the corresponding parts of plasmids of L. monocytogenes strains 2015TE24968 and N1-011A previously isolated from Italy and the United States, respectively. Although this plasmid has been linked to L. monocytogenes that was responsible for a serious outbreak, this is the first report of L. innocua containing clpL-carrying plasmids. Various genetic mechanisms of virulence transfer among Listeria species and other genera could raise the possibility of the evolution of virulent strains of L. innocua. Such strains could challenge processing and preservation protocols and pose health risks from dairy products. Ongoing genomic research is necessary to identify these alarming genetic changes and develop preventive and control measures

Isolation, Phylogenetic Analysis and Anti-infective Activity Screening of Marine Sponge-Associated Actinomycetes

Terrestrial actinomycetes are noteworthy producers of a multitude of antibiotics, however the marine representatives are much less studied in this regard. In this study, 90 actinomycetes were isolated from 11 different species of marine sponges that had been collected from offshore Ras Mohamed (Egypt) and from Rovinj (Croatia). Phylogenetic characterization of the isolates based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing supported their assignment to 18 different actinomycete genera representing seven different suborders. Fourteen putatively novel species were identified based on sequence similarity values below 98.2% to other strains in the NCBI database. A putative new genus related to Rubrobacter was isolated on M1 agar that had been amended with sponge extract, thus highlighting the need for innovative cultivation protocols. Testing for anti-infective activities was performed against clinically relevant, Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, fungi (Candida albicans) and human parasites (Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei). Bioactivities against these pathogens were documented for 10 actinomycete isolates. These results show a high diversity of actinomycetes associated with marine sponges as well as highlight their potential to produce anti-infective agents