Renal Cancer Cell Nuclei Detection from Cytological Images Using Convolutional Neural Network for Estimating Proliferation Rate

The Cytological images play an essential role in monitoring the progress of cancer cell mutation. The proliferation rate of the cancer cell is the prerequisite for cancer treatment. It is hard to accurately identify the nucleus of the abnormal cell in a faster way as well as find the correct proliferation rate since it requires an in-depth manual examination, observation and cell counting, which are very tedious and time-consuming. The proposed method starts with segmentation to separate the background and object regions with K-means clustering. The small candidate regions, which contain cell region is detected based on the value of support vector machine automatically. The sets of cell regions are marked with selective search according to the local distance between the nucleus and cell boundary, whether they are overlapping or non-overlapping cell regions. After that, the selective segmented cell features are taken to learn the normal and abnormal cell nuclei separately from the regional convolutional neural network. Finally, the proliferation rate in the invasive cancer area is calculated based on the number of abnormal cells. A set of renal cancer cell cytological images is taken from the National Cancer Institute, USA and this data set is available for the research work. Quantitative evaluation of this method is performed by comparing its accuracy with the accuracy of the other state of the art cancer cell nuclei detection methods. Qualitative assessment is done based on human observation. The proposed method is able to detect renal cancer cell nuclei accurately and provide automatic proliferation rate

An Integration of Kano Model, QFD and Six Sigma to Present a New Description of DFSS

Business competitiveness is no longer a choice but a matter of survival in global market place. For any company, the continuous and timely development of new products and services, which include creative features that are expected to satisfy customers, is essential to remain competitive. At present, the companies not only focus on customer satisfaction, but also want to please them that ultimately lead them towards loyalty in future. Therefore, in-depth and quick understanding of the dynamic needs of customers can be important in the development of products and markets through a short period of time. However, there have been numerous failures in product development efforts leading towards enormous waste of time and resources. One of the reasons for this is the lack of a structured and comprehensive process for product development that utilizes powerful models and methodologies, such as Kano model, QFD and modern QI methodologies as well as the principles of concurrent engineering including cross-functional teams and timely communication. As all these methodologies share the same goals of pursuing customer satisfaction thus their integration into a common model is possible and beneficial Kano model strengthens the modern QI methodologies such as Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma approach and further enhances customers’ satisfaction level. Six Sigma is used to achieve high-levels of stability through reduction in process and product variation. This directs to an almost defect free level which is also the focus of DFSS (or DMADV) building quality upstream for existing products and new product development methods. This level is essential to the customer, but not necessarily economic. Therefore, it is important to understand the customer's needs and requirements of the target, and understanding about company's own capabilities and costs. In addition to integrating Kano model and QFD into Six Sigma, the proposed approach extends previous works on these models. This paper presents a new description of the DFSS structured approach including a simple way for calculating the degree of importance for customer requirements with the adoption of Kano factor (K).An integrated approach for DFSS is proposed for practitioners to strategically understand the VOC. It included the use of different powerful tools such as Kano model, QFD, Taguchi’s QLF, TRIZ, AHP, DOE, SIPOC and FMEA. All of these tools are relevant and have consensus in terms of solving customer problems to achieve customer satisfaction. They also complement each other and can be integrated together, within DFSS, to form a better methodology. Therefore, the integration of these tools for the DFSS method is considered to be possible and useful. This work extended the previous works regarding these tools, included new ideas and incorporated them in a new model. Kano model lies in the center of the framework as it forms a basis for a profound understanding of the customer needs. The DFSS methodology utilizes Deming’s PDCA cycle through the DMADV phases for Cl. Kano model strengthens DFSS and brings an intelligent approach to understand and prioritize customer requirements. In addition, a generic case study is used to demonstrate some of the steps in the proposed methodology about how it can be implemented. Keywords: Kano model, QFD, QI, Six Sigma, VOC, DFSS, QLF, FMEA, CI, DMADV, SIPOC, Customer satisfaction, product developmen

An Integrated Framework of Productivity Management /PIPs Through Conceptual QFD Modeling for High-Performance-Manufacturing Systems: 360o BSC Perspective

Business competitiveness is no longer a choice but a matter of survival in global market place. This competitiveness demands PIPS to be realigned and recalculated in the light of new culture of customer satisfaction and perceived quality. The employment of TQM, QFD and Balanced Scorecard coupled with high performance manufacturing concepts for exceeding customer expectations and business processes are the CSFs for design and architecture of current enhanced PIPs framework. The conceptual mapping of high performance manufacturing indices over a balanced score card scale has been conducted to redefine the direction of research work with a sole aim of earning competitiveness. The methodology radiated is the first step to manifest guidelines for planning performance based on TQM methodology for continuous improvement.The TQM and balanced-scorecard (BSC) technique is employed to predict performance expectations, voice of customers (VOC) and other set of balanced strategies into deliverable objectives. The proposed framework is expected to enhance the chance that a balanced management approach with the collaboration of all stakeholders will earn hyper efficiency and ultimately move towards the ultimate competitive advantage. The embedded smart Balanced Scorecard intelligence into design-schema is the key for futuristic development of performance improvement programs and a leap towards smart factory concept. Keywords: PIPs, TQM, QFD, Balanced Scorecard (BSC), TQM, VOC, CSFs, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Expectations, High Performance Manufacturing, smart factor

Probiotic Characterization and Population Diversity Analysis of Gut-Associated Pediococcus acidilactici for Its Potential Use in the Dairy Industry

In recent years, gut-tailored probiotics have been proven to be beneficial for host health. Probiotic strains such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to exhibit antimicrobial activity, acting as natural substitutes for the regulation of foodborne pathogens. In the present study, a complete analysis, isolation, biochemical characterization, and molecular identification of Pediococcus acidilactici (NMCC-11) from Nili Ravi water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) gut was carried out. NMCC-11 showed the best enzymatic potential, antimicrobial activity against known pathogenic strains, and survivability at a wide pH range (pH 4–pH 6) out of all isolates. The isolates were screened for their antimicrobial activity against the five most infectious microbes such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC9027), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC13932), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778) using the agar-well diffusion method. Moreover, after NMCC-11 isolation, a comparative diversity analysis against a variety of other randomly selected strains from around the world was carried out using R software. This study showed relatively low genetic diversity, which also contributed to the claim of the stability of this probiotic strain and its potential use as a starter culture and feed probiotic in the dairy industry. However, further studies are certainly warranted to determine its optimal dosage, time frame, and intake frequenc

Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals of Karachi

Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare professionals from district central, Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Hamdard University Dental Hospital, Karachi, from October 2021 to June 2022. The study population consisted of dentists, doctors and dental/medical students of clinical years. Data collection from healthcare professionals was performed using an online questionnaire through different social networking sites such as Whatsapp and Facebook. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 whereas binary logistic regression was applied for inferential analysis. Results: A total of 205 participants were included in the study with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of the study participants was 31.54±8.64 years, 121 (59.0%) of them were aged up to 30 years, 110 (53.7%) of them were females, 99 (48.3%) of them were dentist whereas 57 (27.8%) were doctors by profession. Moreover, 100 (48.8%) participants were found to have an impact of COVID-19 on their mental health. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that profession of the healthcare professionals was significantly associated with the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health where both dentists and doctors had significantly lower odds of having an impact of COVID-19 on their mental health than dental/medical students of clinical years (AOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06-0.42, p<0.001 and AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.52, p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: A little less than half of the healthcare professionals included in the study had an impact of COVID-19 on their mental health. Moreover, healthcare students had significantly higher odds of having such an impact than healthcare practitioners. Authors recommend provision of psychological counseling, implementation of safety measures and the availability of related protective equipment for the healthcare workers, particularly for dental and medical students, to enable them to deal with their patients in a minimal risk environment

Exploring knowledge and perceptions of polio disease and its immunization in polio high-risk areas of Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the few countries where poliovirus transmission still persists, despite intensive efforts to eradicate the disease. Adequate vaccination coverage is essential to achieve polio eradication, but misconceptions about polio vaccines have hindered vaccination efforts. To address this issue, we conducted a mixed-methods study to explore knowledge and perceptions regarding polio disease and immunization in high-risk areas of Pakistan. We collected quantitative data from 3780, 1258, and 2100 households in Karachi, Bajaur, and Pishin, respectively, and supplemented this with qualitative data from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Our findings reveal a high level of awareness about polio and its immunization; however, misperceptions about the polio vaccine persist, leading to refusal for both polio vaccines and routine immunizations. Our study provides up-to-date data on knowledge and perceptions of polio and its immunization and identifies critical gaps. These findings can inform the development of future strategies and innovative approaches to improve the success of the polio program in Pakistan

Probiotic Characterization and Population Diversity Analysis of Gut-Associated Pediococcus acidilactici for Its Potential Use in the Dairy Industry

In recent years, gut-tailored probiotics have been proven to be beneficial for host health. Probiotic strains such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to exhibit antimicrobial activity, acting as natural substitutes for the regulation of foodborne pathogens. In the present study, a complete analysis, isolation, biochemical characterization, and molecular identification of Pediococcus acidilactici (NMCC-11) from Nili Ravi water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) gut was carried out. NMCC-11 showed the best enzymatic potential, antimicrobial activity against known pathogenic strains, and survivability at a wide pH range (pH 4–pH 6) out of all isolates. The isolates were screened for their antimicrobial activity against the five most infectious microbes such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC9027), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC13932), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778) using the agar-well diffusion method. Moreover, after NMCC-11 isolation, a comparative diversity analysis against a variety of other randomly selected strains from around the world was carried out using R software. This study showed relatively low genetic diversity, which also contributed to the claim of the stability of this probiotic strain and its potential use as a starter culture and feed probiotic in the dairy industry. However, further studies are certainly warranted to determine its optimal dosage, time frame, and intake frequency

Practices and predictors of menstrual hygiene management material use among adolescent and young women in rural Pakistan: A cross-sectional assessment

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), women often use inappropriate materials to manage menstruation, which can threaten their health. Improper practices can also have critical downstream consequences beyond physiologic health, including restricting adolescent girls\u27 access to academic pursuits.Methods: We used cross-sectional data collected through a structured questionnaire from the menstruating adolescents and young women 15-23 years of age living in rural Pakistan (n = 25 305). We aimed to describe menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and generate a predictive model of the socioeconomic and demographic factors related to the use of MHM materials. Beliefs and barriers around MHM were also summarized. The outcome variable included: those who practiced appropriate and inappropriate MHM practices. Logistic regression was used to generate the predictive model, with results presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Inappropriate MHM practices were reported by 75% (n = 19 006) of participants. The majority 61.9% (n = 15 667) reported using old cloths, 12.6% (n = 3191) used nothing, and 0.5% (n = 136) used old cloth with a sanitary pad. One-fourth of participants reported appropriate MHM material use, including 16.2% (n = 4087) sanitary pads, 8.6% (n = 2167) new cloth, and a few reported using sanitary pads with new cloth 0.2% (n = 45). Inappropriate MHM practices were more common in lowest wealth quintile (OR = 4.41; 95% CI = 2.77-7.01, P \u3c 0.0001), followed by those with no education (OR = 3.9; 95% CI = 3.36-4.52, P \u3c 0.0001).Conclusions: The study indicates the need for multi-sectoral efforts to introduce MHM-specific and MHM-sensitive interventions to improve MHM practices, ranging from the availability of low-cost MHM materials to the inclusion of MHM education in school curriculums and within the community platforms

Epidemiology of shigella infections and diarrhea in the first two years of life using culture-independent diagnostics in 8 low-resource settings

Culture-independent diagnostics have revealed a larger burden of Shigella among children in low-resource settings than previously recognized. We further characterized the epidemiology of Shigella in the first two years of life in a multisite birth cohort. We tested 41,405 diarrheal and monthly non-diarrheal stools from 1,715 children for Shigella by quantitative PCR. To assess risk factors, clinical factors related to age and culture positivity, and associations with inflammatory biomarkers, we used log-binomial regression with generalized estimating equations. The prevalence of Shigella varied from 4.9%-17.8% in non-diarrheal stools across sites, and the incidence of Shigella-attributable diarrhea was 31.8 cases (95% CI: 29.6, 34.2) per 100 child-years. The sensitivity of culture compared to qPCR was 6.6% and increased to 27.8% in Shigella-attributable dysentery. Shigella diarrhea episodes were more likely to be severe and less likely to be culture positive in younger children. Older age (RR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.70, 1.81 per 6-month increase in age), unimproved sanitation (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.29), low maternal education (\u3c10 years, RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.26), initiating complementary foods before 3 months (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.20), and malnutrition (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.95 per unit increase in weight-for-age z-score) were risk factors for Shigella. There was a linear dose-response between Shigella quantity and myeloperoxidase concentrations. The burden of Shigella varied widely across sites, but uniformly increased through the second year of life and was associated with intestinal inflammation. Culture missed most clinically relevant cases of severe diarrhea and dysentery