141 research outputs found

    Improvement the Community Detection with Graph Autoencoder in Social Network Using Correlation-Based Feature Selection Method

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    مقدمة: في هذا البحث ، نهدف إلى تحسين طرق اكتشاف المجتمع باستخدام Graph Autoencoder. يعد اكتشاف المجتمع مرحلة حاسمة لفهم الشبكات الاجتماعية وتكوينها. طرق العمل: نقترح إطار عمل اكتشاف المجتمع باستخدام نموذج Graph Autoencoder  (CDGAE)، حيث قمنا بدمج ميزة العقد مع هيكل الشبكة كمدخل لطريقتنا. تستخدم CDGAE إستراتيجية قائمة على قياس المركزية للتعامل مع مجموعة البيانات الخالية من الميزات من خلال توفير ميزات اصطناعية لعقدها. تم تحسين أداء النموذج من خلال تطبيق تحديد الميزة على ميزات العقدة. يتمثل الابتكار الأساسي لـ CDGAE في إضافة عدد المجتمعات التي تم حسابها باستخدام Bethe Hessian Matrix في طبقة عنق الزجاجة لبنية Graph Autoencoder (GAE) ، لاستخراج المجتمعات مباشرةً دون استخدام أي خوارزميات تجميع. الاستنتاجات: وفقًا للنتائج التجريبية ، تؤدي إضافة ميزات اصطناعية إلى عقد مجموعة البيانات إلى تحسين الأداء. بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، حصلنا على نتائج افضل بكثير في اكتشاف المجتمع  باستخدام طريقة اختيار الميزة وبتعميق نموذج. أظهرت النتائج التجريبية أن نهجنا يتفوق على الخوارزميات الموجودة.Background: In this paper, we aim to improve community detection methods using Graph Autoencoder.  Community detection is a crucial stage in comprehend the purpose and composition of social networks. Materials and Methods: We propose a Community Detection framework using the Graph Autoencoder (CDGAE) model, we combined the nodes feature with the network topology as input to our method. A centrality measurement-based strategy is used by CDGAE to deal with the featureless dataset by providing artificial attributes to its nodes. The performance of the model was improved by applying feature selection to node features The basic innovation of CDGAE is that added the number of communities counted using the Bethe Hessian Matrix in the bottleneck layer of the graph autoencoder (GAE) structure, to directly extract communities without using any clustering algorithms. Results: According to experimental findings, adding artificial features to the dataset's nodes improves performance. Additionally, the outcomes in community detection were much better with the feature selection method and a deeper model. Experimental evidence has shown that our approach outperforms existing algorithms. Conclusion: In this study, we suggest a community detection framework using graph autoencoder (CDMEC). In order to take advantage of GAE's ability to combine node features with the network topology, we add node features to the featureless graph nodes using centrality measurement. By applying the feature selection to the features of the nodes, the performance of the model has improved significantly, due to the elimination of data noise. Additionally, the inclusion of the number of communities in the bottleneck layer of the GAE structure allowed us to do away with clustering algorithms, which helped decrease the complexity time. deepening the model also improved the community detection. Because social media platforms are dynamic

    Microstructural imaging of the eye and mechanical mapping of retinal tissue using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

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    The objective of this study is to investigate the structures and mechanical properties of mouse eyes in correspondence with their functions. Moreover, my work places particular emphasis on the retina as it is associated with several diseases. To measure the mechanical properties of retinal tissue, eye samples of mice are taken and analyzed utilizing Force Spectroscopy to determine the Young’s modulus. Force mapping of the sample is done by nanoindentation (force curves), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is used to image the topography of our sample. AFM and force mapping provide key information on the nanoscale mechanical properties and structure of normal tissue. This fine level of detail provides insight on a length scale relevant to an individual cell. Our results also provide a baseline structure to enable the identification of mechanical indicators for disease. Most of the diseases that affect the eyes, including glaucoma and macular degenerations involve structural changes in the eyes, for example, affecting the photoreceptor or degeneration of layers thus causing eye damage. Damage on the nanoscale is not obvious given that research in that area is still underdeveloped. Therefore, the use of nanomechanical mapping has proved to be very useful because of providing in-depth knowledge regarding the characteristic microstructure and mechanical features of the normal eye

    An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Human Capital and Organizational Performance in Hospitality Sector in Pakistan

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    Human capital is professed as a critical factor and a special resource that can elevate the firm’s performance, generally, in most of the organizations, and specifically, in labor-intensive organizations. It is considered a special resource in the hotel industry where employees have direct interaction with customers. Although a lot of research has been done, however, the question of how much and what type of human capital is required by the organization to fight in the recent rivalry is still unanswered. This study is an effort to answer the aforesaid question about human capital in the hospitality sector in Pakistan (involving five stars, four-star, and three-star hotels separately). A theoretical framework and a research conceptual model is developed on the bases of in-depth literature. A cross-sectional field survey was conducted through an adopted and valid research instrument. Questionnaires were administered to 300 respondents selected by stratified random sampling, 275 were received and 250 were perfect for further use in SPSS version 22. Statistical analysis shows the results which clearly identify the strong and significant relationship between human capital and organizational performance. Moreover, microanalysis of components of human capital depicts that innovation and creation have the most significant impact among all of the three components, on organizational performance in all types of hotels in Pakistan. Theoretically, the current study added knowledge to the literature about the constructs of human capital, organizational performance, and organization success. Practically, in the hotel industry, it contributes to strategic decision making such as employees’ training, human capital investment, regulatory decisions, developing mechanisms in order to develop human capital as a unique and valuable resource that leads to the competitive advantage of the organizations. The current study is limited to five stars, four-star and three-star hotels in Lahore, Pakistan. It an important and initial step towards establishing a measurable and empirical value of human capital for organizations in the hospitality sector. However, It opens new vistas for researchers to further investigate the phenomenon

    COVID-19 and its impact in the dental setting: A scoping review

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    The scoping review examined the evidence related to infection control and transmission measures of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a dental setting during this pandemic. Dental practitioners are normally guided in practice by set ethical principles, thus the researchers wanted to determine how these rules are managed during this pandemic

    Nurses` Perception Regarding Diabetic Wound Care at Primary Health Care Level

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    One of the challenges regarding quality of care at primary care level is diabetic wound services; where the nurses are the pillar in wound care. The study objective was to determine the perception of nurses regarding the diabetic wound services in the health centers.  A descriptive qualitative study carried in Khartoum State Sudan targeted nurses at the health centers. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was carried out using semi-structured open ended questions. Saturation of information was obtained after four FGD sessions resulted in 26 nurses. Informed consent was signed and obtained from each nurse. Two independent qualified researchers carried out content analysis of the recorded information. The results show that female to male ratio was 2:1. Most of nurses were holders of Technical Nursing Certificate. Almost all nurses have not received in-service training about diabetes and diabetic wound care. Factors affecting diabetic wound services were lack of guidelines for services and follow-up registry, insufficient consumables and dressing materials and negative patients` attitudes. In-service training on diabetic wound care was absent. Guidelines and follow up registry for diabetic wound care were not available at the health centers.  Health centers were lacking sufficient dressing and surgical materials. Strengthening the capacity of nurses and availing adequate resources and services` guidelines are recommended.

    Revisiting the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Omani Children: A multicentre study

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    Objectives: This study aimed to provide an updated estimate of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among Omani children. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted from December 2011 to December 2018. Data were retrieved from the three main autism diagnostic centres in Oman: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Royal Hospital and Al-Massarah Hospital. The ASD diagnosis was made by experienced clinicians based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The overall population prevalence estimates per 10,000 children aged 0–14 years old in Oman were calculated using the denominator of the mid-period population data. Results: A total of 1,705 ASD cases were identified with the majority of cases being male (78.1%). The overall prevalence rate of ASD was estimated at 20.35 per 10,000 children (95% confidence interval: 19.39–21.32) between 2012–2018. Boys were found to have a 3.4-fold higher prevalence of ASD than girls (31.23/10,000 versus 9.07/10,000). Regionally, the majority of cases were found in the capital, Muscat, where the highest prevalence was 36.51 cases per 10,000 children. Conclusion: The prevalence of ASD among Omani children is 15-fold higher than estimates from 2011. This increase can be attributed to improvements in diagnostic services, increased awareness of ASD, better screening programmes and changes in diagnostic criteria. In addition, this increase in prevalence suggests a need for a registry of developmental disabilities and more extensive diagnostic and rehabilitation services in Oman.Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Epidemiology; Prevalence; Oman

    The role of computer-assisted radiographer reporting in lung cancer screening programmes

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    OBJECTIVES: Successful lung cancer screening delivery requires sensitive, timely reporting of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, placing a demand on radiology resources. Trained non-radiologist readers and computer-assisted detection (CADe) software may offer strategies to optimise the use of radiology resources without loss of sensitivity. This report examines the accuracy of trained reporting radiographers using CADe support to report LDCT scans performed as part of the Lung Screen Uptake Trial (LSUT). METHODS: In this observational cohort study, two radiographers independently read all LDCT performed within LSUT and reported on the presence of clinically significant nodules and common incidental findings (IFs), including recommendations for management. Reports were compared against a 'reference standard' (RS) derived from nodules identified by study radiologists without CADe, plus consensus radiologist review of any additional nodules identified by the radiographers. RESULTS: A total of 716 scans were included, 158 of which had one or more clinically significant pulmonary nodules as per our RS. Radiographer sensitivity against the RS was 68-73.7%, with specificity of 92.1-92.7%. Sensitivity for detection of proven cancers diagnosed from the baseline scan was 83.3-100%. The spectrum of IFs exceeded what could reasonably be covered in radiographer training. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the complexity of LDCT reporting requirements, including the limitations of CADe and the breadth of IFs. We are unable to recommend CADe-supported radiographers as a sole reader of LDCT scans, but propose potential avenues for further research including initial triage of abnormal LDCT or reporting of follow-up surveillance scans. KEY POINTS: • Successful roll-out of mass screening programmes for lung cancer depends on timely, accurate CT scan reporting, placing a demand on existing radiology resources. • This observational cohort study examines the accuracy of trained radiographers using computer-assisted detection (CADe) software to report lung cancer screening CT scans, as a potential means of supporting reporting workflows in LCS programmes. • CADe-supported radiographers were less sensitive than radiologists at identifying clinically significant pulmonary nodules, but had a low false-positive rate and good sensitivity for detection of confirmed cancers

    Reviewing progress: 7 Year Trends in Characteristics of Adults and Children Enrolled at HIV Care and Treatment Clinics in the United Republic of Tanzania.

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    To evaluate the on-going scale-up of HIV programs, we assessed trends in patient characteristics at enrolment and ART initiation over 7 years of implementation. Data were from Optimal Models, a prospective open cohort study of HIV-infected (HIV+) adults (>=15 years) and children (<15 years) enrolled from January 2005 to December 2011 at 44 HIV clinics in 3 regions of mainland Tanzania (Kagera, Kigoma, Pwani) and Zanzibar. Comparative statistics for trends in characteristics of patients enrolled in 2005--2007, 2008--2009 and 2010--2011 were examined. Overall 62,801 HIV+ patients were enrolled: 58,102(92.5%) adults, (66.5% female); 4,699(7.5%) children.Among adults, pregnant women enrolment increased: 6.8%, 2005--2007; 12.1%, 2008--2009; 17.2%, 2010--2011; as did entry into care from prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs: 6.6%, 2005--2007; 9.5%, 2008--2009; 12.6%, 2010--2011. WHO stage IV at enrolment declined: 27.1%, 2005--2007; 20.2%, 2008--2009; 11.1% 2010--2011. Of the 42.5% and 29.5% with CD4+ data at enrolment and ART initiation respectively, median CD4+ count increased: 210cells/muL, 2005--2007; 262cells/muL, 2008--2009; 266cells/muL 2010--2011; but median CD4+ at ART initiation did not change (148cells/muL overall). Stavudine initiation declined: 84.9%, 2005--2007; 43.1%, 2008--2009; 19.7%, 2010--2011.Among children, median age (years) at enrolment decreased from 6.1(IQR:2.7-10.0) in 2005--2007 to 4.8(IQR:1.9-8.6) in 2008--2009, and 4.1(IQR:1.5-8.1) in 2010--2011 and children <24 months increased from 18.5% to 26.1% and 31.5% respectively. Entry from PMTCT was 7.0%, 2005--2007; 10.7%, 2008--2009; 15.0%, 2010--2011. WHO stage IV at enrolment declined from 22.9%, 2005--2007, to 18.3%, 2008--2009 to 13.9%, 2010--2011. Proportion initiating stavudine was 39.8% 2005--2007; 39.5%, 2008--2009; 26.1%, 2010--2011. Median age at ART initiation also declined significantly. Over time, the proportion of pregnant women and of adults and children enrolled from PMTCT programs increased. There was a decline in adults and children with advanced HIV disease at enrolment and initiation of stavudine. Pediatric age at enrolment and ART initiation declined. Results suggest HIV program maturation from an emergency response

    Sequential screening for lung cancer in a high-risk group: randomised controlled trial: LungSEARCH: a randomised controlled trial of Surveillance using sputum and imaging for the EARly detection of lung Cancer in a High-risk group.

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    BACKGROUND: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening detects early-stage lung cancer and reduces mortality. We proposed a sequential approach targeted to a high-risk group as a potentially efficient screening strategy. METHODS: LungSEARCH was a national multicentre randomised trial. Current/ex-smokers with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were allocated (1:1) to have 5 years surveillance or not. Screened participants provided annual sputum samples for cytology and cytometry, and if abnormal were offered annual LDCT and autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB). Those with normal sputum provided annual samples. The primary end-point was the percentage of lung cancers diagnosed at stage I/II (nonsmall cell) or limited disease (small cell). RESULTS: 1568 participants were randomised during 2007-2011 from 10 UK centres. 85.2% of those screened provided an adequate baseline sputum sample. There were 42 lung cancers among 785 screened individuals and 36 lung cancers among 783 controls. 54.8% (23 out of 42) of screened individuals versus 45.2% (14 out of 31) of controls with known staging were diagnosed with early-stage disease (one-sided p=0.24). Relative risk was 1.21 (95% CI 0.75-1.95) or 0.82 (95% CI 0.52-1.31) for early-stage or advanced cancers, respectively. Overall sensitivity for sputum (in those randomised to surveillance) was low (40.5%) with a cumulative false-positive rate (FPR) of 32.8%. 55% of cancers had normal sputum results throughout. Among sputum-positive individuals who had AFB, sensitivity was 45.5% and cumulative FPR was 39.5%; the corresponding measures for those who had LDCT were 100% and 16.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our sequential strategy, using sputum cytology/cytometry to select high-risk individuals for AFB and LDCT, did not lead to a clear stage shift and did not improve the efficiency of lung cancer screening
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