Deep-Learning Realtime Upsampling Techniques in Video Games

This paper addresses the challenge of keeping up with the ever-increasing graphical complexity of video games and introduces a deep-learning approach to mitigating it. As games get more and more demanding in terms of their graphics, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain high-quality images while also ensuring good performance. This is where deep learning super sampling (DLSS) comes in. The paper explains how DLSS works, including the use of convolutional autoencoder neural networks and various other techniques and technologies. It also covers how the network is trained and optimized, as well as how it incorporates temporal antialiasing and frame generation techniques to enhance the final image quality. We will also discuss the effectiveness of these techniques as well as compare their performance to running at native resolutions

Hospitalization, Recovery, Death, incubation period and Severity of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

AbstractBackground: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease, named “COVID-19" by the WHO, was declared Public Health Emergency Concern globally January 2020. As of 01 February, 2021, the virus already visited more than 200 countries across the globe, with a total of over 103 million confirmed cases, over 2 million deaths and over 76 million recoveries.COVID-19 first appeared in the African continent on 15th February 2020 in Egypt. Back in April 2020, only a few African countries reported 1, 2 or 3 confirmed cases with no death; but as of 07 June the virus visited over 45 African countries already with a total of 183,474 confirmed cases, 81,367 recovered and 5,041 deaths. Moreover, country context evidence is important at least to reduce the impact of COVID 19 in Africa region. Objective: The objective is to get cohesive understanding on hospitalization, recovery, death, incubation period and severity of COVID-19. Methods: Systematic Review was carried out to synthesis cohesive information on hospitalization, recovery, death, incubation period and severity of the disease. This review includes a systematic literature search of PubMed and other sources like Google Scholar and Research Gate. Results: Hospitalization rate for young is as low as 1%, while it ranged from 20.7% to 31.4% for older people. Hospitalization rate was high among patients with obesity (Body Mass Index>40), and heart failure. Recovery rate ranged from 30% in China to over 70% in South Korea. Overall case fatality rate from different studies ranged from 0.1% to 6%. But this value increases to as much as over 45% for those over 75 years old. The median incubation period ranged from 4 days to 5.1 days but showed increment for the older ages. Proportion of critically ill patients ranged from 0.026% to 23%. More severe cases were seen among males than females. Conclusion: This systematic review in-sight the variation in hospitalization, recovery, death, incubation period and severity of COVID-19 pertaining to patients’ characteristics. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-1):76-81] Key words: Hospitalization, Recovery, Death, incubation period severity, COVID-19, systematic revie

The Plight of COVID-19 in Ethiopia: Describing Pattern, Predicting Infections, Recoveries and Deaths Using Initial Values from Different Sources

AbstractBackground: On 31rd December 2019, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan city, Hubei province. Eventually, a coronavirus was identified which was called “COVID-19” by World Health Organization (WHO) and was declared as a Public Health Emergency Concern globally.Experts suggested a country context evidence to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Africa region. To this end, this study aimed to model the course of the outbreak towards understanding the spread of the disease and the effect of integrated intervention. Methods: The SEIR and other relevant models were fitted to determine the effect of integrated intervention towards prevention and control of the virus. Comparative visualization of data was conducted to show the pattern and progress of the disease in Ethiopia in relation with other countries. Results: The overall trend of the virus in Ethiopia showed linear increase since the first case on March 13, 2020, and exponential increase after May 24, 2020. The confirmed cases in Ethiopia reached 5034 within 67 days, while South Africa and Italy reached 22,556 and 205,425 respectively within 67 days after passing 100 cases. The SEIR model considered integrated intervention measures (social distancing, facemask, and hand hygiene) with rho values of 0.7 and 0.5. Without intervention, about 9% of the population can be infected, while the proportion reduced to 5.5% and 2.5% with implementation of 30% and 50% integrated intervention measures, respectively.The Prophet model showed prediction accuracy of 78.3% (95%CI = 74.2% – 82.3%) for confirmed cases. Conclusion: Ethiopia showed the slow progress of COVID-19 compared with South Africa and Italy. The implementation of integrated measures could reduce the proportion of infection significantly. The integrated intervention measures could also extend the peak time to a longer period. The Prophet model showed promising prediction accuracy as it increases when the data increase. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-1):82-89] Key Words: COVID-19, patterns, predicting, infections, recovery and deat

Assessment of routine health information utilization and its associated factors among Health Professionals in Public Health Centers of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

AbstractBackground: - A Routine Health Information System (RHIS) is referred to as the interaction between people, processes, and technology to support operations management in delivering information to improve healthcare services. Routine health information is likely to allow public health facility providers to document analyze and use the information to improve coverage, continuity, and quality of health care services. In Ethiopia, information use remains weak among health professionals. Besides, more have to be done on the utilization of routine health information among health professionals to strengthen and improve the health of the community at large. This study aimed to assess the level of routine health information use and identified determinants that affect health information use among health professionals. Method: Facility-based cross-sectional study design was used from March to April 2020 among 408 health professionals within 22 public health centers using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a Semi-structure questionnaire and an observational checklist. The data collected were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and transferred into SPSS version 20 for further statistical analysis. Stepwise regression was used to select the variable. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 for multiple logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant factors for the utilization of RHIS. Result: In this study, Routine health information utilization rate among health professionals was 37.3% (95% CI: 32.6%, 42.1%). The findings also showed a significant positive association between routine health information utilization and health professionals who use of Both manual and computer-based files (AOR = 1.474, 95 % CI =1.043-2.082); Organizational rules, values, and practices (AOR = 1.734, 95 % CI =1.212-2.481); Human resource (AOR = 1.494, 95 % CI = 1.056-2.114); Had problem solving skill on HIS tasks (AOR = 2.091, 95 % CI = 1.343-3.256); Professional who believe that routine health information use is important (AOR = .665, 95 % CI = .501- .883); Planning and monitoring practice (AOR = 1.464 95% CI (1.006-2.131)) and Knowing duties and responsibilities (AOR = 1.525, 95 % CI = 1.121-2.073) Conclusion and Recommendations: Good health information utilization status of health professionals in Addis Ababa was low. Use of recording information; Organizational rules, values, and practices; Inadequate Human resource; Problem-solving skill of health professionals on HIS tasks; Professional who believe that routine health information use is important; the Collected information used for planning, monitoring, and evaluation of facility performance; and Staff know their duties and responsibilities in their workplace were found significantly associated with routine health information use. Thus, major improvements must be done in equipping health professionals to utilize the information they have by improving the above key findings/factors in the health care system. And, health professionals have to use routine health information for evidence-based decision-making in health facilities for a better quality of health care system implementation. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-1):05-14] Keywords: Routine Health information Utilization, Health centers, Health professionals, Information Use, healthcare dat

Integrated morbidity mapping of lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis cases in 20 co-endemic districts of Ethiopia

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that pose a significant physical, social and economic burden to endemic communities. Patients affected by the clinical conditions of LF (lymphoedema and hydrocoele) and podoconiosis (lymphoedema) need access to morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services. Clear estimates of the number and location of these patients are essential to the efficient and equitable implementation of MMDP services for both diseases. Methodology/Principle findings: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia using the Health Extension Worker (HEW) network to identify all cases of lymphoedema and hydrocoele in 20 woredas (districts) co-endemic for LF and podoconiosis. A total of 612 trained HEWs and 40 supervisors from 20 districts identified 26,123 cases of clinical morbidity. Of these, 24,908 (95.3%) reported cases had leg lymphoedema only, 751 (2.9%) had hydrocoele, 387 (1.5%) had both leg lymphoedema and hydrocoele, and 77 (0.3%) cases had breast lymphoedema. Of those reporting leg lymphoedema, 89.3% reported bilateral lymphoedema. Older age groups were more likely to have a severe stage of disease, have bilateral lymphoedema and to have experienced an acute attack in the last six months. Conclusions/Significance: This study represents the first community-wide, integrated clinical case mapping of both LF and podoconiosis in Ethiopia. It highlights the high number of cases, particularly of leg lymphoedema that could be attributed to either of these diseases. This key clinical information will assist and guide the allocation of resources to where they are needed most

Integrated morbidity management for lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis, Ethiopia

Problem Lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis are the major causes of tropical lymphoedema in Ethiopia. The diseases require the similar provision of care, but in 2012 the Ethiopian health system did not integrate the morbidity management. Approach To establish health-care services for integrated lymphoedema morbidity management, the health ministry and partners used existing governmental structures. Integrated disease mapping was done in 659 out of the 817 districts, to identify endemic districts. To inform resource allocation, trained health extension workers did integrated disease burden assessments in 56 districts with a high clinical burden. To ensure standard provision of care, the health ministry developed an integrated lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis morbidity management guideline, containing a treatment algorithm and a defined package of care. Experienced professionals on lymphoedema management trained government-employed health workers on integrated morbidity management. To monitor the integration, an indicator on the number of lymphoedema-treated patients was included in the national health management information system. Local setting In 2014, only 24% (87) of the 363 health facilities surveyed provided lymphatic filariasis services, while 12% (44) provided podoconiosis services. Relevant changes To date, 542 health workers from 53 health centres in 24 districts have been trained on integrated morbidity management. Between July 2013 and June 2016, the national health management information system has recorded 46 487 treated patients from 189 districts. Lessons learnt In Ethiopia, an integrated approach for lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis morbidity management was feasible. The processes used could be applicable in other settings where these diseases are co-endemic

Prevalence of Trachoma in Pre-validation Surveillance Surveys in 11 Evaluation Units (Covering 12 Districts) in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Results from 2018−2020

PURPOSE: Interventions to reduce the prevalence of trachoma and transmission of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis have been implemented in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Following an impact survey in which the trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) prevalence in 1–9-year-olds is <5%, a surveillance survey is recommended 2 years later, without additional antibiotic treatment. We report results of surveillance surveys in 11 evaluation units (EUs) covering 12 districts in Oromia Region, to plan whether future interventions are needed. METHOD: We use a two-stage cluster-sampling cross-sectional survey design. In each EU, 26 clusters (villages) were systematically selected with probability proportional to size; from each cluster, 30 households were selected using compact segment sampling. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access was assessed in all selected households. All residents of selected households aged ≥1 year were examined for TF and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) by certified graders. RESULT: Of 31,991 individuals enumerated, 29,230 (91% of) individuals were examined. Eight EUs had an age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1−9-year-olds of ≥5% and seven had a TT prevalence unknown to the health system among adults aged ≥15 years of ≥0.2%. About one-third of visited households had access to an improved water source for drinking, and 5% had access to an improved latrine. CONCLUSION: Despite TF reductions to <5% at impact survey, prevalence recrudesced to ≥5% in all but three of the 11 EUs. Operational research is needed to understand transmission dynamics and epidemiology, in order to optimise elimination strategies in high-transmission settings like these

Prevalence of Trachoma after Implementation of Trachoma Elimination Interventions in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Results of Impact Surveys in 131 Evaluation Units Covering 139 Districts

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF), trachomatous trichiasis (TT), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access in 131 evaluation units (EUs) after implementation of trachoma elimination interventions in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each EU using the World Health Organization-recommended two-stage cluster-sampling methodology. Twenty-six clusters, each with a mean of 30 households were enumerated in each EU. All residents aged ≥1 year in selected households were examined for TF and TT. Information on WASH access in surveyed households was also collected through questioning the household head and direct observation. RESULTS: A total of 419,858 individuals were enumerated in 131 EUs, of whom 396,134 (94%) were examined, 54% being female. Age-adjusted EU-level prevalence of TF in children aged 1–9 years ranged from 0.15% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0–0.4) to 37.5% (95% CI: 31.1–43.7). The TF prevalence was <5% in 73/131 (56%) EUs. The EU-level age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system among people aged ≥15 years ranged from 0.001% (95% CI: 0.00–0.02) to 2.2% (95% CI: 1.1–3.1) with 37/131 (28%) EUs having a prevalence <0.2%. Only 48% of all households surveyed had access to improved water sources for drinking. Approximately 96% of households did not have an improved latrine. CONCLUSION: Oromia is on the path towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem

Global burden of chronic respiratory diseases and risk factors, 1990–2019: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CRDs and their attributable risks from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and incidence of CRDs, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis, and other CRDs, from 1990 to 2019 by sex, age, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. Deaths and DALYs from CRDs attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to relative risks, risk exposure, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level input. Findings: In 2019, CRDs were the third leading cause of death responsible for 4.0 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 3.6–4.3) with a prevalence of 454.6 million cases (417.4–499.1) globally. While the total deaths and prevalence of CRDs have increased by 28.5% and 39.8%, the age-standardised rates have dropped by 41.7% and 16.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. COPD, with 212.3 million (200.4–225.1) prevalent cases, was the primary cause of deaths from CRDs, accounting for 3.3 million (2.9–3.6) deaths. With 262.4 million (224.1–309.5) prevalent cases, asthma had the highest prevalence among CRDs. The age-standardised rates of all burden measures of COPD, asthma, and pneumoconiosis have reduced globally from 1990 to 2019. Nevertheless, the age-standardised rates of incidence and prevalence of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis have increased throughout this period. Low- and low-middle SDI countries had the highest age-standardised death and DALYs rates while the high SDI quintile had the highest prevalence rate of CRDs. The highest deaths and DALYs from CRDs were attributed to smoking globally, followed by air pollution and occupational risks. Non-optimal temperature and high body-mass index were additional risk factors for COPD and asthma, respectively. Interpretation: Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, death, and DALYs rates of CRDs have decreased, they still cause a substantial burden and deaths worldwide. The high death and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlights the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for tobacco control, enhancing air quality, reducing occupational hazards, and fostering clean cooking fuels are crucial steps in reducing the burden of CRDs, especially in low- and lower-middle income countries

Community-based prevalence of typhoid fever, typhus, brucellosis and malaria among symptomatic individuals in Afar Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND:In sub-Saharan Africa, where there is the scarcity of proper diagnostic tools, febrile illness related symptoms are often misdiagnosed as malaria. Information on causative agents of febrile illness related symptoms among pastoral communities in Ethiopia have rarely been described. METHODS:In this a community based cross-sectional survey, we assessed the prevalence of typhoid fever, typhus, brucellosis and malaria among individuals with a set of given symptoms in Amibara district, Afar Region, Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from 650 study participants, and examined by Widal and Weilfelix direct card agglutination test (DCAT) as well as test tube based titration test for Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi) and Rickettsia infections. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT) were used to screen Brucella infection. Thin and thick blood smears were used to diagnosis malaria. RESULTS:Out of 630 sera screened by DCAT, 83 (13.2%) were reactive to H and/or O antigens for S. Typhi infection. Among these, 46 (55.4%) were reactive by the titration test at the cut off value ≥ 1:80. The combined sero-prevalence for S. Typhi by the two tests was 7.3% (46/630). The seroprevalence for Rickettsia infection was 26.2% (165/630) by DCAT and 53.3% (88/165) by the titration test at the cut off value ≥ 1:80. The combined sero-prevalence for Rickettsia infection by the two tests was 14.0% (88/630). The sero-prevalence for Brucella infection was 12.7% (80/630) by RBPT, of which 28/80 (35%) were positive by CFT. The combined sero-prevalence for Brucella infection by the two tests was 4.4% (28/630). Out 650 suspected individuals for malaria, 16 (2.5%) were found positive for P. falciparum infection. CONCLUSION:In this study, typhoid fever, typhus, brucellosis and malaria were observed among symptomatic individuals. The study also highlighted that brucellosis cases can be misdiagnosed as malaria or other disease based solely on clinical diagnosis. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve disease awareness and laboratory services for the diagnosis of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases to identify other causes of febrile illness in this pastoral setting