A new curve fitting based rating prediction algorithm for recommender systems

summary:The most algorithms for Recommender Systems (RSs) are based on a Collaborative Filtering (CF) approach, in particular on the Probabilistic Matrix Factorization (PMF) method. It is known that the PMF method is quite successful for the rating prediction. In this study, we consider the problem of rating prediction in RSs. We propose a new algorithm which is also in the CF framework; however, it is completely different from the PMF-based algorithms. There are studies in the literature that can increase the accuracy of rating prediction by using additional information. However, we seek the answer to the question that if the input data does not contain additional information, how we can increase the accuracy of rating prediction. In the proposed algorithm, we construct a curve (a low-degree polynomial) for each user using the sparse input data and by this curve, we predict the unknown ratings of items. The proposed algorithm is easy to implement. The main advantage of the algorithm is that the running time is polynomial, namely it is $\theta(n^2)$, for sparse matrices. Moreover, in the experiments we get slightly more accurate results compared to the known rating prediction algorithms

Future perspectives on automotive CAE

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is an integral part of today’s automotive design process. Very often OEM’s rely solely on software vendors to provide appropriate solutions. On the other hand, some companies still use in-house developed software for specific applications. It is, however, a combination of these two approaches that provides OEM’s with optimal leading edge software technology. This paper will present an overview of several relevant automotive CAE-methods that will illustrate this approach. Four important automotive software areas will be considered: vehicle CFD applications, aeroacoustics, vehicle crash analysis and occupant / pedestrian safety. The first two topics, CFD and aeroacoustics, are extensive subject areas in themselves, but will be dealt with by considering two specific topics, namely, numerical aerodynamic / flow optimization and aeroacoustic sound propagation into vehicle cabins, respectively. A more detailed focus will be placed on the two safety application areas: vehicle crash analysis and occupant safety using Human Body Models

USING SOME POME FRUIT TREES IN LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

Landscape; when viewed from a point of view, natural and cultural beings that are able to enter into the frame of view are brought together to form a fountain. The materials that make up the live decor of the areas consist of especially the large trees of the plant kingdom, shrubs, undergrowths, ivies, single annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plants, that is, roots consist of onion, lumpy or rhizomaceous herbaceous plants, grass plants and water plants which can be kept on the ground continuously. Among these, wild and cultured forms of soft-seeded fruits constitute an important place. In this study, the functional and visual use of wild plants such as wild pear, pear, apple, quince and their wild forms in different landscape designs have been investigated. In plantation studies, plants can be used in esthetic, functional or both ways to be more effective. It can also be growth for economic reasons. Economically cultivated species are particularly high economic values. However, they are often used for esthetic purposes outside of commercial assets, such as in other fruit trees. For this reason, the most common uses are to take advantage of both fruit and to benefit from the visual effect of flowers and fruit

The IDENTIFY study: the investigation and detection of urological neoplasia in patients referred with suspected urinary tract cancer - a multicentre observational study

Objective To evaluate the contemporary prevalence of urinary tract cancer (bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial cancer [UTUC] and renal cancer) in patients referred to secondary care with haematuria, adjusted for established patient risk markers and geographical variation. Patients and Methods This was an international multicentre prospective observational study. We included patients aged ≥16 years, referred to secondary care with suspected urinary tract cancer. Patients with a known or previous urological malignancy were excluded. We estimated the prevalence of bladder cancer, UTUC, renal cancer and prostate cancer; stratified by age, type of haematuria, sex, and smoking. We used a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression to adjust cancer prevalence for age, type of haematuria, sex, smoking, hospitals, and countries. Results Of the 11 059 patients assessed for eligibility, 10 896 were included from 110 hospitals across 26 countries. The overall adjusted cancer prevalence (n = 2257) was 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.3–34.1), bladder cancer (n = 1951) 24.7% (95% CI 19.1–30.2), UTUC (n = 128) 1.14% (95% CI 0.77–1.52), renal cancer (n = 107) 1.05% (95% CI 0.80–1.29), and prostate cancer (n = 124) 1.75% (95% CI 1.32–2.18). The odds ratios for patient risk markers in the model for all cancers were: age 1.04 (95% CI 1.03–1.05; P < 0.001), visible haematuria 3.47 (95% CI 2.90–4.15; P < 0.001), male sex 1.30 (95% CI 1.14–1.50; P < 0.001), and smoking 2.70 (95% CI 2.30–3.18; P < 0.001). Conclusions A better understanding of cancer prevalence across an international population is required to inform clinical guidelines. We are the first to report urinary tract cancer prevalence across an international population in patients referred to secondary care, adjusted for patient risk markers and geographical variation. Bladder cancer was the most prevalent disease. Visible haematuria was the strongest predictor for urinary tract cancer

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance of healthcare providers in a tertiary Pediatric hospital

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the perceptions of healthcare providers who work in a tertiary children’s hospital about domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccines to determine the frequency of hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination prior to its availability in Turkey and to elucidate the reasons for its rejection and distrust. Methods: A questionnaire about COVID-19 vaccination was conducted with 343 healthcare providers, including pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and auxiliary health staff. The questionnaire was conducted online. In the survey, participants were asked about sociodemographic characteristics and opinions on domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccines, and reasons for vaccine refusal. Results: Women were more likely to be reluctant to get a domestic (p  .05). The factors predicting vaccine acceptance were status as a doctor, more than 10 years of professional experience, and male gender. Conclusion: More than half of the healthcare providers were willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine once available. Indecision rates were found to be high, although rejection rates were not. Status as a doctor, more than 10 years of professional experience, and male gender were factors associated with vaccination intention

NEW SOURCE FOR HIGH ANTHER CULTURE RESPONSE TURKISH LOCAL EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena L.) GENOTYPE

In this study, 28 local (Yamula) eggplant genotypes, 1 Manisa eggplant genotype and 3 Kemer eggplant genotypes commonly grown in Turkey were subjected to anther culture. While the genotypes ERU-3008, ERU-3011 and ERU-3016 did not have anther development, the others had anther developments at different ratios varied between 3.33% (ERU-3009 and ERU-3012) and 50% (ERU-961). Of the genotypes with anther development, 10 had embryo formation at different ratios varied between 6.25% (ERU-3015) 37.5% (ERU-952). Embryo formation was not observed in control group genotypes (Kemer and Manisa). It was observed in the present study that Yamula eggplant prominent especially with fruit flesh firmness yielded positive responses to anther culture

Use of Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy vs. Anticoagulation Therapy to Treat Acute Iliofemoral Venous Thrombosis: 1-year Follow-up Results of a Randomised, Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (PAT) followed by standard anticoagulant therapy, with anticoagulation therapy alone, for the treatment of acute proximal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome patients with intra-aortic balloon pump inserted in intensive cardiac care unit of a tertiary clinic

Objective: An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical support device that is used in addition to pharmacological treatment of the failing heart in intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) patients. In the literature, there are limited data regarding the clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome patients in Turkey who had an IABP inserted during their ICCU stay. This study is an analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these acute coronary syndrome patients. Methods: The data of patients who were admitted to the ICCU between September 2014 and March 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The data were retrieved from the ICCU electronic database of the clinic. A total of 142 patients treated with IABP were evaluated in the study. All of the patients were in cardiogenic shock following percutaneous coronary intervention, at the time of IABP insertion. Results: The mean age of the patients was 63.0 +/- 9.7 years and 66.2% were male. In-hospital mortality rate of the study population was 54.9%. The patients were divided into 2 groups, consisting of survivors and non-survivors of their hospitalization period. Multivariate analysis after adjustment for the parameters in univariate analysis revealed that ejection fraction, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow score of <= 2 after the intervention, chronic renal failure, and serum lactate and glucose levels were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: The mortality rate remains high despite IABP support in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Patients who are identified as having a greater risk of mortality according to admission parameters should be further treated with other mechanical circulatory support devices

Loss-of-function variants in DNM1 cause a specific form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy only in biallelic state

Background Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) represent a group of severe neurological disorders characterised by an onset of refractory seizures during infancy or early childhood accompanied by psychomotor developmental delay or regression. DEEs are genetically heterogeneous with, to date, more than 80 different genetic subtypes including DEE31 caused by heterozygous missense variants in DNM1. Methods We performed a detailed clinical characterisation of two unrelated patients with DEE and used whole-exome sequencing to identify causative variants in these individuals. The identified variants were tested for cosegregation in the respective families. Results We excluded pathogenic variants in known, DEE-associated genes. We identified homozygous nonsense variants, c.97C>T; p.(Gln33*) in family 1 and c.850C>T; p.(Gln284*) in family 2, in the DNM1 gene, indicating that biallelic, loss-of-function pathogenic variants in DNM1 cause DEE. Conclusion Our finding that homozygous, loss-of-function variants in DNM1 cause DEE expands the spectrum of pathogenic variants in DNM1. All parents who were heterozygous carriers of the identified loss-of-function variants were healthy and did not show any clinical symptoms, indicating that the type of mutation in DNM1 determines the pattern of inheritance