Open-Data and Data Acquisition for Smart Cities and Urban Mobility Studies: Potential Approaches and Current Challenges

The experience of urban users is shaped by cities—by their shapes, components, and how they function. An immense quantity of data is included in the process of how the city functions, how it affects its inhabitants, and how its residents view its components. Researchers need an extensive number of datasets on land use (type & quantification) and geometric dimensions of the built environment (3D, form, & pattern) to fully grasp this relationship. In addition to the need to collect data about users’ experience via using web-based/location-based surveys. The acquisition, exploration, and analysis of these datasets contributes to enabling a better understanding, operation, and monitoring of the city’s systems. Thus, facilitating the design, implementation, and operation of functional, efficient, and reliable smart cities. This paper focuses on transportation and mobility, and how can open-data sources be utilized for data acquisition for urban mobility studies. This highlights possible, simple, and accessible open-data acquisition tools for urban planners. It further outlines the limitations and challenges for data acquisition related to the global south context. The main aim is to explore the potential of integrating different open-data sources, web-based tools, and data analytics in defining travel time map and accessibility with respect to modality of mobility. It examines the accessibility, availability, and obtainability of data from these open-data sources (i.e., OpenStreetMap, Uber Movement, Jupyter Notebook) to be further used in urban studies, specifically in the context of the selected case study area. An exploratory approach is adopted to perform an analysis between the built environment and travel time during mobility, using Isochrone map acquired from open-data sources. The aim is to delineate an approach that could be adopted by urban planners who are not well acquainted with open-data sources, python scripts and codes. This approach could be utilized, modified, and replicated in further urban studies related to other regional contexts similar to the Egyptian context

Association of polymorphisms of two histamine-metabolizing enzymes with allergic asthma in Egyptian children

Background: Histamine released from mast cells and basophils plays a key role in the development of allergic diseases such as allergic asthma, rhinitis or anaphylaxis. Histamine-metabolizing enzymes: N-methyltransferase (HNMT) and amiloride binding protein 1(ABP) are involved in allergic inflammation.Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms of two genes encoding the histamine metabolizing enzymes HNMT and ABP1 with the development of allergic asthma in Egyptian children.Methods: This is a case control study performed on 100 atopic asthmatic and 94 healthy control children. Conventional method of PCR amplification was used for genotyping.Results: Distribution of HNMT -105 Thr → Ile (-314 C to T) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and Thr and Ile (C and T) alleles among patients and controls revealed significant increase in the frequencies of Thr / Ile (CT) and Thr / Ile (CT) + Ile / Ile (TT) in atopic asthmatics than in controls (p= 0.04 and 0.002 respectively). There was also a significant increase in Ile (T) alleles in atopic asthmatic patients than controls (p= 0.002). The 2029 CG SNP polymorphism of ABP1gene was significantly associated with atopic asthma (p=0.0003).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that genetic variations in the histaminemetabolizing enzyme (HNMT and ABP1) genes might contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma in the studied children.Keywords: Amiloride binding protein, asthma, atopy, children, Nmethyltransferas

Primary colorectal small cell carcinoma: A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 10 cases

Colorectal small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a rare tumor with an aggressive course. The aim of this study is to summarize our experience with this tumor and to highlight its immunohistochemical profile. Ten cases of colorectal SmCC were identified in our files and a panel of immunostains was performed. Follow up was available for the average of 3 years, during which 7 patients died and 3 were alive with disease. All cases were positive for LMWK, CK 19 and pancytokeratin but were negative for TTF-1 and CA 125. EGFR was positive in 7 cases. TTF-1 negative staining may be valuable in differentiating it from its pulmonary counterpart. CDX2, mCEA, CD56, synaptophysin, NSE and chromogranin can help differentiate it from non-endocrine poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The expression of EGFR in a subset of patients has not been reported earlier and has to be evaluated in larger series to assess its role in the planning of targeted biologic therapy

Investigating The Common Perceptual Qualities of Urban Morphology and Subjective Wellbeing Scales for Urban Mobility Studies: A Literature Review.

The impact of the built environment, urban form, and urban morphology on individual\u27s perception, experience and wellbeing has been the focus of many studies in the past few decades. Additionally, the impact of the built environment and its spatial characteristics has been recently studied from different approaches. Literature review shows that various research has been conducted on the impact of the built environment and travelers’ behavior and modal choice. However, few studies have been conducted on the impact of the built environment on travelers’ perception during mobility. Thus, this manuscript attempts to theoretically establish a link between the epistemology of urban form and morphology, urban mobility and transportation, and subjective wellbeing. A review of the body of literature on urban form, morphology and built environment is carried out. This to identify the main points related to subjective wellbeing which are listed by urban planning and design pioneers. In addition to reviewing literature on transportation, urban mobility, and travel behavior and its relationship with subjective wellbeing. This to highlight the main subjective wellbeing variables that are effective, as long as transportation and urban mobility is concerned. Afterwards, a review is conducted on the field of subjective wellbeing metrics, scales, and schedules. In which each scale is reviewed to identify the fields it was deployed in for further studies. The manuscript concludes by highlighting the subjective wellbeing scales that could be deployed in further studies related to urban form, morphology, built environment characteristics, and urban mobility. The findings could be deployed in further urban studies that target measuring subjective wellbeing in relation to the characteristics of the built environment

Impact of Prediabetes on Acute Coronary Syndrome in Sohag University Hospital

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Diabetics with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have a two- to four-fold higher chance of having unfavorable cardiovascular events than non-diabetics. It is becoming more and more obvious that poor glucose metabolism and the pre-diabetic condition are linked to unfavorable clinical results. Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the effects of prediabetes on acute coronary syndrome outcomes at Sohag University Hospital. Patients and methods; This was a prospective observational study carried out at Sohag University Hospital. Patients were divided into non-diabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic patients. All trial participants had thorough history-taking, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and daily follow up (chest pain, ECG, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, any sign of heart failure, or any complication occur). Results: This study involved 100 patients with ACS, 20 (20%) patients were non-diabetics, 27 (27%) were prediabetics, and 53 (53%) were diabetics. During follow-up, there was a higher nonsignificant rate of death in prediabetic patients (7.41%) than in diabetics (5.66%) and nondiabetic (5%) (p > 0.05). Also, the prediabetic group showed a higher nonsignificant abnormal change in ECG (81.48%) than the diabetic (81.13%) and nondiabetic (80.00%) (p > 0.05). Conclusion; In ACS, patients with normoglycemia had a better prognosis than those with prediabetes, but prediabetes and DM patients had comparable results

Delivery of sexual and reproductive health interventions in conflict settings: A systematic review

Background: It is essential to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions to women affected by armed conflict, but there is a lack of evidence on effective approaches to delivering such interventions in conflict settings. This review synthesised the available literature on SRH intervention delivery in conflict settings to inform potential priorities for further research and additional guidance development.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases using terms related to conflict, women and children, and SRH. We searched websites of 10 humanitarian organisations for relevant grey literature. Publications reporting on conflict-affected populations in low-income and middle-income countries and describing an SRH intervention delivered during or within 5 years after the end of a conflict were included. Information on population, intervention and delivery characteristics were extracted and narratively synthesised. Quantitative data on intervention coverage and effectiveness were tabulated, but no meta-analysis was undertaken.Results: 110 publications met our eligibility criteria. Most focused on sub-Saharan Africa and displaced populations based in camps. Reported interventions targeted family planning, HIV/STIs, gender-based violence and general SRH. Most interventions were delivered in hospitals and clinics by doctors and nurses. Delivery barriers included security, population movement and lack of skilled health staff. Multistakeholder collaboration, community engagement and use of community and outreach workers were delivery facilitators. Reporting of intervention coverage or effectiveness data was limited.Discussion: There is limited relevant literature on adolescents or out-of-camp populations and few publications reported on the use of existing guidance such as the Minimal Initial Services Package. More interventions for gender-based violence were reported in the grey than the indexed literature, suggesting limited formal research in this area. Engaging affected communities and using community-based sites and personnel are important, but more research is needed on how best to reach underserved populations and to implement community-based approaches.Prospero registration number: CRD42019125221

Delivering maternal and neonatal health interventions in conflict settings: A systematic review

Background: While much progress was made throughout the Millennium Development Goals era in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, both remain unacceptably high, especially in areas affected by humanitarian crises. While valuable guidance on interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health in both non-crisis and crisis settings exists, guidance on how best to deliver these interventions in crisis settings, and especially in conflict settings, is still limited. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the available literature on the delivery on maternal and neonatal health interventions in conflict settings.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases using terms related to conflict, women and children, and maternal and neonatal health. We searched websites of 10 humanitarian organisations for relevant grey literature. Publications reporting on conflict-affected populations in low-income and middle-income countries and describing a maternal or neonatal health intervention delivered during or within 5 years after the end of a conflict were included. Information on population, intervention, and delivery characteristics were extracted and narratively synthesised. Quantitative data on intervention coverage and effectiveness were tabulated but no meta-analysis was undertaken.Results: 115 publications met our eligibility criteria. Intervention delivery was most frequently reported in the sub-Saharan Africa region, and most publications focused on displaced populations based in camps. Reported maternal interventions targeted antenatal, obstetric and postnatal care; neonatal interventions focused mostly on essential newborn care. Most interventions were delivered in hospitals and clinics, by doctors and nurses, and were mostly delivered through non-governmental organisations or the existing healthcare system. Delivery barriers included insecurity, lack of resources and lack of skilled health staff. Multi-stakeholder collaboration, the introduction of new technology or systems innovations, and staff training were delivery facilitators. Reporting of intervention coverage or effectiveness data was limited.Discussion: The relevant existing literature focuses mostly on maternal health especially around the antenatal period. There is still limited literature on postnatal care in conflict settings and even less on newborn care. In crisis settings, as much as in non-crisis settings, there is a need to focus on the first day of birth for both maternal and neonatal health. There is also a need to do more research on how best to involve community members in the delivery of maternal and neonatal health interventions.Prospero registration number: CRD42019125221

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study.

INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them

Global Retinoblastoma Presentation and Analysis by National Income Level.

Importance: Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular cancer, can save both a child's life and vision. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many children across the world are diagnosed late. To our knowledge, the clinical presentation of retinoblastoma has never been assessed on a global scale. Objectives: To report the retinoblastoma stage at diagnosis in patients across the world during a single year, to investigate associations between clinical variables and national income level, and to investigate risk factors for advanced disease at diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 278 retinoblastoma treatment centers were recruited from June 2017 through December 2018 to participate in a cross-sectional analysis of treatment-naive patients with retinoblastoma who were diagnosed in 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age at presentation, proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma, and tumor stage and metastasis. Results: The cohort included 4351 new patients from 153 countries; the median age at diagnosis was 30.5 (interquartile range, 18.3-45.9) months, and 1976 patients (45.4%) were female. Most patients (n = 3685 [84.7%]) were from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Globally, the most common indication for referral was leukocoria (n = 2638 [62.8%]), followed by strabismus (n = 429 [10.2%]) and proptosis (n = 309 [7.4%]). Patients from high-income countries (HICs) were diagnosed at a median age of 14.1 months, with 656 of 666 (98.5%) patients having intraocular retinoblastoma and 2 (0.3%) having metastasis. Patients from low-income countries were diagnosed at a median age of 30.5 months, with 256 of 521 (49.1%) having extraocular retinoblastoma and 94 of 498 (18.9%) having metastasis. Lower national income level was associated with older presentation age, higher proportion of locally advanced disease and distant metastasis, and smaller proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma. Advanced disease at diagnosis was more common in LMICs even after adjusting for age (odds ratio for low-income countries vs upper-middle-income countries and HICs, 17.92 [95% CI, 12.94-24.80], and for lower-middle-income countries vs upper-middle-income countries and HICs, 5.74 [95% CI, 4.30-7.68]). Conclusions and Relevance: This study is estimated to have included more than half of all new retinoblastoma cases worldwide in 2017. Children from LMICs, where the main global retinoblastoma burden lies, presented at an older age with more advanced disease and demonstrated a smaller proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma, likely because many do not reach a childbearing age. Given that retinoblastoma is curable, these data are concerning and mandate intervention at national and international levels. Further studies are needed to investigate factors, other than age at presentation, that may be associated with advanced disease in LMICs

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely