Dynamic ridge polynomial neural network with Lyapunov function for time series forecasting

The ability to model the behaviour of arbitrary dynamic system is one of the most useful properties of recurrent networks. Dynamic ridge polynomial neural network (DRPNN) is a recurrent neural network used for time series forecasting. Despite the potential and capability of the DRPNN, stability problems could occur in the DRPNN due to the existence of the recurrent feedback. Therefore, in this study, a su cient condition based on an approach that uses adaptive learning rate is developed by introducing a Lyapunov function. To compare the performance of the proposed solution with the existing solution, which is derived based on the stability theorem for a feedback network, we used six time series, namely Darwin sea level pressure, monthly smoothed sunspot numbers, Lorenz, Santa Fe laser, daily Euro/Dollar exchange rate and Mackey-Glass time-delay di erential equation. Simulation results proved the stability of the proposed solution and showed an average 21.45% improvement in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) with respect to the existing solution. Furthermore, the proposed solution is faster than the existing solution. This is due to the fact that the proposed solution solves network size restriction found in the existing solution and takes advantage of the calculated dynamic system variable to check the stability, unlike the existing solution that needs more calculation steps

Worrying about climate change

The paper discusses the impact of climate change on ten sectors: water, water desalination, energy, renewable energy supply, health, society, agriculture, economy, industry, and built environment. Each of the sectors has unique characteristics that require special consideration. Planning for climate change adaptation is among the most complex challenges cities are facing today. Climatic alterations put a strain on 1) energy needs for cooling/heating and release of anthropogenic heat, 2) mortality and morbidity due to air pollution and air turbidity, 3) productivity and wellbeing, and 4) accessibility to public spaces and social prosperity. There are many innovate ideas and proposals suggested in order to minimize the impact of climate change, but no simple solution exists because of the interdependence and fast-moving technological solutions, and the role of the policy makers in setting targets and providing finance for solutions

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Accelerating the transformation to a green university: University of Bahrain experience

Many universities are striving to have an environmental impact on the society as they are considered as small communities aiming to be eco-friendly and having low CO2 emission. This concept has been emerging after the worldwide concern on the ozone depletion issue and global warming. As a result, many titles have appeared like “Green Universities”, “eco- friendly Universities,” “Environmental sustainable Universities” and “Environmentally responsible universities,” etc. This paper proposes a mechanism that allows universities to go green or become environmentally sustainable higher education bodies in a short span of time. It simply advises the universities to best practice the Environmental Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG’s) Components incorporated in the seventeen United Nation Sustainable Developments Goals (SDG’s) that were announced on the 25 th September 2015 by all leaders of the countries which were aimed to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda where each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. These ESDG’s listed within the SDG’s are the following: 1) Good Health and Well-being. 2) Quality Education. 3) Clean Water and Sanitation. 4) Affordable and Clean Energy. 5) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. 6) Sustainable Cities and Communities. 7) Climate Action. 8) Life below Water. 9) Life on Land. Therefore, incorporating such 9 Goals in the strategic planning of each worldwide university that has aligned its goals with the Country National Strategy - which by default includes these SDG’s - will accelerate and boost each university to transform to Green and Environmentally Sustainable campus. The paper also sheds light on the experience of University of Bahrain in this respect

Accelerating the transformation to a green university: University of Bahrain experience

Many universities are striving to have an environmental impact on the society as they are considered as small communities aiming to be eco-friendly and having low CO2 emission. This concept has been emerging after the worldwide concern on the ozone depletion issue and global warming. As a result, many titles have appeared like “Green Universities”, “eco- friendly Universities,” “Environmental sustainable Universities” and “Environmentally responsible universities,” etc. This paper proposes a mechanism that allows universities to go green or become environmentally sustainable higher education bodies in a short span of time. It simply advises the universities to best practice the Environmental Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG’s) Components incorporated in the seventeen United Nation Sustainable Developments Goals (SDG’s) that were announced on the 25 th September 2015 by all leaders of the countries which were aimed to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda where each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. These ESDG’s listed within the SDG’s are the following: 1) Good Health and Well-being. 2) Quality Education. 3) Clean Water and Sanitation. 4) Affordable and Clean Energy. 5) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. 6) Sustainable Cities and Communities. 7) Climate Action. 8) Life below Water. 9) Life on Land. Therefore, incorporating such 9 Goals in the strategic planning of each worldwide university that has aligned its goals with the Country National Strategy - which by default includes these SDG’s - will accelerate and boost each university to transform to Green and Environmentally Sustainable campus. The paper also sheds light on the experience of University of Bahrain in this respect

Retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients during interferon treatment with ribavirin

AIM—To assess the ocular effect of interferon alfa 2b prescribed with ribavirin in patients undergoing therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
METHODS—19 patients with chronic hepatitis C who satisfied the follow up criteria were assessed for ocular complications using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy before, during, and after the treatment at regular intervals.
RESULTS—8/19 patients, while on treatment, developed an asymptomatic retinopathy. Among these 3/8 were relapsers and 5/9 were non-responders to interferon monotherapy. All retinal changes faded, often while the patients continued the therapy. There was no significant association in occurrence of retinopathy with haematological and/or biochemical changes.
CONCLUSION—Retinopathy was more common in interferon monotherapy non-responders than relapsers when treated with interferon alfa 2b with the addition of ribavirin. The changes were transient, disappearing while the patients were still being treated.


Decompression retinopathy following laser peripheral iridoplasty for acute primary angle-closure

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