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Fulltext An Assessment of Osteoporotic Conditions among Users and Non-Users of Warfarin: A Case-Control Study

Abdulameer AH, Sulaiman SABS, Kader MBSA

J Clin Diagn Res, 2017 Mar;11(3):OC21-OC24.
PMID: 28511429 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2017/23829.9483

INTRODUCTION: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant which is associated with a decrease in Bone Mass Density (BMD).
AIM: The study aimed to explore the prevalence of osteoporosis conditions in Malaysians with chronic warfarin patients using calcaneal quarter of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) machine and to investigate whether long-term sodium warfarin therapy that antagonizes vitamin K is affecting the increasing rate of osteoporosis in Penang and to find the risk factors of getting osteoporosis among warfarin users and its non users.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 130 patients using warfarin, attending the outpatient clinic at Hospital Pulau Pinang. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit the required sample. Another 140 subjects were selected from the community as a control group (non-users of warfarin).
RESULTS: This study showed that more than three-quarter patients (82%) were at high risk of abnormal BMD. The warfarin users were two times more likely to have a higher osteoporosis risk compared to control group. Moreover, BMD has a negative correlation with age, but has a positive correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI). Patients showed a negative correlation with a higher dose of warfarin intake.
CONCLUSION: This study concluded that osteopenia and osteoporosis are serious problems between users and non-users warfarin in Penang. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration in the Malaysian Health Ministry's agenda.
Cytotoxic 3,4-secoapotirucallanes from Aaglaia argentea bark

Mohamad K, Martin MT, Najdar H, Gaspard C, Sévenet T, Awang K, et al.

J Nat Prod, 1999 Jun;62(6):868-72.
PMID: 10395505

Nine 3,4-secoapotirucallanes, argentinic acids A-I, were isolated from the bark of Aglaia argentea and transformed to their methyl esters 1-9. The structures were determined by spectral and chemical means. Compounds 1-8 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against KB cells (IC50 1.0-3.5 microg/mL).
Fulltext Physico-chemical characteristics of nanocellulose at the variation of catalytic hydrolysis process

Rashid ESA, Gul A, Yehya WAH, Julkapli NM

Heliyon, 2021 Jun;7(6):e07267.
PMID: 34195407 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07267

In this work, the influence of various sulfuric acid (H2SO4) concentration is studied towards the crystallinity, particle size distribution, thermal stability, and morphology of the synthesized nanocellulose (NCC) during the esterification process. Different concentrations of H2SO4 (40%, 58%, 64% and 78%) was utilized to achieve the optimal properties of NCC. The as-produced NCC was characterized by Fourier Transmission Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis that confirmed the attachment of sulphate ions ( SO 4 - 3 ) to C-6 of the glucose ring. Moreover, the hydrogen ions (H+) weakened the C-6 of cellulose chains by attacking the glycosidic linkages resulting in the formation of NCC. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed an increase in the crystallinity index with increasing H2SO4 concentration till 78%. NCC represented a needle shaped like structure having a particle size of 10-18 nm in diameter as observed under Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Fourier Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Furthermore, Dynamic Light Scattering (DSL) analysis recorded the particle size of the NCC as less than 20 nm in diameter. Thus, owing to various H2SO4 concentration the particle size, crystallinity, and features of NCC are substantially affected.
Fulltext Artificial intelligence maturity model: a systematic literature review

Sadiq RB, Safie N, Abd Rahman AH, Goudarzi S

PeerJ Comput Sci, 2021;7:e661.
PMID: 34541308 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.661

Organizations in various industries have widely developed the artificial intelligence (AI) maturity model as a systematic approach. This study aims to review state-of-the-art studies related to AI maturity models systematically. It allows a deeper understanding of the methodological issues relevant to maturity models, especially in terms of the objectives, methods employed to develop and validate the models, and the scope and characteristics of maturity model development. Our analysis reveals that most works concentrate on developing maturity models with or without their empirical validation. It shows that the most significant proportion of models were designed for specific domains and purposes. Maturity model development typically uses a bottom-up design approach, and most of the models have a descriptive characteristic. Besides that, maturity grid and continuous representation with five levels are currently trending in maturity model development. Six out of 13 studies (46%) on AI maturity pertain to assess the technology aspect, even in specific domains. It confirms that organizations still require an improvement in their AI capability and in strengthening AI maturity. This review provides an essential contribution to the evolution of organizations using AI to explain the concepts, approaches, and elements of maturity models.
Impact of Preoperative Stenting on the Outcome of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for Upper Urinary Tract Urolithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fahmy O, Shsm H, Lee C, Khairul-Asri MG

Urol Int, 2021 Aug 25.
PMID: 34515258 DOI: 10.1159/000518160

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative stenting (POS) on the perioperative outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. From the initially retrieved 609 reports, we excluded the ineligible studies at 2 stages. We only included studies that contained fURS patients with and without POS in the same report. Data of patients who underwent semirigid ureteroscope only were excluded from the analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) system was applied for risk of bias assessment.
RESULTS: A total of 20 studies including 5,852 patients were involved. 48.5% of the patients had preoperative stent. Stone-free rate was significantly higher with prestenting; odds ratio (OR) was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.51-2.58) (Z = 5.02; p = 0.00001). It also displayed tendency toward lower complications; OR was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.52-1.05) (Z = 1.67; p = 0.09). POS significantly increased the use of ureteral access sheath; OR was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.05-2.13) (Z = 2.22; p = 0.03). Risk of bias assessment showed 13 and 7 studies with low and moderate risk, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: POS clearly improves the stone-free rates after fURS. It might reduce the complications, especially ureteral injury. These findings might help solve the current debate and can be useful for urologists during patient counselling for a proper decision-making.
Post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) guided lung biopsy: A preliminary case report

Abdul Hadi D, Mansharan Kaur CS, Effat O, Siew SF

Trop Biomed, 2019 Dec 01;36(4):850-854.
PMID: 33597457

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease on the rise caused by the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis and health care workers working in emergency departments, medical wards and autopsy rooms are in danger of contacting this disease. We present a case of a 42 year old man found dead under a pedestrian bridge with no medical history available. Post mortem computed tomography showed multiple cavities involving upper lobes of both lungs and areas of consolidation in both lung fields raising the suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis. This was followed by a computed tomography guided lung biopsy and a limited conventional autopsy done in situ in a special high risk autopsy suite with appropriate ventilation. This case highlights the importance of cross sectional imaging which can be coupled with image guided biopsy in cases of infectious disease to reduce the risk of transmission to health care workers.
Fulltext Biometric indices and population parameters of three polynemid fishes from Batang Lassa Estuary of East Malaysia

Mustafa MG, Rajaee AH, Hamli H, A Rahim KA

PeerJ, 2021;9:e12183.
PMID: 34721960 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12183

The length-weight relationships (LWRs), condition factor (Kn), growth, mortality and exploitation status of three polynemid fishes, i.e., Filimanus xanthonema (Valenciennes, 1831), Polynemus melanochir (Valenciennes, 1831) and Polynemus paradiseus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Batang Lassa River estuary were estimated. Fish samples were caught during April 2019 to September 2020 using the ESBN (locally called Gnian) having 1.25 to 4.00 cm mesh size. The total length (TL) and body weight of each individual fish was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.01 g respectively. The growth coefficients (b) for F. xanthonema, P. melanochir and P. paradiseus, were 2.880, 2.717 and 2.724 with the R 2 values 0.956, 0.972 and 0.936 respectively. Estimated growth coefficients indicated a negative allometric growth pattern for all three threadfin fishes. To date, information regarding length-weight relationships for F. xanthonema and P. melanochir is insufficient whereas the information is available for P. paradiseus. About 40-48% of fishes exhibited flat or thin body shape (Kn < 1), 48-50% were rounded or fat (Kn > 1) and only 1-3% of fishes showed proportional body shape (Kn = 1). The growth parameters L∞ , K and ϕ' were estimated at 15.75 cm, 0.95 yr-1 and 2.37 for F. xanthonema; 27.61 cm 0.87 yr-1 and 2.82 for P. melanochir; and 27.30 cm, 0.58 yr-1 and 2.64 for P. paradiseus; respectively. The estimated natural mortality (M) included 2.10, 1.69 and 1.30 yr-1; the fishing mortality (F) 0.57, 0.67 and 0.60 yr-1; and exploitation ratio (E) 0.21, 0.28 and 0.31 for F. xanthonema, P. melanochir and P. paradiseus respectively. The study concluded that the stocks are still under exploitation (E < 0.5) condition. However, the studied Batang Lassa estuary could be a potential nursery ground considering the minimum lengths of 5.0, 3.8 and 4.0 cm for F. xanthonema, P. melanochir and P. paradiseus respectively. Therefore, management initiatives are needed to escape juvenile catches.
Modifications on porous absorbable Fe-based scaffolds for bone applications: A review from corrosion and biocompatibility viewpoints

Md Yusop AH, Al Sakkaf A, Nur H

J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2022 01;110(1):18-44.
PMID: 34132457 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34893

Iron (Fe) and Fe-based scaffolds have become a research frontier in absorbable materials which is inherent to their promising mechanical properties including fatigue strength and ductility. Nevertheless, their slow corrosion rate and low biocompatibility have been their major obstacles to be applied in clinical applications. Over the last decade, various modifications on porous Fe-based scaffolds have been performed to ameliorate both properties encompassing surface coating, microstructural alteration via alloying, and advanced topologically order structural design produced by additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. The recent advent of AM produces topologically ordered porous Fe-based structures with an optimized architecture having controllable pore size and strut thickness, intricate internal design, and larger exposed surface area. This undoubtedly opens up new options for controlling Fe corrosion and its structural strengths. However, the in vitro biocompatibility of the AM porous Fe still needs to be addressed considering its higher corrosion rate due to the larger exposed surface area. This review summarizes the latest progress of the modifications on porous Fe-based scaffolds with a specific focus on their responses on the corrosion behavior and biocompatibility.
A biomechanical study comparing plate fixation using unicortical and bicortical screws in transverse metacarpal fracture models subjected to cyclic loading

Afshar R, Fong TS, Latifi MH, Kanthan SR, Kamarul T

J Hand Surg Eur Vol, 2012 Jun;37(5):396-401.
PMID: 22019989 DOI: 10.1177/1753193411424557

The use of bicortical screws to fix metacarpal fractures has been suggested to provide no added biomechanical advantage over unicortical screw fixation. However, this was only demonstrated in static loading regimes, which may not be representative of biological conditions. The present study was done to determine whether similar outcomes are obtained when cyclic loading is applied. Transverse midshaft osteotomies were created in 20 metacarpals harvested from three cadavers. Fractures were stabilised using 2.0 mm mini fragment plates fixed with either bicortical or unicortical screw fixation. These fixations were tested to failure with a three-point bending cyclic loading protocol using an electromechanical microtester and a 1 kN load cell. The mean load to failure was 370 N (SD 116) for unicortical fixation and 450 N (SD 135) for bicortical fixation. Significant differences between these two constructs were observed. A biomechanical advantage was found when using bicortical screws in metacarpal fracture plating.
Swelling behaviour and controlled drug release from cross-linked κ-carrageenan/NaCMC hydrogel by diffusion mechanism

Hezaveh H, Muhamad II, Noshadi I, Shu Fen L, Ngadi N

J Microencapsul, 2012;29(4):368-79.
PMID: 22309480 DOI: 10.3109/02652048.2011.651501

We studied a model system of controlled drug release using beta-carotene and κ-carrageenan/NaCMC hydrogel as a drug and a device, respectively. Different concentrations of genipin were added to crosslink the beta-carotene loaded beads by using the dripping method. Results have shown that the cross-linked beads possess lower swelling ability in all pH conditions (pH 1.2 and 7.4), and swelling ratio decreases with increasing genipin concentration. Microstructure study shows that cross-linking has enhanced the stability and structure of the beads network. Determination of diffusion coefficient for the release of encapsulated beta-carotene indicates less diffusivity when beads are cross-linked. Swelling models using adaptive neuro fuzzy show that using genipin as a cross-linker in the kC/NaCMC hydrogels affects the transport mechanism. The model shows very good agreement with the experimental data that indicates that applying ANFIS modelling is an accurate, rapid and simple way to model in such a case for controlled release applications.
Fulltext A fast density-based clustering algorithm for real-time Internet of Things stream

Amini A, Saboohi H, Wah TY, Herawan T

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:926020.
PMID: 25110753 DOI: 10.1155/2014/926020

Data streams are continuously generated over time from Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The faster all of this data is analyzed, its hidden trends and patterns discovered, and new strategies created, the faster action can be taken, creating greater value for organizations. Density-based method is a prominent class in clustering data streams. It has the ability to detect arbitrary shape clusters, to handle outlier, and it does not need the number of clusters in advance. Therefore, density-based clustering algorithm is a proper choice for clustering IoT streams. Recently, several density-based algorithms have been proposed for clustering data streams. However, density-based clustering in limited time is still a challenging issue. In this paper, we propose a density-based clustering algorithm for IoT streams. The method has fast processing time to be applicable in real-time application of IoT devices. Experimental results show that the proposed approach obtains high quality results with low computation time on real and synthetic datasets.
Comparative analysis of realistic CT-scan and simplified human airway models in airflow simulation

Johari NH, Osman K, Helmi NH, Abdul Kadir MA

Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin, 2015;18(1):48-56.
PMID: 23521065 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2013.776548

Efforts to model the human upper respiratory system have undergone many phases. Geometrical proximity to the realistic shape has been the subject of many research projects. In this study, three different geometries of the trachea and main bronchus were modelled, which were reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) scan images. The geometrical variations were named realistic, simplified and oversimplified. Realistic refers to the lifelike image taken from digital imaging and communications in medicine format CT scan images, simplified refers to the reconstructed image based on natural images without realistic details pertaining to the rough surfaces, and oversimplified describes the straight wall geometry of the airway. The characteristics of steady state flows with different flow rates were investigated, simulating three varied physical activities and passing through each model. The results agree with previous studies where simplified models are sufficient for providing comparable results for airflow in human airways. This work further suggests that, under most exercise conditions, the idealised oversimplified model is not favourable for simulating either airflow regimes or airflow with particle depositions. However, in terms of immediate analysis for the prediction of abnormalities of various dimensions of human airways, the oversimplified techniques may be used.
Effect of adding palm oil mill decanter cake slurry with regular turning operation on the composting process and quality of compost from oil palm empty fruit bunches

Yahya A, Sye CP, Ishola TA, Suryanto H

Bioresour Technol, 2010 Nov;101(22):8736-41.
PMID: 20609579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.05.073

Formation of compost from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and decanter cake slurry by adding palm oil mill effluent (POME) with regular turning operation was investigated. The experiment was conducted in a commercial composting plant under the normal production process. The addition of decanter cake slurry has hastened the composting process of the EFB. The C/N ratio after 51 days for the mature compost with the decanter cake slurry was 18.65 while that of the matured compost without the decanter cake slurry remained high at 28.96. The compost formed from the addition of decanter cake to EFB and POME had 46.4% nitrogen, 17.9% phosphorus, 17.7% potassium and 23.1% calcium more than that without decanter cake. The use of compost produced from EFB, POME and decanter cake slurry could solve more environmental problems and enhance economic benefits in the oil palm industry.
Fulltext Real-Time Robotic Presentation Skill Scoring Using Multi-Model Analysis and Fuzzy Delphi-Analytic Hierarchy Process

Alshammari RFN, Abd Rahman AH, Arshad H, Albahri OS

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Dec 05;23(24).
PMID: 38139465 DOI: 10.3390/s23249619

Existing methods for scoring student presentations predominantly rely on computer-based implementations and do not incorporate a robotic multi-classification model. This limitation can result in potential misclassification issues as these approaches lack active feature learning capabilities due to fixed camera positions. Moreover, these scoring methods often solely focus on facial expressions and neglect other crucial factors, such as eye contact, hand gestures and body movements, thereby leading to potential biases or inaccuracies in scoring. To address these limitations, this study introduces Robotics-based Presentation Skill Scoring (RPSS), which employs a multi-model analysis. RPSS captures and analyses four key presentation parameters in real time, namely facial expressions, eye contact, hand gestures and body movements, and applies the fuzzy Delphi method for criteria selection and the analytic hierarchy process for weighting, thereby enabling decision makers or managers to assign varying weights to each criterion based on its relative importance. RPSS identifies five academic facial expressions and evaluates eye contact to achieve a comprehensive assessment and enhance its scoring accuracy. Specific sub-models are employed for each presentation parameter, namely EfficientNet for facial emotions, DeepEC for eye contact and an integrated Kalman and heuristic approach for hand and body movements. The scores are determined based on predefined rules. RPSS is implemented on a robot, and the results highlight its practical applicability. Each sub-model is rigorously evaluated offline and compared against benchmarks for selection. Real-world evaluations are also conducted by incorporating a novel active learning approach to improve performance by leveraging the robot's mobility. In a comparative evaluation with human tutors, RPSS achieves a remarkable average agreement of 99%, showcasing its effectiveness in assessing students' presentation skills.
Fulltext Species Distribution Model for the Asian Tapir and Vegetation Characteristics of Batang Gadis National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Kuswanda W, Hutapea FJ, Saputra MH, Nopandry B

Trop Life Sci Res, 2023 Jun;34(2):57-80.
PMID: 38144375 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.2.4

The Asian tapir is a primitive mammal whose habitat is heavily fragmented due to human activities. Studies on the Asian tapirs in Sumatra are very few, thereby basic information for developing tapir conservation programmes is limited. This study aimed to develop the species distribution model to map the potential distribution of tapirs in Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP), investigate the characteristic of tapir habitat, and identify tapir feed plants around BGNP. The model was developed using the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) approach, based on the existing information on tapir occurrence in BGNP and environmental variables. Vegetation characteristics in different land cover (primary forests, secondary forests, and open fields) were investigated using the strip transect method. This study found that zonal classification, temperature and precipitation have the greatest percentage contribution to the model. The model estimated that around 24.45% of BGNP areas are suitable for tapir habitat, and tapirs distribute near community gardens. Our results also showed that plant diversity at study sites was categorised as moderate-high. About 23 plant species dominated by the Moraceae family were identified as feed plants for tapirs. In developing tapir conservation programmes, BGNP management needs to consider tapir distribution that is closed to community gardens. We propose BGNP to enrich feed plants in open fields of the wilderness and traditional zones; reduce the canopy cover in the wilderness and utilisation zones to stimulate the growth of feed plants; facilitate local people to live harmoniously with tapirs; involve local communities in tapir conservation programmes; encourage local communities to plant non-palatable crops for tapirs; and provide a compensation scheme.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers towards antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Al Sulayyim H, Ismail R, Hamid AA, Ghafar NA

JAC Antimicrob Resist, 2023 Jun;5(3):dlad068.
PMID: 37288079 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad068

BACKGROUND: During the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, there was an overuse of antibiotics in hospitals. The improper use of antibiotics during COVID-19 has increased antibiotic resistance (AR), which has been reported in multiple studies.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in relation to AR during the era of COVID-19, and identify the associated factors with good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice.
METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to assess the KAP of HCWs in Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A validated questionnaire was used to collect participants' data, which consisted of the following information; socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude and items for practice. Data were presented as percentages and median (IQR). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare them. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors linked to KAP.
RESULTS: The study included 406 HCWs. Their median (IQR) knowledge score was 72.73% (27.27%-81.82%), attitude score was 71.43% (28.57%-71.43%) and practice score was 50% (0%-66.67%). About 58.1% of the HCWs stated that antibiotics could be used to treat COVID-19 infection; 19.2% of the participants strongly agreed and 20.7% agreed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotics were overused at their healthcare institutions. Only 18.5% strongly agreed and 15.5% agreed when asked whether antibiotics used properly for the right indication and duration can still result in AR. The significantly associated factors with good knowledge were nationality, cadre and qualification. A positive attitude was significantly associated with age, nationality and qualification. Good practice was significantly associated with age, cadre, qualification and working place.
CONCLUSION: Although the HCWs had a positive attitude regarding AR during COVID-19, their knowledge and practice need significant improvement. Implementation of effective educational and training programmes are urgently needed. In addition, further prospective and clinical trial studies are needed to better inform these programmes.
Fulltext Workflow of the In Situ Combustion EOR Method in Venezuela: Challenges and Opportunities

Rodriguez F, Llamedo M, Belhaj H, Mendoza A, Elraies KA

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 08;8(31):28060-28079.
PMID: 37576656 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c08059

In situ combustion (ISC) is one of the oldest thermal enhanced oil recovery methods to have been applied in Venezuela to increase the production of highly viscous crude oils, with a first field application in 1959 in the Tia Juana Field-Lake Maracaibo Basin. This method, which is characterized by high energy efficiency, consists of injecting air into the reservoir where exothermic oxidation reactions initiate to increase the mobility of the oil. Compared to other thermal enhanced oil recovery methods such as steam injection, ISC has a lower environmental impact in terms of water and fuel consumption, and emission of gases as the produced gases can be reinjected or stored. Several ISC projects have been carried out in Venezuela in Tia Juana, Morichal, Miga, and Melones fields. Although the technical results have been satisfactory in terms of viscosity reduction and improved crude oil properties (such as °API), other important aspects of project evaluations have not been convincing due to the following factors: high temperatures in producing wells, acid gases management, generation of complex emulsions, corrosion, and high CAPEX and OPEX costs. Nevertheless, additional research work has been conducted on process optimization, using catalysts and hydrogen donors, to better address these other factors. Due to the great need to increase hydrocarbon production in Venezuela and to the advantages of ISC as an upgrading technique where low-carbon fuels and hydrogen as byproducts are generated, this paper presents a revisit of ISC projects in Venezuela from R&D technical aspects to field applications. It seeks to identify the main insights regarding the success and failure of the evaluated projects and make substantiated recommendations in the case of future applications of this technology.
Fulltext A case report of gastroschisis: Prenatal diagnosis in primary care settings matters

Said AH, Md Nor MZ, Che Yusof MD

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:53.
PMID: 37814671 DOI: 10.51866/cr.278

Gastroschisis may lead to serious congenital disability, as prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid could compromise the mesenteric blood flow and irritate the foetal intestinal wall. The consequences of gastroschisis include spontaneous preterm birth, growth restriction and foetal demise. Awareness of this disease is essential, as a high mortality rate is linked to inadequate initial therapy. Early detection of the disease, mainly by primary care physicians as the initial point of contact, is crucial to improve the course of the condition through early monitoring and referral to tertiary care centres. With this case report, we hope to highlight the need of detecting gastroschisis before to the third trimester of pregnancy for better readiness, especially in primary care settings located far from tertiary centres.
Fulltext 3D-DIoU: 3D Distance Intersection over Union for Multi-Object Tracking in Point Cloud

Mohammed SAK, Razak MZA, Rahman AHA

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Mar 23;23(7).
PMID: 37050449 DOI: 10.3390/s23073390

Multi-object tracking (MOT) is a prominent and important study in point cloud processing and computer vision. The main objective of MOT is to predict full tracklets of several objects in point cloud. Occlusion and similar objects are two common problems that reduce the algorithm's performance throughout the tracking phase. The tracking performance of current MOT techniques, which adopt the 'tracking-by-detection' paradigm, is degrading, as evidenced by increasing numbers of identification (ID) switch and tracking drifts because it is difficult to perfectly predict the location of objects in complex scenes that are unable to track. Since the occluded object may have been visible in former frames, we manipulated the speed and location position of the object in the previous frames in order to guess where the occluded object might have been. In this paper, we employed a unique intersection over union (IoU) method in three-dimension (3D) planes, namely a distance IoU non-maximum suppression (DIoU-NMS) to accurately detect objects, and consequently we use 3D-DIoU for an object association process in order to increase tracking robustness and speed. By using a hybrid 3D DIoU-NMS and 3D-DIoU method, the tracking speed improved significantly. Experimental findings on the Waymo Open Dataset and nuScenes dataset, demonstrate that our multistage data association and tracking technique has clear benefits over previously developed algorithms in terms of tracking accuracy. In comparison with other 3D MOT tracking methods, our proposed approach demonstrates significant enhancement in tracking performances.
Fulltext Healthcare commissioners' experience with antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

Sulayyim HJA, Ismail R, Hamid AA, Abdul Ghafar N

J Pharm Policy Pract, 2024;17(1):2290671.
PMID: 38205192 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2023.2290671

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of antibiotic resistance (AR) has become a critical issue during the Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explores the experiences of healthcare commissioners with AR during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifies challenges, and provides recommendations for combating AR during pandemics.
METHODS: This qualitative study was multi-centered and used a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 among 11 health commissioners using video calls.
RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the data, including knowledge of AR and its consequences, the antibiotic prescription system, the future of AR and potential contributory factors, the impact of COVID-19 on AR and their relationship, the experience of AR during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare facilities, barriers that prevent the misuse of antibiotics during pandemics, and recommendations regarding antibiotic resistance during pandemics.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study could be used to inform policy and practice for government healthcare workers (HCWs) and the public. Furthermore, this study identified the main challenges of AR during the pandemic, and the recommendations of health commissioners were provided accordingly. Such recommendations could be beneficial on a national and international scale to reduce the impact of future pandemics on AR.
ABBREVIATIONS: COVID-19: Novel coronavirus disease 2019; AR: Antibiotic Resistance; IPC: Infection prevention and control; MDRO: multi-drug resistant organism; ASP: Antimicrobial Stewardship Program; HCW: Healthcare worker; KSA: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; WHO: World Health Organization; MOH: Ministry of Health; MOEWA: Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; AMR: Antimicrobial Resistance; PHCC: Primary Healthcare Center.

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