7 research outputs found
Attention Down-Sampling Transformer, Relative Ranking and Self-Consistency for Blind Image Quality Assessment
Get PDFThe no-reference image quality assessment is a challenging domain that addresses estimating image quality without the original reference. We introduce an improved mechanism to extract local and non-local information from images via different transformer encoders and CNNs. The utilization of Transformer encoders aims to mitigate locality bias and generate a non-local representation by sequentially processing CNN features, which inherently capture local visual structures. Establishing a stronger connection between subjective and objective assessments is achieved through sorting within batches of images based on relative distance information. A self-consistency approach to self-supervision is presented, explicitly addressing the degradation of no-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA) models under equivariant transformations. Our approach ensures model robustness by maintaining consistency between an image and its horizontally flipped equivalent. Through empirical evaluation of five popular image quality assessment datasets, the proposed model outperforms alternative algorithms in the context of no-reference image quality assessment datasets, especially on smaller datasets. Codes are available at \href{https://github.com/mas94/ADTRS}{https://github.com/mas94/ADTRS}Accepted in International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP
ABNORMALITY OF LEFT MAJOR CORONARY ARTERY RISING FROM THE RIGHT SINUS OF VALSALVA
No full textAbnormal source of left coronary artery from right side of aorta is uncommon condition. However this condition is not reported commonly. In this case 48 years patient presented with chest pain. On examination no significant findings were noted. All investigation was remarkable. Electrocardiogram display fluctuation of left bundle branch arrangement with 2nd sinus tachycardia variations. Coronary angiogram showed anomalous coronary arteries arising from right coronary sinus along with coronary cameral fistula connecting the obtuse marginal to left ventricle with no significant disease of coronaries.This case report the association of both these conditions (Khalighi et al., 2018).
Keywords: Abnormal left major coronary artery ascending from the right side of the aorta
Significance of Soft Power for Pursuing Foreign Policy Objectives
No full textSoft power has become one of the most important determinants of foreign policy in the 21st century. It is a capability whereby people of one state get attached to the values, ideologies, culture, political system, or sports of other state in such a way that they view that state emotionally rather than rationally. This paper delves into the extent to which soft power is effective in today‟s international system vis-a-vis hard power. Furthermore, it looks into the question that to what extent, soft power of Pakistan contributes to its overall national power. This study has employed broader framework of liberalism to address this research. This study is conducted under the qualitative research methodology with more focus on documentary analysis. The theoretical and conceptual framework revolves around the image of soft power propounded by Joseph Nye. Multilateralism is the striking features of current day politic of the world. In such scenario, soft power has become the important component of national power and states use it to pursue their national interests. Developed and fastdeveloping states are relying more on their soft image building and less on their militaries. Peaceful rise of China in 21st century is the most pertinent example in this regard. Though soft power is largely determined by the factors beyond governments‟ control yet it has a role in taking an initiative and making soft power a state-polic
The Role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the Resolution of Indo-Pak Conflicts: Future Prospects and Recommendations
No full textThe Shanghai Cooperation Organization is one of the most significant regional organizations in the world. The international political order is changing with the convergence of interests of rising China and resurgent Russia due to which the role of SCO in Asia has increased manifold. Both these states are focused on regional integration that would realign the global and regional political environment focused towards East. These two global players can play a productive role via the SCO platform to create readiness for both India and Pakistan in the regional diplomacy for the resolution of conflicts. SCO and its primary members have extensive experience in the resolution of territorial disputes and building confidence, as the initial Shanghai-Five was established to solve border and territory disputes among members. Confidence Building Measures and conflict resolution among India and Pakistan can be achieved by utilizing various diplomatic channels of SCO, these channels will lead to track one and two diplomacies. SCO can be constructive in achieving sustainable peace between India and Pakistan, which would, in turn, lead to a prosperous region. With the inclusion of India and Pakistan as permanent members in SCO, the future looks promising and the Asian Century is on the cards. This article is an attempt to highlight the significance of SCO as a platform for India and Pakistan to attain sustainable peace and perpetual cooperation
Perceptions of medical students towards antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in Saudi Arabia
Get PDFIntroduction: This survey evaluates knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical students towards use of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections (URTIs). Methodology: Cross-sectional questionnaire study among 1042 randomly selected medical students in Saudi Arabia. Results: Respondents were mostly Saudis (97.5%), had previous knowledge of antibiotics (99.7%) and their usage (98.3%) against bacterial infections (93.7%). 18.1% thought that they could be used for viral infections. Nearly all students (97.2%) used antibiotics themselves during the previous year and self-medication without a prescription was high at 49% of cases. Most antibiotics were taken for URTI symptoms (61.8%). Female medical students had better knowledge on antibiotic effectiveness against bacteria and viruses, and overall knowledge increased with study year. Health seeking behaviour rates for symptoms of RTI and associated estimated necessity for antibiotics varied but were highest for cough with yellow/green phlegm. Conclusions: The depth of knowledge that healthcare professionals have in relation to the proper use of antibiotics is essential in spreading the right message within communities. This is the first large study among medical students in Saudi Arabia, shedding important light on areas for improvement in the medical curriculum as well as antibiotic practices of medical students themselves. © 2015, BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study
No full textBackground: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling.
Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty.
Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year.
Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population
30-day Morbidity and Mortality after Cholecystectomy for Benign Gallbladder Disease (AMBROSE): A Prospective, International Collaborative Cohort Study
Get PDFObjective: This study aimed to assess 30-day morbidity and mortality rates following cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease and identify the factors associated with complications. Summary background data: Although cholecystectomy is common for benign gallbladder disease, there is a gap in the knowledge of the current practice and variations on a global level. Methods: A prospective, international, observational collaborative cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease from participating hospitals in 57 countries between January 1 and June 30, 2022, was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify preoperative and operative variables associated with 30-day postoperative outcomes. Results: Data of 21,706 surgical patients from 57 countries were included in the analysis. A total of 10,821 (49.9%), 4,263 (19.7%), and 6,622 (30.5%) cholecystectomies were performed in the elective, emergency, and delayed settings, respectively. Thirty-day postoperative complications were observed in 1,738 patients (8.0%), including mortality in 83 patients (0.4%). Bile leaks (Strasberg grade A) were reported in 278 (1.3%) patients and severe bile duct injuries (Strasberg grades B-E) were reported in 48 (0.2%) patients. Patient age, ASA physical status class, surgical setting, operative approach and Nassar operative difficulty grade were identified as the five predictors demonstrating the highest relative importance in predicting postoperative complications. Conclusion: This multinational observational collaborative cohort study presents a comprehensive report of the current practices and outcomes of cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease. Ongoing global collaborative evaluations and initiatives are needed to promote quality assurance and improvement in cholecystectomy
