Nested ensemble selection: An effective hybrid feature selection method.

It has been shown that while feature selection algorithms are able to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant features, they fail to differentiate between relevant and redundant and correlated features. To address this issue, we propose a highly effective approach, called Nested Ensemble Selection (NES), that is based on a combination of filter and wrapper methods. The proposed feature selection algorithm differs from the existing filter-wrapper hybrid methods in its simplicity and efficiency as well as precision.

Suspicious Behavior Detection with Temporal Feature Extraction and Time-Series Classification for Shoplifting Crime Prevention.

The rise in crime rates in many parts of the world, coupled with advancements in computer vision, has increased the need for automated crime detection services. To address this issue, we propose a new approach for detecting suspicious behavior as a means of preventing shoplifting. Existing methods are based on the use of convolutional neural networks that rely on extracting spatial features from pixel values.

Modeling of the In Vitro Release Kinetics of Sonosensitive Targeted Liposomes.

Targeted liposomes triggered by ultrasound are a promising drug delivery system as they potentially improve the clinical outcomes of chemotherapy while reducing associated side effects. In this work, a comprehensive model fitting was performed for a large dataset of liposomal release profiles with seven targeting moieties (albumin, cRGD, estrone, hyaluronic acid, Herceptin, lactobionic acid, and transferrin) in addition to the control liposomes under ultrasound release protocols. Two levels of ultrasound frequencies were tested: low frequency (20 kHz) at 6.

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Antibiotic Knowledge and Consumption Tool (AKCT).

Knowledge of antibiotics and awareness of microbial resistance are essential for appropriate antibiotic consumption. This study aimed to develop and validate a measure of antibiotic knowledge and consumption (AKCT) and to make it available in the Arabic language and context. The tool was developed and applied on individuals ≥ 18 years, with mastery of Arabic or English.

The relationship between diabetes distress, medication taking, glycaemic control and self-management.

Background Diabetes distress (DD) has broad-ranging effects on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management and outcomes. DD research is scarce among ethnic minority groups, particularly Arabic-speaking immigrant communities. To improve outcomes for these vulnerable groups, healthcare providers, including pharmacists, need to understand modifiable predictors of DD.

Machine learning based approach to exam cheating detection.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impelled the majority of schools and universities around the world to switch to remote teaching. One of the greatest challenges in online education is preserving the academic integrity of student assessments. The lack of direct supervision by instructors during final examinations poses a significant risk of academic misconduct.

A Bootstrap Framework for Aggregating within and between Feature Selection Methods.

In the past decade, big data has become increasingly prevalent in a large number of applications. As a result, datasets suffering from noise and redundancy issues have necessitated the use of feature selection across multiple domains. However, a common concern in feature selection is that different approaches can give very different results when applied to similar datasets.

Patient expectations and willingness to use primary care pharmacy services in the United Arab Emirates.

Objectives: No previous studies have investigated patients' expectations of, or interest in, using primary care pharmacy services in the UAE. The study investigated primary care services that patients would use if they were provided through community pharmacies.

Methods: A questionnaire was developed in English and translated to Arabic.

Assessing patient satisfaction with community pharmacy in the UAE using a newly-validated tool.

Background: Patient satisfaction has become an integral component of the quality of healthcare services. It has been used for the purpose of performance assessment, reimbursement, and quality management of health service delivery. It has been suggested that patient satisfaction could be a predictor of health-related behavior.

Community pharmacy services in the United Arab Emirates.

Objectives: To identify the type and frequency of services provided through community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: A survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire distributed by hand to 700 community pharmacies. Items included information about the pharmacists and pharmacies, type of products sold, type and extent of enhanced services provided and perceived barriers to providing these services.

Assessment of the current practice of antibiotic skin testing in a tertiary hospital in United Arab Emirates.

Introduction: Skin testing can be a useful diagnostic tool to identify patients who are allergic to penicillin. Procedures for skin testing in the United Arab Emirates have not been standardized. The aim of this study was to examine the current practice of antibiotic skin testing in a tertiary hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Community pharmacy in the United Arab Emirates: characteristics and workforce issues.

Objectives: To determine the characteristics and workforce issues of community pharmacy practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: Data collection was by anonymous cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires were distributed by hand to 700 community pharmacies to collect information about the participating pharmacists, pharmacy characteristics, the types of products and professional pharmacy services available to patients, and the barriers to offering professional services.

Intragroup differences in risk factors for breastfeeding outcomes in a multicultural community.

A sample of 221 women who delivered at Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, were included in this prospective study to identify breastfeeding patterns at day 1, 1 month, and 6 months postpartum. The exclusive breastfeeding rate was 76.5% on day 1, 48.