Artificial Intelligence Chatbots: A Survey of Classical versus Deep Machine Learning Techniques

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables machines to be intelligent, most importantly using Machine Learning (ML) in which machines are trained to be able to make better decisions and predictions. In particular, ML-based chatbot systems have been developed to simulate chats with people using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. The adoption of chatbots has increased rapidly in many sectors, including, Education, Health Care, Cultural Heritage, Supporting Systems and Marketing, and Entertainment. Chatbots have the potential to improve human interaction with machines, and NLP helps them understand human language more clearly and thus create proper and intelligent responses. In addition to classical ML techniques, Deep Learning (DL) has attracted many researchers to develop chatbots using more sophisticated and accurate techniques. However, research has paid chatbots have widely been developed for English, there is relatively less research on Arabic, which is mainly due to its complexity and lack of proper corpora compared to English. Though there have been several survey studies that reviewed the state-of-the-art of chatbot systems, these studies (a) did not give a comprehensive overview of how different the techniques used for Arabic chatbots in comparison with English chatbots; and (b) paid little attention to the application of ANN for developing chatbots. Therefore, in this paper, we conduct a literature survey of chatbot studies to highlight differences between (1) classical and deep ML techniques for chatbots; and (2) techniques employed for Arabic chatbots versus those for other languages. To this end, we propose various comparison criteria of the techniques, extract data from collected studies accordingly, and provide insights on the progress of chatbot development for Arabic and what still needs to be done in the future

Arabic Educational Neural Network Chatbot

Chatbots (machine-based conversational systems) have grown in popularity in recent years. Chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are sophisticated technologies that replicate human communication in a range of natural languages. A chatbot’s primary purpose is to interpret user inquiries and give relevant, contextual responses. Chatbot success has been extensively reported in a number of widely spoken languages; nonetheless, chatbots have not yet reached the predicted degree of success in Arabic. In recent years, several academics have worked to solve the challenges of creating Arabic chatbots. Furthermore, the development of Arabic chatbots is critical to our attempts to increase the use of the language in academic contexts. Our objective is to install and create an Arabic chatbot that will help the Arabic language in the area of education. To begin implementing the chabot, we collected datasets from Arabic educational websites and had to prepare these data using the NLP methods. We then used this data to train the system using a neural network model to create an Arabic neural network chabot. Furthermore, we found relevant research, conducted earlier investigations, and compared their findings by searching Google scholar and looking through the linked references. Data was gathered and saved in a json file. Finally, we programmed the chabot and the models in Python. As a consequence, an Arabic chatbot answers all questions about educational regulations in the United Arab Emirates

Developing and Analyzing a Novel Multimodal Stroke Rehabilitation System for Stroke Patients

Compared to the general population, stroke survivors are more likely to have upper-limb motor impairments. New instruments developed to improve motor function in this group have drawn more attention in recent years. The goal of this study was to develop a novel upper-limb rehabilitation system that combines digital mirror therapy (MT) and action observation therapy (AOT). The system supports both unilateral and bilateral MT training modes, incorporating both pre-recorded and self-recorded AOT movies. These features were made possible via proprietary software. A 50-point bespoke questionnaire and the 100-point System Usability Scale (SUS) were used to evaluate the system’s usability. The system received an average SUS score of 79.38 from therapists and an 80.00 from patients. Therapists’ mean scores on the customized questionnaire were 41.00, whereas patients’ mean scores were 42.80. These encouraging outcomes imply that the system is easy to use and provides efficient rehabilitation assistance. A promising approach to increasing motor function in stroke survivors and possibly improving recovery results is the combination of digital AOT and MT

The relationship between psychological stress and mindfulness among outstanding students in the school basic stage

Introduction. Outstanding students frequently experience psychological stress in many facets of their lives, which impedes their capacity for self-expression, self-control, and problem-solving. It negatively impacts both their physical and mental health in several ways. On the other hand, it has been discovered that mindfulness practices improve physical and sensory well-being and help with stress and anxiety management. Aim. The present research aimed to find out how much psychological stress outstanding students at the primary stage experienced and how that stress is related to mindfulness. Methodology and research methods. A total of 232 kids between the ages of 10 and 14 were involved in the study; they were specifically chosen based on their academic records. Students have to meet the selection requirements with grades higher than 90% in every subject. A questionnaire including a 50- item psychological stress measure with three-point Likert ratings and a mindfulness scale was used to collect data. Results. According to the research outcomes, outstanding students had high levels of mindfulness and low levels of psychological stress. There is a negative correlation between psychological stress and mindfulness. Additionally, there were no appreciable gender differences in the study measures of mindfulness or psychological stress. Scientific novelty. Based on the study findings, psychological stress negatively affects outstanding students’ physical and mental health and surges their levels of fatigue, tension, and poor focus. It also underlined how psychological stress is detrimental to the students’ psychological health. Accordingly, it is recommended to practise mindfulness as a helpful tactic for managing students’ psychological stress and keeping students from feeling overburdened. Achieving mental health is vital for students in all domains of their lives. Practical significance. The study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for stakeholders. It suggests the development of psychological and educational counselling programmes that incorporate mindfulness strategies for outstanding students. It also emphasises the need for proactive planning and the implementation of strategies to mitigate psychological stress in students while addressing their developmental and curative needs. The study results can assist researchers and educators in designing educational and counselling programmes catering to outstanding students’ psychological, social and educational needs. Furthermore, the results can help teachers understand the intricate relationship between mindfulness and psychological stress. Specifically, cultivating acceptance as an attitude can directly contribute to reducing psychological stress, making it essential for teachers to guide students in practising mindfulness as a stress management tool.Введение. Выдающиеся ученики часто испытывают психологический стресс во многих аспектах своей жизни, что ограничивает их способность к самовыражению, самоконтролю и решению проблем. Это негативно влияет как на их физическое, так и на психическое здоровье по нескольким причинам. Также было обнаружено, что практика осознанности улучшает физическое и сенсорное благополучие и помогает справиться со стрессом и тревогой. Цель. Целью этого исследования было выяснить, какой психологический стресс испытывают выдающиеся иорданские ученики на начальном этапе школьного образования и как этот стресс связан с осознанностью. Методология, методы и методики. В исследовании приняли участие 232 ребенка в возрасте от 10 до 14 лет; они были выбраны специально на основе их академических достижений. Ученики должны соответствовать отборочным требованиям и иметь оценки выше 90 % по каждому предмету. Для сбора данных использовалась анкета, включающая в себя опросник психологического стресса из 50 пунктов с трехбалльной оценкой Лайкерта и шкалу осознанности. Результаты. Согласно исследованию, выдающиеся ученики имели высокий уровень внимательности и низкий уровень психологического стресса. Существует отрицательная корреляция между психологическим стрессом и внимательностью. Кроме того, не было выявлено заметных гендерных различий в показателях внимательности или психологического стресса. Научная новизна. Согласно результатам исследования, психологический стресс негативно влияет на физическое и психическое здоровье выдающихся учеников, повышает их уровень утомляемости и напряжения, снижает концентрацию внимания. Кроме того, подчеркнуто, насколько вреден такой стресс для психологического здоровья учеников. Соответственно, ученикам рекомендуется практиковать осознанность как полезную тактику управления психологическим стрессом и предотвращения чувства перегруженности учащихся. Достижение психического здоровья жизненно важно для учеников во всех сферах их жизни. Практическая значимость. Исследование предоставляет ценную информацию и практические рекомендации для заинтересованных сторон. Также исследование предлагает разработку программ психологического и образовательного консультирования, включающих стратегии осознанности для выдающихся учащихся. Подчеркивается необходимость упреждающего планирования и реализации стратегий по смягчению психологического стресса у учащихся при одновременном удовлетворении их потребностей в развитии и профилактической помощи. Результаты исследования могут помочь исследователям и преподавателям в разработке образовательных и консультативных программ, отвечающих психологическим, социальным и образовательным потребностям выдающихся учеников. Кроме того, результаты могут помочь учителям понять сложную взаимосвязь между осознанностью и психологическим стрессом. В частности, развитие принятия как отношения может напрямую способствовать снижению психологического стресса, поэтому учителям крайне важно направлять учащихся на практику осознанности как инструмента управления стрессом

Unexpected differential metabolic responses of Campylobacter jejuni to the abundant presence of glutamate and fucose

Introduction: Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne bacterial enteritis in humans, and yet little is known in regard to how genetic diversity and metabolic capabilities among isolates affect their metabolic phenotype and pathogenicity. Objectives: For instance, the C. jejuni 11168 strain can utilize both l-fucose and l-glutamate as a carbon source, which provides the strain with a competitive advantage in some environments and in this study we set out to assess the metabolic response of C. jejuni 11168 to the presence of l-fucose and l-glutamate in the growth medium. Methods: To achieve this, untargeted hydrophilic liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used to obtain metabolite profiles of supernatant extracts obtained at three different time points up to 24 h. Results: This study identified both the depletion and the production and subsequent release of a multitude of expected and unexpected metabolites during the growth of C. jejuni 11168 under three different conditions. A large set of standards allowed identification of a number of metabolites. Further mass spectrometry fragmentation analysis allowed the additional annotation of substrate-specific metabolites. The results show that C. jejuni 11168 upon l-fucose addition indeed produces degradation products of the fucose pathway. Furthermore, methionine was faster depleted from the medium, consistent with previously-observed methionine auxotrophy. Conclusions: Moreover, a multitude of not previously annotated metabolites in C. jejuni were found to be increased specifically upon l-fucose addition. These metabolites may well play a role in the pathogenicity of this C. jejuni strain.</p

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&nbsp;years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37&nbsp;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