An adaptive neuro-fuzzy propagation model for LoRaWAN

This article proposes an adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model for accurate estimation of signal propagation using LoRaWAN. By using ANFIS, the basic knowledge of propagation is embedded into the proposed model. This reduces the training complexity of artificial neural network (ANN)-based models. Therefore, the size of the training dataset is reduced by 70% compared to an ANN model. The proposed model consists of an efficient clustering method to identify the optimum number of the fuzzy nodes to avoid overfitting, and a hybrid training algorithm to train and optimize the ANFIS parameters. Finally, the proposed model is benchmarked with extensive practical data, where superior accuracy is achieved compared to deterministic models, and better generalization is attained compared to ANN models. The proposed model outperforms the nondeterministic models in terms of accuracy, has the flexibility to account for new modeling parameters, is easier to use as it does not require a model for propagation environment, is resistant to data collection inaccuracies and uncertain environmental information, has excellent generalization capability, and features a knowledge-based implementation that alleviates the training process. This work will facilitate network planning and propagation prediction in complex scenarios

A neural network propagation model for LoRaWAN and critical analysis with real-world measurements

Among the many technologies competing for the Internet of Things (IoT), one of the most promising and fast-growing technologies in this landscape is the Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN). Coverage of LoRa, one of the main IoT LPWAN technologies, has previously been studied for outdoor environments. However, this article focuses on end-to-end propagation in an outdoor–indoor scenario. This article will investigate how the reported and documented outdoor metrics are interpreted for an indoor environment. Furthermore, to facilitate network planning and coverage prediction, a novel hybrid propagation estimation method has been developed and examined. This hybrid model is comprised of an artificial neural network (ANN) and an optimized Multi-Wall Model (MWM). Subsequently, real-world measurements were collected and compared against different propagation models. For benchmarking, log-distance and COST231 models were used due to their simplicity. It was observed and concluded that: (a) the propagation of the LoRa Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) is limited to a much shorter range in this investigated environment compared with outdoor reports; (b) log-distance and COST231 models do not yield an accurate estimate of propagation characteristics for outdoor–indoor scenarios; (c) this lack of accuracy can be addressed by adjusting the COST231 model, to account for the outdoor propagation; (d) a feedforward neural network combined with a COST231 model improves the accuracy of the predictions. This work demonstrates practical results and provides an insight into the LoRaWAN’s propagation in similar scenarios. This could facilitate network planning for outdoor–indoor environments

Proposals for an Islamic art program: (A case study) - Faculty of Arts & Media University of Tripoli, Libya / Salaheddin Mansur S. Zagruna

After being colonized by the Italian rule for nearly five decades from the early 19th century, Libya underwent a westernization process in all aspects including the areas of art and culture. For instance, the teaching of Arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts (FAM), University of Tripoli, has been adopted a case study for this research. Western perspective in art teaching is not only foreign to Libyan Muslim students, but also incompatible with the Faculty of Arts and Media (FAM) educational philosophy, as well as the philosophy of the Libyan Muslim life and community. These shortcomings have resulted in many conflicts specifically on the moral-ethical values affecting the psychic and spirit of the Muslim art students. Thus, the main aim of this study is to propose a curriculum for teaching Islamic traditional Arts. Such a perspective is deemed relevant to the Muslim students who are taught Islam as addin- away life, is compatible with our belief system in which art and everyday practices (life) are mutually integrated (Tawhid). Such proposals are made possible by examining the philosophy of Islamic art form, content and its underlying aesthetic principles as maintained by Muslim scholars. Also unfolding the Islamic principles in education and as well as unraveling curriculum theory and instructions from renowned scholars’ writings in these fields

One-pot synthesis of 5-amino-2,5-dihydro-1-benzoxepines: access to pharmacologically active heterocyclic scaffolds

A one-pot multibond-forming process involving a thermally mediated Overman rearrangement and a ring closing metathesis reaction of allylic trichloroacetimidates bearing a 2-allyloxyaryl group has been developed for the synthesis of 5-amino-substituted 2,5-dihydro-1-benzoxepines. Chemoselective reduction and functionalization of these compounds allowed access to a range of pharmacologically active 5-amino-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzoxepine scaffolds

Detection of Untrustworthy IoT Measurements Using Expert Knowledge of Their Joint Distribution

The aim of this work is to discuss abnormality detection and explanation challenges motivated by Medical Internet of Things. First, any feature is a measurement taken by a sensor at a time moment, so abnormality detection also becomes a sequential process. Second, an anomaly detection process could not rely on having a large collection of data records, but instead there is a knowledge provided by the experts.<br/

The Potential Clinical and Economic Value of Primary Tumour Identification in Metastatic Cancer of Unknown Primary Tumour: A Population-Based Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.

PurposeSeveral genomic tests have recently been developed to identify the primary tumour in cancer of unknown primary tumour (CUP). However, the value of identifying the primary tumour in clinical practice for CUP patients remains questionable and difficult to prove in randomized trials.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the clinical and economic value of primary tumour identification in CUP using a retrospective matched cohort study.MethodsWe used the Manitoba Cancer Registry to identify all patients initially diagnosed with metastatic cancer between 2002 and 2011. We defined patients as having CUP if their primary tumour was found 6 months or more after initial diagnosis or never found during the course of disease. Otherwise, we considered patients to have metastatic cancer from a known primary tumour (CKP). We linked all patients with Manitoba Health databases to estimate their direct healthcare costs using a phase-of-care approach. We used the propensity score matching technique to match each CUP patient with a CKP patient on clinicopathologic characteristics. We compared treatment patterns, overall survival (OS) and phase-specific healthcare costs between the two patient groups and assessed association with OS using Cox regression adjustment.ResultsOf 5839 patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer, 395 had CUP (6.8%); 1:1 matching created a matched group of 395 CKP patients. CUP patients were less likely to receive surgery, radiation, hormonal and targeted therapy and more likely to receive cytotoxic empiric chemotherapeutic agents. Having CUP was associated with reduced OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.58), but this lost statistical significance with adjustment for treatment differences. CUP patients had a significant increase in the mean net cost of initial diagnostic workup before diagnosis and a significant reduction in the mean net cost of continuing cancer care.ConclusionIdentifying the primary tumour in CUP patients might enable the use of more effective therapies, improve OS and allow more efficient allocation of healthcare resources

Identifying barriers to mental health help-seeking among young adults in the UK: : a cross-sectional survey

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of the following article: Keziban Salaheddin and Barbara Mason, ‘Identifying barriers to mental health help-seeking among young adults in the UK: a cross-sectional survey’, British Journal of General Practice, Vol. 66 (651):e686-e692, October 2016. The Version of Record is available online at doi: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp16X687313. © British Journal of General Practice 2016.Background Despite the high prevalence and burden of mental health problems among young people, studies have suggested that they infrequently seek professional help. Understanding the barriers to help-seeking is an important step towards facilitating early access to mental health services and improving psychological wellbeing. Aim To investigate why young adults may choose not to seek any support for an emotional or mental health difficulty. Design and setting A cross-sectional online survey of young adults aged 18–25 from the general UK population. Method The survey consisted of an anonymous questionnaire that measured psychological distress, help-seeking preferences, and barriers to accessing help, which included the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) scale and an open-ended question to explore reasons for not seeking help in the past. Qualitative feedback was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Overall, 35% of participants (n = 45) who reported having an emotional or mental health difficulty did not seek any formal or informal help. The thematic analysis revealed that stigmatising beliefs, difficulty identifying or expressing concerns, a preference for self-reliance, and difficulty accessing help were prominent barrier themes among responders. Conclusion Young adults experiencing psychological distress may struggle to access help from others. Stigma and negative perceptions surrounding mental health and help-seeking may explain why young people are reluctant to approach others for help. Improving public awareness of the services and resources that are available, as well as screening for psychological distress in primary care services, may be necessary to improve mental wellbeing among young adults.Peer reviewe