Nik Nairan Abdullah

An Application of Oversampling, Undersampling, Bagging and Boosting in Handling Imbalanced Datasets

Most classifiers work well when the class distribution in the response variable of the dataset is well balanced. Problems arise when the dataset is imbalanced. This paper applied four methods: Oversampling, Undersampling, Bagging and Boosting in handling imbalanced datasets. The cardiac surgery dataset has a binary response variable (1 = Died, 0 = Alive). The sample size is 4976 cases with 4.2 % (Died) and 95.8 % (Alive) cases. CART, C5 and CHAID were chosen as the classifiers. In classification problems, the accuracy rate of the predictive model is not an appropriate measure when there is imbalanced problem due to the fact that it will be biased towards the majority class. Thus, the performance of the classifier is measured using sensitivity and precision Oversampling and undersampling are found to work well in improving the classification for the imbalanced dataset using decision tree. Meanwhile, boosting and bagging did not improve the Decision Tree performance.

Epidemiological study on tobacco smoking among university students in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.

There is a lack of data on tobacco use in the Syrian Arab Republic. This cross-sectional questionnaire survey estimated the prevalence of smoking among university students in Damascus and identified factors related to smoking. Among the 583 respondents, the overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 20.8%. The mean age of smokers [25 (SD 2.2) years] was significantly higher than non-smokers [21 (SD 1.8) years]. Smoking prevalence among males (26.1%) was significantly higher than among females (9.5%). However, female students consumed a significantly higher number of cigarettes per day than did males [mean 21 (SD 5) versus 9 (SD 2)]. The smoking prevalence among students in non-health faculties (27.8%) was significantly higher than that of health professional students (14.5%) and was higher among students living away from their families (27.8%) than those living with their families (16.2%). The study raised concerns about smoking in student residences and womens smoking patterns.

Comparison of predictive models to predict survival of cardiac surgery patients

With recent innovation in computer database technology, voluminous data related to cardiac surgery are easily stored and made available for further analysis. However, these large quantities of data are often not fully utilized in terms of modelling cardiac surgery outcomes. Most of the previous studies have mainly focused on applying statistical techniques to small sample of data in order to reveal the simple linear relationships between the factors and survival of cardiac patients. Data mining offers a significant advantage over conventional statistical techniques which often requires the normality assumption. This study developed and compared new models to predict the survival of cardiac surgery patients. The dataset consists of 5154 observations with 23 variables, as suggested by domain experts from a renowned heart-surgery centre in Malaysia. After the data cleaning process, a total of 4976 cases and 12 variables were used for further analysis. The three predictive models, namely; Logistic Regression, Decision Tree and Artificial Neural Network, were developed and compared using the classification accuracy rate, sensitivity and specificity. From the Logistic Regression using ENTER selection model, the whole sample with 4976 cases had an imbalanced class case which led to biased results. Therefore, using the undersampling technique suggested by [14], a sample of 1209 cases (17% died and 83% alive) was used and further analysis was performed using this sample. Results showed that Artificial Neural Network is the best predictive model with classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 88.4%, 95.67% and 58.06% respectively.

Factors Associated with Smoking Behaviour among University Students in Syria

Cross-sectional study was conducted on 774 students from a Syrian University using questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of smoking among University students and to identify factors related to smoking. Smoking prevalence was 20.75%. Mean age (years) of smokers (25 ± 2.2) was significantly older than non-smokers (21 ± 1.8). Smoking prevalence among males was 26.1%, significantly higher than among females (9.5%). Female students consumed significantly higher number of cigarettes /day ( 21 ± 5) than the male (9 ± 2). Smoking was significantly higher (27.8%) among students living away from their families than (16.2%) those living with families. Keywords: smoking, risk factors, youth © 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of Acne among University Students in Damascus, Syria

To estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors that may be associated with acne among university students in Syria, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Syrian International University for Science and Technology in December 2009. A sample of 500 students was chosen. Each participant was subjected to an interview and clinical examination of acne in addition to height and weight measurements. Acne prevalence was 34.7% (172/496). Male students had higher rate of acne compared to females (42.9% versus 23.6%, ) and their acne started significantly at a younger age (18.13 versus 19.04 years old, ). Face was the commonest site for acne in both males and females. Washing face frequently per day in both sexes has a significant relation with a decreased prevalence of acne. Moreover, psychological stress particularly when the students were away from family was associated with a significant higher rate of acne. We found that the prevalence of acne steadily increased with increasing body mass index. Acne is a health and psychological problem among university students particularly when affecting the face. Several factors such as gender, body mass index, and stress were found to be associated with acne formation.

Visual Thinking Process and Emotions Through Expressive Art

Background: Drawing has a therapeutic function in the lives of people with special needs.These people need additional support for communication and learning.Researchers believed that drawing is an effective way for these people to show their self-esteem, emotions, social competence, and other hidden personalities. Art therapy teaches knowledge of visual art (drawing and painting). It is also known as expressive art because it assists in dealing with some emotions that are difficult for verbal communication. Furthermore, art therapy is beneficial for fine motor skill development. The aim of this study was to explore the use of expressive art in a group of autistic people. Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study. A series of art therapy workshop were conducted in University of Malaya in collaboration with Malaysian Rehabilitation Council, and Maybank Foundation. A number of 18 people aged 8-17 years old with autism from Malaysian Rehabilitation Council were invited to University of Malaya for the art therapy workshop. They consisted of Malays, Chinese, and Indians. These peoplehad some level of communication problems. Art therapy workshop was conducted twice a month for 6 month with each session lasted for 4 hours. Art template, art materials, and a list of activities were given to each participant. Before the session, the participants informed the researchers verbally the scope of art that they would be drawing. The researchers observed the thinking process and emotions of the participants through the art activities. Results: Some of the art work was not related to what they have mentioned earlier. We found that art demonstrated their thought process. Drawing was more accurate in visualizing their thinking process rather than verbal communication. Besides, we detected a range of emotions illustrated from their final art work. Some of the emotions were psychological distress, happiness, and sadness. Conclusion: Expressive artis useful for visualizing thinking process of autistic people. Keywords: art therapy, autistic, visual thinking, emotions, expressive art

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-sampling: do women accept it?

Abstract This study aims to determine the acceptability of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-sampling and the factors associated with willingness to buy HPV self-sampling kit in the future. A total of 164 women aged 28–60 years old from Obstetrics & Gynaecology clinics at a teaching hospital performed HPV self-sampling using the Digene HC2 DNA collection kit. After samples were taken, the participants were given self-administered questionnaires. The majority of the participants were Malay (93.9%), had attained tertiary education (65.2%) and were employed (70.1%). The acceptability was good. More than half of the participants felt that self-sampling was easy. Only 1.2% felt that the procedure was difficult to perform. Most reported no pain at all during the procedure (66.9%). The commonest concern was getting a good sample (90.1%). A number of Pap smears were found to be significantly associated with the willingness to buy the HPV self-sampling kit. HPV self-sampling has the potential to be included in the cervical cancer screening programme. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject: HPV self-sampling is acceptable in some developed and developing countries. It is acceptable because it was easy to perform with very minimal pain or discomfort. Studies on the acceptance of self-screening are needed to plan a policy on self-sampling in the future. What the results of this study add: Our study adds new findings to the body of knowledge on self-sampling in the local population. We found that more women are willing to do the self-sampling at the clinic rather than at home. Although more than 90% expressed willingness to do self-sampling in the future, only 70% of them were willing to purchase the kit. Cost is a potential barrier to women who have the interest to perform the self-sampling. Given the global economic challenges, cost is inevitably an important predictor that we have to consider. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Future research should examine women from the rural areas and those who are resilient to Pap smear screening. In clinical practice, clinicians should acknowledge that cost is a potential barrier for women who are willing to do self-sampling. Self-sampling could be an option for women with no financial constraint to buy the kit. However, clinicians should counsel women so that they can make an informed choice in determining their screening method.

Maternal hepatitis C (HCV) infection and Anti-D immunoglobulin therapy: study testing antibodies, RNA and Genotype of HCV in Baghdad

Abstract Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious health problem. It is a major contributor to end-stage liver disease. Worldwide, 1–8% of all pregnant women were infected. Women with viral hepatitis may be at an increased risk of pregnancy complications. There are several obstetrics intervention acts as risk factors, which are specific to women pertaining the HCV infection; anti-D immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy may be one of them. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), RNA, and genotype distribution among women with anti-D Ig therapy. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted. A sample of 154 Rhesus negative (Rh − ve) pregnant women regardless of the anti-D Ig therapy was collected. Anti-HCV were tested using third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA-3) and immunoblot assay (Lia Tek-111), subsequently. In addition, 89 serum samples were subjected to molecular analysis using RT-PCR and DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA) method for the detection of HCV-RNA and genotypes. Results: Anti-HCV, and HCV-RNA seroprevalence were significantly higher (17.1, 35.5%) among women with anti-D Ig than their counter group (6.4, 13.16%), p = .038, .018, respectively. Significant direct positive dose response correlation (r = 0.78, p = .005) had been seen between number of anti-D Ig therapy and anti-HCV seropositive rate. Anti-D Ig therapy act as a risk factor (odds ratio (OR) = 3.01, 95%CI: 1.01–8.9) especially from the third dose onward. Women with anti-D Ig therapy were at higher risk (3.6 times more) of positive HCV-RNA (OR =3.6, 95%CI =1.19–10.837). Genotype HCV-1b showed higher prevalent (52.9%) among the recipients of anti-D Ig therapy while genotype HCV-3a (6.6%) was the lowest. Conclusions: Our study showed that Anti-D immunoglobulin therapy acts as a risk factor for acquiring HCV infection. Screening for HCV should be recommended for all recipients of anti-D Ig. Not only HCV antibodies but HCV-RNA detection being recommended for the diagnosis of HCV infection. A brief rational: Pregnant women with HCV infection are at risk of adverse obstetric outcome. Anti-D Ig therapy may be a risk factor for HCV infection. Hence, we conducted a cross sectional study with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), RNA, and genotype distribution among women with anti-D Ig therapy. We found that anti-HCV and HCV-RNA seroprevalence were significantly higher in women with anti-D Ig. In addition, women with anti-D Ig therapy were 3.6 times more at risk of positive HCV-RNA with genotype HCV-1b showed higher prevalence. Therefore, anti-D Ig therapy is a risk factor for acquiring HCV infection and we recommend screening for HCV for all recipients of anti-D Ig. In addition, the diagnosis of HCV infection, should be made with HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA detection.

ART THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

Background: Art therapy is a technique used in mental health profession in which patients with special needs use creative process facilitated by the art therapist to explore patients‘ interpersonal and art skills. Art therapy teaches knowledge of visual art (drawing and painting) and the creative process involved is not only beneficial for fine motor skills development but also assists in dealing with emotions. The objectives were to identify interpersonal skills, to develop art skills and to increase self-esteem through art therapy activities. Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study. A series of art therapy workshop were conducted in University of Malaya in collaboration with Malaysian Rehabilitation Council, Maybank Foundation, and University of Malaya. A number of 38 participants from Malaysian Rehabilitation Council who were autistic were invited to University of Malaya for the art therapy workshop. Their age range was from 8 – 17 years old and consisted of Malays, Chinese and Indians. It was a participant observer study in which the researcher studied the life of a group by sharing in its activities. Art therapy workshop was conducted for 6 months duration twice a month and each session was for 4 hours. Art template, art materials and a list of activities were given to each participant. Throughout the sessions, the way participants communicate and interact with researcher were documented to identify interpersonal skills. The development of art skills was through the teaching of art using the different art template for each session. Results: From the outcome of the artwork, participants showed increased self-esteem as their art skills improved throughout the art sessions. Conclusion: Art therapy is able to develop interpersonal skills, art skills and increase self-esteem of people with autism. Keywords: Art therapy, autism, interpersonal skills, art skills, self-esteem

Motivating Reasons for Performing Physical Exercise in Relation to Socio-demographic Factors

Despite all the well-documented physical, psychological and social benefits of regular physical exercise, it has been reported that two-thirds of the industrialised world does not perform exercise regularly. One important factor that may contribute to exercising regularly is the motivation to exercise. Different socio-demographic factors may motivate people differently to exercise regularly. Identifying these factors may help in the implementation of interventions aimed at promoting physical exercise. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and the motivating reasons for performing physical exercise. Five recreational areas/parks in Shah Alam were chosen at random. Cross-sectional study was conducted, whereby 501 adults aged 18 and above who were performing exercise were interviewed using a questionnaire. In addition to socio-demographic information, this questionnaire includes 21 items referring to the motivation for getting involved in regular physical exercise. Each item was measured on a five-point scale, from (1) strongly disagree to (5) strongly agree. The mean score of the 21 reasons was then used as the dependent variable versus the socio-demographic characteristics. We found that the motivating reasons’ score significantly correlated with age (r = −0.122, p = 0.007), BMI (r = −0.091, p = 0.042) and household income (r = −0.095, p = 0.036). Significantly higher mean scores were detected: non-Malay (p = 0.001), unmarried (p = 0.032), unemployed (p = 0.01) and free of chronic disease (p = 0.010). However, difference in gender, educational level and smoking showed no significant difference. Therefore, we concluded that non-Malay, unemployed, young, unmarried, lower income, lower BMI and no chronic illness have higher motivating reasons in doing physical exercise.