Importance of Features Selection,Attributes Selection,Challenges and Future Directions for Medical Imaging Data:A Review

In the area of pattern recognition and machine learning,features play a key role in prediction.The famous applications of features are medical imaging,image classification,and name a few more.With the exponential growth of information investments in medical data repositories and health service provision,medical institutions are collecting large volumes of data.These data repositories contain details information essential to support medical diagnostic decisions and also improve patient care quality.On the other hand,this growth also made it difficult to comprehend and utilize data for various purposes.The results of imaging data can become biased because of extraneous features present in larger datasets.Feature selection gives a chance to decrease the number of components in such large datasets.Through selection techniques,ousting the unimportant features and selecting a subset of components that produces prevalent characterization precision.The correct decision to find a good attribute produces a precise grouping model,which enhances learning pace and forecast control.This paper presents a review of feature selection techniques and attributes selection measures for medical imaging.This review is meant to describe feature selection techniques in a medical domainwith their pros and cons and to signify its application in imaging data and data mining algorithms.The review reveals the shortcomings of the existing feature and attributes selection techniques to multi-sourced data.Moreover,this review provides the importance of feature selection for correct classification of medical infections.In the end,critical analysis and future directions are provided.

Current approaches and future directions in the management of pterygium

Pterygium,a common ocular surface disorder,has a complex pathophysiology that may mimic tumorigenesis.There is altered expression of cell cycle/proliferation-related factors in pterygium tissues.Therefore,similar to cancer treatments,the management of pterygium ought to be multifactorial based on the patient’s condition.Current therapeutic methods for pterygium are focused on surgical resection in conjunction with antimetabolite use,in addition tissue graft is usually performed in the context of the avoidance of bare sclera.However,future directions in the management of pterygia will likely focus on genetic approaches.This perspective views the pathogenesis of pterygium,its existing therapies as well as current and future challenges in its treatment.

Recent advances and future directions for the pharmacogenetic basis of anti-VEGF treatment response in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Age related macular degeneration （AMD） is a complex progres- sive neurodegenerative disease causing blindness in 30-35 million people worldwide. It affects the macula region of the retina leading to severe vision loss and legal blindness in individuals 〉 50 years of age （Wong et al., 2014）. The precise aetiology of AMD is unknown but smoking, age and genetic factors are major risk factors for AMD predisposition （Ding et al., 2009）. The genetic basis of AMD is well described with a recent study from the International AMD gene consortium （IAMDGC） reporting 52 genetic variants across 34 loci associated with the risk of AMD pathogenesis and explaining more than 50% of the genetic heritabilitv of the disease （Fritsche et al., 2016）.

Future directions for using estrogen receptor agonists in the treatment of acute and chronic spinal cord injury

All synthetic and natural estrogen receptor agonists, in- cluding the most potent physiological molecule estrogen or estradiol （E2）, work typically via activation of nuclear estrogen receptor alpha （ERα） and estrogen receptor beta （ERβ）. Both ERα and ERβ modulate the expression of a variety of genes in the cells. Neurons and glial cells express ERa and ERβ. Many studies so far from our and other laboratories have firmly established the mode of actions that ERα and ERβ agonists are very promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents in the treatment of neurodegenera- rive diseases and injuries including spinal cord injury （SCI） （Chakrabarti et al., 2014a）.

DICP Symposium (I) on Catalysis: Future Directions of Catalysis Science and Technology October 16-18, 2003, Dalian, China

Introduction and Invitation DICP Symposium is a special series of interna-tional conference named after the Dalian Instituteof Chemical Physics (DICP). The DICP Symposiumwas founded with the purpose to promote the interna-tional communication and collaboration between theDICP and the international scientific community, to

The NCU Lu-Lin Observatory and its Future Direction

The NCU (National Central University) Lu Lin Observatory (Fig. 1) is located at Mt. Front Lu Lin, 120°52′25″E and 23°28′07″N, a 2862 m peak in the Yu Shan National Park. The construction of Lu Lin Observatory was finished on January 14, 1999. The initial study of Lu Lin site was started since late 1989. Later on, a three year project was founded by the National Science Council (NSC) which supported the development of a modern seeing monitor for this site survey study from 1990 through 1993. The average seeing of Lu Lin site is about 1.39 arc second with average 200 clear nights annually. The sky background of this site is 20.72 mag/arcsec 2 in V band and 21.22 mag/arcsec 2 in B band. The Lu Lin observatory is developed for both research and education activity. A homemade 76 cm Super Light Telescope (SLT) and three TAOS’s 50 cm robotic telescopes will be the two major research facilities. The SLT is expected to be operated in the fall of 1999. We are proposing a pilot program to perform SLT observations of time varying astrophysical objects exploiting the unique geophysical location (e. g. time and longitudinal coverage) of Taiwan at the Western Pacific Rim in such topics of emerging interest. The TAOS’s telescopes will be installed in the late 1999 for the survey work of Kuiper Belt Objects. A wireless T1 Network system will also be build up for future remote observation.

The Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Second or Foreign Language:The Current Situation and Future Directions

In this opening commentary,we highlight the development of the teaching and learning of Chinese as a second or foreign language(CSL/CFL),which has attracted much attention from researchers,language educators,and other stakeholders worldwide.To contribute to this ongoing examination and discussion,this special issue documents the collective efforts of scholars in different educational contexts to review six critical issues in teaching and learning CSL/CFL:learning and instruction of reading Chinese as an additional language,Chinese character teaching and learning,learner identity in CSL/CFL education,teaching and learning Chinese through immersion,technology assisted CSL/CFL teaching and learning,and mobile assisted learning CFL.We contend that all efforts to address these critical issues require constant examination to facilitate further development in CSL/CFL education around the world.

The Hot Issues and Future Direction of Forensic Document Examination in China

The domain of forensic document examination consists of a variety of professional tasks related to the history and preliminary of questioned documents.The wide area of tasks implemented by forensic document examiners includes the skill to identify the authorship of handwriting and signature;discriminate among genuine,imitated,or disguised handwriting;to examine and analyze components of inks,papers,and other materials connected with documents;and other highly skilled analyses based on specialized technique.The field of handwriting examination is tightly related to empirical knowledge and practical experience.Handwriting is usually thought to be behavioral activities that are identifiable due to the appearance of features and characteristics within the writing.When we assess these features we universally analyze them in two aspects:Both quality and quantity of writing.As mentioned above,the evaluation of quality and quantity is performed by forensic document examiners.The problem is how to conduct this kind of evaluation related to empirical knowledge and experience.There is not consistent answer yet,although many researchers devote themselves to explore in this hot issue,such as mathematical methods applied in handwriting analysis.In this article,several mathematical methods applied to forensic document field are deciphered in domestic perspective of China.In the digital age,we all inevitably deal with problems with the help of computer or computer technology.We also pay close attention to the computer technique assistant in the field of forensic document examination.Standards or criteria of forensic document examination are still hot issues in China.Although we established a few standards or criterion based on requires of practice,it is also a lack of standards or criterion associated to trainees and continuing education in view of practitioners.At the end of this article,the author intends to discuss a piece of a challenge to forensic document examination,which are also universal issues abroad.Those who are critical of the current state of knowledge in this area argue that members of the judiciary have failed to sufficiently address the shortcomings of the forensic document evidence proffered in criminal trials.Specifically,critics of forensic document examination argue that little valuable wording exists in the report to support the validity and reliability of the methodology and findings of forensic document examination.

Epigenetics of autoimmune liver diseases: current progress and future directions

Autoimmune liver disease,including autoimmune hepatitis,primary biliary cholangitis,and primary sclerosing cholangitis,is a chronic autoimmune liver condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of proinflammatory immune cells.As more and more genetic studies are conducted,it is becoming increasingly clear that genetic risk cannot fully explain disease pathogenesis.Epigenetic modifications,including CpG island DNA methylation,histone modification,and microRNA-mediated gene silencing,are gradually being acknowledged to play a role in immune cellular identity and disease heterogeneity.Given the heterogeneity and environmental exposure bias observed in patients,it is essential to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms of autoimmune liver disease,which could integrate environmental skewing,cell lineage commitment,and genetics to provide a fuller mechanistic understanding of the disease.Epigenetic profiling holds promise for identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers,and epigenetic manipulations could result in novel therapies.Cutting-edge breakthroughs are frequently being made in epigenetics,which might guide future explorations into autoimmune liver disease.

Energy Theft Detection in Smart Grids:Taxonomy,Comparative Analysis,Challenges,and Future Research Directions

Electricity theft is one of the major issues in developing countries which is affecting their economy badly.Especially with the introduction of emerging technologies,this issue became more complicated.Though many new energy theft detection(ETD)techniques have been proposed by utilising different data mining(DM)techniques,state&network(S&N)based techniques,and game theory(GT)techniques.Here,a detailed survey is presented where many state-of-the-art ETD techniques are studied and analysed for their strengths and limitations.Three levels of taxonomy are presented to classify state-of-the-art ETD techniques.Different types and ways of energy theft and their consequences are studied and summarised and different parameters to benchmark the performance of proposed techniques are extracted from literature.The challenges of different ETD techniques and their mitigation are suggested for future work.It is observed that the literature on ETD lacks knowledge management techniques that can be more effective,not only for ETD but also for theft tracking.This can help in the prevention of energy theft,in the future,as well as for ETD.

Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer:New version,new vision

Pancreatic cancer(PC)is a devastating malignancy with an extremely high mortality rate and poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide.The prevalence of PC risk factors spiked over the years,leading to a global increase in PC incidence rates.The contribution of different risk factors,however,varied from region to region due to genetic predisposition,environmental,social,and political factors underlying disease prevalence in addition to public health strategies.This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough analysis of the epidemiology of PC,discussing its incidence,risk factors,screening strategies and socioeconomic burden.We compiled a wide range of seminal studies as well as epidemiological investigations to serve this review as a comprehensive guide for researchers,healthcare professionals,and policymakers keen for a more profound understanding of PC epidemiology.This review highlights the essentiality of persistent research efforts,interdisciplinary collaboration,and public health initiatives to address the expanding burden of this malignancy.

Bufo gargarizans:What’s in a Name?

The taxonomic status of Bufo species in East Asia,particularly those closely related to B.gargarizans,has been controversial for over half a century,and recent molecular studies further fueled the dispute.Whether B.andrewsi,B.bankorensis,B.minshanicus,B.sachalinensis,B.tibetanus,and B.tuberculatus constitute valid species or are geographic or ecological variants of B.gargarizans is at the centre of the discussion.Most of these forms possess morphological diagnostic traits,but those differences are minimal and often inconsistent.Molecular data produced many contradictory patterns.Lack of clear diagnostic characters,different usage or definition of various names,mis-identified specimens,limited amount of data or samples,and frequent inter-specific hybridization may all have contributed to the current controversies.Some contradiction may also result from differences between similarity-based clustering and gene tree-based branching patterns.Nevertheless,a dominant allopatric differentiation pattern within this species complex is apparent,and several regional population groups have been identified.Some of the groups resemble old names(e.g.B.minshanicus,B.tibetanus),while others are new.These groups may represent geographic or ecological variants,incipient species,or valid species,and the current data do not warrant a convincing taxonomic revision.To move forward,a single study with comprehensive sampling and genomic data is needed to establish a solid framework,which will define naturally existing population clusters/lineages,and detect their levels of divergence and approximate geographic boundaries.Morphological and ecological examination will follow to understand their biology,determine their taxonomic status,and identify consistent diagnostic characters if necessary.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for hyperlipidemic pancreatitis:Current evidence and unmet needs

With changes in lifestyle and diet worldwide,the prevalence of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis(HLAP)has greatly increased,and it has become the most common cause of acute pancreatitis not due to gallstones or alcohol.There are many available therapies for HLAP,including oral lipid-lowering agents,intravenous insulin,heparin,and therapeutic plasmapheresis(TPE).It is believed that the risk and severity of HLAP increase with rising levels of serum triglycerides(TG),thus a rapid decrease in serum TG level is the key to the successful management of HLAP.TPE has emerged as an effective modality in rapidly reducing serum TG levels.However,due to its cost and accessibility,TPE remains poorly evaluated until now.Some studies revealed its efficacy in helping to treat and prevent the recurrence,while some studies suggested that TG levels were not correlated with disease severity,mortality,or length of hospital stay.Thus TPE might have no beneficial effect for the outcome.This article gives an overview of the published evidence of TPE in the treatment of HLAP and outlines current evidence regarding individual outcome predictors,adverse effects of the procedure,and TPE in special occasions such as for pregnant patients and patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.Future direction of TPE research for HLAP is also discussed in this review.

Current stage in inflammatory bowel disease: What is next?

In recent years,the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) has been on the rise,extending to countries where it was infrequent in the past. As a result,the gap between high and low incidence countries is decreasing. The disease,therefore,has an important economic impact on the healthcare system. Advances in recent years in pharmacogenetics and clinical pharmacology have allowed for the development of treatment strategies adjusted to the patient profile. Concurrently,new drugs aimed at inflammatory targets have been developed that may expand future treatment options. This review examines advances in the optimization of existing drug treatments and the development of novel treatment options for IBD.

Viral hepatitis:A narrative review of hepatitis A–E

Viral hepatitis continues to be a major health concern leading to hepatic decompensation ranging from acute hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.The hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations are not only debilitating but also associated with a significant economic burden.Over the last two decades,the field of virology has made significant breakthroughs leading to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of viral hepatitis,which in turn has led to new therapeutic options.The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus(HCV)therapy,and new drugs are in the pipeline for chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)treatment.There has also been a significant emphasis on screening and surveillance programs,widespread availability of vaccines,and linkage of care.Despite these efforts,significant gaps persist in care,and there is a pressing need for increased collaboration and teamwork across the globe to achieve a reduction of disease burden and elimination of HBV and HCV.

Sustainable development of electroencephalography materials and technology

Electroencephalogram(EEG)is one of the most important bioelectrical signals related to brain activity and plays a crucial role in clinical medicine.Driven by continuously expanding applications,the development of EEG materials and technology has attracted considerable attention.However,systematic analysis of the sustainable development of EEG materials and technology is still lacking.This review discusses the sustainable development of EEG materials and technology.First,the developing course of EEG is introduced to reveal its significance,particularly in clinical medicine.Then,the sustainability of the EEG materials and technology is discussed from two main aspects:integrated systems and EEG electrodes.For integrated systems,sustainability has been focused on the developing trend toward mobile EEG systems and big-data monitoring/analyzing of EEG signals.Sustainability is related to miniaturized,wireless,portable,and wearable systems that are integrated with big-data modeling techniques.For EEG electrodes and materials,sustainability has been comprehensively analyzed from three perspectives:performance of different material/structural categories,sustainablematerials for EEGelectrodes,and sustainable manufacturing technologies.In addition,sustainable applications of EEG have been presented.Finally,the sustainable development of EEG materials and technology in recent decades is summarized,revealing future possible research directions as well as urgent challenges.

Climate change and population health research in China: Knowledge gaps and further directions

Climate change and its impact on population health have been well explored in China in recent years,especially health risk assessments such as studying its impact on the transmission and development of climate-sensitive infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases.However,knowledge gaps including using morbidity as health indicators(e.g.hospitalisations,ED visits,and ambulance call-outs),identifying disease attributable contributions to climate variability and burden of diseases due to climate change,calculating related healthcare costs,and developing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies need to be addressed.Future research directions could focus on both mitigation and health adaptation studies,such as exploring active transportation and green hospitals,studying health co-benefits,identifying vulnerable populations,prioritizing resource allocation,building healthcare capacity and capability,evaluating intervention effect,developing tailored risk communication strategies and community health education packages for vulnerable communities in the context of climate change.

Fluidization science,its development and future

By revisiting the three stage theory for the progress of science proposed by Taketani in 1942, the footmarks of fluidization research are examined. The bubbling and fast fluidization issues were emphasized so that the future offluidization research can be discussed among scientists and engineers in a wider perspective. The first cycle of fluidization research was started in the early 1940s by an initial stage of phenomenology. The second stage of structural studies was kicked off in the early 1950s with the introduction of the two phase theory. The third stage of essential studies occurred in the early 1960s in the form of bubble hydrodynamics. The second cycle, which confirmed the aforementioned three stages closed at the turn of the century, established a general understanding of suspension structures including agglomerating fluidization, bubbling, turbulent and fast fluidizations and pneumatic transport; also established powerful measurement and numerical simulation tools.After a general remark on science, technology and society issues the interactions between fluidization technology and science are revisited. Our future directions are discussed including the tasks in the third cycle, particularly in its phenomenology stage where strong motivation and intention are always necessary, in relation also to the green reforming of the present technology. A generalized definition of ＇fluidization＇ is proposed to extend fluidization principle into much wider scientific fields, which would be effective also for wider collaborations.

A Survey on Expert Recommendation in Community Question Answering

Community question answering （CQA） represents the type of Web applications where people can exchange knowledge via asking and answering questions. One significant challenge of most real-world CQA systems is the lack of effective matching between questions and the potential good answerers, which adversely affects the efficient knowledge acquisition and circulation. On the one hand, a requester might experience many low-quality answers without receiving a quality response in a brief time; on the other hand, an answerer might face numerous new questions without being able to identify the questions of interest quickly. Under this situation, expert recommendation emerges as a promising technique to address the above issues. Instead of passively waiting for users to browse and find their questions of interest, an expert recommendation method raises the attention of users to the appropriate questions actively and promptly. The past few years have witnessed considerable efforts that address the expert recommendation problem from different perspectives. These methods all have their issues that need to be resolved before the advantages of expert recommendation can be fully embraced. In this survey, we first present an overview of the research efforts and state-of-the-art techniques for the expert recommendation in CQA. We next summarize and compare the existing methods concerning their advantages and shortcomings, followed by discussing the open issues and future research directions.

Understanding Interactions Between Chinese Medicines and Pharmaceutical Drugs in Integrative Healthcare

In the 21st century, the public are more informed, mainly via the Internet, about health and medical products and have become more knowledgeable about matters relating to their health conditions and well-being in curing and preventing illnesses. They often self-medicate themselves with various health products and over-the-counter （OTC） medicines apart from prescribed pharmaceutical drugs （PD）. Some of those non-prescribed products may have doubtful quality control and contain harmful additives or unchecked ingredients; thus their usefulness is in doubt. The increasing popularity world-wide of using Chinese medicines （CM） and related OTC functional products has raised concerns over their concomitant use with PD and the consequential adverse effects. In most cases the alleged causes of adverse effects are linked with herbal sources, although the authorised information on the interactions between CM-PD is not plentiful in the literature. There is an urgent need for such a data base. The future professionals in health and medical care should be knowledgeable or aware of what their patients have been taking or given. In actual practice the patients may receive both treatments intentionally or unintentionally, with or without the awareness of the practitioner. In these situations a reliable database for interactions between CM-PD will be extremely useful for consultation when treatment problems appear or during emergency situations. Their combining of medications may be involved with possible outcomes of adverse reactions or beneficial effects. Such a database will be welcomed by both practitioners of herbal medicines and orthodox medicine practitioners in the emerging trend of integrative medicine. The author has been involved in various research projects of basic and clinical aspects in mainly CM among other herbal and PD. Examples will be given largely on those related to these disciplines as illustrations in this overview.