deepFDEnet: A Novel Neural Network Architecture for Solving Fractional Differential Equations

The primary goal of this research is to propose a novel architecture for a deep neural network that can solve fractional differential equations accurately. A Gaussian integration rule and a $L_1$ discretization technique are used in the proposed design. In each equation, a deep neural network is used to approximate the unknown function. Three forms of fractional differential equations have been examined to highlight the method's versatility: a fractional ordinary differential equation, a fractional order integrodifferential equation, and a fractional order partial differential equation. The results show that the proposed architecture solves different forms of fractional differential equations with excellent precision

تحول اهداف نهاد داوری در پرتو تحولات تاریخی آن

Background and Aim: International Institutions Are Recognized as one of the Most Important Legal Pillars in the Contemporary Era. For This Reason, There is a Set of Formal and Informal Institutions Whose Goals and Policies Need to be Examined in the Light of Their History and Developments in the Light of the Changes of the Time. The Purpose of the Present Study is to Change the Goals of the Arbitration Institution in the Light of the Historical Developments of this Institution. Materials and Methods: The Method Used in the Present Study is a Qualitative one That Specifically Uses a Descriptive-Analytical Approach and has Collected Materials in a documentary and Library Way. Findings: Arbitration Institution Today is out of the Traditional and Simple State and has Become an Agreement and Contract and has Codified Legal Rules. Membership and Acceptance in Them Requires the Normalization of Domestic Laws and Regulations in Order to Resolve an Important Part of Legal Disputes in Various Issues. The Arbitration Body Does not have a Specific Organizational Structure. Also, The Interpretation of the Legal Rules of the Arbitral Institution and the Domination of Some Countries Over its General Legal Rules is Considered as one of the Challenges of the Arbitral Institution and an Obstacle to its Learning. Conclusion: In Terms of the Impact of Historical Events, the Acceptance of Conventions (Especially the 1958 New York Convention), the 1958 UNCITRAL Model Law, the Model Laws on Arbitration, the Establishment of Arbitration Institutions, the Oil Crisis of the 1970s, The Growth and Development of International Trade. In the Present Era, it is one of the Most Important Reasons for the Expansion of the Rules and Goals of the Arbitration Institution, Which has Undergone Several Transformations According to the Developments.   Please cite this article as: Aghaei Y, Habibi Dargah B, Hassan Zade H. The Evolution of the Goals of the Arbitration Institution in the Light of its Historical Developments. Med Hist J, Special Issue on the History of Islam and Iran 2020; 73-85.زمینه و هدف: نهادهای بین‌المللی یکی از ارکان حقوقی مهم در دوران معاصر شناخته می‌شوند. به همین دلیل، مجموعه‌ای از نهادهای رسمی و غیررسمی وجود دارند که بررسی اهداف و سیاست‌های آنان نیازمند بررسی تاریخچه و تحولات آنان در پرتو تحولات زمانه است. هدف پژوهش حاضر، تحول اهداف نهاد داوری در پرتو تحولات تاریخی این نهاد است. مواد و روش‌ها: روش مورد استفاده پژوهش حاضر کیفی است که به طور مشخص از رویکرد توصیفی - تحلیلی بهره می‌برد و به شیوه اسنادی و کتابخانه‌ای مطالب را جمع‌آوری نموده است. یافته‌ها: نهاد داوری امروزه از حالت سنتی و ساده خارج شده و به شکل توافقی و قراردادی درآمده و دارای قواعد حقوقی مدونی است. عضویت و پذیرش در آنان نیازمند بهنجارسازی قوانین و مقررات داخلی است تا از این طریق بتوان بخش مهمی از اختلافات حقوقی در مسائل مختلف را حل نمود. نهاد داوری دارای ساختار سازمانی مشخصی نیست. همچنین تفسیرپذیری قواعد حقوقی نهاد داوری و سیطره برخی کشورها بر قواعد حقوقی عام آن یکی از چالش‌های نهاد داوری و مانعی برای فراگیری آن در نظر گرفته می‌شود. نتیجه‌گیری: به لحاظ تأثیر حوادث تاریخی، پذیرش کنوانسیون‌ها (به‌ویژه کنوانسیون 1958 نیویورک)، قانون نمونه آنسیترال 1958، قوانین نمونه راجع به داوری، تشکیل نهادهای داوری، بحران نفت در دهه 1970، رشد و توسعه تجارت بین‌المللی و همچنین دعاوی و اختلافات قدرت‌های بزرگ در عصر حاضر از مهم‌ترین دلایل گسترش قواعد و اهداف نهاد داوری است که برحسب تحولات، دچار دگردیسی‌های متعددی گشته است

Hearing loss: A review on molecular genetics and epidemiologic aspects

Background and aims: Hearing loss (HL) happens due to the genetic or environmental causes or both. Risk factors include congenital infections and congenital deformities of auricle and ear duct. The present study was performed to briefly explain the genetics, molecular biology and epidemiology of HL in Middle East especially in Iran. Methods: An intense an comprehensive literature search was prformed through heading journals in the field. All data was organized using Mendeley software and incorporated to the text as required. Results: While the etiology of 25 of HL cases remains indistinct, it is estimated that at least 50 of pre lingual HL cases have a genetic cause. About 70 of genetic HL cases are non Syndromic (NSHL) without anomaly, whereas the remaining 30 are Syndromic. Autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss forms (ARNSHL) are the severest forms of congenital HL with defect in cochlea. In addition to X-linked (DFNX), autosomal dominant (DFNA), autosomal recessive (DFNB) and Y-linked (DFNY) inheritance patterns, HL can be inherited through mitochondrial genes including MT-RNR1 and MT-TS. At least 120 genes have been reported to be associated with HL. Among them, mutations in connexin 26 (GJB2) have been shown to play a very important role in developing ARSNSHL in many populations depending on geographical location and ethnicity. In Caucasians and Spainish/Italian populations, 50 and 79 of HL cases have respectively been reported to be occurred due to mutations in GJB2 gene. Conclusion: In the Middle East, the prevalence seems different as an average of 14-20 of the HL in several region of Iran is due to mutation in GJB2 gene. Alternatively similar studies showed the prevalence of GJB2 mutations around 25 and 6.1 in Turkey and Pakistani populations respectively

The Importance of Access to the SCOPUS Database in the Economic Crisis Condition

Data acquisition and delivering information resources to clients are among the most vital functions of libraries. However, current political and economic crisis has imposed unpleasant effects on these functions. In such conditions, selecting information resources becomes an ever more complex task. This research intends to answer the question on whether or not the purchase of Scopus services in such a crisis, which makes the subscription of credible scientific journals much more difficult, is a beneficial choice for Iranian medical libraries. The problem will be answered by analyzing the accessibility to full text articles via “view at publisher” image links in Scopus database. Different studies have already been carried out on the abilities and features of Scopus database in scientometric and citation analysis. However, it seems that current study is the first research to examine the value and importance of existing link for accessing the full-text articles such as "view at publisher" link. This link is one of the remarkable features devised in Scopus which has a special importance for end users. Hence, access ratio to full-text documents cited in articles written by Iranian medical faculties was studied through the "view at publisher" link in Scopus, and also via a link devised in the A-Z list of full-text journals in the Iranian National Medical Digital Library database, available at URL: www.inlm.org, followed by comparing the results obtained through the study. Results showed the ability of Scopus to make full-text articles accessible for users' depending on the type and level of individuals or institutional subscription. Such ability itself could justify the necessity for subscribing to Scopus by the universities of medical sciences. Regardless of other features of Scopus such as scientometric studies, etc., this ability becomes more important when access to some articles depends on paying subscription fee either privately or institutionally. Moreover, this ability provides the end-users to have access to a large volume of free papers. So, Scopus could be introduced as a gateway/portal for an easier access to full-text documents of various databases

Role of the Self-Administered, Self-Reported History Questionnaire to Identify Types of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Sensitivity Analysis

Study DesignCase-control design.PurposeTo evaluate the role of the self-administered, self-reported history questionnaire (SSHQ) in identifying types of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).Overview of LiteratureDiagnosis of types of LSS is controversial.MethodsA total of 235 patients with LSS were asked to respond to the SSHQ. All of these patients recovered following surgical treatment. The classification of LSS patients was based on history, physical examinations, and imaging studies. It is considered to be the gold standard. Radicular and neurogenic claudication types of LSS were based on the SSHQ developed by Konno et al. Two categories of LSS were determined based on the SSHQ tool and gold standard. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of the SSHQ.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 59.4 years. According to the criteria for gold standard, patients were diagnosed with the radicular type (n=103), and neurogenic claudication type (n=132). The questionnaire had desirable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in categorizing the two types of LSS: 97.8%, 66.6%, and 96.8% for the radicular type, and 97.0%, 80.0%, and 95.7% for the neurogenic claudication type.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the SSHQ is a reliable and a valid measure and it may be a clinical diagnosis support tool for identifying patients with two types of LSS

Outcome Measure of Pain in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: Validation Study of the Iranian version of Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire

Study DesignCross-sectional.PurposeTo translate and culturally adapt an Iranian version of the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) in Iran.Overview of LiteratureInstruments measuring patient reported outcomes should satisfy certain psychometric properties.MethodsThe PSQ was translated following cross-cultural adaptation guidelines. A total of 101 patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and 39 healthy cases were included in the study. All participants completed the PSQ and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, known group comparison, criterion validity and item-scale correlations were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 51.7 years. Reliability, validity and correlation of PSQ and PCS showed satisfactory results. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.81 for PSQ-total, 0.82 for PSQ-minor, and 0.82 for PSQ-moderate. The intraclass correlation coefficients value was 0.84 (0.616–0.932) indicating an excellent test-retest reliability. The instrument discriminated well between sub-groups of patients who differed in a standard predictive measure of LDH surgery (the Finneson–Cooper score). Total PSQ were also significantly correlated with the total scores of the PCS, lending support to its good convergent validity. Additionally, the correlation of each item with its hypothesized domain on the PSQ indicated acceptable results, suggesting that the items had a substantial relationship with their own domains.ConclusionsThe adapted Iranian PSQ is a valid and reliable questionnaire for the assessment of pain in patients with LDH

Outcome Measures of Functionality, Social Interaction, and Pain in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Validation Study for the Iranian Version of the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale

Study DesignCross-sectional.PurposeTo translate and validate the Iranian version of the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS).Overview of LiteratureInstruments measuring patient-reported outcomes should satisfy certain psychometric properties.MethodsNinety-three cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy were entered into the study and completed the CNFDS pre and postoperatively at the 6 month follow-up. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score was also completed. The internal consistency, test-retest, convergent validity, construct validity (item scale correlation), and responsiveness to change were assessed.ResultsMean age of the patients was 54.3 years (standard deviation, 8.9). The Cronbach α coefficient was satisfactory (α=0.84). Test-retest reliability as assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient analysis was 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.98). The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score correlated strongly with the CNFDS score, lending support to its good convergent validity (r=-0.80; p<0.001). Additionally, the correlation of each item with its hypothesized domain on the CNFDS was acceptable, suggesting that the items had a substantial relationship with their own domains. These results also indicate that the instrument was responsive to change (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the Iranian version of the CNFDS is a valid measure to assess functionality, social interaction, and pain among patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Policy and Regulation for smart grids in the United Kingdom

The UK has adopted legal obligations concerning climate change which will place increased stresses on the current 'traditional' model of centralised generation. This will include the stimulation of large volumes of intermittent generation, more distributed generation and larger and more variable loads at grid extremities, potentially including large volumes of electric vehicles and heat pumps. Smarter grids have been mooted as a major potential contributor to the decarbonisation of electricity, through facilitation of reduced losses, greater system efficiency, enhanced flexibility to allow the system to deal with intermittent sources and a number of other benefits. This article considers the different policy elements of what will be required for energy delivery in the UK to become smarter, the challenges this presents, the extent to which these are currently under consideration and some of the changes that might be needed in the future. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd

Application of Quality Assurance Strategies in Diagnostics and Clinical Support Services in Iranian Hospitals

Background: Iran has a widespread diagnostics and clinical support services (DCSS) network that plays a crucial role in providing diagnostic and clinical support services to both inpatient and outpatient care. However, very little is known on the application of quality assurance (QA) policies in DCSS units. This study explores the extent of application of eleven QA strategies in DCSS units within Iranian hospitals and its association with hospital characteristics. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009/2010. Data were collected from 554 DCSS units among 84 hospitals. Results: The average reported application rate for the QA strategies ranged from 57%-94% in the DCSS units. Most frequently reported were checking drugs expiration dates (94%), pharmacopoeia availability (92%), equipment calibration (87%) and identifying responsibilities (86%). Least reported was external auditing of the DCSS (57%). The clinical chemistry and microbiology laboratories (84%), pharmacies, blood bank services (83%) reported highest average application rates across all questioned QA strategies. Lowest application rates were reported in human tissue banks (50%). There was no significant difference between the reported application rates in DCSS in the general/specialized, teaching/research, nonteaching/research hospitals with the exception of pharmacies and radiology departments. They reported availability of a written QA plan significantly more often in research hospitals. Nearly all QA strategies were reported to be applied significantly more often in the DCSS of Social Security Organization (SSO) and private-for-profit hospitals than in governmental hospitals. Conclusion: There is still room for strengthening the managerial cycle of QA systems and accountability in the DCSS in Iranian hospitals. Getting feedback, change and learning through application of specific QA strategies (eg, external/internal audits) can be improved. Both the effectiveness of QA strategies in practice, and the application of these strategies in outpatient DCSS units require further policy attention