Machine learning methods for assessing value-of-information

One of the most useful features of decision analysis is its ability to distinguish between constructive and wasteful information gathering. Value-of-information (VOI) and sequential information gathering (Value-of-Flexibility, VOF) analysis evaluates the benefits of collecting additional information before making a decision. Traditionally, VOI has been assessed by constructing a decision tree or influence diagram model where a Bayesian framework has been used to update probabilities given new information. In this research, we evaluate the use of machine learning (ML) methods such as Ordinary-Least-Square (OLS), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Extreme Gradient Boost (XGB) for VOI calculations. In this study, VOI will be estimated using a simulation-regression approach. In the simulation-regression approach, VOI is computed by simulating the model parameters, the data and prospect values, then regressing the prospect values on the data (Eidsvik, Mukerji et al. 2015, Eidsvik, Dutta et al. 2017, Dutta, Mukerji et al. 2019). Simulation-regression approach is considered to be one solution to overcome the computational issue by constructing efficient approximations for the VOI. In addition, VOI and Value-of-Flexibility (VOF) is implemented on case study of estimating CO2 storage capacity of Utsira formation located in North Sea using simulation-regression approach

Single sample face identification utilizing sparse discriminative multi manifold embedding

This paper describes three methods to improve single sample dataset face identification. The recent approaches to address this issue use intensity and do not guarantee for the high accuracy under uncontrolled conditions. This research presents an approach based on Sparse Discriminative Multi Manifold Embedding (SDMME) , which uses feature extraction rather than intensity and normalization for pre–processing to reduce the effects of uncontrolled condition such as illumination. In average this study improves identification accuracy about 17% compare to current method

Effects of sensate focus technique and position changing on sexual function of women with deep-infiltrating endometriosis after surgery: A clinical trial study

Background: Endometriosis is a disease that affects women throughout their sexual life. Sexual health is, therefore, a major concern for these women. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of the sensate focus technique and position changing on the sexual function of women with deep-infiltrating endometriosis 3-6 months after surgery. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 80 women with deep endometriosis, aged 18-45 yr, who were referred to the endometriosis clinic of Avicenna fertility center, Tehran, Iran for follow-up after surgery from January to September 2021. They were divided randomly into 2 groups. In the intervention group, 2-hr virtual training sessions were held and the control group only completed the questionnaires without any intervention. Sexual function was evaluated after 4 and 8 wk. Results: 8 wk after the intervention, the mean score of sexual function in the intervention group was significantly improved (p < 0.001). The mean total score of sexual function in the pre-intervention period reached from 24.16 to 28.31 in 4 wk after the intervention and 29.85 8 wk after the intervention The mean score of sexual pain during the follow-up periods was significantly improved in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Sensate focus technique and sexual position changing improved sexual function in women with deep endometriosis after surgery. Key words: Endometriosis, Sexual dysfunction, Dyspareunia

Raising awareness for water polution based on game activities using internet of things

Awareness among young people regarding the environment and its resources and comprehension of the various factors that interplay, is key to changing human behaviour towards achieving a sustainable planet. In this paper IoT equipment, utilizing sensors for measuring various parameters of water quality, is used in an educational context targeting at a deeper understanding of the use of natural resources towards the adoption of environmentally friendly behaviours. We here note that the use of water sensors in STEM gameful learning is an area which has not received a lot of attention in the previous years. The IoT water sensing and related scenaria and practices, addressing children via discovery, gamification, and educational activities, are discussed in detail

The global epidemiology of Brucella infections in terrestrial wildlife: A meta-analysis

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with serious consequences on human and animal health. Brucella infections were reported in many terrestrial wild animals, from subtropical and temperate regions to arctic regions. In many areas, the epidemiology of brucellosis in wildlife is closely associated with the occurrence of the disease in livestock. Some wild species may contribute to the re-introduction of Brucella infections in livestock (spillback), even in officially brucellosis-free (OBF) regions. Through meta-regression analysis, this study draws a global picture of the prevalence of Brucella spp. in terrestrial wild animals, trying to determine most affected subgroups as well as preferential sampling and screening methods. For this purpose, a literature search was carried out among publications published from 1983 to 2019. Different subgroups were compared according to animal species, feeding, gender, age as well as the method used for sampling and for brucellosis diagnostic. To determine heterogeneity of studies, chi-squared test was used and a random-effects model (REM) estimated the pooled prevalence among subgroups. A total of 68 publications, comprising 229 data reports/studies, were selected. The most-reported Brucella species in wildlife was Brucella abortus, and the highest prevalence rate was found in American bison, Bison bison (39.9%) followed by Alpine ibex, Capra ibex (33%). Serology was the most widely applied diagnostic approach (66%), while PCR appeared to be highly sensitive (36.62% of positive results). The gender of animals showed no significant association with the prevalence of brucellosis (p > .05). Blood samples and visceral organs constituted the great majority of specimen used for the detection of Brucella spp., while lymph nodes showed a high prevalence of positive samples (94.6%). The present study provides insight into the global epidemiology and enzootic potential of brucellosis in wild terrestrial animals worldwide, aiming at helping the appropriate authorities to strengthen prevention, surveillance and control strategies

Effects of Maternal Coagulation disorder on Birth Weight and Post-Natal Non-Coagulation Problems of Neonates

Background: To evaluate the birth weight and post-natal non-coagulation problems of infants of mothers with coagulopathies versus normal mothers. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 100 women with coagulation problems attended the Iranian Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Center, and 200 normal women attending two health centers in Tehran and Karaj, with a history of at least one pregnancy were studied. A questionnaire about mothers’ and neonates’ condition was filled out by an interview, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16. Results: Using linear regression, the maternal coagulation problem had a negative effect on birth weight (p<0.001, β= -0.31). The prevalence of early and prolonged jaundice in newborns of mothers with coagulopathy was higher than that in newborns of normal mothers (12% vs. 2%, and 7% vs. 3%, respectively), the difference between the two groups in terms of incidence of early jaundice was statistically significant (chi square-p<0.001). The frequency of using phototherapy and blood exchange for treating neonatal jaundice, in neonates of mothers with coagulopathy was higher than in neonates of normal mothers (31% vs. 21% and 8% vs. 21%, respectively) (p<0.001). Furthermore, the duration of hospitalization, hospitalization in NICU, and re-hospitalization during the first month of life in neonates of mothers with coagulation problems was higher than in neonates of normal mothers (p<0.001). Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of neonatal problems in newborns of mothers with coagulation problems and their lower birth weight, further care measures should be provided for them. &nbsp

Primary School Teachers’ Understanding of Science Process Skills in Relation to Their Teaching Qualifications and Teaching Experience

This study investigated the understanding of science process skills (SPS) of 329 science teachers from 52 primary schools selected by random sampling. The understanding of SPS was measured in terms of conceptual and operational aspects of SPS using an instrument called the Science Process Skills Questionnaire (SPSQ) with a Cronbach’s alpha reliability of 0.88. The findings showed that the teachers’ conceptual understanding of SPS was much weaker than their practical application of SPS. The teachers’ understanding of SPS differed by their teaching qualifications but not so much by their teaching experience. Emphasis needs to be given to both conceptual and operational understanding of SPS during pre-service and in-service teacher education to enable science teachers to use the skills and implement inquiry-based lessons in schools