Interpolation of Sparse Graph Signals by Sequential Adaptive Thresholds

This paper considers the problem of interpolating signals defined on graphs. A major presumption considered by many previous approaches to this problem has been lowpass/ band-limitedness of the underlying graph signal. However, inspired by the findings on sparse signal reconstruction, we consider the graph signal to be rather sparse/compressible in the Graph Fourier Transform (GFT) domain and propose the Iterative Method with Adaptive Thresholding for Graph Interpolation (IMATGI) algorithm for sparsity promoting interpolation of the underlying graph signal.We analytically prove convergence of the proposed algorithm. We also demonstrate efficient performance of the proposed IMATGI algorithm in reconstructing randomly generated sparse graph signals. Finally, we consider the widely desirable application of recommendation systems and show by simulations that IMATGI outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms on the benchmark datasets in this application.Comment: 12th International Conference on Sampling Theory and Applications (SAMPTA 2017

A eficácia da terapia narrativa nafunção sexual e burnoutdo casal

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of narrative therapy on sexual function and couple burnout in women with skin cancer. Method: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test–post-test design with a control group. Among married women with skin cancer in Mashhad(Iran), 30 available individuals were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Narrative therapy was performed in a group of 15 people in nine sessions (experimental group). The Female Sexual Function Index and Couple Burnout Measure were used to collect pre-testand post-testdata. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. Results: Group narrative therapy significantly improved reported sexual function (F= 40.90; p= .001) and decreased couple burnout (F= 59.03; p= .001) in women with skin cancer. Conclusions: Narrative therapy seems to effectively improve sexual function and couple burnout in women with skin cancer. / Objetivo: Este estudo pretendeu avaliar a eficácia da terapia narrativa sobre a função sexual e o esgotamento do casal em mulheres com cancro de pele. Métodos: O método de investigação foi quase-experimental com desenho pré-teste-pós-teste com um grupo de controlo. Entre mulheres casadas com cancro de pele em Mashhad (Irão), foram selecionados 30 indivíduos disponíveis e atribuídos aleatoriamente a grupos experimental e de controlo. A terapia narrativa foi realizada num grupo de 15 pessoas em nove sessões (grupo experimental). O Female Sexual Function Indexe a Couple Burnout Measure foram utilizados para recolher dados em pré-teste e pós-teste. A análise da covariância foi utilizada para analisar os dados. Resultados: A terapia narrativa grupal melhorou significativamente a função sexual relatada (F= 40,90; p= 0,001) e diminuiu o esgotamento do casal (F= 59,03; p= 0,001) em mulheres com cancro de pele. Conclusões: A terapia narrativa parece ser eficaz na melhoria da função sexual e do esgotamento do casal em mulheres com cancro de pele

The effectiveness of Solution- Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in parents of children with cancer

Introduction: During cancer treatment, parents are faced with a number of challenges that require making difficult situations. The aim of this project was investigating effectiveness of SFBT on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in parents of children with cancer. Methods: The present research will be an experimental study with pretest-posttest design using control and experimental groups. The statistical population of the study include all parents of children with cancer of Shiraz hospitals during 2016-2017. To select the statistical sample, convenient sampling method will be used. 24 people will be randomly selected and they will be randomly assigned in a control group (12 people), an experimental group (12 people). Instrument was used in this research includes Impact of Events Scale. Results: Investigating the significance hypothesis revealed that of difference among the two groups in Co-variance analysis in terms of posttraumatic stress symptoms in the posttest was significant (F = 256.0, P = .0001). Investigating the significance hypothesis revealed that of difference among the two groups in multiple Co-variance analysis in terms of subscales of posttraumatic stress symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal) in the posttest was significant (F = 50.0, P = .0001 in intrusion, F = 173.0, P = .0001 in avoidance and F = 124.0, P = .0001 in hyperarousal). Conclusion: The research findings showed that solution- focused brief therapy on posttraumatic stress symptoms was effectiveness. The authors contend that SFBT is particularly well-suited for use with cancer patients and their families because “the nature of the disease is such that crises are intermittent throughout the course of the illness”

Chemical compositions of essential oil and antioxidant activity of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) in sole crop and dragonhead- soybean (Glycine max) intercropping system under organic manure and chemical fertilizer

Organic manure can be used as an alternative for chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. In addition, compared with sole cropping systems, intercropping is a promising approach for the crop production due to its lower reliance to chemical fertilizers. In this study, grain yield of soybean and biomass, chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of dragonhead essential oil in sole crop and dragonhead-soybean intercropping system under organic and chemical fertilizers were investigated. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was calculated as well. Results indicated intercropping and application of organic manure, increased soybean grain yield and dragonhead biomass. The LER value for soybean: dragonhead with ratios of 1:1 and1:2 under organic manure was greater than 1, indicating superiority of intercropping versus sol crop systems. GC–MS analysis showed that geranial, geranyl acetate, neral and piperitone were major compounds of dragonhead. The geranial and neral contents were increased in sole cropped dragonhead with application of chemical fertilizer, while the piperitone content was enhanced in sole cropped plants fertilized with organic manure. The highest of geranyl acetate content was observed in intercropped dragonhead plants fertilized with chemical fertilizer. Addition of organic manure lead to increase the antioxidant capacity of dragonhead in intercropped plots. The highest antioxidant activity of dragonhead (IC50 = 1.45 μgmL−1) was observed in one row of soybean + two rows of dragohead treated with organic manure. Overall, one row of soybean + two rows of dragohead with use of organic manure was more productive and had the highest LER value, antioxidant activity and a large amount of chemical compositions of essential oil. Thus this treatment could be adopted by the medicinal plant growers for appropriate production of dragonhead. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

Developing a Comprehensive Model for Using Institutional Repositories in E-learning

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive model of using institutional repositories of e-learning. The focus was on identifying the influential factors of the repository in e-learning. Methods The present research is a qualitative study using the meta-synthesis method. In this research, the library method was used to collect data and information; and to analyze data the seventh-step process of Sadowski and Barroso for meta-synthesis was used. The research population of the study includes related studies (articles and dissertations) in the area of the role of the institutional repository dimensions in e-learning. The CASP evaluation checklist was used to ensure the quality of the studies. Finally, out of 129 retrieved studies, 28 titles were selected and then the thematic content was analyzed, coded, and categorized. Subsequently, quantitative research was carried out to validate the obtained model with the opinion of experts using the fuzzy TOPSIS technique. Results: Analysis of studies on the use of institutional repositories in e-learning led to the identification of 23 concepts, 14 categories and 6 components in this field. The main dimensions include data, metadata, search, retrieval, service, and resource component. Conclusions: Considering that learning management systems are used in electronic education; however, they are often feeble repositories for educational purposes, and they cannot generate metadata for easy search of resources, the possibility of interaction, sharing, and reuse of the information. Although, it cannot be integrated with other learning management systems to provide access to more resources. Therefore, the repository can promote e-learning and expand the capabilities of the learning management system

Chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of essential oil of wild and cultivated Dracocephalum kotschyi grown in different ecosystems: A comparative study

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (D. kotachyi), is an aromatic and perennial plant endemic to Iran. This plant is commonly used for the treatment of headache, congestion, stomach and also liver disorders. Furthermore, antihyperlipidemic, immunomodulatory, antinociceptive, cytotoxic and antispasmodic effects have already been reported for D. kotachyi. However, no information is available about environmental factors' impact on the quantity and quality of this plant. The objectives of this study were to compare the biomass, essential oil content, chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of D. kotachyi in three different (natural, agricultural and controlled) ecosystems. In order to do that, the plant samples were selected from each ecosystem in which they consisted of: two natural ecosystems (Nat. 1: altitude of 3040 m and Nat. 2: altitude of 3646 m), two agricultural ecosystems (Agr. 1: altitude of 2539 m and Agr. 2: altitude of 2589 m), and two controlled (Con. 1: altitude of 2393 m and Con. 2: altitude of 2393 m). The results indicated that the maximum aboveground biomass (29.21 g/plant) of D. kotschyi belonged to the sample of the Agr. 2. Also, the samples of Nat. 1 and Con. 1, possessed higher oil essential content as compared with other ecosystems. The highest antioxidant activity of D. kotschyi was obtained in the sample of Con. 1 under the application of broiler litter. According to the findings, Neral (20.29%28.24%), geranial (17.32%-26.36%), geranyl acetate (7.16%-20.82%) and ct-pinene (11%-15.09%) were identified as major chemical compounds of D. kotschyi in all samples except in the Nat. 2. The major chemical compositions in the Nat. 2 ecosystem were trans-carveol (52.65%), limonene (20.13%), geranyl acetate (9.52%) and geranial (4.13%). In general, the cultivation of D. kotachyi treated with broiler litter (Con. 1) leaded to high essential oil content, main chemical compositions and the highest antioxidant activity. Hence, it could be applied as a valuable medicinal plant in various industries and can be considered as an alternative to protect this plant in the natural ecosystems. Keywords:Antioxidant activity; Essential oil; Chemical compositions; Trans-carveol; Wild plan

The Effect of Avoiding Cognitive Errors through Narrative Therapy on Depression and Dysfunctional Attitude in Primary School Girls

Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of teaching to avoid cognitive errors through narrative therapy on depression and dysfunctional attitude in primary-school girls.  Methods: This experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a one-month follow-up. The assessment tool consisted of the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS), and DAS-C and clinical interviews were used to evaluate dysfunctional attitude among the students. The sample population consisted of 36 fourth- and fifth-grade, female, primary-school students with depression in Shiraz. The experimental group was exposed to narrative therapy, the placebo group to selective stories (without educational content on avoiding cognitive errors) and the control group received no treatment. The ANCOVA was used to analyze the data.  Results: The three groups were not different in terms of their depression score in the posttest (F=2.36, P=0.11), but the difference between them was significant in the follow-up stage (F=5.53, P=0.009). Significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of dysfunctional attitude and depression in the posttest (F=4.84, P=0.001) and the follow-up (P=0.0001, F=12.08).  Conclusion: Narrative therapy was found to be effective in reducing depression and dysfunctional attitude in the students.  Declaration of Interest: None.