Higher-Order Skolem’s Paradoxes

Some analogous higher-order versions of Skolem’s paradox will be introduced. The generalizability of two solutions for Skolem’s paradox will be assessed: the course-book approach and Bays’ one. Bays’ solution to Skolem’s paradox, unlike the course-book solution, can be generalized to solve the higher-order paradoxes without any implication about the possibility or order of a language in which mathematical practice is to be formalized

On Subspace-ergodic Operators

In this paper, we define subspace-ergodic operators and give examples of these operators. We show that by any given separable infinite-dimensional Banach space, subspace-ergodic operators can be constructed. We demonstrate that an invertible operator T is subspace-ergodic if and only if T-1 is subspace-ergodic. We prove that the direct sum of two subspace-ergodic operators is subspace-ergodic and if the direct sum of two operators is subspace-ergodic, then each of them is subspace-ergodic. Also, we investigate relations between subspace-ergodic and subspace-mixing operators. For example, we show that if T is subspace-mixing and invertible, then Tn and T-n are subspace-ergodic for n∈ℕ

Local Rademacher Complexity-based Learning Guarantees for Multi-Task Learning

We show a Talagrand-type concentration inequality for Multi-Task Learning (MTL), using which we establish sharp excess risk bounds for MTL in terms of distribution- and data-dependent versions of the Local Rademacher Complexity (LRC). We also give a new bound on the LRC for norm regularized as well as strongly convex hypothesis classes, which applies not only to MTL but also to the standard i.i.d. setting. Combining both results, one can now easily derive fast-rate bounds on the excess risk for many prominent MTL methods, including---as we demonstrate---Schatten-norm, group-norm, and graph-regularized MTL. The derived bounds reflect a relationship akeen to a conservation law of asymptotic convergence rates. This very relationship allows for trading off slower rates w.r.t. the number of tasks for faster rates with respect to the number of available samples per task, when compared to the rates obtained via a traditional, global Rademacher analysis.Comment: In this version, some arguments and results (of the previous version) have been corrected, or modifie

Adhesion of Myoblasts to RGD-Alginate

Several types of alginate have been developed, but none of them alone are able to interact with mammalian cells. Alginate does not provide anchorage points that are essential for cell growth and proliferation. As this hydrogel meets many requirements for tissue engineering, modification of alginate was proposed in order to stimulate cell adhesion. After recognition of RGD binding site in ECM proteins, synthetic RGD peptides were coupled with alginate via aqueous carbodiimide chemistry. I applied this conjugation and optimized it in terms of various parameters of the coupling reaction. Mouse skeletal Myoblasts were cultured on the surface of the modified alginate. They were attached, spread and differentiated to form myotubes. This showed that an RGD containing peptide has the ability to mimic ECM molecule binding sites and stimulate adhesion to materials that are otherwise unable to interact with cells. I also demonstrated that RGD density enhanced proliferation and spreading. Increasing crosslinker density made stiffer gels and controlled cell differentiation. Including free Ca2+ improved swelling properties of alginate gel, enforced cell attachment and enhanced conversion of myoblasts to myotubes.Digitized from a paper copy provided by the Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program

The effect of assertiveness training on self-efficacy among Iranian high school female students

The current study considers the effect of assertiveness on the first-grade high school female students’ self-efficacy. The research method is quasi-experimental and the design is pretest posttest with control group. The participants included all high school students of the second region in Tehran, including 22 schools. The selected sample is in concordance with the research method of the 3 individuals that  were selected with cluster sampling in several stages and among female high schools in the second region of Tehran. The instruments  used in this study were Hezbergru’s assertiveness questionnaire and The Morgan-Jinks Student Efficacy Scale (MJSES). Data analysis was done by using SPSS 21software. In order to describe the data, descriptive statistics including mean, frequency, and standard deviation and independent sample t-test was used for testing research hypotheses. The results revealed the effect of  assertiveness skills  training on enhancing self-efficacy and its application in education and training. Students need to be supplied with certain skills and abilities, especially self-efficacy for better operation

Outline of changes in cortisol and melatonin circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: According to the literature, a large number of people working in industries and service providing personnel, such as firefighters, physicians, and nurses are shift workers. The spread of shift working in industrial societies and the incidence of the problems resulting from shift working have caused the researchers to conduct studies on this issue. The present study also aimed to investigate melatonin and cortisol circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In order to collect the study data, blood samples were taken from the study subjects in different times of the day (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22) and cortisol and melatonin levels were determined using the radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay techniques, respectively. Results: The results showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma cortisol level increased, as well. Besides, no statistically significant difference was found between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. The study findings also showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma melatonin level decreased. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the plasma melatonin levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between the plasma melatonin levels in the natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. Conclusions: The present study aimed to investigate the subsequences of shift working in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and showed that occupational exposure to bright light could affect some biological markers, such as melatonin and cortisol secretion