Sensor Scheduling for Optimal Observability Using Estimation Entropy

We consider sensor scheduling as the optimal observability problem for partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDP). This model fits to the cases where a Markov process is observed by a single sensor which needs to be dynamically adjusted or by a set of sensors which are selected one at a time in a way that maximizes the information acquisition from the process. Similar to conventional POMDP problems, in this model the control action is based on all past measurements; however here this action is not for the control of state process, which is autonomous, but it is for influencing the measurement of that process. This POMDP is a controlled version of the hidden Markov process, and we show that its optimal observability problem can be formulated as an average cost Markov decision process (MDP) scheduling problem. In this problem, a policy is a rule for selecting sensors or adjusting the measuring device based on the measurement history. Given a policy, we can evaluate the estimation entropy for the joint state-measurement processes which inversely measures the observability of state process for that policy. Considering estimation entropy as the cost of a policy, we show that the problem of finding optimal policy is equivalent to an average cost MDP scheduling problem where the cost function is the entropy function over the belief space. This allows the application of the policy iteration algorithm for finding the policy achieving minimum estimation entropy, thus optimum observability.Comment: 5 pages, submitted to 2007 IEEE PerCom/PerSeNS conferenc

Microsatellite analysis of mouse TNF and Cypla2 loci for polymorphism: detection and evaluation of genetic contamination

The mouse TNF locus comprises tandemly arranged genes coding for Tnf _ (cachectin) and Tnf ß (lymphotoxin). The mouse TNF and Cypla2 loci were selected to detect simple sequence length polymorphism on genomic DNAs of four laboratory mouse strains. These polymorphisms might be useful in the search for tumor supressor genes involved in specific cancers. The primary aim of this work was to analyse the use of these polymophic microsatellite markers, which could differentiate between four typical laboratory mouse strains (i.e. BALB/c, C57BL/6, CBA as three inbred mouse strains and Syrian Hamster as an outbred strain) and the second was to define possible genetic contamination of a BALB/c mouse colony. In this study, we investigated the applicability of DNA fingerprinting using short tandem repeats (STRs) by the use of PAGE and silver staining. We found that all microsatellite DNA sequences varied in size in the TNF locus in the four strains tested, but for the Cypla2 locus no polymorphism was found within these strains. To our knowledge this is the first report of lack of polymorphism in the Cypla2 locus within these strains. The other techniques for inbred mouse identification were skin grafting and a coat colour test. We found no signs of rejection during skin grafting within the BALB/c mouse strain and also as expected all strains showed normal phenotypes. These experiments suggested lack of genetic heterogeneity in Cypla2 locus and no evidence of genetic contamination was also found in the BALB/c mouse

The Impact of Ethical Marketing on Consumer Repurchase Intention with Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Brand Identity and Brand Equity (Case Study: Digikala Online Store)

Extended AbstractAbstractThe purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of ethical marketing on consumer repurchase intention with emphasis on the mediating role of brand identity and brand equity. The research method is descriptive-survey in terms of nature, and applicable in terms of purpose. The statistical population of the research is the customers of Digi Kala online store. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula of 375 people, and the samples were selected by available sampling method. Ethical marketing questionnaires (Safari.et al.2017), brand equity (Aaker.1991), brand identity (Mael & Ashforth, 1992) and repurchase intention (Hong.et al.2012) were used to collect data. The data validity was determined by the academic experts, and the reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient test. In order to analyze the data, the structural equation technique was used using Lisrel statistical software and SPSS statistical software. The results showed that marketing Ethics has a positive and significant effect on brand identity, customer repurchase intention and brand equity. Brand identity has a positive and significant effect on customers' intention to repurchase. Brand equity has a positive and significant effect on customers' intention to repurchase. Finally, ethical marketing has a significant effect on consumer's intention to repurchase by emphasizing the mediating role of brand identity and brand equity.IntroductionRapid change in today's world has faced organizations with various challenges, but in the meantime, successful organizations are those which, with the help of management tools and new technologies, take advantage of the opportunities created to their benefit. The e-commerce environment is one of these tools. Internet-based e-commerce environment allows customers to search for information and purchase goods and services through direct contact with online stores (Feyznia.2017) .Today, shopping intention reflects the predictable behavior of the consumer in future purchasing decisions that significantly helps in the formation of consumer attitudes (Xiao, & Liu.2018). Identity is one of the factors that keeps the brand stable and directs it to new markets and products (Muhonen.et al.2017) Brands identify themselves to customers and differentiate themselves from other competitors. The process of creating a brand identity is to formulate the mindsets that the brand intends to create and ensure that the brand is identified by the customer and associated with a particular category of needs (Khodavardikhani, 2018). The customers prefer one tbrand to other based on the factors important to them (Ebrahim, 2020). Brand equity is one of the assets that maintains the value of the company and, by creating a competitive advantage over competitors, will attract customers' attention and loyalty (Zollo.et.al.2020). The intention to repeat the purchase is the process of referring and repeatedly purchasing goods and services from a store in the long run, the main reason for which is positive experiences after the purchase (Birjandi.et.al.2019). Ethical marketing is a domain of applicable ethics which is related to hidden ethical principles in behavior, advertising and regulation in marketing (Purwanto.etal.2019). This issue, which is widely discussed in management and market science today, is called ethical marketing (Pittz.et.al.2020). Digi Kala online store is one of the most reputable virtual stores in our country which many people buy from around the clock to provide the products and services they need. Considering that a suitable platform for online sales and purchases has not yet become popular in our country, the researcher intends to analyze the relationship between consumer intention to repurchase, brand identity and brand equity while analyzing the aspects of ethical marketing. This study tries to answer the question whether ethical marketing has a significant effect on the consumer's intention to repurchase, by emphasizing the mediating role of brand identity and brand equity in the Digikala online store.Theoretical literatureUsing the definition of Taylor (2000), Till (2009) defines marketing ethics as follows: Research into the nature and levels of belief, beliefs, standards, and rules of ethical behavior in relation to business decisions and sales conditions (Safari, et.al.) 2017). Intention to buy is a pattern of attitude towards the product for future purchases (Shaghlani, 2017). Su (1990) states that the intention to buy refers to some exchange behaviors that occur after consumers evaluate the product and reflect an emotional response in their behavior to an issue (Safari, et al. 2017). Brand identity expresses the ideal characteristics that the brand intends to offer to customers. In other words, brand identity is what the brand commits to the market (Essamri, et. al.2019). Whatever is supposed to be portrayed in the future and engraved in the mind of the customer is the essence of the brand. Adorned appearance and what is seen is the expression of a brand identity (Ahmadian.2017). According to Acker (1991), brand equity has three basic components: brand awareness, brand loyalty and brand association. Brand awareness is the level of awareness and cognition by which the customer recognizes, remembers and can identify brand-related products and services (bordbar, et al.2018).Chae.et al. (2020) in a study concentrated on the effect of product features on perceived value, brand trust and repurchase intention. The results showed that product features have a positive and significant effect on perceived value, brand trust and repurchase intention. Ghaffari (2018) also stated in his research that there is a positive and significant relationship between ethical marketing and customer loyalty. Izadian (2019) also concluded in his research that there is a positive and significant relationship between brand personality with brand trust and brand loyalty.MethodologyThe present research is applicable in terms of purpose, and descriptive-survey in nature. The statistical population of the research consists of customers of Digi Kala online store, 375 of whom were selected as the research sample using Cochran's formula and available sampling method. ethical marketing questionnaires (Safari.et al 2017), brand equity (Aaker.1991), brand identity (Mael, & Ashforth, 1992) and repurchase intention (Hong.et al.2012) were used to collect data.Discussion and ResultsIn order to investigate the mediating effect of brand identity in the hypothesis under discussion, the direct effect of the two structures with the indirect effect in the case of involving mediating variables should be examined so that if the effect increases, the mediating effect can be considered acceptable. In the present hypothesis, the direct effect is equal to 0.49. If there is a mediating variable of brand identity, the indirect effect is: (0.69) × (0.73) = (0.507)Due to the fact that the direct path effect is less than the indirect path, therefore, the existence of a mediating variable increases the brand identity and the mediating role in the present hypothesis is confirmed.In order to investigate the mediating effect of brand personality in the hypothesis under discussion, the direct effect of two structures with indirect effect in the case of involving mediating variables should be examined so that if the effect increases, the mediating effect can be considered acceptable. In the present hypothesis, the direct effect is equal to 0.49. Indirect effect in the presence of a mediator variable of brand equity is:(0.72) × (0.78) = (0.561)Due to the fact that the effect of direct path is less than indirect paths, therefore, the existence of a mediator variable increases the equity of the brand, and the mediating role in the present hypothesis is confirmed.ConclusionConsidering the confirmation of the first main hypothesis; the effect of ethical marketing on repurchase intention with emphasis on the mediating role of brand identity, the result is explained in such a way that providing the desired services to customers creates trust among customers and persuades them to refer to this site in different situations. Therefore, the idea is imprinted in the minds of customers that if they want quality services, they will always trust this online store and keep it in mind, and if the services required by customers are available on this site, they will not be willing to use services and products of other stores. As a result, the management of this store fulfills its obligations to customers correctly and honestly, and customers are assured about the goodness of the products they receive from this site, compared to other online stores. The degree of easy access of customers to the services or products listed on the Internet sites can affect their satisfaction with the perceived usefulness of these facilities and goods. When the customer can easily make online purchases and buy the desired product, he acts with more interest in understanding the usefulness and the purchase process. These results match with research findings of Demirgüneş.(2015); Rezaei, (2018); Izadian, (2019) and supported by them.The result of testing the second hypothesis based on the positive and significant effect of ethical marketing on repurchase intention by emphasizing the mediating role of brand equity is explained in such a way that considering the intangibility of goods and services received by customers through the Internet and their purchase from virtual stores has reasonably high perceived risk. When buying online from store sites, customers pay special attention to the details of the purchase and the products offered on this site. Paying attention to the characteristics of the offered products and the amount of site commitment about the returning of impaired goods can be considered as a significant aspect in this case. On one hand, online stores should explain precisely the details and application of their products with high clarification so that customers can make the right choice to meet and satisfy their needs. On the other hand, these stores must be committed to selling their goods and provide after-sales service satisfy the customers. In this way, site managements can stimulate the customer's sense of trust to their virtual store and encourage them to buy online. These results match with research findings of Bavarsad, et al. (2015); Vazifehdust & Memarian. (2014); Chen & Quester, (2015) and supported by them

The Epidemiological Aspects of Tuberculosis in Hamadan Province during 2005–11

Background: Epidemiological information on tuberculosis (TB) is required to plan control and prevention strategies and to inform service delivery systems. The aim of present study was to determine the epidemiological status of TB in Hamadan Province covering a seven-year period. Methods: In this cross-sectional study all registered TB patients suffering from any form of smear-positive, smearnegative or extra pulmonary from 2005 to 2011 were assessed. Age-adjusted incidence trend was studied. The CochranArmitage (C-A) test was used for testing the trends over time. Results: The mean age of TB patients was 57.0 (±21.1), 49.9% were males, 52.8% were aged 61 years or older and 39.7% were rural residents. Previous history of jailed was present in 13 (2.2%) patients and 12 (2.0%) were HIV positive. From all TB patients, 60.8% were smear-positive, 87.6% were new cases, and 87.3% of smear-positive patients were cured cases. Also, 23.6% patients had history of hospitalization for TB. More than half (55.4%) of TB patients were reported by public health system. Age-adjusted incidence rates of all TB cases during 2005–11 was 3.4, 3.2, 3.6, 4.7, 3.3, 4.4 and 7.3 in 100,000 respectively (C-A trend test, P< 0.001). Conclusion: Although, the incidence rate of TB in Hamadan Province is lower than country’s average, increasing trend of TB incidence is not concordant with its decreasing trend in Iran. An epidemiological study is required to evaluate risk factors associated with TB to identify ways to decrease the prevalence of TB

Vandetanib alters the tumoricidal capacity of human breast cancer stem cells via inhibiting vasculogenic capacity

Introduction:The inhibition of vascularization into tumor stroma as well as dynamic cell growth is the center of attention. Here, we aimed to examine the role of vandetanib on angiogenesis capacity of breast cancer stem cell (CSCs). Methods: MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to different doses of vandetanib and survival rate was monitored. Stimulatory effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were evaluated in vandetanib-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. In vitro tubulogenesis capacity was studied on the Matrigel surface. The synergistic effects of vandetanib on cell survival were also assessed after PI3K and/or Wnt3a inhibition. Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), -9, Wnt3a, and p-Akt/Akt ratio were measured using western blotting. Results:Vandetanib reduced survival rate in a dose-dependent manner (P&lt;0.05). Proliferative effects associated with VEGF, FGF, and EGF were blunted in these cells pre-exposed to vandetanib (P&lt;0.05). The microcirculation pattern’s triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) was suppressed by 1, 5 µM of vandetanib (P&lt;0.05). Hence 1, 5 µM of vandetanib potentially decreased the population of CD24– cells. 1 and 5 µM of vandetanib inhibited cell proliferation by blocking PI3K and Wnt3a pathways and decreased the p-Akt/Akt ratio, Wnta3 protein levels (P&lt;0.05). 1 and 5 µM vandetanib combined with PI3K inhibitor diminished metastatic markers including, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The concurrent treatment (PI3K, inhibitor+ 1, 5 µM vandetanib) also considerably reduced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as VE-cadherin (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Vandetanib suppressed vasculogenic mimicry (VM) networking through blunting stemness properties, coincided with suppression of VE-cadherin in CSCs(Figure Presented).</p

Prenatal and clinical characteristics of pregnant women infected with COVID-19 in Yazd, Iran: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background: Coronavirus infection has caused widespread concern among mothers and physicians about the health of pregnant women and infants. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and prenatal findings of pregnant women with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) virus. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study that was conducted in 6 mother and child care centers. In this study, 81 pregnant women with COVID-19 admitted to centers in the period from March 2020-September 2020 were studied. Clinical and prenatal findings of the pregnant mothers were recorded using a data collection form with details of demographic characteristics and these were analyzed. Results: The gestational age of the affected women was between 4 and 40 wk. 48 deliveries were performed and 25% of deliveries were preterm. Coronavirus infection was the cause of termination of pregnancy in 4 cases. The most common symptoms of women when visiting the medical centers were: dry cough (58.0%), muscle pain and myalgia (56.8%) and fever (51.9%). The most common laboratory findings in the women were: increased C-reactive protein (67.90%), lymphopenia (18.51%), decreased white blood cells (27.16%), and increased liver enzymes (18.51%). Regarding the status of the newborns, out of the 33 neonates examined, 3 neonates were diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion: The most common symptoms of pregnant women with COVID-19 are similar to those of other adults. In relation to neonatal infection, given that a number of the neonates tested positive, there appears to be evidence of vertical transmission, which requires further investigation. Key words: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pregnancy, Clinical, Prenatal