Certainty of outlier and boundary points processing in data mining

Data certainty is one of the issues in the real-world applications which is caused by unwanted noise in data. Recently, more attentions have been paid to overcome this problem. We proposed a new method based on neutrosophic set (NS) theory to detect boundary and outlier points as challenging points in clustering methods. Generally, firstly, a certainty value is assigned to data points based on the proposed definition in NS. Then, certainty set is presented for the proposed cost function in NS domain by considering a set of main clusters and noise cluster. After that, the proposed cost function is minimized by gradient descent method. Data points are clustered based on their membership degrees. Outlier points are assigned to noise cluster and boundary points are assigned to main clusters with almost same membership degrees. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, two types of datasets including 3 datasets in Scatter type and 4 datasets in UCI type are used. Results demonstrate that the proposed cost function handles boundary and outlier points with more accurate membership degrees and outperforms existing state of the art clustering methods.Comment: Conference Paper, 6 page

Chiral Liquid Crystal Microdroplets for Sensing Phospholipid Amphiphiles

Designing simple, sensitive, fast, and inexpensive readout devices to detect biological molecules and biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and treatments. Here, we have studied the interaction of the chiral liquid crystal (CLC) and biomolecules at the liquid crystal (LC)-droplet interface. CLC droplets with high and low chirality were prepared using a microfluidic device. We explored the reconfiguration of the CLC molecules confined in droplets in the presence of 1,2-diauroyl-sn-glycero3-phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) phospholipid. Cross-polarized optical microscopy and spectrometry techniques were employed to monitor the effect of droplet size and DLPC concentration on the structural reorganization of the CLC molecules. Our results showed that in the presence of DLPC, the chiral LC droplets transition from planar to homeotropic ordering through a multistage molecular reorientation. However, this reconfiguration process in the low-chirality droplets happened three times faster than in high-chirality ones. Applying spectrometry and image analysis, we found that the change in the chiral droplets’ Bragg reflection can be correlated with the CLC–DLPC interactions

Synthesis of current evidence on factors influencing the suitability of synthetic biodegradable mulches for agricultural applications: A systematic review

Mulching practice offers farmers an opportunity to minimize the effects of drought, water loss, and soil erosion on crop production. Plastic film is widely used as a mulching material; however, contamination of arable lands by residual plastic has become a serious concern. Synthetic biodegradable mulch films and sprays may offer a more sustainable alternative to plastic films, however current evidence on the factors that influence the suitability of these products for agricultural applications is fragmented, making it unclear under what conditions these products meet agronomic, environmental, and societal needs. We address this gap by conducting a systematic review of studies that evaluate the use of synthesized biodegradable mulch for agricultural applications and extract data from 151 primary studies on factors that directly and indirectly influence the suitability of its use. Like others, we find that using biodegradable mulches nearly always provides agronomic benefits over not mulching but rarely provides agronomic benefits over conventional plastic films. However, we also find that reported benefits vary across climate conditions, mulch type, and crop and agronomic factors tested, highlighting the context-specificity of biodegradable mulch benefits which is not yet well understood. In addition, we identify a need for studies that experimentally evaluate the secondary environmental and social benefits of biodegradable mulch use to provide a better understanding of the full potential of these products for sustainable agriculture

Psychometric Properties of the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA) in Farsi: Based on DSM-5

ObjectivesThe first onset of many psychiatric disorders usually occurs inchildhood or adolescence. The structured interview of Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA) was developed in response to the need for a standardized and reliable method to assess psychiatric disorders in preschool-age children. This study aimed to translate DSM-5-based PAPA into Farsi and evaluate its face and content validity and reliability.Materials & MethodsThe procedure was a forward translation of PAPA to Farsi, evaluation for face and content validity, finalization of items within the expert panel, backward translation to English, matching the original PAPA with randomly selected items from the backward translation version, and revision as needed, and finally evaluation for the validity of the changes for localization and cultural considerations. The interviews based on the final Farsi version were performed on thirty parents of children from two to five years old (chosen from Tabriz health centers) to determine the reliability and were repeated at an interval of two weeks. ResultsThe mean of CVI=0.91 and Modified Kappa=0.90 were obtained, and reliability with Cronbach’s alpha was 0.89.ConclusionThe Farsi version of the DSM-5-based PAPA diagnostic interview has good face and content validity and reliability

A Novel Method for Determination of Folic Acid by Fast Continuous Cyclic Voltammetry in Pharmaceutical Preparation Analytical & Bioanalytical Electrochemistry

Abstract-In this work, for the first time a fast continuous cyclic voltammetry was used as a highly sensitive detection method for the monitoring of Folic acid in a flow-injection system. It was used for analysis of Folic acid in pure form as well as in its pharmaceutical formulations. The best performance for sensitive monitoring of Folic acid was obtained at pH 2.0, scan rate 70 Vs -1 , accumulation potential 300 mV and accumulation time 0.8 s. The most advantages of the proposed detection method are, including, the removal of oxygen from the test solution is not required any more, and detection limit of the method is in sub-nanomolar level. The potential waveform consisting of the potential steps for cleaning, accumulation and potential ramp was continuously applied on an Au disk microelectrode (with a 12.5 m in radius). The detection limit of the method for Folic acid was 1.45pg/ml. The relative standard deviation of the method at 2.0×10 -7 M was 2.1 % for 10 runs

Conversational Ontology Alignment with ChatGPT

This study evaluates the applicability and efficiency of ChatGPT for ontology alignment using a naive approach. ChatGPT's output is compared to the results of the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative 2022 campaign using conference track ontologies. This comparison is intended to provide insights into the capabilities of a conversational large language model when used in a naive way for ontology matching, and to investigate the potential advantages and disadvantages of this approach

A Fast Stripping Continuous Cyclic Voltammetry Method for Determination of Ultra Trace Amounts of Nalidixic Acid

In recent years, modern electroanalytical techniques, especially cyclic voltammetry, are becoming increasingly important in the determination of pharmaceutical products. This study presents a novel method for the determination of nalidixic acid (NA) in flow-injection systems, called fast stripping continuous cyclic voltammetry. This technique is simple, precise, accurate and time saving compared to similar methods. Initially, the effects of several method parameters on sensitivity were tested. Thus, the potential waveform was applied to an Au disk microelectrode in a continuous way. After a series of experiments, it was concluded that the best performance was achieved with the basic parameters set at pH = 2, sweep rate of 60 V s–1, accumulation potential 100 mV and accumulation time 0.7 s. The detection limit was 0.07 pg mL–1 and the relative standard deviation was 2.2 % at the concentration of 10 nmol dm–3 for 10 runs. Major advantages of this method are (i) it is no longer necessary to remove oxygen from the test solution, (ii) fast determination of similar compounds by several chromatographic methods is possible, and (iii) the achieved detection limit is low

Preparation, translation and evaluation of face and content validity of the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA) in Farsi

Introduction: Childhood is the time of onset for many psychiatric disorders. Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA) is developed in response to the need for a standard and reliable tool for assessment of psychiatric disorders in preschool age. The aim of this study was to translate this tool to Farsi and evaluate the face and content validity of this precious and comprehensive tool. Methods: The process was forward translation to Farsi, evaluation for face and content validity, finalization of items within expert panel, backward translation to English, matching the original PAPA with randomly selected items from the backward translation version and revision as needed and finally evaluation for validity of the changes for localization and cultural considerations. Results: The research team translated original PAPA to Farsi. In the next step, evaluation for face and content validity was performed by expert panel, a mean of 30-35 items from 100 pages were revised and 7 items which were not compatible with social and cultural conditions in our country got localized. Two percent of pages from this forward translation (14 pages) were randomly selected as a sample from the whole questionnaire in order to be back translated to Farsi and expert panel were asked to evaluate. This version was revised based on their comments. The localized items were evaluated based on certainty, necessity and appropriateness and revised if needed. Conclusion: Farsi version of PAPA diagnostic interview for preschool age is available and has face and content validity

Caregiver burden and related factors in Iranian mothers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background: Literature indicates high levels of burden in primary caregivers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Identifying the related factors might help in planning the interventions to reduce it. Objective: This study aimed to identify the caregiver burden and its related factors in Iranian mothers with children suffering from ADHD. Methods: In this correlational study, 246 mothers with children and adolescents suffering from ADHD referred to psychiatric clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were included through a convenient sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information form, Zarit Burden Interview, Swanson Nolan and Pelham Parent Rating Scale-IV, and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-present and lifetime version. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A majority of children (66) were in the combined subtype. The mean of the disorder severity was 1.91 ± 0.79, 1.76 ± 0.70, and 1.81 ± 0.61 in impulsive, inattentive, and combined subtypes, respectively. The mean of mothers' caregiver burden was 40.43 ± 1.38. A significant relationship was found between the mean severity of the disorder subtypes and caregiver burden. The correlation coefficient was 0.36, 0.29, and 0.29 for the impulsive, inattentive, and combined subtypes, respectively. The mother's age, existence of ADHD in the child's brother, family member's cooperation in caregiving, and the child's birth rank could significantly predict the caregiver burden. Conclusion: Given the role of family-related factors in the burden of care in mothers of children with ADHD, family-centered care and home visits are recommended to assist mothers of these children

Changes in sexual activities, function, and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic era: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Little is known about the impact of the coronavirus on sexual behavior, function, and satisfaction. Aim: The aim of the present study was to systematically review people’s sexual function and behaviors and their changes in sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were conducted with keywords in accordance with MeSH terms: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, sexual health, sexual function, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual activities, and premarital sex. Two reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to predefined criteria: original design, English studies, and investigating either the general population or sexual minorities. Results: Risk of bias in the studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and data were pooled via random effects meta-analyses. We utilized the standardized mean difference to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity, functioning, and satisfaction. We included 19 studies in the analysis and 11 studies in the meta-analysis, with a sample size of 12 350. To investigate sexual activity changes, a sample size of 8838 was entered into the subgroup analysis, which showed a significant decrease in both genders (5821 women, P < .033; 3017 men, P < .008). A subgroup meta-analysis showed that the sexual function of men and women during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly declined (3974 women, P < .001; 1427 men, P < .001). Sexual desire and arousal decreased in both genders, though mainly in women. In investigating sexual satisfaction changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a meta-analysis with a sample size of 2711 showed a significant decrease (P < .001). The most indicative changes in sexual behaviors during the pandemic were the increase in masturbating and usage of sex toys. Greater COVID-19 knowledge was associated with lower masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal sex. The more protective behaviors were associated with less hugging, kissing, cuddling, genital touching, watching porn with a partner, and vaginal sex. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased challenges and changes for individuals’ sexual behaviors. Efforts for preventive strategies should therefore be concentrated between pandemics, while ensuring that there is information available to the population during a pandemic for help in times of psychological distress or crisis