Forecasting seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions: challenge between geostatistical models, neuro fuzzy approach and Winter method

This paper, we studied the ability of geostatistical models (ordinary kriging (OK) and Inverse distance weighting (IDW)), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and Winter method for prediction of seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions in Iran over the seasonal period 1986_2001. Results show that the best estimators in order are winter method, ANFIS and geostatistical methods. The results indicate that Winter and ANFIS had powerful results for prediction the prices while geostatistical models were not useful in this respect.Price; Geostatistical model; Kiriging; Inverse distance weighting; Winter’s method; Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system; Potatoes; Onions; Iran

Forecasting seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions: challenge between geostatistical models, neuro fuzzy approach and Winter method

Price, Geostatistical model, Kiriging, Inverse distance weighting, Winter’s method, Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system, Potatoes, Onions, Iran, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis,

A particle swarm algorithm for inspection optimization in serial multi-stage processes

AbstractImplementing efficient inspection policies is much important for the organizations to reduce quality related costs. In this paper, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal inspection policy in serial multi-stage processes. The policy consists of three decision parameters to be optimized; i.e. the stages in which inspection occurs, tolerance of inspection, and size of sample to inspect. Total inspection cost is adopted as the performance measure of the algorithm. A numerical example is investigated in two phases, i.e. fixed sample size and sample size as a decision parameter, to ensure the practicality and validity of the proposed PSO algorithm. It is shown that PSO gives better results in comparison with two other algorithms proposed by earlier works

Determine the Dentists' Practice in Compliance with General and Guidelines for Handling Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective: To determine the Dentists' practice in compliance with general and guidelines for handling Coronavirus Disease 2019. Material and Methods: PubMed, Embase, ISI, Scopus, Medicine have been used to search for articles until September 2020. EndNote X9 was used to manage electronic resources as a resource. Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer's manual (JBI) tools was used to assess the quality of studies included in the current systematic and meta-analysis review. The 95% confidence interval (CI) effect size, the random effect model, and the Restricted maximum-likelihood (REML) methods have all been calculated. I2 values of more than 50% indicated moderate-to-high heterogeneity. Stata/MP v.16 (the fastest version of Stata) statistical software was used to evaluate the Meta-analysis. Results: 39 articles were found in the initial keyword search. The full text of 16 studies was reviewed, and six studies were selected in the end. 72% of participants used a face mask during the dental procedure (72%, 95% CI; 40%-100%). 63% of participants measured fever when patients arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic (63%, 95% CI; 46%-79%). Moreover, 72% of participants used a face mask during the dental procedure (72%, 95% CI; 40%-100%). According to JBI tools, all studies had a moderate risk of bias. Conclusion: The results show that the performance of dental professionals in the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic is not favorable. Training should be under the standards of treatment guidelines and further measures so that dental professionals can show proper practice by increasing their awareness of this virus and following up on its infection

Changes in Corneal Asphericity after MyoRing Implantation in Moderate and Severe Keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of MyoRing implantation on corneal asphericity in moderate and severe keratoconus (KCN). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study comprised 32 eyes of 28 patients with KCN, who had femtosecond-assisted MyoRing corneal implantation. The primary outcome measures were preoperative and six-month postoperative corneal asphericity in 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-mm optical zones in the superior, inferior, nasal, temporal, and central areas. The secondary outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, thinnest location value, and keratometry readings. Results: A significant improvement in the UDVA and CDVA was observed six months after the surgery (P < 0.001) with a significant reduction in the spherical (4.67 diopters (D)) and cylindrical (2.19 D) refractive errors. A significant reduction in the corneal asphericity in all the optical zones and in the superior, inferior, nasal, temporal, and central areas was noted (P < 0.001). The mean thickness at the thinnest location of the cornea decreased from 437.15 ± 30.69 to 422.81 ± 36.91 μm. A significant corneal flattening was seen. The K1, K2, and Km changes were 5.32 D, 7 D, and 6.17 D, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: MyoRing implantation is effective for improving corneal asphericity in patients with KCN. It allows successful corneal remodeling and provides a significant improvement in UDVA, CDVA, and refractive errors

Forecasting seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions: challenge between geostatistical models, neuro fuzzy approach and Winter method

This paper, we studied the ability of geostatistical models (ordinary kriging (OK) and Inverse distance weighting (IDW)), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and Winter method for prediction of seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions in Iran over the seasonal period 1986_2001. Results show that the best estimators in order are winter method, ANFIS and geostatistical methods. The results indicate that Winter and ANFIS had powerful results for prediction the prices while geostatistical models were not useful in this respect

Forecasting seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions: challenge between geostatistical models, neuro fuzzy approach and Winter method

This paper, we studied the ability of geostatistical models (ordinary kriging (OK) and Inverse distance weighting (IDW)), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and Winter method for prediction of seasonality in prices of potatoes and onions in Iran over the seasonal period 1986_2001. Results show that the best estimators in order are winter method, ANFIS and geostatistical methods. The results indicate that Winter and ANFIS had powerful results for prediction the prices while geostatistical models were not useful in this respect

An English debate league competition among lower form students: an experiential learning activity

This paper presents a study of an experiential learning debate program held among second language learners of a Malaysian boarding school. It was a co-curricular activity carried by the ELS (English language society) and the EDC (English debate club). The English panel felt that not everyone would have the chance to speak or voice their opinion in a 40-minute English lesson. Hence, the rational to hold the debate tournament as this would create a real context for students to use English language. The British parliamentary debate was adopted. Thirty-two ELS members were briefed to run the tournament whilst 24 English debate members were trained to adjudicate. Two hundred and forty students (120 form one and 120 form two students) were grouped in pairs as debaters according to their sports house system. The debate lasted for three months and quantitative and qualitative data was drawn. A survey of participants’ perception undertaken revealed that students felt they had improved their speaking and listening skills. They suggested that after each debate, the adjudicators should discuss the motion and inform them of their weaknesses. Later, data drawn was used to explain how debate helped students to develop their speaking ability

Comparison of Standard Triple Therapy Regimen with Sequential Therapy Regimen Containing Levofloxacin Used for The Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Gastrointestinal Infection Caused by Helicobacter Pylori

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare standard triple therapy regimen with sequential therapy regimen containing levofloxacin used for the eradication of H. pylori in patients with gastrointestinal infection caused by H. pylori. Methods: This single blind clinical trial study was conducted on 96 patients with positive Rapid Urease Test (RUT) who were referred to the Endoscopy center of Hajar Hospital in Shahrekord city, located in southwest of Iran. The patients were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: sequential therapy regimen and triple therapy regimen. The patients in the first group received sequential therapy regimen including omeprazole, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and tinidazole; the second group of patients received a triple therapy regimen consisting of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. Four weeks after the end of the treatment, using H. pylori Stool Antigen (HpSA), a test was performed to prove the eradication of H. pylori. The influences of patients’ age, gender and eradication level were also investigated. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and education. While H. pylori eradication rate was 67.3% in the sequential therapy regimen, it was 66% in standard triple therapy regimen. In addition, among patients receiving triple therapy regimen, being aged older than 40 years had a significant relationship with eradication. Moreover, in patients receiving sequential therapy regimen, education level had a significant relationship with eradication. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the two therapy groups in terms of H. pylori eradication rate. However, given the low rates of H. pylori eradication in both sequential and triple therapy regimens observed in the present study, it seems that it is necessary to conduct further research on the bacterial resistance to the prescribed antibiotic

Relationship among dietary estimates of net endogenous acid production, bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in an Iranian general population

Chronic, low-grade metabolic acidosis due toWestern diets may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. The severity can be determined in part by net endogenous acid production (NEAP). In a population-based study, a total of 1028 healthy men and women aged 20–72 years were evaluated for dietary intakes and NEAP estimates with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to determine BMD of the lumbar spine (L2–L4), distal third of radius, and proximal femur. Serum CrossLaps, degradation products of the C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, and osteocalcin were measured by highly specific ELISA methods. Lower estimates of energy-adjusted rates of NEAP were associated with greater femoral neck BMD (p=0.01) in premenopausal women and with greater BMDs at the distal radius (p=0.001) and lumbar spine (p=0.04) in postmenopausal women. Compared with women in the highest quartile of the estimates of the energy-adjusted rates of NEAP, pre- and postmenopausal women in the lowest quartile had significantly greater means of osteocalcin [9.12 (SD±1.62) vs. 5.24 (SD±1.41) ng/ml, p=0.02 and 11.74 (SD±1.69) vs. 7.79 (SD±2.63) ng/ml, p=0.002, respectively]. Analysis by quartiles of the estimates of energy-adjusted rates of NEAP did not reveal a relationship between BMD and bone turnover markers in men. In conclusion, we found that a high energy-adjusted rate of NEAP was associated with a significantly lower BMD in women but not in men and the energy-adjusted rate of NEAP had a negative relationship with bone formation