Statistical Population Research Articles

Factors affecting the housing prices in the metropolis of Tehran

Purpose This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of housing prices and identify the affecting factors (independent variable) on the cost of residential units (dependent variable). Design/methodology/approach The method of the present study is descriptive-analytical and has an applied purpose. The used statistical population in this study is the residential units’ price in Tehran in 2021. For this purpose, the average per square meter of residential units in the city neighborhoods was entered in the geographical information system. Two techniques of ordinary least squares regression and geographically weighted regression have been used to analyze housing prices and modeling. Then, the results of the ordinary least squares regression and geographically weighted regression models were compared by using the housing price interpolation map predicted in each model and the accurate housing price interpolation map. Findings Based on the results, the ordinary least squares regression model has poorly modeled housing prices in the study area. The results of the geographically weighted regression model show that the variables (access rate to sports fields, distance from gas station and water station) have a direct and significant effect. Still, the variable (distance from fault) has a non-significant impact on increasing housing prices at a city level. In addition, to identify the affecting variables of housing prices, the results confirm the desirability of the geographically weighted regression technique in terms of accuracy compared to the ordinary least squares regression technique in explaining housing prices. The results of this study indicate that the housing prices in Tehran are affected by the access level to urban services and facilities. Originality/value Identifying factors affecting housing prices helps create sustainable housing in Tehran. Building sustainable housing represents spending less energy during the construction process together with the utilization phase, which ultimately provides housing at an acceptable price for all income deciles. In housing construction, the more you consider the sustainable housing principles, the more sustainable housing you provide and you take a step toward sustainable development. Therefore, sustainable housing is an important planning factor for local authorities and developers. As a result, it is necessary to institutionalize an integrated vision based on the concepts of sustainable development in the field of housing in the Tehran metropolis.

Implementation of mathematics model in public health: Albanian case study

This article presents a detailed examination of the application of the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) mathematical model in analyzing the COVID-19 pandemic in Albania. The study integrates the SIR model with real-world data, including vaccination rates and population statistics, to simulate the dynamics of the pandemic over a specified period. Our focus is on the comparison between the model's predictions and the actual epidemiological data from Albania, considering reported cases, recoveries, and fatalities. The simulation results are visualized through graphical representations, offering insights into the epidemic's progression and the effectiveness of public health interventions. This study also provides a projection for the year 2024, emphasizing the evolving nature of the pandemic and the role of mathematical modeling in public health decision-making. The comparison highlights the strengths and limitations of using the SIR model in real-world scenarios and underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in public health planning. This case study serves as an example of the critical role of mathematical models in understanding and managing public health crises.

Effect of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. It also attempted to find out the gender difference in the effect of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students. We employed a quasi-experimental and pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all 250 sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions, out of which 20 students were selected using convenience sampling. The students who had been sexually harassed were then randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group subsequently underwent six 60-minute sessions of client-centred and reality therapies, while the control group received placebo treatment on drug abuse. The research tool included sexual harassment battery (SHB). Inferential statistics of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to estimate the reliability coefficient of 0.79 for the SHB. The following findings were recorded: (i) client-centred and reality therapies had effectively increased the coping strategies of students, and (ii) there is no significant mean difference between male and female students in the effectiveness of client-centred and reality therapies on coping strategies of students. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: school counsellors, psychologists, and lecturers should use both CCT (client-centred therapy) and RT (reality therapy) to help students who have been sexually harassed to manage their condition since the intervention is effective in raising the coping strategies of the students. School counsellors, psychologists, and lecturers should give female and male students equal opportunities during therapy sessions and in the school setting.

Strategy and Development of Gomara Nature Tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province

This research aims to determine the aspects involved in planning tourism areas in the context of appropriate tourism strategies to achieve successful tourism in the Gomara natural tourism area, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency. The model for finding strategic tourism planning uses the SOAR (Strength, Opportunity, Aspirations and Results) Model, as another alternative to SWOT analysis, this model is a combination of SWOT and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) strategies introduced by Jacqueline M. Stavros. This model focuses on involving all stakeholders and all implementation integrity, to obtain data about Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results to be achieved in determining the strategy and development of Gomara natural tourism. In this research, descriptive-analytic methods have been used, also library data, semi-structured interview methods and survey methods have been used to collect data. The statistical population of this study includes residents of Aek Natas Village, the Regional Government, NGOs related to Gomara natural tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency and visiting tourists. The research results show that there are great strengths and excellent opportunities for Gomara natural tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency. To achieve this aspiration. The government, NGOs, investors and, institutional elements, and local communities must have good collaboration to create a comprehensive tourism plan for Gomara natural tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency. such as: creating promotional strategies for the uniqueness and richness of tourist attractions, holding cultural festivals and exhibitions, designing websites, educating local people to make unique handicrafts as icons.

Spatio-temporal distribution of renewable freshwater resources and their availability in Kosovo—an analysis from the Eastern Region

The study aims to analyze the availability of renewable freshwater resources and their spatiotemporal distribution in the Eastern Region of Kosovo (ERK). As a crucible resource for agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities, water scarcity will lead to water shortages. Kosovo is a landlocked country, and ERK is the most important region for industrial activities (coal, mines) and agricultural use (plains). Located in continental climate conditions, surrounded by middle to high-altitude mountains, the region does not have a favorable spatio-temporal distribution of freshwaters. The determination of the water resources is based on the amount of surface runoff, which being divided per capita, gives indications of the water resources of a region (catchment). For our aims, main river discharge and population statistics are used to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution and availability of renewable freshwater in ERK. Falkenmark Freshwater Indicator with 1.483 m³/capita/year shows that ERK lies under water scarcity, and existing water reservoirs offer low security for water withdrawals, and further reservoirs would prevent water scarcity in the region.

Impact of Reducing Statistically Small Population Sampling on Threshold Detection in FBG Optical Sensing.

Many techniques have been studied for recovering information from shared media such as optical fiber that carries different types of communication, sensing, and data streaming. This article focuses on a simple method for retrieving the targeted information with the least necessary number of significant samples when using statistical population sampling. Here, the focus is on the statistical denoising and detection of the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) power spectra. The impact of the two-sided and one-sided sliding window technique is investigated. The size of the window is varied up to one-half of the symmetrical FBG power spectra bandwidth. Both, two- and one-sided small population sampling techniques were experimentally investigated. We found that the shorter sliding window delivered less processing latency, which would benefit real-time applications. The calculated detection thresholds were used for in-depth analysis of the data we obtained. It was found that the normality three-sigma rule does not need to be followed when a small population sampling is used. Experimental demonstrations and analyses also showed that novel denoising and statistical threshold detection do not depend on prior knowledge of the probability distribution functions that describe the FBG power spectra peaks and background noise. We have demonstrated that the detection thresholds' adaptability strongly depends on the mean and standard deviation values of the small population sampling.

The Effectiveness of Sensory-Motor Integration Exercises on Social Skills and Motor Performance in Children with Autism.

The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of sensory-motor integration exercises on social skills and motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all children with ASD aged 9-11 years old in Babolsar city in 2022, among whom 30 were selected through convenient sampling from the transplant center of Babolsar, and were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. Then, the experimental group received the treatment program in 12 sessions. The data collection instrument included Gresham and Elliott's social skills questionnaire (Gresham FM, Elliott SN (1993) Social skills intervention guide: systematic approaches to social skills training. Spec Serv Sch 8(1):137-158) and Ulrich's motor performance test (Ulrich B, Ulrich D (1985) The role of balancing ability in performance of fundamental motor skills in 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children. Motor Dev: Curr Select Res 1:87-97). Data analysis was conducted using covariance analysis in SPSS21. The multivariate covariance analysis test showed that there is a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the variable of social skills and motor performance, respectively (P < 0.001). According to the research findings, it can be concluded that sensory-motor integration exercises can be used as an appropriate intervention in promoting and improving social skills and motor performance of children with autism spectrum. Results of this study can be helpful for therapists and educators who deal with autistic children.

The role of loneliness and general health in predicting life satisfaction

Students are one of society’s most important groups, and their health and well-being are among every nation’s priorities. Satisfaction with life, as one of the effective components of well-being, is related to mental and physical health; throughout time, the feeling of satisfaction with one’s life faces some ups and downs. This descriptive study investigated the relationship between loneliness, general health, and student satisfaction and was carried out using correlational designs on the statistical population of Sistan and Baluchistan University students in 2023. Furthermore, 106 people were selected among male and female students by the convenience sampling method, and they were asked to complete satisfaction questionnaires: Huebner’s life, Goldberg’s general health scale, and Russell’s loneliness questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software through Pearson’s correlation coefficient and step-by-step regression model. The findings indicated a significant relationship between life satisfaction, general health, and loneliness (p&lt;0/001). Also, the step-by-step regression analysis showed that loneliness can predict life satisfaction (p&lt;0/001). It seems that the developments and conditions of the student period and the distance of most students from their families pose serious challenges, including the unpleasant feeling of loneliness, which overshadows life satisfaction and, consequently, the psychological well-being of this young group, ultimately reducing their efficiency. Their social and educational skills are adequate; therefore, self-care behaviors, creating and developing stable social interactions in academic environments, and seeking help for mental and emotional health problems are emphasized. Considering the limitations of the current research and its cross-sectional nature, longitudinal studies in this field are recommended.

Elastic Shape Analysis of Tree-Like 3D Objects Using Extended SRVF Representation.

How can one analyze detailed 3D biological objects, such as neuronal and botanical trees, that exhibit complex geometrical and topological variation? In this paper, we develop a novel mathematical framework for representing, comparing, and computing geodesic deformations between the shapes of such tree-like 3D objects. A hierarchical organization of subtrees characterizes these objects - each subtree has a main branch with some side branches attached - and one needs to match these structures across objects for meaningful comparisons. We propose a novel representation that extends the Square-Root Velocity Function (SRVF), initially developed for Euclidean curves, to tree-shaped 3D objects. We then define a new metric that quantifies the bending, stretching, and branch sliding needed to deform one tree-shaped object into the other. Compared to the current metrics such as the Quotient Euclidean Distance (QED) and the Tree Edit Distance (TED), the proposed representation and metric capture the full elasticity of the branches (i.e., bending and stretching) as well as the topological variations (i.e., branch death/birth and sliding). It completely avoids the shrinkage that results from the edge collapse and node split operations of the QED and TED metrics. We demonstrate the utility of this framework in comparing, matching, and computing geodesics between biological objects such as neuronal and botanical trees. We also demonstrate its application to various shape analysis tasks such as (i) symmetry analysis and symmetrization of tree-shaped 3D objects, (ii) computing summary statistics (means and modes of variations) of populations of tree-shaped 3D objects, (iii) fitting parametric probability distributions to such populations, and (iv) finally synthesizing novel tree-shaped 3D objects through random sampling from estimated probability distributions.

Radiation exposure of patients from computed tomography for COVID-19 diagnosis

BackgroundDuring the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted to assess pulmonary abnormalities associated with COVID-19. A number of studies have contributed to our current understanding of radiation doses in the context of chest CT scans for COVID-19 diagnosis, but there remains a discernible gap in the literature regarding organ-level dose assessments. Materials and methodsWe estimated organ and effective dose for the COVID-19-related chest CT patients in the following three steps. First, we collected CTDIvol and DLP from the literature published during and after COVID-19 pandemic period. Second, we developed the probability density functions (PDFs) for the CTDIvol and the starting location of CT scans by age groups from which 1,000 sets of patient and technique parameters were created. With CT organ dose calculation software, National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for CT (NCICT), we calculated 1,000 sets of plausible organ and effective doses and evaluated summary statistics for the patient population. ResultsThe standard dose protocol administered approximately five times higher CTDIvol (5.4 mGy) to patients undergoing COVID-19-related chest CT scans compared to the low dose protocol (1.1 mGy). The median lung dose (11.8 mGy) for the 1-year-old patients was about 1.5 times greater than that (7.8 mGy) of the adult patients. We found that 75% of whole COVID-19-related CT patients would have received effective doses less than 6.4 mSv and 1.5 mSv when scanned by standard dose and low dose protocols, respectively. ConclusionWe evaluated the distribution of organ and effective dose for the COVID-19-related chest CT patients worldwide by collecting comprehensive data of CTDIvol for the COVID-19-related chest CT scans from the literature and combining them with NCICT organ dose calculator. While past studies have predominantly reported basic CT dose descriptors, our work takes it a step further by reporting organ-level doses and effective doses. Subsequent research endeavors could involve enhancing the precision of radiation dose assessment through the collection of a subset of electronic CT records.

Socioeconomic inequalities in accumulation of multimorbidity in England from 2019 to 2049: a microsimulation projection study

There are socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of multimorbidity and its accumulation across the life course. Estimates of multimorbidity prevalence in English primary care increased by more than two-thirds from 2004 to 2019. We developed a microsimulation model to quantify current and projected multimorbidity inequalities in the English adult population. We used primary care data for adults in England from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database between 2004 and 2019, linked to the 2015 English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), to model time individuals spent in four health states (healthy, one chronic condition, basic multimorbidity [two or more chronic conditions], and complex multimorbidity [three or more chronic conditions affecting three or more body systems]) by sex, age, IMD quintile, birth cohort, and region. We applied these transition times in a stochastic dynamic continuous-time microsimulation model to Office for National Statistics population estimates for adults aged 30-90 years. We calculated projected prevalence and cumulative incident cases from 2019 to 2049 by IMD quintile, age group (younger than 65 years vs 65 years and older), and years to be lived without multimorbidity at age 30 years. Under the assumption that all chronic conditions were lifelong, and that once diagnosed there was no recovery, we projected prevalence of multimorbidity (basic or complex) increases by 34% from 53·8% in 2019 to 71·9% (95% uncertainty interval 71·8-72·0) in 2049. This rise equates to an 84% increase in the number of people with multimorbidity: from 19·2 million in 2019 to 35·3 million in 2049 (35·3 million to 35·4 million). This projected increase is greatest in the most deprived quintile, with an excess 1·07 million (1·04 million to 1·10 million) cumulative incident basic multimorbidity cases and 0·70 million (0·67 million to 0·74 million) complex multimorbidity cases over and above the projected cases for the least deprived quintile, largely driven by inequalities in those younger than 65 years. The median expected number of years to be lived without multimorbidity at age 30 years in 2019 is 15·12 years (14·62-16·01) in the least deprived IMD quintile and 12·15 years (11·61-12·60) in the most deprived IMD quintile. The number of people living with multimorbidity will probably increase substantially in the next 30 years, a continuation of past observed increases partly driven by changing population size and age structure. Inequalities in the multimorbidity burden increase at each stage of disease accumulation, and are projected to widen, particularly among the working-age population. Substantial action is needed now to address population health and to prepare health-care and social-care systems for coming decades. University of Liverpool and National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Public Health Research.

Evaluating the performance of selected military hospitals in Tehran in response to Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) led the need to admit a large number of infected people to hospitals in a short period of time, turning them into one of the most important responsive organizations. This study aims to evaluate the performance of selected military hospitals because they carried out a military operation in Tehran in response to the recent pandemic. This is a descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population of this study consisted of military hospitals responding to Covid-19 pandemic in Tehran. A checklist to evaluate the performance of hospitals in response to Covid-19 pandemic (six areas, 23 sub-areas and 152 items) was used as a data collection tool in this study. This tool had six domains, including risk management and planning, coordination and communication, infection prevention and control, diagnosis and treatment, education and training, and resource management. The overall performance of selected hospitals was 63%, which indicated a good performance. The domain of coordination and communication obtained the lowest score. The investigated hospitals had good performance because they had a desirable access to resources. Periodic self-assessment and accreditation is recommended to improve the performance of these hospitals.

Determinants of local community participation in forest fire management in the Northern Iran

Forest fire is one of the environmental events that occur under the influence of human and non-human (such as lightning, volcanoes, etc.) factors. In Iran, forest fires are a recurring problem. Human activities, such as negligence by local communities or travelers, play a major role in their occurrence. Intentional and unintentional fires pose the most significant threats, leading to the destruction of vast forest areas, especially in northern Iran, in recent years. In this regard, the participation of local communities in the management of such occurrences is essential. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of local community participation in forest fire management (CPFFM) in Northern Iran, focusing on Nowshahr township. The research includes seven independent variables: quality of extension services (QES), awareness of rules and regulations (ARR), social norm (SN), place attachment (PA), environmental belief (EB), pro-environmentalist attitude (PEA) and social capital (SC) and their impact on CPFFM was measured. This research is a type of descriptive-correlational and causal-relational research that was conducted with a survey. The statistical population included local communities living on the edge of the forest in Nowshahr township (N=78786), of which 350 people were selected as a sample using stratified random sampling with proportional assignment. The research instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by subject experts and the reliability of its items was achieved with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.711≤α≤0.921). The results of causal analysis indicated that QES (β=0.522), SN (β=0.156) and ARR (β=0.305) have the highest direct effect on CPFFM, respectively. Also, EB had the greatest non-causal effect (0.083) on CPFFM. This research, by emphasizing the variables of human ecology from the point of view of environmental psychology in the conceptualization of some key variables affecting CPFFM, can be useful for decision makers and planners of forest fire management.

Interstage flow matrices: Population statistic derived from matrix population models

Abstract Many population statistics describe the characteristics of populations within and among species. These are useful for describing population dynamics, understanding how environmental factors alter demographic patterns, testing hypotheses related to the evolution of life history characteristics and informing the effective management of populations. In this study, we propose a population statistic: the interstage flow. The interstage flow is defined as the product of the element in the ith row, the jth column of the population projection matrix and the jth element of the normalized stable stage distribution. The sum of the interstage flow matrix elements is equal to the population growth rate (PGR), which is the dominant eigenvalue of the population projection matrix. The interstage flow matrix elements allow decomposition of PGR into component contributions made by transitions between developmental stages. We demonstrate the utility of interstage flow matrices using matrix population models from the COMPADRE plant matrix database. We compared interstage flows among four life history/functional groups (FGs) (semelparous herbs, iteroparous herbs, shrubs and trees) and described how PGR reflected individual transitions related to stasis, fecundity and growth. We found that the individual flows are different among FGs. Synthesis. The proposed population statistic, the interstage flow matrix, describes the contribution of individual developmental stage transitions to the PGR. The flow of individuals between developmental stages differs in distinctive ways among different life histories and FGs. The interstage flow matrix is a valuable statistic for describing these differences.

Effect of industry-specialist auditors, auditor's tenure, and auditor's size on the quality of disclosure in the UAE Stock Exchange

Having access to real-world information and accurate data is a key factor in improving auditor performance, which in turn impacts business performance and decision-making. Consequently, this research aims to determine how financial institutions' levels of experience impact the accuracy of the information they disclose. The present statistical population consists of all 127 businesses listed on the United Arab Emirates Stock Exchange. This type of research is categorized as applied studies in relation to the research methods used in the UAE stock market. Using a systematic deletion procedure, 46 companies were chosen based on the study's inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that in the UAE, the quality of financial information disclosure for companies listed on the UAE stock exchange is significantly affected by the auditor's decision-making experience, the duration of their job, and the size of the auditor.

Identifying the population susceptible to rubella in Japan, 2020: Fine-scale risk mapping

BackgroundRubella remains a public health challenge in Japan, impeding the attainment of herd immunity. Despite vaccination efforts since 1976, persistent outbreaks reveal a susceptibility gap in male adults born before 1995. Seroepidemiological surveys are pivotal in evaluating population immunity and identifying at-risk groups. MethodsThis study aims to pinpoint high-risk areas for potential rubella outbreaks in Japan by merging seroepidemiological data from 2020 with population census information. Various data sources, including spatial demographic data, reported rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) cases, and traveler lodging statistics, were employed. Geospatial information for Japan's 230,300 small geographic areas was analyzed, and HI (hemagglutination inhibition) titers were examined by age and sex. Seroconversion was defined as an HI titer ≥ 1:32 or 1:16, indicating protective immunity. Geospatial maps illustrated the distribution of susceptible individuals per square kilometer, emphasizing high-risk urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. Demographic shifts in the working-age population were assessed. ResultsSusceptible individuals cluster in densely populated urban centers, persisting despite demographic changes. The study highlights areas at risk of increased susceptibility, particularly with an HI titer cut-off of 1:16. Foreign travelers pose potential rubella importation risks as travel volume to Japan rises. To prevent epidemics and congenital rubella syndrome burden, achieving and sustaining herd immunity in high-risk areas is crucial. ConclusionsThis study offers a comprehensive assessment of vulnerability in densely populated Japanese regions. Integrating population statistics with seroepidemiological data enhances our understanding of population immunity, guiding resource allocation for supplementary vaccination planning. To avert rubella epidemics, high-risk locations must bolster indirect protection through herd immunity, ultimately preventing congenital rubella syndrome.

Abstract 1311: Planning for health equity in oncology trials: Expectations and feasibility

Abstract Achieving diverse representation in oncology studies is an ongoing challenge., Responding to calls to advance health equity in clinical trials, Congress amended the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act to require trial sponsors to submit a “diversity action plan” to the FDA with a study’s protocol. This requirement to plan for diverse trial recruitment drives a need to innovate approaches for site selection and trial recruitment that go beyond mirroring race-ethnicity distributions from the US Census or disease prevalence. We present a novel framework that nests clinical trials in a longitudinal patient registry to achieve diverse representation across multiple domains, evaluate site-selection and recruitment strategies, and examine health equity across the cancer patient journey. Implementing a registry to support longitudinal data collection (i.e., a cohort study), we establish a continuous view of participant characteristics including demographic and social determinants of health, treatment received, and relevant outcomes. Nesting clinical trials within the structure of the cohort, we can select sites and recruit for diverse representation to achieve equity goals. This framework involves a multi-layer analysis of external population statistics and internal reference registry to gauge the pool of eligible participants and calibrate the sampling strategy and recruitment expectations to the realities of clinical representation. Moreover, where clinical representation differs from population statistics, the registry offers an opportunity to report benchmarks for diversity and compare to site-level and study-level realized enrollment and feasibility. In conclusion, the path to health equity in oncology trials depends on a capacity to ask and answer the right questions in planning. What specific aspects of diversity are we aiming to capture? How do these aspects impact outcomes? We advocate for a dynamic planning process that continuously reevaluates goals and strategies in the face of enrollment data and evolving population demographics. By utilizing a registry with longitudinal follow-up, we can set forth clear expectations, transparently report on the progress of inclusion efforts, and candidly address feasibility challenges. We present a structured framework for trial sponsors to not only comply with the forthcoming requirement for diversity action plans, but ultimately to advance the goal of equitable cancer care through research that truly reflects the complex intersectional diversity of those impacted by the disease. Citation Format: Halcyon G. Skinner, Caroline Marra, April I. Alexandrow, Hamsa L. Subramaniam, Nathan C. Nussbaum, Joseph B. Franklin, Edgar P. Simard, Amy P. Abernethy. Planning for health equity in oncology trials: Expectations and feasibility [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1311.

Informed Down-Sampled Lexicase Selection: Identifying productive training cases for efficient problem solving.

Genetic Programming (GP) often uses large training sets and requires all individuals to be evaluated on all training cases during selection. Random down-sampled lexicase selection evaluates individuals on only a random subset of the training cases allowing for more individuals to be explored with the same amount of program executions. However, sampling randomly can exclude important cases from the down-sample for a number of generations, while cases that measure the same behavior (synonymous cases) may be overused. In this work, we introduce Informed Down-Sampled Lexicase Selection. This method leverages population statistics to build down-samples that contain more distinct and therefore informative training cases. Through an empirical investigation across two different GP systems (PushGP and Grammar-Guided GP), we find that informed down-sampling significantly outperforms random down-sampling on a set of contemporary program synthesis benchmark problems. Through an analysis of the created down-samples, we find that important training cases are included in the down-sample consistently across independent evolutionary runs and systems. We hypothesize that this improvement can be attributed to the ability of Informed Down-Sampled Lexicase Selection to maintain more specialist individuals over the course of evolution, while still benefiting from reduced per-evaluation costs.

Study of the Impact of Technology Level through Mediating Variables of Innovation, Risk-Taking and Profissional Performance on the Organizational Performance

Technology as a dynamic phenomenon combined with creativity and innovation, has generated new challenges and opportunities across various levels of society and business. Therefore, companies need innovations’ strategies in organizational structure and the utilization of digital tools to adapt to these changes and maintain competition. Data-driven businesses, cybersecurity, and digital customer interactions hold significant importance. The development of technology is considered a solution to social challenges and issues. In terms of purpose, this study falls within the category of applied research and in nature, it is descriptive-survey. The statistical population in this research includes all employees of companies, specialists, and students of the Biotechnology Development Center of the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. The research includes a total of 120 individuals, essentially the entire target population. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire, which was validated formally through expert opinions and structurally validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha test was used to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, the value of which is 0.966, so the questionnaire has adequate reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26 and Smart PLS 4 software and Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicate that technological level has a significant effect on organizational performance through the mediating role of innovation, risk-taking and professional performance. In this research, the effect of innovation variable on the organizational performance is not significant, but the risk-taking and profishional performance variables have a direct impact on organizational performance

Identification of the strategic intents in Iranian public schools

what has been felt for years in the field of education planning and management is the evaluation of clear, accurate planning, measurement, strategy and evaluation for the future. In the field of very complex activities that today's organizations determine the influencing factors, the speed of change and transformations, organizations need strategic planning and strategic management and identification of strategic intent in order to achieve long-term success and survival.This article identifies the strategic intents of developing public schools and prioritizing them.The statistical population of current study includes the experts who are aware of the strategic and educational planning, education management and public schools of Iran. Using judgmental sampling, 20 experts were selected as samples.The methodology is a mix of Delphi-survey method. According to the stages of study, using Delphi method, the strategic intents of developing public schools were first identified. Then, through Freidman test, the identified strategic intents were prioritized. The used tools to gather data is researcher made questionnaire. 44 identified strategic intents for developing public schools were categorized in three dimensions of opportunism, growth seeking and futurism. The obtained results of study indicate that 1) prior strategic intents in dimensions of opportunism are “learners’ steps towards their talents”, “attention to the sustainable development” and “providing proper human resources for society”, 2) prior strategic intents in dimension of growth are “moving towards knowledge-based societies”, “the growth of culture, education and research” and “expanding and deepening the culture of research and evaluation” and 3) prior strategic intents in dimension of futurism include “creating the model of developmental education”, “approaching to the global development” and “modern and excellent Islamic civilization”