ABSTRACT
A Bayesian approach in a possibilistic context, when the available data for the underlying statistical model are fuzzy, is developed. The problem of point estimation with fuzzy data is studied in the possibilistic Bayesian approach introduced. For calculating the point estimation, we introduce a method without considering a loss function, and one considering a loss function. For the point estimation with a loss function, we first define a risk function based on a possibilistic posterior distribution, and then the unknown parameter is estimated based on such a risk function. Briefly, the present work extended the previous works in two directions: First the underlying model is assumed to be probabilistic rather than possibilistic, and second is that the problem of Bayes estimation is developed based on two cases of without and with considering loss function. Then, the applicability of the proposed approach to concept learning is investigated. Particularly, a naive possibility Bayes classifier is introduced and applied to some real-world concept learning problems.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Reduced appetite and low food intake are often a concern in preschool children, since it can lead to malnutrition, a leading cause of impaired growth and mortality in childhood. It is occasionally considered that folic acid has a positive effect on appetite enhancement and consequently growth in children. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of folic acid on the appetite of preschool children 3 to 6 y old. METHODS: The study sample included 127 children ages 3 to 6 who were randomly selected from 20 preschools in the city of Tehran in 2011. Since appetite was measured by linguistic terms, a fuzzy logistic regression was applied for modeling. The obtained results were compared with a statistical ordinal logistic model. RESULTS: After controlling for the potential confounders, in a statistical ordinal logistic model, serum folate showed a significantly positive effect on appetite. A small but positive effect of folate was detected by fuzzy logistic regression. Based on fuzzy regression, the risk for poor appetite in preschool children was related to the employment status of their mothers. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a positive association was detected between the levels of serum folate and improved appetite. For further investigation, a randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trial could be helpful to address causality.
