9 research outputs found
Implemented code of FuzBin in the MATLAB environment
No full textThe implemented code of our threshold selection method for document images called FuzBin in the MATLAB environment.Please refer to the following paper:Mohsen Annabestani, Mahdi Saadatmand-Tarzjan, "A New Threshold Selection Method Based on Fuzzy Expert Systems for Separating Text from the Background of Document Images," Submitted to Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Electrical Engineering. Corresponding Author: Mahdi Saadatmand-Tarzjan, Medical Imaging Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Engineering, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran, [email protected]<br
Effects of blood and saliva contamination on shear bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets and evaluating certain methods for reversing the effect of contamination
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Evaluation of Photosynthetic Activity, Carbohydrates, Proline and Essential Oils (Ocimum basilicum L.) under the Elicitor of β-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles
No full textInduction of engineered nanoparticles into medicinal plants causes resistance, enhances quantitative and qualitative performance and effective substances in them. In this study, β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (β-CDNPS) were synthesized. The nanoparticle profile was determined by UV-VIS spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Then different concentrations of β-CDNPs including 0, 10, 50, 100 mg / l were used for foliar spray of basil (Ocimum basilicumc.v. Keshkeni luvelou). The amount of chlorophyll pigments and basil essential oil was significantly different (P≤ 5%) compared to the control.The maximum amount of chlorophyll b was observed in 100ppm treatment. The results showed a significant reduction (P≤5%) of the minimum fluorescence value (Fo) in the treatment of 50 ppm compared to the control and two levels of 10 and 100 ppm of β-CDNPS. The level of 50 ppm significantly increased (P≤ 5%) the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence (Fv), photochemical efficiency of the photosystem compared to the control. Foliar spray of β-CDNPS caused changes in basil gas exchange. Soluble sugars and proline of basil leave and root in 50ppm treatment had a significant increase (P≤%5) compared to the control, so that insoluble sugars in leave and root showed the opposite trend. In the presence of β-CDNPS, phenylpropanoids and terpenoids concentration, in the basil showed a significant difference (P≤5%) compared to the control group. Induction of β-CDNPS nanoparticles in the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites results in plant productivity Basil plant under the treatment of nano β-cyclodextrin, with concentration-dependent behavior increased yield per unit area. Therefore, foliar spray at the right concentration can act as an inducer while stimulating, preserving the active ingredients in basil and increase the content of essential oil for food and drug consumption
Blockchain Technology Through the Lens of Disruptive Innovation Theory
No full textIn recent years Blockchain technology as a decentralized database of transactions has received massive attention in academia and the professional world and it\u27s called one of the next disruptive technologies. However, almost all these studies have been applying the concept of disruption as a loose word in explaining Blockchain technology without any reference to disruptive technology theory in business and innovation research. Thus, this ambiguity necessitates a look into the juncture of Blockchain technology and disruptive innovation theory. This paper first seeks to shed some light on the fundamental concepts, features, and discussions of disruptive innovation theory and then summarizes and critiques the research in this area. Furthermore, the characteristic features of Blockchain technology and its applications in academic research are briefly discussed. Finally, by integrating ideas and looking at Blockchain technology from the disruptive innovation theory perspective in supply chain as a case industry, the author makes contribution by outlining a set of comparisons that passes the Blockchain technology from the lens of disruptive innovation theory to show whether there are features in this technology and its initial applications that signal potential disruptiveness in the supply chain
Microfluidic-assisted fiber production: Potentials, limitations, and prospects
No full textISSN:1932-105
Microfluidic-assisted fiber production: Potentials, limitations, and prospects
No full textBesides the conventional fiber production methods, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the engineered spinning of fibrous materials and offers excellent potential for fiber manufacturing in a controlled and straightforward manner. This method facilitates low-speed prototype synthesis of fibers for diverse applications while providing superior control over reaction conditions, efficient use of precursor solutions, reagent mixing, and process parameters. This article reviews recent advances in microfluidic technology for the fabrication of fibrous materials with different morphologies and a variety of properties aimed at various applications. First, the basic principles, as well as the latest developments and achievements of microfluidic-based techniques for fiber production, are introduced. Specifically, microfluidic platforms made of glass, polymers, and/or metals, including but not limited to microfluidic chips, capillary-based devices, and three-dimensional printed devices are summarized. Then, fiber production from various materials, such as alginate, gelatin, silk, collagen, and chitosan, using different microfluidic platforms with a broad range of cross-linking agents and mechanisms is described. Therefore, microfluidic spun fibers with diverse diameters ranging from submicrometer scales to hundreds of micrometers and structures, such as cylindrical, hollow, grooved, flat, core-shell, heterogeneous, helical, and peapod-like morphologies, with tunable sizes and mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the practical applications of microfluidic spun fibers are highlighted in sensors for biomedical or optical purposes, scaffolds for culture or encapsulation of cells in tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Finally, different limitations and challenges of the current microfluidic technologies, as well as the future perspectives and concluding remarks, are presented
Microfluidic-assisted fiber production: Potentials, limitations, and prospects
No full textBesides the conventional fiber production methods, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the engineered spinning of fibrous materials and offers excellent potential for fiber manufacturing in a controlled and straightforward manner. This method facilitates low-speed prototype synthesis of fibers for diverse applications while providing superior control over reaction conditions, efficient use of precursor solutions, reagent mixing, and process parameters. This article reviews recent advances in microfluidic technology for the fabrication of fibrous materials with different morphologies and a variety of properties aimed at various applications. First, the basic principles, as well as the latest developments and achievements of microfluidic-based techniques for fiber production, are introduced. Specifically, microfluidic platforms made of glass, polymers, and/or metals, including but not limited to microfluidic chips, capillary-based devices, and three-dimensional printed devices are summarized. Then, fiber production from various materials, such as alginate, gelatin, silk, collagen, and chitosan, using different microfluidic platforms with a broad range of cross-linking agents and mechanisms is described. Therefore, microfluidic spun fibers with diverse diameters ranging from submicrometer scales to hundreds of micrometers and structures, such as cylindrical, hollow, grooved, flat, core–shell, heterogeneous, helical, and peapod-like morphologies, with tunable sizes and mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the practical applications of microfluidic spun fibers are highlighted in sensors for biomedical or optical purposes, scaffolds for culture or encapsulation of cells in tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Finally, different limitations and challenges of the current microfluidic technologies, as well as the future perspectives and concluding remarks, are presented
Comparison of the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion therapy on cognitive flexibility in anxious female students of the second year of high school
No full textThis study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion on cognitive flexibility in anxious female students of the second year of high school. The research method was semi-experimental in two stages: pre-test and post-test. In this study, 30 people were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (10 people in each group). Then the experimental groups underwent 8 sessions of acceptance and commitment and self-compassion therapy, and the control group did not receive any therapy. Anxiety questionnaire and cognitive flexibility scale were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. The results showed that in the post-test stage, there is a significant difference between the acceptance and commitment and self-compassion treatment groups compared to the control group in increasing cognitive flexibility. Also, the results showed that there is no significant difference between the two treatments of acceptance and commitment and self-compassion in terms of effectiveness on psychological flexibility. Based on the findings, both acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion are suitable options for increasing cognitive flexibility in anxious female students of the second secondary level. IntroductionOne of the psychological injuries and pressures that teenagers are exposed to is anxiety (Sattari & Erfani, 2019). Anxiety is related to cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to switch between strategies in a flexible way that usually takes place in response to changes and conditions (Clarke & Kiropoulos, 2021). It is also defined as the ability to maintain strategy and efficiency in the presence of distractions, which is impaired due to anxiety )Clarke & Kiropoulos, 2021; Park & Moghaddam, 2017; Zare & Baradaran, 2019(. Therefore, treating these problems is very important. Third-wave treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy (Kelson et al., 2019; Zare, 2017) and self-compassion (Heidari et al., 2023; Shafieifar et al., 2022) are among the key interventions to treat anxiety symptoms. Acceptance and commitment therapy employs processes such as mindfulness, acceptance and commitment to increase psychological flexibility to help people with anxiety symptoms (Mahmoudfakhe, 2022). In the self-compassion approach, instead of criticizing themselves for their shortcomings and flaws, people support themselves and accept themselves unconditionally (Saadatmand et al., 2022). Since the third-wave treatments have been highly regarded by researchers and psychologists, comparing such treatments might be beneficial in several ways. For example, people pay a material and spiritual cost when receiving psychotherapy. Therefore, they should receive treatment that is more effective for their problem. As such, the current research seeks to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion-focused therapy for the cognitive flexibility of female students with anxiety symptoms in the second year of high school. MethodThe current research design was quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control and experimental group and a 3-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all female students in the second grade of high school in Mahabad, Iran. Among the statistical population, one school was selected via the random cluster sampling method. In the next step, the selected school was referred to and 350 questionnaires were distributed among the students of that school, and finally, 30 students with anxiety symptoms were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (acceptance and commitment group and self-compassion group) and one control group. Then, the experimental groups received the acceptance and commitment treatment protocol (Hayes, 2008) and the compassion-based treatment protocol (Gilbert, 2009) for eight sessions (each 90 minutes). The research tools were: the Beck Anxiety Questionnaire (1991) and Dennis and Vander Wal's Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (2010). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics including repeated measurement analysis of variance were used to analyze the collected data. ResultsBefore running the analysis of variance test with repeated measurements, its presuppositions were checked. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality (p>0.05) and the assumption of normality of the data was confirmed. Box's M test confirmed the equality of the variance-covariance matrix in the desire to understand difficult situations (Box's M=33.13 , F=2.30 , p=0.06>0.05), the ability to understand several alternative explanations (Box's M=25.67 , F=1.78 , p=0.054>0.05), and the ability to create several solutions(Box's M=24.17 , F=1.68 , p=0.06>0.05). The assumption of sphericity was confirmed through the Mauchly test for the desire to understand difficult situations (Mauchly=0.633 , p=0.030.05). Also, these results showed that the post-test and follow-up have significant differences in each component compared to the pre-test. ConclusionThis study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion on cognitive flexibility among female students with symptoms of anxiety in the second high school. The present study found that both treatments had the same effect on cognitive flexibility in people with anxiety. These results were consistent with the findings of other studies (Coto-Lesmes et al., 2020; Heidari et al., 2023; Kelson et al., 2019; Shafieifar et al., 2022). In explaining the results, it can be mentioned that one of the definite consequences of anxiety is the disorder in cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between strategies in a flexible way that usually takes place in response to changes and conditions, and it is also defined as the ability to maintain strategy and efficiency in the presence of distractions, which is impaired due to anxiety. In this regard, acceptance and commitment therapy can reduce the symptoms of disorders through different strategies such as increasing attention and awareness, acceptance and letting go, being in the present moment, desensitization, observation without judgment, and desensitization. This therapy helps people to make changes in their dimensions when needed and to accept and adapt to an uncontrollable event. Also, through the strategy of mindfulness, people can focus on their current goals and ignore the factors that cause interference. Students participating in this research were able to separate themselves from unpleasant thoughts and events by placing themselves as context. Also, these people can learn how to let go of the central processes that caused intellectual inhibition. In other words, this treatment with behavioral commitment exercises and determining values and goals led to an increase in flexibility in students with anxiety symptoms.On the other hand, self-compassion includes suitable coping resources through which it can help people face the conditions and situations that are accompanied by anxiety. This approach puts a lot of emphasis on mindfulness. Mindfulness allows people, especially students, to focus their minds on the present moment and be aware of current stimuli, which leads to the development of cognitive flexibility. This therapy teaches people to accept themselves unconditionally, as a result, people may not try to change anything and adapt to the situation more easily. According to the mentioned cases, the treatment of self-compassion and acceptance and commitment have similar processes to reduce anxiety. Some of these processes include mindfulness, acceptance and creating a new relationship with oneself, thoughts, experiences and feelings. In other words, there are common features, goals and benefits between both treatment methods. Therefore, it is possible to justify the same effect of acceptance and commitment and self-compassion treatments on cognitive flexibility in students with anxiety symptoms.The current study has some limitations. For example, the sample was limited to female students in the second grade of high school in Mahabad, Iran. Also, the study relied mainly on the use of self-report tools for the variable of cognitive flexibility, which may provide superficial information and be associated with favoritism. Considering the limitations, it is suggested that this study be conducted with males, other age groups, clinical and non-clinical groups, and in other cities. It is suggested that third-wave treatments be compared with first and second-wave treatments regarding their effectiveness for psychological flexibility. At the practical level, it is also suggested that due to the same effect of methods based on acceptance and commitment and self-compassion, the necessary platform for the implementation of these methods should be created in schools. Ethical ConsiderationCompliance with Ethical Guidelines: All ethical issues such as confidentiality of participants' identity were attended to and informed consent were obtained from the participants.Authors’ Contributions: All steps of the article are done by the author of the article.Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest for this study. Funding: The authors received no financial support for the study. Acknowledgment: The authors would like to thank all participants for their time and contribution to the study
