Selection of ground motion prediction equations for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis based on an improved fuzzy logic

The fuzzy logic method has been used widely in civil and earthquake engineering, but there is no comprehensive point of view for utilizing fuzzy approach in order to obtain ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). Hence, fuzzy magnitude–distance method as a new approach for choosing GMPEs in the process of PSHA, is developed in this research through the selection of the ruling peak ground acceleration (PGA) of each common cell (the combined cell of earthquake intensity and site to source distance). The presented method reduces the need for engineering judgments in seismic analysis based on a newly developed benchmark. It enables designers to not only determine the range of acceptable fuzzy results but also introduces a concept which ensures the selection of initial well-suited GMPEs for the analysis

Feature decision-making ant colony optimization system for an automated recognition of plant species

In the present paper, an expert system for automatic recognition of different plant species through their leaf images is investigated by employing the ant colony optimization (ACO) as a feature decision-making algorithm. The ACO algorithm is employed to investigate inside the feature search space in order to obtain the best discriminant features for the recognition of individual species. In order to establish a feature search space, a set of feasible characteristics such as shape, morphology, texture and color are extracted from the leaf images. The selected features are used by support vector machine (SVM) to classify the species. The efficiency of the system was tested on around 2050 leaf images collected from two different plant databases, FCA and Flavia. The results of the study achieved an average accuracy of 95.53% from the ACO-based approach, confirming the potentials of using the proposed system for an automatic classification of various plant species

The Effect of Educational Intervention based on the Health Belief Model on Diabetes Screening Behavior in over 30 Years Old men in Shahr-e-Babak

Background: Diabetes is one of the major health problems in the world and half of the affected patients are unaware of it. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the Health Belief Model on the behavior of male subjects attending diabetes screening. Methods: This interventional study was performed on 180 men over 30 years of age. The intervention group (90 ones) underwent educational intervention conducted over four 60-minute sessions. Data were collected using a questionnaire (including 51 questions) filled out through direct interview before the intervention and two months after that. Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data analysis. Results: After the intervention, knowledge scores increased in both intervention and control groups. This was due to the implementation of routine training at the centers. But, significant increase in the attitudes and practice was observed only in the intervention group. Also, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action, after the intervention, showed significant increase in the intervention group compared with the control group (P <0.001). Conclusion: Health Belief Model was effective in education of people over 30 years old for participating in diabetes screening programs. Therefore, it is recommended to use this model alongside traditional methods

The Study and Analysis of Verbal Thoughts of Attar Neishabouri (Looking at his Masnavi)

The influence of theology and verbal thoughts in Persian literature is an undeniable issue, so we can observe the majority of verbal subjects in mystical works. In this study, we consider verbal scopes of Attar in his Masnavi including verbal theism and belief in behavioral determinism and wisdom dysfunction. In the conception of narrative virtue, indecency, absolute purity, and divine grace and resurrection are the most important verbal concepts of Attar in Masnavi. But it is noticeable that Attar did not accept different verbal thoughts absolutely. In other words, Attar's perspectives incorporated gnostic scopes and verbal theories. For example, in the field of theism, he believed in a beloved, lovable, and kind God while most poets knew his wrathful and unmerciful features that whatever he does is mere justice. Generally, it could be said that although Attar had the same views as other poets, in some cases, one can see ideas different from the other poets’ ideas in his works

A 25-year trend in gastrointestinal cancers in northern Iran (1991-2016)

Background: Identifyng the incidence of cancer helps in planning and prioritizing resources for its screening, prevention, treatment and diagnosis. This study aimed at investigating a 25-year trend in gastrointestinal cancer in Northern Iran in the time span of 1991-2016. Methods: This research was a trend analysis. Study population was one thousand five hundred and thirty-five cancer patients referring to Shahid Rajai Hospital in Babolsar, northern Iran, as the only center for radiotherapy in the North of Iran, during 1991-2016. Results: The highest incidence of stomach cancer was 111 (35) in 2011 and the lowest incidence was 44 (16.3) in 1996, The highest frequency of esophageal cancer was reported 137(56.1) cases in 1991 and the lowest frequency was 78 (26.3) cases in 2016, while the highest incidence of colorectal cancer was 109 (36.7) cases in 2016 and its lowest frequency was 32 (16.3) in 1996. There was also a significant difference in the frequency of gastrointestinal cancers in different studied years (p &#60;.001). Conclusions: The trends in the incidence of stomach and colorectal cancers in northern Iran were increasing and esophageal cancer was decreasing. &#160

A trend of Medical Negligence in Laser Therapy in the Capital City: A Nine-Year Survey

Background: the purpose of the present study is to investigate the common causes of injuries, claims, and decisions related to laser therapy medical malpractice during a nine-year survey. Study design: This study is a retrospective descriptive study. Methods: The legal documents in the coroner’s Office of Forensic Medicine were investigated in a national database from 2012 to 2020 in Tehran, Iran. The frequency and nature of the cases, including the year of litigation, the location and certificate of the provider, the injury sustained, the cause of legal action and judgment were collected. Results: Three hundred and eighty-three cases related to injury from laser therapy were registered in the coroner’s Office of Forensic Medicine during the study period. The incidence of litigation related to laser surgery showed an increasing trend, with a peak occurrence in 2020. Laser hair removal was the most common (51.2%) litigated procedure. General practice operators (48%) recorded the highest rate of laser-related medical complaints. lack of skill was the most common reason for failure. Among 383 cases with public decisions, 62.4% of them were fault liability in paid judgment. Conclusions: Medical claims related to laser application are increasing. However, as it is clear, the growth of laser technology and the increasing demand for lasers in medical science require more surveillance to avoid probable injuries and improve patient safety, especially surveillance of the physicians who work outside the scope of their specialty.&nbsp