Revolution and International Tension

Revolutions have a tremendous impact on international relations, yet the relationship between the two has not been studied sufficiently. This thesis attempts to shed light on this issue. It explores the weaknesses in the pre-existing literature and recommends a new approach and mechanism on how revolutions cause international tension. Through the study, a revamped definition and categorization of revolution is offered for a better understanding of the revolution. The proposition is that revolutions that affect the balance of threat significantly or have social revolution characteristics, and inflict considerable misery to a country are likely to generate significant tension with other countries and, ultimately, war. Sixty revolutions are examined both quantitatively (by an OLS regression) and qualitatively to test the hypothesis. The regression illustrates that the model has substantial correlation value and the qualitative study of the sixty cases, confirm the quantitative findings more in-depth

The Study of Learning Styles, Thinking Styles, and English Language Academic Self-efficacy among the Students of Islamic Azad University of Behbahan Considering Their Field of Study and Gender

The purpose of the present paper was the study of learning styles, thinking styles, and English language academic self-efficacy among the students of Islamic Azad University of Behbahan considering their field of study and gender. The method of the study was 'surveying' in nature. The statistical population pool of the study included all the students of the Islamic Azad University of Behbahan (7941). The sample (367 students) was determined based on Morgan and Jesri table and was selected via stratified sampling technique. To collect data, Kolb's learning styles questionnaire, Sternberg's thinking styles questionnaire and the researcher-made questionnaire on the English lesson academic self-efficacy of students were used. In order to analyze the data, different statistical techniques which included mean, standard deviation, t-test, and chi square were utilized for examining the difference between the variables of gender and field of study. The results showed that the engineering students had more academic self-efficacy than humanities students. The rate of academic self-efficacy among male students was greater than that among female students. Male students had more assimilate learning style but female students had more divergent learning style. Humanities students had more divergent accommodate learning styles, but engineering students had more convergent and assimilate learning styles. The results also showed that the prevailing thinking style among male students was the judicial thinking style, but the prevailing thinking style among female students was the executive thinking style. Humanities students had more executive thinking style, but engineering students had more legislative thinking style

Microstructure evolution of TI-SN-NB alloy prepared by mechanical alloying

In the present study, Ti-16Sn-4Nb alloy was prepared by mechanical alloying (MA). Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to characterise the phase transformation and the microstructure evolution. Results indicated that ball milling to 8 h led to the formation of a supersaturated hcp &alpha;-Ti and partial amorphous phase due to the solid solution of Sn and Nb into Ti lattice. The microstructure of the bulk sintered Ti-16Sn-4Nb alloy samples made from the powders at shorter ball milling times, i.e. 20 min- 2 h, exhibited a primary &alpha; surrounded by a Widmanst&auml;tten structure (transformed &beta;); while in the samples made from the powders at longer ball milling times, i.e. 5- 10 h, the alloy evolved to a microstructure with a disordered and fine &beta; phase dispersed homogeneously within the &alpha; matrix. These results contribute to the understanding of the microstructure evolution in alloys of this type prepared by powder metallurgy.<br /

Fast Resource Scheduling for Distribution Systems Enabled with Discrete Control Devices

This paper proposes a framework for fast short-term scheduling and steady-state voltage control in distribution systems enabled with both continuous control devices, e.g., inverter interfaced DGs and discrete control devices (dcds), e.g., on-load tap changers (oltcs). The voltage-dependent nature of loads is taken into account to further reduce the operating cost by managing the voltage levels. The branch and cut method is applied to handle the integrality constraints associated with the operation of dcds. A globally convergent trust-region algorithm (tra) is applied to solve the integer relaxed problems at each node during the branching process. The tra sub-problems are solved using the interior point method. To reduce the branching burden of the branch and cut algorithm, before applying tra at each node, a simplified optimization problem is first solved. Using the convergence status and value of the objective function of this problem, a faster decision is made on stopping the regarding branch. Solving the simplified problem obviates the application of tra at most nodes. It is shown that the method converges to the optimal solution with a considerable saving in computation time according to the numerical studies

Biomimetic porous titanium scaffolds for orthopaedic and dental applications

The development of artificial organs and implants for replacement of injured and diseased hard tissues such as bones, teeth and joints is highly desired in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic prostheses have shown an enormous success in restoring the function and offering high quality of life to millions of individuals each year. Therefore, it is pertinent for an engineer to set out new approaches to restore the normal function of impaired hard tissues.Over the last few decades, a large number of metals and applied materials have been developed with significant improvement in various properties in a wide range of medical applications. However, the traditional metallic bone implants are dense and often suffer from the problems of adverse reaction, biomechanical mismatch and lack of adequate space for new bone tissue to grow into the implant. Scientific advancements have been made to fabricate porous scaffolds that mimic the architecture and mechanical properties of natural bone. The porous structure provides necessary framework for the bone cells to grow into the pores and integrate with host tissue, known as osteointegration. The appropriate mechanical properties, in particular, the low elastic modulus mimicking that of bone may minimize or eliminate the stress-shielding problem. Another important approach is to develop biocompatible and corrosion resistant metallic materials to diminish or avoid adverse body reaction. Although numerous types of materials can be involved in this fast developing field, some of them are more widely used in medical applications. Amongst them, titanium and some of its alloys provide many advantages such as excellent biocompatibility, high strength-to-weight ratio, lower elastic modulus, and superior corrosion resistance, required for dental and orthopedic implants. Alloying elements, i.e. Zr, Nb, Ta, Sn, Mo and Si, would lead to superior improvement in properties of titanium for biomedical applications.New processes have recently been developed to synthesize biomimetic porous titanium scaffolds for bone replacement through powder metallurgy. In particular, the space holder sintering method is capable of adjusting the pore shape, the porosity, and the pore size distribution, notably within the range of 200 to 500 m as required for osteoconductive applications. The present chapter provides a review on the characteristics of porous metal scaffolds used as bone replacement as well as fabrication processes of porous titanium (Ti) scaffolds through a space holder sintering method. Finally, surface modification of the resultant porous Ti scaffolds through a biomimetic chemical technique is reviewed, in order to ensure that the surfaces of the scaffolds fulfill the requirements for biomedical applications

Comparison of Diagnostic Value of Cast Analyzer X Iranian Software versus Curve Expert Software for Arch Form Construction based on Mathematical Models

Objective: For the assessment of primary arch form, different methods have been used including qualitative classifications, inter-canine and inter-molar widths and quantitative and numerical methods using mathematical models. The purpose of this study was to compare the validity and reliability of Cast Analyzer X Iranian software with those of Curve Expert Professional version 1.1 for arch form construction based on mathematical models.Methods: This diagnostic, in vitro study was performed on 18 sets of dental casts with normal Class I occlusion. The clinical buccal points (bracket attachment sites)(CBPs) were marked on each tooth and their spatial coordinates were digitized using a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning system. These coordinates were entered in Cast Analyzer X and Curve Expert software programs. Arch forms were constructed by the software programs using Brown’s beta function, Noroozi’s beta function and fourth order polynomial equation. The root mean square (RMS) of the distance from a reference point to their corresponding points on the curve was calculated. The RMS values in the  two software programs were compared.Results: The RMS values in Brown’s beta function, Noroozi’s beta function and fourth order polynomial equation were significantly different in the Cast Analyzer X software (p&lt;0.001) and the fourth order polynomial equation had the lowest RMS. The difference in RMS values between the two software programs was not clinically considerable and was 0.45 and 0.68 mm for the fourth order polynomial equation and Brown’s beta function, respectively.Conclusion: Considering the RMS values, the fourth order polynomial equation is the most suitable analysis for describing normal dental arch forms best fitted with the CBPs. Although the difference between the two software programs was statistically significant, this difference was not clinically noticeable. The RMS value was lower in Cast Analyzer X and consequently the fitting of curves  with the landmarks (CBP) was better in the Iranian software

Fatigue behaviour of load-bearing polymeric bone scaffolds: A review

Bone scaffolds play a crucial role in bone tissue engineering by providing mechanical support for the growth of new tissue while enduring static and fatigue loads. Although polymers possess favourable characteristics such as adjustable degradation rate, tissue-compatible stiffness, ease of fabrication, and low toxicity, their relatively low mechanical strength has limited their use in load-bearing applications. While numerous studies have focused on assessing the static strength of polymeric scaffolds, little research has been conducted on their fatigue properties. The current review presents a comprehensive study on the fatigue behaviour of polymeric bone scaffolds. The fatigue failure in polymeric scaffolds is discussed and the impact of material properties, topological features, loading conditions, and environmental factors are also examined. The present review also provides insight into the fatigue damage evolution within polymeric scaffolds, drawing comparisons to the behaviour observed in natural bone. Additionally, the effect of polymer microstructure, incorporating reinforcing materials, the introduction of topological features, and hydrodynamic/corrosive impact of body fluids in the fatigue life of scaffolds are discussed. Understanding these parameters is crucial for enhancing the fatigue resistance of polymeric scaffolds and holds promise for expanding their application in clinical settings as structural biomaterials. Statement of Significance: Polymers have promising advantages for bone tissue engineering, including adjustable degradation rates, compatibility with native bone stiffness, ease of fabrication, and low toxicity. However, their limited mechanical strength has hindered their use in load-bearing scaffolds for clinical applications. While prior studies have addressed static behaviour of polymeric scaffolds, a comprehensive review of their fatigue performance is lacking. This review explores this gap, addressing fatigue characteristics, failure mechanisms, and the influence of parameters like material properties, topological features, loading conditions, and environmental factors. It also examines microstructure, reinforcement materials, pore architectures, body fluids, and tissue ingrowth effects on fatigue behaviour. A significant emphasis is placed on understanding fatigue damage progression in polymeric scaffolds, comparing it to natural bone behaviour

Emotion Recognition from Electroencephalogram Signals based on Deep Neural Networks

Emotion recognition using deep learning methods through electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis has marked significant progress. Nevertheless, the complexities and time-intensive nature of EEG analysis present challenges. This study proposes an efficient EEG analysis method that foregoes feature extraction and sliding windows, instead employing one-dimensional Neural Networks for emotion classification. The analysis utilizes EEG signals from the Database for Emotion Analysis using Physiological Signals (DEAP) and focuses on thirteen EEG electrode positions closely associated with emotion changes. Three distinct Neural Models are explored for emotion classification: two Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and a combined approach using Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM). Additionally, two emotion labels are considered: four emotional ranges encompassing low arousal and low valence (LALV), low arousal and high valence (LAHV), high arousal and high valence (HAHV), and high arousal and low valence (HALV); and high valence (HV) and low valence (LV). Results demonstrate CNN_1 achieving an average accuracy of 97.7% for classifying four emotional ranges, CNN_2 with 97.1%, and CNN-LSTM reaching an impressive 99.5%. Notably, in classifying HV and LV labels, our methods attained remarkable accuracies of 100%, 98.8%, and 99.7% for CNN_1, CNN_2, and CNN-LSTM, respectively. The performance of our models surpasses that of previously reported studies, showcasing their potential as highly effective classifiers for emotion recognition using EEG signals

The Impact of Lived-Experience Based Therapy and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy on Body Mass Index and Self-Esteem among Obese Women

Introduction: Culturally sensitive psychological intervention among individuals with obesity has gained major attention among experts in psychological fields. The current study was to examine and compare the impact of the Lived–Experienced Based Therapy (LEBT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on BMI and self-esteem among Iranian obese women in Esfahan City, Iran. Method: The study used quasi-experimental method with pre-test, post-test and 3-month follow-up. The study population consisted of all females with BMI above 30, in Esfahan. Overall, 45 women (M= 34.11, SD= 5.60) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into three study groups. The sample was selected using online and display ads. Both treatment groups received 8 sessions of specific interventions from April to June 2018, while the control group did not receive any therapies. Data were collected using the global formula calculating BMI and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965) and analyzed by SPSS-21 software. The ANCOVA and repeated measure ANOVA (i.e., Bonferroni test analysis) were used to compare three groups at three stages of pre-test, post-test and follow-up. Results: The results showed that BMI and self-esteem in both experiment groups were significantly improved at both post-test and follow-up, compared to the pre-test and control group (p&lt;.001). However, there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of CBT and LEBT in both stages of post-test and follow-up. Conclusion: Both psychological therapies are effective to address low self-esteem and high BMI of obese women.Declaration of Interest: Non