Frequency Analysis of Droughts Using Stochastic and Soft Computing Techniques

In the Canadian Prairies recurring droughts are one of the realities which can have significant economical, environmental, and social impacts. For example, droughts in 1997 and 2001 cost over $100 million on different sectors. Drought frequency analysis is a technique for analyzing how frequently a drought event of a given magnitude may be expected to occur. In this study the state of the science related to frequency analysis of droughts is reviewed and studied. The main contributions of this thesis include development of a model in Matlab which uses the qualities of Fuzzy C-Means (FCMs) clustering and corrects the formed regions to meet the criteria of effective hydrological regions. In FCM each site has a degree of membership in each of the clusters. The algorithm developed is flexible to get number of regions and return period as inputs and show the final corrected clusters as output for most case scenarios. While drought is considered a bivariate phenomena with two statistical variables of duration and severity to be analyzed simultaneously, an important step in this study is increasing the complexity of the initial model in Matlab to correct regions based on L-comoments statistics (as apposed to L-moments). Implementing a reasonably straightforward approach for bivariate drought frequency analysis using bivariate L-comoments and copula is another contribution of this study. Quantile estimation at ungauged sites for return periods of interest is studied by introducing two new classes of neural network and machine learning: Radial Basis Function (RBF) and Support Vector Machine Regression (SVM-R). These two techniques are selected based on their good reviews in literature in function estimation and nonparametric regression. The functionalities of RBF and SVM-R are compared with traditional nonlinear regression (NLR) method. As well, a nonlinear regression with regionalization method in which catchments are first regionalized using FCMs is applied and its results are compared with the other three models. Drought data from 36 natural catchments in the Canadian Prairies are used in this study. This study provides a methodology for bivariate drought frequency analysis that can be practiced in any part of the world

Comparison of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Locus of Control and Meaning in life in Native and Non-Native Students

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objective: One of the critical periods in youth is the studentship period, which is a dynamic transitional period. Several factors can influence university students’ psychological health. They can be generally divided into personal, university, and social factors.The purpose of this study is to compare the cognitive emotion regulation, locus of control and meaning in life of native and non-native students in Mohaghegh Ardabili University.Method: The method of this study is causal-comparative. Statistical population of this study comprised all native and non-native students in Mohaghegh Ardabili University in the year 2015. From among this population, 100 students (50 native students and 50 non-native students) were selected as sample by convenience sampling method. The used tools were Granefski et al.’s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, Rutter’s locus of control survey and Steger’s meaning in life questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through multivariate analysis of variance. All ethical issues were observed in this study and the researchers declared no conflict of interests.Results: The results showed that the average score of external locus of control among non-native students was significantly higher than that of native ones. Furthermore, the mean score of internal locus control was significantly lower for non-native students (p<0.001). Additionally, compared to their non-native counterparts, native students used a larger repertoire of positive emotions and efficient strategies (acceptance, positive refocusing, refocus on planning, positive reappraisal, putting into perspective) (p<0.001). Also, native students registered significantly higher scores in terms of meaning in life in comparison with the non-native students (p<0.001).Conclusion: According to the obtained results, their frequent use of internal locus of control, positive cognition, emotion, and more frequent search for life indicate the better psychological condition and performance of non-native students. It is therefore essential to pay attention to these aspects and try to develop them.For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Please cite this article as: Sadri Damirchi E, Esmaeili Ghazivaloyi F, Asadi Shishegaran S, Mohammadi N. Comparison of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Locus of Control and Meaning in life in Native and Non-Native Students. J Res Relig Health. 2019; 4(5): 5- 16

Mosaic BRAF fusions are a recurrent cause of congenital melanocytic naevi targetable by MEK inhibition

Among children with multiple congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN), 25% have no established genetic cause, of which many develop a hyperproliferative and severely pruritic phenotype resistant to treatment. Gene fusions have been reported in individual cases of CMN. Here, we study 169 CMN patients, 38 of whom were double wild-type for NRAS/BRAF mutations. Nineteen of these 38 patients had sufficient tissue to undergo RNAseq, which revealed mosaic BRAF fusions in 11/19 patients and mosaic RAF1 fusions in 1/19. Recurrently, fusions involved the loss of the 5’ regulatory domain of BRAF or RAF1 but preserved the kinase domain. We validated all cases and detected the fusions in two separate naevi in 5/12 patients, confirming clonality. The absence of the fusion in blood in 8/12 patients indicated mosaicism. Primary culture of BRAF-fusion naevus cells from 3/12 patients demonstrated highly increased MAPK activation, despite only mildly increased BRAF expression, suggesting additional mechanisms of kinase activation. Trametinib quenched MAPK hyperactivation in vitro and treatment of two patients caused rapid improvement in bulk tissue, improving bodily movement, and reducing inflammation and severe pruritus. These findings offer a genetic diagnosis to an additional group of patients and trametinib as a treatment option for the severe associated phenotypes

Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis co-infections among patients with anogenital warts in Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Genital infection with papilloma virus is the most common sexually-transmitted disease (STD). It is recommended that individuals who have a sexual risk factor, should be screened for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C. However, this strategy is often not carried out in Iran. In the present study, patients with genital warts were screened for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. Methods: We evaluated 311 patients with anogenital warts visiting dermatology clinics from June 2016 to June 2017. In addition, demographic data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Patients who presented to Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, were examined for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, urethral and vaginal discharge, and history of painful genital lesions, while patients presenting to Bahar Behavioral Disease Counseling Center of Tabriz were examined only for HIV. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests via SPSS software. Results: Out of 263 cases with genital warts presenting to Sina Hospital, 1, 1, and 2 cases were positive for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, respectively. At the same time, one of the patients presenting to Bahar Center showed HIV infection. Conclusion: We found two HIV-positive, two hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive, and one syphilis cases in 311 patients with genital warts, so it is recommended to assess these tests routinely in high-risk individuals with genital warts, including multi-partner and addicted patients

مقایسه‌ی تنظیم شناختی - هیجانی، منبع کنترل و معناجویی در بین دانشجویان بومی و غیربومی

خلفية البحث وأهدافه: تعتبر الفترة الطلابية احدى الفترات الرئيسية في حياة الشباب والتي تعد فترة انتقالية فعالة. هناك عوامل متعددة بإمكانها ان تؤثر على الصحة العقلية لدى الطلاب والتي يمكن تصنيفها في ثلاث مجموعات: العوامل الشخصية والعوامل التي تتعلق بالجامعة والعوامل الاجتماعية. الغرض من الدراسة هذه، المقارنة بين التنظيم المعرفي والتنظيم الانفعالي، مصدر التحكم والبحث عن المعنى بين الطلاب الجامعيين المحليين وغير المحليين 2016. منهجية البحث: اجريت هذه الدراسة الوصفية هي المقارنة والسببية واشتمل المجتمع الاحصائي جميع الطلاب المحليين وغير المحليين في جامعة المحقق الاردبيلي عام 2015-2016 الدراسي وتم اختيار 100 طالب 50 طالب محلي و50 طالب غير محلي بطريقة اخذ العينة المتاحة. تم جمع البيانات باستخدام استبيانات التنظيم المعرفي والتنظيم الانفعالي لـ"غارنيفسكي وآخرين" مصدر الضبط لـ"جوليان روتر" والمعنى في الحياة لـ"استيجر وآخرين" ومن ثم تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام اختبار تحليل التباين متعدد المتغيرات. تمت مراعاة جميع الموارد الاخلاقية في هذا البحث؛ و اضافة الى هذا فإن مؤلفي المقالةلم يشيروا الى تضارب المصالح. الكشوفات: أظهرت النتائج أن متوسط درجات مصدر الضبط الخارجي في الطلاب غير المحليين كانت اكثر من الطلاب المحليين؛ وكان متوسط درجات الضبط الداخلي للطلاب غير المحليين أقل من الطلاب المحليين (001/0). بالإضافة إلى ذلك، فقد استخدم الطلاب المحليين دون الطلاب غير المحليين، استراتيجيات عاطفية إيجابية وفعالة (إعادة التركيز الإيجابي، وإعادة التركيز على التخطيط، وإعادة التقييم الإيجابي، واتخاذ وجهة نظر). كذلك فإن نسبة المعنى في الحياة لدى الطلاب المحليين كان اكثر من غير المحليين منهم (001/0p<). الاستنتاج: استنادًا إلى النتائج، يشير المستوى الأعلى لاستخدام مصدر الضبط الداخلي، واستراتيجية التنظيم المعرفي والتنظيم الانفعالي الايجابي والمعنى في الحياة إلى الرفاهية النفسية والأداء الأمثل للطلاب غير المحليين فينبغي ايلاء الإهتمام لهذه الجوانب وبذل الجهد في سبيل تنميته وتطويره.   يتم استناد المقالة على الترتيب التالي: Sadri Damirchi E, Esmaeili Ghazivaloyi F, Asadi Shishegaran S, Mohammadi N. Comparison of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Locus of Control and Meaning in life in Native and Non-Native Students. J Res Relig Health. 2019; 4(5): 5- 16.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v4i5.17208Background and Objective: One of the critical periods in youth is the studentship period, which is a dynamic transitional period. Several factors can influence university students’ psychological health. They can be generally divided into personal, university, and social factors. The purpose of this study is to compare the cognitive emotion regulation, locus of control and meaning in life of native and non-native students in Mohaghegh Ardabili University. Method: The method of this study is causal-comparative. Statistical population of this study comprised all native and non-native students in Mohaghegh Ardabili University in the year 2015. From among this population, 100 students (50 native students and 50 non-native students) were selected as sample by convenience sampling method. The used tools were Granefski et al.’s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, Rutter’s locus of control survey and Steger’s meaning in life questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through multivariate analysis of variance. All ethical issues were observed in this study and the researchers declared no conflict of interests. Results: The results showed that the average score of external locus of control among non-native students was significantly higher than that of native ones. Furthermore, the mean score of internal locus control was significantly lower for non-native students (p<0.001). Additionally, compared to their non-native counterparts, native students used a larger repertoire of positive emotions and efficient strategies (acceptance, positive refocusing, refocus on planning, positive reappraisal, putting into perspective) (p<0.001). Also, native students registered significantly higher scores in terms of meaning in life in comparison with the non-native students (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, their frequent use of internal locus of control, positive cognition, emotion, and more frequent search for life indicate the better psychological condition and performance of non-native students. It is therefore essential to pay attention to these aspects and try to develop them. Please cite this article as: Sadri Damirchi E, Esmaeili Ghazivaloyi F, Asadi Shishegaran S, Mohammadi N. Comparison of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Locus of Control and Meaning in life in Native and Non-Native Students. J Res Relig Health. 2019; 4(5): 5- 16.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v4i5.17208سابقه و هدف: یکی از دوره‌های حیاتی در جوانی دوره‌ی دانشجویی است که دوره‌ی انتقالی پویا شناخته شده است. عوامل متعددی می‌تواند بر سلامت روانی دانشجویان تأثیرگذار باشد که به‌طورکلی می‌توان آنها را در سه گروه عوامل شخصی، عوامل مربوط به دانشگاه و عوامل اجتماعی تقسیم‌بندی کرد. هدف از پژوهش حاضر، مقایسه‌‌ی‌ تنظیم‌ شناختی - هیجانی، منبع‌ کنترل و معناجویی در دانشجویان بومی و غیربومی است. روش کار: این مطالعه توصیفی از نوع علّی - مقایسه‌یی است. جامعه‌ی آماری پژوهش شامل کلیه‌ی دانشجویان بومی و غیربومی دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی در سال تحصیلی 94-95 بود که از میان آنان با استفاده از روش نمونه‌گیری در دسترس 100 نفر (50 دانشجوی بومی و 50 دانشجوی غیربومی) انتخاب شدند. داده‌ها با استفاده از پرسش‌نامه‌‌‌ها‌ی‌ تنظیم ‌شناختی - هیجانی گرنفسكي و همکاران، منبع‌کنترل راتر و معنا‌ در ‌زندگی استیگر و همکاران جمع‌آوری؛ و با استفاده از آزمون تحلیل واريانس چندمتغيّري تحلیل شد. در این پژوهش همه‌ی مسائل اخلاقی رعایت شده است و نویسندگان مقاله هیچ‌گونه تضاد منافعی گزارش نکرده‌اند. یافته‌ها: یافته‌ها نشان داد میانگین نمره‌های منبع کنترل بیرونی در دانشجویان غیربومی نسبت به دانشجویان بومی بیشتر؛ و میانگین نمره‌های منبع کنترل درونی دانشجویان غیربومی کمتر از دانشجویان بومی بود (001/0). علاوه‌براین، دانشجویان بومی نسبت به دانشجویان غیربومی از راهبردهای هیجانی مثبت و کارآمد (تمرکز مجدد مثبت، تمرکز مجدد برنامه‌ریزی، ارزیابی مجدد مثبت و دیدگاه‌گیری) استفاده می‌کردند (001/0p<). همچنین معنا در زندگی دانشجویان بومی بیشتر از دانشجویان غیربومی بود (001/0p<). نتیجه‌گیری: بر اساس نتایج به‌دست‌آمده، سطح بالاتر به‌کارگیری منبع کنترل درونی، راهبرد تنظیم شناختی - هیجانی مثبت و معناجویی در زندگی، نشان‌دهنده‌ی بهزیستی روان‌شناختی و عملکرد بهینه‌ی دانشجویان غیربومی است و لزوم توجه به این جنبه‌ها و تلاش برای رشد و توسعه‌ی آن را گوشزد می‌سازد. استناد مقاله به این صورت است: Sadri Damirchi E, Esmaeili Ghazivaloyi F, Asadi Shishegaran S, Mohammadi N. Comparison of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Locus of Control and Meaning in life in Native and Non-Native Students. J Res Relig Health. 2019; 4(5): 5- 16.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v4i5.17208 &nbsp