مطالب

Multilevel thresholding is recognized as a fast and effective technique for image segmentation. Although exhaustive search provides a comprehensive solution, its computational complexity increases with the number of threshold levels. This paper introduces a novel meta-heuristic search algorithm called Ensemble Searching (ES), designed to tackle complex nonlinear optimization problems. The focus is on applying ES to image multilevel thresholding. Initially, the population is divided into predefined groups, each guided by an evolutionary algorithm that independently searches for better positions within the search space. If an algorithm encounters a local optimum, a diversity-maintaining mechanism is activated to relocate the group. Throughout the iterative process, all algorithms share the best global solution (Gbest). The proposed structure’s effectiveness is evaluated using ten test images and the energy curve method. Kapur’s entropy, a well-established measure, is used to assess the algorithm’s performance. A comparative analysis with eight different search algorithms demonstrates the proposed framework’s rapid convergence, confirming its efficiency and effectiveness.

Previous studies have focused mostly on the syntactic features of the linking particle (Ezafe) in simple noun phrases with little attention paid to its semantic representations and functions specifically within the context of deverbal noun phrases. The present study aims to analyze semantic functions of the linking particle as it appears between a deverbal noun and its various modifiers, and compare them with their corresponding elements in sentences in a Distributed Morphology framework (DM) in Hawrami. This study shows this ancient linker's trace in most Kurdish dialects exhibits agentive semantic functions in addition to expressing possession and modification. Furthermore, the subject of unaccusative verbs at the sentential level is realized as the patient/possessor or as the theme/possessor of their corresponding deverbal noun phrases. However, the subject of unergative verbs assumes the agentive/possessor role in their corresponding noun phrases. Moreover, the object of transitive and ditransitive verbs is represented as a patient or theme, and also as a possessed entity before the subject is realized as the possessor in the corresponding deverbal noun phrases. Results indicate that the representation of both sentences and their corresponding deverbal noun phrases within DM framework provides stronger support for a syntactic movement account of deverbal noun phrases, their semantic functions, and properties in Hawrami.

Blended learning (BL) is being increasingly utilized in teaching and learning languages, therefore, carrying out this study in view of the lack of studies on BL within the Iranian EFL context is very significant. The study conducted at the English Department of Karaj Islamic Azad University provides valuable insights into how instructors and learners perceive the interplay between blended, online, and face-to-face (F2F) instructions. A mixed methods design has been applied to the study. 410 learners, studying English translation, and 46 university instructors responded to a Likert-type questionnaire and an open-ended one and 10 of them were interviewed. The findings revealed that, by incorporating both traditional classroom instruction and online learning tools, students can benefit from a more personalized and interactive learning experience. This approach can also help educators adapt their teaching methods to better meet the needs of diverse learners. In terms of educational policies, there may be a need for increased support and resources for implementing BL modules in language education. Additionally, language teaching programs may need to be revised to include more digital resources and tools to enhance language learning outcomes. Overall, the integration of BL in language classes can lead to more effective and engaging language education practices.

This study builds on previous reviews of technology-mediated feedback up to 2020 to provide an updated account of research conducted from 2020 onwards. It offers an overview of contextual trends, feedback focus, and the types of technology and software used. The analysis focuses on peer-reviewed studies examining technology-mediated corrective feedback on writing in EFL or ESL contexts, using quantitative or mixed methods approaches. Data were coded using an Excel sheet, and frequencies were reported as percentages. The major findings indicate that technology-mediated feedback is more prevalent in higher education, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for enhancing feedback practices. Additionally, half of the publications employed a mixed-methods approach, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. However, some studies lacked methodological transparency; therefore, the study highlights the need for stricter reporting guidelines. Furthermore, the findings reveal that teachers and computers are the primary sources of feedback in technology-mediated settings, aligning with their significant roles in traditional and online learning environments. According to the findings, educators are encouraged to adopt technology-mediated feedback in higher education and engage in training and professional development in this area. Moreover, researchers are recommended to continue conducting mixed-methods studies by following more rigorous transparency guidelines.

The identity and performance of the Justice and Development Party of Türkiye since coming to power in 2002 has been the subject of much thought and questions. By emphasizing the legacy of the last Islamic caliphate and relying on new economic-political achievements, Turkish Islamists have displayed a new formulation of state reason (raison d'état) in the international system under the banner of "Islamic Democracy". They claim to have formulated the requirements of being a Muslim requirements and the secular provisions of today's world together. This formulate of ruling which is based on a new understanding of Turkish Muslim identity contributes to the manifestation of self-confidence in domestic and foreign politics, and this is what have made them to be reckless in pursuing the policy of strategic depth in the Islamic world, the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa and even Mediterranean area.By applying the theoretical possibilities of the concept of Governmentality in Foucault's thought, this article aims to first shed light on what and how this intellectual and identity transformation is, and then apply it to the politics of the Justice and Development Party.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-based skill training on distress tolerance, emotional cognitive regulation, and marital quality of life in women with recurrent miscarriages. Methods: The population consisted of all women attending infertility clinics in Tehran during 2019-2020. A sample of 30 women was selected through convenience and purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 in each group). The instruments used in this study included: the Distress Tolerance Scale by Simons and Gaher (2005), Cognitive and Emotional Regulation Scale by Garnefski, Kraaij, and Spinhoven (2006), and Marital Quality of Life Scale by Fletcher, Simpson, and Thomas (2000). Repeated measures and a significance level of .05 were used for statistical analysis. Findings: The results showed significant differences in means between the two groups at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages, with significant improvements in distress tolerance, emotional cognitive regulation, and marital quality of life. The effect sizes of this treatment were 0.885, 0.910, and 0.983, respectively. Conclusion: Given the confirmed effectiveness of the treatment, it is recommended that these women receive psychological treatments in conjunction with medical treatments.

Objective: The present study aimed to predict attitudes toward marital infidelity in couples based on attachment styles and personality traits with the mediation of coping strategies (gender comparison). Methods: The research method was correlational and used structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all married women and men aged 25 to 45 in Tehran. A sample of 420 individuals, comprising 210 women and 210 men, was selected through convenience sampling. Research data were collected using the Whately Marital Infidelity Attitude Questionnaire (2006), the Collins and Read Attachment Styles Questionnaire (1994), the Cattell 16 Personality Factor Test (1973), and the Lazarus-Folkman Coping Strategies Questionnaire (1988). Relationships between variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation test, and the research model was evaluated using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling technique. The mediation role was also assessed using the bootstrapping method in Smart PLS software. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 and Smart PLS version 3. Findings: The research findings indicated that in the female sample, risk-taking as a personality trait could predict marital infidelity (p < .05). In the male sample, the conscientiousness personality trait directly predicted marital infidelity, while insecure attachment predicted marital infidelity both directly and indirectly through the avoidant-escape coping style (p < .05). Conclusion: The results showed that insecure attachment influences the tendency toward marital infidelity in the male group. Additionally, the conscientiousness factor influences the tendency toward marital infidelity in the male group, and the avoidance and escape strategies influence the tendency toward marital infidelity in the male group. The results also demonstrated that secure attachment negatively impacts the problem-solving coping strategy in the female group. Secure attachment negatively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the female group but positively impacts it in the male group. Insecure attachment positively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in both the female and male groups. The conscientiousness factor positively impacts the problem-solving coping strategy in the female group. Moreover, sociability positively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the male group, while emotional stability negatively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the overall and male groups. Risk-taking negatively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the overall and male groups. These results showed no relationship between insecure attachment and the tendency toward marital infidelity in women.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the role of socio-cultural factors (cultural values of marriage and perceived social support) in the criteria for partner selection among students of Shiraz city. Methods: This research employed a descriptive and correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all students of Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch, who were studying in the year 2022. A sample of 377 individuals (235 females and 142 males) was selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The participants were assessed using the Marriage Cultural Values Questionnaire (Delkhomoush, 2013), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988), and the Partner Selection Criteria Questionnaire (Schwartz & Hassebrook, 2012). After collection, the questionnaires were edited using SPSS software, and 26 items were analyzed at both descriptive and inferential levels. Findings: The analysis of the findings using multiple regression in a simultaneous method revealed that intellectual self-construal, emotional self-construal, hierarchical cultural values, and perceived social support significantly and positively influenced the partner selection criteria of the participants. Additionally, the results from the stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that among the socio-cultural factors, intellectual self-construal had the most substantial role in partner selection criteria. Conclusion: Therefore, in the modern era, with the development of individuals' socio-economic status, partner selection criteria have become more individualistic and oriented towards personal love and affection.