Search

Ticks are responsible for transmitting of pathogenic microorganisms during their feeding process on the hosts. They also cause significant losses in livestock production and, in many cases, the death of infected animals. In recent decades, many efforts have been carried out to combat ticks by using natural compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of honey bee propolis against Haemaphysalis spp. in vitro. The acaricidal activities of the propolis were considered at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml and negative and positive controls (distilled water and Cypermethrin) following 10, 30, and 60 minutes of exposure. In this experiment the spraying and contact methods were used, and all tests were repeated twice. The chemical composition of propolis was identification by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.0. According to the results, propolis had an acaricidal effect; however, this effect was more potent in the spraying. The propolis showed a 100% mortality rate at 100 mg/ml concentrations after 60 min exposure. GC-MS investigation showed that Heptanone (48.65%) was the main ingredient of propolis. The results indicated that the hydroalcoholic propolis extract carry potent acaricidal ingredients and might afford new natural acaricidal compounds for the control of Haemaphysalis spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurantiochytrium sp. is a marine microalga known for its bioactive compounds. This study assessed its presence in Iran and investigated its specific biochemical and molecular traits. Parameters such as biomass, protein content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase enzyme (CAT) activity, and expression of malic enzyme (ME) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) genes were analyzed at different growth stages (24, 48, 72, and 96 h). Fatty acid composition, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) contents, and the ratio of UFA to SFA were also examined. Molecular identification confirmed successful proliferation, with significant increases in biomass and protein content during growth. Elevated H2O2 and MDA levels indicated oxidative stress, whereas enhanced CAT activity suggested its potential role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and mitigating oxidative damage. The upregulation of ME and ACCase genes during growth indicated their involvement in lipid biosynthesis. This was further supported by the analysis of fatty acid composition, which revealed a higher proportion of UFA than SFA. These findings underscore the importance of specific growth stages for optimizing cultivation conditions and maximizing bioactive compound production in Aurantiochytrium sp. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the growth dynamics and lipid metabolism of Aurantiochytrium sp., contributing to our understanding of its potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most significant demographic challenges over the past three decades has been the substantial reduction in fertility rates, worldwidely. As a developing country, Iran has also experienced a rapid decline in fertility over the past decades. Understanding factors influencing fertility is essential for development programs. Moreover, it's crucial to study the parameters that affect the intention for childbearing in any society. Therefore, through a systematic scoping review, the present study investigates the factors influencing couples' decisions toward childbearing. Methods: This study was a systematic scoping review conducted in 2023. To design and conduct this scoping review, Joanna Briggs Institute's Protocol (Institute TJB, The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers ' manual 2015; methodology for JBI scoping reviews, 2015) was used and the framework presented by Levac et al. (2010) was also used as a guide for conducting this review. Studies were searched in three main databases including ISI Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus, using a predefined search strategy. Google Scholar was also used for complementary search. The search period was from 2002 to 2022. Results: A total of 18,454 studies were identified across three primary databases. After evaluating articles in three distinct phases based on title, abstract, and full-text, 46 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the scoping review. The qualitative analysis of the collected data from the selected studies through the scoping review led to classifying factors influencing households' desire for childbearing into eight main themes and 101 sub-themes. The main themes associated with factors impacting households' intention for childbearing encompass individual determinants, demographic and familial influencing factors, cultural elements, social factors, health-related aspects, economic considerations, insurance-related variables, and government support/incentive policies. Conclusions: Comprehensive and holistic attention from governments and officials toward the various factors affecting households' intention and behavior regarding childbearing appears beneficial and effective. Furthermore, given the relative ineffectiveness of some of the current government's supportive/incentive policies to increase couples' desire for childbearing, it seems necessary to review and amend these policies. This review should address the most significant challenges and factors contributing to couples' reluctance to childbearing or strengthen factors that can play a substantial role in fostering fertility and childbearing desires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often subdivide a list into smaller pieces, called chunks. Some theories of serial recall assume memories are stored hierarchically, with all-or-none retrieval of chunks, but most mathematical models avoid hierarchical assumptions. Johnson (Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 8(6), 725–731, 1969) found steep drops in errors following correct recalls (transitional-error probabilities) within putative chunks during multi-trial letter-list learning, and viewed this as evidence for all-or-none retrieval. Here we test whether all-or-none retrieval occurs in lists studied only once. In serial recall of six-word lists (Experiment 1), transitional-error probabilities were inconsistent with all-or-none retrieval, both when participants were instructed to subdivide and when temporal grouping induced subdivision. Curiously, the same analysis of previous temporally grouped nine-letter lists produced compelling evidence for all-or-none retrieval, which may result from recoding rather than the formation of chunks. In Experiment 2, participants were pre-trained on three-word chunks. For nine-word lists constructed from those trained chunks, transitional-error probabilities exhibited more pronounced evidence of all-or-none retrieval. Nearly all effects reversed with post-cued backward recall, suggesting mechanisms that play out over the course of recall rather than encoding of the list. In sum, subdivided lists do not result in hierarchical memories after a single study trial, although they may emerge in lists formed from chunks that are previously learned as such. This suggests a continuous transition from non-hierarchical subdivision of lists to all-or-none retrieval over the course of chunk formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is one of the most severely debilitating mental disorders that affects 1.1% of the world's population. The exact cause of the disease is not known, but genetics, environmental factors (such as infectious agents, season and region of birth, exposure to viruses, low birth weight, advanced paternal age, and tobacco), and immune system dysfunction can all contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Recently, the role of the immune system in schizophrenia has received much attention. Both acquired and innate immune systems are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and facilitate the disease's progression. Almost all cells of the immune system including microglia, B cells, and T cells play an important role in the blood-brain barrier damage, inflammation, and in the progression of this disease. In schizophrenia, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is reduced and then the immune cells are recruited into the endothelium following an increase in the expression of cell adhesion molecules. The entry of immune cells and cytokines leads to inflammation and antibody production in the brain. Accordingly, the results of this study strengthen the hypothesis that the innate and acquired immune systems are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), is complex and involves dysregulated immune responses, inflammation, and coagulopathy. Purinergic signaling, mediated by extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides, has emerged as a significant player in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), released from damaged or infected cells, is a danger signal triggering immune responses. It activates immune cells, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the cytokine storm observed in severe COVID-19 cases. ATP also promotes platelet activation and thrombus formation, contributing to the hypercoagulability seen in COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, adenosine, an immunosuppressive nucleoside, can impair anti-viral immune responses and promote tissue damage through its anti-inflammatory effects. Modulating purinergic receptors represents a promising therapeutic strategy for COVID-19. Understanding the role of purinergic signaling in COVID-19 pathogenesis and developing targeted therapeutic approaches can potentially improve patient outcomes. This review focuses on the part of purinergic signaling in COVID-19 pathogenesis and highlights potential therapeutic approaches targeting purinergic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy could solve the problems caused by fossil fuels. The Archimedes hydro screw turbine is a potential tool for generating power from river currents. In this paper, a turbine at a scale of 1:6 has been made. It is installed and tested at various flow rates. The system is optimized using a genetic algorithm to achieve maximum efficiency. Due to the limitations that existed for conducting experimental tests at the optimal flow rate, the turbine at optimal flow rate is studied by CFD. In the turbine numerical simulation, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the turbine, such as rotational speed, power, torque, efficiency, and power coefficient are compared in the optimal flow rate (2.6 (lit/s)) and a flow rate of 2.4 (lit/s) (the closest flow rate to the optimal one). The results show that these values are higher in the optimal flow rate. Furthermore, the behavior of the turbine in these two conditions is compared using velocity, vorticity, pressure, and phase contours, which indicates that the velocity and pressure values are higher, and the vorticity and immersion values are lower in the optimal flow rate. Finally, for economic analysis of operating the turbine at the prototype scale as a hydropower plant, the discounted payback period for the turbine is determined, which varies between 2.55 to 5.93 years depending on the discount rate. It is also shown that operating this turbine at the prototype scale as a hydropower plant in Iran leads to currency savings of 1561 $. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death, which has the highest mortality rate worldwide. Although a diverse range of inflammatory diseases can affect the cardiovascular system, however, heart failure and stroke occur due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic autoinflammatory disease of small to large vessels in which different immune mediators are involved in lipid plaque formation and inflammatory vascular remodeling process. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis may lead to uncovering immunomodulatory therapies. Despite present diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the lack of immunotherapy in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis is perceptible. In this review, we will discuss the promising immunological-based therapeutics and novel preventive approaches for atherosclerosis. This study could provide new insights into a better perception of targeted therapeutic pathways and biological therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has created several challenges for countries all over the world. Different countries have taken different measures to fight this pandemic and reduce its challenges depending on their cultural, economic, and social structures. This study aims to understand and explain the Iranian health system's response to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic from the managers' and authorities' perspective. Method: This study is a basic applied research performed under a qualitative approach. In the survey, 30 experts including the managers of health centers and deputies and heads of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Medical Universities were selected by purposive snowball sampling and participated in semi-structured interviews from March to May 2020. The researchers explained the actions of the Iranian health system in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by content analysis. Results: As a result, 14 subthemes were found and classified into four major themes, including the informative and regulative actions (two subthemes), administrative and supportive actions (six subthemes), preventive and curative actions (three subthemes), and resource-related actions (three subthemes). Conclusions: Due to its strong health structures, such as urban and rural health networks, various general and specialized hospitals, experienced doctors, and committed health staff, Iran has taken practical actions in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the findings of this study and its relevant measures can help combat this pandemic in countries with similar social and cultural structures or counter future similar crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green building rating systems have limitations in integrating energy efficiency with user satisfaction and emotional and physical well-being. This study has developed the Adaptive Behavior Satisfaction Index (ABSI) analysis framework, which can assess the user satisfaction from cooling adaptive behaviors in green buildings. In particular, the ABSI analysis framework can measure user satisfaction with respect to thermal adaptive behavior during the design phase of the building life cycle. The Cooling ABSI analysis framework was developed through synectics brainstorming, prototyping system development, and the Kano model. The Cooling ABSI analysis framework has three stages; (i) data input stage to set up the purposive sampling plan for the surveys, (ii) data processing stage of applying the Kano model, and (iii) data output stage for descriptive and visualized data analysis. It generates a reliable snapshot of the user's current feelings and perceptions, clustering them into six categories; attractive, must-be there, satisfier, indifferent, reversed, and Questionable. To be validated, the framework was applied to a case study (i.e., Low Energy Office (LEO) building in Putrajaya, Malaysia). It showed that, in LEO, the feature 'taking a break and moving to cooler location' achieved the 100% User Satisfaction Index, in contrast to decreasing body skin temperature and adjusting the room's thermostat (5%). Furthermore, in LEO, the feature 'drying body skin moisture' received the highest Importance Index score (SI.I.-C6 = 9.40), followed by 'adjusting room's thermostat' (SI.I.-C18 = 9.13), and 'adjusting air-condition operating hours' (SI.I.-C17 = 9.00). The satisfaction-dissatisfaction scatter plot showed that the 'drying body skin moisture' (SSI-C6 = 0.95) and 'Less-sweating lifestyle' (SSI-C2 = 0.98) features are located in the satisfier cluster. On the other hand, the 'adjusting finishing material' (SSI-C10 = 0.73) and 'adjusting room's thermostat' (SSI-C9 = 0.55) features are in the attractive cluster. The scatter plot helps the architects and facility managers understand the cluster of each feature and then decide whether to keep it as-is, improve it, or make an innovative solution for the future towards less-energy consumption and a quality indoor environment for users. Furthermore, this study reported the Cooling ABSI analysis framework's feasibility based on the validation and case study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evidence for the effect of corticosteroid administration on neonates in pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 is rare. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the administration of corticosteroids on pregnant women with COVID-19 on neonatal metabolic outcomes of hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: The present retrospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women with COVID-19 referred to Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran in 2020. We compared post-delivery complications in women who had received corticosteroids with a control group. The data were extracted from the medical records of the patients by a resident of the gynecology. The chi-square test was used to compare the rate of hyperbilirubinemia and hypoglycemia between groups. Results: Of a total of 71 investigated patients, only 32 received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),. The mean age of the patients was 29.77±6.87 years and there was not a significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, BMI, education, blood sugar, bilirubin, neonate weight, and 1 and 5-minute Apgar score (P>0.05). In the corticosteroid-receiving group, a significantly higher rate of hypoglycemia (37.5% vs. 7.69%, P=0.002) and hyperbilirubinemia (25% vs. 5.13%, P=0.02) was reported. Conclusion: The results suggested that the administration of corticosteroids as a treatment modality for pregnant women with COVID-19 is associated with an increased rate of neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, glycemic control is necessary for neonates born from pregnant women with COVID-19 exposed to corticosteroids during the pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of water and air fluids on the behavior of a planing catamaran in calm water was studied separately in calm water by using experimental and numerical methods. Experiments were conducted in a towing tank over the Froude number range of 0.49–2.9 with two degrees of freedom. The model vessel displacement of 5.3 kg was implemented in experimental tests. Craft behavior was evaluated at the displacements of 5.3, 4.6, and 4 kg by using the numerical method. The numerical simulation results for the hull's resistance force were validated with similar experimental data. The fluid volume model was applied to simulate two-phase flow. The SST k-ω turbulence model was used to investigate the effect of turbulence on the catamaran. The results showed that in the planing mode, the contribution of air to pressure resistance increased by 55%, 40%, and 60% at the mentioned displacements, whereas the contribution of air to friction resistance was less than 15% on average. The contribution of the air to the total lift force at the abovementioned displacements exceeded 70%, 60%, and 50% in the planing mode but was less than 10% in the displacement mode. At the displacements of 5.3 and 4 kg, the area under the effect of maximum pressure moved around the center of gravity and caused porpoising longitudinal instability at the Froude numbers of 2.9 and 2.4, respectively. However, at the displacement of 4.6 kg, this effect did not occur, and the vessel maintained its stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban rapid development has created poor open spaces and fewer outdoor learning environments for children. This issue highlights the quality design of urban public and open spaces that can significantly help children's healthy growth and development. The urban plaza is one of the potential urban open spaces that positively affect the development of talent and creativity in children and develop their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills. As public art is an encouraging landscape medium, integrating public art in urban plazas can aid substantially in achieving this goal. The lack of a decision support tool for designing inclusive learning environments at urban plazas has persuaded us to develop the children-oriented urban plaza design (COUP) Toolkit. The COUP Toolkit is a universal tool that can aid design professionals and children's therapists in assessing and evaluating the impact of urban plaza design on children's skills growth. By applying the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method, it was found that the Urban Oasis type of urban plaza contributes the most to skills development in children (WAlt.3 = 0.336), compared to other types (i.e., street plaza, corporate foyer, transit foyer, street, and grand public place). The COUP toolkit has 14 features for designing the urban plazas embedding the public art. Applying AHP indicated that performance art (W2.2 = 0.106), interactive instrument art (W2.3 = 0.106), and spatial composition (W1.1 = 0.103) are most vital in the design of a children-oriented urban plaza. The COUP toolkit was validated through a case study, the Musical Swings (i.e., 21 Balancoires) urban plaza in Montreal, Canada. The COUP toolkit is a rating system and proposes four grading labels based on the scores earned during the assessment process: gold, silver, bronze, and not-certified. The COUP toolkit determined that Musical Swings is ranked as silver; hence, it needs minor improvements, particularly in providing fountains (WSMC2.5 = 0.57) and wading pools (WSMC2.6 = 0.60) to create a proper learning environment for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world-shaking communicable coronavirus disease (i.e., COVID-19) has become a pandemic threat to a healthy built environment. This study aimed to develop the COVID-19-adapted multi-functional corniche street design (Ca-MCSD) assessment model. Accordingly, this study identified variables coordinating the local environmental, physical, social, cultural, and political mediations of multi-functional corniche street design. Secondly, it measured the weight of every single variable through confirmatory analysis, normalization, and standardization techniques, and an expert-input study then developed the MCSD model and Ca-MCSD model. This study validated the models through a case study (i.e., Al Wakrah corniche street in Dubai, Qatar) and conducted ANOVA regression analysis and global sensitivity analysis (GSA). The Ca-MCSD model evaluates the design quality of a corniche street across five criteria—inclusiveness, desirable activities, safety, comfort, and pleasurability—and forty-two sub-criteria. The regression analysis determined that the MCSD model and Ca-MCSD model are linearly and positively correlated (Y = 0.811777X + 0.383401), where the Pearson regression coefficient (r) equaled 0.903729, r2 equaled 0.816727, and the p-value was 0.025 with 95% confidence intervals. The research found that, before the COVID-19 pandemic, microclimate comfort (avWSc.3.4 = 7.880), community gathering places (Sc.2.1), availability of foods (Sc.2.4), appropriate maintenance and physical condition (Sc.3.6), and attractiveness of space (Sc.5.8) (avW = 6.000) played critical roles in designing a multi-functional corniche street. However, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the key drivers changed to microclimate comfort (favWSc.3.4 = 12.632), appropriate maintenance and physical condition (favWSc.3.6 = 9.618), physical/visual connection or openness to adjacent spaces (favWSc.4.1 = 4.809), and over-securitization (favWSc.4.1 = 4.287). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Razi Institute is the property of Institut Razi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has overcome the limitations of conventional construction management methods using advanced and automated visualization and 3D reconstruction modeling techniques. Although the mapping techniques and reconstruction modeling software can generate real-time and high-resolution descriptive textural, physical, and spatial data, they may fail to develop an accurate and complete 3D model of the construction site. To generate a quality 3D reconstruction model, the construction manager must optimize the trade-offs among three major software-selection factors: functionalities, technical capabilities, and the system hardware specifications. These factors directly affect the robust 3D reconstruction model of the construction site and objects. Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to apply nine well-established 3D reconstruction modeling software tools (DroneDeploy, COLMAP, 3DF+Zephyr, Autodesk Recap, LiMapper, PhotoModeler, 3D Survey, AgiSoft Photoscan, and Pix4D Mapper) and compare their performances and reliabilities in generating complete 3D models. The research was conducted in an eco-home building at the University of Technology, Malaysia. A series of regression analyses were conducted to compare the performances of the selected 3D reconstruction modeling software in alignment and registration, distance computing, geometric measurement, and plugin execution. Regression analysis determined that among the software programs, LiMapper had the strongest positive linear correlation with the ground truth model. Furthermore, the correlation analysis showed a statistically significant p -value for all software, except for 3D Survey. In addition, the research found that Autodesk Recap generated the most-robust and highest-quality dense point clouds. DroneDeploy can create an accurate point cloud and triangulation without using many points as required by COLMAP and LiMapper. It was concluded that most of the software is robustly, positively, and linearly correlated with the corresponding ground truth model. In the future, other factors involving software selection should be studied, such as vendor-related, user-related, and automation factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material quantity take-off is a necessary factor in estimating the cost of construction projects; accordingly, fast and precise estimations would better facilitate the overall construction process. In recent years, several Building Information Modeling (BIM) based applications (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Tekla Structure, Autodesk Navisworks Manage, and Solibri Model Checker) have emerged to facilitate performing quantity takeoff. Quantity take-off measurement using these applications is accurate when the length of elements multiplies by their precise section area. Still, the process encounters errors when using element volumes or Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). In this study, the authors examined the embedded quantity take-off feature of these applications for sample steel and reinforced concrete structures and provided precautions in employing BIM properties. Consequently, an automated approach was employed to facilitate an accurate quantity takeoff using an Application Program Interface (API) extracting information from a Navisworks model as well as database management systems. A case study was subsequently presented to demonstrate and validate the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing tendency to study the behaviour of tapered piles in the last two decades has made it necessary to gain a deeper insight into this specific kind of deep foundation. Tapered piles have been investigated through analytical, experimental, and numerical studies. These piles have revealed different behaviour under various loading conditions. Hence, reviewing and assessing these efforts to comprehend their response can be of great significance. In this paper firstly, it is attempted to go over experimental studies, conducted on tapered piles. Then, the proposed mathematical and numerical solutions, employed to calculate the bearing capacity of single tapered piles, are compared to have a better vision of how these piles behave. In the third section, the optimum tapering angles of tapered piles in loose, medium, and dense sand are discussed. All the efforts are investigated technically to find the advantages, disadvantages, and the research gaps for this specific kind of piles. In addition, another section entitled the directions and ideas for future research on tapered piles is provided comprising the most recent achievements in this area. Moreover, the implementation of tapered piles in a significant project as a case study is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction professionals attempt to enhance construction site visualization and modeling using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. However, there is no research covering best flying and environmental variables for this purpose. This research aimed to determine the optimized flying and environmental variables for 2D dronography and 3D modeling for the construction progress monitoring. The research focused on building façade facing east and conducted an experimental study in the Eco-Home building at the University of Technology Malaysia. For 2D visualization, 900 photos were captured based on the three setpoints (20 m, 30 m, and 40 m) perpendicular to the building façade. Flying operation features of the employed drone (i.e., DJI Phantom4) enforced to set the first setpoint at 20 m perpendicular to the façade to get the whole façade in the required 80% of the photos. The 30 m and 40 m setpoints were defined based on the horizontal circles making the angle of 12° from the drone's z-ax to x-ax perpendicular to the façade. The images were analyzed using image color summarizer (ICS) software. The research found that the best distance is 30 m, and noontime is the best time for dronography. The proper temperature, humidity, lux, and wind speed to quality 2D image are; 38.1°, 55.5% Rh, 38,107 lx, and 0.1 m/s. The ICS software results were validated by applying the Image Processing Toolbox of MATLAB, particularly the thresholding-based image RGB pixel analyzing technique. The regression analysis showed 93% accuracy and completeness of the results. A trajectory optimization study has also been conducted, which determined that the drone could considerably control trajectories at the target positions and referenced velocity. The findings can significantly help the construction professionals to calibrate their drone's flying variables for quality 3D modeling the construction progress monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scientific evidence is the basis for improving public health; decision-making without sufficient attention to evidence may lead to unpleasant consequences. Despite efforts to create comprehensive guidelines and models for evidence-based decision-making (EBDM), there isn`t any to make the best decisions concerning scarce resources and unlimited needs. The present study aimed to develop a comprehensive applied framework for EBDM.Methods: This was a Best-Fit Framework (BFF) synthesis conducted in 2020. A comprehensive systematic review was done via six main databases including PUBMED, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASE, and ProQuest using related keywords. After the evidence quality appraisal, data were extracted and analyzed via thematic analysis. Results of the thematic analysis and the concepts generated by the research team were then synthesized to achieve the best-fit framework applying Carroll et al. (2013) approach.Results: Four thousand six hundred thirteen studies were retrieved, and due to the full-text screening of the studies, 17 final articles were selected for extracting the components and steps of EBDM in Health System Management (HSM). After collecting, synthesizing, and categorizing key information, the framework of EBDM in HSM was developed in the form of four general scopes. These comprised inquiring, inspecting, implementing, and integrating, which included 10 main steps and 47 sub-steps.Conclusions: The present framework provided a comprehensive guideline that can be well adapted for implementing EBDM in health systems and related organizations especially in underdeveloped and developing countries where there is usually a lag in updating and applying evidence in their decision-making process. In addition, this framework by providing a complete, well-detailed, and the sequential process can be tested in the organizational decision-making process by developed countries to improve their EBDM cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a new mathematical equation for calculating the pile group efficiency in cohesionless soil under combined axial and lateral loading conditions, considering the tapering angle effect. Based on the mathematical definition of the pile group efficiency, analytical correlations are developed. The tapering effect is considered by developing a new geometry coefficient for efficiency associated with the shaft vertical bearing component of tapered piles. In addition, a simplified mathematical equation is developed for predicting the group interaction factor as a function of pile spacing, number of piles in the group, diameter of the cylindrical reference pile, tapering angle, and pile slenderness ratio. On the other hand, an array of three-dimensional numerical analyses is performed for modeling same-volume single bored piles and pile groups with various arrangements to capture the accuracy of the proposed mathematical equation. The hardening soil constitutive model is adopted for the modeling of piles in loose sand. Subsequently, the load-displacement diagrams of single piles, as well as pile groups, are obtained. The bearing capacities of straight-sided and tapered bored piles are then calculated and compared using a definite settlement criterion. By computing the various bearing-capacity components, group efficiencies can be attained from both numerical and mathematical analyses. The results indicate an acceptable agreement between both analyses. Finally, the developed equation can predict the pile group efficiency incorporating the tapering angle and other influencing parameters as a novel and simple relationship under simultaneous axial and lateral loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two-phase flow of oxygen-water is studied by using numerical simulation in the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolysis Cell (PEMEC). The effect of thickness, porosity and multi-layer arrangement of PTL on the oxygen flow pattern and its removal from the PTL is investigated. The results showed the increase in the PTL thickness causes to increase the growth of the lateral paths from the inlet to the channel, which leads to increase the oxygen saturation in the PTL. It is also obtained that for PTL with different porosity, number and volume of occupied pores by oxygen in the PTL are the two main factors affecting the oxygen saturation and trade-off between them indicate the proper porosity to be used in different operating conditions. Furthermore, studies showed the use of two-layer PTL instead of single-layer can cause reduction in oxygen saturation in the proximity of reaction sites leading to a better operation of the electrolyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting sediment transport rates has always been important in the field of coastal engineering due to its impact on coastline changes and port dredging. Today, in addition to experimental and quasi-experimental methods to study the phenomenon of sediment, the use of methods based on soft computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence was considered. The reason is that the existing experimental methods presented completely different results and limited applications due to the significant influence of parameters and random data. In this study, the support vector machine is used as a new solution in modeling the sediment transport phenomenon (classification and regression). For this purpose, the coasts of Hormozgan province were selected in this study to classify and estimate the sediment transport rate. The coasts of this province are divided into western, central, and eastern parts, and a selected coastal segment is considered in each part. The purpose of classifying and estimating the sediment transport rate by the support vector machine is to predict this rate without the need for bed and beach profiles, as well as using the basic wave data. The classification results of sediment transport rate using the support vector machine method led to the selection of Gaussian kernel (RBF) with optimal coefficients of C=9 and σ=0.28, which indicated the appropriate classification of critical and non-critical states in each of the beaches by this machine. Further, the results of the support vector regression showed the appropriate estimation of the amount of sediment transport rate in all three coastal segments compared to the actual measured values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to establish an equation to obtain the optimum tapering angle (αopt) for bored tapered piles that is correlated with pile geometry and sand properties that vary with the relative density. This αopt corresponds with the maximum axial bearing capacity when the volume of material in the tapered pile is maintained identical to the counterpart straight cylindrical pile. First, analytical formulations will be developed to estimate the axial bearing capacity of bored tapered piles that are embedded in sand. The proposed governing equations capture the shaft vertical bearing component of the tapered pile, which is unique to tapered piles and varies nonlinearly with the tapering angle (α). By differentiating the obtained bearing capacity equation for α, an αopt is achieved. The finite element method (FEM) will be adopted to conduct the numerical modeling and to calibrate the model parameters of the proposed analytical equation, which considers soil nonlinearities and interactions between the tapered pile and the surrounding soil that is subjected to axial loading. The UBCSAND constitutive model will be used to simulate the soil response near the tapered pile and the model parameters will be calibrated against laboratory test results for sandy soils with different relative densities. However, due to the complexity of the proposed differentiation and inverse calculation, a numerical solution will be used to obtain the results. Then, the load–displacement curves of the tapered piles will be attained numerically and αopt, which results in the maximum axial capacity of the pile, will be determined. The results exhibit good agreement between the analytically determined axial bearing capacity for the tapered pile and the corresponding numerical modeling predictions. Furthermore, a simplified empirical equation will be established to select αopt, which could be used by practicing engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, selecting an appropriate mooring system for the spar platform of a wind turbine consisting of chain–cable–chain is investigated based on a meta-heuristic method. A boundary element software is applied to hydrodynamics analysis, and the numerical results are verified by experimental results. According to the characteristics of the experimental mooring system, an appropriate chain is selected for the prototype model, and then a mooring system consisting of chain–cable–chain replaces the chain-based mooring system. Environmental forces have been applied by the conditions of the Caspian Sea. Analysis is done in time domain for irregular wave spectrum of Joint North Sea Wave Project. For the cable in the middle, seven lengths in the range of 30–210 m were considered. The simulations showed that in the cable length of 180 m, the structure exhibits a proper behavior. Also, in order to increase the reliability of the anchor, a portion of the initial chain was reduced and was added to the anchor chain; for this purpose, five different chain lengths from 25 to 65 m have been considered. The results show that for the heave, roll, pitch, and yaw degrees of freedom, the minimum structure oscillation happens in the length of 25 m, finally considering the proper behavior of the structure in the length of 25 m; this length of chain was added to the anchor chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopic studies has shown that adjacent to the interface between cement paste and aggregate, there exists an area with high porosity and low binding compounds that is referred to as interfacial transition zone (ITZ). ITZ in concrete and mortar imposes a number of negative effects, including flexural and compressive strengths reduction and permeability enhancement. That's why many research attempts have been devoted to limit ITZ and its negative effects. The present study investigates the possibility of utilizing fine Portland cement (PC) clinker as a reactive aggregate in mortar for the same purpose. For this, natural quartz sand in normal mortar (NM) was totally replaced with PC clinker of the same particle size distribution and the most important engineering properties of the new mortar referred to as Reactive Aggregate Mortar (RAM) were measured and compared with NM as control. The results of compressive strengths measurements represented 65 and 21% increase after curing age of 7 and 90 days, respectively, for RAM compared to NM. Chloride penetration depth in RAM displayed reductions by about 33 and 26% after 14 and 28 days of exposure, respectively. The effect of PC clinker reactivity on the microstructure and size of ITZ was studied by using scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare settings are complex, and the decision-making process is usually complicated, too. Precise use of best evidence from different sources for increasing the desired outcomes is the result of EBM. Therefore, this study aimed to map the potential facilitators and barriers to EBM in health systems to help the healthcare managers to better implement EBM in their organizations. Methods: The present study was a scoping review (SR) conducted in 2020 based on the integration of the frameworks presented by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010) considering the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline (2015). These frameworks consist of 6 steps. After finalizing the search strategy, 7 databases were searched, and the PRISMA-ScR was used to manage the retrieval and inclusion of the evidence. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used to extract the data, and the graphic description was presented. The summative analysis approach was used applying MAXQDA10. Results: According to the systematic search, 4815 studies were retrieved after eliminating duplicates and unrelated articles, 49 articles remained to extract EBM facilitators and barriers. Six main aspects attitude toward EBM, external factors, contextual factors, resources, policies and procedures, and research capacity and data availability were summarized as EBM facilitators. The barriers to EBM were similarly summarized as attitude toward EBM, external factors, contextual factors, policies and procedures, limited resources, and research capacity and data availability. The streamgraphs describe that the international attention to the sub-aspects of facilitators and barriers of EBM has been increased since 2011. Conclusions: The importance of decision-making regarding complex health systems, especially in terms of resource constraints and uncertainty conditions, requires EBM in the health system as much as possible. Identifying the factors that facilitate the use of evidence, as well as its barriers to management and decision-making in the organization, can play an important role in making systematic and reliable decisions that can be defended by the officials and ultimately lead to greater savings in organization resources and prevent them from being wasted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholestasis-associated renal injury, known as cholemic nephropathy (CN), is a severe clinical complication. CN could lead to acute kidney injury. However, there is no specific pharmacological intervention for cholestasis-induced renal injury. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of CN. Betaine (3-methyl glycine; BET) is an amino acid derivative with a wide range of pharmacological actions. Several studies mentioned the effects of BET on oxidative stress in different experimental models. It has also been found that BET positively affected mitochondrial function. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of BET supplementation on CN in the bile duct ligation (BDL) model of cholestasis. BET (0.25% and 1% w: v in drinking water) was administered to BDL animals for seven consecutive days. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial indices were evaluated in cholestatic animals. Significant elevation in reactive oxygen species formation, lipid peroxidation, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was evident in BDL rats. Moreover, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and renal antioxidant capacity were decreased in cholestatic animals. Mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial permeabilization, decreased mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity, and lipid peroxidation was also detected in the kidney of BDL rats. Tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation, and renal fibrosis were also detected in BDL rats. BET alleviated biomarkers of oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial indices, and decreased renal histopathological alterations in BDL animals. The antioxidant effects and the positive effects of BET on cellular mitochondria seem to play a fundamental role in its nephroprotective role during cholestasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the thermodynamic properties of the ternary (NaCl + l-proline + H2O) system are reported, based on the potentiometric technique. The potentiometric measurements were carried out by using self-made ion selective electrodes (ISE) on the galvanic cell of type Na-ISE | NaCl (mB), l-proline (mA), H2O | Ag/AgCl in various series of the l-proline aqueous solution (mA = 0.2227, 0.4571, 0.7043 and 0.9651) mol·kg−1 and NaCl in pure water over NaCl molalities ranging from (0.01 to 4.00) mol·kg−1 at T = (293.2, 303.2, and 313.2) K and p = 101.3 kPa. Correlation of the experimental data was performed based on the Pitzer model as modified by Esteso et al. (MP). The MP parameters obtained were used to calculate the natural logarithm of the ratio of l-proline activity coefficients in NaCl and water mixtures to l-proline activity coefficients in pure water ( ln (γ A / γ A 0) ), osmotic coefficients (φ), excess Gibbs energy (GE/RT) and water activity (aw) for different series of l-proline molality. The NaCl transfer Gibbs energy and McMillan–Mayer parameters were also calculated for the system. Good consistency was found between the MP and McMillan–Mayer model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of surface-piercing propeller (SPP) has been widely used in high-speed crafts due to possessing many favorable features. Due to the information gaps in the design of SPP, researchers have made great efforts to conduct hydrodynamic analysis of these propulsion systems. Despite the previous studies, there is still a considerable shortage in literature. In this article, a comprehensive review has been carried out on the experimental, theoretical, and experimental–theoretical studies in the field of SPP to introduce the strengths, limitations, and gaps in the previous research. The results of previous studies have also been presented in the form of benchmarking tables and statistical figures. Investigations have proved the inability of the numerical methods to simulate SPP. In recent years, the most precise methods of analyzing complex flows around SPP have been the computational fluid dynamics methods. The most suitable computational fluid dynamics method is the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes method. Moreover, despite the heavy costs of experiments, the experimental approach is still the most reliable way of understanding the flow phenomena, studying the time-dependent dynamic behavior of propellers, and determining the hydrodynamic coefficients of thrust and torque. It can also serve to develop the numerical methods for comparing the results and reducing the errors of semi-experimental equations. Therefore, one of the primary objectives of future studies will be the comprehensive experimental analysis of various propeller blade profiles considering the effect of the variations of the trailing edge angle and the effects of the parameters influencing SPP, especially the shaft inclination angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence and evolution of the complement system and mast cells (MCs) can be traced back to sea urchins and the ascidian Styela plicata, respectively. Acting as a cascade of enzymatic reactions, complement is activated through the classical (CP), the alternative (AP), and the lectin pathway (LP) based on the recognized molecules. The system's main biological functions include lysis, opsonization, and recruitment of phagocytes. MCs, beyond their classic role as master cells of allergic reactions, play a role in other settings, as well. Thus, MCs are considered as extrahepatic producers of complement proteins. They express various complement receptors, including those for C3a and C5a. C3a and C5a not only activate the C3aR and C5aR expressing MCs but also act as chemoattractants for MCs derived from different anatomic sites, such as from the bone marrow, human umbilical cord blood, or skin in vitro. Cross talk between MCs and complement is facilitated by the production of complement proteins by MCs and their activation by the MC tryptase. The coordinated activity between MCs and the complement system plays a key role, for example, in a number of allergic, cutaneous, and vascular diseases. At a molecular level, MCs and complement system interactions are based on the production of several complement zymogens by MCs and their activation by MC‐released proteases. Additionally, at a cellular level, MCs act as potent effector cells of complement activation by expressing receptors for C3a and C5a through which their chemoattraction and activation are mediated by anaphylatoxins in a paracrine and autocrine fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive fatty acids and glucose uptake support the infiltration of adipose tissue (AT) by a variety of immune cells including neutrophils, pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, and mast cells (MCs). These cells promote inflammation by releasing pro-inflammatory mediators. The involvement of MCs in AT biology is supported by their accumulation in the AT of obese individuals along with significantly higher serum levels of MC-derived tryptase. AT-resident MCs under the influence of locally derived adipokines such as leptin become activated and release pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα that worsens the inflammatory state. MCs support angiogenesis in AT by releasing chymase and inducing preadipocyte differentiation and also the proliferation of adipocytes through 15-deoxy-delta PGJ2/PPARγ interaction. Additionally, they contribute to the remodeling of the AT extracellular matrix (ECM) and play a role in the recruitment and activation of leukocytes. MC degranulation has been linked to brown adipocyte activation, and evidence indicates an important link between MCs and the appearance of BRITE/beige adipocytes in white AT. Cell crosstalk between MCs and AT-resident cells, mainly adipocytes and immune cells, shows that these cells play a critical role in the regulation of AT homeostasis and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both subsets of MCs including MCTC (tryptase‐positive, chymase‐positive) and MCT (tryptase‐positive, chymase‐negative) are present in the testis and epididymis. Increased number of MCs, higher levels of MC‐released tryptase in testis and seminal plasma of males with fertility problems, and promoting sperm motility in individuals with oligozoospermia after using MC blockers provide evidence that MCs may play a role in male infertility/subfertility disturbances. MC‐released tryptase and histamine contribute to the fibrosis and may disrupt spermatogenesis. MCs not only influence the process of spermatogenesis but also have effects on the function of other testis‐residing cells. MC‐derived histamine may influence the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells by acting through H1R and H2R receptors. Additionally, the interaction between MC‐released ATP and P2X receptors expressed on the peritubular cells may induce the production of the pro‐inflammatory mediators by peritubular cells. Further investigations showed that MCs may be involved in the pathology of female infertility during implantation, pregnancy, and abortion. In the uterus, MCT subtype is abundant in myometrium and adjacent basal layer while MCTC subtype is distributed in all layers. MCs in response to hormones mainly estradiol and progesterone become activated and release a wide range of mediators including histamine, VEGF, proteases, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that have a role in different stages of pregnancy. An increasing influx of MCs to the cervix during the pregnancy occurs that helps to the physiologic cervical ripening. While MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), VEGF modulates neovascularization and histamine influences the embryo implantation. MC‐derived histamine may have a positive effect during implantation due to its participation in tissue remodeling. MC proteases including tryptase and chymase activate the precursors of MMP2 and MMP9 to mediate ECM degradation during the physiologic menstrual cycle. There is a line of evidence that MCs have a role in abortion by releasing TNF‐α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in a concrete microstructure is a region of high porosity and low binding materials at the interface of cement paste and aggregate that causes significant reduction in compressive and flexural strengths and considerable increase in permeability of the concrete. Extensive research activities have been devoted to reduction of the ITZ, to avoid its negative effects on concrete properties. This research introduces reactive aggregate concrete (RAC), formed by partial replacement of natural aggregate with Portland cement (PC) clinker of the same size as a reactive aggregate in the concrete mix to reduce the ITZ and improve the concrete properties. After determining the optimum replacement level based on 28 and 60 d compressive strengths, the developed RAC was characterised by measuring its workability, setting time, compressive and flexural strengths, for varying age, water absorption, open-pore volume and chloride penetration depth. Microstructural studies of the ITZ were also performed using scanning electron microscopy. In all measurements, normal concrete was also considered for comparison purposes. The results confirm 121% and 33% enhancement in 7 and 90 d compressive strengths accompanied with 53, 19 and 22·4% reductions in 28 d chloride penetration depth, open-pore volume and water absorption, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, the mechanical injector (four orifices in nozzle) in a compression ignition single-cylinder engine (Daedong with the maximum power of 11 hp) was replaced with a common rail fuel injection system with a solenoid injector (eight orifices in nozzle) and the operation of the engine with both of these injectors was experimentally studied and compared. To do so, the operation of the solenoid injector in two different start of injection timings was analyzed. At first, the injection control system for the common rail solenoid injector system was designed and the ability to control direct injection of the fuel into the combustion chamber in terms of injection pressure, injection duration and the start of injection timing was achieved. After that, the function of the engine in combustion characteristics and emission aspects was investigated. The tests were performed in the fixed speed of 1150 rpm, in idle condition and in the low-load operation with a brake power of 1.22 kW on the engine. With the pressure data from the experiments, the heat release rate, total released energy, start of combustion, ignition delay, combustion duration, combustion efficiency and fuel conversion efficiency were calculated. The results showed that with replacing the mechanical injector with common rail solenoid injector system, in the same injection timing, in order to reach the same brake work in low-load operation, the combustion duration was extended, and also the combustion and fuel conversion efficiencies were increased by 7% and 3%, respectively. Besides, particulate matter (PM) and NOx emissions were reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper two-dimensional (2D), two-phase numerical model is proposed to investigate the effect of water velocity in the channel on the two-phase flow regime in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer porous transport layer (PTL). To simulate the movement of gas-liquid interface finite element method has been used. The model includes a porous media as PTL and a water channel. The water and air is considered as incompressible. The results showed different water velocities although causing different paths of two-phase flow in the PTL have little effect on the type of two-phase flow regimes in the porous media. On the other hand, different water velocities cause different two-phase flows in the channel. For effective removal of airflow in the PTL, the range of water velocities in which the two-phase flow regime in the channel is a bubbly flow is recommended. Therefore, the minimum velocity is necessary for the bubbly flow in the channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion phasing control is one of the most difficult challenges of operating this new concept of combustion. In this study, a dimethyl ether (DME)/natural gas (NG) blend fuel HCCI engine is simulated to investigate the effect of DME additive on the control of a NG HCCI start of combustion (SOC) timing. The studies are carried out in two sections. Firstly, different mole fractions of DME from 0 to 0.25% are thoroughly examined. In the second part, the effect of general equivalence ratio on the combustion phasing is studied. Moreover, in both sections, the studies are mainly focused on the influence of these two parameter variations on the SOC timing, auto-ignition temperature, heat flux, and heat capacity ratio. A 3D computational fluid dynamic AVL FIRE code coupled with CHEMKIN is adopted to simulate the HCCI combustion. Results showed that while DME amount increases in the mixture, a two-stage heat release rate would appear. DME additive can advance SOC and reduce requiring inlet temperature. Adding only 5% of DME would lead to 6.7-CAD change in SOC. Heat capacity ratio would lead to higher in-cylinder temperature during compression stroke, while equivalence ratio rises. 2.4 CAD change in SOC occurred for increasing equivalence ratio from 0.25 to 0.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-piercing propellers have been widely used in light and high-speed vessels because of their superior performance. Experimental study of these propellers is one of the most reliable and accurate ways which can provide details about the performance and effect of different design parameters on the performance of the surface-piercing propellers. In this research, a five-blade surface-piercing propeller was tested in the free surface water tunnel of Babol Noshirvani University of Technology in order to expand the available experimental data and database for future engineering designs. The effects of immersion ratio and shaft inclination angle on the propeller's efficiency and hydrodynamic coefficients were examined. A free surface water tunnel and a calibrated dynamometer with the measurability of the thrust forces and the torque of a propeller were used for this purpose. Comparing the obtained results with the existing semi-experimental equations shows that the equations presented in various geometric conditions are not accurate enough, and developing the existing database is necessary. The details of the obtained results showed that the hydrodynamic coefficients of the thrust and torque increased by increasing the immersion ratio, but the coefficient of hydrodynamic thrust and efficiency reduced. The results also indicated that the coefficient of torque increased by increasing the shaft inclination angle. The highest efficiency of the propeller was achieved in the range of 40 %–50 % immersion ratios at all angles of shaft inclination. For all immersion ratios, the maximum and minimum efficiencies were obtained at 0 and 15 shaft inclination angles, respectively. The best efficiency of the propeller was at 50 % immersion ratio and zero shaft inclination angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bee venom is a blend of biochemicals ranging from small peptides and enzymes to biogenic amines. It is capable of triggering severe immunologic reactions owing to its allergenic fraction. Venom components are presented to the T cells by antigen-presenting cells within the skin. These Th2 type T cells then release IL-4 and IL-13 which subsequently direct B cells to class switch to production of IgE. Generating venom-specific IgE and crosslinking FcεR1(s) on the surface of mast cells complete the sensitizing stage in allergic individuals who are most likely to experience severe and even fatal allergic reactions after being stung. Specific IgE for bee venom is a double-edged sword as it is a powerful mediator in triggering allergic events but is also applied successfully in diagnosis of the venom allergic patient. The healing capacity of bee venom has been rediscovered under laboratory-controlled conditions using animal models and cell cultures. The potential role of enzymatic fraction of bee venom including phospholipase A2 in the initiation and development of immune responses also has been studied in numerous research settings. Undoubtedly, having insights into immunologic interactions between bee venom components and innate/specific immune cells both locally and systematically will contribute to the development of immunologic strategies in specific and epitope-based immunotherapy especially in individuals with Hymenoptera venom allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low cost alkaline catalyst of dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) was used to stabilize acacia sawdust bio-oil mixed with methanol. The upgrading efficiency was evaluated in terms of the total acid number (TAN) and viscosity. A change in the dolomite calcination temperature from 700 to 900 °C led to a significant change in the TAN and viscosity of the methanol-added bio-oil. Dolomite activated at higher temperatures had larger amounts of active CaO and MgO species due to the enhanced decarboxylation of calcium and magnesium carbonates. An increase in the dolomite content (1-5 wt%) decreased the TAN value of bio-oil remarkably. A thermal aging test of the methanol-added bio-oil upgraded using dolomite (calcined at 900 °C) at 50 °C for 24 h was carried out by storing the bio-oil at 80 °C for one week. Although the TAN value increased after the aging process, it was still lower than the TAN of raw bio-oil. In addition, increasing the methanol content (10-30 wt%) decreased the TAN and viscosity of the bio-oil significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road transportation is the main energy consumer and major contributor of ever-increasing hazardous emissions. Transportation professionals have raised the idea of applying the green concept in various areas of transportation, including green highways, green vehicles and transit-oriented designs, to tackle the negative impact of road transportation. This research generated a new dimension called the green driver to remediate urgently the existing driving assessment models that have intensified emissions and energy consumption. In this regard, this study aimed to establish the green driver’s behaviors related to fuel saving and emission reduction. The study has two phases. Phase one involves investigating the driving behaviors influencing fuel saving and emission reduction through a systematic literature review and content analysis, which identified twenty-one variables classified into four clusters. These clusters included the following: (i) FEf1, which is driving style; (ii) FEf2, which is driving behavior associated with vehicle transmission; (iii) FEf3, which is driving behavior associated with road design and traffic rules; and (iv) FEf4, which is driving behavior associated with vehicle operational characteristics. The second phase involves validating phase one findings by applying the Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) method. The results of GGDM have established seventeen green driving behaviors. The study conducted the Green Value (GV) analysis for each green behavior on fuel saving and emission reduction. The study found that aggressive driving (GV = 0.16) interferes with the association between fuel consumption, emission and driver’s personalities. The research concludes that driver’s personalities (including physical, psychological and psychosocial characteristics) have to be integrated for advanced in-vehicle driver assistance system and particularly, for green driving accreditation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterfront revitalization would be an effective strategy to preserve heritages, conserve the contaminated or abandoned site and inspire the identity and authenticity. However, there is no decision support tool to quantify and evaluate the sustainability accreditation of waterfronts in tourism attraction. This research aimed to identify the most potential waterfront typology in tourism attraction and develop the waterfront sustainable revitalization (SWR) index assessment model. The SWR index can assist policy makers and urban developers to analyze the heritage waterfronts using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The research found out the historic waterfront has the highest potential in tourism attraction among other typologies. And, pollution moderator is mostly important sub-criterion in tourism absorption (WC2.2 = 0.1294); followed by Identity (WC1.2 = 0.1272) and Safety and well-being (WC1.3 = 0.1043). The SWR index can be applied in any waterfronts in heritage cities around the world, while this research implemented it as a case study in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Malaysia. It resulted Bandar Maharani was ranked as grade C; means, usable waterfront to which extent environmental, social and physical revitalization are needed. The SWR index can be coupled with other decision-making methods in future, to reduce its inconsistencies and increasing accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]