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Due to the non-selective behavior of gas sensors in electronic nose (e-nose) systems, the provided signals in exposure to target analytes contain un-needed information. These are considered as noise reducing the detection accuracy. Feature selection, as a pre-processing step in data analysis, removes extra information from the sensors' signals and provides a more relevant data matrix with lower dimensionality to enhance the system selectivity. In the high-dimensional sensor array response spaces, it is however essential to improve the conventional algorithms to be able to cope with complicated feature selection problem. In this study, in order to acquire optimal responses from the gas sensor array of an e-nose system and increase its selectivity for detection of rice type and its storage duration (freshness), the feature selection problem was formulated in an optimization framework. For this reason, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) with an automatic stagnation detecting system was enhanced by genetic operators of differential evolution. This helped acquiring more exploration ability through providing oriented jumps. It was revealed that the system's detection accuracy was improved when smaller subset of features was utilized instead of the whole response, indicating that the sensor array signals included large amount of irrelevant information. The improved PSO could significantly present lower error values than the standard PSO and other examined conventional algorithms. It was concluded the developed algorithm has the potential to be applied as a promising feature selection algorithm in high-dimensional signals of the e-nose systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The global emergence of carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered a significant contemporary concern., as carbapenems are the last resort for treating infections caused by multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the carbapenem‐resistance genes in extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producing K. pneumoniae isolates. Methods: Seventy‐five non‐duplicate clinical K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from urine, blood, sputum, and wound samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests for 12 different antibiotics were performed using the disk diffusion method, followed by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations of imipenem and meropenem. Phenotypic detection of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase and carbapenemase enzymes was performed by double‐disc synergy test and modified Hodge test, respectively. PCR assay further investigated resistant isolates for extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase and carbapenemase‐encoding genes. Results: The highest and lowest resistance rates were observed against ampicillin (93.3%) and tigecycline (9.3%). According to phenotypic tests, 46.7% of isolates were positive for extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase enzymes and 52.8% for carbapenemase. A total of 11 isolates contained carbapenemase genes, with blaOXA‐48 (19.4%; 7/36) being the predominant gene, followed by blaNDM (8.3%; 3/36). Conclusion: The study's findings reveal the alarming prevalence of beta‐lactamase enzymes in K. pneumoniae strains. Early detection of carbapenem‐resistant isolates and effective infection control measures are necessary to minimise further spread, as carbapenem resistance has become a public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy foliar traits serve as crucial indicators of plant health and productivity, forming a vital link between plant conditions and ecosystem dynamics. In this study, the use of hyperspectral data and foliar traits for white pine needle damage (WPND) detection was investigated for the first time. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L., EWP), a species of ecological and economic significance in the Northeastern USA, faces a growing threat from WPND. We used field-measured leaf traits and hyperspectral remote sensing data using parametric and non-parametric methods for WPND detection in the green stage. Results indicated that the random forest (RF) model based solely on remotely sensed spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) demonstrated the highest accuracy of nearly 87% and Kappa coefficient (K) of 0.68 for disease classification into asymptomatic and symptomatic classes. The combination of field-measured traits and remote sensing data indicated an overall accuracy of 77% with a Kappa coefficient (K) of 0.46. These findings contribute valuable insights and highlight the potential of both field-derived foliar and remote sensing data for WPND detection in EWP. With an exponential rise in forest pests and pathogens in recent years, remote sensing techniques can prove beneficial for the timely and accurate detection of disease and improved forest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate dryland wheat genotypes' performance under different pre-crop and residue managements under dryland conditions, a split–split plot experiment based on the RCB design, with three replications, was conducted for two years (2017–2018 and 2018–2019). The site of the study has a long-term average precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity of 376 mm, 9 °C, and 50%, respectively. Wheat–wheat and vetch–wheat cropping systems were considered in the main plots, different wheat and vetch residue levels, including 0, 2, and 4 t ha−1, were located in the subplots, and five dryland wheat genotypes, including Sadra, Hashtroud, Baran, Varan, and Ohadi, were allocated in the sub-sub plots. The results indicated that the leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI) and stomatal conductance (gs) were greater in the vetch–wheat cropping system compared to the wheat monoculture system for all genotypes. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the genotypes improved by applying the crop residue. Over two years, the application of crop residues resulted in higher variable fluorescence at the J and I steps, as well as an increase in the photosynthesis performance index (PI). The Varan and Baran genotypes stood out as the superior genotype, exhibiting the highest values in physiological characteristics and grain yield under the application of 4 t ha−1 of vetch residue. The grain-filling rate (GFR) was reduced, while the grain-filling duration (GFD) was increased with increasing the crop residue levels. The enhanced grain yield of the wheat genotypes grown under vetch residue was attributed to factors such as improvement in leave pigments and photosynthetic efficiency, which facilitate longer grain filling duration, with high grain weight. As a result, it is advisable to adopt a vetch–wheat cropping system with a high proportion of crop residue in dryland regions to achieve increased and sustainable wheat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into leveraging nanomaterials to enhance building material performance has shown significant progress in recent decades. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2), a prevalent chemical element in ceramics, glass, sand, cement, and binders, have been a focus. This study delved into the impact of varying nanosilica (NS) percentages (ranging from 0 to 2.5% of LRP weight) on lime-based pastes for roofs and screeds (LRP), commonly used in building insulation. Specimens underwent demolding after 48 h, with 75% treated at 40, 60, and 80 °C for 7 h and then cured at room temperature for 3, 7, and 28 days. Analysis revealed that SiO2 and CaO in LRP transformed into calcium silicate and calcium carbonate during hydration. The addition of NS notably enhanced compressive strength by facilitating calcium silicate formation and reducing pore structures, with the best results at 40 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a significant weight loss reduction (2.3 times less) in samples with 2.5% NS content compared to those without. Optimal NS content percentages of 1.5% and 2.5%, replacing LRP at water/binder ratios of 0.6 and 0.75, respectively, were identified based on tensile and compressive strengths and desirable flowability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac disorders exhibit considerable heterogeneity, and understanding their genetic foundations is crucial for their diagnosis and treatment. Recent genetic analyses involving a growing number of participants have uncovered novel mutations within both coding and non-coding regions of DNA, contributing to the onset of cardiac conditions. The NEXN gene, encoding the Nexilin protein, an actin filament–binding protein, is integral to normal cardiac function. Mutations in this gene have been linked to cardiomyopathies, cardiovascular disorders, and sudden deaths. Heterozygous or homozygous variants of the NEXN gene are associated with the development of endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE), a rare cardiac condition characterized by excessive collagen and elastin deposition in the left ventricular endocardium predominantly affecting infants and young children. EFE occurs both primary and secondary to other conditions and often leads to unfavorable prognoses and outcomes. This review explores the role of NEXN genetic variants in cardiovascular disorders, particularly EFE, revealing that functional mutations are not clustered in a specific domain of Nexilin based on the cardiac disorder phenotype. Our review underscores the importance of understanding genetic mutations for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the represented research is to provide a comprehensive model for predicting the type of audit opinion based on a number of machine learning algorithms in some companies in the Tehran Stock Exchange. In order to achieve this goal, 1,606 company-years (146 companies for 11 years) observations collected from the annual financial reports of companies admitted to the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2020 have been tested. In this study, six machine learning algorithms (decision tree and regression, random forest, neural network, nearest neighbor, logit regression, support vector machine) and also two methods of selecting the final variables of the research (two samples mean comparing test, forward step-by-step selection method) has been used for the model creation. The results show that the overall accuracy of decision tree and regression, random forest, neural network, nearest neighbor, logit regression, and support vector machine procedures respectively are 78.7%, 77.7%, 76.9%, 74.6%, 78.3%, and 76.7%. Regarding the obtained outcomes, the decision tree and regression algorithm outperform in forecasting the type of audit opinion compared to other studied methods. Meanwhile, in general, the result of variable selection techniques illustrates that the step-by-step method is far more effective. Hence, in the studied companies in the Tehran Stock Exchange, the step-by-step method and the decision tree and regression algorithm provide the most efficient model for the prediction of the audit opinion type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur (S) is an essential element for life on Earth. Plants are able to take up and utilize sulfate (SO42–), the most oxidized inorganic form of S compounds on Earth, through the reductive S assimilatory pathway that couples with photosynthetic energy conversion. Organic S compounds are subsequently synthesized in plants and made accessible to animals, primarily as the amino acid methionine. Thus, plant S metabolism clearly has nutritional importance in the global food chain. S metabolites may be part of redox regulation and drivers of essential metabolic pathways as cofactors and prosthetic groups, such as Fe–S centers, CoA, thiamine, and lipoic acid. The evolution of the S metabolic pathways and enzymes reflects the critical importance of functional innovation and diversifications. Here we review the major evolutionary alterations that took place in S metabolism across different scales and outline research directions that may take advantage of understanding the evolutionary adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The apparent lack of additional missense mutations data on mixed-phenotype leukemia is noteworthy. Single amino acid substitution by these non-synonymous single nucleotide variations can be related to many pathological conditions and may influence susceptibility to disease. This case-control study aimed to unravel whether the ZAP70 missense variant (rs104893674 (C > A)) underpinning mixed-phenotype leukemia. Methods: The rs104893674 was genotyped in clients who were mixed-phenotype acute leukemia-, acute lymphoblastic leukemia- and acute myeloid leukemia-positive and matched healthy controls, which have been referred to all major urban hospitals from multiple provinces of country- wide, IRAN, from February 11' 2019 to June 10' 2023, by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. Direct sequencing for rs104893674 of the ZAP70 gene was performed in a 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Results: We found that the AC genotype of individuals with A allele at this polymorphic site (heterozygous variant-type) contribute to the genetic susceptibility to acute leukemia of both forms, acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia as well as with a mixed phenotype. In other words, the ZAP70 missense variant (rs104893674 (C > A)) increases susceptibility of distinct cell populations of different (myeloid and lymphoid) lineages to exhibiting cancer phenotype. The results were all consistent with genotype data obtained using a direct DNA sequencing technique. Conclusion: Of special interest are pathogenic missense mutations, since they generate variants that cause specific molecular phenotypes through protein destabilization. Overall, we discovered that the rs104893674 (C > A) variant chance in causing mixed-phenotype leukemia is relatively high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which compared the effectiveness of transforaminal magnesium sulfate and steroid injections in radicular back pain management. Topics explored include the prevalence and potential causes of radicular back pain, the advantages of transforaminal steroid injection such as lower injection volume and increased specificity, and the use of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the assessment of pain intensity and functional disability.

Infrared thermography (IRT), as a non-contact condition monitoring (CM) technique, measures the temperature distribution of machines and components to detect anomalous thermal behaviour. It is usually considered as a complementarytechnique and nowadays is used in a wide variety of industrial applications. In this paper, two commonly used criteria to assess the condition of machines based on the infrared thermography technique, ie absolute and relative temperature criteria, are represented. Then, the importance of the temperature trend in condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of machines and components is described. The ThermaITrend software, which was developed in the Condition Monitoring Unit, Smelting Department, Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex in Rafsanjan, Iran, is introduced and its most important and unique features are discussed. This software package helps thermographers toorganise thermal images and provides the temperaturetrends of machines and components that are under regular monitoring. Finally, some industrial case studies on the usefulness and applicability of the infrared thermography technique and the ThermaITrend software are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are a family of thermoplastic elastomers with great properties such as high elongation and excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, which are processable by conventional melting methods. Nevertheless, TPUs lose mechanical properties and thermal stability at higher temperatures. In this work, we designed and synthesized a new TPU with limited crosslinking of the soft segments in order to improve its performance at high temperatures while preserving processability. Additionally, the new TPU maintains its transparency. With the incorporation of 10% trifunctional polyol, the Tg was increased by 7°C, the storage modulus at room temperature (25°C) was improved by 412 MPa (136%), the rubbery plateau was extended by 32°C and the thermal stability was enhanced by 4°C at T5. Moreover, the TPU with controlled crosslinking of the soft segments shows exceptional creep behavior both at room temperature and at 150°C, where the creep rate decreased by 80%. The new TPU shows limited decrease in tensile properties and can be processed by conventional thermoplastic processing techniques. Highlights: Design and synthesis of a new TPU with limited crosslinking of the soft segments.Incorporation of the crosslinks into the soft segments preserves system processability.Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties while preserving system transparency.High temperature application window extended by 32°C.Creep rate at 150°C lowered by 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burn patients are at high risk of developing secondary invasive fungal infections due to their compromised skin barrier, extensive use of antibiotics, and immunosuppression. Objectives: We investigated demographic characteristics and clinical factors associated with Candida infections in intensive care unit (ICU) burn patients, and the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of species of isolates. Methods: A total of 353 burn patients admitted to three major ICUs of burn centers in Iran were evaluated between 2021 and 2023. Patients were considered as colonisation and candidemia. Demographic characteristics, burn‐related factors, and clinical conditions were compared among the groups. Furthermore, we identified fungi at the species level and performed antifungal susceptibility testing according to CLSI guidelines. Results: Overall, 46.2% of patients were colonised with a Candida species, leading to candidemia in 15.3%. The most frequently isolated species from candidemia and burn wound colonisation were Candida parapsilosis (37.0%) and Candida albicans (31.9%), respectively. Risk factors linked to candidemia included larger total body surface area (TBSA) (>50%), older patients, indwelling catheters, diabetes, and an extended ICU stay. Mortality rate was higher among candidemia patients (82.5%) compared to colonised patients (7.3%). The resistance rate of the strains isolated from candidemia to fluconazole and voriconazole was 28% and 18.2%, respectively. Conclusion: We found that a higher percentage of TBSA burn injuries, longer hospital stays, and catheterization are important predictors of candidemia. The mortality rate was significantly higher in people infected with non‐albicans Candida species. Prevention and treatment strategies for candidemia should be based on updated, regional epidemiological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While considerable scholarship has explored responsibilities owed to research participants at the conclusion of explanatory clinical trials, no guidance exists regarding responsibilities owed at the conclusion of a pragmatic clinical trial (PCT). Yet post‐trial responsibilities in PCTs present distinct considerations from those emphasized in existing guidance and prior scholarship. Among these considerations include the responsibilities of the healthcare delivery systems in which PCTs are embedded, and decisions about implementation for interventions that demonstrate meaningful benefit following their integration into usual care settings—or deimplementation for those that fail to do so. In this article, we present an overview of prior scholarship and guidance on post‐trial responsibilities, and then identify challenges for post‐trial responsibilities for PCTs. We argue that, given one of the key rationales for PCTs is that they can facilitate uptake of their results by relevant decision‐makers, there should be a presumptive default that PCT study results be incorporated into future care delivery processes. Fulfilling this responsibility will require prospective planning by researchers, healthcare delivery system leaders, institutional review boards, and sponsors, so as to ensure that the knowledge gained from PCTs does, in fact, influence real‐world practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the short anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury (ACL‐RSI) (Persian) version's cultural adaption and validity. Methods: To assess test–retest reliability, 102 participants were filled out the short ACL‐RSI(Per) scale 6 months or more after ACLR surgery. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), construct validity (Pearson's r) and sensitivity (floor/ceiling effect) were determined. In addition, patient completed other relevant measures such as Lysholm scores, the hospital for special surgery ACL satisfaction survey (HSS ACL‐SS), the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and patient's satisfaction, the Tegner activity score (TAS), the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) and the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS). Results: The short ACL‐RSI(Per) scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.923). Significant correlations between short ACL‐RSI(Per) and other scales supported validity. There was a statistically significant connection between the short ACL‐RSI(Per) and the following outcomes: HSS ACL‐SS (r = 0.698, p < 0.001), VAS pain (r = 0.356, p < 0.001), CKRS (r = 0.644, p < 0.001), TAS (r = 0414, p < 0.001), Lysholm score (r = 0.467, p < 0.001) and SANE score (r = 0.536; p < 0.001). In addition to a satisfactory ceiling impact (15%), a sizeable floor effect (16.7%) was also seen. Conclusion: The short ACL‐RSI(Per) scale is a reliable and valid tool for assessing psychological readiness for return to sport after ACL reconstruction in Persian. Level of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates using magnesium foliar spray to enhance mint plants' growth and physiological performance under cadmium toxicity. It examines the effects of foliar application of magnesium oxide (40 mg L−1), in both nano and bulk forms, on mint plants exposed to cadmium stress (60 mg kg−1 soil). Cadmium stress reduced root growth and activity, plant biomass (32%), leaf hydration (19%), chlorophyll levels (27%), magnesium content (51%), and essential oil yield (35%), while increasing oxidative and osmotic stress in leaf tissues. Foliar application of magnesium increased root growth (32%), plant biomass, essential oil production (17%), leaf area (24%), chlorophyll content (10%), soluble sugar synthesis (33%), and antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced lipid peroxidation and osmotic stress. Although the nano form of magnesium enhanced magnesium absorption, its impact on growth and physiological performance was not significantly different from the bulk form. Therefore, foliar application of both forms improves plants' ability to withstand cadmium toxicity. However, the study is limited by its focus on a single plant species and specific environmental conditions, which may affect the generalizability of the results. The long-term sustainability of such treatments could provide a more comprehensive understanding of magnesium's role in mitigating heavy metal stress in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creative cities are known as places for innovation and the growth of creativity, and in fact, the creative city is a favourable environment for training human creativity and attracting the creative class, providing an appropriate foundation for educating its residents' creativity. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which Tehran's neighbourhoods have the characteristics of a creative city. The descriptive-analytical research method was used for this purpose. Documents are used to collect data in four dimensions: quality of life, human capital, social capital, and innovation. The statistical population of the study was the 22 districts of Tehran, and the research indicators included 28 indicators of the creative city in the form of 7 general dimensions. The data analysis method used was quantitative–qualitative. Using the multi-indicator ELECTRE-II method for ranking areas based on creative city indicators, districts 1 and 6 in Tehran are ranked first, and districts 17, 16, 10, and 9 are ranked last in terms of creativity. Finally, Tehran has the potential to become a creative city, but this requires the removal of existing flaws and obstacles, as well as well-codified and legal planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: During the coronavirus pandemic, the overuse of antibiotics to reduce coinfections and mortality may be contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we aim to investigate the antibiotic resistance changes of Acinetobacter baumannii post-COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional study. Between 2022 and 2023, 2190 clinical samples were collected from patients with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) at four hospitals in Sari, which served as corona centers after the COVID-19 pandemic. Antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using standard broth macro-dilution, and resistance genes were detected using multiplex PCR. Results: Based on the results co-amoxiclav had a resistance rate of 100%, while piperacillin/tazobactam showed the least resistance rate of 29.82%. In terms of GM MIC values, colistin was the most potent against multi-drug resistant isolates. The frequency of bla OXA-51, ampC, aphA6, and bla NDM genes were 100%, 99.12%, 90.35%, and 69.30% respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed high multi-drug resistance rates. Piperacillin/tazobactam recommended for treating multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections in Northern Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges, since the advancement of convolutional neural networks is how to connect the extracted feature map to the final classification layer. VGG models used two sets of fully connected layers for the classification part of their architectures, which significantly increased the number of models’ weights. ResNet and the next deep convolutional models used the global average pooling layer to compress the feature map and feed it to the classification layer. Although using the GAP layer reduces the computational cost, but also causes losing spatial resolution of the feature map, which results in decreasing learning efficiency. In this paper, we aim to tackle this problem by replacing the GAP layer with a new architecture called Wise-SrNet. It is inspired by the depthwise convolutional idea and is designed for processing spatial resolution while not increasing computational cost. We have evaluated our method using three different datasets they are Intel Image Classification Challenge, MIT Indoors Scenes, and a part of the ImageNet dataset. We investigated the implementation of our architecture on several models of the Inception, ResNet, and DenseNet families. Applying our architecture has revealed a significant effect on increasing convergence speed and accuracy. Our experiments on images with 224224 resolution increased the Top-1 accuracy between 2 to 8% on different datasets and models. Running our models on 512512 resolution images of the MIT Indoors Scenes dataset showed a notable result of improving the Top-1 accuracy within 3 to 26%. We will also demonstrate the GAP layer’s disadvantage when the input images are large and the number of classes is not few. In this circumstance, our proposed architecture can do a great help in enhancing classification results. The code is shared at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is the most common respiratory disorder among premature infants. The use of surfactant has significantly reduced respiratory complications and mortality. There are two conventional methods for administering surfactant: Intubate-Surfactant-Extubate (INSURE) and Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA). This study aims to compare the effects of surfactant administration using these two methods on the treatment outcomes of premature newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 100 premature newborns with RDS and spontaneous breathing who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj city in 2021. Exclusion criteria comprised congenital anomalies and the needing for intubation for resuscitation at birth. The outcomes of empirically treated with two methods were compared: the LISA (50 neonates) and the INSURE (50 neonates). Our interesting outcomes were needing for mechanical ventilation, duration of medical ventilation, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, severe retinopathy, CPAP duration, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Finally, we entered the data into STATA-14 statistical software and analyzed it using chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS: In this study, 69% of the neonates were boys. The LISA group exhibited significantly lower rates of need for mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003) and ventilation duration (P < 0.001) compared to the INSURE group. Conversely, there were no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05) in terms of pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, severe retinopathy, CPAP duration, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the LISA method is a safe and non-invasive approach for surfactant administration. Notably, it resulted in a reduced need for mechanical ventilation and decreased ventilation duration compared to the INSURE method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the use of biological methods of synthesis of nanoparticles as substitutes for methods that use high energy and consumption of expensive and dangerous materials is of interest to researchers all over the world. Biological methods of synthesising metal nanoparticles are very important because they are easy, affordable, safe, environmentally friendly and able to control the size and shape of nanoparticles. One of the methods that is of interest today is the use of bacteriophages as the most abundant organisms in nature in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Nanomaterials biosynthesized from phages have shown various clinical applications, including antimicrobial activities, biomedical sensors, drug and gene delivery systems, cancer treatment and tissue regeneration. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to investigate the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles with phages and their biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data access committees (DAC) gatekeep access to secured genomic and related health datasets yet are challenged to keep pace with the rising volume and complexity of data generation. Automated decision support (ADS) systems have been shown to support consistency, compliance, and coordination of data access review decisions. However, we lack understanding of how DAC members perceive the value add of ADS, if any, on the quality and effectiveness of their reviews. In this qualitative study, we report findings from 13 semi-structured interviews with DAC members from around the world to identify relevant barriers and facilitators to implementing ADS for genomic data access management. Participants generally supported pilot studies that test ADS performance, for example in cataloging data types, verifying user credentials and tagging datasets for use terms. Concerns related to over-automation, lack of human oversight, low prioritization, and misalignment with institutional missions tempered enthusiasm for ADS among the DAC members we engaged. Tensions for change in institutional settings within which DACs operated was a powerful motivator for why DAC members considered the implementation of ADS into their access workflows, as well as perceptions of the relative advantage of ADS over the status quo. Future research is needed to build the evidence base around the comparative effectiveness and decisional outcomes of institutions that do/not use ADS into their workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to determine whether a correlation could be discerned between perfusion acquired through ASL MRI and metabolic data acquired via 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Methods: ASL MRI and 18F-FDG PET data were gathered from 22 mTLE patients. Relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) asymmetry index (AIs) were measured using ASL MRI, and standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) maps were obtained from 18F-FDG PET, focusing on bilateral vascular territories and key bitemporal lobe structures (amygdala, hippocampus, and parahippocampus). Intra-group comparisons were carried out to detect hypoperfusion and hypometabolism between the left and right brain hemispheres for both rCBF and SUVr in right and left mTLE. Correlations between the two AIs computed for each modality were examined. Results: Significant correlations were observed between rCBF and SUVr AIs in the middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and hippocampus. Significant correlations were also found in vascular territories of the distal posterior, intermediate anterior, intermediate middle, proximal anterior, and proximal middle cerebral arteries. Intra-group comparisons unveiled significant differences in rCBF and SUVr between the left and right brain hemispheres for right mTLE, while hypoperfusion and hypometabolism were infrequently observed in any intracranial region for left mTLE. Conclusion: The study's findings suggest promising concordance between hypometabolism estimated by 18F-FDG PET and hypoperfusion determined by ASL perfusion MRI. This raises the possibility that, with prospective technical enhancements, ASL perfusion MRI could be considered an alternative modality to 18F-FDG PET in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas dispersion in non-Newtonian fluids has numerous applications in many chemical and biochemical applications. However, the effect of the power-law model constants describing the rheological behavior of the pseudoplastic fluid has never been investigated. Thus, a numerical model was developed to simulate the hydrodynamics of gas dispersion in non-Newtonian fluids with a coaxial mixer. Then, a set of experiments was conducted to assess the mass transfer efficacy of a coaxial mixer to benchmark the numerical model. In this regard, various methods, including dynamic gassing-in and electrical resistance tomography methods, were used to quantify the mass transfer and gas hold-up profiles. The influence of fluid rheological properties, gas flow number, and rotating mode on the power consumption, mass transfer coefficient, bubble size profile, and hydrodynamics were examined both experimentally and numerically. The response surface model (RSM) was employed to explore the individual effects of power-law model constants on mass transfer. The RSM model utilized five levels for the consistency index (k), five levels for the flow index (n), and three levels for the gas flow number. The statistical model proposed that the absolute model constants for the flow and consistency indices were 0.0012 and 0.0010, respectively, for the co-rotating mixer. Conversely, for the counter-rotating mixer, these constants were 0.0010 and 0.0013, respectively. Therefore, this study revealed that the co-rotating coaxial mixer was well-suited for dispersing gas within a fluid with high consistency. In contrast, the counter-rotating mixer proved effective in enhancing gas dispersion within a fluid with a lower flow index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid hydrodynamic stress has a deterministic effect on the morphology of filamentous fungi. Although the coaxial mixer has been recognized as a suitable gas dispersion system for minimizing inhomogeneities within a bioreactor, its performance for achieving enhanced oxygen transfer while operating at a reduced shear environment has not been investigated yet, specifically upon scale-up. Therefore, the influence of the impeller type, aeration rate, and central impeller retrofitting on the efficacy of an abiotic coaxial system containing a shear-thinning fluid was examined. The aim was to assess the hydrodynamic parameters, including stress, mass transfer, bubble size, and gas hold-up, upon conducting a scale-up study. The investigation was conducted through dynamic gassing-in, tomography, and computational fluid dynamics combined with population balance methods. It was observed that the coaxial bioreactor performance was strongly influenced by the agitator type. In addition, coaxial bioreactors are scalable in terms of shear environment and oxygen transfer rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, one of the main purposes of wastewater treatment plants is to achieve a neutral or positive energy balance while meeting the discharge criteria. Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology is a promising technology that has low energy and footprint requirements as well as high treatment performance. The effect of co-treatment of municipal wastewater and food waste (FW) on the treatment performance, granule morphology, and settling behavior of the granules was investigated in the study. A biochemical methane potential (BMP) test was also performed to assess the methane potential of mono- and co-digestion of the excess sludge from the AGS process. The addition of FW into wastewater enhanced the nutrient treatment efficiency in the AGS process. BMP of the excess sludge from the AGS process fed with the mixture of wastewater and FW (195 ± 17 mL CH4/g VS) was slightly higher than BMP of excess sludge from the AGS process fed with solely wastewater (173 ± 16 mL CH4/g VS). The highest methane yield was observed for co-digestion of excess sludge from the AGS process and FW, which was 312 ± 8 mL CH4/g VS. Integration of FW as a co-substrate in the AGS process would potentially enhance energy recovery and the quality of effluent in municipal wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this article is to investigate the impact of various financial, economic, and political risks and economic complexity on the development of the Sukuk market in the Iranian economy. The data required to conduct this research based on the variables of the proposed model were used from the Capital Market Central Asset Management Company, the International Country Risk Guide (ICRG) database, and the MIT University website. The data relating to 2010-2022 is seasonal, and REVIEWS 13 software was used. The model estimation results using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model Approach (NARDL) show that the negative shock of political risk reduces the development of the Sukuk market in the short and long term. The negative shock of financial risk in the long term has a negative impact on the development of the Sukuk market. The negative shock of economic complexity reduces the development of the Sukuk market in the short term. The positive shocks of political risk, financial risk, economic risk, and economic complexity in the short and long term led to the development of the Sukuk market. Among the three types of risk, political risk and financial risk have the most impact on sukuk market development. The error correction coefficient in this estimate is negative and statistically significant, which shows that 0.42% of the short-term imbalance is adjusted to reach the long-term balance every year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a risk-adjusted Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control chart for computer-based performance monitoring in cardiac surgery. Patients have distinct risk factors that impact the surgical process before it even begins. As a result, risk adjustment is carried out utilizing the Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model to consider these factors. Before using the risk-adjusted EWMA chart, the optimal parameter design should be established, considering the required statistical and economic factors. A model for Multi-Objective Decision Making (MODM) with multiple assignable causes has been proposed to accomplish this. The model is solved using a two-stage methodology based on the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) method and the VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) method. An actual case study for cardiovascular patients has been undertaken to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the suggested model. The multi-objective and pure economic models have been thoroughly compared. The economic model with statistical constraints and the multi-objective model have also been compared again. The findings suggest that the multi-objective design of the risk-adjusted EWMA chart exhibits higher statistical performance in both cases against a small augment in cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coaxial bioreactors are known for effectively dispersing gas inside non-Newtonian fluids. However, due to their design complexity, many aspects of their design and function, including the relationship between hydrodynamics and bioreactor efficiency, remain unexplored. Nowadays, various numerical models, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and artificial intelligence models, provide exceptional opportunities to investigate the performance of coaxial bioreactors. For the first time, this study applied various machine learning models, both classifiers and regressors, to predict the torque generated by a coaxial bioreactor. In this regard, 500 CFD simulations at different aeration rates, central impeller speeds, anchor impeller speeds, and rotating modes were conducted. The results obtained from the CFD simulations were used to train and test the machine learning models. Careful feature scaling and k-fold cross-validation were performed to enhance all models' performance and prevent overfitting. A key finding of the study was the importance of selecting the right features for the model. It turns out that just by knowing the speed of the central impeller and the torque generated by the coaxial bioreactor, the rotating mode can be labelled with perfect accuracy using k-nearest neighbors (kNN) or support vector machine models. Moreover, regression models, including multi-layer perceptron, kNN, and random forest, were examined to predict the torque of the coaxial impellers. The results showed that the random forest model outperformed all other models. Finally, the feature importance analysis indicated that the rotating mode was the most significant parameter in determining the torque value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research new derivatives of pyrroles in good yields were prepared using multicomponent reactions of amoxicillin, activated acetylenic compounds, and alkyl bromides in water as solvent at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amounts of active carbon. The short time of reaction, high yields of product, and easy separation of them are some advantages of this procedure. In this research, the adsorption process was investigated for cefixime and amoxicillin as antibiotic drugs removal using active carbon and zeolite as organic and natural adsorbents in continuous and batch reactors in lab-scale, and the experiments were continued continuously using an adsorbent that absorbed more the two drugs. According to obtained results, the active carbon adsorbed both cefixime and amoxicillin but the zeolite did not adsorb the amoxicillin but adsorbed the high percentage of cefixime in the batch procedure. It can be concluded that some advantages of the continuous process compared to batch reactor are high performance of adsorbent, short time of process, and high percentage of adsorption. Green chemistry is the use of a set of principles to reduce or eliminate the use or generation of unsafe materials in the design, fabrication, and applications of chemical products. Among solvents, water is a green solvent and very suitable for performing organic reaction. The present procedure avoids the use of toxic solvents. According to obtained results, the active carbon adsorbed both cefixime and amoxicillin, but the zeolite did not adsorb the amoxicillin but adsorbed the high percentage of cefixime in the batch procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inactivity and passive lifestyle have led to an increase in mortality and the incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of rhythmic exercises with music on IGFBP-3, insulin resistance index and quality of life in women with different body mass indices. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 33 sedentary women were randomly divided into three groups: exercise + normal)body mass index [BMI] 20 to 24.9 kg/m²) (n= 11), exercise + overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m²) (n=11), and exercise + obese (BMI 30 to 34.9 kg/m²) (n=11). The rhythmic exercise program consisted of 8 weeks, three sessions per week and each session was performed for 45 to 60 minutes with an intensity equal to 60 to 70% HRmax. The paired t-test and one-way ANOVA with repeated measures were used to compare changes within and between groups. Results: The results showed that the time interaction in the groups in terms of IGFBP-3, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and quality of life was not statistically significant. The results of the comparison of withingroup means showed that in the normal body mass index group, the overweight and obese groups, IGFBP-3 levels, quality of life have significantly increased. In the overweight and obese body mass index groups, serum insulin levels, glucose, and insulin resistance index significantly decreased. Conclusion(s): Rhythmic exercise increased IGFBP-3 concentration and decreased fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index in all three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, research into nanomaterials' role in improving building materials' performance has grown and produced excellent results. As a chemical element, SiO2 is observed in many building materials, such as ceramics, glass, sand, cement, pastes, and binders. In the building materials category, standard lime-based pastes for roofs and screeds (LRP) are used as building insulation materials (BIMS). LRP is a complicated multilayer system composed of various binders and ingredients. This study investigated the effect of various percentages of nanosilica (NS) replacement from 0 to 2.5% by the weight of the LRP. The specimens were demolded after 48 h, and 75% of the total samples were separated and treated for 7 h at different heat temperatures (T) of 40, 60, and 80 °C. After heat treatment, all samples were cured at room temperature (T = 25 °C) for 3, 7, and 28 days. The XRF and EDX analysis indicated that the LRP consisted of SiO2 and CaO, which primarily transformed into calcium silicate and calcium carbonate throughout the hydration processes. The increase in compressive strength indicated that the addition of NS played an important role in forming calcium silicate during hydration and reduced pore structures. In addition, the highest compressive strength results were obtained at T = 40 °C. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis showed that the sample with 2.5% NS had a weight loss of 2.3 times less than the sample without NS content. Based on the compressive strength and acceptable flowability, the optimal percentages of NS content replaced with LRP at the water/binder ratios (w/b) of 60% and 75% were obtained to be 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively. In terms of modeling criteria, the full quadratic model was the most accurate model to predict the compressive strength as a function of w/b, T, curing age (t), and NS (%), of LRP, with a higher coefficient of determination (R2) and lower root mean square error (RMSE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research the one-pot multicomponent reactions of cefixime (CFX), activated acetylenic compounds and alkyl bromids in water as solvent at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amounts of ZnO/Fe3O 4 @MWCNTs magnetic nanocomposites as catalyst was investigated which was produced new derivatives of pyrroles in good yields. In this research, the high performance of nanocatalyat ZnO/Fe3O4@MWCNTs magnetic nanocomposites was synthesized by using water extract of Petasits hybridus leaves, which was utilized in these reactions for many times to confirm the reusability of nanocatalyst. and utilized as an environmental-friendly adsorbent for cefixime (CFX) and amoxicillin (AMX) removal. The adsorption parameters, including the initial CFX and AMX concentration, contact time; solution pH, temperature, and adsorbent dosage were investigated. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm were well fitted by the pseudo second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The short time of reaction, high yields of product and easy separation of catalyst and product are some advantages of this procedure. Green chemistry is the use of a set of principles to reduce or eliminate the use or generation of unsafe materials in the design, fabrication and applications of chemical products. Among solvents, water is a green solvents and very suitable for performing organic reaction. The present procedure avoids the use of toxic solvent. According to obtained results, the active carbon adsorbed the both of cefixime and amoxicillin but the zeolite didn't adsorb the amoxicillin but adsorbed the high percentage of cefixime in the batch procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuous epidural infusion (CEI) has been an optimal and acceptable technique for inducing epidural anesthesia. This study compared two methods of programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) with CEI in labor analgesia among patients receiving epidural dexmedetomidine. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. The target population was term women candidates for epidural anesthesia. After selection of sample size based on inclusion criteria, a total of 3 cc of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/ml) and Ropivacaine 0.1% was injected. Furthermore, 5 ml was injected as a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg /ml and Ropivacaine 0.1%. Then the pain score was recorded. SPSS software Version 23 was used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The neonatal Apgar score in PIEB method was more improved (P = 0.003) and the use of assisted delivery tools such as vacuum, in PIEB method was reduced. (p=0.038) Duration of the first phase of the labor in this method was more reduced than CEI.(p=0.015) Patients in the group undergoing epidural anesthesia by PIEB method were associated with a higher level of satisfaction with the delivery process (p < 0.05) than patients undergoing CEI protocol. Conclusion: PIEB method is associated with further improvement in neonatal Apgar score and maternal outcomes (reduction in the duration of the first phase of labor and no need to use assisted delivery methods) compared to the CEI protocol, but has little effect on hemodynamic conditions or drug dosage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on developing a bioethics research agenda for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled decision-making tools, particularly the Personalized Patient Preference Predictor (P4). Topics include the ethical implications of using AI systems to make substituted judgments in healthcare, challenges in capturing accurate personal preferences, and the potential benefits of AI tools when human surrogates are unavailable or incapable of making decisions.

Experimental and modeling studies have been conducted to develop an approach for self-cleansing rigid boundary open channel design such as drainage and sewer systems. Self-cleansing experiments in the literature are mostly performed on circular channel cross-section, while a few studies considered self-cleansing sediment transport in small rectangular channels. Experiments in this study were carried out in a rectangular channel with a length of 12.5 m, a width of 0.6 m, a depth of 0.7 m and having an automatic control system for regulating channel slope, discharge and sediment rate. Behind utilizing collected experimental data in this study, existing data in the literature for rectangular channels are used to develop self-cleansing models applicable for channel design. Through the modeling procedure, this study recommends Lq-norm multiple kernel fusion regression (LMKFR) techniques for self-cleansing sediment transport. The LMKFR is a regression technique based on the regularized kernel regression method which benefits from the combination of multiple information sources to improve the performance using the Lq-norm multiple kernel learning framework. The results obtained by LMKFR are compared to support vector regression benchmark and existing conventional regression self-cleansing sediment transport models in the literature for rectangular channels. The superiority of LMKFR is illustrated in an accurate modeling as compared with its alternatives in terms of various statistical error measurement criteria. The encouraging results of LMKFR can be linked to utilization of several kernels which are fused effectively using an Lq-norm prior that captures the intrinsic sparsity of the problem at hand. Promising performance of LMKFR technique in this study suggests it as an effective technique to be examined in similar environmental, hydrological and hydraulic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic mixing is a well‐established method to disperse and mix substances. However, the effects of ultrasound on dispersed soft particles as well as on their adsorption kinetics at interfaces remain unexplored. Ultrasound not only accelerates the movement of particles via acoustic streaming, but recent research indicates that it can also manipulate the interaction of soft particles with the surrounding liquid. In this study, it evaluates the adsorption kinetics of microgel at the water‐oil interface under the influence of ultrasound. It quantifies how acoustic streaming accelerates the reduction of interfacial tension. It uses high‐frequency and low‐amplitude ultrasound, which has no destructive effects. Furthermore, it discusses the ultrasound‐induced shrinking and thus interfacial rearrangement of the microgels, which plays a secondary but non‐negligible role on interfacial tension reduction. It shows that the decrease in interfacial tension due to the acoustic streaming is stronger for microgels with higher cross‐linker density. Moreover, it shows that ultrasound can induce a reversible decrease in interfacial tension due to the shrinkage of microgels at the interface. The presented results may lead to a better understanding in any field where ultrasonic waves meet soft particles, e.g., controlled destabilization in foams and emulsions or systems for drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IOIBD) is a gastrointestinal inflammatory condition often associated with monogenic disorders and is frequently caused by Interleukin-10 deficiencies. This study aimed to identify the mutation responsible for IBD in an 8-year-old patient from an Iranian family with consanguineous parents. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to identify disease-causing variations. Furthermore, we utilized integrated experimental data of HADDOCK molecular docking platform, including NMR spectroscopy, to characterize the mutant protein and elucidate the underlying functional mechanism of the identified mutation's pathogenicity. Results: Our findings revealed a novel 19-bp deletion mutation (c.25_43del, p.Leu9CysfsTer15) in the IL10RB gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited in homozygous state within this family, marking the first mutation identified in exon 1 of this gene. Molecular docking simulation demonstrated that the mutant form of IL10RB exhibited reduced affinity for binding to the Interleukin-10 ligand, leading to disruptions in downstream cellular signaling pathways. Conclusions: The identification of this novel genetic variant as a causative factor for IOIBD highlights the clinical value of utilizing genetic testing, such as WES, as a reliable diagnostic approach for patients affected by this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period cause significant physical and psychological changes in mothers, leading to changes in their sexual self-concept and adverse effects on their sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of sexual education on postpartum women's sexual self-efficacy and self-confidence. Method: This randomized interventional study was conducted on 115 women who had given birth at least six weeks ago and attended healthcare centers. Using convenience sampling, the researchers randomly allocated the participants into two intervention and control groups through a block size of six. The intervention group received six 90-minute online training sessions based on the sexual self-concept model over one month, while the control group received routine care. To collect data, the self-efficacy and sexual confidence questionnaires by Buzwell and Rosenthal were used before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month later. Results: The study findings demonstrated no significant differences in demographic characteristics, sexual self-confidence, and sexual self-efficacy scores between the two groups before the intervention. However, the repeated measures ANOVA results revealed a substantial increase in sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy scores over time in the intervention group immediately after participating in the training sessions and one month later. Conclusion: Considering the effect of training based on the sexual self-concept model on postpartum women, the researchers recommend using this model to improve their sexual self-efficacy and self-confidence after childbirth. Clinical trial registration: This study is registered at the Iranian Registry Clinical Trial (IRCT20220530055025N1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we investigate dynamic light scattering (DLS) from both randomly diffusing silica particles and acousto-responsive microgels in aqueous dispersions under ultrasonic vibration. Employing high-frequency ultrasound (US) with low amplitude ensures that the polymers remain intact without damage. We derive theoretical expressions for the homodyne autocorrelation function, incorporating the US term alongside the diffusion term. Subsequently, we successfully combined US with a conventional DLS system to experimentally characterize compact silica particles and microgels under the influence of US. Our model allows us to extract essential parameters, including particle size, frequency, and amplitude of particle vibration, based on the correlation function of the scattered light intensity. The studies involving non-responsive silica particles demonstrate that the US does not disrupt size determination, establishing them as suitable reference systems. In addition, we could be able to experimentally resolve the µs-order motion of particles for the first time. Microgels subjected to the US show the same swelling/shrinking behavior as that induced by temperature but with significantly faster kinetics. The findings of this study have potential applications in various industrial and biomedical fields such as smart coatings and drug delivery that benefit from the characterization of macromolecules subjected to the US. Furthermore, the current work may lead to characterizing the mechanical properties of soft particles based on their vibration amplitude extracted using this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]