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The medium of cinema, as a potent and influential art, consistently endeavors to present a more authentic representation of the narrative by intricately interweaving elements such as plot, characters, and scenes. This endeavor extends to the deliberate incorporation of explicit and implicit symbolism within the design and architecture of urban landscape. This research seeks to address: How does the description and placement of a location as a backdrop for narrative relate to the character development and thematic content in Marvel and DC cinematic productions? Specifically, this study aims to assess the alignment between prevalent architectural signifiers associated with superheroes and the thematic characterizations found in Marvel and DC films. This investigation aspires to decipher the underlying meanings and metaphors inherent in the concepts underpinning the design of residences and urban landscapes inhabited by superheroes. Production designers within the Marvel and DC film franchises deliberately craft diverse urban settings, with each showing emblematic of concepts such as gentrification and the physical and mental prowess of respective superheroes, often manifesting through variations in architectural styles, encompassing classical, high-tech, and bionic aesthetics. Notably, this architectural characteristic evolves in response to the narrative's temporal dimensions. Nevertheless, there remains a consistent thread of "mysterious architecture concealing hidden spaces and connections" and "precisely articulated juxtapositions beneath an ostensibly simplistic facade" recurring across the diverse residences featured in these cinematic worlds.

Phase change materials have wide applications as thermal energy storage systems. Due to the low thermal conductivity of these materials, lots of efforts have been made to increase the thermal conductivity and efficiency of thermal energy storage systems. In this numerical study, convective and radiation heat transfer on a cavity with transparent inner walls have been investigated considering the effects of buoyancy force and viscosity of phase change materials. For this purpose, computational fluid dynamics that have high accuracy in calculations have been used. The considered wall is made of brick, in which the cavity containing phase change materials is included and layers of cement and plaster are placed on the wall. The results indicate that increasing the heat flux increases the effects of convective heat transfer. In addition, by applying radiation effects, the melting process of paraffin materials increases by 31%. Due to the transparency of the inner walls of the cavity, the radiation process occurred surface to surface. Therefore, with increasing amount of molten material, the radiation effects increase, the reason for this is that RT24 material is more transparent in liquid form than solid material. Also, increasing the heat flux from 50 to 100 and 300 (w/m2) increases the speed of the melting process by 19.3% and 27.2%, respectively.

AZ91 magnesium alloy is one of the most popular materials among all cast magnesium alloys due to its excellent corrosion resistance and good cast-ability. Although AZ91 is categorized as soft materials and easy-to-cut, there are many challenges in the finish machining of AZ91. In this research, a comprehensive as well as novel study on the surface integrity of machined AZ91 magnesium alloy is presented. To this end, AZ91 samples are machined under different cutting conditions and afterward, both surface and subsurface features are analyzed. Assessing the finished surface is conducted by surface 3D topography, roughness measurement, and scanning electron microscope. In terms of subsurface characterization, the effect of machining conditions cutting speed and feed rate on the micro hardness variation, subsurface microstructure changes, plastic deformations, and subsurface defects are studied. Results indicated that when machining AZ91, surface defects mostly are formed around the secondary phases. Moreover, twining and shear bands are the main microstructural changes close to the machined surface. Additionally, finishing machining of AZ91 induced subsurface plastic deformation to the depth of 180 μm as well as micro cracks propagation, in secondary phases, to nearly 100 μm under the machined surface.

Phase change materials are one of the potential resources to replace fossil fuels in regards of supplying the energy of buildings. Basically, these materials absorb or release heat energy with the help of their latent heat. Phase change materials have low thermal conductivity and this makes it possible to use the physical properties of these materials in the tropical regions where the solar radiation is more direct and concentrated over a smaller area. In this theoretical work, an attempt has been made to study the melting process of these materials by applying constant heat flux and temperature. It was found that by increasing the thickness of phase change materials’ layers, due to the melting, more thermal energy is stored. Simultaneously it reduces the penetration of excessive heat into the chamber, so that by increasing the thickness of paraffin materials up to 20 mm, the rate of temperature reduction reaches more than 18%. It was also recognized that increasing the values of constant input heat flux increases buoyancy effects. Increasing the Stefan number from 0.1 to 0.3, increases the temperature by 6%.

Nowadays, due to the global need for energy and the limited amount of fossil fuels, it is required to utilize alternative forms of energy. Thermal energy storage systems together with phase change materials are considered potential options to help achieve renewable energy development goals. Special groups of materials are used for thermal management in thermal processes due to their specific properties such as high latent heat, appropriate phase change temperature, and slight volume change during phase change. In this study, the effects of branch-shaped fins with different thicknesses and lengths on the thermal conductivity of phase change materials are investigated. Furthermore, the different volume ratios is studied. The results show that using thinner branch-shaped fins and hybrid Al2O3 – Cu with volume ratio of 0.04 has greater influence on the speed of the solidification process. The results also illustrate that the use of fins significantly speeds up the solidification process. The comparison between thin and thick fins revealed that the thin fin is a more viable option in increasing heat transfer rate. In this simulation, the finite element method has been employed. Generally, simultaneous use of thin branch-shaped fins and nanoparticles with volume fraction 0.04 leads to maximum efficiency in the simulation.

I‌n t‌h‌e p‌r‌o‌c‌e‌s‌s o‌f h‌y‌d‌r‌a‌u‌l‌i‌c f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e, v‌a‌r‌i‌o‌u‌s p‌h‌y‌s‌i‌c‌a‌l p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r‌s s‌u‌c‌h a‌s; v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y, i‌n‌e‌r‌t‌i‌a o‌f f‌l‌u‌i‌d a‌n‌d t‌o‌u‌g‌h‌n‌e‌s‌s o‌f r‌o‌c‌k d‌o n‌o‌t i‌n‌f‌l‌u‌e‌n‌c‌e t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e p‌r‌o‌p‌a‌g‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌d‌e‌n‌t‌i‌c‌a‌l‌l‌y, a‌n‌d i‌t i‌s p‌r‌o‌b‌a‌b‌l‌e t‌h‌a‌t o‌n‌e o‌r m‌o‌r‌e o‌f t‌h‌e p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r‌s b‌e m‌o‌r‌e p‌r‌o‌n‌o‌u‌n‌c‌e‌d. T‌h‌e‌r‌e‌f‌o‌r‌e, i‌t m‌a‌y p‌e‌r‌s‌u‌a‌d‌e o‌n‌e s‌p‌e‌c‌i‌a‌l r‌e‌g‌i‌m‌e w‌h‌i‌c‌h i‌s n‌a‌m‌e‌d b‌a‌s‌e o‌n d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n o‌f e‌n‌e‌r‌g‌y. I‌n a‌n i‌m‌p‌e‌r‌m‌e‌a‌b‌l‌e r‌o‌c‌k, t‌h‌e t‌w‌o l‌i‌m‌i‌t‌i‌n‌g r‌e‌g‌i‌m‌e‌s c‌a‌n b‌e i‌d‌e‌n‌t‌i‌f‌i‌e‌d w‌i‌t‌h t‌h‌e d‌o‌m‌i‌n‌a‌n‌c‌e o‌f o‌n‌e o‌r t‌h‌e o‌t‌h‌e‌r o‌f t‌h‌e t‌w‌o e‌n‌e‌r‌g‌y d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n m‌e‌c‌h‌a‌n‌i‌s‌m‌s c‌o‌r‌r‌e‌s‌p‌o‌n‌d‌i‌n‌g t‌o e‌x‌t‌e‌n‌d‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e i‌n t‌h‌e r‌o‌c‌k a‌n‌d t‌o f‌l‌o‌w o‌f v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌u‌s f‌l‌u‌i‌d i‌n t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e, r‌e‌s‌p‌e‌c‌t‌i‌v‌e‌l‌y. I‌n t‌h‌e v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y-d‌o‌m‌i‌n‌a‌t‌e‌d r‌e‌g‌i‌m‌e, d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌n e‌x‌t‌e‌n‌d‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e i‌n t‌h‌e r‌o‌c‌k i‌s n‌e‌g‌l‌i‌g‌i‌b‌l‌e c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o t‌h‌e d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌n t‌h‌e v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌u‌s f‌l‌u‌i‌d f‌l‌o‌w, a‌n‌d i‌n t‌h‌e t‌o‌u‌g‌h‌n‌e‌s‌s-d‌o‌m‌i‌n‌a‌t‌e‌d r‌e‌g‌i‌m‌e, t‌h‌e o‌p‌p‌o‌s‌i‌t‌e h‌o‌l‌d‌s. H‌e‌r‌e, i‌t i‌s s‌u‌p‌p‌o‌s‌e‌d t‌h‌a‌t t‌h‌e f‌l‌o‌w o‌f i‌n‌c‌o‌m‌p‌r‌e‌s‌s‌i‌b‌l‌e f‌l‌u‌i‌d i‌n t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e i‌s u‌n‌i‌d‌i‌r‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌a‌l a‌n‌d l‌a‌m‌i‌n‌a‌r. B‌e‌s‌i‌d‌e‌s, t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e i‌s f‌u‌l‌l‌y f‌l‌u‌i‌d-f‌i‌l‌l‌e‌d a‌t a‌l‌l t‌i‌m‌e‌s a‌n‌d f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e p‌r‌o‌p‌a‌g‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌s d‌e‌s‌c‌r‌i‌b‌e‌d i‌n t‌h‌e f‌r‌a‌m‌e‌w‌o‌r‌k o‌f l‌i‌n‌e‌a‌r e‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e m‌e‌c‌h‌a‌n‌i‌c‌s (L‌E‌F‌M). I‌n t‌h‌i‌s p‌a‌p‌e‌r, a n‌e‌w s‌e‌m‌i-a‌n‌a‌l‌y‌t‌i‌c‌a‌l m‌e‌t‌h‌o‌d h‌a‌s b‌e‌e‌n i‌n‌t‌r‌o‌d‌u‌c‌e‌d f‌o‌r s‌o‌l‌v‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e p‌l‌a‌n‌e-s‌t‌r‌a‌i‌n f‌l‌u‌i‌d-d‌r‌i‌v‌e‌n f‌r‌a‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e p‌r‌o‌p‌a‌g‌a‌t‌i‌n‌g i‌n a‌n i‌m‌p‌e‌r‌m‌e‌a‌b‌l‌e m‌e‌d‌i‌u‌m i‌n v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y-t‌o‌u‌g‌h‌n‌e‌s‌s d‌o‌m‌i‌n‌a‌t‌e‌d (t‌h‌e M‌K-e‌d‌g‌e s‌o‌l‌u‌t‌i‌o‌n). S‌t‌a‌n‌d‌a‌r‌d m‌e‌t‌h‌o‌d‌s o‌f a‌n‌a‌l‌y‌s‌i‌s a‌n‌d i‌m‌p‌r‌o‌v‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t o‌f d‌i‌v‌e‌r‌g‌i‌n‌g s‌e‌r‌i‌e‌s h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n a‌p‌p‌l‌i‌e‌d o‌n t‌h‌e e‌x‌p‌a‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n s‌e‌r‌i‌e‌s m‌e‌t‌h‌o‌d t‌o g‌a‌i‌n t‌h‌e m‌o‌r‌e c‌o‌n‌v‌e‌r‌g‌e‌n‌c‌e f‌o‌r t‌h‌e v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y s‌e‌r‌i‌e‌s d‌i‌v‌e‌r‌g‌e d‌u‌e t‌o a n‌e‌a‌r‌e‌s‌t (n‌o‌n-p‌h‌y‌s‌i‌c‌a‌l) s‌i‌n‌g‌u‌l‌a‌r‌i‌t‌y o‌n t‌h‌e n‌e‌g‌a‌t‌i‌v‌e r‌e‌a‌l a‌x‌i‌s o‌f t‌h‌e v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r f‌o‌r l‌a‌r‌g‌e‌r v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y. F‌o‌r m‌o‌r‌e e‌x‌p‌l‌a‌n‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n, E‌u‌l‌e‌r t‌r‌a‌n‌s‌f‌o‌r‌m‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n s‌u‌g‌g‌e‌s‌t‌e‌d i‌n t‌e‌r‌m‌s o‌f s‌m‌a‌l‌l p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r w‌h‌i‌c‌h i‌s a f‌u‌n‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n o‌f v‌i‌s‌c‌o‌s‌i‌t‌y p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r. C‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o t‌h‌e o‌t‌h‌e‌r a‌n‌a‌l‌y‌t‌i‌c‌a‌l s‌o‌l‌u‌t‌i‌o‌n (e.g. G‌a‌r‌a‌g‌a‌s‌h, 2006), t‌h‌e n‌e‌w M-K e‌d‌g‌e s‌o‌l‌u‌t‌i‌o‌n r‌e‌p‌r‌e‌s‌e‌n‌t‌s a s‌i‌g‌n‌i‌f‌i‌c‌a‌n‌t i‌m‌p‌r‌o‌v‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t i‌n t‌e‌r‌m o‌f c‌o‌n‌v‌e‌r‌g‌e‌n‌c‌e. I‌n a‌d‌d‌i‌t‌i‌o‌n t‌o, t‌h‌e r‌e‌s‌u‌l‌t‌s h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o t‌h‌e n‌u‌m‌e‌r‌i‌c‌a‌l s‌o‌l‌u‌t‌i‌o‌n (e.g. A‌d‌a‌c‌h‌i, 2000) a‌n‌d i‌t i‌s s‌h‌o‌w‌n g‌o‌o‌d a‌g‌r‌e‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t i‌n t‌h‌e l‌i‌g‌h‌t o‌f q‌u‌a‌n‌t‌i‌t‌y a‌n‌d q‌u‌a‌l‌i‌t‌y. C‌o‌n‌t‌r‌a‌r‌y t‌o n‌u‌m‌e‌r‌i‌c‌a‌l m‌e‌t‌h‌o‌d‌s, t‌h‌e n‌e‌w p‌r‌o‌p‌o‌s‌e‌d m‌e‌t‌h‌o‌d c‌a‌n p‌r‌a‌g‌m‌a‌t‌i‌c‌a‌l‌l‌y b‌e u‌s‌e‌d f‌o‌r t‌h‌e r‌a‌n‌g‌e o‌f M-K e‌d‌g‌e.

Water is a vital source for both human and biological living. Today, water management and conservation, not only both in developing countries but also in and the developed countries ones, has is of great importance. In the traditional economy, water is not considered as a productive factor in the national accounts; however, but in reality, water is the primary factor in many direct and indirect goods and services. To evaluate the effect of growth in the added value of agriculture, industry and electricity sectors on the added value of water sector in the Mazandaran province, coefficients of ARDL model were estimated using the Micro fit software. The extended Dickey-Fuller unit root test was used for the statistical test of variables. The static test of variables showed that all variables were significant at the 95% confidence level and were also consistent with the theory. A 1% increase (decrease) in the added value of industry and electricity resulted in the increase of 0.54 % and 0.39 %, respectively, increase (decrease) in the added value of the water sector, respectively. Also, 1% increase (decrease) in the added value of the agricultural sector caused in a 0.54% increase (decrease) in the added value of the water sector. Industry and electricity sectors affected the added value of water sector more than agriculture. In the long-term, the growth of the added value of the industry sector had the greatest impact on the growth of the added value of water sector. Based on the results, controlling water use in agriculture, industry and electricity sectors increases increased the effects of the added value of these sectors on the added value of the water sector.

In this paper, the errata for a published paper, titled “Application of Adomian decomposition method for micropolar flow in a porous channel, authored by F. Shakeri Aski, Seyed Jalal Nasirkhani, E. Mohammadian, A. Asgari, in the journal of Propulsion and Power Research 3 (1) (2014) 15–21”, were presented. Since micropolar flow in a porous channel attracts considerable research interest, it is necessary to correct the minor typo errors in the boundary conditions of the medium. This should be said that the typo errors have not affected the results because the correct boundary conditions have been applied in the written maple code. There is just a typo error in the written boundary conditions in the paper.

In this study the injective micropolar flow in a porous channel is investigated. The flow is driven by suction or injection on the channel walls, and the micropolar model is used to describe the working fluid. This problem is mapped into the system of nonlinear coupled differential equations by using Berman׳s similarity transformation. These are solved for large mass transfer via Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Also the numerical method is used for the validity of this analytical method and excellent agreement is observed between the solutions obtained from ADM and numerical results. Trusting this validity, effects of some other parameters are discussed. It can be seen that increasing in the value of N1 have different results in comparison with N2.

Abstract Introduction Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a prominent multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria. Mono-floral honey, enriched with a variety of biological compounds, can be categorized as medical-grade honey due to its notable pharmacological benefits. In this study, two types of Iranian honey were thoroughly characterized, and the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties were examined against three clinical strains of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Methods Citrus and Thyme honey from Alborz were selected based on physicochemical, phytochemical, and melissopalynological tests conducted from a medical perspective. The antibacterial activity of the honey samples against three clinical strains of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolated from wound infections was evaluated using both the well-diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Additionally, an antibiofilm assay was performed using the crystal violet method in microplates. Results Both medical grade honey samples exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against the three P. aeruginosa isolates at 75–100% v/v concentrations with inhibition zones measuring between 15 and 30 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for both types of honey were 6.25% v/v (final concentration). The antibiofilm assay indicated that both types of honey demonstrated varying levels of antibiofilm activity. Citrus honey at 9% concentration was the most effective, showing an average inhibition rate of 59%, while Citrus honey at 2.3% final concentration exhibited the least effectiveness with an average inhibition rate of 23%. Discussion A thorough analysis of the honeys studied confirmed their authenticity and the presence of medicinal compounds. The results of honey tests correspond to the normal range (natural Honey) in the Council of the European Union. Based on the evaluation and compliance with the medical grade criteria including authenticity, health, qualities well botanical origin mentioned honey is classified in medical grade. The antibacterial results indicated that both Thyme and Citrus honeys effectively inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Therefore, these honeys may serve as natural and safe alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotic therapy for wound healing and infection management.

Abstract In this study, the contamination, ecological and human health risks as well as source apportionment of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and V in street dusts of different land-uses in Kermanshah, Iran were investigated. A total of 192 dust samples were taken from 16 sites and were analyzed for their elemental contents using ICP-OES. The computed mean values for the geo-accumulation index (I-geo) and the pollution index (PI) ranged from − 6.07 to 2.67 and from 0.023 to 9.58, respectively, indicating ‘unpolluted’ to ‘moderately to heavily polluted’, and ‘slight to very high polluted’ pollution levels, respectively. The pollution load index (PLI) with a cumulative mean value of 1.03 reflected moderate pollution levels across the entire study area. Moreover, the ecological risk (RI) of 135 indicated moderate ecological risks throughout the study region. The mean hazard index (HI) values for the analyzed potentially toxic elements (PTEs) for both adults and children were all within the safe limit (

Introduction: Unlike previous generations who adhered to a standard and predictable model of marriage, the modern world may offer new opportunities and ideas for marriage to younger generations. Some of these changes in the domain of marriage align with the overarching cultural master narratives of society and are widely accepted, while others may not be fully embraced but are nonetheless considered rational by some or even most members of the community. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of Generation Z’s (born between 1997 and 2012) attitudes toward marriage. Materials and Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design. The sample consisted of 29 male and female participants aged 14 to 27 from Tehran, selected through voluntary sampling. Data were collected using focus conversation conducted in focus groups. For data analysis, the study utilized Braun and Clarke's (2022) reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results: The analysis revealed six main themes related to marriage: “meaning-making of marriage,” “partner selection,” “traditional family roles,” “premarital sex,” “parenthood,” and “marriage customs”. Conclusion: Findings indicate that that while marriage, as a sacred institution, remains intact and continues to be regarded by Generation Z as an implicit reference point with social, cultural, and Moral legitimacy, there is an observable shift away from a singular, fixed concept of marriage. Instead, marriage is increasingly being redefined and reinterpreted as an institution shaped by dynamic individual preferences, with its meaning, role, and significance subject to ongoing reconsideration.

In this paper, we introduce and study the concept of generalized monoform modules ($G-M$ modules, for short) which is a proper generalization of that of monoform modules. We present some of their examples, properties and characterizations. It is shown that over a commutative ring $R$, the properties monoform, small monoform, $G-M$, compressible, uniform and weakly co-Hopfian are all equivalent. Moreover, we demonstrate that a ring $R$ is an injective semisimple ring iff any $R$-module is $G-M$. Further, we prove a similar theorem to Hilbert's basis theorem for monoform, small monoform and $G-M$ modules.

Abstract Obesity is related to liver fibrosis, a condition marked by the collection of scar tissue in the liver due to the development of a profibrotic environment, which includes increased hepatocellular death and elevated reactive oxygen species production. The aim of study is to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on the association between liver fibrosis indices and obesity. This is a retrospective cohort, evaluating 1205 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and living with obesity, who experienced bariatric surgery. These patients living with T2D and obesity were monitored after bariatric surgery for two years. The trajectory of biochemical markers and liver fibrosis indices were evaluated at five visits. These liver indices were Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score. FIB-4 index demonstrated notable trends based on its values. It showed an initial increase observed at the three-months visit, followed by a decline up to one year with a slight increase at the last follow-up (P-trend

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal cancer, and even though oxaliplatin chemotherapy is effective, there is a high likelihood of relapse, indicating the presence of oxaliplatin-resistant CRC. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of oxaliplatin resistance and develop effective strategies to counter drug resistance. Numerous studies have demonstrated the close association between microRNAs (miRNAs) and drug resistance in CRC. In this study, we aimed to identify the essential exosomal and cellular miRNA related to oxaliplatin resistance in the CRC cell line HCT-116. Methods The miRNA expression profile of CRC cells with resistance to oxaliplatin was analyzed. The effectiveness of diagnostics and biomarker potency of miRNAs were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Target miRNAs were identified, and the enrichment analysis was assessed based on Gene Ontology (GO), Reactome, and Human Disease Ontology (DO). In vitro experiments, oxaliplatin-resistant HCT-116 cells (HCT116-OXA) were developed, and the exosomes were isolated and characterized from HCT116-OXA and HCT116 cells. The expression of the selected miRNAs was evaluated in HCT116-OXA cells and their exosomes, and they were compared to HCT-116 cells using quantitative real-time PCR. Results This study revealed that a combination of miR-4326, miR-3615, miR-7974, miR-130b-3p, and miR-454-3p exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and superior diagnostic and predictive performance. In vitro experiments, HCT116-OXA cells displayed reduced early and late apoptosis, a bypass of S phase arrest, prolonged doubling time, and higher IC50 compared to parental cells. The expression of miR-454-3p, miR-130b-3p, miR-7974, miR-3615, and miR-4326 was decreased in HCT116-OXA cells as compared to sensitive cells. However, a significantly higher expression of miR-130b-3p and miR-4326 was observed in the isolated exosomes of HCT116-OXA cells as compared to the sensitive cells. Conclusions The low expression of miR-454-3p, miR-7974, and miR-3615 in CRC cells or high expression of miR-130b-3p and miR-4326 in isolated exosomes could predict the response to oxaliplatin therapy. This indicates the potential of these specific miRNAs to serve as predictive markers for the response to oxaliplatin therapy.

Background: Given the profound effects of children’s behavioral disorders, particularly in children with autism, on families, the present study aimed to explore the association between mothers’ distress tolerance and marital adjustment and behavioral disorders (BD) in children with autism in Ahvaz, Iran.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included all children with autism and their mothers registered at the Autism Association of Ahvaz, Iran in 2023. A total of 262 participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis using SPSS version 27.Results: The mean scores for child behavioral disorders, tolerance of distress, and marital adjustment were 34.95 (±8.14), 45.29 (±9.86), and 80.23 (±19.15), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a significant inverse relationship between children’s BD and mothers’ tolerance of distress (r=-0.36, P

For computer networks to remain secure, intrusion detection is essential. Analyzing network traffic data is part of this activity to spot possible cyber threats. However, the curse of dimensionality presents a challenge because there are so many dimensions in the data. To overcome this challenge, feature selection is essential to creating a successful intrusion detection system. It involves removing irrelevant and redundant features, which enhances the classification model's accuracy and lowers the dimensionality of the feature space. Metaheuristic algorithms are optimization techniques inspired by nature and are well-suited to choose features for network intrusion detection. They are effective in exploring large search spaces and have been widely used for this purpose. In this study, we improve the Sine Cosine Algorithm named ISCA for feature selection by introducing a controlling parameter to balance exploration and exploitation. Based on the NSL-KDD dataset, the results show that compared to other competing algorithms, the ISCA performs better than other metaheuristic algorithms in terms of both the number of features selected and the accuracy of classification.

Background. In recent years, the use of cannabis among teenagers has been on the rise, being considered one of the health-social challenges of the country. The present study aimed at providing a better understanding of the causes of teenagers’ tendency to use cannabis by looking at the life experiences of those who consume it. Methods. This qualitative study utilized a descriptive phenomenological method, conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 11 teenagers aged 17-20 years old who used cannabis at least once a week in Mashhad city (Iran) in 2022. Participants were selected by convenience and purposive sampling methods. Data collection continued until reaching the theoretical saturation stage, and the collected data were analyzed by the coding method. Results. The analysis of the participants’ experiences led to the identification of 136 primary codes, 30 sub-categories, 11 main categories, and 2 core categories. The core categories included intrapersonal components and interpersonal-extrapersonal components in relation to teenagers’ tendency to use cannabis. Main categories included cognitive distortion regarding the effects of cannabis, low mood frustration, lack of a specific work plan, having an unstable personality, unawareness of the harmful nature of cannabis, usage to cope with emotional problems, usage to cope with parental conflicts, peer influence on usage, justification of usage by modeling after prominent figures, and accessibility (easy access) leading to increased usage. Conclusion. Exploring the experiences and views of adolescents who consume cannabis in intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal domains provided more knowledge about different indicators of cannabis consumption among teenagers. Considering the obtained components can serve as a helpful first step in developing efficient intervention measures according to the identified needs.

Background: Experts in the field of adolescents emphasize that instructional programs can play an effective role in improving the attitude towards the life of children and adolescents. Among these programs, we can mention the life skills' training and therapy of acceptance and commitment on attitude, but so far, no independent study has compared the effectiveness of these two approaches in improving students' attitude towards life; Therefore, considering the research gap in this field and the importance of the mentioned variables, research in this field seems necessary. Aims: The aim of the present study was to comparing the effectiveness of two methods of life skills' training and a therapeutic approach based on commitment and acceptance on the attitude to the life of female's junior high schoolers. Methods: The current research is semi-experimental and includes pre-test and post-test with control group. The statistical population of the research includes all female's junior high schooner’s in Karaj city whose number was about ten thousand. 60 people of them who had low scores in the attitude towards life questionnaire were selected and randomly replaced in two experimental groups and one control group (20 people each). One of the experimental groups was exposed to ten sessions (each session 90 minutes) of the life skills' training package (Mohammadkhani, 2015) and the second experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions (each session 90 minutes) of the therapeutic approach based on commitment and acceptance (Hayes, 2011). One week after the sessions, both study groups answered the Battista's (1973) life attitude index questionnaire again. In order to analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistical methods (including multivariate covariance analysis and Benferroni's post hoc test) were used. Results: The findings showed that the two methods of life skills' training and the approach based on commitment are effective on female students' attitude to life (P< 0.05). But there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of life skills' training with the group of acceptance and commitment on students' attitude to life (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of life skills' training programs and therapeutic approach based on commitment and acceptance, these approaches can be used to improve students' attitude to life in counseling centers, psychological institutions and educational centers, including schools.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between immunological factors and cognitive functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The methodology was fundamental in nature, and the research design was correlational. Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis comprised the research population. 68 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were selected through convenience sampling. These patients were divided into three groups: 23 newly diagnosed patients (ND), 23 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and 22 patients with secondary progressive types (SPMS). The patients were 55 women and 13 men. Additionally, the control group consisted of 22 healthy individuals (17 women and 5 men) who were matched based on their age, gender, and educational background. The ELISA method was used to measure the serum levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, as well as brain-derived neurogenesis factor (BDNF) in the control group and the patients. California Verbal Learning Tests (CVLT-11), Brief Spatial Memory-Revised (BVMT-R), Symbol Digit Substitution (SDMT), Verbal Fluency (COWAT), and Executive Functions (D-KEFS) were implemented to assess cognitive functions. SPSS-26 software was employed to analyze the data that was obtained using the regression method. Compared to the control group, patients exhibited substantial variations in cognitive functions and serum levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-17, and BDNF. In RRMS and ND patients, BDNF was a positive predictor of visual-spatial memory and executive function. In ND patients, IFN-γ was a negative predictor of executive function, and TNF-α was a negative predictor of information processing speed in SPMS patients. Neurotrophic factor BDNF and cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17 are potential biomarkers for the assessment of certain cognitive functions in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The article examines strategies for translating the widely acclaimed Persian novel Shāzde Ehtejāb (Prince Ehtejāb) by Hushang Golshiri into Polish. Pointing to the widespread tendency in Polish translation tradition from Oriental languages towards exoticization and artificial preservation of original syntax, termed by researchers as “the sin of literality”, the author explores the possibilities of a translation based on the concept of “the most intimate act of reading” (Spivak) and the search for means to achieve emotional equivalence and an empathetic engagement with the text.

Abstract Background The co-occurrence of deep vein thrombosis with vascular aneurysms, whether venous or arterial, seems to be uncommon. This case report details a patient who experienced an isolated rupture of the right common iliac aneurysm 1 year after a deep vein thrombosis episode. Case presentation A 20-year-old Iranian female with a history of deep vein thrombosis DVT was treated with rivaroxaban but later presented with a ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. Surgical intervention was successful, but she developed persistent abdominal pain, small bowel obstruction, and a large pancreatic pseudocyst requiring drainage. Despite continued anticoagulant therapy, a thrombosed graft was observed, although the patient remains asymptomatic for organ ischemia or blood supply disorders. Conclusion The association of deep vein thrombosis with vascular aneurysms is a rare occurrence. It is important to consider aneurysm-related flow disturbances and compression effects on veins when evaluating patients with concurrent deep vein thrombosis and aneurysms. Behçet’s disease, Hughes–Stovin syndrome, chronic traumatic arteriovenous fistula, and recurrent nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia can also contribute to this association.

The sensitivity of landscape metrics to the scale effect is one of the most challenging issues in landscape ecology and quantification of land use spatial patterns. In this study, fractal dimension was employed to assess the effect of scale on the sensitivity of landscape metric in the north of Iran (around Sari) as the case study. Land use/ cover maps were derived from Landsat-8 (OLI sensor) image processing and its spatial scale was downgraded to 30, 60, 120, 150, 200, 250, and 300 by cell-center method. After that, landscape-level metrics were quantified. Finally, linear regressions were formed for the every metric based on the logarithmic transformation and the Coefficient of Determination and Fractal Dimension were computed as well. The coefficient of determination for all measures of diversity was zero and for other measures in two general categories: high sensitivity (R- redundant) and without sensitivity (N- no effect). Results acquired from the two indicators were perfectly delineated the sensitivity of landscape metrics to the scale effect (Coefficient of Determination) as well as the direction and magnitude of the landscape metrics (Fractal dimension).

The novelty and main contributions of this research are to investigate simultaneously static bending, free vibration, and buckling responses of a sandwich beam composed of a five-layer beam using sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT). In this work, five layers of a sandwich beam including a honeycomb core, carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (Matrix and Resin) (CNTRC) at the top and bottom of the core, and also, shape memory alloy (SMA) in the form of nanoscale particles with matrix in top and bottom of CNTRC are derived. In this study, the governing equations of equilibrium are obtained using the principle of minimum potential energy for deflection and buckling analyses, while Hamilton's principle is employed to obtain the governing equations of motion. Then, based on Navier's type method for simply supported boundary conditions, the deflection, critical buckling load, and the natural frequency for a sandwich beam composed of five layers are obtained. To validate the results, they are compared with existing literature, and there is a good agreement between them. Also, the effects of the thickness of the core, volume fraction of carbon nanotubes, and volume fraction of SMA are analyzed. The results reveal that changing the volume fraction from 0 to 0.01 results in a 30% decrease in deflection. It is concluded that with an enhancement in thickness ratio, the heat flux decreases due to the increase in the thickness of the core, while the thickness of face sheets decreases because the conductivity coefficient for CNT is higher than the core. Moreover, increasing temperature softens the material, leading to a decrease in the critical buckling load.

Constant urban development in today’s world has turned urban growth management into a main challenge in the 21st century. Obtaining spatiotemporal information about the pattern and rate of urban growth is critical to a better understanding of the urban growth process and practicing appropriate management policies. The present study investigated the trend of urban sprawl in Sari, Iran. First, land use and cover maps of the study area were prepared by processing multitemporal Landsat images from 1992, 2002, and 2010. Moreover, the urban growth of the city in 2010 was predicted by combining the Markov-cellular automata model with multi-criteria evaluation (overall Kappa = 83.80% area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ≈ 0.69). Afterward, the same model was applied to simulate urban development in 2021 and 2031. Built-up area per capita and Shannon entropy were then measured to assess urban sprawl in Sari. According to the results of change detection and simulation of urban growth of the study area, the built-up area had increased proportional to population growth since 1992. The same trend is expected to continue until 2031 when the urban area will exceed 2800 hectares. In addition, based on the relative values of Shannon entropy, although Sari has not yet faced the urban sprawl phenomenon, the absence of physical barriers around the city necessitates comprehensive urban management approaches to control urban sprawl and prevent future environmental problems.

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is recognized as an appealing fabrication process for producing metallic parts with customized properties. In the current research, a comprehensive approach is employed to systematically correlate single-track and multi-layer fabrication, aiming to generate a reliable process map, assess the effect of process parameters on the properties of LPBF-made Ti-5553, and guide the manufacturing of tailored structures. Based on single-track morphology, melt pool geometry, and multi-layer density, 30 combinations of laser power and scanning speed were categorized into three groups to identify the desirable process parameters. The investigation of single-tracks and multi-layers reveals that deeper melt pools, created with higher energy input, result in a more elongated grain structure, higher α phase content, increased strength and hardness, and reduced ductility. It is observed that achieving higher ductility involves a slight decrease in strength. Specifically, a substantial increase of ∼65% in ductility occurs with only a ∼3.5% reduction in strength. Also, it is found that the volumetric energy density (VED) alone is not sufficient as a design parameter, and the significant process parameters (e.g., laser power and scanning speed) should be considered, as two samples with the same VED yield different properties.

Abstract Water pollution, particularly from industrial contaminants such as dyes, is a significant global concern. Various technologies, including nanoscale materials, are employed for water and wastewater treatment. Among these, adsorption process as an effective method due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. This study comprised both theoretical and experimental phases. Initially, computer simulations were utilized to evaluate the interaction between methylene blue and three selected nanoparticles, ultimately choosing Bovine Serum Albumin protein nanoadsorbent based on energy considerations. Subsequently, adsorption experiments were conducted using this nanosorbent. The results indicated a maximum dye removal efficiency of 69% under the conditions of pH 11, an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L, an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g/L, a contact time of 60 min, and an optimal temperature of 25 °C. The maximum adsorption capacity under optimal conditions was found to be 38.52 mg/g. Additionally, the adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir equation, and the kinetics adhered to the pseudo-second-order model.

Abstract Infectious disease is the result of interactions between host and pathogen and can depend on genetic variations in both. We conduct a genome-to-genome study of paired human and Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes from a cohort of 1556 tuberculosis patients in Lima, Peru. We identify an association between a human intronic variant (rs3130660, OR = 10.06, 95%CI: 4.87 − 20.77, P = 7.92 × 10−8) in the FLOT1 gene and a subclavaluee of Mtb Lineage 2. In a human macrophage infection model, we observe hosts with the rs3130660-A allele exhibited stronger interferon gene signatures. The interacting strains have altered redox states due to a thioredoxin reductase mutation. We investigate this association in a 2020 cohort of 699 patients recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the prevalence of the interacting strain almost doubled between 2010 and 2020, its infection is not associated with rs3130660 in this recent cohort. These findings suggest a complex interplay among host, pathogen, and environmental factors in tuberculosis dynamics.

This paper deals with the effect of fractional order on the fractional Euler-Bernoulli beams model. This model is based on the elastic curve that can be approximated using tangent lines and the osculating circle. We introduce a general form of the fractional Green’s function for the highest-order term 1

The present study aimed to elucidate the experience of social support in the a​ftermath of a traumatic loss, during which the bereavement ceremony was prohibited. The study was conducted using a research method that combined social constructivism and grounded theory. Participants included all Iranian youth (over 18) in 2022 who experienced a traumatic loss and encountered restrictions in organizing memorials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 individuals, who were selected through purposeful and theoretical sampling. Charmez’s three-step coding method was implemented to analyze the data. The data was analyzed to extract four primary themes: the challenge in seeking social support, ways of seeking social support, alternative methods of social support, and the most effective social support along with 9 sub-categories. Additionally, nine subcategories were identified. The results indicate that the process of grief was further complicated by the communication limitations during emergencies. However, the redefinition of social support in such situations has the potential to develop novel coping methods for traumatized mourners. Therefore, it is advised that the results of this study be applied to the development of intervention protocols to expedite the bereavement process in the aftermath of such losses in emergency situations.

Abstract Background The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the population covered by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences is unclear but crucial for healthcare programs. This study aims to validate four non-laboratory risk-score models, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Risk Score, Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK), Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), and TOPICS Diabetes Screening Score, for identifying undiagnosed diabetes and indirectly estimate the prevalence of T2DM in a subset of the Tehranian population using the selected model. Methods This research consisted of two main parts. In the first part, non-laboratory risk-score models to identify undiagnosed T2DM were validated using Iranian data from STEPs 2016 survey. The model performance was evaluated through the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and calibration via the observed-to-expected (O/E) ratio. Additional independent data from STEPs 2011 survey in Iran were utilized to test the model results by comparing indirect prevalence estimates with observed estimates. In the second part, the prevalence of T2DM was estimated indirectly by applying the selected model to a representative random sample from a Tehranian population telephone survey conducted in 2023. Results Among the different models used, AUSDRISK showed the best performance in both discrimination (AUC (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.80 (0.78, 0.81)) and calibration (O/E ratio = 1.01). After updating the original model, there was no change in the AUC value or calibration. Additionally, our findings indicate that the indirect estimates are nearly identical to the observed values in STEPs 2011 survey. In the second part of the study, by applying the recalibrated model to a subsample, the indirect prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and T2DM (95% CI) were estimated at 4.18% (3.87, 4.49) and 11.1% (9.34, 13.1), respectively. Conclusion Given the strong performance of the model, it appears that indirect method can provide a cost-effective and simple approach to assess disease prevalence and intervention effectiveness. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Objective Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic conditions primarily affecting the intestines. This study aims to identify the nature and frequency of oral symptoms and signs in patients with ulcerative colitis and to explore the connection between these complications and the activity of the disease. Methods This descriptive-analytical study involved ulcerative colitis patients who visited the gastroenterology clinic at Shahid Sayad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan, along with an equal number of healthy companions as a control group in 2019. A gastroenterology internist assessed the disease severity through clinical examination and a simple clinical disease activity index for colitis patients. The collected data were then analyzed statistically using SPSS version 19. Results The average age of patients in the case group was 41.84 ± 11.66 years, while in the control group it was 40.43 ± 12.67 years. There was a significant correlation between difficulty swallowing, burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, acidic taste, the presence of oral ulcers, and a coated tongue with the severity of disease activity (p 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study confirm that as the severity of ulcerative colitis increases, the occurrence of oral lesions also rises, particularly during severe disease activity. Among oral symptoms, dry mouth had the highest incidence, followed by bad breath and changes in taste. The most common oral lesions observed were a coated tongue, grooved tongue, and oral ulcers, respectively.

Abstract T helper (Th) 17 cells, a distinct subset of Th lymphocytes, are known for their prominent interleukin (IL)-17 production and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cells exhibit remarkable plasticity, allowing them to exhibit different phenotypes in the cancer microenvironment. This adaptability enables Th17 cells to promote tumor progression by immunosuppressive activities and angiogenesis, but also mediate anti-tumor immune responses through employing immune cells in tumor setting or even by directly converting toward Th1 phenotype and producing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This dual role of Th17 cells in cancer makes it a double-edged sword in encountering cancer. In this review, we aim to elucidate the complexities of Th17 cell function in cancer by summarizing recent studies and, ultimately, to design novel therapeutic strategies, especially targeting Th17 cells in the tumor milieu, which could pave the way for more effective cancer treatments.

Honey is known to be a natural food product with antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Among its different types, some attributed more with medical applications including Manuka honey. In this study, some wound healing-related parameters were systematically investigated on two different types of Turkish honey (Chestnut and Anzer), in comparison with Manuka honey. Chestnut honey had considerable amount of hydrogen peroxide (5 μg/mL) whereas Manuka and Anzer honey did not contain any. Additionally, Chestnut honey had the highest acidity among all tested samples (24.50 meq/kg), as well as higher antioxidant activity (IC50 ; 2.45 mg/ml) than those of Anzer (13.02 mg/ml) and Manuka honey (6.27 mg/ml). It was also demonstrated that Chestnut honey displayed a considerable antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens. On the other hand, in the scratch assay performed as a model for the wound healing process, Anzer honey induced the highest cell proliferation corresponding to almost total wound closure for all concentrations tested. Overall, the results showed that the Turkish Chestnut and Anzer honey samples had distinguished characteristics for wound healing that is comparable to Manuka honey, and therefore are both promising candidates for use in clinical applications.

Background & Aim: Osteoporosis is a common condition in the elderly, contributing to fracture incidence and associated pain. This study aims to analyze trends in osteoporosis-related fractures within the elderly population from 2017 to 2021. Methods & Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving 448 elderly people over 60 who experienced pelvic, hip, distal hand, or spinal injuries during 2017-2021 in Kashan. Data were extracted from the National Trauma Registry of Iran, including demographic information, injury severity, and frequency of fractures. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at P

Objectives: This study examined how women with low back pain (LBP) responded to comprehensive physical exercises (CPEs) combined with cognitive functional therapy (CFT) in terms of pain, disability and postural sway (PS). Methods: A total of 45 women with non-specific chronic LBP (NSCLBP) participated in this quasi-experimental study. The participants were randomly assigned to the CPEs, CPEs combined with CFT and control group (CG) (15 participants per group). The McGill pain questionnaire, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, and Zebris platform were used to assess pain, disability and PS in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions with eyes open and closed. For eight weeks, the participants engaged in both CPEs and CPEs combined with CFT. The CG continued their usual routine. The multivariate analysis of variance statistical test with repeated measures design was used to analyze the data (P

Abstract Background Chronic lung disease of prematurity, called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), lacks effective therapies, stressing the need for preclinical testing systems that reflect human pathology for identifying causal pathways and testing novel compounds. Alveolar organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) are promising test platforms for studying distal airway diseases like BPD, but current protocols do not accurately replicate the distal niche environment of the native lung. Herein, we investigated the contributions of cellular constituents of the alveolus and fetal respiratory movements on hPSC-derived alveolar organoid formation. Methods Human PSCs were differentiated in 2D culture into lung progenitor cells (LPC) which were then further differentiated into alveolar organoids before and after removal of co-developing mesodermal cells. LPCs were also differentiated in Transwell® co-cultures with and without human fetal lung fibroblast. Forming organoids were subjected to phasic mechanical strain using a Flexcell® system. Differentiation within organoids and Transwell® cultures was assessed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and qPCR for lung epithelial and alveolar markers of differentiation including GATA binding protein 6 (GATA 6), E-cadherin (CDH1), NK2 Homeobox 1 (NKX2-1), HT2-280, surfactant proteins B (SFTPB) and C (SFTPC). Results We observed that co-developing mesenchymal progenitors promote alveolar epithelial type 2 cell (AEC2) differentiation within hPSC-derived lung organoids. This mesenchymal effect on AEC2 differentiation was corroborated by co-culturing hPSC-NKX2-1+ lung progenitors with human embryonic lung fibroblasts. The stimulatory effect did not require direct contact between fibroblasts and NKX2-1+ lung progenitors. Additionally, we demonstrate that episodic mechanical deformation of hPSC-derived lung organoids, mimicking in situ fetal respiratory movements, increased AEC2 differentiation without affecting proximal epithelial differentiation. Conclusion Our data suggest that biophysical and mesenchymal components promote AEC2 differentiation within hPSC-derived distal organoids in vitro.

IntroductionOnion (Allium cepa L.) is a species of the Alliacea family. It is of great economic importance in Hormozgan province, Iran, which is ranked the second among the largest producers of onion in Iran in terms of cultivated area (8147 ha) (Agricultural statistics, 2021). Conventional Irrigation have undoubtedly helped in improving both bulb yield and quality of onion, but lately, it was arising many novel trends in Irrigation. Using of chitosan as an antiperspirant compound is one of these trends, as it can improve the water use efficiency (Geries et al., 2020). Chitosan is a member of the polysaccharides which is considered a useful natural polymer and is produced by alkaline N-deacetylation of chitin. Ahmed et al. (2019) reported that positive effect of chitosan nanoparticles on onion, as it significantly promoted seed germination and radical length under salt stress. The best treatment on germination was 0.3% of nano chitosan. Growth variables (plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of the shoot and root) were increased significantly. Nevertheless, data on the utilization of chitosan for onion are meager in Iran. In this way, this study was carried to consider the impact of irrigation periods and chitosan as a biological elicitor on onion cultivar of Taki yellow, uniquely the adjustment in yield and quality properties.Materials and MethodsThis study was carried out at the private farm in Sohrabi village, Shamil district, Hormozgan province, Iran, conducted during 2020-2021 growing season. The experiment was carried out as autumn planting. This experiment was conducted as split-plot arrangement based on a complete randomized block design with 3 replications. Treatments were three irrigation periods and three doses of chitosan as main and sub plot, respectively. In this experiment 3 irrigation periods (such as two days, four days and six days) and 3 doses of chitosan (including zero, 1000 and 2000 ppm) with constant density of 63 plants m-2 yield and yield components (such as mean onion weight, length and diameter, onion shape index and dry matter content) and harvest index of onion were measured.Results and DiscussionThis study was conducted to assess the potential effects of irrigation periods and foliar spraying with chitosan, on the growth, yield quality of onion bulbs. In this experiment, nearly all measured traits were significantly (P

Women's empowerment is a critical topic included in a wide range of programs and policies of various institutions worldwide. Despite this, research in cognitive sciences, particularly regarding cognition and cognitive abilities, has often been overlooked in many of these policies. This research aims to bridge this gap by providing a framework for empowering women in governance based on cognitive science studies. It employs a two-step method comprising a scoping review and content analysis. The study's findings include 18 key elements of women's empowerment derived from cognitive studies and a conceptual framework. These results can guide experts, researchers, and policymakers interested in empowerment, governance, and women's issues in their decision-making processes. Additionally, this research advocates for the creation of a network of related concepts, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.The significance of this study extends to applied research, aiming to connect different fields of governance and cognitive science. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex issues and identifies conceptual gaps that can inspire further research. By doing so, it opens new pathways for those interested in interdisciplinary studies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between cognitive sciences and women's empowerment. This comprehensive approach not only enriches the academic discourse but also has practical implications for policy and governance, ultimately contributing to more effective and inclusive empowerment strategies.

Purpose: Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE (177 Lu DOTA-TATE therapy is a form of PRRT which targets Somatostatin Receptors (SSR). It is a form of targeted drug delivery, which is applicable to treat neuroendocrine tumors. PRRT applications are continuously expanding in most departments of nuclear medicine in Iran, but the best of all, no one has studied the mean doses of organs of the patients. This research aims to specify the absorbed dose to patients for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors using imaging with 177Lu-[DOTA0-Tyr3] octerotate. Materials and Methods: Whole body planar scintigraphy images were collected for 10 patients, which are used as the basis for the personalized patient dosimetry calculations. The patients had a mean age of 53.5 ± 12 years (ranging from 36 to 70 years) and imaging data were collected at roughly 0 to 2 hours, 4 to 6 hours, 18 to 24 hours, and 36 to 48 hours after the injection of 6401± 628.4 MBq (range of 5500 MBq-7400 MBq) of 177Lu-[DOTA0-Tyr3] octerotate. Models of time-activity were established for different organs. Finally, using absorbed dose formulation and IDIAC-Dosage software, the mean absorbed dose in the organs was determined. Results: Mean calculated dose in the kidney and liver were obtained as 0.30-0.82 mGy/ MBq, and 1.05-2.11 mGy/MBq, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, PRRT therapy is a safe method for the treatment of castration-resistant neuroendocrine cancer patients in terms of patient dose. Large inter-individual differences in organ dose were discovered, highlighting the importance of patient-specific dosimetry and treatment planning in the treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE.

ABSTRACT Vigilin is a large and evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP), which can interact with RNA through its KH domain. Vigilin is, therefore, a multifunctional protein reported to be associated with RNA transport and metabolism, sterol metabolism, chromosome segregation, carcinogenesis, and heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing. The receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is another highly conserved protein involved in many cellular pathways. Functional studies in human cells indicated that RACK1 interacts with Vigilin to promote dengue virus (DENV) replication. Both proteins are associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we investigated the significance of Vigilin and RACK1 homologs in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes concerning DENV replication and Wolbachia infection. We identified the homologs of the two genes in Ae. aegypti (AeVigilin and AeRACK1), which were upregulated in DENV-infected Aag2 cells and mosquitoes, and silencing them in Aag2 cells resulted in reduced DENV replication. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that AeRACK1 and AeVigilin interact in mosquito cells. Interestingly, we also found upregulation of both genes in a Wolbachia-infected cell line (Aag2.wAlbB). Furthermore, silencing AeVigilin and AeRACK1 in Aag2.wAlbB cells reduced DENV replication but increased Wolbachia density. However, we did not find a significant effect on DENV replication after silencing both genes in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Overall, our results support the involvement and significance of AeVigilin and AeRACK1 in DENV replication in Ae. aegypti.IMPORTANCEDengue virus (DENV), transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, poses significant health risks. Identifying factors involved in the virus replication in mosquitoes and human hosts is essential for devising control measures. In this study, we show that Vigilin and the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), two proteins shown to play a role in the replication of DENV in human cells, are induced in mosquitoes and cell lines following DENV replication. Both proteins reside in the cytoplasm, where they interact similarly to human cells. Silencing the genes in mosquito cells significantly reduced virus replication. Furthermore, we found that both genes are induced in mosquito cells transinfected with Wolbachia, a bacterium that blocks DENV replication. The results help better understand the role of the common factors supporting DENV replication in mosquitoes and human cells.

ABSTRACT Background Pupillary light reflex (PLR) and menace response are among the tests used in neurological and ophthalmic examinations in animals. Objective The intent of this study was to investigate the development of the PLR and menace response in neonatal camel calves. Methods Thirty healthy camel calves were studied after birth until the menace response and PLR were well established. The menace response was assessed by applying a non‐tactile visual threat to each eye. The direct PLR was tested by shining a bright light into each eye and observing constriction of the pupil in the ipsilateral eye. Results PLR was positive in all camel calves in the first test performed after birth. The first menace response developed at the age of 14 days, with 4 camel calves developing a menace response last, at 18 days of age. The menace response developed in most camel calves at 16 days old. The time to develop the menace response was not statistically different between the two sexes. Conclusion The PLR is present in camel calves immediately after birth. Menace response in camel calves develops within 18 days after birth.

ABSTRACT Dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses are prevented from replicating in mosquitoes by Wolbachia. To date, several reports have appeared that highlight multiple molecular and cellular pathways involved in the blocking mechanism, which underlines the complicated nature of the mechanism. Here, we developed a hypothesis on whether Wolbachia proteins interact with pro-viral host proteins by using a unique approach to study the antiviral mechanism based on Wolbachia-host protein-protein interaction. We selected Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) for co-immunoprecipitation because of its abundance and possible secretion. We first confirmed WSP’s secretion in mosquito cells and found two host proteins, Ae. aegypti serine-threonine kinase (STK) and synaptic vesicle membrane (SVM) protein VAT-1, and one Wolbachia protein (wGroEL) interacting with WSP. We examined the role of STK and SVM genes in relation to DENV replication in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and mosquito cell lines with and without Wolbachia. In DENV-infected Aag2 cells, the expression of SVM and STK was significantly increased. However, although these genes were induced in Wolbachia-infected Aag2 cells, they were downregulated after DENV infection. Silencing of STK, but not SVM, reduced DENV replication in Aag2 cells and mosquitoes. Conversely, RNA activation of STK, by utilizing promoter induction via short activating oligos, resulted in higher DENV replication in Wolbachia-infected and uninfected cell lines. Overall, our findings suggest that STK is a pro-viral gene, and Wolbachia WSP binds to STK, possibly making it less accessible for DENV replication.IMPORTANCEWolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium that blocks the replication of arboviruses in transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In this study, we focused on identifying the potential interaction of Wolbachia proteins with the host pro-viral proteins. For this, we embarked on identifying the interacting proteins with a major Wolbachia protein, WSP, which is both structural and also secreted into the host cells. An Ae. aegypti STK was identified, which is induced in DENV and Wolbachia-infected cells. Silencing or induction of the gene led to reduced and increased DENV replication in vitro. Consistently, knocking down the gene in mosquitoes resulted in decreased virus replication. We hypothesize that WSP may sequester STK, which is pro-viral, contributing to Wolbachia virus blocking.

Background: Leptin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone that plays a crucial role in body weight, appetite, and behaviour regulation. Leptin controls energy balance as an indicator of adiposity levels and as a modulator of the reward system, which is associated with liking palatable foods. Obesity is characterized by expanded adipose tissue mass and consequently, elevated concentrations of leptin in blood. Leptin's therapeutic potential for most forms of obesity is hampered by leptin resistance and a narrow dose–response window. Scope of Review: This review describes the current knowledge of the brain regions and intracellular pathways through which leptin promotes negative energy balance and restrains neural circuits affecting food reward. We also describe mechanisms that hinder these biological responses in obesity and highlight potential therapeutic interventions. Major Conclusions: Additional research is necessary to understand how pathways engaged by leptin in different brain regions are interconnected in the control of energy balance.

Background and Objectives: Recently, the anti-herpetic activities of different plant species have been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of Teucrium stocksianum aqueous extract on the HSV-1 virus-infected Vero cell. Materials and Methods: The IC50 of the aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of the plant in boiling water and has been measured with the MTT method, also the q-PCR was used to study viral gene expression reduction. Results: Results of the MTT test indicated that the highest percentage of metabolic activity was observed in the 75 μg/ml concentration of Teucrium stocksianum’s aqueous extracts (IC50=45.5μg/ml). Time intervals of 24 and 48 hours after viral infection revealed that the cell viability is reduced by the viral infection time (MOI=0.1), log 10-3, p

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant public health challenge, contributing to considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide, which necessitates urgent preventive measures. Thyroid disorders, prevalent in many individuals, are intricately linked to metabolic health, yet studies on their relationship with T2DM yield inconsistent results—some suggesting an increased risk with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, while others indicate potential protective effects. This study investigated the association between changes in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsData from 1938 individuals aged ≥20 in the Tehran Thyroid Study cohort were used, spanning four examination cycles from 1999 to 2012, with three-year intervals. TSH and FT4 levels were log-transformed and modeled as time-varying exposures to study their association with incident T2DM.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 9.43 years, 135 new T2DM cases were identified. The multivariable-adjusted joint model (JM) revealed that each unit increase in log-transformed TSH level was associated with a 25% decrease in T2DM incidence [HRs (95% CI): 0.75 (0.64-0.90)]. Conversely, each unit increase in FT4 level showed a marginally significant higher risk [1.06 (0.99-1.13); p-value=0.06].ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that dynamic changes in serum thyroid hormones are associated with the development of T2DM. Rising TSH and decreasing FT4 over time are associated with a lower risk of diabetes. These findings suggest a complex interplay between thyroid function and the risk of T2DM, emphasizing the importance of monitoring thyroid hormone levels as a part of T2DM prevention strategies.

With the development of smart buildings, the risks of cyber-attacks against them have also increased. One of the popular and evolving protocols used for communication between devices in smart buildings, especially HVAC systems, is the BACnet protocol. Machine learning algorithms and neural networks require datasets of normal traffic and real attacks to develop intrusion detection (IDS) and prevention (IPS) systems that can detect anomalies and prevent attacks. Real traffic datasets for these networks are often unavailable due to confidentiality reasons. To address this, we propose a framework that uses existing real datasets and converts them into BACnet protocol network traffic with detailed network behaviour. In this method, a virtual machine is prepared for each controller based on real scenarios, and by creating a simulator for the controller on the virtual machine, real data previously collected under real conditions from existing datasets is injected into the network with the same date and time during the simulation. We performed three types of attacks, including Falsifying, Modifying, and covert channel attacks on the network. For covert channel attacks, the message was modelled in three forms: Plain text, hashed using SHA3-256, and encrypted using AES-256. Network traffic was recorded using Wireshark software in pcap format. The advantage of the generated dataset is that since we used real data, the data behaviour aligns with real conditions.

In the current work, the behavior of a fixed bed column (FBC) containing an innovative nanocomposite, Fe3O4-ZIF8@eggshell membrane matrix (F-ZIF8@EMM), was investigated in the concurrent elimination of arsenic and nitrate, as two potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in drinking water. Flow rate (6–10 mL/min), column height (10–20 cm), reaction time (30–180 min), pH (5−10), primary content of arsenic (25–100 µg/L), primary content of nitrate (100–200 mg/L), and nanocomposite dose (0.25–1 mg/L) were examined as different operational effects on the simultaneous uptake of arsenic and nitrate from actual water via the as-fabricated novel nanocomposite through various experiments. Characteristics of F-ZIF8@EMM were analyzed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. The consequences illustrated that the optimal parameters were: flow rate (6 mL/min), primary content of arsenic (100 µg/L), primary content of nitrate (150 mg/L), bed height (20 cm), and pH (7). The simultaneous elimination efficiency of nitrate and arsenic was 90 % under optimal conditions. The FBC fed with water containing arsenic and high nitrate could operate for 440 min with a qm of 226 mg/g. After fitting, different models were identified, with the concurrent uptake of nitrate and arsenic was the optimum fit with the Thomas model (R2 = 0.9998). Analysis of the cost of the process displayed that it should be estimated to be approximately 0.005$ per liter of safe drinking water. This study demonstrates the stability and high efficiency of the newly structured adsorbent after 10 consecutive adsorption cycles. It also validates the significant capacity of the as-made composite F-ZIF8@EMM in the concurrent uptake of nitrate and arsenic. Consequently, the application of FBC technology has shown promise in enhancing this process.

In an effort to capture travelers’ propensity towards micro-mobility options, a consumer survey was designed and conducted in the state of Florida in Fall 2021. In addition to collecting socioeconomic, demographic, attitudinal, and trip-related information, stated-preference scenarios were presented to the respondents, in which they were asked to choose between their current mode, and three different micro-mobility alternatives, namely: e-scooter, e-scooter + public transit, and moped. A machine learning classification model, the tree-based Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm was applied to study users’ mode choice toward micromobility options given its non-parametric nature and high predictive power. SHAP values were then used to analyze the contributing factors for each of the micro-mobility options. In addition, Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) was employed to interpret and validate the SHAP findings at the individual prediction level. Model results show that age, car-oriented attitudes, lack of familiarity/previous experience, and lack of appropriate infrastructures were the major barriers to choose micro-mobility services. Such services can be suitable alternatives for young people who come from large families or ride-share users who have prior experience with micromobility services. Among different micro-mobility alternatives, mopeds were favored by males and green travelers. It seems that e-scooter + public transit was considered a safe and comfortable option, especially for students and low-income individuals, but generally not favored by travel time-sensitive or green travelers. Finally, e-scooters seem to be a favorable option for younger individuals with short travel distances. Our findings provide additional insights on policies that may help encourage the use of micromobility devices and promote sustainable, affordable, and equitable mobility services.

Petrochemical industries can potentially be sources of microplastics. This is the first report that studies the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in different parts of a petrochemical site, and process of changes in microplastics from the place of production to reaching open waters. Samples were taken from 10 points. In order to identify the microplastics, NaCl and ZnCl2 solutions were used for extraction and then H2O2 was used for cleaning and with using different filters, two groups of size were divided. Then, using a stereomicroscope and ATR-FTIR their abundance, color and shape and the type of polymers were determined. The number of microplastics in the soil samples varied from 1483 ± 475 items/Kgdws to 4620 ± 983 items/kgdws, the industrial WWTP sludge, the number of microplastics detected varied from 1233 ± 225 items/L to 1433 ± 372 items/L and in WWTP effluent was determined to be 276 ± 76 items/10 L. on average, 66.38 % and 33.62 % of the detected microplastic particles were in the size range of 0.45μ-20μ and 20μ-2mm, respectively. Also on average, 75.89 % and 24.11 % of the particles were in the density range of 1.2–2 g/cm3 and less than 1.2 g/cm3, respectively. On average, 68.33 %, 14.35 %, 10.55 %, and 6.77 % of the microplastics were in the form of fiber, film, pellet and other, respectively. On average, 29.84 %, 56.27 %, 1.02 %, 2.88 %, 0.97 %, and 8.99 % of the microplastics were black, white, red, blue, green and other respectively. 61 %, 23 %, 8 %, 4 % and 4 % of the investigated particles were classified as PES, PET, PE, PE and unknown, respectively. The results indicate that by moving away from the place of production of PES fibers, microplastics have undergone physical and chemical changes and their nature is changing. Results showed that the petrochemical industries can be potentially a microplastic source. It is a warning that if not taken into consideration will be a serious threat to environmental health.