Search

This work is based on coralline red algal flora-dominated Lower Miocene carbonates of the Qom Formation from Central Iran Basin. Five assemblages, including corallinoid, lithophylloid, mastophoroid, melobesioid and sporolithoid corresponding to 11 genera of geniculate and non-geniculate, were identified. Also, growth forms and taphonomic characteristics of coralline-algal grains were assessed. The arborescent, layered to foliose lamellae, fruticose, lumpy, warty and encrusting growth forms of studied taxa are observed and five taphonomic traits belonging to both mechanical [abrasion, disarticulation, fragmentation] and biological [encrustation, bioerosion] processes were recognised. The relative abundance of assemblages, growth forms, and taphonomy of red algae visualised at thin-section scale were calculated. Our quantitative analysis highlights mechanical (abrasion > fragmentation) and biological (bioerosion> encrustation) processes. Moreover, layered to foliose and fruticose abundance peaks reveal higher than others. This kind of algal distribution in the examined region indicates that the Qom Formation was deposited on a marine carbonate shelf, which is a deepening depositional system in tropical and subtropical zone. This approach expresses more abundance of red algal assemblages on the deep part of inner and proximal to distal middle shelf settings along with a regime of moderately high towards low hydrodynamic energy and mesophotic – oligophotic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an accurate pavement prediction model plays a dominant role in pavement M&R optimization. Despite employing different robust machine learning techniques to predict pavement conditions, these methods have some weaknesses in synchronising with exact optimization algorithms. The main contribution of this study is to propose a novel method for optimizing the pavement M&R plan with high accuracy. Contrary to conventional approaches, a robust prediction algorithm, Random Forest Regression (RFR), is applied to predict the pavement International Roughness Index (IRI). In addition, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) is employed to assess the performance of the proposed technique in terms of IRI prediction accuracy. Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), as a powerful metaheuristic optimization algorithm, is utilised to obtain the optimal solution to the pavement M&R optimization problem. RFR is run as an internal part of the WOA in the introduced method. Furthermore, Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to examine the performance of the proposed approach in finding the optimal solution. The RFR results conclude a more accurate prediction of IRI than MLR based on all machine learning performance indicators. Furthermore, the newly developed hybrid model significantly outperforms GA in finding the optimal and cost-effective solution to the M&R optimization problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) scheduling is one of the vital aspects of a pavement management system (PMS). This study aims to establish accurate M&R plans for a large-scale pavement network. To this intent, parameters affecting pavement deterioration were identified from the literature, then Random Forest Regression was employed to determine the effective features for pavement deterioration modelling. An accurate pavement deterioration function was generated by applying significant features. The most robust metaheuristic and evolutionary algorithms were selected and adjusted to solve the M&R scheduling optimisation problem, including the Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA), Arithmetic Optimisation Algorithm (AOA), Differential Evolutionary (DE), Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO), Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The performance of the mentioned algorithms was compared to help researchers and decision-makers to select the appropriate algorithm for M&R scheduling optimisation. WCA and AOA showed to have the best performance among the adapted algorithms. Compared to AOA, DE, ACO, PSO, and GA, WCA's objective function was calculated to be 45%, 74%, 74%, 77% and 83% less, while its M&R cost was cheaper by 13%, 16%, 27%, 19%, and 18%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microbial processes can serve as sensitive indicators of soil quality. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to determine the combined effects of tillage (conventional, CT; reduced, RT; and no tillage, NT) and residue (with or without residue removal) on soil microbial and enzyme activities under wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)- and corn (Zea mays L.) in a rotation, using a split-plot design with three replications near Shiraz, Iran. The highest microbial biomass (660.19 and 667.00 µg MBC g−1 soil in wheat and corn, respectively) was recorded under RT. Soil respiration was affected by tillage in order NT > RT > CT. The lowest microbial quotient (qCO2) was obtained under RT (15.60 in wheat and 5.94 in corn, respectively), while NT and CT either showed similar effects or NT was superior over CT. The highest acid phosphatase enzyme was obtained under RT (442.65 and 374.17 µg PNP g−1 soil h−1 in wheat and corn, respectively). Alkaline phosphatase and urease enzymes were highest under NT. Our research has shown that replacing CT with conservation tillage (especially RT) can greatly improve soil enzymes and microbial biomass and optimize qCO2 values under wheat- and corn in a rotation in a short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferula assa-foetida gum oleoresin (FAGO) is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments. The subject of this article was to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial effects of the different types of bitter FAGO essential oils in the natural habitat of Southwest Iran. α-pinene (38.2%), and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (12.4%) were the main components of F. assa-foetida tear type essential oil, with high antibacterial, anti-biofilm and cytotoxic activities, followed by paste and mass types, respectively. α-pinene (27.8%), and (Z)-propenyl-sec-butyl disulfide (24.2%) were identified as main components of paste type. α-pinene (33.4%), β-pinene (16.3%), and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (16.1%) were the main components of asafoetida mass type gum oleoresin essential oil. FAGO essential oil specially tear one could serve as suitable candidate for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active packaging (AP) is a new class of innovative food packaging, containing bioactive compounds, is able to maintain the quality of food and extend its shelf life by releasing active agent during storage. The main challenge in designing the AP system is slowing the release rate of active compounds for its prolonged activity. Controlled-release active packaging (CRP) is an innovative technology that provides control in the release of active compounds during storage. Various approaches have been proposed to design CRP. The purpose of this review was to gather and present the strategies utilized for release controlling of active compounds from food AP systems. The chemical modification of polymers, the preparation of multilayer films and the use of cross-linking agents are some methods tried in the last decades. Other approaches use molecular complexes and irradiation treatments. Micro- or nano-encapsulation of active compounds and using nano-structured materials in the AP film matrix are the newest techniques used for the preparation of CRP systems. The action mechanism for each technique was described and an effort was made to highlight representative published papers about each release controlling approach. This review will benefit future prospects of exploring other innovative release controlling methods in food CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of aflatoxins (AFB1) in Iranian wheat flours was determined by immunoaffinity chromatography (HPLC). A total of 180 wheat flour and 60 wheat bran samples including three types of flour and wheat bran were collected from different manufacturers. Also, human health risk assessment of aflatoxins due to consumption of wheat flours by children and adults was calculated using the Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach in the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm. Considering the limit of detection of the current study, 144 out of 180 wheat flour samples and 54 out of 60 wheat bran samples were positive for aflatoxin B1. The amounts of AFB1 in wheat flour and wheat bran samples were detected to be 0.01–0.5 ng/g and 0.06–0.99 ng/g, respectively. The highest mean values of AFB1 were observed in Sangag, Barbary and Tafton flours from different manufacturers with amount of 0.5, 0.4 and 0.3 ng/g, respectively. Despite the contamination of wheat flour and wheat bran samples, AFB1 values were not higher than the limit of Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran (5 ng/g) and European Union (2 ng/g). The mean of chronic daily intake in the adults and children on the basis of consumption of AFB1 in total samples was estimated to be as 0.26 and 0.04 mg/kg-d, respectively. The percentile 95 of MOE in total samples of flours in the adult and children were calculated as 1072 and 647, respectively. However, human health evaluation showed that both children and adult in the Alborz State are at remarkable cancer risk. Hence, national program is necessary to focus on this problem and firm inspection of wheat flours by the regulatory organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recalling that counter rotating terms (CRTs) in atom–field interaction are not always ignorable, particularly in the strong coupling regimes of atom–field systems, in this paper we are going to study the interaction between two qubits (two-level atoms) with a two-mode field in a high quality cavity by considering CRTs while the dipole–dipole (D–D) interaction is also taken into account. Indeed, by performing an appropriate dynamical Hamiltonian associated with the Jaynes–Cummings and anti-Jaynes–Cummings terms, as well as the D–D interaction for the system, we solve the corresponding time-dependent Schrödinger equation with specific initial conditions for atoms and field. In the continuation, concurrence, as an appropriate measure of the degree of entanglement of the two qubits, and atomic population inversion of the qubits, as the rate of energy exchange between atoms and field, are evaluated. Meanwhile, we investigate the influence of CRTs and D–D interaction (as well as other involved parameters in the model interaction) on the mentioned quantities. Our numerical results indicate that collapse-revival phenomenon can be observed in the absence of D–D interaction with or without rotating wave approximation, however, CRTs cause an increase or decrease in the number of collapse-revivals in a finite interval of time, depending on the chosen parameters. In fact, by entering the D–D interaction term, this phenomenon is destroyed and the time behaviour of the quantities experiences irregular oscillations. Noticing that the initial field is considered in the vacuum state, the occurrence of collapse-revival in the population inversion of the two qubits is an interesting feature of this work. As is shown, the degree of entanglement and atomic population inversion of the qubits can generally be tuned, and the death of entanglement can be prevented, both by adjusting the evolved parameters in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern Iran, intensive tillage operations and residue removal increased soil compaction, which reduces soil porosity, crop development, and yield. While conservation farming combined with crop residue retention showed encouraging results. A 2-year field experiment (2016–2017) was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage methods (conventional tillage, CT; reduced tillage, RT; and no tillage, NT) on soil properties as well as crop yield of wheat and corn grown with or without crop residue removal, using a split-plot design with three replications near Shiraz, Iran. Results showed NT had higher soil bulk density (BD) at 0–10 cm soil depth (up to 1.32 Mg m−3), thereby lower cumulative water infiltration (less than 10 cm/150 min). The lowest soil organic carbon was obtained under CT with residue removal (less than 1%), while RT and NT either showed similar effects or RT was superior over NT. Reduced tillage produced higher yield of wheat and corn, which were 9190 and 14,996 kg ha−1, respectively. Our research has shown that replacing RT with CT and/or NT can greatly optimize crop yield, reduce soil compaction, and improve water infiltration under wheat-corn rotation, but it is based on the short-term results and evaluation of long-term experiment is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern Iran, intensive tillage operations and residue removal have been the major cause of declining crop productivity and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). A 2-year field experiment (2016–2017) was conducted to test four nitrogen (N) rates (0, 101, 152, and 202 kg N ha−1) and tillage practices (conventional, CT; reduced, RT; and no tillage, NT) effects on irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown with or without corn (Zea mays L.) residue removal, using a split-plot design with three replications near Shiraz, Iran. After 2 years, wheat yields were tended to be increased with increasing N rates from 101 to 202 kg N ha−1 under RT with residue retention. Increasing N rate decreased NUE values particularly N physiological efficiency (PEN). Likewise, the lowest NUE was obtained under NT, while RT and CT either showed similar effects or RT was superior over CT. Furthermore, the NNI value around 1 was obtained at 152 kg N ha−1 under RT, when crop residues were retained or removed. Our research has shown that replacing CT with conservation tillage (especially RT) with residue retention and 152 kg N ha−1 can greatly protect wheat yield and optimize NUE values under wheat- and corn in a rotation, but it is based on the short-term results and evaluation of long-term experiment is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterises the mechanical, rheological, induced heating, and induced healing behaviour of asphalt concrete containing steel wool fibers (SWFs) as the conductive constituent. Induced heating of asphalt concrete through the electromagnetic field is a novel method to heal the damage induced in asphalt concrete. Previous studies used high contents of the SWF as the conductive material to improve the sensitivity of the asphalt concrete to the electromagnetic radiations. Experimental tests conducted in this study (e.g. uniaxial strength, indirect tension, semi-circular bending tests) show that the addition of 0.2 (wt)% SWF meets both the heating and healing requirements. The relatively low amount of SWF resulted in considerably less adverse effects on the mechanical and rheological properties of asphalt concrete comparing to higher percentages of SWF (e.g. 1.5 (wt)% of SWF). Tests conducted on different specimen sizes of asphalt concrete reveal substantial effects of specimen dimension (volume) on the heating rate that should be considered in the evaluation of asphalt concrete induction heating under electromagnetic power. In addition, it is shown that using 0.2 (wt)% SWF significantly reduces the effect of corrosion on induced heating of conductive asphalt concrete materials. Experimental results demonstrate that the tensile strength ratio (TSR) decreases from 25% for 1.5% SWF to 7% for 0.2% SWF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, novel magnetic nanocomposite adsorbents were prepared by crosslinking β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) onto chitosan backbones by using epichlorohydrin as a crosslinker and in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The composition of β-CD-chitosan nanocomposites was characterized via FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, and VSM. Then, the as-prepared nanocomposites were treated for elimination of methyl orange (MO). The results indicated that the adsorption of MO exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 314 mg g−1 at 25°C. Moreover, the rates and isotherm data of adsorption matched excellent at different MO concentrations (10, 60, and 120 mg/L) using second-order and Langmuir models with the regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9993 and 9990, respectively. Besides, the thermodynamic data confirmed MO adsorption as an endothermic process. The adsorbent was also confirmed as good materials for re-use and maintained 88% of its initial adsorption capacity for MO after the fifth regeneration cycles. In conclusion, the synthesized magnetic nanocomposites can be applied as cost-effective dye adsorbents with high regeneration efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vortex structures, as one of the most important features of cardiac flow, have a crucial impact on the left ventricle function and pathological conditions. These swirling flows are closely related to the presence of turbulence in left ventricle which is investigated in the current study. Using an extended model of the left heart, including a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of the mitral valve with a realistic geometry, the effect of using two numerical turbulent models, k-ε and Spalart-Allmaras (SA), on diastolic flow patterns is studied and compared with results from laminar flow model. As a result of the higher dissipation rate in turbulent models (k-ε and SA), vortices are larger and stronger in the laminar flow model. Comparing E/A ratio in the three models (Laminar, k-ε, and SA) with experimental data from healthy subjects, it is concluded that the results from k-ε model are more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of varying the co-doping concentration of a mesogenic and a non-mesogenic monomer in the reactive mixtures used to create a copolymer network LCs was investigated. Use of copolymer has been found to improve the response properties in the obtained liquid crystal composites. The polymer network in the studied copolymer network LCs was examined by scanning electron microscopy and the response times in various samples were investigated. Samples were prepared with various reactive mixtures, each of which had a constant concentration of mesogenic monomer, various concentrations of non-mesogenic monomer, and the same amount of photoinitiator. These reactive mixtures were filled in home assembled test cells with planar alignment and then exposed to UV light. With increasing concentration of the non-mesogenic monomer, the response properties of the resulting copolymer network LC were improved. Usually, if the overall polymer content in a polymer network LC is increased, the threshold voltage is also increased. However, both threshold voltages and response times were lowered and the response properties were thus improved in the studied copolymer network LCs. This unexpected behavior could be traced back to inducing a grainy polymer morphology of the copolymer network by using a non-mesogenic monomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, based on the nonlinear coherent states formalism and using the Hamiltonian for a single mode field in a Kerr medium, the deformed photon-added nonlinear coherent states with negative m corresponding to the nonharmonic oscillators are constructed. In addition, some of the nonclassical properties associated with these states such as the Mandel parameter, quadrature squeezing and second-order correlation function are investigated. It is found that the deformed photon-added nonlinear coherent states with negative m for the one-mode field in a Kerr medium are nonclassical states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic rheological measurements provide a valid determination of the ability of polymeric ingredients to compensate the reduced contribution of fat to texture and mouthfeel, as well as provide an emulsion that easily breaks down in commercial low-fat butters. In this study, the linear effects of pectin (PE, 0.5%) and xanthan gum (XG, 0.1%) and their interactions with locust bean gum (LBG, 0.2% and 0.4%), sodium-alginate (ALG, 0.2% and 0.4%), and modified starch (MS, 0.2% and 0.4%) on the flow behavior, dynamic rheological characteristics, and stability of reduced-fat butters containing 10% walnut oil (WO) were investigated. Results showed that the power law model can adequately fit the shear-rate/shear-stress data (0.888 ≤ r ≤ 0.992, p < 0.01). Flow behavior index of all the butters was approximately in the range of 0.6-0.9, which corresponds to pseudoplastic behavior. They behaved like an elastic solid with G′ > G″ at all frequencies. The samples prepared with PE-LBG (0.2% and 0.4%) and XG-ALG (0.4%) had the highest G′ values. The phase angle (G″/G′) decreased with increasing frequency from 0.03 to 15 Hz. The maximum apparent viscosity and stability were, respectively, found for WO butters formulated with XG-0.2% ALG and PE-0.4% LBG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, due to the rapid spoilage of fish, the use of natural preservatives is a priority over those of synthetic varieties. Also, the natural antimicrobial effects of essential oils can help to increase shelf life. There are very few studies concerning the use of essential oils in this regard. In the present study, the antibacterial effect of chitosan coated withHeracleum persicumoil was investigated on the quality of rainbow trout. The control and the coated fish samples were analyzed periodically by generalized estimating equation (GEE) for total viable count (TVC), psychrophilic bacteria, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), texture, taste, odor, and overall acceptance parameters. The results showed that by increasing the amount of chitosan, TVC, psychrophilic bacteria, and TVB-N decreased while PUFA, texture, taste, odor, and overall acceptance parameters increased. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development in response to water deficit. The effect of SA (0, 0.4 and 0.8 mM) on some physiological parameters of three soybean genotypes was investigated in three irrigation schedules included (85%, 65% and 45% of field capacity) during 2014–2015. Results showed that water deficit decreased stomatal conductance, leaf area index, relative water content, membrane stability index, yield components and grain yield particularly in L17 genotype. Activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, proline and total protein were increased in response to water deficit as well as SA applications. SA inhibited catalase activity resulting in increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation in soybean genotypes. Application of 0.4 mM SA decreased the adverse effects of water deficit in soybean genotypes by elevation of antioxidant enzymes activity and reducing malondialdehyde formation especially in Williams genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Zataria multifloraBoiss (Lamiaceae) commonly grows in Iran is a popular medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities mentioned in traditional Iranian medicine and modern phytotherapy. This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition and scolicidal effects ofZ. multifloraessential oil on the protoscoleces of hydatid cysts on anin vitromodel. The components of theZ. multifloraessential oil were identified by GC/MS analysis. Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from the livers of naturally infected sheep. Various concentrations of essential oil, thymol and carvacrol were used for 5–30 minutes. Eosin exclusion test was used to determine the viability of protoscoleces. The main components were thymol (41.8%), carvacrol (28.8%), andp-cymene (8.4%). Findings showed that essential oil at the concentrations of 12.5 and 6.25 μL/mL killed 100% protoscoleces after 5 and 20 minutes of exposure, respectively. In addition, thymol and carvacrol at the concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 100 μL/mL killed 100% protoscoleces after 10 minutes incubation, respectively. Obtained results in this investigation for the first time demonstrated thatZ. multifloraessential oil and its main components might be a natural source for the production of new scolicidal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynological analysis of the Shishtu 2 Member (Shishtu Formation) located in the Howz-e-Dorah area (southeast Tabas, central Iran Basin) suggests a middle Tournaisian-late Viséan age for this rock unit. The Shishtu 2 Member consists of shale, sandstone, dolostone and limestone. Three palynological assemblages are recognised and mainly correlated with the miospore biozones of Northern Gondwana. A microfloristic comparison with other sections in Western Gondwana (South America) is also proposed. We identify a sedimentary hiatus between the Shishtu 1 and Shishtu 2 members. Our findings suggest that the Mush Horizon is the lowermost part of the Shishtu 2 Member, contrary to the Iranian literature where it is considered to be the uppermost part of the Shishtu 1 Member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regioselective ring opening of aliphatic and aromatic epoxides with nitrogen heterocycles such as indoles and imidazoles was accelerated using an ultrasonic technique as a green approach. An optimized procedure with the catalyst of choice, MCM-41, represents a real alternative to the conventional reaction protocols owing to the catalyst recyclability, simplicity, green conditions and time-saving aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The occurrence of cardiac iron deposition is one of the late effect of iron over load which causes cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients who are affected by beta-thalassemia major. Evaluation of some cardiovascular risk factors plays a crucial role in prediction and prevention of CVD. Subjects and methods: This study consisted of 70 young adult subjects with beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) (aged <30 years) and 71 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects as control group in the range of 20–30 years. Hematological and biochemical laboratory parameters including apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 and ApoB, oxidative stress biomarker pro-oxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB), homocysteine, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lipid profile were evaluated. Results: ApoA1, ApoB, lipid profiles, and homocysteine were significantly decreased in patients group (P < 0.001); however, very low-density lipoprotein and also mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P > 0.05) were different. Some elements included ferritin (P < 0.001), PAB (P < 0.001), and ApoB/apoA1 ratio (P < 0.05) statistically increased in patients, whereas hs-CRP (P > 0.05) was not significantly different in study groups. Exception of high-density lipoprotein (P > 0.05), other lipid profiles, and apoB had a negative meaningful correlation with PAB (P < 0.05). Likewise, apoA1, apoB, apoB/A1 ratio with apoB and homocysteine showed a strong correlation (P < 0.05). We did not find a slight correlation between apoB/A1 ratio in the company of oxidative stress marker PAB (r = −0.366;P = 0.086). We found a statistical correlation between apoB/A1 and homocysteine (P < 0.05). Discussion: Higher level of some risk factors like PAB values, apoB/A1 ratio concentration, and lipid profiles is able to involve in the prognostic pathological consequences in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Even so, they contribute toward the gradual development of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the influences of non-uniform saturation distribution on the analysis and interpretation of pressure and pressure derivative curves is examined. The unusual behavior of the pressure transient data due to non-uniform saturation distribution makes the analysis of such reservoirs complicated and leads to ambiguity in the interpretation. In order to interpret the behavior of pressure transient data, which are influenced by changes of fluid saturation, a theoretical model is developed. The model application is demonstrated using a simulation in the reservoir containing oil and water with the variety of fluids saturation in the initial condition. The theoretical model provides a basis for understanding conclusions derived by numerical results as well as new insight for interpretation of pressure transient behavior affects by non-uniform saturation distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract This study aims to investigate the moderating role of Schwartz human values in the relationship between visual elements and the effectiveness of print advertising. The study examines the influence of color and image elements as design variables and identifies the impact of Schwartz’s values of market. Four real advertisements incorporating these visual elements were embedded within a dummy magazine to serve as stimuli for participants. Using a questionnaire, the study measured both the effectiveness of the advertisements and participants cultural values. The collected data were analyzed employing Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicate that the tradition value dimension moderates the relationship between color, real image, toon image, and advertisement effectiveness. Consequently, the findings suggest that utilizing more realistic images and reducing the presence of cartoon-like illustrations would be beneficial when targeting less traditional communities. However, in traditional markets, the use of toon images can enhance the effectiveness of print advertising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this study is on the analysis of capillary pressure effects on well test data. Ignoring the capillary pressure is one of the assumptions that have been applied in all multiphase well test analysis approaches. In this work we investigate the influences of capillary pressure on the analysis of pressure transient data in a solution gas drive reservoir and in a reservoir containing oil and water. Reservoir simulations were performed to generate pressure and saturation data for each case and the pressure responses and the fluids saturation distribution for drawdown and build-up tests for two cases with and without capillary pressure are compared. According to the results of this study, it has been concluded that the influences of capillary pressure on fluids saturation behavior in build-up test due to importance of capillary force than viscose force in this period is more noticeable. Though the effects of capillary pressure lead to differences in the fluids saturation behavior but the authors have not observed dissimilarity in the pressure responses affected by capillary pressure for draw down and build-up test in the both reservoirs under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated multiphase flow effects on the analysis of pressure responses in layered reservoirs with cross flow. Virtually all studies on the subject of multiphase well test analysis have been carried out in single-layer reservoirs. However, many reservoirs are found to be composed of number of layers whose characteristics are different from each other and the wells in such reservoirs may be completed and produced from more than one layer. In order to examine the behavior of pressure data in multiphase multilayer reservoirs with interlayer communication several cases are considered. The contrast in phase saturations in each layer is the parameter of interest. For each case the applicability of conventional well test analysis is investigated and reservoir parameters such as phase mobilities, skin factor, and average reservoir pressure are compared with actual values. According to the results of this work, conventional multiphase well test analysis in the single layer reservoir can be used in layered reservoirs with cross flow; however, the data should be interpreted with care if horizontal saturation gradient in the layers is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Leishmaniasis is a complex disease with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Objective: We evaluated the anti-leishmanial effects of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) against Leishmania tropica and Leishmania infantum with an in vitro model. Materials and methods: Antileishmanial effects of essential oil and methanolic extract of N. sativa (0-200 µg/mL) and thymoquinone (0-25 µg/mL) on promastigotes of both species and their cytotoxicity activities against murine macrophages were evaluated using the MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h. Moreover, their leishmanicidal effects against amastigotes were investigated in a macrophage model, for 48 and 72 h. Results: The findings showed that essential oil ( L. tropica IC50 9.3 μg/mL and L. infantum IC50 11.7 μg/mL) and methanolic extract ( L. tropica IC50 14.8 μg/mL and L. infantum IC50 15.7 μg/mL) of N. sativa, particularly thymoquinone ( L. tropica IC50 1.16 μg/mL and L. infantum IC50 1.47 μg/mL), had potent antileishmanial activity on promastigotes of both species after 72 h. In addition, essential oil ( L. tropica IC50 21.4 μg/mL and L. infantum IC50 26.3 μg/mL), methanolic extract ( L. tropica IC50 30.8 μg/mL and L. infantum IC50 34.6 μg/mL), and thymoquinone ( L. tropica IC50 2.1 μg/mL and L. infantum IC50 2.6 μg/mL) mediated a significant decrease in the growth rate of amastigote forms of both species. Thymoquinone (CC50 38.8 μg/mL) exhibited higher cytotoxic effects against murine macrophages than the other extracts. Conclusion: N. sativa, especially its active principle, thymoquinone, showed a potent leishmanicidal activity against L. tropica and L.infantum with an in vitro model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of natural crop protection products as alternatives to the use of synthetic fungicides is currently popular. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antifungal effects of several essential oils against the fungal pathogens,Botrytis cinereaandRhizopus stolonifer, underin vitrocondition. Four essential oils (fennel, black caraway, peppermint and thyme) were each tested at five concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600 or 800 μl l−1).In vitroresults showed that the essential oil of black caraway and fennel had the highest fungicidal effect againstB. cinereaandR. stolonifer,respectively. The growth ofB. cinereawas completely inhibited by the essential oil of black caraway at 400 μl l−1. Fennel oil perfectly inhibited growth ofR. stoloniferfungus colonies at concentration higher than 600 μl L−1in potato dextrose agar medium. Percentage of spores germination was the lowest in medium of Fennel and black caraway essential oils, and was the highest in Thyme ones. These results show that plant essential oils can have a strong effect on reducing post-harvest decay. These plant essential oils could provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals to control post-harvest phytopathogenic fungi on fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of xanthan gum (XG) (0.1 wt%) and pectin (PE) (0.5 wt%) alone and in combination with different concentrations (0.2 and 0.4 wt%) of locust bean gum (LBG), modified starch (MS), and Na-alginate (ALG) on some of the rheological characteristics of low-fat spreads, including flow behavior curves, rheological modeling, apparent viscosity, rheological modules (storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″)), and delta degree (G″/G′) were studied. Results showed the power-law model was better than the Herschel–Bulkley model to describe the flow curve of dispersions. Thek-value in the power-law model increased with increase in biopolymers concentration in solution. All samples exhibited shear-thinning flow behavior with a low yield stress. Dynamic oscillatory shear test showed that the spreads had a viscoelastic solid behavior with a gel-like structure. TheG′ value was increased by increasing frequency from 0.03 to 15 Hz, while theG″ andG″/G′ values decreased. Also, MS in combination with XG and PE led to increase theG′ values of spreads in comparison with ALG and LBG. Moreover, microstructural and stability observations revealed that the spreads prepared with 0.1% XG-0.2% LBG significantly had the highest oiling out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of antifungal essential oils on postharvest decay and some quality factors of strawberry fruit, experiments were conducted under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The antifungal activates of essential oils obtained from fennel, anis, peppermint and cinnamon at concentrations 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 μL L−1 were investigated against Botrytis cinerea with four replications. In vitro results showed that the growth of B. cinerea was completely inhibited by fennel, cinnamon and anis essential oils at relatively low concentrations (400–800 μL L−1). In vivo results showed that all the used essential oils at all applied concentrations caused an increase in the shelf life and inhibited of B. cinerea growth on strawberry fruits completely in comparison to the controls. The results of this study confirmed the antifungal effect of four essential oils in both in vitro and on fruit postharvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal buckling analysis of deep imperfect functionally graded (FGM) spherical shell is considered in this paper. A mixture of ceramic and metal is considered for the FGM shell and the material properties, such as the modulus of elasticity and coefficient of thermal expansion, vary by a power law function through the thickness. Employing the Sanders non-linear kinematic relations, total potential energy function is derived and the equilibrium and stability equations are obtained for the imperfect shell. Approximate solutions satisfying the simply supported boundary condition are assumed and using the Galerkin method the error due to the approximation is minimized. The geometrically imperfect shell is considered and three types of thermal loadings, such as the uniform temperature rise (UTR), linear temperature rise through the thickness (LTR), and non-linear temperature rise through the thickness (NLTR) are considered and their associated buckling temperatures are obtained. The effects of different temperature functions and the magnitude of initial geometric imperfection are examined on the thermal buckling loads of the shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface tension gradients can cause mass transfer (Marangoni effect). We investigated thermocapillary in homeotropic oriented nematic liquid crystals. The heating process was performed with a Gaussian laser profile. The upper surface of the cell is free and the bottom has hard anchoring conditions. Upon assuming the fluid is incompressible, the hydrodynamic equations that explain the system shifts can be derived from the balance of torques, Navier-Stokes and heat equation. The heat equation is written for anisotropic area. We investigated the problem of the existence of vertical magnetic field. We found that the magnetic field can affect the system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Well graphitised nanocarbons including onion-like fullerenes and single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesised in high yield by automatic arc-discharge method in solution. This technique is considered a low-cost method since it does not require any expensive equipment. Herein, an arc discharge full automatic set-up was used for fabrication of CNTs which enables controlling of the gap between the two electrodes and the voltage as well. Carbon nanostructures under a controlled amount of voltage (from 10 to 30 V) were synthesised where Ni : Mo as a catalyst and LiCl 0.25 M as a solution were used. Subsequently, a modified acid treatment method was applied as purification stage of the products. The production rate of CNTs was as high as 7.7 mg min-1 while the voltage was set at 30 V. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy as well as Raman spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology of these carbon nanostructures. The results indicated that CNTs synthesised at a voltage of 30 V had the best quality and elongated straight structures. The mechanism of the voltage conditions for preparing nanocarbons as well as their characterisation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use a new procedure for estimating acid ionization constants of fluorescein using the spectrophotometric method at 25°C and at the constant ionic strength I = 0.1 M (KNO3) in pure water as well as in aqueous media containing variable percentages (10-50% w/v) of organic solvents. The used organic solvents were methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, and dioxane. The obtained results indicated that acidity constants decrease as the content of an organic solvent in the medium increases. The acidity constants of all related equilibria are estimated using the whole spectral fitting of the collected data. The DATAN program was applied for determination of acidity constants. The effects of various solvents on absorption properties and acidity constants of each component are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new adsorptive cathodic differential pulse stripping voltammetry method for the direct determination of lorazepam at trace levels in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids is proposed. The procedure involves an adsorptive accumulation of lorazepam on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), followed by reduction of adsorbed lorazepam by voltammetric scan using differential pulse modulation. The optimum conditions for the analysis of lorazepam are pH=2 using Britton-Robinson (B-R) buffer, accumulation potential of -0.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and accumulation time of 40 sec. The peak current is proportional to the concentration of lorazepam, and a linear calibration graph is obtained at 0.05–1.15 µg mL -1 . A relative standard deviation of 2.41% (n=3) was obtained, and the limit of detection was 0.019 µg mL -1 . The capability of the method for the analysis of real samples was evaluated by determination of lorazepam in pharmaceutical preparations and biological (urine and plasma) fluids with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three‐way analytical methodology experimentally based on kinetic‐spectrophotometric and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) chemometrics analysis was assessed for the quantification of nitrite in water and meat samples. This method is based on the reduction of phosphomolybdic acid to phosphomolymbdenum blue complex by sodium sulfide. The obtained phosphomolymbdenum blue complex is oxidized by the addition of nitrite and this causes a reduction in intensity of the blue color. Three‐way data matrices were generated by acquisition of ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectra (600–900 nm) as a function of the time and of different relative concentration of the nitrite (0.10–2.10 µg mL -1 ). The PARAFAC trilinear model, without restrictions, was used in the data analysis. A full decomposition of the data matrices was obtained (spectra, concentration, and time profile). It was shown that kinetic methods coupled to three‐way chemometrics analytical methods can be used for the development of robust sensors for the analysis of nitrite in water and meat samples. The accuracy of the method, evaluated through the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), was 0.0515 and 0.1181 for nitrite by PARAFAC and partise least squares (PLS) models respectively. The results with the PARAFAC model are better than those of the PLS model, according to results, it being possible to recover the spectra and kinetic profiles, as well as the initial concentration of nitrite with good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphical method based on the double divisor–ratio spectra derivative–zero crossing was proposed for the spectrophotometric multicomponent analysis of synthetic mixtures containing folic acid(vitamin B0), thiamine(vitamin B1), riboflavin(vitamin B2), and pyridoxal(vitamin B6) in the presence of strongly overlapping signals without any chemical separation. The graphical method is based on the use of derivative signals of the ratio spectra by using double divisor. The selected data of ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra consisted of points corresponding to the spectral region 225–475 nm. The linear determination ranges were 1–26 µg mL−1 of B0, 4–50 ofµg mL−1 of B1, 1–28 µg mL−1 of B2, 6–42 µg mL−1 of B6 in a buffer solution at(pH 5.8). The proposed method applied to the simultaneous determination of four vitamins by using synthetic quaternary mixtures. The obtained results were statistically compared with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kinetic spectrophotometric method was developed for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and L-cysteine (Cys), based on detecting the colored final product. These compounds react differentially with Fe(III) in neutral medium, and the product of reduction, Fe(II), will form a colored compound with chromogenic reagent 1,10-phenanthroline, which shows a maximum absorbance at 510 nm. The absorbance was measured at 510 nm every 2 sec from 10 to 190 sec, and the data obtained were processed by chemometric approach, partial least squares (PLS). The experimental calibration set was composed with 25 sample solutions using orthogonal calibration design for two component mixtures. The concentration ranges for AA and Cys were 2.00–11.82 and 1.50–14.99 ppm, respectively. The effect of pH and temperature was studied. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of both analytes in pharmaceutical formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partial least squares calibration method was applied for the kinetic simultaneous determination of the divalent ions of cobalt, nickel and copper based on their catalytic effect on the reaction between resazurine and sulfide. The experimental calibration matrix was designed with 21 samples. The concentrations were varied between 0.1-1.1, 0.1-2.8 and 0.1-1.1 7mu;g ml[SUP-1] for cobalt, nickel and copper, respectively. The cross-validation method was used to select the number of factors. The RMSD for cobalt, nickel and copper were 0.0122, 0.0195 and 0.0179, respectively. Application of the method to artificial samples and several mixtures of standard solutions are performed which gave acceptable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodResultsConclusionBedtime procrastination has been identified as an important factor associated with insufficient sleep and health and well-being problems. This study aims to investigate factor structure and psychometric properties of Bedtime procrastination Scale (BPS) in the Persian-speaking community. Additionally, this research aims to examine the role of bedtime procrastination in predicting sleep-related problems.Four hundred and thirty-three participants (average age 23 years, 55.7% female) took part in this study. All participants completed the BPS, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS). Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to examine the factor structure and predict sleep-related problems.Confirmatory factor analysis showed that, unlike other language versions, the two-factor model without item 3 was the most suitable structure. This scale demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. Additionally, the results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the procrastination factor, especially bedtime procrastination, was the best predictor of insomnia severity.In this study, the Persian version of BPS showed strong validity and reliability. These findings suggest that the Persian BPS can serve as a valuable and comprehensive research tool for assessing bedtime procrastination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]