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Graphene oxide has attracted many interests in the recent decade due to its unique mechanical and chemical properties. This study focuses on the modification of graphene oxide and preparation proton exchange membrane (PEM) by sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) as base polymer for using in MFC as a modified membrane to remove COD and electricity generation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and contact angle measurements were used to verify hydrophilic properties of the synthesized membranes. First, preparation procedures and properties of sulfonated reduced graphene oxide are briefly described. Subsequently, modification of proton exchange membrane from SPEEK polymer with prepared nano particle of sulfonated reduced graphene oxide 0.5 wt. % and its operation in MFC was considered. COD removal, power density, current density and coulombic efficiency were monitored during the process operation to evaluate the MFC performance. During the process operation, COD removal, power density, current density, and coulombic efficiency were tracked to assess the MFC performance. The power density and current density, 39.43 mW/m2 and 161 mA/m2 and the columbic efficiency 48.9 % was obtained, respectively. The COD removal of 89.5 % was obtained.

Introduction and purposeUse of radiological equipment in dentistry is vital for the diagnosis and treatment of oral and dental diseases. However, concerns about the leakage of radiation from these devices and its impact on public health are inevitable. The present study aimed to investigate the extent of radiation leakage in dental clinics in the city of Kashan, Iran, and its results can significantly contribute to the improvement of the safety of these environments. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 30 randomly selected dental clinics. Data collection was performed using the Smart Ion Mini_Instruments Ltd (UK) for measuring radiation leakage, along with observations and inquiries to obtain demographic and protective information. The collected data were entered into the SPSS 24 and analyzed using statistical tests. Results: Based on the findings, 6 out of the 30 sampled clinics had radiation leakage values higher than the permissible limit, while 24 clinics were within the safe range. Moreover, in assessing the relationship between variables and radiation leakage, no significant correlation was found between radiation leakage and the demographic information of radiologists, such as gender, specialty, and work experience. Among protective measures, the presence of lead shielding showed the highest significant correlation with radiation leakage. Conclusion: The study showed that 20% of the sampled offices had a high radiation leakage rate and that protective measures, especially the use of lead shields, were very important in reducing the radiation leakage rate in dental offices. The results indicated that the offices that used lead shields had less radiation leakage than other offices. Lack of a significant relationship between the demographic information of radiographers and the amount of radiation leakage indicated that this phenomenon is more related to technical factors and radiation equipment rather than personal factors, such as gender or expertise. These results revealed the necessity of emphasizing education and retraining and the implementation of safety standards and guidelines related to the use of radiology equipment in dental environments, as well as the necessity of periodic visits to dental offices.

One of the favorite vehicles in cities and villages is a motorbike because it is practical and economical. So most of them modify their motorbikes. Starting from adding accessories such as a wind shield and rear box. An aerodynamic vehicle body shape can have an effect on reducing fuel consumption and minimizing forces that hinder the vehicle's speed. This research aims to see the difference in air resistance between motorbikes that have been modified and those that have not been modified. The simulation used uses a numerical simulation method with CFD (Computational Flow Dynamics) software. The form of modification is the addition of a wind shield and rear box. The average speed travelled in the flow simulation is 60 km/hour. The equations used in this research are the drag coefficient, velocity, drag force and flow trajectory equations. The research results show that the Windshield and Rear Box have a very significant influence on drag force. The higher the speed given, the greater the resistance force received. The addition of accessories such as a wind shield and rear box affects the drag force on a motorbike, which is the greatest at 205.28N for a speed of 80 km/hour. The largest drag coefficient is also obtained when these two accessories are added, namely 0.0071 at a speed of 80 km/hour.

Background: Employees are considered internal customers of the organization, and today, employee’s experience has become a prominent topic in the field of human resources. This study aims to model the factors affecting employees’ experience management in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences using fuzzy interpretive structural modeling. Methods: This applied study was descriptive-analytical conducted in 2023. 10 faculty members, managers, and staff of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences were selected using a purposive sampling method. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) questionnaire consisting of a 7x7 matrix was then given to them, and they were asked to find the contextual relationship between the variables based on the pairwise comparison scale. In the analysis section, fuzzy interpretive structural modeling and MICMAC analysis were used to structure and analyze the status of the factors. Results: 7 organized themes (organizational, physical environment, technological, job, managerial, cultural, and individual factors) were identified for employees’ experience in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Findings showed that cultural and managerial factors are at the lowest level of the structure and have more influence and less dependence. In other words, these are the most influential factors on employees’ experience. Job, technology, and organizational factors were placed at the second level. In contrast, individual and physical factors were at the highest level of the structure and had less influence and more dependence on other factors. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Mashhad University of Medical Sciences should focus on strengthening and improving cultural and managerial factors to improve employees’ experience. Additionally, attention to job, technology, and organizational factors, along with addressing individual employee’s needs and providing a favorable physical environment, are essential for employees’ effective experience management at the university. This study, by providing a comprehensive model of factors influencing employees’ experience, assists universities and other organizations in gaining a deeper understanding of this concept and developing effective strategies for its enhancement.

IntroductionCherry, with the scientific name Prunus avium L., is one of the most important stone fruit trees in temperate regions, belonging to the Rosaceae family and the Prunoideae subfamily. Edible coatings are thin layers of materials that are used on the surface of the product and are an alternative to protective wax coatings. Chitosan is a coating that has a polysaccharide structure and is composed of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine units and is obtained from the shell of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. Clear, odorless, non-sticky gel with high and firm absorption power is extracted from the inner parts of aloe vera plant leaves. Between this gel and the outer skin of the leaf, there are special cells that contain a yellow liquid and when this liquid dries, aloe vera juice is produced. This gel is completely healthy and compatible with the environment, and its pH is about 4.5, which can replace various fruit coatings in the post-harvest stage. The purpose of this research was to investigate the combined effect of aloe vera gel and chitosan in maintaining the quality characteristics post harvesting and increasing the shelf life of Lombard cherry fruit. Materials and MethodsLambert black cherry fruit was obtained from the garden complex of Moghan Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Company located in Pars Abad city of Ardabil province. they were immediately transferred to the Postharvest Physiology Laboratory, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, for the desired treatments.This study aimed to extend the shelf life of cherry fruit with two edible chitosan coatings (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5% w/w) and aloe vera gel (0, 15%, 30%, 45% w/w) was performed as factorial in a completely randomized design in three replications. The measured parameters were soluble solids, vitamin C, total acidity, anthocyanin, starch, weight loss and firmness of fruit tissue that were evaluated at harvest time and 45 days after harvest. Results and DiscussionThe results of analysis variance showed that the effect of time had significant on cherry fruit flavor (P

Background: Leadership plays a vital role in the dynamics of the organization. The degree of success of the organization in reaching the predetermined goals, the amount of effort of the employees for the success of the organization and the effectiveness of the leader on the employees depends on the behaviors and leadership style. The development of organizational innovation and learning in order to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage and improve organizational performance requires the existence of suitable conditions and management styles, which are one of the effective factors in this field. Aims: considering the importance of organizational performance based on leadership styles, this research aims to design a model for predicting organizational performance based on leadership styles and the mediating role of innovative culture and organizational learning. Methods: The research method is inductive and qualitative. The statistical population consisted of experts and academic specialists who were selected as the sample size using the principle of saturation and the snowball sampling method. In order to collect data, semi-structured interviews were used. Data analysis was done using the qualitative data analysis method of Maxqda software. Results: Based on the findings of the research, the dimensions and components of leadership styles were identified in 8 categories, the dimensions and components of organizational innovative culture in 5 categories, and the dimensions and components of organizational learning in 7 categories. Based on the findings of this research, organizational performance can be developed and improved by using appropriate leadership style and implementing innovative culture and strengthening organizational learning. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it is suggested to use projects with high potential and based on meritocracy management and knowledge and expertise in sensitive and highly important categories in line with the development of suspended and forward-looking projects so that the performance of the organization through development Projects and the community's sense of need for these projects should be used to achieve the organization's goals.

Background: Sleep is one of the most important psychological and physiological processes for brain function and mental health that control human health. Sleep quality is essential in middle-aged society, and sleep problems in this society are recognized as a main risk factor for mental and physical health problems. So far, the effectiveness of various treatments have been performed to improve sleep quality in middle-aged people, but no study has compared cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment-based therapy on improving insomnia in middle-aged people. Methods: The research method was experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population of this research included all middle-aged men and women suffering from insomnia who referred to health centers in Hamedan city in 2022. 60 people were selected as available sampling and randomly divided into 3 groups of 20 people (two experimental groups and one control group), cognitive behavioral therapy, commitment and acceptance therapy and control group. The measurement tool in this research was the insomnia disorder questionnaire of Homai Maaz et al. (2023). The experimental groups were subjected to cognitive behavioral therapy based on acceptance and commitment for 9 sessions of 75 minutes respectively, and the control group received the usual treatment. Results: The findings showed that after the intervention, both treatment methods improved the insomnia disorder compared to the control group, and the treatment results were maintained in the follow-up period (p

Abstract Due to the current environmental situation and human health, a green manufacturing system is very essential in the manufacturing world. Several researchers have developed various types of green manufacturing models by considering green products, green investments, carbon emission taxes, etc. Motivated by this topic, a green production model is formulated by considering selling price, time, warranty period and green level dependent demand with a carbon emission tax policy. Also, the production rate of the system is an unknown function of time. Per unit production cost of the products is taken as increasing function of production rate and green level of the products. In our proposed model, carbon emission rate is taken as linear function of time. Then, an optimization problem of the production model is constructed. To validate of our proposed model, a numerical example is considered and solved it by AHA. Further, other five metaheuristics algorithms (AEFA, FA, GWOA, WOA and EOA) are taken to compare the results obtained from AHA. Also, concavity of the average profit function and convergence graph of different metaheuristics algorithms are presented. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of different system parameters on our optimal policy and reach a fruitful conclusion from this study.

Abstract Background Obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders are common problems among participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the association between these problems and the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) remains unknown. Although the HEI-2015 originated from American dietary guidelines, its comprehensive evaluation of diet quality provides valuable insights for various populations, including Iranians. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between anthropometric, hepatic, and cardio-metabolic indices with HEI-2015 scores in participants with NAFLD. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, which included adults aged 35 to 70 years between 2016 and 2018. A total of 664 participant with NAFLD (452 females and 212 males) were included in the analysis. The HEI-2015 was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Various indices, including the body shape index (ABSI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), cardiometabolic index (CMI), lipoprotein combine index (LCI), AST/ALT ratio, ALD/NAFLD index, and hepatic steatosis index (HSI), were calculated. Results No significant differences were observed in anthropometric, cardio-metabolic, and hepatic indices across the quartiles of HEI-2015. However, among participants with NAFLD, men had significantly higher AIP and LCI levels, while women had significantly higher BMI, ABSI, VAI, LAP, and CMI levels. Additionally, women with NAFLD exhibited higher AST/ALT and HSI levels but lower ALD/NAFLD levels compared to men with NAFLD. Linear regression analysis among men with NAFLD revealed a significant negative correlation between HEI-2015 score and HSI in both the unadjusted model (β=-0.131, SE = 0.058, p = 0.024) and the adjusted model for energy intake (β=-0.129, SE = 0.058, p = 0.028). Conclusion The present study demonstrated a correlation between lower HEI-2015 scores and an increased risk of steatosis in men with NAFLD. Moreover, our findings highlighted gender-related differences in NAFLD and cardio-metabolic disorders.

Background: Early intervention by specialized burn surgeons is crucial in preventing wound progression and complications of deep burns. However, limited access to specialist burn centers remains a challenge. Telemedicine offers a potential solution by providing timely and high-quality access to burn experts. The study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of telemedicine for diagnosing burn depth by surgeons working in the field of burns. Method: This cross-sectional study included 15 actively practicing surgeons specializing in burn surgery, including general surgeons, burn surgery fellows, and plastic surgeons. The surgeons? work experience and areas of expertise were documented. The study presented 13 images of partial-thickness burn ulcers on patients? extremities and trunk, requiring participants to diagnose burn depth and assess the necessity of grafts. Results: Among the 15 participating surgeons, complete responses were obtained from 11 individuals, comprising 3 general surgeons, 4 burn surgery fellows, and 4 plastic surgeons. For deep burns, no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy was observed between general surgeons and burn surgery fellows (p = 0.152) or between burn surgery fellows and plastic surgeons (p = 0.193). However, plastic surgeons demonstrated significantly higher accuracy compared to general surgeons (p = 0.020). Regarding superficial burns, there were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between general surgeons and burn surgery fellows (p = 0.567), but both general surgeons (p = 0.011) and burn surgery fellows (p = 0.043) exhibited significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than plastic surgeons. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that work experience did not significantly impact the accuracy of burn depth estimation. Conclusion: The study?s results confirm the reliability of utilizing photographs to evaluate superficial burns, but underscore the limitations in both validity and reliability when it comes to determining burn depth. In addition, the findings highlight that general surgeons exhibit greater proficiency in identifying superficial burns, whereas plastic surgeons demonstrate higher accuracy in diagnosing deep burns.

Abstract Background HIV partner notification services can help people living with HIV (PLHIV) to identify, locate, and inform their sexual and injecting partners who are exposed to HIV and refer them for proper and timely counseling and testing. To what extent these services were used by PLHIV and what are the related barriers and facilitators in southeast Iran are not known. So, this study aimed to explore HIV notification and its barriers and facilitators among PLHIV in Iran. Methods In this qualitative study, the number of 23 participants were recruited from November 2022 to February 2023 including PLHIV (N = 12), sexual partners of PLHIV (N = 5), and staff members (N = 6) of a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center in Kerman located in the southeast of Iran. Our data collection included purposive sampling to increase variation. The content analysis was conducted using the Graneheim and Lundman approach. The analysis yielded 221 (out of 322) related codes related to HIV notification, its barriers, and its facilitators. These codes were further categorized into one main category with three categories and nine sub-categories. Results The main category was HIV notification approaches, HIV notification barriers, and facilitators. HIV notification approaches were notification through clear, and direct conversation, notification through gradual preparation and reassurance, notification due to being with PLHIV, notification through suspicious talking of the physician, and notification due to the behavior of others. Also, the barriers were classified into individual, social, and environmental, and healthcare system barriers and the facilitators were at PLHIV, healthcare staff, and community levels. Stigma was a barrier mentioned by most participants. Also, the main facilitator of HIV notification was social support, especially from the family side. Conclusions The findings highlighted the multidimensionality of HIV notification emphasizing the importance of tailored support and education to enhance the notification process for PLHIV and their networks. Also, our results show that despite all the efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination in recent years, stigma still exists as a main obstacle to disclosing HIV status and other barriers are the product of stigma. It seems that all programs should be directed towards destigmatization.

Abstract Permeability modelling is considered a complex task in reservoir characterization and a key component of reservoir simulation. A common method for permeability modelling involves performing static rock typing (SRT) using routine core analysis data and developing simple fitting-based mathematical relations that link permeability to reservoir rock porosity. In the case of carbonate reservoirs, which are associated with high heterogeneities, fitting-based approaches may fail due to porosity–permeability data scattering. Accurate modelling of permeability using petrophysical well log data seems more promising since they comprise a vast array of information about the intrinsic properties of the geological formations. Furthermore, well log data exhibit continuity throughout the entire reservoir interval, whereas core data are discrete and limited in availability and coverage. In this research work, porosity, permeability and log data of two oil wells from a tight carbonate reservoir were used to predict permeability at un-cored intervals. Machine learning (ML) and fitting models were used to develop predictive models. Then, the developed ML models were compared to exponential and statistical fitting modelling approaches. The integrated ML permeability model based on Random Forest method performed significantly superior to exponential and statistical fitting-based methods. Accordingly, for horizontal and vertical permeability of test samples, the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values were 3.7 and 4.5 for well 2, and 1.7 and 0.86 for well 4, respectively. Hence, using log data, permeability modelling was improved as it incorporates more comprehensive reservoir rock physics. The outcomes of this reach work can be used to improve the distribution of both horizontal and vertical permeability in the 3D model for future dynamic reservoir simulations in such a complex and heterogeneous reservoir system.

Objective: With the COVID-19 outbreak in countries around the world, the countries’ healthcare systemsunderwent an unprecedented shock. This study aimed to examine the resilience of the medical service deliverysystem in providing emergency services during the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: This study was conducted in a reference hospital in Kerman that provided emergency services totrauma patients. It compared service delivery before and after COVID-19, as well as during the COVID-19 peakand non-peak periods. The compared variables were the number of trauma patients admitted to the hospital andthe ICU, the number of patients who died in the hospital due to trauma, and the length of stay in the hospitaland the ICU.Results: The pre- and post-COVID-19 comparisons showed no significant difference in the number of dailyhospital admissions, ICU admissions, and patient deaths. The median length of stay in the ICU was significantlyreduced by almost 2 days during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the length of stay at the hospital was almostthe same. Furthermore, a comparison of the COVID-19 peaks and non-peak periods indicated no statisticallysignificant difference in the number of admissions in the ICU, hospital and ICU length of stay, and traumainduced mortality.Conclusion: Despite the substantial workload imposed by COVID-19 on hospitals, especially during the peakperiods of the disease, the provision of medical services to emergency trauma patients did not drop significantly,and the quality of services provided to patients was within the acceptable range.

A museum plays a central role in conserving cultural heritage. Hence, conserving museum collections is pivotal for preserving the values of the collection. The museum of National Awakening has a potential national collection that requires curative conservation due to its damaged condition, i.e., Sultan Thaha Robes. However, the conservation effort lacked written and visual documentation of the collection due to the collection's urgency, causing it difficult for conservators to access the conservation-related information. This paper presents a critical review of conservation stages performed on Sultan Thaha Robes while suggesting a complete, systematic conservation solution based on the theoretical collaboration of textile conservation experts.

Abstract Background The usefulness of repetitious transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and its protocols in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rTMS in treating a sample of patients with MDD who did not respond to conventional treatment. Results The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores for the active rTMS group were 19.66 ± 6.70 at baseline, 12.50 ± 6.69 at 2 weeks, and 11.23 ± 6.59 at 4 weeks. The average HDRS scores for the sham rTMS group were 20.03 ± 7.40 at baseline, 19.36 ± 6.86 at 2 weeks, and 18.53 ± 7.10 at 4 weeks (F = 5.98; p < 0.01). The Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) scores were significantly lower in the second and fourth weeks than the baseline due to the significant interaction between time effects and the groups (F = 9.95, p = 0.002). This condition was also similar to the CGI-Improvement Scale and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), and the intervention group showed a significantly lower score than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study showed that rTMS using the employed protocol was promising for patients with MDD resistant to first-line drug therapy. Further studies are required to ensure our observation. Trial registration Trial registration number: IRCT20190612043877N1 Trial registry Record URL: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/63919

A series of supports were synthesized using two methods of sol-gel and oil-drop. In this work, the simultaneous effects of P123 surfactant, promoters (cerium, zirconium, and boron), and ethanol solvent on catalytic activity for the Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) were studied. Cobalt catalysts were prepared using the incipient wetness impregnation method on γ-alumina granules for FTS in a fixed-bed reactor. All the prepared granules Co catalysts were characterized using FTIR, BET, XRD, TPR, FESEM, EDS, and ICP techniques. The FTS operation condition was carried out at T = 503 K, P = 15 bar, H2/CO = 2, and space velocity 5.1 NL g–1 h-1. The obtained results clearly showed that the catalytic evaluation of the Co catalysts supported on γ-alumina, with respect to the activity and selectivity of C5+ products were increased by the addition of surfactant and promoters in FTS. Also, the Co catalysts supported with γ-alumina P123 surfactant were more active than the Co catalysts supported with γ-alumina. Furthermore, the morphologies of the γ-alumina supported granules were changed by surfactant and promoters and the presence of CeO2 on the surface of the supports favors the reducibility of cobalt oxide with a shift down in reduction temperature of about 50 °C. Meanwhile, the addition the simultaneous of P123 surfactant and Ce promoter with ethanol solvent remarkably influenced the improvement of activity, selectivity, and stability of the catalyst as well. Ce promoter reduced the methane selectivity by increasing the chain-growth probability (α-value).

Background and Aim: Dysmenorrhea is influenced by hormonal imbalances and weight fluctuations. Physical activity plays a crucial role in managing dysmenorrhea. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IGF1, IGFBP3, BMI, and dysmenorrhea following eight weeks of combined exercise (resistance and aerobic) in obese women. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 24 inactive obese women aged 25 to 37 years, having a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to either a combined exercise group (resistance and aerobic) or a control group. The combined training regimen included resistance exercises at 67-80% of maximum strength and aerobic exercises at 60-85% of maximum heart rate, conducted three days a week for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period, and IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels were measured. Dysmenorrhea symptoms were assessed using the Menstrual Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ). Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels in obese women (P≥0.73, r=0.05). There was no significant relationship between IGF-1 levels and dysmenorrhea (P≥0.61, r=0.07). A significant relationship was found between IGF-1 levels and BMI (P

Intertextuality or Taāṣ is one of the linguistic techniques that examines the relationship and interaction between various literary works in prose and poetry, and presents in different forms in the works of authors. Ma’d al-Jubūrī’s poems, a contemporary Iraqi poet, are no exception to this rule. This article, using a descriptive-analytical method, aims to identify the most important objectives and semantic implications of the Quranic heritage in Ma’d al-Jubūrī’s poetry. The research findings indicate that the signs of Quranic Intertextuality have been reflected in various forms in Intertextuality. The deep connection of the poet with the Quran has allowed him to incorporate Quranic images and stories into his creative text according to the context. Drawing on Quranic concepts and foundations, al-Jubūrī can eloquently explain the plight of the oppressed people in the Arab world, especially in Iraq, with a rich poetic sensibility and elegant expression.

1. IntroductionPublic libraries are among the essential pillars of a democratic society, serving as symbols of social progress and civil pride in the pursuit of lifelong learning. As these libraries cater to various segments of society, trained and knowledgeable personnel, referred to as librarians or information specialists, play a crucial role in identifying and meeting users' information needs. In line with their responsibilities towards different societal groups, they must adapt their service delivery methods concurrently with societal advancements. Today, with recent technological advancements, achieving this requires librarians to primarily possess digital literacy.2. Literature ReviewGiven recent technological advancements, it has been established that primarily, librarians must possess digital literacy skills. On the other hand, previous research indicates that most managers believe a precise understanding of personality traits is crucial in management science because individuals' personality structures significantly influence their perception, evaluation, and response to the environment (Rostami et al., 2009). One of the most effective and comprehensive theories proposed regarding personality is the Five-Factor Model by Costa and McCrae (1992). According to this theory, the personality structure comprises hierarchical dimensions of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Conscientiousness, or Dutifulness, is at the highest level and can be broken down into lower-level facets or traits. Additionally, studies show that digital literacy skills correlate with various managerial dimensions, highlighting the significance of identifying the personality structure of human resources, particularly in organizations. According to White (2002), personality traits can be utilized to predict behaviors and job performance of individuals. Since public libraries are among the centers that, in comparison to other types of libraries, serve as crucial informational hubs to various segments of society, they are considered one of the most significant cultural bases. Therefore, in this regard, the personality of librarians can undoubtedly be influential. Their manner of interaction can play a pivotal role in attracting users to libraries. Therefore, this research aims to determine the relationship between personality traits and digital literacy skills among librarians in public libraries of a practical nature, employing a survey method.3. MethodologyData collection involved using two questionnaires: the McCrae and Costa personality traits questionnaire and the digital literacy skills questionnaire. The statistical population of this research comprised 170 librarians from public libraries in Kermanshah province, with a sample size of 118, determined using Morgan's table. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the SPSS software.4. ResultsThe correlation coefficient between personality traits and digital literacy skills was positive and equal to 0.48, indicating a moderate correlation between these two variables. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients between the personality traits of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness with digital literacy skills were positive, and based on the regression line slope in the scatterplot, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism had the greatest to least impact on this relationship, respectively.5. DiscussionThe results of the present study revealed that the most influential trait in digital literacy is neuroticism. Perhaps one of the major reasons for the significant relationship between neuroticism and digital literacy is the presence of strong and face-to-face interactions with visitors, high motivation, and attention to career advancement. It's possible that one of the reasons many librarians gravitate towards digital literacy skills is to find relief from obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and life stresses. Another reason could be that the virtual world serves as an escape for librarians from stress, fear, and life difficulties. Therefore, it can be said that personality traits, particularly neuroticism, predict librarians' use or non-use of digital literacy skills. Consequently, individuals high in neuroticism may be attracted to and develop a habit of acquiring digital literacy skills due to the presence of these traits and their inability to cope with such problems, seemingly helping them overcome feelings of loneliness, boredom, and inadequacy.6. ConclusionIn conclusion, the findings of this research provide a clear representation of the relationship and role of librarians' personality traits in digital literacy skills. It is essential for librarians to become aware of their weaknesses in terms of digital literacy skills and take the initiative to enhance their knowledge in this area. Digital literacy skills undoubtedly assist librarians in this regard. If librarians lack sufficient digital literacy skills, they will not be able to provide better services to users based on modern search techniques and information retrieval methods.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Bowen's system therapy and the combination therapy of Bowen's system and neurofeedback on reducing students' anxiety. This study was a semi-experimental pretest-posttest design and follow-up with a control group. The statistical society of the study included students of higher education centers in Bojnourd city who were studying in 1398-99. From the target population, 5 centers were randomly selected. The students of these centers, who had severely and very severely anxious in the initialAnxiety(Zung, 1971) screening test, were selected and 30 members of the selected group were selected through random selection and random substitution in the two experimental group and one control group, the number of persons in each group was ten. The first group received 9 sessions of Bowen's system therapy, the second group simultaneously received 9 sessions of Bowen's system therapy and 15sessions neurofeedback therapy. Date were collected through Zung Anxiety Questionnaire(1971).for Analyzing the data, multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS software was used. multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that the combination therapy of Bowen's system and neurofeedback reduced the level of anxiety and its symptoms(p

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior, leader-member exchange, and perceived supervisor support among employees of public libraries in Kurdistan province.Method: The present research method is a survey type in terms of practical purpose and data collection method. The statistical population of this study includes all employees of public libraries in Kurdistan province, totaling 99 people, which was determined using the census method due to the small population size. Three standard questionnaires were utilized to collect data on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (Kanuski, 1996), Leaders-Member Exchange (Gran and Joey Bain, 1995), and perceived support for the Supervisor (Rubin, 2013). The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by five professors of information science, and the reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, resulting in values of 0.785, 0.845, and 0.938. Data analysis was conducted using statistical coefficients such as correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression in SPSS software version 22.Findings: The findings showed a significant relationship between leader-member exchange and all five dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior, as well as the perceived support of the supervisor. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between the perceived support of the supervisor and organizational citizenship behavior. The perceived support of the supervisor was identified to play a mediating role in the relationship between leader-member exchange and the dimensions of altruism, respect, and humility. Lastly, the gender of the respondents was found to be related to the altruistic dimension.Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it can be said that employees are more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behavior in response to perceived support from the supervisor rather than as a tool for rewarding. In other words, employee's express organizational citizenship behavior because they feel satisfied with the support of their supervisor. What is certain is that it is not only the role of the supervisor that strengthens the behavior of organizational citizenship in the workplace; organizational citizenship behavior is a team effort.

Introduction The Fe iron significantly affects the quantity and quality of agricultural production. Factors affecting the absorption of this element increase its efficiency. Meanwhile, the pH of the nutrient solution plays an important role in iron absorption. Iron is one of the essential elements for plant growth and plays an essential role in chloroplasts. Due to iron deficiency, the activity of several enzymes such as catalase, cytochrome oxidase, and ferroxin is significantly reduced. The amount of iron in the soil is high, but plants only absorb two-capacity of soluble soil, which is negligible compared to the total iron. Soil environmental conditions affect the amount of iron by the plant, so it is difficult to control the uptake of iron by the plant. It has the highest ability to absorb iron and manganese at a pH less than six. For this reason, acetic acid was used to stabilize the pH of the solution. Acetic acid has all the properties of an acid. Acetic acid is a polar solvent and an organic compound. The use of inexpensive organic acid and citric acid in agriculture, despite its positive effects on calcareous soils and their reasonable price, is still not common in Iran. Acetic acid has a carboxylic group and therefore has all the properties of an acid. Materials and Methods The pH solution plays a role in absorbing iron elements. This experiment was carried out in the form of a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design on a strawberry plant of diamant cultivar in the research station of the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili during the years 2015-2017. Ardabil City in northwest Iran is located between Sablan and Baghrou mountain ranges. Due to its high altitude and mountainous nature, this city is colder than other cities in Iran and is considered one of the semi-arid cold regions. The average rainfall of this city is reported to be 400 mm. Factors included acetic acid (zero, one, two, and three percent), iron in two levels (sequestration 25 gr and nano one gr), and two levels of agricultural soap agents (zero and 7.5 %) as foliar spraying. Foliar application of pH nutrient solution from the three-leaf stage of the plant (mid-April) to the end of May, a total of five times 10 days apart in both years, was done. Two weeks after the last foliar application (June of the second year) plant growth indices included leaf fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight. Root length, flower-to-fruit ratio, chlorophyll greenery a, b, and total, leaf iron content and fruit yield per plant were measured. Results and Discussion The results of the analysis of variance showed that the three-way effect of treatments in all studied traits except root length and yield at one percent probability level on leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, and chlorophyll a, b and total at five percent probability level on fresh weight and root dryness, flower to fruit ratio and leaf iron content were statistically significant. The three-way interaction of acetic acid, iron, and agricultural soap data showed that the highest leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, ratio of flowers to fruits, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and the amount of leaf iron related to the treatment acetic acid two percent of sequestration iron in combination with agricultural soap (7.5 %) and in chlorophyll a, it was related to the treatment of acetic acid one percent of sequestrin iron in combination with agricultural soap. The lowest amount of fresh and dry weight of leaves, fresh root weight and dry root, flower-to-fruit ratio, and leaf iron content were related to the treatment of acetic acid zero with Nano iron with agricultural soap (control). The lowest Chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were related to the treatment of acetic Acid three percent with Nano iron with agricultural soap (control). In addition, the interaction between acetic acid and iron at the level of five percent probability on root length and yield was significant. Conclusion It can be concluded that acetic acid two percent on the absorption of iron fertilizer, along with agricultural soap (7.5 %) application, has better results than other treatments and qualitative traits of strawberry fruit. In general, it can be concluded that the pH of the nutrient iron solution can improve plant growth and crop yield. The iron level of sequestration iron with two percent acetic acid with agricultural soap 7.5 % due to increasing the bicarbonate of the soil in the Ardabil region has caused the absorption of nutrient elements, especially iron by strawberries. The shelf life of the solution on the leaf surface had a more favorable effect on most growth indices in the strawberry Diamant cultivar in Ardabil soil conditions.

Purpose: Hepatic ischemic post-conditioning (IPOC) is shown to protect the liver from injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR). However, the mechanism underlying this protection has remained elusive. The present study aimed to investigate the role of the interleukin 6-Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (IL-6-JAK-STAT) pathway in the protective effect of hepatic IPOC against the IR-induced injury in the liver. Methods: Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of (1) sham-operated, (2) IR, (3) IR+hepatic IPOC, (4) IR+tofacitinib (TOFA), and (5) IR+TOFA+hepatic IPOC. The changes induced by IR and the effects of different treatments were assessed by enzyme release, histopathological observations, the serum level of IL-6, and the occurrence of apoptosis detected via the expression of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Results: The hepatic IPOC improved the liver injury induced by IR as shown by histological changes, reduction of IL-6 level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to the IR group (P

Abstract In pulmonary inflammation diseases, like COVID-19, lung involvement and inflammation determine the treatment regime. Respiratory inflammation is typically arisen due to the cytokine storm and the leakage of the vessels for immune cells recruitment. Currently, such a situation is detected by the clinical judgment of a specialist or precisely by a chest CT scan. However, the lack of accessibility to the CT machines in many poor medical centers as well as its expensive service, demands more accessible methods for fast and cheap detection of lung inflammation. Here, we have introduced a novel method for tracing the inflammation and lung involvement in patients with pulmonary inflammation, such as COVID-19, by a simple electrolyte detection in their sputum samples. The presence of the electrolyte in the sputum sample results in the fern-like structures after air-drying. These fern patterns are different in the CT positive and negative cases that are detected by an AI application on a smartphone and using a low-cost and portable mini-microscope. Evaluating 160 patient-derived sputum sample images, this method demonstrated an interesting accuracy of 95%, as confirmed by CT-scan results. This finding suggests that the method has the potential to serve as a promising and reliable approach for recognizing lung inflammatory diseases, such as COVID-19.

Abstract Background Rosmarinic acid (RA), like other phenolic compounds, is sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in medicinal plants. In vitro culture of plants can improve the medicinal plants’ metabolite profile and phenolic compound quantity. To date, various methods have been proposed to increase this medicinal metabolite in plants, among which the use of bioelicitors can be mentioned. In the present study, a native isolate of heterocystous cyanobacteria, Nostoc spongiaeforme var. tenue ISB65, was used to stimulate the production of biomass and content of RA in Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) grown in vitro from apical meristem. Mentha piperita L. explants were inoculated in half strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS) medium containing cyanobacterial lysate (CL). After 50 days of culturing, the growth indices, the content of photosynthetic pigments, and RA in control and treated plants were measured. Results CL inoculation resulted in a significant enhancement in the vegetative growth indices of peppermint, including root and shoot length, plant biomass and leaf number. The content of photosynthetic pigments also increased in cyanobacteria-treated plants. Inoculation with CL increased the RA content by 2.3-fold, meaning that the plants treated with CL had the highest RA content (7.68 mg. g− 1 dry weight) compared to the control (3.42 mg. g− 1 dry weight). Additionally, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several auxins in CL. Conclusions The presence of auxins and the chemical content of CL such as K+ and Ca2+, as regulators of metabolic pathways and molecular activities of cells, may be responsible for the enhanced growth and phenolic compounds of plants under tissue culture conditions. An improvement in RA content in the tissue culture of medicinal plants treated with CL was reported for the first time in this investigation.

Abstract The qualitative and quantitative assessment of groundwater is one of the important aspects for determining the suitability of potable water. Therefore, the present study has been performed to evaluate the groundwater quality for Achhnera block in the city of Taj, Agra, India, where groundwater is an important water resource. The groundwater samples, 50 in number were collected and analyzed for major ions along with some important trace element. This study has further investigated for the applicability of groundwater quality index (GWQI), and the principal component analysis (PCA) to mark out the major geochemical solutes responsible for origin and release of geochemical solutes into the groundwater. The results confirm that, majority of the collected groundwater samples were alkaline in nature. The variation of concentration of anions in collected groundwater samples were varied in the sequence as, HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > F− while in contrast the sequence of cations in the groundwater as Na > Ca > Mg > K. The Piper diagram demonstrated the major hydro chemical facies which were found in groundwater (sodium bicarbonate or calcium chloride type). The plot of Schoellar diagram reconfirmed that the major cations were Na+ and Ca2+ ions, while in contrast; major anions were bicarbonates and chloride. The results showed water quality index mostly ranged between 105 and 185, hence, the study area fell in the category of unsuitable for drinking purpose category. The PCA showed pH, Na+, Ca2+, HCO3− and fluoride with strong loading, which pointed out geogenic source of fluoride contamination. Therefore, it was inferred that the groundwater of the contaminated areas must be treated and made potable before consumption. The outcomes of the present study will be helpful for the regulatory boards and policymaker for defining the actual impact and remediation goal.

This study rigorously explores water erosion, a critical environmental challenge diminishing land productivity and ecosystem stability worldwide. Addressing a notable gap in comprehensive, region-specific erosion assessments, this research underscores innovative strategies integrating traditional practices with modern technologies. It assesses the interplay between splash erosion, surface runoff, and subsurface flow, which collectively drive significant landscape changes and soil fertility loss. The influence of key factors such as rainfall intensity, soil type, topography, and vegetation is analyzed through case studies from the Loess Plateau, the Mississippi River Basin, and the Ethiopian Highlands, illustrating varying erosion dynamics. Importantly, this work evaluates the implementation of nanotechnology and biotechnological advances in soil stabilization, supported by robust policy frameworks, and demonstrates these technologies in context, ensuring relevancy to the observed erosion processes. By combining empirical research with cutting-edge science and active community participation, this paper champions adaptive and inclusive strategies to effectively manage water erosion, aiming to bolster environmental sustainability and resilience globally.

Furfuryl alcohol is an important platform chemical with a wide range of industrial applications. In this study, the optimization of operating parameters for the production of furfuryl alcohol in a reactive distillation column was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). The key operating parameters, such as pressure, reflux ratio, feed ratio, and residence time, were examined to determine their influence on the yield of furfuryl alcohol. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to model the relationships between the process variables and the responses. The optimal operating conditions were determined by maximizing the furfuryl alcohol yield. The results showed that feed ratio and reflux ratio had the most significant impact on the process performance. The optimal operating conditions were found to be a pressure of 0.4 bar, reflux ratio of 5.6, feed ratio of 1, and residence time of 14. Under these conditions, the furfuryl alcohol yield is 99 %.

The stigmas of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are known as “red gold” for being the most expensive spice of the world. This medicinal crop grows well in the regions with cold winter Mediterranean climate. However, salinity can be one of the limiting factors for its cultivation in these regions. Composted manures and their co-compost with wood-derived biochar as fertilizers in saline soil can reduce the salinity stress on saffron. In this study, the composted manures from dairy farms (FYM), sheep and goats (SG) and poultry (PM) and their co-compost with wood-derived biochar (FYM-B, SG-B and PM-B) were amended in non-saline (EC1:2 0.25 dS m−1, SOM; 9.9 g kg−1) and soil with natural slight salinity (EC1:2; 1.95 dS m−1, SOM; 30.9 g kg−1) soil for two consecutive years with the total amendment rate of 65 t ha−1 for each fertilizer. The saline soil was transported from an agricultural farm (30 km away from research field); whereas, the non-saline soil was not transported and was not cultivated before. The amendment of fertilizers and sowing of corms were conducted at the same time in the mid of August. The stigma yield in saline control soil was significantly lower than non-saline control in both cropping years. In non-saline soil, all fertilizers reduced stigma yield of first-year crop by 14–60 % (P

In the face of escalating global demands for sustainable practices within the construction and mining sectors, this paper investigates the transformative impact of automated load analysis technologies. Focused on bridging the gap between traditional operational methodologies and the forefront of automation technology, the study provides an in-depth examination of the integration of onboard weighing systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning into mining operations. Through a series of detailed case studies, the research showcases how these technological innovations contribute to substantial improvements in operational efficiency, notably through enhanced load management, reduced fuel consumption, and optimized resource allocation, thereby fostering a decrease in the environmental footprint of mining activities. Furthermore, the paper addresses critical sustainability issues, including workforce transformation, stakeholder engagement, and the broader environmental implications of adopting automated technologies in mining processes. Concluding with strategic policy recommendations, the study advocates for widespread adoption of automated systems within the construction sector to achieve improved environmental and economic outcomes. By emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, this research highlights the essential role of technological innovation in aligning mining operations with sustainable development goals, positioning automated load analysis as a pivotal strategy for advancing eco-efficiency in the construction and mining industries.

This study investigates microbial community structures in landfill soils, focusing on fungal and bacterial compositions in aged (closed), active (operating), and leachate leakage zones, compared to a pristine zone. Molecular approaches revealed that bacterial phyla were most abundant in active landfill soil, particularly Actinobacteria (0.63-fold), Firmicutes (0.17-fold), and α-Proteobacteria (0.13-fold), while Nitrospira, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi were minimal. The results indicate a correlation between bacterial groups and landfill zone age. Additionally, the type of buried waste, including medical and municipal solid waste, significantly affected fungal diversity and abundance in surface soil layers.

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the challenge of quality characteristics that follow an exponential distribution, which can significantly impact decision-making in various fields. Existing approaches rely on approximations to convert exponential distributions to normal distributions, upon which control charts are constructed. However, such conversions introduce errors that can lead to incorrect outcomes, particularly for highly sensitive characteristics. To address this limitation, we propose the development of control charts specifically designed for exponential characteristics, without relying on approximations. Our objective is to introduce four different schemes for constructing these control charts: a statistical scheme, an economic scheme, an economic-statistical scheme combined with Taguchi’s loss function, and an economic-statistical scheme without the application of a loss function. To determine optimal design parameter values for each scheme, we employ the artificial bee colony algorithm. Additionally, we conduct a sensitivity analysis to investigate the impact of design parameters on each proposed design. To illustrate the practical implementation of these control charts, we provide a numerical example that demonstrates their effectiveness. By addressing the limitations of existing approaches and offering novel control chart designs, this paper contributes to enhancing decision-making accuracy and reliability in scenarios involving exponentially distributed quality characteristics.

Abstract Green tea polyphenols (GTPs), particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate, stand out among natural small molecules screened for their ability to target protein aggregates due to their potent anti-amyloidogenic and neuroprotective activities against various disease-related peptides and proteins. However, the clinical applications of GTPs in amyloid-related diseases have been greatly limited by drawbacks such as poor chemical stability and low bioavailability. To address these limitations, this study utilized an Iranian green tea polyphenolic extract as a reducing agent to neutralize silver ions and facilitate the formation of silver nanoparticle capped by GTPs (GTPs-capped AgNPs). The results obtained from this study demonstrate that GTPs-capped AgNPs are more effective than free GTPs at inhibiting amyloid fibrillation and reducing cytotoxicity induced by amyloid fibrils of human insulin and α-synuclein (α-syn). This improved efficacy is attributed to the increased surface/volume ratio of GTPs-capped AgNPs, which can enhance their binding affinity to amyloidogenic species and boosts their antioxidant activity. The mechanism by which GTPs-capped AgNPs inhibit amyloid fibrillation appears to vary depending on the target protein. For structured protein human insulin, GTPs-capped AgNPs hinder fibrillation by constraining the protein in its native-like state. In contrast, GTPs-capped AgNPs modulate fibrillation of intrinsically disordered proteins like α-syn by redirecting the aggregation pathway towards the formation of non-toxic off-pathway oligomers or amorphous aggregates. These findings highlight polyphenol-functionalized nanoparticles as a promising strategy for targeting protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

DC microgrids (DC MGs) are recently more visible in power networks. One related issue is the existence of Constant Power Loads (CPLs), which degrade the performance of a DC MG due to their negative impedances. In practice, the DC MGs also feed time-varying and/or uncertain CPLs (i.e., non-ideal CPLs). Besides, the uncertainties in the system model can influence the stability of the system. This paper introduces an output feedback control approach for the stabilization of DC MGs with parametric uncertainties, non-ideal CPLs, unmeasured disturbance, and measurement noise. The control scheme combines Robust Model Predictive Control (MPC) and state estimation using the Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE) method into a single min–max optimization. The state estimation is based on measured capacity voltages contaminated with measurement noise. In this method, physical constraints are also considered. Furthermore, a novel δ-active set primal–dual interior point method (IPM) as a fast solver to compute the objective function is employed and it is shown to be faster than the primal–dual IPM. The comparison and simulation results are promising and show the robustness and reliability of the proposed approach.

Banana fruit is a highly consumed and widely cultivated world food crop that generates plenty of waste globally. In this work, the phytochemical, nutritional, scavenging and therapeutic potentials of banana peel (BP) extracts were compared before and after fermentation. Halophilic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Pleosporaceae spp., Fusarium culmorum) were used in fermentation media designated as fermented banana peel FBP1, FBP2, and FBP3, respectively. Phytochemical coumarins, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, quinones, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins and steroids were found in all extracts while anthraquinone was identified in BP extracts only. Fermented extracts showed less quantity of Carbohydrate, compared to BP (477.1 ± 28.93 mg/g). Fermentation influenced the protein concentration as FBP1 showed a maximum protein of 56.9 ± 8.91 mg/g. Decreased quantities of Total Phenolic Contents (TPC), Total Flavonoid contents (TFC), and Vitamin C were noted in fermented products. The BP contained TPC (18 ± 2.59 mg GAE/g), TFC (20.5 ± 2.11 mg QE/g), carotenoid (1.03 ± 0.19 mg/g) and vitamin C (33.46 ± 2.63 mg/L). For BP, high antioxidant activity was observed, IC50 values of DPPH scavenging and FRAP assay were 2.01 ± 0.06 mg/mL and 12.81 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. All the extracts were potentially active against the Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli BP extract showed high antibacterial activity than the fermented products. Among all the above, S. aureus showed high sensitivity to BP and FBP2 with 26.33 ± 2.49 and 26.33 ± 0.97 mm zone of inhibition and S. typhi was highly inhibited by BP and FBP1 with 26.26 ± 1.77 and 26.66 ± 2.63 mm. BP was highly active against K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa with 31.33 ± 1.74 and 32.33 ± 1.59 mm zone of inhibition and E. coli was sensitive to FBP2 with 25.7 ± 2.33 mm zone, respectively. The BP extract possessed potent antifungal activity against Mucor mucedo (84 %), Aspergillus niger (72 %) and Aspergillus flavus (83 %), which was higher than the fermented products. The antileishmanial assay was undertaken for all extracts against promastigotes of Leishmania major, BP showed good activity IC50 = 0.763 ± 0.01 mg/g. In the anti-inflammatory assays the BP showed lowest IC50 values by protein denaturing (0.612 ± 0.01), proteinase inhibitory (0.502 ± 0.01) and blood hemolysis assay (0.515 ± 0.01 mg/g). The minimum concentration indicated that BP was highly potent in response to antileishmanial and inflammation activity.

IntroductionThis study measures the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (CVE) against hospital admission and severe COVID-19.MethodsThis study is a test-negative case-control design using data from eight provinces in April, 2021 until March, 2022. The individuals were classified as cases and controls based on the results of the RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and matched based on the timing of the test being conducted as well as the timing of hospital admission. The measure of association was an odds ratio (OR) by univariate and multiple logistic regression. The multiple logistic regression has been carried out to take confounding factors and potential effect modifiers into account. The CVE was computed as CVE = (1 – OR)*100 with 95% confidence interval.ResultsAmong 19314 admitted patients, of whom 13216 (68.4%) were cases and 6098 (31.6%) were controls, 1313 (6.8%) died. From total, 5959 (30.8%) patients had received the vaccine in which one, two, and booster doses were 2443 (12.6%), 2796 (14.5٪), and 720 (3.7٪), respectively. The estimated adjusted effectiveness of only one dose, two doses and booter vaccination were 22% (95% CI: 14%-29%), 35% (95% CI: 29%-41%) and 33% (95% CI: 16%-47%), respectively. In addition, the adjusted vaccine effectiveness against severe outcome was 33% (95% CI: 19%- 44%), 34% (95% CI: 20%- 45%) and 20% (95% CI: -29%- 50%) for those who received one, two and booster vaccinations, respectively.ConclusionOur study concluded that full vaccination, though less effective compared to similar studies elsewhere, decreased hospital admissions and deaths from COVID-19 in Iran, particularly during the Delta variant period, with an observed decline during the Omicron variant dominance.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), often known as spontaneous miscarriages occurring two or more times in a row, is a reproductive disease that affects certain couples. The cause of RPL is unknown in many cases, leading to difficulties in therapy and increased psychological suffering in couples. Toll-like receptors (TLR) have been identified as crucial regulators of inflammation in various human tissues. The occurrence of inflammation during parturition indicates that Toll-like receptor activity in tissues related to pregnancy may play a crucial role in the onset and continuation of normal function, as well as in various pregnancy complications like infection-related preterm. TLRs or their signaling molecules may serve as effective therapeutic targets for inhibiting premature activity. At the maternal-fetal interface, TLRs are found in both immune and non-immune cells, such as trophoblasts and decidual cells. TLR expression patterns are influenced by the phases of pregnancy. In this way, translational combinations like epigenetics, have indicated their impact on the TLRs.Importantly, abnormal DNA methylation patterns and histone alterations have an impressive performance in decreasing fertility by influencing gene expression and required molecular and cellular activities which are vital for a normal pregnancy and embryonic process. TLRs, play a central duty in the innate immune system and can regulate epigenetic elements by many different signaling pathways. The potential roles of TLRs in cells, epigenetics factors their ability to identify and react to infections, and their place in the innate immune system will all be covered in this narrative review essay.

One of the most lethal and aggressive types of malignancies with a high mortality rate and poor response to treatment is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This means that modernizing the medications used in chemotherapy, in addition to medicines licensed for use in other illnesses and chosen using a rationale process, can be beneficial in treating this illness. Meaningly, drug combination therapy with chemical or herbal originations or implanting a drug wafer in tumors to control angiogenesis is of great importance. Importantly, the primary therapeutic hurdles in GBM are the development of angiogenesis and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which keeps medications from getting to the tumor. This malignancy can be controlled if the drug's passage through the BBB and the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which promotes angiogenesis, are inhibited. In this way, the effect of combination therapy on the genes of different main signaling pathways like TLRs may be indicated as an impressive therapeutic strategy for treating GBM. This article aims to discuss the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on the expression of various genes and associated translational factors involved in the TLR signaling pathway.

The progression and pathogenesis of membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) are inextricably linked to chronic inflammation. Despite improving clinical remission rates due to the application of cyclophosphamide (CYC), treatment of MGN still requires further exploration. Ruxolitinib (Ruxo) negatively affects the signaling pathways participating in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, we investigated whether the combination of CYC and Ruxo can modulate inflammation through influencing T helper 17 (Th17) lineages and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), an experimental model of MGN, was induced in a population of rats. Then, the animals were divided into five groups: PHN, CYC-receiving, Ruxo-receiving, CYC-Ruxo-receiving PHN rats, and healthy controls. After 28 days of treatment, biochemistry analysis was performed and splenocytes were isolated for flowcytometry investigation of Th17 cells and Tregs. The correlative transcription factors of the cells, alongside their downstream cytokine gene expressions, were also assessed using real-time PCR. Furthermore, serum cytokine signatures for the lymphocytes were determined through ELISA. The combination of CYC and Ruxo significantly reduced the serum values of urea in rats versus the PHN group (24.62 ± 7.970 vs. 40.60 ± 10.81 mg/dL). In contrast to Treg's activities, the functionality of Th17 cells noticeably increased not only in PHN rats but also in CYC or Ruxo-receiving PHN animals when compared with the control (10.60 ± 2.236, 8.800 ± 1.465, 8.680 ± 1.314 vs. 4.420 ± 1.551 %). However, in comparison to the PHN group, the incidence of Th17 cells notably fell in rats receiving CYC and Ruxo (10.60 ± 2.236 vs. 6.000 ± 1.373 %) in favor of the Treg's percentage (5.020 ± 1.761 vs. 8.980 ± 1.178 %), which was verified by the gene expressions and cytokine productions correlative to these lymphocytes. The combination of CYC and Ruxo was able to decline Th17 cells in favor of Tregs improvement in PHN rats, suggesting an innovative combination therapy in MGN treatment approaches.

In the town of Fereshteh, Tabriz, Iran, there is a growing concern regarding the tilting of recently constructed buildings. This uneven settlement issue can be primarily attributed to variations in loose fill material thickness, elevated groundwater levels, and the presence of loose sandy layers intermixed with clayey layers. The challenges posed by these tilted structures are further compounded when dealing with historically significant buildings, making demolition an undesirable and wasteful solution. Therefore, alternative restoration methods must be explored. This study focuses on the application of the jacking technique to rectify the tilt observed in reinforced concrete buildings ranging from four to eight stories in height. To simulate the rectification process, numerical modeling using the finite element method was employed. The strategic placement of jacks was critical, as they applied force until the foundation achieved equal vertical displacement on both sides or until the uneven settlement was reduced to an acceptable level. Ensuring the structural integrity of the building during this rectification process was of paramount importance to prevent cracking or collapse due to the forces exerted by the jacks. Elements on the first floor experienced significantly higher internal forces compared to their counterparts on upper floors. Stress concentration was notably observed at the intersection point of the columns and the foundation surface. This highlights the critical importance of positioning the jacks directly beneath the axis of the columns or bearing elements to ensure effective rectification. Based on the results obtained for the studied structures, it becomes evident that employing the jacking method becomes unfeasible when a section of the raft experiences a settlement exceeding 10 cm. This is due to the drastic change in stress distribution conditions within the structural components under such circumstances. However, the jacking method remains a viable and effective solution for settlements below this threshold, rectifying uneven structural settlements without causing harm to the structural elements.

The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the most important events in the remodeling of atherosclerosis plaque. The aim of study was to investigate the role of Heparin in the VSMC migration and its association with the NF-kB, collagen 1 and collagen 3 expression levels. Moreover, the incorporation of Heparin was studied in the VSMC cultures including Betulinic acid and Ibrutinib. Twelve cell groups were cultured and treated with the Heparin, Betulinic acid and Ibrutinib based on the viability and toxicity in 24-h and 48-h periods. The gene and protein expression levels were measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting techniques. The VSMC migration was determined by scratch test. In contrast with Ibrutinib (2 μM), Heparin (30 IU) increased significantly (P

One of the main challenges facing rural areas in Iran is a lack of disaster risk management. This calls for a comprehensive framework for assessing resilience in small communities. This study seeks to establish such a framework based on the general principles of the Sendai Framework. So, an attempt is made to use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to operationalize and score indicators and risk management components, and then choose one of the rural areas in northern Iran as a sample for the framework’s implementation. The results show that a resilience assessment on small communities should do two things: outline the resilience situation and create a platform for dialogue and mutual thinking. Residents should be able to talk about risk reduction continuously and purposefully and take small, purposeful steps in this direction. It seems that Iran’s centralized planning system is more flexible in entrusting affairs to small communities and is more likely to form active cooperative cores. For this reason, it can be seen that voluntary activities have played an essential role in providing social services during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine period, and the volunteers themselves have also benefited from voluntary activities. As a result, volunteer groups have gained opportunities to promote local development and foster ownership and responsibility. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of these activities, which are related to the two issues of ensuring financial stability and providing volunteers in the long term.

Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) has a thousand-year history and a holistic approach that respects personal characteristics in its diagnosis and management. The objective of this study was to explore the concepts of personal and precision medicine in traditional Persian and modern medicine. A qualitative study design with a content analysis approach was conducted. Purposive and snowball sampling approaches were used to select participants. Then, we approached experts in various fields, including TPM, genetics, epidemiology, physiology, pharmacy, and general medicine. In the beginning, we summarized the concept of personalized medicine (PM) and asked them how many similarities and differences they might find between TPM and PM. A semi-structured questionnaire with six parts was used to collect data. The duration of each interview varied from 30 to 65 min. The interviews and experts’ viewpoints were recorded via an online platform and transcribed verbatim. The data analysis process involved several sequential steps: initial familiarization, coding, theme generation, theme review, theme definition and naming, and final writing. After coding all texts and extracting issues, categories and conceptual frameworks were created by interpreting the content. To analyze the data, the content analysis approach assisted by MAXQDA 2018 software was used. More than 70% of participants showed a favorable attitude in all evaluated parts. Approximately 80% of participants agreed that there are parallels between TPM and precision medicine; for example, in TPM and precision medicine, patients are treated with respect to their characteristics. More than 80% of participants thought temperamentology may help with patient diagnosis and treatment. They also suggested that TPM concepts could be used to improve and accelerate the implementation of precision medicine. The majority of participants acknowledged the use of phenotypes to reduce the reliance on genetics in precision medicine. However, several participants expressed skepticism. According to the participants, these concepts will not be beneficial unless TPM aligns with modern medicine. In addition, there must be scientific evidence confirming the association between different genes and temperaments. The advent of precision medicine does not mean disregarding TPM; rather, the concepts of TPM can be used in precision medicine. For example, phenotype can assist in reducing the reliance on genetics in precision medicine. Because phenotype, as an important concept in TPM, is the external manifestation of the genotype. In addition, like precision medicine, TPM can help to provide personalized medical treatment based on people's temperament.

Bridges play an important role in providing essential services to communities as one of the most critical components of transportation infrastructure. In this regard, selecting reliable, robust, and efficient indicators is necessary to prepare a disaster management strategy. This study presents a multi-objective optimization framework for decision-makers to find the most optimal retrofit strategies that satisfy a given threshold of functionality/Resilience (R) while minimizing a structure's Life-Cycle Cost (LCC). Accordingly, various retrofit strategies include different materials (steel, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)), thicknesses, arrangements, and timing of retrofitting actions. In each scenario, the fragility curves are derived through nonlinear time-history Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) to evaluate the LCC and resilience. In the subsequent step, the LCC analysis is conducted, considering the proposed formulation of multiple occurrences of seismic events, which incorporates the effects of complete/incomplete repair actions of damage conditions induced by previous seismic events. This study employs an elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to identify the optimal set of solutions. The various aspects of the optimal retrofit strategies are thoroughly investigated and discussed for a bridge as a case study infrastructure. Results show that the considered objectives lead to reasonable and sense-making retrofit strategies.

BackgroundDuring the pandemic, patients with dementia were identified as a vulnerable population. X (formerly Twitter) became an important source of information for people seeking updates on COVID-19, and, therefore, identifying posts (formerly tweets) relevant to dementia can be an important support for patients with dementia and their caregivers. However, mining and coding relevant posts can be daunting due to the sheer volume and high percentage of irrelevant posts. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to automate the identification of posts relevant to dementia and COVID-19 using natural language processing and machine learning (ML) algorithms. MethodsWe used a combination of natural language processing and ML algorithms with manually annotated posts to identify posts relevant to dementia and COVID-19. We used 3 data sets containing more than 100,000 posts and assessed the capability of various algorithms in correctly identifying relevant posts. ResultsOur results showed that (pretrained) transfer learning algorithms outperformed traditional ML algorithms in identifying posts relevant to dementia and COVID-19. Among the algorithms tested, the transfer learning algorithm A Lite Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (ALBERT) achieved an accuracy of 82.92% and an area under the curve of 83.53%. ALBERT substantially outperformed the other algorithms tested, further emphasizing the superior performance of transfer learning algorithms in the classification of posts. ConclusionsTransfer learning algorithms such as ALBERT are highly effective in identifying topic-specific posts, even when trained with limited or adjacent data, highlighting their superiority over other ML algorithms and applicability to other studies involving analysis of social media posts. Such an automated approach reduces the workload of manual coding of posts and facilitates their analysis for researchers and policy makers to support patients with dementia and their caregivers and other vulnerable populations.

Introduction: Data-driven learning has emerged as a powerful method in language teaching and has drastically changed the traditional methods of teaching and learning, especially in academic writing. So, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of data-driven learning on the English academic writing of medical students. Method: In this quasi-experimental intervention study, 29 MSc students of different fields of medical sciences participated in a training intervention program using a data-driven learning approach focusing on self-generated corpora of academic articles related to their fields of study. Students were asked to write an academic text related to their fields at the beginning and end of the course. Written texts were graded based on the Hemp-Lyons academic writing rubric, and the data collected from the pre-and post-test assessments were analyzed using the paired-sample t-test. Results: Comparison of pre-test scores with a mean of 59 (SD = 2.26) and post-test scores with a mean of 78.53 (SD = 2.33) indicated a significant improvement in the writing of the participants of this study (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In light of confirming the educational suitability of the data-driven approach and recognizing the need for students to engage in English article writing and publication, these findings serve as a valuable aid to MSc students studying medical sciences, facilitating their academic writing in English.

Abstract With the growing concern for the issues and problems associated with static testing, dynamic assessment (DA) has been recently receiving increased attention as an alternative in educational settings. The present single case study attempted to investigate the potential of interactionist dynamic assessment in developing an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) L2 learner’s reading competence and selective attention. A 13-year-old female EFL learner with the combined type of ADHD voluntarily participated in this study. During the DA sessions, the learner read some short passages and answered the questions through mediations emerging from the interactions between the mediator and the learner. The qualitative analysis of DA protocols led to the development of an inventory of different forms of implicit and explicit mediations. Moreover, the quantitative analysis of the data showed that DA contributed to the learner’s reading comprehension and some congruent parameters of selective attention. The results of the present study call for teachers’, policymakers’, and material developers’ increasing attention to the mediations required to assist ADHD L2 learner’s independence from the mediator, which demonstrates self-regulation.

Abstract Background The extent of healthcare expenditure within households stands as a crucial indicator in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). When out-of-pocket healthcare expenses surpass household income or become unduly burdensome, it serves as a significant socio-economic alarm, resulting in a reduced quality of life, a phenomenon referred to as ‘catastrophic health expenditure (CHE).’ Multiple factors can contribute to the occurrence of CHE. The study’s objective was to identify the key uncertainties and driving forces influencing CHE to develop scenarios in Iran on the horizon of 2030. Methods This study was conducted between December 2021 and January 2023, data were collected through a literature review, and experts’ opinions were gathered via questionnaires, interviews, and expert panels. The statistical population included experts in the fields of health policy, health economics, and futures studies. Scenario Wizard software and MICMAC analysis were employed for data analysis, providing valuable insights into potential future scenarios of health expenditures in Iran. Results Based on the results of the scoping review and semi-structured interview, 65 key factors in the fields of economics, politics, technology, social, and environmental were identified. The findings of the MICMAC analysis presented 10 key variables. Finally, six main scenario spaces are depicted using Scenario Wizard. These scenarios included catastrophic cost crises, sanction relief, selective information access, technological ambiguity, induced demand management, and incremental reforms. Conclusions Each of the six drawn scenarios provides images of the future of health expenditure in Iranian households on the horizon of 2030. The worst-case scenario from all scenarios was scenario one, with the most probable and critical features to derive Iran’s health expenditures. The current study is a valuable addition to the literature depicting the key drivers that all developing nations can consider to decrease exposing households to catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures.

Abstract Background Crown gall disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a very destructive affliction that affects grapevines. Endophytic bacteria have been discovered to control plant diseases via the use of several mechanisms. This research examined the potential for controlling crown gall by three endophytic bacteria that were previously isolated from healthy cultivated and wild grapevines including Pseudomonas kilonensis Ba35, Pseudomonas chlororaphis Ba47, and Serratia liquefaciens Ou55. Result At various degrees, three endophytic bacteria suppressed the populations of A. tumefaciens Gh1 and greatly decreased the symptoms of crown gall. Furthermore, biofilm production and motility behaviors of A. tumefaciens Gh1were greatly inhibited by the Cell-free Culture Supernatant (CFCS) of endophytic bacteria. According to our findings, CFCS may reduce the adhesion of A. tumefaciens Gh1 cells to grapevine cv. Rashe root tissues as well as their chemotaxis motility toward the extract of the roots. When compared to the untreated control, statistical analysis showed that CFCS significantly reduced the swimming, twitching, and swarming motility of A. tumefaciens Gh1. The findings demonstrated that the endophytic bacteria effectively stimulated the production of plant defensive enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and total soluble phenols at different time intervals in grapevine inoculated with A. tumefaciens Gh1. The Ba47 strain markedly increased the expression levels of defense genes associated with plant resistance. The up-regulation of PR1, PR2, VvACO1, and GAD1 genes in grapevine leaves indicates the activation of SA and JA pathways, which play a role in enhancing resistance to pathogen invasion. The results showed that treating grapevine with Ba47 increased antioxidant defense activities and defense-related gene expression, which reduced oxidative damage caused by A. tumefaciens and decreased the incidence of crown gall disease. Conclusion This is the first study on how A. tumefaciens, the grapevine crown gall agent, is affected by CFCS generated by endophytic bacteria in terms of growth and virulence features. To create safer plant disease management techniques, knowledge of the biocontrol processes mediated by CFCS during microbial interactions is crucial.

Abstract There has been a lot of research on pricing and lot-sizing practices for different payment methods; however, the majority has focused on the buyer’s perspective. While accepting buyers’ credit conditions positively impacts sales, requesting advance payments from purchasers tends to have a negative effect. Additionally, requiring a down payment has been found to generate interest revenue for the supplier without introducing default risk. However, extending the credit period, along with offering delayed payment options, has the potential to increase sales volume, albeit with an elevated risk of defaults. Taking these payment schemes into account, this study investigates and compares the per-unit profit for sellers across three distinct payment methods: advance payment, cash payment, and credit payment. The consumption rate of the product varies non-linearly not only with the time duration of different payment options but also with the price and the level of greenness of the product. The utmost objective of this work is to determine the optimal duration associated with payment schemes, selling price, green level, and replenishment period to maximize the seller’s profit. The Teaching Learning Based Optimization Algorithm (TLBOA) is applied to address and solve three numerical examples, each corresponding to a distinct scenario of the considered payment schemes. Sensitivity analyses confirm that the seller’s profit is markedly influenced by the environmental sustainability level of the product. Furthermore, the seller’s profitability is more significantly affected by the selling price index compared to the indices of the payment scheme duration and the green level in the demand structure.