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This paper presents an experimental investigation for testing the effect of elevated temperature on the hydration heat and mechanical properties of blended cement mortars. Two tests on mortars were made. The first set of mortars is tested of mechanical properties at various temperatures of 20, 35 and 50°C and the second test consists to determine the hydration heat by a semi-adiabatic calorimeter at isothermal temperature of 20, 35 and 50°C during seven days. The new empirical equation has been proposed to estimate the compressive strength depending on the hydration heat for blended cement preserved in constant temperature at early. The results founded from this relationship illustrate a good accuracy with the experimental ones and reflect the best choice to be used to predict the compressive strength depending on the heat of hydration at early age (7 days).

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prevalence is increasing worldwide, and the prognosis is poor with 5‐year survival

The variable-flux biaxial energy harvester VBH is a novel vibration energy harvester VEH architecture in which a ferromagnetic mass moves against an assembly of a coil and a stationary permanent magnet. The varying flux lines induce potential differences across the coil terminals. Unlike conventional VEHs, the center frequency of the VBH can be tuned by mechanical, electronic, or electromagnetic mechanisms to maximize the generated power. In this research, we demonstrate the impact of two types of loads, purely resistive and complex RC loads, on the harvester center frequency. We also demonstrate a mechanism that utilizes RC load to tune the center frequency of the VBH. In comparison to conventional purely resistive loads, the introduced capacitive load allows control of the total VBH stiffness and, accordingly, modulates the center frequency and eliminates the need for mechanical pretuning of the VBH center frequency.

Laser-based Electronic Distance Meters (EDMs) are used extensively to measure inner/outer dimensions in constructions and large volumes. Therefore, it needs to be calibrated regularly to assure its proper function. In this paper, a distance measurement system based on Opto-Electronic Oscillator (OEO) is used for EDM calibration. The calibration is performed in three steps; the first step is to construct a reference OEO system using off-the-shelf optical telecommunication components. Then, the OEO system is used to calibrate an indoor baseline consisting of eleven distances ranging from 2.4 to 58 m. Finally, the calibrated baseline is used to calibrate the EDM.

Background While anti-β2 glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) antibody positivity is included in the diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the association between anti-β2GP1 and the obstetrical complications of APS has been inconsistently reported and remains unclear. Objective We completed a case-control study nested within the Canadian Ottawa and Kingston (OaK) Birth Cohort to evaluate the association between anti-β2GP1 antibody positivity and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications. Study Design Five hundred cases were randomly selected among pregnant women who experienced any of the following independently adjudicated placenta-mediated pregnancy complications: preeclampsia, placental abruption, late pregnancy loss (≥ 12 weeks' gestation), and birth of a small-for-gestational age (SGA) infant < 10th percentile. Five hundred pregnant women without any placenta-mediated pregnancy complications were selected as controls. Stored blood samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-β2GP1 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Anti-β2GP1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in titers ≥ 20 G/M units (> 99th percentile) were present in 24 of 497 (4.8%) of controls and 33 of 503 (6.6%) of cases. There was no significant difference between cases and controls for the composite outcome of any placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (odds ratio, 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-2.37, p = 0.25). Conclusion Our results call into question the association between anti-β2GP1 antibodies and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, with further research needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry and rabbit production are important and rapidly growing agricultural subsectors, particularly in several developing countries. To ensure the sustainability of poultry and rabbit production, realistic poultry and rabbit farming practices must be improved. Apitherapy is a traditional alternative medicine that involves the prevention and treatment of some diseases with several bee products including propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and venom. More feeding investigations on the numerous benefits of bee products for poultry and rabbits are crucial to be addressed. Poultry and rabbit production has recently experienced numerous challenges, including climate change, disease spread, and antibiotic misuse. Improving animal welfare, health, and production is a top priority for all livestock farms, as is supplying consumers with safe and healthy products. Therefore, this review aims to collect and investigate recent relevant literature on the use of bee products, as feed additives, drinking water supplements, and injections, for poultry and rabbits to improve animal health and production. From the current findings, bee products can improve the growth and immunological performance of small-livestock animals, such as poultry and rabbits, by activating digestive enzymes, maintaining microbial balance, and promoting vitamin synthesis. Therefore, bee products could be a promising natural alternative to growth promoters, reproductive stimulants, and immunological enhancers in poultry and rabbit farms to provide safe and healthy products for humans.

Introduction: Despite being originally developed for the evaluation of lumbar disk degeneration, the Pfirrmann classification has emerged as the most popular classification system for cervical disk degeneration. However, with the Suzuki classification, a new classification system that is specifically tailored for the evaluation of cervical disk disease was introduced. In this study, we aim to evaluate differences in inter- and intraobserver reliability of both classifications in a head-to-head comparison. Methods: In total, we have evaluated 120 cervical disks within 40 patients via magnetic resonance imaging according to the Pfirrmann and Suzuki classification. The degree of disk degeneration was evaluated by two independent musculoskeletal radiologists. After 6 months, the classification was reassessed to evaluate the intraobserver reliability. The inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were then calculated using Cohen's kappa. Results: The inter- and intraobserver reliability provided a significant agreement between all ratings in Pfirrmann as well as the Suzuki classification (p>0.001). The interobserver reliability was determined to be fair in both the Suzuki classification (κ=0.290) and the Pfirrmann classification (κ=0.265). The intraobserver reliability was substantial in the Suzuki classification (κ=0.798), while it was almost perfect in the Pfirrmann classification (κ=0.858). Conclusions: Although not designed for the evaluation of cervical disk degeneration, the Pfirrmann classification yielded equal inter- and higher intraobserver reliability. Both classification systems are viable options for the grading of cervical disk degeneration. While the Pfirrmann classification has the advantage of being better established, the Suzuki classification may be clinically superior due to a better representation of cervical disk degeneration and the consideration of disk bulging for the classification of cervical disk degeneration.

Abstract Background Knowledge obtained at the undergraduate level regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) has an impact on future practice of dentists and paediatric dentists. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess final-year dental students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards MIH in all Swiss universities. Methods A previously utilised survey (in both English and German) was distributed among final-year dental students in all Swiss dental schools (Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich). It probed students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding the diagnosis, prevalence, aetiology, and management of MIH, and was structured in two parts: knowledge/perception and clinical application. The students’ responses were analysed statistically with descriptive statistics. Results 113 out of 133 final-year Swiss dental students took part in the study (85%). Nearly all students were familiar with MIH (99%), but only 12% of them felt confident when diagnosing MIH clinically. Direct composite fillings (66%), indirect restorations (28%) and preformed stainless-steel crowns (26%) were chosen as most suitable treatment options for MIH-affected teeth. Conclusion Final-year Swiss dental students are well informed about MIH. However, they report low level of confidence when clinically confronted with MIH-affected teeth regarding its diagnosis and treatment. Swiss Universities curricula should be revisited accordingly.

Background: The present study aimed to assess the acute impact of erythromycin (ERY) as an inhibitor on peptone mixture utilization of activated sludge (AS) consortium. Methods: For this purpose, the inhibition of oxygen consumption was used based on the ISO 8192:2007 procedure. In this method, the AS consortium (10-day age) was extracted from labscale membrane bioreactor, then, percentage inhibition for total, heterotrophic, and nitrifying microorganisms, in separate batch respirometric tests were calculated in the absence and presence of N-allylthiourea (ATU) as a specific Nitrification inhibitor. Results: The obtained data showed that the height of oxygen uptake rate (OUR) profiles and amount of oxygen consumption reduced with increasing ERY dose. The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of ERY for heterotrophic and nitrifier microorganisms were 269.4 and 1243.1 mg/L, respectively. In Run 1, the kinetic coefficients bH, fA,H, YH, and μH were calculated as 2.61 d-1, 0.44, 0.4945 mg VSS/mg COD, and 0.047 d-1, respectively. Also, for maximum ERY concentration (1000 mg/L), the kinetic coefficients bH., fA,H, YH, and μH were calculated as 2.27 d-1, 0.3, 0.4983 mg VSS/mg COD, and 0.0049 d-1, respectively. Conclusion: The findings showed that the inhibitory impact of ERY was observed as a decrease in the amount of oxygen consumption by OUR profiles in rapid respirometric method (ISO 8192), which offered a novel insight for the acute inhibitory impact of this antibiotic. Also, chemical oxygen demand (COD) as an overall substrate parameter is most helpful in interpreting the behavior and the metabolic functions of AS systems.

The external unit of small telemetry system for animals uses inductive link to transmit both data and power to a small implant. In this work, firstly, we have presented a wideband frequency shift keying (FSK) transmitter, which is a class E power amplifier (PA) switches between two load networks that make the PA tuned correctly at tow input clock frequencies. Carrier frequencies used for data modulation are 5MHz/10MHz, the data rate of the proposed link is 2.5 Mbps. On the other hand, the analog circuits of the internal unit are designed in this paper. Internal unit has a demodulator circuit to derive directly a frequency clock from the FSK carrier and to sample the binary data stream. It also has a low power generator circuit to generate the supply voltage to the other blocks. The low power generator is composed of a high efficiency, low power rectifier, and a low power voltage regulator. To minimize the quiescent current of the regulator, we propose a control section which is a two-stage error amplifier to control the gate voltage of the PMOS transistors used in the differential pair of the voltage regulator and thus stabilize the direct current (DC) level at its output signal (Vreg). The output voltage of the proposed generator circuit is regulated at 1V, the quiescent current simulated is about 9.9μA and the line regulation performance is only 8mV/V. All circuits proposed in this paper were designed and simulated using Cadence in 180 nm CMOS technology.

This view can be used as a strategic competitive advantage in order to improve the service mechanism both at the level of governance and at the level of public and private organizations. One of the most important types of services is "cultural services", in which the multiplicity of actors in the field of system, administration, services, culture, and their lack of proper organization, have led to parallelism and reduced productivity. Despite the great importance of cultural services, there is no appropriate and scientific structure and framework for organizing actors in this field. The purpose of this study is to investigate the structure and knowledge of the existing framework of the system of administrating cultural services and design an improved model of management of cultural services. The data collection method in this study is survey and interview tools. The method of data analysis is theme analysis, which was used to identify 13 main problems of the cultural services management system in the current situation. Another method used to analyze the data due to the dynamic complexity of the problem and its behavioral complexity is the soft systems methodology and fuzzy mapping, which were used to establish relationships between solutions and the final model of the administrative system of services and culture in the service chain management system.

Cost overrun is a common phenomenon observed in construction projects worldwide. It is one of the biggest challenges experienced in the construction industry that leads to overstretched budgets, and directly affects the country's gross domestic product (GDP). This study aims to identify the factors that significantly contribute to cost overrun for road network projects in Egypt during the implementation phase. A survey was conducted to determine the most critical factors affecting the cost overrun for road network construction projects. Results showed that the main factors causing cost overrun are inaccurate cost estimates, design modifications, quantity changes, variation orders, political interference, inflation, specification changes, and change in the scope of work. This study will help decision-makers identify the factors that may affect the costs of future road projects and provide guidelines to mitigate the adverse effects observed during the implementation stage.

The cactus Opuntia ficus-indica L. is widly cultivated in Morocco and has a very an important economic role as a source of food, livestock feed and not forgetting that it is considered to be an income for people in rural communities. This crop is subject to the attack of a serious insect pest, the Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell), which sucks the sap from the plant causing huge production losses since its introduction to the country in 2014. The present study investigated the entomopathogenic effect of six fungal isolates {Beauveria bassiana [HASS; RFSL10; SPT 011(a)]; Akanthomyces lecanii [RFSLV; SPT R 215] and Cordyceps farinosa [SPSBI4]} for controlling of both nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. Under laboratory conditions, the highest mortality of female D. opuntiae was registered by B. bassiana strain HASS at 108 conidia ml−1 with 100%, followed by B. bassiana strain RFSL10, A. lecanii RFSLV, and C. farinosa SPSBI4 isolates with 98%, respectively, 10 days after treatments. Similarly, the highest level of nymph mortality (100%) was recorded by B. bassiana RFSL10 and HASS isolates at 108 conidia ml1, respectively, 4 and 5 days after application. Under greenhouse conditions, B. bassiana (HASS and RFSL10) and A. lecanii (RFSLV) isolates sprayed alone expressed a higher toxicity on nymphs with 75, 68.5 and 58%, respectively, 12 days after treatments. However, no significant difference was observed in adult female's mortality between different fungal isolates, where B. bassiana (HASS) at 108 conidia ml−1 presented a moderate mortality rate with 55%, 12 days after application. In fact, the combination of black soap (60 g/L) with B. bassiana HASS and RFSL10 and A. lecanii (RFSLV) isolates at 108 conidia ml−1 caused the highest toxic activity on D. opuntiae adult females, with 70.5, 68.75 and 67.65%, respectively. These findings showed that entomopathogenic fungi are promising for developing a biopesticide formulation for the management of D. opuntiae as an adequate and safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

Background: Exposure of children and adolescents to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) causes the development of non-communicable diseases. Triclosan (TCS) is a fat-soluble antimicrobial agent, and methyl-triclosan (MTCS) is the predominant metabolite of TCS. The increasing use of consumables TCS (toothpaste, mouthwash, personal care products) in human has raised concerns about human health. Methods: The urinary concentrations of TCS and MTCS were measured by GC/MS. Lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, and HDL), anthropometric parameters (WC, BMI z-score, and BMI), FBS, SBP, and DBP tests were performed on 79 children and adolescents. Results: Of 79 people included as the study population, 42 subjects (53.16%) were males. Most of the study population as 32 subjects (40.50%) were obese. The mean concentrations of TCS and MTCS in the obese population were 5.47 ± 2.99 and 2.32 ± 1.04 μg/L, respectively. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, the results showed that a one-unit increase in DBP caused a 0.03 units increase in TCS levels in male subjects (P = 0.01). A one-unit increase in DBP also caused a 0.02 units increase in MTCS (P = 0.001). There was a significant relationship between TCS and HDL (OR = 0.90, P = 0.005), LDL (OR = 1.13, P = 0.01), and TG (OR =1.05, P < 0.0001). There was also a significant relationship between MTCS and HDL (OR = 0.88, P = 0.001), LDL (OR = 1.03, P = 0.009), and TG (OR = 1.04, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: According to the results, there is a relationship between TCS, MTCS, and predictive indicators of cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

Abstract Background As a consequence of tooth loss due to trauma or extraction, a reduced alveolar crest volume limits the deployment of standard implants in certain patient cases. For this reason, minimal-invasive treatment with mini-dental implants (MDI) might be an option to allow implant treatment even in cases with severe horizontal bone loss without augmentation measures. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate clinical and radiological implant, as well as patient-related parameters after treatment with MDI. Results Clinical and radiological records of 19 female (82.6%) and 4 male patients (17.4%) (N = 23), who received 52 mini-dental implants with a two-piece design in a single surgical center between November 2011 and October 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Implants were submitted to conventional loading on different types of screwed superstructures. Crestal bone loss was measured on standardized periapical radiographs. Patient-related outcome parameters (PROMs) were recorded during follow-up period. Mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 69.6 months (5.8 years) and 51.6 months (4.3 years), respectively. Three implants were lost in two patients, leading to an implant survival rate of 94.2%. Mean radiological crestal bone loss was 1.6 mm. Both amount of peri-implant recession and crestal bone loss were significantly correlated (r = 0.65; p < 0.001). Likewise, a significant correlation was observed between deeper probing depths and increased peri-implant bone loss (r = 0.41; p = 0.012). Alveolar ridges with a reduced alveolar crest width were significantly correlated with higher peri-implant bone loss as well (r = − 0.33; p = 0.011). No prosthetic complications were reported during follow-up. Extent of midfacial recession and papilla height loss had a significant negative impact on most of the PROMs. Conclusions Treatment with MDI seems to be a successful alternative treatment option, especially for elderly patients with reduced crest width at implant sites. Due to the good clinical results and high survival and success rates, this treatment option was associated with high patient satisfaction. Despite the promising results, particular consideration should be given to appropriate treatment planning in these patients due to the strong correlation between peri-implant soft-tissue parameters, crestal bone loss, and reduced alveolar crest width.

Introduction: one of the most important complications of exposure to ionizing radiation is emergence of cancer tumors, which happens as a result of oxidative DNA. Therefore, the present study was conducted, aimed to measuring 8-DIHYDROxy- 2’- DEOXYGUANOSINE (8-OHdG) level in radiographers’ urine as oxidative damage biomarker, as well as comparing this biomarker with cumulative effective doses. Material and Methods: In the present study, the samples were selected into two categories, 35 of whom were from different radiography groups (including nuclear medicine, radiology, radiotherapy, CT scan), and 35 subjects were from the staff, who had no exposure to radiation. The results of the film badge were gathered from the hospitals. Since film badge monitoring period was found to be 2 months, the collective effective dose was obtained according to the respective formula for 30 last period and 6 last period. Then, at the end of the work shift, the urine samples were taken to determine the 8-OHdG concentration. The samples were obtained via the SPE (solid-phase extraction) method. After that, the 8-OHdG concentration was read by the GC/MS analyzer. Finally, the data extracted from the 8-OHdG concentration and the collective effective dose of the radiation were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The results showed an increase in the level of 8-OHdG, as one of the oxidative biomarkers in the body of radiographers, but the level of 8-OHdG showed a direct relation in the body of the radiographers with an average collective effective dose of radiation in the last 30 as well as the last 6 periods. Conclusion: Observing the radiation protection principles by radiation workers results in decreased radiation and, in turn, reduces the level of oxidative stress, thus, reducing the potential effects of radiation.

When implementing SVMs, two major problems are encountered: (a) the number of local minima of dual-SVM increases exponentially with the number of samples and (b) the computer storage memory required for a regular quadratic programming solver increases exponentially as the problem size expands. The Kernel-Adatron family of algorithms, gaining attention recently, has allowed us to handle very large classification and regression problems. However, these methods treat different types of samples (i.e., noise, border, and core) in the same manner, which makes these algorithms search in unpromising areas and increases the number of iterations as well. This paper introduces a hybrid method to overcome such shortcomings, called the Optimal Recurrent Neural Network and Density-Based Support Vector Machine (Opt-RNN-DBSVM). This method consists of four steps: (a) the characterization of different samples, (b) the elimination of samples with a low probability of being a support vector, (c) the construction of an appropriate recurrent neural network to solve the dual-DBSVM based on an original energy function, and (d) finding the solution to the system of differential equations that govern the dynamics of the RNN, using the Euler–Cauchy method involving an optimal time step. Density-based preprocessing reduces the number of local minima in the dual-SVM. The RNN’s recurring architecture avoids the need to explore recently visited areas. With the optimal time step, the search moves from the current vectors to the best neighboring support vectors. It is demonstrated that RNN-SVM converges to feasible support vectors and Opt-RNN-DBSVM has very low time complexity compared to the RNN-SVM with a constant time step and the Kernel-Adatron algorithm–SVM. Several classification performance measures are used to compare Opt-RNN-DBSVM with different classification methods and the results obtained show the good performance of the proposed method.

To limit the adverse effects of diabetes, a personalized and long-term management strategy that includes appropriate medication, exercise and diet has become of paramount importance and necessity. Compartment-based mathematical control models for diabetes usually result in objective functions whose terms are conflicting, preventing the use of single-objective-based models for obtaining appropriate personalized strategies. Taking into account the conflicting aspects when controlling the diabetic population dynamics, this paper introduces a multi-objective approach consisting of four steps: (a) modeling the problem of controlling the diabetic population dynamics using a multi-objective mathematical model, (b) discretizing the model using the trapezoidal rule and the Euler–Cauchy method, (c) using swarm-intelligence-based optimizers to solve the model and (d) structuring the set of controls using soft clustering methods, known for their flexibility. In contrast to single-objective approaches, experimental results show that the multi-objective approach obtains appropriate personalized controls, where the control associated with the compartment of diabetics without complications is totally different from that associated with the compartment of diabetics with complications. Moreover, these controls enable a significant reduction in the number of diabetics with and without complications, and the multi-objective strategy saves up to 4% of the resources needed for the control of diabetes without complications and up to 18% of resources for the control of diabetes with complications.

To ensure the sustainability of rabbit production and protect the global rabbit industry, cost-effective and practical strategies for improving rabbit production and meat quality must be developed. Recently, rabbit farming, like other animal farming, has faced feed shortages due to the impact of climate change, high competition among livestock species, and war conditions. The continued use of conventional feed additives in rabbit diets, whether derived from plant or animal sources, has become a critical issue. Furthermore, there is a global trend toward finding natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, such as antibiotics, in rabbit farms. Finding readily available and alternative feed additives is therefore critical to protecting the rabbit industry, particularly in subtropical and Mediterranean-developing countries. Nutraceuticals positively influence several physiological and productive traits in animals, as well as enhancing their health and welfare. The present review aims to provide an overview of previous studies on the potential of using some plant and animal products as nutraceutical alternatives and feed additives in rabbit diets, separately or in combination, to act as natural growth promoters, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, and immunostimulants in rabbit farms. From the results, some unconventional plant and animal products, such as spirulina, garden cress, milk whey, and bee venom, can be successfully used as dietary supplements and substitutes in rabbit farms to motivate rabbit growth and reproduction, as well as enhance immunity. These products are rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These active substances benefit the animal’s digestive tract in different ways, including activating the digestive enzymes and maintaining microbial balance, promoting vitamin synthesis. They also improve rabbit production, reproduction, and health.

The labor market can be a daunting place for young graduates; this paper aims to shed light on how they navigate it. By examining the ways in which they enter the workforce and the impact of individual and socioeconomic factors on their career paths, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. We use a two-stage approach to study this issue: first, we create a typology of graduates’ integration paths and then estimate the likelihood of following a specific trajectory through multinomial logit analysis. Our findings reveal a diverse range of professional journeys, with graduates from open-access institutions facing higher rates of unemployment and continuing their studies, and women experiencing more precarious situations. This study stands out in the literature in several ways. Unlike previous research on the topic, we develop an index of soft skills that incorporates multiple dimensions. Additionally, we use individual data from a regional survey conducted by ANAPEC, making this the first study of its kind for Morocco. The results of our study can inform our understanding of the importance of soft skills for youth employability and the need for training policies in a rapidly changing job market. In terms of employment policy, our findings on the intertwining of first-time and long-term unemployment among higher education graduates suggest the need for a comprehensive strategy that focuses on the organization of the initial integration phase. To achieve this, the efforts of Career Centers must be broadened, consolidated, and evaluated.

The purpose of this article is to review and criticize the book “Holding Strategic Management” (A Framework for Supervision Strategies). The method of evaluation and critique of this work is citation-analytical and in accordance with the model proposed by the Council for the Study of Humanities Texts and Books in the framework of general introduction, form, and content. The form quality of the work is good and in general, the main rules of writing have been observed as much as possible. There are some formal weaknesses such as: not using a specific symbol for the strategic management of the holding in the design on the cover of the book, not observing the proportion of the volume of the chapters, and lack of attractive shapes. In terms of content, addressing the issue of strategic management of the holding as an independent dimension of the parent company's strategy is one of the strengths of this work and is the first work related to this issue. However, the work suffers from a lack of logical order and coherence of content, a lack of fluency in the text, and a lack of objective examples from Iranian companies. In general, the analysis of the content of scientific and academic books can provide their possible strengths and weaknesses for the possible modification and change of content and form, in accordance with the set goals and scientific principles to the planners and authors of the academic books.

Taxes, as the most important source of government revenue and one of the economic policy instruments, play a key role in development policies. In this study, the evolution process of different models of tax evasion (from neoclassical approach to behavioral economics) is investigated, also the assumptions and variables of these models are analyzed. Then, using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on the opinions of tax experts, the factors affecting tax evasion are ranked in different models to determine which model is superior in explaining and measuring the factors affecting tax evasion in Iran. The results show that instability of preferences, loss avoidance, and ambiguity avoidance are the main factors influencing tax evasion. Correspondingly, rational behavior and behavioral adaptation have the least explanatory power as regards tax evasion in Iran. Based on the results, in analyzing and measuring Iran's tax evasion, a paradigm shift towards behavioral economy models is needed.

The performance of microchannel with sidewall dimples and fillet profile in the bottom surface is investigated. Two dimple sizes of (0.5 mm and 1 mm) are systematically clustered along the channels with and without fillet are considered. The laminar flow regime is assumed with Reynolds numbers ranging from 200 to 1200. The results show that the dimples and fillet profile have a significant effect on the thermal performance of microchannel. The Nusselt number of the microchannels with 1 mm dimples is 20% higher than the plain microchannel. However, an increase in pressure drop of 10% was obtained. In addition, the fillet profile impacts the thermal performance of microchannels without pressure drop penalty increase. Combining both dimples and fillet profile causes a significant enhancement in the thermal performance. Nusselt number of microchannels heat sink with 1 mm dimple size and fillet profile is 60% higher compared to the plain microchannel.

Flat solar collectors are extensively utilized in various domestic and industrial applications to reduce energy consumption. In this study, an-active flat plate solar collector (FPSC) with an internal absorber tube receiver was fabricated and tested in Al-Samawa city, Iraq (latitude 31.19°N and longitude 45.17°E). The ambient temperature and incident solar radiation at the experimental location were reached 39 °C and 840 W/m2, respectively. In this study, the number of riser tubes connected to headers that are covered with a glass sheet in a conventional FPSC were replaced with a single serpentine-shaped collector tube covered with a plastic sheet. The proposed solar collector used a smooth copper tube with internal and exterior diameters of 9.5 and 12 mm, respectively, and a total length of 1000 mm. A TRNSYS model of a flat plate collector integrated with an absorber tube was developed, simulated, and validated using the experimental data. Temperature and flow rate data were obtained concurrently throughout the experiments to evaluate the performance of the fabricated solar collector. The temperature at the solar collector input stayed relatively constant at 37.7 °C, and the water flow rate remained constant at 0.75 L/min. The results indicated that the temperature at the solar collector output ranged from 52 to 61 °C, with an average of 58 °C. The efficiency of the proposed solar collector ranges from approximately 45% to 67%, with an average of 58%. Overall, the simulation results of the TRNSYS model are in excellent agreement with experimental data. The average discrepancy between the tests and simulations for temperature differential and collector efficiency is approximately 1%.

Abstract Social determinants of health (SDoH) can impact the vulnerable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) population, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Providers' understanding of SDoH at the point of care and their impact is unknown. We conducted semi‐structured virtual interviews with US clinicians at 17 pulmonary hypertension (PH) centers and one patient advocate from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. We sought participants' perspective on SDoH in PAH and their impact. Transcripts were developed and analyzed for key themes to assess potential policy implications. Participants served a large PAH population and demonstrated high awareness of SDoH and its impact on treatment and outcomes. They reported that patients' SDoH, including socioeconomic status, health insurance, access to health care, education levels, health literacy, employment status, and insecurities associated with housing, food, transportation, and family support, impacted health and well‐being. COVID‐19‐related social isolation, mental health, and substance abuse contributed to significant inequities in care provision and outcomes. While telemedicine helped clinicians manage patients remotely during the pandemic, there was a concern for patients with limited access to this medium. Participants reported no formal screening for SDoH at the point of care. With the recognition and the desire to act upon health inequities associated with SDoH, participants felt that it was vital for their centers to have a dedicated PH social worker and support staff to optimize care and outcomes. An approach that integrates SDoH in PAH care management, streamlined through institutional policy, could address health disparities leading to improved healthcare access, outcomes, and quality of care.

Antibiotics are non-biodegradable drugs that inhibit the expansion and growth of microorganisms. Especially with the prevalence of Covid-19, the consumption of antibiotics has increased. Therefore, the presence of most prescribed antibiotics from ß-lactams including amoxicillin and cephalexin were studied at two municipal WWTPs in Isfahan. The analytical method was to extract antibiotics from the aqueous phase and then detected them via HPLC/UV. Samples were collected from 2 WWTPs for 13 sampling periods over 2 months between February and March 2020 during the outbreak of Covid-19. In WWTP A, the average concentration of amoxicillin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was 509.64 ± 161.97 µg/L, 352.96 ± 203.88 µg/L, 34.35 ± 31.38%, and the average concentration of cephalexin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was 189.42 ± 176.06 µg/L, 32.6 ± 49.59µg/L, 78.75 ± 23.81%, respectively. In WWTP B, the average concentration of amoxicillin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was 2134.82 ± 3031.53µg/L, 401.09 ± 205.86µg/L, and 54.82 ± 33.29%, respectively. Also, the average concentration of cephalexin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was 183.69 ± 123.48 µg/L, 23.01 ± 40.71 µg/L, and 87.65 ± 21.76%, respectively. According to Mann–Whitney test results, the concentration of antibiotics in both WWTPs had significant differences ( p -value