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Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can help with providing an improved situational awareness for fire-fighters during wildland fire missions. This paper presents the methodology and development of a UAS that meets the needs of emergency responders and that is used as a testing platform for new sensors and algorithms. These algorithms provide the system with further intelligence that can further help emergency responders in critical missions. Apart from the capability to do waypoint navigation, our system has the capability to detect fire from visual and infrared camera feeds as well as to localize the detected fire in the global reference frame. We also discuss our data fusion mechanism for fusing the data obtained from multiple sensors. However, the asynchronous nature of the sensors as well as intermittent data and communication delays makes this process challenging. To address this issue, we use an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) based UAV state estimation. We use a Convolutional Neural Network based image processing system capable of detecting the presence of humans from infrared image which will be very useful during a rescue operation. This paper discusses each of these sub-systems and some of the results obtained during our flight tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is an important climatic factor which influences development, reproduction and population dynamics of insects and mites and plays an essential role in pest management. In the present article, the development ofSchizotetranychus smirnoviWainstein (Acari, Tetranychidae) was studied on almond (variety “Mamaei”) at 11 constant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 36°C (including 10°C, 13°C, 15°C, 17.5°C, 20°C, 22.5°C, 25°C, 27.5°C, 30, 33°C and 36 ± 1°C), all at 50 ± 10% RH and 14:10 (L:D) h under laboratory conditions and modelled developmental rate of the mite as a function of temperature. Based on the results, no development was observed at 10°C and no juvenile developed to adult at 36°C. Moreover, egg-to-adult developmental rate decreased gradually from 13°C to 30°C and increased at higher temperatures. The longest (25.18 ± 1.86 and 23.13 ± 1.88 days) and shortest (2.36 ± 0.42 and 2.36 ± 0.42 days) female and male immature period was observed at 13°C and 30°C, respectively. The lower temperature threshold forS. smirnoviwas obtained as 10.70°C and the total degree-days required for female and male development were calculated as 136.67 and 125.31 DD, respectively. Growth data were fitted to various non-linear models and lower and upper temperature thresholds were estimated along with all model parameters. Most models were rejected for failure to satisfy criteria of goodness of fit and estimable temperature threshold parameters. The Lactin-2 model was selected for estimating the lower and upper temperature thresholds and optimal temperature. Results could be useful in developingS. smirnovipopulation models to predict the activity and seasonal population dynamics of the pest under the field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), which have been popular in military context, have recently attracted attention of many researchers because of their potential civilian applications. However, before the UAVs can be used for civilian applications, a systematic integration of UAVs in the National Airspace System (NAS) is needed that can allow safe operation of UAVs along with other manned aircrafts. One of the critical capabilities needed for safe operation of the UAVs in the NAS is the ability of UAV to carry out sense and avoid task which would allow the UAV to amend its path to avoid collision with other aircrafts. Despite recent technological advances, such as availability of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast that can transmit position of an aircraft to others in the vicinity, planning a collision-free path autonomously is still challenging in a dynamic environment. The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology for discovering a path for the UAV that meets mission goals, avoids collision, is optimal in terms of path length and, more importantly, is feasible. The paper formulates the problem of path planning using the mathematical paradigm of mixed integer linear programming and provides a solution strategy for solving this problem in the dynamic sense. The tasks of avoidance of obstacles and waypoint navigation are incorporated as constraints in the MILP problem. The paper presents the solution of the MILP problem and verifies the performance of the proposed methodology with regard to optimality of the solution and computational time requirement via several simulated scenarios of different complexities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pogonolaelaps gen. n. a new genus of Laelapidae Berlese is erected and described based on P. canestrinii (Berlese), comb. n. as well as on specimens which were collected from soil and ant nests in different parts of Iran. Also, a new species Pogonolaelaps beaulieui sp. n. is described based on specimens collected from soil, litter and ant nests in various parts of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. The genus Gymnolaelaps is revised considering species with some morphological deviations. Gymnolaelaps reniculus (Karg, 1981) and Gymnolaelaps triquetrus (Karg, 2003) are removed from this genus and placed in their original genus Pseudoparasitus. The characters of Laelaspisella Marais & Loots, 1969 are discussed in a detail along with a proposal of a new definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the description of a mite species new for science, Cosmolaelaps dilleri Gwiazdowicz & Nemati sp. nov., which has been recorded in the Panguana, basin of the Río Yuyapichis, Peru. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9961A042-48AF-4416-87C3-ECCEC5AFE608 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Genus Gaeolaelaps Evans & Till, 1966 is currently one of the largest genera of the family Laelapidae Berlese. The known representatives of this genus are active predators of small invertebrates such as other mites, insect eggs and nematodes. Gaeolaelaps iranicus Kavianpour & Nemati sp. n., was collected from soil and litter in various parts of Iran. The description and figures of this species are given. A key to the Gaeolaelaps species of Iran is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common inherited disease, which causes neonatal hemolytic anemia and jaundice. Recent studies of our group showed that the Mediterranean variant of this enzyme (Gd-Md) is the predominant G6PD in Iranian male infants suffering from jaundice; this variant is classified as severe G6PD deficiency. Considering the importance of G6PD reaction and its products NADPH and glutathione (GSH) against oxidative stress, we hypothesized the failure of detoxification of H2O2 in G6PD-deficient white blood cells that could probably induce primary DNA damage. For the evaluation of DNA damage, we analyzed mononuclear leukocytes of 36 males suffering from the Gd-Md deficiency using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or comet assay. The level of DNA damage was compared with the level of basal DNA damage in control group represented by healthy male infant donors (of the same age group). Visual scoring was used for the evaluation of DNA damages. The results showed that the mean level of the DNA strand breakage in mononuclear leukocytes of 36 male G6PD-deficient (Gd-Md) infants was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those observed in the normal lymphocytes. In conclusion, this investigation indicates that the mononuclear leukocytes of the Gd-Md samples may be exposed to DNA damage due to oxidative stress. This is the first report using comet assay for evaluation of DNA damage in severe G6PD deficiency samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Newly synthesized nanocars have shown great potential to transport molecular payloads. Since wheels of nanocars dominate their motion, the study of the wheels helps us to design a suitable surface for them. We investigated C 60 thermal diffusion on the hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) monolayer as the wheel of nanocars. We calculated C 60 potential energy variation during the translational and rotational motions at different points on the substrate. The study of the energy barriers and diffusion coefficients of the molecule at different temperatures indicated three noticeable changes in the C 60 motion regime. C 60 starts to slide on the surface at 30 K-40 K, slides freely on the boron-nitride monolayer at 100 K-150 K, and shows rolling motions at temperatures higher than 500 K. The anomaly parameter of the motion reveals that C 60 has a diffusive motion on the boron-nitride substrate at low temperatures and experiences superdiffusion with Levy flight motions at higher temperatures. A comparison of the fullerene motion on the boron-nitride and graphene surfaces demonstrated that the analogous structure of the graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride led to similar characteristics such as anomaly parameters and the temperatures at which the motion regime changes. The results of this study empower us to predict that fullerene prefers to move on boron-nitride sections on a hybrid substrate composed of graphene and boron-nitride. This property can be utilized to design pathways or regions on a surface to steer or trap the C 60 or other molecular machines, which is a step toward directional transportation at the molecular scale.

Layered-graphene reinforced-metal matrix nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties and low density are a new class of advanced materials for a broad range of applications. A facile three-step approach based on ultra-sonication for dispersion of graphene nanosheets (GNSs), ball milling for Al-powder mixing with different weight percentages of GNSs, and equal-channel angular pressing for powders' consolidation at 200 °C was applied for nanocomposite fabrication. The Raman analysis revealed that the GNSs in the sample with 0.25 wt.% GNSs were exfoliated by the creation of some defects and disordering. X-ray diffraction and microstructural analysis confirmed that the interaction of the GNSs and the matrix was almost mechanical, interfacial bonding. The density test demonstrated that all samples except the 1 wt.% GNSs were fully densified due to the formation of microvoids, which were observed in the scanning electron microscope analysis. Investigation of the mechanical properties showed that by using Al powders with commercial purity, the 0.25 wt.% GNS sample possessed the maximum hardness, ultimate shear strength, and uniform normal displacement in comparison with the other samples. The highest mechanical properties were observed in the 0.25 wt.% GNSs composite, resulting from the embedding of exfoliated GNSs between Al powders, excellent mechanical bonding, and grain refinement. In contrast, agglomerated GNSs and the existence of microvoids caused deterioration of the mechanical properties in the 1 wt.% GNSs sample., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Purpose: We aimed to introduce a new surgical method for open appendectomy including a right groin incision with adipocutaneous flap and to compare its feasibility, safety, and cosmetic outcomes with classic McBurney's incision., Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis who were candidates for appendectomy surgery at General Surgery Department, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2016 and 2017, were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups each containing 50 patients. In the case and control groups, patients underwent appendectomy using right groin incision with adipocutaneous flap and traditional McBurney's methods, respectively., Results: One hundred patients with the mean age of 23.6 years (range = 4-44) old including 65 males were enrolled in the study. Patients' demographics, histopathology, and anatomical location of the appendix were not significantly different in the case and control groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative wound infection, cellulitis, hematoma, and seroma between the two groups. Patients in the case group were significantly more satisfied in terms of cosmesis than in the control group (P < .001); however, the operative time and pain were higher in the case group compared to the control group (P values = 0.016 and 0.033, respectively)., Conclusions: The right groin incision for open appendectomy may be safe and feasible and the most cosmetically appealing method especially in children and patients with cosmetic concerns.

A new method for guiding the motion of fullerene and fullerene-based nanocars is introduced in this paper. The effects of non-flat substrates on the motion of C 60 , a nanocar and a nanotruck are investigated at different conditions and temperatures. Their behavior is studied using two different approaches: analyzing the variation in potential energy and conducting all-atom classical molecular dynamics simulations. This paper proposes that the use of a stepped substrate will make their motion more predictable and controllable. The results of the simulations show that C 60 stays on the top side of the step and cannot jump over the step at temperatures of 400 K and lower. However, at temperatures of 500 K and higher, C 60 has sufficient energy to travel to the down side of the step. C 60 attaches to the edge and moves just alongside of the edge when it is on the down side of the step. The edge also restricts the motion of C 60 alongside the edge and reduces its range of motion. By considering the motion of C 60 , the general behavior of the nanocar and nanotruck is predictable. The nanocar stays on the top side of the step at temperatures of 400 K and less; at 500 K and higher temperatures, its wheels jump off the edge, and its range of motion is restricted. The relatively rigid chassis of the nanotruck does not allow the free individual motion of the wheels. As a result, the entire nanotruck stays on the top side of the step, even at 600 K. A pathway with the desired route can be fabricated for the motion of C 60 and nanocars using the method presented in this paper. This represents a step towards the directional motion of C 60 and nanocars.

Background: Opium is widely used among addicts in the Middle East countries such as Iran. Recent reports suggest that opium sellers cheat their customers by adding lead to the opium. Contaminated opium can threaten the health of consumers. This study was designed to evaluate the lead concentration in blood sample of oral and inhaled opium user's referring to Amir Al-Momenin Hospital in Zabol, Iran, during spring 2015 in comparison with those of control group., Methods: Blood lead level (BLL) of 188 subjects with a mean age of 52.06 years in three categories - including oral opium addicted (55 patients), inhaled opium addicted (55 patients), and healthy control group (n = 78) - was assessed. The BLL of all the subjects was assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer., Findings: Almost all participants consumed "Tariak" (99.09%). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) duration of opium addiction was 13.21 ± 10.26 years. The average blood lead concentration among oral users, inhaled users, and control group were 34.31 ± 21.54, 41.13 ± 26.40, and 9.86 ± 4.40 µg/dl, respectively (P = 0.001)., Conclusion: Our study showed significant differences of BLLs between opium users and control group. We also did not find any association between blood lead concentration and method of opium consumption.

The prevalence of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) in patients with active tuberculosis is about 10% to 40%. The most common complication of EBTB is bronchial stenosis. Fistula formation by pulmonary tuberculosis is a very rare complication and is most commonly bronchopleural. The authors present a 53-year-old woman presented with chronic cough and abnormality in chest computed tomography scan. According to chest computed tomography scan finding, bronchoscopic study was done and bronchial lavage was obtained. Bronchial lavage was positive for acid fast bacilli. Bronchoscopy showed fistula formation between the right and left main bronchus, a rare manifestation of EBTB. The patient was treated with antituberculosis therapy, and her symptoms improved and radiological findings showed regression of pulmonary lesions.