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This paper reports on a series of static and cyclic plate loading tests performed on a weak unreinforced sand bed in a test pit. The weak sand was covered by a 160 mm thick layer comprised of one of three compacted soil types which was either unreinforced or geocell-reinforced. The purpose was to investigate the effects of soil density and grain size as filler materials for the covering layer. The three covering soils were granular with average particle sizes of 2.2 (Soil 1), 6.14 (Soil 2), and 8.47 (Soil 3) mm. Under static loading, the bearing pressure increased on average 23% when the average grain size of the upper, unreinforced, soil layer changed from 2.20 mm to 8.47 mm. The improvement in bearing pressure was about 37% due to the use of a soil-filled geocell but, unlike the unreinforced situation, employing larger soil grains to fill the geocell pockets didn't show significant further improvement. For cyclic loading tests, the maximum settlement reduction by employing a geocell layer was about 50% for Soil 1. Whether loaded statically or cyclically, increasing soil density likely would be more efficient for improving geocell performance than employing a soil having larger particle sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of incorporation of radiolabeled sulfur dioxide has been determined in submicron sized ammonium sulfate droplet aerosols with and without catalytic metal ions (Fe3+, Mn2+). The sulfate droplets were generated by nebulizing solutions with a multiple jet Collison nebulizer and aged up to 30 min in a 10 m3 plug-flow reaction duct. Radiolabeled 35SO2 was metered into purified air to provide a concentration of 5 ppm. Three different atmospheres were studied: SO2 in purified air, SO2 in the presence of ammonium sulfate aerosol (1 mg m-3, 1 μm MMAD), and SO2 in the presence of ammonium sulfate aerosol containing Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions. No measurable SO2 conversion was detected in samples from atmospheres without the catalytic metal ions. A net SO2 conversion rate equivalent to 0.02 % h-1 was observed in the presence of Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions. © 1985.

The current study was conducted to determine the effect of the feed form (mash, pellet, and extrude) on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α (HIF-1α mRNA) and heart index in broiler chickens. The relative weight of hearts and lungs, the ratio of Right Ventricle heart weight to the Total Ventricle weight (RV/TV, heart index), Hematocrit value (HCT) and gene expression (HIF-1α mRNA) in the hearts and lungs tissues of the broiler chickens were determined at 35 days of age. Also, mortality and performance parameters were recorded throughout the experiment. The results showed that Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) (P< 0.01), Right Ventricle weight (RV), Ventricles Total weight (TV), hematocrit value and expression of HIF-1α mRNA in the lungs tissues were higher in the pellet and extrude diet form compared to the mash diet form (P< 0.05). Also, a higher Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (P< 0.01) was observed in the mash diet form. The hematocrit value and expression of the HIF-1α mRNA gene in the lung tissues of the broiler chickens were increased by feeding pellet and extruded diets, which was associated with increase in mortality from ascites. Our findings, therefore, revealed that the HIF-1αmRNA gene might be concerned with the increase of pulmonary and ascites syndrome in the broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomaterials with high silicon content such as bioactive glass-ceramics play important and significant roles in the growth and development of the hard tissue. In this research, glass-ceramic in SiO-CaO-PO-ZrO system was applied on stainless steel (SS) by the sol-gel method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the coating and investigate its microstructure. The results showed the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA), after heat treatment in 700C. SEM micrographs showed some hillocks and nanowires on the surface of 316L stainless steel. It was concluded that defects play an important role in the growth of nanowire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to compare susceptibility of six different strains of male broilers to ascites syndrome. In this experiment, 612 one-day-old male broiler chicks from five international hybrids (e.g, Arbor Acres, Cobb 500, Hubbard, Lohmann, and Ross 508) and an Iranian hybrid (Arian) were used. Growth performance, ascites mortality ratio, the ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles weight (RV:TV) in dead and healthy broilers, hematocrit values, serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and T3: T4 ratio were studied to evaluate the susceptibility of the birds. The results showed that there were significant differences among the hybrids in ascites susceptibility. Arian and Hubbard were more susceptible, while, Lohmann was more resistant to ascites than the other hybrids. The results of this study showed that RV:TV ratio and the hematocrit value can be sensitive indicators for differentiating hybrids susceptible to ascites from the resistant ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the conventional k-means framework, seeding is the first step toward optimization before the objects are clustered. In random seeding, two main issues arise: the clustering results may be less than optimal and different clustering results may be obtained for every run. In real-world applications, optimal and stable clustering is highly desirable. This report introduces a new clustering algorithm called the zero k-approximate modal haplotype (Zk-AMH) algorithm that uses a simple and novel seeding mechanism known as zero-point multidimensional spaces. The Zk-AMH provides cluster optimality and stability, therefore resolving the aforementioned issues. Notably, the Zk-AMH algorithm yielded identical mean scores to maximum, and minimum scores in 100 runs, producing zero standard deviation to show its stability. Additionally, when the Zk-AMH algorithm was applied to eight datasets, it achieved the highest mean scores for four datasets, produced an approximately equal score for one dataset, and yielded marginally lower scores for the other three datasets. With its optimality and stability, the Zk-AMH algorithm could be a suitable alternative for developing future clustering tools.

Single-well, push-pull tests were conducted in a contaminated aquifer to evaluate the ability of toluene-oxidizing microorganisms to cometabolize chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), such as trichloroethene (TCE). Test solutions were injected into the aquifer using a standard monitoring well, and then were transported under natural-gradient conditions. Transport tests demonstrated similar transport characteristics of the conservative tracer and the reactive solutes. Biostimulation tests were then performed by injecting a test solution containing dissolved toluene substrate, hydrogen peroxide, bromide, and nitrate in order to increase the biomass of toluene-utilizing microorganisms. Decreases in toluene concentration and the production of o-cresol as an intermediate oxidation product indicated the simulation of toluene-utilizing microorganisms containing an ortho-monooxygenase enzyme. Transformation tests demonstrated that indigenous microorganisms had the capability to transform the surrogate compounds (e.g. isobutene) and both cis-dichloroethene (cis- DCE) and trans-dichloroethene (trans- DCE). Isobutene was transformed to isobutene oxide, indicating transformation by a toluene ortho-monooxygenase, and both cis-DCE and trans- DCE were transformed. In a final test, the utilization of toluene, and the transformation of isobutene, cis- DCE, and trans-DCE were all inhibited in the presence of 1-butyne, a known inhibitor of the toluene orthomonooxygenase enzyme. The method assessed the activity of attached microorganisms under in situ conditions of bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The k-AMH algorithm has been proven efficient in clustering categorical datasets. It can also be used to cluster numerical values with minimum modification to the original algorithm. In this paper, we present two algorithms that extend the k-AMH algorithm to the clustering of numerical values. The original k-AMH algorithm for categorical values uses a simple matching dissimilarity measure, but for numerical values it uses Euclidean distance. The first extension to the k-AMH algorithm, denoted k-AMH Numeric I, enables it to cluster numerical values in a fashion similar to k-AMH for categorical data. The second extension, k-AMH Numeric II, adopts the cost function of the fuzzy k-Means algorithm together with Euclidean distance, and has demonstrated performance similar to that of k-AMH Numeric I. The clustering performance of the two algorithms was evaluated on six real-world datasets against a benchmark algorithm, the fuzzy k-Means algorithm. The results obtained indicate that the two algorithms are as efficient as the fuzzy k-Means algorithm when clustering numerical values. Further, on an ANOVA test, k-AMH Numeric I obtained the highest accuracy score of 0.69 for the six datasets combined with p-value less than 0.01, indicating a 95% confidence level. The experimental results prove that the k-AMH Numeric I and k-AMH Numeric II algorithms can be effectively used for numerical clustering. The significance of this study lies in that the k-AMH numeric algorithms have been demonstrated as potential solutions for clustering numerical objects.

This paper presents Centre-based hard clustering approaches for clustering Y-STR data. Two classical partitioning techniques: Centroid-based partitioning technique and Representative object-based partitioning technique are evaluated. The k-Means and the k-Modes algorithms are the fundamental algorithms for the centroid-based partitioning technique, whereas the k-Medoids is a representative object-based partitioning technique. The three algorithms above are experimented and evaluated in partitioning Y-STR haplogroups and Y-STR Surname data. The overall results show that the centroid-based partitioning technique is better than the representative object-based partitioning technique in clustering Y-STR data.

Background: Neurofeedback training (NFT) can aid in the treatment of the abnormal patterns of the brain brought on by physical injury, enhancing cognitive and behavioral abilities. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of combining neuromuscular training (NMT) and NFT (NMT+NFT) with NMT alone in rehabilitating athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI)., Hypothesis: NMT+NFT will be more effective than NMT alone., Study Design: A 3-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial., Level of Evidence: Level 2., Methods: A total number of 62 athletes, aged 18 to 25 years, with CAI, participated in this study. The study subjects were allocated randomly to 3 groups: 21 cases in the control group, 21 cases in the combination group (CG) receiving NMT+NFT, and 20 cases in the neuromuscular group (NG) practicing NMT alone, undergoing exercises related to their groups for 8 weeks. Data were recorded and analyzed before and after the 8-week training program. The primary outcome measures were postural sway indices; secondary outcomes included ankle proprioception and biopsychosocial indices., Results: NMT+NFT was more effective than NMT alone in terms of improving postural control during single- and 2-legged standing positions under the conditions of eyes closed and eyes open, proprioception at 20° of plantar flexion, as well as anxiety and depression in athletes with CAI. However, the findings revealed that NMT+NFT and NMT alone could both improve such indices., Conclusion: NMT+NFT as a treatment protocol improved postural control, ankle proprioception, anxiety, and depression greater than NMT alone., Clinical Relevance: A combined protocol of NFT and NMT led to greater improvement compared with NMT alone. NFT was recommended as an adjunct therapy in the rehabilitation of athletes suffering from CAI., Competing Interests: The authors report no potential conflicts of interest in the development and publication of this article.

Background: One of the critical factors affecting chronic diseases is the use of drugs, especially industrial substances, such as methamphetamine. Methamphetamine use is increasingly common among the younger members of society. Methamphetamine is not only physically and mentally destructive, but also has a significant impact on the families of abusers and society, and imposes a financial burden on society. The present study aims to identify the factors affecting methamphetamine use in a scoping review., Methods: Different keywords of methamphetamine were selected in the Mesh database and were searched in valid English databases from January 1, 2008, to April 5, 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria in this study were languages, reported findings, time range, and type of article. This study was designed by scoping review method developed by Askey Malley'O., Results: The total articles that were finally analyzed in this article were 42 including 12 English articles and 30 Persian articles. Among these articles, the most important factors affecting Methamphetamine are individual, social, and family factors, which have received the most cited., Conclusion: The majority of research highlights the importance of individual factors, society, and family factors, respectively, while formulating policies for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation must be considered. It is suggested that structural path analysis be determined by prioritizing the identified factors and the weights of these components., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 Iran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: COVID-19 infection is a severe condition in pregnant women. Previous studies have suggested that anti-COVID-19 antibodies may be able to be transmitted from mother to fetus, which in itself is a protective factor in infants against the disease. However, few studies have been done in this area. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of anti-COVID-19 antibodies in infants born to symptomatic and asymptomatic mothers with positive COVID-19 test., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed in 2021 in Abadan on neonates, born to symptomatic and asymptomatic mothers with positive COVID-19 test. All pregnant women over the age of 38 weeks with positive PCR tests for COVID-19 were included. We collected five cc of blood from the umbilical cord of neonates immediately after birth. The samples were sent to the laboratory in laboratory tubes to measure the anti-COVID-19 IgM and IgG levels., Results: We evaluated data of 20 neonates born to mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 and 10 neonates born to asymptomatic mothers with positive COVID-19 tests. In symptomatic groups, sixteen neonates (80%) had positive IgG antibodies and the mothers of all these neonates had positive antibodies. The mean IgG levels in infants was 73.26 ± 12.54 RU/ml and the mean IgM levels were 14.29 ± 3.71 RU/ml. Among neonates born to mothers with no symptoms, 7 neonates (70%) had positive IgG antibody. All mothers had positive antibodies. The mean IgG levels in infants were 74.50 ± 11.37 RU/ml and the mean IgM levels was 12.49 ± 2.88 RU/ml. There were no significant differences between two groups of neonates regarding positivity of IgG and antibody levels (P>0.05 for all)., Conclusion: 80% of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 pneumonia had positive IgG levels that were in line with the previous reports., Competing Interests: None., (IJPPP Copyright © 2022.)

COVID-19 is spreading all over Iran, and Kerman is one of the most affected cities. We conducted this study to predict COVID-19-related deaths, hospitalization, and infected cases under different scenarios (scenarios A, B, and C) by 31 December 2021 in Kerman. We also aimed to assess the impact of new COVID-19 variants and vaccination on the total number of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations (scenarios D, E, and F) using the modified susceptible-exposed-infected-removed (SEIR) model. We calibrated the model using deaths reported from the start of the epidemic to August 30, 2021. A Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) uncertainty analysis was used to estimate 95% uncertainty intervals (UI). We also calculated the time-varying reproductive number ( R t ) following time-dependent methods. Under the worst-case scenario (scenario A; contact rate = 10, self-isolation rate = 30%, and average vaccination shots per day = 5,000), the total number of infections by December 31, 2021, would be 1,625,000 (95% UI: 1,112,000-1,898,000) with 6,700 deaths (95% UI: 5,200-8,700). With the presence of alpha and delta variants without vaccine (scenario D), the total number of infected cases and the death toll were estimated to be 957,000 (95% UI: 208,000-1,463,000) and 4,500 (95% UI: 1,500-7,000), respectively. If 70% of the population were vaccinated when the alpha variant was dominant (scenario E), the total number of infected cases and deaths would be 608,000 (95% UI: 122,000-743,000) and 2,700 (95% UI: 700-4,000), respectively. The R t was ≥1 almost every day during the epidemic. Our results suggest that policymakers should concentrate on improving vaccination and interventions, such as reducing social contacts, stricter limitations for gathering, public education to promote social distancing, incensing case finding and contact tracing, effective isolation, and quarantine to prevent more COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Kerman., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Mehran Nakhaeizadeh et al.)

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are associated with disease clinical activity and response to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the future value of plaque number and volume in MRI as radiological criteria in determining the treatment response to INF-B in patients with MS., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed in 2016-2021 in Iran on patients with the newly diagnosed (less than one year) relapsing-remitting MS. Brain MRI was taken for all patients. The number and volumes of the MS plaques were evaluated from FLAIR images by the two radiologists. Patients were treated with INF-B1a with a dosage of 12 million units equal to 44 micrograms subcutaneously, three times per week. Patients were visited monthly by neurologists to examine their clinical status. After one year, the brain MRI was conducted with the similar characteristics to the beginning of the study, and the number and volume of MS plaques were measured again., Results: The study population consisted of 33 males and 90 females with a mean age of 28.37 ± 6.29 years. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of the patients was 3.16 ± 0.23 at the beginning of the study. The specificity for a 50% reduction in the number and volume of plaques as two separate criteria was the same and equal to 100%. The sensitivity of the number and volume of plaques were 65.5% and 90.6%, respectively. In addition, considering 10% as the cut-off point of the number of plaques, the sensitivity of the number of plaques as a criterion was equal to the sensitivity of the plaque volume., Conclusion: The results of this study showed that imaging criteria provide a more objective tool for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. These findings indicate that the number and volume of plaques could be two reliable MRI imaging criteria for assessing therapy response. The number of plaques was less accurate than the volume of plaques., Competing Interests: None., (AJND Copyright © 2022.)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in meningeal lesions due to rapid and accurate diagnosis and prevention of serious complications. The aim of the present study was to compare these two sequences after injection of a contrast agent into meningeal lesions. This is a descriptive-analytical study that was performed in 2018-2020 on patients referred to the radiology ward with detection of any meningeal involvements in the MRI images. In addition to T1-W, FLAIR sequence imaging was also performed. Images were initially evaluated by two expert radiologists and a neurologist. The diagnostic values of the sequences were compared. Overall, a total number of 147 patients with meningeal lesions in their brain MRI entered the study. 57.1% of cases (84 patients) had an infectious etiology and 42.9% (63 patients) had a tumoral etiology. T1-W images without contrast were able to diagnose 78 cases of meningitis (92.8% of them), and FLAIR sequences could diagnose 82 patients (97.6% of them). Without contrast injection on MRI, the diagnostic value of T1-W sequence was higher than FLAIR sequence for tumoral lesions (P < 0.01). The enhancement degree of T1-W was higher for tumoral findings (P < 0.01). In contrast, the enhancement degree of the FLAIR sequence was higher for infectious findings, which was also statistically significant (P = 0.015). FLAIR sequences had 92% sensitivity and 85% specificity for diagnosis of brain inflammatory diseases. Similar analysis showed that T1 sequence had 82% sensitivity and 73% specificity for diagnosis of brain inflammatory diseases., Competing Interests: None., (AJNMMI Copyright © 2022.)