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Light-absorbing secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), also known as secondary brown carbon (BrC), are major components of wildfire smoke that can have a significant impact on the climate system; however, how environmental factors such as relative humidity (RH) influence their formation is not fully understood, especially for heterocyclic precursors. We conducted chamber experiments to investigate secondary BrC formation from the nighttime oxidation of furan and pyrrole, two primary heterocyclic precursors in wildfires, in the presence of pre-existing particles at RH < 20% and ∼ 50%. Our findings revealed that increasing RH significantly affected the size distribution dynamics of both SOAs, with pyrrole SOA showing a stronger potential to generate ultrafine particles via intensive nucleation processes. Higher RH led to increased mass fractions of oxygenated compounds in both SOAs, suggesting enhanced gas-phase and/or multiphase oxidation under humid conditions. Moreover, higher RH reduced the mass absorption coefficients of both BrC, contrasting with those from homocyclic precursors, due to the formation of non-absorbing high-molecular-weight oxygenated compounds and the decreasing mass fractions of molecular chromophores. Overall, our findings demonstrate the unique RH dependence of secondary BrC formation from heterocyclic precursors, which may critically modulate the radiative effects of wildfire smoke on climate change.

The chemical and optical properties of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) have been widely studied through environmental chamber experiments, and some of the results have been parametrized in atmospheric models to help understand their radiative effects and climate influence. While most chamber studies investigate the aerosol formed from a single volatile organic compound (VOC), the potential interactions between reactive intermediates derived from VOC mixtures are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the SOA formed from pure and mixtures of anthropogenic (phenol and 1-methylnaphthalene) and/or biogenic (longifolene) VOCs using continuous-flow, high-NOx photooxidation chamber experiments to better mimic ambient conditions. SOA optical properties, including single scattering albedo (SSA), mass absorption coefficient (MAC), and refractive index (RI) at 375 nm, and chemical composition, including the formation of oxygenated organic compounds, organic-nitrogen compounds (including organonitrates and nitro-organics), and the molecular structure of the major chromophores, were explored. Additionally, the imaginary refractive index values of SOA in the multi-VOC system were predicted using a linear-combination assumption and compared with the measured values. When two VOCs were oxidized simultaneously, we found evidence for changes in SOA chemical composition compared to SOA formed from single-VOC systems, and this change led to nonlinear effects on SOA optical properties. The nonlinear effects were found to vary between different systems.

As part of the summer 2022 NYC-METS (New York City metropolitan Measurements of Emissions and TransformationS) campaign and the ASCENT (Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork) observational network, speciated particulate matter was measured in real time in Manhattan and Queens, NY, with additional gas-phase measurements. Largely due to observed reductions in inorganic sulfate aerosol components over the 21st century, summertime aerosol composition in NYC has become predominantly organic (80-83%). Organic aerosol source apportionment via positive matrix factorization showed that this is dominated by secondary production as oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) source factors comprised 73-76% of OA. Primary factors, including cooking-related organic aerosol (COA) and hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) comprised minor fractions of OA, only 13-15% and 10-11%, respectively. The two sites presented considerable spatiotemporal variations in OA source factor concentrations despite similar average PM2.5 concentrations. The less- and more-oxidized OOA factors exhibited clear temperature dependences at both sites with increased concentrations and greater degrees of oxidation at higher temperatures, including during a heatwave. With strong temperature sensitivity and minimal changes in summertime concentrations since 2001, secondary OA poses a particular challenge for air quality policy in NYC that will very likely be exacerbated by continued climate change and extreme heat events.

The light absorption properties of brown carbon (BrC), which are linked to molecular chromophores, may play a significant role in the Earths energy budget. While nitroaromatic compounds have been identified as strong chromophores in wildfire-driven BrC, other types of chromophores remain to be investigated. Given the electron-withdrawing nature of carbonyls ubiquitous in the atmosphere, we characterized carbonyl chromophores in BrC samples from the nighttime oxidation of furan and pyrrole derivatives, which are important but understudied precursors of secondary organic aerosols primarily found in wildfire emissions. Various carbonyl chromophores were characterized and quantified in BrC samples, and their ultraviolet-visible spectra were simulated by using time-dependent density functional theory. Our findings suggest that chromophores with carbonyls bonded to nitrogen (i.e., imides and amides) derived from N-containing heterocyclic precursors substantially contribute to BrC light absorption. The quantified N-containing carbonyl chromophores contributed to over 40% of the total light absorption at wavelengths below 350 nm and above 430 nm in pyrrole BrC. The contributions of chromophores to total light absorption differed significantly by wavelength, highlighting their divergent importance in different wavelength ranges. Overall, our findings highlight the significance of carbonyl chromophores in secondary BrC and underscore the need for further investigation.

Abstract Background Health literacy(HL) is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain process and understand basic health information and services required for making appropriate health decisions. Effective interventions to improve older people’s HL have become increasingly important. The purpose of this study is to conduct a review of interventions aimed at enhancing the HL of older people. Methodology Relevant information was gathered from various databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search of related journals and Google Scholar, a search of the reference lists of selected articles, and a search of unpublished sources were also conducted up to 30 August 2024. Reporting quality assessment was performed using CONSORT: 2010, JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies, and “Quality Assessment Criteria for Survey Research Reports”. Results A total of 21 articles were included in this study. The interventions conducted in high-income countries were found to be more effective compared to those conducted in middle and low-income countries. Furthermore, interventions carried out at the community level were more effective than those performed in nursing homes. Educational interventions were more effective than lifestyle modification interventions, and interventions carried out in a single dimension were more effective than multidimensional interventions. Additionally, interventions that utilized technology were found to be more effective. Conclusion Based on the findings, community-based interventions that encompass a one-dimensional approach, incorporating the use of technology and considering the duration of the intervention, are more recommended.

Purpose – Data breaches in the US healthcare sector have more than tripled in the last decade across all states. However, to this day, no established framework ranks all states from most to least at risk for healthcare data breaches. This gap has led to a lack of proper risk identification and understanding of cyber environments at state levels. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the security action cycle, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework, the risk-planning model, and the multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) literature, the paper offers an integrated multicriteria framework for prioritization in cybersecurity to address this lack and other prioritization issues in risk management in the field. The study used historical breach data between 2015 and 2021. Findings – The findings showed that California, Texas, New York, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, and Georgia are the states most at risk for healthcare data breaches. Practical implications – The findings highlight each US state faces a different level of healthcare risk. The findings are informative for patients, crucial for privacy officers in understanding the nuances of their risk environment, and important for policy-makers who must grasp the grave disconnect between existing issues and legislative practices. Furthermore, the study suggests an association between positioning state risk and such factors as population and wealth, both avenues for future research. Originality/value – Theoretically, the paper offers an integrated framework, whose basis in established security models in both academia and industry practice enables utilizing it in various prioritization scenarios in the field of cybersecurity. It further emphasizes the importance of risk identification and brings attention to different healthcare cybersecurity environments among the different US states.

Abstract Sarcopenia is an age-related disorder characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition affects approximately 9.9-40.4% of older adults, 2-34% of outpatients, and about 56% of hospitalized patients. Sarcopenia is classified into primary and secondary types, with primary sarcopenia resulting from the natural aging process and secondary sarcopenia caused by various factors such as sedentary lifestyle, disease, and nutrition. The pathophysiology of sarcopenia involves cellular mechanisms, including genetic alterations, telomere erosion, and proteostasis disruption. Mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and metabolic factors also contribute to the condition. Neurological aspects, such as motor neuron loss and sodium channel dysfunction, play a crucial role in the development of sarcopenia. Prevention and treatment strategies include exercise interventions, nutritional strategies, and pharmacological interventions. Vitamin D supplementation, testosterone replacement therapy, and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are among the treatments explored. However, these treatments come with potential side effects, highlighting the need for further research and evaluation.

Background: Internet addiction is one of the most common mental disorders in adolescents, and coping skills comprise one of the main components of mental health. In this study, we examined the effect of training based on the self-management empowerment model on the coping skills of adolescent girls with internet addiction in Bushehr in 2022. Materials and Methods: The research was a clinical trial on adolescent girls with internet addiction in the junior high schools of Bushehr. The schools were selected by simple random sampling and were assigned into intervention and control groups by drawing lots (40 students per group). The participants completed the Young Internet Addiction Questionnaire and were entered into the study if they obtained a score of 46 or higher. In order to collect information on coping strategies, the short version of Endler and Parker's Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations was used. The intervention was carried out based on the model of self-management empowerment in five steps. The post-test was immediately completed by both groups at the end of two-month intervention administered in the intervention group. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 26, using descriptive indices, the Chi-square test and the independent t-test, at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean changes in the score of coping strategies had significant changes in the intervention group in the direction of increased use of the problem-oriented strategy (p

Predicting the valuation of blockTrade transaction allows the market to evaluate control over companies in an efficient manner.In this research, by measuring the indicators affecting block transactions in three active industries in Tehran Stock Exchange During the period of 1390 to the end of 1400, on a daily basis with utilization a deep learning neural network, specifically the GRU model. The study focused on industries with a significant number of market participants, namely basic metals (steel), automotive and parts manufacturing (Khodro), and pharmaceuticals (Darou). The results of the hypothesis testing indicate that, at three industry level, Nine variables significantly affect blockTrade transaction valuation: stock returns, block size, trading volume, company size, price fluctuations, industry returns, market returns, institutional ownership, and market-to-book ratio It affects the valuation of block transactions. At the separate level of industries, the results of the effect of financial indicators on the valuation of blockTrade transaction in each industry are different from other industries, which indicates the independence of industries from each other. The findings of this research will help the managers of industries in the stock market and the users of the valuation indices of blockTrade transactions in better evaluation of pricing.

Abstract The present study aimed to assess the anti-leishmanial effects of curcumin nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) against Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. CUR-NE was successfully prepared via the spontaneous emulsification method. The in vitro effect of various concentrations of CUR-NE against L. major promastigotes was assessed using the flow cytometry method. In vivo experiments were carried out in BALB/c mice inoculated subcutaneously with 2 × 106 L. major promastigotes. Mice were treated with topical CUR-NE (2.5 mg/ml), intra-lesion injection of CUR-NE (2.5 mg/ml), topical CUR suspension (CUR-S, 2.5 mg/ml), topical NE without CUR (NE-no CUR), amphotericin B as the positive control group, and infected untreated mice as the negative control group. In vitro exposure of promastigotes to CUR-NE showed a dose-dependent anti-leishmanial effect, with a 67.52 ± 0.35% mortality rate at a concentration of 1250 µg/ml and an IC50 of 643.56 µg/ml. In vivo experiments showed that topical CUR-NE and CUR-S significantly decreased the mean lesion size in mice after four weeks from 4.73 ± 1.28 to 2.78 ± 1.28 mm and 4.45 ± 0.88 to 3.23 ± 0.59 mm, respectively (p = 0.001). Furthermore, CUR-NE significantly decreased the parasite load in treated mice compared with the negative control group (p = 0.001). Results from the current study demonstrated the promising activity of CUR-NE against L. major in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, CUR-NE was more efficient than CUR-S in healing and reducing parasite burden in mouse models. Future studies should aim to identify molecular mechanisms as well as the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic aspects of CUR-NE.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the evidence regarding vaccine hesitancy including refusal rate, associated factors, and potential strategies to reduce it.MethodsThis is a scoping review. Three main databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2023. All original studies in the English language that investigated one of our domains (vaccine hesitancy rate, factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, and the ways/interventions to overcome or decrease vaccine hesitancy) among the general population were included in this study. The data were charted using tables and figures. In addition, a content analysis was conducted using the 3C model of vaccine hesitancy (Confidence, Complacency, and Convenience) that was previously introduced by the WHO.ResultsFinally, 184 studies were included in this review. Of these, 165, 181, and 124 studies reported the vaccine hesitancy rate, associated factors, and interventions to reduce or overcome vaccine hesitancy, respectively. Factors affecting the hesitancy rate were categorized into 4 themes and 18 sub-themes (contextual factors, confidence barriers, complacency barriers, and convenience barriers).ConclusionVaccine hesitancy (VH) rate and the factors affecting it are different according to different populations, contexts, and data collection tools that need to be investigated in specific populations and contexts. The need to conduct studies at the national and international levels regarding the reasons for vaccine refusal, the factors affecting it, and ways to deal with it still remains. Designing a comprehensive tool will facilitate comparisons between different populations and different locations.

This study investigates the effect of synthesis and operating parameters on the adsorption of CO2 and N2 and the CO2/N2 selectivity of a hypercrosslinked adsorbent based on waste-expanded polystyrene. Six factors were examined, including synthesis time, crosslinker and catalyst amounts, adsorption temperature and pressure, and CO2 percentage in the mixture. The response surface methodology (RSM) and ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) were employed to design the experiment. After synthesizing 19 adsorbents under different conditions, characterization tests were conducted. Results indicate that the specific surface area and micropore volume initially increase and then decrease with increased synthesis time, crosslinker, and catalyst amounts. The highest specific surface area and micropore volume were 803.84 m2/g and 0.1355 cm3/g, respectively. CO2/N2 selectivity and the adsorption of CO2 and N2 also increase and decrease with increased synthesis parameters. Furthermore, it was observed that CO2 adsorption and CO2/N2 selectivity increased with an increase in pressure and CO2 percentage and a decrease in temperature, while N2 adsorption decreased. The adsorbents were optimized using RSM to maximize CO2 adsorption and CO2/N2 selectivity with a target of 15 % CO2 in the gas mixture. The optimal synthesis parameters for the hypercrosslinked adsorbent, including synthesis time, crosslinker, and catalyst amounts, were determined to be approximately 13 hours, 30 mmol, and 30 mmol, respectively. Under optimal conditions for flue gas applications (CO2:N2/15:85), the adsorbent demonstrated a CO2/N2 selectivity of 11.05, making it suitable for flue gas capture.

ABSTRACT Aim In previous studies, the researchers observed an increase in insulin secretion in STZ‐treated diabetic rats following treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca (HESS) seeds. This study focuses on the relationship between the antioxidant properties of HESS with changes in diabetic pancreatic tissue and the gene expression of factors that impact insulin secretion. Methods In this controlled experimental study, three varying doses of HESS were administered to three groups of diabetic rats induced by STZ. Oxidative stress indicators like total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde were assessed in both pancreatic and liver tissues. Pancreatic histology was studied post‐haematoxylin staining. Insulin and FGF21 levels in the blood were measured using the ELISA method. The expression of Nrf2 and FGF21 genes in the pancreas and liver, along with MafA and PDX‐1 genes in the pancreas, was quantified using real‐time PCR. Results The administration of HESS in varying doses led to a dose‐dependent rise in blood insulin levels and a decrease in blood glucose levels and oxidative stress. By reducing oxidative stress, HESS treatment lowered the heightened levels of NRF2 and FGF21 in the liver and pancreas of diabetic rats, improving pancreatic tissue health. As oxidative stress decreased, the expression of MafA and PDX1 genes in the pancreas approached levels seen in healthy rats. Conclusion HESS elicits an increase in insulin secretion through the mitigation of oxidative stress and tissue damage, as well as the modulation of gene expression related to the insulin transcription factors PDX‐1 and MafA.

Abstract Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis worldwide. Although various anti-leishmanial regimens have been considered, due to the lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse reactions, design and development of novel topical delivery systems would be essential. This study aimed to prepare artemether (ART)-loaded niosomes and evaluate their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major. ART-loaded niosomes were prepared through the thin-film hydration technique and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-leishmanial effect of the preparation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The prepared ART-loaded niosomes were spherical with an average diameter of about 100 and 300 nm with high encapsulation efficiencies of > 99%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that ART-loaded niosomes had significantly higher anti-leishmanial activity, lower general toxicity, and higher selectivity index (SI). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ART, ART-loaded niosomes, and liposomal amphotericin B were 39.09, 15.12, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Also, according to the in vivo study results, ART-loaded niosomes with an average size of 300 nm showed the highest anti-leishmanial effects in animal studies. ART-loaded niosomes would be promising topical drug delivery system for the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Objective(s): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes a developmental arrest of antral follicles and disrupts oocyte maturation. Retinoic acid (RA) and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) are effective in follicle growth, thus their effects on histopathology and in vitro fertility of oocytes were investigated in PCOS-induced mice.Materials and Methods: Eighty female NMRI mice were randomly divided into 8 groups including 1-Normal mice, 2-PCOS mice without any treatment, 3-Normal mice treated with RA, 4-Normal mice treated with FGF2, 5-PCOS mice treated with RA, 6- PCOS mice treated with FGF2, 7- PCOS mice treated with RA and FGF2, and 8- Normal mice treated with RA and FGF2. Following PCOS induction, the mice were treated with intraperitoneal RA and FGF2 as a treatment. Then ovarian stimulation, for preparing the oocyte and embryo microscopic examinations was performed. After oocyte morphometry, through in vitro fertilization, the embryo formation was assessed. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests.Results: The results showed simultaneous injection of RA and FGF2 into PCOS-induced mice increases antral follicles and corpus luteum, but decreases cystic follicles. Simultaneous injection of these two substances into healthy mice increases the pre-antral follicles and corpus luteum. Simultaneous injection of RA and FGF2 increases the number of embryos in both control and intervention groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that RA and FGF2 increase the maturity of ovarian follicles, the number of two-celled embryos, and the number of grade-A embryos in mice with PCOS, which is more effective when these two substances are injected simultaneously.

Considering the pivotal role of eggs in the food industry and their nutritional significance, this study employed micro-Raman spectroscopy of eggs, examining both shells and yolks to assess the quality and freshness of eggs. Raman spectra were collected at different temperatures and time intervals to investigate temperature and time effects, potentially indicating Raman peak reduction due to Maillard reaction and oxidation of proteins and lipids and carotenoid depletion, respectively. By calculating the ratio of Raman peaks, lipids, fatty acids, and choline methyl were introduced as biomarkers of temperature and time. Notable correlations were identified between Raman peaks and egg quality coefficients, including egg coefficient and peak 1002 cm−1 (protein), total weight and 1301 cm−1 (Lipids), yolk weight and 2934 and 3057 cm−1, total weight with peak 710 cm−1, and egg shape index and peak 3057 cm−1. Analysis of eggshells at different time intervals revealed Raman peak reduction during time, demonstrating Raman's effectiveness in assessing egg quality from its shell. Using the PLS-DA method, the classification of eggs at different temperatures and storage times using egg yolk Raman spectra was performed with 80 % accuracy that belongs to the validation report, predominantly influenced by carotenoid peaks, showing Raman a practical, non-destructive method for egg quality and freshness control.

Background: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati. Patients with schizophrenia may be at higher risk of infection, possibly due to their cognitive and personal self-care impairments. We aimed to assess the association between Toxocara spp. exposure and schizophrenia. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 109 patients with schizophrenia admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, and 104 age- and gender-matched healthy controls from May to September 2021. A questionnaire was obtained and serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies to Toxocara excretory/secretory (TES) antigens using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Anti-Toxocara IgG was detected in 12 schizophrenic patients and 10 control subjects, giving respective seroprevalences of 11.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]=5.8–18.4%) and 9.6% (95% CI=4.7–17.0%). Univariate logistic analyses estimated an odds ratio (OR) of 1.16 (95% CI=0.44–3.16); however, it was not statistically significant (P=0.915). Individuals with a history of eating unwashed vegetables or fruits (23.1%, 95% CI=9.0–43.6, crude odds ratio [COR]=3.21, 95% CI=1.13–9.13) and rural residency (19.5%, 95% CI=8.8–34.9, COR=2.74, 95% CI=1.06–7.05) had significantly higher rates of seropositivity using the univariate logistic analyses. After multivariate logistic analyses, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The toxocariasis seroprevalence among schizophrenic and healthy participants was not significantly different (11% vs. 9.6%). Since the disease severity, onset, and cognitive sequelae are not the same among schizophrenic patients, clinically matched studies with larger samples are required to address the current inconsistency between the studies.

Introduction: Estrus synchronization is a valuable management tool that has been employed in enhancing reproductive efficiency in ewes. Synchronization of estrus and ovulation for fixed-time artificial insemination in sheep is mostly based on the insertion of intravaginal devices containing either progesterone CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) inserts or progestagens (sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate (FGA) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP)). Intravaginal sponges are usually inserted over periods of 12 to 14 day and used together with eCG, particularly out of season, administered at the time of sponge withdrawal or 48 hours prior to sponge removal. It has now been indicated that shortening the duration of progesterone treatment with intravaginal instruments, while being effective in inducing estrus and ovulation, reduces the incidence of vaginal infections and consequently improves fertility. On the other hands, it has been reported that pregnancy rates of progestagen-synchronized ewes were lower during anestrus than during the breeding season. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performance of indigenous ewes in Khanmirza city with short-term and long-term estrous synchronization programs accompanied by eCG during breeding and anestrous season. Moreover, efficacy of estradiol injection instead of gonadotropin during short-term progesterone treatment was evaluated in both seasons.Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed at two periods, during the breeding and the anestrus seasons on 2 different groups of 400 ewes. During each season, ewes (2 to 5 years of age and average body weight of 45±2.5 kg) were allocated to 4 groups of 100, in the way that each experimental group contained an equal number of ewes of a particular age. Experimental groups were: Control (without any synchronization program), Short term-estradiol group (ewes received 12 days progesterone treatment and intramuscular injection of 1mg estradiol benzoate at the time of sponge removal), Short term-eCG group (ewes received 12 days progesterone treatment and intramuscular injection of 400 IU eCG at the time of sponge removal) and Long term-eCG group (ewes received 14 days progesterone treatment and intramuscular injection of 400 IU eCG at the time of sponge removal). The progesterone treatment consisted on a vaginal sponge which contained 60 mg Medroxyprogesterone Acetate. Then, the ewes were placed in pens and one healthy ram was introduced for every 5 ewes, in order to detect heat and mating. Estrus signs were detected and recorded every hour for 5 days. The percentages of ewes that showed overt signs of estrus during a period of five days (estrus rate), estrus onset (the time elapsed between sponge removal and the first accepted mating) and pregnancy rate (The number of ewes without showing signs of estrous after 42 days of mating/total number of ewes×100) were recorded. Fecundity and prolificacy rate was calculated based on the number of lambs born. Lambs were monitored for 30 days after birth and deaths among them during this period were recorded against the ewes which were their mothers, and the survival rate was determined. The multiple birth rate was calculated by combining the twin and triplet birth rates.Results and Discussion: The results showed that reducing the duration of treatment with progesterone sponge in both trial period (autumn and spring) led to a significant reduction in estrus rate (P ≤ 0.05), but had no significant effect on other reproductive parameters (P > 0.05). Regardless of the season, injection of estradiol instead of eCG on sponge removal day, while increasing the estrus rate of ewes, led to a sharp increase in the rate of return to estrus (P ≤ 0.05) and caused decreases in the percentage of pregnant ewes, percentage of parturition ewes and lambing rate (P ≥ 0.05). In the breeding season, the mortality rate of lambs born from progesterone-synchronized ewes decreased and fecundity increased numerically compared to the corresponding group in breeding season group. Lack of possible effect of the anestrus season during synchronization programs on estrous rate and fertility of ewes can be attributed to optimal nutritional conditions of ewes in this season.Conclusion: Short term progesterone treatment (12 day) as well as injection of estradiol benzoate instead of eCG is not recommended to synchronize the estrous of ewes during both reproductive and anestrus seasons. In other words, short-term progesterone treatment (12 days) was not effective to synchronize estrus in breeding and anestrous sheep which can be attributed to follicular dynamics.

The success of accelerators requires continuous growth and improvement of the capacity to absorb knowledge from internal and external organizational resources. In this regard, the present study is aimed to design a model for improving the capacity of knowledge absorption in startup accelerators. This study is an applied-developmental design in terms of purpose, and non-experimental (descriptive) in terms of data collection and a cross-sectional study. Also, in this study, a mixed research method (qualitative-quantitative) is used. The data collection measure in the qualitative section is semi-structured interview, and in the quantitative section, ISM questionnaire is used. The Holsti coefficient is used to validate the qualitative section, The statistical population includes the managers of startup accelerators who are selected by the purposeful sampling method and theoretical saturation was achieved with 15 interviews. Thematic analysis method and Nvivo software were used for data analysis in the qualitative. Then, using the interpretive- structural modeling method, the research model was presented. Finally, using MICMAC analysis, the type of variables has been identified based on their influence and susceptibility to other variables. The research findings showed that the human rsources emmpowerment is the most influential components and is placed at level 4. Therefore, any program or action to enhance knowledge absorption capacity in accelerators should focus on the key and fundamental role of this factor. This components have high penetration power and low dependence in enhancing knowledge absorption capacity in accelerators and is among the priorities for action in improving knowledge absorption in startup accelerators

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, which is associated with a heavy economic and social burden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with curcumin-piperine combination in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 66 patients with stroke were randomized into two groups receiving curcumin-piperine tablets (500 mg curcumin + 5 mg piperine) and matched placebo tablets for 12 weeks. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), thrombosis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS22 software. Results A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 59.80 ± 4.25 years completed the trial. Based on ANCOVA test, adjusted for baseline values, curcumin-piperine supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in serum levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.026), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.009), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.001), CIMT (p = 0.002), weight (P = 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.024), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p

Abstract Functional lateralization was previously established for various cognitive domains—but not for number processing. Although numbers are considered to be bilaterally represented in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), there are some indications of different functional roles of the left vs. right IPS in processing number pairs with small vs. large distance, respectively. This raises the question whether number size plays a distinct role in the lateralization within the IPS. In our preregistered study, we applied anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left vs. right IPS to investigate the effect of stimulation as compared to sham on small vs. large distance, in both single-digit and two-digit number comparison. We expected that anodal tDCS over the left IPS facilitates number comparison with small distance, while anodal tDCS over the right IPS facilitates number comparison with large distance. Results indicated no effect of stimulation; however, exploratory analyses revealed that tDCS over the right IPS slowed down single-digit number processing after controlling for the training effect. In conclusion, number magnitude processing might be bilaterally represented in the IPS, however, our exploratory analyses emphasise the need for further investigation on functional lateralization of number processing.

As a threat to meeting the global demand for food created by the continued growth of population, different methods are being applied to enhance seed germination and plant growth. This study investigates the effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and different plasma-activated waters (PAW) and their combinations including HRW, PAW1, PAW2, HPAW1, and HPAW2 on the seed germination of lentils. Different arc discharge reactors are generated under atmospheric pressure in the air. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to detect the radiative species formed in the plasma zone. Raman spectra and physicochemical properties of different waters were investigated. The results demonstrated significant differences in the properties of different activated waters compared to control water. On day 3 after treatment, the fraction and length of germinated seeds were evaluated. During germination, treated water significantly increased germination parameters such as final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, and coefficient of germination velocity. HPAW2 exhibited the highest germination index (GI), which combines germination percentage and speed. The plasma systems also effectively reduced the pH of PAW1 and PAW2, with a greater decrease observed in HPAW1 and HPAW1. Analysis of nitrite and nitrate levels revealed that HPAW2 had the highest concentrations, indicating more reactive processes in the presence of hydrogen. Based on our results, it can be concluded that lentil seed germination can be increased using PAW and hydrogenated PAW combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]