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Abstract Viscosity is crucial in subsurface and surface transport, used in engineering domains like heat transfer and pipeline design. However, measurements are limited, necessitating predictive viscosity relationships. Existing models lack precision or pertain to limited fluids, and accurately forecasting dead oil viscosity remains challenging due to errors. The study presents a mathematical algorithm to accurately estimate viscosity values in hydrocarbon fluids. It uses a robust non-linear regression technique to establish a reliable relationship between fluid viscosity and temperature within a specific temperature range. The algorithm is applied to extra-heavy to light crude oil samples from Iranian oilfields, revealing viscosity values ranging from 0.29 cp to 5328.74 cp within a dataset of 243 viscosity data points. After modeling each of these five fluids, the highest values obtained for the maximum absolute error and relative error are related to the fluid with an API gravity of 12.92. The maximum absolute error and relative error for this fluid sample are 1.25 cp and 6.04%, respectively. The algorithm offers acceptable precision in outcome models, even with limited training data, demonstrating its effectiveness in training models with less than 30% of available data. Moreover, these models end up with a near-unity coefficient of determination in testing data, reaffirming their proficiency at reflecting empirical data with remarkable accuracy.

Abstract PDC drill bits are an important part of drilling engineering, but improper selection or design can lead to decreased performance and increased costs. Then, accurate modeling of rock-bit interaction for Oil/gas well drilling is critical. Although several mathematical models are presented for this purpose, they have not been able to present a comprehensive model for the rock-bit interaction. In-situ stresses in real drilling conditions affect the force required for rock failure. However, the models proposed so far either have not considered the effects of in-situ stresses or have assumed that the rock failure angle in the downhole conditions is equal to the one calculated in the atmospheric conditions. In this work, after reviewing the background of studies conducted on the rock and bit interaction, with an analytical method, stresses applied to the bottom hole element are examined, including stresses resulting from bit and in-situ stresses. Based on the principle of superposition, the total stress imposed on the bottom hole element is calculated to determine the angle and force of rock cutting. Finally, a novel mathematical model of rock-bit interaction in vertical and deviated oil/gas wells drilling by Considering In-Situ Stresses is presented. Also, the study compares the current model to the Nishimatsu and Xin Ling models using data from a southwest field in Iran. The results show that the simplifying assumption made by previous models leads to a significant underestimation of the failure angle and the amount of force required to the rock failure, with reductions of up to 21% and 48%, respectively, in the case of a vertical well. In an inclined well, the current model predicts cutting force at about 0.14 of that predicted by the previous model.

Background: Essential oils have been utilized for various purposes throughout history. These aromatic substances have become increasingly popular in alternative medicine, aromatherapy, and personal care products. Objective: In this study, essential oils from the aerial parts of four Allium species and three Brassicaceae members, namely Fortuynia garcinii, Draba verna, and Thlaspi arvense were evaluated for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Methods: The radical-scavenging properties were tested using DPPH assay. Antimicrobial activities were examined on nine standard pathogens: three Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, three Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and two fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporum as well as the yeast Candida albicans. Results: The IC50 values of antioxidant assay ranged from 124.66 to 155.04 μg/ml. Allium zagricum showed the best antioxidant effects with IC50 of 124.66 μg/ml compared to standard vitamin E (IC50 = 10.40 μg/ml). Similarly, the MIC values of 25-400 μg/ml with Fortuynia garcinii fruits-Zahedan were assessed as the best antimicrobial effects, while they were higher than the MIC values recorded for positive controls (0.06-16 for amikacin and 32-256 for clotrimazole). Conclusion: Essential oils extracted from Allium zagricum and Fortuynia garcinii can be prescribed for the treatment of oxidative stress-related and infectious diseases.

Abstract Breeding programs rely on light wavelength, intensity, and photoperiod for rapid success. In this study, we investigated the ability of Ag/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the photosynthesis and growth of wheat under simulated full solar spectrum conditions. The world population is increasing rapidly, it is necessary to increase the number of crops in order to ensure the world’s food security. Conventional breeding is time-consuming and expensive, so new techniques such as rapid breeding are needed. Rapid breeding shows promise in increasing crop yields by controlling photoperiod and environmental factors in growth regulators. However, achieving optimum growth and photosynthesis rates is still a challenge. Here, we used various methods to evaluate the effects of Ag/ZnO NPs on rice seeds. Using bioinformatics simulations, we evaluated the light-harvesting efficiency of chlorophyll a in the presence of Ag/ZnO NPs. Chemically synthesized Ag/ZnO nanoparticles were applied to rice grains at different concentrations (0–50 mg/L) and subjected to a 12-h preparation time. Evaluation of seed germination rate and growth response in different light conditions using a Light Emitting Diode (LED) growth chamber that simulates a rapid growth system. The analysis showed that the surface plasmon resonance of Ag/ZnO NPs increased 38-fold, resulting in a 160-fold increase in the light absorption capacity of chlorophyll. These estimates are supported by experimental results showing an 18% increase in the yield of rice seeds treated with 15 mg/L Ag/ZnO NPs. More importantly, the treated crops showed a 2.5-fold increase in growth and a 1.4-fold increase in chlorophyll content under the simulated full sun spectrum (4500 lx) and a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod. More importantly, these effects are achieved without oxidative or lipid peroxidative damage. Our findings offer a good idea to increase crop growth by improving photosynthesis using Ag/ZnO nanoparticle mixture. To develop this approach, future research should go towards optimizing nanoparticles, investigating the long-term effects, and exploring the applicability of this process in many products. The inclusion of Ag/ZnO NPs in rapid breeding programs has the potential to transform crops by reducing production and increasing agricultural productivity.

Abstract Multiphoton absorbing upconversion nanoparticles are emerging as bioimaging materials but are limited by the low quantum yield of their visible fluorescence. This article contains colloids of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), Neodymium, and Cobalt doped Graphene Quantum dots (Co-GQDs and Nd-GQDs) surrounded by carboxylic acids are synthesized which especially are suitable for bio applications; in this way, carboxylic acid groups exchanged by Amoxicillin as an antibiotic with bactericidal activity. The XRD diffraction method, TEM microscope, UV–Vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopies characterize the synthesized materials. The synthesized Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit upconversion properties and their emission is centered at 480 nm, but a red shift was observed with the increase of the excitation wavelength. In the emission spectra of synthesized QDs that can be related to the defect levels introduced by passivation of the QDs in the structure, the results show that with the interaction of the surface QDs with more carboxylic groups, the redshift is not observed. As the results indicate an increase in the intensity of upconversion emission is recorded for Co-GQDs and Nd-GQDs. The absolute quantum efficiency (QY) for Co-GQDs and Nd-GQDs were determined to be 41% and 100% more than GQDs respectively. DFT calculations indicate a strong bond between graphene and cobalt and Neodymium atoms. In doped materials, there are trap levels between the band gap of the GQDs which are responsible for increasing the intensity of the upconversion phenomenon.

ABSTRACTProlactin (PRL) has recently been demonstrated to elicit female-selective nociceptor sensitization and increase pain-like behaviors in female animals. Here we report the discovery and characterization of first-in-class, humanized PRL neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (PRL mAbs). We obtained two potent and selective PRL mAbs, PL 200,031 and PL 200,039. PL 200,031 was engineered as human IgG1 whereas PL 200,039 was reformatted as human IgG4. Both mAbs have sub-nanomolar affinity for human PRL (hPRL) and produce concentration-dependent and complete inhibition of hPRL signaling at the hPRL receptor (hPRLR). These two PRL mAbs are selective for hPRL as they do not inhibit other hPRLR agonists such as human growth hormone or placental lactogen. They also cross-react with non-human primate PRL but not with rodent PRL. Further, both mAbs show long clearance half-lives after intravenous administration in FcRn-humanized mice. Consistent with their isotypes, these mAbs only differ in binding affinities to Fcγ receptors, as expected by design. Finally, PL 200,019, the murine parental mAb of PL 200,031 and PL 200,039, fully blocked stress-induced and PRL-dependent pain behaviors in female PRL-humanized mice, thereby providing in vivo preclinical proof-of-efficacy for PRL mAbs in mechanisms relevant to pain in females.

Abstract In this paper, we synthesized Ag/ZnO composite colloidal nanoparticles and the surface of nanoparticles was improved by amodiaquine ligand. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using the XRD diffraction pattern, FT-IR Spectroscopy, TEM image, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects of the synthesized colloid were examined on E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae bacteria, and Candida Albicans and form spore aspergillus fungi, also influenza, herpes simplex, and covid 19 viruses. The results indicate more than 7 log removal of the bacteria, fungi, and viruses by synthesized colloid with a concentration of 15 μg/L (Ag)/50 µg/ml (ZnO). This removal for covid 19 virus is from 3.2 × 108 numbers to 21 viruses within 30 s. Also, irritation and toxicity tests of the synthesized colloid show harmless effects on human cells and tissues. These colloidal nanoparticles were used as mouthwash solution and their clinical tests were done on 500 people infected by the coronavirus. The results indicate that by washing their mouth and nose three times on day all patients got healthy at different times depending on the depth of the disease. Almost all people with no signs of infection and using this solution as a mouthwash didn’t infect by the virus during the study.

The applicability of two layered double hydroxide adsorbents, that is, Zn/Al LDH and the reduced graphene oxide-modified Zn/Al-rGO LDH for the solid phase extraction-preconcentration of naproxen followed by HPLC determination is evaluated and compared. The adsorbents are characterized by using XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, BET, and TEM techniques. The optimization of parameters affecting the extraction procedure included pH and sample solution volume, amount of the adsorbents, adsorbent/sample solution contact time, type, concentration, and volume of the desorption solution, and the time required for desorption process was performed by using univariate method. It is assumed that the uptake of anionic form of naproxen is taken place via the ion exchange mechanism with interlayer carbonate anions of the studied LDHs. The applicability of the adsorbents is evaluated by the determination of naproxen in human urine, hospital, and pharmaceutical wastewater samples. The obtained linear ranges by employing the unmodified and modified LDHs for the determination of naproxen in pharmaceutical wastewater were found to be 10–530 µg L−1 (R2 = 0.9999) and 5–630 µg L−1 (R2 = 0.9999), respectively. The limits of detection and enrichment factor were appraised as 5.1 µg L−1 and 42 by employing Zn/Al LDH, and 3.1 µg L−1 and 54.5 by using Zn/Al-rGO LDH. Both investigated LDHs are able to be used in solid phase extraction-preconcentration of naproxen in real samples. However, the evaluated figures of merit reveal that the modified Zn/Al-rGO LDH is more efficient adsorbent than the unmodified Zn/Al LDH for the extraction of naproxen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White cheese is an inseparable part of the Persian breakfast table. However, it has limited shelf life owing to microbial growth and chemical changes. Application of active packaging incorporated with essential oils is an innovative technique to retain quality and extend shelf life of foods. In this study, the effect of chitosan (Ch 1 and 2%) film containing rosemary extract (RE 0.5 and 1%) was studied on the shelf life of white cheese at 4°C for 45 days. The physicochemical evaluation showed that all treated cheeses had higher pH, moisture, and fat content, but acidity and hardness in treated cheeses were lower than the nontreated ones. During storage, pH, moisture, and fat content decreased and acidity and hardness increased. At the end of the storage, the highest acidity (1.79 g lactic acid) and hardness (3.5 N) and the lowest pH (4.1) were observed in the control sample, and the highest moisture (53.92%) and fat (21.84%) content was observed in E2C2 treatment (1% extract + 2% chitosan). The active packaging of cheese caused a significant decrease in the total count of bacteria, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, mold, and yeast. The population of microorganisms in the control sample increased significantly during storage (p < 0.05). The treated cheeses had acceptable sensory properties. The most effective treatment for maintaining the physicochemical properties and retarding the growth of microorganisms in cheese was the E2C2 sample. Therefore, it can be used in active packaging systems of cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic classification of the genus Crocus has undergone substantial revisions over the past half‐century. Likewise, over the last two decades, the number of known species in Iran has tripled with the discovery of 16 additional species. Despite these noteworthy recent findings, there is a lack of an updated taxonomic revision that encompasses all these newcomers. This revision of the genus in Iran is based on comprehensive morphological examinations conducted on fresh plant material collected in the field, cultivated plants, herbarium specimens, and an extensive literature review. Presently, 24 species are recognized in Iran. They are classified into two sections: Crocus and Nudiscapus. Notably, 18 species (75%) are endemic to Iran, with 14 among them being steno‐endemics, the five remaining species are subendemic elements whose distribution is limited to Iran and the adjacent countries. An identification key to all 24 recognized species is presented, accompanied by illustrations, detailed descriptions, distribution maps and information on the conservation status of each species. According to the IUCN criteria, the conservation status of all species, excluding C. caspius, C. damascenus,C. haussknechtii and C. michelsonii is at an alarming level. This revision aims to resolve ambiguities in the Iranian Crocus taxonomy, and offers the opportunity to collectively examine all previously described species in one comprehensive contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a model for examining the mediating role of job characteristics in the relationship between structural empowerment and professional commitment of referees in female's Futsal Premier League. To collect the required data, we distributed the research questionnaires among 75 Futsal Premier League referees invited to the pre-season qualifying class in 2020, and finally we received 63 valid questionnaires. We conducted structural equation modeling, confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis for data analysis by using PLS Smart software. The findings demonstrated that structural empowerment can predict professional commitment, but the relationship between the two variables was not significant. The relationship of structural empowerment with job characteristics and professional commitment was not significant. The mediating role of job characteristics in the relationship between the two variables was not significant. The components of information sharing in structural empowerment, attachment to professional commitment and diversity of skills in job characteristics had the highest averages. Given that the lack of significance of the relationship among structural empowerment, professional commitment and job characteristics, is questionable and it should be assessed in great details.

Abstract Infrared (IR) cameras based on semiconductors grown by epitaxial methods face two main challenges, which are cost and operating at room temperature. The alternative new technologies which can tackle these two difficulties develop new and facile material and methods. Moreover, the implementation of high speed camera, which makes high resolution images with normal methods, is very expensive. In this paper, a new nanostructure based on a cost-effective solution processed technology for the implementation of the high-speed mid-infrared light camera at room temperature is proposed. To this end, the chemically synthesized PbSe–PbI2 core–shell Quantum Dots (QDs) are used. In this work, a camera including 10 × 10 pixels is fabricated and synthesized QDs spin-coated on interdigitated contact (IDC) and then the fabricated system passivated by epoxy resin. Finally, using an electronic reading circuit, all pixels are converted to an image on the monitor. To model the fabricated camera, we solved Schrodinger–Poisson equations self consistently. Then output current from each pixel is modeled based on semiconductor physics and dark and photocurrent, as well as Responsivity and Detectivity, are calculated. Then the fabricated device is examined, and dark and photocurrents are measured and compared to the theoretical results. The obtained results indicate that the obtained theoretical and measured experimental results are in good agreement together. The fabricated detector is high speed with a rise time of 100 ns. With this speed, we can get 10 million frames per second; this means we can get very high-resolution images. The speed of operation is examined experimentally using a chopper that modulates input light with 50, 100, 250, and 500 Hz. It is shown that the fabricated device operates well in these situations, and it is not limited by the speed of detector. Finally, for the demonstration of the proposed device operation, some pictures and movies taken by the camera are attached and inserted in the paper.

In this paper, a high-resolution full-color transparent monitor is designed and fabricated using the synthesized quantum dots for the first time. For this purpose, about 100 compounds that had the potential to emit blue, green, and red lights were selected, and simulation was performed using the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method, in which the shell layer was selected to be SiO2 or TiO2 in the first step. Among the simulated compounds with SiO2 or TiO2 shells, Se/SiO2 and BTiO3/SiO2 were selected as blue light emitters with high intensity and narrow bandwidth. Accordingly, CdSe/SiO2 nanoparticles were selected as green light emitters and Au/TiO2 for the red light. As the surface of the nanoparticles in their optical properties is important, reactivation of the nanoparticles’ surface is required to reach the high-intensity peak and resolution. To this end, in the second step, the surface of Se and CdSe nanoparticles reacted with ethanolamine, which can make a strong bond with cadmium atoms. The band structure and optical properties were obtained by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The Se/Ethanolamine and CdSe/Ethanolamine were experimentally synthesized to evaluate the theoretical results, and their optical properties were measured. To fabricate a transparent monitor, Se/Ethanolamine, CdSe/SiO2, and Au/TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solved in water and deposited on the glass by the doctor blading technique. Finally, high-resolution videos and images were displayed on the fabricated monitor.

A polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) composed of 50 wt% base polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene), 40 wt% extractant Aliquat® 336, and 10 wt% dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer/modifier provided the efficient extraction of vanadium(V) (initial concentration 50 mg L−1) from 0.1 M sulfate solutions (pH 2.5). The average mass and thickness of the PIMs (diameter 3.5 cm) were 0.057 g and 46 μm, respectively. It was suggested that V(V) was extracted as VO2SO4− via an anion exchange mechanism. The maximum PIM capacity was estimated to be ~56 mg of V(V)/g for the PIM. Quantitative back-extraction was achieved with a 50 mL solution of 6 M H2SO4/1 v/v% of H2O2. It was assumed that the back-extraction process involved the oxidation of VO2+ to VO(O2)+ by H2O2. The newly developed PIM, with the optimized composition mentioned above, exhibited an excellent selectivity for V(V) in the presence of metallic species present in digests of spent alumina hydrodesulfurization catalysts. Co-extraction of Mo(VI) with V(V) was eliminated by its selective extraction at pH 1.1. Characterization of the optimized PIM was performed by contact angle measurements, atomic-force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/derivatives thermogravimetric analysis and stress–strain measurements. Replacement of dibutyl phthalate with 2-nitrophenyloctyl ether improved the stability of the studied PIMs.

Introduction: In this study, we investigated the hypothesis of whether short term and moderate intense treadmill exercise could lead to a sustained reversal of peripheral neuropathy induced cold aversion by activation of endogenous opioidergic systems. Materials & Methods: The tibial nerve transection (TNT) was performed in the anesthetized rats. 28 days after TNT surgery, the animals were randomized to three sedentary and four treadmill exercise (14 days, 30 min/day with max speed of 1.2 Km/h) groups. Animal activity and thermal preference behavior were determined by double plate technique (thermo-neutral plate: 24 ºC and cold plate: 14 ºC), equipped with a video tracking software. For determination of opioidergic system involvement, intraperitoneal injection of naltroxone (2 mg/kg) was done before exercise. Morphine (2.5 mg/kg) and naloxone (1 mg/kg) were also used exactly after the end of the last session of exercise. Findings: Tibial nerve transection significantly decreased the animals’ activities (P

The sorption of thorium and uranium ions by functionalized SBA–15 mesoporous silica materials with Schiff base ligating groups N–propylsalicylaldimine (SBA/SA) and ethylenediaminepropylesalicylaldimine (SBA/EnSA) from aqueous solution was investigated in fixed-bed column method. The TEMPeffect of pH, sample solution volume, and the column design parameters such as sample and eluent flow rates, and column bed height were studied. These investigations allowed to obtain the experimental breakthrough curves. Regardless to the adsorbent used, application of the columns with 2.5 cm bed height and sample flow rate 0.4 mL/min, resulted in the quantitative removal of 0.5 mg of Th(IV) and U(VI) ions from 200 and 250 mL aqueous solutions, adjusted at pH 4. The quantitative desorption of the loaded ions provided a preconcentration factor of 40 and 50 for Th(IV) and U(VI), respectively. Breakthrough studies showed the higher capacity of the column packed with SBA/EnSA in comparison to that packed with SBA/SA. The breakthrough curves indicated that both of the sorbents presents higher capacity towards uranium than thorium ions. The columns could be used for at least 3 sorption-desorption cycles. The investigated columns were examined for the recovery of Th(IV) and U(VI) from tap water and seawater samples.