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BackgroundBrucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic in livestock markets between September–December 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey and included 59 questions. Providing at least one correct answer to a certain question indicated a good knowledge about this item or a safe practice. The participants were divided into: farmers (shepherds working for the animal owners), commercial animal owners (those who rent a stockyard in the livestock market and employ farmers to sell their animals), and private animal owners (owners of private farms from which they sell their animals).Results545 participants were interviewed (n = 291 farmers, n = 118 commercial animal owners, n = 113 private animal owners, and n = 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). >90% have heard of brucellosis. Lack of education and short experience (

Fatema Ahmed Ali,1 Ghufran Jassim,2 Zahra Khalaf,3 Manaf Yusuf,4 Sara Ali,5 Nada Husain,6 Fatema Ebrahim6 1Department of Internal Medicine, South West Acute Hospital, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, UK; 2Family Medicine Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), Busaiteen, Kingdom of Bahrain; 3Department of Postgraduate Studies, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; 4Children’s & Adolescent Services, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK; 5Ministry of Health Bahrain, COVID-19 National Team, Sanabis, Kingdom of Bahrain; 6Department of Internal Medicine, Private Health Sector, Manama, Kingdom of BahrainCorrespondence: Ghufran Jassim, Family Medicine Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), Busaiteen, Kingdom of Bahrain, Email gjassim@rcsi-mub.comObjective: This study aims to explore the prevalence of anosmia and dysgeusia and their impact on COVID-19 patients.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 1st October 2020 and 30th June 2021 were randomly selected from a national COVID-19 registry. COVID-19 cases were diagnosed using molecular testing method which measured the viral E gene. The Anosmia Reporting Tool, and a brief version of the questionnaire on olfactory disorders were used to measure the outcomes via telephone interviews. Data were analysed using SPSS 27 statistics software.Results: A total of 405 COVID-19 adults were included in this study, 220 (54.3%) were males and 185 (45.8%) were females. The mean±SD age of participants was 38.2 ± 11.3 years. Alterations in the sense of smell and taste were reported by 206 (50.9%), and 195 (48.1%) of the patients, respectively. Sex and nationality of participants were significantly associated with anosmia and dysgeusia (p < 0.001) and (p-value=0.001) respectively. Among patients who experienced anosmia and dysgeusia, alterations in eating habits (64.2%), impact on mental wellbeing (38.9%), concerns that the alterations were permanent (35.4%), and physical implications and difficulty performing activities of daily living (34%) were reported.Conclusion: Anosmia and dysgeusia are prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 disease, especially among females. Although transient, anosmia and dysgeusia had considerable impact on patient’s life. Neuropsychological implications of COVID-19 in acute infection phase and prognosis of anosmia and dysgeusia in COVID-19 are areas for further exploration.Keywords: anosmia, taste, smell, COVID-19, dysgeusia, quality of life

This review was intended on major factors contributing to abutment screw loosening. A search of Pubmed and Google Scholar, as well as a manual search, was conducted. Publications and articles accepted for publication up to February 2020 were included. Out of 150 studies retrieved, a total of 57 were selected for this review. Dental implants are associated with a complexity of abutment screw loosening. Implantologists and prosthodontists should be aware of factors that contribute to this problem. In this review previously identified factors were collected, the consideration of which can help to reduce the frequency of abutment screw loosening.

Crop wild relatives adaptively diversified for environmental stresses are valuable resources for crop breeding especially for climate change scenarios, supposedly worsening drought and heat conditions. In this study, genetic variation of 54 barley genotypes comprised of 47 H. vulgare spp. spontaneum genotypes collected from west of Iran along with Reyhan cultivar and six F1 hybrids resulted from cross of Reyhan cultivar with wild barley was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative morphological traits. The results indicated that grain yield had the highest variation as a quantitative trait and grain color had the highest polymorphism as a qualitative trait. Results of principal component analysis revealed that first component with 31.5% of variation (major contributors being days to flowering, days to pollination and days to maturity); as well as second component with 22.18% of variation (major contributors being grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and grain width) were the phenology and the yield components, respectively. The cluster analysis divided the genotypes into four groups. Reyhan cultivar was placed in the first group, F1 hybrids along with three top yielding wild genotypes were allocated to the second groups and genotypes from northwestern of Iran were allocated to the third group and other wild genotypes were allocated to the fourth group. The results showed no heterosis in the hybrids obtained from cultivated × wild barley cross.

Alok Prasad, Aamer Mughal, Imran Ahmed, Farheen Ebrahim, Syed Mustafa Ali AhmadFaculty of Medicine, Imperial College – London, London, UKWe note with great interest the article by Deane and Murphy1 exploring the learning drivers and strategies of medical students in a clinical rotation in obstetrics and gynecology. The article highlights key points about the motivation of medical students, and we strongly agree that extrinsic motivators, such as obtaining a good ranking to stand a better chance when applying for future jobs, are key learning drivers. We lament the relative unimportance of intrinsic motivators and we commend the authors’ suggestion of considering strategies to foster more intrinsic drivers of student learning. We believe, however, that this will be difficult to implement with the intense competition prevalent at every stage of a medical career, with students’ motivations more likely to be of the extrinsic nature. Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, aspirations relating to future careers are often volatile or, more commonly, uncertain. This creates an environment wherein intrinsic motivators may not be applicable, and so we would argue that medical educators should focus more on aiding students to find their given area of interest, allowing the intrinsic motivation to develop naturally.View the orignal paper by Deane and Murphy.

Aamer Mughal, Alok Prasad, Imran Ahmed, Farheen Ebrahim, Syed Mustafa Ali Ahmad Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK We note with great interest the work of Kötter and Niebuhr,1 with regard to reducing examination-related stress in medical students through short-term coaching. We highly commend their efforts to provide an evidence base for techniques that have been suggested in the literature. We would however argue that the use of coaching such as wingwave® may perhaps be too impractical and expensive to be used on a regular basis, and that the long-term efficacy of the approach is unclear. We would encourage further work into other methods and would specifically welcome trials comparing these techniques to the coaching described by Kötter and Niebuhr. View the original paper by Kötter and Niebuhr.

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic in livestock markets between September-December 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey and included 59 questions. Providing at least one correct answer to a certain question indicated a good knowledge about this item or a safe practice. The participants were divided into: farmers (shepherds working for the animal owners), commercial animal owners (those who rent a stockyard in the livestock market and employ farmers to sell their animals), and private animal owners (owners of private farms from which they sell their animals). Results: 545 participants were interviewed (n = 291 farmers, n = 118 commercial animal owners, n = 113 private animal owners, and n = 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). >90% have heard of brucellosis. Lack of education and short experience (<5 years) of working with livestock were negatively associated with good knowledge of brucellosis symptoms and transmission (OR, 0.30; 95%CI, 0.10-0.94; p = 0.038 and OR, 0.23; 95%CI, 0.08-0.62; p = 0.004, respectively). Taking sick animals to the veterinarian was reported by 61.2%, whereas 36.4% follow safe practices when disposing of aborted fetuses. While 34% consume raw milk, only 10% consume rare/medium-rare meat. 51.2% acknowledged the need for more information on brucellosis. Conclusion: This study revealed the need to augment the knowledge of people working with animals, particularly those with no school education and those with short work experience, via providing educational visits or materials or through veterinarians. This should help them identify human and animal brucellosis symptoms and increase the knowledge on how to protect oneself and animals from this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The grid‐connected photovoltaic plants (GCPVPs) encounter various types of anomalies during fault occurrence in the main grid. During a fault occurrence on the grid side, the voltage of the point of common coupling (PCC) drops, causing the DC connection voltage to become too high for power balancing. This high DC voltage may damage the inverter and DC link equipment, which necessitates a reliable control scheme with low voltage passage requirements. These requirements, which obligate the GCPVP to remain connected to the main grid during abnormal conditions are generally known as low voltage ride‐through (LVRT). Herein, a developed LVRT method in the control approach that injects maximum rated current during a sag is proposed to rectify the shortcomings in single and multi‐inverter grid topologies. The proposed approach utilizes a current limiter combined with a DC braking chopper to guarantee the GCPVP's continuous participation in the power supply. Different scenarios including low and high power generations as well as two‐phase and three‐phase severe faults to the ground are considered. The results show that the proposed approach not only improves the performance in the single‐inverter system but also remedies the defects aggravated in the case of a GCPVP with several inverters.

Abstract In this study, a comprehensive parameter determination procedure for the Johnson–Holmquist–Cook (JHC) constitutive model is introduced, including calibration and validation processes for Indiana Limestone rocks. The procedure is conducted utilizing the existing physical and mechanical properties of Indiana Limestone. To obtain an accurate set of parameters for the JHC model for Indiana Limestone, an extensive dataset comprising mechanical and physical properties of Indiana Limestone rocks was initially compiled. The static mechanical tests incorporated uniaxial compression, triaxial compression, direct tensile, and uniaxial strain data, while the dynamic mechanical test data was primarily derived from the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar experiments. Subsequently, the JHC constitutive model parameters were determined using existing literature data, employing statistical analysis, theoretical derivation, and numerical back analysis techniques. One of the damage parameters was determined through numerical post-peak behavior calibration of triaxial compression strength test results on experimental data. Finally, the accuracy of the determined parameters was validated by comparing the numerical and experimental results of both static and dynamic tests. This study effectively addresses the challenges associated with the numerical method using the JHC material model, such as the complex parameter determination process and the costly required tests, thereby preserving the efficiency and applicability of the numerical method.

Some human cancers worldwide may be related to human tumor viruses. Knowing, controlling, and managing the viruses that cause cancers remain a problem. Also, tumor viruses use ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) that can alter host cellular processes through UPS. Human tumor viruses cause persistent infections, due to their ability to infect their host cells without killing them. Tumor viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, human papillomaviruses, human T cell leukemia virus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus are associated with human malignancies. They interfere with the regulation of cell cycle and control of apoptosis, which are important for cellular functions. These viral oncoproteins bind directly or indirectly to the components of UPS, modifying cellular pathways and suppressor proteins like p53 and pRb. They can also cause progression of malignancy. In this review, we focused on how viral oncoproteins bind to the components of the UPS and how these interactions induce the degradation of cellular proteins for their survival.

This research discusses the hadiths on which: There will come a time when people's hearts will be the hearts of foreigners, study it, criticize it, and explain its reasons, The importance in the fact that it relates to signs of the end time, and we are in the end time As stated in the Almighty’s saying: " the hour has drawn near..", we highlight the hadith to look at the hadiths that talk about this subject, and consider their ruling, is any of that authentic? Or not? We adopted two methodologies: the inductive methodology which was adopted in collecting the hadiths that are related to this topic, then a critical methodology was employed in studying each and in passing a ruling on its chain of narrators. We culminated in the following findings: The sum of the hadiths contained in the meaning of that there will come a time when people's hearts will be the hearts of foreigners, are three hadiths, and None of it is authentic of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمmpbuh), and the best thing in the topic is the saying of Abdullah bin Amr.

Abstract Background Several studies showed the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Satureja Khuzestanica (SK) in animal models. This study aimed to determine the effect of SK supplementation on glycemic and lipid outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial using block randomization. Seventy-eight T2DM patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 39) or placebo (n = 39) groups. They received SK or placebo in 500 mg capsules daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, blood pressure, liver enzymes, glycemic, and lipid outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. Results At baseline, there were no significant differences in age, sex, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between the groups. SK supplementation led to a significant decrease in FBS (-12.6 ± 20.7 mg/dl in the intervention group versus 3.5 ± 31.9 mg/dl; p = 0.007), HbA1c (-0.28 ± 0.45 in the intervention group versus 0.11 ± 0.54% in the placebo group; p =

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an inflammation-related condition and a common metabolic disorder in women at fertility ages. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a validated nutritional tool for estimating the inflammatory potential of the diet. It is assumed that a high DII score (indicating a predominantly inflammatory diet) has an association with higher odds of PCOS. The current study aimed to investigate the association between DII and PCOS risk in women. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2019-2020 on 120 newly-diagnosed PCOS cases and 120 healthy controls aged 18-45 years in Khorramabad, Iran. DII was estimated based on a validated 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The mean±SD of DII in PCOS patients was 0.40±2.09, while it was 0.45±1.92 in the control group (P

Background: There are few reports evaluating different factors, including the severity of duodenal histopathological findings and serological levels of celiac disease (CD), in increasing the probability of thyroid diseases (TD) in adults and children with CD, so, we designed this research. Methods: CD was defined as Marsh type 2 or higher in duodenal histopathology and serological levels of anti-transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG) equal to or greater than 18 IU/ml. To assess the likelihood of TD in CD patients, logistic regression analysis was employed. Results: 538 patients were included in this study. Of these, 354 (65.8%) were females and 184 (34.2%) were males. 370 (68.8%) patients were children. Overall, 57 (10.6%) patients had TD, of which 49 (9.1%) had hypothyroidism and 8 (1.5%) had hyperthyroidism. Adults had a significantly higher probability of developing TD than children (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.4; P = 0.03). The odds of developing TD were also significantly higher in patients with family marriage in parents (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.7; P = 0.03). Other variables such as gastrointestinal symptoms, anti-tTG levels, and severity of Marsh classification did not exhibit a substantial rise in the likelihood of TD development. Conclusion: The study findings indicated that the likelihood of developing TD in CD patients can be linked to advancing age and having family marriage in parents, while there was no significant association observed with anti-tTG levels, severity of histological damage, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Abstract Prior studies have mainly focused on the association of one specific nutrient with insulin resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction and limited studies have assessed the association with different nutrient patterns (NPs). We examined the association between various NPs and IR and endothelial dysfunction among Iranian women. This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 368 female nurses. A 106-items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied for dietary assessments. Using factor analysis, the relationships between NPs and markers of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and QUICKY), and endothelial dysfunction (E-selectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1) were assessed. Mean age and body mass index of participants were respectively 35.21 years and 24.04 kg/m2. Three major NPs were identified. NP1, named as “dairy, fruits, and vegetables” had high values of potassium, folate, vitamins A and C, magnesium, and beta carotene. No significant association was observed between this NP and insulin resistance or endothelial dysfunction indices. The second NP was full of chromium, selenium, copper, vitamin B6, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), thiamin, vitamin D, and iron. Adherence to NP2 (named “legumes, nuts, and protein foods”) was associated with lower values of insulin (6.8 ± 1.1 versus 8.4 ± 1.1, P = 0.01), homeostasis model assessment-Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (1.3 ± 0.2 versus 1.7 ± 0.2, P = 0.02), and vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) (444.2 ± 27.9 versus 475.8 ± 28.4, P = 0.03). However, adherence to the third NP, rich in saturated fatty acid (SFA), cholesterol, sodium, zinc, vitamin E, and B12, described as “animal fat and meat + vitamin E”, was associated with higher amounts of homeostasis model assessment-β (HOMA-β) (531.3 ± 176.2 versus 48.7 ± 179.8, P = 0.03). In conclusion, following the NP2, correlated with higher intakes of chromium, selenium, copper, vitamin B6, MUFA and thiamin was associated with lower values of insulin, HOMA-IR, and sVCAM-1. Adherence to NP3, rich in SFA, cholesterol, vitamin E, vitamin B12, and zinc was associated with higher levels of HOMA-β.

With the ongoing development of Indoor Location-Based Services, the location information of users in indoor environments has been a challenging issue in recent years. Due to the widespread use of WiFi networks, WiFi fingerprinting has become one of the most practical methods of locating mobile users. In addition to localization accuracy, some other critical factors such as latency, and users’ privacy should be considered in indoor localization systems. In this study, we propose a light Convolutional Neural Network-based method for edge devices (e.g. smartphones) to overcome the above issues by eliminating the need for a cloud/server in the localization system. The proposed method is evaluated for three different open datasets, i.e., UJIIndoorLoc, Tampere and UTSIndoorLoc, as well as for our collected dataset named SBUK-D to verify its scalability. We also evaluate performance efficiency of our localization method on an Android smartphone to demonstrate its applicability to edge devices. For UJIIndoorLoc dataset, our model obtains approximately 99% building accuracy, over 90% floor accuracy, and 9.5 m positioning mean error with the model size and inference time of 0.5 MB and $51~\mu $ s, respectively, which demonstrate high accuracy in range of state of the art works as well as amenability to the resource-constrained edge devices.

This study investigates the application of fiber optic technology to optimize completion design in a hydraulic fracture stimulation for Marcellus Shale Reservoir. With a focus on improving cluster efficiencies and overcoming interstage communication challenges, the research utilizes real-time data from distributed acoustic (DAS), temperature (DTS), and strain (DSS) measurements. The methodology comprises a comprehensive analysis of completion and stimulation reports, fiber optics, microseismic data, and well logs. Conducted at the MSEEL well pads, MIP, and Boggess, and equipped with permanent and deployable fiber optic cables, this study emphasizes that engineered/geomechanical completion design leads to sustained cluster efficiency and stage production performance. Inefficient cluster efficiencies are primarily linked to fracture communication. Recommendations include employing a geomechanical completion design, avoiding non-uniform high natural fracture zones during hydraulic fracture stimulations, implementing short stage length, and using more 100 mesh sand. These insights, derived from correlations between fracture counts, distributed strain sensing (DSS), cluster efficiency, production logging, and production data, offer significant implications for optimizing completion design in unconventional reservoirs. The effective application of fiber optic technology, providing real-time DAS, DTS, and slow strain data, proves instrumental in addressing interstage communication challenges, contributing to improved reservoir performances and cost-effective operations in hydraulic fracture stimulations.

Background: Failure to observe proper hygiene principles of water and swimming pool environment is effective in causing health problems and transmission of infectious diseases to swimmers. This study aimed to analyze the level of Escherichia coli and Heterotrophic Plate Count in mineral pools in Sarein.Methods: For this purpose, sampling was performed in each season, and the samples were tested according to the standard method. Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the normality or abnormality of the data. Then, through ANOVA, the differences between the seasons and the pools were compared in terms of the studied parameters.Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference between the spas in terms of the measured parameters. A comparison of the average data showed that the amount of contamination of mineral spas during the seasons with E. coli was more than the allowable value announced by the National Standard Organization of Iran. The amount of residual chlorine in all samples was zero and the pH was equal to 6.8. The results of principal component analysis showed that mineral spas No. 6, 2, and 11 had the highest HPC (Heterotrophic Plate count) and pH and 9 Cheshmeh, Ershad, and Ghahveh Sui mineral spas based on the second component had the highest E. coli; No. 7 had the lowest E. coli.Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that the cause of the contamination of mineral swimming pools in Sarein city is the high volume of passengers and the lack of proper sanitary management of swimming pools.

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Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the predominant and widely used energy storage systems in portable electronic devices, such as video cameras, smartphones, laptops, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with in stationary energy storage applications like power banks and backup energy storage systems. Moreover, they are widely used in the latest models of all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, to meet the demand for EVs and HEVs, notable improvements in commercially available LIBs are required. These include improving energy density, cycling life, power and rate capabilities, safety, and cost. In spite of the initial commercialization of LIBs in 1990 by Sony, current commercial LIBs still rely on graphite/carbon as the anode material, providing a theoretical capacity of approximately 372 mAh g−1. The search is on for viable alternatives to graphite with higher capacity materials, and silicon (Si) has emerged as a promising candidate with a theoretical capacity of approximately 4200 mAh g−1. However, Si anodes face several challenges, such as considerable volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation process, which leads to significant crystallographic-related phase-induced stresses, continuous formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and cycle retention decay. The volume expansion caused by stress leads to the pulverization of Si electrodes. This results in the loss of electrical contact with the substrate or current collector, causing a significant and rapid decrease in capacity and ultimately leading to battery failure. This review explores the challenges associated with Si-based anodes, their underlying causes, and their comparative advantages over conventional anodes. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative solutions to address these challenges, such as utilizing novel binders, electrolyte additives, structural, interfacial, composite engineering techniques, and prelithiation methods. Finally, considering the material cost, the suggestion to transition entirely to using up to 100% wt. silicon for anode development is proposed, streamlining practical and commercial implementation in future LIBs.

This study examines the relationship between relative vorticity, a key variable in mid-latitude synoptic motions, and precipitation in Iran. Using the S-mode PCA, activity centers of relative vorticity and precipitation were identified. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was applied to the factor scores of these centers to reveal coupled patterns of relative vorticity and precipitation. The analysis is based on 500- and 850-hPa relative vorticity fields at 2.5° grid points (10°–70° E and 10°–70° N) and uses monthly relative vorticity values from NCEP-DOE reanalysis databases (1981–2020) along with standardized rainfall data from 97 Iranian synoptic stations. Three main CCA patterns reveal connections: 500-hPa relative vorticity changes in the eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Iran relate to eastern Iran's precipitation. Relative vorticity over Eastern Europe inversely correlates with southern Caspian Sea coast precipitation. Changes over Turkey and Cyprus can affect northwestern Iran's rainfall. The changes in 850-hPa relative vorticity over the Arabian Sea inversely link to eastern Iran's precipitation, while those over the eastern Mediterranean directly connect to western Iran's precipitation. Relative vorticity changes in Eastern Europe negatively correlate with southwestern Caspian Sea coast precipitation. HIGHLIGHTS Changes in 500-hPa relative vorticity in the eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Iran are related to precipitation in eastern Iran.; Relative vorticity over Eastern Europe is inversely correlated with precipitation along the southern Caspian Sea coast.; Changes in relative vorticity over Turkey and Cyprus can impact rainfall in northwestern Iran.; Changes in 850-hPa relative vorticity over the Arabian Sea inversely correlate with precipitation in eastern Iran, while changes over the eastern Mediterranean directly connect to precipitation in western Iran. Negative correlations are observed between relative vorticity changes in Eastern Europe and southwestern Caspian Sea coast precipitation.;

Background: Nowadays, the context of social life requires accurate planning and promotion of organizational performance using appropriate methods. There are different models to measure various factors affecting organizational performance. The aim of this study was to determine optimal urban waste management strategies in Meshgin Shahr, Iran. Methods: The present descriptive-analytical survey research utilized the SWOT analysis to identify and formulate optimal urban waste management strategies. After determination of strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T) by the SWOT analysis, the TOWS matrix was used to extract all possible SO, WO, ST and WT strategies, which were then prioritized by QSPM approach based on their attractiveness scores (AS). Results: Fifteen items were identified in each internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats factors. Based on the results, the municipal waste management has been relatively strong towards internal factors. However, it has not been able to seize opportunities and deal with threats. The first and second priorities were WT1 and WO1 strategies, respectively. In WT1, AS was equal to12.15 and a plan was developed to establish a sanitary landfill management system at the landfill. In WO1, AS was equal to10.86 and a plan was defined to establish a plant fertilizer of high volume of perishable materials to reduce the waste volume. Conclusion: Our results highlighted the need for using defined strategies to reduce internal weaknesses and external threats to take advantage of opportunities. Therefore, the results revealed that the SWOT matrix as well as the QSPM approach can be utilized simultaneously as an integrated method for formulating, evaluating and prioritizing strategies.

This study utilizes machine learning to quantify CO2 plume extents by analyzing microseismic data from the Illinois Basin Decatur Project (IBDP). Leveraging a unique dataset of well logs, microseismic records, and CO2 injection metrics, this work aims to predict the temporal evolution of subsurface CO2 saturation plumes. The findings illustrate that machine learning can predict plume dynamics, revealing vertical clustering of microseismic events over distinct time periods within certain proximities to the injection well, consistent with an invasion percolation model. The buoyant CO2 plume partially trapped within sandstone intervals periodically breaches localized barriers or baffles, which act as leaky seals and impede vertical migration until buoyancy overcomes gravity and capillary forces, leading to breakthroughs along vertical zones of weakness. Between different unsupervised clustering techniques, K-Means and DBSCAN were applied and analyzed in detail, where K-means outperformed DBSCAN in this specific study by indicating the combination of the highest Silhouette Score and the lowest Davies–Bouldin Index. The predictive capability of machine learning models in quantifying CO2 saturation plume extension is significant for real-time monitoring and management of CO2 sequestration sites. The models exhibit high accuracy, validated against physical models and injection data from the IBDP, reinforcing the viability of CO2 geological sequestration as a climate change mitigation strategy and enhancing advanced tools for safe management of these operations.

Anthocyanins have emerged as promising substitutes for synthetic dyes owing to their color profiles, and potential health-boosting properties. The primary aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of copigmented, and un-copigmented barberry anthocyanins, employed at different concentrations (1, 3, and 5% w/w) as colorants in ice cream. The secondary goal was to investigate the influence of barberry anthocyanins on ice cream foaming characteristics, and melting point. The samples' physicochemical, textural, and organoleptic characteristics, total phenolic, and anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity were determined. By increasing barberry extract concentrations in the samples, the pH levels (5.81) decreased, and overrun increased(30.0 ± 1.15%), respectively. Furthermore, the textural analysis showed that increasing barberry anthocyanins within the ice cream formulation correlated with an increase in sample hardness (113.72 ± 1.34 N). The control sample (vanilla ice cream) had the highest value of melting rate (1.09 ± 0.03 g/min), whereas the specimen containing 5% of copigmented barberry anthocyanins exhibited the lowest rate of melting (0.50 ± 0.01 g/min). The start time of melting of control sample was 1098 s and by increasing the concentration of copigmented barberry anthocyanins from 1 to 5%, this time increased from 1405.2 s to 1831.2 s (P