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Residential segregation as a known consequence of rapid urbanization in developing countries is a complicated socio-economic phenomenon. Quantified description, analysis, and prediction of urban dynamics as a complex system have always been challenging issues. The recent intensive developments of multi-agent simulations as a solution to these problems still lack enough real-world examples. Our purpose in this research is to develop a spatially explicit model of residential segregation in urban space which accounts for a specific city's infrastructure. The proposed agent-based simulation of the residential dynamics of Tehran over a 20-year period between 1996 and 2016 is based on the GIS datasets provided by Tehran Municipality and the Statistical Center of Iran.This is the first effort at presenting an agent-based model for Tehran's residential segregation. We revised the "Schelling" segregation model in an attempt to customize it and arrive at an acceptable fit for Tehran. In addition to Schelling's parameters, which comprise purely social factors, we identified several important socio-economic and spatial-environmental criteria, in turn categorizing them based on the AHP method. A certain number of the parameters like "neighborhood prestige" specifically belong to Tehran and are suggested for the first time. The proposed expert-based model was implemented in Netlogo. Validation of the resulting pattern using the Kappa indicator showed that the model simulated Tehran's segregation pattern at a rate higher than 62%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last twenty years, destructive wildfires have affected the environment to the tune of billions of dollars. An accurate model is crucial for predicting the spreading of wildfires in a variety of conditions. In this study, a multi-kernel convolution neural network (CNN) deep learning model was proposed based on elevation, wind direction, and speed, minimum and maximum temperatures, humidity, precipitation, drought index, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and energy release component to predict wildfire spread across the United States. Using multi-kernel CNN, it is possible to predict whether a pixel will be on fire at a future time. Compared to the model presented by other authors, the multi-kernel CNN model achieved high accuracy and F1 score. In comparison with CNNs without a multi-kernel mechanism and fixed kernel size, the proposed model predicted more accurate results based on the test data set. The multi-kernel CNN model reached an overall accuracy of 98.6 and F1 score of 70.97 on test data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of spatial data users are inexperienced in spatial information science. This group of users cannot analyze spatial data and produce the required information. Therefore, the availability of mechanisms and applications for automatic and interoperable spatial data processing and information extraction is necessary. Generalization is one of the main geoprocesses, which is widely used. The current generalization algorithms using in web-based processes are controlled by users. Due to the importance of road network maps, in this study we propose a new scale-driven algorithm, which extracts pattern information of road networks and by considering geometrical, topological, semantic, statistical and structural characteristics of road networks, controls generalization process automatically. The algorithm's operation is similar to a set of model and cartographic generalization operators. A prototype service-oriented application is developed as well. The application consists of three types of services. This classification of services improves flexibility and semantic interoperability of the application. In addition, OGC¹ standards (WPS² and WFS³) are utilized to establish syntactic interoperability. We have used two methods of service chaining to coordinate services. The paper explains how various chains of the services satisfy requirements of various users using a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of onion juice on sodium-selenite induced cataract formation. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two 10-day-old Wistar-albino rat pups were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 received only subcutaneous saline injection. In Group 2, sodium-selenite (30 nmol / g body weight) was injected subcutaneously. In Group 3, subcutaneous sodium-selenite was injected and one drop 50% diluted fresh juice of crude onion was instilled every 8 h into the right eye for 14 days; the left eye received no treatment. Group 4 rats were similar to those of Group 3, the only difference being that of undiluted fresh juice of crude onion. The development of cataract was assessed. Rat lenses were analyzed for total antioxidant (TA) level, and for activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: Both eyes of all rats in Group 1 did not exhibit cataract formation . In Group 2, all rats developed Grade 3 cataract in the lenses of both eyes. The difference in exhibited cataract in the lens of the right eyes in all rats between Group 2 and any eyes of groups 3 or 4 were significant ( P = 0.001). The mean TA level and mean activities of SOD and GPX in Group 2 rat lenses were significantly lower than the values in lenses of all rats in Group 1 ( P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.001), and in the lenses of the right eyes of rats in Groups 3 and 4 ( P = 0.001, 0.020, 0.001). Conclusion: Instillation of onion juice into the rat eyes can effectively prevent selenite-induced cataract formation. This effect was associated with increased TA level, SOD and GPX activities in the lens.

Introduction. This study was designed to determine the protective effect of red grape seed extract (RGSE) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups to receive RGSE, for 60 days followed by intraperitoneal injection of saline solution (as placebo) for 8 days (group 1); RGSE followed by gentamicin for 8 days (group 2); and gentamicin without pre-medication of RGSE (group 3). Oral RGSE, 40 mg/kg/d, and intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin, 100 mg/kg/d, were administered in these groups of rats. Blood and urine samples were collected on days 0 and 68 of the study. Then, the kidneys were removed for pathologic examination. Results. On day 68, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were highest in group 3, which was significantly higher than in group 1 (P = .001 and P = .004, respectively), while slightly higher than in group 2 (P = .30 and P = .50, respectively). Fractional excretion of sodium was not significantly different between the three groups. Histopathological evaluation showed that rats in group 3 had significantly higher degrees of severe acute tubular necrosis and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration than the rats in groups 1 and 2 (P < .001). Conclusions. This animal study suggests that pretreatment with RGSE protects against gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury as evident on tissue histology. However, this was not accompanied with significant improvement in biochemical markers of kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing significance of biopolymer-based food packaging can be attributed to its biodegradability and independence from petroleum-derived materials. Concurrently, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have gained prominence as effective antimicrobial agents against both wild-type and antibiotic-resistant microbes. In this study, cerium oxide or ceria, CeO 2 , nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50 nm were synthesized via a green method utilizing Vibrio sp. VLC cell lysate supernatant. The synthesized CeO 2 NPs displayed remarkable antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by 93.7 % and 98 %, respectively. To enhance the potential of bacterial cellulose (BC) for advanced applications, we developed a BC/xanthan/CeO 2 nanocomposite using both ex situ and in situ techniques. The integration of CeO 2 NPs within the nanocomposite structure not only improved the inherent properties of BC, but also rendered it suitable for use in active food packaging systems. The nanocomposite exhibited no significant cytotoxicity on the human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, confirming its safety. Nanocomposites containing biogenically synthesized CeO 2 NPs demonstrated exceptional efficacy for reducing microbial contamination. Bread samples coated with nanocomposite films displayed no signs of microbial growth. These results support the application of BC/xanthan/CeO 2 nanocomposites as suitable and effective coating materials for antimicrobial food packaging applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships, which could have influenced the work reported in this study., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background . Food nanopackaging helps maintain food quality against physical, chemical, and storage instability factors. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) can improve biopolymers' mechanical features and barrier properties. This will lead to antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in food packaging to extend the shelf life. Scope and Approach . Edible coatings based on carbohydrate biopolymers have improved the quality of packaging. Several studies have addressed the role of carbohydrate biopolymers and incorporated nanoparticles to enhance food packets' quality as active nanopackaging. Combined with nanoparticles, these biopolymers create film coatings with an excellent barrier property against transmissions of gases such as O 2 and CO 2 . Key Findings and Conclusions . This review describes the CuO-biopolymer composites, including chitosan, agar, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose nanowhiskers, carrageenan, alginate, starch, and polylactic acid, as food packaging films. Here, we reviewed different fabrication techniques of CuO biocomposites and the impact of CuONPs on the physical, mechanical, barrier, thermal stability, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of carbohydrate-based films., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Mohammad Mesgari et al.)

Purpose: Brain tumors (BT) are among the most prevalent cancers in recent years. Various studies have examined the diagnostic role of microRNAs in different diseases; however, their diagnostic role in BT has not been comprehensively investigated. This meta-analysis was performed to assess microRNAs in the blood of patients with BTs accurately., Methods: Twenty-six eligible studies were included for analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under curve (AUC), Q*index, summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) were assessed using the Meta-Disc V.1.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V.3.3 software., Results: The diagnostic accuracy of microRNA was high in identifying BT based on the pooled sensitivity 0.82 (95%CI: 0.816-0.84), specificity 0.82 (95%CI: 0.817-0.84), PLR 5.101 (95%CI: 3.99-6.51), NLR 0.187 (95%CI: 0.149-0.236), DOR 34.07 (95%CI: 22.56-51.43) as well as AUC (0.92), and Q*-index (0.86). Subgroup analyses were performed for sample types (serum/plasma), reference genes (RNU6, miR-39, and miR-24), and region to determine the diagnostic power of microRNAs in the diagnosis of BT using pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, AUC, and DOR., Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that circulating microRNAs might be potential markers for noninvasive early detection of BT.

Aims: Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common cancer in North America and Europe that carries considerable morbidity and mortality. A reliable biomarker for early detection of the bladder is crucial for improving the prognosis of BCA. In this meta-analysis, we examine the diagnostic role of the angiogenin (ANG) protein in patients' urine with bladder neoplasm., Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase, up to 10 th October 2020 databases. Meta-Disc V.1.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V.2.2 software calculated the pooled specificity, sensitivity, area under the curve (AUC), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive likelihood ratio (LR + ), negative likelihood ratio (LR - ), Q ∗ index, and summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) for the role of ANG as a urinary biomarker for BCa patients., Results: Four case-control studies were included with 656 participants (417 cases and 239 controls) in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.66-0.75), specificity of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73-0.81), LR + of 3.34 (95% CI: 2.02-5.53), LR - of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.32-0.44), DOR of 9.99 (95% CI: 4.69-21.28), and AUC of 0.789 and Q ∗ index of 0.726 demonstrate acceptable diagnostic precision of ANG in identifying BCa., Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that ANG could be a fair biomarker for the diagnosis of BCa patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Amir Hossein Aalami et al.)

Packaging is an integral part of food industry that preserves the properties of food during storage. Food spoilage caused by foodborne microorganisms is a public health problem that imposes a significant burden on the healthcare systems. Moreover, packaging based on artificial and chemical materials such as plastic is destructive to the environment. Chitosan can be categorized as an active food packaging material because of its inherent antimicrobial properties and capacity to carry various active components. Combining chitosan and metallic nanoparticles can be used as a practical approach in antimicrobial packaging systems. This strategy has advantages of thermal stability, barrier properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial packaging. Titanium dioxide is one of these nanoparticles that plays a photocatalytic role by releasing reactive oxygen species, thereby leading to the destruction of microorganisms' cell wall and extension of food shelf life. This review elaborates on the antimicrobial applications of chitosan/titanium dioxide nanoparticles films in food packaging systems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) account for about a quarter of cancers. Lately, the circulating microRNAs as a non-invasive biomarker for identifying and monitoring diseases have been recognized. Several studies have examined the role of miR-21 in digestive system carcinoma. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic role of miR-21 in GICs. Methods: Seventeen studies involving 1700 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, AUC, SROC, and Q* index were calculated based on true-positive, true-negative, false-negative, and false-positive. Moreover, the subgroup analyses have been performed for miR-21 based on sample types (serum/plasma), normalized genes (U6, miR-16, and miR-39), and ethnicity. Results: The pooled sensitivity 0.722 (95% CI: 0.70-0.74), specificity 0.820 (95% CI: 0.801-0.838), PLR 4.375 (95% CI: 3.226-5.933), NLR 0.308 (95% CI: 0.239-0.398), DOR 16.06 (95% CI: 9.732-26.53) as well as AUC 0.86, and Q* index 0.79 represented the high-grade diagnostic precision of miR-21 in identifying GICs (ESCC, GC, CRC, HCC, and PC). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating miR-21 levels can be used to monitor the digestive system carcinomas. Therefore, miR-21 can be a useful biomarker of progression and fair diagnosis in GICs patients.

Background: Several studies have been conducted on the diagnostic role of miR-223 in cancers related to the digestive system. However, the diagnostic role of this microRNA in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers has not been fully elucidated. This meta-analysis aimed to accurately assess the diagnostic role of circulating miR-223 in GI cancers., Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase and Scopus, up to 1st May 2020 databases. Twelve studies were eligible and included in the analysis. Meta-Disc software was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, area under the curve (AUC) and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) based on true positive, true negative, false negative and false positive for each gastrointestinal cancer separately and in total., Results: Twelve case-control studies were included with 1859 participants (1080 cases and 779 controls). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.74-0.79), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.72-0.78), 3.04 (95% CI: 2.20-4.18), 0.31 (95% CI: 0.22-0.42) and 10.77 (95% CI: 5.96-19.47), respectively. AUC was 0.83, suggesting a high-grade diagnostic precision of miR-223 in gastrointestinal cancers. Besides, subgroup analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic power of miR-223 based on the type of gastrointestinal cancer, sample type and country via calculating pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio., Conclusion: Our meta-analysis showed the value of circulating miR-223 levels in the early diagnosis of diverse digestive system carcinomas., (© 2020 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)