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This paper introduces the design and realization of multiple blocks ciphering techniques on the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). A back propagation neural networks have been built for substitution, permutation and XOR blocks ciphering using Neural Network Toolbox in MATLAB program. They are trained to encrypt the data, after obtaining the suitable weights, biases, activation function and layout. Afterward, they are described using VHDL and implemented using Xilinx Spartan-3E FPGA using two approaches: serial and parallel versions. The simulation results obtained with Xilinx ISE 9.2i software. The numerical precision is chosen carefully when implementing the Neural Network on FPGA. Obtained results from the hardware designs show accurate numeric values to cipher the data. As expected, the synthesis results indicate that the serial version requires less area resources than the parallel version. As, the data throughput in parallel version is higher than the serial version in rang between (1.13-1.5) times. Also, a slight difference can be observed in the maximum frequency.

Purpose – This paper analyzes the connectedness with network among the major cryptocurrencies, the G7 stock indexes and the gold price over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period, in 2020. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a multivariate approach proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012 and 2014). Findings – For a stock index portfolio, the results of static connectedness showed a higher independence between the stock markets during the COVID-19 crisis. It is worth noting that in general, cryptocurrencies are diversifiers for a stock index portfolio, which enable to reduce volatility especially in the crisis period. Dynamic connectedness results do not significantly differ from those of the static connectedness, the authors just mention that the Bitcoin Gold becomes a net receiver. The scope of connectedness was maintained after the shock for most of the cryptocurrencies, except for the Dash and the Bitcoin Gold, which joined a previous level. In fact, the Bitcoin has always been the biggest net transmitter of volatility connectedness or spillovers during the crisis period. Maker is the biggest net-receiver of volatility from the global system. As for gold, the authors notice that it has remained a net receiver with a significant increase in the network reception during the crisis period, which confirms its safe haven. Originality/value – Overall, the authors conclude that connectedness is shown to be conditional on the extent of economic and financial uncertainties marked by the propagation of the coronavirus while the Bitcoin Gold and Litecoin are the least receivers, leading to the conclusion that they can be diversifiers. 研究目的 – 本文分析於2020年2019冠狀病毒病肆虐期間、主要的加密貨幣、七國集團 (G7) 股價指數與黃金價格三者之間在網絡上的連通性。 研究設計/方法/理念 – 分析使用迪博爾德和耶爾馬茲 (Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012, 2014)) 提出的多變量分析法。 研究結果 – 就一個股票指數投資組合而言,靜態連結的結果顯示、在2019冠狀病毒病肆虐期間,股票市場之間有更高的獨立性。值得我們注意的是:一般來說,加密貨幣在股票指數投資組合起著多元化投資作用,這可減低不穩定性,尤其是在危機時期。動態連結的結果與靜態連結的結果沒有顯著的分別。我們剛提到、比特幣黃金已成為純接收者。除了處於先前水平的達世幣和比特幣黃金外,就大部分的加密貨幣而言,連通的範圍在衝擊後都得以維持。事實上,在這危機時期,比特幣一直是波動性連結或溢出的最大淨傳播者。掛單者 (Maker) 是從全球系統中出現的最大波動淨接收者。至於黃金,我們注意到在危機時期、它仍然是在網絡接收方面擁有顯著增長的淨接收者,這確認其為安全的避難所。 研究的原創性/價值 – 總的來說,我們的結論是:連通性被確認為取決於標誌著受廣泛傳播的冠狀病毒影響下的經濟和金融欠缺穩定的程度,而比特幣黃金和萊特幣則是最小的接收者,這帶出一個結論、就是:比特幣黃金和萊特幣、可以成為多元化投資項目。

Rock physics plays an important role in the oil, gas, and water industries by providing essential data for reservoir management. This study focuses on predicting Shear Wave Velocity (Vs), a key geophysical parameter, using the Deep Belief Network (DBN) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms. The dataset is divided for training, validation, and testing, revealing that the DBN model surpasses the RF and empirical models in accuracy. With a low RMSE value of 0.0398 km/s in testing and an R2 of 0.9775, the DBN model demonstrates precision in Vs prediction. The analysis identifies specific parameters—Measure Depth (MD), Caliper (CALL), Gamma Ray (GR), Shallow Electrical Resistivity (RES-S), Medium Electrical Resistivity (RES-M), Deep Electrical Resistivity (RES-D), Compressional Wave Velocity (DCT), Neutron Porosity (NPHI), and Photoelectric Coefficient Index (PEF)—as significantly influencing Vs, while CALI and GR have a relatively lesser effect. The results of the Vs prediction indicated that the DBN algorithm excels in deep feature extraction, unsupervised pretraining, and efficient handling of complex data. Ultimately, the DBN algorithm proves to be a superior and time-saving alternative for Vs prediction and analysis in subsurface reservoirs.

Abstract Significant progress has been made in preventing severe COVID-19 disease through the development of vaccines. However, we still lack a validated baseline predictive biologic signature for the development of more severe disease in both outpatients and inpatients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to develop and externally validate, via 5 international outpatient and inpatient trials and/or prospective cohort studies, a novel baseline proteomic signature, which predicts the development of moderate or severe (vs mild) disease in patients with COVID-19 from a proteomic analysis of 7000 + proteins. The secondary objective was exploratory, to identify (1) individual baseline protein levels and/or (2) protein level changes within the first 2 weeks of acute infection that are associated with the development of moderate/severe (vs mild) disease. For model development, samples collected from 2 randomized controlled trials were used. Plasma was isolated and the SomaLogic SomaScan platform was used to characterize protein levels for 7301 proteins of interest for all studies. We dichotomized 113 patients as having mild or moderate/severe COVID-19 disease. An elastic net approach was used to develop a predictive proteomic signature. For validation, we applied our signature to data from three independent prospective biomarker studies. We found 4110 proteins measured at baseline that significantly differed between patients with mild COVID-19 and those with moderate/severe COVID-19 after adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing. Baseline protein expression was associated with predicted disease severity with an error rate of 4.7% (AUC = 0.964). We also found that five proteins (Afamin, I-309, NKG2A, PRS57, LIPK) and patient age serve as a signature that separates patients with mild COVID-19 and patients with moderate/severe COVID-19 with an error rate of 1.77% (AUC = 0.9804). This panel was validated using data from 3 external studies with AUCs of 0.764 (Harvard University), 0.696 (University of Colorado), and 0.893 (Karolinska Institutet). In this study we developed and externally validated a baseline COVID-19 proteomic signature associated with disease severity for potential use in both outpatients and inpatients with COVID-19.

Abstract With the widespread adoption of smart metres in the power sector, anomaly detection has become a critical tool for analysing customers' unusual consumption patterns and network traffic. Detecting anomalies in power consumption and communication is primarily a real‐time big data analytics issue regarding data mining along with a vast number of parallel streaming data from smart metres. In this study, an embedded Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS) is proposed as a Wifi‐based smart metre for Home Area Networks (HANs) in the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. So, the proposed system employs one machine learning model based on IDPS to guard the HAN network from various attacks that utilise the Message Queueing Telemetry Transport protocol between the smart metre and IoT sensors. Also, it uses two machine learning models to detect the abnormality in periodic and daily data metering respectively. So, multiple algorithms have been used to find the suitable algorithm for each of the three anomaly detection models. These models have been evaluated and tested using real data sets regarding resources usage and detection performance to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of using machine learning algorithms in the built anomaly detection models. The experiments show that the anomaly detection models performed well for various abnormalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the notion that cryptocurrencies are uncorrelated with traditional asset markets. This study uses VAR-OLS techniques to investigate the time-varying correlation between Bitcoin and three major European stock market indices from January 4, 2016, to February 26, 2021. Our results show that cryptocurrencies and stock markets are dependent during crisis periods, but not during non-crisis periods. This confirms the time-varying correlation between cryptocurrencies and stock markets, which depends on the extent and persistence of responses to own and cross shocks. To improve the robustness of our results, we also test the impact of government measures on Bitcoin and stock market indices and find that they are both affected by these measures. Our study adds to the literature by examining the impacts of pandemics on the correlations between Bitcoin returns and the stock market, oil, and gold index returns, which have so far been unaddressed.

With more than 1700 data rows, this data article presents data on the environmental and economic efficiency of educational buildings in 14 provinces of Iran. The presented dataset represents monthly data on climate change impact indicators such as Global Warming Potential, Acidification Potential, Human Health Particulate, Eutrophication Potential, Ozone Depletion Potential and Smog Potential. It also covers the history of monthly gas consumption and energy cost data for each school in each period read by the gas agent; In addition to the history of monthly weather information for each city/province. Information provided in this data article can be useful for research on energy prediction studies and also energy management strategies, as well as policymakers to achieve sustainability factors, and to choose the most suitable measures for educational buildings. Considering that few data sets have been published on this topic and in this type of climate, this dataset can be useful for researchers in sustainability and resiliency.

Currently, the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is attracting both the commercial companies and the research community as IDS is playing an increasingly important role in most network systems to detect and block possi-ble attacks. This paper aims to present a general view of the state-of-the-art of the IDS, based on a proposed taxonomy so that the researchers can quickly become familiar with the essential aspects of the intrusion detection techniques. The taxonomy includes reclassifying IDSs according to multiple bases, e.g., IDS' data source, the detection method, and others. Also, comparisons among different detection approaches and various data collection techniques are tabulated. Besides, the paper exhibits the taxonomy of anomaly-based IDSs classifying the promising techniques and summarizing the merits of the most recent anomaly-based techniques as a table. Furthermore, it deliberates the IDSs through various applications, like data centers, backbone, Fog, and Cloud Computing, and IoT models, in addition to the most common prevailing models. Subsequently, multiple metrics and the datasets frequently used to assess the IDS are described concisely. Finally, the requirements and challenges of contemporary IDSs are mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract User behaviour, human mistakes, and underperforming equipment contribute to wasted energy in buildings and industries. Identifying anomalous consumption power behaviour can help to reduce peak energy usage and change undesirable user behaviour. Furthermore, decreasing energy consumption in buildings is difficult because usage patterns vary from one building to the next. So, the main contribution in this manuscript is to propose a lightweight architecture for smart meter to identify abnormalities in power consumption for each building individually using machine learning (ML) models and implement on a Single Board Computer. To detect daily and periodic pattern anomalies, two models of anomaly detection based on supervised and unsupervised ML algorithms are built and trained where numerous algorithms were utilised to select the best algorithm for each model. Also, the proposed approach enables iterative procedure modifications by retraining the two anomaly detection models on data aggregator server based on the received data meter from the specific smart meter to give better power service to clients while minimising provider losses. The effectiveness and efficiency of the suggested approach have been proven through extensive analysis.

Polymers have been used for many years to control the mobility of injected water and increase the rate of oil extraction from unconventional reservoirs. Polymer flossing improves the volume of the broom, reduces the finger effect, creates channels, and delays water breakage. The combination of these processes has the potential to increase oil production and reduce production costs. To carry out this process, various polymers are used alone or in combination with surfactants and alkalis. In this study, a new type of polymer called FLOPPAM 3630 has been used to investigate the overload of very heavy oil reservoirs. For this purpose, six polymer solutions with different concentrations were made, and stability tests on shear rate, time, and temperature were performed. The polymer's stability results indicate that it is stable under other shear rate, temperature, and time passage conditions. As a result, this polymer is a suitable candidate for conducting silicification tests in reservoir temperature conditions. Then three more suitable polymer solutions were selected, and the polymer was polished. The results showed that the solution with a concentration of 1000 ppm has the best yield of about 40%. The reason for the good efficiency of this concentration is that the surface and vertical sweepers are higher than the other concentrations. Also, the difference in efficiency between less than 1000 and 2000 ppm is greater because it is more economical, and its injectability is easier to use with less concentration. Furthermore, the oil efficiency of this type of polymer in sandblasting is higher than that of other polymers tested under these conditions, making its use more economical.

OBJECTIVES:. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to generate estimates of mortality in patients with COVID-19 that required hospitalization, ICU admission, and organ support. DATA SOURCES:. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases was conducted up to December 31, 2021. STUDY SELECTION:. Previously peer-reviewed observational studies that reported ICU, mechanical ventilation (MV), renal replacement therapy (RRT) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-related mortality among greater than or equal to 100 individual patients. DATA EXTRACTION:. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate pooled estimates of case fatality rates (CFRs) for in-hospital, ICU, MV, RRT, and ECMO-related mortality. ICU-related mortality was additionally analyzed by the study country of origin. Sensitivity analyses of CFR were assessed based on completeness of follow-up data, by year, and when only studies judged to be of high quality were included. DATA SYNTHESIS:. One hundred fifty-seven studies evaluating 948,309 patients were included. The CFR for in-hospital mortality, ICU mortality, MV, RRT, and ECMO were 25.9% (95% CI: 24.0–27.8%), 37.3% (95% CI: 34.6–40.1%), 51.6% (95% CI: 46.1–57.0%), 66.1% (95% CI: 59.7–72.2%), and 58.0% (95% CI: 46.9–68.9%), respectively. MV (52.7%, 95% CI: 47.5–58.0% vs 31.3%, 95% CI: 16.1–48.9%; p = 0.023) and RRT-related mortality (66.7%, 95% CI: 60.1–73.0% vs 50.3%, 95% CI: 42.4–58.2%; p = 0.003) decreased from 2020 to 2021. CONCLUSIONS:. We present updated estimates of CFR for patients hospitalized and requiring intensive care for the management of COVID-19. Although mortality remain high and varies considerably worldwide, we found the CFR in patients supported with MV significantly improved since 2020.

The article aims to study the mechanisms underlying the development of research and development (R&D) through investment in renewable energies and in ICTs before and after the Covid19 pandemic. First, we perform a dynamic panel regression through panel data from 2000 to 2019 for 14 Asian countries. In addition to economic and environmental determinants, the empirical study reveals that variables linked to intellectual property are the drivers of R&D investment in the Asian region. It is interesting to note that while brand requests stimulate R&D, industrial applications hamper this type of investment. Second, we provide an OLS regression of 38 Asian countries to analyze the effect of Covid-19 on research and development. Our empirical results encourage governments to invest more in renewable energies not only to reduce the greenhouse effect, but also to increase investment in R&D. In addition, policymakers are urged to apply more incentives to expand the export of ICT in both services and products.

Metabolic disease is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection, but the contributing pathways are not yet fully elucidated. Using data from two randomized controlled trials across 13 U.S. academic centers, our goal was to characterize metabolic features that predict severe COVID-19 and define a novel baseline metabolomic signature. Individuals (n = 133) were dichotomized as having mild or moderate/severe COVID-19 disease based on the WHO ordinal scale. Blood samples were analyzed using the Biocrates platform, providing 630 targeted metabolites for analysis. Resampling techniques and machine learning models were used to determine metabolomic features associated with severe disease. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used for functional enrichment analysis. To aid in clinical decision making, we created baseline metabolomics signatures of low-correlated molecules. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to associate these signatures with severe disease on training data. A three-metabolite signature, lysophosphatidylcholine a C17:0, dihydroceramide (d18:0/24:1), and triacylglyceride (20:4_36:4), resulted in the best discrimination performance with an average test AUROC of 0.978 and F1 score of 0.942. Pathways related to amino acids were significantly enriched from the IPA analyses, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MAP2K5) was differentially activated between groups. In conclusion, metabolites related to lipid metabolism efficiently discriminated between mild vs. moderate/severe disease. SDMA and GABA demonstrated the potential to discriminate between these two groups as well. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MAP2K5) regulator is differentially activated between groups, suggesting further investigation as a potential therapeutic pathway.

Abstract Purpose: To determine associated factors for keratoconus (KCN) in the Iranian population. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 100 KCN patients and 200 age- and sex-matched individuals, who were either candidates for photorefractive keratectomy or healthy referrals from the Torfeh Eye Hospital, were included as the case and control groups, respectively. KCN patients were all registered at the Iranian National Registry of Keratoconus (KCNRegⓇ). Demographic characteristics, patients' symptoms and their habits, as well as systemic and ocular disorders were documented. Clinical examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error measurements, biomicroscopic examination, and corneal imaging. Results: In this case group, the frequency of mild, moderate, and severe KCN was 38%, 28%, and 34%, respectively. Parental consanguinity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.758, P = 0.029), positive familial history in patients' first degree (OR = 12.533, P < 0.001) and second degree (OR = 7.52, P < 0.001) relatives, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR = 7.510, P = 0.003), severe eye rubbing (OR = 10.625, P < 0.001), and systemic diseases including migraine, hypertension, and thyroid disease (OR = 6.828, P = 0.021) were found as associated factors for KCN. Lesser frequency of KCN was observed in patients with Fars ethnicity (OR = 0.583, P = 0.042), with higher levels of wealth indices (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001) and higher levels of education (OR = 0.18, P = 0.024). Conclusion: Severe eye rubbing, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, parental consanguinity and positive familial history of KCN, low socioeconomic status, and low levels of education were significantly associated with KCN in our study population.

This article analyzes the complexity of the linkages between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance in Morocco and to decompose this complexity through a bidirectional sense of causality. Using data surveyed from 74 Moroccan listed firms, we conduct an econometric modeling to measure this relationship bilaterally and to investigate the underlying factors behind this association. The empirical study proves the existence of a positive association between CSR and firm performance in both directions in the Moroccan context and suggests that the more social enterprises are, the more they achieve better financial results. The mutual linkage between social and financial aspects allows us to draw some managerial implications and set up further research directions.

In order to determine the best time to use and the adequate dose of four herbicides to control weeds in dryland chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) fields, we performed the present experiment in 4 x 5 m plots. Fourteen treatments were carried out that from 1 to 9 included trifluralin. Treatments 1, 2, and 3 were with increasing doses of trifluralin (480, 720, and 960 g ai ha-1) applied 30 days before planting. Treatments 4, 5, and 6 included increasing doses of trifluralin (480, 720, and 960 g ai ha-1) applied 15 days before planting. Treatments 7, 8 and 9 consisted of increasing doses of trifluralin (480, 720, and 960 g ai ha-1) applied at the time of planting. Treatments 10, 11, and 12 included pyroxasulfone (85 g ai ha-1), flumioxazin (51 g ai ha-1) and imazethapyr (100 g ai ha-1), respectively. These last three treatments were carried out at the time of planting; treatments 13 and 14 were: weed-infested (without weed control) and weed-free (manual weeding during the entire season). Flumioxazin 66% and pyroxasulfone 57% (mean of two samples) reduced weed dry weight compared to uncontrolled treatment. The results showed that the treatments were significantly different for 100-seed weight, biological yield, and seed yield of chickpea. Weed-infested and weed-free plants had the lowest and highest grain yield, respectively. Herbicide treatments of flumioxazin, trifluralin 960 g ai ha-1, and pyroxasulfone at planting produced 55%, 44%, and 40% higher grain yield than the weed-infested plots. Also, none of the herbicide treatments reduced chickpea yield and biomass. The herbicide residues had no adverse effect on wheat growth in the next crop season.

Background and purpose: The elongation of styloid process can result in Eagle syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of ossification of elongated styloid process (ESP) in digital panoramic radiography and their association with gender and age. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 400 digital panoramic radiographs of patients attending Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were examined. The length of the styloid process was measured and classified into elongated, pseudoarticular, and segmental types. Length equal to or greater than 30 mm was considered as an elongated styloid process. Data were analyzed in SPSS using Chi-square, t-test, and correlation test. Results: Radiographs of 400 patients including 167 (42%) males and 233 (58%) females aged 11-79 (38.13 ± 48.43) years were investigated. ESP was observed in 118 (29.5%) patients. The prevalence of ESP was significantly higher in males (50.8%) than females (49.1%) (P=0.016). Also, the prevalence of ESP was significantly higher in older adults (P

This data article presents data related to 100 residential units in Tehran, Iran. For each building the ``average monthly electricity consumption'' data for 190 months has been provided. In addition, some physical characteristics of each building are given in the dataset. Presented data includes collected electricity end-users in residential units as well as thermos-physical characteristics of the buildings through a structured questionnaire. The physical characteristics covered in this study include; the number of floors, morphology of the yard and the ratio of the windows on each side window material, area, floor number of the studied residential unit, location in the city, cooling system, heating system, and so on. Information provided in this data article can be useful for research on energy prediction studies and also energy management strategies, and policy making to achieve sustainability targets. Having few datasets published on this topic, especially in hot and arid geographic regions, authors believe that the result of this data study can be generalized to the larger region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The data consists of two parts; 1. Physical specifications of the building and 2. History of electricity consumption.

PurposeHeterogeneity has been observed in outcomes of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Identification of clinical phenotypes may facilitate tailored therapy and improve outcomes. The purpose of this study is to identify specific clinical phenotypes across COVID-19 patients and compare admission characteristics and outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients from March 7, 2020 to August 25, 2020 at 14 U.S. hospitals. Ensemble clustering was performed on 33 variables collected within 72 hours of admission. Principal component analysis was performed to visualize variable contributions to clustering. Multinomial regression models were fit to compare patient comorbidities across phenotypes. Multivariable models were fit to estimate associations between phenotype and in-hospital complications and clinical outcomes.ResultsThe database included 1,022 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Three clinical phenotypes were identified (I, II, III), with 236 [23.1%] patients in phenotype I, 613 [60%] patients in phenotype II, and 173 [16.9%] patients in phenotype III. Patients with respiratory comorbidities were most commonly phenotype III (p = 0.002), while patients with hematologic, renal, and cardiac (all pConclusionWe identified three clinical COVID-19 phenotypes, reflecting patient populations with different comorbidities, complications, and clinical outcomes. Future research is needed to determine the utility of these phenotypes in clinical practice and trial design.

Abstract Background The NIPAL4 gene is described to be implicated of Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma (CIE). It encodes a magnesium transporter membrane‐associated protein, hypothetically involved in epidermal lipid processing and in lamellar body formation. The aim of this work is to investigate the causative mutation in a consanguineous Tunisian family with a clinical feature of CIE with a yellowish severe palmoplantar keratoderma. Methods Four patients were dignosed with CIE. The blood samples were collected from patients and all members of their nuclear family for mutation analysis. The novel mutation of NIPAL4 gene was analysed with several software tools to predict its pathogenicity. Then, the secondary structure and the 3D model of ichthyn was generated in silico. Results The sequencing analysis of the NIPAL4 gene in patients revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation c.534A>C (p.E178D) in the exon 4. Bioinformatic tools predicted its pathogenicity. The secondary structure prediction and the 3D model construction expected the presence of 9 transmembrane helices and revealed that mutation p.E178D was located in the middle of the second transmembrane helices. Besides, the 3D model construction revealed that the p.E178D mutation is inducing a shrinking in the transport channel containing the mutated NIPA4 protein. Conclusion We found a homozygous mutation in exon 4 of NIPAL4 c.534A>C (p.E178D), which was identified for the first time in our study. Bioinformatic investigations supported its involvement in the phenotype of patients with CIE. Interestingly, this mutation was located in the hypothetical transport channel cavity and leads to changes in the channel architecture, which would probably affect its transport function.

The recent emergence of microfluidic extracorporeal lung support technologies presents an opportunity to achieve high gas transfer efficiency and improved hemocompatibility relative to the current standard of care in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, a critical challenge in the field is the ability to scale these devices to clinically relevant blood flow rates, in part because the typically very low blood flow in a single layer of a microfluidic oxygenator device requires stacking of a logistically challenging number of layers. We have developed biomimetic microfluidic oxygenators for the past decade and report here on the development of a high-flow (30 mL/min) single-layer prototype, scalable to larger structures via stacking and assembly with blood distribution manifolds. Microfluidic oxygenators were designed with biomimetic in-layer blood distribution manifolds and arrays of parallel transfer channels, and were fabricated using high precision machined durable metal master molds and microreplication with silicone films, resulting in large area gas transfer devices. Oxygen transfer was evaluated by flowing 100% O2 at 100 mL/min and blood at 0–30 mL/min while monitoring increases in O2 partial pressures in the blood. This design resulted in an oxygen saturation increase from 65% to 95% at 20 mL/min and operation up to 30 mL/min in multiple devices, the highest value yet recorded in a single layer microfluidic device. In addition to evaluation of the device for blood oxygenation, a 6-h in vitro hemocompatibility test was conducted on devices (n = 5) at a 25 mL/min blood flow rate with heparinized swine donor blood against control circuits (n = 3). Initial hemocompatibility results indicate that this technology has the potential to benefit future applications in extracorporeal lung support technologies for acute lung injury.

Background: Opium is one of the most commonly abused opiates in developing countries including Iran. Considering the importance of maternal health on the newborn, we aimed to assess the effect of opium abuse on fetal heart rate (FHR) characteristics in a sample of pregnant women in Zahedan, Southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 100 pregnant women referring to Ali-Ibn-Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan, during 2011-2013. The participants were divided into two groups comprising of opium abusers and healthy individuals. The participants received 500cc intravenous fluid containing dextrose and then non-stress test results were recorded for 20 minutes. Results: We found no significant difference between the two groups with respect to their demographic characteristics. Fetal movements, variability, acceleration, and reactivity were significantly higher among addicted women (P

Objectives: The role of injury-related variables in determining health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Iranian persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) has not yet been fully described. In this study, we compared HRQOL between individuals with injury at cervical level and those with injury at thoracolumbar sections and evaluated the discriminating value of injury level as a determinant of HRQOL among Iranian people with SCI. Methods: Individuals with SCI, who were referred to Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, were invited to participate in this investigation. HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire to determine the quality of life (QOL) in eight domains: physical functioning (PF), role limitation due to physical problems (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role limitation due to emotional problems (RE), and mental health (MH). Results: Ninety patients with paraplegia and 94 quadriplegic patients participated in this investigation. The mean score of PF domain was significantly lower in patients with injury at cervical level (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in other domains of SF-36 between subjects with paraplegia and quadriplegia (p = 0.670, 0.700, 0.910, 0.710, 0.730, 0.290 and 0.850 for RP, RE, VT, MH, SF, BP and GH, respectively). Similarly, the mean physical component summary (PCS) score was significantly higher among individuals with injury at thoracolumbar sections (p < 0.0001). The mean mental component summary (MCS) score did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.720). Conclusions: Patients with SCI at the cervical level have similar mental health compared to those with injury at thoracolumbar sections, which shows proper mental adaptability in quadriplegic individuals. Injury level can be used as a major determinant of the physical component of QOL among people with SCI.

Objectives: The effect of dietary protein intake on bone mineral density (BMD) has not been explained in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we looked at the relationship between BMD and higher protein intake in patients with SCI while controlling for possible confounders. Methods: Patients with SCI, who were referred to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center between November 2010 and April 2012, were included in the study. In total, the dietary intakes of 103 patients were assessed by 24–hour dietary recall interviews. We used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure BMD in the femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanteric zone, hip, and lumbar vertebras. Results: Eighty-six men and 17 women participated in this study. Protein intake was negatively associated with the BMD of lumbar vertebrae (p = 0.001, r = –0.37 for T-score and p = 0.030, r = –0.24 for Z-score). The BMD of lumbar vertebrae were negatively associated with intake of tryptophan, isoleucine, lysine, cysteine, and tyrosine (p = 0.007, 0.005, 0.009, 0.008, and 0.008 for T-score, respectively). Higher intakes of threonine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, valine, and histidine were related to a lower BMD of lumbar vertebrae (p = 0.006, 0.010, 0.009, 0.010, 0.009, and 0.008 respectively for T-scores). Conclusions: We found that high protein intake led to a lower BMD of lumbar vertebrae in patients with SCI after controlling for confounders including demographic and injury-related characteristics and calcium intake. No relationship between higher amino acids intake and BMD of the femur and hip was detected. Intake of alanine, arginine, and aspartic acid were not related to BMD.

Technological advancements have provided militaries with the possibility to enhance human performance and to provide soldiers with better warfighting capabilities. Though these technologies hold significant potential, their use is not without cost to the individual. This paper explores the complexities associated with using human cognitive enhancements in the military, focusing on how the purpose and context of these technologies could potentially undermine a soldier’s ability to say no to these interventions. We focus on cognitive enhancements and their ability to also enhance a soldier’s autonomy (i.e., autonomy-enhancing technologies). Through this lens, we explore situations that could potentially compel a soldier to accept such technologies and how this acceptance could impact rights to individual autonomy and informed consent within the military. In this examination, we highlight the contextual elements of vulnerability—institutional and differential vulnerability. In addition, we focus on scenarios in which a soldier’s right to say no to such enhancements can be diminished given the special nature of their work and the significance of making better moral decisions. We propose that though in some situations, a soldier may be compelled to accept said enhancements; with their right to say no diminished, it is not a blanket rule, and safeguards ought to be in place to ensure that autonomy and informed consent are not overridden.

Endophytic fungi have been recognized as a potential source of bioactive secondary metabolites. The endophytic Trichoderma species were isolated from Vinca plants (Vinca major, Vinca herbacea, and Vinca minor), found in Iran and screened for antimicrobial and anti-proliferative activity. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, four fungal species were identified: T. asperellum, T. brevicompactum, T. koningiopsis, and T. longibrachiatum. In addition, endophytic fungi bioactivity of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts (7.8–250 μgml−1) were assessed against a panel of pathogenic fungi and bacteria and IC80 was calculated. Data showed that both methanol and ethyl acetate extracts from all endophytic isolates had significant cytotoxic effects against the model target fungus Pyricularia oryzae. Further research indicated that they had significant antimicrobial bioactivity against the human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and plant pathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis as well. According to the bioactivity results, crude ethyl acetate extract of T. koningiopsis VM115 isolate was determined for TLC and GC-MS analysis. An antifungal compound was isolated from ethyl acetate extract of T. koningiopsis VM115 based on bioassay guided fractionation. The 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic data showed that the compound was trichodermin, which exhibited strong fungicidal effects against P. oryzae, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Botrytis cinera with MICs of 31.25 μg ml−1 through in vitro antifungal tests. GC-MS analysis identified six classes of volatile compound produced by T. koningiopsis VM115 (alcohols, esters, pyrones (lactones), acids, furanes and lipids). 6-n-pentyl-6H-pyran-2-one (6PP) was identified as one of the most abundant metabolites in this research. These results indicate that the fungal endophytes from Vinca plants had antibacterial and cytotoxic activities; evidence that endophytes are a good source of biological activity and compounds. This work is the first report of Trichodermin production by T. koningiopsis species.

Background Despite the global increase in waterpipe smoking, current evidence is limited in assessing health warning labeling practices on waterpipe tobacco (WT) products. This qualitative study aimed to a) understand how participants perceive pictorial health warnings (PHW) on WT packs b) explore their attitude towards a newly designed set and c) explore their opinion of placing PHWs on the waterpipe device and accessories. Methods Ten focus group and ten in-depth interview sessions were conducted in Egypt with 90 waterpipe smokers and non-smokers, of both genders, and different age-groups (18-24 and 25+) within rural and urban regions. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants thought that the current PHW set triggered affective reactions; still some were unclear, or unrealistic. The majority considered it attractive because of the bright colorful designs of fruits and flavors. In contrast, participants thought that the newly designed set had more positive elements that might help in preventing smoking initiation or inducing quit attempts, such as the absence of attracting flavors, the contrasting dark background, the believable contents, and the larger label size. Participants' views of effective warnings were leaning towards those posing proximal health risks. Most of the participants believed that inserting PHWs on waterpipe device may enhance their effectiveness. Participants equally favored placing them on the glass body, or on the mouthpiece and hose. Conclusions Findings implicate a policy need to extend WT labeling regulations to the waterpipe device and employ evidence-based practices to customize PHWs' content, design, and placement on WT products.

INTRODUCTION:Despite the global rise in waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS), the effectiveness of waterpipe tobacco health warnings remain understudied, especially in countries with high WTS rates. Egypt has been employing waterpipe tobacco labelling for a decade, however, their effectiveness is unknown. Our overall aim was to measure the effectiveness of pictorial health warnings (PHWs) on waterpipe tobacco packs (WTPs) through participant memory recall and to investigate whether they induced behavioural responses in waterpipe smokers and deterred uptake of WTS in non-smokers, examining the differentials of effectiveness among socio-demographic subgroups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:We conducted two surveys including 1490 adult current waterpipe smokers, 73 former waterpipe smokers, and 451 non-smokers in Cairo and a rural village in Egypt between 2015-2017. Participants who noticed PHWs on WTPs were asked questions about salience, communication of health risks, public support, cognitive processing, and self-reported behavioural responses (current waterpipe smokers: reduce consumption, forgo a smoke, quit attempts; former waterpipe smokers: quit; non-smokers: deter WTS initiation). Univariate and multivariable statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS:Participants' mean age was 35 years, mostly males (90.4%), waterpipe smokers (74.0%) and rural residents (59.3%). Approximately two-thirds of participants noticed PHWs on WTPs. Salience was significantly less among females, urban residents and participants with high literacy. More than three-quarters of participants reported that WTS health risks were communicated through the warnings. At least half of participants cognitively processed the warnings: 56.3% thought of the warnings when WTPs were out of sight; non-smokers understood the warnings (83.2%) and discussed them with others (90.3%) significantly more than current (76.0% and 72.5%, respectively) and former waterpipe smokers (81.0% and 61.9%, respectively). Participants reported that PHWs on WTPs motivated 58.5% of waterpipe smokers to think about quitting; 64.5% to reduce their consumption; 42.2% to forgo a smoke; 24.5% to attempt to quit; 57.1% of former waterpipe smokers to successfully quit; and 59.3% of non-smokers to remain smoke-free. CONCLUSIONS:Findings suggest that inserting PHWs on WTPs is an effective waterpipe tobacco labelling policy. Countries with similarly high rates of WTS should consider adopting WTP PHWs within a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Objective: Exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, upper and lower respiratory tract diseases and an increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The majority of cases of mortality and morbidity is attributable to exposure of adults to SHS and is related to cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. In Egypt, comprehensive smoke-free laws exist, however, in many workplaces they are poorly enforced consequently exposing workers to the detrimental health hazards of SHS. We aimed at determination of workplace exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) and its association with respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms in hospital workers in Port-said governorate in Egypt. Material and methods: A cross-sectional face to face survey was conducted by the use of a standardised questionnaire among 415 adult hospital workers; representing 50% of all employees (81% response rate); recruited from 4 randomly selected general hospitals in Port-said governorate in Egypt. Results: All hospitals employees reported exposure to SHS - on average 1.5 (SD = 2.5) hours of exposure per day. After controlling for potential confounders, exposure to SHS at work was significantly associated with an increased risk of wheezes (OR = 1.14, p < 0.01), shortness of breath (OR = 1.17, p < 0.01), phlegm (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01), running and irritated nose (OR = 1.14, p < 0.01) as well as a sore, scratchy throat (OR = 1.23). Conclusions: These findings point out that workplace exposure to SHS is evident in hospitals in Port-said governorate and that workers are adversely affected by exposure to it at work. This underlines the importance of rigorous enforcement of smoke-free policies to protect the workers' health in Egypt.

Background: Nutritional status influences bone health spinal cord injury (SCI). This study evaluates serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D and calcium along with dietary intakes in patients with chronic SCI. Materials and Methods: Total of 160 patients participated in this investigation. Dietary intakes were assessed by semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Serum calcium, phosphorus and 25(OH)-vitamin-D level were measured. Results: Mean of serum calcium and 25(OH)-vitamin-D were 9.54 ± 0.64 mg/dl (standard error of the mean [SE]: 0.05) and 13.6 ± 10.99 μg/dl (SE: 0.9), respectively. Dairy intake was below recommended amount (1.8 ± 0.74 per serving (SE: 0.06), recommended: 4). A high prevalence (53.1%) of Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH) Vitamin D

We study the determinants of the incidence of relationship lending. For our study, we combine established insights from the study of Elsas with empirical banking relationship lending literature. We relate loan contract and borrower characteristics to self-assessments of Tunisian banks with respect to the existence of close relationship. Using detailed loan contract information from Tunisian banks and a questionnaire addressed to loan officers, we report the first comprehensive evidence on the development of relationship lending. We find that access to information, the ability to influence the manager, and the solvency of the company are relevant factors. While the exclusivity and the duration of the relationship, classic measures of the existence of close ties with the bank, are not determining factors. So these proxy measures should be used with caution in future empirical works.

The incredible growth of FPGA capabilities in recent years and the new included features have made them more and more attractive for numerous embedded systems. There is however an important shortcoming concerning security of data and design. Data security implies the protection of the FPGA application in the sense that the data inside the circuit and the data transferred to/from the peripheral circuits during the communication are protected. This paper suggests a new method to support the security of any FPGA platform using network processor technology. Low cost IP2022 UBICOM network processor was used as a security shield in front of any FPGA device. It was supplied with the necessary security methods such as AES ciphering engine, SHA-1, HMAC and an embedded firewall to provide confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, and packets filtering features.

Objective: The determinants of satisfaction of life (SWL) are poorly described among Iranian employed ‎nurses. This study aimed to assess the effect of various factors including age, gender, marital ‎status, depression, anxiety and stress on SWL among Iranian nurses.‎ Method: Employed nurses in three teaching hospitals were invited to participate in this study. Ninety-four ‎nurses (65 women and 29 men) participated in this study. Depression, anxiety, stress scale ‎‎ (DASS-21) was used to measure the related variables. Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was ‎used to assess SWL. Multivariate analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between ‎multiple variables. Results: A noticeable proportion of Iranian employed nurses were either dissatisfied or extremely ‎dissatisfied with life (45%). Severe depression was related to lower scores of SWLS (P: 0.001, r ‎‎= -0.32). The similar outcomes were detected between anxiety and stress scales, and SWLS (P: ‎‎0.023, r = -0.23 and P: 0.008, r = -0.27 for anxiety and stress, respectively). Although females ‎were more vulnerable to depression (P: 0.010) and stress (P: 0.013), the overall effect of gender ‎on SWL was insignificant (0.41). Satisfactions with financial power and work environment were ‎associated with higher scores of SWLS (P: 0.030 and 0.042, respectively). Marital status was not ‎related to severity of depression, anxiety, stress and SWLS (P: 0.39, 0.38, 0.80, and 0.61, ‎respectively). ‎ Conclusion: This study revealed that poor satisfaction with financial status and work environment, ‎depression, anxiety and stress are the major determinants of satisfaction with life among Iranian ‎employed nurses.‎

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease, which affects many organs as it impairs chloride channel. This study was performed to evaluate growth status and its relationship with some laboratory indices such as Cholesterol (chol), Triglyceride (TG), albumin and total protein in children with CF referred to pediatrics center. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study in one year section. Demographic features were compared with standard percentiles curves. Chol, TG, albumin, total protein, prothrombin time, and hemoglobin were measured. Stool exams were also performed. A questionnaire was designed to obtain a history of the first presentation of disease, birth weight, type of labor and parent relativity. In 52% of patients, failure to thrive (FTT) was the first presentation. Steatorrhea and respiratory infections were the first presentations, which were seen in 13.7% and 33% of the cases, respectively. The weight of 88% of patients was below the 15th percentile while 82% had a height percentile below 15th. Head circumference in 53% of patients was below the 15th percentile. There was a significant association between weight percentile and serum albumin and total protein (P=0.03 and P=0.007, respectively). There was also a significant relationship between height percentile and serum albumin and total protein (P

This paper focuses on designing distributed wireless sensor network gateways armed with Intrusion Detection System (IDS). The main contribution of this work is the attempt to insert IDS functionality into the gateway node (UBICOM IP2022 network processor chip) itself. This was achieved by building a light weight signature based IDS based on the famous open source SNORT IDS. Regarding gateway nodes, as they have limited processing and energy constrains, the addition of further tasks (the IDS program) may affects seriously on its performance, so that, the current design takes these constrains into consideration as a priority and use a special protocol to achieve this goal. In order to optimize the performance of the gateway nodes, some of the preprocessing tasks were offloaded from the gateway nodes to a suggested classification and processing server and a new searching algorithm was suggested. Different measures were taken to validate the design procedure and a detailed simulation model was built to discover the behavior of the system in different environments.

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) imposes a significant burden on the social and marital life. Here, we assessed the divorce rate and changes in marital status among a sample of Iranian individuals with SCI. Methods: Referred patients to Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center were invited to participate in this cross-sectional investigation. The Main exclusion criteria were coincidental brain injury, history of chronic diseases before SCI and substance use. Demographic characteristics (including age, gender, educational level, marital status before and after injury and duration of marriage) and Injury characteristics (level of the injury, American spinal injury association (ASIA) scale and Spinal cord independence measure III (SCIM)) were collected. Results: Total of 241 subjects with SCI participated in this investigation (164 (68%) male and 77 (32%) female). Among men, 16.5% [95% CI: 10.81%-22.18%] and among women 18.2% [95% CI: 9.58%-26.81%] got divorced after injury. Duration of marriage before injury was significantly related to lower divorce rate (P< 0.001 and 0.016 in men and women, respectively). Injury characteristics had no relationship with marital longevity. Age was a protective factor against marital dissolution only in men (P< 0.004). Conclusion: Our study revealed the divorce rate of 17% [95% CI: 13%-20.9%] after SCI in a sample of Iranian population. The protective influence of age in maintenance of marriage was only detected in men, which proposes existence of a sexual polymorphism in the role of age. Divorce rate was similar between two genders and injury characteristics were not related to divorce rate as well. Keywords: Marital status, Spinal cord injury, Divorce, Iran

A twenty-year-old girl was referred with tracheal stenosis (TS) which was a consequence of prolonged intubation after head injury because of previous car accident. The patient was aphasic and had normal respiration. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed complete tracheal obstruction at second tracheal ring level. Distal trachea was normal through tracheostomy tube. Removal of the tracheostomy tube and blind reinsertion with a new one was complicated with hypoxia and respiratory distress. Fibrotic bronchoscopy revealed large tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) below tracheal obstruction. Reinsertion of the tracheostomy tube by fiber optic bronchoscope was successful. Multidetector CT scan was performed on the same day with confirmation of TS combined with TEF. Surgery was performed on the next day. No clinical evidence of TEF was found in back history. Inadequate evaluation of the whole length of the trachea during the first bronchoscopy was the reasons for missing TEF. TEF should be considered in patients with TS in spite of no typical symptom such as food aspiration or pulmonary infections.

Purpose. The association between serum lipids and bone mineral density (BMD) has been investigated previously but, up to now, these relationships have not yet been described in spinal cord injury (SCI). We tried to assess the correlation between serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and BMD in male subjects with SCI. Methods. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess BMD in femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanteric zone, and lumbar vertebras. Blood samples were taken to measure serums lipids and bone biomarkers including osteocalcin, cross-linked type I collagen (CTX), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP). Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between mentioned measurements after adjustment for weight and age. Results. We found a positive correlation between HDL and femoral neck BMD (P: 0.004, r=0.33). HDL was negatively correlated with osteocalcin (P: 0.017, r=-0.31) which was not in consistency with its relationship with BMD. TC and LDL were not related to CTX, BALP and BMD. Conclusion. This study does not support a strong association between serum lipids and BMD in subjects with SCI. Moreover it seems that positive association between HDL and BMD is not mediated through increased bone formation.

The human tryptase locus on chromosome 16 contains one gene encoding only β-tryptase and another encoding either β-tryptase or the homologous α-tryptase, providing α:β gene ratios of 0:4, 1:3 or 2:2 in the diploid genome, these genotypes being of potential clinical relevance in severe atopy. Using an EcoRV restriction site in α- but not β-tryptase, PCR products, spanning intron 1 to exon 5, were used to determine α/β-tryptase gene ratios using non-radioactive labels, including ethidium bromide labeling of all PCR products, and either digoxigenin-primer or DY682-primer labeling of only the final PCR cycle products. Sensitivity increased ∼60-fold with each final PCR cycle labeling technique. Ethidium bromide labeling underestimated amounts of α-tryptase, presumably because heteroduplexes of α/β-tryptase amplimers, formed during annealing, were EcoRV resistant. In contrast, both final PCR cycle labeling techniques precisely quantified these gene ratios, because only homoduplexes were labeled. Using the DY682-primer was most efficient, because PCR/EcoRV products could be analyzed directly in the gel; while digoxigenin-labeled products required transfer to a nitrocellulose membrane followed by immunoblotting. This technique for determining the α/β-tryptase genotype is sensitive, accurate, simple and safe, and should permit high-throughput screening to detect potential phenotype-genotype relations for α/β-tryptases, and for other closely related alleles.