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Real-time locating systems (RTLSs) have proven to be a practical and effective solution for monitoring positions/status of humans and other entities in industrial environments, ensuring safe and efficient automated operations, by responding in real-time to unexpected events, such as the proximity of human workers to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This work focuses on evaluating and modeling the performance of two complementary RTLSs targeting human localization in both static and mobile conditions within a realistic industrial environment in operational conditions; with the aim of integrating live positioning information into digital twins (DT) for industrial use. Both the primary RTLS examined, an ultra-wide band (UWB) radio-based system; and the secondary RTLS, an optimized camera vision (CV)-based system with three surveillance cameras introduced as a backup RTLS, exhibited a similar median accuracy of 12–13 cm in static conditions, being the one of the UWB system slightly degraded down to 19 cm in presence of human shadowing. In human mobility conditions, the median accuracy values were further debased by 4 and 13 cm for the UWB and CV systems, respectively, indicating a limited real-time fluctuation, sufficiently bounded to guarantee the safety of human workers based on the readings of either of the primary or secondary RTLS systems. Based on the observed performance, a safety protocol for human detection in operational production scenarios was established, considering operational safety margins around humans of 1–2 m, which could be further leveraged by centralized monitoring and control entities such as industrial digital twins. The localization accuracy of the systems is characterized by means of error functions quantifying the distance to ground truth (GT) points through Gamma distribution functions using maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs). The proposed models are practical for implementation in system level simulators or industrial digital twin tools considering akin industrial environments. The different observations presented along the paper are useful for advanced industrial operation planning and optimization considerations.

In this study, a cross-cultural analysis was undertaken to compare the knowledge of organic producers and agricultural experts in Iran concerning the concepts of good farming, good farmer, and organic farming in the field of sustainable agriculture. We put concepts of good farming, good farmer, and organic farming in conversation with Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural capital, identity, and the dynamics of the ‘rules of the game’ to determine the knowledge gaps between experts and farmers in the sustainable agricultural field. Data are derived from interviews with 45 organic producers and 52 agricultural experts. The findings showed that farmers had knowledge of the key concepts discussed by experts but differed in the emphasis placed on these ideas. Results reveal tensions between how farmers and experts think about and understand how farmers ought to practice organic farming. The paper concludes with some arguments on the knowledge asymmetries and offers a few participatory approaches for negotiation to overcome the asymmetry in supporting more sustainable management practices.

Background: Febrile Seizure (FS) which has different causes, is the most prevalent seizure type in children. Studies supported the role of Zinc (Zn) in FS. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Zn level in children with FS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 50 patients with FS aged 6 months-6 years in Amirkola Children’s Hospital in 2013-2014. The required demographic and clinical data were recorded employing a checklist. The serum and CSF Zn levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS using the Chi-squared teste, Independent Samples t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean±SD age of the explored patients was 12.78±8.38 months and their mean±SD serum Zn level was equal to 0.68±0.62 µg/L. In total, 34(68%) of these 50 children presented Zn deficiency. The mean±SD CSF Zn level was measured as 33.29±11.84 µg/L. Moreover, the mean±SD CSF Zn level was equal to 37.71±10.82 and 31.21±11.87 in normal and abnormal serum Zn groups, respectively. In terms of mean CSF Zn level, there was no significant difference between the studied patients with healthy and decreased serum Zn level; (P=0.07). No significant difference was found between the demographic/clinical characteristics of the investigated patients with FS and normal/abnormal serum levels of Zn (P>0.05). Conclusions: The obtained data revealed that a significant number of patients with FS had decreased serum Zn level; however, no association was detected between serum and CSF Zn concentration levels.

A hybrid nanocomposite composed of polyaniline-polystyrene-chitosan/zinc oxide was prepared via a simple in situ polymerization method. The synthesized copolymers were analyzed using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR), and UltraViolet-Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopies, ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The chemical bonding established between polyaniline-polystyrene and polyaniline-polystyrene-chitosan/zinc oxide, confirmed by FT-IR, is likely to be responsible for the enhanced chemical stability. From SEM observation, the ratio of ZnO nanoparticles to nanocomposite altered the morphology of the hybrids from granular to plate-like structure, which was confirmed by EDXS. The thermal property was studied using TG/DTA analysis shows the residual weight (TGA curves) and its weight derivative (DTA curves) of the polyaniline-polystyrene-chitosan/zinc oxide are more stable than chitosan and polyaniline-polystyrene-chitosan. Also, the cyclic voltammetry on the obtained hybrid materials revealed that the plate-like structure was more advantages for electrochemical stability. Overall, the results show that the introduction of the ZnO nanoparticles into the polyaniline-polystyrene-chitosan matrix enhanced the thermal and electrode stability.

Abstract Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an annual legume species, phylogenetically close to pea (Pisum sativum L.), that may be infected by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (Fop), the causal agent of fusarium wilt in peas with vast worldwide yield losses. A range of responses varying from high resistance to susceptibility to this pathogen has been reported in grass pea germplasm. Nevertheless, the genetic basis of that diversity of responses is still unknown, hampering its breeding exploitation. To identify genomic regions controlling grass pea resistance to fusarium wilt, a genome‐wide association study approach was applied on a grass pea worldwide collection of accessions inoculated with Fop race 2. Disease responses were scored in this collection that was also subjected to high‐throughput based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) screening through genotyping‐by‐sequencing. A total of 5,651 high‐quality SNPs were considered for association mapping analysis, performed using mixed linear models accounting for population structure. Because of the absence of a fully assembled grass pea reference genome, SNP markers’ genomic positions were retrieved from the pea's reference genome v1a. In total, 17 genomic regions were associated with three fusarium wilt response traits in grass pea, anticipating an oligogenic control. Seven of these regions were located on pea chromosomes 1, 6, and 7. The candidate genes underlying these regions were putatively involved in secondary and amino acid metabolism, RNA (regulation of transcription), transport, and development. This study revealed important fusarium wilt resistance favorable grass pea SNP alleles, allowing the development of molecular tools for precision disease resistance breeding.

Based on record data, the estimation and prediction problems for normal distribution have been investigated by several authors in the frequentist set up. However, these problems have not been discussed in the literature in the Bayesian context. The aim of this paper is to consider a Bayesian analysis in the context of record data from a normal distribution. We obtain Bayes estimators based on squared error and linear-exponential (Linex) loss functions. It is observed that the Bayes estimators can not be obtained in closed forms. We propose using an importance sampling method to obtain Bayes estimators. Further, the importance sampling method is also used to compute Bayesian predictors of future records. Finally, a real data analysis is presented for illustrative purposes and Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed methods. It is shown that Bayes estimators and predictors are superior than frequentist estimators and predictors.

The electrochemistry of banana tissues on a carbon paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is presented. Cyclic voltammetry is applied to investigate the direct electrochemistry of banana tissues i.e. a source of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). A redox couple with an anodic and counterpart cathodic peak is obtained. The influence of various parameters such as pH, scan rate of potential and heating on the electrochemical properties of polyphenol oxidase in banana tissues were examined. For apple tissues, a same signal is observed on a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes. It was found that presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is essential to observe the electrochemical activity of polyphenol oxidase in banana and apple tissues. In this paper, the electrochemistry of fruits was described. We have shown that multi-walled carbon nanotubes can enhance the direct electron transfer between the electroactive center of polyphenol oxidase in banana tissues and the underlying electrode.

In this paper, the moment-based, maximum likelihood and Bayes estimators for the unknown parameter of the Lindley model based on Type II censored data are discussed. The expectation maximization (EM) algorithm and direct maximization methods are used to obtained the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). Existence and uniqueness of the moment-based and maximum likelihood estimators are discussed and a bias corrected estimator based on parametric bootstrap is developed. For Bayesian estimation, since the Bayes estimator cannot be obtained in an explicit form, two approximations based on Lindley and the importance sampling methods are used. Asymptotic confidence intervals, bootstrap confidence intervals and credible intervals are also proposed. Based on Type II censored data, the prediction of future observations is discussed. The analysis of a real data has been presented for illustrative purposes. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed estimation methods.

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible correlation between Brucella and HIV infections. Iran is a country where HIV infection is expanding and Brucellosis is prevalent. In the present study, 184 HIV infected patients were assigned and for all of them HIV infection was confirmed by western blot test. In order to identify the prevalence rate of Brucella infection and systemic brucellosis in these subjects, sera samples were obtained and Brucella specific serological tests were performed to reveal antibody titers. Detailed history was taken and physical examination was carried out for all of patients. 11 (6%) subjects had high titers but only 3 of them were symptomatic. Most of these subjects were injection drug user (IDU) men and one was a rural woman. Considering both prevalence rates of Brucella infection (3%) and symptomatic brucellosis (0.1%) in Iran, our HIV positive patients show higher rates of Brucella infection and systemic brucellosis. Preserved cellular immunity of participants and retention of granulocytes activity may explain this poor association; whereas other explanations such as immunological state difference and non-overlapping geographical distribution of the 2 pathogens have been mentioned by various authors.

Purpose: To assess the beneficial effect of different fractions of Cynodondactylon (C. dactylon) on ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided intocontrol, ethylene glycol, curative, and preventive groups. The control group received tap drinking water for 35 days. Ethylene glycol, curative, and preventive groups received 1% ethylene glycol for induction of calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculus formation. Preventive and curative subjects also received different fractions of C. dactylon extract in drinking water at 12.8mg/kg, since day 0 and day 14, respectively. After 35 days, the kidneys were removed and examined for histopathological findings and counting the CaOx deposits in 50 microscopic fields. Results: In curative protocol, treatment of rats with C. dactylonN-butanol fraction and N-butanol phase remnant significantly reduced the number of the kidney CaOx deposits compared to ethylene glycol group. In preventive protocol, treatment of rats with C. dactylonethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased the number of CaOx deposits compared to ethylene glycol group. Conclusion: Fractions of C. dactylon showed a beneficial effect on preventing and eliminating CaOx deposition in the rat kidney. These results provide ascientific rational for preventive and treatment roles of C. dactylonin human kidney stone disease.

We measured the prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Detention, Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional survey included 499 male IDUs arrested by police during a predetermined police sweep in Tehran (February, 2006). A questionnaire was filled out for each individual. Blood specimens were collected for HBsAg testing. Prevalence of HBsAg was 5.8% (95% CI 3.6-7.9). The majority of chronic HBV infections, 69.2%, were among adults age 25 to 34 years. The high prevalence of HBsAg highlights the need for special efforts to increase vaccination among adult populations at risk for HBV infection in order to reducing continuing transmission and stave off future high burden of disease.

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible correlation between Brucella and HIV infections. Iran is a country where HIV infection is expanding and Brucellosis is prevalent. In the present study, 184 HIV infected patients were assigned and for all of them HIV infection was confirmed by western blot test. In order to identify the prevalence rate of Brucella infection and systemic brucellosis in these subjects, sera samples were obtained and Brucella specific serological tests were performed to reveal antibody titers. Detailed history was taken and physical examination was carried out for all of patients. 11 (6%) subjects had high titers but only 3 of them were symptomatic. Most of these subjects were injection drug user (IDU) men and one was a rural woman. Considering both prevalence rates of Brucella infection (3%) and symptomatic brucellosis (0.1%) in Iran, our HIV positive patients show higher rates of Brucella infection and systemic brucellosis. Preserved cellular immunity of participants and retention of granulocytes activity may explain this poor association; whereas other explanations such as immunological state difference and non-overlapping geographical distribution of the 2 pathogens have been mentioned by various authors.

We measured the prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Detention, Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional survey included 499 male IDUs arrested by police during a predetermined police sweep in Tehran (February, 2006). A questionnaire was filled out for each individual. Blood specimens were collected for HBsAg testing. Prevalence of HBsAg was 5.8% (95% CI 3.6-7.9). The majority of chronic HBV infections, 69.2%, were among adults age 25 to 34 years. The high prevalence of HBsAg highlights the need for special efforts to increase vaccination among adult populations at risk for HBV infection in order to reducing continuing transmission and stave off future high burden of disease.

Byline: S. Shushtarian, M. Mirdehghan, P. Valiollahi Damages caused by an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) to the visual system, mainly the retina, mostly occur during certain occupational activities. Turners are [...]

Equations of state (EOSs) are widely used in calculations such as those involving reservoir simulation, process simulation, gas processing and transportation of natural gas. Predicting the phase envelope, specifically the dew points of natural gas, is among the important roles of EOSs. In this study, a modification is proposed to improve the predictions of dew point properties by the Peng-Robinson (PR) EOS, where the attraction parameter has been modified by a new empirical-based coefficient which is a function of reduced pressure, reduced temperature and critical density. In order to validate the modification, results are presented for four major properties of dew points consisting of the cricondentherm, cricondenbar, dew point temperature and dew point pressure. Furthermore, the performances of the original PR, Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK), Schmidt-Wenzel (SW) and GERG-2008 EOSs have been compared to predict the above four properties with respect to the experimental data. Having similar qualitative trends for the four properties, the results show that the modification of this study gives better predictions of the dew point curves, followed by the GERG EOS, which was developed particularly for processed natural gases. The SRK and SW EOSs have comparatively similar results and the PR EOS has the largest deviations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible correlation between Brucella and HIV infections. Iran is a country where HIV infection is expanding and Brucellosis is prevalent. In the present study, 184 HIV infected patients were assigned and for all of them HIV infection was confirmed by western blot test. In order to identify the prevalence rate of Brucella infection and systemic brucellosis in these subjects, sera samples were obtained and Brucella specific serological tests were performed to reveal antibody titers. Detailed history was taken and physical examination was carried out for all of patients. 11 (6%) subjects had high titers but only 3 of them were symptomatic. Most of these subjects were injection drug user (IDU) men and one was a rural woman. Considering both prevalence rates of Brucella infection (3%) and symptomatic brucellosis (0.1%) in Iran, our HIV positive patients show higher rates of Brucella infection and systemic brucellosis. Preserved cellular immunity of participants and retention of granulocytes activity may explain this poor association; whereas other explanations such as immunological state difference and non-overlapping geographical distribution of the 2 pathogens have been mentioned by various authors.

We measured the prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Detention, Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional survey included 499 male IDUs arrested by police during a predetermined police sweep in Tehran (February, 2006). A questionnaire was filled out for each individual. Blood specimens were collected for HBsAg testing. Prevalence of HBsAg was 5.8% (95% CI 3.6-7.9). The majority of chronic HBV infections, 69.2%, were among adults age 25 to 34 years. The high prevalence of HBsAg highlights the need for special efforts to increase vaccination among adult populations at risk for HBV infection in order to reducing continuing transmission and stave off future high burden of disease.

Jails may foster the spread of HIV, particularly among drug users. In 2006, male injection drug users (n = 499) detained in Tehran consented to HIV testing at intake and discharge. HIV prevalence at intake was 24.4%. Nine of those who were HIV negative at intake were positive at discharge (annualized incidence rate 16.8%), including one p24 antigen positive. Jails may be contributing to the rapid spread of HIV in Iran and should be major points for prevention interventions.