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Background: Tissue staining is pivotal in histology and histopathology, shouldering a noteworthy role in identifying and classifying tissues and diseases. Due to their non-production of toxic effluents, the utilization of plant-based dyes aligns harmoniously with environmental sustainability and the well-being of laboratory personnel and the general public. Furthermore, this approach is highly cost-effective, further enhancing its appeal. Objectives: This research study explored the feasibility of staining various tissues in mice, such as the liver, kidney, intestine, and cartilage, utilizing a dye extracted from black carrots. Methods: An ethanol extract of 200 g of fresh black carrots (Daucus carota L.) was prepared using 95% ethanol saturated with two different solvents in 200 mL of distilled water. Subsequently, the prepared sections of mice tissue were immersed in the extracted dye solution for 20 minutes, followed by assessment using a light microscope. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used as a control. Results: The dye extracted from the black carrot using alum and acetic acid successfully stained the cartilage, kidney, intestine, and liver tissues, giving them a bluish-gray coloration. Phytochemical screening further confirmed the presence of anthocyanins in the black carrot extract. Conclusion: The dye derived from black carrots exhibits natural tissue staining capabilities, making it an alternative to hematoxylin-eosin in histology and histopathology laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a groundbreaking approach to demand response management, aiming to empower consumers through innovative strategies. The key contribution is the concept of "acquiring flexibility rights", wherein consumers engage with power aggregators to curtail energy usage during peak-load periods, receiving incentives in return. A flexibility right coefficient is introduced, allowing consumers to tailor their participation in demand response programs, ensuring their well-being. Additionally, a lighting intensity control system is developed to enhance residential lighting network efficiency. The study demonstrates that high-energy consumers, adopting a satisfaction factor of 10, can achieve over 61% in electricity cost savings by combining the lighting control system and active participation in demand response programs. This not only reduces expenses but also generates income through the sale of flexibility rights. Conversely, low-energy consumers can fully offset their expenses and accumulate over USD 33 in earnings through the installation of solar panels. This paper formulates an optimization problem considering flexibility rights, lighting control, and time-of-use tariff rates. An algorithm is proposed for a distributed solution, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted for evaluation. The proposed method showcases significant benefits, including cost savings and income generation for consumers, while contributing to grid stability and reduced blackout occurrences. Real data from a residential district in Tehran validates the method's effectiveness. This study concludes that this approach holds promise for demand response management in smart grids, emphasizing the importance of consumer empowerment and sustainable energy practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents an inheritable neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Numerous studies have underscored the significant roles played by genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of ASD, and these factors are known to perpetuate behavioral impairments across generations. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the behavioral and cognitive attributes in the second filial (F2) generation of male and female rats, with a particular focus on those whose parents had been exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during embryonic development. Methods: In this study, a cohort of 32 male and 32 female rats from the second filial (F2) generation, referred to as Mother.ASD, Father.ASD, or Both.ASD, was examined. These designations indicate whether the mother, father, or both parents had experienced embryonic exposure to valproic acid (600 mg/kg, i.p.). During adolescence, the F2 pups underwent behavioral and cognitive assessments, including open field testing, marble burying, social interaction evaluations, and Morris water maze tasks. Results: Our data revealed that while both the Mother.ASD and Father.ASD groups, regardless of sex, exhibited elevated anxiety‐like behavior in the open field test. Only the Mother.ASD group displayed repetitive behaviors and deficits in social memory. Additionally, spatial memory impairments were observed in both sexes. These findings highlight the transmission of autistic‐like behaviors in the offspring of Mother.ASD rats from both sexes. Nevertheless, future research endeavors should be more targeted in identifying the specific genes responsible for this transmission. Conclusion: In summary, our findings underscore the transmission of autistic‐like behaviors, including anxiety‐like behavior, repetitive actions, impairments in social interactions, and deficits in memory, to the offspring of the Mother.ASD group, irrespective of their sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purification is an important step in the production of viral vaccines that strongly affects product recovery and subsequent immune responses. The present study was carried out with the aim of improving the purification of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by the tangential flow filtration (TFF) method. Then, the effect of the purified virus on the induction of immune responses against IBDV in specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens was investigated. The IBD07IR strain was propagated in embryonated SPF eggs. The virus was purified using a 100 kDa cassette. The quality of the recovered viruses was evaluated by titration. A total number of 60 SPF chickens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) and received the concentrated viral antigen, commercial live IBDV vaccine and phosphate-buffered saline at the age of 3 weeks by eye drop method. The bursa of Fabricius was examined histopathologically for possible changes. Sera were collected at 1-week intervals from day 0 until the end of 6 weeks after vaccination. The IBDV-specific antibody levels, induction of cell-mediated immunity and mRNA expression levels of cytokines were evaluated. The results showed that despite a relative raise in virus titer from 7.66 to 8.17 embryo infectious dose (EID)50 mL-1 following purification, both the purified IBDV and commercial vaccine are able to induce strong immune responses against the virus. Within a context of egg-based IBDV vaccine production, a single-step TFF can be applied for the relatively purification. This platform requires a further study in the selection of multiple membranes to optimize the operating conditions and final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the beginning of 2020, the world has been grappling with a common problem, the coronavirus or COVID-19, causing a significant increase in worry, anxiety, and stress worldwide. In Iran, the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus has posed serious threats to individuals' physical and mental health. Due to their extensive physical contact with infected individuals, medical staff experience high anxiety levels compared to other members of society. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the acceptance and commitment approach on the resilience, self-compassion, and corona disease anxiety of medical staff involved in the COVID-19 response in Hamadan, Iran. Methods: This study utilized a semi-experimental design, including pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and control group. The study population included all medical staff involved in the COVID-19 response in Hamadan in 2021. From this population, 40 individuals were purposively selected and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups (20 participants in each group). Before the intervention, both groups underwent measurements (pre-test) using the Connor and Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (2003), the Neff Self-Compassion Scale (2003), and Alipouret al.'s Corona Disease Anxiety Questionnaire (2018). After the intervention of acceptance and commitment therapy for the experimental group, the same tests were conducted again for both groups (post-test). Finally, three months later, the same measurements were repeated for both groups (follow-up). The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS-25. Results: The findings demonstrated the significant impact of acceptance and commitment therapy in enhancing resilience (P ≤ 0.001) and self-compassion (P ≤ 0.001), as well as reducing COVID-19 anxiety among the medical staff in Hamadan (P ≤ 0.001). Moreover, these effects remained stable during the follow-up phase. Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of utilizing acceptance and commitment therapy to enhance resilience and self-compassion while reducing anxiety among medical staff managing the disease. Additionally, hospital educational and executive managers should prioritize training medical staff in acceptance and commitment skills to effectively address COVID-19 anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal cancer is an invasive tumor with rapid growth and a poor prognosis. The annual incidence of esophageal cancer in the United States is 6 per 100 000 men and 1.6 per 100 000 women. This is different in the case of Iran, and the number of patients in the country is higher than in other countries. In this evaluation, the researchers present the experience with open Transhiatal Esophagectomy (Orringer) technique outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the Orringer technique and its complications in patients with esophageal cancer for 25 years at the Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted from the beginning of 1988 to 2016. In this study, 114 patients with a mean age of 55 years and a gender classification of 60% male and 40% female were evaluated. Results: After resection, more than 98% of patients were in the T3 N1-N3 stage. There were 4 mortalities: 2 were due to descending aorta tearing, 1 was due to tracheobronchial tearing, and 1 was pneumonia From 40 cases of pleural effusion, only 5 cases (12.5%) needed a thoracotomy tube. Only 2 patients needed intervention from 30 patients with dysphagia; 1 case was relieved by balloon dilatation and the other needed a free jejunal flap. Five-year survivals were 30% and 20% versus 48% and 23% in the neoadjuvant and non-neoadjuvant groups, respectively. conclusions: The present study and other experiences showed that non-radical surgery such as the Orringer technique is acceptable and compassable compared to radical surgery in 3 fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitraria schoberi L. is a medicinal plant with antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and, anti-viral properties. This plant is also tolerant to salinity and drought. The main aim of this study was to perform elicitation in cell suspension culture of N. schoberi to detect the production of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In order to accomplish this study, hypocotyls and cotyledonary leaves of N. schoberi were cultured in different callus induction treatments. At the next step, the calli from the best callus induction treatment were transferred to cell suspension cultures containing sodium chloride (NaCl) and salicylic acid (SA) alone or in combination. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in treatments were measured using a spectrophotometer (absorbance at 765 nm and 430 nm, respectively). According to the results, although callus induction was observed in all treatments, the maximum fresh weight (FW) (7.6 g) and dry weight (DW) (3.7 g) were obtained by culturing hypocotyl explants in MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-dichrolophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) at 0.5 mg/L. The highest total phenolic content (62.2 mg/g) and total flavonoid content (48.24 mg/g) were detected in suspension culture containing 100 millimolar (mM) NaCl and 50 micromolar (µM) SA. Elicitation in suspension culture of N. schoberi can be an effective method for increasing the production of secondary metabolites (phenolic and flavonoid compounds). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting poultry production in many countries. Strict biosecurity and the administration of live attenuated vaccines against the ND virus (NDV) are the main implements of controlling programs. This study evaluated the efficacy and potency of the Razi Clone12IR Newcastle vaccine in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Chickens were vaccinated with either the Razi Clone12IR vaccine (group A1, n=20) or an imported Clone vaccine (B1, n=20) in the first week of life and boosted in the second week via eye drop, while negative control chickens received PBS (C1, n=20). Half of the birds in each group were challenged with the virulent NDV strain in the third post-vaccination week (A2, B2, and C2 groups). Specific antibody responses were determined in the collected sera by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for up to eight weeks. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was determined by the lymphocyte proliferation assay three and six weeks after the second vaccination. Sections of the tissues and organs, including the trachea, lungs, cecal tonsils, spleen, the bursa of Fabricius, liver, and small intestine, were subjected to histopathology. The immunized groups A1 and B1 showed significantly higher HI antibody titers before the challenge than the control group. In addition, lymphocyte proliferation responses significantly increased in the peripheral blood of the vaccinated groups. After the challenge, the A2 and B2 groups conferred good protection and drastically reduced virus shedding. No main lesions were noted in the tissues or organs of the vaccinated group in histopathology. In a few cases, mild microscopic lesions were observed, including the infiltration of inflammatory cells, which was related to the effect of the vaccine virus. These results indicate that the Razi Clone12IR vaccine is safe and can be an efficient tool for NDV infections by inducing protective humoral and CMI responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today it has been proven that creating job opportunity to support the increase in income level is an important factor for rural development. This study investigates the socioeconomic dimensions of rural infrastructure and rural development in Iran. The study was conducted based on a descriptive surveying method that uses field and documentary data. The target population was N= 2800 and by the sampling population is estimated n=250 rural resident in Behbahan Township, located in Khozestan Province, Southwest Iran. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (alpha >0.7) for different sections after conducting a pilot study. The result of research showed that although the rural areas of Iran have been provided with infrastructure such as schools, health centres, market places, etc., today it has been proven that creating job opportunities is an important factor for rural development.

In recent years, information and communication technology in the field of e-commerce has reduced many of the challenges of business development. E-commerce can be used to develop the agricultural sector and to market agricultural products. This research is a survey aimed at evaluating the adoption of greenhouse owners to Affecting the use information and communication technology in managing greenhouse units in Isfahan Township. The type of research is descriptive-analytic. The statistical community is about 460 and 197 number of sample units are accidentally chosen using Cochran formula with possible precision. The research method was library and field based. After determining the indices and variables of the research, a researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the required statistical data in the study area. The main tool of the research is questionnaire and its processing is done in the software Spss21. The reliability of questionnaire has been gained through using cronbach alpha also the validity of the research was also calculated using the KMO coefficient higher than 0.7. Results of this research showed that 10 percent greenhouse owners have started accepting the use information and communication technology in managing greenhouse units. The results of the research show that the there was a correlation between the level of education, job satisfaction and income level with the components of adopting, decision, persuasion, and knowledge of meaningful and positive. The results of regression analysis also show that variables such as age, job, experience and communication channels, psychological factors and decision describe 46 percent of the dependent variable of accepting the use of the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of life on earth, mankind has always used animals and plants for its nutrition and has continuously trained and developed them for their benefits and social, cultural, and economic needs. In the past, livestock and crop breeding were done by traditional farmers and ranchers. It improves the performance of livestock and crops, they performed the selection, which is one of the principles of plant breeding and livestock breeding. They made this choice with the help of information that was passed down to them from successive generations. It is a participatory plant breeding and production of crops with the help of researchers alongside farmers. Farmers work with researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders -even consumers-to improve crops and develop resilient plant varieties. Farmers are aware of their needs and have a conscious understanding of their agricultural land in terms of soil type, seed type, weather conditions, surface water, underground water conditions, etc. Therefore, they can play an important role in making decisions about the implementation of plant breeding and the type of planting pattern in the cultivated microclimates. In other words, farmers determine their cultivation goals based on their environments, conditions, tastes, and local cultures. The seed that is obtained in this way by the breed researchers with the help of the leading farmers, actually contributes significantly to the food governance of the people of that region and that country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a long time, electricity is supplied by means of firing the fossil fuels in thermal power plants. Now, it is well-known that the activity has many environmental and health issues, which are sharply menace the future of earth and humanity. Photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the popular renewable types of energy generation, which is available in most parts of the earth. Unfortunately, temperature rise in a PV module, leads to a significant reduction in its electrical efficiency. In this paper, two methods of wind blowing and mounting fins are considered separately and simultaneously, to overcome the mentioned weak-point. The wind velocity is set to 2 km/h. So, four cases are assessed, experimentally. As results, it was revealed that wind blowing of 2 km/h is more effective than fins in cooling PV module, so that, it can create more than 15 °C lower temperature than mounting fins. The mentioned temperature reduction leads to enhance the electrical efficiency and output power by 2.4% and 21.7%, respectively. In order to show the accuracy of results, all experimental outcomes in electrical efficiency were compared with the analytical formula. Moreover, the environmental evaluation of commissioning a 10 kW PV power plant with the proposed cases are reported, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]