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There are different climate classes in Iran where about 85% of the agricultural lands are located in arid and semi-arid regions. To mitigate or compensate effects of drought stress and increase crop fitting and yield, effects of micronutrient application have been studied by several researchers. Field experiments were conducted during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 crop seasons to investigate the effect of micronutrients on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of canola cultivars under late-season drought stress conditions. The experiments were arranged in a factorial split-plot design, with two irrigation treatments – normal irrigation (control) or restricted irrigation at flowering stage – and four foliar applications of Zn and Mn after rosette stage (F1: Water, F2: ZnSO4, F3: MnSO4 and F4: ZnSO4 + MnSO4) as the main factor. Winter canola cultivars, including Okapy, Hyola401 and Hyola308, as sub-factor. The results showed that limited irrigation at flowering reduced seed yield, oil percentage and fatty acids content in different canola cultivars. Most of the canola oil is composed of unsaturated fatty acids, and the occurrence of drought stress at the reproductive stage reduced oil quality. By contrast, the minimum yield loss was obtained from Hylon401 cultivar, an early mature cultivar. Overall, it is recommended Hylon401 cultivar for normal irrigation and Hylon308 cultivar for a drought environment when considered the acceptable seed yield in canola. In general, it is suggested that a suitable performance of canola seeds is achieved by foliar application of manganese and zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) is emerging as an effective method for water desalination, known for its efficiency and adaptability. This study delves into the performance of DCMD by integrating two powerful analytical tools: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The research thoroughly examines the impact of various factors, such as inlet temperatures, velocities, channel heights, salt concentration, and membrane characteristics, on the process's efficiency, specifically calculating the water vapor flux. A rigorous validation of the CFD model aligns well with established studies, ensuring reliability. Subsequently, over 1000 data points reflecting variations in input factors are utilized to train and validate the ANN. The training phase demonstrated high accuracy, with near-zero mean squared errors and R2 values close to one, indicating a strong predictive capability. Further analysis post-ANN training shed light on key relationships: higher membrane porosity boosts water vapor flux, whereas thicker membranes reduce it. Additionally, it was detailed how salt concentration, channel dimensions, inlet temperatures, and velocities significantly influence the distillation process. Finally, a mathematical model was proposed for water vapor flux as a function of key input factors. The results highlighted that salt mole fraction and hot water inlet temperature have the most effect on the water vapor flux. This comprehensive investigation contributes to the understanding of DCMD and emphasizes the potential of combining CFD and ANN for optimizing and innovating water desalination technology. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive two-dimensional computational fluid dynamic model is presented. • The model was validated with maximum error of 8.2%. • Artificial neural network was trained and validated with 1000 data set. • A mathematical model was proposed for water vapor flux. • Salt mole fraction had the most effect on the water vapor flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this numerical work, heat transfer characteristics of humid air in a rectangular channel as solar air heater equipped with V‐shaped ribs has been investigated. The impacts of geometrical parameters of proposed ribs such as height, pitch, and angle relative to air flow direction, as well as relative humidity and Reynolds number of inlet humid air on thermal performance of proposed solar air heater have been evaluated. The numerical results have been achieved using commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code, ANSYS FLUENT 18.2, which works based on finite volume method. Outcomes shows that, over a wide range of operating conditions, utilizing ribs cause thermal boundary layer to separate and reattach, and eventually enhance heat transfer rate. Increasing the rib angle produces stronger secondary flows, leading to higher local velocities and greater heat transfer rate. Moreover, increasing the relative humidity of inlet air from 0% to 50% leads to improve heat transfer by up to 6%. As Reynolds number increases from 4000 to 12,000, average Nusselt number rises by 7.3% and 31.4% for rib pitches of 6 and 16 mm, respectively. The results demonstrate how thermal performance of a solar air heater can be improved by utilizing V‐shaped ribs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of metal foam embedding into evacuated tube collector solar air heaters with inserted baffle (IBMF-ETC-SAH) on the device thermal performance using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. A three-dimensional model is employed to analyze the system under steady-state conditions. The key finding of this study is that the utilization of metal foam leads to a substantial increase in thermal performance, with an average improvement of approximately 300 %. The investigation examines the influence of metal foam porosity and pores per inch (PPI) on the performance of the IBMF-ETC-SAH across Reynolds numbers ranging from 6000 to 18,000. The results indicate that increasing the PPI from 20 to 40 at a constant porosity of 0.93 has negligible effects on device performance. However, the pressure drop increases by 48 % for a PPI of 40 compared to a PPI of 20. Furthermore, reducing the porosity from 0.95 to 0.9 leads to a 7 % enhancement in thermal performance. The IBMF-ETC-SAH exhibits a significant decrease in the total global entropy generation rate (EGR) compared to the device without metal foam. The maximum value of total EGR for the IB-ETC-SAH case is 2.32 times higher than the corresponding values for the IBMF-ETC-SAH case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the optimal production feasibility of distilled water from the concentrate of a reverse osmosis device using an evacuated tube collector basin solar still. The characteristic effect of the device's condenser on the produced freshwater volume was evaluated to improve the performance of the solar still, resulting in productivity enhancement. The direct contact of two faces of the cubic condenser with water vapor results in the doubling of the effective surface area. However, freshwater production was decreased by eight times compared to the case where only one face of the condenser is in contact with water vapor. This reduction was attributed to the shorter path taken by the condensed droplets. At the bottom of the evacuated tube collector, some building mineral pumice was used to prevent the formation of large water vapor bubbles. According to this methodology, the average daily production of distilled water from the concentrate of the reverse osmosis unit with a total dissolved solids of 15200 ppm was achieved at 4.58 ± 0.12 L. m − 2 . The quality of produced distilled water revealed that solar desalination using an evacuated tube collector basin solar still can be a notable and economical solution for the concentrate treatment of reverse osmosis. [Display omitted] • The longer the droplets' path on the glass condenser's surface, the higher the freshwater production rate. • The movement path of liquid droplets to the outlet with angles of θ = 0 ° is equal to the length of the condenser. • The ETC has the potential to transfer part of the salty water by the rise of large water vapor bubbles. • Building mineral pumice can be used to prevent the formation of large vapor bubbles at the bottom of the ETC. • Modified ETC basin solar still can be a considerable solution for the desalination of RO concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar still, in which saline or brackish water is converted into freshwater using renewable solar energy, can be an effective solution to water scarcity. Inclined solar stills are well-known due to their high production yields compared to other types of solar stills. In this study, an inclined weir-type solar still was developed as a modified inclined solar still with an emphasis on the effect of structural parameters, such as weir height, distance between weirs, and distance between the absorber plate and the condenser cover, on distilled water production. The optimal values of structural parameters for the maximum freshwater production were specified by the response surface methodology and a quadratic model derived from a Box-Behnken design model. The results showed that the operational variables of the inclined weir-type solar still system significantly impacted the water production volume. Using a weir height of 2 cm, a distance of 3.5 cm between weirs, and a distance of 15 cm between the absorber plate and the condenser cover, the maximum water production volume was achieved at 6.474 kg m−2.day−1. The selected model had R 2 , R adj 2 and R pred 2 values of 0.9978, 0.9939, and 0.9756, respectively. The maximum and minimum volumes of the produced water were obtained as 6.64125 and 1.79792 kg m−2. day1, based on the multiple response prediction of the variables. According to the validation tests, the model's accuracy in prediction of the maximum amount of freshwater production was notable (97.49%). [Display omitted] • The IWTSS, as a modified inclined solar still was fabricated. • The effect of operational parameters on IWTSS productivity were evaluated. • The structural parameters of IWTSS affecting water production volume were optimized based on the BBD model. • The simultaneous decrease in h w and d w led to increasing device productivity. • In the modified inclined solar still, the water surface area was increased at optimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges in recent years is providing enough food to feed the increasing world population, with limited freshwater resources. However, effective fertiliser management also has a fundamental role to improve yield quality and quantity. Organic fertiliser not only supplements nutrients but also improves physicochemical and biological soil properties. A 2‐year field experiment was conducted to examine the influence of urea and vermicompost fertiliser on oil phytochemical properties of peppermint pH, soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic carbon of experimental site under three irrigation regimes in 2018 and 2019. The experiments had three water deficit regimes (no stress, moderate, and severe drought stress) as a main plot. The subplot division consisted of six fertiliser treatments: unfertilised (control); 140 kg urea ha−1; 105 kg urea ha−1 + 3.3 ton vermicompost ha−1; 70 kg urea ha−1 + 6.6 ton vermicompost ha−1; 35 kg urea ha−1 + 10 ton vermicompost ha−1; and 13.5 ton vermicompost ha−1. The maximum leaf area index (4.29) and dry matter weight (3,803 kg ha−1) were observed in control irrigation, while the highest essential oil content (0.97%) could be seen under mild water deficit stress. Additionally, the highest organic carbon and CEC were obtained under well‐watered conditions at 1.20% and 6.41 (meq 100 g soil−1), respectively. Dry matter weight and essential oil content increased considerably in response to increasing vermicompost in fertiliser treatments, and the highest content of these traits were observed in 2019 and with 13.5 ton vermicompost ha−1. The menthol content increases in response to deficit irrigation and integrated fertiliser. These data indicate that mild drought stress can increase the synthesis of medical compounds and vermicomposting can alleviate the impact of drought by conserving soil moisture as an acclimation mechanism to improve nutrient uptake and avoid yield losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Î' two-year field experiment was conducted in Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran to study the impact of drought stress and foliar application of some hormones on the safflower growth. The drought stress was induced at three levels and considered as main plots. Irrigating after 75% water depletion was considered to be normal irrigation (control), irrigating after 60 and 45% water depletion, defined as mild and severe drought stress, respectively. The foliar application of humic acid (HA), salicylic acid (SA), Gibberellic acid (GA3), ascorbic acid (AA), water, and the non-foliar application was considered as sub-plots. The main effect of irrigation regimes was significant on seed yield, oil yield, palmitic acid, and water use efficiency (WUE). Also, the main effect of foliar applications was significant for seed yield, oil yield, stearic acid, and WUE. Normal irrigation produced the maximum oil yield (2270 kg ha-1) that was decreased by 25.9% and 37.1% under mild and severe stress regimes, respectively. The maximum and minimum oil yields were produced by the application of SA and non-foliar treatment with average values 1970 and 1357 kg ha-1, respectively. Although the palmitic acid content was enhanced under the drought stress conditions, oleic acid content was significantly decreased in such conditions. The current findings suggest that the foliar application of SA can be recommended when optimal water supply was applied to increase the quality and quantity of safflower oilseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tramadol induces its unique effects through opioid pathways, but the exact mechanism is not known. The study aims to evaluate changes in the level of mu-opioid receptor (LIOR), delta-opioid receptor (SOR), and phosphoiylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (p-CREB) in the hippocampus (HPC) and amygdala (AL) areas of tramadol-treated rats. Methods: For this purpose, a total of 36 male rats were divided into two main groups for chronic or acute tramadol exposure. The animals were then exposed to 5 mg.kg-1 of tramadol, 10 mg.kg-1 of tramadol, and normal saline. The HPC and AL areas of the animals were dissected upon completion of the period. The levels of p-CREB and µOR were quantified using the western blotting technique. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post-hoc analysis. The differences with the P-value lower than 0.05 were considered as significant. Findings: In the HPC and AL areas of the brain, the level of µOR was decreased by acute tramadol exposure, while no significant difference was observed by chronic tramadol exposure. Moreover, results showed that the level of p-CREB dose-dependently increased by acute and chronic tramadol exposure. Conclusion: HPC and AL are essential in the control of tramadol abuse. Tramadol abuse affects gene expression and transcription factors such as CREB. With acute drug tramadol treatments, the level of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) rapidly increases, while by chronic tramadol treatment, "peak and trough pattern is observing". The activation of the rewarding mechanism is a precise instance of addictive behavior in tramadol-treated individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrofluids are type of colloidal systems which are known as an important group of smart materials. Their physical properties adaptively change with magnetic strength. These characteristics of ferrofluid must be applied for improving the efficiency. In this work, thermal performance of a type of ferrofluid with a viscosity correlation dependence on temperature, magnetic field and volume fraction was scrutinized. FVM is applied for solving momentum, conservation and heat transfer equation. To consider the effect of solid part in thermal behavior of system, the conjugate heat transfer was considered. The wire is placed in the bottom of channel, and the equation of non-uniform external magnetic field is defined as user function. The results indicated in a comparison of studied parameters as non-dimensional variables, it is demonstrated magnetic number and wave amplitude result in the maximum impact on improving Nu and the worst impact on friction coefficient and pressure loss correspondence to volume fraction and Reynolds number. The results also predicted significant changes in viscosity under influence of effective parameters, especially Kelvin force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing passive methods is an efficient way in order to improve the thermal performance of heat exchangers. The novelty of the present paper is that two kinds of passive techniques for heat transfer enhancement, including a corrugated tube equipped with a coiled wire as turbulator, are combined in the present study. Heat transfer and pressure drop in a corrugated tube with a wire coil are analyzed numerically by a commercial CFD software. The range of the considered Reynolds number is 5000–20,000, which guarantees that the flow regime is fully turbulent. The effects of two different geometrical parameters and of two flow operating parameters, namely the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, are numerically investigated. The conservative equations for momentum are closed using the k-ε realizable model. Results indicate that the geometrical and fluid flow parameters have significant effects on the thermal performance of the system. When one increases the pitch ratio of the wire coil (P/d), the heat transfer enhancement ratio NuER decreases. The maximum decrease is obtained for P/d = 5 with − 7.78% at Re = 20,000 in comparison with the baseline case P/d = 2. The maximum increase in the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) is observed at Re = 5000: + 11.16% and + 17.4% for P/d = 3 and P/d = 5, respectively. The configuration with a roughness height equal to e = 3 mm exhibits the best thermal performance with a maximum enhancement in terms of NuER of + 3.3% at Re = 10,000 in comparison with the baseline case e = 0.5 mm. By considering the PEC number, increasing the parameter e has a negative effect on the thermal performance of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Critical analysis of new evidence in medical sciences relies on statistics in terms of correlation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation coefficients among the behavioral features in the offspring of morphine-abstinent parent(s). Methods: The offspring of rats with various parental morphine-exposure were divided into four groups including offspring with healthy parents (CTL), offspring with paternal morphine-abstinent (PMA) parent, offspring with maternal morphine-abstinent (MMA) parent, and offspring with both morphine-abstinent (BMA) parents. Pain perception, depression-like behavior and avoidance-memory in the offspring were quantified. The association between variables was measured using Pearson correlation analysis. Findings: A strong correlation was observed between pain and depressive-like behavior in female and male offspring of healthy parents. Moreover, in the male and female offspring of healthy parents and BMA, no significant correlation was observed between avoidance memory and pain behavior or depressive-like behavior. However, in the offspring of MMA, a strong correlation was observed between avoidance memory and depressive-like behavior. Conclusion: The results revealed that in comparison with the offspring with CTL, the correlation among the behavioral futures in the offspring with MMA or PMA parents is significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two-dimensional electron gas was formed by growing AlGaN on GaN using MOCVD method. • The AlGaN/GaN van der Pauw device was fabricated and characterized. • Excellent linearity between output voltage and strain and excellent repeatability. Abstract This work reports the strain dependence of the offset voltage in an AlGaN/GaN van der Pauw device under mechanical strain. The AlGaN/GaN heterostructure was grown on a sapphire (0 0 0 1) wafer by using a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process. Taking advantage of the four-terminal configuration, the fabricated van der Pauw device exhibited an excellent repeatability and linearity with a significant change of the offset voltage under application of tensile and compressive strains. In particular, the sensitivity of the device to the applied strain was found to be as large as 3 (μ V/V)/ppm, indicating the feasibility of using this effect for mechanical sensing applications. The sensing mechanism of the device is explained via the alteration of the sheet carrier concentration at the AlGaN/GaN interface and the asymmetric current flux in the 2DEG van der Pauw device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Morphine-induced spatial memory impairment improved by morphine sensitization. • CamKII inhibition in the hippocampus facilitated memory retention induced by morphine sensitization. • Glutamate NMDA receptor plays a major role in morphine-sensitization memory retrieval. Abstract It has been shown that drug addiction and memory system are related but the signaling cascades underlying this interaction is not completely revealed yet. It has been demonstrated that binding of Calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to NMDA receptor is important in the memory process. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the role of CaMKII on the spatial memory of rats which previously were sensitized by morphine. The effect of CaMKII inhibitor (KN-93) on memory changes was investigated by hippocampal microinjection of KN-93 on the morphine-sensitized rats. Also, the role of the NMDA receptor in memory retention by KN-93 on the morphine sensitized rat was investigated with NMDA agonist and antagonist. Sensitization was induced by morphine injection (once daily for 3 days) followed by 5 days free of the drug before the trial phase. For the evaluation of spatial memory, the Morris Water Maze test (MWM) was used. Results showed that pre-trial administration of morphine, induced amnesia in MWM (p < 0.05). Also, three days pretreatment with morphine (20 mg/kg) followed by five days washout period, caused to enhance memory retrieval in confront with a pre-trial challenging dose of morphine (5 mg/kg). In addition, KN-93 administration during induction phase in morphine sensitization phenomena facilitated morphine-induced memory retention. In addition, inhibition of the NMDA receptor and KN-93 during the induction phase did not improve memory. However; intra-CA1 co-administration of KN-93 and NMDA during the induction phase of morphine sensitization resulted in improving spatial memory. It can be concluded that the effect of CaMKII on memory retention in morphine-sensitized rats depends on NMDA receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the formation and maintenance of memory within the brain. Moreover, the effect of parental drug-exposure before gestation on behavioral state of offspring has been little studied. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the effect of parental morphine exposure on avoidance memory, morphine preference and anxiety-like behavior of offspring. The total of 32 males and 32 females were used for mating. The animals were treated with morphine. The offspring according to their parental morphine treatment was divided into four groups (n=16) including paternally treated, maternally treated, both of parents treated and naïve animals. The pain perception, anxiety-like behavior, and avoidance memory were evaluated in the offspring. In the current study, the total of 256 offspring was used for the experiments (4 tasks × 4 groups of offspring × 8 female offspring × 8 male offspring). The finding revealed that the avoidance memory and visceral pain were reduced significantly in male and female offspring with at least one morphine-treated parent. Moreover, anxiety-like behavior was reduced significantly in the male offspring with at least one morphine-treated parent. While anxiety-like behavior was increased significantly in female offspring that were treated by morphine either maternally or both of parents. The data revealed that the endogenous opioid system may be altered in the offspring of morphine-treated parent(s), and epigenetic role could be important. However, analysis of variance signified the important role of maternal inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Cocaine Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) was discovered 35 years ago, and it was found that CART is expressed in various brain areas. • The main objective of the present "focused review" is to review current literature about CART function in the central nervous system. • We review the available information about the CART gene, promoters and receptor(s). • We describe the role of the CART system in the feeding, psychiatric disorders, learning, memory, reproduction, vision, and sleep. • We summarize in three compact tables all current information about the CART system. Abstract Over the last 35 years, the continuous discovery of novel neuropeptides has been the key to the better understanding of how the central nervous system has integrated with neuronal signals and behavioral responses. Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was discovered in 1995 in the rat striatum but later was found to be highly expressed in the hypothalamus. The widespread distribution of CART peptide in the brain complicated the understanding of the role played by this neurotransmitter. The main objective of the current compact review is to piece together the fragments of available information about origin, expression, distribution, projection, and function of CART peptides. Accumulative evidence suggests CART as a neurotransmitter and neuroprotective agent that is mainly involved in regulation of feeding, addiction, stress, anxiety, innate fear, neurological disease, neuropathic pain, depression, osteoporosis, insulin secretion, learning, memory, reproduction, vision, sleep, thirst and body temperature. In spite of the vast number of studies about the CART, the overall pictures about the CART functions are sketchy. First, there is a lack of information about cloned receptor, specific agonist and antagonist. Second, CART peptides are detected in discrete sets of neurons that can modulate countless activities and third; CART peptides exist in several fragments due to post-translational processing. For these reasons the overall picture about the CART peptides are sketchy and confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For many years, malaria was a major life-threatening parasitic infection in Iran. Although malaria elimination program is implementing in the country, still some cases annually are reported from malaria-endemic areas. Methods: This study was conducted in five malaria endemic districts of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran, neighboring Afghanistan and Pakistan countries. Overall, 170 and 38 vivax malaria and falciparum malaria infected patients were enrolled in the study from 2013-2014. All the cases were selected according to criteria of the WHO guideline for in vivo drug sensitivity tests in malaria parasites. Evaluation of drug sensitivity test was conducted with some modifications. Results: The patients with vivax malaria responded to the regimen of chloroquine in 37.4(±15.9), 40(±13.8) and 42(±17.7) h for Pakistani, Iranian and Afghani nationalities respectively based on MPCT evaluation. The results showed a considerable difference between them and Iranian subjects. MPCT for the patients with falciparum malaria was calculated as 28(±18.05), 26(±12.03) and 36(±16.9) h for Iranian, Pakistani and Afghani nationalities respectively. There was a marginally significant difference between Afghani and other nationalities and between males and females. Conclusion: Treatment of all the patients resulted in ACPR and MPCT of P. vivax showed that the parasite became more sensitive to chloroquine than previous years in studied areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of mycorrhizal fungi application on mitigating adverse effects of nickel (Ni) in wheat. The experiment was conducted using four levels of Ni (0, 60, 120 and 180 mg per kg of soil) and two levels of mycorrhizal fungi application (with and without Glomus intraradices). Ni stress significantly decreased total dry weight per plant and total chlorophyll. By contrast, proline, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the accumulation of Ni in the leaves and roots increased on account of Ni treatments. In addition, mycorrhizal fungi application increased total dry weight per plant and total chlorophyll as well as the accumulation of Ni in the roots. Mycorrhizal fungi application could reduce proline, SOD enzyme activity, MDA and the accumulation of Ni in the leaves. In general, the results suggest that mycorrhizal fungi application reduces the harmful effects of Ni stress in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar water desalination is still one of the most efficient techniques in water and wastewater treatment. In the present study, an evacuated tube collector (ETC) was used as the basin of the solar still. A cube-shaped glass condenser was attached on top of the ETC for vapor condensation. The main purpose was to investigate the effect of condenser geometry, including volume, surface, and wall thickness on distilled water production. The optimal conditions to produce a maximum volume of distilled water were determined using response surface methodology (RSM), based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) model. All selected operating factors significantly affect the volume of water produced by solar desalination. The maximum volume of produced water was 7.231 kg.m−2.day−1, which was obtained at the condenser volume of 2940 cm3, the condenser wall thickness of 4 mm, and the condenser surface of 3360 cm2. R 2 and R adj 2 values in the selected model were 0.9934 and 0.9815, respectively. The validation experiment confirmed the high accuracy of the BBD model for predicting the optimal conditions to achieve the maximum amount of produced water. [Display omitted] • The modified ETC, on which embedded a cube-shaped glass condenser, was fabricated. • The effect of volume and surface of the condenser on V.W separately was evaluated. • The operational parameters affecting V.W were optimized based on the BBD model. • The influence of the condenser surface was more evident than other operating factors. • In modified ETC, the specific surface area of the condenser was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state-of-the-art 4H-SiC MOSFETs still suffer from performance (low channel-carrier mobility and high threshold voltage) and reliability (threshold voltage instability) issues. These issues have been attributed to a large density of electrically active defects that exist in the SiO 2 –SiC interfacial region. This paper reviews the earlier and the latest results about the responsible defects for the performance and reliability issues of SiC MOS devices, in the context of the evolution of physical understanding of these defects. The aim of this critical review is to clarify possible confusions due to inconsistencies between the earlier and the latest results. Specific clarifications relate to the physical position of the active defects (whether they are located at or near the SiO 2 –SiC interface) and the energy position of their energy levels (above or below the bottom of conduction band). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we studied the enhancement of the breakdown voltage in the 4H–SiC MESFET–MOSFET (MES–MOSFET) structure which we have proposed in our previous work. We compared this structure with Conventional Bulk-MOSFET (CB-MOSFET) and Field plated Conventional Bulk-MOSFET (FCB-MOSFET) structures. The 4H–SiC MES–MOSFET structure consists of two additional schottky buried gates which behave like a Metal on Semiconductor (MES) at the interface of the active region and substrate. The motivation for this structure was to enhance the breakdown voltage by introducing a new technique of utilizing the reduced surface field (RESURF) concept. In our comparison and investigation we used a two-dimensional device simulator. Our simulation results show that the breakdown voltage of the proposed structure is 3.7 and 2.9 times larger than CB-MOSFET and FCB-MOSFET structures, respectively. We also showed that the threshold voltage and the slope of drain current ( I D ) as a function of drain–source voltage ( V DS ) for all the structures is the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the near-interface oxide traps (NIOTs) aligned to the conduction band of silicon-carbide (SiC) are of particular importance as these active defects are responsible for degradation of the channel-carrier mobility in 4H-SiC MOSFETs. In this brief, a new method for measurement of the active NIOTs with energy levels aligned to the conduction band is proposed. The method utilizes transient-current measurements on 4H-SiC MOS capacitors biased in accumulation. Nitrided oxide and dry oxide are used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed measurement method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As a critical limitation of plant growing, drought stress has always received a lot of attention from botanical researchers. This study intends to investigate the role of salicylic acid and the Mycorrhiza and Azotobacter bio-fertilizer on Satureja hortensis L. under drought stress. Materials and Methods: Salicylic acid and bio-fertilizers have been shown to improve drought tolerance in growing plants. To evaluate the synergistic effect of salicylic acid, Azotobacter chroococcum bacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under drought stress (-3.5 atm: W1), (-6.5 atm: W2), and (-10 atm: W3), a 2-year (2016 to 2018) field experiment was organized based on split-plot factorial statistical in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates. Results: The main findings of this study showed that the combinable use of bio-fertilizers and salicylic acid diminished the disadvantageous effects of drought stress. Co-application of bio-fertilizers and salicylic acid significantly increased chlorophyll a and b (22% and 31.5%), carotenoid (30.7%) contents, aerial fresh (38.3%) and dry (64.1%) weights, root fresh (55.8%), and dry (45%) weights, auxin (15%), percentage of essential oil (30.7%) in S. hortensis while it decreased the proline content (48.8%) under severe stress as compared to the control groups, which confirmed the efficacy of this approach and its role in drought tolerance. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that this new suggested treatment could effectively alleviate drought stress symptoms and improve S. hortensis growth under spreading drought conditions and limited water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and reliability of the state-of-the-art power 4H-SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are affected by electrically active defects at and near the interface between SiC and the gate dielectric. Specifically, these defects impact the channel-carrier mobility and threshold voltage of SiC MOSFETs, depending on their physical location and energy levels. To characterize these defects, techniques have evolved from those used for Si devices to techniques exclusively designed for the SiC MOS structure and SiC MOSFETs. This paper reviews the electrically active defects at and near the interface between SiC and the gate dielectric in SiC power MOSFETs and MOS capacitors. First, the defects are classified according to their physical locations and energy positions into (1) interface traps, (2) near interface traps with energy levels aligned to the energy gap, and (3) near-interface traps with energy levels aligned to the conduction band of SiC. Then, representative published results are shown and discussed for each class of defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this paper, we employ the Reduced Surface Field technique in metal semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs) by a P-type region above the active layer near gate (PR-MESFET). Electric field distribution can be made more uniform by a new depletion region in the active layer of the proposed structure that is created by a P-type region. Therefore, the electric field peak at the gate edge decreases, and the breakdown voltage increases. On the basis of our simulation results, the breakdown voltage increases as compared with the conventional bulk 4H-SiC MESFET (CB-MESFET) and the spacer bulk 4H-SiC MESFET (SB-MESFET). Detailed numerical simulations demonstrate that for proposed structure due to decrease in parasitic gate-to-drain capacitor, maximum oscillation frequency increases with respect to SB-MESFET. Our simulation results show that output current slightly decreases in comparison with CB-MESFET. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of solar UV radiation, UV-B, UV-C radiation, and elevating CO2 on some physiological attributes of two canola cultivars (Brassica napus L.) under complete irrigation or limited irrigation in two continuous years. Generally, elevated CO2 increased leaf-soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars, glucosinolate, and Fv/Fm ratio while carotenoids and soluble protein were decreased due to elevated CO2. In addition, UV radiation decreased leaf-soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars, chlorophyll, proline, and Fv/Fm ratio and increased UV absorbing pigments, soluble proteins, and glucosinolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we report a novel Super Junction Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (SJ-MESFET) where the drift region consists of a p-type pillar in order to improve breakdown voltage. We demonstrate that the depletion region in the drift region can be extended entirely by the p-type pillar leading to a uniform electric field. Therefore breakdown voltage significantly improves. Using two-dimensional and two-carrier device simulation, we have analyzed the various performance and design considerations of the SJ-MESFET. Also we have explained the reasons for improving the performance of the SJ-MESFET when compared to a Conventional Bulk MESFET (CB-MESFET). Detailed numerical simulations demonstrate that for the proposed structure due to decrease in parasitic gate-to-drain capacitor, maximum oscillation frequency increases with respect to CB-MESFET. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we studied the combined effects of UV radiation, CO2 and water stress on the morphological traits, yield and yield components of canola (Brassica napus cv. 'Okapi' and 'Talaye') under twelve growth conditions: complete irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-A (control), complete irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-B, complete irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-C, limited irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-A, limited irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-B, limited irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-C, complete irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-A, complete irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-B, complete irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-C, limited irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-A, limited irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-B and limited irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-C. he results showed that water stress significantly decreased all of traits except for the oil percentage. Additionally, an elevated level of CO2 significantly increased the final yield, 1000-seed weight, oil yield, plant height, specific leaf area and number of branches per plant, whereas UV radiation decreased all of the traits in this experiment. Elevated CO2 ameliorated the adverse effects of UV radiation in the final yield, seed weight, oil percentage, oil yield, plant height, specific leaf area and number of branches per plant. his study showed that elevated CO2 can partially ameliorate some of the adverse effects of UV radiation in canola plants. Furthermore, in this study, we observed that the increase in the yield was due to the increase in the seed weight and number of branches caused by elevated CO2 in canola plants. In addition, the maximum yield was obtained from the 'Talaye' cultivar under conditions of sunlight, full irrigation and elevated CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Solar collectors need to be inclined at the optimum angle to maximize the receiving energy. In spite of many theoretical and experimental investigations on optimization of solar collector inclination, there is an inconsistency in presented results. In this paper, solar global radiation on a horizontal surface was estimated using a mathematical model and the results were compared with the recorded data from the Zahedan city meteorological station. Total received solar energy by a flat inclined collector was determined in a certain day, and searching for the angle which has the maximum incident energy was the general procedure in determination of daily optimum tilt angle. In case of operational limitation for daily tilt adjustment, this procedure is repeated for other specific period of time and monthly, seasonal, semi-annual and annual optimum tilt angles were determined. A MATLAB-based code is used to calculate the daily optimum tilt angle. The results were in good agreement with the obtained data of a new constructed device. Finally, in the case of stationary devices, some recommendations were presented with respect to their typical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we propose novel partial silicon on insulator lateral double diffused MOSFET in order to increase breakdown voltage. The key idea in this work is to decrease common peaks near the drain and gate junctions by producing additional peaks. The proposed structure is called double window partial SOI-LDMOSFET (DWP-SOI). The simulation results show that the breakdown voltage of DWP-SOI can be enhanced about two times as compared to conventional SOI-LDMOSFET(C-SOI) and about 70% as compared to conventional SOI-LDMOSFET with a field plate (CF-SOI). The self-heating effect is also improved in the proposed structure because we have used two windows in buried oxide, which provide a heat conduction path from the active region to the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water scarcity is responsible for losses in the yield of many plants and this is expected to continue due to climate change. However, cowpea which is known for its drought tolerance, is considered as a plant without limitations to climate change. A two-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of water restriction on phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and leaf nutrients concentration of four cultivars of cowpea at different growth stages. At second leaf stage, two irrigation regimes were initiated (Water irrigation was applied after 75% and 55% of field capacity, as well watered and drought stress treatment, respectively).Plants samples were collectedat three stages(immature pod, immature seed and dry seed stage) for total phenol and flavonoids content, ortho-diphenols andantioxidant capacity measurement and leaves sampling for nutrients concentration. Results: The results indicated that polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity increased under drought conditions. However, in both irrigation regimes, immature pods had the higher polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and leaf nutrients concentration rather than immature seeds and dry seeds. Among the genotypes, ILC482 revealed the highest content of total phenolics and ortho-diphenols (6.9 and 3.57 mg GA g−1dry weight, respectively). In addition, nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium concentration of leaves were higher in ILC482 genotype. Under drought stress, ILC482 maintained higher ABTS radical scavenging capacity (0.0083 mmol Trolox g−1dry weight) compared to other genotypes. Conclusions: It is suggested that drought stress affect the quality of cowpea productions through polyphenolic compounds, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacity which can be used as a helpful strategy to save water in the regions where water is scare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising environmental concerns and implementing restrictions on the use of copper in friction materials (FM) make it mandatory for manufacturers to look for a reliable replacement. Two commercial pads: 1) low metallic FM contains 7 wt.% copper fibers and 2) low metallic FM contains thermal graphite (TG), and cellulose fibers as replacements for copper were studied. The two FMs showed almost identical thermal behavior. However, Cu-contained FM exhibited a bit more thermal stability. The fade ratio and recovery ratio in the first fade and recovery stages showed almost the same values. Moreover, in the second fade, change from 86% to 78% and second recovery change from 90% to 77%, respectively, for Cu-contained and Cu-Free FMs. • The frictional behavior of a copper-free and low-met commercialize friction composites is investigated. • As substitutions for copper, thermo-graphite and cellulose fiber were used. • Cellulose fiber at elevated temperature act as a pore generator leads to an improvement in fade resistance. • Graphite and wear debris in C7 facilitate the formation of secondary contact plateaus. • Both low-metallic and copper-free materials can be interchangeably used based on restrictions, code compliance, and economic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the design and characterization of a direct current (dc) sensor utilizing the Hall effect in AlGaN/GaN 2-D electron gas (2DEG) four-terminal devices and a flux concentrator. The sensor was fabricated from an AlGaN/GaN/Si wafer grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The sensor exhibited excellent linearity and repeatability with a high Hall voltage under the primary current ranging from −5 to 5 A. The sensitivity of the sensor was measured to be 0.26 (V/A)/A at 20 °C and independent of ambient temperature up to 200 °C. The obtained result is greater than that of other reported Hall effect-based current sensors. The high sensitivity and thermal stability at varying temperatures are attributed to the high electron mobility, wide bandgap, and stability of carrier density in 2DEG. Combining these factors with the excellent mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and chemical inertness of GaN, the proposed sensor is promising for current monitoring in a wide range of operation temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic capacitances of semiconductor power devices that contribute to the switching losses are voltage dependent, which can make calculations of their stored energy difficult. Typically, manufacturers will provide effective capacitance values to aid in circuit design and component selection. However, stored energy calculations using these effective capacitor values are erroneous. In this letter, we derive a new equation for the stored energy in the voltage-dependent capacitance associated with a semiconductor depletion region, such as in diodes and transistors. In particular, we show that the ½ term in ½ CV2 should be replaced by a new term γ, which depends on the device structure. By applying our proposed method to several commercial diodes and transistors, we show that it matches the measured data much better than using the effective capacitances. The proposed equation will enable better power circuit design by improving the accuracy of stored energy calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virchow-Robin spaces are perivascular spaces that surround small arteries and arterioles as they enter the brain parenchyma. They are usually normal findings on MRI of healthy people. Rarely, Virchow-Robin spaces look strikingly enlarged, causing mass effect and unusual cystic conformations that may be misinterpreted as other pathologic processes, such as a cystic neoplasm. Here, we describe a 52-year-old woman in whom brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed to evaluate Parkinsonism, incidentally found giant Virchow-Robins space or Swiss cheese brain syndrome. In our patient, it seems that the giant Virchow-Robin spaces have been found incidentally and are not associated with the patient's Parkinsonism symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virchow-Robin spaces are perivascular spaces that surround small arteries and arterioles as they enter the brain parenchyma. They are usually normal findings on MRI of healthy people. Rarely, Virchow-Robin spaces look strikingly enlarged, causing mass effect and unusual cystic conformations that may be misinterpreted as other pathologic processes, such as a cystic neoplasm. Here, we describe a 52-year-old woman in whom brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed to evaluate Parkinsonism, incidentally found giant Virchow-Robins space or Swiss cheese brain syndrome. In our patient, it seems that the giant Virchow-Robin spaces have been found incidentally and are not associated with the patient's Parkinsonism symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketamine, among wide variety of sedative drugs, has shown beneficial effects when using during the procedural sedation, specifically in pediatrics. Various parameters should be considered in order to perform a safe and effective procedural sedation including optimum dosage of the sedative, administration methods of sedation, and need for applying any adjuvant drug. In this study, we aimed to review the studies, which have compared the efficacy of the different ways of the injection of ketamine such as intravenous or intramuscular ketamine application. Based on data obtained from the related articles, efficacy and safety of these two methods of ketamine usage in the pediatric procedural sedation were widely similar, but the intravenously administration of the ketamine can be proposed as the preferable mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of near-interface traps (NITs) in commercial SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is essential because they adversely impact both performance and reliability by reducing the channel carrier mobility and causing threshold-voltage drift. In this work, we have applied a newly developed integrated-charge technique to measure the density of NITs that are active in the above-threshold region of commercial SiC MOSFETs. The results demonstrate that NITs trap about 10% of the channel electrons for longer than 500 ns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticanium (Ti) is a very interesting chemical element, especially physiologically. Although Ti is not toxic for animals and humans, its effects on plants show remarkable concentration dependence. Whereas for plants, it shows beneficial effects on various physiological parameters at low doses. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of bulk and nanoparticles titanium foliar. Application on some agronomic traits, seed gluten and starch contents of wheat under water deficit stress conditions during 2010-2011 growing seasons. The experimental design was randomized in complete blocks arranged in split-split plots with four replications. The factors included normal irrigation, water deficit stress (irrigation withholding at two growing stages of stem elongation and flowering), two growing stages for water deficit stress induction and titanium applications, five titanium concentrations, sources including control of titanium oxide (bulk), and three concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03% of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Plant height, ear weight, ear number, seed number, 1000-sced weight, final yield, biomass, harvest index, gluten, and starch contents were assayed. The results showed that water deficit stress caused significant decrease in plant growth, yield and yield components. In addition, among the different titanium treatments, titanium dioxide nanoparticles at 0.02% increased almost all agronomic traits including gluten and starch content. Thus, the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles under conditions of water deficit stress is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most part of Iran is dominated by arid and semi-arid areas due to low annual rainfall. The need for production of fresh water from brackish water is considerably high, especially in dry regions. In this study 1month daily-based experimental data from a solar still site has been reported. The technical and operational problems of this site which finally contributed to the total cease of the site are described. Then a detailed analysis is investigated on progress of a prototype which constructed in order to solve the site’s problems. The results of 1month of experimental data of the final design showed that the last prototype could be used to solve the current problems of the site. The average fresh water production for the modified cascade solar still is around 6.7lit/daym2, which shows 26% increase in compare to the initial site’s units. The conductivity of the produced distilled water reduced to 10–20μS/cm which is an acceptable range in the solar still science. Moreover, a mathematical model is proposed to simulate the modified still. The model results and experimental data show a significant increase in the fresh water production in compare with the initial site’s stills. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of three intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections alone or in combination with intravitreal erythropoietin (EPO) in the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: In a randomized double-blind clinical trial, 48 eyes of 34 diabetic patients with refractory DME were enrolled. Eyes were randomly assigned to receive either 3 monthly injections of 0.05 cc (1.25 mg) IVB plus 0.05 cc (1000 unit) EPO or 0.05 cc (1.25 mg) IVB alone. Main outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes and secondary outcome was central macular thickness (CMT). The patients were followed for 6 months. Results: Mean BCVA changes up to 4 and 6 months were insignificant in both groups. It changed from 0.72 ± 0.56 logMAR at baseline to 0.74 ± 0.5 (P = 0.85) and 0.71 ± 0.44 (P = 0.40) in the combination group and from 0.48 ± 0.39 logMAR to 0.47 ± 0.35 (P = 0.48) and 0.52 ± 0.33 (P = 0.69) in the IVB alone group, at 4 and 6 months, respectively. The difference of mean BCVA changes between the groups was insignificant at both 4 and 6 months (P = 0.07 and P = 0.36, respectively). Within the group changes of mean CMT were significant only in the combination group at 4 and 6 months, from 518 ± 134 μ at baseline to 472 ± 151 to 475 ± 167 μ, respectively (P = 0.01 and P = 0.05). Corresponding changes were not significant in the IVB alone group. However, the difference between the groups was not significant at all visits (P = 0.51 and P = 0.71, respectively). Conclusions: This clinical trial demonstrated that intravitreal erythropoietin had no additional effect to IVB in the treatment of refractory DME in the short term. Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT03821168 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methamphetamine (meth) is recognized as a highly addictive psychostimulant. Currently, there are no available treatments for meth abuse, and no animal model of meth self-administration has been proposed to represent human meth selfadministration. Objectives: We aimed to develop a model to study meth self-administration through inhalation in rats. Methods: Rats were placed in an inhaler apparatus (designed specifically for this purpose) for 15 min per day over two weeks. There were two levers in the cage. Pressing the passive lever had no outcomes. Whereas, for each active lever pressing, an infusion pump delivered 50 μL of meth or distilled water within two seconds. Meth was evaporated on a hot plate adjacent to the rat cage. After loading the drug over the hot plate, the blower fan was run, and the vaporized drug was blown by the fan into the rat cage. Then, meth-induced conditioned place preference and locomotor activity were assessed following 14 days of meth inhalation. The serum concentration of meth was also determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: In this model, the self-administration of meth through inhalation significantly increased locomotor activity, conditioned place preference, and plasma level of meth. Conclusions: We can conclude that the self-administration of meth through inhalation is a novel and effective route of selfadministration. Ournewprotocol presents a promising tool for examining drug-seeking/taking behaviorsandneural consequences in a noninvasive approach to reduce the stress of surgery and injection in laboratory animals and increase the validity of animal experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Statistics suggest that a minimum of 4% of the general population experience one or more nonfebrile seizures in their lifetime. Continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring is an effective diagnostic tool for seizure detection. The present study aimed to investigate the EEG findings in the patients with the first seizure referring to the emergency department (ED). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients with the first seizure admitted to the ED who were selected via convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria were age of more than 17 years, first seizure, and providing written informed consent to participate, and the exclusion criterion was the cases in which seizure was not confirmed by a neurologist. EEG was performed in the ED on the patients within 24 hours after the first attack, and the frequency of pathological changes in the EEG findings was determined. Data analysis was performed in SPSS using descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion, frequency distribution) and inferential statistics. Results: In total, the sample population consisted of 35 male patients (43.8%) and 45 female patients (56.2%). The mean age of the patients was 52.54±19.33 years (median: 53 years). Among the patients, 46 cases (57.5%) had normal EEG findings, while 34 cases (42.5%) had abnormal (pathological) EEG findings. Conclusion: According to the results, 42.5% of the patients had abnormal EEG findings. However, accurate examinations in this regard may require other diagnostic tools along with EEG in order to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy and seizure in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-interface traps (NITs) with energy levels aligned to the conduction band and spatially located close to the SiO2/SiC interface are responsible for significant degradation of the channel-carrier mobility in 4H-SiC MOSFETs. In this paper, we investigate fast trapping and detrapping of the conduction-band electrons by NITs with energy levels localized between 0.13 and 0.23 eV above the bottom of the conduction band. The trapping and detrapping times were estimated to be in the range between the resolution limit of tens of nanoseconds and $1~\mu \text{s}$ by measuring the current through n-type MOS capacitors in response to a ramped voltage in the accumulation region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is utilized as an important tool for global risk assessment of cardiovascular events in individuals with intermediate risk. Ecto phosphodiesterase/nucleotide phosphohydrolase-1(ENPP1) converts extracellular nucleotides into inorganic pyrophosphate and it is a key regulator of tissue calcification that adjusts calcification in tissues like vascular smooth muscle cells. The main purpose of this clinical study was to find out the correlation between ENPP1 serum concentration and CAC in human for the first time. Methods: In this study 83 patients (16 diabetic patients and 67 non-diabetic patients) with coronary artery disease who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria, entered the study. For all patients a questionnaire consisting demographic data and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were completed. Computed tomography (CT)-Angiography was carried out to determine coronary artery calcium score and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for measuring ENPP1 serum concentrations. Results: There was a reverse significant correlation between ENPP1 serum concentration and total CAC score and also CAC of right coronary artery (RCA) (P<0.05) in non-diabetic patients. Conclusion: On the basis of our results, ENPP1 serum concentration may be a suitable biomarker for coronary artery disease at least in non-diabetic patients. However, more studies with higher sample size are necessary for its confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transistor-based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, has enabled energy-saving power electronics to alleviate global energy utilization. Being the initial stages of the development as compared to mature Silicon (Si) technology, the critical issues related to the reliability of GaN-based devices are not much explored. To better understand the device reliability, the article reviews and summarizes, the trapping induced threshold voltage (V T H) instability and dynamic ON-resistance (R D S , O N) degradation specifically, for normally-off p-GaN gate HEMTs in power applications. The variation in threshold voltage and dynamic ON-resistance is examined for different operating regimes, which include biasing voltage and temperature. Furthermore, the characterization methods and test setups are discussed in detail to extract the true value of R D S , O N observed in the GaN power converter. Various models and techniques are reviewed as well which improves the converter conduction losses, introduced by dynamic ON-resistance. Additionally, different techniques are discussed in the review to control the V T H instability. It is observed that the point and extended defects created during device fabrication or charge trapping in GaN buffer, AlGaN layer, surface, or at their interface, induce variation in (V T H) and R D S , O N , for both the gate and drain stress regimes. Threshold voltage stability is mainly affected by the traps below the gate region, while the traps across the gate to drain access region influence the R D S , O N. The variation in R D S , O N value, is seen to be dependent on stress time, different device technology, and, switching conditions (frequency and duty cycle). In power application, the dynamic resistance shows a more pronounced effect on converter efficiency as compared to the V T H. • The article addresses the reliability issues in p-GaN Power HEMTs. • Mainly the trapping-induced V TH instability and R DS, ON degradation are considered. • Various characterization method and test-setup are discussed to extract R DS, ON value. • Methods to control R DS, ON degradation and V TH instability are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture involves different environmental methods of farming that cause the production of crops by conserving natural resources and preserving biodiversity. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of biological fertilizers and biodynamics on some characters of lavender under salinity stress. The experiment was performed as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three factors including four levels of biological fertilizers (i.e., control, Azotobacter , Azospirillum , and a combination of Azotobacter and Azospirillum), three levels of biodynamic (BD; i.e., control, BD compost, and BD preparations), and three concentrations of salinity stress (i.e., 0, 50, and 100 mM). The results showed that plant height (PH), stem length (SL), root length (RL), fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), total chlorophyll (TChl), and essential oil yield (EOY) were significantly decreased by salinity stress (P < 0.01). According to the results, the interaction effect of the BD preparations with Azotobacter bacteria was the most effective treatment for significant enhancement of FW, DW, RWC, and EOY under salinity stress. Also, the interaction effect of BD preparations with Azospirillum was the best treatment to enhance the PH, SL, and RL under salinity stress. Based on the results, it is suggested that the interaction of the BD preparations and bio-fertilizers could be applied as a salt alleviator to enhance the EOY. • Helpful outcomes for researchers working on sustainability in agriculture. • Salinity had adverse effects on lavender plants. • Biodynamic preparations along with Azotobacter bacteria enhanced the essential oil under salinity stress. • The biodynamic preparations and bio-fertilizers could be applied as a salt alleviator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility of current carriers in the channel of FETs usually depends on the applied gate voltage. This paper presents experimental evidence that the electron mobility in the 2-D electron gas under the gate of AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) is actually independent of the gate voltage. This demonstration of the gate-voltage independence of the electron mobility relates to power HEMTs, and it was achieved by introducing a new method for the mobility measurement. The gate-voltage independence of the electron mobility was observed for a wide range of temperature, from 25 °C to 300 °C. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the HEMT mobility decreases with increased temperature according to the power law ( T^-k ) and with a quite high value of the power-law coefficient ( $k = 2.45$ ). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a novel method for extraction of electron mobility in the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) under the gate of power HEMTs is presented. Using this method enables the potential impact of the gate metal and the gate voltage on electron mobility in the 2DEG under the gate to be measured without the error due to the resistive regions outside the gate, which are the gate-to-source and gate-to-drain regions. The application of the new method was demonstrated by measurements on fabricated circular HEMTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]