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The novel mesopores nanosheet Z-scheme NCQDs-BNiO/Bi 7 O 9 I 3 (NCQDs: nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots & BNiO: black nickel oxide) heterojunction nanophotocatalyst has been synthesized by the facile sono-solvothermal method in order to remove antibiotic/fluoroquinolones and solid/liquid phase photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 under the irradiation of simulated solar light. Several analyzes, have been performed to investigate the physical, chemical and optical properties of the synthesized photocatalysts. Raman analysis of NCQDs-BNiO/Bi 7 O 9 I 3 sample shows the increase of structural defects which is the result of the presence of NCQDs in the structure of this sample. The characteristics of the pore volume, surface area and pore diameter of the optimal photocatalyst have been estimated at about 0.209 cm3/g, 44.6 m2/g and 18.8 nm, respectively. The UV–vis DRS analysis indicated the increase in optical absorption range and two absorption edges (373.7 and 526.4 nm). Pharmaceutical pollutants like tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were removed by the photocatalytic degradation process in the order of 81.6%, 73.6%, 73.4% and 71.5%, respectively by NCQDs-BNiO/Bi 7 O 9 I 3 photocatalyst which it can be asserted because of efficacious happening of surface reactions, facilitation of mass transfer and surface adsorption, which shows the key effect of the created structural model and the usage of ultrasound waves. At the end the photoreduction activity of the quintessential photocatalyst was evaluated which could produce 43.437 µmol/g catalyst methanol after 8 h. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking plays a significant role in promoting public health, decreasing air pollution, and vitalizing cities. Walkability is an important notion that transportation planners and policymakers often use to quantify the suitability of and to promote travelers' propensity for walking in an urban area. This paper adopts a data-driven approach using structural equation modeling for simultaneous estimation of 1) a latent construct of walkability using different walkability indicators (thus estimation of weights of the indicators), and 2) the effect of walkability on commute walking behavior for an urban area. Doing so accounts for the effects of various indicators of walkability as well as socio-economic and security characteristics. A Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model is developed to estimate both direct and indirect effects of walkability on the share of commute walk trips in total commute trips for the city of Chicago using census tract-level data. We find that walkability is the most important factor affecting the share of commute walk trips. Among the indicators of walkability, transit- and job density-related indicators are the most important ones. Some socio-economic factors, especially travel time, vehicle ownership, and college student share, also critically influence the propensity for walking to commute. We further find that our calibrated walkability score results in a different hotspot distribution in Chicago than using the uncalibrated walkability score, as is currently practiced by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, but is more consistent with hotspot distribution of the actual commute walk trips in the city. These findings advance the understanding and characterization of walkability and actual walking behavior in urban areas, which in turn helps inform pedestrian infrastructure investment and policy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative analysis is presented to illustrate the benefits of finite impulse response (FIR)-based spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) over traditional proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) in separating coherent contributions within narrow spectral bandwidth. The wake of a cantilevered square cylinder of height-to-width ratio h / d = 4 protruding a thin laminar boundary layer (δ / d = 0. 21) is investigated at a Reynolds number (R e) of 10600 using time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. In the vicinity of the obstacle-plate junction region (z < 0. 5 d), spectral analysis of the temporal modes obtained with both POD and FIR-based SPOD show fluctuation energy concentration centered on the vortex shedding frequency (f s), as well as weaker contributions at 0.1, 0.4, 0.9, 0.95, 1.05, 1.1, and 2 f s. Broad-band spectral energy concentrations around 0.4 f s are mainly observed close to the ground plane, while the energy contents at (1 ± 0. 05) f s and (1 ± 0. 1) f s increase at higher planes. With POD, the frequencies are not separated in the modes and it is very difficult to associate each to specific phenomena within the wake region. However, with tuning of the filter bandwidth, FIR-based SPOD represents each of the identified frequencies in a separate mode pair, which permits a better interpretation of the related dynamics. Notably, the improved modal separation assists in associating the 0.4 f s spectral contribution with the interactions between the extensions of horseshoe vortex system and Kármán vortices in the wall-body junction region and the (1 ± 0. 05) f s and (1 ± 0. 1) f s frequencies to perturbation of the shedding cycle resulting from interactions with the lower frequency dynamics. • Interactions of coherent motions give rise to inter-harmonic frequencies. • Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition separates motions at different time scales. • Separation of inter-harmonics facilitates interpretation in time domain. • Improved frequency separation results in less scatter in modal phase relationships. • Refined spatial functions can be more easily related to interactions of flow dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, intelligent optimization has become a science that few researchers have not used in dealing with problems in their field. Diversity and flexibility have made the use, efficiency, and usefulness of various nature-inspired optimization methods, such as evolutionary and meta-heuristic algorithms, more evident in such problems. This work first provides a comprehensive overview of all considerations governing various optimization problems with detailed corresponding categories. Then, the most comprehensive review and recent methods (during 1965–2022) are presented in evolution-based, swarm-based, physics-based, human-based, and hybrid-based categories. More than 320 new algorithms have been reviewed. All specifications including authors, year, abbreviation, inspired source, controls, and their application are considered in this regard. Statistical analyzes of papers and publishers, annually and for 57 years, along with their ranking, are also examined in detail. Among the key achievements of the paper include: the most number of algorithms with 47.71% (156 methods) have been from the swarm category, and most of them were published in the five years of 2021 (72, 22.02%), 2020 (39, 11.93%), 2022 (31, 9.48%), 2019 (26, 7.95%), and 2016 (21, 6.42%) respectively; the top five rankings of publishers of reviewed algorithms/papers were also: "Proceedings of the Congress" (33, 10.09%), "Applied Soft Computing" (19, 5.81%), "Expert Systems with Applications" (18, 5.51%), "Knowledge-Based Systems" (12, 3.67%), "Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence" (12, 3.67%), "Advances in Engineering Software" (12, 3.67%), " Neural Computing and Applications " (12, 3.67%), and " Information Sciences " (11, 3.36%). The paper's data is available at: https://github.com/ali-ece. [Display omitted] • A detailed overview of optimization and its variants. • A literature review on state-of-the-art algorithms from 1965 to 2022. • Statistical analyzes and explanations in each year and during the 57 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Wood-based butanediol (BDO) production was analyzed from environmental perspective. • Wood-based BDO outperformed fossil-based BDO across all damage categories. • Avoidance of wood combustion improved human health and ecosystem. • A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the results. • Production of each kg wood-based BDO led to a net reduction of 3.33 kg of CO 2 eq. This study aims to scrutinize and compare the environmental impacts of biobased 2,3-butanediol (BDO) and its fossil-based counterpart. BDO is a fundamental chemical in various industries, traditionally derived from petroleum sources. Wood residues, largely available in Nordic countries, are sustainable alternative feedstocks, offering potential environmental benefits. Material flow analysis followed by consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) were employed to quantify the potential environmental burdens associated with various biorefinery stages of wood-based BDO production. The findings indicated that refraining from wood combustion and, instead, utilizing wood in a biorefinery to produce BDO as the main product, with methane and fertilizer as coproducts from the waste residue, resulted in 125%, 52%, and 90% better environmental performance regarding human health, climate change, and resource scarcity, respectively, compared to fossil-based BDO production. The results offer valuable insights for technology developers and policymakers, empowering them to make informed decisions and support sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds in the environment has emerged as a global and ubiquitous problem. In this study, a novel synthesis of magnetically carbon nanotube modified with biological polymeric was successfully prepared. The effect of different parameters on the Bisphenol A (BPA) adsorption was studied. A prediction model for BPA adsorption was extended based on the Central Composite Design. Also, the prepared biopolymeric nanotubes were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TEM, FE-SEM. The surface morphology of nanocomposite was observed, increased carbon nano tube size, and the levels after surface deposition were completely covered by chitosan proteins. The results of our experiments showed that optimum adsorption conditions was achieved at t = 76 min, BPA concentration 6.5 mg/L, adsorbent dosage 1 g/L and pH = 6.2.The data obtained in this study followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second order model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of nanocomposite for BPA was 46.2 mg/g at 20 °C. This study showed that the adsorption of BPA onto nanocomposite was spontaneous and thermodynamically desirable. • In this study, a novel synthesis of magnetically carbon nanotube modified with biological polymeric was prepared. • The purpose of coating the magnetic nanocomposite with silicon oxide is to prepare it for final coating with chitosan. • A prediction model for BPA adsorption was extended based on th CCD. • The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model, represent best the kinetics and equilibrium adsorption data. • The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of nanocomposite for BPA was 46.2 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the environmental impacts of different alternatives for handling of sludge from paper and pulp mills in Sweden, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The common practice of incineration of biosludge with energy recovery followed by landfilling of ash (System A) was compared with the alternative of digesting sludge anaerobically to produce biogas using different digestate residue management options. The digestate produced from anaerobic digestion (AD) was assumed to be incinerated for heat energy recovery in System B or pyrolyzed for biochar production in System C to be mixed with forest soils. The impact categories considered in this work are climate change, non-renewable energy use, mineral extraction, aquatic ecotoxicity, carcinogens and non-carcinogens. The LCA results demonstrate that the two proposed systems significantly reduce the environmental impacts of biosludge management relative to incineration. An 85% reduction in the aquatic ecotoxicity impact is achieved in System C, due to the reduced mobility of heavy metals in biochar relative to ash. System C, on the whole, outperformed the other two, leading the authors to the recommendation that the use of pulp and paper mill biosludge in biogas-biochar production systems is preferable to merely recovering energy from it. • Anaerobic digestion (AD)-pyrolysis and AD-incineration were modelled as biosludge treatment technologies. • Immobilization of the heavy metals in biochar significantly reduced aquatic ecotoxicity. • The lowest carcinogens and non-carcinogens impacts were offered by the AD-pyrolysis system. • From an environmental point of view, biogas-biochar is preferable to merely energy recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Au CNs decorated on MoSe 2 -PC were fabricated via a simple route. • The sensor showed long-term stability (˃30 days) and reusability (after 10 times). • AuCN-MoSe 2 -PC-GCE has an ultra-low detection limit for direct CPS sensing. • The fabricated sensor was used for on-site sensing of CPS from real samples. Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is an organophosphorus pesticide widely utilized in agricultural production. Much like other commonly used highly toxic and hazardous substances, is harmful to humans, plants, and animals. Thus, the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts that can monitor and detect levels of CPS in environmental samples is urgently required. This research describes a simple means of synthesizing Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) incorporated into MoSe 2 -Porous carbons (PCs) via a single-step hydrothermal reaction followed by chemical reduction. AuNC-MoSe 2 -PC coated Glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity, interfacial charge transfer ability (96 Ω), and cathodic peak intensities at a low reduction wave potential (∼ −0.74 V) for sensing CPS. The developed sensor exhibited a wide linear range from 5 to 185 nM, a rapid amperometric response of < 3 s, a low detection limit (0.15 nM), and ultra-sensitivity (27.027 μA nM−1 cm−2) for CPS at −0.74 V vs. Ag|AgCl than other reported modified electrodes. Furthermore, the sensor had excellent reproducibility, repeatability, reusability, and long-time stability (88 % activity retention after 1 month) with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of < 5% and exhibited remarkable tolerance for the detection of CPS in the presence of potentially interfering substances. The practical applicability of the sensor was tested for the quantitative analysis of trace CPS levels in paddy water, pond water, and seawater samples, and it demonstrated recoveries of 97.9 to 106.6 % with RSDs below 5% (n = 3), which are comparable to the results of high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Naturalistic data was used to model the cyclist-vehicle interaction. • The model predicts the yielding decision at an unsignalized intersection. • The model uses both the kinematics and the cyclists' behavioral cues for prediction. • Head movement and pedaling were significant predictors. When a cyclist's path intersects with that of a motorized vehicle at an unsignalized intersection, serious conflicts may happen. In recent years, the number of cyclist fatalities in this conflict scenario has held steady, while the number in many other traffic scenarios has been decreasing. There is, therefore, a need to further study this conflict scenario in order to make it safer. With the advent of automated vehicles, threat assessment algorithms able to predict cyclists' (other road users') behavior will be increasingly important to ensure safety. To date, the handful of studies that have modeled the vehicle-cyclist interaction at unsignalized intersections have used kinematics (speed and location) alone without using cyclists' behavioral cues, such as pedaling or gesturing. As a result, we do not know whether non-verbal communication (e.g., from behavioral cues) could improve model predictions. In this paper, we propose a quantitative model based on naturalistic data, which uses additional non-verbal information to predict cyclists' crossing intentions at unsignalized intersections. Interaction events were extracted from a trajectory dataset and enriched by adding cyclists' behavioral cues obtained from sensors. Both kinematics and cyclists' behavioral cues (e.g., pedaling and head movement), were found to be statistically significant for predicting the cyclist's yielding behavior. This research shows that adding information about the cyclists' behavioral cues to the threat assessment algorithms of active safety systems and automated vehicles will improve safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NCCR variations were associated with higher viral load of BKPyV especially in Q block. • Host transcriptional factors had higher expression in BKPyV infected patients. • Increase of BKPyV gene expression levels in active BKPyV infected patients. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection in immunocompromised patients can led to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) especially after kidney transplantation. The polyomavirus genome contains enhancer elements that are important transcription activators. In this study, the association between viral and host gene expression and NCCR variations was evaluated in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with BKPyV active, and BKPyV in-active infection. Blood samples were collected from selected KTRs who divided to patients with active and in-active BKPyV infection. Transcriptional control region (TCR) anatomy was compared to the genomic sequence of archetype BKPyV strain WW using nested PCR method and sequencing. The expression level of some transcription factor genes was evaluated using in-house Real-time PCR (SYBR Green) technique. Most changes were observed after TCR anatomy detection in the Q and P blocks. The expression level of VP1 and LT-Ag viral genes were significantly higher in patients with active infection compared with non-infected ones. Transcription factor genes SP1, NF1, SMAD, NFκB, P53, PEA3, ETS1, AP2, NFAT and AP1 were significantly higher in BKPyV active group in comparison in-active and control groups. The analyses revealed that viral load level and mutations frequency has significant correlation. Based on the results, increasing of NCCR variations were associated with higher viral load of BKPyV especially in Q block. Host transcriptional factors and viral genes all had higher express level in active BKPyV patients versus no in-active ones. Detection of the relation between NCCR variation and BKPyV severity in KTRs need to be confirmed in further complicated studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and highly malignant neoplasm, ranking as the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, non-human oncolytic viruses such as Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) are considered as a potent candidate in the viral therapy of cancer. In the current study, the apoptotic effects of matrix (M) protein of PPRV was investigated on SW480 CRC cells. The M gene was cloned into the pcDNA™3.1/Hygro(+) expression vector and transfected into the cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of the M protein on SW480 cells were confirmed using MTT assay. Furthermore, flow cytometry results showed that the M protein induces apoptosis in 91 % of CRC cells. Interestingly, the expression of the M gene in SW480 cells led to the up-regulation of genes including Bax , p53 , and Caspase-9 , as well as an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. By using bioinformatics modeling, we hypothesized that the M protein could interact with Bax factor through its BH3-like motif and could further activate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Ultimately, this study provided the first evidence of the pro-apoptotic activity of PPRV M protein indicating its possible development as a promising novel anti-cancer agent. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tetra amide derivatives have been synthesized in good yields via a one-pot pseudo seven-component ugi reaction of terephthalaldehyde, with 2 molecules of amines, isocyanides and 2-(3-ethoxy-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl)acetic acid), and also by condensation of 1,4-phenylenediamine, with 2 molecules aldehyde, isocyanides and 2-(3-ethoxy-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl)acetic acid). All the newly synthesized compounds were screened for molecular docking studies. Molecular docking studies were carried out using the crystal structure of C-terminal and N-terminal Maltase-Glucoamylase enzyme. Some of the ugi adducts showed minimum binding energy and good affinity toward the active pocket of Maltase-Glucoamylase enzyme in comparison to acarbose as a standard Maltase-Glucoamylase inhibitor. Highlights • We have designed comfortable and simple green synthesis for the provide of novel tetra amide as a biological compound in the absence of catalysts in a one-pot pseudo seven-component reaction including 1 molecule terephthalaldehyde, 2 molecules isocyanides, 2 molecules amines, 2 molecules 2-(3-ethoxy-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl)acetic acid or 1 molecule phenylenediamine, 2 molecules isocyanide, 2 molecules aldehydes, 2 molecules 2-(3-ethoxy-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl) acetic acid) via ugi pseudo seven-component reaction. • We also report molecular docking study indicated that all of the herein reported compounds could snugly occupy the active site of N-terminal and C-terminal of Human Maltase-Glucoamylase, which could make them a plausible candidate for the target site. • We believe that this combination of features and great potential as an anti-diabetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The synthetic food additives such as potassium sorbate (PS) are commonly used as a more effective protectant in food and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, increased chronic diseases generated more concerns in consumers and government about preservatives. Regarding contradictory results that has been attained via various studies on application of food additives, the exact monitoring of additives remains controversial by governments. Various research results showed that the increased PS intake (>25 mg/kg) may lead to cytotoxic and genotoxic effects via producing mutagenic compounds and inducing chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchange, DNA breakage. The aforementioned factors can develop many chronic diseases especially diabetes mellitus, cancers and etc. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the effects of PS on public health and determine its mechanism of action on various organs and cells. Therefore, this article aimed to evaluate the PS safety through overview of its effects on various tissues, cells and biological macromolecules. Highlights • Pharmacokinetic and toxicity effects of potassium sorbate have been reviewed. • Potassium sorbate showed cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. • Potassium sorbate induced chromosome aberrations and DNA breakage. • Sorbates are known as an activity inhibitor of various enzymes in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of Tetraphenylporphyrin and H2T(4-SO2Cl)PP. • Conjugation of functionalized porphyrin to albumin-metronidazole nanoparticles. • In vitro radiation/photodynamic therapy. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. In the context of cancer therapy, chemotherapy regarded as the most common method of treatment, but besides this beneficial modality, radiation therapy (RT) is used as a supplementary or palliative treatments. In this regard, we aimed at preparing albumin- Tetraphenylporphyrin -metronidazole nanosystem (BSA-Met- H2T(4-SO2)PP NPs) as an effective photo/radiosensitizer along with RT to tackle breast cancer. Accordingly, the synthesized nanosystems were analyzed by various characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–vis, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), also transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique was used to determine the morphology and size of fabricated nanosystems. Moreover, the biosafety of developed nanosystems were ascertained using LD 50 and hemolysis assay. Based on DLS measurements the average size and polydispersity index of fabricated nanosystems were about 190 nm and 0.36, respectively. The BSA-Met-H2T(4-SO2)PP NPs showed pH-dependent drug release behavior. The results showed that the drug loading (DL) for metronidazole and Tetraphenylporphyrin were 3.406% and 13.586%, respectively. Both hemolysis and LD 50 confirmed the biosafety of the BSA-Met-H2T(4-SO2)PP NPs. Finally, MTT assay revealed that the prepared nanoparticles exhibited great anti-cancer activity upon radiation and light against 4 T1 cancer cells. Overall, our findings suggest that PPHN-MET NPs may be promising candidates for the effective radiation/or light-induced cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated economic returns and energy use of alternative rice production systems in North Vietnam with various residue management options. The traditional practice of open burning of rice residues (System A) was compared with the alternative of converting residues to biochar, which was returned to the paddy fields (System B). It was assumed that households used improved cook-stoves and drum ovens to produce biochar, and that the agronomic impacts of biochar compound with increasing biochar applications until reaching maximum benefit at 18 Mg ha −1 . This amount of biochar would take eight years to be produced in pyrolytic cook-stoves and drum ovens using the rice residues produced on-site. The net present value (NPV) of producing rice in the two systems was calculated based on their expected streams of costs and benefits. Biochar addition enhanced the NPV of rice by 12% and reduced the non-renewable energy intensity by 27%, relative to System A, after eight years of application. The difference in NPV values between production systems significantly increased to 23% and 71% by crediting GHG emissions abatement in low and high carbon price scenarios, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential economic benefits of converting rice residues to biochar for soil application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comparative analysis of the environmental impacts of different biochar-compost (COMBI) systems in North Vietnam relative to the conventional practice of open burning of rice husks. Three COMBI systems, using different pyrolysis technologies (pyrolytic cook-stove, brick kiln and the BigChar 2200 unit) for conversion of rice husk into biochar were modelled. Biochar was assumed to be composted with manure and straw, and the biochar-compost produced from each system was assumed to be applied to paddy rice fields. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showed that the three COMBI systems significantly improved environmental and health impacts of rice husk management in spring and summer compared with open burning, in terms of climate change, particulate matter (PM) and human toxicity (HT) impacts. The differences between the three COMBI systems in the climate change and PM impacts were not significant, possibly due to the large uncertainties. In all systems, the suppression of soil CH 4 emissions is the major contributor to the reduced climate effect for the COMBI systems, comprising 56% in spring and 40% in summer. The greatest reduction in the HT impact was offered by the BigChar 2200 system, where biochar is produced in a large-scale plant in which pyrolysis gases are used to generate heat rather than released into the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breast cancer has a high prevalence among women worldwide. Tumor invasion and metastasis still remains an open issue that causes most of the therapeutic failures and remains the prime cause of patient mortality. Hence, there is an unmet need to develop the most effective therapeutic approach with the lowest side effects and highest cytotoxicity that will effectively arrest or eradicate metastasis. Methods An MTT assay and scratch test were used to assess the cytotoxicity and migration effects of Urtica dioica on the breast cancer cells. The QRT-PCR was used to study the expression levels of miR-21 , MMP1 , MMP9 , MMP13 , CXCR4 , vimentin , and E-cadherin . Results The results of gene expression in tumoral groups confirmed the overexpression of miR-21 , MMP1 , MMP9 , MMP13 , vimentin, and CXCR4 , and the lower expression of E-cadherin compared to control groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the results of the MTT assay show that Urtica dioica significantly inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, findings from the scratch assay exhibited the inhibitory effects of Urtica dioica on the migration of breast cancer cell lines. Conclusion Urtica dioica extract could inhibit cancer cell migration by regulating miR-21 , MMP1 , MMP9 , MMP13 , vimentin , CXCR4 , and E-Cadherin . Moreover, our findings demonstrated that the extract could decrease miR-21 expression, which substantially lessens the overexpressed MMP1 , MMP9 , MMP13 , vimentin , and CXCR4 and increases E-cadherin in the tumoral group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northwest-southeast-trending Zagros Fold-and Thrust Belt in south Iran resulted from the late Oligocene to the early Miocene collision of the Arabian and Central Iran blocks. The Zagros Palaeozoic basin holds the key to reveal the tectonic setting of the earlier stages in the development of the Tethyan realm. We aim to document the Palaeozoic tectonic environment of the Zagros Basin and provide critical constraints on the progressive closure of the Palaeo-Tethys. This work presents a combined detrital zircon U Pb age and Hf isotopic composition from the Zagros and Alborz basins in an attempt to identify and date major geologic events along the southern margin of the Palaeo-Tethys and reconstruct the regional tectonic history of the northern margin of Gondwana-Land during the Ediacaran-early Palaeozoic interval. Detrital zircons U Pb age and Hf-isotope ratio from Zagros second-cycle Devonian and third-cycle Permian sandstones and Alborz Palaeozoic strata indicate main magmatic flare-ups in the Arabian-Nubian Shield including the Tonian island arc magmatism, the Ediacaran post-orocline-tightening magmatism, the late Ediacaran-early Cambrian Protogonos continental arc magmatism. In addition, detrital zircons recorded the Ordovician continuation of the arc activity in the Protogonos during the early Palaeozoic. Therefore, repetitive recycling of the Neoproterozoic crystalline basement and related sedimentary cover of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, i.e., the Saharides, is a plausible source of the Devonian and Permian strata in Zagros. Our results show a close geological tie between Alborz and other Gondwana-Land-derived units in terms of Palaeozoic detritus sources which is in concordance with the location of the suture along the northern margin of the Alborz Mountains. Separation of the Alborz from the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone is accomplished by inserting from the east, the Central Iranian Blocks (Yazd, Posht-e Badam, Tabas, Lut) by strike-slip stacking and anti-clockwise rotation. This created the extensional zone of Northwest Iran. • Tonian and Ediacaran zircons represent island arc and continental arc magmatism. • Devonian second cycle sandstones were supplied from Neoproterozoic-Cambrian sediments. • Permian third cycle sandstones were sourced from reworked Devonian sediments. • Devonian and Permian was a wide magmatic quiescent period in Arabia. • Rotational stacking of Central Iran created the extensional zone of Northwest Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient one-pot, catalyst-free, and four-components procedure for the synthesis of novel 10b-hydroxy-4-nitro-5-phenyl-2,3,5,5a-tetrahydro-1 H -imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[2,1-e]pyridin-6(10b H )-one derivatives from corresponding diamine, nitro ketene dithioacetal, aldehydes and 1,3-indandione in ethanol has been achieved upon a Knoevenagel condensation-Michael addition-tautomerism-cyclisation sequence. All the newly synthesized compounds were screened for molecular docking studies. Molecular docking studies were carried out using the crystal structure of HIV protease enzyme. Some of the compounds obtain minimum binding energy and good affinity toward the active pocket of HIV protease enzyme in compare with Saquinavir as a standard HIV protease inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several shapes of ZnO nanocatalysts have been acquired by the alteration of auto combustion method parameters in order to obtain the most efficient catalyst towards 2-nitrophenol degradation under UV-C. Thereafter, the procedure with tuned parameters was employed to decorate ZnO on graphene nanosheets to improve its visible light driven catalytic performance. Characterization results of the as-prepared nanocatalysts revealed that initial pH, fuel to metal ratio, and calcination temperature have influenced different growth and agglomeration directions. However, XRD patterns indicated the monocrystalline hexagonal phase of all tested products. Furthermore, UV–Vis and FTIR spectra exhibited the red-shift of ZnO absorption towards the visible light region upon loading on graphene and confirmed the successful reduction of graphene oxide by the subsequent preparation steps. Indeed, 2-nitrophenol degradation under visible light irradiation has shown a considerable enhancement with all graphene oxide weights utilized. Moreover, the kinetics of the reaction that fitted to the pseudo first-order kinetic and Langmuir-Hinshelwood models elaborated the dominance of pollutant catalytic degradation over its adsorption despite the improved adsorption in the presence of graphene. Finally, the degradation mechanism we suggested involves mainly the surface complexation of 2-NP on the catalyst surface to enable the absorption of visible light through ligand-to-metal charge transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The femoral head in subjects with leg calve perthes disease (LCPD) is generally considerably deformed. It is debatable whether this deformation is due to an increase in applied loads, a decrease in bone mineral density or a change in containment of articular surfaces. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of these factors on deformation of the femoral head. Two subjects with LCPD participated in this study. Subject motion and the forces applied on the affected leg were recorded using a motion analysis system ( Qualsis TM ) and a Kistler force plate. OpenSim software was used to determine joint contact force of the hip joint whilst walking with and without a Scottish Rite orthosis. 3D Models of hip joints of both subjects were produced by Mimics software . The deformation of femoral bone was determined by Abaqus . Mean values of the force applied on the leg increased while walking with the orthosis. There was no difference between bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral bone of normal and LCPD sides ( p -value>0.05) and no difference between hip joint contact force of normal and LCPD sides. Hip joint containment appeared to decrease follow the use of the orthosis. It can be concluded that the deformation of femoral head in LCPD may not be due to change in BMD or applied load. Although the Scottish Rite orthosis is used mostly to increase hip joint containment, it appears to reduce hip joint contact area. It is recommended that a similar study is conducted using a higher number of subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs’ expression profiles have recently gained major attention as far as cancer research is concerned. MicroRNAs are able to inhibit target gene expression via binding to the 3′ UTR of target mRNA, resulting in target mRNA cleavage or translation inhibition. MicroRNAs play significant parts in a myriad of biological processes; studies have proven, on the other hand, that aberrant microRNA expression is, more often than not, associated with the growth and progression of cancers. MicroRNAs could act as oncogenes (oncomir) or tumor suppressors and can also be utilized as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that such herbal extracts as Shikonin, Sinomenium acutum, curcumin, Olea europaea, ginseng, and Coptidis Rhizoma could alter microRNA expression profiles through inhibiting cancer cell development, activating the apoptosis pathway, or increasing the efficacy of conventional cancer therapeutics. Such findings patently suggest that the novel specific targeting of microRNAs by herbal extracts could complete the restriction of tumors by killing the cancerous cells so as to recover survival results in patients diagnosed with malignancies. In this review, we summarized the current research about microRNA biogenesis, microRNAs in cancer, herbal compounds with anti-cancer effects and novel strategies for employing herbal extracts in order to target microRNAs for a better treatment of patients diagnosed with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Medical plants have been intensively studied as a source of antitumor compounds. In the present study, we determine the effect of Scrophularia oxysepala on triggering apoptosis and diminishing growth, size and weight of the tumor in the allograft model of Balb/c mice. Material & methods The cytotoxic effects of Scrophularia oxysepala extract on 4T1 cells were studied using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and Trypan blue staining. DNA fragmentation assay was done for apoptosis detection. After the establishment of tumor in Balb/c mice, two groups of mice were received the extract at two doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively using intraperitoneal injection once every two days for 28 days. In order to assess the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, the TUNEL assay was carried out in tumoral tissues. Moreover, the Ki67 test was used to evaluate tumor proliferation. Results According to the findings, the Scrophularia oxysepala extract inhibited cell growth. In vivo results showed that tumor size in mice treated with the extract was significantly reduced. The weight of tumor mass in treated mice after resection was less than the control group. According to the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay results, the herbal extract induced apoptosis in tumoral cells. Ki67 test also demonstrated that administration of the extract suppressed the growth of tumor cells. Conclusion Our data well approved the anti-proliferative effect of Scrophularia oxysepala extract, and clearly showed that, the plant extract can decrease the growth of breast cancer cells in tumor mass. Thus it may represent an ideal therapeutic tool for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan-coated human serum albumin nanoparticles were functionalized by MUC1 aptamer to obtain a selective drug carrier toward cancers overexpressing MUC1. The negative charges of albumin nanoparticles were shifted to positive charges by surface modification with chitosan, and MUC1 was conjugated through an acrylate spacer. The cytotoxicity of targeted nanoparticles was significantly more than non-aptamer nanoparticles, and also the chitosan-coated nanoparticles had more cytotoxic effects than the negatively charged albumin nanoparticles. The IC 50 of targeted nanoparticles was 28 and 26% of free paclitaxel in MCF7 and T47D cells at 48 h, respectively. Confocal laser scanning electron microscopy showed that aptamer conjugation and positive charge increase the cellular uptake. 66% of paclitaxel was released within 32 h, but 100% of drug was released at pH = 5.5 (similar cancer cells). The paclitaxel plasma amount was at a good level of 17.6% at 2 h for increasing the chance of cellular uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water dispersible, highly efficient nickel doped CdS nanoparticles anchored on graphene nanosheets as a photocatalyst for cephalexin and sulfamethoxazole photodegradation have been prepared in a facile microwave-furnace assisted method. Each one of the two modifications has played a critical role in nanocomposite functioning. Defects originated by dopant boosted the lifetime of carriers and thereupon graphene matrix transferred them to contribute effectively the photocatalytic process. Characterization results revealed the formation of monocrystalline hexagonal phase of all products and that both doping and loading on graphene have red-shifted the absorption edge of CdS towards the visible light region. Furthermore, FTIR confirmed the successful reduction of graphene oxide by the subsequent preparation steps. Adsorption isotherms revealed the role of graphene in enhancing substrate adsorption. Nevertheless, dissimilar pathways of catalytic degradation were observed on the doped composite as cephalexin oxidation was principally mediated by the hole-hydroxyl radical mechanism, sulfamethoxazole oxidation favored the superoxide radical mechanism. This composite has shown, however, a high photostability and minimized ions release of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still the third most common cancer in the world. Mechanism of CRC tumorigenesis has been widely studied at the molecular levels, and has been recently entered the area of microRNAs. MicroRNAs are small 19 to 22 nucleotides of RNA that engage in the regulation of cell differentiation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. MicroRNAs are similar to small interfering RNA (siRNA), that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and control various cellular mechanisms. They are important factors in the carcinogenesis of CRC, one of the most important factors includes microRNA. MicroRNAs have been linked to CRC development, and these molecules have been recently studied as new potential biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment of CRC. Specific microRNA expression patterns help distinguish CRC from other colon related disease, and may be used as a prognostication factor in patients after treatment with different chemotherapy drugs. More over the newest molecular therapy via tumor suppressor micro RNA replacement can be new insight in molecular therapy of CRC. This review summarizes the potential roles of microRNAs as potential biomarkers for CRC diagnosis, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Due to the chemo resistant nature of cancer cells and adverse effects of current therapies, researchers are looking for the most efficient therapeutic approach which has the lowest side effects and the highest toxicity on cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the synergic effect of Urtica dioica extract in combination with paclitaxel on cell death and invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-468 cell line. Materials and methods To determine the cytotoxic effects of Urtica dioica extract with paclitaxel, MTT assay was performed. The scratch test was exploited to assess the effects of Urtica dioica, Paclitaxel alone and combination on migration of cancer cells. The expression levels of snail-1, ZEB1, ZEB2, twist, Cdc2, cyclin B1 and Wee1 genes were quantified using qRT-PCR and western blot performed for snail-1expression. The effects of plant extract, Paclitaxel alone and combination on different phases of cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results Results of MTT assay showed that Urtica dioica significantly destroyed cancer cells. Interestingly, Concurrent use of Urtica dioica extract with paclitaxel resulted in decreased IC50 dose of paclitaxel. Moreover, findings of scratch assay exhibited the inhibitory effects of Urtica dioica, Paclitaxel alone and combination on migration of MDA-MB-468 cell line. Our findings also demonstrated that the extract substantially decreased the Snail-1 and related gene expression. Ultimately, Cell cycle arrest occurred at G2/M phase post-treatment by deregulating Cdc2 and wee1. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that the dichloromethane extract of Urtica dioica inhibit cell growth and migration. Also, Urtica dioica extract substantially increased sensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel. Therefore, it can be used as a potential candidate for treatment of breast cancer with paclitaxel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanoparticle comprising of nanosilica (NS) and nanodiamond (ND), denoted by ND@NS, was synthesized by a two-step chemistry route and then incorporated into styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) at low concentrations up to 5 phr by a two-roll mill. Physical hybrids of NS and ND, i.e., ND&NS, with a weight ratio similar to chemical hybrid (80:20 for NS:ND), were also incorporated into SBR. Field emission scanning electron microscopy observations revealed very fine dispersion of nanoparticles in the case of physical hybrids (ND&NS). In contrast, agglomerations and aggregation of nanoparticles were evidenced for ND@NS. Tensile and dynamic mechanical analyses exhibited a higher reinforcing effect of hybrid nanoparticles with respect to single nanoparticles; however, ND&NS showed even better performance compared with ND@NS due to better filler-rubber interaction caused by improved filler dispersion. So, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of unfilled SBR increased about 23 %, 40 %, and 110 %, respectively, in the case of ND&NS. It was also realized that the incorporation of ND@NS and ND&NS, both at 5phr, enhanced the thermal conductivity of SBR by around 46 % and 31 %, respectively, with slightly better influence of ND@NS on thermal conductivity due to the improvement of the phonon energy transfer mechanism in this case. [Display omitted] • NS@ND hybrid nanoparticle was synthesized by a two-step chemistry route. • NS@ND and physical hybrid (NS&ND) were incorporated into SBR by two-roll mill. • Physical hybrid (NS&ND) exhibited very fine dispersion in SBR matrix. • Physico-mechanical properties of SBR/NS&ND was higher than SBR/NS@ND. • ND@NS and ND&NS improved thermal conductivity of SBR greatly at 5 phr loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work illustrated that the performance of ultrafine silica (Si) particles was improved considerably by rational hybridization with nanodiamond (ND). For this, Si@ND hybrid particles synthesized by chemical hybridization were incorporated into styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) up to 10 phr. Scanning electron microscopy revealed coarse flower-like clusters for Si@ND nanohybrids, while Si exhibited rigid agglomerates in SBR. Comparing with physical hybrid (Si&ND) and single Si particles, it was revealed that chemical hybrids synergistically improved tensile properties, like 100% and 135% improvements in tensile strength and elongation at break, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis of SBR/Si@ND revealed an increment of the wet skid (22%) compared with SBR and further reduction of rolling resistance, to ∼35%, with respect to SBR/Si due to better dispersion and improved polymer-filler interactions. Thermal conductivity of SBR increased considerably, i.e., ∼54%, by the inclusion of Si@10%ND, which was explained based on the promotion of phonon pathways. [Display omitted] • Ultrasil was chemically attached to ND resulting in Si@ND hybrid particles. • Si@ND exhibited flower-like structure with different sizes depending on ND contnet. • Si@ND increased synergistically tensile properties of SBR compared with Ultrasil and ND. • Wet skid and rolling resistance of SBR compound improved by Si@ND. • Si@ND improved thermal conductivity of SBR considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An literature review on IPO, IIR system identification, and combining the two. • Introducing an state-of-the-art version called IIPO. • Evaluation of IIPO and SIPO versions for the first time to design IIR filters. • Successful performance of the proposed methods via a proper fitness and two controls. • Proving the efficiency, stability, and reliability by 100 independent trials. The Inclined Planes System Optimization (IPO) algorithm is recent algorithm that uses Newton's second law to perform optimization. After conducting a thorough literature review, this paper proposes an improved version of IPO called IIPO. This improvement is achieved by changing exploratory and exploitative behavior of the standard IPO proportional to the progress of optimization (iteration). The IIPO is employed for optimizing IIR digital filter design, which is a challenging engineering problem. Adaptive IIR modeling as a multimodal optimization problem is designed and developed under system identification structure with an appropriate single-objective function in the frequency domain. Implementations are performed in both modeling cases with same and reduced orders, and under two identification forms with and without environmental additive noise. The results are reported along with various analyzes compared to a wide range of IPO variants. The statistical results on 100 independent trials show a success of more than 90% of cases, the proposed IIPO algorithm substantially outperforms other comparative algorithms in terms of accuracy of estimated coefficients, convergence, fitness, output responses, noise analysis, stability, and reliability. 1 1 All source codes are fully and publicly available at https://github.com/ali-ece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochar is produced through a process called hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and constitutes a carbon-rich solid material with different remarkable applications. This study investigated the effects of wood ash on the physicochemical and morphological properties of biosludge-derived hydrochar in pelleted form relevant to the use of the pellets as a soil nutritional and liming agent and as a biofuel source. The hydrochar was mechanically compressed into uniformly-sized pellets under applied pressures of 4 and 8 kN after blending with varying percentages of wood ash in the order 0, 20 and 50%. The pure and blended pellets were characterized to determine the impact of wood ash on key properties, correlated to the two applications mentioned above. Results demonstrated a strong relationship between key features of the pellets and ash proportion. The wood ash-blended hydrochar pellets showed good hydrophobicity as a consequence of increased contents of alkali and alkaline earth metals, but were low in aromatic functional groups compared to the pure hydrochar pellet. Furthermore, the heating value of the pure hydrochar pellet was about 4% higher than that of its parent material and indicates that this pellet has the capacity to serve as a source of energy. The study generally reveals that blending hydrochar produced from biosludge under HTC conditions with up to 20%–50% of wood ash and mechanically compressing into homogeneous pellets has promising potential for a nutrient-rich material that can enhance soil fertility. • Sludge was used to produce hydrochar (HC) at temperature 200 °C via a HTC process. • Multi linear regression facilitates better understanding of HC pellets properties. • Strong correlation exists between key features of HC pellets and ash proportion. • The pellets with 50% ash contained the highest level of alkali and alkaline metals. • The HC pellet revealed potential to be used for soil and energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes applying the singular perturbation theory for developing a model to determine the maximum power from a WECS (wind energy conversion system). Singular perturbation theory decomposes a dynamic system into a reduced-order subsystem comprised of slow and fast time scales. The optimal controller is designed and applied to the original system to achieve maximum power from a variable speed wind turbine. This control strategy is compared to PID (proportional-integral-derivative) and fuzzy controllers based on the TSR (Tip Speed Ratio) method. Simulations using MATLAB/Simulink confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present U–Pb zircon crystallization ages combined with major and trace element analyses, Sr–Nd isotopes and zircon in-situ Hf isotope analyses of intermediate to granitic intrusions along the southern segment of the N-S trending Sistan suture zone in eastern Iran. The Zahedan and Shah-Kuh Eocene plutons consist in a series of granite–granodiorite–rhyolite with U–Pb zircon ages of 40.5–44.3 Ma and ca. 28.9–30.9 Ma. Isotope geochemistry and modeling suggest that 40.5–44.3 Ma plutons represent melts derived from the turbidites of the surrounding accretionary wedge. Melting of the wedge was induced by the intrusion of mantle magmas, with subsequent interaction between mantle- and turbiditic melts being responsible for the wide range of compositions. Most of the 28.9–30.9 Ma magmas were generated from mantle melting, with assimilation of the surrounding turbidites. The rare setting of within-wedge intrusions is attributed to mantle upwelling reaching wedge sediments at the inception of delamination processes, which signal the end of subduction-related deformational and thermal events in the Sistan suture zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimated the climate change effects of alternative rice production systems in North Vietnam with different residue management options, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The traditional practice of open burning of residues (System A) was compared with the alternative of converting residues to biochar, which was returned to the same land area from which the residues were obtained (System B). Pyrolytic cook-stoves and drum ovens were assumed to be used by households to produce biochar, and the cook-stoves produced heat energy for cooking. The annual rate of biochar applied was determined by the amount of biochar produced from the straw and husk available. We assumed that agronomic effects of biochar increased with each annual biochar application until reaching maximum benefits at 18 Mg ha −1 , which takes eight years to be produced in pyrolytic cook-stoves and drum ovens. The largest contributor to the carbon footprint of rice at the mill gate, was CH 4 emissions from soil, in both systems. Biochar addition reduced the carbon footprint of spring rice and summer rice by 26% and 14% respectively, compared with System A, in the first year of application. These values substantially increased to 49% and 38% after eight years of biochar addition. The climate effect of System B was most sensitive to the assumed suppression of soil CH 4 emissions due to biochar application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinylpyrrolidone capped cadmium sulfide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a facile polyol method with ethylene glycol. Microwave irradiation and calcination were used to control the size and shape of nanoparticles. Characterization with scanning electron microscopy revealed a restricted nanoparticles growth comparing with the uncapped product, hexagonal phase and 48 nm average particle size were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and finally mechanism of passivation was suggested depending on Fourier transform infrared spectra. The efficiency of nanoparticles was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine in aqueous solution under UVC and visible light irradiation. Complete degradation of the dye was observed after 90 min of UVC irradiation under optimized conditions. Kinetic of reaction fitted well to the pseudo-first-order kinetic and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models. Furthermore, 85% degradation of the dye in 9 h under visible light suggests that cadmium sulfide is a promising tool to work under visible light for environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of postharvest treatment with chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs = T1) and Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) incorporated in (ZEO@CSNPs = T2), on the shelf-life extension and antioxidant activities of whole cucumbers during storage were evaluated. Coated and control cucumbers were stored at 10 ± 1 °C with 90-95% RH for 21 days. Measurements of physicochemical and microbial growth were accomplished every 3 days. After 15 days, the fruit decay in the T2 coating was 2% vs. 12 and 97.7% in the T1 coated and uncoated fruit, respectively. Significant differences were obtained for weight loss, firmness, respiration rate, DPPH-radical scavenging activity, reducing power and microbial counts ( P < 0.05) during storage. There were significantly higher levels of DPPH-radical scavenging activity and reducing power in T2-treated cucumbers compared with that in the T1-treated followed by the control fruit. In conclusion the ZEO loaded CSNPs coating could improve the quality of cucumber and protect the bioactive components during storage. Industrial relevance Cucumber as a good source of antioxidants is one of the most popular and widely grown vegetable crops in the world. However, it has a short shelf-life (< 14 days) that is mainly related to firmness loss, discoloration, desiccation and fungal rot. The reduction of losses is a major objective of postharvest technology for cucumbers, which tries to utilize safe and efficacious methods to control contamination and the growth of spoiling fungi. On the other hand, the nano-/micro-encapsulation of EOs allows protection of their sensitive bioactive compounds from unfavorable environmental conditions and enhances their bioactivity during food processing and storage. So, in this study a new edible coating, consisting of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), was introduced to extend the shelf-life of cucumber as well as protect the bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a new control strategy for a variable wind energy conversion system. The proposed controller aims to regulate the output power tightly in response to the desired value changes and alleviate power oscillations against the disturbances, including wind speed variation and fluctuation of the voltage magnitude, as voltage sag and swell. For the sake of straightforward analysis, an effective and reduced representation for the wind system is developed. In addition to the proper performance, the controller seeks to adequately fulfilment the damping requirements, as though both damping and performance requisites are taken into account control policy. Consequently, the proposed approach focuses on optimal tuning based upon a performance index incorporated into linear quadratic (LQ) cost function, which is subjected to the performance constraints. To validate the controller role, multiple simulation tests are carried out including set point tracking, disturbance rejection against wind speed, voltage sag and swell. Simulation results verify the proposed method features a satisfactory performance and sufficient damping, meeting both aspirations of the power regulation and disturbance suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on developing a reliable fault identification and localisation tool for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). This diagnosis tool relies on 2 steps: first, a 3D model for a single PEMFC, that allows estimating local parameters (temperature, current and voltage distributions within the single cell). An experimental set-up allows reliable monitoring of different parameters used by the model to estimate the current density distributions over the 3D space zones of the cell. Furthermore, this 3D fault-sensitive model allows to simulate faults linked to poor water management (drying out and flooding) with 2 severity levels (“flooding”, “drying”, “high flooding” and “high drying”). Then, the second step consists of developing a two-layer feed-forward ANN that has been with an adapted database to localize each fault within the different segments of the single cell. The results show good recognition and localization rate for the considered fault, which allows to conclude that this approach is very promising for fault localization, which is one of the key points regarding diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to improve the antimicrobial activity and stability of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil (CEO) against Phytophthora drechsleri , the causal agent of cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) fruit rot in laboratory media and when applied as a coating on cucumbers. Additionally, the influence of chitosan nanoparticles (CSN)-based coatings on several physicochemical characteristics of the fruit during storage was assessed. CEO was encapsulated by an ionic gelation technique into CSN with an average size of 100–190 nm. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of CEO-loaded CSNs (CEO-CSN) were about 2–17% and 3–4%, respectively, with the initial CEO content of 0.25–1 kg/kg chitosan. In vitro release studies showed a controlled and sustained release of CEO for 40 d. The superior performance of CEO when encapsulated by CSNs under both in vitro and in vivo conditions in comparison with unmodified CEO against P. drechsleri was studied. The in vivo experiment also showed that the encapsulated oils at 1.5 g/L concentration significantly decreased both disease severity and incidence of Phytophthora -inoculated cucumbers during 7 d of storage at 4 °C followed by 2–3 more days at 20 °C. Furthermore, the CEO-CSN coating extended the shelf life of cucumbers up to 21 d at 10 ± 1 °C while uncoated fruit were unmarketable in less than 15 d. CEO-CSN coating improved the microbiological and physicochemical quality of cucumbers. Coated fruit were firmer, maintained color, water content, and showed lower microbial counts ( P < 0.05) throughout storage. According to these results, CEO-CSN coatings can be an effective method to extend cucumber shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined implementation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been identified as a suitable tool for the evaluation of the environmental and economic performance of multiple similar entities. In this study, a total of 82 rice paddy fields for spring and summer growing seasons in north of Iran were assessed using a combined LCA and DEA methodology to estimate the technical efficiency of each farmer. Furthermore, the environmental consequences of operational inefficiencies were quantified and target performance values benchmarked for inefficient units so that eco-efficiency criteria were verified. Results showed average reduction levels of up to 20% and 25% per material input for spring and summer systems, leading to impact reductions which ranged from 8% to 11% for spring farms and 19% to 25% for summer farms depending on the chosen impact category. Additionally, the potential economic savings from efficient farming operations were also determined. The economic results indicate that an added annual gross margin of 0.045 $ per 1 kg rice paddy could be achieved if inefficient units converted to an efficient operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate the nanoencapsulation of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) in order to enhance antifungal activity and stability of the oils against one isolate of Botrytis cinerea Pers., the causal agent of gray mould disease. ZEO was encapsulated by an ionic gelation technique into CSNPs with an average size of 125–175 nm as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From UV-vis spectrophotometry results, the drug encapsulation and loading efficiency of ZEO decreased from 45.24% to 3.26% and from 9.05% to 5.22%, respectively, upon increasing initial ZEO content from 0.25 to 1 g/g chitosan. In vitro release studies also demonstrated a controlled and sustained release of ZEO for 40 days. The superior performance of ZEO when encapsulated by CSNPs under both in vitro and in vivo conditions in comparison with unmodified ZEO against B. cinerea was revealed. The in vivo experiment also showed that the encapsulated oils at 1500 ppm concentration significantly decreased both disease severity and incidence of Botrytis -inoculated strawberries during 7 days of storage at 4 °C followed by 2–3 more days at 20 °C. These findings revealed the promising role of CSNPs as a controlled release system for EOs in order to enhance antifungal activities. Industrial relevance: Application of plant essential oil (EOs) treatment at pre- or postharvest stage has been considered as an alternative treatment to the use of synthetic fungicides to prevent fruit postharvest decay and to extend the storage life while retaining the overall quality of different fresh commodities. Although EOs have proved to be good antimicrobial agents, their use for maintaining fruit quality and reducing fungal decay is often limited due to their volatile compounds which can easily suffer degradation under the action of heat, pressure, light and oxygen. Furthermore, they are insoluble in water, and for certain applications a controlled release is required. In this regard, nano-size carriers provide more surface area and can possibly upgrade solubility, enhance bioavailability and improve controlled release and targeting of the encapsulated food ingredients, in comparison to micro-size carriers. These findings revealed the promising role of CSNPs as a controlled release system for EOs in order to enhance their antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This paper proposes a unit commitment formulation for micro-grid. [•] In order to best use of multiple PEM-FCPPs, hydrogen storage management is carried out. [•] Due to uncertainty nature of load, PV, WT output power and market price, a scenario-based stochastic programming model, is used. [•] Determine the optimum size of energy storage devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Efficient use of energy resources in crop production is an important goal in sustainable agriculture. This study compares the energy flow in farming systems across farm size with their corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - presented in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq.) - in the north of Iran. To reach this aim, primary data were collected by survey with farmers whose main activity was major crops production in the region that included wheat, barley, canola, soybean, paddy and corn silage. The results showed that total energy input for corn silage (52.1GJha−1) is greater than other systems. The results also revealed that yield and output energy of crops were not significantly affected by field size, whereas energy use efficiency of systems increased significantly as field size increased. Study shows that the cultivation of paddy emits the highest CO2 eq. emission (6094kg CO2 eq. ha−1) among crops, in which around 60% is contributed by methane (CH4). The efficient use of fertilizers, optimized pumping facilities for irrigation, stopping of crop residue burning in the field and use them for energy supply could be among the options to improve energy use efficiency and mitigate GHG emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Joint implementation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has recently showed to be a suitable tool for measuring efficiency in agri-food systems. In the present study, LCA + DEA methodologies were applied for a total of 94 soybean farms in Iran to benchmark the level of operational input efficiency of each farmer. Likewise, potential reductions in the consumption levels of the physical inputs were determined, while estimating the environmental improvements linked to these reduction targets. Our results indicate that 46% of the farms studied operated efficient. The estimated Global Warming Potential (GWP) reduction for the whole sample was obtained∼11% according to DEA model results. Among the field operations, the contribution of irrigation to the total GWP reduction was the highest (63%) followed by fertilization (34%). The results also revealed that farms which burnt crop residue in the field generate significantly more greenhouse gas emissions than other farms. The raising of operational input efficiency and limiting of crop residue burning in the field are recommended options to ensure more environmental friendly soybean farming systems in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several studies have shown that the application of amniotic membrane as a biological dressing in the management of burns is accompanied by rapid re-epithelialisation and healing as it diminishes the oozing of plasma, bacterial count and fluid, protein and heat loss. This study evaluates the effect of amniotic membrane on graft take in split-thickness skin graft of extremity burns. Methods: From October 2008 to January 2010, in a prospective clinical trial, 54 patients (108 limbs) with second and third degree burns, covering 4-15% of total body surface area (TBSA), were included in this study. All patients needed split-thickness skin grafts for burn-wound coverage. Selected patients had symmetric burns on two (upper or lower) extremities. Then in every patient, the extremities were randomly divided into two groups: in one limb, the skin graft was traditionally fixed with skin staples (control group) and in the other limb the skin graft was covered with an amniotic membrane (amnion group). Therefore, in every patient the graft was covered with an amniotic membrane in one extremity and fixed with skin staples in the other extremity. Finally, the duration and success rate of complete graft take was compared between the two groups. Results: The study group was composed of 108 limbs in 54 patients (27 males and 27 females) with a mean age of 23.54 ± 4.9 years and burn 9.03 ± 2.69% TBSA. The mechanism of burn was flame (63%), scald (18.5%) and flash (18.5%). The rate of complete graft take was 96.76% and 88.79% in the amnion group and in the control group, respectively. The mean duration of graft take was 6.98 ± 1.35 days in the amnion group and 13.9 ± 1.66 days in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results show that although the amniotic membrane has no negative impact on graft take, it significantly reduces the duration of complete graft take, which is very important for both the patient and the health-care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe burns are associated with dramatic outcomes which are potentially detrimental. Nowadays the standard treatment for deep partial thickness and full-thickness burn is early excision and grafting, which is not always feasible this leads to chronicity and microbial colonization of burn wounds. Interesting properties of hydrogen peroxide 2% soaked gauze convinced us to use it in management of chronic burn wounds. Methods: From January 2009 to September 2011, in a prospective clinical trial, 49 patients (98 limbs) with chronic-colonized burn wounds in both limbs were included in this study. Tissue cultures were taken from all the wounds. For the right, after debridement of granulation tissue and washing with hydrogen peroxide 2% soaked gauze for 5 min followed by normal saline irrigation, grafting was done; debridement and skin grafting was performed in the conventional method in left limb wounds. The success rate of graft take was compared between two groups, after 21 days by the surgeon using the formula:. Grafttake surface area (cm²) x 100%/ Total grafted area (cm²) Results: The study group was composed of 98 limbs in 49 patients with mean age of 26.44 ± S.66 and burn in 28.3 ± 7.23% TBSA. The most common causes of the burn wounds chronicity was delayed admission associated with poor compliance. (44.8%) Staphylococcus was the most frequent isolate bacterial wounds colonization in our patients. (59.2%) Mean graft take was 82.85% in right limbs, and 65.61% in left limbs; which was significantly different (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that, administration of hydrogen peroxide intraoperatively appears to be safe and significantly increases the mean success rate graft take in chronic- colonized wounds. Therefore, it can be recommended in management of chronic burn wounds management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to clarify the acute phase response following infectious bronchitis vi-rus inoculation. Ninety clinically healthy 1-d-old Ross chicks were randomly assigned into 2 groups: control (n = 20) and infected group (n = 70). At the age of 20 d, all birds in the infected group were challenged intranasally with allantoic fluid containing 105 embryo lethal dose (ELD50VO.I mL of the infectious bronchitis virus. Blood samples were collected from 20 clinically healthy and 70 infected chicks at prior and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 20 d postinoculation. On d 1, 7, and 11 postinoculation 4 chickens from the experimental group and 2 chickens from the control group were ran-domly selected. Their trachea, lungs, and cecal tonsil were collected for virus detection and quantitation by real-time reverse-transcription PCR assay. In the serum the acute phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amy-loid A), pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon-"/ and tumor necrosis factor-a), and serum sialic acid (total, TSA; lipid-bound, LBSA; and protein-bound, PBSA) concentrations were measured using validated stan-dard procedures. All variables were significantly higher in the infected birds after virus inoculation compared with the healthy group (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between all variables in the infected group. Correlation coefficients were significantly positive be-tween haptoglobin and interferon-/, LBSA and TSA, and TSA and LBSA (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations among viral RNA and all studied variables; however, these correlations were not statistically sig-nificant (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]