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Introduction: CSA is currently viewed as a sophisticated and dependable approach to advancing agriculture, particularly in regions with limited water resources. This method has experienced a growing adoption and plays a vital role in securing food supplies, boosting employment opportunities, and integrating new technologies into the agricultural domain. Given the expanding utilization of this cultivation method and the necessity for targeted research and hands-on training to facilitate its progress, this study was conducted to explore the internal environmental factors influencing the advancement of this system. Material and Methods: This study employed a quantitative, field-based approach and conducted interviews through a questionnaire tool. The statistical population comprised vegetable and summer crop growers of greenhouses in Tehran and Alborz provinces, totaling 2060 greenhouse units. Sampling was carried out in two stages, with a sample size of 310 units calculated using Daniel’s formula and a five percent error margin. Subsequently, 270 questionnaires were filled out in Tehran Province and 50 in Alborz Province. Following data collection, processing, and analysis were performed using SPSS25 and SmartPLS3 software. Results and Discussion: The findings from the inferential analysis indicated that in terms of human capital, essential human requirements for progressing the CSA system are significant. These include factors such as knowledge, skills, positive attitudes, access to financial and technical resources, market knowledge, and strong motivations. The study identified implementing new management techniques, consulting scientific experts, and exchanging knowledge with international professionals as critical factors. Technical capital emerged as the second most influential element in greenhouse development, with access to modern financial software systems and smart management technologies proving crucial. Additionally, training on advanced technologies is essential to enhance productivity and management. Financial capital emerged as the third influential component, with financial challenges and capital requirements for CSA being greater than traditional farming methods, particularly for small-scale farmers. Access to bank credit, affordable inputs, insurance assistance, and financial resources are essential for development and ongoing operational costs. advices include increasing producers' understanding of agricultural economics and markets and facilitating access to appropriate technologies to enhance economic and environmental sustainability. The study also emphasized the importance of productive social capital, highlighting the significance of communication with technical supervisors and agricultural consultants. While support from established farmers to newcomers in the sector was deemed less crucial, the development of social capital was emphasized as vital for the long-term sustainability of this innovative farming approach, as the key connections within this system are still in the process of being established. Conclusion: Given the novelty of the CSA system, specific attributes must be adhered to by producers and users to enable the effective development and spread of this cultivation method. Enhancing managerial expertise, technical proficiency, and specialized knowledge, as well as increasing producers' awareness and understanding of the local, national, and international market dimensions and characteristics of this system, are essential steps. Additionally, fostering and enhancing intra-group relationships among producers and establishing trade unions for these producers to cultivate social capital is crucial for the advancement and dissemination of this innovative agricultural approach. Attention to these fundamental prerequisites is recommended to support the system’s development.

Prior research on COVID-19 focused primarily on travel behavior changes before, during, and after the pandemic, with the aim of analyzing the significant variables. However, this research aims to study and compare the effects of traffic and transportation measures, specific events, and vaccination rates on the COVID-19 infection rate in Tehran, Iran. A correlation analysis is employed to investigate the degree of relationship between the number of infected individuals on each day and the implementation time of measures, events, and the vaccination rate. Over a 14-day period, the majority (67%) of measures and events had a significant impact on either decreasing or increasing the number of infections at a significant level of 1%. Results indicate that congestion pricing suspension has the most effect on decreasing the virus spread (correlation coefficient between -0.75 and -0.94). As another traffic-related measure, intercity travel bans also contributed to a decrease in infections. Additionally, certain holidays/events and their related movements and gatherings are linked to an increase in cases (correlation coefficient between 0.71 and 0.96). The ongoing decrease in infection rate could be attributed to the increasing vaccination rate, showing a negative correlation with a coefficient of -0.771.

Epilepsy affects people of all ages and sexes. The aim of the current narrative review was to summarize the sex differences in patients with epilepsy. In January 2024, we systematically searched PubMed for relevant articles. The following keywords were used: “Epilepsy” or “Seizure” and “Sex”. The prevalence and symptomatology of many neurological conditions, including epilepsy syndromes, may differ between male and female patients. The reasons behind these sex differences are not yet clear. It is likely that sex hormones, neurosteroid, and sex chromosome gene differences play roles in the development of this phenomenon. The existence of sex differences in epilepsy is well recognized, but there is little discussion of their mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Future research should investigate the exact roles of sex hormones, neurosteroid, and genes in the development of sex differences in epilepsy. Similarly, future studies should investigate whether sex differences exist in seizure characteristics (e.g., seizure frequency, semiology, response to treatment, outcome) in different syndromes. These issues may have important clinical implications for designing appropriate sex-specific treatment strategies for various syndromes and conditions. Furthermore, sex should be considered as a biological variable in basic and clinical research.

IntroductionLegumes are one of the rich sources of plant protein after cereals and the second most important food source for humans. The most important biotic stresses that lead to reduced growth, performance, and sometimes the death of plants are pests, diseases, and weeds. The two-spotted spider mite, due to its extensive host range, rapid population growth, and ability to develop resistance to pesticides, is one of the key pests. Therefore, the use of tolerant varieties for damage control is considered as most reliable, healthy, and cost-effective method in an integrated management system. The feeding of this mite on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris Linnaeus) leaves leads to the formation of yellow spots on the leaf surface (Dorri et al., 2015). The activity of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch, is mainly associated with webbing, which leads to the accumulation of dust, decreasing of the photosynthesis and increasing the pest damage (Hosseini, 2018). Therefore, due to the importance of this pest, this research was conducted to identify resistant genotypes of beans among promising bean genotypes. Materials and MethodsFor the experiments, Type 1 promising bean genotypes (KS-21216, KS-21181, KS-21538, KS-21565, KS-21563, KS-21602, KS-21500, KS-21601, KS-21600, and KS-21607), Type 2 genotypes (KS-21573, KS-21597 and KS-21606), and Type 3 genotypes (KS-21255 and KS-21574) along with a susceptible genotype Sadri were cultivated in a field at Khomein National Bean Research Station in a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2022-03. Sampling for damage assessment was carried out weekly from the third leaf stage until the end of the season. From each plot, 10 plants were selected randomly. Two leaves, one from the bottom and the other from the top of each plant, were selected and scored (on a scale of 1-6). To assess performance and its components, field cultivation was conducted under the specified conditions in two separate plots. One plot was treated with pesticide spraying, while the other remained untreated. Characteristics such as pod number per plant, seed number per pod, plant height, and weight of one hundred seeds were measured under both mite-infested and non-infested conditions. Based on the performance of the genotypes under T. urticae mite-infested and non-infested conditions, productivity indices, geometric mean productivity, stress tolerance, and stress sensitivity were calculated. Results and DiscussionThe yield and yield components of the genotypes under the presence and absence of T. urticae were evaluated. Genotype KS-21538 had the highest (2166.67 kg.ha-1) and the sensitive check had the lowest performance (995.17 kg.ha-1). The highest (16.24) and lowest (4.88) percentage of yield reduction were related to the sensitive check and genotype KS-21538, respectively. The highest and lowest number of pods per plant were observed in genotype KS-21538 and Sadri cultivar with 17.95 and 8.87 pods, respectively. The highest and lowest damage scores under unsprayed conditions were 3.06 and 4.56 in genotype KS-21538 and Sadri respectively. The results of calculating the indices showed that the highest efficiency index, average geometric efficiency index, and stress tolerance index were observed in genotypes KS-21538 and KS-21216, respectively, and the lowest observed in the Sadri and genotype KS-21607. The lowest stress sensitivity index was observed in genotypes KS-21538 and KS-21216, respectively, and the highest observed in Sadri and genotype KS-21607. Researchers examined how planting density and different bean varieties (Akhtar, Derakhshan, and 285) affect the population of two-spotted spider mites. They discovered that the pest density on the Akhtar variety is higher than on Derakhshan and 285. Due to the differences in the bean varieties studied in this research and the current study, the results do not show similarities. The results of this study also showed that pest density is significantly influenced by the bean variety (Karimi et al., 2019). In a study, it was revealed that the Derakhshan, Akhtar, and local Khomein (Sadri) varieties were sensitive to T. urticae, while Dorsa and Kousha varieties and lines 21191 and 31169 showed greater resistance to the two-spotted spider mite and also had acceptable yield compared to other varieties (Kazemi et al., 2019). In the present study, the Sadri variety was also identified as sensitive to damage by the two-spotted spider mite, which is consistent with these results. ConclusionsAccording to the results genotypes KS-21538 and KS-21216 are recommended as the first and second priority for cultivation in the region due to the higher yield, lower percentage of yield reduction, and the lower damage scale.

Skin injuries are a global healthcare problem. Chronic ulcers do not heal in a timely fashion, so it is essential to help the body with skin repair. There are some treatments that have been applied to chronic ulcers. One of these treatments is growth factor (GF) therapy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) are two types of plasma derivatives containing many GFs important for wound healing. Several works have reported their application in wound healing and tissue regeneration. The use of autologous PRP is now an adequate alternative in regenerative medicine. It was also demonstrated that PPP is a hemostatic agent for wounds. This review has studied the latest clinical studies, which have applied PRP and PPP to patients with chronic wounds.

Abstract The study aimed to identify risk factors for childhood wasting in 1–2 year-olds in Hamadan city, focusing on this age group due to infection and malnutrition risks. Unlike previous cross-sectional studies on children under 5 years old, this longitudinal study tracked weight-to-height changes over time. Data were analyzed from 455 mother-child pairs, aged 1–2 years, collected from health centers and recorded in the Integrated Electronic Health System (SIB). The weight-for-height index, an ordinal response with three categories (wasting, normal, and overweight), was measured several times. A two-level longitudinal ordinal model was used to identify factors associated with wasting. The analysis of data from 230 girls and 225 boys identified several factors associated with wasting: lower birth weight (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.77), age 12–15 months (AOR = 1.15), lack of health insurance (AOR = 3.09), mother-child residence (AOR = 3.80), maternal height (AOR = 0.92), and age at pregnancy

Abstract Background and aim The present study aimed to evaluate the use of 18F-2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET/MRI (Positron emission tomography-computed tomography) in predicting the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer (BC) compared to the use of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) alone. Methods We searched numerous databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Science Direct, using curated keywords. The variance of each study was determined using the binomial distribution, and STATA version 14 was used to analyze the data by performing random-effect models. Additionally, we calculated study heterogeneity using the chi-squared test and I2 index and utilized funnel plots and Egger tests to assess publication bias. Results The current investigation analyzed 239 patients from six published studies. The pooled estimated sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/MRI was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.90 to 0.92, I2 = 100% and P = 0.000) and 0.62 (95% CI = 0.53 to 0.72, I2 = 99.8% and P = 0.000), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 0.78 (95%CI = 0.59 to 0.96, I2 = 100% and P = 0.000) and 0.56 (95%CI = 0.33 to 0.80, I2 = 99.8% and P = 0.000), respectively. Conclusions Based on our findings, the combined form of 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging is more sensitive and specific than MRI alone for predicting response to NAC in BC patients.

Abstract Modular multilevel green converter based high voltage direct current (MMC‐HVDC) transmission system has become a practical solution to interconnect renewable energy sources to main AC grids. Connecting the MMC to a weak AC system is still a challengeable problem. This paper proposes a sliding mode control‐based method for the MMC. By considering short circuit ratio parameter of the AC grid as uncertainty, a suitable mathematical model is developed. Also, relations among control parameters and their validity conditions are obtained. The proposed control scheme has faster dynamic responses to uncertainty and external disturbances compared to the conventional vector current control method with proportional–integral controller. At last, simulation results in the MATLAB/SIMULINK software environment are presented that the proposed control scheme is effective.

With the implementation of the principles of the White Revolution, the activities of the Corps of Knowledge, Health, and Development Promotion began to advance these principles. In the late 1940s, Pahlavi II sought to give a global approach to the Revolutionary Guards’ activities with the United Nations’ approval. For this reason, in his speech at Harvard University, he mentioned his idea of forming a Legion of Human Servants. One of the important areas of the Legion’s effort was the activity in medical and health services in various dimensions. The main problem of the current research is to examine the dimensions of the medical and health activities of the Legion of Human Servants as one of the key fields of their diverse undertakings. The current research method is historical and uses a descriptive and analytical approach. This study utilizes documentary and archival sources as its primary method and tool for data collection. This article tries to answer this basic question: what was the performance of the legion in medical and health services? The findings of the research show that despite achieving some successes in this field, the lack of funds and financial problems, and a shortage of volunteers specializing in medical and health matters hindered the realization of the goals of the Legion in the development and provision of free services in the field of medicine and health.

Abstract This study explores techniques for managing class imbalance in predictive modeling to forecast water pipe failures using XGBoost and logistic regression. Given the significant challenges posed by water pipeline failures—such as service disruptions, costly repairs, and environmental hazards—there is a pressing need for effective predictive models. Using a dataset from 2015 to 2022 that includes features like pipe age, material, diameter, and maintenance history, the study applies methods such as random oversampling and undersampling to improve model performance. Results show that XGBoost outperforms logistic regression in recall (0.795 vs. 0.683), a critical metric for managing water infrastructure. Although logistic regression has slightly better precision (0.695), XGBoost demonstrates superior overall performance with higher Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) and F1 score, effectively balancing precision and recall. This research is essential as it addresses the need for robust predictive models to anticipate and mitigate water pipeline failures. By offering a comprehensive framework for managing large-scale datasets and showcasing how accurate predictions can reduce maintenance costs and water wastage, this study contributes to more efficient and sustainable water infrastructure management.

Abstract Background Conventional antibacterial compounds can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, but their adverse effects and the development of drug limit their widespread use. The current study aimed to synthesize PEG-coated UIO-66-NH2 nanoparticles loaded with vancomycin and amikacin (VAN/AMK-UIO-66-NH2@PEG) and evaluate their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) clinical isolates. Methods The VAN/AMK-UIO-66-NH2@PEG were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine their size, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency (EE%), zeta-potential, drug release profile, and physical stability. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assays. Biofilm formation by VRSA was assessed using the crystal violet (CV) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays. The effect of sub-MIC concentrations of the formulations on the expression of biofilm-related genes (icaA, icaD) and resistance-related genes (mecA, vanA) was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results As demonstrated by MIC, MBC and time-kill assay, the VAN/AMK-UIO-66-NH2@PEG nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against VRSA isolates compared to free drugs and prepared formulations. Furthermore, CV and MBEC tests indicated that the VAN/AMK-UIO-66@NH2/PEG can reduce biofilm formation dramatically compared to VAN/AMK and VAN/AMK-UIO-66@NH2, due to its great drug release properties. This study also found that the expression level of the mecA, vanA, icaA, and icaD genes in VAN/AMK-UIO-66@NH2/PEG treated VRSA isolates was substantially decreased compared to other groups. Conclusions These findings highlighted the efficiency of VAN/AMK-UIO-66@NH2/PEG in combating antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation in VRSA isolates. Future studies, particularly in vivo models, are necessary to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical applicability of these nanoparticles for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract The most widely cultivated species globally is Actinidia deliciosa cv. ‘Hayward’. However, in recent years, consumers have shown greater demand for new varieties with novel flesh colour, flavour and appearance in international markets. To meet these expectations, one breeding study was started in 2016 at the University of Guilan in Iran to develop new kiwifruit cultivars with superior characteristics. In this breeding program, 201 female and 534 male hybrid genotypes were obtained from combinations of six different parents using the controlled cross-breeding technique. The evaluations were carried out over three consecutive stages. In the first stage, 201 female hybrid genotypes and control (‘Golden’) were evaluated based on 25 phenological and pomological traits. In the second stage, hybrids passed the desired threshold values in 7 key attributes were selected. Sensory testing in the next stage evaluated these selected hybrid genotypes more. As a result of the first stage, 30 hybrid genotypes with fruit weight (90 ≥ g) were selected. Then, in the second stage, 21 hybrids that showed acceptable dry matter, hue angle, flesh firmness, soluble solid content, acidity, and ascorbic acid were selected. Finally, 13 hybrid genotypes received high scores in sensory testing, and just two hybrid genotypes represented a 100% of novelty with positive texture. These genotypes were selected as potential cultivar candidates. In future studies, fruit yield, disease/pest resistance, and post-harvest performance trials of the 13 selected candidates will be evaluated at different sites. Thus, the ones that give the best results will be introduced to kiwifruit growers.

This case report describes the imaging findings of an older-aged male presenting with infectious respiratory symptoms. Evaluation with routine contrast-enhanced CT of the chest demonstrated pulmonary artery filling defects initially treated as a pulmonary embolism. However, short-term repeat imaging during pulmonary angiographic and delayed phases demonstrated retrograde filling through a systemic arterial-pulmonary arterial shunt. Given the high prevalence of pulmonary embolism which is also the leading cause of pulmonary angiographic filling defects, this case highlights the importance for clinicians to maintain a differential diagnosis and consider alternative etiologies.

Abstract A soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with an improved voltage conversion ratio without any additional auxiliary switch is presented in this paper. In the proposed converter, improved step‐up/step‐down gain conversion is achieved by employing the coupled inductors method. Also, the auxiliary circuit provides soft switching conditions for all the semiconductor elements, regardless of the power flow direction and without any extra voltage stress. The other switch helps provide soft switching conditions for the main switch. Moreover, the switch used for providing soft switching conditions operates as a synchronous rectifier as well. The additional circuit added to attain soft switching is composed of an inductor, coupled with the converter's main inductor, and two auxiliary diodes. The auxiliary diodes benefit from zero‐current‐switching conditions. Fully soft switching conditions for all semiconductor devices, removing the reverse recovery problem, and a low number of components have led to mitigating switching losses and improving efficiency. Detailed operating principles and a theoretical analysis of the proposed converter are presented. Also, the experimental results of a 220 W prototype circuit are provided to confirm the validity of the proposed topology.

Abstract This study investigates machine learning (ML) techniques for optimizing Network-on-Chip (NoC) application mapping, focusing on supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks. Through a comparative analysis of recent research, the study reveals that supervised learning methods, like artificial neural networks (ANNs), enhance core vulnerability prediction and runtime mapping. Unsupervised learning techniques improve NoC mapping via multi-label models, while reinforcement learning approaches, including actor-critic frameworks, reduce communication costs and power consumption. Scenario-aware strategies adapt mapping processes to varying operational contexts. Despite these advancements, challenges such as computational overhead, data quality, and model interpretability persist. Future research should focus on scalable ML algorithms, improving data quality, and enhancing model transparency. This study underscores the significant potential of ML to advance NoC application mapping and highlights the need for ongoing innovation to address existing challenges.

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the effect of malocclusion severity according to the Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) on oral health (dental caries and gingivitis), and its correlation with socioeconomic status (SES) in Iranian adolescents. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents between 10 and 16 years in Tehran city, who underwent clinical dental examination. The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the IOTN was used to assess the severity of malocclusion. The DMFT index was calculated to assess dental caries, and the gingival index (GI) was calculated for gingival health assessment. For oral hygiene assessment, the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) was calculated, and a questionnaire was used. Results Totally, 306 adolescents participated in this study. The frequency of IOTN grades was 88 (28.8%), 89 (26.1%) ,49 (16%), 60 (19.6%), and 29 (9.5%) for grades 1 to 5, respectively. The multinomial logistic regression showed that by an increase in OHI-S score, the odds of having IOTN grade 4 compared to grade 1 increased. Postgraduate parental level of education decreased the odds of having IOTN grade 4 compared to grade 1. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between oral hygiene practice and the odds of having IOTN grade 5 compared to grade 1. Conclusions Malocclusion may hinder oral hygiene practice, and resultantly increase plaque accumulation. This risk may be amplified in children with lower SES, highlighting the need for preventive and educational oral health programs.

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO), influences ovarian function, pregnancy, and placental health. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and its products, including CO, exhibit protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of CO released by the carbon dioxide-releasing molecule (CORM)-2 against oxidative stress, functional and structural changes of the ovaries, and HO-1 expressions in female rats suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 Rattus norvegicus var. Albinus female rats (180–200 gr, 8 wk) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6/each): control, CORM-2 (10 mg/kg), PCOS (induced by 4 mg/kg, intramuscular injection and a single dose of estradiol valerate), PCOS + CORM-2. Ovary histological changes were evaluated by crystal violet staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of ovarian tissue were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HO-1 expression was evaluated using Western blot. Results: Corpus luteal formation significantly decreased in the PCOS group and was significantly restored with CORM-2 administration compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The expression of ovarian HO-1 protein was reduced in the PCOS group compared to controls (p < 0.01), and administration of CORM in PCOS rats significantly increased its expression (p < 0.0001). In addition, CORM administration markedly reduced ovarian MDA levels and restored SOD activity (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: CORM-2 administration to PCOS rats created protective effects by reducing oxidative stress (reducing MDA level and restoring SOD activity) and increasing ovarian HO-1 protein.

Background: Routine Doppler study is a common tool for early diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) patients. It aimed to determine the role of the Foramen Ovale Pulsatility Index (FOPI) study beside routine Doppler study among patients with FGR and SGA fetuses.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 35 FGR, 32 SGA, and 33 Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) fetuses. Demographic data, amniotic fluid index, neonatal outcome, and Doppler velocimetry, including Umbilical Artery Pulsatility Index (UMAPI), Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index (UTAPI), Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index (MCAPI), Ductus Venosus Pulsatility Index (DVPI), and FOPI were documented. Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, non-parametric pairwise comparisons adjusted for Bonferroni correction, Pearson correlation test, Chi square, Fisher’s exact test, and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis with Youden’s Index (sensitivity+specificity-1) to estimate cut-off point were used to analyze the data at significance level

Extended Abstract Background: Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is one of the well-known industrial species of Hyrcanian forests that spreads from the west to east of these forests. Human activities have caused significant damage to Hyrcanian forests, and this issue highlights the importance of identifying factors affecting the structural characteristics of trees, especially beech, for the optimal management of these forests and the restoration of degraded areas. Considering the effect of environmental factors on the structural characteristics (the basal area and number per hectare) and the distribution of trees, the knowledge of their ecological requirements can be used to prepare programs for the protection and development of forests. Previous research about factors affecting the distribution of this species focused on topographical variables and the effects of climate change. Thus, No research has so far investigated the effect of the frequency of fog occurrence on the structural characteristics of this species. Therefore, the effect of topographical variables (height above sea level, slope, and direction), temperature, relative humidity, and fog on the number per hectare, basal area, and the presence of beech species was investigated in the present study using a generalized linear model (GLM). The results of this research and other studies on the future data from the forests of northern Iran can help predict possible changes in the distribution of species, especially beech species, under the effect of global warming. Methods: To carry out this research, beech species data were obtained from the forest inventory data bank in the north of Iran. Because no meteorological station was available for the whole region of Hyrcanian forests, meteorological data were obtained from the POWER project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the USA. Since fog is defined as water droplets suspended near the earth's surface, which reduces horizontal visibility to less than one kilometer, the occurrence of fog was determined using the horizontal visibility index. After preparing the data, first the number of trees per hectare and then the basal area of trees were calculated in each sample plot. The collected data were separated based on the presence or absence of beech. Data were analyzed using GLM and cross-validation evaluation in R software and the caret package. Results: The results of the correlation between the independent variables showed that the amount of precipitation had a significant and high correlation with relative humidity, hence the precipitation variable was removed from the modeling. The GLM showed acceptable accuracy for predicting the number of trees per hectare (R2 = 0.16), basal area (R2 = 0.16), and the presence of beech species (AUC = 0.75). The fog, height above sea level, and relative air humidity variables had a positive relationship with all three traits (number per hectare, basal area, and the presence of beech species) while temperature was negatively related only to the presence of beech species. The aspect variable had a positive and significant relationship with the number of beech trees per hectare and basal area, respectively, but it was not significantly related to the presence of this species. The height above sea level was the most important variable for predicting the number of trees per hectare, the basal area, and the presence of beech species. Relative humidity was the second most important variable for predicting the number of trees per hectare and basal area while fog was the second most important variable for the presence of beech species. The temperature, slope, and aspect had a significance of less than 20%. Conclusion: The reason for the higher relative importance of the height above sea level can be attributed to low temperature and high rainfall as the optimal conditions for the growth of the beech tree; these conditions are directly related to the height above sea level. Our results also determine the importance of relative humidity and the occurrence of fog in the distribution of beech species. The high importance of the relative humidity variable may result from the fact that beech is generally described as adapting to full-shade to partial-shade conditions. Since the northern aspect (in the Northern Hemisphere) generally receives less direct sunlight and is usually cooler, this species usually establishes in the northern direction in the Hyrcanian forest. On the other hand, since relative humidity increases with decreasing temperature, it can be concluded that beech prefers higher relative humidity. In the forests of mountainous areas and near the coast, the number of fog occurrences is high due to high air humidity and altitude. Finally, this phenomenon leads to rain fog and increases the amount of water reaching the forest floor. Therefore, it can be stated that the occurrence and production of fog play a pivotal role in providing the water needs of beech trees due to the high moisture requirement of this species. The high importance of relative air humidity and the occurrence of fog in the distribution of beech species necessitate additional studies regarding the accurate estimation of the occurrence and amount of fog in Hyrcanian forests. Studies on fog and its effects on vegetation, particularly in temperate regions, can provide valuable insight into the potential benefits of fog for this species. Given the lack of studies, it is suggested to investigate the effects of other environmental factors, including soil properties, on the distribution of beech species.

Extended Abstract Background: The plant biodiversity of any ecosystem is directly affected by its vegetative characteristics and diversity of plant species, which always guarantees the ecosystem’s stability against variable environmental and biological factors. Biodiversity indices are measured to compare the biodiversity of different masses and estimate the changes in biodiversity over time at the mass level. The Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran are a legacy left from the third geological period, and today a large part of them has been destroyed in the plains due to destructive human activities. These forests have a special importance for the protection and management in the south of the Caspian Sea. Hyrcanian boxwood (Buxus hyrcana Pojark.), which belongs to the Buxaceae family, is the only species of boxwood in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. It has unique values from various aspects, including economics, tourism, preservation of biodiversity, etc. This valuable species has been threatened by human and natural factors for a long time and its area has decreased in the country. The present research investigates the floristic-physiognomic status of boxwood habitats in Cheshme Bulbul, Sangdeh, Si-Sangan, and Shafarood regions. Methods: In this research, the important habitats of Hyrkanian boxwood were sampled from the protected area of Cheshme Bulbul, Bandar Gaz, Golestan province, as the easternmost distribution area of this species in Hyrkanian forests to Shafarood forests in Gilan province. In total, 125 sample plots of 400 m2 (20 × 20 m) were planted in the four identified areas (35, 30, 40, and 20 sample plots in Bandar Gaz (Cheshme Bulbul), Frame (Sangdeh), Si Sangan, and Shafarood, respectively). To measure the herbaceous cover of the forest floor in each sample plot, five small plots of four m2 (2 × 2 m) were walked in the center and four corners of each sample plot to harvest their herbaceous cover. Biodiversity indices, including Shannon, Simpson, and Fisher diversity, Margalf and Menhinik richness, and Pilou, Simpson, and Shannon uniformity, were measured for each of the sample plots. The plants were identified very carefully using the Persian Flora of Iran, the Flora of Iranica, the Flora of Türkiye, and the Flora of Europe. The biological form of any plant was determined and recorded based on the Rankier method. The range of geographical distribution was determined according to the mentioned flora. Then, the belonging of each species to the existing phytochorions was determined and the geographical distribution diagram of the regional plants was drawn using floristic data in the division of the vegetative regions of the earth's surface. Species diversity between habitats was compared with the one-way analysis of variance. Means were compared using the Tukey-HSD test in SPSS software. Graphs were drawn using Excel software (2013). Results: In total, 186 plant species belonging to 68 plant genera were identified in the studied regions. The hemi-cryptophytes (65 species, 34.94%), phanerophytes (40 species, 21.5%), geophytes (37 species, 19.90%), trophytes (36 species, 19.35%), and cryptophytes (5 species, 69.2%) dominated the vegetation composition of Hyrkanian boxwood habitats. Kamephytes were the rarest biological form in the region with a percentage (3 species). The results of the geographical distribution of plant species in the region showed that the entire flora was mainly of European Siberian (55 species) and multi-regional (38 species) elements, which accounted for more than 50% of the species (93 species). This was followed by Europe-Siberian/Turanian Iran/Mediterranean vegetation areas (25 species, 13.44%), Europe-Siberian/Turanian Iran (25 species, 13.44%), Turanian Iran (16 species, 60.8%), Europe-Siberian/Mediterranean (13 species, 6.70%), and cosmopolitan (8 species, 4.3%) species. The lowest presence in the region was observed for the vegetation areas of Mediterranean/Turanian Iran (5 species, 2.70%), considering that the northern forests are geographically located in the Auxin-Hyrcania state of the Pontic sub-region, which is a large vegetation area belonging to Europe-Siberia. The presence of species belonging to this geographical spectrum in the flora of these regions is not far from expected. Moreover, the presence of species in other geographical areas is a result of the natural patterns of the accidental presence of plant elements from other vegetation areas of the world. Conclusion: The results of this research show higher indices of diversity, uniformity, and species richness in Shamshad Frame and Shafarood habitats, which have a higher average height above sea level than Cheshme Bulbul and Sisangan habitats. The review of the sources shows that physiographic factors play an important role in the indicators of species richness and diversity. Changes in altitude above sea level often lead to changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and soil characteristics. This diversity in habitat conditions increases its heterogeneity and allows a wider range of species to coexist. As a result, more habitat heterogeneity leads to higher species diversity, which is also reflected in the biodiversity index.

Background and purpose: The occurrence of medical errors in healthcare centers is highly significant due to the sensitive nature of providing care and saving patients' lives. Failure to report such errors can result in both financial and moral harm to patients and have adverse effects on the healthcare system. Medical errors have significant clinical and economic consequences and can influence mortality rates. Despite the wide range of medical errors in healthcare delivery, the errors committed by medical staff—due to the close care relationship between them and the patient—are among the most complex issues in the management of treatment systems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the causes of non-reporting of medical errors in hospitals and methods of encouraging the reporting of such errors. Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews with a conventional content analysis approach. The goal was to identify the factors contributing to the non-reporting of medical errors in 1402 (Iranian calendar year). The study population included doctors, specialists, and providers actively involved in patient safety in the hospital. In other words, individuals with knowledge and valuable experience in this area were interviewed. Data collection was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, designed by reviewing the literature and with the assistance of expert professors for the interviews. Sampling was performed purposefully until data saturation was reached. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 22 experts. After the interviews, items and sub-items were identified through content analysis. Results: Key factors contributing to the failure to report medical errors were identified in two themes, six categories, and 45 items. The extracted themes included organizational and management factors, as well as legal issues. Organizational and management factors encompassed organizational culture, communication, reporting, and monitoring, while legal factors involved the consequences of reporting and control mechanisms. In total, 38 solutions were proposed to encourage the reporting of medical errors. The experts' suggestions for strategies to promote error reporting were identified under two themes, six categories, and 38 items. The themes included organizational and management factors and legal issues. Organizational and management factors covered organizational culture, the reporting process, monitoring, and communication, while legal factors involved the consequences of reporting and control. Conclusion: Errors in medical procedures may occur due to the inherent nature and sensitivity of these procedures. However, it is essential that medical staff consider themselves obligated to minimize errors and reduce harm to patients. Studying the causes of non-reporting of medical errors and understanding the underlying reasons are critical for improving patient safety and the quality of healthcare services. This knowledge can assist policymakers and healthcare practitioners in making informed decisions about error reporting and in delivering higher-quality services to the public. Additionally, it is important to train medical teams on the various types of errors and how to appropriately address them.

Abstract This retrospective study aimed to assess different macular neovascular network characteristics in relation to changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over 3 and 12 months following treatment. Using optical coherence tomography angiography, we reviewed the medical records of 46 treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who received intravitreal aflibercept injections. The change in BCVA from baseline to 3 months and 12 months after treatment was recorded. The mean vessels percentage area, junctions density, lacunarity, and fractal dimension were significantly correlated with the change of BCVA from baseline to month 3 (P = 0.003, 0.046, 0.007, and 0.005 respectively). Fractal dimension and vessels percentage area were correlated with the change of BCVA from baseline to month 12 (P = 0.023 and 0.023 respectively). The findings suggest that baseline characteristics of macular neovascular complexes may serve as predictors for BCVA changes following treatment with aflibercept in nAMD patients.

Abstract Maternal dietary quality may alter the nutrient content of breast milk. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the healthy eating index (HEI) and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) of a breastfeeding mother’s diet with the antioxidant profile of her breast milk and her infant’s urine. This study included 300 healthy mother-infant pairs. The participants’ dietary intake was estimated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The diet quality of participants was assessed using the HEI and AHEI. The total antioxidant content of the breast milk and infant’s urine was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and Thiol quantification assays. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of a low malondialdehyde (MDA) content of breast milk were significantly higher in the highest quartile of HEI than in the lowest quartile. The odds of low DPPH and FRAP in infant urine decreased in the highest quartile of HEI compared to the lowest quartile. No significant relationship was found between AHEI and antioxidant levels of breast milk and the infant’s urine. Our findings demonstrate that a high quality diet of breastfeeding mothers, identified by a higher HEI, can affect the oxidant-antioxidant balance of a mother’s breast milk and her infant’s urine.

Introduction: Microperforated panels (MPPs), often considered as potential replacements for fiber absorbers, have a significant limitation in their absorption bandwidth, particularly around the natural frequency. This study aims to address this challenge by focusing on the optimization and modeling of sound absorption in a manufactured MPP. Material and Methods: The study employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) approach using Design Expert software to determine the average normal absorption coefficient within the frequency range of 125 to 2500 Hz. Numerical simulations using the Finite Element Method (FEM) were conducted to validate the RSM findings. An MPP absorber was then designed, manufactured, and evaluated for its normal absorption coefficient using an impedance tube. Additionally, a theoretical Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM) was utilized to predict the normal absorption coefficient for the manufactured MPP. Results: The optimization process revealed that setting the hole diameter to 0.3 mm, the percentage of perforation to 2.5%, and the air cavity depth behind the panel to 25 mm resulted in maximum absorption within the specified frequency range. Under these optimized conditions, the average absorption coefficient closely aligned with the predictions generated by RSM across numerical, theoretical, and laboratory assessments, demonstrating a 13.8% improvement compared to non-optimized MPPs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using RSM to optimize the parameters affecting MPP performance. The substantial correlation between the FEM numerical model, ECM theory model, and impedance tube results positions these models as both cost-effective and reliable alternatives to conventional laboratory methods. The consistency of these models with the experimental outcomes validates their potential for practical applications.

Abstract This research focuses on utilizing injection moulding to assess defects in plastic products, including sink marks, shrinkage, and warpages. Process parameters, such as pure cooling time, mould temperature, melt temperature, and pressure holding time, are carefully selected for investigation. A full factorial design of experiments is employed to identify optimal settings. These parameters significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of the final product. Soft computing methods, such as finite element (FE), help mitigate behaviour by considering different input parameters. A CAD model of a dashboard component integrates into an FE simulation to quantify shrinkage, warpage, and sink marks. Four chosen parameters of the injection moulding machine undergo comprehensive experimental design. Decision tree, multilayer perceptron, long short-term memory, and gated recurrent units models are explored for injection moulding process modelling. The best model estimates defects. Multiple objectives particle swarm optimisation extracts optimal process parameters. The proposed method is implemented in MATLAB, providing 18 optimal solutions based on the extracted Pareto-Front.

Abstract Background Recently, efforts like crossbreeding, strain crossing, and inbred hybridization have been performed to improve productive performance in native chickens. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of crossbreeding on the improvement of the productivity of a native chicken. The White Leghorn exotic chicken (WL) as dam line and the Marandi indigenous chicken (MA) as sire line were used to generate the crossbreds (MA × WL). Body weight and egg production traits were measured in the three groups. Results There are significant performance differences between WL and MA, with WL exhibiting superior body weight and egg production compared to MA (P

Purpose: Among female athletes, dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is one of the most common injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study aims to compare lower limb coordination in athletes with and without DKV during walking. Methods: In this case-control study, 32 recreational female athletes were recruited in two groups, 17 with DKV and 15 without DKV (WDKV). A motion analysis system was used to gather kinematic data at 200 Hz. The participants were educated to walk barefoot on an 8-meter pathway comfortably. The segmental angles in each motion plane were then calculated using MATLAB software, version 9.14. The mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were extracted for the pelvic-thigh, thigh-shank, and shank-foot segments. A two-sample t-test was used to compare the mean values ​​of the MARP and DP ​in the gait stance and swing phases. The significance level is 95% (P

Abstract In this paper, we present a new malware propagation model that integrates epidemic spread, clustering, and link prediction techniques, tailored for complex network networks. Our model is based on the clustered-link prediction-susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (clustered-LPSEIRS) epidemic model, which simulates malware dissemination within the network. Our findings reveal a significant decrease in the rate of malware spread compared to the traditional SEIR model, with this enhancement in containment attributed to the integration of clustering and link prediction methods. We also compute the basic reproduction ratio ( $$R_{0}$$ R 0 ) for our model, providing insights into the potential ramifications of malware within the network. By examining parameter variations, we enhance our understanding of the model's behavior under diverse scenarios. Additionally, we assess the influence of clustering and link prediction on mitigating malware spread, emphasizing its effectiveness in diminishing the overall impact.

Introduction: This study investigated Iranian, English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ attitudes toward reflective teaching compared with their classroom assessment preferences and up-take of strategy based instruction. It compared their views in the two key higher education provider contexts of the university and institute.Methods: In this cross-sectional correlational study, a total of 90 teachers, half drawn from each university in a major city in Iran, were selected using controlled quota sampling. Data were collected through a four-part survey. Besides gathering demographic data (Part A), the survey drew upon three established instruments that used a Likert Scale format. Part B comprised the Teacher Reflectivity questionnaire, and Part C focused on the Classroom Assessment Preferences Survey Questionnaire for Language Teachers. Also, part D administered the Teachers’ Beliefs Inventory for Strategy Instruction. The reliability of this and the CAPSQ-LT was confirmed by the researchers using Cronbach’s alpha at 0.842 and 0.951, respectively. A total of 90 questionnaires were distributed, with 72 fully completed (80%) and returned. the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to analyze the data, using the independent sample t-test and ANOVA. Also, Pearson productmoment correlations were used to measure the association between the variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: As shown in Table 2, a statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the teachers’ reflective teaching scores and classroom assessment preference scores (r=0.473, P=0.001). This correlation was moderately high and positive, thus supporting that higher teacher reflective practices reflect a broader application of classroom assessment. The Table also shows that there was no significant correlation between the teachers’ attitudes toward reflective teaching and their uptake of strategy-based instruction (r=0.094; P=0.434). Similarly, there was no statistically significant correlation between the teachers’ attitudes toward classroom assessment preferences and their beliefs about strategy-based instruction (r=0.038, P=0.752). As shown, no statistically significant difference was observed between the teachers’ attitudes toward reflectiveteaching and their uptake of strategy-based instruction (P

Objective Postoperative rehabilitation protocols, such as immobilization and non-weight-bearing periods during the acute phase after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery vary depending on the surgeon or the institution and lack clear standardization. Weight bearing (WB) after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is critical. This study compares the results of WB immediately after surgery and partial WB with a brace after ACLR. Materials & Methods In this randomized clinical trial, the block random sampling method was used to select 84 patients who were divided into two groups. Group 1 was allowed to have full WB after surgery and Group 2 was asked to use braces after surgery, and they were divided into partial WB for one month and then full WB. Meanwhile, demographic information was recorded. The Lachman test, anterior knee pain, and kneeling pain before and one month after the surgery were also recorded. Knee function was evaluated using the international knee documentation committee, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score, and Lysholm scales before surgery and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, version 20, and the Fisher exact test, the chi-square test, the Friedman test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Most of the patients were men under 30 years of age. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic information of the patients in the two groups. Kneeling pain, anterior knee pain, and the Lachman test did not differ between the two groups one month after the surgery. There was no difference between the two groups in the scores using the international knee documentation committee, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score, and Lysholm score in the 6-month follow-up. All the examined indicators in each group improved over time. Conclusion WB immediately after surgery compared to partial WB at 1, 3, and 6 months after ACLR do not differ; therefore, patients can bear full weight if they tolerate it.

This study aimed to examine the validity of the "simple view of reading" (SVR) model in the diglossic Arabic language. Using a longitudinal design, we tested whether decoding and listening comprehension (LC) in kindergarten can later predict reading comprehension (RC) in the first grade and whether the contribution of LC to RC differs between the spoken and literary varieties of Arabic. The participants were 261 kindergartners who were followed to the first grade. Our results from separate SEM analysis for the spoken and literary varieties revealed some similarity between the explained variance in the spoken (52%) and literary (48%) variety models. However, while the contribution of LC to RC was higher than the contribution of decoding in the spoken variety model, an opposite pattern was observed in the literary variety model. The results are discussed in light of the diglossia phenomenon and its impact on comprehension skills in Arabic, with theoretical and pedagogical implications.