Search

Abstract This study investigates the thermal behaviour of unsteady hybrid nanofluid flow on an infinite vertical plate. The investigation takes into account parameters such as magnetohydrodynamics and radiation effects, as well as the stratified medium. The systems of equations were solved by employing the explicit finite difference approach of Dufort-Frankel method. The main motivation of the study is to compare the performance of water, magnetic oxide, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes as working fluids. Additionally, velocity, temperature, and concentration outlines are visualized through plots, elucidating the fluid behaviour. Tables are provided for the Skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number, offering comprehensive insights crucial for optimizing performance in engineering applications ranging from thermal management systems to renewable energy technologies. The main finding of this study indicates that the quantitative result reveals that the temperature outline escalates among increasing values of radiation. In contrast, the outlines of a velocity and concentration show a decrease as the values of magnetohydrodynamics increase. In addition, multi-walled carbon nanotubes consume a larger outcome on temperature. A statistical study displays that the thermal stream rate of magnetic oxide-multi-wall carbon nanotubes-water increases from 1.7615 percentages to 7.4415 percentages, respectively, when the volume fraction of nanoparticles rises from 0.01 to 0.05. Future research is important to understanding hybrid nanofluid flows and their applications in thermal engineering systems such as energy systems, nuclear reactors, biomedical applications, electronics cooling, solar thermal systems, chemical processing, and other heat transfer applications where improved thermal performance is crucial.

This study conducts a thorough numerical analysis of a complex problem involving magnetohydrodynamic flow, radiation, activation energy, Soret, the Dufour effect, and heat transfer in a permeable channel for a Maxwell fluid. Governing equations for momentum, concentration, and heat are transformed into ordinary differential equations through a similarity transformation, enabling focused analysis. Utilizing a fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme, we compute dimensionless velocity, temperature, and concentration fields for the steady motion of a Maxwell fluid in a channel. To ensure accuracy, our results are validated against existing research, showing excellent agreement. The study investigates the impact of various physical parameters on fluid motion, revealing insights such as decreased velocity and concentration with increased chemical reaction, and rising fluid temperature. Additionally, concentration distribution decreases with a chemical reaction and a higher Schmidt number. This research enhances understanding of complex fluid dynamics, providing valuable insights for engineering applications, particularly in industries requiring precise fluid behavior control.

This study investigates the intricate interplay among various factors, including melting heat, Brownian motion, activation energy, and thermophoresis in the Maxwell fluid along a stretching sheet. To model these complex phenomena, we have formulated mathematical equations that are subsequently transformed into a set of partial differential equations. Through a similarity renovation, these equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations, and we solve the resulting boundary value problem using numerical techniques, specifically the BVP4C method, known for its fourth-order accuracy. Utilizing the numerical capabilities of BVP4C, we delve into the influence of different parameters, including thermophoresis, melting effect, Brownian motion, and activation energy, on critical flow characteristics. These characteristics encompass the concentration profile and the Sherwood number profile. Our work has been validated against previously published research, showing good matching. The primary objective of this work is to provide plots depicting Nusselt number, skin friction, and Sherwood number profiles for different parameters. This examination aims to shed light on the interconnected effects of these complex phenomena, which have direct relevance across numerous industrial and engineering applications, spanning areas such as metallurgy, nanotechnology, and chemical processing. The primary finding from this research underscores that both the melting heat effect and activation energy contribute to an increase in the concentration profile.

This research delves into Maxwell fluid flow's intricate fluid dynamics, as well as heat-mass transfer features over a porous horizontal plate. The investigation encompasses magnetohydrodynamics, heat generation, radiation, chemical reactions, and the influence of activation energy. Furthermore, the study integrates slip conditions for temperature, velocity, and concentration gradients at the interface between the fluid and solid surfaces. After formulating the governing equation with the abovementioned parameters, the partial differential equations are changed into ordinary ones through a similarity revolution. The results of the bvp4c solver in MATLAB provide significant insights into how various physical parameters interact and influence the flow dynamics and heat-mass transfer characteristics. This research's primary aim and objective is to comprehensively compare plots generated for different parameters under both no-slip and slip conditions by considering fixed values as Q = 0-0.3, Sc = 1–4, Ec = 0–1, Pr = 1–4, σ = 0–2, E = 0.1-0.7, λ = 0–2. The primary discoveries of this study indicate that with an increase in the power index, there is a decline in the concentration profile. In contrast, an increase in the activation energy leads to an elevation in this profile. An important revelation from this research is the significant decrease observed in the concentration profile as the activation energy parameter is raised.

The objective of this research is to explore the mass and heat transmission characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic Powell-Eyring fluid through an absorptive flat surface, as the effects of mass diffusion and radiation. The validation process involves assessing the accuracy and reliability of the outcomes obtained from solving the ordinary differential equations derived from the governing partial differential equations using Lie symmetry scaling. Source parameters are integral to the validation process, ensuring the robustness and credibility of the obtained results. The percentage increase or decrease in these parameters is systematically analysed to understand their impact on the mass and heat transmission characteristics of the magnetohydrodynamic Powell-Eyring fluid. The validation also involves a comparison of the calculated quantities, such as heat transfer rate, skin friction factor, and mass transmission rate, against established theoretical expectations. This scrutiny ensures that the numerical solution, implemented through the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg method in MATLAB, aligns with the expected physical behaviour of the system under investigation. Furthermore, the presentation of results employs graphical representations and tabular formats (Graphs and Tables), facilitating a clear and concise visualization of the impact of varying physical constraints on flow characteristics.

In this work numerical solutions using finite difference method of hybrid nanofluids (TiO2–Cu/Water) over an inclined plate are obtained. The nanoparticles are taken of volume fraction of size less than or equal to 0.05. Heat and mass transfers are studied. Chemical reaction and viscous dissipation effect are also examined. The results are computed and plotted for various parameters such as radiation, chemical reactions, and magnetohydrodynamics. The results of skin friction, rate of heat and mass transfers are computed in tables for Prandtl number 6.2 which corresponds to water and discussed in details. The present results can be used for comparison in future research for other non-Newtonian fluids models.

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of magneto hydrodynamic Powell–Eyring fluid on double-diffusive phenomena, with a specific focus on employing the Cattaneo–Christov model. The purpose is to enhance the study's scope by incorporating a heat sink and chemical reactions, thereby analyzing the intricate interplay between heat transfer and chemical processes within the MHD fluid system. To achieve this aim, the study utilizes similarity variables to convert PDEs into ODEs. The primary objective is to gain insights into mass and heat transmission dynamics, placing a particular emphasis on understanding the influence of chemical reactions in the system. For numerical solutions during the analysis, MATLAB's BVP4C solver and the shooting technique are employed. The research further aims to explore various physical constraints, including the fluid Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient. By doing so, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the MHD fluid system responds to different conditions. The notable outcomes, presented through graphical representations and tables, include a discernible decrease in fluid velocity with a higher magnetic field parameter and an observable increase in fluid temperature with greater heat source constraints. In summary, this exploration subsidizes significantly to our considerate of complex fluid behavior and holds practical applicability in various scientific and engineering contexts. The novel and physical insights from the study offer valuable understanding into the impact of magneto hydrodynamic Powell–Eyring fluid, particularly concerning double-diffusive phenomena and the intricate interplay between heat transfer and chemical processes.

This study investigates the complex interplay between radiation and magneto-flow on a porous, perpendicular plate immersed in a viscoelastic Maxwell fluid. The significance lies in understanding how the Lorentz force shapes dynamics and energy transfer in such systems, which is crucial for various industrial applications. Utilizing a comprehensive model that accounts for heat generation and absorption, we transform partial differential equations into ordinary ones through flow similarity analysis, providing valuable insights into the system's behavior. Employing the bvp4c solver in MATLAB, we evaluate velocity and energy profiles in Maxwell fluid flow. Graphical representations allow for a thorough examination of the influence of thermophysical parameters. Our findings reveal an intensified velocity profile attributed to prolonged material relaxation times.Furthermore, temperature profiles progressively increase with higher radiation and porous parameters. These results hold significant implications for industrial applications, particularly in Maxwell fluids' heat transport studies. Insights from this research can inform the design and optimization of systems such as ovens, boilers, cross-flow heat exchangers, and solar panels, enhancing efficiency and performance. Overall, this study contributes novel insights that advance understanding beyond previous efforts in the literature, paving the way for further exploration in this field. The primary finding of this study indicates that as the Rayleigh number increases, the velocity profile experiences an increase, whereas the temperature profile shows a decrease.

This study delves into heat and mass transference in fluids with variable thermo-physical features, focusing on the Powell-Eyring fluid, a non-Newtonian substance with unique characteristics. Our aim is to understand the behaviour of this shear-thinning fluid when interacting with an exponentially stretchable surface, considering factors like mixed convection and thermal radiation. Our research endeavours to uncover novel findings in this intricate domain, with the primary objective of comprehending how this shear-thinning fluid behaves when it encounters an exponentially stretchable surface. To address the complexities, we employ the BVP4C technique in MATLAB, transforming governing equations into nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) based on mass, linear momentum, and energy conservation principles. The Homotopy method aids in navigating these equations, and numerical solutions are calculated using the powerful BVP4C technique for ordinary differential equations (odes). The research stands out for its comprehensive exploration of the interplay among diverse factors, including radiation, variable viscosity, mixed convection, and activation energy constraints. Findings are presented through tables and graphs, offering valuable insights into the intricate physical phenomena within this multifaceted field.

Examining the behavior of non-Newtonian fluids in natural environments like rivers and groundwater flow is essential for evaluating their environmental impact. The Soret and Dufour impacts significantly influence the transportation of contaminants and heat within these systems. With this application in mind, this study investigates the impacts of steady-state Soret/Dufour and radiation on a porous perpendicular plate in the context of the Maxwell fluid model. Additionally, the study considers the impact of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and heat generation to provide a comprehensive modeling framework. The similarity technique is employed to transform the partial differential equations (PDEs) into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These ODEs are subsequently solved numerically using the inbuilt software bvp4c in MATLAB. The study presents graphical representations of Sherwood, skin friction, Nusselt number profiles, momentum, temperature, and concentration contours. These visual representations and tables illustrate the results for various fluid flow parameters, highlighting the influence of different flow characteristics. Key findings of this research include a rise in Nusselt and Sherwood numbers and skin friction with higher radiation values. Furthermore, there is an observed increase in temperature and concentration profiles as the Soret parameter value rises, indicating the significant impact of these parameters on the studied phenomena.

This study aims to bridge the gap by conducting a numerical analysis of Maxwell fluid behaviour on a perpendicular plate within a porous medium, considering both chemical reaction and heat generation. The investigation also encompasses the study of energy and mass transfer within magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Maxwell fluids. We utilise a transformation technique employing similarity variables to address the challenge posed by the nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). These transformed equations are subsequently solved via the bvp4c solver in MATLAB. The obtained results exhibit a high degree of agreement with the previously published work. The study systematically explores the influence of chemical reaction, energy generation, and Deborah number parameters on temperature and velocity, as well as concentration, presenting the outcomes graphically. In addition, we calculate local Sherwood numbers, Nusselt numbers, and skin friction coefficients to assess the impact of chemical reactions. Our findings notably indicate that Sherwood numbers and skin friction coefficients increase with higher levels of chemical reaction, while local Nusselt numbers decrease as chemical reactions become more pronounced. By studying Maxwell fluid flow over a perpendicular plate with chemical reactions, this research contributes to optimizing processes, enhancing product quality, and providing deeper insights into the behaviour of complex fluids in real-world scenarios.

Abstract Heat transport in a 2D steady radiative boundary layer with Maxwell fluid flow and the influence of heat generation and MHD has been studied across a porous inclined vertical plate. Through similarity transformation, the mathematical modelling is converted to ODEs, and the built-in solver Bvp4c via MATLAB is used to solve. The linear movement of an inclined porous plate introduced the flow. The MHD (M), Prandtl number (Pr), radiation (Rd), Rayleigh number (Ra), local Nusselt number (Nu x ), angle of inclination (γ), and material relaxation time (β) have a considerable impact on the flow field as a result. The local Nusselt numbers and the skin friction coefficient are also given as numbers. The validation with the numerical solution is presented. The results are shown, and a thorough physical analysis has been done. The temperature of the fluid rises due to the greater electric field, increasing the heat transfer on the inclined plate. However, skin friction increases dramatically as the heat radiation parameter rises. The critical findings of this study are that the temperature profile increases and the velocity profile lower as the inclination angle increases. The Maxwell fluid parameter raises the velocity profile as well.

Energy transfer and boundary layer flow on a stretching cylinder are used in extrusion procedures, fiber technology, the manufacture of polymer sheets, and the creation of plastic films. In view of these applications, this article examines a transport model for a boundary layer flow with magnetohydrodynamics derived from a Maxwell fluid flow under the influence of radiation, Brownian motion, thermo phoresies and Stefan blowing on a stretching cylinder. Using MATLAB bvp4c function, the governing equations are numerically solved after being changed into ordinary differential equations via similarity renovations. Calculations and analyses determined how various emergent parameters affected the flow field, heat transfer and mass transfer. Some characteristics were discovered to affect the width of the boundary layer. The influence on MHD (M), radiation (Rd), the Schmidt number (Stc), Brownian motion (Nb), thermo phoresies (Nt) and the Stefan blowing parameter (Sb) on the velocity, energy and concentration profile have been explored. Excellent assessment is recognized over a tabular explanation to validate the adopted numerical technique. Significantly the Stefan blowing parameter rises the profiles on velocity and temperature. For an increasing value of the Maxwell fluid parameter, the skin friction coefficient decreases compared to the Stefan parameter.

This study carries significant importance in its exploration of the consequences of thermal diffusion and diffusion-thermal energy on a Maxwell fluid near a stretching cylinder. It also considers the influence of Brownian motion and thermophoresis, alongside examining the impact of the Prandtl number and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and radiation into the analysis. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of thermal diffusion, diffusion-thermal energy, and various influencing factors on a Maxwell fluid near a stretching cylinder. This investigation aimed to shed light on the behavior of critical parameters, particularly in the presence of Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and variations in the Prandtl number. Additionally, this study sought to adapt a Bvp4c inbuilt software in MATLAB to solve the governing equations, enabling the visualization of velocity, energy, and concentration contours. This study mainly investigated the results for the mentioned parameters for both flat plate (Curvature parameter αc = 0) and cylinder (αc = 1) on temperature, concentration, and velocity profiles. The major conclusions drawn from this study are the concentration profiles exhibited opposing behaviors as thermophoresis, Brownian motion and the Dufour effect increased. However, the temperature profile increases for these parameters. Secondly, concentration displayed an increasing behavior as the Soret number increased.

This study is of significant importance as it focuses on exploring the intricate dynamics of viscous dissipation over a layered stretching surface in the context of MHD free and forced convective flow influenced by Powell-Eyring fluid. The primary aim of this research is to analyze the impact of heat emission and immersion phenomena on the flow, and to achieve this, conformable transformations of similarity have been pragmatic to adapt the governing equations from a set of non-linear PDE's into ODE's. The research methodology employed in this study involves numerical analysis using a 4th order Runge-Kutta formulation, implemented through MATLAB. The study precisely examines the stimulus of different flow constraints on velocity and temperature profiles. The outcomes of this investigation are presented through graphical representations, providing a comprehensive view of the flow characteristics. Furthermore, this study goes beyond the basic analysis by presenting important engineering metrics, the Nusselt number and skin-friction coefficient, explicitly across dissimilar variables. In conclusion, the findings of this research reveal as the Eyring-Powell fluid velocity profile rises, the temperature profile decreases, while the temperature profile rises with rising radiation.

The current research paper aims to investigate the Maxwell fluid flow over a flat plate under slip conditions and suction/injection parameters. Radiation, velocity slip conditions, and heat generation are also considered for this study. The governing equations are changed into ordinary differential equations with the appropriate similarity transformations. Then these equations are answered using the shooting technique and the Runge-Kutta 4th-order method. The impact of Deborah number (De), suction/ injection (fw), thermal radiation (Rd), viscous dissipation (Ec), velocity slip parameter (λ) and heat generation (Q) are displayed through graphs and tables. The main target of this investigation is to discuss the impact of the Nusselt number profile for the suction parameter (fw) against momentum slip (λ), thermal slip conditions (β) and radiation parameter. Skin friction profile for suction parameter also discussed against Maxwell fluid parameter (De). Numerical findings are compared to previously published research using bvp4c in MATLAB programme. The critical solutions of this study are that the Nusselt number outline increased for increasing the value of momentum slip, radiation parameter and thermal slip conditions. Still, it got decreases for viscous dissipation (Ec) against radiation. Skin friction profile decreased for increasing value of suction parameter against Deborah number.

This article evaluated the effects of heat generation and the chemical reaction of Maxwell fluid over a porous stretching cylinder. Partial differential equations are framed using the mentioned parameters. The partial differential equations for momentum, heat, and mass are changed using similarity transformations into highly nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These equations are answered numerically via the Runge-Kutta with the shotting scheme of the 4th order in MATLAB with the help of inbuilt software bvp4c. Results are offered graphically and in tabular format for essential parameters over a velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction coefficient, Sherwood number, and Nusselt number. We checked our coding against an existing article and obtained a good match. The essential findings of this research are that velocity decreases as the permeability parameter rises. It has been observed that a viscoelastic fluid parameter induces a decreasing velocity profile. Due to the Maxwell fluid, porosity, heat generation, and chemical reaction parameters, the thermal profile has been improved. These results have several manufacturing applications, including metal turning, the fabrication of glass filaments, the formation of elastic sheets, wire drawing, the ejection of polymer sheets by oil companies, and the synthesis of polymers.

This work examines the influence of double diffusion on MHD Powell-Eyring fluid flow with free convection through a vertical surface. In addition, the impacts of chemical reaction, heat generation, local magnetic field, Grashof number and local modified Grashof number parameters are considered. The analysis of double diffusive in the occurrence of fluid flow under the convective surface conditions is studied. To translate the governing PDEs of velocity, energy and species (solutal) concentration equation, a couple of nonlinear ODEs we relate the suitable transformation of similarity. The set of nonlinear ODE's numerically and attained numerical consequences are connected by those gained through the assistance of MATLAB procedure bvp4c. The impact of prominent constraints of chemical reaction, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, heat source parameter, magneto hydrodynamic parameter, on dimension less velocity, energy and solutal (species) concentration dissemination has been considered. Impacts of different parameters such as skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are described through tables.

This study aims to investigate the influence of radiation, thermal conductivity and variable viscosity on natural convective flow on a semi-infinite perpendicular plate. Variable viscosity, thermal conductivity and thermal radiation are considered for the given study. The dimensional governing equations are framed with the use of the mentioned parameters and then these equations were converted into dimensionless equations by applying non dimensional quantities. The main aim of this study is to find the Nusselt number and skin friction for both air and water for considered parameters. Using the finite difference method through Fortran software, numerical solutions to the governing heat equations and dimensionless momentum equations were computed. The results for the parameters thermal conductivity, variable viscosity, radiation, and Prandtl number for both air and water are displayed via various graphs. The skin friction coefficients, Nusselt parameter, and local Nusselt numbers were discussed for both the air and water. The key conclusions of this study are that the succeeding velocity declines as the radiation's increases. By increasing the radiation value and the fluctuation time, the temperature distribution increases. Notably, the temperature profile increases significantly when the variable viscosity parameter decreases.

Maxwell fluids display viscous flow on a long timescale but exhibit additional elastic resistance during rapid deformations. Among various types of rate-type fluids, the Maxwell fluid has achieved prominence in numerous study fields. This viscoelastic fluid has viscous and elastic properties. Due to their reduced complexity, this Maxwell fluid is utilized used in the polymeric industries. We have established a mathematical model based on the applications. This article examines the mathematical and graphical analysis for steady-state magnetohydrodynamic flow in a horizontal flat plate of Maxwell viscoelastic fluid for a permeable medium with heat and thermal radiation. The non-dimensional and similarity transformation used to frame the partial differential equations with restored ordinary differential equations. The shooting technique is originated to find solutions to nonlinear boundary value problems with the help of MATLAB software via the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg method. The primary idea behind this strategy is to change the boundary conditions of boundary value problems into initial value problems. Several plots illustrate the leading parameters such as Prandtl number (Pr), Deborah number (De), Eckert number (Ec), heat generation (Q), radiation (Rd), Lewis number (Le), magnetic parameter (M), and thermal slip condition (β) on the velocity profile and energy transfer behaviour. We validated our results with published work. The most significant impact of this study is that the Nusselt number drops as the Eckert number rises and climbs when heat radiation increases. The skin friction coefficient increases as Deborah number increases.

Here, we employ computational methods to study the impacts of heat production and radiation fascination on the movement of a chemically reactive flow of Maxwell fluid in a magnetic field via a vertically slanted permeable plate. A boundary layer approximation is carried out to construct a flow that accurately captures the time-independent equations for momentum, energy and concentration. Partial differential equations describe the path taken by the electrically conducting fluid as it moves through the porous media. The RK45 method is then used to assess the solutions once appropriate dimensionless variables have been applied. In addition, tables and graphs are used to clarify the physical contribution of important parameters like the Prandtl number (Pr), the Maxwell fluid parameter (β), the Lewis number (Le), the Rayleigh number (Ra), the magnetic parameter (M), the inclined plate (γ), the buoyancy ratio (Nr), the heat generation parameter (Q), the radiation parameter (Rd) and the chemical reaction parameter (Kr), the skin friction formulas and the Nusselt number are calculated, both used to quantify heat and mass transmission. Finally, a graphical representation of the change in magnetic parameters across a range of Rd embedded factor values is shown.

This study examines the numerical representation of fluid flow on the Maxwell model in a double-diffusive boundary layer over a horizontal plate. The investigation incorporates slip conditions, encompassing momentum slip, thermal slip, and suction parameters. Moreover, the study includes the inspiration of thermal radiation, heat generation, and mass transfer. The governing partial differential equations (pertaining to momentum, continuity, energy transport, and mass transport) are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using appropriate similarity transformations. To solve these equations in conjunction with suitable boundary conditions, the bvp4c inbuilt software is implemented. This is achieved through the shooting approach employed in MATLAB. A comprehensive agreement between the numerical technique and previously published findings demonstrates its efficacy. The outcomes are presented through graphical representations and tables, showcasing various parameters such as momentum slip, temperature slip, local Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and suction parameter. The primary motivation of this research lies in investigating the behaviour of Maxwell fluid flow in the absence of slip conditions. The study of Maxwell fluid flow over a flat plate with the combined effects of suction, thermal slip, and momentum slip conditions has a wide range of practical applications that span multiple industries, contributing to improved designs, efficiency, and understanding of fluid behaviour in various systems. The main aim of this study is to present streamlined results under varying conditions, explicitly investigating the influence of suction effects and slip conditions on the flow., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

This study evaluated the efficacy of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) for regular methamphetamine use among methadone-maintained women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in four methadone treatment services. Eligible women were assigned to receive either BCBT or drug education. Five questionnaires were used to assess the research hypotheses at weeks 0, 4, and 12. Urinalysis was used to verify self-reported methamphetamine use at week 0. Urinalyses were used for those participants who reported abstinence from methamphetamine at weeks 4 and 12. Overall, 120 women were enrolled. Sixteen participants were lost to follow-up. Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant reductions in frequency of methamphetamine use ( p < 0.001), severity of methamphetamine dependence ( p < 0.001), and number of days of methamphetamine use ( p < 0.001) at weeks 4 and 12. Significant improvements in readiness to change ( p < 0.001), psychological well-being ( p < 0.001), and social functioning ( p = 0.001) were found in the treatment group at weeks 4 and 12. Nineteen urine specimens (31.66%) in the treatment group were negative for methamphetamine use at post-treatment and follow-up, while no change was found in the control group (0.00%). The study supported the efficacy of BCBT for methamphetamine use and associated harms.

Refugee women are at high risk of experiencing high level of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and its negative impacts. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based household survey with refugees in a settlement in the city of Semnan, Iran, from 2016 to 2017. Afghan refugee women (n = 188) with ages between 15 and 49 years were recruited for the survey. Overall, about 79.8% of the participants reported to have experienced a form of IPV in the past 12 months. IPV exposure is associated with a negative reproductive health outcome. The high prevalence of IPV found among refugee women in the present research and its strong links with poor reproductive health outcomes, underline the urgent need for the development and testing of appropriate interventions in refugee settlements.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a relationship enhancement education and counseling (REEC) program on improving middle-aged couples' marital intimacy. The randomized controlled trial study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran, from May to December 2017. Thirty-two married couples, attending a public health center and meeting the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to the intervention (receiving REEC) and control (receiving routine care) groups. The outcome measures were marital intimacy, sexual motivation, and sexual function. Data were collected at three points in time. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for the purpose of data analysis. In all analyses, the interventional group outperformed the control group on all outcome measures. In the intervention group, results showed statistically significant improvement in all variables of interest after one week and 12 weeks in comparison with preintervention. Upon the completion of the experimentation, it can be concluded that a REEC program positively affects marital intimacy, sexual function, and sexual motivation in middle-aged couples.

Introduction: Occupational balance is one of the concepts used by occupational therapists with no consensus on its definition. Literature demonstrates different perspectives when this concept is applied in practice and in its link to other concepts such as health and well-being. This study aims to explore how the concept of occupational balance is perceived and practised by occupational therapy practitioners., Method: A qualitative methodology was employed. Fourteen occupational therapists volunteered for the study. Nine occupational therapy practitioners were interviewed individually and five attended a focus group. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data., Results: Six themes were identified as follows: (1) occupational balance: what it is; (2) how occupational balance is formed; (3) occupational balance and well-being (4); subjective and objective representations of occupational balance (5); what disrupts/affects occupational balance; and (6) occupational balance/imbalance and occupational therapy practice., Conclusions: Both objective and subjective experiences of occupational balance need to be considered in order to make an informed decision in practice. The right occupational balance for each individual should be based on his/her values but with consideration of the principal of no harm to others.

The sexual life of couples and their needs during pregnancy receive little attention in practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate an educational intervention delivered to pregnant couples to improve their sexual function and satisfaction. This quasiexperimental study was conducted on 128 couples, allocated into two groups of intervention (group A: couples, group B: pregnant women) and one control group (C). Postintervention, the mean of the total score of sexual function and satisfaction of the couples was significantly higher in the intervention groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). It seems sexuality education specific for prenatal care would be effective.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic high blood glucose concentrations (hyperglycemia). When it is left untreated or improperly managed, it can lead to acute complications including diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma. In addition, possible long-term complications include impotence, nerve damage, stroke, chronic kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, foot ulcers, and retinopathy. Historically, universal methods to measure glycemic control for the diagnosis of diabetes included fasting plasma glucose level (FPG), 2-h plasma glucose (2HP), and random plasma glucose. However, these measurements did not provide information about glycemic control over a long period of time. To address this problem, there has been a switch in the past decade to diagnosing diabetes and its severity through measurement of blood glycated proteins such as Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA). Diagnosis and evaluation of diabetes using glycated proteins has many advantages including high accuracy of glycemic control over a period of time. Currently, common laboratory methods used to measure glycated proteins are high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), immunoassay, and electrophoresis. HbA1c is one of the most important diagnostic factors for diabetes. However, some reports indicate that HbA1c is not a suitable marker to determine glycemic control in all diabetic patients. GA, which is not influenced by changes in the lifespan of erythrocytes, is thought to be a good alternative indicator of glycemic control in diabetic patients. Here, we review the literature that has investigated the suitability of HbA1c, GA and GA:HbA1c as indicators of long-term glycemic control and demonstrate the importance of selecting the appropriate glycated protein based on the patient's health status in order to provide useful and modern point-of-care monitoring and treatment.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the incidence rate as well as direct and indirect costs of nonfatal road traffic injuries (RTIs) in Iran in 2011., Methods: Data from the 2011 national household survey were used. In this survey, data on demographics, history, and costs of injury were obtained in 2 steps: first, direct face-to-face interview and second, telephone calls. We estimated the incidence rate of nonfatal RTIs in this year. The direct costs included medical care as well as nonmedical costs paid by the patient or insurance services. The indirect costs were estimated by considering the cost of absence from work or education. We also used logistic regression analyses to investigate risk factors of nonfatal RTIs., Results: We found 76 nonfatal RTI cases (0.96%) out of 7,886 whole reference study cases. These 76 injured patients had a history of RTI in the preceding 3 months. The annual incidence of RTIs was estimated at 3.84%. The mean age of RTI cases was 28.5 ± 10.6 and 88.16% of them were male. Male gender was a major risk factor (odds ratio [OR] = 9.64, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.79-19.41) and marriage was a protective factor (OR = 0.44, 95% CI, 0.28-0.70) for RTI. The medians of direct, indirect, and total costs were US$214, US$163, and US$387, respectively. The total cost of nonfatal RTIs in Iran was estimated at 1.29% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011., Conclusions: In Iran, nonfatal RTIs imposed a total cost of almost US$7 billion to the country for one year. Extension and more serious implementation of preventive measurements seem necessary to decrease this notable burden of RTIs.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its craniofacial anatomic risk factors might play a role in several cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). However, there are no data about cephalometric findings among OSA patients with MI., Methods: In this pilot case-control study, about 2000 individuals referred to the sleep center were evaluated according to apnea - hypopnea index (AHI) and other inclusion criteria. Included were 62 OSA male patients (AHI > 10), of whom 6 had an MI history. In both control (n = 56) and MI groups (n = 6), 18 cephalometric parameters were traced. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test., Results: Compared with control OSA patients, OSA patients with MI showed a significantly larger tongue length (p = 0.015). The other cephalometric variables were not significantly different between the two groups., Conclusion: An elongated tongue might be considered a risk factor for MI in OSA patients. The role of other variables remains inconclusive and open to investigation with larger samples (determined based on pilot studies such as this report) collected in longitudinal fashion.

An overview of potentiometric sensors that are capable of detecting toxic heavy metal ions in environmental samples is presented and discussed. Notwithstanding the tremendous work performed so far, it is obvious that still several limitations do exist in terms of selectivity, limits of detection, dynamic ranges, applicability to specific problems, and reversibility. A survey on important advances in potentiometric sensors with regard to high selectivity, lower detection limit, fast response time, and on-line environmental analysis is presented in this review article. [Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry to view the free supplemental file.].