Search

This research provides an overview of the historical advances of the maze tests that are widely used to assess the cognitive impairments in rodents. Particularly, this study focuses on the issue of learning and memory behavioral tests, including dry and water mazes. Several types of mazes have been used in this setting, but their real advantages and applications depend on the type selected by the researcher. We answered some of the basic questions that any interested researcher in such studies may be faced with. The reviewed topics are as follows: the definition of maze learning, the role of the memory in the maze learning, the differences between several types of mazes, and foremost the rationale behind the maze constructions and designs.

No Abstract

Although numerous studies have been undertaken to examine the potential of C&D wastes in pavement structures, limited research to date has developed constitutive models for the resilient modulus (Mr) of C&D wastes. In this study, machine learning algorithms: artificial neural network (ANN); Support Vector Regression (SVR); and Random Forest Regression (RFR) were utilised for estimating the Mr of C&D wastes blended with tire-derived aggregate (TDA). A database of repeated load triaxial test results on C&D/TDA blends including stress-state parameters, Mr values and other influential parameters on the Mr such as physical properties of the blends, as well as the California bearing ratio (CBR) test results was utilised for developing the machine learning models. The predictive performance of the developed algorithms was assessed using statistical indices and several validation stages. The results exhibited the robustness of machine learning algorithms used for predicting the Mr of C&D/TDA wastes, with R2train, R2test, MAPEtrain, MAPEtest between 0.996–0.997, 0.911–0.997, 0.037–0.068, and 0.037–0.067, respectively. The sensitivity analysis results indicated that the optimum moisture content and CBR had the highest impacts on the Mr of C&D/TDA blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Craving is one of the diagnostic criteria for nicotine dependence. The aim of this study was Translating and Validating of Tobacco Craving Questionnaire-Short Form (TCQ-SF) on Persian. Methods: Fifty smokers aged 15–65 years participated through a public invitation. The forward and backward translation was done according to Beaton's guideline, then all smokers completed questionnaire, in non-deprived and deprived states with a 1-week interval. After expert committee confirmed forward and backward translation, construct validity evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), mean craving scores Independent sample T-tests between high and low Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependent (FTND), and also, deprived and non-deprived smokers. The reliability assessment was done by Intraclass coefficient (ICC) and mean craving scores paired sample t test between two deprived states. The Cronbach's alpha was conducted for internal consistency. Results: The consensus Persian version of the questionnaire was obtained. The CFA indicated a significant (P < 0.001) association of four latent variables with questionnaire structure. The significant (P < 0.001) difference between craving scores in Independent sample t tests indicated the construct validity as concurrent validity. There was no significant difference (P = 0.063) between two deprived states' scores and ICC = 0.97, indicated questionnaire reliability. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.89, shows good internal consistency. Conclusions: The results confirmed the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire-Short Form.

In reinforced concrete (RC), concrete’s relatively low tensile strength and ductility are counteracted by reinforcement of materials having higher tensile strength or ductility, such as steel reinforcing bars. A remarkable concern in design of RC columns confined with transverse reinforcement is to achieve an acceptable estimation of confined compressive strength and strain factors when they are subjected to compressive and lateral loading. To cope with this issue, various models have been proposed by researchers due to the costly procedure of experimental studies and lack of high‐capacity testing equipment. Despite this fact, there still exists the necessity to develop more robust estimation models. This paper explores the capability of gene expression programming for the prediction of confined compressive strength and strain of RC columns with circular cross section. A reliable database is used to develop two new models which can be used via hand calculations for design purposes. In order to verify and validate the proposed models, several analyses are conducted and the results are compared with those provided by other researchers. Consequently, the results explicitly represent that the proposed models accurately estimate the confined compressive strength and corresponding strain of circular concrete columns and reach a notably better prediction performance than the traditional models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of electron beam radiation on the chemical composition, the β-glucan content, the water extract viscosity, the crystallinity of starch, the patterns of protein subunits, and the in vivo digestibility of barley grain. Barley samples were irradiated at doses of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 kGy under the electron beam. In a completely randomized design, cockerels were fed raw or irradiated samples to determine the digestibility of crude protein and gross energy. Irradiation had no effect on the total contents of protein, starch, and β-glucan. At doses of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 kGy, electron beam irradiation decreased the water extract viscosity of samples by 41%, 49%, 57%, 66%, and 78%; decreased the crystallinity of starch by 4%, 6%, 12%, 26%, and 27%; and increased the surface hydrophobicity of protein by 3%, 20%, 35%, 67%, and 80%, respectively. In vivo digestibility of energy and protein increased as irradiation dose increased. Therefore, electron beam irradiation of barley results in a better nutritional quality in respect to an increase in the bio availability of its components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]