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This research investigates the incorporation of solar power systems into buildings to meet the energy needs of near-zero-energy buildings. The study focuses on a complex buildings in Shiraz City, Iran. The primary objective of this case study is to integrate an innovative method of hydrogen production known as thermochemical hydrogen production methods to fulfill the building's energy demands. Solar energy is utilized to generate heat by parabolic trough collectors, which is the sole energy source required for the V–Cl thermochemical cycle. Consequently, hydrogen is produced and stored during the day for use at night when there is no solar radiation. To address this, a novel component has been developed for the vanadium chlorine cycle (V–Cl) within the TRNSYS software. The energy system was simulated using the TRNSYS software, a powerful transient simulation tool. Despite the numerous advantages offered by TRNSYS's energy system simulation, it lacks optimization capabilities. The use of a neural network-genetic algorithm optimization approach allows for the calculation of an optimized area for collectors and the power output of fuel cells for the building complex. The optimum configuration results in minimum installation cost, lowest CO 2 emissions, and the highest power supply renewable (PSR). The results reveal that the installation of collectors with a surface area of 70 m2 and the utilization of fuel cells with a power output of 345 kW lead to a total carbon dioxide (CO 2) generation of 10.31 tons per year, a PSR of 1.21, and a cost of $4.915 per hour. • Modeling and investigation of a building complex consisting of restaurants. • Solar energy system to provide the power requirements of a building using TRNSYS. • Using vanadium chlorine thermochemical cycle to produce and store hydrogen. • A neural network-genetic algorithm technique for optimization. • System development to find the optimal balance between cost and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonic acid-supported vanillin/bis indolylmethane-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2-Propyl NPs were prepared and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, VSM, EDX, DLS, and TGA-DTG. The catalytic efficiency of the prepared nanoparticles was subsequently investigated for the effective synthesis of imidazoquinazolines via the one-pot condensation of 2-aminobenzimidazole, aryl aldehydes, and cyclohexanone or dimedone under solvent-free condition. Some thiazoquinazolines also were prepared via the multicomponent reaction of aldehydes, dimedone, and 2-aminobenzothiazol under solvent-free condition,. This avenue is really suitable because it makes a high yield of product, doesn't take too long, doesn't need harmful materials and solvents, its work-up is easy and the catalyst is reusable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a simultaneous catalytic extraction–oxidation system for model and real fuel desulfurization has been investigated. To do this, the vanadium–chromium catalysts were supported on a mesoporous silica substrate (KIT-6) by a two-step impregnation method. Different analyses such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP, BET, elemental mapping, EDX, and TPR were used to characterize catalysts. According to the obtained results, the catalyst with maximum vanadium oxide content (CVK-C) showed the highest catalytic activity for the removal of dibenzothiophene from the model fuel and sulfur-containing compounds from the real fuel (gasoline) in the oxidative desulfurization process. In this catalytic system, the reaction was carried out under different conditions such as the amount of catalyst, type of catalyst, temperature, time, oxidizing value, type of extracting solvent, and the ratio of extracting solvent to model fuel. Under optimal conditions, the removal of dibenzothiophene was 97% from model fuel (n-octane) and the removal of sulfur-containing compounds from the real fuel was above 90%. The catalyst can be recovered up to 4 times without significant reduction in catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid progress in modern technologies and paying more attention to food safety has prompted new green technologies superior than chemical methods in the food industry. In this regard, enzymes can decrease the usage of chemical reactions but they are sensitive to environmental effects (pH and temperature). In addition, enzymes are scarcely possible to be reused. Consequently, their application as natural catalysts is restricted. Using nanotechnology and the possibility of enzyme immobilization on nanomaterials has led to nanobiocatalysts, resulting from the integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology. Nanocarriers have individual features like nanoscale size, excellent surface/volume ratio, and diversity in construction to improve the activity, efficiency, stability, and storage stability of enzymes. Nanobiocatolysts have a wide range of applications in purification, extraction, clarification, production, and packaging of various products in the food industry. Furthermore, the application of nanobiocatalysts to identify specific components of food contaminants such as microorganisms or their metabolites, heavy metals, antibiotics, and residual pesticides has been successful due to the high accuracy of detection. This review investigates the integration of nanotechnology and food enzymes, the nanomaterials used to create nanobiocatalysts and their application, along with the possible risks and legal aspects of nanomaterials in food bioprocesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bachground: Noise is one of the most important harmful factors in the environment. There are limited studies on the effect of noise loudness on brain signals and attention. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to different loudness levels with brain index, types of attention, and subjective evaluation. Methods: Four noises with different loudness levels were generated. Sixty-four male students participated in this study. Each subject performed the integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-2) test before and during exposure to noise loudness signals while their electroencephalography was recorded. Finally, the alpha-to-gamma ratio (AGR), five types of attention, and the subjective evaluation results were examined. Results: During exposure to loudness levels, the AGR and types of attention decreased while the NASA-Tax Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores increased. The noise exposure at lower loudness levels (65 and 75 phon) leads to greater attention dysfunction than at higher loudness. The AGR was significantly changed during exposure to 65 and 75 phon and audio stimuli. This significant change was observed in exposure at all loudness levels except 85 phon and visual stimuli. The divided and sustained attention changed significantly during exposure to all loudness levels and visual stimuli. The AGR had a significant inverse correlation with the total score of NASA-TLX during noise exposure. Conclusions: These results can lead to the design of methods to control the psychological effects of noise at specific frequencies (250 and 4000 Hz) and can prevent non-auditory damage to human cognitive performance in industrial and urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, changes in people's lifestyles and occupations have led to new food consumption patterns around the world, with a notable growth in the demand for ready meals and meat products. Accordingly, the food industry has tried to transform the global food culture by promoting its more profitable products to become able to set a higher price for meat. Considering the short lifetime of products in perishable food supply chains, inventory decisions are considered crucial. In addition, the demand for perishable food products is greatly affected by their freshness. In this paper, we develop a multi-objective mixed-integer non-linear programming model for a four-level sustainable supply chain (SC) of a perishable product with price-dependent demand and deterioration rates. The SC consists of suppliers, a production center (PC), distribution centers (DCs), and retailers. We aim to ascertain the optimal pricing policy and cycle length to maximize profit, achieve specific social objectives, and minimize the total cost and adverse environmental impacts. The proposed model determines the deterioration rate of each product according to its expiration date, the optimal location of supply-side facilities, and the flow rate between the facilities based on the selected mode of delivery. The products are delivered to the retailers by a mechanized transportation system either directly from the PC or indirectly through the DCs. Finally, an actual case study is provided to demonstrate the applicability of the model and our theoretical results under real-world conditions. We solve the case study by a preemptive fuzzy goal programming method and perform several sensitivity analyses on the results. By performing simultaneous sensitivity analyses on the demand and expiration dates, the optimal values of the problem's parameters are determined. The optimal values help decision-makers make optimal decisions regarding the selling price of products and replenishment times. The model is applicable to supply chains of any perishable items with expiration dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mothers of children with an intellectual disability often experience challenges that affect their mental health and the relationship with their children. The present study assesses the correlation between the mental health and relationship patterns of mothers of children with an intellectual disability. In this descriptive−correlational study, the mothers of 53 female and 92 male children with an intellectual disability were selected. The data were collected by: (a) a demographic questionnaire; (b) a general health questionnaire; and (c) the assessment scale of mother− child relationship. The results revealed that the acceptance relationship pattern had a significant negative correlation with somatisation (p = 0.006, r = -0.206), anxiety (p = 0.018, r =.174), and the general mental health (p = 0.009, r =.195). The rejection pattern had a significant positive relationship with depression (p = 0.026, r =.163). The present study showed that mothers who had experienced symptoms of anxiety or who had lower general mental health scores were less likely to use acceptance patterns in relationship with their child. Also, mothers who had symptoms of depression significantly rejected the relationship with their child. So, it is suggested that programs should be developed and implemented to maintain mothers' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multifunctional of cancer-specific tumor biomarkers is a potent therapeutic approach to treat cancer diseases with high efficacy. Among these methods that can be mentioned are the composition and design of nanoparticles and photosensitizers (PS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) coated thioglucose (Tio) combined with methylene blue photosensitizer to enhance the efficacy of hybrid therapy (photodynamic and radiation therapy). Material and Methods: First, GNPs-Tio was synthesized. Next, the toxicity of GNPs-Tio, MB, and their combinations was determined on the MCF-7 cell line to achieve their optimal concentrations. In the next step, the efficacy of combination therapy was evaluated using hybrid therapy. For this purpose, an optical dose of 15.6 J/cm2 and 2 Gy for radiation therapy were delivered. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT and colony assays. Results: According to the MTT assay, the combined photodynamic and radiation treatment of GNPs-Tio did not cause significant cell death. But this induced significant cell death by using GNPs-Tio + MB while the cell survival rate was almost zero. Combined therapy caused significant cell death in the presence of each of the pharmacological agents alone and their combination in colony assay. Conclusion: The difference in treatment results between the MTT and the colony assay can be due to the more accurate colony assay for cell death detection. Significant cell death was achieved in the combination of photodynamic and radiotherapy in the presence of MB and MB + GNP-Tio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the operational conditions of flash-binary geothermal cycles, it is difficult to design a multiple heat recovery technique for its waste heat. To address this deficiency and reuse its waste heat in different stages, this study proposes a novel poly-generation model considering parallel and series waste heat recovery. The prime target is to maintain the temperature and enthalpy level of the waste heat from each stage to another and provide a unified framework, leading to producing the main required products. The model comprises a transcritical carbon dioxide Rankine cycle, a desalination subsystem, a single-effect absorption refrigerator, and a low-temperature electrolyzer. To this end, a multi-aspect feasibility study is conducted from energy, exergy, and economic viewpoints, and a multi-criteria optimization is applied in four different scenarios using an artificial neural network in tandem with a multi-objective grey wolf optimization. The most suitable state of operation of each optimized scenario and the efficient scenario is defined through the TOPSIS approach. It was found that the most influential parameter affecting the performance metric was the geothermal water inlet temperature. Besides, the second scenario, i.e., exergy efficiency/total investment cost rate, resulted in the best state of operation. Finally, the optimum objective functions were gauged at 29.59% and 72.72 $/h, respectively. In this situation, the optimum net output power, cooling load, freshwater production rate, and hydrogen production rate were equal to 1666.0 kW, 1029.0 kW, 146.4 m3/day, and 1967.0 m3/day, respectively. Besides, the sustainability index and levelized cost of products were obtained to be 2.11 and 0.0602 $/kWh. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated polyurethane (PU)–based foams modified with PEGylated graphene oxide and folic acid (PU@GO-PEG-FA) were developed with the goal of capturing and detecting tumor cells with precision. The detection of the modified PU@GO-PEG surface through FA against folate receptor-overexpressed tumor cells is the basis for tumor cell capture. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to study the strength of FA interactions with the folate receptor. Based on the obtained results, the folate receptor has intense interactions with FA, which leads to the reduction in the FA interactions with PEG, and so decreases the fluorescence intensity of the biosensor. The synergistic interactions offer the FA-modified foams a high efficiency for capturing the tumor cell. Using a turn-off fluorescence technique based on the complicated interaction of FA-folate receptor generated by target recognition, the enhanced capture tumor cells could be directly read out at excitation-emission wavelengths of 380–450 nm. The working range is between 1×10 2 to 2×10 4 cells mL -1 with a detection limit of 25 cells mL -1 and good reproducibility with relative standard deviation of 2.35%. Overall, findings demonstrate that the fluorescence-based biosensor has a significant advantage for early tumor cell diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores whether resveratrol effectively protects the reproductive system against isoflurane-induced toxicity in testicular tissue. In this experiment, we randomly divided 60 adult male C57BL/6 mice into six groups (n = 10). Five consecutive days per week, mice were exposed to 1.5% isoflurane for 1 h/day and were given 50 and 100 mg/kg resveratrol. After 35 days (the completion of the mouse spermatogenesis period), the left testis was removed for histomorphometric evaluations, while the right testis was used to determine the Capacity of total antioxidants and lipid peroxidation. To analyze the Parameters of sperm, chromatin maturation, and DNA fragmentation, the left caudal epididymis was used. Based on a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we considered a difference in means of 0.05 to be significant (P0.05). Compared to the control group, the isoflurane group showed a significant decrease in testicular weight, volume, sperm parameters, and tissue histomorphometry. Comparatively, to the control group, malondialdehyde levels increased, and the total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly. Resveratrol improved all of the above parameters in the simultaneous treatment groups compared to the isoflurane group. It did not, however, reach the level of the control group in all cases. It has been demonstrated that resveratrol, with its powerful antioxidant properties, reduces the reproductive toxicity of isoflurane by inhibiting free radicals and increasing the testicular tissue's antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is considered to provide equitable opportunities for all learners with or without disabilities. This study aimed to examine the extent to which UDL was implemented in ESL classrooms at the university level. A mixed-method approach was conducted to explore the effective ways to maximise learning outcomes, inclusion, and equity regarding UDL principles; both students' and teachers' voices were addressed. Online questionnaires for students and semi-structured interviews for teachers were used to probe the UDL application in the classrooms. The findings revealed that teachers employed UDL principles in their classrooms to varying degrees. They also explored various strategies to enhance levels of engagement, representation, action, and expression. However, they experienced different tensions during the process. The study concluded with implications for researchers, teachers, and policymakers in developing a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Preventive self-care behaviors such as home quarantine are very important in preventing COVID-19. The aim of this study was to explore the factors of non-compliance with home quarantine during the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted with a qualitative content analysis approach in 2020 in Iran. In order to collect information, 24 samples were selected by purposive sampling method and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and the collected data were analyzed using the contractual content analysis approach using Elo and Kingas method. Results: Analyzing the data revealed in six main themes and fourteen main categories, including: necessities for everyday activities and living (with subthemes providing the necessities of life, forced by work/job insecurity, need for fun/entertainment, sports), mental instability in adults/children (with subthemes of mental states, restlessness of children), spiritual and religious beliefs (with subthemes of belief in fate and immunity/disease immunity, right to know death), managerial problems/confusion (with subthemes of government mismanagement, expectations from the government, economic turmoil), marital incompatibility (with subthemes domestic violence), adherence to socio-cultural patterns (with the subthemes of sociocultural factors). Conclusion: According to the results, it should be noted that several factors are contributing to non-compliance with home quarantine that it is necessary for the relevant authorities to take measures to remove these obstacles and provide the necessary facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The trans-radial approach significantly reduces access bleeding and underlying vascular complications and is associated with lower health care costs than the transfemoral approach. One of the most common complications, however, is radial artery occlusion (RAO). Methods: This study investigates the effects of verapamil on radial artery thrombosis in patients referred to Taleghani Hospital in Tehran between 2020 and 2021. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: the first group received verapamil, nitroglycerin, and heparin and the second group nitroglycerin and heparin. To randomly assign 100 cases to the 2 experimental and control groups, we first formed a framework for sampling 100 people (from 1 to 100); then, based on the table of random numbers, we assigned the first 50 numbers to the experimental group and the remainder to the control group. The 2 groups were compared for radial artery thrombosis. Results: This study evaluated 100 candidates for coronary angiography in 2 groups of 50 with and without verapamil. The mean age was 58.6±11.2 years in the group with verapamil and 58.1±12.7 years in the group without verapamil (P=0.84). The difference between the 2 groups in terms of heart failure was statistically significant (P<0.028). The prevalence of clinical thrombosis was 2.0% in the group with verapamil and 22.0% in the group without verapamil (P<0.004). The prevalence of ultrasound-confirmed thrombosis was 4.0% in the group with verapamil and 36.0% in the group without verapamil (P<0.001). Conclusion: Intra-arterial injection of verapamil added to heparin and nitroglycerine during trans-radial angiography could significantly reduce RAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The outbreak of Coronavirus disease, which originated in Wuhan, China in 2019, has affected the lives of billions of people globally. Throughout 2020, the reproduction number of COVID-19 was widely used by decision-makers to explain their strategies to control the pandemic.Methods: In this work, we deduce and analyze both initial and effective reproduction numbers for 12 diverse world regions between February and December of 2020. We consider mobility reductions, mask wearing and compliance with masks, mask efficacy values alongside other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in each region to get further insights in how each of the above factored into each region's SARS-COV-2 transmission dynamic.Results: We quantify in each region the following reductions in the observed effective reproduction numbers of the pandemic: i) reduction due to decrease in mobility (as captured in Google mobility reports); ii) reduction due to mask wearing and mask compliance; iii) reduction due to other NPI's, over and above the ones identified in i) and ii).Conclusion: In most cases mobility reduction coming from nationwide lockdown measures has helped stave off the initial wave in countries who took these types of measures. Beyond the first waves, mask mandates and compliance, together with social-distancing measures (which we refer to as other NPI's) have allowed some control of subsequent disease spread. The methodology we propose here is novel and can be applied to other respiratory diseases such as influenza or RSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel PAA-Agarose/Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanocomposite hidrogel was successfully synthesized. • The Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 improved the loading and encapsulation efficiency of quercetin. • The developed pH-responsive drug delivery system is highly efficient for cancer treatment, Cancer has consistently been a significant global concern as the leading second cause of death. Improving the performance of chemical methods using a drug delivery system is an alternative approach to cancer treatment. In this study, the delivery of an anti-cancer drug, quercetin (QC), was investigated by placing it in a pH-sensitive hydrogel nanocomposite made of polyacrylic acid (PAA), agarose, and Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 particles. Then, the drug release control was improved by the double emulsion method. Spherical nanoparticles with a smooth surface morphology were observed in the images obtained through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), their average size was determined to be 193 nm using dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, and they exhibited a zeta potential of 38 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses provided evidence of the interactions and chemical bonds in the hydrogel structure. The magnetic properties of the nanocarrier were studied by vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM). The amount of drug loaded in the PAA-Agarose/Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 increased to 86 %, while the encapsulation efficiency increased to 48 %. Drug release kinetics at physiological (7.4) and acidic (5.4) pH were best fitted with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The U-87 MG glioma cell line was evaluated for toxicity through cytotoxicity assay (MTT) and flow cytometry. A higher percentage of apoptosis was found in PAA-Agarose/Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -QC compared to the free QC system. The findings corroborate that the approach developed herein is highly effective for pH-responsive drug delivery in cancer treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main composition of intestinal microbiota in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients has not yet been elucidated. In this, case-control study, we identified differences of intestinal microbiota in male patients with NAFLD, presumed NASH, and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: We compared gut microbial composition of 25 patients with NAFLD, 13 patients with presumed NASH, and 12 healthy controls. Demographic information as well as clinical, nutritional, and physical activity data was gathered. Stool and blood samples were collected to perform the laboratory analysis. The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota was assessed using V4 regions of microbial small subunit ribosomal Ribonucleic acid genes sequencing of stool samples. Results: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the most frequently phyla in all groups. Our results revealed that Veillonella was the only genus with significantly different amounts in presumed NASH patients compared with patients with NAFLD (P = 2.76 x 10-6, q = 2.07 x 10-4, logFC = 5.52). Conclusion: This pilot study was the first study to compare gut microbial composition in patients with NAFLD and presumed NASH in the Middle East. Given the potential effects of gut microbiota on the management and prevention of NAFLD, larger, prospective studies are recommended to confirm this study's findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disruptions in sleep related to mealtime may contribute to gut microbial imbalances, and put individuals at higher risk for metabolic diseases. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the relationships between late-night eating habits and sleep quality and duration, with gut microbiota (GM) profiles. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 36 men referred to a clinic were enrolled. In addition to demographic information, each participant completed questionnaires regarding medical history, physical activity, late-night eating habits, sleep quality and sleep duration. The scores from these questionnaires were used to categorize study participants into the following groups: sleep quality (good or poor), late-night eating (yes or no) and sleep duration (<7 or ≥7 hours). Five grams of stool was also obtained from each participant for GM profiling analysis by sequencing. Results: The mean age of the study population was 42.1 ± 1.6 years. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the two dominant phyla present in all participant samples. Differences in the relative abundance of GM at each taxonomic rank between study groups were insignificant. Only Erysipelotrichales at the order level were found to be significantly different between individuals who had late-night eating habits and those who did not (P & q < 0.05). No other parameter demonstrated a significant difference in GM profiles of participants. Conclusion: In this pilot study, we found Erysipelotrichales to be more abundant in individuals with late-night eating habits. Studies with higher sample sizes are warranted to better delineate the possible effects of time of eating on microbial composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known regarding the impact of quantity and quality of sleep on the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible independent association of late bedtime and premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). Methods: Between October 2016 and November 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional population-based study on 30 101 participants aged 20--65 years in Khuzestan Comprehensive Health Study (KCHS). Data on major risk factors of cardiovascular disease, habit history, physical activity, and sleep behavior was gathered and participants underwent blood pressure, anthropometric, and serum lipid and glucose profile measurements. PCAD was defined as documented history of developing obstructive coronary artery disease before 45 years in men and before 55 years in women. Results: Of a total of 30 101 participants (64.1% female, mean age: 41.7 ± 11.7 years) included in this study, 1602 (5.3%, 95% confidence interval: 5.1%--5.6%) had PCAD. Late bedtime was reported in 7613 participants (25.3%, 95% confidence interval: 24.9%--25.8%). Age-sex standardized prevalence for PCAD and late bedtime were 3.62 (3.43-3.82) and 27.8 (27.2--28.4), respectively. There was no significant difference (P = 0.558) regarding prevalence of PCAD between those with late bedtime (5.5%, 95% CI: 4.9%--6.0%) and those with early bedtime (5.3%, 95% CI: 5.0%--5.6%). However, after adjustment for potential confounders, late bedtime was independently associated with PCAD (OR = 1.136, 95% CI = 1.002--1.288, P = 0.046). Conclusion: In this study, late bedtime was significantly associated with presence of PCAD. Future prospective studies should elucidate the exact role of late bedtime in developing coronary atherosclerosis prematurely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a wide range of challenges through the use of nano-material in buildings. By developing construction industries the use of flame retardant nano-materials is a hurdle for human health. However occupational exposure measurement is not applicable for nano-particles monitoring. Risk assessment is an alternative method for industrial hygiene strategies. In this study, we use the control banding approach for risk assessment of 3 nano-fire retardant (NFR) in the building industry. Methods: We used control banding as a risk assessment approach for decision making about nano-materials in the building industry. The risk of nano-fire retardants such as monokote accelerator, monokote Z-106 G and monokote Z-106 HY in the construction industry was studied. The level of risk was evaluated by the matrix of hazard severity and probability score. Hazard severity was scored by toxicological information. The probability score was estimated by the state work operation. Results: A score of hazard severity in monokot Z-106 HY was higher than other nano-materials. The probability score of spraying tasks was lower than mixing and transportation tasks. The results show the application of all nano-materials had the higher risk level in transportation and mixing tasks. The risk level of monokote accelerator and monokote Z-106 G in spraying task is lower than monokot Z-106 HY. Conclusions: There is a high risk level for studied nano-materials in the coating tasks of the construction industry. In conclusion, powerful controlling strategies such as the substitution of nano-materials was suggested to decrease the risk of nano-fire retardants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levodopa is widely administered orally in clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease; however, due to levodopa various oral absorption and low bioavailability, intranasal delivery seems to be a suitable alternative route of administration. Pluronic F-127 is a thermosensitive polymer, which can form gel at nasal cavity temperature and increase drug residence time. In this study, a rapid High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was validated in presence of internal standard to determine pharmacokinetic parameters following levodopa administration to rats in three different intravenous solution, intranasal solution and intranasal thermosensitive gel groups. A precised (96.7%) and accurate (95.0%) HPLC method was validated at low UltraViolet (UV) wavelength of 208 nm that showed limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 59 and 177 ng/mL, respectively. Specificity results showed no interference for levodopa with endogenous serum materials, and serum extraction efficacy was 93%. Pharmacokinetic parameters including bioavailability of 75 and 85% with mean residence time of 78 and 94 min were estimated for intranasal solution and thermosensitive gel using the validated HPLC method, which indicated that levodopa nasal gel may be a good alternative with appropriate pharmacokinetic outcome. Therefore, the validated levodopa HPLC analysis method at low UV wavelength was efficiently applied in pharmacokinetic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lower sound loudness levels (65 and 75 phon at frequencies of 250 and 4000 Hz, respectively) and higher sharpness (1.23 and 3.29 acum at frequencies of 4000 and 8000 Hz, respectively) had the most significant impact on attention parameters. • A statistically significant correlation was found between reaction time (RT) and the theta/beta ratio (TBR). • The destruction in attention and reaction time increased with longer exposure times for all types of noise. • The frequency and exposure time must be considered as significant factors in causing attention disturbance. From a psychological standpoint, noise can disturb human mental performance in the workplace. While loudness and sharpness of noise are usable factors for evaluating the subjective effects of noise exposure, there has been comparatively less focus on their influence on human reaction time and the dynamic changes in brain waves. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the temporal changes in the theta beta ratio (TBR) and reaction time (RT) before and during exposure to different noise loudness and sharpness levels. Eight different loudness and sharpness levels of noise were generated and broadcast. Sixty-four men performed the Integrated Visual and Auditory (IVA) test both before and during exposure to the generated noise, and their brain waves were recorded simultaneously. The main step of the IVA test lasted approximately 12 min and consisted of 250 visual and 250 auditory stimuli presented randomly. The highest difference in TBR before and during exposure to various loudness levels was associated with 65 phon at 250 Hz and 75 phon at 4000 Hz, with values of 0.86 and 0.75, respectively. This difference equaled 0.69 for the 1.23 acum sharpness level at a frequency of 4000 Hz. In addition, the sharpness of 3.29 acum at a frequency of 8000 Hz led to the highest difference equaling 0.71 in TBR between before and during exposure to various sharpness levels. The most significant difference in RT was observed before and during exposure to lower loudness levels (65 and 75 phon), resulting in 405.75 and 347.5 ms, respectively. This highest difference was also observed for sharpness levels of 1.23 (391.4 ms) and 3.29 acum (427.4 ms) compared to other sharpness levels. Furthermore, attention deficit increased with longer exposure times to all noise levels. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between TBR and RT during exposure to all noises. Specifically, lower loudness at frequencies of 250 and 4000 Hz and higher sharpness at frequencies of 4000 and 8000 Hz had the most significant impact on the attention parameter. In psychoacoustics studies, it is important to consider both the frequency and duration of exposure in addition to assessing the loudness and sharpness level of noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study aims to address the integration of solar energy systems that can be incorporated into buildings to provide zero-energy buildings. In this study, a typical building is considered located in Bandar Abbas city, Iran. Since renewable energy is not always available, energy storage becomes crucial to supplying the energy needed. The primary objective of this case study is to compare two different methods of energy storage: battery and hydrogen storage. TRNSYS, a powerful program for transient simulation is used to model the energy system. TRNSYS's energy system simulation provides consumers with several notable benefits, but it lacks optimization methods. A neural network-genetic algorithm optimization is suggested as a solution to solve this issue. The results indicate that in systems with battery and H 2 storage, 39 % and 37 % of the buildings' required electricity can be generated by PV panels, respectively. The findings show that integrating a storage system into the primary system enhances the system's energy security and reduces reliance on grid power. Following that, the optimal value related to the power of the electrolyzer, and fuel cell is computed using a neural network-genetic algorithm optimization approach. The optimal configuration has the least loss of power supply probability (LPSP), CO 2 emission, and installation costs. MATLAB software is used to perform the optimization process. According to evaluated data, the hydrogen storage system results in total CO 2 generation, LPSP, and total cost of 342 (ton/year), 0.841, and 0.637 (EUR.hr−1), respectively. Also, a parametric study on the battery-based system showed that with the best capacity (7 kW), the values of LPSP, CO 2 , and cost are 0.5412, 249 (ton/year), and 0.2751 (EUR.hr−1), respectively. Consequently, the battery is an appropriate storage solution for this case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double layer hydroxide (LDH) as a photocatalyst has potential features in water pollution control. In the present study, the iron (III) oxide /two-dimensional carbon nitride/nickel‑iron LDH (Fe 2 O 3 /2D-C 3 N 4 /NiFe-LDH) composite was synthesized by pyrolysis and co-precipitation process from waste iron rusts as one of the cheap precursors along with NiFe-LDH and g-C 3 N 4. The photocatalytic activities of magnetic Fe 2 O 3 /2D-C 3 N 4 /NiFe-LDH as stable photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) as cationic dyes was studied and then the characteristics of the resulting materials, including morphology, structure, crystal phase, optical and electronic properties, were clearly investigated using different techniques. The fabricated Fe 2 O 3 /2D-C 3 N 4 /NiFe-LDH provide greatly improved photocatalytic performance for dye degradation compared to the sole Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4.The maximum elimination efficiency of MB and RhB are 91.2% and 88.5% respectively. 80% COD photodegradation was achieved under optimal conditions including catalyst loading (0.36 g/L), initial pH (9.0), LED irradiation time (60 min), and initial concentration of MB (10 mg/L) and RhB (9 mg/L). The obtained photocatalyst was effectively recovered using an applied magnetic field. Based on the reusability study, the fabricated photocatalyst was chemically stable and corrosion resistant. • Fe 2 O 3 /2D-C 3 N 4 /Ni-Fe LDH photocatalyst was prepared from waste iron rusts, LDH and g-C 3 N 4. • This magnetic LDH composite has excellent photocatalytic ability for degrading MB and RhB mixture dyes under LED light. • A very efficient separation of the composite from the solution is possible with a simple bar magnet. • It provides an interesting idea for the application of waste iron rusts as cheap precursors for magnetic photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new three-component magnetic eutectogel composed of a crosslinked copolymeric deep eutectic solvent (DES) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated Fe 3 O 4 nano-powder impregnated in calcium alginate gel was synthesized and applied as a sorbent material in a green alternative micro solid-phase extraction of melamine in milk and dairy products. The analyses were performed using the HPLC-UV technique. The copolymeric DES was prepared through thermally-induced free-radical polymerization of [2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate]:[thymol] DES (1:1 mol ratio) as functional monomer, azobisisobutyronitrile (as initiator), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (as crosslinker). The sorbent was characterized using ATR-FTIR, 1H &13C FT-NMR, SEM, VSM, and BET techniques. The stability of the eutectogel in water and its effect on the pH of the aqueous solution was studied. A one-at-a-time approach was applied to optimize the impact of significant factors influencing sample preparation efficiency (sorbent mass, desorption conditions, adsorption time, pH, and ionic strength). The method validation was performed by evaluating matrix-matched calibration linearity (2–300 μg kg−1, r 2 = 0.9902), precision, system suitability, specificity, enrichment factor, and matrix effect. The obtained limit of quantification (0.38 μg kg−1) was lower than the established maximum level for melamine by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (0.25 mg kg−1), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (0.5 & 2.5 mg kg−1), and The European Union (EU) (2.5 mg kg−1) in milk and dairy products. The optimized procedure was applied for the analysis of melamine in bovine milk, yogurt, cream, cheese, and ice cream. The obtained normalized recoveries of 77.4–105.3% (RSD% <7.0%) were acceptable regarding the practical default range set by the European Commission (70–120%, RSD≤20%). The sustainability and green aspects of the procedure were evaluated by the Analytical Greenness Metric Approach (0.6/1.0) and the Analytical Eco-Scale tool (73/100). This paper presents the first-time synthesis and application of this micro-eutectogel for the analysis of melamine in milk and milk-based dairy products. Fe 3 O 4 @CA/[(HEMA)m-co-(EGDMA)n]:[Thy] micro-eutectogel. [Display omitted] • A new μ-eutectogel by a DES gel & PVP-Fe 3 O 4 NPs caged in Ca-alginate was prepared. • The μ-ETG sorbent was used in green analysis of melamine in milk and dairy products. • Extraction efficiency by μ-ETG was 1.86-fold better than that of unmodified Ca-alginate gel. • The sustainability was assessed by Analytical Eco-Scale Analytical Greenness tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looked at both conventional and advanced exergy analyses of a new combined cooling, heating and power generation system driven by geothermal energy. This cycle consists of a double flash cycle with two thermoelectric generator units and an organic Rankine cycle, besides Li–Br/water absorption cooling cycle. A parametric investigation is performed to indicate the influence of flash cycle pressures and also turbine inlet temperature on the system performance. To evaluate the accurate potential for improving this cycle performance, the first and second-division levels of exergy destruction are determined. In this study, the thermodynamic cycle approach of advanced exergy analysis is used to identify different parts of exergy destruction for each system component. Under real and unavoidable conditions, the system's overall exergy efficiency is 53.38% and 55.83%, respectively. Based on the entire avoidable exergy destruction rate, the system's greatest improvement potential is 9732.4 kW (about 35.35% of total exergy destruction), that 60.01% of this avoidable value being endogenous and 39.99% of avoidable part being exogenous. It is also disclosed that the prioritized order of components acquired by conventional exergy analysis differs from that obtained by advanced exergy analysis for increasing overall system performance. The TEG1, the generator, the TEG2, the LPT, and the condenser1, ...are recommended by the conventional, whereas the generator, the LPT, and the absorber, ...are recommended by the advanced exergy analysis. Despite having the largest exergy destruction, the data show that the TEG1 seems to have moderate improvement potential. • A new power and cooling producing system driven by geothermal energy is proposed. • The system consists of a double flash cycle, an absorption cooling system, ORC and TE. • Energy, conventional and advanced exergy analyses of the system as well as parametric study are investigated. • The results of conventional and advanced exergy destruction are compared. • Improving the real potential of components and subsystems is compared from the perspective of advanced exergy analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND COVID-19 infection has led to a worldwide pandemic, and new cases are on the rise. Intravenous drug users (IVDU) are presumably at a higher risk of being infected since they have poor personal hygiene, live in groups, and have risky behaviors. The current study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in IVDU in comparison with non-drug users (N-DU). METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 IVDU and 134 N-DU. A questionnaire gathering data on demographics, comorbidities, and use of personal protective equipment was administered to all participants. In addition, 5 cc of blood was taken from each individual to test for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies (Pishtaz Teb SARS-Cov-2 ELISA kits). RESULTS The mean age of N-DU and IVDU were 38.9 ± 12.9 and 40.38 ± 10.24 years, respectively. COVID-19 seroprevalence in IVDU was 9.7%, and 4.8% in N-DU, but this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.096). CONCLUSION While the seroprevalence of COVID-19 was not significantly different among the two groups, IVDU should still be considered by policymakers as a high-risk group due to their lifestyle and risky behaviors. Providing personal protective equipment and other means of protection and treatment to this population can help mitigate the spread of and mortality from COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional (2D) barium(II) coordination polymer [Ba(H2O)(µ-H2O)(µ-Cl)(µ-2,3-pyHdc)]n (1) (2,3-pyHdc = pyridinium-2,3-dicarboxylate), was prepared by reaction of barium(II) chloride dihydrate and pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and TGA/DTA methods. The single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that barium(II) ion in 1 has a distorted bicapped square-antiprismatic coordination geometry. The barium(II) ions are alternately bridged by the carboxylate O atoms only and by both carboxylate O atoms and water molecules, forming zig-zag chains of barium(II) ions extending along the [1 0 0] direction. All the barium(II) ions in these chains are also bridged by the chloride ions, resulting in the formation of an infinite 2D coordination network parallel to the (0 0 1) plane. Thermal decomposition of 1 in the presence of polyethylene glycol led to the formation of the BaCl2 nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the prepared BaCl2 nanoparticles. The PXRD trace showed a formation of BaCl2 with an orthorhombic witherite structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disease with no exact laboratory or imaging findings. IBS is more common in areas with a history of psychological trauma and war. This study aims to report the prevalence and possible determinants of IBS in southwestern Iran, an area with a notable history of war. Methods: We randomly enrolled 1849 permanent residents in 29 cities aged 20 to 65 years. A validated for Farsi version Rome III criteria and a questionnaire, including demographic data and health history, were administered to each subject. Participants who fulfilled the Rome III criteria were categorized into three groups: Diarrhea dominant (IBS-D), Constipation dominant (IBS-C), and Mixed type (IBS-M). Results: The total prevalence of IBS was 3.2%, with 70% of subjects being of Arab descent (P = 0.004). IBS was more common in females, singles, illiterate subjects, and people younger than 30 years; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. People with depression, anxiety, self-report of psychological disorders, and very low socioeconomic status had a significantly higher prevalence of IBS (P < 0.05). After multivariable logistic regression analysis, very low socioeconomic status had an independent role in IBS predictivity (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.01--5.15). Conclusion: This study shows a higher prevalence of IBS symptoms in a population-based study in the region compared to counterparts in other regions of Iran. Considering the higher prevalence of self-reported psychological disorders, further studies are recommended to focus on the exact diagnosis of mental disorders and their influence on IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyurea (HU) activates the γ-globin gene, resulting in increased Hb F synthesis. The SOX6 gene is a member of the Sox (Sry-type HMG box) family of transcription factors, characterized by minor groove binding domain. The DNA binding domain of this gene is encoded by exon 14. We assessed the relationship between response to HU and exon 14 of the SOX6 gene sequence variations in patients with non transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). One hundred NTDT patients from southern Iran underwent HU therapy randomly participated in this cross-sectional study between February 2013 and October 2014. Based on response to HU therapy, the patients were divided into two groups: good and poor responder. Sequence variations of exon 14 of the SOX6 gene was assayed by the Sanger sequencing technique. From all evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as above, we found no significant association between sequence variations of exon 14 of the SOX6 gene and response to HU therapy (p > 0.05). It seems that no SNPs in exon 14 of the SOX6 gene is associated with response to HU in NTDT patients, but more studies are needed for further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant growth in the utilization of renewable energy in the built environment. Due to the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources, energy mismatch problems between on-site generation and demand both in hourly and seasonal levels is unavoidable. In addition, energy-pricing policies are leading to less or no Photovoltaic (PV) feed-in-tariffs in the near future and/or even providing incentives to uphold self-consumption. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the building designs in a way to improve the utilization of on-site generated energy and to decrease the dependency on the nearby energy grid. In this study, performance optimization of various residential building designs is carried out considering future policy scenarios. The objective is to minimize the dependency on the nearby energy grid and to maximize the self-consumption. To achieve this, a performance-based design support approach is proposed. A simulation framework is presented to conduct the performance assessment. The developed design support approach is demonstrated using a Dutch house that needs to be renovated considering homeowner as the primary decision-maker. The proposed approach can be used by designers and consultants in the design phase of a building to aid decision-makers in identifying future-proof building designs with low grid dependency. • A novel design support methodology to design houses with low grid dependency. • Multi-criteria decision making providing trade-off between design options. • Integrating uncertainties in the assessment aiding to identify robust solutions. • Using visualization methods to enhance the design decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superparamagnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2 O4) possess favourite advantages for theranostic applications. Most of previous studies reported that CoFe2 O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are suitable candidates for induction of hyperthermia and transfection agents for drug delivery. The present study synthesized and investigated the potential use of CoFe2 O4 as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using a conventional MRI system. The CoFe2 O4 were synthesized using co‐precipitation method and characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR, EDX and VSM techniques. Relaxivities r1 and r2 of CoFe2 O4 were then calculated using a 1.5 Tesla clinical magnetic field. The cytotoxicity of CoFe2 O4 was evaluated by the MTT assay. Finally, the optimal concentrations of MNPs for MRI uses were calculated through the analysis of T2 weighted imaging cell phantoms. The superparamagnetic CoFe2O4 NPs with an average stable size of 10.45 nm were synthesized. Relaxivity r1, 2 calculations resulted in suitable r2 and r2 / r1 with values of 58.6 and 51 that confirmed the size dependency on relaxivity values. The optimal concentration of MNPs for MR image acquisition was calculated as 0.154 mM. Conclusion: CoFe2 O4 synthesized in this study could be considered as a suitable T2 weighted contrast agent because of its high r2 /r1 value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy dissipation caused by information loss in irreversible computations will be an important limitation for the development of nano-scale circuits in the near future. Reductions in energy dissipation comprise one of the important goals of nanotechnology-based methods, including Quantum dot Cellular Automata (QCA), and so it is desirable to consider reversibility in the design of QCA circuits. In this research, a novel reversible Fredkin gate based on QCA is proposed, which is more efficient and less complex than the conventional Fredkin gate. Conservative reversible logic is parity preserving; hence, any permanent or transient fault can be caused a mismatch between the inputs and the outputs and can be concurrently detected if a reversible circuit is implemented with the conservative Fredkin gate. A single missing/additional cell defect is investigated in the proposed Fredkin gate and fault patterns are presented. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed design, some testable reversible sequential elements, such as D-latch, JK-latch, T-latch and SR-latch, are designed by using it. Our proposed concurrent testable designs greatly reduce the occupied area and maximise the circuit density in comparison with previously reported designs. The proposed designs are simulated and verified using QCA Designer ver.2.0.3 and HDLQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed quantum computing has been well-known for many years as a system composed of a number of small-capacity quantum circuits. Limitations in the capacity of monolithic quantum computing systems can be overcome by using distributed quantum systems which communicate with each other through known communication links. In our previous study, an algorithm with an exponential complexity was proposed to optimize the number of qubit teleportations required for the communications between two partitions of a distributed quantum circuit (DQC). In this work, a genetic algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem in a more efficient way. The results are compared with the previous study and we show that our approach works almost the same with a remarkable speed-up. Moreover, the comparison of the proposed approach based on GA with a random search over the search space verifies the effectiveness of GA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laterally extensive sub-horizontal laminated travertine deposits outcropping in the Çakmak quarry (Denizli Basin, Turkey) allows reconstructing their three-dimensional geobody architecture. Based on field observations, detailed petrographic and geochemical analyses (stable carbon and oxygen isotopes, major and trace elements) the most important controlling porosity-permeability parameters in this lacustrine-dominated facies, in relation to microfacies and diagenetic modifications were constrained. Sedimentological analyses and the observed architectural geometries allowed to subdivide the sub-horizontal carbonate succession into three main depositional units. These units in turn, based on macro- and microscopic observations were subdivided into nine dominant lithotypes reflecting an overall shrub flat and a marsh pool depositional setting. The shrub flat facies mainly comprises dendritic shrub crusts boundstone, pustular grainstone and clotted micrite mudstone to boundstone. In contrast, the marsh pool environment is dominated by coated reed rudstone to boundstone, cryptalgal silty bioclast-rich bioturbated mudstone and peloidal packstones. The diagenetic study revealed that the sediments were affected by dissolution, cementation, sparmicritization, recrystallization, and local formation of Fe-oxi/hydroxides and chalcedony. Among the diagenetic products, in particular, the calcite cements were investigated, applying micro-analysis of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes. Accordingly, the co-variation between the obtained isotopic values and the elemental concentrations (Sr, Mg, Na, and S) point to a thermogene fluid system that likely circulated through the subsurface limestones, dolomites and evaporites of the Lycian Nappes. These findings ensure an in-depth understanding of continental carbonate deposition, i.e. sub-aqueous travertines, in the context of a lacustrine depositional system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing prevalence of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become a frequent cause of chronic liver disease, often leading to cirrhosis. In recent decades, gut microbiota have been evaluated as an effective factor in NAFLD pathogenesis, causing steatohepatitis by involving the host immune system. The aim of this study is to evaluate gut microbiota dysbiosis in NAFLD/NASH patients in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of published studies that have examined the composition of gut microbiota in relation to NAFLD. PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science were searched. After the exclusion of irrelevant studies, 15 eligible studies were included and summarized. Results: Overall, some studies reported the composition of microbiota at the phyla level, while others reported them at smaller subgroups; the results of studies were contradictory in some cases. Conclusion: Overall, study findings indicate a relationship between microbial composition and NAFLD. Study methods and sequencing techniques influenced these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has played an important role in biochemistry and cell biology as a reporter gene. It has been used to assess the potency of promoters for recombinant protein production. This investigation reveals evidences suggesting that the gfp GFP gene (EGFP) could be expressed without the promoter. In a study, a pLenti-F/GFP vector was constructed with the purpose to allow GFP expression in transduced cells but not in packaging cells; however, after transfecting the HEK293T cell line, GFP gene was expressed, compared to pLOX/CWgfp-transfected cells showed expression lag, lower levels and reduced percentage of GFP expression in the cells. This unexpected result could be due to auto transduction in packaging cell, possible retrotransposon activity in the cell line, possible contamination of pLenti-F/GFP with the pLOX/CWgfp and possible presence of a promoter within backbone of the vector. All the possibilities were ruled out. To exclude the possibility that a sequence within the region might act as a promoter, the fragment to be transfected was minimized to a region containing "from the start of the GFP gene to 5'LTR R". The GFP gene was again expressed. Therefore, our findings suggest the EGFP does not need promoter for expression. This should appeal to the researchers designing GFP based assays to evaluate the potency of promoters, since possible aberrant expression may have a potential to influence on the results of a planned experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy with global significance. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the influence of stage and tumor site on survival outcomes in 284 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2017. Patients were categorized into four groups based on tumor site (colon and rectum) and disease stage (early stage and advanced stage). Demographic characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were recorded. Bayesian survival modeling was performed using semi-competing risks illness-death models with an accelerated failure time (AFT) approach, utilizing R 4.1 software. Results demonstrated significantly higher time ratios for disease recurrence (TR = 1.712, 95% CI 1.489–2.197), mortality without recurrence (TR = 1.933, 1.480–2.510), and mortality after recurrence (TR = 1.847, 1.147–2.178) in early-stage colon cancer compared to early-stage rectal cancer. Furthermore, patients with advanced-stage rectal cancer exhibited shorter survival times for disease recurrence than patients with early-stage colon cancer. The interaction effect between the disease site and cancer stage was not significant. These findings, derived from the optimal Bayesian log-normal model for terminal and non-terminal events, highlight the importance of early detection and effective management strategies for colon cancer. Early-stage colon cancer demonstrated improved survival rates for disease recurrence, mortality without recurrence, and mortality after recurrence compared to other stages. Early intervention and comprehensive care are crucial to enhance prognosis and minimize adverse events in colon cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research presents a novel integrated energy system to generate clean and sustainable power for building applications. The system uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell to generate power and heat from syngas, as well as a dual-ejector organic flash cycle (DOEFC) to recover waste heat from the upper process efficiently. From a technological, economic, and environmental aspect, the system is examined. To figure out the system's best operation point, a two-criteria optimization is shown to seek the lower cost and emission as well as higher efficiency of the system. Moreover, a parametric study is performed to reveal the influence of several key parameters on the system performance. The results pinpoint that this system has energy and exergy efficiencies that are around 37.65% and 23.77%, respectively. Among the components of this system, Afterburner (5.84 MW), PEM-FC (5.04 MW), and selective CO oxidizer (3.32 MW) are responsible for the greatest amount of exergy destruction rate. In addition, it is worthy noting that, the highest contribution of the total exergy destruction is due to the irreversibilities of the fuel cell. Furthermore, the results of this system's two-objective optimization show that the best solution point has a net output power of 2.66 MW and a total cost rate of 5.39 $/h. • A novel combined biomass-driven cogeneration system consisting of a PEM fuel cell and a dual-ejector organic flash cycle (DEOFC) to recover waste heat from the upper process, is proposed in the present work. • A thermodynamic and exergoeconomic investigation is carried out for this cycle. In addition, an optimization study is performed from the perspective of economic and system efficiency. • The influence of several key parameters on the system performance is shown. • The main sources of exergy destruction in the system are recognized. • To obtain the best condition, the optimal value of decision variables is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A travertine fissure ridge and travertine mound are situated ~800 m from each other at the western margin of the active tectono-volcanic Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (western Iran). Despite their close proximity, the two geobodies show a difference in morphology, lithofacies, lithotypes, diagenesis and geochemistry. Petrographic analysis of the fissure ridge carbonates revealed homogeneous sparitic fabrics with dendritic structures reflecting precipitation under fast-flowing conditions from calcite supersaturated spring water. The mound carbonates are much more heterogeneous and display dominantly micritic fabrics with (mainly volcanic) clasts reflecting a lower energy flow regime and lower calcite saturation. In contrast to the limited diagenetic overprint of the fissure ridge carbonates, the more porous mound carbonates are affected by dissolution, cementation, and formation of Mn/Fe-oxide/hydroxides, attesting of a strong control on porosity by early diagenetic processes. The widespread bright luminescent calcite phases especially in sparitic fabrics within both geobodies display high Mn concentrations in calcite indicating suboxic precipitation conditions. The overlapping 87Sr/86Sr signatures and δ13C signatures point to a mixture of CO 2 that dominantly originated from dissolution of the marine carbonate Qom Formation (Oligo-Miocene). The different δ18O signatures, indicate different upwelling systems caused by different substrate settings. The fissure ridge formed on a hard and brittle limestone substrate with precipitation from dominantly subsurface-sourced fluids. The mound travertine formed on top of fairly unconsolidated and fractured volcanic strata. The depleted δ18O signatures and impure micrite-dominated fabrics of the mound travertine reflect precipitation from thermal water that mixed with surrounding groundwater. This difference is also reflected in a different calculated precipitation temperature that varies between 4 and 21 °C for the mound versus 25–50 °C for the fissure ridge. Our findings show that subsurface geology exerts a major control on precipitation processes resulting in differences in travertine morphology, sedimentology, diagenesis, and geochemistry, despite that the travertine bodies occur adjacent to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among developmental disorders that has taken the attention psychologists and psychiatrics from a long time ago. The present study aims to investigate the effect of attention and working memory improvement training on executive function of children with ADHD. The present study was a quasi-experimental study and the sample included 44 children with ADHD who referred to psychiatric clinics of Babol and had the characteristics of interest and they were divided into test and control groups, each group contained 22 subjects. Their performance was evaluated using Tower of London Test at the pretest stage. Then, each group member exposed to training with attention and working memory improvement application for 20 sessions of 30 minutes (7 weeks, 3 times a week, 30 minutes). After the training period, posttest was administered with the same application for both groups. The results of analysis of covariance showed that despite increased executive function in both groups at the presets, the executive function in test group was higher and for this reason, attention and working memory improvement training has influenced the executive function of children with ADHD. Attention and working memory training and similar programs can be used as a complementary treatment method or an alternative for medical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Infrared (IR) technology has been studied as an alternative to conventional food processing technologies. The IR technology has attractive merits such as uniform heating, high heat transfer rate, reduced water, and energy consumption and improved product quality and safety. This research studied the feasibility of kiwifruit peeling using IR heating. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of IR radiation power (250–850 W), the distance between IR emitter and sample (10–70 mm) and heating time (45–125 s) on the peeling performance and physicochemical properties of kiwifruit. Lye-peeling was used as the control treatment to compare the efficiency of IR peeling. Heating with a power of 446 W at the distance of 70 mm for 125 s was found to be the optimum operating conditions for the IR peeling of kiwifruit. Under these conditions, the results were a peelability of 90%, weight loss of 4.5%, peel thickness of 0.4 mm, surface temperature of 64.1 °C, puncture force of 57.7 N, color difference of 2.4 and ascorbic acid content of 140 mg/100 g fresh fruit. Compared to hot lye peeling, the IR radiation heating caused significant reduction in weight loss, surface temperature, and color differences. It also maintained the firmness of fruits. Highlights • Infrared (IR) heating method was successfully applied for kiwifruit peel removal. • Weight loss in IR peeled fruit was three times less than lye peeled ones. • Compared to lye peeling, IR peeling significantly reduced the color differences. • IR peeled fruit had higher firmness compared to lye peeled ones (57.7 N vs. 40 N). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ethyl aluminum sesquichloride (EASC) used as a new chlorinating agent in Ziegler Natta catalyst. • Chlorination temperature and EASC amount investigated on the catalyst structure and, performance. • Chlorination at 110 °C made the catalyst with higher surface area, and activity. • Reducing the amount of EASC by half provides an adequate amount of Cl atoms for catalyst preparation. • The catalyst activity in decreased in the presence of an electron donor. Catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene were created through the use of a solution based catalyst precursor that incorporated magnesium ethoxide-titanium tetra butoxide. A novel chlorinating agent, ethyl aluminum sesquichloride (EASC), was utilized for the precipitation of the catalyst. The resulting catalysts were then evaluated through a range of analytical techniques, including FTIR, FE-SEM, BET, particle size analysis, and elemental analysis. The chlorination reaction temperatures and EASC/Mg molar ration were changed, and the final catalysts were investigated and polymerized (ZMC 1–3). The formation of the Mg-Cl bond was detected in all catalysts by FTIR. FE-SEM images of the catalysts revealed rectangular crystalline structures surrounded by an amorphous sub-grain material. All of the catalysts have a similar concentration of titanium, with only a minor portion of the titanium being removed due to decanting, Most of the primary titanium is placed on the catalyst support independent of the change in the synthesis procedure. The results showed that chlorination at a higher temperature (110 °C) made the catalyst with smaller particle size, narrower PSD, higher surface area, and higher activity. The findings indicated that increasing the temperature of chlorination at 110 °C resulted in the production of catalysts with smaller particle size, more narrow particle size distribution, increased surface area, and improved activity. Reducing the amount of EASC by half at 110 °C provides an adequate amount of Cl atoms for catalyst preparation and reduces the amount of required washing solution. In the following, the effect of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as an alkoxy electron donor before and after precipitation was examined and named ZMC 4 and ZMC 5 respectively. Then catalyst was investigated in homo and copolymerization of ethylene/1-butene. As a result, the catalyst activity decreased in the presence of an electron donor, and the kinetic algorithm changed from decay to the buildup type. The activity drop was less in ZMC 5, the density and DSC analysis showed that the comonomer distribution was better in ZMC 4. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe3O4 nanoparticles were modified with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) followed by immobilization with different amines such as guanine, piperazine, methylamine, morpholine, aniline, ethylenediamine, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and melamine, designated as Fe3O4@SiO2@CPTMS@amine (nanocatalyst). The prepared nanocatalysts were characterized by means of FTIR, XRD, VSM, SEM, and TEM. Trans-esterification reactions of soybean oil with methanol were then carried out in the presence of the Fe3O4@SiO2@CPTMS@amine as a nanocatalyst. Optimization of the reaction parameters revealed that the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs or biodiesel) is obtained in 6-96% yields by using methanol to oil molar ratio of 36 in the presence of 6% of nanocatalysts containing melamine and guanine, respectively, at 160 °C within 3 h. The stability and reusability of the catalyst as well as the effect of reaction parameters on the FAME yield are described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a facile, one step and eco-friendly sonochemical rout was utilized to the synthesis of a new nanocomposite by Ag nanoparticle anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO-Ag-U). Sonication was carried out by using low frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) under ambient condition. In this way, graphene oxide and Ag + ions simultaneously reduced by polyol without using any additional reactants or capping agents. The polyol serves as both solvent and low toxic reducing agent. To achieve the best synthesis condition of rGO-Ag-U nanocomposite, the effects of irradiation time, ultrasonic amplitude and reaction temperature were investigated. In comparison, the synthesis of rGO-Ag was also carried out via reflux as a classical method (rGO-Ag-C). It was found that ultrasonic irradiation for 10 min at 70% amplitude was sufficient for the synthesis of rGO-Ag-U. Several analytical techniques were used to characterize the resulting nanocomposites such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Vis spectra show a shift of GO band to a higher wavelength which is due to the reduction of sp 3 sites. The results of TEM also confirm the smaller Ag nanoparticle (about 18 nm) which uniformly decorated on rGO nanosheets by sonochemical method than classical method. The experimental data suggest that among the synthesized nanocomposites, rGO-Ag-U exhibited better catalytic activity (k app  = 1.18 min −1 ) towards the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were used to reinforce the freeze-dried gelatin (G)/chitosan (Ch) scaffolds for bone graft substitution. Two types of G/Ch scaffolds at a ratio of 2:1 and 3:1 by weight incorporated with 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1 and 0.2 or 0.4 wt% f-MWCNT, respectively, were prepared by freeze drying, and their structure, morphology, and physicochemical and compressive mechanical properties were evaluated. The scaffolds exhibited porous structure with pore size of 80–300 and 120–140 µm for the reinforced scaffolds of G/Ch 2:1 and 3:1, respectively, and porosity 90–93% which slightly decreased with an increase in f-MWCNTs content for both types. Incorporation of f-MWCNTs led to 11- and 9.6-fold increase in modulus, with respect to their pure biopolymer blend scaffolds at a level of 0.05 wt% for G/Ch 2:1 and 0.2 wt% for G/Ch 3:1, respectively. The higher content of f-MWCNTs resulted in loss of mechanical properties due to agglomeration. The highest value of compressive strength and modulus was obtained for G/Ch 2:1 with 0.05 wt% f-MWCNT as 411 kPa and 18.7 MPa, respectively. Improvement ofin vitrobioactivity as a result of f-MWCNTs incorporation was proved by formation of a bone-like apatite layer on the surface of scaffolds upon immersion in simulated body fluid. The findings indicate that the f-MWCNT-reinforced gelatin/chitosan scaffolds may be a suitable candidate for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are species of carbon steel in the industry suffering from corrosion phenomena under seawater environment. In this paper, for purposes of the prediction of 3C steel corrosion rate, the proposed methodology here adopts a hybrid model based on neural network (NN) and imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA). Additionally, to validate the suggested method, we have managed to apply a procedure, namely leaving-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). Thus, the model in this paper is abbreviated as NN-ICA_LOOCV. In the case study, the model is implemented on 46 experimental samples. This dataset is included within five parameters, namely temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, PH value and oxidation-reduction potential as inputs and corrosion rate(s) as an output parameter. The dataset was divided into two parts: one for training and the other for testing with 42 and 4 data number, respectively. For an evaluation purpose, the performance of NN-ICA_LOOCV is compared with other models on the basis of indicators such as the coefficient of determination ( R ), root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). The model was successfully tested, yielding a prediction of corrosion rate with a RMSE of around 0.01, MAE of 0.011 and a correlation factor of 0.99 to the test data. The results demonstrate that the carefully designed hybrid model further succeeded to denote lower modeling error and higher accuracy. Hence, this model is an applicable and reliable offer to engineers in order to online and safe prediction of corrosion rate in 3C steel under seawater environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, communicable diseases caused the highest mortality in Iran. Improvements in socioeconomic status and living standards including access to safe drinking water, along with the inception of Health Houses in the 1980s, have changed disease patterns, decreasing the spread of and deaths from infectious and communicable diseases. The incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD), however, have now increased in Iran, accounting for nearly 80% of deaths and disabilities. Without interventions, NCD are predicted to impose a substantial human and economic burden in the next 2 decades. However, Iran's health system is not equipped with the necessary policies to combat this growth and must refocus and reform. Therefore, in the year 2013, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education funded a well-designed nationwide cohort study--Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN)--in order to assess the burden of NCD and investigate the risk factors associated with them in the different ethnicities and geographical areas of Iran. The PERSIAN Cohort, which aims to include 200 000 participants, has 4 components: Adult (main), Birth, Youth and Elderly, which are being carried out in 22 different regions of Iran. Having an enormous dataset along with a biobank of blood, urine, hair and nail samples, the PERSIAN Cohort will serve as an important infrastructure for future implementation research and will provide the evidence needed for new healthcare policies in order to better control, manage and prevent NCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]