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Abstract The GDS(L)-like lipase from the Basidiomycota Pleurotus sapidus (PSA_Lip) was heterologously expressed using Trichoderma reesei with an activity of 350 U L−1. The isoelectric point of 5.0 was determined by isoelectric focusing. The novel PSA_Lip showed only 23.8–25.1%, 25.5%, 26.6% and 28.4% identity to the previously characterized GDSL-like enzymes phospholipase, plant lipase, acetylcholinesterase and acetylxylan esterase, from the carbohydrate esterase family 16, respectively. Therefore, the enzyme was purified from the culture supernatant and the catalytic properties and the substrate specificity of the enzyme were investigated using different assays to reveal its potential function. While no phospholipase, acetylcholinesterase and acetylxylan esterase activities were detected, studies on the hydrolysis of ferulic acid methyl ester (~ 8.3%) and feruloylated carbohydrate 5-O-transferuloyl-arabino-furanose (~ 0.8%) showed low conversions of these substrates. By investigating the hydrolytic activity towards p-nitrophenyl-(pNP)-esters with various chain-lengths, the highest activity was determined for medium chain-length pNP-octanoate at 65 °C and a pH value of 8, while almost no activity was detected for pNP-hexanoate. The enzyme is highly stable when stored at pH 10 and 4 °C for at least 7 days. Moreover, using consensus sequence analysis and homology modeling, we could demonstrate that the PSA_Lip does not contain the usual SGNH residues in the actives site, which are usually present in GDS(L)-like enzymes.

Abstract In this work, we consider intermediate inflation in the context of the generalized non-minimal derivative coupling (GNMDC) model. In the GNMDC model, inflation is driven by a canonical scalar field that is coupled not only to gravity but also to the derivative of the scalar field. The model introduces new dynamics and features during the inflationary epoch. We find inflationary solutions with a power law scalar field for the power law coupling function. Additionally, we determine the inflaton potential that generates intermediate expansion of the scale factor. We also discuss the background equations in the high friction limit and derive constraints on the parameters of our model. Furthermore, we investigate the cosmological perturbations in the slow roll approximation within the GNMDC model, and we calculate the scalar and tensor spectral index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio during intermediate inflation. We compare the results of this model with observational data that can be used to test the model using cosmic microwave background radiation data. Overall, we establish conditions for the inflaton potential that ensure the continuation of accelerated expansion during slow roll inflation. We numerically analyze the power spectrum and spectral index for scalar and tensor modes in intermediate inflation in the high friction limit, and we use Planck 2018 data to obtain constraints on the parameters of the model. We demonstrate that intermediate inflation in the GNMDC model is successful in evaluation and explanation of background and perturbation quantities using observational data.

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that accompany many metabolic disorders including diabetes,obesity, and a wide range of dyslipidemia conditions, are strongly associated with adverse effects on cell and tissuehomeostasis. Accordingly, our objective was to investigate the impact of AGE-promoting diets on mouse models,considering both scenarios with and without methylglyoxal (MGO) as a primary precursor of AGEs.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice were split into four groups as a controlgroup (n=5), AGE (n=5), MGO (n=8), and AGE-MGO-diets (n=8). After five weeks the level of fasting blood sugar (FBS),body weight, food intake, sperm parameters, and functional tests were evaluated. Furthermore, testicular superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed.Results: After five weeks, AGE, AGE-MGO, and MGO groups showed the highest level of body weight and FBS incomparison to the control group. Mean sperm concentration, sperm malondialdehyde, testicular lipid peroxidation,and TAC did not differ significantly among the study groups. While, AGE, MGO, and AGE-MGO groups showed asignificant reduction in sperm motility and progressive motility compared to the control group (P

Reproductive success is dependent on gamete integrity, and oxidative stress alters male nuclei, meaning that no DNA repair is possible due to chromatin compaction. The composition of sperm makes it highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) but, at the same time, ROS are needed for sperm physiology. Over the past 30 years, much attention has been paid to the consequences of oxidative stress on sperm properties and the protective effects of antioxidant formulations to help fertility. Spermatozoa also carry epigenetic marks, critical for embryo development and the health of offspring. As DNA oxidative damage may disturb the sperm epigenome, we used an established mouse model of post-testicular sperm DNA oxidation to investigate sperm DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. We also analyzed the potential corrective effect of oral antioxidant supplementation, proven to reduce sperm DNA oxidative damage, on sperm DNA methyl/hydroxymethyl marks. We show that sperm DNA oxidation is associated with a significant increase in overall hydroxymethylation. Oral antioxidant supplementation led to unexpected mild epigenetic changes. Antioxidant supplementation should not be proposed without proper clinical evaluation as it may alter sperm epigenetic marks, leading to a risk of paternally inherited epigenetic alterations.

Abstract Skin Cancer (SC) is one of the most dangerous types of cancer and if not treated in time, it can threaten the patient’s life. With early diagnosis of this disease, treatment methods can be used more effectively and the progression of the disease can be prevented. Machine Learning (ML) techniques can be utilized as a useful and efficient tool for SCD. So far, various methods for automatic SCD based on ML techniques have been presented; However, this research field still requires the application of optimal and efficient models to increase the accuracy of SCD. Therefore, in this article, a new method for SCD using a combination of optimization techniques and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is presented. The proposed method includes four steps: pre-processing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. Image segmentation for identifying the lesion region is performed using a Kohonen neural network, where the identified region of interest (ROI) is enhanced using the Greedy Search Algorithm (GSA). The proposed method, uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for extracting features from ROIs. Also, to classify features, an ANN is used, and by the Improved Gray Wolf Optimization (IGWO) algorithm, the number of neurons and weight vector are adjusted. In this method, a probabilistic model is used to improve the convergence speed of the GWO algorithm. Based on the evaluation results, using the IGWO model to optimize the structure and weight vector of the ANN can be effective in increasing the diagnosis accuracy by at least 5%. The results of implementing the proposed method and comparing its performance with previous methods also show that this method can diagnose SC in the ISIC-2016 and ISIC-2017 databases with an average accuracy of 97.09 and 95.17%, respectively; which improves accuracy by at least 0.5% compared to other methods.

Abstract Background Sperm DNA integrity is increasingly seen as a critical characteristic determining reproductive success, both in natural reproduction and in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Despite this awareness, sperm DNA and nuclear integrity tests are still not part of routine examinations for either infertile men or fertile men wishing to assess their reproductive capacity. This is not due to the unavailability of DNA and sperm nuclear integrity tests. On the contrary, several relevant but distinct tests are available and have been used in many clinical trials, which has led to conflicting results and confusion. The reasons for this are mainly the lack of standardization between different clinics and between the tests themselves. In addition, the small number of samples analyzed in these trials has often weakened the value of the analyses performed. In the present work, we used a large cohort of semen samples, covering a wide age range, which were simultaneously evaluated for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) using two of the most frequently used SDF assays, namely the TUNEL assay and the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA®). At the same time, as standard seminal parameters (sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm count) were available for these samples, correlations between age, SDF and conventional seminal parameters were analyzed. Results We show that the SCSA® and TUNEL assessments of SDF produce concordant data. However, the SDF assessed by TUNEL is systematically lower than that assessed by SCSA®. Regardless of the test used, the SDF increases steadily during aging, while the HDS parameter (High DNA stainability assessed via SCSA®) remains unchanged. In the cohort analyzed, conventional sperm parameters do not seem to discriminate with aging. Only sperm volume and motility were significantly lower in the oldest age group analyzed [50–59 years of age]. Conclusions In the large cohort analyzed, SDF is an age-dependent parameter, increasing linearly with aging. The SCSA® assessment of SDF and the flow cytometry-assisted TUNEL assessment are well correlated, although TUNEL is less sensitive than SCSA®. This difference in sensitivity should be taken into account in the final assessment of the true level of fragmentation of the sperm nucleus of a given sample. The classical sperm parameters (motility, morphology, sperm count) do not change dramatically with age, making them inadequate to assess the fertility potential of an individual.

Abstract In this work, we consider the gravitational baryogenesis in the framework of non-minimal derivative coupling model. A mechanism to generate the baryon asymmetry based on the coupling between the derivative of the Ricci scalar curvature and the baryon current in context of non-minimal derivative coupling model is investigated. We show that, in this model, the temperature increases during the reheating periods to the end of reheating period or beginning of radiation dominated era. Therefore the reheating temperature is larger then decoupling temperature. It can be demonstrated that, the evaluation of baryon asymmetry is not depends on coupling constant. In this model we can generate baryon asymmetry at low and high reheating temperature, by considering the high friction constraint.

The swift deformations of flagella and cilia are crucial for locomotion and fluid transport on the micron scale. Most hydrodynamic models of flagellar and ciliary flows assume the zero Reynolds number limit and model the flow using Stokes equations. Recent work has demonstrated that this quasi-steady approximation breaks down at increasing distances from the cilia. Here, we use optical tweezer-based velocimetry to measure the flow velocity with high temporal accuracy, and to reconstruct the entire unsteady flow field around beating cilia. We report both the steady and the unsteady component of the ciliary flow and compare them with the solutions to both the Stokes and the Navier-Stokes equations. Our experimental measurements of the velocity and vorticity fields are in agreement with the numerical solution to the Navier-Stokes equations and show significant differences with the solution to the Stokes equations. We characterize the phase difference between the flow oscillations and the oscillations of the ciliary motion and evidence a significant anisotropic phase lag. We show that this phase lag presents the spatiotemporal characteristics of the unsteady Stokes equations and that the flow field around beating cilia is well represented by the fundamental solution to the unsteady Stokes equations: the oscillet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Snake envenomation is a major neglected tropical disease, lacking data in many countries including Cyprus, a Mediterranean island inhabited by the medically important blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera lebetina). Reviewing the 2013–2019 period, we present first-time epidemiological snakebite data in the Republic of Cyprus. Methods We obtained data on snake envenomation-related hospital admissions from the Ministry of Health, and population and rainfall data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus and Department of Meteorology websites. Human-viper conflict information was acquired from interviews with 12 representatives of Cypriot institutions. Results Between 2013 and 2019, 288 snake envenomation cases were admitted to public hospitals, averaging 41 people annually. The minimum was 29 cases (2017) and the maximum was 58 (2015). Snake envenomation incidence increased from 4.55 per 100,000 population (2013) to 6.84 (2015), but remained low since 2017 (3.49 in 2019). Between 2000 and 2018, the deaths of one man (73 years), and indirectly, one woman (77 years), were related to snake envenomation. While 266 cases (92%) happened between April and October (the blunt-nosed viper activity period), most envenomations occurred in September (cumulative for 2013–2019), with 88 cases (31%). Snakebite incidence peaked in the 60–69 years age group (9.19 per 100,000 population), and was higher in males (6.85) than in females (2.82). Of all admitted patients, 242 (84%) were discharged within 4 days. Mean hospital stay duration was 2.65 days, with one case of 13 days. Most patients were admitted to the general hospitals in Paphos (51%), Limassol (30%) and Nicosia (11%), which provide secondary healthcare, with the last one providing tertiary healthcare. Conclusions Snakebite-related deaths are very rare in the Republic of Cyprus. Most envenomation cases happened in late summer (September). Short hospital stays indicate mostly non-severe clinical courses. The hospital admission data suggest that snake envenomation risk is highest in Paphos district. The statistical data hint at males and middle- to older-aged people being at highest risk, whereas from our interview data we assume that outdoor workers are at higher risk than other occupational groups.

The purpose of the present study was to create a semantic network of concepts in the field of education with the help of folksonomy. The research was applied in terms of purpose and in terms of method it was a co-lexical analysis. This analysis means creating a word-concept in the design of the thesaurus and its conversion to the ontology. This means that first, the texts, the proposed links, as well as the terms and words inserted by the users were turned into the words - concepts. Then, at the same time with this process; 10 experts in the field were interviewed, based on the purposive sampling. Six Primary school Fārsi text books were the main part and the demands of this study from the research population, participating in the folksonomy. The related users were 240 experts of the Organization for Educational Research and Planning and among them 148 people were selected as the sample, based on the Morgan table. The results of this project were run in Fārsi parser and Rover matrices software for the lexical analysis and then they were inserted in the Protégé version5.5 and they were represented with OWLViz and OntoGraf plugins. The desired relationship was categorized into seven general categories, as well as 24 subcategories, and 122 (sample). The hierarchy and relationships among them were determined by extracting the concepts, and the semantic knowledge and repetitive words used by the users and the experts in the folksonomy were identified. Using this method is effective in systematizing the primary school textbooks, so that students and teachers could access the resources in the web environment. Also, it facilitates the storage and retrieval of information.

Summary: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic protein with chemotactic, pro-inflammatory, and growth-promoting activities first discovered in mammals. In parasites, MIF homologs are involved in immune evasion and pathogenesis. Here, we present the first comprehensive analysis of an MIF protein from the devastating plant pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae (Mo). The fungal genome encodes a single MIF protein (MoMIF1) that, unlike the human homolog, harbors multiple low-complexity regions (LCRs) and is unique to Ascomycota. Following infection, MoMIF1 is expressed in the biotrophic phase of the fungus, and is strongly down-regulated during subsequent necrotrophic growth in leaves and roots. We show that MoMIF1 is secreted during plant infection, affects the production of the mycotoxin tenuazonic acid and inhibits plant cell death. Our results suggest that MoMIF1 is a novel key regulator of fungal virulence that maintains the balance between biotrophy and necrotrophy during the different phases of fungal infection.

We investigate the warm inflationary scenario within the context of the linear version of f ( Q , T ) gravity, coupled with both the inflaton scalar field and the radiation field, under the conditions of the strong dissipation regime. First, we calculate the modified Friedmann equations and the modified slow-roll parameters. Subsequently, we apply the slow-roll approximations to derive the scalar power spectrum and the tensor power spectrum. Also, we develop formulations of the scalar and tensor perturbations for the f ( Q , T ) gravity with the warm inflation scenario. Furthermore, we scrutinize two different forms of the dissipation coefficient, a constant and a function of the inflaton field, to determine the scalar spectral index, the tensor-to-scalar ratio, and the temperature for the power-law potential case. By imposing some constraints on the free parameters of the model, we attain results in good agreement with both the Planck 2018 data and the joint Planck, BK15, and baryon acoustic oscillation data for the tensor-to-scalar ratio, and consistent results aligned with the Planck 2018 data for the scalar spectral index. In addition, the obtained results are within the range of observational data for the amplitude of the scalar power spectrum. Consequently, we are able to revive the power-law potential that was previously ruled out by observational data. Moreover, for both dissipation coefficients, the model leads to a scalar spectral index with the blue and red tilts in agreement with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe 3 yr data.

Chromoselective catalysis offers an intriguing opportunity to enable a specific reaction pathway in photocatalysis. Here, the authors look into the ability of covalent triazine frameworks to enable the synthesis of different organic compounds by using safer red light instead of harsh UV light.

Abstract Background The explosive radiation and diversification of the advanced snakes (superfamily Colubroidea) was associated with changes in all aspects of the shared venom system. Morphological changes included the partitioning of the mixed ancestral glands into two discrete glands devoted for production of venom or mucous respectively, as well as changes in the location, size and structural elements of the venom-delivering teeth. Evidence also exists for homology among venom gland toxins expressed across the advanced snakes. However, despite the evolutionary novelty of snake venoms, in-depth toxin molecular evolutionary history reconstructions have been mostly limited to those types present in only two front-fanged snake families, Elapidae and Viperidae. To have a broader understanding of toxins shared among extant snakes, here we first sequenced the transcriptomes of eight taxonomically diverse rear-fanged species and four key viperid species and analysed major toxin types shared across the advanced snakes. Results Transcriptomes were constructed for the following families and species: Colubridae - Helicops leopardinus, Heterodon nasicus, Rhabdophis subminiatus; Homalopsidae – Homalopsis buccata; Lamprophiidae - Malpolon monspessulanus, Psammophis schokari, Psammophis subtaeniatus, Rhamphiophis oxyrhynchus; and Viperidae – Bitis atropos, Pseudocerastes urarachnoides, Tropidolaeumus subannulatus, Vipera transcaucasiana. These sequences were combined with those from available databases of other species in order to facilitate a robust reconstruction of the molecular evolutionary history of the key toxin classes present in the venom of the last common ancestor of the advanced snakes, and thus present across the full diversity of colubroid snake venoms. In addition to differential rates of evolution in toxin classes between the snake lineages, these analyses revealed multiple instances of previously unknown instances of structural and functional convergences. Structural convergences included: the evolution of new cysteines to form heteromeric complexes, such as within kunitz peptides (the beta-bungarotoxin trait evolving on at least two occasions) and within SVMP enzymes (the P-IIId trait evolving on at least three occasions); and the C-terminal tail evolving on two separate occasions within the C-type natriuretic peptides, to create structural and functional analogues of the ANP/BNP tailed condition. Also shown was that the de novo evolution of new post-translationally liberated toxin families within the natriuretic peptide gene propeptide region occurred on at least five occasions, with novel functions ranging from induction of hypotension to post-synaptic neurotoxicity. Functional convergences included the following: multiple occasions of SVMP neofunctionalised in procoagulant venoms into activators of the clotting factors prothrombin and Factor X; multiple instances in procoagulant venoms where kunitz peptides were neofunctionalised into inhibitors of the clot destroying enzyme plasmin, thereby prolonging the half-life of the clots formed by the clotting activating enzymatic toxins; and multiple occasions of kunitz peptides neofunctionalised into neurotoxins acting on presynaptic targets, including twice just within Bungarus venoms. Conclusions We found novel convergences in both structural and functional evolution of snake toxins. These results provide a detailed roadmap for future work to elucidate predator–prey evolutionary arms races, ascertain differential clinical pathologies, as well as documenting rich biodiscovery resources for lead compounds in the drug design and discovery pipeline.

Résumé Contexte L’utilisation de la cytométrie en flux (CF) pour évaluer la fragmentation de l’ADN des spermatozoïdes via la technique TUNEL (Terminal transferase dUTP nick-end labelling) a montré des incohérences par rapport aux analyses conventionnelles par microscopie fluorescente. L’hypothèse a été émise que les divergences observées pourraient être attribuées à la présence de corps apoptotiques qui peuvent être marqués à la mérocyanine 540 (corps M540). Afin de vérifier cette hypothèse et de déterminer la précision de notre évaluation interne des paramètres des spermatozoïdes, nous avons mesuré par CF à la fois la fragmentation de l’ADN des spermatozoïdes en utilisant le test TUNEL et l’oxydation de l’ADN des spermatozoïdes en utilisant le test 8-OHdG sur des échantillons de sperme avec ou sans corps M540. Résultats Nous montrons que la présence des corps M540 entraîne une sous-estimation du niveau de fragmentation et d’oxydation de l’ADN des spermatozoïdes lors de l’utilisation de systèmes de détection assistée par CF. Nous avons également observé que cette situation est exacerbée dans les échantillons de sperme classés comme anormaux (selon les standards de l’OMS), car ces derniers semblent contenir plus de corps M540 que les échantillons normaux. Conclusions Nous concluons que les corps M540 interfèrent avec les deux tests conduits par CF et conçus pour évaluer l’intégrité nucléaire des spermatozoïdes. L’exclusion de ces contaminants dans les échantillons de sperme non préparés devrait être considérée afin d’apprécier correctement le véritable niveau de dommages au noyau spermatique qui est connu pour être un facteur critique pour le succès reproductif.

In this study, the multi-mode resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problems (MMRCMPSPs) considering supply management and sustainable approach in the construction industry under uncertain conditions have been investigated using evidence theory to mathematical modeling and solving by multi-objective optimization algorithms. In this regard, a multi-objective mathematical model has been proposed, in which the first objective function aims to maximize a weighted selection of projects based on economic, environmental, technical, social, organizational, and competitive factors; the second objective function is focused on maximizing profit, and the third objective function is aimed at minimizing the risk of supply management. Moreover, various components, such as interest rates, carbon penalties, and other implementation limitations and additional constraints, have also been considered in the modeling and mathematical relationships to improve the model’s performance and make it more relevant to real-world conditions and related issues, leading to better practical applications. In the mathematical modeling adopted, the processing time of project activities has been considered uncertain, and the evidence theory has been utilized. This method can provide a flexible and rational approach based on evidence and knowledge in the face of uncertainty. In addition, to solve the proposed multi-objective mathematical model, metaheuristic optimization algorithms, such as the differential evolution (DE) algorithm based on the Pareto archive, have been used, and for evaluating the results, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) has also been employed. Furthermore, the results have been compared based on multi-objective evaluation criteria, such as quality metric (QM), spacing metric (SM), and diversity metric (DM). It is worth noting that to investigate the performance and application of the proposed model, multiple evaluations have been conducted on sample problems with different dimensions, as well as a case study on residential apartment construction projects by a contracting company. In this respect, the answers obtained from solving the model using the multi-objective DE algorithm were better and superior to the NSGA-II algorithm and had a more favorable performance. Generally, the results indicate that using the integrated multi-objective mathematical model in the present research for managing and scheduling multi-mode resource-constrained multi-project problems, especially in the construction industry, can lead to an optimal state consistent with the desired objectives and can significantly improve the progress and completion of projects.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic-relevant parasite belonging to the phylum Alveolata (subphylum Apicomplexa). One of the most zoonotic-relevant etiologies of cryptosporidiosis is the species C. parvum, infecting humans, cattle and wildlife. C. parvum-infected intestinal mucosa as well as host cells infected in vitro have not yet been the subject of extensive biochemical investigation. Efficient treatment options or vaccines against cryptosporidiosis are currently not available. Human cryptosporidiosis is currently known as a neglected poverty-related disease (PRD), being potentially fatal in young children or immunocompromised patients. In this study, we used a combination of atmospheric pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-SMALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to determine and locate molecular biomarkers in in vitro C. parvum-infected host cells as well as parasitized neonatal calf intestines. Sections of C. parvum-infected and non-infected host cell pellets and infected intestines were examined to determine potential biomarkers. Human ileocecal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8) were used as a suitable in vitro host cell system. More than a thousand different molecular signals were found in both positive- and negative-ion mode, which were significantly increased in C. parvum-infected material. A database search in combination with HPLC-MS/MS experiments was employed for the structural verification of markers. Our results demonstrate some overlap between the identified markers and data obtained from earlier studies on other apicomplexan parasites. Statistically relevant biomarkers were imaged in cell layers of C. parvum-infected and non-infected host cells with 5 µm pixel size and in bovine intestinal tissue with 10 µm pixel size. This allowed us to substantiate their relevance once again. Taken together, the present approach delivers novel metabolic insights on neglected cryptosporidiosis affecting mainly children in developing countries.

Floodwater spreading plays an important role in restoring and enhancing the vegetative cover, improving soil fertility, groundwater recharge and desertification control. These have been achieved in some of the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. Flood water spreading as a corrective measure, in soil seed bank composition and diversity was assessed in the Gareh Bygon Plain, Fasa, the province of Fars. Soil seed bank was evaluated in the water-spreading tracts, water-spreaders planted with Atriplex lentiformis harvesting and the control area (without water-spreading). Sampling of soil seed bank was carried out at a 0-10 cm depth prior to the initiation of seed growth in December 2017, and the composition of the soil seed bank was determined by the germination method in the greenhouse. The results indicated that from 42 species identified in the soil seed bank, 40, 40 and 24 species were present in the three areas. Water- spreaders, water-spreaders planted with Atriplex lentiformis harvesting and the control tracts, respectively. The highest species diversity and richness indices were obtained in the area under water-spreading. The RDA analysis showed that the species composition and functional groups of soil seed bank of the study area were affected by flood water spreading practices and Atriplex lentiformis harvesting planting. Furthermore, the soil seed bank density of plant functional groups was affected by water-spreading. The results indicated that 35 years of floodwater spreading has positively affected the composition, diversity and functional groups indices of the soil seed bank.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of serum vitamin D levels on semen quality and testosterone levels. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Androscience, Science and Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Andrology Laboratory in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with 508 male patients, aged 18–60 years, from 2007 to 2017. Seminal parameters and serum sexual hormones were correlated with serum vitamin D concentrations in 260 men selected by strict selection criteria. Patients were divided into normozoospermic group (NZG, n = 124) and a group with seminal abnormalities (SAG, n = 136). Evaluation included complete physical examination, past medical history, habits and lifestyle factors, two complete seminal analysis with sperm functional tests, serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3(25(OH)VD3), total and free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total cholesterol, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and karyotype. The mean concentration of 25(OH)VD3was significantly lower in the SAG (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with all baseline seminal parameters and total testosterone levels. In addition, serum vitamin D3concentration was found to be positively correlated with sperm concentration (β= 2.103; P < 0.001), total number of spermatozoa with progressive motility (β = 2.069; P = 0.003), total number of motile spermatozoa (β = 2.571; P = 0.015), and strict morphology (β = 0.056; P = 0.006), regardless of other variables. This is the first comparative study to address the issue of serum vitamin D3content between normozoospermic patients and those with sperm abnormalities. It clearly demonstrates a direct and positive relationship between serum vitamin D level and overall semen quality, male reproductive potential, and testosterone levels.

Floodwater spreading (FS) is an efficient and appropriate method for the optimization of runoff utilization, particularly in arid and semiarid region. Beside the reduction of damage caused by the flooding, this technique is also useful in the artificial recharge of groundwater and rangeland restoration. Effects of floodwater spreading on species composition and functional groups were assessed in the Poshtkooh Rangelands of Sari in the Mazandaran Province. Vegetation sampling was evaluated in the FS area, enclosure and a without floodwater spreading (grazing). Sampling was carried out at representative and homogeneous areas of each treatment by the random-systematic method, thus the canopy cover of each plant species was measured in 90 plots of 1 m2/each. Results showed that there were 53 species in floodwater spreading area and 43 species in the enclosure but only 24 species were present in the control area spreading or grazing. Among the studied plant families. The canopy cover of Brassicaceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae was increased by floodwater spreading, shrubs and Chamophytes showed a significant reduction from due to FS as compare with the control area. Comparison of the most functional groups also indicated a reduction in their canopy cover percentage with an increase in floodwater spreading and enclosure. The multivariate analysis showed that the species composition and functional groups of the study area were affected by the FS practices and enclosure; that important and valuable species such as Agropyron elongatum and Onobrychis altissima responded most to such practice. To sum up, our results clearly showed that the FS practices carried out in the area had a positive effect on species composition and functional groups.

Background: Numerous studies have focused on the effectiveness of mindfulness and hypnotherapy on the perceived stress of patients with type 2 diabetes. But research that compares the effectiveness of mindfulness and hypnotherapy on the perceived stress of patients with type II diabetes has been overlooked. Aims: This result can be financed to the second diabetic budget as master of singing and hypnotherapy on perceived stress. Method: Seeing this plan you can submit your proposal using the proposed plan. The statistical population of this study includes all men 40-68, can be sampled in Tehran in the year 2019 45 people can be sampled and can be based on decision making and as a The decision maker was divided into three groups, two experimental groups and one control group (15 individuals per group). Research and interpretation tools include: Cohen's et al. (1983) Perceived Stress Scale and locally administered protocols (Kabat Zain, 2015) and Hypnotherapy (Aladdin & Alibi, 2015). Statistical data transmission services, mixed variance analysis was used. Results: It is possible to indicate that two viewpoints and hypnotherapy have significant effect on perceived stress And there was no difference between the effects of the two treatments(P< 0/001). Significance of the standard of time effect of Barrett scores on follow-up scores was significant(P< 0/001). The difference between the perceived stress scores in the three proposed periods is permissible and disagrees as a group(P< 0/001). Conclusions: Two ways of protecting the home and hypnotherapy of perceived stress on citizens can be divided into two divisions.

Routine exposure to chemicals omnipresent in the environment, particularly the so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has been associated with decreased sperm quality and increased anomalies in testis. The decline in semen quality and testicular abnormalities have been attributed to the disruption of endocrine signaling as well as oxidative stress. The present study set out to examine the effect of short-term exposure of two common EDCs widely used in the plastic industry: Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Bisphenol AF (BPAF). Our research objective was to focus on the post-testicular compartment of the epididymis, where spermatozoa acquire their functional capacity and are stored. The data obtained indicated no significant effect for either chemicals on sperm viability, motility or acrosome integrity. Neither of the EDCs had a noticeable effect on the structures of the testis and epididymis. However, substantial impact on the integrity of the sperm nucleus and DNA structure was evidenced by a significant increase in nuclear decondensation and DNA base oxidation. The damage observed was postulated to arise from the pro-oxidant properties of the EDCs generating excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggering a state of oxidative stress. This hypothesis was confirmed when the observed damage was largely blocked by co-administering EDCs with an evidenced-based antioxidant formulation.

The comprehensive identification of the proteome content from a white wine (cv. Silvaner) is described here for the first time. The wine protein composition isolated from a representative wine sample (250 L) was identified via mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics following in-solution and in-gel digestion methods after being submitted to size exclusion chromatographic (SEC) fractionation to gain a comprehensive insight into proteins that survive the vinification processes. In total, we identified 154 characterized (with described functional information) or so far uncharacterized proteins, mainly from Vitis vinifera L. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. With the complementarity of the two-step purification, the digestion techniques and the high-resolution (HR)-MS analyses provided a high-score identification of proteins from low to high abundance. These proteins can be valuable for future authentication of wines by tracing proteins derived from a specific cultivar or winemaking process. The proteomics approach presented herein may also be generally helpful to understand which proteins are important for the organoleptic properties and stability of wines.

The performance of myoelectric control highly depends on the features extracted from surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals. We propose three new sEMG features based on the kernel density estimation. The trimmed mean of density (TMD), the entropy of density, and the trimmed mean absolute value of derivative density were computed for each sEMG channel. These features were tested for the classification of single tasks as well as of two tasks concurrently performed. For single tasks, correlation-based feature selection was used, and the features were then classified using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), non-linear support vector machines, and multi-layer perceptron. The eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) classifier was used for the classification of two movements simultaneously performed. The second and third versions of the Ninapro dataset (conventional control) and Ameri’s movement dataset (simultaneous control) were used to test the proposed features. For the Ninapro dataset, the overall accuracy of LDA using the TMD feature was 98.99 ± 1.36% and 92.25 ± 9.48% for able-bodied and amputee subjects, respectively. Using ensemble learning of the three classifiers, the average macro and micro-F-score, macro recall, and precision on the validation sets were 98.23 ± 2.02, 98.32 ± 1.93, 98.32 ± 1.93, and 98.88 ± 1.31%, respectively, for the intact subjects. The movement misclassification percentage was 1.75 ± 1.73 and 3.44 ± 2.23 for the intact subjects and amputees. The proposed features were significantly correlated with the movement classes [Generalized Linear Model (GLM); P-value < 0.05]. An accurate online implementation of the proposed algorithm was also presented. For the simultaneous control, the overall accuracy was 99.71 ± 0.08 and 97.85 ± 0.10 for the XGBoost and LDA classifiers, respectively. The proposed features are thus promising for conventional and simultaneous myoelectric control.

The absence of novel antibiotics for drug-resistant and biofilm-associated infections is a global public health crisis. Antimicrobial peptides explored to address this need have encountered significant development challenges associated with size, toxicity, safety profile, and pharmacokinetics. We designed PLG0206, an engineered antimicrobial peptide, to address these limitations. PLG0206 has broad-spectrum activity against >1,200 multidrug-resistant (MDR) ESKAPEE clinical isolates, is rapidly bactericidal, and displays potent anti-biofilm activity against diverse MDR pathogens. PLG0206 displays activity in diverse animal infection models following both systemic (urinary tract infection) and local (prosthetic joint infection) administration. These findings support continuing clinical development of PLG0206 and validate use of rational design for peptide therapeutics to overcome limitations associated with difficult-to-drug pharmaceutical targets.

Depression in mammals is known to be associated with poor reproductive capacity. In males, it has been associated with decreased efficiency of spermatogenesis as well as the production of spermatozoa of reduced structural and functional integrity. Although antidepressants are effective in correcting depressive states, there is controversy regarding their effectiveness in restoring male reproductive function. Here, using an animal model of depression induced by a forced swim test, we confirmed that depression is accompanied by impaired male reproductive function. We further show that administration of a conventional antidepressant of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor class (paroxetine) impairs male reproductive performance in terms of sperm production and quality when administered to healthy animals. Intriguingly, when paroxetine is administered to "depressed" animals, it resulted in a complete restoration of the animal’s ability to produce sperm that appears to be as capable of meeting the parameters evaluated here as those of control animals. The one-carbon cycle (1CC) is one of the most important metabolic cycles that include the methionine and folate cycles and plays a major role in DNA synthesis, amino acids, and also the production of antioxidants. Our results show that depression affects the main components of this cycle and paroxetine on healthy mice increases homocysteine levels, decreases glycine and vitamin B12, while in depressed mice, it increases folate levels and decreases vitamin B12. Thus, paroxetine exerts negative impacts on male reproductive function when administered to healthy animals and it well correlate with the altered sperm parameters and functions of depressed animals, and its mechanism remains to be explored.

Thermolabile grape berry proteins such as thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) and chitinases (CHIs) promote haze formation in bottled wines if not properly fined. As a natural grapevine pest, the spotted-wing fly Drosophila suzukii is a promising source of peptidases that break down grape berry proteins because the larvae develop and feed inside mature berries. Therefore, we produced recombinant TLP and CHI as model thermolabile wine haze proteins and applied a peptidomics strategy to investigate whether D. suzukii larval peptidases were able to digest them under acidic conditions (pH 3.5), which are typically found in winemaking practices. The activity of the novel peptidases was confirmed by mass spectrometry, and cleavage sites within the wine haze proteins were visualized in 3D protein models. The combination of recombinant haze proteins and peptidomics provides a valuable screening tool to identify optimal peptidases suitable for clarification processes in the winemaking industry.

The nature of Type Ia supernovae remains controversial. The youngest remnants of Ia supernovae hold clues to the explosion and to the immediate surroundings. We present a third epoch of Chandra observations of the ∼600 yr old Type Ia remnant 0519–69.0 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, extending the time baseline to 21 yr from the initial 2000 observations. We find rapid expansion of X-ray emitting material, with an average velocity of 4760 km s ^−1 . At the distance of the LMC, this corresponds to an undecelerated age of 750 yr, with the true age somewhat lower. We also find that the bright ring of emission has expanded by 1.3%, corresponding to a velocity of 1900 km s ^−1 and an undecelerated age of 1600 yr. The high velocity of the peripheral X-rays, contrasted with the modest expansion of the main X-ray shell, provides further evidence for a massive shell of circumstellar material.

Collisionless shock waves in supernova remnants and the solar wind heat electrons less effectively than they heat ions, as is predicted by kinetic simulations. However, the values of T _e / T _p inferred from the H α profiles of supernova remnant shocks behave differently as a function of Mach number or Alfvén Mach number than what is measured in the solar wind or predicted by simulations. Here we determine T _e / T _p for supernova remnant shocks using H α profiles, shock speeds from proper motions, and electron temperatures from X-ray spectra. We also improve the estimates of sound speed and Alfvén speed used to determine Mach numbers. We find that the H α determinations are robust and that the discrepancies among supernova remnant shocks, solar wind shocks, and computer-simulated shocks remain. We discuss some possible contributing factors, including shock precursors, turbulence, and varying preshock conditions.

Near the center of the Puppis A supernova remnant a series of nested, optically emitting rings of high-velocity ejecta (known as “the Swirl”) were identified several decades ago by Winkler et al. To date, no follow-up observations of these rings have been published, and their physical origin has remained a mystery. We present results of integral field spectroscopy of the Swirl using the Wide Field Integral Spectrograph on the 2.3 m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The outermost ring exhibits a nitrogen-rich spectrum blueshifted to 1350 km s ^−1 , with smaller blueshifted rings within the first exhibiting mostly oxygen-rich spectra moving at 1000 and 750 km s ^−1 . The structures are connected by material of intermediate velocity and variable composition, including sulfur-rich material. The Swirl is turbulent and shock-excited, and contains as much as 0.5 M _⊙ of metal-rich material. The chemical composition and exclusively blueshifted radial velocities of the Swirl are consistent with progressively deeper nucleosynthetic layers in a massive progenitor star. We suggest the possibility that the Swirl marks a “funnel” carved into the supernova ejecta by a close, massive binary companion at the moment of explosion.

Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling (via NONMEM) was used to describe longitudinal exposure‐response relationships for total cariprazine (sum of cariprazine and its major active metabolites) in 2,558 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar mania. Drug exposure metrics were explored for potential relationships with efficacy and safety end points. Total cariprazine exposures were significantly related to reductions in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total scores in schizophrenia or bipolar mania, respectively, via a maximum effect (Emax)‐type relationship. Typical steady‐state plasma concentrations after 3 and 4.5 mg/day were associated with 50% of maximum typical reductions in PANSS and YMRS total scores, respectively. Time‐weighted cariprazine exposures had significant relationships with the probability of common adverse events (AEs). Dose increase was associated with increased efficacy but was also associated with an increase in AEs. Results of these pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses support that the recommended dose range (1.5–6 mg/day for schizophrenia and 3–6 mg/day for bipolar mania) provides an appropriate benefit‐risk balance between cariprazine efficacy and safety.

Envenoming by Macrovipera lebetina subspecies causes severe life-threatening difficulties for people living in North Africa and the Middle East. To better understand the pathophysiology of envenoming and improve patient management, knowledge about the venom components of the subspecies is essential. Here, the venom proteomes of Macrovipera lebetina lebetina from Cyprus and Macrovipera lebetina cernovi from Iran were characterized using RP-HPLC separation of the crude venom proteins, SDS-PAGE of fractionated proteins, and LC-MS/MS of peptides obtained from in-gel tryptic digestion of protein bands. Moreover, we also used high-resolution shot-gun proteomics to gain more reliable identification, where the whole venom proteomes were subjected directly to in-solution digestion before LC-HR-MS/MS. The data revealed that both venoms consisted of at least 18 protein families, of which snake venom Zn2+-dependent metalloprotease (SVMP), serine protease, disintegrin, phospholipase A2, C-type lectin-like, and L-amino acid oxidase, together accounted for more than 80% of the venoms’ protein contents. Although the two viper venoms shared mostly similar protein classes, the relative occurrences of these toxins were different in each snake subspecies. For instance, P-I class of SVMP toxins were found to be more abundant than P-III class in the venoms of M. l. cernovi compared to M. l. lebetina, which gives hints at a more potent myonecrotic effect and minor systemic hemorrhage following envenoming by M. l. cernovi than M. l. lebetina. Moreover, single-shot proteomics also revealed many proteins with low abundance (M. lebetina subspecies, particularly regarding toxin families associated with envenoming pathogenesis and those hard-detected protein classes expressed in trace amounts.

Cross-linking net aggregates of thermolabile thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) and chitinases (CHIs) are the primary source of haze in white wines. Although bentonite fining is still routinely used in winemaking, alternative methods to selectively remove haze proteins without affecting wine organoleptic properties are needed. The availability of pure TLPs and CHIs would facilitate the research for the identification of such technological advances. Therefore, we proposed the usage of recombinant TLP (rTLP) and CHI (rCHI), expressed by Komagataella phaffii, as haze-protein models, since they showed similar characteristics (aggregation potential, melting point, functionality, glycosylation levels and bentonite adsorption) to the native-haze proteins from Vitis vinifera. Hence, rTLP and rCHI can be applied to study haze formation mechanisms on a molecular level and to explore alternative fining methods by screening proteolytic enzymes and ideal adsorptive resins.

Analysis of the hydrodynamic performance of a high-speed craft in calm water and seakeeping in irregular waves have attracted the attention of many researchers. In the current paper, experimental tests have been conducted on three mono-hull high-speed crafts in calm water and in the presence of irregular waves. The overall geometry of the tested vessels is the same with a length of 2.64 m and a beam of 0.551 m. They only differ in the presence of a wedge or transverse step. These vessels are stepped vessels and bare vessels with no appendage. Different parameters of trim, rise-up, and resistance are measured in calm water. In addition, heave and pitch motions, fore acceleration, and the center of gravity are extracted as time series. The irregular wave, which is modeled in sea force of 3, has a height of 12 cm and a peak to peak time period of 1.66 s. The tests are conducted for five different speeds ranging from 4 m/s to 8 m/s (equivalent of longitudinal Froude numbers between 0.857 and 1.71). Comprehensive comparisons have been presented between the stepped, wedged, and bare hulls. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the stepped vessel has less resistance in calm water compared to the two other models. The trim and resistance of the stepped model are 20% and 3% less than those of the models with no appendage, respectively. In terms of stability, the bare hull is longitudinally unstable at 8 m/s speed. However, the other two models are stable at this speed. On the other hand, the wedge mounted vessel exhibits less motion and acceleration than the other two models in irregular waves. Furthermore, the bow acceleration of the stepped and wedged models is 9% and 18% lower than that of the model with no appendage, respectively.

This study was set out to shed light on the efficacy of pushed output directed by scaffolding on 41 (24 female and 17 male) upper-intermediate EFL learners’ speaking fluency and accuracy. A public version of IELTS speaking test was held to measure learners’ entrance behavior. Then, they were randomly assigned into symmetrical, asymmetrical, and control group. The experimental and control groups covered 7 lessons of New Interchange 2 during 15 sessions, twice a week for about 45 minutes each session. Control group received placebo while symmetrical and asymmetrical groups worked on pushed output tasks. The data were audio recorded and transcribed for statistical analyses. The results indicated the efficacy of pushed output in boosting speaking. However, tests of between-subjects effects revealed that the mean score of the control group was not significantly different from that of experimental groups concerning speaking fluency. Furthermore, the results of Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests showed that asymmetrically pushed output activities were more effective in enhancing learners speaking accuracy. In sum, the results suggested that the implementation of pushed out put strategies in student centered contexts could be considered as an effective way in the development of learners’ oral output.

Abstract We study the cosmological inflation and reheating in a teleparallel model of gravity. Reheating is assumed to be due to the decay of a scalar field to radiation during its rapid oscillation. By using cosmological perturbations during inflation, and subsequent evolutions of the Universe, we calculate the reheating temperature as a function of the spectral index and the power spectrum.

Mapping traffic noise pollution from an increasing number of vehicles facilitate better land use planning in order to measures the environment sustainability performances of institution in higher education. The aim of this research is to analyse the relationship on the increasing number of the motorized vehicles recorded as noise pollution data for further geostatistical analysis. Hence, by using the interpolation techniques, Kriging and IWD, the comparison performed to particularly create the noise pollution map for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM. With average noise of the collected sample, the performance of two methods; inverse distance weighting, IDW and Kriging evaluated based on the magnitude and distribution of errors where the cross-validation statistics with plots shows IDW better representation of reality for the means of Noise pollution levels measurement. then, other the noise map generated based on the maximum noise level recorded with the indicator Kriging Noise method. Further, these studies can be useful to conduct regular assessments to identify noise pollution level with multiple locations in the study area.

Scorpion venom is a complex secretory mixture of components with potential biological and physiological properties that attracted many researchers due to promising applications from clinical and pharmacological perspectives. In this study, we investigated the venom of the Iranian scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) by applying mass-spectrometry-based proteomic and lipidomic approaches to assess the diversity of components present in the venom. The data revealed that the venom’s proteome composition is largely dominated by Na+- and K+-channel-impairing toxic peptides, following the enzymatic and non-enzymatic protein families, e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme, serine protease, metalloprotease, hyaluronidase, carboxypeptidase, and cysteine-rich secretory peptide. Furthermore, lipids comprise ~1.2% of the dry weight of the crude venom. Phospholipids, ether-phospholipids, oxidized-phospholipids, triacylglycerol, cardiolipins, very-long-chain sphingomyelins, and ceramides were the most intensely detected lipid species in the scorpion venom, may acting either independently or synergistically during the envenomation alongside proteins and peptides. The results provide detailed information on the chemical makeup of the venom, helping to improve our understanding of biological molecules present in it, leading to a better insight of the medical significance of the venom, and improving the medical care of patients suffering from scorpion accidents in the relevant regions such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan.

Abstract Plants are among the most important units of natural ecosystem that are examined for natural resource management. Therefore, identifying the plant assemblage of each region is very important. The purpose of this study was to identify and introduce the floristic composition, biological form, species status and geographical distribution of plants in Robat Kouh area of Bazoft. According to results, 343 species, 238 genera and 63 families, including the largest families named Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae and Leguminosae having 54, 35, 29, 23 and 22 species, were recognized, respectively. The Astragalus possessing 11 species, Centaurea with 9 species, Silene, Salvia, and Stachys with 6 species, and Allium with 5 species were the largest genera in the region. Hemicryptophytes with 51.31% had the most abundant biological forms followed by therophytes with 23.03%, cryptophytes with 13.41%, phanerophytes with 5.83%, and chasmophyte with 5.54%. In terms of geographical distribution, Iranian-Turonian elements had the highest number of species (66.18%) and other species belonged to two, three or more geographical areas. Conservation of plant elements was classified according to the principles of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), with 45 species in the low-risk class, 2 species in the vulnerable class, and 3 species in the endangered class. There was insufficient information about 6 species. Moreover, there were 45 endemic Iranian and 158 medicinal species. The results showed the importance of the plant species and the richness of the flora of the region. Key words: Floristic Composition, Robat Kouh of Bazoft, Geographical area, IUCN.

Slamming loads are important in the structural design of high speed vessels. Slamming can cause global and local effects on the ship structure. Here global effect of slamming (bow flare water impact) means whipping considering hydroelasticity investigated. Considering ideal, non-viscous and non-compressible fluid, bow flare impact loads is developed after determination Bow flare impact forces, with considering of proper beam model and exerting condition due to hydroelasticity, new form of beam deflection model is derived. In deriving of the beam deflection equation, hydroelasticity is considered, thus solving beam equation leads to hydroelastic analysis of bow flare slamming. Finite difference method is used for solving this equation. In order to validate the computation of results, the third party software ANSYS is used. The ship hull girder is represented by a uniform one-dimensional beam that is supported by a uniform elastic foundation. Time depending load is applied as a pressure on end beam and deflection is calculated.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in defining the functional competence of human spermatozoa. When generated in moderate amounts, ROS promote sperm capacitation by facilitating cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane, enhancing cAMP generation, inducing cytoplasmic alkalinization, increasing intracellular calcium levels, and stimulating the protein phosphorylation events that drive the attainment of a capacitated state. However, when ROS generation is excessive and/or the antioxidant defences of the reproductive system are compromised, a state of oxidative stress may be induced that disrupts the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa and the structural integrity of their DNA. This article focusses on the sources of ROS within this system and examines the circumstances under which the adequacy of antioxidant protection might become a limiting factor. Seminal leukocyte contamination can contribute to oxidative stress in the ejaculate while, in the germ line, the dysregulation of electron transport in the sperm mitochondria, elevated NADPH oxidase activity, or the excessive stimulation of amino acid oxidase action are all potential contributors to oxidative stress. A knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for creating such stress within the human ejaculate is essential in order to develop better antioxidant strategies that avoid the unintentional creation of its reductive counterpart.

This experimental study was set ought to explore the efficacy of symmetrical and asymmetrical scaffolding in boosting speaking complexity, accuracy, and fluency among 38 upper-intermediate EFL learners. To this end, the participants were assigned into random, homogeneous, and heterogeneous groups. The control group participated in normal speaking classroom, while the experimental groups shared their ideas and collaboratively complete tasks related to 7 lessons of New Interchange 2 during 15 sessions. Two different versions of IELTS speaking test were used as pre/post-test. The data were audio recorded and transcribed for statistical analysis. The results of Multivariate tests revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of control and experimental groups on complexity and fluency. On the other hand, descriptive statistics showed the superiority of heterogeneous groups over homogeneous ones. However, the results of Independent sample t-test indicated that the differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous groups reached the significant level just for complexity not fluency and accuracy. Briefly, the results lead support to the Vegotskys (1978) socio-cultural theory. The findings and pedagogical implications were discussed in details at the end of the study.

The current paper investigates flow around a blade section of a surface piercing hydrofoil. To this end, a thin wedge section is numerically modelled through an oblique water entry. The flow is numerically studied using a multiphase approach. The proposed numerical approach is validated in two steps. First, pressure and free surface around a wedge entering water are simulated and compared against previously published analytical results. Subsequently, cavitation phenomenon around a submerged supercavitating hydrofoil is modelled and analyzed. It is observed that cavity length, pressure, and lift force are accurately predicted. Subsequently, the main problem has been studied for two different cavitation numbers for a range of advanced ratios equivalent to fully, transition and partially ventilated conditions in order to investigate the effect of ambient pressure on hydrodynamics of the water entry of the foil. The numerical findings reveal that, when the cavitation number decreases, the start of transition mode is postponed and this mode is expanded for the larger range of velocity ratios. This implies that fully ventilated velocity ratio modes are expanded, too. However, in the transition mode, the cavitation number plays an essential role and may lead to a decrease in the pressure difference across the surface piercing hydrofoil which yields a decrease in the resultant force.

This study was set out to investigate the efficacy of homogeneous and heterogeneous pushed output based instruction on upper-intermediate EFL learner’ speaking complexity. To do so, 41 (17 males and 24 females) EFL learners were selected from University of Zabol based on the results of OPT. Then, they were put in control and experimental groups based on the predetermined criteria. Retelling and decision making tasks were used in the treatments of experimental groups while control group received placebo during 15 sessions, twice a week. Public versions of IELTS speaking test were used as pre/post-test. The results of Independent sample t-test indicated that experimental groups outperformed control group. On the other hand, statistical analyses showed no significant differences between male and female speech complexity. To sum up, the findings demonstrated the fruitful effects of collaborative pushed output activities on speaking sub-skills. Likewise, the results suggested the implementation of similar strategies in the development of male and female speaking dimensions. Based on the findings, it can be claimed that teacher preparation programs should put teaching speaking on their list of priorities and provide courses on effective strategies for the development of speaking dimensions through implementing the main tenants of pushed output hypothesis.

This study is designed to investigate the specific discourse markers that mostly occur in casual conversations among university students who live in dormitories, and to study the amount of attention these expressions receive pedagogically in the context of improving EFL speaking skills. Regarding gender, the investigation was carried out on male students and special topics they talked about are also examined. To fulfill this objective, 6 hours and 3 minutes of casual conversations among 50 students (28 BA and 22 MA) located in 10 dormitory rooms (5 in the BA and 5 in the MA) was audio-recorded and transcribed based on Sacks, Schegloff and Jefferson’s transcription system. Furthermore, a semi-structured interview was used to investigate participants’ attitudes towards the degree of emphasis of EFL teachers on Discourse Markers (DMs). The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively (interview transcripts). According to the findings, 70 discourse markers recurred in the students’ interactions. Likewise, specific topics that received more attention in their conversations were identified. Moreover, the results of the semi-structured interview indicated that discourse markers did not receive sufficient attention in EFL settings. The findings of the current study suggest that instructors and material developers could give more specific attention to discourse markers. Explaining their roles in the production of accurate utterances or bringing samples of natural usage of discourse markers could be of great help to boost learners’ oral skills in the EFL context.

Abstract In the cold inflation scenario, the slow roll inflation and reheating via coherent rapid oscillation, are usually considered as two distinct eras. When the slow roll ends, a rapid oscillation phase begins and the inflaton decays to relativistic particles reheating the Universe. In another model dubbed warm inflation, the rapid oscillation phase is suppressed, and we are left with only a slow roll period during which the reheating occurs. Instead, in this paper, we propose a new picture for inflation in which the slow roll era is suppressed and only the rapid oscillation phase exists. Radiation generation during this era is taken into account, so we have warm inflation with an oscillatory inflaton. To provide enough e-folds, we employ the non-minimal derivative coupling model. We study the cosmological perturbations and compute the temperature at the end of warm oscillatory inflation.

Transverse steps in modern high-speed craft can increase the longitudinal stability in addition to reducing frictional resistance. The porpoising instability can also be avoided by selecting the appropriate location and height of the transverse step. In the current paper, a non-step and a double-step model are investigated. The primary purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of second step on the stability and performance of the craft. Both models are generally identical. They are prismatic with a deadrise angle of 24 degrees, made of fiberglass, and are 2.64 meters long and 0.55 meters wide. The only difference between the two models is the bottom shape. One has two transverse steps, and the other has no step. These models are tested in a towing tank within a range of beam Froude numbers of 0.43 to 3.87. Measured parameters include rise-up of the bow and aft as well as center of gravity, trim, and resistance of the models. The obtained results indicate that through creating the second step, the longitudinal stability of the model increases, and the trim decreases. On the other hand, the double-step model has lower resistance in the pre-planing state.

Using the controllable pitch propeller (CPP) in marine propulsion system makes it possible to have maximum ship speed and low fuel consumption at different engine rpm. Good maneuverability is another advantage of such propeller. This feature has persuaded designers to use CPP in ships with various mission profiles like tugs or ferries. The hub boss is of great importance in CP Propellers because it provides housing for blade actuation mechanism. On the other hand, hub boss geometry should be selected as small as possible since it has negative effect on hydrodynamic performance of propeller, specially its thrust and efficiency. In this article, a 3D potential flow-based solver is developed to predict the hydrodynamic characteristic of marine propellers for preliminary and basic design purposes. Through applying the time stepping scheme, it is possible to generate the rollup wake pattern at each time step. As a result, the interaction of vortex wake-lifting/non-lifting bodies are correctly taken into consideration. Validation of the proposed numerical model is carried out with two standard marine propellers (DTMB4119 and KP505) and a high skewed B-series Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP). Subsequently, a series of parametric simulations are performed on different non-dimensional hub diameters of a CP propeller to find an appropriate hub diameter (big enough to provide CPP mechanism) with highest propeller performance. Ultimately, the suitable hub diameter is determined for an appropriate design of a CP propeller. Rollup pattern for the RV propeller with different hub diameters.