ahmad

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding a 10-day course of levamisole (LVM) to the standard care compared with standard care alone, on the clinical status of COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate disease. 

  In this randomized open-label trial, we enrolled non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at nine health centers in Tehran province, Iran, in 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a 10-day course of LVM with standard care (n=185) or standard care alone (n=180) in a 1:1 ratio. On days 1 to 10, LVM was administered orally at a dosage of 50 mg. The participants were called and followed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 14. The measured parameters were general health condition, hospitalization rate, signs and symptoms, and adverse events. The generalized estimating equations model was used for analysis. 

Among 507 randomized patients, 473 patients started the experiment and received LVM plus standard care or received the standard care alone; 385 patients included in the analysis; 346 (98%) patients completed the trial. The median age of the patients was 40 years [IQR: 32-50.75]; and ‎201 (55.1%)‎ patiens were male. The mean age, sex ratio, and frequency of the underlying diseases of the patients in the two study groups had no ‎statistically significant differences (P>0.05). Compared to the control group, LVM improved the general health condition of the patients (B=-0.635; 95% CI: -0.041,-0.329; P<0.001). Patients receiving LVM compared with standard care group had significantly lower odds of developing fever (OR=0.260; 95% CI: 0.11‎‎3‎,0.59‎‎9‎; P=0.002), chills (OR=0.223; 95% CI:‎‎ 0.07‎‎6,‎0.64‎‎8‎; P= 0.006), fatigue (OR=0.576; 95% CI:‎ 0.34‎‎6,‎0.96‎‎0‎‎; P=0.034), and myalgia (OR=0.54‎‎4‎; 95% CI:‎ 0.31‎‎7‎,0.93‎‎2‎‎; P=0.027). No significant difference was observed in the rate of hospitalization. Although the intervention group had greater adverse effects than the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. 

Findings of this study suggest that LVM has clinical benefits in improving patients’ health condition with mild to moderate COVID-19.

International economic sanctions (IES) influence a country’s economic development and the overall welfare of a nation’s population.

An electronic search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science was conducted until July 31, 2019. Additionally, a list of references to related articles was reviewed. Key search terms were “Economics”, “Health”, “Sanction”, and their equivalents with no language or time restriction.

Totally, 8624 records were identified of which 2869 duplicates were deleted. Finally, 24 papers met the inclusion criteria and were selected for drafting. The number of papers included for evaluating each factor included healthcare (n=16) and pharmaceutical industry (n=10). Nine and eight studies examined the effect of sanctions imposed on Iran and Iraq, respectively. France, Haiti, Serbia, Cuba, Syria, and other areas such as Africa were also evaluated. Sanctions lead to a decrease in immunization rates and government health care expenditures. Sanctions increase infant and under-five mortality rate, road traffic injuries and fatalities, severe malnutrition, infective diseases, neurologic and visual disorders, as well as shortage of medical or dental instruments and a variety of medicines. Sanctions have adverse impacts on female labor and are associated with disabling hospitals, dispersing medical workers, and facilities for radiation therapy.

The health status of sanctioned nations in terms of healthcare, and pharmaceutical industry was adversely affected in targeted countries.

Three categories of interventions are considered for reducing the prevalence of mental disorders in Iran: mental health promotion, increasing mental health and social service utilization and controlling mental health risk factors. In this regard, we designed a community action program in a national plan to provide comprehensive social and mental health services(SERAJ) that were implemented as a pilot in threedistricts of Iran: Bardasir, Oslo, and Quchan.In this study, we have reviewedthe results of this pilot project.

This study was conducted based on the collaborative evaluation model; first, the program was described and the evaluation indicators of each component of the program were determined. Stakeholders were determined;also, data were collected through literature review, semi-structured interview, and focused group discussion and were analyzed by thematic analysis methods.

The community action program consists of fourcomponents: A Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the departments of the districts, People’s Participation House(PPH), Self-reliance Unit(SRU), and actions taken for stigma reduction. A total of 48% of the actions set out in the threeMoU of threedistricts have been executed. The PPH was formed in all threedistricts. A total of 816 social referrals were admitted to SRU for which a self-reliance process has been initiated. Moreover, 47% of referrals have received services and at least 10 messages for stigma reduction and promoting mental disorders have been sent from different sources at the district level.

Strengthening vertical cooperation between the national and provincial levels is essential for the full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) and self-reliance processes. Referring individuals for receiving social support with collaboration between the primary and secondary programs reported to be successful, but feedback to the primary and secondary levels which provides basic and specialized services, is nottransparent. Therefore, we suggest an electronic system as an option to solve this problem. The careful selection of representatives of the people's network and empowerment of PPH and directors of the district on community action skills are essential. Theexperiences of the governors and chairs of health networks of the threedistricts should be presented at a national conference

The mosque as the first and most important social institution of Muslims has many duties and functions, in addition to the most important function of worship, there are educational, social and cultural activities in it. Due to the supply of various religious and social functions and activities, the mosque has the ability to strengthen social interactions and expand the functional networks and increase social capacities. The purpose of this research is investigating the role of mosques in the social sustainability of the Qaen city. In this research, the role of the mosque in relation to social sustainability from the standpoint of justice, participation, awareness and social solidarity, and quality of life has been investigated. The overall research approach is a type of quantitative research, and in terms of data collection method, is based on library and field data. In order to distribute the questionnaire, a sample of 100 people was examined. A simple random sampling method has used to distributing the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics indices such as frequency distribution and inferential statistical tests such as single sample T-test, Chi-square and Friedman. In general, the results indicate that the mosques in Qaen city have promoted quality of life, have improved justice, and have increased participation among the people. Also, the results showed that the mosques in Qaen city did not affect the promotion of public awareness and social solidarity.

Landslides are influential factors in human life that are not well-known. Several factors have contributed to the occurrence of landslide that could increase the risk of landslide in any area. Identifying these factors and their value can help to appropriate landslide zonation. The classification of areas susceptible to sliding and hazard zoning is an important step in assessing environmental hazards and plays an indelible role in the management of catchment areas (Sakar, 1995). Therefore, knowing the most important factors affecting slip instability and slipping will help us to make developmental plans using appropriate methods. Therefore, by using statistical models, their vulnerability to landslide is identified and zoned by assessing and validating them. Landslide inventory map is the best method for designing a landslide hazard map based on aerial photo interpretation, field surveys, and historic landslides. Then, the spatial distribution of mass movements is presented as a point or polygon on the map. The purpose of this research is to investigate various and effective factors in the occurrence of landslides, as well as to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of statistical models in landslide hazard zonation in Nazlochai basin and introducing the most appropriate methods.

In order to investigate the landslide susceptibility zonation, the provision of a landslide inventory map is the most important part of the work, which can be done by using of geographic information systems with high accuracy. The accuracy of landslide zonation is largely dependent on this stage. So, at first, the existing landslides were identified by using various tools including aerial photos, satellite imagery (Google Earth), existing information, GPS, and in particular field surveys. In the present study, ten factors affecting the occurrence of landslides were considered: elevation, slope, gradient direction, distance from the waterway, distance from the road, distance from the faults,   lithology, land use, rainfall and vegetation index .For landslide zonation, bivariate statistical models, including Gupta-Joshi model with its correction method, information value method, and surface density method have been used.

For landslide hazard zonation using the Bivariate Statistical Models, various factors including elevation, slope, gradient direction, distance from the waterway, distance from the road, distance from fault, lithology, landuse, rainfall and vegetation index were studied. Existence and density of landslides in the western slopes show the role of geological formations, the distance from the waterway and precipitation in the occurrence of landslide. To evaluate the accuracy of the Bivariate Statistical Models, the density ratio index and the quality sum index were used. The more distinction between risk classes is, the model is more capable, and the quality sum index is used to compare the performance of different models. Finally, with respect to the resulting values, the zoning with the information value and surface density models were found to be desirable for the studied area.

According to the results of zoning (using the Bivariate Statistical Models), lithology, distance from the waterways and precipitation are the most important factors controlling the landslide occurrence in the studied area. Particularly lithologic factors are of great importance. Most of the landslides in the study area occurred on limestone and conglomerate, which are similar to the results of the research Amir Ahmadi who worked for Iran, while these formations do not have enough area in the basin. Limestone and a small amount of dolomitic limestone with an occupancy level of 15.5% of the basin, contain more than 30% of landslides. More importantly, limestone is coinciding with north orientation that confirms the role of gradient direction in occurrence of landslides. Although some scholars ignore the role of gradient direction (A. Gemitzi, 2011), other researchers (Carrara et al., 1991; Roostaei et al., 2017) have taken it into account in their research. The impact of the human factor mainly depends on changing environmental conditions, such as road construction, inappropriate plowing, excessive grazing and water diversion for agricultural use. Therefore, by studying the researches in Iran and in different parts of the world, the slipping factors in different basins and regions are not the same and in fact, different slip conditions are present in different regions.

ASEAN moved in the direction of economic-security cooperation and cultural-social cooperation almost simultaneously, and with its roadmap, envisioned and implemented the creation of three structural communities. By 2015, three communities named Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural were active. Although ASEAN focuses more on the economic sphere, it cannot be said that the other two pillars of this organization are inactive. What is important about ASEAN is that it does not take a hasty position and is in conflict with a particular member. Although the Arab League against ASEAN, as a regional organization, has a longer history of regionalism than ASEAN and has implemented some initiatives, it has faced many challenges. The Arab League's response to various crises has been largely a function of the organization's ideology and approach to the crisis. At times and in critical crises the League has failed to emerge as an effective organization with conflicting interests. It has turned this organization into an arena for confrontations.

The current research method is quantitative-analytic. Data compilation is based on documentary method. data are gathered from external and internal sources (books, Articles & websites). Although attempts have been made to use internal sources as well, due to the nature of the research and the needs of the authors, external sources have been used more.

ASEAN and the Arab League as two Asian organizations have some slight similarities. However, their differences are clearly deeper. These two organizations, which were formed in the post-World War II period, have each gone through a special process. ASEAN was able to play a more successful role than the Arab League for a number of reasons: 1. ASEAN, recognizing the interests of the region in economic cooperation, gradually focused on this area, and this has so far created a situation of relative interdependence; 2- The approach of the game with the result of positive and double sum between ASEAN members has caused 10 Southeast Asian countries to rely on their absolute achievements and this has minimized divergence. 3- ASEAN, although it has few components in the field of value. Has commonalities, but has been able to bring about convergence between members by valuing in different sectors.In contrast, the Arab League has been less successful than ASEAN for a variety of reasons: 1. Although the Arab League has gradually moved towards economic cooperation and the volume of intra-regional trade between its members has grown, the volume Trade within the organization is still very small; 2- The dominance of the zero-sum game approach among the members of the Arab League has been one of the main obstacles to deepening cooperation, as in various events such as the siege of Qatar, the civil war in Syria and Yemen and even Libya and Egypt, members of the Arab League relied on relative achievements. This has been an obstacle to the convergence of the Arab League, and 3. Although the Arab League has many common values, such as Islam, the Arabic language, and a common culture, the Arab League has not benefited much from these stimuli.

While there is a Muslim crescent in Southeast Asia, like the Shiite Crescent in the Middle East, from western Malaysia to the southern Philippines, this does not lead to ideological tensions in Southeast Asia and, secondly, to separatists such as Aceh and Mindanao has managed with the central government in the form of revenue-sharing and autonomy agreements, but the lack of economic interdependence and absolutism in the attitudes to issues has created a situation in the Arab League in which, In most cases, to varying degrees, the central government is not only confronted with different orientations, but also with different governmental approaches in the issues being challenged in the regional level. This not only destroys the ability to make efficient decisions, but also minimizes integration in the face of more important challenges. What should be considered in the Arab League in order to deepen regionalism is that the members should refrain from fanatical orientation, which is a factor in creating a zero-sum game, and value their common values. Multidimensional construction in various fields to provide opportunities for future cooperation. Following the example of the 3 ASEAN specialized communities can not only create a mechanism for dealing more effectively with accidents, but can also be a precondition for preventing severe crises and even mitigating them when appropriate.

Location theory is an interstice field of optimization and operations research‎. ‎In the classic location models‎, ‎the goal is finding the location of one or more facilities such that some criteria such as transportation cost‎, ‎the sum of distances passed by clients‎, ‎total service time, and cost of servicing are minimized‎. ‎The goal Weber location problem is a special case of location models that have been considered recently by some researchers‎. ‎In this problem, the ideal is locating the facility in the distance $r_i$‎, ‎from the $i$-th client‎. ‎However‎, ‎in most instances‎, ‎the solution to this problem doesn't exist‎. ‎Therefore‎, ‎the minimizing sum of errors is considered‎. ‎In the previous versions of the goal location problem, the penalty functions have been considered by some symmetric functions such as square and absolute errors of distances between clients and ideal point‎. ‎In this paper‎, ‎we consider the asymmetric linex function as the error function‎. ‎We consider the case that the distances are measured by $L_p$ norm‎. ‎Some iterative methods are used to solve the problem and the results are compared with some previously examined methods.

Forest’s ecosystem is one of the most important carbon sink of the terrestrial ecosystem. Remote sensing technology provides robust techniques to estimate biomass and solve challenges in forest resource assessment. The present study explored the potential of Sentinel-2 bands to estimate biomass and comparatively analyzed of red-edge band based and broadband derived vegetation indices. Broadband indices include normalized difference vegetation index, modified simple ratio and atmospherically resistant VI. Whereas, red-edge band indices include two red-edge normalized difference vegetation index and sentinel-2 red-edge position. Results showed that red-edge band derived spectral indices have performed better than the Broadband indices. The coefficient of correlation for normalized difference vegetation index, modified simple ratio and atmospherically resistant-VI was 0.51, 0.44 and 0.31 respectively, On the other hand, red-edge band indices showed higher correlation of R2 0.62, 0.64 and 0.55, respectively. Similarly, in stepwise regression red-edge normalized difference vegetation index (using band 6) was selected in final model (as overall R2 of the model was 0.60) while all other indices were removed because they have non-significant relationship with the biomass. Accuracy assessment shown the red-edge index has highest R2 (0.64) and least error of (31.29 t/ha) and therefore the study concluded that narrowband indices performed better to estimate biomass and thus final model contained only red-edge index to predict biomass over the study area. The study suggests that more in-depth research should be conducted to explore further properties of red-edge indices for vegetation parameters prediction.

The stability range of the gas turbine engine compressors is being challenged in the modern days due to the intention of increasing per stage maximum loading. Casing treatment has been widely adopted as a realistic passive flow control means to improve the stall margin with a slight decrease of efficiency at the same time by various grooves of which shape (location, angles and so on) has a significant influence on controlling effect. However, the influence of some details in grooves is ignored in most of the case that may impact the specific flow field in the groove. A research on the impact of chamfer and fillet corners on the performance of casing treatment was proceeded by numerical simulation in this paper. The performance of different models of grooves on NASA Rotor 37 was investigated by discretizing 3D RANS based on finite volume method. Firstly, steady simulations were performed on NASA rotor 37 for validation. The CFD results and experimental data for adiabatic efficiency and pressure ratio were in good agreement. According to convergence criteria, the initiation of the stall was predicted. Few numbers of circumferential grooves casing treatment (CGCT) models have been proposed and tested numerically. Rectangular CGCT shape and smooth wall casing performances were analyzed. Moreover, the highest adiabatic efficiencies and stall margins of smooth wall casing, rectangular grooves and rectangular grooves with chamfer and fillet corners shapes models were compared to evaluate the influence of the shape of grooves on the stability and performance on axial flow compressor. The rectangular circumferential casing grooves and rectangular grooves with chamfer and fillet corners enhanced significantly stall margin and an operational range of the transonic axial flow compressor but adiabatic efficiency was slightly decreased.

Considering the problems of families with children suffering from ADHD and the shortcomings of studies focusing on these damages, the purpose of this study is to identify the pathologies of sibling sub system in families with children suffering from Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)This research is a qualitative study using phenomenological method. Population consists of all families with children suffering from ADHD who employed the services of counseling or psychiatric centers in Sanandaj. Purposeful sampling was used and included 27 people. Semi-structured interview was used as an instrument and the data analyzed with seven-step method of Colaizzi (1978). In this research, essential codes that were obtained from coding include three types of descriptive, interpretative and explanatory coding, including formation of negative feelings, special problems in ADHD children and lack of coping skills. Results showed that sibling sub system is influenced by the problems of the child suffering from ADHD in family and causes specific damages and negative influences on this sub system. Therefore, this sub system needs supervision, support and specific training to reduce damages.

We assessed the urban trees structure in Tabriz city and estimated the isoprene and monoterpenes emission using i-Tree Eco model. The results indicated that the i-Tree Eco model could be used as a successful method in Iran. Estimations of i-Tree Eco model showed that urban trees with 9.4% tree cover emitted 18428.6 and 49757.5 monoterpenes and isoprene during the year 2015. Open spaces and the ten tree species among the existing 48 species accounted for 63.3 and 92.22% of the total emission respectively. In the other hand White poplar and Austrian pin emitted the highest amount of isoprene and monoterpenes. Our results suggest that to plant the trees that emit fewer BVOCs in order to help to reduce the ozone level in cities. The results of this study could be used in proper urban environments and green infrastructure management.

Wing geometry, kinematics and flexibility are the fundamental components which contribute towards the aerodynamics performance of micro aerial vehicles. This research focuses on determining the role of isotropic flexibility in the aerodynamic performance of high aspect ratio (AR = 6.0) wings with different shapes in hovering flight. Three shapes are chosen, defined by the radius of the first moment of wing area 𝑟̅1, which are 0.43, 0.53 and 0.63, where low (resp. high) value of 𝑟̅1 corresponds to less (resp. more) spanwise area distribution towards the wingtip. The leading edges of flexible wings are modelled as rigid and the wings, therefore, predominantly deform in the chordwise direction. Flexible wings are categorized as flexible FX2 and more flexible MFX2 for brevity. The governing equations of fluid flow are solved using a sharp interface immersed boundary method, coupled with an in-house finite element structure solver for simulations of flexible wings. The results indicate that the rigid wings produce one lift peak per stroke during the mid-stroke and its magnitude increases with an increase in 𝑟̅1 due to strong leading-edge vortex. For flexible wings, the numbers of lift peaks per stroke and their timings during a flapping cycle depend on the deformation that affects the pitch angle and pitch rotation rate of the wings. The lift coefficient for a given shape decreases as flexibility increases because the pitch angle decreases during the mid-stroke. This decrease in lift coefficient with flexibility is pronounced for 𝑟̅1= 0.63 wing (up to 66 % less lift as compared to rigid equivalent) due to pitch down rotation at the commencement of the stroke, resulting in vortical structures on the bottom surface of the wing. For more flexible wings at high AR considered in this study, a wing with low 𝑟̅1 (= 0.43) may be suitable for the wing design of micro-aerial vehicle, as in general, it has better aerodynamic performance (24.5 % more power economy and similar lift coefficient) than high 𝑟̅1 (= 0.63) wing.

For all M,N∈P(U) such that M⊂N, we first introduced the definitions of (M,N)-uni-soft ideals and (M,N)-uni-soft interior ideals of an ordered semigroup and studied them. When M=∅ and N=U, we meet the ordinary soft ones. Then we proved that in regular and in intra-regular ordered semigroups the concept of (M,N)-uni-soft ideals and the (M,N)-uni-soft interior ideals coincide. Finally, we introduced (M,N)-uni-soft simple ordered semigroup and characterized the simple ordered semigroups in terms of (M,N)-uni-soft interior ideals.

The study investigated the toxicity of Parthenium extracts in comparison with Neem extracts against 3rd and 4th instar larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L.. The side effect of Parthenium extracts was also examined against larval parasitoid, Cotesia plutellae. Extracts obtained from their respective plants were dissolved independently to get stock solutions, which were further diluted to different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%) with distilled water. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with four treatments, including the control, and replicated six times in vitro. Results showed that Parthenium crude extracts was very effective in comparison with the control against P. xylostella, whilst the highest mortality was recorded at 3% concentration of Neem in comparison with Parthenium extracts against both stages of P. xylostella. Overall, the highest mortality was recorded at 3% concentration of Neem extracts followed by 2% Neem extracts, 3% Parthenium extracts, 1% neem, 2% and 1% Parthenium extracts. The lowest mortality was noted in the control (i.e. 70%, 58.33%, 51.67%, 35%, 33.33%, 18.33% and 16.67% in case of 3rd instar mortality whilst 61.67%, 50%, 41.67%, 30%, 16.67% and 15% in case of 4th instar mortality, respectively). Less harmful effect was observed for larval parasitoid, C. plutellae. Finally, it was concluded that all the treatments had the ability to control P. xylostella to some extent, but Parthenium crude extract was less efficient in comparison with Neem extract, as 3% crude extract of Neem had a sufficiently toxic effect on the P. xylostella.

The awareness and conception of the genetic diversity in faba bean (Vicia faba) accessions are important for the enforcement of degree addressed to their usages and conservations. The aim of this work was to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure in Iraqi faba bean using SSR markers for utilization in crossing and variety development. To assess genetic variation and population structure among faba bean accessions, 25 microsatellite loci were exerted. The analysis of diversity indices in the set of faba bean accessions examined here showed that the microsatellites were informative for genotype characterization. In total, 72 polymorphic alleles were exposed to an average of 2.88 per locus and three unique alleles were detected. The average of PIC, gene diversity, marker index, resolving power and Shannon diversity was 0.513, 0.569, 1.671, 2.173 and 0.830, respectively. The patterns detected in the dendrogram and PCA divided 19 accessions into five distinct clusters with different levels of sub-grouping within the cluster. High-level genetic differentiation within a population or group (83%) was significantly greater than that among groups or populations (17%), as planned by Analysis Of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). The model of clustering, based on the analysis of STRUCTURE software, identified four groups genetically dispersed. These findings have additional importance in faba bean breeding as well as maintenance programs.

The sacral region in the fetus can be involved in many pathologies such as spina bifida as the most common spinal abnormality and caudal regression syndrome. On this basis, knowledge about the temporal sequences of sacral ossification centers appearances and other characteristics including bi-iliac distance with newer higher resolution ultrasound technique may be helpful in defining pathologies involving the sacral region and fetal skeletal maturation.

The goal of this research was to evaluate the timing of ossification of sacral vertebrae and bi-iliac distance as a guidance for clinicians to make an early and reliable diagnosis of sacral region anomalies such as caudal regression syndrome.

This cross-sectional study was done on 315 normal pregnancies at 14 to 25 weeks of gestational age. The sacral region was evaluated in spine up position, on a coronal plane. By changing the orientation of the probe between sagittal and coronal planes and continuous observation, presence of the ossification center could be confirmed. Then, the level of the central and neural arch centers was recorded in every gestational age.

Ossification happened in a predictable caudal direction pattern. S1 and body of S2 were visualized in all cases at 15 - 17 weeks + 6 days and all fetuses with 17 weeks of gestational age. The body of S3 was detected in all cases at 17 weeks and its arch at 20 weeks. Studying all fetuses at 18 weeks of gestation shows sacral ossification in the body and arch of S4. During the study period we had two cases with sirenomelia and three cases with sacral agenesis and we have explained their sacral region findings.

By using recent high-resolution ultrasound machines, sacral vertebral ossification centers could be identified in its early gestational age, which could be helpful for earlier detection of sacral pathologies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of teaching components of psychological relaxation based on the Islamic perspective (patience and prayer) on the test anxiety and the resilience of first grade high school students in Zahedan. The research method was semi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with control group. A sample of 30 students of all first-year high school students in Zahedan in the academic year of 2017-2018 were selected by cluster sampling and randomly assigned to two groups of experimental and control. The instrument of the research was Anxiety Test Questionnaire Abolqasemi et al. (1996) and Resilience of Conor and Davidson (2003). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and statistical analysis of covariance analysis. The results showed that the average test scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than the control group in the post test, but the mean scores of the test group were significantly increased in the post test after the control group. Therefore, the results of this study showed that teaching components of Islamic psychology based on psychological relaxation can be used as an effective intervention to reduce the test anxiety and increase the student's resilience.

This article investigates the controlling effects of electromagnetic field generated by Riga plate on the boundary layer flow of non-Newtonian fluid. Two classical viscosity models of non-Newtonian fluids namely; PowellEyring and Reiner-Phillipoff fluid models have been considered to study the different behaviors of nonNewtonian fluid flow. Numerical solution of the problem in the presence of strong suction is obtained using the nonlinear shooting method. The results are studied in terms of modified Hartmann number, non-Newtonian fluid parameters and the Bingham number. Linear regression is performed on the numerical results to present the correlation expression for the skin friction.

This paper presents investigation carried out, including experimental and numerical studies, on low-rise shear-dominated brick masonry structures for the calculation of force reduction factor R. Basic experimental tests were conducted on masonry constituent materials for mechancial characterization. In-plane quasi-static cyclic tests were conducted on twelve full scale brick masonry walls, to understand behavior of shear-dominated walls under in-plane lateral loads. The tests’ data were analyzed to obtain the lateral shear strength, elastic and inelastic displacement capacities and hysteretic response of walls to facilitate numerical modelling of masonry structures. The numerical study included incremental dynamic analyses of shear-dominated brick masonry structures for the derivation of structures’ response curves, correlating the ground motion severity with the inelastic displacement demand on structure. The ductility dependent R factor is computed by identifying the ground motion intensities: capable to initiate global yielding in the structure (PGAy) and that exceeding the limit state displacement capacity of structure (PGAu), respectively. The ratio of the two PGAu/PGAy provides estimate of structures’ R factor. The calculated R factor varies in the range of 1.20 to 2.74, with a mean of 1.64; 1.5 may be conservatively used in the design and assessment of considered structures.

Recent evidence has shown underlying roles of gut dysbiosis and metabolic endotoxemia in obesity and its complications. Despite the large number of experimental and clinical researches performed on gut microbiota and obesity, no bibliometrics’ study has been conducted so far. We aimed to assess the trend of global scientific publications in the field of gut microbiota and obesity. The bibliometrics’ data from January 2000 to April 2017 were retrieved based on Scopus database. The analysis of the publication year, main source, citation, subject area, co-authorship network, and geographical distribution were carried out, accordingly. The data were analyzed using the Scopus analysis tools, SPSS version 15 and Visualizing Scientific Landscapes (VOS) viewer version 1.6.5. Out of 4384 documents that were identified, the United States published the highest number (28.2%), followed by China and United Kingdom. The number of publications showed an increasing trend over the years of which the most productive year was 2016. The leading subject area was medicine. Most of published scientific documents were original articles and the top source was “PLoS One”. The documents were cited totally 153576 times with average citations per article as 35.03, and h-index of 159. Top author in the co-authorship network assessment was “Wang J.” from China. This study could provide practical sources to researchers to find highly cited studies. Moreover, the study could pave the way for researchers to be engaged in studies which potentially lead to more publication in the field

One of the major issues in the contemporary world is climate change. The behavior and characteristics of parameters affecting climate change can cause them to be seen and hidden. As one of the effective ways to detect overt and covert behaviors for periodic climatic data series, Spectral analysis can be used. It is the analysis of each of the wavelengths series, making this behavior clear. Accordingly, the present study was an attempt to use the method of spectral analysis, data cycles in the minimum temperature, maximum temperature and precipitation in Ramsar station (located in the western regions of Mazandaran province) an nd Babolsar (located in the central parts of this province) in a period from1961 to 2014. For this purpose, temperature and precipitation data were obtained from these stations; MATLAB software environment and the environment for the software were logged for each of the variable in the stations. The results revealed that the minimum temperature at both stations had significant cycles, with the return period being 2 to 5 years; Remote Link could be fit into the cycle parameters such as NAO, AO and ENSO. Analysis of the period gram showed cycles 8 and 5/13-year-old and 5-year-old period in Ramsar and Babolsar. During the rainy cycles, the difference between the two stations and the difference in the geographical position affected systems, and rain accounted for the difference in speed dual-zone climate indicator for Remote Link.

Chlorpheniramine, a first-generation antihistamine, is widely used for allergic reactions. Previous studies showed the interaction between antidepressant activity and nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway. Thus, we aimed to assess the possible involvement of NO/cGMP pathway in this effect using forced swim test (FST) in male mice. To evaluate the locomotor activity and immobility time, we performed open field test (OFT) and FST on each mouse. Chlorpheniramine was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) (0.1, 0.3, 1, 10 mg/kg) 30 minutes before FST. To assess the involvement of NO/cGMP pathway, a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME (10mg/kg, i.p.), a selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective neural NOS (nNOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), a NO precursor, L-arginine (750 mg/kg, i.p.) and a selective phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, sildenafil (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was co-administered with chlorpheniramine. Chlorpheniramine significantly decreased the immobility time at doses of 1mg/kg (P<0.01) and 10 mg/kg (P<0.001). Administration of L-NAME (P<0.01) and 7-NI enhanced the anti-immobility activity of chlorpheniramine (P<0.001), while aminoguanidine did not have any significant effects on the immobility time (P>0.05). Moreover, pretreatment with L-arginine (P<0.01) and sildenafil (P<0.001) significantly reduced the anti-immobility effect of chlorpheniramine. These treatments did not alter the locomotor activity of mice in OFT. Our results revealed that the antidepressant-like effect of chlorpheniramine is mediated through inhibition of NO/cGMP pathway.

This paper presents numerical modeling technique for Dhajji-Dewari structures (timber-braced rubble stone masonry), and its application for the evaluation of in-plane force-deformation capacity of Dhajji wall panels of different configuration of bracings. Dhajji structures are mainly composed of vertical and horizontal timber posts and braced using diagonal bracings and horizontal studs. Wall openings are filled with random rubble masonry in week mortar. These types of structures are known for their high lateral deformability and are mostly found in Kashmir and its surrounding areas both in Pakistan and India, locally named as “Dhajji-Dewari”. A numerical model of Dhajji wall was developed using a finite element based structural seismic analysis program SeismoStruct, based on the experimental study carried out at the Earthquake Engineering Center of UET Peshawar. In-plane force-deformation response of Dhajji wall was evaluated through static pushover analysis, and validated with the measured response. The numerical model was extended to evaluate and compare the lateral strengths of Dhajji walls of three different configurations of bracings. This can enable structural designer to select Dhajji wall with a particular bracing configuration keeping in view the required lateral strength and deformability with least possible quantity of timber for construction, which might be helpful to economize the construction of these structures.

Water loss can be minimized and conserve through constructing small storage dams for various irrigation purposes to support local livelihood. Geographic information system provides powerful techniques for many hydrological modeling and suitable dam site selection. The current study explored potential sites for small storage dams to meet agricultural requirements in district Malakand, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Multi criteria decision analysis was used for selection of suitable sites for storage dam for agricultural purpose. The methodology was completed in four main steps; acquisition of data, selection of factors and constraints, giving percentage influence to each criterion and performing weighted overlay. Digital elevation model was used for watershed analysis and Landsat 8 image for land use classification. All contributing factors such as slope, soil map, settlements, canals, roads, river, watershed and recreational sites were used in weighted overlay for suitable site selection. Results showed that Masooka rockland soil possessed the highest suitability for dam construction as the high clay proportion of the soil provides cementation. Slope zone of 0-3.16 degree slope was considered best and 3.16-7.90 degrees was highly suitable. Distance (5-10 km or more) form recreational sites and presence of 140-186 Stream links which makes the site more suitable. Regarding land use, the barren land or rangeland was more preferable. Finally, 15 sites were found suitable for small storage dams in the district. The main river lies close to the selected site assuring the perennial flow of water. The study suggests that geographic information system provides efficient tools for decision makers in hydrology and dam site selection.

The presence of heavy metals and radon in water are considered as a potential threat to public health. Modern day industrialization has led to increase pollutants in ecosystem whilst the main source of public radiation exposure, especially exposure from radon, is caused by portable water. This study aimed to estimate the health risk related to radon concentration and heavy metals in drinking and irrigated water. Water samples, from different sources, were collected from Kulim, Malaysia and analyzed for radon and heavy metals using RAD7 and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results showed that the maximum average value of radon concentration (16.06±1.7) Bq/l was found in well water used for drinking and irrigation. Minimum average value of radon concentration (2.65±0.33) Bq/l was found in tap water used for drinking purpose. From the measured radon concentrations, age dependent associated annual effective doses and contribution of radon in drinking water to indoor air was calculated which were found below the lower limit of recommended action level. Metal concentrations were found higher in stream and lake waters used for irrigation, compared to well and tap waters. The average daily intake of drinking water and health risk indices were found higher for infants and lower for children and adults. Radon concentrations in well, stream and lake waters were found higher than EPA recommended level and lower than WHO action level while the annual effective doses and level of heavy metals in water reported in this study were found lower than recommended levels.