Buali Sina University

Aridity, characterized by a prolonged and natural imbalance in water availability, results in reduced soil moisture, which directly affects plant distribution and limits crop productivity. Plants subjected to drought stress exhibit morpho-anatomical changes that are closely associated with cellular, physiological, and biochemical adaptations aimed at minimizing water loss through transpiration and optimizing water-use efficiency. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing drought-tolerant crop varieties. This review describes both short-term and long-term morpho-anatomical adaptations that help stabilize shoot water potential, providing valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing drought resilience. Specifically, it discusses the significance of modifications in stem, trunk, and branch morphology, which play a pivotal role in improving water retention and hydraulic conductivity across diverse plant species. The degree of isohydry or anisohydry in plant hydraulic strategies is also examined, as it is crucial for predicting plant responses to drought conditions induced by climate change. By identifying key morpho-anatomical traits, this review highlights their importance in developing plant varieties suited for re-vegetating drought-affected areas. These traits are vital for devising long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of severe droughts by promoting the cultivation of drought-tolerant plants. Future research should prioritize strengthening the links between vascular morpho-anatomical traits and agricultural practices under stress conditions to improve crop growth and yield under drought stress.

Accurate thermodynamic modeling of pure alkanolamines and their mixtures plays a key role in the design and development of various industrial processes. Due to the effectiveness of SAFT-type equations of state (EOSs) in the thermodynamic modeling, in this study, we applied the PρT-SAFT-HR, PC-SAFT, and SAFT-HR EOSs to model the four most widely used alkanolamines, including monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). First, the pure-compound parameters for the PρTSAFT-HR EOS were obtained using PρT data over a wide range of temperature and pressure. The thermodynamic properties of pure alkanolamines, including density, isobaric heat capacity, sound velocity, isobaric thermal expansivity, isothermal compressibility, saturated vapor pressure, saturated liquid density, and critical point, were calculated using PρT-SAFT-HR, PC-SAFT, and SAFT-HR EOSs and compared with experimental data. The PρT-SAFT-HR EOS demonstrated superior performance in predicting these thermodynamic properties. The calculations were then extended to mixtures, where the thermodynamic properties of eight binary and fve ternary alkanolamine mixtures were modeled by using EOSs. Comparing the results of the studied EOSs in predicting the thermodynamic properties of binary and ternary mixtures also revealed the superior performance of the PρT-SAFT-HR EOS.

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are widespread worldwide impacting society, economics, and healthcare systems. The rise of antibiotic resistance in both hospital and community settings has further complicated UTI management. This study aims to assess the epidemiologic distribution and microbiologic classification of UTI-causing microorganisms, as well as their resistance patterns. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the National Public Health Laboratories in Khartoum, Sudan. Urine samples were collected from three hospitals from September to December 2021, and 65 bacterial isolates were recovered from patients with clinical symptoms of UTI. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using standard bacteriological methods and Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Genotyping for Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (EsβL) production was conducted using multiplex PCR. Results Of the 65 bacterial isolates, 27 (41.5%) were community-acquired UTI patients (C-UTIs), and 38 (58.5%) were hospital acquired UTI patients (H-UTIs). Males were more commonly affected by H-UTIs (68.4%), while females represented the majority among C-UTIs (85.2%). Gram-negative bacteria were predominant in urinary isolates (81.54%), with Escherichia coli being the most common organism (49.1%). Gram-positive organisms accounted for 18.46% of isolates, with Enterococcus spp. being the most prevalent. In-vitro susceptibility analysis revealed that meropenem was the most effective antibiotic in Gram-negative isolates (77.4%), while nitrofurantoin was the most effective in Gram-positive isolates (91.67%). EsβL production was detected in 11/23 (47.8%) of the tested isolates with Escherichia coli being the most common ESβL producer. Conclusion This study highlights the pattern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in UTIs and their significance. Continuous monitoring, development of local antibiograms, and implementation of surveillance programs are essential for guiding empirical antibiotic use and managing UTIs effectively, especially in resource-limited settings like Sudan.

Background In camels, thelaziosis is mainly caused by Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910, a little-known eyeworm species. Given the paucity of scientific data, this study aimed to provide new insights into the morphology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic relationship of T. leesei and its occurrence in camels from Iran, where animals suffer from the high burden of eyeworms. Methods From December 2020 to November 2022, slaughtered camels (n = 400) of different sex and age groups were examined in Sistan-va-Baluchestan province in Southeast Iran’s local abattoirs. Adult eyeworms were fixed and stored for morphological identification by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products corresponding to the partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) of eyeworms were Sanger sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. Results A total of 118 (29.5%) camels from all five counties examined were infected with eyeworms, with an abundance of 0.9 and a mean intensity of 3.2 (i.e., up to 18 worms from a single animal). The infection rate was higher in camels older than 4 years of age (P = 0.01901). Lachrymation was associated with infection in animals (P < 0.00001). The morphology of our specimens resembled that of T. leesei, with the exception of the position of the nerve ring and esophagus length. Genetic analysis showed that the cox1 partial sequences of our T. leesei specimens had genetic distances of 8.8% to 13.5% compared with other Thelazia species. Conclusions On the basis of the morphometrics and morphological characteristics, we identified our specimens as T. leesei. In the phylogenetic tree, T. leesei herein isolated formed a monophyletic group together with its congeners, and T. leesei formed a sister clade to T. lacrymalis. In addition, we demonstrated the epidemiology of the infestation of T. leesei in camels in the endemic areas of southeastern Iran. The data presented are crucial for better understanding the pathogenic role of T. leesei and developing effective treatment strategies. In particular, studies on the intermediate host(s) of T. leesei in these regions will support effective control strategies for this parasitosis. Graphical Abstract

In this research, a collection of new composites constructed from aminoclays (MgAC and ZrAC) and MOFs are inserted into the PEBAX matrix for gas separation inspections. In fabricated UiO-66-(COOH)2@CuBDC@MgAC and MIL-121@CuBDC@MgAC composites series, amine groups of MgAC, unoccupied Cu ions of CuBDC and free carboxylic acid in the pores of UiO-66-(COOH)2 and MIL-121 are intensely involved in superior CO2 permeability of prepared MMMs from these composites. Besides, the nanosheet formation of CuBDC MOF induced by MgAC sheets develops the interphase regions (MOF-MOF and PEBAX-composites) which are also responsible for such obtained CO2 permeability against N2. Additionally, lower pore diameter of CuBDC in comparison with UiO-66-(COOH)2 and MIL-121 can exert sieving effect for crowded gas molecules which pass through the UiO-66-(COOH)2 and MIL-121 layers. In these series, PEBAX/Zr@Cu@Mg-4 demonstrates CO2 permeability of 320.15 barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 147.27. A new aminoclay based on zirconium is synthesized and added to the constructed composites as the outer layer. The provided ZrAC@UiO-66-(COOH)2@CuBDC@MgAC and ZrAC@MIL-121@CuBDC@MgAC composites are also examined as fillers in PEBAX matrix. Apparently, the interphases of MMMs are gotten close to their ideal states by ZrAC sheets existence in composites and gas behavior of all MMMs are ameliorated compared to the last MMMs series. In this regard, PEBAX/Zr@Zr@Cu@Mg-4 exhibits CO2 permeability of 407.77 barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 87.46. The fabricated composites and membranes are identified by FT-IR, XRD, SEM and HRTEM. The membranes are also characterized by TGA, surface contact angle and Stress-Strain analysis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-80813-4.

We consider a Banach algebra ${\mathcal {A}}$, a nonzero element $\phi$ in $\Delta ({\mathcal {A}}) \cup \{0\}$, and a Banach ${\mathcal {A}}$-bimodule X. We investigate ultrapowers denoted as $({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}}$ and $(\phi )$, along with treating $(X)_{{\mathcal {U}}}$ as a Banach $({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}}$-bimodule. We analyze $H^1(({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}},(X)_{{\mathcal {U}}})$, with the constraint that $(X)_{{\mathcal {U}}} \in \mathcal{S}\mathcal{M}^{({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}}}_{(\phi )}$. Moreover, we establish a connection between $H^1(({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}},\mathbb {C})$ vanishing and $H^1(({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}},(X)_{{\mathcal {U}}})$ vanishing. Subsequently, we relax the symmetry conditions of $\mathcal{S}\mathcal{M}^{({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}}}_{(\phi )}$ and explore character contractibility and character amenability of $({\mathcal {A}})_{{\mathcal {U}}}$, which is referred to as ultra-character contractibility and ultra-character amenability of ${\mathcal {A}}$. In particular, we verify the ultra-character amenability for Lau products and group algebras.

Bearings are vital parts of machines that tolerate load and guide rotors to rotate axially the most accurately possible. Bearing assembly is very important for convenient vibration behavior and increasing useful life. In this research, the main probable root cause of mechanical vibration of the electric motor is explained. Three bearings are analyzed. The first bearing has been changed because of bearing failure due to frequency excitation and vibration amplitude. On the first time running the replacement bearing (second analyzed bearing), the vibration, under the unloaded situation, was higher than normal without getting any failure signals excitation. Based on vibration analysis and signal processing, the vibration peak was at 1 x rpm in non-drive end (NDE) of the motor which may let us think about a bad bearing assembly. Inadequate preload conditions, bearing seat, or housing looseness may cause this abnormal vibration amplitude. This paper uses mechanical symptoms and vibration signals to explain the main probable root cause of vibration amplitude. Relative movement based on unadopted fits or axial preload is one of the main causes of the bearing outer ring fretting corrosion. Fretting corrosion and vibration amplitude result from improper fits and bad mounting conditions. This work explains how to interpret vibration signals coming from fretting corrosion.

Nowadays, the emergence of some microbial species resistant to antibiotics, both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, is due to changes in molecular activities, biological processes and their cellular structure in order to survive. The aim of the gene network analysis for the drug-resistant Enterococcus faecium as gram-positive and Salmonella Typhimurium as gram-negative bacteria was to gain insights into the important interactions between hub genes involved in key molecular pathways associated with cellular adaptations and the comparison of survival mechanisms of these two bacteria exposed to ciprofloxacin. To identify the gene clusters and hub genes, the gene networks in drug-resistant E. faecium and S. Typhimurium were analyzed using Cytoscape. Subsequently, the putative regulatory elements were found by examining the promoter regions of the hub genes and their gene ontology (GO) was determined. In addition, the interaction between milRNAs and up-regulated genes was predicted. RcsC and D920_01853 have been identified as the most important of the hub genes in S. Typhimurium and E. faecium, respectively. The enrichment analysis of hub genes revealed the importance of efflux pumps, and different enzymatic and binding activities in both bacteria. However, E. faecium specifically increases phospholipid biosynthesis and isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthesis, whereas S. Typhimurium focuses on phosphorelay signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and protein autophosphorylation. The similarities in the GO findings of the promoters suggest common pathways for survival and basic physiological functions of both bacteria, including peptidoglycan production, glucose transport and cellular homeostasis. The genes with the most interactions with milRNAs include dpiB, rcsC and kdpD in S. Typhimurium and EFAU004_01228, EFAU004_02016 and EFAU004_00870 in E. faecium, respectively. The results showed that gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria have different mechanisms to survive under antibiotic stress. By deciphering their intricate adaptations, we can develop more effective therapeutic approaches and combat the challenges posed by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Objective : Walking is one of the most complex human movements that can be affected by various sources of attention. Dual tasks reduce attention, increase information processing, and may alter control mechanisms such as synergy. However, the effect of dual tasks on muscle synergy remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive and motor dual tasks on the synergy of lower limb muscles during walking. Methods : Twenty-four participants were selected voluntarily. The activity of the eight lower limb muscles was recorded under three different conditions: normal walking without a dual task, walking with a cognitive dual task, and walking with a motor dual task. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm and the variance accounted for were used to extract muscle synergy. The repeated-measures analysis of variance test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were performed to analyze the data. Results : In this study, five muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography data using the variance accounted for method under three different conditions. The pattern of muscle synergies showed moderate to strong correlations. Peaks of synergies changed, and a time shift in synergy peaks during walking was observed. However, the number of extracted synergies did not change. Conclusion : The number of recruited muscle synergies remained consistent across different conditions. Dual tasks affect the higher levels of the motor control system, causing interference in information processing that leads to a shift in the tendency of synergy and weight coefficients of the muscles, ultimately resulting in a change in walking mechanics.

In this study, chitosan (C)‐polyvinyl alcohol (P) edible film containing bio‐fabricated nanosilver particles (nAg) (as antimicrobial agent) and beetroot peel extract (BRPE) (as antioxidant agent and pH indicator) was used as spoilage indicator in cold‐stored rainbow trout fillets. DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (43.02%), reducing power (2.87), and total phenolic content (360.50 mg GAE/g) of ethanolic BRPE were higher than aqueous extract. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using silver nitrate reduction by chitosan, confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscope images, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The highest tensile strength (4.20 MPa) and elongation at break (118%) belonged to the CP‐BRPE film, and the lowest water vapor permeability (2.45 10⁻⁵ g/s/m/P) was related to the CP‐nAg film. Also, the lowest total viable count (6.17 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria (6.27 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (4.9 log CFU/g), pH (5.66), total volatile basic‐nitrogen (TVB‐N) (22.1 mg/100 g of fish), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.705 mg MDA/kg of fish) values of the packaged trout fillets were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) observed in CP‐BRPE‐gnAg treatment among the other treatments at the end of the storage period, and CP‐gnAg, CP‐BRPE, and CP treatments were in the next ranks, respectively. Colorimetric analysis of the used films showed that the films containing BRPE depicted color spectra of red to yellow at the same time as the spoilage symptoms initiated in the packaged fillets. It is concluded that BRPE not only increased the preservative effects of chitosan‐polyvinyl alcohol film containing green silver nanoparticles but also can be considered as a natural cost‐effective spoilage indicator of the rainbow trout fillets during cold storage time.

Background Brucellosis is a major worldwide zoonotic disease that is caused by Brucella spp. and threatens the health of communities. Novel methods for rapid detection of Brucella bacteria are beneficial and necessary in preventing infection and subsequent economic losses. Constructing biosensors with nanoparticles is a promising approach for identification of pathogenic bacteria in a short time. This study aimed to introduce a new detection method of Brucella cells using a biosensor, based on gold nanoparticles and a specific aptamer, via a colorimetric reaction. In this work, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were synthesized and attached to the aptamer through electrostatic bonding. The binding of aptamer to gold nanoparticles was confirmed by Uv/vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and zeta sizer (DLS). Results In the presence of the bacterial cells, aptamers were bound to their targets, and the surfaces of the nanoparticles were depleted from aptamers resulting in intensified peroxidation activity of GNPs, and with the addition of 3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), the color of the solution was changed from red to purple, which indicated the presence of Brucella. The sensitivity of the aptasensor was investigated using different concentrations of Brucella cells and its specificity was confirmed against several species of bacteria. The results showed that the designed aptasensor was more sensitive compared to PCR assay method with the ability to detect 1.5 × 10¹ CFU/mL of the bacterial cells. Conclusion These findings indicate that the designed aptasensor can be used as a simple and rapid diagnostic tool to detect Brucella cells without need to experts and expensive laboratory equipment.

Afghan refugees and forced immigrants with a population of around 1.6 million make up the largest group of Asian protracted refugees in bordering countries such as Iran and Pakistan. Across the globe, it is quite probable for such minority groups to face different types of cultural, social, political and educational discrimination. On this basis, this case study is an attempt to explore how Afghan students perceive different aspects of the educational practices they are offered in Iranian educational system. For this purpose, 5 Afghan students studying at Iranian high schools were selected and interviewed to figure out their perspectives towards Iranian educational systems in general and the textbooks in particular. The thematic analyses of the obtained data indicated that Afghan refugee students perceive five categories of barriers in Iranian educational system including emotional and social, economic and financial, cultural, welfare, and political. The results serve as a foundation for understanding how Afghan refugees perceive educational processes in Iranian educational system. Further, the findings unfold some less heard aspects of refugees’ educational experiences in an Asian context.

Metal-based catalysts play an essential role in organic chemistry and the chemical industry. This research designed and successfully synthesized a pillar-layered metal–organic framework (MOF) with the urea linkers, namely Basu-HDI, as a novel and efficient heterogeneous catalyst. Various techniques such as FT-IR, EDX, elemental mapping, SEM, XRD, BET, and TGA/DTA studied its structure and morphology. Then, we investigated the synthesis of new 1,8-naphthyridines utilizing Basu-HDI in mild conditions via a one‐pot, three‐component tandem Knoevenagel/Michael/ cyclization/anomeric-based oxidation reaction. Final products were achieved by anomeric-based oxidation without employing an oxidation agent. Remarkably, this tandem process gave a good range of new 1,8-naphthyridines with high yields in a short reaction time. The pure products were confirmed by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques. Moreover, the introduced catalyst showed good efficiency and stability and can be reused four times without significantly reducing efficiency.

This paper presents a statistical analysis of water table depth fluctuations in the Ghahavand plain of Hamedan province, western Iran. The study is based on 49,232 water table depth records collected by the Hamedan regional water authority between October 1988 and March 2016. The data were processed to improve their quality and construct a monthly time series of water table depth. Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA), a non-parametric technique for time series analysis, was used to analyze the time series. Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) was applied to the residuals of the SSA model to monitor management policies and institutions. The EWMA control chart is an effective alternative to the Shewhart control chart when the goal is to detect smaller shifts in the process. One of the key advantages of using EWMA is its robustness to non-normality, making it suitable for real-world applications where data often deviates from the normal distribution. The results indicate that the SSA model fits the data very well. Using EWMA control chart on the residuals of the SSA model revealed three statistically unusual points that need to be examined by water resource management systems. The findings of this study can assist water resource managers in making informed decisions regarding groundwater management policies and practices.

Background Aged heart is defined via structural and mitochondrial dysfunction of the heart. However, there is still no potent compound to improve cardiac function abnormalities in aged individuals. Olive oil (OLO), as an oil with monounsaturated fatty acids, has diverse protective effects on the cardiovascular system, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and mitigating effects on blood pressure. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of OLO against aging-related cardiac dysfunction. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control, D-galactose-induced aging rats (D-GAL group), and aging rats treated with OLO (D-GAL + OLO group). Aging in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-GAL at 150 mg/kg dose for eight weeks and the D-GAL + OLO group was treated with oral OLO by gavage for eight weeks. The heart tissues were harvested to assay the oxidative stress, molecular parameters, and histological analysis. Results The D-GAL given rats indicated increased cardiomyocyte diameter as cardiac hypertrophy marker (21 ± 0.8, p < 0.001), an increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) level (27 ± 3, p < 0.001), a reduced Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001, 18.12 ± 1.3), and reduction in gene expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) (p < 0.05, 0.37 ± 0.06), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α (p < 0.001, 0.027 ± 0.04), and Transcription Factor A, Mitochondrial (TFAM) (p < 0.001, 0.023 ± 0.01), Bcl2 (p < 0.001, 0.04 ± 0.004) and an increase in gene expression of Bax (p < 0.001, 23.5 ± 5.4) in comparison with the control animals. Treatment with OLO improved cardiac hypertrophy (14 ± 0.4, p < 0.001), MDA (22 ± 2.5, p < 0.01), SOD (p < 0.001, 34.9 ± 2), SIRT1 (p < 0.05, 1.37 ± 0.46), PGC-1α (p < 0.001, 1.11 ± 0.1), TFAM (p < 0.01, 0.23 ± 0.02), Bcl2 (p < 0.05, 0.35 ± 0.05) and Bax genes (p < 0.01, 0.1 ± 0.03). Conclusions Overall, OLO protects the heart against D-GAL-induced aging via increasing antioxidant effects, and enhancing cardiac expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α, TFAM, Bcl2 and Bax genes. Graphical Abstract

Cold expansion is a mechanical method for creating residual stresses. This method is a proven technique to increase the fatigue life, and checking the residual stress on it, is of particular importance. A cold expansion process is widely used to generate beneficial residual stresses into an annular region around the hole. In the present research work, AA 6016-T6 and AA 1100 aluminum alloys which are two strain rate sensitive materials, were subjected to cold expansion process with different mandrel velocities. In fact, the effect of mandrel velocity on the created residual stresses has been investigated. The constants of the Johnson-Cook material model have been determined for them and the process has been investigated, experimentally and numerically. The obtained results revealed that the values of the residual stresses created in the sheets depend on the velocity of the process especially at the edge of the sheets holes. By increasing the mandrel velocity from 5 to 500 mm/min, depending on the distance from the hole to the edge of the sheet, it is possible to enhance the hoop residual stress by 37.3–41.2% in AA 1100 aluminum alloy and by 37.6–38.1% in AA 6016-T6 aluminum alloy. This research showed that in all cases, the radial residual stresses created around the holes are negative. Also, it was cleared that due to the existence of material constraints and the movement of the sheet material, the amount of hoop residual stress created in the mid-thickness is more than the exit face and in the exit face is also more than the entrance face, exactly unlike the size of their zones.