Islamic Azad University, Tehran

In this study, a magnetic disk was prepared using nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 15 nm. The morphological and structural characteristics of these nanoparticles were systematically examined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and alternating force gradient magnetometry (AGFM). XRD analysis confirmed that the average diameter of the copper–magnesium ferrite nanoparticles doped with cadmium was approximately 12 nm, consistent with TEM results, which also showed uniform particle distribution and a tendency to form clusters in powdered form. AGFM measurements revealed that the magnetic property of the powder sample was 15.83 emu/g, which increased to 22.70 emu/g after compression, highlighting the influence of particle density and morphology on magnetic behaviour. Gas sensing tests demonstrated that the fabricated sensors achieved exceptional sensitivity, particularly to acetonitrile, with a maximum sensitivity of 92.3%. A hybrid deep learning model, Bi‐LSTM, was utilised to enhance the precision of gas classification. The proposed methodology was benchmarked against traditional machine learning models, including LSTM and RNN, and demonstrated superior performance. The accuracy of gas detection reached an impressive 99.89%, as validated by ROC analysis, underscoring the efficacy of the deep learning‐based approach. These findings highlight the potential of cadmium‐doped ferrite nanoparticles for high‐performance gas sensing applications, suitable for both industrial and medical uses.

The main focus of this research is to develop techniques in order to select the best option for refrigeration and liquefaction processes using double‐walled tanks for storage and transport by means of different simulations as well as critical fluid conditions. Process simulation, energy analysis and economic evaluations have been applied to find the best process in this case study. Refprop, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Process economic Analyzer software have been used for thermodynamic condition prediction, process simulation, and economic analysis, respectively. The results indicated that the best conditions for ethane storage and transport are achieved at the temperature ranging from −30 to −46°C in case of using liquefaction systems, which is attributable to the low energy consumption as well as low operating costs and low‐cost investment. This cost would be very significant in comparison with the increase in storage volume at very low temperatures. The direct capital cost of implementing these projects will be in the range of $27 ~ 41 million as well as the cost of preparing and transporting$ 310 ~ 475 per ton. Employed technique and developed flowsheets can be used as a useful tool for design and optimization of appropriate gas liquefaction processes membranes with effective performance for various industrial applications.

This study explores the mechanical properties and microstructure of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with boron nitride (BN), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), and graphene oxide (GO). Fused deposition modeling (FDM) was employed to fabricate PLA composites with different weight percentages (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) of each nanomaterial. The mechanical efficacy of PLA composites with 0.6% BN and GO reinforcements were weaker to that of those with 0.6% SWCNT reinforcement, as evidenced by tensile strength testing. The microstructure of the PLA/BN, PLA/SWCNT, and PLA/GO nanocomposites was analyzed using the representative volume element (RVE) method. The material characteristics were accurately anticipated by numerical simulations that utilized RVE results, which were in good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, the mechanical and physical properties of 3D-printed samples were simulated to further investigate them comprehensively. These results aid in comprehending the impact of nanomaterial reinforcement on the behavior of 3D-printed PLA composites. The research results indicate that PLA reinforced with 0.6 wt% SWCNT exhibits superior mechanical performance in comparison to other nanocomposites. Specifically, the PLA/SWCNT elastic modulus has increased from 4498.27 MPa (C1) to 5685.48 MPa (C3), and the maximum von misses stress of the PLA/SWCNT nanocomposite has increased from 859.4 MPa (C1) to 1087 MPa (C3).

This paper investigates the impact of blade surface roughness on the performance and efficiency of wind turbines. Environmental factors such as icing, insects, dust, and pollution contribute to blade roughness, increasing aerodynamic drag and reducing power output. In this study, a Monte Carlo simulation is employed to analyze the effects of surface roughness on key variables, including the power coefficient, rotor torque, generator speed, and blade pitch angle in two distinct operating regions: partial load and full load. The results indicate that in the partial load region, increased roughness leads to a reduction in the power coefficient, generator speed, and rotor torque, ultimately lowering power output. However, in the full load region, the control system compensates for roughness effects by adjusting the blade pitch angle, maintaining a nearly constant power output. This study provides a probabilistic analysis of roughness effects, aiding engineers in developing optimized strategies for wind turbine design and maintenance to minimize energy losses and enhance efficiency.

This review explores emerging CRISPR-microfluidic platforms enhancing precision, speed, and portability for point-of-care diagnostics. Innovations like SHINE, CARMEN, ITP, DNAiTECH, Dμchip, FAST, and MAPnavi highlight their potential.

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a mathematical programming method for evaluating the efficiency of a homogeneous set of decision-making units (DMUs) using multiple inputs and outputs. Inverse DEA estimates a DMU’s input (or output) when some or all DMU outputs (or inputs) are changed. Ratio DEA (DEA-R) combines DEA with ratio analysis to handle ratio data. Real-world DEA-R models often involve negative values for the inputs or outputs. This study presents a novel model for solving inverse DEA problems with negative ratio data for the first time. We present a real-life case study to demonstrate the applicability and efficacy of the DEA models proposed in this study.

Introduction CCN6/WISP3 is a member of the CCN adipokines family that can exert multiple effects on metabolic pathways. So far, the function of CCN6 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been known well. Hence, we aimed to examine CCN6 serum levels in patients with NAFLD compared to healthy individuals and its association with some risk factors for the first time. Method This case-control study measured serum levels of CCN6, TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin, and fasting insulin using ELISA kits in 88 NAFLD patients and 88 controls. In addition, other biochemical variables, including AST, ALT, lipid profiles, and FBG, were determined using an Auto analyzer instrument. Results A remarkable decrease in CCN6 levels was found in the NAFLD patients (1501.9543 ± 483.414 pg/ml) compared to the healthy group (1899.4856 ± 559.704 pg/ml, P < 0.001). In NAFLD patients, a negatively notable correlation was observed between CCN6 and the levels of insulin (r = -0.278, P = 0.011), HOMA-IR (r = -0.268, P = 0.014), as well as TNF-α (r = -0.343, P = 0.001). A remarkable association was found between CCN6 and the risk factor of NAFLD in the adjusted model for gender, age, and BMI with OR = 0.867 (95% CI, [0.806-0.931], P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings showed a significant reduction in CCN6 levels in the NAFLD patients compared to the healthy group, as well as the developing risk of NAFLD enhanced with the decrease of CCN6 levels.

Background and Aims it is important to identify patients at higher risk for severity and poor outcomes of COVID‐19 infection, to have better disease management and pandemic control. In this study, we aimed to assess the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in hospitalized COVID‐19 infected patients and demonstrate its association with severity and outcomes of the disease. Methods This is a cross‐sectional study at Ziaeian Specialist Hospital, in Tehran, Iran. Of all confirmed COVID‐19 infected patients who were admitted to this hospital, 273 patients were enrolled in this study and categorized based on their disease severity or clinical outcomes including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality. The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups was assessed and compared between different groups, to investigate the association of blood group types with disease severity or outcomes. Also, the study population was categorized based on their blood group types to demonstrate the association of laboratory parameters, radiologic findings, and length of hospitalization with blood groups. Sex, age and underlying disease were adjusted in the final model by multivariate regression analysis. Results This study showed that Blood group A (35.9%) was the most prevalent among hospitalized COVID‐19 patients followed by O (34.8%), B (21.6%), and AB (7.7%) (A > O > B > AB). ABO and Rh blood group was not associated with disease severity, need for mechanical ventilation, or ICU admission, while blood group B was associated with an increased risk of death in comparison with type O, in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients (p = 0.02). The number of patients with severe levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) test results was lower in O blood group patients in comparison with non‐O blood groups (p = 0.01). Conclusion No significant association was found between blood groups and other lab tests, radiologic findings, and length of hospitalization.

Background A skin injury could cause serious damage, as it is the outermost layer. Treatment can heal superficial injuries perfectly, but deep wounds can barely heal it. A wound not treated correctly can lead to severe health problems and even death. Aim This study aims to investigate the role of collagen–propolis–eucalyptus hydrogel in wound healing in rats. Methods and Materials Collagen solution was prepared, and then the extract of propolis and eucalyptus was prepared. Four groups (collagen–propolis–eucalyptus, collagen–eucalyptus, collagen–propolis hydrogels and control groups) were prepared, and their biocompatibility was evaluated by the MTT test assay; Then the anti‐bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was evaluated. The animal test was investigated during 7, 14 and 21 days by histopathology. Results The MTT test did not show significant cell cytotoxicity, and the percentage of cell survival was more than 90% for 24, 48 and 72 h. The effect of the anti‐bacterial hydrogel collagen–propolis–eucalyptus group compared to the collagen–eucalyptus and collagen–propolis groups was much higher. The percentage of wound contraction was recorded in the collagen–propolis–eucalyptus group and it increased in all the groups over time. The results showed that the percentage of wound contraction and repair was significant in the macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. Conclusion The results showed the effectiveness of natural hydrogel in increasing the healing process of the wound, and it is possible to use this hydrogel natural collagen–eucalyptus–propolis as a suitable option because of its accessibility and low cost.

This study aimed to review the efficacy of commonly used supplements on the health status and performance of football players. We searched several databases for relevant publications published in English up to June 2024 using keywords such as nutritional supplementation, performance, football, and football players. The available literature indicated that l -arginine supplements may improve cardiovascular function, ventilation, the serum level of lactate, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 Max) of football players. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may improve multiple-choice reaction time. Creatine supplements improve jumping, sprinting, change of direction speed, and reduce fatigue. Among the vitamins, vitamin D improves the serum level of injury-related hormones such as cortisol and testosterone. B vitamins reduce the level of blood lactate in the recovery periods. Vitamin E and vitamin C may improve performance by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing the antioxidant capacity and oxygen delivery to exercising skeletal muscles. Iron supplementation improves endurance capacity. Further studies are warranted to confirm the effects of the supplements on football players, to identify the appropriate dosage of the supplements and also to determine their mechanism of action.

miR-34a and miR-449 are key miRNAs involved in sperm function and male fertility, with their dysregulation potentially contributing to male infertility. ADAM proteins, specifically ADAM2 and ADAM7, are also implicated in sperm function. This study investigates the interactions between miR-34a, miR-449, and ADAM2/ADAM7, exploring their roles in male infertility through both experimental analyses and molecular docking. In this case–control study, 15 infertile males and 15 healthy controls were included. Gene expression levels of miR-34a, miR-449, and SOX30 were measured using real-time PCR, while protein levels of ADAM7 and ADAM2 in sperm were assessed through western blotting. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to analyze the binding affinities between miR-34a/miR-449 and ADAM2/ADAM7, with docking scores and confidence levels evaluated. Expression levels of ADAM7 and ADAM2 proteins in sperm from the infertile group showed significant differences compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the expression of miR-449, miR-34a, and SOX30 genes between the control and infertile groups (P < 0.05). A significant correlation between miR-34a expression, ADAM7 protein expression, and sperm morphology was observed. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between miR-34a expression and sperm motility, sperm count, blastocyst, or embryo rates in ICSI and IVF (P ≥ 0.05). Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed strong interactions between miR-34a/miR-449 and ADAM proteins. The ADAM7/miR-34a complex showed the highest binding affinity with a docking score of − 372.40 and a confidence score of 0.9884, followed by ADAM7/miR-449. Hydrogen bond analysis indicated stable binding, with 9 bonds for ADAM2/miR-34a and 7 for ADAM7/miR-34a. These interactions suggest a significant role in regulating sperm morphology and function.miR-34a, miR-449, ADAM7, and ADAM2 protein expression appear to be involved in the molecular mechanisms of male infertility. These parameters show potential as biomarkers in assisted reproductive technology techniques, particularly by influencing sperm morphology and function.

Human activities significantly impact on river water quality as a crucial water source. A study in the Gamasiab River analyzed samples from 16 points at three time periods, assessing element concentrations. The most polluted station was identified using spectrophotometric testing and treated with natural and modified zeolite nanoparticles for purification. Various acid and base combinations modified the nanoparticles, optimizing their effectiveness as adsorbents through tests under different conditions. Utilizing the Design Expert model, theoretical adsorption values were determined based on pH and adsorbent-pollutant ratio. The modified samples demonstrated 77% efficiency with 0.2 molar nitric and sulfuric acid. Interaction studies showed how phosphate and nitrate ions affected sulfate adsorption. Optimal adsorption conditions were defined at pH = 9.6 and D/C = 17.01, achieving 86.5% pollutant adsorption. The Freundlich isotherm, with a coefficient of determination of 0.92, was chosen over the Langmuir isotherm (0.79) for its superior performance. Therefore, applying zeolite nanoparticles efficiently eliminated sulfate pollutants from surface water resources at the laboratory.

This study examined the effects of adding Polyethylene-octene elastomer modified with maleic anhydride (POE-g-MA) as a compatibilizing agent, along with bioactive glass particles (BG), to a blend of polyamide 6 (PA6) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The research focused on analyzing the morphology, rheological behavior, thermomechanical characteristics and shape memory capabilities of the resulting composite materials. Utilizing Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), it was found that the inclusion of the compatibilizer and BG significantly improved dispersion and phase interactions within the matrix, which was linked to enhanced interfacial adhesion. The addition of BG also contributed to greater thermal stability, as indicated by a rise in the activation energy (Ea) required for thermal degradation of the samples. Contact angle and degradation analysis indicate good biocompatibility and biostability of composites. Mechanical tests demonstrated notable improvements in Charpy impact strength and tensile strength for the “P80/L20/C5/BG10” sample, showing increases of over 120% and 56%, respectively, compared to the PA6/PLA blend without additives. Rheological studies revealed that the inclusion of both the compatibilizer and BG modified the viscoelastic characteristics of the samples, with zero shear rate viscosity and relaxation time increasing as BG content rose, in line with the Carreau-Yasuda model. Additionally, the combined effects of the compatibilizer and BG significantly enhanced the polymer’s ability to retain its shape, resulting in enhanced recovery factor (Rf) and recovery rate (Rr). This research highlights the potential of using POE-g-MA and BG to improve the performance attributes of PA6/PLA composites for advanced applications, demonstrating significant improvements in morphology, thermal stability, mechanical strength, rheological behavior, shape memory capabilities, and biomedical uses.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of laser-assisted irrigation, conventional syringe irrigation (CSI), and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) for elimination of intracanal medicaments on push-out bond strength (PBS) of NeoMTA2 to root dentin. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 150 extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated and standardized with a certain root length. The canals were instrumented to simulate immature roots and randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 45) using either triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAP), or calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal medicament and one no-medicament control group (n = 15). After 28 days, the experimental groups were randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 15) according to the irrigation method using either erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser shockwave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS), CSI, or PUI. A dentinal ring was then obtained from the coronal part of each root, and its lumen was densely filled with NeoMTA2. After 1 week, the PBS was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey and Dunnett tests (alpha = 0.05). Results: The interaction effect of the irrigation technique and medicament type on PBS was significant (p<0.05). The PBS in all groups was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.01) except in CH-SWEEPS (p=0.741). In the experimental groups, the PBS of the SWEEPS subgroup was significantly higher than other subgroups (p<0.001). The PBS of PUI was higher than CSI in CH and TAP groups (p<0.001). The PBS of CH was significantly higher than TAP in CSI, and DAP and TAP in PUI and SWEEPS groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this in vitro study, regardless of the irrigation method, higher PBS of NeoMTA2 to root dentin was achieved in CH groups compared to TAP. A higher PBS was also achieved when SWEEPS and PUI methods were used to eliminate CH in comparison to TAP and DAP.