University of Birjand

Ozone concentration prediction is essential for managing air quality. Thus, our study develops the Stablized-long short-term memory (S-LSTM) model to predict one-day-ahead ozone concentration in the Khorasan province, Iran. The S-LSTM model has processing units that effectively control flow information. In addition, the S-LSTM model normalizes the outputs of its memory, allowing it to process large data sets. Our study uses meteorological parameters and pollutant variables to predict one-day-ahead ozone concentration. Results show that the S-LSTM model outperforms the standard LSTM model in forecasting ozone concentrations. The S-LSTM model improved the values of Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE), uncertainty at 95%, and Legates and McCabe Index (LMI) of the LSTM model by 9.4%, 73%, and 12%, respectively. The S-LTM model also improves the convergence speed of the LSTM model, which is important for modeling. Thus, the S-LSTM model can be utilized to monitor the concentrations of different atmospheric pollutants.

The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) in recent years and their rapid accumulation as potentially dangerous pollutants can lead to significant environmental risks. Different methods are used to eliminate emerging contaminants such as NPs from aquatic environments. Of these methods, phytoremediation using aquatic and wetland plants (WAPs) is considered the most suitable approach because of their extensive root systems, high rates of biomass production, ability to thrive in diverse habitats, and rapid growth within aquatic ecosystems. Various species of genera Lemna, Salvinia, Spirodela, Phragmites, Elodea, and Pistia have been studied for their potential to remediate NPs or contaminants released by NPs. The findings of the review indicate that the majority of WAPs cannot accumulate NPs within their tissues. Nevertheless, the effective methods for removing NPs from the environment by WAPs involve the surface adsorption of NPs onto their roots and the accumulation of pollutants released by NPs within the plant tissues. In addition to the benefits of NPs phytoremediation through WAPs, including sustainability, efficiency, and affordability, there are risks to consider, such as the potential transfer of NPs into the food chain, the release of toxic compounds from NPs due to (bio)degradation, and interactions between contaminated WAPs and other ecosystem components. Furthermore, several research gaps need to be addressed in the future, including a scarcity of field studies, a limited focus on NP types and plant species, unrealistic NP concentration, comparisons with bulk materials, the use of additives and amendments, and the genetic engineering of WAPs. Graphical abstract

This study investigates the preparation and characterization of pectin/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polylactic acid (PLA) composite nanofibers for controlled curcumin release and antibacterial applications. Pectin was oxidized using hydrogen peroxide, and its structural modifications were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, revealing significant changes in hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (C = O) groups. The electrospinning process produced nanofibers from 10% w/v pectin and 10% w/v PVA solutions. The addition of curcumin (1% w/v) influenced fiber morphology, with diameters decreasing in the pectin/PVA-curcumin fibers. The PLA solution was prepared by dissolving 9% w/v PLA in dichloromethane (DCM) and electrospun at a flow rate of 15 mL/h and 14 kV. The release kinetics of curcumin from the PLA-pectin fibers were studied in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37 °C, with cumulative release data fitted to various models. The Higuchi model best described the release from the sandwich method nanofibers, while the zero-order model was most suitable for the Donazelle method. Antibacterial assays demonstrated larger inhibition zones against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739) compared to Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538), indicating a significant antibacterial effect of the PLA-pectin-PVA-curcumin fibers. These findings highlight the potential of the developed nanofibers for applications in controlled drug delivery systems and antibacterial materials.

Background Diet is likely related to sleep quality and mental health, especially during lactation. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether adherence to the healthy Mediterranean diet (MD) was correlated with sleep quality and mental health of breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Methods This study was performed on 350 breastfeeding mothers. The participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ), Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ), and Infant Sleep Questionnaire (ISQ). A reliable and valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary data. Results Mothers with high adherence to a MD style diet had significantly better sleep quality and quality of life than those with less adherence to a MD. Also, higher MD adherence was related to lower their infant’s sleep disorders. After adjusting for the mother’s age, body mass index (BMI), and energy intake, adherence to the MD style was associated with high mother’s Quality-of-Life (QoL) (β = 1.122; 95%CI: 1.066–1.182). Also, MD following related with fewer sleep disorders in infants (OR: 0.857; 95%CI: 0.752–0.977). Conclusions Our findings suggest that consuming a healthy dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and fish is related with a lower risk of sleep problems in mothers and their infants. Dietary interventional or larger prospective investigations are needed.

The current project reports two chemical reactions of A³ coupling and creation of three reactans simultaneously and in domino form by bimetallic magnetic nanocatalyst (cobalt/manganese). This bimetallic nanocatalyst was heterogeneously synthesized by a simple chemical co-precipitation method and identified and analyzed by FE-SEM, TEM, VSM, ICP, BET, FT-IR, EDX, etc. analyses. The experimental results showed that the structure of the nanocatalyst is very regular and flexible, and its surface has spaces in nanometer sizes to carry out these chemical reactions. The efficiency and power of the nanocatalyst is very high and it has a special feature for easy separation from the reaction by an external field. The performed triple coupling reactions include the formation of the imide product, the propargylic product. The derivatives of this product each have a high percentage of 76% and selectivity of 98%. These products are widely used in new precursors for making antioxidant and antimicrobial drugs in medical and chemical industries.

The purpose of this work is to study the effect of friction stir welding (FSW) parameters such as rotational velocity, welding speed and tilt angle on the impact resistance, hardness and yield strength using the response surface method. The microstructure of the obtained welds was analyzed by EDS, TEM and SEM images. Moreover, in this research, the peak temperature of the process and the thickness of the intermetallic layers have been estimated using the obtained experimental models. The results indicated that a rise of tilt angle up to 2° improved the impact resistance and yield strength of the weld by 44% and 26% respectively, while the weld hardness was improved by 7.2% with a tilt angle of 4°. In addition, an increment of welding speed from 40 to 60 mm/min led to a reduction of the grain size of the weld, which led to an improvement of the hardness (6%) and yield strength (46%), while it deteriorated the impact resistance (29%). Moreover, the increase of rotational velocity from 1000 to 1500 rpm enhanced the impact resistance (35%) and yield strength (23%) of the weld, but the further increase of rotational velocity up to 2000 rpm reduced the impact resistance (47%), yield strength (12.5%) and hardness (8.5%). The optimization results showed that the simultaneous enhancement of the yield strength, impact resistance and hardness can be achieved at rotational velocity of 1300 rpm, tilt angle of 2.1° and welding speed of 60 mm/min. In order to improve the quality of the weld under optimal conditions, a water spray system is used in the welding process, which sprays water at the center of the weld. The results have shown that by performing the FSW process under optimal parameter conditions along with water spray, the presence of intermetallic phases has been considerably reduced.

One of the management essentials to preserve beneficial plant species is the identification of potential habitats and spatial dispersal of plant species for conservation, reproduction, management, restoration, and regional development. This study is guided by the perdition of potential habitats and the landscape analysis of their patches to practically suggest patches for conservation and restoration and to prevent the fragmentation of habitat hot patches and the shrinkage of plant populations. Therefore, this research has been done for several purposes: A) Simulating the potential distribution of the medicinal and endemic plant, Artemisia khorasanica, B) Applying MaxEnt model utilizing a set of effective soil, geomorphological, climatic, and social-ecological variables; C) Identifying suitable areas for rangeland restoration and assessing Landscape hotspots to improve rangeland conservation and restoration management efforts. The present study is conducted based on field and laboratory operations along with mapping and modeling in GIS (geographic information system) using a multi-stage methodology. The results showed that the variables of distance from dry rivers, roads and villages had the most significant impact on predicting the potential habitat of the study plant, respectively. The AUC value of the MaxEnt model for habitat simulation was 0.94. This research examined two options for rangeland ecosystem management, including “mere conservation” and “conservation along with restoration,” using landscape analysis. All landscape metrics showed the superiority of the second option, which suggests that the sustainable conservation of hot patches depends on their interconnection and the maintenance of their ecological network connectivity. The results of this study might help the in-charge organizations and departments to identify the best potential habitat for A. khorasanica and perform restorative efforts in those areas with more confidence.

The compelling attributes of quinoline scaffolds in medicinal compounds have garnered considerable attention from researchers, due to their notable biological efficacy, biocompatibility, and distinctive photophysical properties. Quinoline complexes, in particular, have emerged as significant entities, demonstrating a wide array of medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anthelmintic, anti-HIV, antioxidant, antituberculosis, and antimalarial activities. In addition, they showed promise in photodynamic and neurological studies, along with strong DNA-binding capabilities. In recent years (2010–2023), substantial progress has been made in understanding quinoline complexes. Key aspects such as the lipophilicity, of metal complexes, enzymatic drug degradation factors influencing inhibition, drug performance, disruption of target cell growth, and their impact on DNA have been thoroughly investigated. Researchers have employed advanced methodologies including fluorescent imaging, determination of MIC and IC50 values, hydrodynamic and spectrophotometric techniques, in silico and in vitro studies, and cytotoxicity assessments using the MTT method, to significantly enhance our understanding of these complexes. Recent findings indicated that the interaction of quinoline complexes with viral proteins and their ability to disrupt enzyme-viral DNA relationships have made them powerful therapeutic agents for severe diseases including cancer, AIDS, and coronaviruses, as well as various neurological and microbial infections. It is anticipated that these explorations will lead to effective advancements in therapeutic strategies within modern medicine.

Mainly in the new era, there is a need to accelerate chemical reactions, which is made possible by advanced nanocatalysts, whose magnetic nanocatalysts are highly efficient in controlling chemical reactions such as Sonogashira coupling and alcohol oxidation. Magnetic nanocatalysts are made of magnetite nanoparticles under the chemical co-precipitation method. Their structure was identified by analysis such as EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray) and XRD (X-ray diffraction). The Sonogashira carbon–carbon coupling reaction was performed twice consecutively, and the product efficiency was more than 97%. Oxidation of alcohols to produce aldehyde products is up to 99%. The structure of the magnetic nanocomposite was analyzed after several reuses, and the results showed that it was unchanged, and its performance, structure, and magnetic properties were fully preserved. The reaction conditions are at the lowest possible temperature, harmless solvents, and the highest efficiency percentage, which creates green conditions. The products obtained from the Sonogashira double coupling reaction have two triple bonds. Also, the products with the oxidation of alcohols, which are used as the main precursors in the chemical and medical industries for chemical and pharmaceutical production, are very important.

A multi-layer friction stir plug welding can be used to fix the thick aluminium plates. Optical microscopy and tensile tests are utilized to study the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of the welded aluminium plates. However, finding the relation between the indexes of the process and the mechanical properties would be challenging. The present work aims to devise a time-series machine learning model including a recurrent neural network (RNN) and nonlinear autoregressive network with the external state (NARX) to estimate the mechanical properties of the repaired aluminium plate using the force-extension plot. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, impact energy and elongation of the repaired aluminium plate can be calculated based on a force-extension plot trained and extracted using the developed networks. In addition, the Bayesian technique is employed to recalculate the optimal hyperparameters of RNN and NARX, targeting the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) between the target and the estimated force during the testing. The investigated methods (RNN and NARX) with the addition of classical estimation methods, including decision tree and support vector regression, are modelled in MATLAB, and the outcomes prove the proposed NARX model efficiency in terms of lower RMSE in comparison with support vector regression, decision tree and RNN.

Optimal nutrition is crucial for overall health and disease prevention. Fluoroquinolones (FQs), which are synthetic antibacterial agents, are commonly used both in food preservation and in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, their overuse can lead to significant health risks, including water contamination, antibiotic-resistant pathogens, kidney disease, reproductive disorders, cancers, and severe allergic reactions. Among the frequently used fluoroquinolones are enrofloxacin and flumequine, both of which are essential in various therapeutic applications. The presence of antibiotic residues in food is a growing concern, highlighting the need for highly sensitive and accurate analytical techniques capable of detecting these residues at low concentrations. The complex matrix of food samples complicates the precise quantification of trace-level analytes. In this context, the development of contaminant detection and removal techniques based on covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has garnered considerable attention. This study aims to design a COF-coated probe for the detection and removal of enrofloxacin and flumequine antibiotic in food samples. The interaction between the antibiotics and COFs occurs primarily through van der Waals (VdW) forces and electrostatic interactions. Our simulations reveal that the flumequine/COF-316 (FLU/COF-316) complex exhibits the lowest average interaction energy at approximately −478 kJ/mol, while the enrofloxacin/COF-316-COOH (ENR/COF-316-COOH) complex has a higher interaction energy, approximately −220 kJ/mol. The main contributor to these interactions is the Lennard–Jones potential, which arises from strong π-π interactions between the fluoroquinolone molecules and the COF surface. Overall, our findings suggest that the COF-316 nanostructure is more effective than COF-316-COOH in adsorbing enrofloxacin and flumequine antibiotics. This study emphasizes the potential of using both COFs for the detection and removal of flumequine and enrofloxacin antibiotics in foodstuffs, presenting a promising strategy for identifying antibiotic residues in complex food matrices.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy using red- and near-infrared (NIR) light has shown beneficial regenerative effects on cell functionalities and consequently on health applications. Light parameter values, particularly power density, significantly affect the treatment outcomes. The limited use of light in transcutaneous applications is due to the power attenuation challenge, which restricts the transmission of light energy to deeper tissues. However, the potential of light therapy to restore cellular function presents a promising strategy for regenerating of cells in internal human organs. We have 1) studied the mechanism and impact of red light at the cellular level, 2) reviewed the literature and classified the research done using light therapy, indicating the positive and negative effects associated with the light power density and exposure time levels, and 3) proposed a design rule for designing PBM implants targeting interior organs. Therefore, this work leads to 1) designing safe and efficient implantable devices by extracting the necessary light parameters, and 2) expanding the applications of light therapy. The range of the red-light power density used in different studies starts from 10 mW/cm2 to as big as 5000 mW/cm2 in a few cases, and from 10 s to 3000 s for different exposure times. According to the light parameters, we have tested different types of off-the-shelf LEDs to experimentally find the correlation between the generated light power densities at different distances from light sources and the LEDs' input electrical power. We have found that for an average light power density of 100 mW/cm2 over an area of 1 cm2, the input power of 18 mW must be delivered to the LED, which is achievable safely via wireless inductive links for delivering sufficient power deep in the body with under 1.6 W/kg of specific absorption rate (SAR). A design rule and approach are provided in this work as a starting point for designing PBM implants.

Background Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that produces various bioactive molecules known as adipokines, including resistin, which is be highly expressed in people with obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of supramaximal high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on serum levels of resistin and various cardiometabolic health indices, were investigated. Hypothesis Supramaximal and moderate interval training induce comparable effects on serum resistin levels and cardiometabolic health indices. Study Design Cohort study. Methods Thirty overweight adult women were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 sets of 8 intervals, each with 30 seconds exercise at 100%-110% maximal aerobic speed [MAS] followed by 30 seconds rest at 50% MAS; for 6 weeks with 3 sessions per week), MIIT (2 sets of 8 intervals, each with 30 seconds exercise at 70%-80% MAS followed by 30 seconds rest at 50% MAS; for 6 weeks with 3 sessions per week), or a control group. Results Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the control group compared with both the HIIT and MIIT groups ( P = .02 and .01, respectively). High-density lipoprotein levels were also elevated significantly in the experimental groups compared with the control group ( P = .04 and .03, respectively). Serum resistin increased significantly from pretest levels in the control group ( P < .01). Between-group comparisons showed that resistin levels were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental groups ( P < .01 and .01, respectively). Conclusion Six weeks of HIIT can reduce resistin levels and improve cardiometabolic health indicators in nonpostmenopausal women. Although 6 weeks of MIIT does not reduce resistin, it does decrease systolic blood pressure and obesity-related factors in nonmenopausal women. Clinical Relevance Supramaximal interval training may be recommended to control bioactive molecules produced from adipose tissue that are linked to CVD.

In this article, we investigate goodness-of-fit tests based on the empirical distribution function for the composite Gumbel (extreme value) hypothesis. The parameters of the Gumbel distribution are estimated using numerical methods through the maximum likelihood approach. We employ a Monte Carlo method to obtain critical values and determine the actual sizes of the tests for different sample sizes. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive simulation study to compare the power values of the tests against various alternatives and different sample sizes. Finally, for illustrative purposes, we analyse a real data set. AMS Subject Classification: 62G10; 62P10

Climate change is known as one of the most critical challenges facing humanity. These changes seriously threaten the Kashafrud River, a significant water resource in northeastern Iran. This study aims to project the impact of climate change on precipitation in the Kashfrud catchment in Iran. The output data of global climate models, including ACCESS-ESM1-5, MRI-ESM2-0, and MIROC6 from the sixth-generation models (CMIP6), have been used to project future climate changes. Based on the accuracy of statistical criteria, the linear scaling (LS) method was employed to do the bias correction of precipitation data. Then, using the CMhyd model, the precipitation data were simulated for the two future periods (2025-54) and (2055-84) under the SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5 scenarios. The average KGE and RMSE coefficients for the precipitation of the selected MIROC6 model were obtained as 0.91 and 21.09, respectively. Average annual rainfall under the scenarios of SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5 in the near future period decreased by 2.92% and increased by 3.44%, respectively. Average annual rainfall was projected as follows: under the SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5 scenarios in the near future period, it decreased by 2.96% and increased by%3.44, and under the SSP1_2.6 و SSP5_8.5 scenarios in the middle future period, it increased by 2.96% and 8.79%, respectively compared to the observation period (1991–2020). In terms of seasonal comparison, in most of the scenarios of the future periods, in the spring and autumn seasons, precipitation will decrease between 1.51% and 8.18%. Precipitation in the future seasons in summer and winter was projected with a slight increase. The results showed that climate change will have a significant impact on the precipitation of the study area. This can have severe consequences for different sectors, including agriculture, industry, and the environment. The research results can be employed as a management tool in the direction of water resources management.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the water-soluble fraction of crude oil (WSFO) on Indian carp (Labeo rohita) with and without treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nano-ZnO). A total of 225 fish were randomly assigned to five groups in triplicate for 21 days. Group I served as the control group. Groups II and III were exposed to 0.5% and 1% untreated WSFO, respectively. Groups IV and V received 5% and 10% WSFO treated with Nano-ZnO, while Groups VI and VII received 5% and 10% WSFO treated without Nano-ZnO. No blood samples were obtained from fish exposed to untreated WSFO, due to increased hemolysis. Exposure to treated WSFO increased creatine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities, while alanine aminotransferase activity decreased. Although a significant decrease was observed in total protein, globulin, and triglyceride levels, albumin and cholesterol increased. Thiol groups and glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels increased. The findings showed that exposure to WSFO, whether treated or untreated, induces significant biochemical and oxidative stress responses in Labeo rohita. Although WSFO treated with Nano-ZnO mitigated hemolysis, it was unable to prevent enzyme and antioxidant imbalances, indicating persistent physiological stress.

The current research investigated the factor structure and validity of the Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure Scale (CRAVE) among Iranian university students. The psychometric properties of the CRAVE were assessed through three separate studies, focusing on two-time frames, “Right now” and “Past week”. The first study evaluated the internal consistency and factor structure of the CRAVE in two configurations (10-item and 13-item versions) with a sample of 313 students. The second study aimed to validate the factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis, assess construct reliability, and establish convergent validity using a fresh sample of 246 students. The third study sought to determine the criterion validity by involving 244 students who also completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). Findings revealed a bifactorial structure of the CRAVE. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor model, demonstrating an excellent fit with the collected data. Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.62 to 0.89. The ‘Desire to Move’ (MOVE) exhibited a negative correlation with physical dysfunction and BMI, whereas the ‘Desire to Rest’ (REST) showed no significant correlation with these variables. Vitality displayed a positive correlation with MOVE and a negative one with REST. Only MOVE assessed “Right now” had a positive and significant relationship with age. There were no significant differences in MOVE and REST in both “Right now” and “Past week” versions between women and men. Overall, the CRAVE scale demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability, making it a suitable instrument for use among Persian-speaking young adults.