Physical and mechanical properties of Oak (Quercus Persica) fruits

This research was conducted over one Iranian variety of Oak (Quercus Persica) with 70 observations. Physical and mechanical properties of oak are necessary for equipment used in activities such as transportation, storage, grading, packing etc. Properties which were measured include fruit dimensions, mass, volume, projected area, fruit density, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and surface area. Bulk density, porosity and also packing coefficient were measured. Experiments were carried out at Results showed that average mass and volume were 12.95 g and 10.27 mL, respectively. Dimensions increased from 41.85 to 61.09 mm in length, 14.45 to 25.02 mm in width and 14.42 to 24.38 mm in thickness. The mean projected area perpendicular to length, width and thickness obtained 433.91, 1085.48 and 1115.46 mm2, respectively. The geometric mean diameter and surface area were calculated as 27.638 mm and 2423.82 mm2, respectively, while sphericity was measured 51.78%. Elasticity modulus (E), maximum force which fruit can support (Fmax) and work which performed to this force have been determined

Bacterial causative agents of neonatal sepsis and their antibiotic susceptibility in neonatal intensive care units (Nicus) and neonatal wards in Iran: A systematic review

Context: Sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the bacterial causative agents of neonatal sepsis and their antibiotic susceptibility in Iran. Material and Methods: We searched all previously published papers to gather related information on Iranian neonatal sepsis in international and national databases (in both Persian and English) from 2006 to 2018. The standard STROBE checklist was used for quality assessment. The data were analyzed by statistical methods with a random-effects model using Stata 14 software. Results: A total of 89,472 neonates with sepsis (presented in 17 studies) were included in this systematic review. The mortality rate of neonates was 28.0. The proportions of neonatal sepsis caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were 66.0 and 33.0, respectively. The most common bacteria causing neonatal sepsis were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) and coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). Conclusions: Gram-negative bacteria are the most common causes of neonatal sepsis in Iran. Imipenem is the most effective antibiotic against Gram-negative bacilli and vancomycin against Gram-positive cocci causing neonatal sepsis in Iran. © 2020, Author(s)

B Cell Epitopes of Four Fimbriae Antigens of Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Comprehensive In Silico Study for Vaccine Development

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the major causes of nosocomial infections worldwide which can cause several diseases in children and adults. The globally dissemination of hyper-virulent strains of K. pneumoniae and the emergence of antibiotics-resistant isolates of this pathogen narrows down the treatment options and has renewed interest in its vaccines. Vaccine candidates of Klebsiella pneumoniae have not been adequately protective, safe and globally available yet. In K. pneumoniae infection, it is well known that B cells that induce robust humoral immunity are necessary for the host complete protection. Identifying the B cell epitopes of antigens is valuable to design novel vaccine candidates. In the present study using immunoinformatics approaches we found B cell epitopes of four K. pneumoniae type 1 fimbriae antigens namely FimA, FimF, FimG, and FimH. Linear and conformational B cell epitopes of each antigen were predicted using different programs. Subsequently, many bioinformatics assays were applied to choose the best epitopes including prediction antigenicity, toxicity, human similarity and investigation on experimental records. These assays resulted in final four epitopes (each for one Fim protein). These final epitopes were modeled and their physiochemical properties were estimated to be used as potential vaccine candidates. Altogether, we found four B cell epitopes of K. pneumoniae Fim antigens that are immunogen, antigenic, not similar to human peptides, not allergen and not toxic. Also, they have suitable physiochemical properties to administrate as vaccine, although their complete efficacy should be also shown in vitro and in vivo. © 2020, Springer Nature B.V

COVID-19 crisis: a time for practical assessment of hygienic principles observance

Simultaneously with COVID-19 pandemic, numerous protocols have been developed to prevent the infection. COVID-19 can be more fatal in the bone marrow transplant ward because patients admitted to these wards have a weakened immune system. Assessment of the protocol specified for this wards and practical evaluation of the hygienic principles observance by the medical staff during COVID-19 pandemic can be a step towards saving the lives of the patients. Coinciding with COVID-19 pandemic, 40 patients underwent bone marrow transplantation at Imam Reza Hospital of Kermanshah, Iran from February 2020 to June 2022. A follow-up program was performed to evaluate the possibility of COVID-19 transmission and the rate of hygiene practice by medical staff. The principles of hygienic protocols were scored as a questionnaire in which the observance/non-observance method were applied. Real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on three genes of the virus was used to diagnose the COVID-19 patients. The results of RT-PCR tests were negative in all patients who were hospitalised during the study. The rate of observance of the hygienic principles by the staff in the studied ward was 100%.The obtained result in the present study was a reflection of the step-by-step implementation of the hygienic protocol specified for bone marrow transplantation ward by the staff. The protocol specified for the bone marrow transplantation ward was highly overlapped with COVID-19 general hygienic guidelines

Establishment of charitable associations and Iranian schools in Eshgh Abad and Tashkand during Qajar dynasty (1907 â 1927)

The present research investigates the role of charitable associations and Iranian schools located in central Asia (Eshgh Abad and Tashkand) in the promotion of Persian language and literature in late Qajar era. Charitable associations were hold in the cities by Iranian businessmen to help poor and low-income people to be able to send their children to school. Besides, the article aims at studying the extent to which Iranian schools and charitable associations were influential in developing Persian language and literature in central Asia. As a large number of poor people with no expertise immigrated abroad, especially to central Asia, businessmen and officials took measures to organize and look after immigrants and established charitable associations. Therefore, the hypothesis examined is that the associations established schools for Iranian children and paid for them. Such actions play an important role in not only the development of Persian language and literature but also the education of Iranian immigrants

Analysis of spatial distribution of Tehran Metropolis urban services using models of urban planning

The process of spatial distribution of urban services in order to provide equitable access to opportunities and reduced regional disparities, and earning the highest citizen satisfaction are among the main challenges facing urban management. This requires knowledge of the current status of spatial distribution of public services in the city, followed by optimal resource allocation under varying circumstances. This analytical-comparative study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of urban public services, and rank different districts of Tehran in terms of benefiting from public services. To achieve this goal, quantitative models of planning, including factor analysis, composite Human Development Index, taxonomical model and standardization method were used. For the final ranking of districts of Tehran, the sum of numerical value of each district was calculated in four ways. Based on this method, districts 1, 3, 22, 12 and 6 were ranked first to fifth, and districts 13, 10, 8, 17 and 14 were ranked last, respectively. Using cluster analysis model, different districts of Tehran metropolis were clustered on the basis of numerical value of districts in the models used. Based on above-mentioned results, districts 1, 3, 12, 22, 6 and 21, with a final score of 66 and above, included in the first cluster and identified as over-developed districts; and districts 14, 10, 8 and 17, with a final score of 13 or less, included in the fifth cluster and identified as disadvantaged districts

Analysis of spatial distribution of Tehran Metropolis urban services using models of urban planning

ABSTRACT: The process of spatial distribution of urban services in order to provide equitable access to opportunities and reduced regional disparities, and earning the highest citizen satisfaction are among the main challenges facing urban management. This requires knowledge of the current status of spatial distribution of public services in the city, followed by optimal resource allocation under varying circumstances. This analytical-comparative study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of urban public services, and rank different districts of Tehran in terms of benefiting from public services. To achieve this goal, quantitative models of planning, including factor analysis, composite Human Development Index, taxonomical model and standardization method were used. For the final ranking of districts of Tehran, the sum of numerical value of each district was calculated in four ways. Based on this method, districts 1, 3, 22, 12 and 6 were ranked first to fifth, and districts 13, 10, 8, 17 and 14 were ranked last, respectively. Using cluster analysis model, different districts of Tehran metropolis were clustered on the basis of numerical value of districts in the models used. Based on above-mentioned results, districts 1, 3, 12, 22, 6 and 21, with a final score of 66 and above, included in the first cluster and identified as over-developed districts; and districts 14, 10, 8 and 17, with a final score of 13 or less, included in the fifth cluster and identified as disadvantaged districts