Analysis of Coverage Region for MIMO Relay Network with Multiple Cooperative DF-Relays

We study and analyze coverage region in MIMO communication systems for a multiple-relay network with decode-and-forward (DF) strategy at the relays. Assuming that there is a line-of-sight (LOS) propagation environment for source-relay channels and channel state information is available at receivers (CSIR), we consider the objective of maximizing coverage region for a given transmission rate and show numerically the significant effect of propagation environment on capacity bounds, optimal relay location and coverage region. Also, we study the situation in which two adjacent relays cooperate in transmission signals to the destination and show analytically that the coverage region is extended compared to noncooperative scenario.Comment: Accepted for publication in International Symposium on Wireless Communication Systems (ISWCS) 201

The impact of internal control on employees' performance in small and medium-sized enterprises: The moderating role of accounting information systems (case study: Iraq)

Internal control is a critical strategy employed by organizations to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness. Accounting information systems (AIS) also serve as valuable tools for acquiring necessary information to evaluate the performance of both managers and employees. This study examines the impact of internal control on employees' performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, with a particular focus on the moderating role of accounting information systems (AIS). Questionnaires were distributed among SMEs in Iraq, and data from 198 responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that internal control has a positive and significant influence on employees' performance in Iraqi SMEs. Furthermore, the utilization of information systems contributes to improved employee performance. However, the study did not find evidence of AIS moderating the relationship between internal control and employees' performance. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that in the economic context of Iraq, particularly within SMEs, internal control plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and improving employees' performance. Additionally, information systems have the potential to make a substantial impact in this domain. Nevertheless, it is imperative for these systems to be regularly updated and upgraded to effectively influence all departments and components within an organization. This research contributes to the understanding of internal control and information systems in SMEs in Iraq, which can aid similar organizations in developing economies

Neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, chemotherapeutic, and antidiabetic properties of Salvia Reuterana: A mini review

Objectives: Herbal medicine is known as a valid alternative treatment. Salvia Reuterana, which has been used in the Iranian traditional medicine, is mostly distributed in the central highlands of Iran. Salvia Reuterana is a medicinal herb with various therapeutic usages. The aim of the present review is to take account of pharmacological properties of Salvia Reuterana. Materials and Methods: The present review summarizes the literature with respect to various pharmacological properties of Salvia Reuterana. Results: Salvia Reuterana possesses neurological, antimicrobial, antioxidant, chemotherapeutic, and antidiabetic properties. Conclusions: Salvia Reuterana can be used as an alternative for treatment of several disorders

Methylation levels of lysozyme gene in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed by commercial immunogen probiotic

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of commercial immunogenic prebiotic on the rate of methylation of type-C gene. A total of 120 rainbow trout were divided into two treatments, including a control group and another one with 2.0% commercial prebiotic immunogen each in three replicates. On the first, 15 and 45 days, DNA of adrenal tissue was extracted and treated with bisulfite. Samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Based on the results, there was no significant difference (P<0.05) between the 1st day (R), 15th day of control (C), 15th day of immunogen (I) and 40th day of control (CS). However, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the 45th day immunogenicity (IS) and other samples, i.e. the CpG islet methylation rate in the IS samples was lower leading to increase in the expression of the lysozyme gen

Effect of 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on color stability of giomer and microfilled composite resin: an in vitro comparison

Objectives: The effect of 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on color stability and surface topography of a giomer and a microfilled composite resin was evaluated in the present in vitro study. Study design: Forty discs measuring 10 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness were prepared from a giomer and a microfilled composite resin. Each material yielded 20 discs with completely smooth surfaces. Then a spectrophotometer was used to measure L* (lightness), a* (redness, greenness) and b* (blueness, yellowness) color coordinates of all the discs. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel. After measuring the color coordinates once again, color changes (DE*) were calculated by the CIELAB system. Six specimens from each material (three specimens before bleaching agent application and three specimens thereafter) were viewed under an atomic force microscope (AFM) for surface topography evaluation. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests at a=0.05. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in color changes (DE*) between the two materials (P>0.05). In addition, no significant differences were detected in surface roughness between composite resin and giomer discs before and after bleaching (P>0.05 for both). However, in both materials the differences in surface roughness were significant before and after bleaching procedures (P<0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study it was concluded that 15% carbamide peroxide does not induce clinically detectable color changes in composite resin and giomer despite an increase in surface roughness

Eryngium Billardieri Induces Apoptosis via Bax Gene Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Purpose: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a high prevalence all over the world. Most of the therapeutic approaches failed as a result of tumor invasion and rapid metastasis. Several natural plants have been shown to have promising therapeutic effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic activity of Eryngium billardieri against PANC-1 cancer cell lines. Methods: Dimethylthiazole diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT assay) and flow cytometry were used to assess the cytotoxicity of E. billardieri extracts against PANC-1 cancer cell lines. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was conducted to investigate the expression levels of Bcl2- associated X protein (BAX) and cyclin D1. Results: The results of the MTT assay showed that E. billardieri extracts had cytotoxic effects on PANC- 1 cancer cell lines. Moreover, the findings from the gene expression confirmed the over expression of Bax, and under expression of cyclin D1 following treatment with dichloromethane (DCM) and n-hexane (n- hex) extracts in cancer cells (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the flow cytometry results showed that DCM and n- hex extracts of E. billardieri induced apoptosis in PANC- 1 cancer cell lines. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that DCM and n- hex extracts of E. billardieri significantly induce apoptosis by increasing Bax and decreasing cyclin D1 mRNA expression. Therefore, E. billardieri may be regarded as a novel approach for treatment of pancreatic cancer as a result of its promising apoptotic and cytotoxic properties

Incidence of intradialytic complications and their risk factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis in hospitals affiliated to Medical University of Hamadan Iran

Incidence of intradialytic complications and their risk factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis in hospitals affiliated to Medical University of Hamadan Iran Ghahri Sarabi, AR.1 (MSN); Torabi, M.2 (MSN); Abed Saeedi, Zh.3 (PhD); Akbarzadeh Baghban, A.4 (PhD) 1. Lecture, Dept. of Medical Surgical, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran.2. Alumnus, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran. Iran3. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Medical Surgical, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 4. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biostatistics. Faculty of Paramedical, Shahid Beheshti  University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.    Abstract Background and aimHemodialysis is one the most common renal replacement therapies in end stage renal disease. Despite progress in dialysis technology, intradialytic complications occur frequently. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of intradialytic complications and their risk factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis in hospitals affiliated to Medical University of Hamedan Iran in 2009. Materials and methods192 patients undergoing hemodialysis participated in this descriptive correlational study. These patients were included in the study using census method. Data were collected by1- a questionnaire which consisted of 3 sections (demographic information, person – related factors and  therapy- related factors),2-a check list and  clinical examination ( blood pressure and weight measurement). Content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by 10 nursing experts, 5 staff of hemodialysis wards and 2 nephrologists. Reliability of check list was measured using inter-rater reliability (r=0.98). Data were collected by the second author. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15. Findings Findings showed that the most frequent complications include: hypotension (%15.1), muscle cramp(%11.5), nausea(%9.4), headache(%7.8), angina(%2.6), vomiting (%2.1) and itching(%1.6) respectively. Logistic regression analysis, showed a significant correlation between age and cramp (person – related causes) and a significant correlation between hypotension, cramp with vomiting and headache. Moreover, findings showed a significant correlation between nausea with eating  during dialysis (patient- related causes); and between hypotension with dialysis solution (therapy- related causes). ConclusionBased on the results of this study, most of intradialytic complications can be prevented. Use of these findings can improve the process of dialysis. Keywords: Hemodialysis, Intradialytic hemodialysis complications *Corresponding Author: Alireza Ghahri Sarabi, department of Medical-Surgical nursing, school of nursing and midwifery, Shahid beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: [email protected]