Predictors of Death in the Liver Transplantation Adult Candidates: An Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Machine Hybrid-Based Cohort Study

Background: Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) is currently used for liver transplantation (LT) allocation, however, it is not a sufficient criterion. Objective: This current study aims to perform a hybrid neural network analysis of different data, make a decision tree and finally design a decision support system for improving LT prioritization.Material and Methods: In this cohort follow-up-based study, baseline characteristics of 1947 adult patients, who were candidates for LT in Shiraz Organ Transplant Center, Iran, were assessed and followed for two years and those who died before LT due to the end-stage liver disease were considered as dead cases, while others considered as alive cases. A well-organized checklist was filled for each patient. Analysis of the data was performed using artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector machines (SVM). Finally, a decision tree was illustrated and a user friendly decision support system was designed to assist physicians in LT prioritization. Results: Between all MELD types, MELD-Na was a stronger determinant of LT candidates’ survival. Both ANN and SVM showed that besides MELD-Na, age and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) are the most important factors, resulting in death in LT candidates. It was cleared that MELD-Na <23, age <53 and ALP <257 IU/L were the best predictors of survival in LT candidates. An applicable decision support system was designed in this study using the above three factors.  Conclusion: Therefore, Meld-Na, age and ALP should be used for LT allocation. The presented decision support system in this study will be helpful in LT prioritization by LT allocators

Investigation of thermal behavior of energetic and non-energetic binders on luminous efficiency of high performance miniature flares

Miniature flares containing magnesium/sodium nitrate compounded with different binders were studied for increasing luminosity and luminous efficiency in various fuel oxidizer ratio and flare diameters. Unsaturated polyester, Bisphenol-A epoxy resin, calcium resinate, and nitrocellulose were used as binders for construction the flares. Experimental results showed that luminous efficiency was higher for polyester based flares. Due to the difference in decomposition progress of various binders and the exothermic reaction between binder and oxidizer the luminous efficiency of the mixtures were 31000, 28900, 27800 and 25100 cd respectively for polyester, epoxy, calcium resinate, and nitrocellulose. It was found that nitrocellulose as an energetic binder produces the highest light intensity in comparison to other binders, but the burning rate is higher and the burning time is lower than the other binders. Thermal analysis of four binders showed that the heat of reactions was directly related to the amount of light output and luminosity. Keywords: Miniature flare, Illuminating compositions, Luminous efficiency, Binde

Assessment of Response to Treatment in Patients with Otomycosis

Introduction: Due to the prevalence of otomycosis in the north of Iran, which has a humid climate, this study aimed to examine the recurrence rate of otomycosis in Iranian patients.  Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in all patients suspected of otomycosis referred to the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital of Babol. Demographic and clinical data of patients as well as their symptoms were collected in a checklist at referral time and also 14 days after referral.  Results: The results showed that 11 (7.3%) cases had a recurrence of otomycosis. There was no significant relationship between the incidence of otomycosis and age or sex (P=0.86 and 0.88, respectively). Septate mycelium was the most observed element on direct examination. Aspergillus flavus was the most common pathogenic agent in culture media, followed by Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.  Conclusion: Based on the results of this research in Babol, the recurrence of otomycosis was 7.3% and was related to swelling and erythema in ear canal

The Effect of COVID-19 on the Performance of SMEs in Emerging Markets in Iran, Iraq and Jordan

his research aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets in Iran, Iraq and Jordan. In order to collect the required data, a standard questionnaire provided in the literature was used. The research period is the second quarter of 2022, and its population includes managers, accountants and auditors engaged in listed and non-listed companies. The research findings indicate that the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected SMEs’ performance in investigated emerging markets. For the first time, this research has examined the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of SMEs in emerging markets. The research was conducted in the three countries of Iran, Iraq and Jordan, which have different environmental conditions indicating the impact of contextual factors on the effects of the spread of COVID-19. The results can be useful for different parties, such as SMEs’ owners and regulatory bodies in similar markets

A clean industrial scheme for de-ketalization of EIDD-2801 intermediate in water to give molnupiravir (MK-4482) anti-COVID-19 agent (containing its pharmaceutical analytical analysis)

Due to the need for molnupiravir (EIDD-2801, MK-4482) anti-COVID-19 agent, in the present report, we have systematically investigated the effect of different solvents, acids (as catalyst), temperature, and other parameters which play rolls in De-ketalization process of its key intermediate. At the first glance, it might seem to be easy, but the complex nature of MK-4482 agent, and also the ultra-high purity of the crude (which is required for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)), make this process more complicated. As would be shown below, even a little change in the type of solvent, solvent ratio, the type or the amount of catalyst, and the temperature could directly change the reaction fate (it may lead to emergence of un-controlled impurity profile, or even it could block the reaction). However, in this work, we have been able to run this de-ketalization process only in water as the whole of the system. Here, it was observed that the high energy water molecules have been able to hydrolyze the ketal intermediate of MK-4482